Leadership With Heart

In this episode, Heather speaks with Shawnte Cox Holland on her leadership style, her unique view of why she leads the way she does, a time when she was not the best version of her and what she did to become more enlightened and some insightful pearls of wisdom. Key takeaways: Be the leader who pursues the art of what is possible and ask what is missing Recognize your employees for a job well done Take a step back & figure out the value of being a leader Focus on leadership excellence all around Take time to play and connect with your team Continue to learn how to be a better leader Be candid, develop and coach your people

In this episode, Heather speaks with Sarah Pierre Louis, Sr. Manager Marketing Team Development for Tableau Software (recently acquired by Salesforce) about her leadership style, her fascinating approach to helping her team come up with their “why” and their own solutions. She talks about a couple times when she got in her own way when leading a team and how she made her way out of it. Key takeaways: Ask our people what they want or what they are trying to accomplish to help them answer their own questions Ask yourself what your people need from you on an individual level. When things are crazy, and you want to make a decision, pause first Think of three things every day that went well to help in re-framing and moving past stuck

In this episode, Heather speaks with Howard Behar, former president of Starbucks and author of The Magic Cup and It’s Not About the Coffee. Howard talks about his perspective no servant leadership, shares some Starbucks insights, accountability as a leader, introduces the idea of a board of directors in the context of our different mindsets. He also shares a time when he was not the best version of himself.  Key takeaways: Read about people who are your role models and don’t be afraid to emulate Don’t always have to be original, find out how others do it Focus on Conscious competency so that you can know it and teach it. Don’t have to be expert You can practice servant leadership in your small team Be willing o bet your job everyday on the things you believe in  

In this episode, Heather speaks with Phil Burgess, Chief People Officer of CSpace about his leadership philosophy, the messiness that happens in the workplace, a time when he was not a shining example of leadership with heart and what he did to move out of it and some amazing pearls of wisdom. Key takeaways: It’s up to leaders to embrace the mess that is all of us at work Leaders must model the change they are seeking Leaders are more effective when they invite feedback from direct reports and act upon what they hear by making small tweaks Spending time with your people helps to connect the dots about them and about areas that need attention in the business As a leader we cannot always make everyone happy Be who you are as a leader and not a copy of someone else Let yourself off the hook. Have conviction in what you are doing Seek out safe spaces where the leader can be vulnerable Catch yourself doing things right Remember, that everyone owns the culture

In this episode, Heather speaks with Rhoda Banks, Head of Talent for Rabo Agrifinance about her unique and caring leadership style, a time when she was not the best version of herself an what she learned from it and some jewels for pearls of wisdom we can all learn from. Key takeaways: The ultimate reason for a leader is to help their people reach their fullest potential. If you care about your people give them honest feedback Employees mimic what they see in their leaders It is the leaders responsibility to lead with heart Forgive others and allow them to make mistakes Remember you why for being a leader Remember you purpose for being a leader You will enjoy this one for sure.

In this episode, Heather speaks directly to listeners about a deeply personal story that reminded her of the importance of loving the people on your team. She outlines the benefits of doing so and she inspires leaders from all walks to care deeply for the people who look to them for leadership. Key takeaways: *Don’t be afraid to lead with love *Leaders who care deeply create deeply caring employees *Sit with your people And meet them where they are *Leadership is not a cookie-cutter experience *Meet people where they are *Emotions create loyalty

In this episode, Heather speaks with Ethan Mann, is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Sharklet Technologies, Inc., an innovative surface technology company. Heather speaks with Ethan about his leadership style, his unique action-focused leadership focus, the role he thinks emotional intelligence plays in how he leads and a good pearl of wisdom for any leader looking to expand their world view. Key Takeaways: Make sure you have a core value that guides you Take in the experiences of the people you lead, good and bad Have a service-based leadership style that says, “How can I help you?” Make sure to be a flexible leader, working around family Meet people where they find their true value in life Being flexible may mean you have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable Engage in service outside of your organization on boards or volunteer roles to expand your view. Connect with Heather on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatheryounger/  

