Ep. 20 | Humility Isn’t Weakness: Listening and Leading with Empathy

In this conversation, Dr. Nashay Lowe and Dr. Joel Pérez explore the concept of cultural humility in leadership, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions and fostering genuine connections. They discuss the challenges leaders face in practicing humility, the significance of understanding microaggressions, and the need for open dialogue in diverse environments. Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, they highlight how humility and empathy can lead to more effective leadership and healthier relationships across various contexts. In this conversation, Dr. Joel Pérez discusses the importance of creating safe spaces for feedback, leading with empathy, and understanding the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He emphasizes the need for self-awareness and cultural humility in leadership, and the significance of genuine efforts towards organizational change. The discussion highlights that real change requires a commitment to listening and understanding the experiences of others, and that leadership is about fostering connection and growth rather than merely performance.Key TakeawaysLeadership is about asking the right questions, not just having answers.Cultural humility involves recognizing and addressing power imbalances.Empathy is essential for effective leadership, not a sign of weakness.Microaggressions can occur unintentionally but have significant impacts.Creating a safe space for feedback is crucial for growth.Diversity, equity, and inclusion must be practiced, not just checked off.Self-awareness and curiosity are foundational to cultural humility.Real change requires intentionality and a framework for action.Listening deeply is a key skill for leaders.Hope lies in the genuine desire for improvement among leaders.About Joel PérezDr. Joel Pérez is an executive and leadership coach, speaker, and consultant who helps leaders and organizations achieve their goals through cultural humility and inclusive practices. As the founder of Apoyo Coaching and Consulting, LLC and a Professional Certified Coach with the ICF, he specializes in career transitions, identity-conscious leadership, and cultural humility. With over 20 years of experience in higher education and certifications in Gallup Strengths and the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), Joel brings deep insight and practical tools to every engagement. He is also the author of Dear White Leader, which received the Silver Award for Best New Voice – Nonfiction from the Independent Book Publishers Association.Website: https://apoyocoaching.com/🌟 Rate 🙆🏾‍♀️ Join the Community 🎤 Speaking RequestsLearn more at https://www.loweinsights.com