• Inclusive Disability Leadership: Strategies to Support Employees with Disabilities
    Nov 12 2024
    As senior leaders, it's critical that we proactively address disability inclusion in our organizations. People with disabilities make up over 25% of the population - and that number is even higher among younger demographics. By creating more accessible, disability-friendly workplaces, we can unlock a wealth of talent and perspectives that will give our companies a competitive edge. However, building true inclusive disability leadership goes beyond just checking boxes for legal compliance or basic accommodations. To truly empower employees with disabilities, we need a holistic shift in mindset and culture - led from the top down. In a powerful interview, disability inclusion expert Stephanie Cawthon shared key insights and actionable strategies that senior leaders can implement. Dr. Stephanie Cawthon Inclusive Disability Expert Dr. Stephanie Cawton is an internationally renowned scholar whose work centers on a powerful premise: when we embrace accessibility, we create environments where disabled people can truly thrive. As a tenured Professor of Educational Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Cawton has secured over $50 million in federal and other research grants for her groundbreaking work. In 2023, she founded the National Disability Center for Student Success at UT Austin, further advancing her mission to transform educational opportunities for disabled students. Her expertise is deeply informed by personal experience. Born with hearing loss and living with several mental health and physical disabilities that significantly impact her daily life, which brings both professional insight and lived understanding to her roles as researcher, author, and consultant. Here Are The Top Takeaways on Inclusive Disability Workplaces: 1. Accessibility is a Shared Responsibility Accessibility isn't just about individual accommodations - it's about designing environments, communications, and processes that work for everyone. This includes providing materials in advance, using technology like captioning and alt text, and being mindful of ableist language. Accessibility is not a to-do list. It's a to-be list. Who are you? Who do you want to be? How do you interact with your people? How do you interact in the community with others? How do you demonstrate that disabilities are okay, that they're valued, and that that it's just a part of the human experience." The responsibility falls on all of us - not just the employee with a disability. As leaders, we must model inclusive behaviors and create a culture where accessibility is simply the norm. 2. Shift Mindsets, Not Just Checklists Many organizations treat disability inclusion as a box to check, rather than a foundational part of their culture. But true inclusive disability leadership requires a mindset shift - moving away from ableist assumptions and toward an appreciation of the unique talents and perspectives that people with disabilities bring. "Often, if you feel that vibe that someone's going to look down on you or patronize you, you're not going to disclose. And thus, you Yack that connection with the people in that space because you don't feel like you can disclose." As leaders, we must be transparent about valuing disability, provide structured learning opportunities, and lead by example through our language and behaviors. It's not enough to simply have the right policies in place - we must foster a culture where disability is seen as a normal part of the human experience. 3. Empower Employees to Self-Advocate While it's our responsibility as leaders to build an inclusive environment, we must also empower employees with disabilities to advocate for their own needs. This starts with creating safe spaces for open communication and providing clear guidance on available resources and accommodations. "It's both the disabled person knowing what they need and articulating that well, but then also everyone else,
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    32 mins
  • Leadership Confidence Development: How to Build Authentic Leadership Trust
    Oct 22 2024
    In today's dynamic business environment, leadership confidence development is essential for guiding teams and driving organizational success. However, confidence alone is not enough to lead effectively—leaders must also build authentic trust with their teams. Trust and confidence are inseparable when fostering productive work environments and ensuring long-term success. In this part II Women’s Leadership Success podcast interview with Lida Citroën, we will explore practical strategies for developing leadership confidence and building authentic leadership trust. Lida Citroën: Mastering the Art of Leadership Influence Lida Citroën is a personal branding and reputation management expert who helps executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders worldwide shape their public image and seize ideal opportunities. With a track record of guiding thousands of individuals across 30+ countries, Lida offers a transformative approach to personal positioning. As a dynamic keynote speaker, Lida has captivated audiences through her TEDx Talk and Talks at Google. She also serves as a faculty member at the Institute for Management Studies, delivering impactful seminars across the U.S. An award-winning author of seven books, Lida recently released The New Rules of Influence: How to Authentically Build Trust, Drive Change, and Make an Impact, offering fresh insights on building influence with authenticity. https://youtu.be/9BloWnsJCRw?si=ChRaTephWOVU0Hug Leadership Confidence Development: Why It Matters Leadership confidence is the foundation of effective decision-making and influence. Leaders who display confidence are better equipped to inspire others, make strategic decisions, and handle challenges with resilience. However, confidence doesn’t just emerge overnight; it is built through intentional practices. 