LeadHERShip Bytes™

Summary

In this episode, Cam kicks off Season 3 of LeadHERShip Bytes with special guest, Velma Hart. Velma is a trailblazing leader who has decades of experience serving in chief finance and operational leadership roles, is a military veteran, CEO of Velma Hart & Associates, a past Chair of the American Society of Association Executives’ (ASAE) Board of Directors, and a founding pioneer of ASAE’s Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP). Her accomplishments are far too many to list, and most importantly, her commitment to service and the resulting impact on leaders is immeasurable.

Tune in to learn more about Velma’s impactful leadership journey, her thoughts about what nonprofits and associations need most today, hear the inspiring story of how DELP got its start, and Velma’s valuable advice for women leaders, including the importance of authenticity in leadership and supportive relationships in achieving work-life integration.

Keywords

leadership, diversity, nonprofit, organizational culture,

Chapters

00:00 Velma Hart's Leadership Journey

04:00 Challenges in Nonprofit Leadership

06:13 The Role of Military Experience in Leadership

08:30 Restoring Focus on Mission

10:04 Addressing Fear in Organizational Culture

12:26 Pioneering Diversity Initiatives

18:02 Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders

23:01 Finding Your Authentic Leadership Voice

28:22 Balancing Leadership and Life

Summary

Keywords

leadership, women in leadership, human resources, career development, DEI, soft skills, mentorship, workforce trends, work-life balance, hiring challenges

Key Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Samantha Rosenberg

02:09 Inspiration to Pursue a Career in HR and Leadership Role

04:12 Busting Myths About HR and Balancing Advocacy

05:55 Navigating Advocacy and Organizational Objectives

07:38 Advice for Future Women Leaders

10:15 Trends in Hiring and Job Market

13:08 Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Leadership

14:35 Keeping a Remote Workforce Connected

16:53 Transitioning from Individual Contributor to Leader

18:19 Approach to Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving

21:01 Personal and Professional Challenges Shaping Leadership Perspective

23:03 Impact of Women of Color Running for President

25:29 Opportunities and Challenges of a Multi-Generational Workforce

30:39 Trends in Workforce and Career Development

31:54 Advice for Young Women Leaders

Summary

Samyuktha Neeraja, State Associations Relations Manager II for the American Nurse Anesthesiology, joins Cam Sanders to discuss her journey into the association world and passion for DEI Amplified, stressing the significance of accessibility and inclusion within organizations. Samyuktha shares invaluable advice for leaders in the DEI space and sheds light on her personal experiences as a disabled woman of color. She advocates for diverse voices and perspectives, urging individuals to conquer internalized fears and advocate for their needs. Tune in to hear Samyuktha's inspiring story, including the impact of her mother's advocacy and the supportive communities that have helped shape her journey.

Keywords

Samyuktha Neeraja, association world, DEI Amplified, accessibility, inclusion, disabled woman of color, diverse voices, internalized fears, advocacy, Little People of America

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Samyuktha Neeraja

02:09 Samyuktha's Journey in the Association and Nonprofit Sector

05:27 The Impact of 2020 on DEI Amplified

10:05 The Evolution of DEI Amplified and the Importance of Accessibility

12:40 Progress and Challenges in DEI Amplified

16:38 What Organizations Are Getting Right and Getting Wrong in DEI Amplified

19:50 Getting Started in Advocacy for DEI Amplified

22:14 Advice for Individuals from Marginalized Communities in DEI Amplified

25:57 Discovering Difference and Building Confidence

30:39 The Catalysts and Lessons in Samyuktha's Journey

34:14 Connecting with Samyuktha Neeraja

Summary

In this episode, Cam sits down with Christine Shaw, President and CEO of Naylor Association Solutions, as she shares her journey to becoming a CEO and the evolution of her leadership style.

Christine emphasizes the importance of investing in career coaching, continuously learning and growing as a leader, and highlights the key skills needed in today's leadership climate, including effective communication, structure and discipline, and transparency.

She also delves deeper into essential topics for leaders, discussing the significance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for teams and the value of finding joy in both work and a personal life.

Keywords

leadership, CEO, coaching, communication, structure, transparency, inclusivity, joy, decision-making, mentorship

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Christine Shaw

01:34 Christine's Leadership Journey and Evolution

03:36 Attraction to Naylor Association Solutions

05:35 Christine's Leadership Style and Success

07:56 The Importance of Coaching for Leaders

11:07 Skills for Leaders in the Current Climate

13:54 Leading Remote Teams and Maintaining Cohesion

16:44 Creating a Supportive and Inclusive Environment

19:11 Advice for Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling

22:16 Finding Joy and Taking Care of Yourself as a Leader

24:45 Parallels Between Boating and Leadership

28:14 Approaching Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making

30:59 Advice for Younger Self and Final Words of Wisdom

Summary

Lei Wang, a trailblazing and celebrated keynote speaker, athlete, author, and executive coach, joins Cam to share her extraordinary journey from being the unlikeliest candidate for success to becoming the first Asian woman and Asian American to conquer the Explorer's Grand Slam, an adventure challenge where participants attempt to climb all of the famed seven summits and ski the North and South Poles.

With contagious energy, she underscores the significance of mental and physical transformation, pushing past comfort zones, and seeking guidance and mentorship. Lei also shines a spotlight on the essential leadership skills of conflict resolution and communication, particularly in the context of diverse workforces where multiple generations are present.

