Host Christi Scarrow and Judy Whittaker explore the challenges and lessons of leadership, with a focus on people management. Judy shares her evolution from entrepreneur to corporate leader, emphasizing the role of coaching and vulnerability. A pivotal conversation between the two—over 20 years ago—sparked Judy's commitment to better leadership. The discussion highlights emotional intelligence, mental health, and aligning leadership with personal values. Judy encourages leaders to embrace mentorship, ongoing learning, and open communication..

Action Items

-Read "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, "Think Like a Monk" by Jay Shetty and "The Atlas of the Heart" and "The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown

-Recognize that dropping people into people roles will not set them up for success. Invest in building coaching skills for your managers and yourself.

-Develop emotional intelligence by finding a mentor that shares the same values as you

-Embrace vulnerability and ask the right questions to learn what your team needs to feel valued

Outline

Judy Whittaker's Early Leadership Challenges

-Christi introduces Judy, noting her extensive background and their long professional relationship.

-Judy reflects on moving from entrepreneurship to corporate leadership, shifting from self-reliance to managing a team.

-She recalls a key conversation with Christi that launched her journey to become a better coach and motivator.

-Christi also shares her own growth and takeaways from their shared experiences.

The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership

-Judy discusses how embracing vulnerability helped her connect with her team and grow as a leader.

-Christi highlights the difficulty of leading without prior experience and understanding team motivations.

-Judy notes many leaders are promoted for technical skills, not people skills, underscoring the need for coaching and mentoring.

-Both agree vulnerability builds trust and respect within teams.

Emotional Intelligence & Mental Health in Leadership

-Judy shares her journey of self-awareness, emphasizing emotional intelligence and mental health.

-Christi observes that younger leaders are more open to these topics than previous generations.

-Judy encourages therapy, coaching, or mentorship for leaders seeking growth.

-Both highlight the importance of self-care in balancing personal and professional responsibilities.

Building Trust & Supporting Team Members

-Judy recounts helping a volunteer feel valued, showing the power of listening and understanding.

-She stresses avoiding assumptions and instead seeking to understand what drives team behavior.

-Judy advises creating safe spaces for open dialogue.

-Vulnerability, again, is seen as key to fostering a supportive and trusting team culture.

Practical Tips for Effective Leadership

-Judy recommends staying curious, always learning, and finding trusted mentors.

-Christi shares her success with peer coaching and the value of walking meetings for authentic communication.

-Judy urges leaders to align their values with their leadership style and choose mentors who reflect those values.

-Authenticity and vulnerability are highlighted as core elements for motivating others.

Final Thoughts & Recommended Resources

-Judy reinforces the value of vulnerability and lifelong learning, sharing her go-to leadership reads.

-Christi thanks Judy, reflecting on their progress and growth over the years.

-They close by affirming the ongoing journey of leadership and the enduring importance of vulnerability.

Useful Links

Host: Christi's Web Page

Guest: TBD

Lighthouse NINE Group: Website

Contributors

Music: All The Fixings by Zachariah Hickman

Editing: tribe74