Everyday Leaders, Leading Exceptionally: Stories Behind Everyday Leadership

Ep.10 From Individual Contributor to Creative Leader: Lessons in Empathy, Resilience, and Team Success

In this episode, I’m joined by Vincent Wanga, an accomplished international design leader and creative executive, to talk about the challenging but rewarding journey from individual contributor to team leader, especially in creative fields. Vincent shares his unique path, balancing the analytical and artistic sides of his background, and opens up about overcoming setbacks, finding the right motivations for stepping into leadership, and the profound importance of empathy, adaptability, and mentorship. We dig into actionable tips for navigating leadership without losing your sense of self, ways to coach and empower teams, and why failure is truly the best teacher. Whether you're already leading or considering making the leap, you'll walk away with insights and real-world strategies to use on your leadership journey. Vincent Wanga Bio:  Vincent Wanga is a dynamic international design thought leader, creative keynote speaker, award-winning creative and executive, author of “The Art of Direction,” serial entrepreneur, and experienced brand consultant with an exceptional range of expertise over a distinguished two decade career. As former vice president and head of creative for one of the fastest growing technology startups in North America, he oversaw corporate brand strategy and creative during unprecedented company growth for a pre-series A to an over $1 billion “unicorn” valuation. Vince now lives in Washington, DC and Asheville, North Carolina with his dog, Okello. When he is not working on new business ventures, he passionately travels the world collecting creative inspiration at the finest boutique hotels rewards points can buy. Connect with Vincent: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-gavin/https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-wanga [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-wanga]  Website: https://www.vincentwanga.com/ [https://www.vincentwanga.com/]  Episode References:  Book: The Art of Direction: Personal Perspectives on the Path to Creative Leadership https://www.vincentwanga.com/shop [https://www.vincentwanga.com/shop]    Connect with Ashley: Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com [https://www.evokecs.com/] Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs [https://calendly.com/evokecs] Instagram: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/ [https://www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/]

Ep.9 The Power of Open and Honest Communication with Grace Gavin

In this episode of Everyday Leaders, Leading Exceptionally, I'm joined by Grace Gavin, co-founder of No Honesty. We dive into the critical skills of openness and honesty in communication, and how these skills are essential in both personal and professional relationships. Grace shares her journey of becoming a catalyst for effective leadership, and we explore practical strategies to improve communication and build trust within teams.  Tune in to learn how you can cultivate a culture of clear, honest, and open communication in your workplace. Grace Gavin’s ’Bio:  Grace is an open and honest expert, helping leaders simplify their communication and eliminate the divides that exist within organizations. As co-founder of Know Honesty, she guides people towards becoming masterful communicators day in and day out. Having experienced the transformative power of openness and honesty, Grace is on a mission to help others create that same freedom in their own lives.  Grace brings her heartfelt approach to every event, workshop, and interaction. She believes deeply that every human being brings a unique perspective to the world and that we all deserve to be heard and respected.    With humble roots growing up on a dairy farm to now working with all levels of leadership, Grace has a special ability to ask the right questions to help audiences go deeper and uncover what’s blocking them from creating real communication. Grace also proudly serves on the Grand Rapids Chamber’s ATHENA Council, the Women of Habitat Kent Council, and the Berlin Fair board. In her spare time, she can be found devouring books, gardening during summer months, and spending time with family and friends.  Connect with Grace: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-gavin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-gavin/] Email: grace@knowhonesty.com [grace@knowhonesty.com] Website: https://knowhonesty.com/ [https://knowhonesty.com/]  Book: Know Honesty https://knowhonesty.com/book/ [https://knowhonesty.com/book/]    Connect with Ashley: Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com [https://www.evokecs.com/] Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs [https://calendly.com/evokecs] Instagram: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/ [https://www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/]

Ep.8 Turn New Year's Resolutions into Achievable Goals

In this episode of Everyday Leaders, Leading Exceptionally, we're flipping the script! Instead of our usual format featuring inspiring guest conversations, it's just me, your host Ashley Pattee—a licensed therapist, credentialed coach, and owner of Evoke Coaching Services. Today, I’m diving deep into the timely topic of New Year's resolutions and goals. New Year's resolutions are all around us, but did you know that under 20% of people stick with them beyond February? That’s why I’m here to guide you through a more effective way to set and achieve meaningful goals that align with your values. From clarifying your core values and reflecting on your vision for life, to creating SMART goals and establishing actionable steps, we'll cover it all. I'll even share how to build in accountability and reflection to ensure your success. So, let’s move beyond those fleeting resolutions and step confidently into the new year with purpose. Follow these steps to craft goals that truly resonate with you and set yourself up for a year of growth and exceptional leadership. Remember, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Tune in and let's make this year your best one yet! Episode References:  Brené Brown’s list of values: https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/ [https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/]    Connect with Ashley: Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com [https://www.evokecs.com/] Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs [https://calendly.com/evokecs] Instagram: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/ [https://www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/]

