Leadership Lessons with Dr. Fredrick D. Lee II

Dr. Fredrick D. Lee II

Leadership Lessons is a weekly podcast for people who want to grow with intention — in leadership, life, and love. Hosted by Dr. Fredrick D. Lee II, this show bridges emotional intelligence, equity, and authentic growth to help you lead yourself and others with purpose and presence. Each episode blends evidence-based insight, personal storytelling, and practical strategy to help you navigate the human side of leadership — because leading well begins with living well. Whether you’re managing a team, building stronger relationships, or learning to heal and lead at the same time, these lessons will meet you right where you are. From navigating change and conflict to cultivating empathy, resilience, and self-awareness, Dr. Lee explores what it means to show up — not just as a leader in the workplace, but as a whole human being. Leadership Lessons invites you to go beyond titles and transactions, uncovering the emotional intelligence behind how we connect, communicate, and create impact. 🎧 Tune in weekly for conversations that help you grow with clarity, lead with compassion, and live with emotional intelligence — because how you lead in your work reflects how you show up in your life and love.

  1. Ep. 14 When Professional Meets Petty: Leading Through Disrespect with Emotional Intelligence

    11/03/2025

    Ep. 14 When Professional Meets Petty: Leading Through Disrespect with Emotional Intelligence

    Episode 14: When Professional Meets Petty – Leading Through Disrespect with Emotional Intelligence What do you do when professionalism meets pettiness — when the person you supervise challenges your authority, your patience, and your peace? In this powerful episode, Dr. Fredrick Lee sits down with Morshelle Tease, a newly promoted leader facing disrespect from a former peer. Together, they unpack what happens when leadership transitions trigger resentment — and how emotional intelligence becomes the key to leading through it. You’ll hear a real-time coaching session that demonstrates how to pause, assess, and respond with purpose using Dr. Lee’s signature Change Moves framework. Discover how to protect your credibility, uphold accountability, and lead with composure when others forget their professionalism. Suppose you’ve ever struggled with staying professional when others aren’t. In that case, this episode will help you reclaim your confidence, maintain your calm, and lead with emotional maturity — even in the face of pettiness. 🎧 Listen now to learn how emotional intelligence transforms tension into leadership growth. 🧭 Show Notes 🗣️ Episode Theme Leadership is tested not in moments of calm, but in moments of conflict. This episode explores how emotionally intelligent leaders can stay grounded and effective when faced with disrespect or resistance — especially from team members who once were peers. 👥 Guest Morshelle Tease – A newly promoted leader navigating the challenges of leading former peers and confronting unprofessional behavior with grace and authority. 💡 Key Topics The emotional toll of being promoted over a peerRecognizing and managing disrespect in the workplaceApplying emotional intelligence in real-world leadership conflictsThe 4 Dimensions of E.I.: Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, Social Awareness, and Relationship ManagementUsing the Change Moves coaching method to respond with clarity and confidence🔄 Dr. Lee’s Change Moves Framework Self-Awareness – Identify the emotion you’re leading withSelf-Regulation – Pause before reacting; respond with authority, not emotionSocial Awareness – Understand the motives behind the behaviorRelationship Management – Set and reinforce boundaries through accountabilityIntegration – Define your personal leadership code for consistency and composure🪞 Leadership Takeaways Disrespect reflects others’ insecurity, not your inadequacyBoundaries are a form of respect — for yourself and your teamComposure is leadership in actionProfessionalism is your power; consistency is your credibility✨ Quotable Moment “When a professional meets a petty person, your composure wins every time.” — Dr. Fredrick Lee🔗 Connect Visit leadershiplessons.transistor.fm for more episodes and leadership resources. Follow Dr. Fredrick Lee on social media for daily insights on emotional intelligence, change management, and authentic leadership.

    39 min
  2. Bonus Episode #11 Why Do Men Think Natural Human Emotions Are a Sign of Weakness

    10/28/2025 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode #11 Why Do Men Think Natural Human Emotions Are a Sign of Weakness

