What does it take to lead with heart—even when it's shattered into smithereens? In this episode of On Becoming, I sit down with Colleen Curtis, a powerhouse in community leadership and a woman who’s redefined what it means to lead with a strong back, and soft heart.

Colleen was my boss for four years at Yelp, and she’s the one who had to let me go during a massive company-wide layoff back in 2016. But here’s the thing: I don’t just respect her—I absolutely adore her. Because the way she handled that impossible moment taught me what true leadership looks like: thoughtful, human, and deeply invested in the people she serves.

Over her impressive career—from rising to VP at Yelp to leading community at The Mom Project, Miro, and now Reddit—Colleen has championed the idea that community isn’t just a buzzword. It’s about creating spaces where people can connect around a common interest or cause and "become the best versions of themselves." Whether it’s writing LinkedIn testimonials for laid-off team members or rallying her network with “Let’s Get People Hired” campaigns, Colleen has never stopped building bridges and empowering others to step into their full potential.

What We’ll Explore:

• How to balance empathy and decisiveness when faced with the hardest leadership moments.
• The messy middle of career pivots, and how falling flat can lead to a better path.
• What truly separates a community from an audience.
• The power of women’s natural inclination for care and connection as a leadership strength.
• Learning the liberating power of saying no as a lifelong people pleaser.

Questions to Consider:

•What does leadership with heart and humanity look like in your life?

•How do you create community in a way that fosters true connection and belonging?

•What role does self-realization play in your professional and personal growth, and who's supporting you on that journey?

Colleen’s story will inspire you to think differently about leadership—how you show up when things get messy, how you balance strength with softness, and how you create spaces that lift others up. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn tough moments into transformative growth—for yourself and the people around you—this is the episode for you.

Connect with Me:

•Book a discovery call at www.zevabellel.com

•Subscribe to my Substack: On Becoming

•Email me: [email protected]

•Leave me a voice message on Speakpipe

P.S. If you love this episode, share it with a friend, leave a 5-star review, or drop me a line. I love hearing from you!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.