The Accidental Leader

Episode 29 of The Accidental Leader features Chris Lorence, whose extensive career in credit unions and banking offers a wealth of information on leadership, authenticity, and the evolving challenges of financial services! Our conversation isn’t one that I planned. Instead, a powerful LinkedIn post that Chris shared on leadership and risk caught my eye, sparking the need to bring him on. Chris's career journey, from his beginnings with Internet banking to his current role leading the Labor Credit Unions Foundation, truly reflects a true passion for innovation balanced with real-world experience in risk-taking.

Join us as Chris and I discuss the often complex world of leadership, especially in traditionally conservative spaces like credit unions. Chris’s philosophy, inspired by a quote from Ford Foundation CEO Darren Walker, that "there’s no leadership without risk," highlights his approach to guiding teams and making impactful decisions, and throughout our conversation, Chris opens up about his own experiences as an openly gay leader, revealing the challenges that he has faced and the growth that he has achieved by balancing vulnerability with accountability.

I really hope that you will tune in for a deep, thoughtful discussion on what it means to be an authentic leader, with Chris sharing inspiring stories of mentors who shaped his approach, encouraging him to give credit and hold space for learning. This episode explores what it takes to trust a team, even in the face of setbacks, and why leaders must sometimes step back to truly lead. For anyone navigating leadership in any field, this episode offers incredibly valuable lessons on taking risks and facilitating genuine team dynamics!

Time Stamps:

[2:22] We get some background information on Chris.

[5:55] Chris argues that effective leadership requires taking risks, balancing goals, employee care, and innovation for organizational growth.

[7:04] Being a leader requires balancing authenticity, vulnerability, and accountability, which is a constant, evolving effort.

[9:02] The most recent episode features Christie Smith, whose authenticity, vulnerability, and commitment to growth in leadership is all impressive.

[10:48] Chris discusses how being an openly gay leader in financial services has been a complex journey, balancing authenticity and risk in a rather conservative realm.

[13:58] Chris has learned that authentic leadership involves navigating unique challenges that no book can fully prepare you for.

[16:05] This podcast reflects on leadership, inspired by both strong and flawed leaders that we have had.

[17:54] Chris' mentor Dave encouraged growth by gently challenging him, teaching patience and the importance of quality control.

[19:34] Chris shares how he was inspired to lead with credibility and open communication.

[21:32] Balancing guidance with freedom, I trust my team to learn from mistakes and grow together.

[24:30] Letting go of micromanagement and sharing the journey helped create a strong, unified team for Chris.

[26:57] Leaders need to delegate and share goals with their team to inspire accountability and a sense of purpose.

[29:16] Chris discusses how board meetings aren’t glamorous or secretive; they're ordinary, strategic sessions that can inform team growth.

[32:25] Leadership isn't glamorous; it's challenging and sometimes lonely, but connecting with others can help inspire growth.

Resources:

The Accidental Leader - Website

yournarketing.co

[email protected]

Bo McDonald on LinkedIn

Christopher Lorence on LinkedIn

The Accidental Leader - “Growing into your leadership role with guest Christie Smith”

Darren Walker on LinkedIn

Join me for episode 28 of The Accidental Leader in which I have an insightful conversation with Christie Smith, CEO of Acclaim Federal Credit Union in Greensboro, North Carolina! Christie shares her remarkable leadership journey over the past ten months, offering a raw and honest look into the unexpected challenges which she faced transitioning into her CEO role.

When Christie became CEO, she thought she was prepared, having been part of the succession plan for eight years, but she quickly realized the reality of leadership when she found herself dealing with day-to-day challenges, like fixing leaks, and understanding that she couldn't tackle everything alone. It took her a few months to grasp the significance of relying on her team, a truly humbling and valuable lesson in leadership.

Throughout our discussion, Christie candidly discusses the delicate balance between having a vision and working with a team whose approaches may differ from her own. She's learned the importance of listening, a skill that did not come naturally to her as an extrovert yet one which she now understands is vital to leading effectively.

