Evolve: A New Era of Leadership

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I’m joined by Heather Plett, author of the award-winning book The Art of Holding Space: A Practice of Love, Liberation, and Leadership. Heather shares her deep insights on the powerful practice of holding space, its transformative impact on leadership, and the evolving needs of leaders in today’s world.

Heather discusses how holding space is a key leadership competency that fosters personal and organizational transformation. From her extensive experience as a facilitator and co-founder of the Centre for Holding Space, Heather explains how leaders can integrate this practice into their work to foster healing, growth, and more authentic leadership approaches.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• The Practice of Holding Space: Heather defines holding space as walking alongside someone without judgment, fixing, or directing them. She emphasizes that it’s primarily an internal practice of managing one's emotions and reactions to support others effectively. 🧘‍♀️

• Liminal Space: The conversation delves into liminal space, which is the space between one story and the next. Heather compares this to a caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly, encouraging leaders to honor transitions and allow space for personal and organizational evolution. 🦋

• Brave Space vs Safe Space: Heather challenges the notion of creating entirely “safe spaces” in leadership and instead advocates for “brave spaces” that invite discomfort and growth while still providing support and security. 🌱

• Emotional Maturity in Leadership: Heather discusses the importance of emotional maturity, vulnerability, and trauma-informed leadership as critical competencies for leaders today. She stresses that leaders must evolve from patriarchal, hierarchical models to those that foster collaboration, compassion, and transformation. 💡

• Co-Regulation and Support Systems: Heather highlights the importance of leaders having support systems and co-regulation strategies in place to manage the stress and emotional challenges that come with leadership roles. 🌳

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 05:08 The Intersection of Leadership and Healing

• 07:41 Challenges in Modern Leadership

• 10:15 The Importance of Emotional Maturity

• 20:09 The Concept of Holding Space

• 28:43 The Role of Leaders as Shock Absorbers

• 32:21 Introducing the Concept of Liminal Space

• 35:03 Liminal Space in the Workplace

• 37:34 Practical Steps for Leaders

• 49:59 Conclusion and Call to Action

#HoldingSpace #LiminalSpace #BraveLeadership #EmotionalMaturity #LeadershipTransformation

Connect with Heather

• https://heatherplett.com/

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/

• Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/

• Contact: [email protected] 

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I’m joined by Tevi Lawson, author of The Proxy Diet: A Practical Guide to Self-Analysis and Healing. Tevi delves into his journey from West Africa to the U.S., his personal challenges, and how these experiences inspired the development of the Proxy Method, a framework designed to bridge the gap between mind, energy, and self. Tevi’s powerful insights highlight the importance of emotional and mental health in leadership and offer a unique perspective on how leaders can better align with their authentic selves.

Tevi’s Proxy Method focuses on energy-level self-analysis, helping individuals trace trauma back to its roots, allowing for deep healing and personal growth. He also shares the story of working with his wife through her traumatic experiences and cancer diagnosis, using the Proxy Method to bring emotional clarity and healing.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• The Importance of Emotional and Mental Health: Tevi discusses how leaders can only be effective when they are mentally and emotionally healthy, emphasizing that taking care of oneself is essential to success. 🧠

• Energy and Leadership: Leaders need to understand their energy transactions and ensure they’re replenishing themselves to avoid burnout. The Proxy Method helps identify energy deficits and find ways to restore balance. ⚡

• The Power of Authenticity: Tevi highlights the importance of reconnecting with one's original design to achieve personal and professional fulfillment. By living in alignment with their true selves, leaders can find the energy and purpose to thrive. 🔄

• Seven Days to Happiness Blueprint: Tevi introduces his step-by-step approach to managing energy and maintaining happiness in both personal and professional life, which involves living life in seasons and celebrating accomplishments. 🌱

• Leadership and Vulnerability: Leaders often carry the burden of responsibility without showing vulnerability. Tevi encourages leaders to take “pit stops” to reflect on their well-being and authenticity. 🛑

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 06:03 The Birth of The Proxy Method

