SMEs run hot: fewer people, faster decisions, and almost no safety net. In this conversation, Heather McDaniel shares how small and medium enterprises can build strong cultures without big‑company budgets. We explore the realities of “trial‑by‑fire” leadership, what to do when training is thin, and how deep listening and clear practices create psychological safety on small teams. Heather traces her journey from the U.S. to Spain and why she founded the Life Love Leadership Project, plus a client story that shows culture change in action. Leaders will leave with practical ways to steady teams in uncertainty, replace performative overwork with presence, and embed inclusive habits that scale. Key Takeaways SMEs have unique constraints—design lightweight practices that fit reality, not theory. Without formal training, leaders learn in real time; give them simple tools and peer support. Deep listening is a leadership practice: it builds trust, clarity, and better decisions. Safety nets matter in small teams—norms and check‑ins reduce reactivity and burnout. Inclusion scales through habits (how we meet, decide, and follow up), not slogans. Founder/owner context shapes culture—name it, then build shared leadership. “Leaders tend to learn trial‑by‑fire—real time, without a safety net.” — Heather McDaniel About Heather McDaniel: Heather McDaniel is the founder of the Life Love Leadership Project and a keynote speaker, facilitator, and writer whose work sits at the intersection of leadership, resilience, and transformation. She’s spent her career helping people and organisations navigate change from the inside out through presence and the courage to lead themselves first.Heather specialises in working with small and medium-sized enterprises, where leadership decisions ripple quickly through culture and performance. She brings a deeply human lens to her work, shaped by her own journey of rebuilding abroad in Valencia, Spain, and her conviction that real leadership is less about control and more about creating the conditions where people can thrive.Her signature framework, the REBEL Method, guides leaders through reflection, breaking old patterns, and evolving into values-led leadership. Whether in workshops, retreats, or keynotes, Heather is committed to helping leaders hold steady in uncertain times and build futures rooted in integrity, resilience, and joy. Contact Heather: email: heather@heathermcdaniel.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathermcdanielcreative About Cynthia Fortlage: Cynthia Fortlage (she/her) is a C-suite executive turned global inclusion and leadership advisor, speaker, and writer. She has delivered 500+ engagements across 30+ countries and partners with organisations to embed inclusive leadership, psychological safety, and practical culture change. Her work blends data, strategy, and lived experience as a trans woman to equip leaders with usable tools, not slogans. Cynthia hosts the podcast Holding It Both Ways and leads The FORTLAGE Collective, offering keynotes, mentoring, and advisory support on culture, inclusion, and change. LinksWebsite: www.cynthiafortlage.comBooking: https://calendly.com/cynthiafortlage/30minLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/cfortlage Get full access to FORTLAGE Collective: Insights on Inclusive Leadership at fortlage.substack.com/subscribe