We also dive into the struggles and growth associated with accountability and setting expectations, and Christie reflects on her journey through burnout and the critical shift from doing everything herself to trusting and delegating tasks to her team.

As Christie shares her plans for Acclaim, she emphasizes the power of trust, accountability, and setting clear expectations for the future. Her reflections on defining excellence vs. perfection are especially thought-provoking, revealing her commitment to supporting her team's growth.

Tune in for honesty, reflection, and insights into the complexities of leadership and the journey of personal growth. Christie's story is not only a lesson for aspiring leaders but also an inspiring tale of commitment to making a positive impact on her credit union and its members!

Time Stamps:

[2:51] Christie shares how she wasn't fully prepared for the CEO role and needed her team.

[5:55] I acknowledge being task-oriented and sometimes overlooking the need for teamwork.

[6:36] Hear how Christie learned to listen to her team, finding that they often have better ideas.

[8:53] Burnout taught Christie to trust and delegate to her team for better outcomes.

[10:41] I reveal how trust and setting clear expectations helped me see team success beyond just my own methods.

[12:05] Christie believes in failing forward to encourage progress and learning despite setbacks.

[14:15] Trust and accountability are essential goals for Christie's team's success by 2025.

[16:35] Christie emphasizes the need for excellence and accountability in the credit union's work.

[18:55] I touch upon how, inspired by flat leadership, my team now self-leads and is held accountable.

[21:14] Defining "quality" helped unify my team, improving standards and encouraging excellence.

[22:16] Christie distinguishes between perfection and excellence, supporting personal career choices.

[25:03] Learning from mistakes, Christie aims to be a confident yet balanced leader.

[28:30] We learn that Christie would prioritize setting boundaries if transitioning to CEO again.

[30:49] Effective communication helps Christie manage team changes and foster growth.

[33:47] Christie believes that trust and clear communication are necessary for member relationships.

[35:37] Christie learned valuable leadership lessons from both difficult and good leaders.

[37:41] Accepting failure as part of growth is vital for leadership success.

Resources:

The Accidental Leader - Website

yournarketing.co

[email protected]

Bo McDonald on LinkedIn

Christie Smith on LinkedIn

Acclaim Federal Credit Union on LinkedIn

Acclaim Federal Credit Union - Website

Robert M. Pirsig - Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values

Welcome, everyone, to another episode of The Accidental Leader! I, your host Bo, am excited to share my conversation with Frank Allgood, our VP of Brand Experience at YMC, as we dive into the intriguing world of flat leadership!

Just days after emerging from a ten-day power outage caused by Hurricane Helene, I truly felt so ready to discuss how modern comfort can sometimes stifle our growth, having recently picked up The Comfort Crisis which turned out to be the perfect backdrop for our discussion!

Listen in as Frank reflects on his own leadership journey, stressing that leadership is not limited to those in formal positions. He shares his early experiences in journalism and how he gradually embraced various roles in the advertising world, and we explore the challenges that he faced such as the tough decisions that every leader must make like letting go of team members when necessary. Frank's insights reveal how he learned from both the leaders who inspired him and those whose flaws taught him valuable lessons.

Frank and I also dive into the implementation of flat leadership at YMC, an ongoing journey aimed at empowering team members to self-manage while fostering collaboration and innovation! Tune in as Frank discusses how creating a culture that encourages open dialogue and experimentation has transformed our team dynamics, and expect to hear about the significance of understanding one’s purpose within an organization and how we can all become better leaders in our own right!

Please join me as Frank and I uncover the nuances of leadership, the importance of accountability, and the power of fostering a culture where everyone can thrive!

Time Stamps:

[3:09] Frank shares how he has consistently embraced leadership roles, growing businesses and gaining diverse experiences in advertising.

[5:55] At YMC, Frank adapted to collaborative leadership, now leading brand discussions and training as VP.

