In this unique and entertaining episode of the Become The Leader podcast, Jody Holland, Meghan Slaughter, Mike Grigsby, and Maleah Grigsby take on a fun challenge: answering questions as if they were each other. Father-daughter teams swap perspectives to explore empathy, leadership, self-awareness, and the importance of understanding others before leading them.

Jody discusses how many leaders forget what it felt like to be led once they move into management positions. He emphasizes the importance of remembering the frustrations employees experience and leading with empathy instead of ego.

Maleah reflects on her military and public-sector experiences (as Mike), explaining how leaders who have “walked the path” gain credibility and deeper understanding of the people they lead.

Mike shares how watching his father interact with others taught him the power of connection, humility, and adapting communication styles to build trust. (as Maleah)

A standout story involved Mike attending a technology meeting as a young student and asking questions executives had failed to consider. The conversation reinforced a major leadership lesson: solutions fail when leaders never seek the perspective of the people affected.

The hosts discuss how books, films, and storytelling help people step into another person’s journey and expand emotional intelligence and worldview.

“When you change your perspective, you change your reality.”

“You can’t embrace generations old or young if you’re not willing to step out of your own brain.”

“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

“Never discredit anyone’s perspective.”

Before judging someone else, take time to see the situation through their perspective. Then, evaluate yourself through the eyes of others. Self-awareness and empathy are two of the most powerful tools any leader can develop.