Brutally Honest and Values-Driven: HR Leader Stephen Cerrone on What It Takes to Become a Successful, Impactful Leader

Welcome back to Fifth Dimensional Leadership! I'm your host, Ginny Clarke.    In this episode, I'm excited to be joined by a guest that is a really accomplished human resources leader — Stephen Cerrone! Stephen is a Human Resources Executive and advisor to CEOS, executive teams, and boards of directors on business strategy and talent priorities. He is an international business leader who drives transformational HR strategies and helps executives improve their effectiveness as leaders. He has been in a variety of industries from food and beverage to banking to retail and more. Currently, he's teaching an advanced HR course at the University of Miami Business School.   As a recruiter, I'm thrilled to be able to talk to Stephen today and hear his perspectives on the themes of leadership, HR, and fostering a culture of safety within an organization. In this episode, Stephen shares his insights on the key characteristics that are most important for leaders to have, how the role of HR has developed over time, how we can (and should) adapt as leaders going forward in an increasingly remote world, and the mindset pieces young business professionals should be putting in place to accelerate their careers. Today's conversation was a great one and I cannot wait for you all to tune in!   Key Takeaways: [:38] About today's episode with my guest, Stephen Cerrone. [1:15] Welcoming Stephen to the podcast! [1:24] How we first became acquainted.  [1:35] About Stephen's background and career. [2:12] How Stephen ended up in the human resources industry. [4:45] Stephen's take on the role of HR when he first started vs. now. [6:35] When did Stephen consider himself a leader in HR? [10:05] Key characteristics that are important in a leader. [11:00] Stephen highlights some more of the key characteristics he has seen in the best leaders across various industries. [14:25] As someone who has been through several big economic cycles over the course of his career, how does Stephen think leaders will adapt going forward in light of this current economic crisis due to COVID-19? [18:58] Stephen offers some invaluable tips and advice to young business professionals on what they can do to continue building their careers in this increasingly remote environment. [23:21] How can a company or organization foster a culture where the employees feel safe to speak their truth? [27:46] From Stephen's observations and personal experience, does he believe that boards are holding CEOs accountable to the extent that they should? [30:18] Does Stephen have a mindset or mantra that he practices or follows that has helped him get through life and work? [33:46] Stephen shares some insightful parting words regarding COVID-19 and leadership. [37:30] Thanking Stephen for joining Fifth Dimensional Leadership!   Mentioned in this Episode: Stephen Cerrone's LinkedIn   About Fifth Dimensional Leadership & Ginny Clarke Fifth-Dimensional Leadership is a podcast about leadership - knowing yourself, speaking your truth, inspiring love, expanding your consciousness and activating your mastery. As an executive recruiter and career expert currently leading executive recruiting at a Fortune 20 tech company, Ginny Clarke is a passionate and authentic thought leader with a unique and deliberate perspective on work and life. She synthesizes aspects of her life as an African-American single mother who has successfully navigated corporate America for over 30 years. She has inspired, uplifted, and changed the lives of thousands and is intentional about bringing conscious awareness to the people of all ages and stages.   Every other week, a new edition of Fifth-Dimensional Leadership will include fascinating guests, covering a variety of topics: power, personal branding, self-awareness, networking, fear, and career management   Stay Connected! To find more episodes or learn more, visit: ginnyclarke.com Connect with her on social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Youtube