    In this follow-up to Bonus Episode 6 – Men Are Not OK, Dr. Fredrick D. Lee II sits down with Te’Ana (she/her) — an esthetician from McKinney, Texas — for a raw, honest, and heartfelt conversation about the emotional conditioning of men and its impact on relationships, leadership, and mental health. Drawing from Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and observational learning, Dr. Lee explores how cultural modeling teaches boys to hide their emotions — and how that message, reinforced through generations, becomes an identity built on suppression rather than self-awareness. Te’Ana shares her lived experience growing up in a community where men were told that emotional vulnerability was “feminine” or “gay,” reflecting the silent pain behind those beliefs and the relational cost of emotional disconnection. Together, they unpack how women experience that silence, how it affects communication and trust, and how both men and women can begin to rewrite the script. This candid discussion challenges outdated gender norms and invites listeners into a new definition of strength — one grounded in courage, empathy, and authenticity. 🎯 Strength isn’t the absence of emotion. It’s the courage to feel. 🧭 Episode Highlights How Social Cognitive Theory explains men’s emotional conditioningWhy “Boys Don’t Cry” is more than a phrase — it’s a lifelong scriptThe emotional and relational cost of suppression in menA woman’s perspective on what it’s like to love and support emotionally guarded menThe power of modeling vulnerability and creating emotional safetyHow men and women can build “emotional equity” together⚙️ Change Moves (Takeaways) Normalize Emotion as Human, Not Gendered – Feelings are universal, not masculine or feminine.Create Emotional Safety in Relationships – Replace interrogation with curiosity.Model the Behavior You Wish to See – Lead with openness; others will mirror it.Redefine Masculine Strength – Courage is the ability to face emotion, not suppress it.Heal in Community, Not Isolation – Vulnerability builds connection; connection builds strength.💬 Memorable Quote “Emotions aren’t weakness — they’re wisdom trying to be heard.” – Dr. Fredrick D. Lee II👥 Guest Te’Ana (she/her) – Esthetician from McKinney, TexasKnown for her humor, honesty, and insight, Te’Ana brings lived experience to the conversation on men’s emotional health. She’s seen firsthand how societal conditioning shapes the men around her — and why unlearning silence begins with awareness, compassion, and courage. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe Listen to Leadership Lessons with Dr. Fredrick Lee II onApple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Visit leadershiplessons.transistor.fm for more episodes on emotional intelligence, healing, and human-centered leadership.

    31 min
  3. Bonus Episode #10 Beyond Survival – A Conversation on Healing, Identity, and Self-Efficacy

    10/20/2025 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode #10 Beyond Survival – A Conversation on Healing, Identity, and Self-Efficacy

    Summary In this episode of Leadership Lessons, Dr. Fredrick Lee II engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Cynthia Payne, a breast cancer survivor and healthcare leader. They explore the intersection of personal experience and leadership, discussing the emotional intelligence required to navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Dr. Payne shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery, emphasizing the importance of self-efficacy, advocacy, and the role of intersectionality in healthcare. The conversation highlights the need for emotional support, the significance of trust in patient-provider relationships, and the transformative power of sharing one's story to inspire others. Takeaways Real leadership is born from lived experience.Surviving breast cancer is the beginning of a new story.Self-efficacy plays a crucial role in navigating health challenges.Trust in healthcare providers enhances patient compliance.Emotional intelligence is essential in leadership roles.Advocacy can save lives by encouraging early detection.Healing is a layered process that includes emotional and spiritual dimensions.Sharing personal stories can empower others facing similar challenges.Intersectionality impacts patient experiences in healthcare.Survivorship involves ongoing management and awareness of health.  Titles Transforming Adversity into LeadershipThe Intersection of Health and Leadership Sound Bites "Healing isn't linear, it's layered.""Your voice matters.""Surviving is not the finish line." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Lessons02:21 The Journey of a Breast Cancer Survivor03:55 Navigating the Healthcare System06:24 The Role of Self-Efficacy in Healing09:06 Intersectionality and Access to Care11:32 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership14:11 The Importance of Patient Advocacy18:51 The Importance of Time in Healing20:15 Mentorship and Leadership Through Adversity21:28 Advocacy for Women's Health23:05 The Ongoing Journey of Survivorship24:00 Sharing Stories to Inspire Others26:20 Encouragement for Those Facing Cancer29:59 The Power of Awareness and Advocacy

    35 min
  4. Bonus Episode #9 The Heart of Healing: Emotional Intelligence and the Power of Self-Leadership

    10/20/2025 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode #9 The Heart of Healing: Emotional Intelligence and the Power of Self-Leadership

    Summary In this episode of Leadership Lessons, Dr. Fredrick Lee II explores the profound connection between emotional intelligence, healing, and leadership. He emphasizes that healing is not merely a physical process but an emotional and relational journey. Through the lens of Black women's experiences, he discusses how emotional intelligence fosters resilience, self-leadership, and the ability to navigate life's challenges. The episode concludes with practical strategies for applying emotional intelligence in everyday life, highlighting its transformative power in both personal and professional contexts. Takeaways Emotional intelligence is crucial for healing and leadership.Healing is about becoming wiser through pain, not returning to the past.Self-awareness and self-regulation are key components of emotional intelligence.Emotions provide valuable information during crises and challenges.Isolation hinders healing; connection fosters it.Self-leadership involves managing one's emotions and mindset.Empathy and curiosity strengthen relationships and trust.Purpose helps maintain motivation during difficult times.Emotional intelligence can be practiced and developed.Healing and leadership are intertwined processes of transformation. Sound Bites "Healing is not about returning to who we were.""Emotional disconnection breeds isolation.""Feel, then frame your emotions before reacting." Chapters 00:00 The Intersection of Emotional Intelligence and Healing05:43 Self-Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence08:19 Practical Applications of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