In this episode, Heather speaks with Chuck Runyon, Co-Founder and CEO of Self Esteem Brands, which most notably owns Anytime Fitness. Heather speaks with Chuck about his conversion to the Leader with Heart and his refreshing perspective on his role at the Founder and CEO of a highly successful brand. Key Takeaways *A leader’s job is to harvest the team’s ideas *Founders must give up control to scale *People want to know that they have impact * Sometimes the leader’s job to help their people to do less and prioritize *Leadership requires a certain level of selflessness *Before you run towards a goal, make sure to enlist as many voices as possible *Listen enough but not too much *There is an emotional price you have to pay to be a leader  

In this episode, Heather speaks to Sheryl Simmons, CHRO at Maestro Health about her leadership style, some bumps in the road, creating psychologically safe workplaces and what makes her leadership really stand out. Key takeaways: Remember that we all have a hot mic The importance of always do the right thing Set your ego aside and get out of your own head Keep it real and own up when you screw up Emotional intelligence When we don't believe that we make mistakes anymore, we cease to become leaders and also become bad managers  

In this episode, Heather speaks with Chris Chancey, Founder of Amplio Recruiting about his leadership journey, the heart behind the company he founded, our opportunities to step into our best selves through reflection and faith and much more! Key takeaways: Listen well Be intentional about knowing the strengths and weaknesses of our people Care about your people’s hearts Come at things humbly and openly with a child’s view Allow you, people, to solve their own problems and stay our of the way Write handwritten notes that show them why they work for you Leverage work as the fulcrum to make the world a better place Don’t be quick to shoot things down Encourage new ideas Focus on creating a shared trust and safety Consistency versus constancy is key Leadership is made up of little decisions every day This one is full of amazing concepts!

In this episode, Heather talks directly with listeners about the importance of protecting and controlling their mindset. Recently, Heather delivered her first ever TEDx talk on Transforming Adversity into Opportunity. In it, she shares a personal story of adversity and what she did to overcome it. You might want to check her talk about before listening to this episode at https://youtu.be/-bp4-IHyf50   Key takeaways: 1. Adversity starts in the mind 2. We can choose to be stopped my the adversities that come our way or rethink them 3. Leadership is just as much about emotional self-control than anything else 4. Never stop fighting the important fight for those who matter to you 5. Your leadership is only as good as those whom you grow   Connect with Heather on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatheryounger/

In this episode, Heather speaks with Garry Ridge, CEO of WD-40 about his leadership journey, a time when he was not the nest leader he could be and what he did to come out of it, how he transformed a company from good to great by focusing on people first and maintaining a learning culture. Garry co-authored a book with Ken Blanchard and moved his organization from $200 million in revenues to $2.2 billion all with focusing on growing people and helping them step into their best selves. Key takeaways: We must take care of people to move from success to significance Micromanagement is not scalable We can be both tough-minded and tender-hearted Be open and curious Educate yourself to streamline the conversion to the leader with heart Enjoy listening in to Garry’s genious!

In this short episode, Heather speaks directly with listeners about the power and importance of team collaboration as an effective leader. She shares some personal stories to illustrate that leaders are always looking for ways to include more people in their ventures. These leaders praise those without being threatened, inspire others to row in the same direction and nurture people along the way. Key Takeaways: *Don’t be afraid to include others in your journey *Leadership doesn’t begin unless you inspire others to follow. *You can accomplish more if you have two people rowing in the same direction *The Leadership journey is worth it If you need a quick boost for your day, listen in to this short message from the host

In this episode, Heather speaks to Steve Browne, Vice President of Human Resources for LaRosa's, Inc. - a regional Pizzeria restaurant chain in Southwest Ohio with 13 locations and over 1,100 Team Members. Steve shares some insights from his new book HR on Purpose. They also talk a lot about being open to feedback, affirming our employees for their efforts, and making relationships the focus. Key takeaways: Affirm your people enough and tell them that what they do matters Don’t use a report card approach to employee appreciation Enjoy life more instead of thinking of work at work Find out what drives your people instead of telling them what should drive them Talk about life with your people Leadership manifests itself. It’s not a program Own your own mistakes Situational leadership is legitimate You will all enjoy this one.

