🎙️ From Cubicle to CEO: Sydne Jacques' Journey Building Leadership Culture Through the Upper Arrow
In this inspiring episode, Sydne Jacques, CEO of Next Level Leadership, shares her remarkable transformation from reluctant civil engineer to leadership keynote speaker and culture transformation expert. Through candid discussions about overcoming financial hardship, learning from Stephen Covey, and discovering her passion for developing people, Sydne reveals how her Upper Arrow Growth Model and Retention Revolution framework help organizations create cultures where employees stay and thrive. Her story demonstrates how personal adversity can become the foundation for helping others achieve their greatest potential.
✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:
Farm upbringing foundation: work hard, play hard philosophy creating balanced leadership approach
Cubicle realization moment: recognizing mismatch between personality and traditional engineering roles
Stephen Covey training opportunity: discovering speaking passion while gaining principle-centered leadership tools
Upper Arrow differentiation model: going beyond quality to create memorable customer experiences
Connection questions framework: starting meetings with engagement to build trust and participation
HIP conversation model: handling difficult conversations through Happening, Impact, Plan structure
Personal branding strategy: defining three words that guide daily interactions and professional presence
Retention Revolution principles: creating internal upper arrows that make employees never want to leave
Government assistance turning point: using rock bottom moment as catalyst for business breakthrough
Building people philosophy: recognizing that developing relationships creates lasting legacy over achievements
🌟 Sydne's Key Mentors:
Farm Parents: Taught work ethic, supportive presence, and play hard after working hard philosophy
Stephen Covey: Direct training in seven habits and principle-centered leadership fundamentals
Michael Jordan Article: Fear insight that led to entrepreneurial leap and business launch courage
Dad's Voice During Crisis: Encouragement that "world is waiting for you to do big things"
Industry Conference Attendees: Early speaking fans who became first clients for consulting business
Client Stories and Feedback: Continuous learning from organizations implementing culture transformation methods
Mentoring Relationships: Informal guidance network supporting other women in engineering and leadership
👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about finding purpose through adversity, the practical frameworks that transform workplace culture, and how building people becomes our life's most important work.
🔗 Connect with Sydne Jacques:
Website: SydneSpeaks.com Book: "Build What Matters: How Building People is Our Life's Work" LinkedIn: Sydne Jacques, CEO at Next Level Leadership
📄 Transcript Available: Upper Arrow Success: Sydne Jacques' Framework for Employee Retention and Culture Change
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📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com
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