Summer Sparks: Embracing Leadership Vulnerability

Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Gary Keogh

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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

• No leader has all the answers.
• Diverse perspectives lead to better solutions.
• Kindness involves empathy and sometimes difficult feedback.
• Niceness can undermine trust and authenticity.
• Leaders must embrace discomfort in communication.
• Feedback is essential for growth and development.
• Trusting team members' experiences is crucial.
• The impact of our communication matters.
• Intentions must align with the desired impact.
• Sharing insights can inspire others.

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

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Connect with the Hosts and Guest:

Gary Keogh - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

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