What is something you learned, perhaps as a child or adolescent, that you have since had to unlearn as you grew into an adult? 

I recently read an article about just a few of the many things adults have to unlearn, and as leaders, these were the top three:

1. People’s expectations of you are your responsibility. 
2. Your value in an organization is based solely on the income you can bring in. 
3. You must work as much as possible to show your commitment, loyalty, and worth. 

I share these because, on today’s special episode, I sit down with our youngest leader yet who is deep in the unlearning. Kobe Smith LLB, Director, International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region (IPPFWHR) walks me through the importance of recognizing things in life that may have been taught wrong, like those listed above, namely, feeling responsible for others expectations. 

“As leaders, we may not always stand in our truth. We think about what the others in the room think about the decisions that we make. I want to be a leader that stands in my truth.”

Thank you Kobe, for taking the time to share your insights and fresh perspective. I look forward to your bright journey ahead! 

00:00 - 08:30 | Meet Kobe Smith & His Organization

08:30 - 15:00 | Loss Leads to Motivation

15:00 - 20:00 | Leadership & Disagreements

20:00 - 25:00 | Leave the Yes (wo)man behind 

25:00 - 30:00 | Standing in Truth 

30:00 - 32:00 | Allyship

32:00 | Closing 

I am excited to bring this episode to you this week. This episode was actually recorded right at the 1-year mark of the pandemic, making the candor and honesty that Giselle Carino brings, fitting. 

Giselle Carino is the CEO of the International Planned Parenthood Federation Western Hemisphere Region (IPPFWHR), which on June 3, 2020 launched a new feminist alliance through the combination of the work with the Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE) and the International Women’s Health Coalition (IWHC). I appreciate so much about Giselle, namely her innovation and authenticity. 

I asked specifically for Giselle to share about her creative leadership take and I can’t wait for you to listen to what types of changes they made, to fulfill their mission. 

“Things are very hard in this field, and yet we have to find ways to do the work. In the past, we have traveled through mountains and rivers to get contraception to women, and this time it was the pandemic.”

So how did they meet their mission while being shut down due to the crisis? Listen in, get inspired, reroute your thinking, and join Giselle in honoring and embracing change, improvisation and flexibility. 

https://youtu.be/fj7RPkbTerQ

His first episode has had a beautiful response and impact on leaders everywhere, and this week part 2 feels just as deeply valuable in its content.

I am back for Part 2 of my conversation with Oussama Mezoui, CEO of Penny Appeal USA. Oussama starts this second part off in a way that feels deeply reflective.

“Am I thinking about climate change in my decision-making? Am I thinking about gender issues or mental health issues? Am I thinking about racial issues in how I lead and are we a best practice organization?” Oussama mentions this is a shortlist to the many issues leaders are currently facing but what I found so impactful was the simplicity of his questions.

If we as leaders could think through this question lens before each decision, how would it change your day-to-day and outcomes? Thank you, Oussama, for this gentle but necessary reminder.

Here’s what you will learn:

Why racial justice deserves a closed conversation

Building organizational culture

Identifying your non-negotiables

Part Two is now live.

I recently read an article about how the pandemic “leveled the playing field” for innovation. Small businesses took the opportunity to switch their beer and wine production to hand sanitizer, which grew their margins exponentially, restaurants were able to create space for customer “grocery shopping” experiences, and some have even called the pandemic an accelerant for the pace of social and technological change serving as ‘a great equalizer.’ 

Shortly after reading this article, I had a sit down with this week’s guest, Oussama Mezoui, the CEO of Penny Appeal USA, who started off our conversation with, “This is a great leveler. We as leaders can’t pretend we have ever been through a pandemic before. There is no tool kit we can google on how to lead through a pandemic.”

It is true, there has been no guidebook, no business blueprint on surviving and thriving in a global pandemic, however, in my experience there has been a new wave of leadership community. Vulnerability has replaced scarcity and conversations like the one I had with Oussama more valuable than gold. 

I am grateful for this chat and I look forward to hearing your thoughts. You can expect to learn:

How the pandemic allows you to reflect and test values
The importance of questioning your assumptions 
How to grow in your leadership skills 

Thank you, Oussama for your time! Part one is now live.

When I started communicating with Emily Courey Pryor last spring, I knew right away that I wanted to have her on the podcast. Her previous experiences, her current work leading Data2X, and her passion for equality and leadership were all things that our listeners needed to hear. Then the pandemic hit, followed by a significant reversal of progress on gender equality, all while leading a busy organization and working from home with two small children. A year later, I am overjoyed to share with you what feels like the perfect episode for 2021.

"One of the important things that I have a learned as a leader, and as a working parent, is when you have to say 'I need a minute.'" This opening statement from Emily set the foundation for our conversation. Patience, awareness, and understanding are all qualities I am inspired by in Emily, not to mention her innovation, curiosity, and flexibility. The work Data2X is doing on gender data is just as intriguing as Emily’s leadership qualities. You can learn more about Data2X’s work here: http://data2x.org.  

