How do you navigate your leadership journey while staying true to yourself? And what happens when you decide to stop waiting for permission and take control of your path?

In this Leadership with Heart podcast episode, Heather sits down with Erika Whyte, Vice President and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC. Erika’s story is one of resilience, vision, and unapologetic self-leadership. From her early days in financial services—when professional norms were drastically different—to her current role in shaping a more inclusive and empowering workplace, Erika embodies the power of stepping forward with purpose.

She shares how her upbringing, shaped by her mother’s fearless journey from Central America, instilled a go-for-it mindset. We discussed a pivotal moment in her career when she was told to dumb down her language and how she found the courage to reclaim her voice. Erika also talks about the importance of mentorship, advocacy, and showing up for others, and how she ensures young professionals don’t have to navigate the same barriers she faced.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about waiting—it’s about taking action, owning your power, and bringing others along for the journey. Erika’s insights on seeing people—genuinely seeing them—offer a fresh perspective on how to lead with heart, even in a world that often feels divided.

Listen in, and ask yourself: How can I show up today in a way that honors my voice, values, and ability to lead with heart?

Ready to step into your power? Grab your copy of The Art of Self-Leadership today. Let’s make this the moment we stop waiting—and start leading.

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About Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP

Heather R Younger is a highly sought-after speaker, 2x-TEDx speaker, diversity, equity and inclusion strategist, and contributor to leading news outlets. She is also the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a leading employee engagement and consulting firm. 

After over 25,000 employee engagement surveys and years of working with organizations to transform employee engagement, here’s what Heather has seen over and over: 

When you know how to listen, employees will tell you exactly what they need to bring their full selves to work. 

Book Heather to speak at your event or organization. Visit heatheryounger.com orhttps://www.cmispeakers.com/heather-r-younger. for more details.