LeadHERShip Bytes™

LeadHERShip Bytes™

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LeadHERShip Bytes™ episodes

  • Episode 09: An Unconventional Journey - Alison Heron on Defining Your Leadership Path

    Summary

    In this episode of the Leadership Bytes podcast, Cam interviews Alison Heron, CEO of the Association for Child Life Professionals. Alison shares her journey in the association management industry and the benefit of having a background in membership development as a CEO. She emphasizes the value of understanding the needs and preferences of association members and the organization's inner workings. Alison also discusses the challenges of being a single mom while pursuing her education and career and the importance of flexibility and intentionality in the work environment. She offers advice for women aspiring to leadership roles and highlights the essential skills of adaptability and empathy for leaders in today's changing world.

    Alison also shares her approach to work-life balance, highlighting the importance of putting oneself first and prioritizing personal well-being. As a first-time CEO, she reflects on the challenges and rewards of the role, including the need to navigate emotions, resistance to change, and the importance of understanding the organization's history. Finally, Alison offers advice for professionals struggling to find joy in their careers, encouraging them to focus on self-discovery and pursue what brings them joy.

    Keywords

    leadership, association management, membership development, CEO, single mom, flexibility, intentionality, adaptability, empathy, empathy, kindness, workplace, struggles, support, inclusivity, work-life balance, well-being, CEO role, challenges, rewards, joy, self-discovery

    Takeaways

    • Having a background in membership development can be valuable for a CEO, as it provides an understanding of the needs and preferences of association members and the inner workings of the organization.
    • Being a single mom while pursuing education and a career requires resilience and the support of family and a flexible work environment.
    • Flexibility and intentionality are important in the work environment, especially in a remote or hybrid setting, to maintain connections and keep everyone moving in the same direction.
    • Women aspiring to leadership roles should embrace their unique paths, believe in themselves, continuously learn and grow, build their networks, and be resilient in the face of challenges.
    • Two essential skills for leaders in today's changing world are adaptability and empathy, as they enable leaders to navigate unexpected changes and understand and support their team members. Be kind and empathetic in the workplace, as everyone has struggles that you may not be aware of.
    • Prioritize work-life balance and set boundaries to avoid burnout.
    • Put yourself first and focus on your own well-being.
    • Leaders have a responsibility to protect and support their team members.
    • Find joy in yourself first and pursue what brings you joy in your career.
    • Current leaders can help retain professionals in the industry by creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
    • Focus on self-discovery and pursue what brings you joy in your career.

      • Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction to Alison Heron and her leadership journey
    • 08:53 The skills and knowledge needed in the C-suite
    • 28:10 Advice for aspiring women leaders
    • 38:47 The Role of Leaders in Protecting Their Team Members
    • 46:29 Addressing Talent Management Challenges in the Nonprofit Industry
    • 53:01 Continuous Learning and Personal Growth






      • 51 min
    • Episode 08: Owning Your Journey - Miranda Barrett on Leading as an Entrepreneur

      Summary

      In episode 8 of LeadHERShip Bytes, Cam sits down with Miranda Barrett, founder of Capacity to Scale, to learn about her leadership journey and the inspiration behind starting her own business after 10 years working for

      the Entrepreneurs Organization. Miranda emphasizes the importance of preparation and building a solid professional network before launching a business and discusses the mission of her company, Capacity to Scale.

      She encourages women entrepreneurs to find supportive communities and surround themselves with people further along their entrepreneurial journey.

      Miranda also shares insights on surrounding yourself with

      intelligent people, hiring and delegating, learning from mistakes, tying behavior to professional goals, and handling difficult conversations and decisions. She shares wisdom about balancing work and family, learning lessons
      from a toxic work environment, and navigating career transitions. And in conclusion, Miranda offers her perspective on the benefits of working and creating impact in professional associations.

      Takeaways

      • Surround yourself with smart people who can
        • complement your skills and knowledge.
      • Hire and delegate tasks to professionals who
        • have expertise in areas you are not familiar with.
      • Learn from your mistakes and strive to tie
        • behavior to professional goals.
      • Handle difficult conversations by focusing on larger
        • goals and aspirations of those involved.
      • Set future goals for your organization and
        • explore new avenues for growth.
      • Working in associations (a type of nonprofit organization) allows for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and create positive change.
      • Balance work and family by prioritizing quality
        • time and outsourcing tasks that do not bring joy or add value.
      • If you find yourself in a toxic work environment, consider ways to fix the situation or get out -- find a new job that aligns with your values and brings you happiness.  
      • Take ownership of your career and actively build
        • your network to create opportunities for growth and advancement.

