Ep. 22: Unlocking Leadership Potential with Susan DeWoody

In this episode of the Business Growth Spotlight podcast, host Heidi Schalk speaks with Susan DeWoody, president of Strata Leadership. They discuss Susan's journey from academia to leadership development, the importance of character in coaching, and how Strata tailors its programs to meet diverse organizational needs. The conversation also explores the significance of trust in building high-performing teams, the role of authenticity in leadership, and the integration of AI in leadership development. Susan shares insights on visibility challenges in the coaching industry and future trends in leadership development, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation.Dr. Susan DeWoody is a proud first-generation college graduate, lifelong learner, solution finder and champion for the underdog.Prior to joining Strata Leadership as President, Dr. DeWoody was part of the nonprofitleadership sector of CarterBaldwin Executive Search, a firm listed amongthe top 1% of search firms in the nation by Hunt Scanlon. For the past 20 years,she has served in multiple areas on college and university campuses: recruitment,advising, campus life, NCAA DII athletics, and academic affairs to name a few.Her most recent academic post involved serving on the president’s cabinet atOklahoma Baptist University as the first female Provost in the institution’s morethan 113-year history.Dr. DeWoody brings a dynamic blend of expertise and passion to her roles as anexecutive coach, leadership facilitator, and public speaker. With a career markedby unwavering dedication, she fearlessly tackles the complexities of leadership intoday's ever-changing landscape. Dr. DeWoody's authentic voice resonates as sheshares her personal journey with imposter syndrome, emphasizing thetransformative power of embracing vulnerability in leadership. She championsnavigating difficult spaces with courage and resilience, guiding organizationsthrough turbulent waters with her keen insights into change management. Dr.DeWoody inspires audiences with her fervent belief in the profound impact of agrowth mindset and lifelong learning, empowering individuals to thrive amidstfacing life's complexity.Dr. DeWoody earned the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership inHigher Education Administration from Dallas Baptist University. She earned theMaster of Science in College Student Personnel Services from Northeastern StateUniversity. She earned the Bachelor of Science in Education from Arkansas TechUniversity and an Associates of Arts degree from University of Arkansas – FortSmith.Although she has also lived in Arkansas, Texas, and North Carolina, her heartand her roots are firmly planted in Oklahoma. She has been married to Dr. DaleDeWoody (English PhD and educator) since 2003.Dr. DeWoody believes deeply in the never-ending pursuit of learning and has astrong desire to inspire others to be intentional about finding their purpose.To connect with our guest, click on the links below: Website:  www.strataleadership.comLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/susandewoody/Connect with me:Spotlight to Scale: Spotlight to Scale BlueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/