In this episode, Joanne Merrick shares how she’s reshaping leadership development by combining neuroscience with practical management strategies. Joanne, founder of The Leadership Recipe and author of Game On: Is Management Your Best Career Play?, explains why soft skills are actually hard skills — and how to develop them intentionally. Her global experience with companies like Deloitte and Amazon gives her a unique perspective on what makes a great leader. If you want to strengthen your leadership, communication, and team performance, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business

✅ Why soft skills are actually the hardest — and how to master them
✅ How to build a leadership “toolkit” for better communication and decision-making
✅ Why creating autonomy for your team improves performance and morale
✅ How to practice leadership intentionally — and why feedback is essential
✅ The 4 core elements of successful leadership (and how to strengthen them)
✅ How to empower your team without micromanaging (and why it matters for growth)
✅ Why mindset and resilience are the foundation for sustainable leadership

📝 About Joanne Merrick

Joanne Merrick offers over 25 years of global experience in helping individuals and organizations thrive. She has delivered transformative leadership programs across 5 continents and 22 countries, combining her expertise in neuroscience with a passion for building management and leadership capabilities.

As founder of The Leadership Recipe, LLC, Joanne designs impactful programs that enhance communication, emotional intelligence, and team performance. Her global perspective - shaped by living in Australia, Hong Kong, and now the USA - draws on her leadership roles at major organizations like Deloitte, Amazon, and Juniper Networks. This diverse background fuels her fresh, practical approach to leadership development.

In her debut book, Game On! Is Management Your Best Career Play?, Joanne empowers readers to make informed decisions about stepping into management.

🎯 Joanne’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs

"Find a way to love what you do and do what you love."

Joanne’s advice is simple but powerful: Focus on work that lights you up. Even if you can't love every part of your business, find joy in aspects of it and integrate your passions into your daily work.

📢 Memorable Quotes

"Soft skills are actually hard skills — they require practice, feedback, and patience." – Joanne Merrick

"Empowerment is about giving people the freedom to make decisions — that’s when they thrive." – Joanne Merrick

"Find a way to love what you do — and make your work reflect who you are." – Joanne Merrick

💡 Actionable Takeaways

✅ Build a leadership “toolkit” with communication, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills
✅ Create autonomy for your team — give them space to own their work
✅ Practice leadership intentionally — get feedback and improve consistently
✅ Focus on strengths first, but don’t ignore essential skills required for growth
✅ Encourage guided discovery — let your team find their own solutions through structure

🔗 Links & Resources

• Visit The Leadership Recipe’s Website
• Get a Copy of Joanne’s Book ‘Game On: Is Management Your Best Career Play?’
• Connect with Joanne on LinkedIn