302: Becoming a Generous Leader

302: Becoming a Generous Leader

302: Becoming a Generous Leader

When you think of the key qualities of an effective leader, what words come to mind? Did you include the word GENEROUS? If not, you will add that word to your list after you listen to this conversation with guest Joe Davis. 

Joe is the author of a fantastic new book, The Generous Leader: 7 Ways to Give of Yourself for Everyone’s Gain. This important book is a must-read for every leader because it touches on so many areas that the best leaders learn and practice. Joe exemplifies the type of leader Meredith is always eager to have as a guest: he’s focused his entire career on growing strong as a leader and helping others realize their potential. 

Joe is a Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group or BCG. In The Generous Leader, Joe shares a performance review he received that was a game-changer for him: He was told he was not the best at problem-solving solo; but with others, he could solve any challenge. His manager identified his key strength—a person who could connect with others. 

Joe has leveraged that strength in his 35+ years at BCG in roles such as co-founding the Washington, DC, office and leading BCG North America. He is currently Chair of BCG’s Center for Inclusion and Equity and the Board Chair at Whitman College.

You’ll discover:

  • What leaders can do to help others feel seen
  • Why Joe recommends leaders adopt the “practice of perspective taking”
  • How Joe pushes people to be more than they believed possible and addresses times when they diminish themselves
  • How to be an Action Ally and not a Performative Ally
  • Ways to show vulnerability so others more easily connect with you

Watch the episode:

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301: Are You Living a Life That Matters?

301: Are You Living a Life That Matters?

301: Are You Living a Life That Matters?

 

Twelve years ago, when my father died, the funeral director made a statement to my mother, my sister, and me that I’ve never forgotten.

In this solo episode, I share what he said and how it applied to my father. I also describe seven ways Dad lived that have had a lasting impact on all of us who knew him.

I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. We’ve created online resources that help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills to build strong relationships and inspire others to perform at the highest level.

You’ll discover:

  • Why my father never made one enemy throughout his entire life
  • How a strong work ethic drove everything he did
  • What Dad did to build trust instantly
  • The 3 words of sage advice Dad passed on to everyone in the family
  • Questions you can ask yourself as you reflect on your life and how you want to be remembered

Watch the episode:

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Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

Peer Coaching Made Simple

How to Do the 6 Things That Matter Most When Helping Someone Improve a Skill

299: An Inspiring Immigrant’s Leadership Journey

299: An Inspiring Immigrant’s Leadership Journey

299: An Inspiring Immigrant’s Leadership Journey

Immigrants to the United States are not always welcomed with open arms, but that doesn’t stop them from pursuing their dreams. Cynthia Torres arrived in the U.S. from Colombia when she was 25, and she’s a beautiful example of someone who started a business and is having a very positive impact on the people in her community. You’ll be inspired by her story and her accomplishments.

Cynthia Torres is a Colombian American who has resided for over 25 years in Oxnard, California, west of Los Angeles. She’s a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and is leaving an indelible mark in service to its vibrant and dynamic Latinx population. Her professional journey is nothing short of remarkable.

Cynthia is the founder and CEO of the local for-profit business, New Dawn Counseling & Consulting. She also recently assumed the Executive Director position of a thirty-year-old nonprofit organization called City Impact, Inc.

You’ll discover:

  • What brought Cynthia to the U.S. from Columbia when she was 25 years old
  • Important lessons Cynthia has learned as a leader of two organizations
  • How she’s incorporated the teachings of compassionate communication into the culture of New Dawn
  • The startling statistic about Latinas in the C-suite in US companies
  • What Cynthia recommends to young Hispanic women about overcoming barriers they face

Watch the episode:

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Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

Peer Coaching Made Simple

How to Do the 6 Things That Matter Most When Helping Someone Improve a Skill

298: How to Build a Hybrid Workplace That Works

298: How to Build a Hybrid Workplace That Works

298: How to Build a Hybrid Workplace That Works

There’s been a lot of controversy post-pandemic between companies and employees about returning to the physical workspace. This episode’s guest, Wayne Turmel, is uniquely qualified to discuss this topic.

Wayne was my guest on episode 77 in the fall of 2020 when we were dealing with the early months of COVID-19, and most people were working remotely. In that conversation, we discussed the book he and his co-author, Kevin Eikenberry, published PRE-COVID. It was called The Long-Distance Leader and focused on leading remote teams, so they were ahead of their time.

They’ve recently released the second edition of The Long-Distance Leader, subtitled Revised Rules for Remarkable Remote and Hybrid Leadership. In his interview here, we discussed key ideas from the updated book.

Wayne Turmel has been writing about developing communication and leadership skills for nearly 30 years. He’s also taught and consulted at Fortune 500 companies and startups around the world. For 18 years, he’s focused on the growing need to communicate effectively in remote and virtual environments.

In addition to his writing, Wayne is a sought-after speaker at business and leadership conferences and events. He’s the author of 15 books and a frequent guest at events such as ATD’s International Conference and Exposition and the European Digital Learning Expo. He’s also the host of the Long Distance Worklife Podcast. Marshall Goldsmith calls him “One of the most unique voices in leadership today.”

You’ll discover:

  • What happened after the first edition of the book that caused Wayne and Kevin to conclude they needed to update it
  • What Wayne means when he uses the word HYBRID and how it differs from the commonly understood meaning
  • The importance of factoring in TIME as part of a hybrid work schedule
  • The 3C model that needs to be considered when an organization wants to define its culture
  • Three reasons why young people want in-person time at the office

Watch the episode:

Connect with Wayne

      

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Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

Peer Coaching Made Simple

How to Do the 6 Things That Matter Most When Helping Someone Improve a Skill

301: Are You Living a Life That Matters?

297: Astonish Others with Unexpected Acts of Generosity

297: Astonish Others with Unexpected Acts of Generosity

In this episode, I talk about different ways you can uplevel the way you serve others in your world. When you apply these ideas, you won’t just surprise or delight them, you’ll actually ASTONISH them.

I share specific examples of things I’ve done. As you listen, consider how you can incorporate some of them in your own unique way with the people in your life.

I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders, a company that publishes software tools and books to help people build strong relationships at work and at home.

You’ll discover:

  • The one question to ask yourself before every conversation that’s important to you
  • What another person feels from you when you express genuine curiosity in them
  • How to make introductions that stand out
  • Ways you can use social media to acknowledge people in your world
  • Why expressions of appreciation are so powerful

Watch the episode:

Connect with Meredith

        

Connect with Your Team

Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

Peer Coaching Made Simple

How to Do the 6 Things That Matter Most When Helping Someone Improve a Skill