The Leading Yourself Podcast

In this episode, Kene Igweonu engages with Dr. Lawanda Rutledge-Gordon, a Senior Vice President in a global healthcare company, to explore the concept of self-leadership. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, personal responsibility, and emotional intelligence in effective leadership. Dr. Gordon shares her journey from servant leadership to becoming a strategic visionary, emphasizing the need for integrity and crucial conversations in navigating difficult decisions. The conversation also touches on the balance between leadership identity and personal values, and how to integrate love and compassion into the workplace. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that impactful leadership begins with knowing oneself and nurturing core values.TakeawaysSelf-leadership is essential before leading others.Integrity is crucial in leadership decisions.Crucial conversations can strengthen relationships.Self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership.Emotional intelligence is vital under pressure.Nurturing core values leads to impactful leadership.Actions speak louder than words in demonstrating values.A servant leader prioritizes the team's visibility.Leadership identity should not overshadow personal values.Compassion and empathy are key in the workplace.Chapters00:00 The Essence of Self-Leadership06:39 Navigating Difficult Leadership Decisions11:38 The Balance of Identity and Leadership17:31 Integrating Values in Leadership23:48 Nurturing Core Values for Impactful Leadership26.09 Outro_ Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice

Leaders are often faced with moments where instincts must prevail over theory. In this episode Kene Igweonu and Ewan Hamilton, Chief Product and Commercial Officer at Experian, explore the nuanced ways top leaders cultivate resilience, authenticity, and strategic diversity in their teams. From navigating pressure with calmness to leveraging differing viewpoints, our discussion emphasises that leadership is as much about self-awareness as it is about team management.TakeawaysHow leaders internalize leadership principles through deliberate practice and reflectionHow instinct and reflection shape decision-making under pressureBuilding resilience by managing stress and absorbing workplace pressureThe value of fostering dissenting voices and diverse perspectives in teamsThe importance of routines, routines, and routines in maintaining groundingAuthenticity and boundary-setting between personal and professional identitiesLearning from mistakes and embracing continuous self-improvementThe critical role of team culture in openness and challengeEmbracing mistakes and feedback as part of leadership growthThe significance of a trusted "home team" for better decision-makingChapters00:00 Introduction to Self-Leadership04:17 Understanding Self-Leadership Under Pressure07:41 Values and Leadership Decisions10:29 Leadership Instinct and Practice12:46 Leadership Theory and Practice Continuum17:27 Balancing Leadership and Personal Identity20:04 Grounding Practices for Leaders22:09 Embracing Imperfection in Leadership27:39 Outro_ Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice

In this episode of The Leading Yourself Podcast, Kene Igweonu engages in a deep conversation with Andre Dick, Senior Vice President at Seattle Children's Hospital. They explore the concept of self-leadership, emphasizing the importance of leading oneself before leading others. The discussion covers personal values, the challenges of leadership, the significance of building trust, and the impact of difficult decisions. Andre shares his journey of self-discovery and the importance of defining personal standards and values. The episode concludes with insights on maintaining identity beyond titles and nurturing values in leadership.TakeawaysLeadership is often about how we lead ourselves.Defining personal standards is crucial for effective leadership.You must be the primary author of your life.Influence is earned, not given by title.Bringing values into leadership is essential for authenticity.Difficult decisions often require explaining the 'why' to others.Trust is built on mutual respect and active listening.Navigating change requires transparency and adaptability.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Self-Leadership02:59 The Role of Values in Leadership05:02 Defining Success and Personal Growth06:45 Navigating Leadership Challenges09:13 Building Trust and Influence10:43 Making Difficult Decisions12:22 The Importance of Authenticity14:42 Grounding Practices for Leaders16:24 The Role of Mentorship and Sponsorship18:50 Embracing Change and Resilience 18:50 Final Thoughts on Leadership18:50 Outro_ Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice

Dr. Atul Shinagare, Director of Integrated Cancer Imaging at Brigham and Women's Hospital, shares insights on self-leadership, decision-making, and personal growth as a senior executive leader. Dr. Atul Shinagare and Professor Kene Igweonu discuss the importance of aligning personal values with leadership decisions, the personal costs associated with leadership roles, and the significance of maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life. Atul shares insights on the journey of self-improvement, the influence of purpose and gratitude, and the lessons learned from observing other leaders. The conversation emphasizes that effective leadership is a continuous process of growth and reflection.TakeawaysSelf-leadership is about creating a better version of oneself.Leadership involves making tough decisions guided by values.Striking a balance between patient care and staff well-being is crucial.Leadership is not about making everyone happy, but about influencing the majority positively.Personal costs of leadership include the burden of tough decisions and the need for self-care.Finding purpose in work helps navigate challenges and maintain motivation.Gratitude plays a significant role in a leader's well-being.Leadership roles should resonate with personal values, not just ambition.Learning from others can involve recognizing both positive and negative examples.Balance in leadership is a dynamic pursuit, not a static state.Chapters00:00 Exploring Self-Leadership in Leadership Roles02:39 Navigating Change in Healthcare Leadership06:05 The Importance of Values in Leadership Decisions11:09 Balancing Personal and Professional Life14:49 Cultivating Purpose and Gratitude in Leadership17:57 Final Thoughts on Integrity and Leadership19:32 Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice

Anna Coatsworth, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer at Array Marketing, shares insights on self-leadership, decision-making, and maintaining a balanced identity as a leader. She talks about the complexities of leadership roles, the necessity of aligning actions with values, and the significance of maintaining a balanced identity. Anna highlights the need for vulnerability, the impact of difficult decisions, and the role of professional guidance in personal growth. The discussion culminates in the importance of communicating values through actions and the ongoing journey of self-reflection in leadership.TakeawaysSelf-leadership is crucial for effective leadership.Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and connection.Difficult decisions often reflect deeper values.Balancing work and personal life enhances leadership effectiveness.Professional guidance can provide valuable insights for leaders.Communicating values through actions is essential for influence.Leadership identity should not solely define personal identity.Creating a supportive team environment is vital for growth.Reflecting on personal values aids in decision-making.Leadership is a continuous journey of self-discovery.Chapters00:00 The Essence of Self-Leadership03:32 Understanding Organizational Dynamics09:21 Navigating Self-Leadership Under Pressure13:20 Values vs. Convenience in Leadership Decisions19:48 Balancing Identity and Leadership Role24:22 Grounding Practices for Effective Leadership27:21 The Role of Professional Guidance in Leadership31:01 Communicating Values Through Actions

In this conversation, Professor David Mba and Professor Kene Igweonu explore the concept of self-leadership, emphasizing the importance of personal values in decision-making and leadership practices. They discuss how self-reflection and criticality play a crucial role in effective leadership, particularly under pressure. David shares insights from his experience as Vice Chancellor, highlighting the significance of aligning personal and organizational values, the challenges of making tough decisions, and the importance of maintaining one's identity amidst leadership responsibilities. The discussion also touches on the need for leaders to engage with their communities and the impact of values-driven leadership on organizational culture and social mobility.TakeawaysSelf-leadership is a reflective discipline.Values shape our decisions, especially under pressure.Self-critique is essential for effective leadership.Decisions should prioritize student welfare.You can't please everyone, but you can provide rationale.Engagement with the community is vital for leaders.Grounding practices help maintain perspective.Values alignment simplifies decision-making.Leadership is about impact, not just influence.Nurturing values in others creates a positive leadership culture.Chapters00:00 The Essence of Self-Leadership01:37 Defining Self-Leadership05:01 Decision-Making Guided by Values07:40 Navigating Discomfort in Leadership Decisions10:48 Balancing Identity and Leadership Role14:06 Grounding Practices for Leaders19:59 Nurturing Values in Leadership

Leading Yourself is a leadership podcast exploring values, identity, failure, and practice—approaching leadership as a learnable, reflective discipline rather than performance.In this short solo introduction, host Kene Igweonu shares the motivation behind the series: to support leaders at all stages to grow in ways that are grounded in their true sense of self, values, and integrity—especially under pressure.Inspired by principles from the book; How Will You Measure Your Life?, the podcast invites a deeper question: how do we measure our leadership when no one is watching?Each episode features thoughtful conversations with senior executive leaders from higher education, business, and public life, offering practical insights into the inner work of leadership.First full episode coming soon!