IntHERrupt

I’m sad to say that the Int-HER-rupt Podcast is coming to an end. I know, I know—it’s been a good run, and I’ve learned a lot from being the host of this podcast.

In this episode, I’m going to share the biggest lessons I’ve learned from hosting Int-HER-rupt. Also, if you’d still like to hear my lovely voice, head on over to the Nourify and Beautify Podcast. 

It’s a new show where I co-host with Nour Abochama, diving into the secrets behind your favorite beauty products. Learn more about it in the resource section. 

Sunsetting the Int-HER-rupt Podcast

• After four years and 200 episodes, you’d think I’d keep going with the podcast. Of course, I’d love to, but I’m experiencing an "IntHERruption" in my own career.

• Even though we’re saying goodbye to the podcast, that doesn’t mean it won’t still be available. You can always go back and listen to the episodes whenever you like.

The Value of Interruptions

• You may feel like interruptions are the worst things that can happen, but it’s better to see them as something positive. 

• View the interruptions in your life as opportunities for growth and learning.  

• Those random bad moments can also be unexpected blessings in disguise.

Life Lessons from Leading Women

• One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from this podcast is that you must always know how to speak up for yourself.  

• You are your strongest advocate. No one will take care of you better than you. Use your voice to empower yourself and become an effective leader.  

Shoutout to TSE Studios

• I have to thank the TSE Studios team for their wonderful help in creating and producing this podcast.  

• A special shoutout goes to Donald Kelly for his mentorship, and I’d like to acknowledge Shana, Nancy, and Priya for their contributions.  

• If you’d like to learn more about TSE Studios, click the link in the resources section.  

“Sometimes, interruptions are the best blessings just around the corner. It all depends on our perspective, how we view them, and how we move forward.” - Linda Yates.

Resources

Nourify and Beautify Podcast

TSE Studios

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. 

This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals.

Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. 

Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

Do you ever feel like you're being overly nice to your co-workers? While this may make them see you more as a friend than a leader, it can also lead to workplace conflicts.

On the flip side, coming off too harsh can create its own set of challenges. So how do you find the right balance between authenticity and authority to guide your team to success?

In this episode, I sit down with Jaime Russ, founder of Lynnsight Solutions, to discuss her valuable leadership insights and strategies. Discover how to find the right balance and drive your team toward success. 

Meet Jaime Russ 

• Jaime Russ comes with over 20 years of experience in the field of data analytics and system integrations. 

• Her expertise lies in converting complex data into actionable insights, helping businesses make informed decisions that lead to sustainable growth. 

• She started her professional journey in data analytics, eventually transitioning into roles like project management and Six Sigma within corporate America. 

• Jaime now focuses entirely on assisting small and mid-sized enterprises, applying corporate structures to augment growth and enhance efficiency.

Authenticity and Authority in Leadership 

• Jaime shares how leaders can act for the greater good, emphasizing that authenticity includes thorough research and honest communication. 

• She also discusses how leaders can build trust through authentic actions.

Empathy and Communication in Leadership 

• Jaime highlights the significance of empathy and compassion in professional settings, explaining how leaders can be both direct and caring. 

• According to Jaime, the misconception that leaders cannot be vulnerable needs to be challenged. 

• She emphasizes that leaders must own their mistakes and communicate clearly to foster a healthy work environment.

"Trying to really understand what you're about, but not just what you're about and what you're here for, but also how you're perceived is a huge thing." - Jaime Russ.

Resources

Jaime Russ on LinkedIn 

Jaime Russ on Instagram 

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. 

This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals.

Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. 

Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

Having a well-defined plan is essential for achieving your goals. However, in today’s complex workplace, setting realistic long-term goals can be challenging.

In this episode, I sit down with human resource expert Susan Chaplin to discuss how to develop strategic leadership skills. Tune in to gain valuable insights from her expertise!