1. Self-awareness and Emotional Intelligence Self-awareness is key to understanding one’s strengths and growth areas, directly impacting leadership confidence. Leaders who invest in emotional intelligence training can more easily navigate complex team dynamics, boosting their self-confidence. By developing a deeper understanding of one's emotions, one can regulate them and respond to situations with clarity and calm. 2. Continual Learning and Growth Leaders who actively seek to develop new skills and stay up to date with industry trends exude more confidence. By continuously challenging yourself through learning and development opportunities, you stay prepared for changing circumstances, reinforcing your leadership capabilities. 3. Mentorship and Feedback One of the best ways to grow as a leader is to seek mentorship and actively request feedback from peers and team members. By receiving constructive input and applying it, leaders can build confidence in their leadership style while improving performance. This two-way communication also helps build stronger relationships and mutual trust. Building Authentic Leadership Trust While confidence is critical, building authentic leadership trust sustains long-term success. Trust makes teams follow your lead, invest in your vision, and commit to achieving collective goals. But trust cannot be forced; it must be earned. Consistency in Actions and Words To build trust, leaders must align their actions with their words. Consistency in decision-making, behavior, and communication ensures that team members know what to expect from you. This creates a sense of reliability, which is fundamental to establishing trust. Transparency and Open Communication Honesty and transparency foster trust within teams. Leaders who are open about their goals, challenges, and expectations build stronger connections with their teams. This authentic communication shows that you value your employees' input and are committed to their growth and the organization’s success. Empathy and Active Listening Building authentic leadership trust requires empathy.
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    25 mins
  • Mastering Executive Influence: Unlocking Leadership Success | WLS 138
    Sep 26 2024
    In the rapidly evolving business world, executive leaders face the challenge of leading their teams and influencing key stakeholders. The most effective leaders aren't just decision-makers; they are influencers. But what does it take to master executive influence techniques? This powerful part I interview delves into the art of mastering executive influence. Executive influence goes beyond authority. It’s about persuasion, connection, and the ability to guide others toward a shared vision. Whether managing up to your board of directors or collaborating with cross-functional teams, mastering these techniques can be a game-changer.Join me Sabrina Braham MA MFT and Lida Citroën as we explore how you can develop your executive influence and impact and advance your career. Lida Citroën: The New Rules of Mastering Executive Influence Lida Citroën (@LIDA360) is a personal branding and reputation management authority who helps global executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders manage their perceptions and drive toward ideal opportunities. She has helped thousands of individuals in more than 30 countries gain a fresh perspective on positioning themselves for success. As a professional keynote speaker and presenter, Lida's popular TEDx Talk, Talks at Google presentation, and numerous courses on LinkedIn Learning showcase her empowering coaching style and message. She is also a faculty member for the Institute for Management Studies, presenting seminars throughout the United States. Lida has authored seven award-winning books, and her most recent book, The New Rules of Influence: How to authentically build trust, drive change, and make an impact, just launched. How to Inspire Action and Lead With Authenticity as an Influential Executive Leader Today, we explore how the most influential leaders build trust, communicate strategically, and--- leverage emotional intelligence to inspire action and lead with authenticity. 1. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence Understanding your team's emotions and motivations is crucial. Empathy enables you to tailor your approach, ensuring your message resonates with each individual's unique perspectives. Executive leaders who demonstrate high emotional intelligence not only influence but also foster loyalty and collaboration within their organizations. 2. Strategic Leadership Communication Master communicators understand that timing, tone, and clarity are everything. Executive influence relies on conveying a clear and compelling message that aligns with your audience's interests. Being concise and transparent helps build trust while leaving little room for misunderstanding. 