Keywords

Lee Wang, keynote speaker, history-making, Asian woman, Asian American, Explorer's Grand Slam, mental transformation, physical transformation, comfort zone, coaching, mentorship, leadership, conflict resolution, communication, diverse workforce, generations

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lee Wang

02:13 Lee's Leadership Journey and Adventures

06:13 The Influence of Upbringing and Education

09:07 The Importance of Mentors and Coaches

11:55 Developing Skills for Success

16:29 Building Mental Resilience

23:34 Transition to Coaching and Empowering Others

25:14 Advice for Women Making Career Pivots

27:16 Embracing Setbacks and Learning from Experience

29:21 Skills for Leaders in a Diverse Workforce

33:04 Upcoming Programs and Offerings

34:35 How to Connect with Lee Wang

Summary

In our latest episode of the Leadership Bytes podcast, host Cam Sanders dives into an inspiring conversation with Danielle Duran Baron, the Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Industry Relations for the School Nutrition Association. Danielle takes us through her unconventional path to leadership, spanning from a career in journalism to her current role, stressing the significance of pursuing work aligned with one's values and passions. She also candidly shares the profound impact of her survivorship of cancer on her leadership approach, emphasizing the virtues of kindness, honesty, and vulnerability. Additionally, Danielle offers empowering advice to women, encouraging them to embrace curiosity, avoid complacency, and seek fulfillment in their professional journeys.

Keywords

leadership journey, non-linear career, passion, values alignment, cancer survivor, kindness, honesty, vulnerability, fulfillment

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Danielle

02:00 Danielle's Nonlinear Leadership Journey

03:26 The Impact of Personal Challenges on Leadership

06:48 Finding Joy in Your Career: Aligning Values and Curiosity

13:05 Essential Skills for Leaders: Introspection and Reading the Room

38:09 Upcoming Events and Connecting with Danielle

Summary

Desireè Knight, Senior Director of Meetings and Events at the American Psychological Association, shares her

Through active participation in organizations like PCMA and later, through involvement in ASAE's Diversity Executive Leadership Program (Class of 2016-2018), she

Desireè stresses the importance of leaders being open to feedback and consistently seeking new opportunities.

Finally, addressing the evolving workplace, she emphasizes the need for leaders to be adaptable and supportive of their team members. Desireè underscores the importance of finding joy in one's career and leadership journey, as well as the value of cultivating a personal board of directors for support and guidance.

Keywords

leadership journey, meetings and events industry, associations, PCMA, DELP program, listening skills, clear communication, feedback, new opportunities, kindness,

Key Takeaways

·      Leadership journeys can start unexpectedly and evolve over time.

·      In the meetings and events industry, leaders play a crucial role in the success of associations and other organizations.

·      Developing leadership skills requires being open to feedback and continuously learning.

·      Listening and clear communication are essential skills for effective leadership.

·      Leaders should treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their role or position. Communication and collaboration with your team are essential for success in leadership.

·      Providing excellent customer service is a priority for leaders.

·      Transitioning from a logistical lead to a strategic lead requires letting go and trusting your team.

·      Leaders need to be flexible and supportive in the evolving workplace.

·      Finding joy in your career and leadership journey is important for personal fulfillment.

·      Having a personal board of directors for support and guidance is valuable.

00:00 Introduction to Desiree Knight and her role in the meetings and events industry

02:59 Desiree's journey from chance to passion in the meetings industry

06:00 The importance of leadership in the meetings and events industry

08:35 Developing leadership skills through organizations like PCMA and DELP

10:38 The power of listening and clear communication in leadership

16:10 Advice for women aspiring to leadership at any stage of their career

25:09 Personal and professional challenges that shaped Desiree's leadership approach

27:31 Essential skills for leaders: good listening skills and clarity

28:35 Balancing leadership responsibilities and prioritizing self-care

32:07 Providing Excellent Customer Service as a Leader

33:16 Transitioning from Logistical Lead to Strategic Lead

36:30 Flexibility and Support in the Evolving Workplace

43:02 Finding Joy in Your Career and Leadership Journey

46:32 The Value of a Personal Board of Directors

Summary

Artesha Moore, President and CEO of Association Forum, shares her leadership journey and the importance of continuous learning and self-love. She emphasizes the importance of constant learning and shares her strategies for personal growth. Artesha also discusses her personal and professional challenges and triumphs, highlighting her transformative journey as a CEO. She emphasizes the importance of self-love and aligning with one's authentic self in leadership and shares her inspiration for uplifting and supporting other women, which stems from her mother's influence and the value she places on understanding each woman's story.

Keywords

leadership journey, continuous learning, self-love,

Takeaways

Summary

Cam sits down for an engaging chat with Haley Jones, Director of Member Engagement at the American Staffing Association, who inspires with her leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of women who will speak up and take their place as leaders. Haley shares a transformative experience with a life-threatening health crisis, which shaped her perspective on leadership.

She also emphasizes the need for leaders to prioritize well-being and set boundaries for a healthy work-life integration. And, through her personal experience with burnout, Haley advocates for self-care, transparency, and empathy in leadership, highlighting the impact of these qualities on others.

Reflecting on her journey, Haley extols the virtues of empathy and flexibility in leadership, encouraging leaders to support their team members and adapt to change. She also advises women leaders not to internalize criticism and to remember that being misunderstood does not determine or define your worth.

Keywords

Haley Jones, leadership journey, taking up space, speaking your mind, women leaders, blood clot awareness, self-care, empathy, leadership,

Summary

In this episode, Cam sits down for a candid, insightful chat with Sheri Jacobs, FASAE, CAE, president and CEO of Avenue M Group. Sheri shares her leadership journey through various career pathways including photojournalism, association management, owner of a thriving consultancy, keynote speaker and more. She emphasizes the importance of taking risks, asking questions, and being true to oneself as a leader. Sheri also discusses the need for organizations to rethink their business models to provide equal opportunities for all. She shares her upcoming projects, including a keynote business.

Keywords

leadership journey, photojournalist, association management, taking risks, asking questions, being true to oneself, rethinking business models, equal opportunities

Takeaways