Ep.7 What Makes a Team Tick Part 2

In this episode of "Everyday Leaders, Leading Exceptionally," I’m joined by Jessica Higgins, Melissa Ware, and Heather Nyenhuis as we continue our discussion on cultivating effective leadership teams. We discuss the importance of self-awareness, handling difficult conversations, and personal development within a team setting. Expect actionable insights on fostering healthy conflict and building strong, collaborative environments.  Join us for part 2 of this enlightening series and take your leadership skills to the next level! Jessica Higgins’ Bio:  Jessica is a licensed master social worker and has been working as a clinical social worker for the past 10 years with youth, families, and adults. She has leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, supervising a team of direct care and clinical staff. Currently, she is working at a local community mental health in the access department, supporting and connecting youth and families with mental health and substance use services. In this role, she also provides training to staff focused on suicide prevention and serves on a committee dedicated to improving culture in suicide prevention and care.  Melissa Ware’s Bio:  Melissa is a licensed master social worker with 17 years of experience in the mental health field, serving as a case manager, therapist, supervisor, and director. She currently leads as the program director of the Center For Counseling and Well-being at Grand Rapids Community College, a role she has held for the past 3 years. Dedicated to advancing mental health support for BIPOC communities, she also serves as a board member of Our Mental Health Collective. Additionally, she is actively engaged in teaching in higher education at a local 4-year university. Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering well-being and equity in all spaces that she serves.  Heather Nyenhuis’ Bio: Heather is a dedicated social worker with over 20 years of experience serving West Michigan communities. As a graduate of Western Michigan University, she has spent her career working with runaway and at-risk youth, families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, and people of all ages facing the challenges of poverty, including financial instability, lack of access to education, healthcare, and housing. Her expertise spans program and project development, implementation, and evaluation, with a strong focus on quality process and performance improvement. Heather is experienced in grant writing and management, program supervision, training, and group facilitation.  Connect with Jessica: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessica-higgins [http://linkedin.com/in/jessica-higgins] Connect with Melissa:  Email: melissa@ourmhc.org [melissa@ourmhc.org] and melissaware@grcc.edu [melissaware@grcc.edu] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melissa-ware-lmsw-aa1014115 [http://linkedin.com/in/melissa-ware-lmsw-aa1014115] Connect with Heather: Website: www.arborcircle.org [http://www.arborcircle.org/]   Connect with Ashley: Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com [https://www.evokecs.com/] Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs [https://calendly.com/evokecs] Instagram: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/ [https://www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/]

Ep.6 What Makes a Team Tick Part 1

In this episode of "Everyday Leaders, Leading Exceptionally," I, Ashley Pattee, sit down with three remarkable leaders, Jessica Higgins, Melissa Ware, and Heather Nyenhuis, to dive into what it takes to build and sustain effective leadership teams. We explore essential themes like the power of relationships, the significance of vulnerability, and the importance of leveraging team strengths. Throughout our conversation, we touch on the balance between productivity and relationship-building, the necessity of clear communication, and the profound impact of modeling behavior as leaders. We also reflect on how intentional leadership development can create a team culture that navigates challenges while maintaining solid, caring relationships. Join us as we offer actionable takeaways for enhancing your own team dynamics and leadership capabilities! Jessica Higgins’ Bio:  Jessica is a licensed master social worker and has been working as a clinical social worker for the past 10 years with youth, families, and adults. She has leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, supervising a team of direct care and clinical staff. Currently, she is working at a local community mental health in the access department, supporting and connecting youth and families with mental health and substance use services. In this role, she also provides training to staff focused on suicide prevention and serves on a committee dedicated to improving culture in suicide prevention and care.  Melissa Ware’s Bio:  Melissa is a licensed master social worker with 17 years of experience in the mental health field, serving as a case manager, therapist, supervisor, and director. She currently leads as the program director of the Center For Counseling and Well-being at Grand Rapids Community College, a role she has held for the past 3 years. Dedicated to advancing mental health support for BIPOC communities, she also serves as a board member of Our Mental Health Collective. Additionally, she is actively engaged in teaching in higher education at a local 4-year university. Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering well-being and equity in all spaces that she serves.  Heather Nyenhuis’ Bio: Heather is a dedicated social worker with over 20 years of experience serving West Michigan communities. As a graduate of Western Michigan University, she has spent her career working with runaway and at-risk youth, families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, and people of all ages facing the challenges of poverty, including financial instability, lack of access to education, healthcare, and housing. Her expertise spans program and project development, implementation, and evaluation, with a strong focus on quality process and performance improvement. Heather is experienced in grant writing and management, program supervision, training, and group facilitation.  Connect with Jessica: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessica-higgins [http://linkedin.com/in/jessica-higgins] Connect with Melissa:  Email: melissa@ourmhc.org [melissa@ourmhc.org] and melissaware@grcc.edu [melissaware@grcc.edu] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melissa-ware-lmsw-aa1014115 [http://linkedin.com/in/melissa-ware-lmsw-aa1014115]   Connect with Ashley: Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com [https://www.evokecs.com/] Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs [https://calendly.com/evokecs] Instagram: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/ [https://www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/]