Susan Chaplin’s Background

• Susan is a seasoned HR executive with over 20 years of experience in retail, healthcare, and customer service. 

• Starting from her initial work with Best Buy, Susan has navigated through various roles and industries, each shaping her strategic acumen.

• Her transition from retail to the healthcare sector highlights her commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Defining Strategic Leadership

• Susan believes strategic leadership involves understanding your environment and team.

• She advocates for thorough analysis, such as SWOT assessments, to gain a nuanced perspective of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. 

• This analytical approach ensures that leaders are proactive and sustainable business growth.

Building a Strategic Mindset

• Susan shares how new leaders can create a strategic mindset:

• Learn from Mistakes: Use errors as learning opportunities. 

• Understand Your Team: Know what drives your team to maintain balance and productivity.

• Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay updated with external factors like AI developments, economic shifts, and generational dynamics.

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

• Susan believes in bringing one's whole self to work, fostering a genuine and authentic work environment. 

• By recognizing and adapting to the emotional needs of the team, leaders can create a supportive and motivating atmosphere.

 "And then these generational gaps where you've got what are considered boomers versus millennials, Gen Xers, truly understanding how all of those things play together and have an impact on your business." - Susan Chaplin.

Resources

Susan Chaplin on LinkedIn

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. 

This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals.

Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. 

Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. 

Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions. 

As a leader, you have the opportunity to support individuals from various backgrounds. Flexibility and understanding are key to guiding your team through their challenges.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Morgan Bell, Assistant Professor of Marketing at BYU’s Marriott School of Business, to discuss why flexibility is essential for effective leadership.

Tune in to learn how being adaptable can help you foster a supportive environment, empower your team, and enhance both personal and professional growth.

Dr. Morgan Bale’s Background

• Dr. Bale is an assistant professor of marketing at BYU's Marriott School of Business with a PhD in marketing from Drexel University.

• Her research specializes in causal inference techniques and Bayesian statistics, focusing on brand equity, retail, media, and customer loyalty.

• A mother of two, she balances her academic career with family life and enjoys time at the beach.

Importance of Flexibility in Leadership

• Dr. Bale explains how flexible leadership provides opportunities for success. 

• Strict and inflexible rules can often limit success, affecting individuals who balance multiple responsibilities. 

• She highlights how her own academic journey would have been nearly impossible without the flexible support of her advisor.

Leadership Tips on Building Flexibility

• Dr. Bale shares valuable advice on how leaders can cultivate flexibility:

• Meditation: She discusses how calming the mind prepares you to handle unexpected situations without being overwhelmed.

• Proactive Planning: Building flexibility into your schedule allows you to accept life’s unpredictability better.

• Clear Communication: Discuss your policies with your team members so they can understand your expectations.

Drawbacks on Being Too Flexible

• Being too flexible can lead to inconsistencies in the application of rules and policies. This can create a perception of unfairness and favoritism among team members.

• Also, too much flexibility can hinder progress by allowing deadlines to become fluid. Team members may take projects less seriously and undermine the urgency to meet commitments.

• Balancing flexibility allows leaders to enforce necessary boundaries that create efficiency and effectiveness for the team.

“The flexibility in leadership allows more people to succeed. When you have strict rules and people from different backgrounds, only a select few are going to succeed.” - Dr. Morgan Bale.

Resources

Dr. Bale’s email: [email protected] 

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. 

This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals.

Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. 

Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

In this episode, I dive deep into a conversation with Charlotte Leonard. With over 35 years of experience in healthcare, Charlotte discusses her journey from a leadership role to becoming a franchise owner. Tune in to hear her insights and lessons learned along the way.

Charlotte's Career Journey

• Started as an admission assistant in a nursing home in 1986.

• Rose to the position of Regional Director, overseeing multiple locations.

• Transitioned to semi-retirement and new challenges as a franchise owner of a vitamin therapy spot opening in October.