[8:48] Frank's focus is now on teaching, coaching, and fostering independent problem-solving and critical thinking.

[12:44] Letting someone go was tough for Frank, but it taught him to act decisively in leadership.

[15:12] Frank believes that past experiences shaped him, acknowledging human flaws while recognizing others' growth and success.

[17:30] Young leaders should break free from flawed patterns learned from imperfect role models.

[19:10] Frank shares how he learned to focus on true priorities in leadership from contrasting experiences with past leaders.

[22:55] YMC's flat leadership highlights growth and empowerment, shifting focus from tasks to personal development!

[25:40] Frank believes in explaining the "why" to promote self-management and understanding in flat leadership.

[28:00] Hear why Frank advocates for questioning ineffective traditions.

[31:36] Hear how my five-year journey to flat leadership fosters passion and initiative, despite ongoing challenges.

[33:24] Frank emphasizes credit union uniqueness and urges employees to understand their purpose for motivation.

[36:45] Frank values creativity and experimentation and encourages employees to think beyond just traditional constraints.

[39:23] Collaboration and feedback are important to avoid confusion and maintain flat leadership at YMC.

[42:23] Frank provides training and resources to enhance productivity and leadership in credit unions.

[45:54] Discover how to contact Frank!

Resources:

The Accidental Leader - Website

yournarketing.co

[email protected]

[email protected]

Bo McDonald on LinkedIn

Michael Easter - The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self

I am back after the summer break and am discussing a tough but important topic. I reflect in this episode on the struggles that I have faced as an “accidental leader,” especially over this past summer. Leadership isn’t something I was trained for, and, like many, I have had to figure it out as I go.

Early in my career, I followed the example of leaders before me, and to be honest, I wasn’t great at it. I was task-oriented, lacked empathy, and didn’t treat people as the humans they are, and over time, I have realized that being too harsh does not work, but swinging to the opposite extreme and being too soft also has its own problems.

This past summer, I really grappled with the balance between kindness and accountability, and I have been asking myself: where’s the middle ground? How can I be a compassionate leader while still holding my team to a high standard?

Listen in as I talk about the lessons that I have learned from mentors as well as a book - Get Honest or Die Lying by Charlamagne tha God - that helped me find some clarity. Charlamagne’s story about holding his radio team accountable while still showing care resonated with me deeply and really made me realize that leadership isn’t about being black or white or mean or nice. It is about setting expectations, providing support, and allowing your team to choose their path.

Join me as I unpack these lessons and discuss what it truly means to lead with both heart and strength!

Time Stamps:

[1:06] I am discussing my struggles as an accidental leader seeking to learn from others.

[4:13] My biggest challenge has been balancing kindness with accountability.

[6:20] I reflect on the book Get Honest or Die Lying by Charlamagne Tha God.

[9:25] Hear about how the book illustrates the consequences of Charlamagne's team’s negligence in a live radio show.

[11:26] A louder conversation got Charlamagne's team's attention without being overly harsh.

[13:47] The book helped me realize that a loud conversation (but not yelling) is necessary to maintain quality and accountability.

[15:51] An ideal team member should be passionate about their craft and mission.

[17:49] Leaders must set clear expectations for team members, allowing them to choose their actions.

[20:02] Hear how I have changed as a leader after reading Charlamagne's book.

[22:15] I reveal what's coming up next in episode 27!

Resources:

The Accidental Leader - Website

yournarketing.co

[email protected]

Bo McDonald on LinkedIn

Charlamagne Tha God - Get Honest or Die Lying: Why Small Talk Sucks

I had the immense pleasure of sitting down with Bill Partin for this episode. Although briefly retired, Bill is the CEO of Sharonview Federal Credit Union, and his journey from a brief retirement back into the game is a fascinating tale of leadership, resilience, and the power of continuous growth!