  In this episode, Heather speaks with Larry Sutton, President of RNR Tire Express. Larry enlightens listeners with his anything-but-straight leadership journey, highlights the importance of transparency and empowerment. His voice is mesmerizing! So, don’t miss this one.   Key takeaways: 1. Don’t miss the learning that takes place in the journey   2. Hire people smarter than you   3. Show you care for your people by demonstrating it in your actions    4. When not transparent nothing else works. Whatever else you say doesn’t matter and credibility is everything   5. If all your people agree with what you say

In this episode, Heather speaks with Phil Cohen about his leadership style, his compelling and jaw-dropping background and his rags to riches story that leads him to hire people of any background whether ex-con or formally abused. His main focus is to create a family atmosphere that is psychologically safe. Key takeaways: Leaders can lead more from a quiet strength. Leaders need to be aligned with what they say they are or they will be viewed as a fraud If you know the leaders heart and their why, that’s all you need to know. Be transparent about what you stand for Surround yourself with people who are better than you are Create a morning ritual that allows you to release stress so you don’t need to bring it to work Leaders cannot have a secret agenda This may be a surprising episode for many, but themes of forgiveness, teamwork and faith might resonate.

In this episode, Heather speaks with Gustavo Tavares of Top Employers Institute Latin America. Gustavo recently facilitated a keynote speech Heather delivered for Harvard Business Review Brasil. He shared more about his leadership style, his refreshing philosophy on empowering his people to chart their own coarse and his mission to burst the leadership isolation bubble. Key takeaways: Leaders show receptivity to change so that their people will emulate what they see There is no need to isolate the leader from the troops Make sure to counterbalance autonomy with accountability When leaders are on the journey, their team is there too-through peaks and valleys Trust your own instinct Treat others how you want to be treated

In this episode, Heather speaks with Greg Wathen, President and CEO of Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana about a recent post on Linkedin from one of his employees that sparked so much attention that that over 3.5 million people view it and many of those responded with admiration. That link is in the show notes at customerfanatix.com/podcast. Heather speaks with Greg about his unique leadership perspective, and he delivers some great advice about how to strengthen our leadership. Key takeaways: Leaders must walk the talk Leaders need to deal with the facts surrounding their people’s personal lives Think from the other person’s perspective Do the little that that mean a lot Allow people to put their best into what they do. Be clear about your goals Celebrate wins

In this episode, Heather speaks with Dr. Jandell Allen Davis, President and CEO of Craig Hospital in Colorado about her refreshing perspective on connection and bringing her whole self to the workplace, Her leadership fumbles and the unlikely, but likely journey she is on in her leadership. Key takeaways:  Our journey whether smooth or bumpy puts us where we are supposed to be Your people want to see you and be seen Touching customers and employees as a CEO deepens purpose and refreshes you in the mission Better to show up and speak up Leaders need to have a healthy narcissism Trust the wisdom of your team People have something to contribute. Don’t shut people out and down Focus on the work and the people I am responsible for It’s important to speak truth to power Don’t worry about being a king or queen, because people are always watching Let the forces of the water move you   This is Heather’s Top 3 pick so far!

In this episode, Heather speaks with Ian Sohn, President of the Chicago office of of Wunderman, a creative tech company. Heather discovered Ian through an article written about him in the New York Post where they highlight a recent open He wrote to employees about his expectations for employees checking in after work hours. You’ll want to listen in on his perspective after you read the article. Ian talks about his leadership style, his philosophy of growing talent and even about a rough spot he found himself in as a leader. Key Takeaways: Leaders must transfer what they know to those around them Be intentional about the words that you use to express emotion Always consider the intention of someone’s actions before holding it against them Think of mistakes as teachable moments If leaders do the hard work to build trust through expressing love then no need for foreplay when go to deliver feedback Consider the employee lifecycle when coaching them Trust and then hold accountable Showing some vulnerability rega