Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Sparks: The Power of Values in Leadership
Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Chris Hirst
***Get your free copy of our Season 1 Souvenir Guide here*** - https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/llc-souvenir-guide-2025
In this episode of Summer Sparks, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith reflect on their journey through the series, discussing the transition from summer to autumn and the celebrations that come with it. They delve into leadership insights from Chris Hirst, CEO of Bespak, emphasizing the importance of open communication, transparency, and fostering a sense of belonging within teams. The conversation highlights the significance of organizational values and how they can be developed collaboratively to enhance engagement and performance. Practical tips for leaders to connect with their teams are also shared, culminating in a discussion about the simplicity and effectiveness of common sense in leadership practices.
Takeaways
Sound Bites
"All ideas are welcome and honored."
"Respect is a complicated construct."
"Common sense is not commonplace."
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Reflections on Summer Sparks
05:06 - Transitioning Seasons: Autumn and Celebrations
09:50 - Leadership Insights from Chris Hurst
13:10 - The Importance of Organizational Values
20:44 - Practical Tips for Leadership Engagement
24:59 - Conclusion and Future Directions
Share this episode with a leader who needs to hear this message.
Connect with the Hosts and Guest:
Chris Hirst - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Sparks: Embracing Leadership Vulnerability
Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Gary Keogh
***Get your free copy of our Season 1 Souvenir Guide here*** - https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/llc-souvenir-guide-2025
In this episode, Simon Phillips and Renee Smith reflect on their personal experiences and insights from their conversation with Gary Keogh, the former global brand director for Balvenie whiskey. They discuss the evolving nature of leadership, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives and the distinction between kindness and niceness in communication. The episode encourages leaders to embrace discomfort and prioritize empathy in their interactions, ultimately fostering a more supportive and effective team environment.
Takeaways
Sound Bites
"No leader has all the answers."
"Lean into the discomfort."
"Our intent is pure."
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Personal Updates
04:15 - Leadership Insights from Gary Keough
11:21 - The Difference Between Kindness and Niceness
18:02 - Conclusion and Call to Action
Share this episode with a leader who needs to hear this message.
Connect with the Hosts and Guest:
Gary Keogh - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Sparks: Embracing Authenticity in Leadership
Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Kate Blackburn
***Get your free copy of our Season 1 Souvenir Guide here*** - https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/llc-souvenir-guide-2025
Listen to the full episode: [https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-change/episodes/leading-with-love-in-public-health]
In this episode of Summer Sparks, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith reflect on their summer memories and delve into the principles of loving leadership. They discuss the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and perspective in leadership roles, emphasizing that true leadership comes from being oneself rather than emulating others. The conversation highlights the significance of taking breaks and connecting with nature for mental well-being, culminating in a call to action for listeners to embrace these practices.
Takeaways
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00 Summer Memories and Reflections
02:48 The Essence of Loving Leadership
06:05 Vulnerability in Leadership
08:57 The Importance of Perspective
11:57 Call to Action and Season Wrap-Up
Share this episode with a leader who needs to hear this message.
Connect with the Hosts:
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Sparks: Leadership with Love: Managing Resources Wisely
Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Wil Johnson
Listen to the full episode: [https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-change/episodes/diversity-equity-and-inclusion]
In this episode of Summer Sparks, Simon Phillips and Renee Smith reflect on the transition from summer to autumn, sharing personal anecdotes and insights. They discuss the importance of managing limited resources with love, emphasizing the need for thoughtful questioning and creativity in leadership. The conversation shifts to the significance of authenticity in personal and professional settings, particularly in the context of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). They conclude with a call to action to promote love and respect in the face of societal challenges, encouraging listeners to stand against dehumanization and work towards a more inclusive future.
Takeaways
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00 - Welcome and Reflections on Summer
05:27 - Managing Limited Resources with Love
10:14 - The Importance of Being Your Real Self
16:12 - The Future of DEI and Authenticity
23:17 - Tipping the Planet from Fear to Love
Share this episode with a leader who needs to hear this message.
Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:
Wil Johnson - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Sparks: Leading with Compassion: The Key to Employee Well-Being
Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Jim Loter
Listen to the full episode: [https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-change/episodes/beyond-the-family-metaphor]
In this episode, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith reflect on the importance of compassionate leadership and connecting employees to their purpose. They share personal summer memories and discuss insights from Jim Loder about the impact of stress on employees and the necessity of prioritizing humanity in the workplace. The conversation emphasizes that caring for employees is not only morally right but also beneficial for organizational success. They also introduce team exercises aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of purpose within teams.
Takeaways
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00 - Summer Memories and Reflections
03:37 - The Importance of Compassionate Leadership
09:54 - Connecting Purpose to Work
15:06 - Team Exercises for Purposeful Engagement
Share this episode with a leader who needs to hear this message.
Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:
Jim Loter - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Sparks: The Power of Role Clarity in Teams
Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Tara C. Smith
Listen to the full episode: [https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-change/episodes/public-sector-leadership-transformed]
In this episode, Simon Phillips and Renee Smith reflect on their summer experiences and delve into key insights from their conversation with Tara C. Smith. They discuss the significance of role clarity in leadership, the importance of maintaining objectivity, and practical strategies for viewing situations from multiple perspectives. The conversation emphasizes how clarity and objectivity can enhance psychological safety and team dynamics, ultimately leading to more effective leadership.
Takeaways
Sound bites
"Let's start with role clarity."
"Take things with a pinch of salt."
"The world doesn't revolve around me."
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Summer Reflections
01:48 The Importance of Role Clarity
05:59 Objectivity in Leadership
12:04 Personal Growth and Perspective
14:01 Practical Tips for Leaders
Share this episode with a leader who needs to hear this message.
Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:
Tara Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Sparks: The Power of Clarity in Leadership
Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Jim Conti
Listen to the full episode: [https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-change/episodes/the-heart-of-high-performance]
In this episode, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith reflect on their conversation with Jim Conti, focusing on themes of leadership, hiring practices, and the importance of building a supportive network. They discuss how clarity in communication and expectations can attract the right candidates, the value of external networking for personal growth, and the role of innovative thinking in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity and diversity in problem-solving, encouraging listeners to seek fresh perspectives and insights.
Takeaways
Sound Bites
"Honesty in hiring is a loving practice."
"Clarity guides decision-making in leadership."
"Building a network of support is invaluable."
Chapters
00:00 Celebrating Family and Milestones
02:14 Hiring Practices and Loving Leadership
07:03 Building a Network of Support
12:38 Innovative Thinking and Fresh Perspectives
Share this episode with a leader who needs to hear this message.
Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:
Jim Conti - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Sparks: Navigating Change with Compassion
Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Joanna Zak
Listen to the full episode: [https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-change/episodes/navigating-hard-times-with-heart]
In this episode of Summer Sparks, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith explore the themes of leadership, emotional intelligence, and the importance of being present in conversations. They discuss a clip from Joanna Zak about the significance of pausing and breathing during difficult discussions, especially in performance reviews. The conversation also delves into how leaders can communicate change with love and authenticity, emphasizing that true leadership involves facing challenges head-on rather than avoiding discomfort. The episode concludes with practical tips for listeners to reflect on their emotional responses in the workplace.
Takeaways
Sound Bites
"We need to pause and breathe."
"Even when things feel hard, infuse love."
"Notice your response when emotions show up."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Summer Sparks
02:26 The Importance of Being Present
07:55 Communicating Change with Love
12:12 The Challenge of Loving Leadership
Share this episode with a leader who needs to hear this message.
Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:
Joanna Zak - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Sparks: The Power of Honesty in Leadership
Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Tatiana Machado-Griffin
Listen to the full episode: [https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-change/episodes/building-trust-through-connection]
In this episode of Summer Sparks, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith explore the themes of honesty and appreciation in leadership. They reflect on personal experiences and insights gained from their conversation with Tatiana Machado-Griffin (author of Let's Connect As Humans), emphasizing the importance of aligning actions with words and the power of expressing gratitude. The discussion highlights how vulnerability and humility can foster a more collaborative and supportive work environment, ultimately leading to stronger relationships and personal growth.
Takeaways
Sound Bites
"Thank you for being you."
"It's a standing ovation, right?"
"Keep looking up."