Listen as Bill shares his story of starting an LLC and writing a book after retirement, a venture that reignited his passion for leadership in the credit union industry. We delve into his strategies at Sharonview, where he transformed the organization by focusing on cultivating leaders and fostering a people-first culture.

Throughout the conversation, Bill emphasizes the importance of intentional leadership and continuous self-improvement, drawing from his vast experience spanning over 40 years in the field. He and I explore how he navigated cultural shifts and adapted to changing generations in the workforce, and we reflect on the lessons learned from both successes and setbacks.

Join us as we uncover the principles that shaped Bill's leadership journey, his advice for aspiring leaders, and how you can connect with him to learn more. Whether you're leading a team, transitioning into leadership, or simply curious about what makes great leaders tick, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!

Time Stamps:

[2:04] Bill reveals how in 2019, encouraged by his executive coach, he founded The Leadership Bet LLC to write a book about his CEO journey and relocation, hoping to inspire future leaders.

[3:49] Upon joining Sharonview, Bill, drawing from Disney CU experiences, aimed to foster leadership growth and improve organizational culture.

[6:33] Bill shares how, upon joining Sharonview, he identified a need for true leadership development.

[9:11] Hear how Bill, inspired by the book The Ideal Team Player, emphasizes progress over perfection, implementing feedback processes to foster a dynamic culture.

[10:53] Bill made it his mission to know everyone in the organization by name and story, creating a supportive, fun environment that went beyond just pizza on Fridays.

[12:54] Bill explains how he refined core values to prioritize open feedback and work-life balance, prioritizing a people-first culture.

[14:17] Learn how Bill prioritized learning from mistakes and employee engagement, evolving on the company’s core values to support constant improvement.

[17:14] Bill reflects on having, at age 29, grappled with leadership's deeper meaning beyond just managing, learning from inspiring and poor leadership examples early in his career.

[20:04] In his early twenties at a commercial bank, Bill learned valuable lessons in leadership from a manager's mistakes, which influenced ongoing development.

[22:25] Bill reflects on his time at Chisholm, having rushed a rollout without proper preparation and how that taught him the importance of explaining motivations behind change.

[25:21] Bill’s experience at Chisholm prompted a reset: engaging individually and developing ideas with clear communication and preparation.

[27:10] Bill highlights the importance of vulnerability in leadership and willingness to admit to mistakes and show genuine commitment to correction.

[30:56] Bill acknowledges the positive influence of his colleague's boss.

[32:12] Hear how Bill established leadership standards from authors like Lencioni and Maxwell, facing challenges in recruiting external talent.

[35:07] Bill strategically filled key roles like CFO, emphasizing the importance of leadership for organizational growth.

[38:30] Navigating generational diversity and adapting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly shaped Sharonview's leadership approach.

[40:47] Bill emphasizes how important it was for Sharonview to preserve their organizational culture while navigating challenges.

[43:32] Hear how Bill's adherence to Jim Rohn's advice on self-improvement has shaped his leadership journey for over three decades.

[45:14] How can listeners reach Bill online?

Resources:

Bill’s LinkedIn Profile

Sharonview Federal Credit Union

The Leadership Bet LLC

Bill Partin - The Leadership Bet: Great Leadership Transforms Lives

Patrick M. Lencioni - The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate the Three Essential Virtues

I recently attended Jazzfest in New Orleans where I got to see The Rolling Stones, one of my favorite bands, and I wanted to spend some time on the podcast to talk about my experience as well as four important lessons that I learned from attending (actually five because I also have a bonus one to share)!

Starting with the fifth bonus lesson, I reflect on the power and the importance of being a good human. This might sound simple enough, but it can be easy to forget sometimes especially when in the heat of a moment. I share an example of some people in the show who, despite being in one of the greatest cities in the world and seeing The Rolling Stones (one of the greatest rock bands of all time), were not behaving like good humans, something that I just couldn’t understand.

