This episode of Life and Leadership Unplugged featuring Cassius Butts was recorded on November 9, 2024.

Cassius Butts shares valuable lessons from his multifaceted journey through public service, private enterprise, and community leadership, offering listeners actionable insights into success, balance, and sustainable growth.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Kelley Cornish and Tonya Ladipo explore the intricacies of leadership, emotional intelligence, and the importance of self-care. Tonya shares her daily routines, the significance of setting boundaries, and the lessons learned from challenging experiences. They discuss the necessity of clarity in decision-making and the role of solitude in effective leadership. The dialogue emphasizes the need for leaders to unplug and reflect on their personal and professional lives, ultimately leading to growth and transformation.

Takeaways

• Tonya emphasizes the importance of self-care in leadership.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining emotional well-being.
• Daily routines can help leaders stay centered and focused.
• Clarity in decision-making leads to healthier relationships.
• Dark experiences often provide the richest lessons in life.
• Leaders must be intentional about who they allow to influence them.
• Unplugging can lead to greater clarity and personal growth.
• Knowledge alone is not enough; action is essential for change.
• Solitude can be a powerful tool for reflection and growth.
• Personal growth is an ongoing journey that requires intention.

Titles

• Unplugging for Leadership Growth
• The Power of Boundaries in Leadership

Sound Bites

• "Clarity brings boundaries."
• "Not all money is good money."
• "I am my next project."

Keywords

leadership, emotional intelligence, psychological safety, boundaries, well-being, self-care, unplugging, personal growth, Tonya Ladipo, Kelley Cornish

Chapters

00:00

The Journey of Leadership and Growth

00:53

The Power of Unplugging and Reflection

01:00

Introduction to Tonya Ladipo and Her Work

01:30

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

01:56

Strategies for Building Psychological Safety

02:22

A Day in the Life of Tonya Ladipo

08:41

Balancing Leadership and Wellbeing

14:43

The Importance of Boundaries

20:52

Clarity and Self-Preservation in Relationships

24:11

The Importance of Integrity in Leadership

26:12

Establishing Boundaries for Personal Peace

29:23

The Solitude of Leadership

31:22

Knowledge vs. Action in Leadership

34:30

Unplugging for Personal Growth

37:20

Aligning Purpose and Integrity

42:38

The Power of Authentic Storytelling

43:10

Sustainable Leadership and Self-Care

43:24

Keywords

leadership, unplugging, self-care, personal growth, emotional well-being, mental health, transformative leadership, courage, authenticity, work-life balance

Summary

In this conversation, Kelley Cornish and Tonya Ladipo explore the profound themes of leadership, the necessity of unplugging, and the courage it takes to prioritize personal well-being. Kelley shares her journey of navigating a successful career while facing personal challenges, emphasizing the importance of self-care and intentional living. The discussion highlights the transformative power of taking time off to recharge and the impact it has on leadership effectiveness. They delve into the need for leaders to cultivate a mindset that embraces vulnerability and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.

About Tonya Ladipo

Tonya Ladipo, LCSW is the founder and CEO of The Ladipo Group, specializing in workplace wellness, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety. With over 25 years of experience, she partners with mission-driven organizations to foster psychologically safe environments where people thrive. Her philosophy—Knowledge is Good, Behavior is Better—drives her approach to sustainable behavior change. A sought-after speaker, she has engaged audiences from Google to Black Enterprise and has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, and more. Recognized with awards like Titan 100 and the Pioneer Award, Tonya is a leader in cultivating emotionally intelligent workplaces.

Takeaways

• Leadership is about authenticity and servant leadership.

• Unplugging is essential for mental and emotional well-being.

• Courage is required to pause and reflect on one's life.

• Transformative leadership involves personal growth and self-awareness.

• Navigating personal challenges is part of being a leader.

• Creating space for self-care is crucial for effective leadership.

• Intentional living helps maintain balance in life and work.

• Taking time off can lead to renewed energy and productivity.

• Surrounding oneself with positive influences is vital for growth.

• Leaders must learn to unplug as a necessary skill set.

Titles

• Unplugging for Leadership Success

• The Courage to Pause: A Leader's Journey

• Transformative Leadership: Balancing Life and Work

• Navigating Personal Challenges in Leadership

Sound Bites

• "You have to check out either proactively or reactively."

• "It is one of the most critical skill sets you can have."

• "You have to figure out how to unplug."

• "I made a vow to myself on the balcony."

• "This is what freedom feels like."

• "I hope that this will be a new platform for me."

• "It’s necessary to create space and time for it."

• "You are making a difference."