Rob Radtke, CEO of  Episcopal Relief and Development, talks about taking the challenge of COVID-19 as an opportunity to focus on the people, the staff, and getting to know them and their work on a more personal level as sharing more of himself with the organization. Rob also shares with us his insights into what advice would he give his younger self - and it is about believing in himself and not pushing so hard.  This inspiring interview covers Rob's unusual story of coming to the global development sector and leading through challenging times.

Friends, Some of us are seeing new developments, some of us remain in the transition. As things begin to open, I want to encourage you to make choices that are best for you and your team. Follow your comfort level and make decisions that feel right for your team moving forward.

I released this episode just a few short weeks ago and the feedback was astounding. Did you know Covid-19 remains the "hottest" topic both being searched and being discussed? It has taken over our small talk, our business greetings and more.

I encourage you to watch this, share this and send any feedback in.

We are in this together and I am honored to help lead through.

At the end of last week I shared a special episode to address today's current events. If you missed it check it out here!! https://youtu.be/b81dkwFGN6A

It's a funny week here because we are celebrating one year in the Lesson's from Leader's podcast! If you would have asked me one year ago: What do you envision for this podcast, how do you want to feel after 365 days of this, where do you see the leadership world at that time? I can surely tell you I didn't expect this! 

I didn't expect leaders to be learning to lead from home. 

I didn't expect teams to be building over Zoom. 

I didn't expect coaches to be training from a computer screen. 

I didn't expect this. 

But then I re-listen to the episodes, I re-visit the lessons I have learned and I realize, over the past year, over the past 30+ episodes, I have been given every tool I need to address this new normal. 

I have been encouraged by leaders over seas who learned to lead with nothing. I have been taught by leaders in successful positions how important it is to fail so that you can grow. I have been shown the value in transparency and authenticity during high pressure times. I have been groomed for this by those leaders who have been so gracious as to join this podcast. 

If you would have told me 1 year ago, this podcast, this little heart project would have sponsors, a team, and an advisory board, I don't know that I would have believed you. 

I am filled to the brim with gratitude for each episode, leader and lessons. It has been an incredible journey that I can't wait to continue for years to come. 

This week we have a special edition episode with a guest you are familiar with...me! I am interview by two leaders I have learned so much from. I can't wait for you to see it! 

 Serra Sippel, who began her career on the border with Mexico, working with migrant families and others, is now the CEO of CHANGE (Center for Health and Gender Equity). Serra and my conversation was recorded while we were 10 days into "stay at home" guidelines due to the corona virus. Serra talks about being a leader during dark times. She talks about having the courage to have a vision and then leading others forward when things are as challenging and the future as uncertain as they are today. This is an important episode for everyone as we work our way through the pandemic. 

"How do we get to sustainable development? How do we lead?" 
In this week's episode I sit down with the extraordinary, Pape Gaye, former CEO of Intrahealth, to talk about just that. His answer? Lead with excitement. 

One thing I deeply value about Pape, amongst many things, is his genuine joy of leading and his curiosity about leadership. He takes a true interest in bettering his leadership skills and continues to grow. Pape and I talked quite a bit about new ways of being a leader and what those might look like.

"This (new ways to be a leader) gets me excited. I wake up and I think about how do we do this? How do we accelerate progress? How do I lead? It is not a course to take, it is the idea that we just try and learn."

The current state of the world needs joy, needs positivity, and, I think, needs Pape. His episode could not be better timed, and it is with great pleasure that I share it with you. 

Special thank you to our sponsors at Humentum. Humentum is a global membership association providing training, convening, consultancy and support. We work towards social good: managing compliance and risk, juggling finances, designing programs and helping people perform at their best. Part of our Humenum team is located in Europe, our best wishes are with them during this pandemic.