AR Smith LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/arsmith1/

AR Smith, a leadership consultant, shares her experience and insights on leadership and consulting. She discusses her journey from being a leader in various organizations to becoming a full-time leadership consultant. AR emphasizes the importance of experience in consulting and the ability to ask the right questions to help clients find their own answers. She also highlights the difference between being a leader and consulting a leader, noting that consulting provides a third-party perspective and the opportunity to guide and teach leaders. AR's ideal clients are those who are looking for a safe space and feel alone in their leadership roles. In this conversation, AR Smith and Brandon discuss the importance of inclusivity and creating a safe space in leadership coaching. They emphasize the need for leaders to ask for help and recognize their own fears and insecurities. They also discuss the benefits of group coaching and the power of sharing challenges and breakthroughs with peers. AR Smith shares her experience as a Vistage chair and highlights the value of the coaching program, group meetings, and resources provided by Vistage. They also touch on the challenges of leadership, such as giving non-performing individuals too many chances and the importance of understanding financial statements. The conversation concludes with insights on fast-tracking a career, the proper way to lead people, and the importance of continuous improvement and self-awareness as a leader.

00:00 Introduction and Background

14:22 Transitioning to Full-Time Consulting

28:19 The Difference Between Being a Leader and Consulting a Leader

35:57 The Importance of Feeling Safe and Supported

41:33 The Benefits of Vistage for Leadership Development

46:12 Challenges in Leadership: Giving Non-Performing Individuals Too Many Chances

52:01 Fast-Tracking Your Career: Coaching, Mentoring, and Accountability

56:07 The Art of Proper Leadership: Knowing Yourself and Understanding Your Team

01:00:38 Continuous Improvement and Self-Awareness in Leadership