Kelli-Marie Vallieres, PhD learned first-hand – at her family’s manufacturing business – that leading well means learning first and then supporting her team from a place of understanding.  That approach, rooted in humility and curiosity, became the foundation for a remarkable career journey.  In this episode, Kelli-Marie shares how the power of applied learning, genuine collaboration, and relationship-building led to national best practices like the Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative. And how that initiative led to her role at Chief Workforce Officer with Connecticut’s Office of Workforce Strategy.    Kelli-Marie talks about: Asking questions before trying to lead  Collaboration across industry and education.  Building relationships to transform Connecticut’s workforce development model.   Being “comfortable with being uncomfortable” and how it impacts change.  Her story is a powerful reminder that real leadership starts with learning, and that shaking up traditional systems requires courage, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous growth.  Where you can find Kelli-Marie:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-marie-vallieres-phd-9959a96/   Office of Workforce Strategy: https://portal.ct.gov/gwc/ows-initiatives   ------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/