As a follow-up to our last episode, Farah Hussain, Leadership Advisor & Executive Coach, joins host Dana Tenille Weekes to talk about how workplace leaders adopt and normalize reactive tendencies as part of a “cost of doing business” mindset. In this episode, “Calling All Leaders: Shifting from Reactive Tendencies to Purposeful Action,” Farah helps listeners explore a question Dana asks from the outset: “Is how you show up at work, whether you are a leader or want to lead, a reflection of your character?” Farah holds the space for listeners to examine whether they are leading from reactive tendencies or from purposeful action and how to make the shift, even if it requires a bit of disruption (which Dana and Farah view as a good thing). Once you’ve listened to this episode, join Dana and Farah on Substack for Afterthoughts, the conversation after the (podcast) conversation. Be sure to subscribe (@therestofuspodcast) on Substack and have the conversation delivered to your inbox. What You'll Settle Into What reactive tendencies are, the different forms they take, and why they are acceptable or tolerable behaviors in the workplace despite undermining thriving and sustainable workplaces.How to identify reactive tendencies within ourselves through a self-reflection exercise.The significance of purposeful action, what it means, and how to make the shift. Key Quotes & Insights Reactive tendencies are not impulsive responses but default responses. They are patterns that have been built over time when faced with perceived or real consequences.“We have to unlearn that reactive tendencies are protectors and, instead, learn how to trust ourselves. This is because self-trust is the greatest anchor from which we can imagine a different future and take the action to step into it.” - Farah HussainPurposeful expansion/action challenges the status quo and makes us question how it is serving us individually and as an organization. The unexamined status quo is often self-suppressing. FARAH HUSSAIN coaches executives to adapt their leadership approach to meet the pace, pressure, and complexity of growth. She spent nearly 20 years in global leadership roles through significant periods of disruption, including a decade at PayPal through its spin-off, IPO, hypergrowth, and multiple re-orgs. With her extensive coach training, and more than 800 hours of coaching directors to CEOs, Farah actively guides leaders to make step changes in their leadership approach quickly. Leaders build awareness of themselves in context, become more discerning, and make targeted shifts in their mindset and leadership behaviors to be more effective. Farah is the author of The Pivotal Leader on Substack, a publication serving as a thought partner for leaders in pivotal moments. She has been featured in Forbes for her research on executive women of color, and has spoken at industry-leading conferences organized by Money 20/20, Forrester Research, and Startup Boston. She is also a painter. Visit Coaching with Farah Hang Farah's Art on Your Walls PODCAST TEAM Host, Dana Tenille Weekes Editor, Sagheer Muhammad If this episode feels like a message or mirror, feel free to share it with someone who is looking to think about rest differently. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. ⭐ Leave a 5-star review. (We are grateful for you doing so.) Until next time, rest, my friends. Connect with Us Website: www.therestofuspodcast.com Instagram: @therestofus.podcast@danatenilleweekesSubstack: @therestofuspodcastLinkedIn: Dana Tenille Weekes
