"Leadership is about more than directing, it's about inspiring your team and guiding them towards a shared goal.”

In this episode of Executive Evolution, Craig Anderson interviews his son, Daniel Anderson, discussing various aspects of leadership experienced throughout Daniel’s naval career.

Daniel reflects on his initial leadership role as a Combat Electronics and Main Propulsion Division Officer upon joining the Navy. He shares his insights into the balance between hands-on leadership and administrative duties, the evolution of his leadership strategies, and the application of the "good dude" theory of leadership.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn
• Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• Identify individual motivations to inspire and effectively lead your team
• Delegate tasks according to team strengths to maintain efficiency
• Trust your team but verify their work to ensure accountability and foster growth

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro
(02:10) Lightning round
(05:55) Navigating team dynamics in the Navy
(08:16) How to balance leadership and learning
(14:43) Lessons on delegation and micromanagement
(19:45) The ‘good dude’ theory in leadership
(22:50) How to improve time management in leadership

"Make sure your intent and the impact are aligned, right? Because even if it's not necessarily a positive situation, if you do your job well, then it should be articulated objectively and with the right tone and outcome.”

In this episode of Executive Evolution, Craig Anderson chats with Caroline Abeleda, Co-Founder of Exploradoor. Caroline discusses why treating your team with dignity is essential, even in difficult situations like layoffs. She explains how embracing vulnerability helped her address the challenges of transitioning from peer to leader and how this openness fostered trust within her team. Caroline also talks about the realities of leading a company that’s always in growth mode, and where time management and resource allocation play a crucial role.

After You Listen:

• Get your copy of Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
• Connect with Caroline on LinkedIn
• Check out Exploradoor
  
• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn
• Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Key Takeaways:

• Show your team honesty in one-on-one conversations to build trust and strengthen relationships.
• Ensure your leadership actions match your business goals to achieve desired outcomes
• Handle tough decisions with compassion, preserving the dignity of your team members
  
  

Things to listen for:

(00:00) The lightning round

(07:22) Defining leadership beyond the title

(10:38) Becoming a leader among your peers

(15:07) Challenges of leading a company that’s always in growth mode

(19:13) The Importance of self-awareness in leadership

“Leadership is getting in the trenches with those you serve and leading by example.”

In this episode of Executive Evolution, Craig Anderson chats with Cassie Mecklenburg, Executive Director of Sheltering Wings, about how emotional intelligence and empathy play a big role in leadership.

Cassie shares her story, starting from her leadership roles in college all the way to running a successful non-profit, and how she leads at Sheltering Wings today. She talks about how she balances big-picture thinking with the day-to-day stuff, and why having a team with different strengths makes all the difference.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Cassie on LinkedIn
• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn
• Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Key Takeaways:

• Practice empathy by understanding your team’s challenges
• Surround yourself with diverse perspectives to enrich decision-making
• Lead by example by getting in the trenches and showing you're willing to do the hard work alongside them

Things to listen for:

(00:37) The importance of emotional intelligence

(01:54) How to navigate tough topics with people-first leadership

(03:49) Knowing when to compromise or stand firm

(15:03) The importance of curiosity in leadership

(17:31) From daily tasks to community-focused leadership

(20:07) How to be a coach and not just a problem solver

(24:25) Why leaders should build friendships with their teams