Leadership Lessons

• Within the episode, Charlotte shares several leadership lessons she learned from her journey. Here's two of them:

• Trusting Your Team: Emphasizes the importance of trusting team members to do what they’ve been hired for. Allowing room for mistakes while providing support is key to growth and success.

• Adding Value as a Leader: As a Regional Director, Charlotte focused on supporting administrators to ensure their success, which in turn reflected her own success.

Developing Self-Awareness as a Leader

• She shares different ways leaders can develop self-awareness:

• Listen to Feedback: Understanding what others need from you is crucial.

• Have a Mentor or Board of Advisors: Regularly seek feedback on how you show up as a leader.

• Continuous Learning: Constantly be a student of leadership, taking courses, reading, and self-assessing to improve.

"Change happens sometimes to you instead of you making the change."​ - Charlotte Leonard.

Resources 

Charlotte Leonard on LinkedIn

The DRIPBar Royal Palm Beach 

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. 

This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals.

Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. 

Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. 

Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions. 

Steering a company during economic downturns or simply adapting to everyday workplace challenges, resilience often makes the difference between thriving and merely surviving. This is why it is one of the most crucial traits a leader can possess.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Rosina Racioppi, President and CEO of Women Unlimited, Inc., on fostering resilience as a leader. Join us as we explore Rosina's compelling journey of leadership, her invaluable tips on building resilience, and how you can harness this vital trait to propel your career and organization to new heights. 

Introduction to Rosina Racioppi

• Rosina Racioppi heads Women Unlimited, Inc., where she spearheads initiatives to help organizations across various industries develop high-potential women leaders. 

• Her efforts have been instrumental in building a diverse and talented leadership pipeline that contributes to the growth and profitability of Fortune 1000 companies. 

• With a professional background in HR spanning across sectors like insurance, manufacturing, and chemicals, Rosina brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion.

What is Resiliency?

• According to Rosina, resiliency involves maintaining your footing during times of great change or upheaval. 

• Using COVID-19 as a reference point, she highlights how both companies and individuals demonstrated resilience through prolonged ambiguity. 

• Key to resilience is not letting failures stop us but rather letting them inform and strengthen us.

Tips on Building Resiliency

• Rosina offers invaluable advice on fostering resiliency:

• Use Failure as a Learning Tool: Reflect on what went wrong, without placing blame, to foster a culture of learning.

• Reflection and Feedback: Regular reflection on projects and seeking feedback from managers and peers can build the muscle of introspection and improvement.

• Building Relationships: Maintain a network of colleagues who can offer perspectives and support. These relationships can be vital in managing through challenging times.

Creating a Culture of Resilience

• As a leader, instilling resilience within your team requires creating an environment where failure is used as a learning opportunity and ongoing reflection is encouraged. 

• Leaders should nurture a collaborative culture that values diverse ideas and supports team members in both successful and challenging times.

"You don't want to pursue a job just because you can do it. You want to pursue something because at the end of the day, you're excited about the kind of work that you do when you're using those skills." - Rosina Racioppi.

Resources

Women Unlimited 

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. 

This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals.

Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. 

Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

As a leader you want your team to be filled with go getters who are ready to accomplish all tasks by the end of the day. But you also want a team of people who enjoy their work, strive to do their best, and actually care about helping others. 

In this episode I chat with the dynamic and energetic Claudine Pohl, the CEO of LemonEight. She joins us to share her incredible journey and insights on how to build a team of passionate people.

Claudine Pohl: A Journey of Resilience and Passion

• Claudine Pohl, founder and CEO of LemonEight, has a compelling background that combines business acumen with a passion for tourism.

• Raised in El Salvador during political turmoil, she faced significant personal challenges, including the assassination of her politician father and surviving a bomb attack meant for her mother.

• Claudine immigrated to Canada at nine, where she was raised by her mother and stepfather.

• Her love for tourism led her to study international business, starting her career in sales and training with companies like IBM.

