The content of our life is measured by the people we hang out with - and
we continuously evolve by learning from our experiences, relationships, and challenges.
This year, I launched a dream .. a podcast called THE NEXT INTERVIEW. On this podcast, I am blessed to have the opportunity to have conversations with friends and (now) new friends who are dedicated to sharing the value of the lessons they have learned.
Now, at episode 11, I got curious about the common experiences that my guests shared - and key insights that may align directly with the pillars that define truly empowered leadership: Trust and Autonomy, Communication and Transparency, Growth and Innovation, and Systems of Accountability.
So, here you go.
Empowerment: Leadership is About Lifting Others
One of the clearest lessons from THE NEXT INTERVIEW is that effective leadership isn’t about exercising control—it’s about empowering your team to take ownership, innovate, and grow. Leaders like Jon Kiss and Bryce Henson emphasize the importance of creating an environment where people feel trusted to make decisions, even if that means allowing room for mistakes. When you give your team autonomy and back them with trust, they’re more likely to push boundaries and reach new heights.
Empowerment starts with trust—a cornerstone of leadership that not only builds stronger teams but encourages individual growth. Trust your people, and they’ll rise to the occasion.
Growth: Challenges Fuel Innovation
Personal and professional growth often stems from overcoming challenges. On THE NEXT INTERVIEW, leaders like Joseph Clough and Matt Biggar shared how adversity, whether in the form of imposter syndrome, career pivots, or personal hardships, acted as a catalyst for their development. The ability to adapt and innovate during difficult times is what sets great leaders apart.
This aligns with the pillar of Growth and Innovation, where embracing discomfort and uncertainty leads to new opportunities. Leaders who foster a culture of growth within their teams empower them to innovate and stay agile. Encouraging this growth mindset not only improves performance but also drives sustainable success.
Trust: The Foundation of All Great Leadership
Across all discussions on THE NEXT INTERVIEW, trust was consistently highlighted as the bedrock of strong leadership. Whether it’s building meaningful relationships, leading teams, or managing stakeholders, trust is the glue that holds everything together. Bill Holzendorf and Blaine Bartlett both spoke to the importance of trust not just in achieving goals but in creating a culture where people feel valued and heard.
Building trust starts with communication. Being transparent about expectations, decisions, and challenges builds credibility and strengthens your relationships with your team. Leaders who prioritize open and honest communication create environments where trust can thrive, ensuring that collaboration and engagement remain high.
Accountability: Systems Are Key to Long-Term Success
Finally, every leader on THE NEXT INTERVIEW spoke to the need for accountability. Whether it’s holding yourself accountable for your team’s performance or establishing systems that enable your team to meet expectations, accountability ensures that growth is sustainable. Systems of accountability—like those discussed by Blaine Bartlett—provide a structure that encourages responsibility and maintains progress.
Leadership frameworks that incorporate clear goals, feedback loops, and support systems allow both leaders and their teams to stay on track. When people understand what’s expected and are given the tools to succeed, they perform with confidence and clarity.
Conclusion: Leadership Is a Journey
As these guests from THE NEXT INTERVIEW podcast shared their insights, a common thread emerged: Leadership is not a destination, it’s a journey. Empowering others, overcoming challenges, building trust, and holding ourselves accountable are practices we refine over time. These lessons reflect the pillars of leadership that build lasting, positive impact within organizations.
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Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Download my free book, Lead With Confidence: 4 Bold Steps for Empowered Leadership, and schedule a call with me to explore how I can help you create and grow an empowered business. Together, we can build systems that drive sustainable success and elevate your leadership.
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