Why Being More Human Makes You a Stronger Leader, with Zeta Smith

What if great leadership is less about having all the answers and more about creating the trust for people to find them together?In this episode, Andrew Cohn welcomes Zeta Smith, an experienced business leader who has held senior roles across major organizations, including ExxonMobil and Starbucks. Zeta shares how her leadership evolved from being “all business” and focused primarily on results to recognizing the importance of trust, vulnerability, listening, empathy, and purpose.Zeta reflects on leading through major crises, including the Boston Marathon bombings and COVID-19, and explains why difficult moments require leaders to balance business needs with genuine care for people. Andrew and Zeta also explore why leaders struggle to say “I don’t know,” how listening improves decision-making, and why bringing more of your authentic self to work can help others do the same.Tune in to discover how humility, trust, and human connection can help you lead stronger teams and create workplaces where people feel seen, respected, and connected to something bigger than themselves.In This Episode:[00:00] Why vulnerability strengthens trust[03:41] Leadership beyond numbers and outcomes[05:55] From “all business” to people-centered leadership[07:18] Building trust as a young leader[12:10] How a crisis changes leadership[13:18] Leading after the Boston Marathon bombings[18:48] Navigating COVID as a new leader[20:51] Why saying “I don’t know” built trust[22:44] Why leaders feel pressure to have all the answers[25:28] Creating ownership through collective problem-solving[27:55] What happens when leaders stop listening[29:27] The Starbucks lesson that changed Zeta’s leadership[34:01] Using breath and pause to listen better[36:40] Making space for quieter voices[39:01] How Zeta’s parents shaped her leadership[42:22] Respecting every person’s work[44:40] Bringing the personal and professional together[47:26] Why showing your humanity matters[48:58] How to connect with Zeta SmithSpirituality in Leadership Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406Zeta SmithZeta SmithAndrew CohnWebsiteLinkedInMusic: Kodiak