Leadership With Heart

In this episode, we explore the importance of active listening in the workplace with a compelling scenario between Heather and Gabriela. Heather initially assumes Gabriela's tardiness is due to partying, only to learn that she has been working late from home. This revelation prompts a discussion on how assumptions and biases can harm professional relationships and productivity. By actively listening, we can understand diverse perspectives, foster empathy, and create an inclusive work culture. Heather and Gabrielle's conversation highlights the value of addressing misunderstandings openly and collaboratively. 

In this episode, Heather explores the inevitability of change in organizations, whether it’s due to new technologies, team restructuring, or market shifts, and how to navigate it effectively through Change Management. Central to this approach is Caring Leadership, a leadership style that emphasizes empathy, support, and understanding. Whether facing organizational shifts or personal changes, remember the vital role of Change Management, Caring Leadership, and Active Listening in navigating these transitions.    For more insights, check out her book and the free Caring Leadership Kit at HeatherYounger.com/kit/. 

In this episode Heather speaks with Brian Lord, President of Premiere Speakers Bureau, who shares profound insights on the relationship between wisdom and effective leadership. Emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom as a foundational element for leadership, Lord underscores the value of curiosity and a continual openness to learning from others. Through engaging anecdotes and practical advice, he highlights how cultivating wisdom precedes and ultimately enhances one's leadership abilities, offering listeners a compelling perspective on personal and professional growth. 

In this episode, Heather explores the critical role of Active Listening in managing organizational change. She highlights the challenges of change, including uncertainty and fear, and emphasizes that Active Listening goes beyond simply hearing to understanding emotions and perspectives.   Research shows gender gaps in feeling heard at work and stresses the importance of creating an environment where all employees feel valued.   The episode outlines five key steps of Active Listening: Recognize the Unsaid, Seek to Understand, Decode, Act, and Close the Loop. When leaders actively listen to employees, they build trust and foster open communication, leading to greater acceptance of change and organizational success.   Whether leading change or navigating transitions, the message underscores the transformative power of Active Listening in creating supportive workplace cultures.

In this podcast episode, we delve into strategies for employees facing the return-to-office mandate. Many workers are grappling with the sudden shift from remote to in-office work. Management and the company must learn how to handle this well because many employees are unhappy with this decision.   We discuss three essential approaches: promoting open communication and active listening sessions to address concerns with empathy, advocating for flexible work arrangements such as hybrid schedules to accommodate diverse needs, and reinforcing company values through team-building activities and recognition of achievements.

In this insightful podcast episode, Anita Brikman, President and CEO of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), shares her compelling career journey bridging healthcare advocacy and association leadership. With a background as a news anchor and medical reporter, Anita discusses the transformative shift into healthcare associations, emphasizing the importance of aligning work with a meaningful mission. She highlights the critical role of empathy in leadership and the impact of advocating for plasma donation and lifesaving therapies. Anita's experiences demonstrate the power of purposeful leadership in driving healthcare initiatives forward and making a tangible difference in patient care. Tune in to gain valuable insights into effective leadership, mission-driven advocacy, and the significance of empathy in healthcare from Anita Brikman's inspiring story.

In this podcast, Heather introduces the concept of Caring Leadership and its impact on organizational success. She highlights the challenges faced by businesses due to employee disengagement and turnover, emphasizing the importance of leaders who genuinely care about their team members.   Heather discusses findings from a study by her company, Employee Fanatix, revealing that a significant percentage of employees feel unheard by their supervisors. To address this, she introduces the Caring Leadership® ecosystem, which encompasses nine key behaviors essential for leaders at all levels. 

In this podcast episode, Heather recounts her early inspiration from Reverend Jesse Jackson's compelling speeches, sparking a desire to communicate with impact. Initially steering towards law, she discovered her passion for public speaking through feedback in mock trials.   Transitioning through diverse career paths, Heather honed her skills, drawing motivation from influential figures like Shep Hyken. With steadfast determination, she earned the prestigious Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, signifying excellence recognized by the National Speakers Association.   Reflecting on her journey, Heather encourages listeners to persevere towards their dreams, emphasizing the power of support and continuous improvement. Discover how holding onto dreams, diligent effort, and a supportive network propelled Heather from aspiration to achievement, inspiring others to pursue their own aspirations.

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of "Culture Collision," a phenomenon where there's a significant disconnect between leadership and customers, resulting in declining sales, lost profits, and negative impacts on local communities. From startups to established corporations, no organization is immune to this challenge, which demands urgent attention and action. In Caring Leadership®, we emphasize the importance of fostering empathy, understanding, and a customer-centric approach to address Culture Collision. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and aligning business practices with customer expectations, companies can navigate through this challenge and emerge stronger on the other side. Let's work together to bridge the gap between leadership and customers, creating a harmonious relationship built on mutual respect and shared values.

In today's episode, we delve into the intricate dynamics of "Culture Clash" within organizations, where unexpected events like mergers or layoffs disrupt the harmony between leadership and employees, sending shockwaves through the company and impacting customer satisfaction.   As an advocate for effective leadership and organizational well-being, I shed light on the profound disconnect that arises and its ripple effects on productivity and morale.    By emphasizing the importance of bridging this gap through empathetic leadership and transparent communication, we explore strategies to overcome Culture Clash and cultivate workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. Join the conversation as we navigate this critical aspect of organizational health and work towards building a brighter future together.