I also discuss the mantra “Buy the Ticket,” a phrase that I first heard in a job interview years ago that has stuck with me ever since. It is a reminder to seize opportunities and enjoy life, whether it's attending a concert, embarking on a new adventure, or simply making time for loved ones. After all, life is too short to let busyness and excuses hold us back.

Another lesson that I took away from Jazzfest has to do with The Rolling Stones themselves and their incredible resilience. Despite setbacks and doubts, as well as Mick Jagger once having told himself that he would stop rocking at 33, they continue to rock the stage, proving that age is just a number and that limitations are often self-imposed. It's a powerful reminder to challenge the lies that we tell ourselves and others and to embrace our limitless potential. After all, whether you tell yourself that you can or that you can’t, you’re right either way.

Let’s also not forget about the importance of having fun! Between Cowboy Mouth's infectious energy to Jimmy Buffett's laid-back vibes, Jazzfest is ultimately a celebration of life, reminding us to loosen up and embrace the present. Be sure to stick around as I share some favorite lyrics from these artists!

I hope that you will join me for this episode of The Accidental Leader as I spend some time reflecting on the whirlwind of experiences and emotions from Jazzfest 2024, and remember that, in the end, life is what happens when we're too busy taking it seriously. Let's live a little, laugh a lot, and make memories that last a lifetime!

Time Stamps:

[0:49] I am reflecting this week on my time at Jazzfest and the universal lessons that I took away from the experience.

[2:04] I am sharing four (plus a bonus fifth) points that I took away from the festival.

[4:36] I reflect on the community spirit of JazzFest, which is more than just a concert.

[6:01] We often let others upset us in life, but it's ultimately our choice how we react.

[8:09] Buy the ticket!

[10:37] Learn about the origin of the mantra “Buy the Ticket”!

[12:14] I highlight the persistence and longevity of The Rolling Stones, highlighting Mick Jagger's enduring presence as a rock star even in his eighties.

[14:15] Don’t believe lies, whether they come from yourself or others!

[17:19] I discuss the importance of reconnecting with fundamental values even in life's busyness, which was inspired by a Cowboy Mouth performance at Jazzfest.

[19:40] Let go of fears, embrace spontaneity, and enjoy life's moments fully.

[21:52] Take your work seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously.

[24:16] I emphasize the importance of not taking life too seriously, urging you to find joy even in fear and uncertainty.

Resources:

The Accidental Leader - “Special Guest: Author and Speaker Ash Davis - Finding Joy In Our Journey”

Ashley Davis - A Life Through Letters: An Aging Father’s Legacy, a Son’s Revelation, the Birth o a Movement

Jim Kwik - Limitless Expanded Edition: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life

I am flying solo for this episode and am diving deep into a powerful email that hit my inbox. Join me as I unpack the wisdom it holds and its implications for leadership, culture, and tough conversations. As a leader wearing multiple hats, from president of a marketing company to serving on various boards, I often find myself navigating the delicate balance of nurturing a healthy culture while addressing challenging behaviors.

I kick off by exploring a thought-provoking quote: "A healthy meadow contains weeds as well as flowers,” an analogy that acts as a mirror reflecting our leadership and organizational cultures. Throughout the episode, I share insights into how a leader's tolerance for underperformance shapes the culture and why tough conversations that involve letting employees go sometimes need to happen, even if they are uncomfortable.

Drawing from personal experiences and lessons learned, I discuss the fear that often holds leaders back from taking action – the fear of losing clients, the fear of legal repercussions, or the fear of confrontation, but I also challenge listeners to shift their perspective and recognize that without necessary endings, both individuals and organizations remain stagnant and that leaders are doing a disservice not only to their companies but to the employee who isn't thriving but could thrive elsewhere. Not everyone is right for the job.

This episode is ultimately a candid exploration of leadership challenges and the courage required to address them head-on, so whether you're grappling with a toxic culture or seeking guidance on tough conversations, tune in for actionable insights and inspiration to cultivate a flourishing organizational meadow, and remember - the journey to effective leadership is ongoing, filled with both weeds and flowers.

