Meet Lola Stith and she's quiet, unassuming, cooperative, hard to read. Know Lola and she's focused, determined, uncannily perceptive, catch-you-off guard funny, and perceptive. Said that twice, didn't I. Because she is, twice.

I had the privilege of working with Lola 10 years ago. We caught up recently when I called to ask if I ever exhibited gender bias toward her. That question came up in preparation for an episode with Karen Newnam, and I reached out to ask women who'd worked for me. Lola's answer surprised me and we had a great conversation about it (we get into this in Part 2). We also discussed gender in the workplace, implicit bias, difficult conversations and a few more getting on the same page challenges - and decided to keep the conversation going and record it. So here are a few of my favorite ahh-ha! moments from Part 1:

5:41 - Letting my team know I hear them is the most foundational thing I can communicate. Getting on the same page as alignment.

7:46 - Managing reactions to change ranging from personal to business issues.

10:05 - Leading change and listening to my team - because I don't know everything!

14:33 - Opening the door to getting on the same page. Opening the door to see what's there.

20:40 - Differences are opportunities - if you know how to discuss them.