What does it mean to you to lead with your humanity and empathy?

We live in a time where it's so easy for leaders to get wrapped up in themselves and the day-to-day grind, but it's vital to maintain focus on the broader mission, employees, and customers. That means listening, understanding, and empathizing which will means others feel valued while equipping them with what they need to be successful.

Of course just because it's vital, it doesn't mean that it's easy.

So it's important to have good mentors and role models along the way in your career.

Enter my interview with Kim Blue, Chief People Officer at OpenExchange.

OpenExchange is based in Boston and fills an interesting niche as the global leader in video solutions for financial services and investor communications. Kim addresses the needs of a diverse, global, virtual team that has grown 100-fold in size over the last 24 months.

The theme of her career is helping leaders align their passions, talents and values for success. She’s held senior leadership positions at Zoom, Microsoft and ESPN.

Kim holds a Bachelor's degree from East Carolina University and a Master's in Organization Development from Queens University of Charlotte.

Over her career, she’s earned a reputation as a trusted adviser who is able to motivate leaders to embrace growth and change to improve themselves and their organizations.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlymblue

Company Link: https://www.openexc.com/

What You’ll Discover in this Episode:

• The inspirational moment where Kim helped her team bring their full humanity to work.
• Why leaders must connect more effectively with their team.
• Five ways to connect with the team immediately and build trust.
• A difficult moment that every leader can use a trust-building opportunity.
• Why “screenshotting your rejections” can fuel your career.
• How you can communicate the difference between diversity and inclusion to all employees.
• A powerful, inspirational story for any leader in under-represented groups who’d like to reach the C-Suite.

Quotes:

"Music is a BIG connection opportunity."

"Don’t forget your self-care."

"Turnover tells the story of culture."

"Failure is the vehicle for redirection."

Resources:

Hit Refresh, Satya Nadella

Atlas of the Heart, Brene Brown

The Memo, Minda Harts

Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning

Speaking and Training inquires

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