Time Stamps:

[0:25] In episode 23, I am diving into leadership insights inspired by a significant email.

[3:09] Organizational culture hinges on the tolerance for negative behaviors.

[6:02] I further reflect on the profound impact of tolerating toxic behavior, urging action to maintain organizational balance.

[8:51] I address the fear of legal repercussions, emphasizing the need for perspective and HR guidance.

[10:23] I advise prioritizing culture and gaining perspective to address coaching issues and fear of confrontation.

[12:23] Hear an insightful quote from the book Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud.

[15:21] Coach first; fire last!

[18:28] I share an anecdote involving an employee who prioritized heroics over success, leading to termination.

[20:30] I close by discussing the importance of cultivating a healthy organizational culture, again likening it to a meadow with flowers.

Resources:

Henry Cloud - Necessary Endings: The Employees, Businesses, and Relationships That All of Us Have to Give Up in Order to Move Forward

I have really been looking forward to today’s conversation for a while! I am so excited to have former “retired” CEO Nick Wodogaza on the show this week to talk all about the awesome responsibility of being a leader and what it entails. Nick shares his journey from "retirement" to a passionate commitment to mentoring the next generation of credit union leaders, and we delve into the unique perspective of a seasoned leader who came back to consult, bringing decades of experience to the evolving landscape of credit unions.

Discover the essence of leadership through Nick's anecdotes, including his reflections on influential figures from his past and the pivotal role of effective leadership in fostering the growth of a credit union. From navigating challenges in a once-insolvent credit union to embracing technological shifts, Nick provides invaluable insights.

Join me for an enlightening discussion on the responsibility of leaders, the art of guiding individuals to reach their potential, and the vital role of open-mindedness in facing the ever-changing demands of the financial industry.

Time Stamps:

[0:43] - Today’s guest is Nick Wodogaza!

[2:17] - Why did Nick decide to “unretire”?

[3:47] - Nick credits his fourth grade teacher as having been a positive influence on him.

[6:15] - Nick walks us through his leadership journey progressing from staff to VP.

[9:56] - I underscore the awesome responsibility of accidental leaders, emphasizing the impact on people's lives beyond managing tasks.

[11:09] - Nick stresses the importance of avoiding the Peter principle within an organization and discusses the need for continuous development and support.

[14:04] - How has Nick embraced change during his career?

[17:29] - I discuss Pat West and how she embraced change for members' benefit.

[18:50] - Nick discusses the importance of being open to change, technology innovations shape growth and success.

[21:09] - Leaders must be willing to make open-minded decisions for member and staff success amid evolving technology.

[24:11] - Nick shares how he faced a daunting challenge turning around an insolvent credit union, leading its recovery.

[27:02] - Nick takes pride in leading staff to recognize and solve problems, shaping his growth as a leader.

[28:02] - I acknowledge the value of quiet leaders like Nick who lead with calmness, communication, and meaningful actions.

[29:55] - Leaders should adopt a “servant heart” and embrace the philosophy of "loving all, serve all" for a better world.

I am so thrilled to be sharing today's episode with you! I am joined today by special guest Dennis McIntee, CEO of the Leadership Development Group, author of Drama-Free Teams, and host of the Drama Free Living podcast. Dennis shares insights into creating self-directed, self-motivated work teams that yield great results. Our conversation delves into the challenges of leadership, overcoming overwhelm, and the power of understanding the stories we tell ourselves.

Listen in as Dennis and I explore the concept that feelings are just information, not facts. As leaders, we must refrain from coaching feelings directly but instead focus on coaching the underlying thoughts. Dennis encourages us to ask, "What are you thinking?" when team members express frustration or other emotions. By understanding the thoughts behind the feelings, leaders can guide their teams effectively, shaping positive narratives and fostering a drama-free workplace.

