Are you striving to become a leader but keep getting shut down for no reason? Are you feeling stuck or undervalued? If so, then today’s episode is for you!

I want to share something that has genuinely changed my life. It's an exercise born out of a challenging time that turned into one of my most powerful personal growth tools, branding exercises, and leadership strategies.

The "Three Words" Exercise
First, you need to write down three words that you believe best describe yourself. We don’t want “I’m nice” or “I’m a good worker”, go deeper and come up with answers like “I’m great at communicating or solving problems”. These words serve as a mirror reflecting how you perceive yourself in various aspects of your life, whether it be in your career, leadership style, or personal brand.

Then, I challenge you to seek out three people who can give you the three words they think best describe you. Make sure you’re asking people you trust and who’ll be honest. Avoid people who sugarcoat things or who you’d feel uncomfortable with. I know reaching out for help with this is scary, I’ve been there. But trust me, the insights you'll gain are priceless. When I did it, I was surprised—and a little shaken—by what I heard. But that discomfort? It was the push I needed to bridge the gap between how I saw myself and how others saw me.

My Experience
The first time I did this exercise, it wasn’t intentional. I thought I was ready for a leadership role, but my boss didn't see it that way. I confided in a friend looking for comfort but instead, he told me the truth. At work, I was seen as laid back and fun- a good employee but not necessarily leadership material. It was hard to accept but eventually, I realised he was right and got to work changing things. It wasn’t easy, change never is, but at least now I knew the way forward. And it paid off! A year later, I landed the leadership role I’d been after.

So, here's my challenge to you: try the "Three Words" exercise. Use the feedback to fuel your growth and become the best version of yourself. And remember to embrace the discomfort because that's where the magic happens.

LINKS

Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice” here

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I’m joined by the wonderful and inspiring Jo Gaines, a seasoned professional who has worked in the technology and media sector for over two decades. Jo's career journey has seen her work for high-profile companies including CBS, Krux, Yahoo and more recently, as Area Vice President of Salesforce. Jo is also a dedicated mother-of-two and a fierce advocate for equality, lending her support as an ambassador for women's shelters. She shares with us her journey through hardship to finding resilience and how changing her mindset helped reshape her story.

Through facing a challenging turning point in her career due to redundancy, Jo embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery that saw her turn to practices such as weight training, breathwork and meditation. She shares the new mindset she adopted through these practices, and how her determination to thrive in the face of uncertainty led to a completely new outlook on life.

In our conversation, Jo shares the grief she experienced when her role at Salesforce came to an end, and how lost she felt when it came to her future. However, she notes there are two choices we can make when it comes to facing adversity. Either we can see it as a downfall, or treat it as an opportunity to expand. Jo chose the latter, and decided to view this new path as one she was destined to be on.

Resilience can often be misunderstood as a suppression of emotions or ignoring our problems. However, we define what resilience really is and discuss its ability to help effectively manage our thoughts and feelings. Jo believes that releasing control and trusting everything will eventually work out can free us from fear and the temptation to give up.

We talk about how navigating through our own life challenges produces empathy, and when we view others through this lens, we become more effective leaders. Recognising that everyone experiences change, particularly in a post-pandemic world, we’re able to rally with our team and prioritise their wellbeing. How can we communicate in a way that resonates for each individual? How do we lead in a way that not only gets them through, but also builds resilience?

Jo also shares her shift in perspective that inspired her to live more fully in the present and pursue the passions that had been sitting on the backburner for too long. She talks about the bucket list she created and the importance of making time and space in life to achieve each goal.

Jo's story is a powerful testament to the transformation resilience can create, and the potential for growth when we embrace change with gratitude. I just know you’ll be as inspired as I was by Jo’s incredible wisdom, and hope you find confidence to implement strategies for a full and rewarding life in leadership and beyond.

LINKS

Connect with Jo Gaines

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/jogaines

Instagram: @gogaino

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered what separates an average leader from an exceptional one?

I’m back from a magical holiday in central australia, and I want to get started again with five transformative strategies that will level up your leadership skills. Whether you are an experienced leader or an up-and-coming one, these actionable tips will empower you to unlock your full potential.

Step One: Invest in your Wellbeing and Growth
Your health is your responsibility. It’s crucial that you prioritise rest, maintain good sleep strategies, eat well, and allow your brain to reflect after the chaos of the day. By role-modeling this well-being—both physical and mental—you show your team what is possible for them.

Step Two: Enhance your Emotional Intelligence
Emotionally intelligent leaders are more effective than those who rely solely on IQ. Emotional intelligence involves self-regulation, self-awareness, social awareness, and managing relationships. This is beneficial not only for your role as a leader but also in your personal life, whether you are a parent, friend, or peer.

Step Three: Effective Communication
Communication is fundamental to the success of any organisation. The way you communicate can make or break your culture, performance, and relationships. It is important to articulate your vision clearly and to actively listen to those around you. Remember, it's not just about what is being said, but also about what isn't being said.

Step Four: Empowering and Delegating
Micromanaging stifles creativity and trust. It’s important to trust your team with responsibilities and provide the necessary support. This not only boosts their motivation but also encourages them to grow and take on new challenges. Delegation is not abdication—implement a process to ensure accountability and completion of tasks.

Step Five: Continuous Learning and Adaptation
The best leaders continuously seek to learn and adapt to new ways of working, thinking, and leading. Invest in learning, attend workshops, seek peer advice, and listen to inspiring podcasts. This curiosity and willingness to adapt will fuel your leadership potential and keep you ahead of the game.

By implementing these five strategies, you can level up your leadership game. If you found today’s episode helpful, please leave a review or rating and share it with others. Winter in Australia can be a reflective time—use it to assess your leadership skills and determine which of these strategies you can adopt to elevate your capabilities.

Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to sharing more insights with you in the next podcast episode.

Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice” here

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.