What does it mean to show up—not just as a leader, but as an advocate for those who rely on us? In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Alex Allen, Senior Director of Inclusion and Collaboration at Cisco, to explore how his leadership journey has been shaped by one of the most important roles in his life: being a father to his incredible son, Bryce.

Alex opens up about a moment that has stayed with him for years—the day he brought Bryce to a company event and was met with a look of disdain from a senior leader. Instead of advocating at that moment, he stayed silent. That experience became a turning point, igniting his commitment to never let that happen again—for his son, himself, and others navigating workplaces where they may not always feel seen or valued.

Throughout our conversation, Alex shares how raising a child with disabilities reshaped his understanding of resilience, leadership, and the power of proximity—the idea that when we get close to people's lived experiences, we gain insights that can transform how we lead. We discuss the challenges and rewards of embracing authenticity, vulnerability, and courage in leadership and why true inclusion requires action, not just intention.

We also explore:

• How personal experiences shape our approach to leadership

• The importance of advocating for others—even when it's uncomfortable

• Why the workplace must be a place where people feel they belong

• How leaders can step up, challenge biases, and create lasting change

This episode is about owning your narrative, taking risks, and ensuring that the next time we're faced with a choice—to speak up or stay silent—we make the right one.

Have you ever had a moment where you wish you had spoken up, but didn't? What did you learn from it? Let's talk.

In 2025, focusing on self-leadership is your secret weapon to thriving in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. By mastering self-discipline and leading by example, you'll inspire your team, build trust, and create a culture of innovation. Watch this video to discover how to step into your full potential and make 2025 YOUR year!

WHEN YOU'RE READY, HERE'S HOW WE CAN HELP:

Masterclass and More:

https://www.caringleadershiplearning.com/

Engage your people with work culture consulting:

https://employeefanatix.com/

Hire Heather to speak to your group:

https://www.heatheryounger.com

Access free Active Listening On-Demand Webinar:

https://heatheryounger.com/webinar/

Access free Art of Caring Leadership resources:

https://www.heatheryounger.com/kit

Book a consultation or general contact:

https://heatheryounger.com/#contact

----------------------------------------------------

For more Leadership Motivational videos, click here to subscribe to my channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@heatherryounger

Let's connect on social!

https://www.facebook.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherryounger/

https://x.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.instagram.com/heatherryoungerofficial/

https://www.youtube.com/c/HeatherRYounger-EmployeeLoyalty-LeadershipExpert

----------------------------------------------------

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.

Mastering self-leadership is key to building unbreakable trust and strong connections with your team. When you lead with self-awareness, integrity, and consistency, you set the tone for a culture of respect and accountability. By leading yourself well, you inspire your team to do the same, creating a thriving and united force.

WHEN YOU'RE READY, HERE'S HOW WE CAN HELP:

Masterclass and More:

https://www.caringleadershiplearning.com/

Engage your people with work culture consulting:

https://employeefanatix.com/

Hire Heather to speak to your group:

https://www.heatheryounger.com

Access free Active Listening On-Demand Webinar:

https://heatheryounger.com/webinar/

Access free Art of Caring Leadership resources:

https://www.heatheryounger.com/kit

Book a consultation or general contact:

https://heatheryounger.com/#contact

----------------------------------------------------

For more Leadership Motivational videos, click here to subscribe to my channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@heatherryounger

Let's connect on social!

https://www.facebook.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherryounger/

https://x.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.instagram.com/heatherryoungerofficial/

https://www.youtube.com/c/HeatherRYounger-EmployeeLoyalty-LeadershipExpert

----------------------------------------------------

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.

Loving your team unconditionally builds trust, respect, and loyalty, creating an unstoppable environment. When your team feels valued, communication and collaboration thrive, making challenges easier to face. Leading with empathy inspires your team to bring their best every day, building resilience and strength. Keep cheering them on, and watch amazing things unfold!