• 11:00 Understanding the Proxy Method

• 19:03 Applying the Proxy Method in Leadership

• 24:05 Seven Days to Happiness

• 32:01 Challenges Leaders Face

• 44:18 Conclusion and Reflections

#ProxyMethod #AuthenticLeadership #EnergyManagement #MentalHealthInLeadership #SevenDaysToHappiness #SelfAwareness #LeadershipWellness

Connect with Tevi

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tevi-d-lawson-32a594234

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tevidlawson/ 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/QX7HQDTpSDe361Q7/?mibextid=qi2Omg 

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@proxymethod

• Membership: https://tevilawson.com/membership/

• https://tevilawson.com/proxy-method-education/

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/

• Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/

• Contact: [email protected] 

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I’m joined by Sam Smith, founder and former CEO of financial services group FinCap, now Cavendish Financial. Sam shares her incredible journey as the first female chief executive of a city stockbroking firm and provides deep insights into empathetic leadership, culture, and growth.

Sam's leadership journey is marked by her focus on treating people fairly, which she considers a cornerstone of her business success. She has worked on over 200 transactions, including IPOs and secondary fundraisings, and is now a champion of entrepreneurship and inclusion in the UK, serving as a non-executive director on several boards.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• Empathetic Leadership and Culture: Sam emphasizes the importance of creating a positive, inclusive culture and how it has been a key driver for her company’s growth. She explores how treating both clients and employees with empathy fosters long-term success. 🤝

• Entrepreneurial Journey: From age 23, Sam started out with no initial intention of being an entrepreneur but soon found herself leading a team, building a successful business, and scaling it with a focus on fairness and equity. 🌱

• Authenticity in Leadership: Sam discusses the importance of being your authentic self in leadership, sharing how she has developed her leadership style over the years to align with her values. She also highlights the power of trusting your gut and fighting for your beliefs. 🧠

• Scaling with Empathy: Sam provides insights into scaling a business by embedding a growth mindset into company culture, emphasizing that growth doesn’t have to be chaotic but can thrive in an environment of support and fairness. 📈

• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Sam talks about the challenges of imposter syndrome and how trusting her instincts helped her stay on course despite external pressures. 💪

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 05:02 Building a Unique Corporate Culture

• 10:29 The Importance of Self-Belief

• 19:26 Finding Clarity and Balance

• 24:11 Embedding Growth in Company Culture

• 25:37 Creating an Open Culture for Ideas

• 29:42 Personal Leadership Growth

• 32:12 The Importance of Self-Awareness

• 36:34 Final Thoughts and Advice for Leaders

#EmpatheticLeadership #CultureMatters #AuthenticityInBusiness #ScalingWithPurpose #InclusionInBusiness

Connect with Sam

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SamsmithTF 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samsmith

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/

• Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/

• Contact: [email protected] 

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I’m joined by DeDe Halfhill, a distinguished retired Air Force colonel, leadership consultant, and coach. DeDe shares her remarkable journey through 25 years of military service, including her pivotal moments in leadership that shaped her career and personal growth. As a former senior advisor to the Department of Defense and a commander of Air Force bases, DeDe offers profound insights on authentic leadership, vulnerability, and personal transformation.

DeDe’s extensive military experience has been widely recognized, with Brené Brown describing her as one of her leadership heroes. Throughout the episode, DeDe talks candidly about her struggles and triumphs as a leader, including a transformational moment in Iraq when she realized the power of embracing her authentic self in leadership. This episode is filled with invaluable lessons on leadership, personal growth, and how to navigate the emotional complexities of leading in high-pressure environments.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• Embracing Authenticity in Leadership: DeDe emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself as a leader and the impact it has on effectiveness and team morale. She shares her personal journey from trying to meet external expectations to fully embracing who she is as a leader. 🔥

• The Emotional Component of Leadership: Drawing from her military experience, DeDe highlights how essential it is to address the emotional side of leadership. She reflects on the challenges of managing large teams in high-stress environments and how vulnerability and self-compassion play a critical role. 🌟

• The Power of Curiosity: A major turning point in DeDe’s leadership approach was learning the value of curiosity—asking questions and empowering others to find their own solutions. This shift, she explains, is key to unlocking the full potential of a team and fostering creativity and collaboration. 💡

