Human-First Leadership: Thriving Through Adversity with Luana Pereira

This episode of "Dying Out Loud" celebrates a "human first type of leadership" that transcends titles. Host Kris is joined by Luana Pereira, a leader he has been fortunate to work with for several years. When Kris was navigating his stage four cancer diagnosis , he was in an incredibly "vulnerable state". Luana's "steady presence" , advocacy, and commitment to him as a person created the space and support for him to thrive in the midst of his diagnosis—something he "never thought was possible". Luana shares her own powerful journey of moving from Brazil to the U.S. without speaking English and how it shaped her leadership philosophy. She discusses why she believes the separation between your work self and your personal self is a "big lie" and why leaders must connect with their people's "why" to unlock their potential. Kris and Luana discuss the importance of showing up authentically , the "Working with Cancer" initiative they helped champion , and how the support he received at work has been the "best medicine" and, in his view, "extended my life". The conversation culminates in a powerful moment as Kris reads a letter of gratitude he wrote to Luana during his treatment , thanking her for making him feel "like I still belong". This episode is a masterclass in authentic leadership and a moving testament to the impact one person can have on another's life.