Is leadership something you’re born with—or can it be learned? Leadership coach Amber Mayes joins Lois to unpack what great leadership looks like today—especially for leaders navigating bias and systems not built for them. We dig into emotional intelligence, microaggressions, redefining success, building reciprocal support systems, and why the best leaders don’t try to “know everything”—they build teams that own outcomes.

You’ll hear how Amber moved from 25+ years in DEI consulting to 1:1 coaching, what she sees most leaders missing (hint: mindset), and a practical first-session framework that clarifies vision, values, and the path forward. If you lead people—or want to—this conversation will help you lead with authenticity, collaboration, and real impact.

Watch now and share with a leader who needs this.

Episode link: https://youtu.be/3RBQyDdZo3M

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Timestamps

00:00 Is leadership born or learned?

00:27 Show intro + subscribe ask

00:55 Meet Amber Mayes: leadership coach for marginalized leaders

02:10 The “hidden” barriers: microaggressions’ cumulative impact

03:41 Ability vs. system design: reframing “accommodations”

05:46 Make systems accessible across a continuum of ability

06:50 How clients find Amber: referrals, SEO, speaking

07:54 What strong leaders share: emotional intelligence & group dynamics

08:44 From control to ownership: returning authority to teams

09:27 Coaching vs. training: when skills vs. mindset matter

09:59 Mindset work: inner critic, impostor syndrome, re-defining success

12:20 What a first session looks like: visioning + values + goals

13:26 Purpose vs. “hummingbird” paths—building a fulfilling way of leading

15:36 Authentic leadership when systems weren’t built for you

16:36 Redefining leadership: from command-and-control to collaboration

17:20 Great leaders don’t know everything—teams do

19:05 Closing: build a buffer system—support, self-care, mindset practices

21:05 Why Amber’s hopeful about the next generation of leaders

21:53 Wrap + how to connect

[email protected]

Check out other episodes

Business: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF9pnIL1foYJ3uVP8z1fCVmZ

Health: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF9QEQ1q2e05K28IjUvLPGJy

Spiritual: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF96jBzfz6QHUegeULd7YEsY

Family: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf7Uc6zi2pF_SaLQxs8op1CPSDg_wG8vL

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