3. Building Trust and Credibility Influence without trust is ineffective. As an executive leader, consistently demonstrating competence, integrity, and reliability builds a strong foundation for influence. When people trust your judgment and respect your values, they are more likely to follow your lead. 4. Leveraging Social Capital - Building Strategic Relationships Your network is your net worth in the executive space. Building strategic relationships across departments and industries enhances your influence. When others recognize your ability to connect people and ideas, your ability to influence outcomes grows. 5. Adaptive Leadership Executive leaders need to be flexible and adaptive. An essential influence technique is understanding when to lead, listen, and empower others to take the reins. Adaptability shows you are responsive to change, an invaluable trait in today's fast-paced business environment. You can lead with authority and authenticity by mastering executive influence techniques and driving personal and organizational success. Conclusion - Mastering Executive Influence Builds Trust and Leadership Success Influence is the key to effective executive leadership. By focusing on emotional intelligence, strategic communication, and building trust,
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    27 mins
  • Microaggressions Workplace Strategies: Turning Awareness into Action & Respect
    Aug 20 2024
    Did you know that microaggressions in the workplace, often subtle and unintentional, can cost the U.S. workforce $450 to $550 billion in lost productivity yearly, according to Gallup? These small, seemingly insignificant actions or comments can have significant negative impacts on individuals and organizations, leading to lost productivity, low morale, and claims of a hostile work environment. The Impact of Microaggressions on the Workplace Implementing effective **Microaggressions Workplace Strategies** is crucial for mitigating these behaviors' adverse effects on individuals and organizations. Here are some key impacts to consider: Lost Productivity: Microaggressions can accumulate over time, decreasing employee engagement and productivity. When employees feel undervalued or discriminated against, their motivation and performance suffer, ultimately affecting the organization's bottom line. Low Morale: Repeated microaggressions create a toxic work environment where employees feel uncomfortable, isolated, or marginalized. This environment can result in high turnover rates as employees seek healthier, more inclusive workplaces. Claims of a Hostile Work Environment: While microaggressions may seem minor in isolation, they can contribute to a pattern of behavior that creates a hostile work environment. Over time, these incidents can become the basis for employment discrimination lawsuits, leading to financial and reputational damage. These impacts underline the importance of developing and implementing **Microaggressions Workplace Strategies** to foster a more inclusive and productive work environment. Expert Insights: Shawn Andrews on Microaggressions Workplace Strategies Shawn Andrews, is the author of The Power of Perception, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and the Gender Divide, and a seasoned expert with over 22 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and a decade focused on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), emotional intelligence, and leadership, provides valuable insights into effective Microaggressions Workplace Strategies. Her work highlights the importance of understanding the impact of our words and actions and fostering a more inclusive environment. In this recent Women’s Leadership Success podcast, Andrews discusses the derogatory use of terms like "DEI hire" and their damaging effects on workplace culture. She emphasizes that while some companies may have hired diverse candidates solely for checkbox purposes in the past, this practice is increasingly rare today due to the abundance of highly qualified candidates across all demographics. Andrews advocates for questioning biases and using empathy to shift perspectives and foster a more inclusive workplace. Questioning Biases and Practicing Empathy During the discussion with Women’s Leadership Success podcast host, Sabrina Braham MA MFT PCC, Andrews shared how questioning biases and practicing empathy have successfully shifted perspectives in her experience. For example: - Questioning Biased Comments: When someone makes a biased or insensitive comment, asking them to clarify their meaning or how they arrived at their conclusion can prompt reflection on their assumptions. This opens the door for more thoughtful discussions. - Sharing Personal Stories: Andrews highlights the power of sharing personal experiences that differ from the dominant narrative to build empathy and understanding. Humanizing the experiences of marginalized groups can make it harder for people to dismiss or overlook their challenges. - Active Listening: Actively listening to others, even when their views differ from your own, can help shift rigid mindsets. Andrews notes that approaching conversations with curiosity rather than judgment creates a more conducive environment for learning and growth. These insights from Andrews are essential components of effective Microaggressions Workplace Strategies, which can help organizations foster a more respec...