• Leading Through Complexity: DeDe discusses her time commanding Air Force bases and how leading in complex, high-stakes situations required her to develop new strategies and trust her team. She shares how she navigated these situations by creating a safe space for creativity and innovation. 🏆

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 01:21 DeDe's Military Background and Leadership Experience

• 06:21 The Turning Point in Iraq

• 20:40 Leadership at Barksdale Air Force Base

• 27:23 Leaving the Military: A Tough Decision

• 30:06 Leadership and Emotional Intelligence

• 31:39 The Hard Skills of Leadership

• 38:10 Combining Head, Heart, and Body in Leadership

• 45:44 Practical Tips for Emotional Management

#AuthenticLeadership #MilitaryLeadership #CuriosityInLeadership #SelfCompassion #LeadershipDevelopment

Connect with DeDe

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dedehalfhill/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dedehalfhill/

• https://www.dedehalfhill.com/

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/

• Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/

• Contact: [email protected] 

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, we welcome Ginny Baillie, founder of Drum, a leadership development company in the UK. Ginny shares her journey in leadership coaching and development, explaining how her approach has evolved since 2017. Together, we explore the concept of "holding space" and why traditional leadership development programs often fail to deliver long-term results. Ginny provides insight into how leaders can foster deeper connection and trust within their teams by stepping away from prescriptive methods and embracing a more organic, space-holding approach to leadership. Ginny Baillie is a seasoned leadership development coach who founded Drum, a company dedicated to helping leaders and teams build deeper, more authentic connections. Since 2017, Drum has focused on creating open spaces for leaders to collaborate and engage in meaningful, supportive conversations without rigid frameworks. Ginny has worked with organizations worldwide, helping leaders shift from traditional, results-driven models to approaches that prioritize trust, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• The Shortcomings of Traditional Leadership Development: Ginny discusses why many traditional leadership programs, despite significant investments, fail to create lasting change. She emphasizes the importance of fostering environments where leaders can genuinely learn from one another, rather than relying on structured, step-by-step approaches.

• The Power of Holding Space: The episode introduces the concept of "holding space," which Ginny describes as a crucial leadership skill. Rather than focusing on controlling conversations or delivering top-down solutions, effective leaders learn to create environments where teams can share openly, collaborate, and co-create solutions.

• Moving Away from Prescriptive Models: Ginny highlights her shift away from prescriptive leadership models—such as three-step frameworks or ten-point plans—that often fail to address the deeper, systemic challenges within organizations. Instead, she advocates for creating spaces where leaders and their teams can connect authentically, without the pressure of fitting into predetermined models.

• Collapsing Hierarchies: We discuss the importance of flattening organizational hierarchies to foster more open and honest communication. Leaders who are able to become learners alongside their teams are better positioned to create meaningful, lasting change.

• Creating Sustainable Leadership Practices: One of Ginny's core beliefs is that leadership development should be sustainable and replicable. She shares her experience with Drum, explaining how leaders who participate in her programs are equipped to continue the work independently, fostering a culture of self-sustainability within their organizations.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 02:38 Challenges in Traditional Leadership Programs

• 08:33 The Importance of Holding Space

• 09:27 Transitioning to New Leadership Models

• 13:44 Skills and Mindset for Modern Leaders

• 28:29 Challenges in Modern Leadership

• 38:43 Self-Regulation Techniques

• 43:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections

#LeadershipDevelopment #HoldingSpace #CollaborationOverControl #AuthenticLeadership 

Connect with Ginny

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginny-baillie-mcc-92658a11/ 

• www.leaderdrums.com 

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/

• Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/

• Contact: [email protected] 

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Merritt Minnemeyer, Founder and CEO of Master of One Coaching. 

Merritt shares her unique journey from her background in acting to becoming an international speaker and leadership coach. Together, we explore the critical role of consciousness in leadership, discussing how leaders can elevate their awareness and intentionality to make better choices and lead with purpose.

Merritt is on a mission to eradicate executive mediocrity. As is the Founder & CEO of Master of One Coaching she employs extensive leadership experience and her entrepreneurial DNA to help Founders, Leaders, and Creatives exceed expectations, including their own. Having rebuilt her life after widowhood at 35, Merritt believes that conscious leaders are THE #1 solution in creating and sustaining a successful future, and that anything is possible when powerful people do right by themselves, those whom they serve, the planet, and one another. 