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Summer Sparks
01:53 - Reflections on Recent Travels
03:17 - The Importance of Honesty in Leadership
08:02 - The Power of Vulnerability and Team Dynamics
10:19 - The Impact of Gratitude and Appreciation
16:02 - Recognizing and Absorbing Thank You's
Share this episode with a leader who needs to hear this message.
Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:
Tatiana Machado-Griffin - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Sparks: The Art of Loving Leadership in Hard Moments
Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Chris Conley
Listen to the full episode: [https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-change/episodes/revolutionizing-leadership]
Can you really let someone go with love? And how do you create a culture where people tell you the truth?
Simon and Renée dive into insights from Chris Conley, founder of Abundant Professional and former interim CEO of the Metropolitan Planning Council of Chicago, exploring two of leadership's toughest challenges.
Letting People Go with Love
Chris reframes the entire conversation: "I think about it as a person in a context that's not working. It's the situation that's not working." Instead of demonizing the employee ("they're not good enough"), he focuses on fit and context.
His approach? Build genuine relationships first - know about their granddaughter, their upcoming trip. When the difficult conversation comes, it's rooted in care: "You're an incredibly talented person, but this isn't the right place for those talents."
The result? His departing senior leader asked in amazement: "You would help me find a new role?" Because love doesn't end when employment does.
The GC Index Revelation
Simon shares a powerful example: A university team was performance-managing someone out of an admin role. But their GC Index revealed they were an "off the scale playmaker" - perfect for customer-facing work. One context change transformed a "poor performer" into a potential star.
The lesson? Good people in wrong contexts look like poor performers.
The Feedback Goldmine
Chris discovered something remarkable: When he responded to ALL feedback - criticism included - with "Great! Awesome! Thank you!" participation skyrocketed. His HR leader noticed: "No matter what anyone says, you're genuinely encouraging."
As Chris puts it: "If we're super dysfunctional and nobody's saying it, then you're just comfortably dysfunctional."
The E + R = O Formula
Simon's favorite coaching equation: Event + Response = Outcome. Want more feedback? Control your response. Be receptive, open, encouraging - and watch high-performing teams emerge.
The Thank You Challenge
Renée emphasizes priming the pump: Tell your team upfront that you want honest feedback. When they give it, your first words should be sincere thanks: "I know that might have been hard to share. You did the right thing."
Remember: You might be the first leader who's ever asked for their opinion.
Your Weekly Challenge
Practice saying "thank you" generously this week. And if you struggle accepting praise? Just say "thank you" instead of deflecting.
Bonus level: Try Peter Block's phrase - "Thank you, I like hearing that."
The Bottom Line
Love in leadership means seeing people as whole humans, not just their current performance. It's about creating contexts where people thrive and building cultures where truth-telling is celebrated.
Share this episode with a leader who needs to hear this message.
Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:
Chris Conley - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Sparks: Beyond Words - Leading with Heart
Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their episode with Julie Schreiber
Listen to the full episode: [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ikNDtC89qajF68VLRmLtY?si=a634c0c6d3504d69]
What if the secret to better leadership isn't in what you say, but how you feel?
Simon and Renée explore a game-changing insight from Julie Schreiber, laughter yoga therapist and Center for a Loving Workplace board member: sometimes we need to get out of our heads and into our hearts.
The Gibberish Revelation
Julie's couples therapy technique is brilliant in its simplicity: have arguing partners communicate in gibberish. Why? Because gibberish strips away the details we get stuck on ("you forgot the milk!") and gets straight to the emotion underneath ("I feel unheard and unimportant").
As Simon reflects: "It's not always about articulating something - it's actually communicating how you feel about it."
The George Floyd Moment
Renée shares a powerful radio interview where a community organizer poured out his heart about fear and injustice, while a police representative responded with cold facts and logic. The officer completely missed the human need being expressed - and the opportunity for real connection was lost.
Change Leadership's Emotional Blind Spot
Simon reveals a critical leadership mistake: "Leaders go through an emotional journey to make tough decisions, then try to communicate those decisions purely logically." The result? Staff feel unheard and unsupported.
The solution? Create space for people to have their own emotional journey. As Renée puts it: "It is love to recognize that people deserve the respect and space to have their own emotional experience."
