Lead with Empower Podcast

Joselyn DeFreest Leads with Empower

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Season III of the Lead with Empower Podcast concludes with a wonderful conversation with Joselyn DeFreest, the Group Adventure Specialist from Empower Adventures Tampa Bay (EATB). Joselyn is one of the original EATB team members - joining soon after their opening in 2016. To sum up Joselyn's role in one job title is nearly impossible - she is the ultimate Empower Swiss Army Knife!

We hope you enjoy our conversation about leadership, multi-tasking, self-coaching, family life, and so much more. Joselyn DeFreest Leads with Empower!

00:00: Episode Start and "Roll Call"

  • Introducing Joselyn DeFreest - the Swiss Army Knife of Empower Adventures Tampa Bay. We dive into her family life during the pandemic. "The goal was to stay positive, stay healthy, and keeping the family busy!"
  • Joselyn shares some of her family's silver linings from the 2020/2021 pandemic situation - "gave us a moment to slow down and enjoy being at home, talking together, and getting more creative...now we are never bored"
  • We also hear about Joselyn's operational roles and responsibilities at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay
  • "We always joke about how we can never pin down my title; I just like to call myself an all around badass. I like being able to be utilized in every aspect of our operation."
  • We also discuss why Joselyn has been able to become such a big contributor at EATB - "I am resourceful and I care a lot about what we do. Whenever I care, I'm going to do it right and make the best of it."
  • Joselyn also shares funny stories about her first training experience at EATB (shout-out to Joe for his smooth lift operating!), her first trip to Empower Leadership (in CT), and our experience working with the Tampa Bay Lightning at EATB.

    • 20:21: The Leadership Challenges of Juggling Responsibilities at Work and at Home

    • Joselyn shares some "self-leadership/coaching" tips that help her effectively manage all of her home/work responsibilities - "I love to go, go, go!"
    • We learn about Joselyn's improved ability to effectively communicate and "control the controllable" - and how those skills have helped in her fast-paced multi-task world.

      • 24:20: From Tampa to...... Tampa - Joselyn's Journey to Empower Adventures Tampa Bay

      • We learn about Joselyn's passion for animals and her early professional experiences as a veterinary technician.
      • Joselyn also discusses her passion for event planning and how that led to a part-time opportunity with EATB.
      • We also discuss the importance of embracing the "happy accident" (recognizing unexpected opportunities)

        • 31:45: Taking the Leap of Faith

        • We learn about Joselyn's decision to join the Empower Adventures Tampa Bay team and how her working relationship with our founder (Joe DeRing) has impacted her ability to grow within our organization.
        • Once again, we hear another humorous story from Joselyn; this one is about her first day of "zip line guide" training with Joe and Calvin (EATB Operations Manager)
        • Joselyn also shares her thoughts on Joe DeRing as a leader

          • 35:59: Lead, Inspire, and Empower

          • We discuss two moments - a "leadership failure" moment and a "leadership success" moment that have impacted Joselyn's life. Joselyn shares stories for both as well as the impact those situations have had on her growth and development as both a person and as a leader.
          • On being a mom - "you're constantly being a leader without even knowing it. It really does pay off when you teach them the right thing to do - to be nice and to be who you are!"
          • Joselyn also defines herself as a leader - "an intense open book" - and discusses her leadership strengths, challenges, and tactics to improve upon her challenges.

            • 48:04: Five Years of Empowerment

            • We discuss the impact Joselyn's five years at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay have had on her both in and out of work
            • "If you met me five years ago, you wouldn't recognize the person. I've learned something from every person I've crossed paths with at Empower. It's been an amazing experience that feels like family."
            • Joselyn discusses the important leadership traits she feels are essential to being an Empower Adventures Tampa Bay team member.

              • 55:50: Finish the Drill - "Don't be afraid to fail and don't be afraid of forgiving yourself!"

              • Joselyn and I finish the episode in traditional fashion - rapid fire Q & A! We learn (1) why adventure is important to Joselyn, (2) her favorite out of work adventure, (3) the leadership quote or saying that resonates with Joselyn, (4) a leader Joselyn admires, and (5) Joselyn's advice for those who are in the position of balancing professional and family life.

                • Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot

                Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

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                Lead with Empower PodcastBy Dan Jaskot
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