Merritt's deep understanding of human behavior, drawn from her early life experiences and professional training in theater, informs her approach to leadership. This conversation dives into how leaders can embody conscious leadership, manage their energy, and make intentional choices that align with their values.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• The Power of Conscious Leadership: Merritt explains the importance of consciousness in leadership, emphasizing that awareness of choice is foundational to leading with intention and purpose.

• Transformative Life Experiences: Merritt shares a pivotal moment in her life—the loss of her husband to brain cancer—and how his final words, "choose well, choose wisely, choose love," became a guiding principle in her life and work.

• Integrating Acting into Leadership: Merritt discusses how her background in acting and theater provided her with valuable tools for understanding human behavior, which she now applies to leadership coaching.

• Energy Stewardship: Merritt highlights the importance of being stewards of our energy and intention, advocating for leaders to consciously manage their energy to prevent burnout and enhance their well-being.

• Coaching as a Path to Growth: The conversation explores how coaching can help leaders identify and overcome unconscious patterns, allowing them to lead more effectively and with greater self-awareness.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 04:18 Theater as a Training Ground for Leadership

• 10:51 Choosing Love and Conscious Leadership

• 17:30 The Importance of Coaching for Leaders

• 20:09 Energy and Intention in Leadership

• 28:21 The Stress of Productivity and Survival

• 29:26 The Impact of Stress on Our Bodies

• 32:39 Conscious Capitalism and Client Stories

• 35:03 The Power of Intention in Leadership

#ConsciousLeadership #EvolveLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #IntentionalLiving #LeadershipCoaching

Episode Resources:

• Book Recommendation: Conscious Capitalism by John Mackey and Raj Sisodia

Connect with Merritt

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/masterofonecoaching

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merritt-minnemeyer/

• www.masterofonecoaching.com 

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/

• Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/

• Contact: [email protected] 

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Pam Buchanan, the founder of Quantum Sense, to explore the concept of “soul health” and its relevance in the corporate world.

Pam has had a remarkable 40-year career in corporate America, working in the financial and tech sectors, including serving as a director at NASDAQ. She was deeply involved in taking major companies like Tesla and Facebook public and had a front-row seat to some of the world’s most innovative minds. Now, Pam is applying the lessons she learned in corporate leadership to a new focus: soul health.

Pam has developed programs tailored for companies that are proven to enhance employee well-being, reduce anxiety, and boost creativity, ultimately fostering a more satisfying work-life balance. Pam explores how intentionally engaging your senses to make decisions about your environment can be used to benefit the soul from the outside in.

Pam introduces us to Quantum Sense, where she is bridging corporate experience with soulful innovation. She talks about how our society has focused heavily on the physical and mental aspects of health, often neglecting the soul. Pam believes that understanding and nurturing our soul is the next frontier in both personal and organizational development.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• Corporate Leadership & Soul Health: Pam reflects on her experiences in Silicon Valley and corporate America and how it shaped her understanding of leadership that integrates the soul. 🧠

• Transitioning from 3D to 5D Living: The discussion dives into moving beyond a purely physical and mental understanding of life to embrace a more energetic, soul-centered approach. 🌟

• The Intersection of Ego and Essence: We discuss how ego and soul often compete for dominance and how developing awareness of both is essential for evolving as a leader. 🧘‍♀️

• Trusting Intuition Over Logic: Pam emphasizes the importance of tuning into your “knowing” rather than solely relying on the mind’s logical processes in decision-making. 🌿

• Implementing Soul Health in Organizations: Pam candidly shares the challenges and opportunities she faces in bringing the concept of soul health to the corporate world, where skepticism still exists. 🌍

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 07:24 Transition to Soul Health

• 10:37 Founding QuantumSense

• 16:15 Understanding Soul Health

• 21:01 Living in a 5D World

• 27:50 Polyvagal Theory and Cellular Intelligence

• 30:42 Anticipating a Soul-Driven Future

• 33:14 Challenges of Introducing Soul Health in Corporations

• 40:19 Personal Routines for Grounding and Connection

• 42:22 Final Thoughts

#SoulHealth #Leadership #CorporateWellness #QuantumSense #5DLiving

Connect with Pam

• Quantum Sense LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thequantumsense/ 