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    37 mins
  • Striving for Excellence: How to Build Natural Leadership Strengths with Paralympic Gold Medalist Patricia Walsh
    Jul 30 2024
    This month, we revisited the inspiring journey of Patricia Walsh, a Paralympic gold medalist and accomplished tech engineer who has overcome significant challenges and achieved remarkable success. Patricia's story is a testament to the power of resilience, focus, and determination. Here are the key leadership takeaways from my conversation with Patricia, optimized to help you build natural leadership strengths. Embracing Challenges to Foster Resilience Patricia faced the profound challenge of becoming blind at the age of 14. Instead of letting her disability define her, she embraced it as part of her identity and pushed herself to achieve what many thought was impossible. This relentless pursuit of excellence has been a hallmark of her journey. Key Takeaway: Striving for excellence means embracing challenges and using them as stepping stones to reach your full potential. This mindset is crucial for anyone looking to build natural leadership strengths. Overcoming Adversity & Power Beyond Limiting Beliefs Patricia's journey is filled with instances of overcoming adversity. From completing over 20 marathons and two Ironman competitions to transitioning from a role at Facebook to a senior engineering manager position at the Lego Group, Patricia has continuously pushed the boundaries of what is possible. Key Takeaway: Overcoming adversity requires resilience, determination, and the courage to push beyond limiting beliefs. These qualities are essential for developing natural leadership strengths. Building Natural Leadership Strengths in Tech and Beyond Patricia has held significant roles in the tech industry, including her recent position at the Lego Group, where she oversaw several departments. Her leadership extends beyond managing teams; it involves creating an inclusive and supportive environment that values everyone's contributions. Key Takeaway: Effective leadership is more than just overseeing tasks; it's about fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best. This approach is vital to build natural leadership strengths in any setting. Achieving the Impossible Patricia's sports and professional achievements highlight her ability to achieve what many thought was impossible. She holds the world record in the Ironman Triathlon and has represented Team USA as a five-time national champion and seven-time international gold medalist. Key Takeaway: Setting and achieving ambitious goals can inspire others and demonstrate that determination can make the impossible possible. This ambition is a core component of natural leadership strengths. Focusing on Leadership Strengths and Talents A significant piece of advice Patricia shares, which resonates with my coaching philosophy, is to: "focus on your strengths and talents rather than weaknesses or handicaps." This mindset has been pivotal in Patricia's success both in her athletic and professional endeavors. Key Takeaway: To have the best life and career possible, focus on leveraging your strengths and talents instead of dwelling on your limitations. This focus is fundamental to build natural leadership strengths. The Importance of Asking for and Offering Help Patricia shared insights about the importance of knowing when to ask for help and not making assumptions about others' needs. She emphasized the value of clear communication and respecting personal autonomy, which is crucial in personal and professional interactions. Sabrina's Insight: "Effective support involves asking how to help and respecting the autonomy and preferences of others." This understanding is essential for anyone aiming to build natural leadership strengths. Authenticity in Leadership Values Being authentic to oneself is another critical lesson from Patricia's journey. Despite the competitive environments she has been part of, Patricia remains committed to her values of fairness and kindness. Key Takeaway: Authentic leadership involves staying true to yo...
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    23 mins
  • Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: Leadership Tips to Overcome Adversity
    Jul 16 2024
    Patricia Walsh’s journey in overcoming limiting beliefs is a remarkable tale of overcoming adversity and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Born with a gradually worsening vision impairment, she faced significant challenges from a young age. Despite these hurdles, Patricia refused to let her disability define her. Instead, she embraced it as a unique aspect of her identity, pushing herself to achieve what many consider impossible. Patricia’s leadership tips are a great story of grit, personal accountability, granite willpower, and a determination to conquer overwhelming odds. Walsh’s achievements at 33 are more extraordinary than most people could expect in a lifetime: A successful career as a software engineer at Microsoft Entrepreneur & Author of Blind Ambition Professional speaker and Champion Athlete. She represented the United States in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. Overcoming limiting beliefs is critical to achieving success and realizing one's full potential. Patricia Walsh's inspiring journey offers valuable insights into how to break free from these constraints and achieve greatness. Here are the key lessons and takeaways from her story. Perseverance and Adaptability - Incremental Progress: Patricia highlights that significant transformations don’t happen overnight. Embracing incremental progress helps one stay motivated and focused. Small, consistent efforts compound over time to achieve substantial results. - Adaptation to Challenges: Patricia’s journey demonstrates the importance of adapting to new challenges. Whether she learned alternative strategies due to her vision impairment or found new ways to train as an athlete, adaptability is crucial for overcoming limiting beliefs and obstacles. Strategic Thinking and Planning - Visionary Goal Setting: - By