The Laughter Prescription
Julie's "laughter yoga" isn't about jokes - it's intentional laughter that oxygenates your body like "internal jogging." Renée experienced this firsthand when a belly laugh literally shifted her out of post-travel depression: "I physically felt the shift in my body and emotions."
Simon calls it "emotional contagion in reverse" - deliberately spreading good vibes instead of catching bad moods.
Your Joy Challenge
This week's hot tip: Ask yourself "What brings me joy outside of work?" Then actually schedule it. We're often stuck on the home-to-work treadmill, missing opportunities to refuel our emotional tanks.
The Bottom Line
Great leaders tune into tone, voice cracks, and emotional undertones - not just words. They create space for feelings to flow naturally, knowing that when people feel heard, they can move through change faster.
Ready to lead with your heart, not just your head?
Share this episode with someone who needs to hear this message.
Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:
Julie Schreiber - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Sparks: The Power of Seeing People as Humans
Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Rick Gage
Listen to the full episode: [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Ram6ZbCEjaHJ8INt0vRhM?si=e3fa78376bf44a63]
What happens when you stop seeing colleagues as problems and start seeing them as people?
In this powerful summer episode, Simon and Renée explore a game-changing leadership insight from Rick Gage (Center for a Loving Workplace): how to transform team dynamics through loving leadership.
The 90-Minute Meeting That Changed Everything
Rick inherited a team drowning in blame and finger-pointing. His solution? Weekly 90-minute meetings where half the time was spent on personal check-ins - not just work stuff, but real life. What's happening at home? What challenges are you facing?
The result? When team members began seeing each other as three-dimensional humans instead of two-dimensional work personas, the blame naturally disappeared.
The Hidden Truth About "Difficult" People
That stubborn colleague driving you crazy? They might be dealing with a parent's cancer diagnosis or struggling with family challenges. Simon reminds us: "It's so easy to judge and blame others... but if you take time to get to know those people, you might just bump into someone whose mum's in hospital."
From Fear to Love: The LACE Way
When fear hits, we dehumanize others (and ourselves). But Simon's LACE framework offers a better path:
Rick's Golden Question
When 150 leaders gathered to discuss team members, Rick's approach was revolutionary: "What do they need to continue to learn and grow?" Not judgment. Not ranking. Just genuine support for human development.
Your Challenge This Week
Spend 10 minutes learning something non-work related about one team member. Ask: "What's bringing you joy or challenge right now outside of work?"
The Bottom Line
True leadership transformation happens when we "hold precious what it is to be human" (Toyota's respect philosophy). As Renée clarifies, this shift from fear-based to love-based leadership unlocks team potential and creates psychological safety.
Ready to transform your team dynamics? Start with one conversation.
Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these loving leadership insights.
Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:
Rick Gage - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of the Love Lead Change podcast, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith engage with Chris Hirst, CEO of Bespak, discussing the importance of love in leadership and workplace culture. Chris shares his journey from laboratory work to CEO, emphasizing the significance of trust, care, and values in fostering a positive work environment. The conversation explores the impact of a loving workplace on employee engagement, loyalty, and overall company success, highlighting the need for leaders to prioritize their own well-being while nurturing their teams.
Takeaways
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Loving Leadership
02:48 - Chris Hirst's Journey to CEO
06:08 - Defining a Loving Workplace
08:56 - The Impact of Trust and Care
11:50 - Personal Experiences Shaping Leadership
15:11 - Practices of Loving Leadership
18:04 - Self-Care and Leadership Challenges
20:47 - Building a Positive Company Culture
24:03 - Values-Driven Leadership
26:55 - Creating a Fulfilling Work Environment
29:48 - Reflections and Insights
Subscribe at this link to get regular emails with proven insights to transform your workplace by leading with love from your hosts Simon Phillips and Renée Smith. https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/love-lead-change-email
Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:
Chris Hirst - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of the Love Lead Change podcast, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith engage with Gary Keough, a former Global Marketing Director and a leader in psychological safety. They explore themes of leadership, kindness, self-love, and the importance of diverse perspectives in decision-making. Gary shares his journey and insights on how to unlock potential in teams, the significance of creating a psychologically safe environment, and the balance between compassion and accountability in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to listen actively and to foster an environment where team members feel valued and empowered to share their ideas.
