The High Road to Leadership with Beverly Lewis

Jennifer Conoley - Florida’s Great Northwest

Jennifer Conoley is professional and polished while exuding authentic warmth and grace. As a dynamic leader and CEO by day, she commands attention. As and a wife and mother of young boys 24/7, she talks about dealing with hat hair from the many hats she wears. She is someone to listen to and learn from.   

Jennifer is the President & CEO of Florida's Great Northwest, an organization created to promote economic growth and diversification, advocate for economic development issues that affect the region, and collaborate to improve regional competitiveness. 

This conversation is rich in encouragement for leaders of all ages and stages. Some of her tips include:

Build relationships without being concerned if they are transactional.
Protect your time, prioritize.
Give up on perfectionism
Ask for help.
Be laser focused on your mission. Always ask the question: does this align with our mission?

Break down borders and link arms with your neighbors. United we grow.

Jennifer is a vibrant example of the power of communication skills to power your success. Warren Buffet says that honing this one skill can increase your worth by as much as 50%.

Florida's Great Northwest is well represented by this bright light. 

7 Ways to be Happier at Work

The average person spends 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime. Is it unreasonable to expect that the majority of those should be happy ones?

Beverly Lewis flies solo in this episode on the relationship between happiness and business success. 

Despite a large body of positive psychological research into the relationship between happiness and productivity, happiness at work has traditionally been seen as a potential by-product of positive outcomes at work, rather than a pathway to business success. But things have changed. Purpose and fulfillment are the new success indicators for a new generation.

Employee happiness can be influenced by two factors: the organizational culture and employees’ mindset. These factors form an intricate link. Today's focus is on personal mindset and Beverly discusses seven strategies for improving your own outlook. 

The seven strategies are:
1. Always have something to look forward to. "There are times when dreams sustain us more than facts." 

2. Physical exercise boosts endorphins, oxygenates the brain, and combats depression. According to a new review of research about good moods and physical activity, people who work out even once a week or for as little as 10 minutes a day tend to be more cheerful than those who never exercise. And any type of exercise may be helpful.

3. Appreciation – everyone responds to appreciation. Give more compliments. 

4. Spend at least 30 minutes a day doing something you love. A study from the Mayo Clinic found that physicians who spend about 20 percent of their time doing “work they find most meaningful are at dramatically lower risk for burnout.” But here’s what’s fascinating: Anything beyond that 20 percent has a marginal impact, as “spending 50 percent of your time in the most meaningful area is associated with similar rates of burnout as 20 percent.” In other words: You don’t need to change everything about your job to see substantial benefits. A few changes here and there can be all you need.

5. Implement the 20 second rule. In other words don’t strain your willpower. Make good choices easier to implement.   James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits, goes into this at length and is a fascinating read. 

6. Be grateful. Researchers describe the relationship between joy and gratitude as an intriguing upward spiral. 

7. Invest in building relationships.

Beverly always appreciates feedback and can be reached at Beverly at BeverlySpeaks.com.

Dr Temitope Keku: Hidden Treasures & Riches

Dr. Temitope (Tope) Keku has a passion to help others reach their full potential – body, soul, and spirit. She has a fulfilling career as a scientist as well as being an author, coach, and speaker. 

In this episode, she talks about the powerful combination of science and faith by sharing six steps to living life in peace, strength, and joy. 

Join us as we explore the hidden treasures in these steps: 

1. Center Yourself
2. Ask for Guidance
3. Anchor Your Identity
4. Inclusivity - Embracing the Gifts in Those Around Us
5. Gratitude
6. Possibility Thinking

Tope offers much wisdom on finding hope in the midst of life’s trials. You can find her books on Amazon. Her devotional book is one of my absolute favorites.
Weathering Storms: Finding Treasures in the Ruins- 90-Day Devotional (https://amzn.to/2NHiHHH) 

Tope speaks often on the effectiveness of journaling as a tool to learn, grow, and hear God and makes it easy with this companion guide: Thankful Every Day: A Gratitude Journal to Refresh Your Soul and Increase Your Joy ( https://amzn.to/2S67O8o)

She has graciously offered listeners the opportunity to schedule a free call with her to explore possibilities. To book a free 30-minute private call with her, go to https://hiddentreasuresandriches.com/call/. 

 

 

Empowerment: What is it, why do leaders need it, and how do you develop it?

"Empowerment became a buzzword in business a while back and I have an aversion to buzzwords". This week's solo episode with Beverly Lewis addresses this issue by shedding light on why empowerment is a vital tool in a healthy culture. 

Entitlement is the opposite of empowerment. Entitlement lives right next door to laziness and is toxic in any culture. An entitlement mentality can be defined as a state of mind in which an individual believes that privileges are rights. It’s a mindset that finds fault, blames others, and thinks the world revolves around one’s self. It’s quite the opposite of empowerment and will never lead to excellence.