• In 2020, after losing her job due to the pandemic, Claudine founded LemonEight, a training center for the cruise industry.

Finding and Nurturing Passionate Team Members

• Claudine shares her insights on how to attract and build a team of passionate individuals.

• She emphasizes the importance of listening to potential team members and tapping into their interests and motivations. 

• Claudine explains how asking the right questions and providing opportunities for exploration can help leaders identify and nurture passion within their teams.

Giving Back: A Core Value

• One of the standout aspects of Claudine's leadership is her commitment to giving back.

• From working pro bono with organizations like the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation to leaving a financial impact in the destinations they work with, Lemonade is about more than just business. 

• Claudine's focus on creating personal and financial impacts in the communities they touch is a core part of her company's values.

“But through that, you realize what is important. You realize you could have all the money in the world, but it won't mean anything if you're not here." - Claudine Pohl.

Resources

Claudine Pohl on LinkedIn

Claudine Pohl on Instagram

LemonEight

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. 

This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals.

Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. 

Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. 

Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions. 

Are you a leader who multitasks at different levels within the company? Letting others do their tasks can be hard when you know how things should be done. 

This is called micromanagement, and even though you might mean well, you're really doing a disservice to your employees when you take over their tasks. Listen to this episode with my guest, Dana Mullins, on how to stop micromanaging as a leader and what to do instead to help your employees grow. 

Dana's Leadership Journey

• Dana has always been drawn to leadership roles, starting from high school.

• She found her passion in human resources and had mentors who helped her grow.

• Over 25 years, Dana has grown with PenAir Credit Union from a department manager to a C-suite executive.

Defining Micromanagement

• Micromanaging is the inability to let go of tasks and responsibilities delegated to others.

• It often stems from a leader's comfort zone and desire to ensure things are done their way.

• Micromanaging frustrates employees, stifles growth, and ultimately harms the leader's own performance.

Advice for Those Being Micromanaged

• Take a step back and ask why it's happening; is it a trust issue or something you're doing?

• Have an honest, direct conversation with your leader about what you can do to build trust and show your capabilities.

• Correct any mistakes or shortcomings on your end to demonstrate your worthiness of trust.

Tips for Leaders to Avoid Micromanaging

• Look inside yourself and identify the reasons behind your micromanaging behavior.

• Get out of your comfort zone and focus on your own responsibilities at your current level.

• Trust that you have the right people around you to handle the tasks you've delegated.

Staying Motivated as a Leader

• Find something you're passionate about, whether it's your profession, hobbies, or volunteer work.

• Create a routine around the things you enjoy and stick to it.

• When life throws curveballs, allow yourself to grieve, then find a way to incorporate changes into your routine and maintain a forward focus.

“I relate this to whenever someone gets their first supervisor or their first leadership role, usually, they have come from a doer. They're comfortable with it and enjoy it, but now they've taken on different responsibilities. But because maybe that's uncomfortable, you're learning how to navigate that. You want to return to your comfort zone and keep your hand in that, even though you've now turned that over to someone else.” - Dana Mullins.

Resources

Dana Mullins on LinkedIn

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. 

This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals.

Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. 

Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

Leaders who actively recognize and embrace gender diversity can foster innovation, enhance decision-making, and boost financial performance within their organizations. However, this factor is often overlooked in leadership positions. 

In this insightful episode, I engage in a delightful conversation with Kate Suslava, an associate professor of accounting at Bucknell University, to delve into the intricate dynamics of leadership through the lens of gender differences. Tune in to discover how you can be part of the solution and help create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Meet Kate Suslava

• Kate Suslava has a unique background that blends linguistics and accounting. Originally from Belarus, she initially studied linguistics at Minsk State Linguistic University, where she learned English, Italian, and Polish, with aspirations of becoming a translator. 

• After moving to the United States, she shifted her focus to accounting, earning an MBA and later a PhD from Rutgers University. 