envisioning an ideal outcome and then reverse-engineering the steps needed to achieve it, Patricia encourages a proactive approach to goal setting. This method allows for identifying the most effective path and resources required rather than constrained by limitations. - Resourcefulness: - Patricia’s example of securing sponsorship for the best racing bike illustrates the importance of resourcefulness. Rather than settling for what’s immediately affordable, she found a way to obtain the optimal solution, demonstrating that creativity and determination can overcome financial constraints and limiting beliefs. Focused Efforts - Running the Root Line: The concept of “running the root line” underscores the importance of focusing on tasks that directly contribute to goal achievement. Efficiency and productivity are maximized by avoiding unnecessary efforts and concentrating on what truly matters. Prioritization: Patricia’s approach emphasizes the need for prioritization. Identifying and focusing on high-impact activities ensures that energy and resources are directed toward achieving the primary objective rather than being diluted by less relevant tasks. Community and Support - The Secret to Leadership Success - Building a Support Network: - Patricia’s success is partly attributed to her building a supportive network. Whether seeking advice, securing sponsorship, or finding training partners, having a community that believes in and supports your vision is invaluable in overcoming limiting beliefs. This is where a leadership mastermind group can be invaluable. - Leadership Mentorship and Guidance: - Patricia’s openness to mentorship and guidance has been a key factor in her journey. Learning from others’ experiences and seeking advice can provide new perspectives and solutions that may not have been considered otherwise. Having peers, trusted advisors or a coach, especially when developing your soft leadership skills, is essential to help you notice your “blind spots and blocks and overcoming limiting beliefs” that may be holding you back,
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    36 mins
  • Self-Leadership Strategies for Impact and Influence
    Jul 1 2024
    Today, let's talk about self-leadership strategies. Do you or someone you know have these leadership issues? How often do you make decisions based on incomplete or biased information? Have you ever considered that your words and actions might be causing misunderstandings, confusion, or even conflict within your team? Are you perceived as out of touch or insensitive to people's needs and concerns? Not sure what leadership soft skill areas you need to improve? (find out below) If so, meet Richard. He graduated from an Ivy League school with many awards and patents. Richard was known for his brilliance, innovation, and ability to accomplish things, so he was on a fast track to promotion. However, Richard was about to face a challenge he had never seen coming. The Challenge Richard's boss informed him that his team was unhappy with him, perceiving him as cold and insensitive to their needs and concerns. The team was not functioning well, with a lot of conflict, and Richard was identified as part of the problem. At first, Richard was angry, believing the team had the problem, not him. He didn't understand how his behavior contributed to the team's tensions until he saw the results of a 360-degree feedback report completed by his team, peers, and boss. The report revealed that his words and actions were causing misunderstandings, confusion, and conflict. Additionally, they felt he was out of touch with or insensitive to their needs and concerns. Richard's Realization and Transformation Richard's story is not unique; many executive leaders face similar issues. Do you, or someone you know, face these challenges? This is a promotion killer! According to a 2023 report by McKinsey and Company, which surveyed 2,500 leaders, only 25% are engaged, passionate, and inspiring. People desire leaders who build respect and consider the ethical consequences of their decisions. They want leaders who inspire and develop others. Harvard Business Review found that while 95% of people believe they are self-aware, tests showed only 10% are truly self-aware. Consequences of Low Self-Awareness A leader with low self-awareness can face numerous challenges that significantly impact their effectiveness and the organization's overall health: 1. Ineffective Communication: Leaders may not realize how their actions affect others, leading to misunderstandings, confusion, and conflict within the team. 2. Limited Personal and Professional Growth: This prevents leaders from recognizing areas where they need to improve. 3. Poor Conflict Resolution: Without understanding their role in conflicts or how their behavior contributes to tensions, leaders struggle to manage and resolve issues, leading to a toxic work environment. 4. Diminished Credibility and Trust: Employees and stakeholders are less likely to trust and respect leaders who lack self-awareness, viewing them as inconsistent, hypocritical, or disconnected, which erodes credibility and authority. Self-Leadership Strategies for Building Self-Awareness How Do You Score? Find Out Below Self-awareness means understanding how we affect those around us, developing a transparent view of our strengths and shortcomings, and recognizing and controlling our emotional responses. Here are some Self-Leadership Strategies to help build self-awareness: 1. Seeking Feedback: Actively schedule meetings to seek feedback from peers, subordinates, and mentors. Ask them to rate you in different areas. Consistent effort and sincerity will engage your team in supporting your improvement.2. Reflection Time: Set aside time in the morning and at the end of the day to reflect on your feelings and the team's needs.3. Increased Accessibility: Hold open office hours and organize informal coffee chats with team members. This effort improves relationships, facilitates better information flow, and enhances collaboration within the team.4. Celebrating Achievements: Recognize and celebrate team achievements regularly.
