139: Leaders with Heart Start with Caring for Themselves

In this episode, Heather speaks with Mario Harding, Associate Chief Operating Officer at Denver Health, about the origins of his leadership style leading him to success as a humble leader. Mario relays a story where he was not present for his team at a time when they needed him. He sheds light on important qualities of a leader: vulnerability, being present, taking care of yourself first, balance, putting yourself out there for your team, giving yourself grace, strong support network.    Heather and Mario discuss how to reconcile personal drive with true care, and the sacrifices necessary in leadership not only to care for others, but to care for yourself better as a leader. Delegation can be key to improving yourself as a leader, by allowing you to be more present, and providing others with opportunities to grow.    Key Takeaways: Don't let your circumstances define what you can do.  Take care of yourself and balance priority projects.  As a leader, always be present, especially during tough times.  Be a vulnerable leader and put yourself out there.  Being a leader means giving yourself grace.  Ask yourself as a leader, "What can I let go?" Delegation can be seen as giving a gift to someone else.  Hear from other leaders, let their stories lift you out of self-doubt.