        Chapters

        00:00 Introduction and Background

        02:24 Leadership Journey and Starting Capacity to Scale

        05:33 Preparing for the Entrepreneurial Journey

        09:02 Advice for Women Leaders

        15:40 Capacity to Scale: Helping Entrepreneurs with Speaking Engagements

        20:37 Tips for Successfully Navigating the Entrepreneurial

        Space

        21:41 Surrounding Yourself with Smart People

        22:30 Hiring and Delegating

        23:26 Learning from Mistakes

        24:07 Tying Behavior to Professional Goals

        24:59 Handling Difficult Conversations

        25:29 Letting People Go

        27:28 Future Goals for the Organization

        28:26 Helping Event Organizers Level Up

        30:11 Working in Associations

        32:08 Creating Impact in Associations

        33:41 Balancing Work and Family

        38:17 Lessons from a Toxic Work Environment

        40:00 Navigating Career Transitions

        41 min
      • Episode 07: The Future of Leadership - Sarah Sladek on the Multigenerational Workforce

        Sarah Sladek, founder and CEO of XYZ University, discusses generational research and the challenges and opportunities of multiple generations in the workforce. She shares her leadership journey and the reasons

        for starting her own business. Sarah emphasizes the importance of curiosity, self-awareness, and networking for aspiring leaders, particularly women. In this conversation, Sarah also discusses the importance of building relationships, staying visible, and finding one's niche. She highlights the challenges organizations face in engaging early career professionals and offers
        advice on how to address this issue. Sarah emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt to the talent economy and reevaluate their structures to foster inclusivity and cognitive diversity. Finally, Sarah and Cam discuss the
        importance of recognizing and valuing different generations in the workforce, and Sarah shares future plans for XYZ University, including the release of her
        new book and the focus on Generation Alpha.

        Takeaways

        ·       Understanding generational differences is crucial for fostering collaboration and redefining leadership in the workplace.

        ·       Next-gen professionals should focus on curiosity, self-awareness, and networking to prepare for leadership roles.

        ·       Starting a business requires grit, perseverance, and surrounding oneself with a supportive network.

        ·       Women who want to lead should embrace their unique perspectives, be willing to learn from others, and have the courage to overcome obstacles. Building relationships and staying visible are key to creating opportunities and finding success.

        ·       Engaging early career professionals requires organizations to adapt to the talent economy and reevaluate their structures.

        ·       Recognizing and valuing different generations in the workforce is essential for creating inclusive spaces.

        ·       Future plans for XYZ University include the release of a new book and a focus on Generation Alpha.

        Chapters

        00:00 Introduction of Sarah Sladek

        02:02 Cam's admiration for Sarah's work

        02:32 Sarah's leadership journey

        04:20 Interest in generational research

        07:27 Challenges and opportunities of multiple generations in the workforce

        09:16 Hierarchy ending and redefining leadership

        11:44 Preparing next-gen professionals for leadership

        13:08 Curiosity and interest in understanding generational

        differences

        19:17 Advice for women who want to lead

        21:48 Preparation for leadership roles

        25:29 Importance of networking

        29:13 Building Relationships and Staying Visible

        30:21 Engaging Early Career Professionals

        31:58 Challenges in Membership Engagement

        33:16 Shift to the Talent Economy

        35:15 Reimagining Organizational Structures

        36:39 Creating Inclusive Spaces

        41:08 Changing Mindsets and Engaging Young Professionals

        43:32 Recognizing and Valuing Different Generations

        46:18 Creating Space for Each Other

        53:44 Future Plans for XYZ University



        55 min
      • Episode 06: The Impact Equation: Jess O'Connell on Resiliency and Leadership

        In our 6th episode, Cam sits down with Jess O'Connell, a highly experienced leader with a diverse background in nonprofit leadership, politics, and strategic consulting. Jess shares the engaging story of her journey to leadership, highlighting the importance of lived experiences and self-awareness. She also discusses the value of developing leadership skills, and emphasizes the need for leaders to prioritize impact and make strategic decisions based on the desired outcomes.

        Jess discusses the challenges faced by nonprofit leaders and the declining interest in nonprofit leadership. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, wellness, and creating a sense of belonging in the nonprofit sector, and shares her advice for  women in leadership while reflecting on the journey of transitioning to her own firm.

        Finally, Jess shares her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, drawing from her personal experiences growing up in a diverse family.

        Takeaways

        • Leadership journeys often begin unconsciously, with individuals gradually realizing their leadership potential as they navigate the workforce.
        • Courses and training can provide valuable skills and knowledge for leaders, particularly in areas where they may lack formal training.
        • Leaders should prioritize impact and make strategic decisions based on the desired outcomes, considering the long-term effects of their choices.
        • Diversity, equity, and inclusion are crucial in creating inclusive workplaces and communities, and leaders should actively work towards promoting these values.
        • The greatest threat to marginalized communities, such as the LGBTQ+ community, is silence. Allies can support these communities by speaking up, checking in on
          • individuals, and continuously educating themselves.
        • Nonprofit leaders are facing complex challenges, including burnout, stress, and exhaustion. Resilience, wellness, and creating a sense of belonging are crucial for supporting emerging leaders and regenerating interest in nonprofit leadership.
        • Women in leadership should keep going, stay resilient, and have confidence in themselves.
        • Transitioning to running a business can be challenging but also rewarding.