• Her diverse educational and professional experiences now inform her research on executives' verbal patterns in corporate disclosures and communications with investors.

The Gender Gap in Leadership Roles

• Kate highlights the stark contrast between the number of women hired at entry-level positions in accounting firms and the lack of gender parity in upper echelons of leadership. 

• She notes that despite the benefits of gender diversity in decision-making and company performance, women only make up around 11-12% of CFO positions and an even smaller percentage of CEO roles in publicly traded companies.

Gender Differences in Communication

• One key difference Kate has observed is how men and women communicate in the workplace. 

• Her research shows that men speak more than women in business meetings.

• She emphasizes the importance of leaders creating an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard, regardless of gender or communication style.

Acknowledging Biases and Promoting Inclusivity

• To address gender differences, Kate suggests that leaders first acknowledge the existence of biases. 

• She recommends investing in training to make people aware of these biases, especially regarding hiring and promotions. 

• Additionally, leaders should strive to create diverse teams and consider the needs of all employees when planning team-building activities.

The Benefits of Gender Diversity

• Kate emphasizes the importance of being open to the opposite gender, as diversity brings numerous benefits to the workplace. 

• She provides an example from her research on financial analysts: Women excel at writing clear and readable reports, while men tend to include more quantitative information. 

• By working together, they can produce better work products than teams consisting of only one gender.

“No matter what gender or who you are, everybody's voices should be heard. Unfortunately, in meetings, the voices that are heard are often heard by loud and aggressive people.” - Kate Suslava. 

Resources

Bucknell University 

Kate Suslava on LinkedIn 

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. 

This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals.

Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. 

Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

In today's rapidly evolving workplace, employees crave more than just a paycheck. They seek purpose, growth opportunities, and recognition for their unique contributions. How do you ensure that each individual's efforts are acknowledged in a way that resonates with them personally?

In this episode, I discuss this topic with Marty Bryson, an experienced HR professional and Benefits Manager at Chapters Healthcare. Learn how she creates tailored reward systems that recognize employee achievements and foster an environment of continuous learning and personal development.

Marty's Career Journey

• Marty Bryson has built an extensive career as an HR practitioner with over 25 years of experience, primarily focusing on helping employees navigate their benefits. 

• Currently, she serves as the Benefits Manager for Chapters Health and is the President of the HR Florida State Council, continuing her mission of improving employee welfare and education opportunities.

When to Reward Employees

• Many leaders wonder how often they should reward their employees. 

• Marty explains that recognizing small achievements can have a significant impact. 

• This recognition shows employees that their efforts are noticed, which can be motivating, especially during challenging times.

The Importance of Individualized Rewards

• Marty highlights the significance of personalized rewards. She states emerging professionals often seek mentors and education opportunities, while seasoned employees might want bigger projects and continuous learning opportunities. 

• Lifelong learning is a substantial intrinsic reward that companies can offer their employees.

Types of Reward Systems

• There are both tangible and intangible reward systems. 

• While fair pay and robust benefits are fundamental expectations, intangible rewards like thank-you notes and public recognition can be more impactful. 

• Marty suggests options ranging from using a dedicated module in an HR system to simple bulletin boards for kudos.

Personal Reward Stories

• Marty shares a touching story about receiving handwritten notes from conference attendees and team members, recognizing her impact. 

• I follow with my own story of a treasured plaque from a historic hotel, emphasizing that rewards don't need to be expensive but should reflect genuine appreciation.

“Someone who is maybe more seasoned in their career journey wants bigger projects. They also want education opportunities. Most adults these days are lifelong learners, and given the opportunity to learn something new, they will grasp it. So, one of the biggest intrinsic rewards that a company or organization can give an employee these days is the opportunity to learn.” -Marty Bryson. 

Resources

Marty Bryson on LinkedIn

HR Flordia State Council

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. 

This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals.

Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. 

Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. 

Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.