WHEN YOU'RE READY, HERE'S HOW WE CAN HELP:

Masterclass and More:

https://www.caringleadershiplearning.com/

Engage your people with work culture consulting:

https://employeefanatix.com/

Hire Heather to speak to your group:

https://www.heatheryounger.com

Access free Active Listening On-Demand Webinar:

https://heatheryounger.com/webinar/

Access free Art of Caring Leadership resources:

https://www.heatheryounger.com/kit

Book a consultation or general contact:

https://heatheryounger.com/#contact

----------------------------------------------------

For more Leadership Motivational videos, click here to subscribe to my channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@heatherryounger

Let's connect on social!

https://www.facebook.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherryounger/

https://x.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.instagram.com/heatherryoungerofficial/

https://www.youtube.com/c/HeatherRYounger-EmployeeLoyalty-LeadershipExpert

----------------------------------------------------

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.

AI helps you identify learning gaps, remove obstacles, and provide actionable insights, giving you a major advantage as a business leader. It enhances productivity and keeps you and your team ahead by clearing roadblocks and boosting momentum. Rasmus Holst, CEO of LMS365, shares how learning, engagement, and performance drive high-functioning teams. He also discusses how AI aids development, the value of mentorship, and the importance of embracing unfamiliar roles for collaboration.

WHEN YOU'RE READY, HERE'S HOW WE CAN HELP:

Masterclass and More:

https://www.caringleadershiplearning.com/

Engage your people with work culture consulting:

https://employeefanatix.com/

Hire Heather to speak to your group:

https://www.heatheryounger.com

Access free Active Listening On-Demand Webinar:

https://heatheryounger.com/webinar/

Access free Art of Caring Leadership resources:

https://www.heatheryounger.com/kit

Book a consultation or general contact:

https://heatheryounger.com/#contact

----------------------------------------------------

For more Leadership Motivational videos, click here to subscribe to my channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@heatherryounger

Let's connect on social!

https://www.facebook.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherryounger/

https://x.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.instagram.com/heatherryoungerofficial/

https://www.youtube.com/c/HeatherRYounger-EmployeeLoyalty-LeadershipExpert

----------------------------------------------------

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.

Self-leadership is your key to becoming an unstoppable business leader! When you take charge of your growth and actions, you inspire your team and create a culture of focus and accountability. By leading yourself first, you'll stay resilient, clear, and ready to tackle any challenge—showing everyone how it's done!

WHEN YOU'RE READY, HERE'S HOW WE CAN HELP:

Masterclass and More:

https://www.caringleadershiplearning.com/

Engage your people with work culture consulting:

https://employeefanatix.com/

Hire Heather to speak to your group:

https://www.heatheryounger.com

Access free Active Listening On-Demand Webinar:

https://heatheryounger.com/webinar/

Access free Art of Caring Leadership resources:

https://www.heatheryounger.com/kit

Book a consultation or general contact:

https://heatheryounger.com/#contact

----------------------------------------------------

For more Leadership Motivational videos, click here to subscribe to my channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@heatherryounger

Let's connect on social!

https://www.facebook.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherryounger/

https://x.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.instagram.com/heatherryoungerofficial/

https://www.youtube.com/c/HeatherRYounger-EmployeeLoyalty-LeadershipExpert

----------------------------------------------------

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.

Join me for a one-hour webinar where you'll get exclusive insights from my upcoming book, The Art of Self-Leadership. Learn actionable strategies to elevate your leadership, influence others, and cultivate a growth mindset. Tune in to the webinar replay now to start unlocking your personal and professional potential!

WHEN YOU'RE READY, HERE'S HOW WE CAN HELP:

Masterclass and More:

https://www.caringleadershiplearning.com/

Engage your people with work culture consulting:

https://employeefanatix.com/

Hire Heather to speak to your group:

https://www.heatheryounger.com

Access free Active Listening On-Demand Webinar:

https://heatheryounger.com/webinar/

Access free Art of Caring Leadership resources:

https://www.heatheryounger.com/kit

Book a consultation or general contact:

https://heatheryounger.com/#contact

----------------------------------------------------

For more Leadership Motivational videos, click here to subscribe to my channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@heatherryounger

Let's connect on social!

https://www.facebook.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherryounger/

https://x.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.instagram.com/heatherryoungerofficial/

https://www.youtube.com/c/HeatherRYounger-EmployeeLoyalty-LeadershipExpert

----------------------------------------------------

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.

