The unCorporate Leader | Leadership, Communication, Teamwork, Productivity, Strategy

Silvia Johnson - C-Suite Exec, Board Member, Leadership Coach

The un-Corporate Leader: next-level leadership—without next-level burnout Did you think that making it into a leadership position would mean your job would get easier? Do you look back and realize you were wrong when you used to think, “If I had the chance, I could do it better?”  Being “closer to the sun (aka. the c-suite)” isn't always easier. The politics get thicker, the demands come from even more places and the strengths that helped you get promoted, seem to have become your new weaknesses. For many of us, we assumed that autonomy would increase as we climbed the ladder, but the truth is you have more people to please in order to get your work done.  I know, because I experienced this phenomena for decades in my career in tech. Whether it was the promotion to Director, the appointment to VP or finally stepping into the C-suite, there was always more to balance and more to navigate. On top of that, there were shifts I needed to make in how I thought about and ran my team and organization. I struggled with my identity and with managing myself, while managing everyone else so we could get things done. If quite cracking had been a thing while I was on the inside, I would have raised my hand and said, “yes that’s me”. But, I did it! I had a successful career in tech, so much so that I was able to retire at 45. I have mentored, coached and taught others how to approach their jobs differently and I can teach you too. If you are ready to think more strategically, run your team more effectively and lead with executive presence, then this podcast is for you. Within these episodes you will learn how to hack your job, with proven tools and methodologies that will allow you to easily grow and scale as you continue on your leadership journey. Who knows, it might even give you what you need, to strive for the next level, without burnout! Grab your Starbucks, sparkling water, or your wine (no judgement here) and cozy up to hear what it takes to navigate this changing corporate world while maintaining your sanity and NOT giving up on your leadership dreams. Want to get access to The unCorporate Leader community AND get a chance to receive a Clarity Convo worth $375 (yours FREE if accepted)? Join me here, today! If you have a question or comment, feel free to contact me at: silvia@heysilvia.com

  1. Oct 19

    EP15: When Your Team Gets Too Comfortable — How to Reset Without Burning It All Down

    Hey un-Corporate Leader, Welcome to today’s episode — where we tackle a question that came directly from the community: How do you reset expectations with a team that has gotten too comfortable? It’s a question many leaders are asking right now, and the answer is more nuanced than simply “hold them accountable.” In today’s episode, we’ll cover: How to diagnose why your team has gotten too comfortable — because the answer changes everything How to ensure your team is still aligned to the strategic direction (and the Big Rig Truck example that will change how you think about this) Why sharing the why matters more than you think — and how a CHRO once got a psych major (me) excited about semiconductors How to help each team member understand the implication of change for their specific role — so they come along on the journey instead of resisting it When comfort crosses the line into a performance issue — and what to do when you’ve pulled every lever and nothing has changed Sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode. 🎙️   Referenced in Today's Episode: Join the Community If you haven't already, join the un-Corporate Leader Community at https://theuncorporateleader.com Podcast Episodes: https://theuncorporateleader.com/podcast/ EP3 - The 5 questions that help create a best-in-class strategic plan EP11 - 3 Step audit for ensuring an effective strategic plan EP12 - Priorities or Performance: Why Your Employee Isn't Delivering — and What to Do About It Want more clarity? If you're navigating a culture fit situation and not sure how to handle it, apply for a Clarity Call with Silvia — limited spots are available now: https://forms.gle/LFL6m7LkR4qwaUhu5 Got questions? I have answers! Send them to silvia@heysilvia.com and I may answer yours on a future episode.

  2. Oct 5

    EP14: What to Do When Your Budget Gets Cut and Your Team Takes the Hit

    Hey un-Corporate Leader, Welcome to Episode 14 of the un-Corporate Leader Podcast — where this week, we're tackling one of the most frustrating realities of leadership right now: what do you do when your budget gets slashed, part of your team gets laid off, and you're left to pick up the pieces? Globally, we're in a period of contraction. And one of the most damaging patterns that comes with it is decision-makers without context making sweeping changes — changes that create more work, more uncertainty, and more pressure for the leaders left behind. So, if you're a Director, VP, or middle manager staring down that reality right now, this episode is for you. In this week's episode, we'll cover: How to recover when your budget was cut without you ever being invited to the conversation How to build your own strategic planning and budgeting process — so you're never caught off guard again Why having the facts and figures at your fingertips is non-negotiable When and how to plant the seed now to ensure you have a seat at the table next budget cycle Sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode. 🎙️ Additional Resources Based on This Episode: Podcast Episodes: https://theuncorporateleader.com/podcast/ EP2: 4 Behaviors to implement for strategic leadership EP3: The 5 questions that help create a best-in-class strategic plan Blog: How to Tell a Crisp Story About Your Work in Under Two Minutes Join the Community If you haven't already, join the un-Corporate Leader Community at https://theuncorporateleader.com Want more clarity? If you're navigating a culture fit situation and not sure how to handle it, apply for a Clarity Call with Silvia — limited spots are available now: https://forms.gle/LFL6m7LkR4qwaUhu5

  3. Jul 29

    EP12: Priorities or Performance: Why Your Employee Isn't Delivering — and What to Do About It

