This episode features a breakdown from Jim and Jan on Episode #103 with Aaron Levy, Millennial Workplace Expert. They deep dive into the importance of networking from a leadership perspective, combatting failure with courage and confidence, and developing constructs for dialogue to help navigate crucial and emotional conversations in business. Key Takeaways [1:47] Networking is a critical skill as a leader. It is easy to stay in an insulated bubble of comfort and people that you know, but networking is where you find outside influences and expand the sphere of knowledge. [2:33] Aaron Levy brought up balancing controversy and controversial topics for the sake of both marketing, and change to the status quo. It was a conversation regarding growth, mastery, and connection as it relates to the modern generation in the workforce. [5:16] Jim and Jan have found that business leaders are looking for data and primary research, as well as stories and examples that back up a specific point of view and in a digestible and palatable way to help guide them. [7:27] Jim and Jan question if we have gotten away from providing a north star and a guide post to others in leadership. In order to stay focused on our "why", do we need a singular reason in our minds to keep going, or we do develop and shift those along the way? [8:34] There is a very strong chance that when you step out of your comfort zone and into unchartered territory, you will fail, many times. Having courage to step out in the first place and the confidence to try again are vital. [12:19] Difficult conversations in business can be emotional, and lead to an "us vs. them" mentality instead of the necessary supportive team mindset. [16:12] Understanding how everyone works together and the different dependencies within the team is also an important factor in taking the emotion out of crucial conversations. Quotable Quotes You've got to present data at some point. Your message needs to be easily absorbed You can do more and your goals can be bigger. It's about helping someone see they can do more for other people. When you step out, you may fail. Profoundly. You have to articulate the dependencies. It's important to leave a little space in your mind for information you don't yet have. - Mark Ashbrook Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard. - Kevin Durant Mentioned Episode 103: Millennials Aren't Special Snowflakes with Aaron Levy Catch Me If You Can Instagram: @WeStudyLeaders Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders