How can leaders drive innovation while staying true to their core mission, especially in times of rapid change? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie sits down with Sarah Lehman, CEO of Zartico, to discuss leadership, innovation, and the power of data-driven decision-making. Sarah shares her journey from leading technology companies to transforming Zartico’s approach during the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting from data aggregation to real-time insights for destination marketers. She dives into her leadership philosophy, the importance of continuous learning, and how investing in both people and technology fuels long-term success. 

Takeaways:

• Understand that change is the only constant. Continuously innovate and adapt to new market realities. Actively invest in new technologies and data-driven solutions to provide value to your clients.
• Stay close to your customers through regular touchpoints to understand their evolving needs. Utilize customer feedback to guide product development and improvement.
• Adopt "empathetic accountability" by being supportive yet holding your teams to high standards. Practice radical candor to ensure clear, honest communication, which helps in building trust and accountability.
• Continuously invest in learning and self-improvement. Your ability to handle new challenges grows with your investment in yourself. Encourage a culture of continuous learning and adaptability within your organization.
• Shift focus from micromanagement to empowering your team with the right tools and support to achieve high standards. Be clear about expectations and provide regular, candid feedback.
• Schedule active recovery time to maintain mental and physical health, ensuring sustained productivity and decision-making abilities. Treat your professional journey like that of an elite athlete, balancing intense effort with necessary recovery.

Quote of the Show:

• “ Innovation is rocket fuel. If you are not innovating as an organization, there are other competitors around you that are doing things differently and evolving faster.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-greene-lehman-2079aa7/ 
• Website: https://www.zartico.com 
• Email: [email protected] 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change 
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 
• Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  

This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. 

Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com