    Hey un-Corporate Leader, Welcome to Episode 12 of the un-Corporate Leader Podcast — where this week we're tackling one of the most common Leadership challenges out there: figuring out why someone on your team isn't delivering. Here's the thing - before you assume it's a talent problem, there are really only 2 categories to explore: Priorities or Employee Performance. And knowing which one you're dealing with makes all the difference. I'll walk you through a simple framework that will help you diagnose what's really going on — so you can stop guessing and start leading with clarity. In this week's episode, we'll cover: How to tell if it's a Priorities problem — and why clear Communication Strategies matter more than you think How to identify a Performance Management gap — whether it's a skill, capability, or desire issue Why Change Management is key when expectations shift but no one got the memo How to have the tough, transparent conversations that actually move things forward around Employee Development Why clarity is king — and how great Leadership Coaching creates space for your team to feel seen and supported Sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode. 🎙️ Best, Silvia Referenced in Today's Episode: Join the Community If you haven't already, join the un-Corporate Leader Community at https://theuncorporateleader.com Podcast Episodes: https://theuncorporateleader.com/podcast/ EP8: You don't have a talent problem (yet) EP9: "Culture Fit" is not a gut feeling Your team is not your family (blog) Want more clarity? If you're navigating a culture fit situation and not sure how to handle it, apply for a Clarity Call with Silvia — limited spots are available now: https://forms.gle/LFL6m7LkR4qwaUhu5 Got questions? I have answers! Send them to silvia@heysilvia.com and I may answer yours on a future episode.

  4. Jul 6

    EP10: 4 Steps to ensure executive presence in meetings

    Hey un-Corporate Leader, Welcome to Episode 10 of the un-Corporate Leader Podcast — where this week, we're talking about showing up and maintaining Executive Presence in meetings. Whether we like it or not, people will judge you on a first impression. When you have limited time, you need to take control. Even if this is something you already do well, use these steps to teach others on your team how to do the same — and take control of your team brand. The better you and your team is thought of, the easier it will be to influence for success! In this week's episode, we cover: Being prepared in the context of meetings, especially difficult ones. This is a key leadership skill every leader needs to master. How to Elevate Your Talking Points — Using effective communication to succinctly share why what you're presenting matters at the right level for the room. Practicing your pitch — Practice yes, but how you do this and WHY it impacts your leadership style to help your brand. Taking in the Feedback – Listening deeply is leadership gold and essential to help you influence further, driving better impact for your organization. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode. 🎙️   Referenced in Today's Episode: Join the Community If you haven't already, join the un-Corporate Leader Community at theuncorporateleader.com EP6: 3 Steps to Influence and Executive Want more clarity? If you're navigating a culture fit situation and not sure how to handle it, apply for a Clarity Call with Silvia — limited spots are available now: https://forms.gle/LFL6m7LkR4qwaUhu5 Got questions? I have answers! Send them to silvia@heysilvia.com and I may answer yours on a future episode.

  5. Jun 29

    EP9: “Culture Fit" Is Not a Gut Feeling

    Hey un-Corporate Leader, Welcome to Episode 9 of the un-Corporate Leader Podcast — where this week we tackle one of the most misused phrases in leadership: culture fit. You know what it's like — something feels off with a team member, and you can't quite put your finger on it. So you call it a culture fit issue. But if that's all you've got, that's a problem — and a legal and bias risk you don't want to ignore. Handled correctly though, culture fit is one of the most powerful tools you have as a leader. The key? You have to actually define it. In this week's episode, we'll cover: Why "culture fit" without definition is a slippery slope full of bias and legal risk What culture fit actually means — and why it's about the HOW, not just the WHAT How to define your culture in behavioral terms so you can hire, manage, and have real conversations with confidence Sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode. 🎙️ Referenced in Today's Episode: Join the Community If you haven't already, join the un-Corporate Leader Community at theuncorporateleader.com Podcast Episodes: https://theuncorporateleader.com/podcast/ EP8: You Don't Have a Talent Problem (Yet) EP3: The 5 questions that help create a best-in-class strategic plan Want more clarity? If you're navigating a culture fit situation and not sure how to handle it, apply for a Clarity Call with Silvia — limited spots are available now: https://forms.gle/LFL6m7LkR4qwaUhu5 Got questions? I have answers! Send them to silvia@heysilvia.com and I may answer yours on a future episode.

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

The un-Corporate Leader: next-level leadership—without next-level burnout Did you think that making it into a leadership position would mean your job would get easier? Do you look back and realize you were wrong when you used to think, “If I had the chance, I could do it better?”  Being “closer to the sun (aka. the c-suite)” isn't always easier. The politics get thicker, the demands come from even more places and the strengths that helped you get promoted, seem to have become your new weaknesses. For many of us, we assumed that autonomy would increase as we climbed the ladder, but the truth is you have more people to please in order to get your work done.  I know, because I experienced this phenomena for decades in my career in tech. Whether it was the promotion to Director, the appointment to VP or finally stepping into the C-suite, there was always more to balance and more to navigate. On top of that, there were shifts I needed to make in how I thought about and ran my team and organization. I struggled with my identity and with managing myself, while managing everyone else so we could get things done. If quite cracking had been a thing while I was on the inside, I would have raised my hand and said, “yes that’s me”. But, I did it! I had a successful career in tech, so much so that I was able to retire at 45. I have mentored, coached and taught others how to approach their jobs differently and I can teach you too. If you are ready to think more strategically, run your team more effectively and lead with executive presence, then this podcast is for you. Within these episodes you will learn how to hack your job, with proven tools and methodologies that will allow you to easily grow and scale as you continue on your leadership journey. Who knows, it might even give you what you need, to strive for the next level, without burnout! Grab your Starbucks, sparkling water, or your wine (no judgement here) and cozy up to hear what it takes to navigate this changing corporate world while maintaining your sanity and NOT giving up on your leadership dreams. Want to get access to The unCorporate Leader community AND get a chance to receive a Clarity Convo worth $375 (yours FREE if accepted)? Join me here, today! If you have a question or comment, feel free to contact me at: silvia@heysilvia.com

You Might Also Like