Takeaways
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Weekend Reflections
02:25 - Introducing Gary Keough: A Leader in Psychological Safety
03:50 - Unlocking and Igniting Potential in Leadership
06:46 - The Importance of Kindness in Leadership
08:09 - Experiences Shaping Leadership Philosophy
12:48 - Loving Your Team: Practices and Impacts
15:33 - The Role of Diverse Perspectives in Decision Making
18:22 - Launching a 60-Year-Old Whiskey: A Case Study
20:17 - Self-Love and Its Challenges for Leaders
22:42 - Measuring Psychological Safety in Teams
25:31 - Positive Feedback Loops in Leadership
27:56 - Pride in Leadership: Making a Difference
29:25 - Advice for New Leaders: The Power of Listening
33:46 - Balancing Compassion and Accountability in Leadership
36:30 - Final Thoughts on Authentic Leadership
Subscribe at this link to get regular emails with proven insights to transform your workplace by leading with love from your hosts Simon Phillips and Renée Smith. https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/love-lead-change-email
Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:
Gary Keogh - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of the Love Lead Change podcast, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith engage with Kate Blackburn, the Director of Public Health for Wiltshire. They explore the essence of loving leadership, the importance of team dynamics, and the personal experiences that shape leadership philosophies. Kate shares her journey, emphasising the significance of love in the workplace, the challenges of self-love, and practical strategies for fostering a supportive team environment. The conversation highlights the transformative power of laughter, connection, and purpose in leadership, offering valuable insights for current and aspiring leaders.
Takeaways
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Loving Leadership
03:42 Kate Blackburn's Leadership Journey
06:37 The Importance of Love in Leadership
08:02 Personal Experiences Shaping Leadership Philosophy
10:23 Practices for Loving Your Team
16:54 Challenges of Self-Love in Leadership
20:42 Pride in Leadership and Team Growth
22:04 Advice for New Leaders
24:27 Finding Hope in Challenging Times
Subscribe at this link to get regular emails with proven insights to transform your workplace by leading with love from your hosts Simon Phillips and Renée Smith. https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/love-lead-change-email
Connect with the Hosts:
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of the Love, Lead, Change podcast, hosts Simon Phillips and René Smith engage with Will Johnson, a changemaker and Chief DEI Officer for Snohomish County. The conversation explores the significance of love in the workplace, the journey to self-love, and the challenges of leadership in a politically charged environment. Will shares insights on building bridges, fostering connections, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in today's society. The episode emphasizes the need for authentic leadership and the hope that comes from creating supportive communities.
Takeaways
Subscribe at this link to get regular emails with proven insights to transform your workplace by leading with love from your hosts Simon Phillips and Renée Smith. https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/love-lead-change-email
Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:
Wil Johnson - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this conversation, Jim Loter discusses the concept of loving leadership, emphasizing the importance of love in the workplace and how it can enhance team dynamics and employee satisfaction. He reflects on his personal experiences and the challenges of integrating love into leadership practices, while also addressing the potential pitfalls of misapplying these concepts. The discussion highlights the need for leaders to be intentional and mindful in their approach to fostering a compassionate and purpose-driven work environment. Jim unveils the complexities of leadership, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, self-love, and the need for authentic connections in the workplace. He reflects on personal experiences, the challenges of maintaining a loving leadership style, and offers advice for new leaders navigating today's uncertain environment. The dialogue highlights the significance of recognizing one's strengths and flaws, fostering a supportive culture, and remaining hopeful amidst challenges.
Takeaways
Subscribe at this link to get regular emails with proven insights to transform your workplace by leading with love from your hosts Simon Phillips and Renée Smith. https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/love-lead-change-email
Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:
Jim Loter - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this conversation, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith engage with Tara C. Smith, a seasoned public sector leader, discussing the transformative power of love in leadership. Tara shares her journey in public service, emphasizing the importance of trust, vulnerability, and self-care in creating a positive workplace culture. The discussion explores practical strategies for embedding love in leadership practices, the challenges faced in this journey, and the profound impact of mentorship and connection in leadership roles. Tara's insights highlight the necessity of prioritizing emotional intelligence and the human factor in organizational dynamics, ultimately advocating for a shift towards a more compassionate and effective leadership style.
