The Leading Yourself Podcast

Leading Between Present and Future | Professor Rathna Ramanathan

Summary In this episode of The Leading Yourself Podcast, Professor Kene Igweonu interviews Professor Rathna Ramanathan, exploring the themes of self-leadership, values-based decision making, and the balance between present and future responsibilities in leadership roles. Rathna shares insights from her extensive experience in higher education and the creative sector, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, integrity, and grounding practices for effective leadership. The conversation highlights the challenges leaders face and the necessity of nurturing one's identity beyond their professional roles. Takeaways * Self-leadership is about representation in leadership roles. * Practice-led leadership integrates doing and thinking. * Leadership is about being a custodian, not an owner. * Curiosity should not be sacrificed for career pace. * Values guide difficult decisions in leadership. * Balancing present needs with future goals is crucial. * Nurturing personal identity outside of work is essential. * Creating daily space for reflection is important for leaders. * Effective leadership requires openness to feedback. * Building trust within teams fosters a supportive environment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Self-Leadership 03:19 Understanding the Role of Provost and Global Engagement 05:07 Defining Self-Leadership in Higher Education 09:30 Values-Based Leadership and Difficult Decisions 14:16 Balancing Present Needs with Future Vision 16:37 The Identity of a Leader vs. Personal Identity 19:21 Integrating Research and Leadership Roles 23:05 Grounding Practices for Leaders 29:55 Curiosity and Integrity in Leadership 33:22 Outro_ Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice

Navigating Leadership Challenges with Integrity | Wanda Rutledge-Gordon PhD

In this episode, Kene Igweonu engages with Dr. Lawanda Rutledge-Gordon, a Senior Vice President in a global healthcare company, to explore the concept of self-leadership. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, personal responsibility, and emotional intelligence in effective leadership. Dr. Gordon shares her journey from servant leadership to becoming a strategic visionary, emphasizing the need for integrity and crucial conversations in navigating difficult decisions. The conversation also touches on the balance between leadership identity and personal values, and how to integrate love and compassion into the workplace. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that impactful leadership begins with knowing oneself and nurturing core values. Takeaways * Self-leadership is essential before leading others. * Integrity is crucial in leadership decisions. * Crucial conversations can strengthen relationships. * Self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership. * Emotional intelligence is vital under pressure. * Nurturing core values leads to impactful leadership. * Actions speak louder than words in demonstrating values. * A servant leader prioritizes the team's visibility. * Leadership identity should not overshadow personal values. * Compassion and empathy are key in the workplace. Chapters 00:00 The Essence of Self-Leadership 06:39 Navigating Difficult Leadership Decisions 11:38 The Balance of Identity and Leadership 17:31 Integrating Values in Leadership 23:48 Nurturing Core Values for Impactful Leadership 26.09 Outro_ Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice

Why Great Leaders Welcome Dissent and Embrace Imperfection | Ewan Hamilton

Leaders are often faced with moments where instincts must prevail over theory. In this episode Kene Igweonu and Ewan Hamilton, Chief Product and Commercial Officer at Experian, explore the nuanced ways top leaders cultivate resilience, authenticity, and strategic diversity in their teams. From navigating pressure with calmness to leveraging differing viewpoints, our discussion emphasises that leadership is as much about self-awareness as it is about team management. Takeaways * How leaders internalize leadership principles through deliberate practice and reflection * How instinct and reflection shape decision-making under pressure * Building resilience by managing stress and absorbing workplace pressure * The value of fostering dissenting voices and diverse perspectives in teams * The importance of routines, routines, and routines in maintaining grounding * Authenticity and boundary-setting between personal and professional identities * Learning from mistakes and embracing continuous self-improvement * The critical role of team culture in openness and challenge * Embracing mistakes and feedback as part of leadership growth * The significance of a trusted "home team" for better decision-making Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Self-Leadership 04:17 Understanding Self-Leadership Under Pressure 07:41 Values and Leadership Decisions 10:29 Leadership Instinct and Practice 12:46 Leadership Theory and Practice Continuum 17:27 Balancing Leadership and Personal Identity 20:04 Grounding Practices for Leaders 22:09 Embracing Imperfection in Leadership 27:39 Outro_ Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice

Navigating Leadership Roles and Difficult Decisions | Dr. Andre Dick

In this episode of The Leading Yourself Podcast, Kene Igweonu engages in a deep conversation with Andre Dick, Senior Vice President at Seattle Children's Hospital. They explore the concept of self-leadership, emphasizing the importance of leading oneself before leading others. The discussion covers personal values, the challenges of leadership, the significance of building trust, and the impact of difficult decisions. Andre shares his journey of self-discovery and the importance of defining personal standards and values. The episode concludes with insights on maintaining identity beyond titles and nurturing values in leadership. Takeaways * Leadership is often about how we lead ourselves. * Defining personal standards is crucial for effective leadership. * You must be the primary author of your life. * Influence is earned, not given by title. * Bringing values into leadership is essential for authenticity. * Difficult decisions often require explaining the 'why' to others. * Trust is built on mutual respect and active listening. * Navigating change requires transparency and adaptability. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Self-Leadership 02:59 The Role of Values in Leadership 05:02 Defining Success and Personal Growth 06:45 Navigating Leadership Challenges 09:13 Building Trust and Influence 10:43 Making Difficult Decisions 12:22 The Importance of Authenticity 14:42 Grounding Practices for Leaders 16:24 The Role of Mentorship and Sponsorship 18:50 Embracing Change and Resilience 18:50 Final Thoughts on Leadership 18:50 Outro_ Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice

Leadership Influence, and Balancing Personal and Professional Life | Dr. Atul Shinagare

Dr. Atul Shinagare, Director of Integrated Cancer Imaging at Brigham and Women's Hospital, shares insights on self-leadership, decision-making, and personal growth as a senior executive leader. Dr. Atul Shinagare and Professor Kene Igweonu discuss the importance of aligning personal values with leadership decisions, the personal costs associated with leadership roles, and the significance of maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life. Atul shares insights on the journey of self-improvement, the influence of purpose and gratitude, and the lessons learned from observing other leaders. The conversation emphasizes that effective leadership is a continuous process of growth and reflection. Takeaways * Self-leadership is about creating a better version of oneself. * Leadership involves making tough decisions guided by values. * Striking a balance between patient care and staff well-being is crucial. * Leadership is not about making everyone happy, but about influencing the majority positively. * Personal costs of leadership include the burden of tough decisions and the need for self-care. * Finding purpose in work helps navigate challenges and maintain motivation. * Gratitude plays a significant role in a leader's well-being. * Leadership roles should resonate with personal values, not just ambition. * Learning from others can involve recognizing both positive and negative examples. * Balance in leadership is a dynamic pursuit, not a static state. Chapters * 00:00 Exploring Self-Leadership in Leadership Roles * 02:39 Navigating Change in Healthcare Leadership * 06:05 The Importance of Values in Leadership Decisions * 11:09 Balancing Personal and Professional Life * 14:49 Cultivating Purpose and Gratitude in Leadership * 17:57 Final Thoughts on Integrity and Leadership * 19:32 Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice