February 04, 2025

Heather Younger: How to Master Self-Leadership

1 hour 2 minutes

Episode recap:

Marcel and Heather Younger explored the crucial role of self-leadership in leading others effectively. Younger discussed her new book, The Art of Self-Leadership, emphasizing that self-leadership is the foundation of effective leadership and highlighting the importance of self-awareness, emotional resilience, and personal growth. Heather shared her journey from corporate challenges to entrepreneurship, underscoring the need to reframe setbacks as learning opportunities and prioritize self-care. They discussed the connection between mental health and leadership, drawing from personal experiences and high-profile examples like Simone Biles and Kevin Love. Recognizing fear-driven actions, setting clear expectations in relationships, and embracing self-love were key takeaways, reinforcing that strong leadership starts with mastering oneself.

Bio

Heather R Younger, J.D, CSP, is a former practicing lawyer who demonstrates how to put empathy into action through the power of Caring Leadership®.

She is the visionary Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a preeminent employee engagement and workplace culture consulting firm to Fortune 100 companies.

Heather has been named to the Thinkers50 Radar 25, is an award-winning leader in the area of Employee Engagement as recognized by Inspiring Workplaces, is a LinkedIn Learning course partner, 3-time best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and the host of the popular Leadership With Heart podcast.

Quotes:

"If we don't get ourselves right, I don't care how big your team is. You're never going to be as effective as you want to be."

"Our behaviors and our intentional choices determine how we show up for others and for ourselves."

"We can't spill out into the world with all the love we really have inside of us unless we develop the love inside of us for ourselves."

Takeaways:

Conduct a self-audit on your personal values - identify the ones you truly believe in and assess how well you are living up to them on a daily basis.

Establish clear expectations and communication with your manager or team - don't wait for them to set the agenda, take initiative to drive your own progress.

Prioritize self-care practices that nurture your mental, physical, and emotional well-being - find activities that recharge and fortify you.

Approach feedback with an open mindset - view it as a gift, even if it's difficult to hear, and look for opportunities to grow.

Stop waiting for the "green lights" - take ownership of your personal journey and create the change you seek, rather than relying on others.

Timestamps:

[00:04] Introduction

[03:54] How a tough layoff led Heather to a new purpose

[06:24] Why self-leadership is the key to real success

[11:36] The link between self-awareness, fear, and confidence

[21:51] Small wins, self-care, and treating yourself like a brand

[44:01] How to stop fear from holding you back in work and life

[45:42] The secret to better communication and stronger influence

[51:21] Why self-advocacy matters and how to take control now

Links/Resources:

Buy The Art of Self-Leadership - https://www.caringleadershiplearning.com/selfleadershipbook

Heather Younger website - https://heatheryounger.com/

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

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

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By Marcel Schwantes

4.9

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