Empowerment, on the other hand, takes personal responsibility and raises the standard through practical action. Empowerment exhibits a strong work ethic and is more likely to be found reforming than conforming. Empowerment is selfless, entitlement is selfish.

Empowerment means letting people bring their brains to work and allowing them to use their innate knowledge, experience, and motivation to contribute to the progress of the organization. 

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." – Alice Walker

Two proven ways to empower others is through sharing information and creating autonomy with boundaries. 

Healthy teams protect their sense of empowerment by avoiding the Drama Triangle. In addition, teammates learn how to disarm the advice monster and stay curious a little longer, to cite the work of Michael Stanier in The Advice Trap. 90% of leaders identify with The Rescuer, and find themselves trying to fix situations. 

An effective strategy that empowers others is to ask questions. Six key questions you can use to stay curious a little longer are: 

1) What’s on your mind?
2) And what else? 
3) What’s the real challenge here for you? 
4) What do you want? (What’s the best case outcome?) 
5) And if you are saying yes to this outcome, what are you saying no to?
6) How can I help? (What does support look like?)

Beverly has a gift for her you - the special folks who listen to The High Road to Leadership. Her book, Win from Within: The Heart of Success and Significance is available as an audio book exclusively for listeners to this podcast. Go to http://beverlyspeaks.com/freebook/. 

Signing off for this week. We love your feedback, comments, and suggestions. Email Beverly@Beverlyspeaks.com. Thank you for being part of this community of listeners.

Trust: The Key to Successful Leadership with Dr. Toby Travis

Research reveals that the #1 indicator of successful schools, organizations, and businesses is trusted leadership. 
Dr. Toby Travis is building bridges to mission fulfillment and well-being. His work on the fundamental value of trust is influencing schools, businesses, and organizations of all types. 

In a recent Forbes magazine article, Travis comments, "When leaders, in an effort to build and expand the business, place the needs and wants of new clients over the wellbeing, success and support of their employees, it breeds distrust of company leadership,” says Dr. Travis. “A lack of trust in corporate leadership reduces employee engagement and higher turnover rates and negatively impacts corporate objectives.”  

Dr. Travis is a fascinating speaker, teacher, and trainer. A few of his accomplishments are: 

• Author of the award-winning book “TrustED: The Bridge to School Improvement”available on Amazon.
• Creator and developer of the “TrustED Leader 360” assessment – available to you at no charge. 
• Executive Consultant with the Global School Consulting Group.
• Certified Trainer with Willpower Consultation.
• Adjunct Professor and Graduate Faculty, International Graduate Program for Educators, the State University of New York at Buffalo State.
• Writer and columnist with articles and work featured in Forbes, CEOWorld Magazine, eSchool News, Authority Magazine, Businessing Magazine, The Knowledge Source, Medium, numerous podcasts, NPR, and more.

He also serves Ripe For Harvest World Outreach (RFH), a global non-profit missions organization. He dedicates time as a trainer/consultant for school leaders worldwide (especially in developing and distressed communities).

Dr. Travis is committed to helping leaders assess, develop, (repair if necessary) and increase high levels of TRUST!
Remember to access the free self-assessment (or team assessment) at https://www.schoolright.net/te_assessments.html

To learn more or contact Dr. Travis directly, visit TrustedConsulting.org

Contact your podcast host, Beverly@BeverlySpeaks.com for more information. 

Relationships are at the Heart of all Success with Dr. Carol Scott

The adventure on the high road to leadership continues with a conversation with Dr. L. Carol Scott. Dr. Scott is a coach, trainer, and keynoter who teaches this truth: relationships are at the heart of all success.

Dr. Scott’s first career was as a nationally respected thought leader in the U.S. systems for early care and education. She began with a BA in child development and a BA in anthropology. She earned an MA in early childhood education, and a PhD in developmental psychology.

This formed the foundation for an astonishing second act. Carol is a TEDx speaker and author of two books, including Just Be Your S.E.L.F. -- Your Guide to Improving any Relationship.

Carol's career knowledge and experience point us to how we first develop our social and emotional core for successful relationships. From the surprising foundation of how your earliest experiences created the brain you use today, you can rise on the power of “REAL” success, measured by your productivity and achievements.

This fascinating conversation with Beverly will provoke you to think in new ways about how you arrived where you are and how to go forward with increased self-awareness and bold new  strategies for success.