          • Chapters

          1)      Introduction of Jess O'Connell

          2)     Journey to Leadership

          3)     Courses and Trainings for Advancement

          4)     Things to Know Before Stepping into Leadership Roles

          5)     Prioritizing and Making Strategic Decisions

          6)     Greatest Threat to Marginalized Communities

          7)     Declining Interest in Nonprofit Leadership

          8)     Challenges Faced by Nonprofit Leaders

          9)     Importance of Resilience and Wellness

          10)  Creating a Sense of Belonging

          11)  Advice for Young Women in Leadership

          12)  Journey of Transitioning to Own Firm

          13)  Challenges and Rewards of Running a Business

          14)  NewCo's Initiatives: Democracy Security Project

          15)  NewCo's Initiatives: Resilience and Wellness

          16)  NewCo's Initiatives: Leadership Project

          17)  Target Market for NewCo Strategies

          18)  COVID-19 Remembrance Project

          19)  Contact Information



          50 min
        • Episode 05: A Beautifully Uncommon Journey: Stefanie Reeves on Finding Your Path to Leadership

          Summary

          In episode #5 of LeadHERShip Bytes, Stephanie Reeves transparently shares the leadership journey that led to her current role as Deputy Chief of Public Policy and Engagement for the American Psychological Association. She emphasizes the importance of promoting association management as a career option and offers advice about how women can develop their leadership skills and strive for career advancement. Stefanie also shares insights and advice for aspiring leaders and emphasizes the importance of visibility and finding comfort in showcasing

          one's skills and expertise.

          Takeaways

          • Create support systems and networks to provide
            • guidance and encouragement.
          • Challenge stereotypes and biases about women in
            • leadership roles.
          • Develop leadership skills through education,
            • training, and seeking opportunities for growth.
          • Visibility is important in showcasing skills and
            • expertise, but it should be tailored to individual comfort levels.
          • Imposter syndrome is false, and individuals
            • should recognize their qualifications and expertise.
          • Building a network and finding support from
            • colleagues is crucial for success.
          • Continuous learning and embracing new knowledge
            • is essential for personal and professional growth.

            Chapters

            00:00 Stephanie's Leadership Journey

            18:31 Promoting Association Management as a Career

            25:30 Inspiring Leaders

            33:11 Benefits of Women in Leadership

            39:20 Developing Leadership Skills

            40:18 Visibility and Comfort

            41:17 Imposter Syndrome

            42:39 Building a Network

            43:36 Different Forms of Visibility

            44:30 Exploring Different Areas

            45:26 Embracing Knowledge and Saying 'I Don't Know'

            46:21 Taking Time and Learning from Every Job

            47:16 Don't Rush and Learn from Each Position

            48:36 Advice for 20-Year-Old Self

            49:25 Finding Hope and Guidance

            51:05 Advice for the Next Generation of Female Leaders

            52:00 Navigating a Politicized Environment


            54 min
          • Episode 04: The Path to Meaningful Change: Mariama Boney on DEIA and Leadership

            Join me for an inspiring conversation with Mariama Boney, president and CEO of Achieve More LLC, as she shares her personal journey to leadership and experiences throughout two

            decades of work advancing meaningful change in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Mariama emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts in this area and encourages organizations to prevent stagnation in their DEIA initiatives. She also discusses key leadership skills, such as emotional intelligence and effective communication, and offers advice for women desiring balance in their careers and personal lives.

            Takeaways:

            • Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility work is an
              • ongoing and necessary effort in organizations.
            • Leaders should focus on key skills such as emotional
              • intelligence and effective communication.
            • Finding balance between career and personal life requires
              • self-reflection and the ability to set boundaries.
            • Investing in personal and professional development is
              • crucial for growth and success.

              Chapters:

              1-    Introduction of Mariama Boney

              2-   Mariama's journey to leadership

              3-   The ongoing need for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility work

              4-   Preventing stagnation in DEI efforts

              5-   The importance of essential skills in leadership

              6-   Finding balance and passion in career and life

              7-   Upcoming initiatives from Achieve More

              8-   Connecting with Mariama

              9-   Social Media Presence

              10-  Closing Remarks

              45 min
            • Episode 03: Find Your Calling & Design Your Dreams: Cynthia Mills on Personal Development and Leadership

              In this fun and engaging episode, Cam chats with Cynthia Mills, President and CEO of The Leaders Haven, who shares her insights on leadership and personal development. She discusses her

              own leadership journey and the importance of stepping into opportunities, even when afraid. Cynthia emphasizes the value of building a strong network, continuous learning, and giving back. She also highlights the need for work-life balance and taking time for personal wellness. Overall, Cynthia's advice centers around authenticity, self-reflection, and embracing the journey
              of personal and professional growth.