Stop spinning your wheels and start transforming your growth as a caring leader—you've got everything it takes! Focusing on your development not only boosts your leadership skills but also inspires and empowers your team. Every step you take towards improvement, like building empathy and effective communication, makes a positive impact. Embrace this transformation and watch yourself create a more trusting, innovative, and supportive environment for everyone around you!

WHEN YOU'RE READY, HERE'S HOW WE CAN HELP:

Masterclass and More:

https://www.caringleadershiplearning.com/

Engage your people with work culture consulting:

https://employeefanatix.com/

Hire Heather to speak to your group:

https://www.heatheryounger.com

Access free Active Listening On-Demand Webinar:

https://heatheryounger.com/webinar/

Access free Art of Caring Leadership resources:

https://www.heatheryounger.com/kit

Book a consultation or general contact:

https://heatheryounger.com/#contact

----------------------------------------------------

For more Leadership Motivational videos, click here to subscribe to my channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@heatherryounger

Let's connect on social!

https://www.facebook.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherryounger/

https://x.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.instagram.com/heatherryoungerofficial/

https://www.youtube.com/c/HeatherRYounger-EmployeeLoyalty-LeadershipExpert

----------------------------------------------------

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.

Knowing yourself as a Caring Leader® is your secret weapon for making a real impact. When you understand your values and purpose, you lead with authenticity, build trust, and inspire your team. Your "why" keeps you focused, helps you grow, and ensures your leadership is driven by purpose, not just results.

WHEN YOU'RE READY, HERE'S HOW WE CAN HELP:

Masterclass and More:

https://www.caringleadershiplearning.com/

Engage your people with work culture consulting:

https://employeefanatix.com/

Hire Heather to speak to your group:

https://www.heatheryounger.com

Access free Active Listening On-Demand Webinar:

https://heatheryounger.com/webinar/

Access free Art of Caring Leadership resources:

https://www.heatheryounger.com/kit

Book a consultation or general contact:

https://heatheryounger.com/#contact

----------------------------------------------------

For more Leadership Motivational videos, click here to subscribe to my channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@heatherryounger

Let's connect on social!

https://www.facebook.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherryounger/

https://x.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.instagram.com/heatherryoungerofficial/

https://www.youtube.com/c/HeatherRYounger-EmployeeLoyalty-LeadershipExpert

----------------------------------------------------

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.

You've got the power, and it's time to ignite it! As a Caring Leader® and a woman, embracing your personal power means leading with confidence, your unique style, and a vision that inspires change. When you own your strengths and voice, challenges become opportunities, and you uplift those around you. By stepping into this power, you're not just advancing your career—you're shaping the future of Caring Leadership.

WHEN YOU'RE READY, HERE'S HOW WE CAN HELP:

Masterclass and More:

https://www.caringleadershiplearning.com/

Engage your people with work culture consulting:

https://employeefanatix.com/

Hire Heather to speak to your group:

https://www.heatheryounger.com

Access free Active Listening On-Demand Webinar:

https://heatheryounger.com/webinar/

Access free Art of Caring Leadership resources:

https://www.heatheryounger.com/kit

Book a consultation or general contact:

https://heatheryounger.com/#contact

----------------------------------------------------

For more Leadership Motivational videos, click here to subscribe to my channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@heatherryounger

Let's connect on social!

https://www.facebook.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherryounger/

https://x.com/HeatherRYounger

https://www.instagram.com/heatherryoungerofficial/

https://www.youtube.com/c/HeatherRYounger-EmployeeLoyalty-LeadershipExpert

----------------------------------------------------

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 or https://www.cmispeakers.com/heather-r-younger. for more details.