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Women Social Entrepreneurship Advice: Empowering Insights with Lee Rhodes & Sabrina Braham
    Jun 18 2024
    For those seeking women social entrepreneurship advice, the inspiring journey of Lee Rhodes offers invaluable insights into building a mission-driven business. Today, we delve into her story as a cancer survivor and founder of Glassybaby, who transformed personal challenges into a thriving enterprise dedicated to giving back. Lee Rhodes' Journey: Turning Adversity into Opportunity Lee Rhodes was diagnosed with a rare form of bronchial carcinoma when her youngest child was just two months old. This life-altering experience became the catalyst for her entrepreneurial journey. Lee found solace in a handblown glass votive, which lit up her life and sparked the idea for Glassybaby. She started making and selling these beautiful glass votives to support others going through chemotherapy, addressing the economic and emotional inequalities she witnessed in chemo rooms. The Power of Mission-Driven Woman Business Lee’s business was driven by a mission from the start. Glassybaby not only produces beautiful votives but also gives back a portion of its profits to support cancer patients. Lee emphasizes that staying true to the mission is crucial for success. Despite challenges, including being advised to move production to China, Lee maintained her commitment to local manufacturing, believing that the authenticity and soul of her products were tied to their origin. Challenges and Lessons Learned - Women Social Entrepreneurship Advice Running a mission-driven business comes with unique challenges. Lee admits her business model is complex due to its reliance on local manufacturing. However, she believes that the cumulative impact of consistent giving has been profound, fostering deep connections with recipients and partners. One significant mistake she made was attempting to outsource production, which resulted in costly and unaligned outcomes. This experience reinforced the importance of sticking to the mission and values. Advice for Women in Social Entrepreneurship 1. Embrace Your Compassion: Women naturally embody empathy and compassion. Lee advises leveraging these traits rather than suppressing them. They are powerful drivers for mission-driven businesses. 2. Take Risks: Women often second-guess themselves and avoid risks. Lee encourages women to take the leap, as the learning and growth from both success and failure are invaluable. 3. Build a Supportive Community: Lean on your community for support. Lee’s friends played a crucial role in her early business days, helping with tasks and sharing in the mission. 4. Make Giving a Core Value: Incorporate giving into your business model from the start. It not only enhances your brand’s purpose but also creates a fulfilling and sustainable business. Overcoming Unique Challenges Women face unique challenges in business, from balancing caregiving responsibilities to facing societal expectations. Lee highlights the importance of overcoming perfectionism and taking decisive actions. By integrating social entrepreneurship principles, women can create businesses that are not only profitable but also impactful. Women’s Leadership Conclusion - Social Entrepreneurship Advice Lee Rhodes’ journey with Glassybaby illustrates the transformative power of social entrepreneurship. Her story is a testament to the impact that women can make when they combine business acumen with a deep sense of purpose. For women aspiring to venture into social entrepreneurship, Lee’s advice is clear: embrace your compassion, take risks, build a supportive community, and make giving a core value. By doing so, you can create a business that not only succeeds but also contributes meaningfully to the world. Unlock Your Leadership Potential Find Out Your Leadership Score Today Answer 21 quick questions in 3 minutes Discover your leadership success score immediately. Get proven leadership and career development tips.
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    25 mins