• Pam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pam-buchanan/ 

• https://thequantumsense.com/ 

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/

• Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/

• Contact: [email protected] 

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Ajay Malik, a prominent leader in the field of artificial intelligence. Ajay, who has previously held leadership roles at Google, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco, and Motorola, now leads Studio X, an enterprise AI platform designed to help businesses integrate AI into their operations. Throughout the conversation, Ajay provides valuable insights into the impact of AI on leadership and organizational performance, emphasizing the importance of embracing AI as a tool to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.

Ajay shares his experiences and thoughts on how AI has evolved to become an integral part of our daily lives and work environments. He explains the significance of AI in automating repetitive tasks, improving decision-making processes, and ultimately, transforming the way businesses operate. Ajay also addresses the challenges leaders face in this new AI-driven landscape, including the need to safeguard data privacy and the ethical considerations surrounding AI use.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• AI's Integration into Everyday Business: Ajay explains how AI is already embedded in many aspects of business operations and is set to become even more pervasive. From inventory control to customer service, AI is making processes more efficient and effective.

• The Democratization of Knowledge: AI has leveled the playing field by making knowledge and information more accessible. This has profound implications for leadership, as it challenges the traditional notion that knowledge alone is power.

• Challenges for Leaders in the AI Era: Ajay highlights three primary challenges for leaders: the erosion of skill as a differentiator, the risk of data leaks, and increased competition as AI tools become widely available.

• The Human Element: Despite AI's capabilities, Ajay emphasizes that the human touch—problem-solving, creativity, and emotional intelligence—remains crucial. Leaders must focus on what AI cannot do, such as understanding the nuanced needs of customers and employees.

• AI as an Assistant, Not a Replacement: Ajay advocates for using AI to enhance, not replace, human work. He discusses how AI can take over mundane tasks, allowing employees to focus on more strategic and creative work.

• Preparing for the Future: Ajay offers practical advice for leaders on how to start incorporating AI into their organizations, stressing the importance of starting small and ensuring data privacy and ethical use.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 01:30 The Impact of AI on Business and Leadership

• 04:43 AI's Role in Everyday Life

• 07:50 Challenges Leaders Face with AI

• 14:38 Implementing AI in the Workplace

• 18:52 AI as a Tool for Efficiency

• 25:56 AI's Impact on Social and Economic Gaps

• 27:08 Leaders' Emotional and Psychological Adaptation to AI

• 28:25 Human Value in an AI-Driven World

• 32:44 Future of Remote Work and AI Assistants

• 39:08 Ethical Considerations and Privacy in AI

• 42:35 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice for Leaders

#AILeadership #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #LeadershipDevelopment #AIRevolution #BusinessInnovation #TechnologyInBusiness #EvolvePodcast #AjayMalik #StudioX

Connect with Ajay

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artofai/ 

• https://studiox.secomind.ai/ 

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/

• Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/

• Contact: [email protected] 

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Lori Saitz. Lori shares her journey and profound insights on integrating meditation and gratitude into workplace wellness strategies.

Lori Saitz is the founder and CEO of Zen Rabbit and host of the podcast “Fine is a 4-Letter Word.” As the CEO of a forward-thinking health and wellness company, she is dedicated to guiding corporations toward nurturing healthier, more productive work environments. With a comprehensive background in wellness strategies and employee engagement, her mission is to help businesses implement programs that not only improve the well-being of their teams but also contribute to their bottom line through increased performance and reduced absenteeism.

At the time of this writing - Lori is currently living a nomad life while cat-sitting in states across the southeast U.S. You can often find her in her sanctuary, aka the weight room at the gym. She also loves cupcakes, Thai food, and classic rock music.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• The Power of Meditation: Lori emphasizes the importance of meditation in maintaining focus, creativity, and overall mental health. She shares her personal journey with meditation and how it has been a cornerstone of her wellbeing.

• Gratitude in the Workplace: Exploring the scientific benefits of gratitude, Lori provides practical techniques for incorporating gratitude practices into daily routines, boosting productivity and fostering a positive work environment.