Join Dennis and me as we navigate the world of leadership, sharing experiences and discovering valuable insights on creating thriving, drama-free teams. If you're ready to enhance your leadership skills and explore the power of self-directed teams, dive into this episode with Dennis McIntee!

Time Stamps:

[1:10] - Today’s guest is Dennis McIntee!

​​[3:14] - Shifting from counseling to business, Dennis seeks adult-to-adult conversations for self-directed, efficient work teams.

[5:39] - Reflecting on a parenting class, Dennis emphasizes personal growth as a foundation for effective leadership.

[8:56] - Dennis advocates for leaders to clarify results, use tools like intent documents, and empower teams.

[11:45] - Dennis emphasizes the need for diverse facilitators to avoid shutdowns, encourages team-led meetings, and values individual strengths.

[14:00] - Dennis groups busy, overwhelm, and stress together, viewing feelings as information influenced by thoughts.

[17:07] - Dennis advises leaders against coaching feelings directly, instead focusing on understanding thoughts and fostering problem-solving discussions.

[19:02] - Feelings convey stories, often fabricated; wisdom lies in deciphering their narrative. Assigning meaning is subjective.

[21:43] - Dennis explores the concept that everything is made up; leaders shape meaning through storytelling.

[23:20] - Dennis reiterates viewing feelings as information and coaching thoughts instead of trying to directly coach feelings.

Resources Mentioned:

Leadership Development Group - Website

Dennis’ Books

Dennis’ Podcast

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values by Robert M Pirsig

Welcome back to your favorite leadership podcast with your host, Bo McDonald! This episode is dedicated to the stutters of life, our self-imposed limitations and traumas that hold us in a vice - a tale intertwined with my journey and that of the unforgettable Scatman John!

Scatman John's story's connection with my own reveals similarities and gems about embracing our authentic selves and overcoming seemingly insurmountable barriers, so, join me as we dig into the grip of past traumas, the fear of vulnerability and how these affect the leadership path!

From my childhood classrooms to Scatman's John stuttering journey, I hope to illuminate lessons about overcoming what we think is holding us back and turning it into a catapult for extraordinary success. Get ready to redefine your setbacks into setups and awaken the dormant possibilities in your life. Here's to becoming better, not just as leaders but as individuals as a whole. Spoiler alert - every "stutter" has a silver lining!

Time Stamps:

[1:24] - I am reflecting on a song quote and how Ash Davis's book transformed my life.

[2:43] - I recollect childhood lessons about self-limitations and overcoming past traumas.

[4:08] - I discuss overcoming my public speaking trauma and embracing my leadership positions.

[6:14] - I spun Scatman John's upbeat hit at the skating rink, a song which made him rise from a struggling jazz musician to a global sensation.

[9:12] - Scatman John overcame a severe childhood stutter, taking a huge musical risk blending jazz, scat, dance, and hip hop, creating a new genre that resonated globally.

[11:13] - Scatman John, overcoming substance abuse and childhood questions, found clarity, realizing that his identity extended beyond his stutter.

[12:34] - I encourage you to redefine yourself beyond perceived limitations.

[14:47] - Scatman John transcended his stutter, receiving applause for his unique sound, proving that he was more than his perceived limitations.

[17:02] - In a keynote speech, Scatman John revealed that success didn't “fix” him; he just embraced being different.

[19:20] - I encourage reflecting on your own "stutters," reframing them as potential talents; past trauma shouldn't hinder progress.

[22:12] - It’s very important that leaders allow themselves to be vulnerable.

Resources Mentioned:

The Accidental Leader, Episode 3 - “Special Guest: Author and Speaker Ash Davis - Finding Joy In Our Journey”

A Life Through Letters: An Aging Father's Legacy, a Son's Revelation, the Birth of a Movement by Ashley Davis

Scatman John - “Scatman”

Scatman John’s Keynote Speech at the NSP Convention