“Change is a constant. This is the world that we live in. And so how do you decide what needs to change and transform? The best leaders have certain traits about them when it comes to leading an organisation through change. Great leaders have an ability to communicate and inspire and they never get tired of doing it. Or if they get tired, they keep doing it anyway because constant communication is essential when you're going through change.”

Deborah Lee James on Electric Ladies podcast (previously Green Connections Radio)

 

Many companies are scaling back their climate, sustainability and diversity commitments to avoid being the target of this administration’s wrath. This decisive moment for the private sector will test the resolve and foresight of today’s leaders, making this a must-listen for anyone in a leadership role.

 

In a wide-ranging interview on leadership based on a sector where life-and death decisions are routine, 23rd Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Deborah Lee James talks to host Joan Michelson about what it takes to be a woman rising through the ranks.

 

This episode is being replayed as a tribute to our service members this Memorial Day.

 

You’ll hear about:

• Approaches we can all learn from the military, especially with their in-depth experience in dealing with crisis.
• What resilience is and can be for those of us who don’t want setbacks to stop our march onward.
• What “the best leaders” do to inspire and drive great teams to successful results.
• The five step process she applies successfully to every situation and why we all could.
• Great career advice for women who are always advancing.

“So often women in leadership roles have labels put upon them. They’re a bitch, they’re unduly aggressive, they’re not likeable… I try to be extra careful with my communications and in the way I treat people. And in this way I attempt at least to overcome the gender bias that is out there for strong women.”

Deborah Lee James on Electric Ladies podcast (previously Green Connections Radio)

Read Joan’s Forbes article about former Secretary James, and more of her Forbes articles here. 

You’ll also like:

• U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan on the crucial role of climate bipartisanship when jobs and infrastructure investments are at stake
• Joan Michelson’s Forbes article on Fossil Fuels, War And Climate: Women On The Frontlines Call For A New Security Mindset
• Jennifer Granholm, 16th U.S. Secretary of Energy, on the future of clean energy and climate action
• Sherri Goodman, former Undersecretary of Defense, on the connection between climate change and national security
• Vanessa Chan, formerly from the U.S. Department of Energy, on the investments transforming the energy systems
• Anna Siefken, formerly from the Federal Energy Management Program at the U.S. Department of Energy, on plans to reduce the carbon footprint of federal buildings across the country

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