• Customized Meditations: Lori offers insights into how personalized meditations can be a powerful tool for individuals, enhancing their focus and emotional well-being.

• Wellbeing and Productivity: The discussion highlights the direct correlation between personal wellbeing and professional productivity, stressing the need for leaders to adopt and promote wellness practices.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 02:32 Lori's Journey to Zen Rabbit

• 06:38 Wellbeing and Productivity in the Workplace

• 10:11 The Power of Gratitude

• 17:27 Integrating Meditation and Gratitude

• 22:30 Debunking Meditation Myths

• 26:04 The Power of Gratitude in Meditation

• 36:46 Personal Growth Through Nomadic Living

• 38:55 Daily Meditation Practices

#ZenRabbit #WorkplaceWellness #Meditation #Gratitude #Leadership

Connect with Lori

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zen_rabbit/

• Twitter: https://x.com/zenrabbit

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoriSaitz/ 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/workplace-zen-6903503194832658432/ / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorisaitz/ 

• https://zenrabbit.com/ 

• Free 6-minute gratitude meditation: https://zenrabbit.com/gratitude-meditation/ 

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/

• Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/

Contact: [email protected]

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Bree Fram and Liz Cavallaro, co-authors of the recently published book "Forging Queer Leaders: How the LGBTQIA+ Community Creates Impact from Adversity." Bree and Liz share their profound insights on the unique leadership qualities fostered within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Bree Fram is an author, podcaster, keynote speaker, and active duty colonel and astronautical engineer in the United States Space Force. She co-leads the Department of the Air Force LGBTQ+ Initiatives Team, dedicated to eliminating barriers to LGBTQ+ military service in the Air and Space Force. 

Liz Cavallaro is an Executive Coach, Adult Development Scholar, Educator, and Leader Development Practitioner. She is currently a tenured Associate Professor of Leader Development at the U.S. Naval War College (USNWC), where she conducts research, builds curriculum, and teaches courses in the College of Leadership & Ethics. Together, Bree and Liz explore the intersection of personal adversity and leadership growth in their book, providing a comprehensive look at how the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community can lead to exceptional leadership qualities.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• The Power of Adversity: Bree and Liz discuss how the experiences of adversity within the LGBTQIA+ community forge stronger, more resilient leaders. They emphasize the transformative power of facing and overcoming discrimination and stigma. 💪🌈

• Vertical Development: Liz explains the concept of vertical development, where individuals expand their cognitive and emotional capacities through challenging experiences, leading to more sophisticated and resilient leadership. 📈🧠

• Authenticity in Leadership: Bree shares her personal journey of embracing her authentic self, highlighting how authenticity leads to deeper connections and more effective leadership. 🌟💬

• Inclusive Leadership: The conversation delves into practical strategies for creating inclusive environments in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of allyship and structural support for marginalized communities. 🤝🏳️‍🌈

• Joy in Authenticity: Bree and Liz highlight the joy that comes from living authentically and the importance of fostering environments where everyone can bring their true selves to work. 😊🌼

• Allyship and Support: The episode includes powerful stories of allyship and the positive impact of having supportive friends and colleagues during challenging times. 🤗👫

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 03:57 The Birth of 'Forging Queer Leaders'

• 07:28 Exploring the Unique Challenges and Strengths of LGBTQ Leaders

• 14:18 The Concept of Vertical Development

• 25:25 The Role of Allyship and Inclusivity

• 33:37 Inspiration and Contribution

• 35:54 Moments That Matter: Creating Inclusive Environments

• 38:49 Practical Tips for Inclusivity

• 41:35 The Joy of Authenticity

• 44:15 Final Thoughts and Reflections

#ForgingQueerLeaders #AuthenticLeadership #VerticalDevelopment #InclusiveWorkplaces #LGBTQLeadership

Connect with Liz and Bree

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizcav 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizcavallaro/ 

• https://www.breefram.com/ 

• Website: www.forgedinfire.org 

• https://www.forgedinfire.org/podcast.html 

• https://www.forgedinfire.org/book.html 

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynswora/

• Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/

• Contact: [email protected]