    10 min
  5. Bonus Episode #8 Healthcare at the Intersections – Race, Gender, and Trust in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

    10/12/2025 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode #8 Healthcare at the Intersections – Race, Gender, and Trust in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

    In this bonus episode of the Leadership Lessons Podcast, Dr. Fredrick Lee II takes listeners into one of the most urgent and human conversations of our time: the intersection of race, gender, and trust in healthcare. Drawing on the voices and lived experiences of Black women navigating breast cancer, this episode uncovers the layered challenges that go far beyond medical treatment. It’s about battling inequities in access, racial bias in care, financial strain, gendered assumptions, and the deep historical wounds that shape trust—or distrust—in the healthcare system. But the story does not stop at barriers. These women reveal how resilience, self-efficacy, and emotional intelligence become lifelines in their journeys. From advocating for themselves in dismissive environments to reframing stress into strategy to building support networks that multiply strength, their courage offers timeless lessons for leaders everywhere. Listeners will discover: Why trust and cultural competence are essential in care, leadership, and community.How emotional intelligence competencies, such as empathy, self-awareness, stress tolerance, and reality testing, empower resilience.Practical Change Moves to lead with equity, build communities of voice, and transform stress into strategic growth.This is more than a conversation about cancer. It is about leadership in the face of inequity, about honoring stories often left unheard, and about learning how resilience at the intersections can inform how we live, lead, and heal. 🔑 Key Themes Race, gender, and healthcare disparitiesTrust and cultural competence in medicine and leadershipEmotional intelligence and resilience in adversityBreast cancer survivorship storiesEquity, access, and advocacyLeadership lessons from lived experiences🎯 Why You Should Listen Whether you are a leader in healthcare, business, education, or the community, this episode challenges you to view inequity differently—and to lead with courage, clarity, and compassion. These stories will shift the way you think about resilience, equity, and leadership at the intersections. 📌 Listen & Subscribe 🔗 Leadership Lessons with Dr. Fredrick Lee II Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere you listen.

    24 min
  6. Ep. 13 The Mirror Isn’t Broken – Redefining Confidence and Self-Trust

    09/15/2025

    Ep. 13 The Mirror Isn’t Broken – Redefining Confidence and Self-Trust

    Episode 13: The Mirror Isn’t Broken – Redefining Confidence and Self-Trust Have you ever straightened your tie, adjusted your blouse, or rehearsed your lines before a big moment—only to look in the mirror and wonder, “Am I enough?” In this episode of Leadership Lessons with Dr. Fredrick Lee II, we’re unpacking one of the most common struggles leaders face: confidence. Not the loud, performative bravado that often gets mistaken for confidence, but the steady alignment that comes from trusting yourself. Because here’s the truth: the mirror isn’t broken—what’s broken sometimes is our self-trust. 🔑 What you’ll learn in this episode: The difference between confidence and bravado—and why bravado drains trust instead of building it.How emotional intelligence (EI) becomes the compass for self-trust through self-awareness, self-regulation, reality testing, and self-regard.Real-world examples of how leaders sabotage their credibility when they perform confidence instead of practicing it.Research-backed insights on what makes leaders truly trustworthy and resilient.Practical Change Moves you can apply right away to rebuild confidence—choice by choice, promise by promise.💡 Key Takeaways: Confidence isn’t bravado—it’s alignment.Self-trust grows when we keep small promises to ourselves.The mirror doesn’t lie—it reflects a work in progress that’s already worthy of trust.Whether you’re navigating self-doubt, rebuilding after a setback, or simply wanting to lead with greater authenticity, this episode will help you redefine confidence as something deeper, stronger, and more sustainable than performance. 🎧 Listen to Episode 13: “The Mirror Isn’t Broken – Redefining Confidence and Self-Trust” now. 👉 Subscribe for more Leadership Lessons with Dr. Fredrick Lee II at leadershiplessons.transistor.fm #LeadershipLessons #Confidence #SelfTrust #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #Resilience

    22 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Leadership Lessons is a weekly podcast for people who want to grow with intention — in leadership, life, and love. Hosted by Dr. Fredrick D. Lee II, this show bridges emotional intelligence, equity, and authentic growth to help you lead yourself and others with purpose and presence. Each episode blends evidence-based insight, personal storytelling, and practical strategy to help you navigate the human side of leadership — because leading well begins with living well. Whether you’re managing a team, building stronger relationships, or learning to heal and lead at the same time, these lessons will meet you right where you are. From navigating change and conflict to cultivating empathy, resilience, and self-awareness, Dr. Lee explores what it means to show up — not just as a leader in the workplace, but as a whole human being. Leadership Lessons invites you to go beyond titles and transactions, uncovering the emotional intelligence behind how we connect, communicate, and create impact. 🎧 Tune in weekly for conversations that help you grow with clarity, lead with compassion, and live with emotional intelligence — because how you lead in your work reflects how you show up in your life and love.