051: Learn, Lead, Lift with Wendy Ryan

In our latest episode of "Evolve: A New Era of Leadership," we had the incredible opportunity to dive deep with Wendy Ryan, a seasoned HR and organizational development expert, CEO, and author of "Learn, Lead, Lift."

📘 Wendy shared her journey of writing the book she wished she had at 22. "Learn, Lead, Lift" is not just a guide for fresh graduates but a lifelong companion for anyone on a leadership path. It's about mindset, leadership, and making impactful changes at every career stage.

💡 The conversation was illuminating, especially around how our mindsets shape our reality. Wendy highlighted the importance of being aware of our mental lenses and how they filter our perceptions, emphasizing that understanding our mindsets can help us choose how we think about things.

🧠 But it's not just about mindset. Wendy and Carolyn discussed the critical role of emotions in leadership. Gone are the days when leaders were told to leave their feelings at the door. Emotions are data, and understanding them is crucial for making informed decisions.

🌍 Wendy's insights into leadership in a VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) world were particularly striking. She talked about the need for leaders to be constantly attentive, both to their own actions and the needs of those around them.

🏆 The "3T model" - Tolerate, Transform, Transcend - Wendy discussed is a powerful tool for decision-making. This framework helps leaders assess situations and decide whether to maintain the status quo, make changes, or completely overhaul their approach.

🙌 But perhaps most importantly, Wendy's work in recognizing and addressing systemic oppression and power dynamics in leadership is pivotal. She encourages leaders to be more intentional and aware of their privilege and how it impacts others.

This episode is a goldmine for leaders seeking to evolve and adapt in an ever-changing world. Wendy Ryan's insights provide practical tools and profound wisdom for anyone looking to lead with more awareness, empathy, and effectiveness.

Wendy Ryan (she/her/hers) is a Best Selling, 3x Award Winning Author, CEO of Kadabra, Mentor and Strategic Advisor. Wendy believes that all of our actions are consequential, especially in leadership. This is why it has been her life’s work to help leaders expand what’s possible through The Learn Lead Lift Framework®.

Wendy is a fearless advocate for increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in the business and investor ecosystems. She engages awareness and connection to inspire leaders to take their next step towards greatness. Wendy is available for in-person or virtual keynote speaking engagements, panel discussions, podcast interviews, and small group learning sessions.

🔗 Don't miss this episode of "Evolve: A New Era of Leadership." Tune in, absorb, and transform your leadership journey!

#LeadershipEvolution #LearnLeadLift #MindfulLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #EvolvePodcast

We talk about:

• [0:00] Intro

• [2:33] The inspiration behind writing her book

• [5:01] What her 20 year old self could have taken away from this book

• [6:44] How to overcome a workplace mindset that is no longer serving us

• [8:53] Mindset shifts within leaders

• [12:11] Tools to become more emotionally literate

• [14:55] Doing her work without stepping into the boundaries of being a therapist

• [18:24] Bringing safety, consistency and choice into your work with senior leaders

• [20:11] VUCA

• [24:18] Indicators that your team or organization might be ready for this work

• [27:20] How the 3T model fits in with her work with teams and individuals

• [33:23] Where does systemic oppression, power and privilege come into her work