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tara C. Smith
03:46 The Impact of Love in Leadership
10:04 Understanding Loving Leadership
15:56 Building Trust and Vulnerability
22:08 The Practicalities of Loving Leadership
27:50 Navigating Challenges in Leadership
34:07 Reflections on Leadership Journey
37:56 Looking Ahead: The Future of Loving Leadership
Subscribe at this link to get regular emails with proven insights to transform your workplace by leading with love from your hosts Simon Phillips and Renée Smith. https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/love-lead-change-email
Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:
Tara C. Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this insightful episode of LoveLeadChange, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith are joined by Jim Conti, who works at a venture capital firm providing HR and operational consulting for their portfolio companies. Jim brings valuable experience in creating people-first cultures and supporting early-stage startups in their growth journey.
Jim shares his perspective on love in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of balancing empathy with accountability. He discusses how his understanding of love was shaped by his family background, community experiences, and professional journey, particularly highlighting the impact of growing up in a strong community environment and his time at Boston College.
Through practical examples, Jim illustrates how loving leadership can transform workplace dynamics. He shares the success of initiatives like "Tuesday Tea," a monthly program where team members could present on non-work-related passions, fostering authentic connections and trust among colleagues. This program became one of their highest-rated activities, demonstrating how simple initiatives can create meaningful workplace connections.
A powerful segment explores Jim's approach to supporting early-stage companies in building their cultures. He emphasizes the importance of clarity in communicating company values and expectations, particularly in areas like work setup (remote vs. hybrid vs. in-office), helping companies attract and retain talent that aligns with their culture.
Jim candidly discusses his own challenges with self-care as a leader, acknowledging his tendency to prioritize others' needs over his own. His reflection on the results of the loving leaders assessment reveals high scores in team care and organizational love implementation, but lower scores in self-care, offering valuable insights for other leaders facing similar challenges.
Looking ahead to 2025, Jim expresses hope for a more balanced employment market where both employer and employee needs are met, and where people can find supportive communities in various aspects of their lives.
Subscribe at this link to get regular emails with proven insights to transform your workplace by leading with love from your hosts Simon Phillips and Renée Smith. https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/love-lead-change-email
Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:
Jim Conti - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this insightful episode of LoveLeadChange, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith are joined by Joanna Zak, Senior Director of Workplace Experience at Sprout Social and a seasoned leader in operations, planning, and people management. Joanna brings over 15 years of experience in fostering workplace cultures that prioritize connection, clarity, and authenticity.
Joanna shares her journey from the nonprofit sector to her current role, where she has helped drive global expansion, implement hybrid work strategies, and create spaces that inspire human connection. She delves into her philosophy of love in the workplace, reframing it as respect, authenticity, and a commitment to fostering environments where people feel seen, valued, and heard.
Through practical examples, Joanna illustrates how intentional leadership can transform workplace dynamics. From leading breathing meditations during tough performance reviews to instituting quarterly “State of Affairs” meetings for clarity and alignment, her strategies emphasize the importance of both structure and empathy. She also highlights a bi-monthly practice of peer recognition that creates emotional connection and momentum, showcasing how even small rituals can have a profound impact on team cohesion and morale.
A powerful segment explores how to lead with love during challenging times, like delivering difficult news. Joanna candidly shares her approach to maintaining authenticity and care, turning tough conversations into opportunities to strengthen trust and resilience. She also offers valuable advice for new leaders, urging them to prioritize active listening, clarity, and building trust as foundational elements of loving leadership.
This episode is a testament to the power of leading with love, especially in today’s shifting relationship economy. Joanna’s wisdom and practical insights will inspire leaders to embrace authenticity, infuse their work with compassion, and prioritize people without compromising results.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and New Year Reflections
04:25 Meet Joanna Zak: A Leader in Workplace Experience
08:45 What Love Means in the Workplace
12:30 Managing with Empathy During Tough Times
17:15 Creating Rituals for Connection and Recognition
22:00 Lessons from Early Leadership Challenges
26:40 Advice for Emerging Leaders
31:10 Building a Relationship Economy with Love
34:25 Reflections and Closing
Subscribe at this link to get regular emails with proven insights to transform your workplace by leading with love from your hosts Simon Phillips and Renée Smith. https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/love-lead-change-email
Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:
Joanna Zak - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.