Thank you, Emily, for sharing "real life" during a pandemic as well as your passion for gender data and its relevance for the lives of women & girls everywhere. Enjoy!

During my sit down with Emily, 

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - 3:00 | Intro 

3:00 - 7:00 | What is Data2x

7:00 - 10:00 | Gender Data 

10:00 - 13:00 | Curiosity and Innovation 

13:00 - 21:00 | Flexibility, Adaptability, and Empathy

21:00 - 25:30 | ROI on Empathy

25:30 - 30:00 | Motherhood Lessons in Leadership

30:00 - 35:00 | Advice to Emily's Younger Self 

35:00 | Closing

https://youtu.be/0SeGXokwONQ

In a time where the world continues to feel deep sorrow, stress, and strife, I am encourage by the leaders who brave the storm like Michelle Nunn, CEO of CARE. 

I have such a fondness of CARE as I used to work for a likeminded NGO previously and this feels like an extension of my heart projects. 

When I asked Michelle what she has learned as a leader in crisis, she said “I had to learn things anew & challenge our preconceptions. I tend towards an optimistic sensibility which hasn’t always served well in the last year. I need to surround myself with those who think about the worst case scenarios.” 

This is something I have seen leaders avoid; the discomfort of differing views, of recognizing the hardships, and accepting the trials. I am inspired by Michelle’s ability to face this head on. Thank you Michelle for your time and your advice on facing crisis. SO many nuggets in this one! 

0:00 - 3:00 | Meet Michelle 

3:00 - 7:00 | One Year in Crisis

7:00 - 9:30 | Lessons Learned as Leaders in Crisis 

9:30 - 11:00 | Being Uncomfortable & Having Courage

11:00 - 13:30 | Advice for Young Leaders 

13:00 - 17:00 | Fail Forward 

17:00 - 19:30 | Reflection 

19:30 - 21:00 | Closing with Michelle

https://youtu.be/vP_8SBRoqgs

Each week it is an honor and privilege to sit down with leaders from across the world to learn, to listen, and to share, but this week is particularly heartfelt as I have the chance to share with you, listener, one of my favorite people. Meet Dr. Kozhi Makai. 

"In many ways I have an acquaintance with what it means to have moments of wisdom and to turn around the next moment and make a dumb decision. I love to see that part of the human condition. Meeting people who are like me but don't look like me but in many ways act, feel, behave like I do, it's something I absolutely love. In what ways can I learn today to be me a bit better than I was yesterday? What actions can I take to be better tomorrow."

One of the (many) reasons I wanted to sit down with Dr. Makai was for his insights into organizational culture. Of course it was quick for him to share that it begins with his outlook, his foundation, and his mindset. As I love to quote, "Leaders bring the weather" and never a statement more true than with Dr. Makai.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this dynamic episode. Culture, DEI, Inclusion, Time... we tackle a lot in a short 40 minutes. Thank you Dr. Makai for your light & your positivity! 

SHOW TIMES 

0:00 - 3:00 | Meet Dr. Makai 

3:00 - 4:00 | Better than yesterday 

4:00 - 8:00 | Curiosity & Connection

8:00 - 11:30 | Expanding Comfort 

11:30 - 15:00  | Time 

15:00 - 24:00 | Culture 

24:00 - 32:00 | Aspirations & Guiding Principles 

32:00 - 38:00 | Transformation & Engagement  

38:00 - 41:00 | Closing with Dr. Makai

This week I have celebrate a first. My first all Spanish episode with the incredible Belmar, Director of an NGO named LaFAM in Venezuela.

Belmar Franceschi is an admirable leader working in difficult circumstances because of the pandemic and the political crisis.  People from Venezuela have migrated to different countries. Doctors in hospitals have left and other professionals also. Venezuela has a poor health system.

The main areas they are working is with girls and women in their reproductive age, family planning, and offer birth control pills in their clinics and advocacy. During lockdown, people suffered stress and even family violence, the organization had to advise in how to report this the to authorities.

Quick decisions were made in small groups to support their clients and personnel.  They worked in closed doors. As a contingency plan they reserved funds to cancel payroll and projects were suspended as they did not have sufficient funds to make other payments. Patients cancelled small fees for their services and medicines. These funds are used for buying medicines and other office supplies for the clinics.

They are supporting elderly persons as they are alone seeking for medical treatments.  

They prioritized decisions even though sometimes they might fail. Meeting in groups so that personnel could talk about their problems or stress with the support of the psychologists working in the organization. For staff well-being they celebrate birthdays, buy small gifts and their food. 

A challenge they have is finding well qualified personnel especially in the financial area and also other professionals.  