              Takeaways

              • Step into opportunities, even when afraid, and
                • embrace the possibility of growth.
              • Build a strong network and continuously learn
                • from diverse perspectives.
              • Give back and mentor others to foster personal
                • and professional growth.
              • Value work-life balance and prioritize personal
                • wellness.

                Chapters

                1-    Introduction to Cynthia Mills and The Leaders Haven

                2-    Cynthia's Leadership Journey

                3-    Building Confidence and Overcoming Fear

                4-    Advice for Stepping into Opportunities

                5-    Overcoming Hurdles as a Woman Leader

                6-    Lessons Learned and Advice for Younger Self

                7-    Designing Your Dream and Starting Early

                8-    Doing It Afraid and Embracing Imperfection

                9-    Finding Your True Calling and Redesigning Your Life

                10-  Reflecting on Childhood Passions and Redefining Yourself

                11-  Building and Maintaining a Strong Network

                12-  Never Stop Learning and Exploring Other Professions

                13-  The Importance of Giving Back and Mentoring

                14-  Juggling Work, Family, and Personal Life

                15-  Valuing Wellness and Taking Time Off

                16-  The Rewarding Aspect of Helping Others

                17-  How to Connect with Cynthia Mills

                43 min
              • Episode 02: Rising to the Top - Kimberly Jones on Education, Service, & Leadership

                In this episode, we welcome Kimberly (Kim) Jones, president of the Council for Opportunity in Education in Washington, DC. Kim shares her remarkable personal and professional journey to leadership and how she transitioned from a career as a corporate attorney to working in associations. We learn about Kim’s passion for serving low-income and first-generation students and hear her advice for aspiring leaders. Finally, Kim mindfully emphasizes the value of finding mentors and building connections, as well as the challenges and rewards of executive leadership.

                Takeaways

                • Find mentors and build connections to support your professional growth.
                • A commitment and passion for service can drive leadership success.
                • Leadership requires the ability to navigate challenges and prioritize people management.
                • Continuous learning and self-reflection are essential for personal and professional growth.

                  • Chapters

                  • Introduction and Background
                  • Inspiration to Pursue Education
                  • Path to Associations
                  • Government Relations in Associations
                  • Journey to Leadership
                  • Supporting Low-Income and First-Gen Students
                  • Finding Mentors and Building Connections
                  • Challenges of Executive Leadership
                  • Passion for Service and Leadership
                  • Advice for Aspiring Leaders
                  • Connect with Kimberly Jones


                    • 35 min
                  • Episode 01: Pivot Like a Pro - A Conversation on Leadership and Change with Megan Jaffer

                    In this premiere episode, we welcome Megan Jaffer, co-founder of Iron Butterfly Media. Megan shares her exciting journey of working in nonprofits, then pivoting into a career in the intelligence community, before co-founding a successful podcast and media organization. She emphasizes the importance of embracing life's pivots and being open to new opportunities. Megan offers advice for women who want to start or expand a new venture and highlights the strategic approach of Iron Butterfly Media. She also discusses challenges faced by women in various industries and the importance of building community to overcome them. The episode concludes with a discussion about the future of Iron Butterfly, the power of storytelling, and the Iron Butterfly team's vision for how they will make a positive impact in the future.

                    Together, let's gain a deeper understanding of how embracing career pivots can positively impact your leadership journey, and explore the many ways women can lead...with any title or position.

                    In this interview, you'll explore:

                    • How to prepare for career pivots and new opportunities
                    • Ways to demonstrate leadership at any level
                    • Networking tips to help you succeed
                    • How to start a new venture or expand your vision
                    • What it means to live a life driven by purpose

                      • What We Discuss:

                      • 00:00 Intro and Background
                      • 02:37 Pivoting from Nonprofits to the Intelligence Community
                      • 09:45 Embracing Leadership and Leading with Compassion
                      • 15:01 Preparing for Leadership Roles
                      • 20:06 Living a Purpose Driven Life
                      • 26:34 Advice for Starting Something New
                      • 30:45 Creating a Supportive Community
                      • 40:00 Empowering Women Through Stories
                      • 44:37 How to Connect with Iron Butterfly
                      • 45:28 Closing




                        • 47 min

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                      LeadHERShip Bytes™ empowers listeners to reach their potential and make a positive difference in the world by sharing the inspirational stories and insights of women leaders.