 In this episode, Heather delves into the often overlooked threat of "Culture Slip" within organizations, where even the most well-intentioned companies can fall victim to its subtle erosion of workplace culture. Through three key steps rooted in the principles of Caring Leadership, she explores how leaders can identify and combat Culture Slip before it irreparably damages their organization. By fostering open communication, empathy, and a genuine commitment to caring leadership at all levels, we can ensure that every voice is heard and valued, creating workplaces where everyone thrives. Tune in to learn how to safeguard your company's culture and secure its long-term success.

In this podcast episode, Heather challenges the belief that organizational culture is fixed by introducing a dynamic 3-step model – Culture Slip, Culture Clash, and Culture Collision. Culture Slip, described as a subtle erosion beneath the surface, is recognized as a silent culture crusher that demands strategic attention.   Culture Clash emphasizes the internal strife impacting external factors like customer satisfaction and loyalty, advocating for effective communication and empathetic leadership. The devastating Culture Collision occurs when companies fail to align with customer values. Leaders need to listen in order to create a magnetic culture actively. 

Join us in this insightful episode with Michael A. Grace, President of West Virginia University Hospitals, as he shares over 25 years of healthcare leadership experience. From his role at UPMC Mercy Hospital to his current position, Grace discusses the philosophy of work-life integration, the transformative power of loving what you do, and the art of effective listening in leadership. Drawing on personal experiences, he emphasizes the importance of addressing concerns personally and completing the listening cycle for genuine understanding.

In this podcast episode, Heather Younger, author of "The Art of Caring Leadership," guides us through the essential steps to navigate and embrace change successfully as a team through the lens of caring leadership. Heather introduces a 3-step change model, beginning with the importance of 'Setting Your Mind' by overcoming mental barriers to effective leadership. The second step, 'Lead Your Self,' emphasizes the necessity of caring for oneself before leading others. Finally, the third step, 'Lead Others,' focuses on demonstrating consistent evidence of care to unify the team and ensure everyone is invested in the process. Heather highlights the significance of the 9 Caring Leadership Behaviors, which will be explored in depth in a future episode. 

In this episode of the "Leadership with Heart" podcast, Heather R Younger shares a poignant story about a concealed Golden Buddha in Thailand, drawing parallels to the hidden potential within individuals and organizations during times of change. Reflecting on a recent retreat experience, Heather emphasizes the importance of recognizing and unlocking the intrinsic value within ourselves and our teams.   The episode delves into five key considerations for navigating the people's side of organizational change. Heather encourages leaders to peel away the metaphorical clay, revealing the brilliance within individuals and fostering a positive, motivated atmosphere for organizational growth and success.

In this episode of the "Leadership with Heart Podcast," Heather R. Younger engages in a compelling conversation with Tracey Barnes, Chief Information Officer at the State of Indiana. Together, they explore the critical importance of human-centric approaches in both government and the tech industry. Tracey shares his insights on leading with empathy and fostering collaboration, particularly in the public sector.   The discussion delves into the intersection of technology and humanity, offering practical strategies for leaders to prioritize people, communication, and employee well-being. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on creating a culture that values its workforce, ultimately driving more effective and sustainable solutions in government and technology. Whether you're in public service or tech, this episode provides actionable advice for infusing leadership with a human touch.

In this episode, Heather has an insightful conversation with two of the six founding facilitators of the Certified Active Listening Program: Jen Fox and Chris McAuley. Chris McAuley has over 35 years of business experience as a successful manager, leader, and business owner, Chris experienced firsthand the value of creating conscious connections with employees, colleagues, and customers. Chris is a speaking coach, trainer, professional speaker, actor, and the owner of MCAVOY Inc.  Jen is a seasoned HR professional with over 25 years of leadership experience and seamlessly integrates an entrepreneurial spirit with real-time learning expertise. Recognized for her pragmatic solutions and her ability to foster inclusive, high-performing teams, she holds the endorsement as "One of the most no-nonsense L&D professionals on the planet." Take a listen. 

In this episode, Heather has an insightful conversation with four of the six founding facilitators of the Certified Active Listening Program: Sherry Martin, Mike Chanat, Laurent Pierre JR, and Kaydie Paschall. Each of these accomplished individuals offers a distinctive perspective on their motivations for obtaining the certification and how they integrate active listening into their professional roles (and home life too).   They are all from various sectors, including global corporate leadership and human resources; this diverse group of facilitators provides insight into how the certification has transformed their thinking and communication styles in all aspects of their lives.

What Is a Culture Team? In this episode, Heather explores the pivotal role of employees in shaping and preserving a positive organizational culture. She introduces Culture Teams, emphasizing the intentional effort and employee buy-in required for great cultures. Heather highlights the responsibilities of employee-led culture teams, spanning cultural advocacy, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, feedback communication, and more. These teams play a vital role in aligning organizational values, managing change, and celebrating employee contributions.

In this episode, join us for a captivating conversation with Christinne Johnson, a seasoned strategic leader with over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, formerly the CHRO of FirstBank.   Having a wide range of knowledge in Human Resources, Christinne shares insights into her dynamic career, emphasizing her role in navigating FirstBank through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, she unveils her unique journey, transitioning from a banking background to a transformative HR leader, shedding light on her ability to analyze business areas, identify growth opportunities, and drive impactful change initiatives.    As a proven board director and community leader, Christinne's passion for strategy, leadership development, and organizational culture shines through as she discusses her aspirations to contribute her wealth of experience to future board opportunities. Don't miss this beginner's guide to culture change, offering a wealth of wisdom and practical advice from Christinne Johnson,