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In over 80 episodes, Abilitie’s Learn to Lead podcast has inspired listeners to focus on more than metrics, embrace failure as an option, and be more vulnerable leaders.
Podcast host and Abilitie’s VP of Strategy, Matt Confer, has talked with a variety of guests from diverse backgrounds in the pursuit of understanding leadership from every angle – from veteran improviser Erin Diehl, to the CEO of Fetch Rewards Wes Schroll, and sports agent Molly Fletcher.
While Matt is usually the one asking the questions, we’ve decided to flip the script and interview the interviewer. After so many conversations with experts in the leadership and learning and development spaces, what leadership lessons has Matt learned?
“Learning to lead is a journey, and each guest brings their unique story of professional and personal development,” Matt said. “In exploring how people can lead teams more effectively and how organizations can enhance their approaches to developing the leaders of tomorrow, I’ve learned that we each approach leadership differently but a few principles stand out and apply across the board: be humble, be involved, stay curious, and never stop evolving.”
As it turns out, a highlight for Matt is hearing feedback from listeners, and in honor of Mother’s Day 2022, we want to highlight one listener in particular. Like most of us, Matt’s biggest fan is his mother. She listens to each episode of the podcast, captures her takeaways from the conversations, and shares them with Matt. With Mother’s Day around the corner, we’re sharing Matt’s mom’s Top Four Learn To Lead episodes and what she learned from each.
1. Vulnerable Leadership Starts at the Top
Jaimie Krause, Senior Manager of Learning & Development at Indeed joined Matt to discuss leadership development at a global organization, helping learners connect skill development with skill application, and modeling vulnerability in difficult situations.
Her Top Takeaways:
- No one thrives in a “tough love” environment.
- Development occurs when people feel safe.
- Well being is a priority.
2. Co-Creating Growth Through Creativity
David Nour, best-selling author and leading expert on applications of strategic relationships in profitable growth, sustained innovation, and lasting change, joined Learn to Lead to share his perspectives on collaboration, innovation and iteration.
Her Top Takeaways:
- Creativity is essential in business.
- Fire needs to be lit within employees, not under them.
3. Innovative Leadership Challenges (and Rewards)
Columbia Business School professor Rita Gunther McGrath is a best-selling author and expert on leading innovation and growth during times of uncertainty. She talked with Matt about the challenges and opportunities of innovation, and what people often get wrong when thinking about it.
Her Top Takeaways:
- Innovation takes time and effort.
- Everyone learns their own way. Must lead with that in mind.
- The ability to listen is essential.
4. Leading Below the Surface
LaTonya Wilkins, founder of The Change Coaches, helps leaders and their teams foster human connection and cultural change. On Learn to Lead, she discussed the link between empathy and curiosity, and the difference between Episodic DEI and Cultural DEI.
Her Top Takeaways:
- To help others you need to know how they define success.
- Give without expectations.
Just as Matt ends each Learn to Lead episode, we asked him his own favorite question: “What’s the best advice you have ever received?
He said, “I’m going to cheat a bit and give two. First, the door to opportunity is marked ‘push’. Second, this too shall pass. For me, the core message of number one is that if you want something, you have to go get it. Regarding number two, you need to stay humble and agile when things are good, and of course you need to stay optimistic and positive when things get tough.”
Listen to Learn to Lead on Spotify, Apple, and everywhere you get podcasts.