To receive a free copy of Carol's Become Your Sassy S.E.L.F book-ette, email her at carol@lcarolscott.com
You are also invited to download Dr. Scott's SASS Manifesto on the bottom right side of the webpage at https://lcarolscott.com/a-sip-of-sass/

To continue the conversation, connect with Dr. Scott on the following social platforms:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-l-carol-scott-7b70429/

https://www.facebook.com/Dr.L.CarolScott/ 

https://www.instagram.com/dr.l.carol/ 

For comments on this podcast, please contact Beverly Lewis at Beverly@Beverlyspeaks.com 

Thanks for listening - we would love to hear from you.

A New Brand of Leadership: Leading Well in 2022

Our world has fundamentally changed and this troubled world is demanding a better brand of leadership.

The changes we're facing require a fundamentally different response. There’s a whole new way of living, working and winning. And there’s a whole new way of leading.

Dr. Nadya  Zhexembayeva of the Reinvention Academy states, " Our challenge is not to survive until things stabilize. Our challenge is learning how thrive in constant uncertainty."

It's imperative that we power into change rather than being tossed on the waves of change. This requires an attitude shift. We must see constant change as a feature - an opportunity to upgrade - rather than as a bug in the system. 

The words of General Douglas McArthur describe the intentionality needed in our world today. "A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent". 

How can you lead well if you're job description isn't one of leadership? Learn how to leverage the opportunity for horizontal leadership.  

Discover the five words that open the door to meaningful communication. 

Resources to help you as you travel the high road include a free audio version of Beverly's book, Win from Within: The Heart of Success and Significance. 
To access this special gift created for her podcast audience, go to http://beverlyspeaks.com/freebook

Diane Diresta: Clarity, Confidence, and Charisma

Diane DiResta, CSP, is founder and CEO of Diresta Communications, a New York City constultancy that serves business leaders who deliver high-stakes presentations – whether one-to one, in front of a crowd, or on an electronic platform.

Speaking is the new competitive advantage.  Your success today depends on how well you present. And the delivery of that presentation determines your success trajectory.  

Gifted speakers might be born, but effective speakers are made. Regardless of your personality, pay grade or position, you can learn the skill of communicating with clarity, confidence, and charisma.

Diane delivers rapid-fire practical tips in this episode that will help you develop visual, vocal, and verbal congruency. She gives clear advice on how you can blend the right mindset with the right skillset.

Her LinkedIn Learning Module on Speaking Confidently and Effectively was rated one of the top courses in 2021.

Learn more about Diane at https://www.diresta.com/ and access her book, Knockout Presentations on Amazon.

You can Diane on Linkedin and on Twitter she is known as @speakingpro.

This episode will take you to a new level of confidence in your communications. Enjoy!

Your feedback is always welcome. Email Beverly@BeverlySpeaks.com. She loves hearing from you.

DiAnna Wallace: Principles for Peace, Health and Crazy Joy

Meet DiAnna Wallace, ND. Her passion for helping others shines through her calling as a naturopathic doctor. In this episode, she shares the surprising story of how she found her way to this profession. The timing of her message is perfect as we set out to accomplish new things and build new dreams in 2022. DiAnna shares practical and simple tips to energize your body and your life.

Did you know 80% of medical visits are related to stress? Her take on wholistic health will encourage you and direct you down a path to peace, health, and crazy joy. In fact. That’s the subtitle of her book.
You can find Healthy Body: 12 Principles for Peace, Health and Crazy Joy on Amazon.

You’ll be fascinated to hear the health habit that three strategic leaders shared. What could Douglas MacArthur, Dwight Eisenhower, and Winston Churchill all have in common?

You can find DiAnna on Facebook and she would like to extend a warm invitation to women who want to learn more to join the free Healthy Body Book Club

You are also welcome to schedule a complimentary 30 minute consultation with DiAnna.

And P.S.  Rest before you’re tired.

Beverly Lewis is honored to host fascinating guests and always appreciates hearing from you. Follow The High Road to Leadership and visit Beverly at BeverlySpeaks.com. 

Season 2: Defining the High Road & Why is Leadership in Crisis?

What does it mean to take the high road?
To choose to do the right thing -regardless of whatever people think or do.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost

There is a crisis in leadership in America and globally.

When we reach a peak of excellence or achievement, we can see new vistas and are challenged to set the next goal. 
So here we are at the beginning of a new year. Circumstantial uncertainty can be translated to describe a new adventure. 

In this episode, Beverly highlights five reasons leadership is in crisis and challenges you to step into being part of the solution. 

Contact Beverly Lewis by email at Beverly@BeverlySpeaks.com
You can also connect via your favorite platform: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverlydrulewis/
https://www.facebook.com/BeverlyLewisSpeaks/
https://twitter.com/Beverlyspeaks   

https://www.instagram.com/beverlyspeaks/
https://www.youtube.com/c/BeverlyLewis32405/