Can you imagine having grown 30% during this pandemic? What would that mean for your team's career security? What would that mean for your energy and overall outlook? How would that have affected you over the past 11 months? 

This week I sat down with the incredible leader, Karen Pearl of For God's Love We Deliver who has done just that. In the early days of 2020, Karen worked hard and intentionally on her team culture. She shares the lessons, the trials, the journey she has been on to become the guided leader she is now.

"The hardest thing for us was, the night everything, everywhere, everyone shut down, we had nearly 3,000 phone calls asking for help through our services. That is a lot of need. We have to identify who was looking for what assistance and help, make sure we had the right resources, finding the referrals, having enough food, because if we weren't moving quickly, people don't stick around for a long time."

In a time of so much need and demand, relying on your team can be difficult, particularly when there is a national pandemic, racial injustice, economic struggles, and so much more. Karen has developed a team that could withstand the pressure. 

"I'm so fortunate that over the years, our staff has just gotten stronger and stronger and they're able to take care of what needs to get taken care of, even now."

This episode is timely, deep, and empowering. I want to thank Karen for her time, I left feeling ready to serve because of her inspiration. 

Special thank you to our sponsor, Humentum, who during such a difficult time have dedicated themselves to inclusivity, strength, and supporting those on their team and their members. 

Connect with Humentum:

https://www.humentum.org/
https://www.instagram.com/humentum_org/
https://twitter.com/humentum_org

Watch here: https://youtu.be/GeMrGg0Gp8I

“Politics are fierce. They are big. When you are trying to move an issue forward, it can be hard. Part of being a good leader, I have learned, is finding allies, how to bring others along to your goal and vision.”

This week I sit down with Nancy Wackstein, with Fordham University, to hear about her work history, her lessons learned, and what she is encouraging upcoming leaders to dive into. 

I would venture to say 2020 has been an unmatched year for leaders everywhere. Politics, racial issues, health problems, topics that may typically be “taboo” have all become frequent topics during Zoom meetings. Nancy shares how she navigated and continues to work through the line of politics and the office place. 

This episode is timely, concrete and helpful in its guidance around such a touchy subject. I can’t wait for you to check it out. 

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Humentum sponsors the Lessons from Leaders Podcast. We are filled with gratitude for their partnership. Each person at Humentum has a spirit of learning, generosity, and care. If you are not family with the Humentum Organization, I encourage you to get to know them. 

Connect with Humentum:

https://www.humentum.org/
https://www.instagram.com/humentum_org/
https://twitter.com/humentum_org

https://youtu.be/sgioiFDMfhs

“It is a season not a situation…”

Over the weekend I spent an extended period of time with other incredible leaders across the country connecting through a Harvard Course on leading during the pandemic. One of the professors shared those words with us: “This is a season not a situation.” I have to admit I have looked at this crisis as something to conquer and move on from but as it continues to be here, I have shifted that perspective to something with more residence. It is a season. It is here. It is not moving away and our efforts must continue on.

I had these thoughts as I re-watched my episode with this week's guest, Michael Zisser.  “We have all had an organization goal added to our plates: Survival.” For a pandemic that has now lasted over 9 months globally, the Lessons from Leaders team is feeling a sense of urgency to help, support, and educate.

My episode with Michael walks through the critical steps that leaders have had to take for survival during this time. He lays out the action plan that most non-profits have faced between setting new goals, lay offs, and downsizing. I find this series of action steps particularly helpful for anyone experiencing a second wave at this time.

Michael, thank you for your time during this episode!

This week I sit down with Kathy Spahn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Helen Keller International who shows us all that in the face of crisis and pandemic, you can find your passion and path. 

Kathy has an incredible story leading her from the world of dance, facing a previous crisis in that industry, how it pivoted her into her position at Helen Keller International. 

"I followed my heart. It was not a normal path.." 

In the face of intense crisis, it can be nearly impossible to see the silver lining, innovation and change that can come from times this difficult. Kathy, thank you for the reminder that in the pain, we can find passion. 

This episode is a glimmer of hope in a hard time, I am thrilled for you to hear it. 

https://youtu.be/JDGIHtcNwxY

This week I had the chance to sit down with Danny Ceballos an executive coach, and Dr. Lisa Walker, who is an executive coach for global firms. 

We have heard from you, our listeners, on what would be most helpful to hear and the responses were overwhelming: Techniques and Skills to Lead. This episode is deeply filled with tools and techniques on just that: Leading in Crisis. 

Leaders, you did not create this scenario. This was not something preventable. However, you are expected to lead through it successfully. This episode is step one to learning how to lead. 

Start your week off with confidence and empowerment. Join me on today's episode! 

https://youtu.be/bXGPfUTUjco