In this episode, Gino Degregori interviews Javier Vasquez, Vice President of Customer Success Federal at Microsoft, about the concept of kind leadership. They discuss the evolution of leadership styles at Microsoft, the importance of empathy in leadership, and the role that curiosity and belief play in kind leadership. Javier shares personal experiences that taught him the value of empathy and its impact on building trust.

The conversation also explores the connection between kind leadership and customer relationships, as well as how a growth mindset aligns with kind leadership. Overall, the discussion highlights empathy, trust, and continuous learning as essential components of effective leadership.

In this conversation, Gino Degregori and Javier Vasquez dive into various leadership topics, focusing on growth mindset and empathy. They discuss the importance of being a learn-it-all rather than a know-it-all, the power of innovation and curiosity, and how empathy and kind leadership help navigate adversity. Personal stories of overcoming challenges and the evolution of corporate leadership in America are also shared. This conversation emphasizes authenticity, diversity, and the importance of making a generational impact.

Takeaways:

• Kind leadership means understanding and empathizing with the motivations and experiences of individuals and groups within an organization.
• Empathy is a core element of kind leadership, involving active listening and understanding others' perspectives and emotions.
• Trust is fundamental to kind leadership and is built through authenticity, vulnerability, and by creating opportunities for growth and learning.
• A growth mindset is integral to kind leadership, it's about shifting from a know-it-all mentality to a learn-it-all approach, being open to new ideas and perspectives. The more you learn, the more you realize how much you don't know.
• Innovation and progress stem from the human mind, there's always more to discover and understand.
• Leadership is defined by how people behave when you're not present. It's about creating a culture where individuals are empowered and motivated to do the right thing.
• Adversity reveals character; how one responds to challenges says a lot about their leadership.
• Authenticity is essential, leaders should be their true selves instead of conforming to a mold.
• The future of leadership is evolving into a more empathetic and inclusive model, valuing the whole person and enabling diverse talent to flourish.
• Success isn't just about financial results, it's about making a meaningful difference in others' lives and leaving a legacy of generational success.
• Being curious and understanding diverse perspectives fosters personal growth and more effective leadership.

🎧 Listen now to learn how empathy, authenticity, and a growth mindset are shaping the future of leadership!

🫱🏻‍🫲🏻 Connect with Javier Vasquez: Javier Vasquez on LinkedIn

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background 01:26 Evolution of Leadership Styles at Microsoft 05:13 Importance of Empathy in Leadership 07:31 Learning Empathy through Personal Experiences 10:06 The Impact of Empathy on Leadership 13:10 Kind Leadership and Customer Relationships 15:47 The Role of Curiosity and Belief in Kind Leadership 19:40 Growth Mindset and Kind Leadership 23:03 Overcoming Scarcity Mindset in Kind Leadership 23:49 The Pursuit of Knowledge 24:58 The Power of Innovation 25:27 The Importance of Being a Learn-It-All 26:22 Navigating Adversity with Empathy and Kind Leadership 27:45 Personal Adversity and Work Ethic 28:39 Learning from Mistakes and Being Authentic 30:33 The Evolution of Leadership 33:00 Believing in Yourself and Leading with Authenticity 36:03 Leadership and Diversity 38:42 Defining Success and Generational Impact 42:57 Understanding the Perspectives of Others 46:03 The Power of Curiosity