SPANISH SHOW NOTES

Belmar Franceschi

Belmar es el Director de una ONG llamada LaFAM en Venezuela.

Belmar Franceschi es un líder admirable que trabaja en circunstancias difíciles debido a la pandemia y la crisis política. Personas de Venezuela han emigrado a diferentes países. Han salido médicos en hospitales y otros profesionales también. Venezuela tiene un sistema de salud deficiente.

Las áreas principales en las que están trabajando son las niñas y mujeres en edad reproductiva, la planificación familiar y ofrecen píldoras anticonceptivas en sus clínicas y actividades de promoción. Durante el encierro, las personas sufrieron estrés e incluso violencia familiar, la organización tuvo que asesorar sobre cómo denunciar esto a las autoridades.

Crearon sus propias políticas para trabajar en el espacio de trabajo virtual. La violencia contra las mujeres durante la crisis y la denuncia a las autoridades fueron gestionadas a través de llamadas telefónicas por sus psicólogos que trabajaban desde casa. Las píldoras anticonceptivas y otros métodos se distribuyeron a los pacientes de forma gratuita en sus diferentes clínicas. Abrieron servicios para pacientes oncólogos y otros servicios médicos.

Se tomaron decisiones rápidas en pequeños grupos para apoyar a sus clientes y personal. Trabajaron a puertas cerradas. Como plan de contingencia se reservaron fondos para cancelar la nómina y se suspendieron los proyectos por no contar con fondos suficientes para realizar otros pagos. Los pacientes cancelaron pequeñas tarifas por sus servicios y medicamentos. Estos fondos se utilizan para comprar medicamentos y otros suministros de oficina para las clínicas.

Están apoyando a las personas mayores que están solas en busca de tratamientos médicos.

Priorizaron las decisiones aunque a veces pudieran fallar. Reunirse en grupos para que el personal hable de sus problemas o estrés con el apoyo de los psicólogos que trabajan en la organización. Para el bienestar del personal, celebran cumpleaños, compran pequeños obsequios y su comida.

Un desafío que tienen es encontrar personal bien calificado especialmente en el área financiera y también otros profesionales.

It is amazing to be into our second year, and have guests from our first year return. When these leaders first sat down in the Lessons from Leaders chair in 2019, Covid-19 was unknown, racial injustice was very much real but without the global lens it deserved, and has now, and leaders were unaware of an incoming pandemic. 

This week, I sit back down with Shamil Idriss, CEO of Search for Common Ground. When I reflect on our previous episode with Shamil, our conversation surrounded scaling your business, team building, and how to ‘show up’ for your organization. While all of those topics still hold value, our conversation this time looks far different. 

“This has been, for us, and for billions of people… a particularly difficult year but thankfully our employees have been healthy and we have made it through organizationally. We have had many people step up to help.” 

In this episode, we walk through the deep impact of organizational culture,  employee engagement, and signs to look for in team communication, even in a virtual workspace. Shamil, thank you for coming back and joining us. I am curious and hopeful to our conversation a year from now. 

Show Notes:

0:00 - 3:00 | Introduction, Check In 

3:00 - 12:00 | Organizational Culture 

12:00 - 15:00 | Team Engagement & Communication

15:00 - 18:00 | Signs of Integration 

18:00 - 19:00 | Presentation vs Engagement 

19:00 - 27:00 | Challenges as a Leader Right Now 

27:00 - 28:00 | Closing Episode

This week I sat down with Cynthia Cherrey, CEO of the International Leadership Association. Cynthia is a resilient and poised leader who, as you will hear me say during our interview, “I wish I had had on 3 times by now.” 

On the heels of International Women’s Day, during our conversation regarding gender equality, Cynthia shares, “There are things we can do. It goes back to the small scale, what can we take that is doable, that has an impact in our community. What are the nuggets that we can use to make impact.” 

In a time where the issues and trials seem so large, I am grateful for Cynthia’s reminder of one step at a time, one “nugget” at a time. 

Cynthia’s experience is vast and if you would like to read more about her journey and more about the International Leadership Association, I encourage you to take a moment and head to: https://theila.org/ila-conferences/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA1pyCBhCtARIsAHaY_5f5iJZUKO_IQ1xX4OeZOwXN3Y23PE7b9BYiF2qpP71ahNPod_9Dp1QaAlK7EALw_wcB. 

Show Notes

0:00 - 2:30 | Episode Intro 

2:30 -  5:00 | Crucibles of Business 

5:00 - 10:30 | Decision Making during Crisis 

10:30 - 14:00 | Amplifying Weakness & Impact 

14:00 - 18:00 | Interconnection & Interdependency 

18:00 - 22:00  | Unpacking Systems 

22:00 - 25:00 | Learn More About the International Leadership Association

25:00 - 27:00 | Closing 

Thank you Cynthia!

https://youtu.be/y1MQzJhNwcc