In this episode of Partnering Leadership, John Veihmeyer, former global chairman of KPMG, looks back on how he started rising through the ranks at KPMG and why leading with self-awareness and empathy was critical in rebuilding morale. John Veihmeyer also shares valuable lessons in developing resilience in leadership, inspiring a purpose-driven culture in a company, and leading for impact.

Some highlights:

● How performing in musicals in high school helped John Veihmeyer later in his career

● Why John recommends aspiring leaders study accounting

● The value of building and nurturing work relationships without expecting anything in return

● How John Veihmeyer became deputy chairman of KPMG, a role he wasn’t ready for but felt responsible to undertake

● The importance of ‘doing the hard thing now and building resilience in leadership

● How John Veihmeyer inspired trust and regain confidence in a demoralized organization

● Why John believes empathy and self-awareness are the two most important leadership traits

● Why you should surround yourself with people that are going to be willing to disagree with you

● Laying bricks vs. building a cathedral: the perspective John Veihmeyer promoted to inspire a purpose-driven culture

● How the KPMG Family For Literacy Program started and its impact

Mentioned in this episode:

Steve Harlan, former managing partner at KPMG

➡ Listen to Steve Harlan’s Partnering Leadership podcast episode here.

Linda Rabbitt, Founder & Chairman of rand Construction

➡ Listen to Linda Rabbitt’s Partnering Leadership podcast episode here.

Susan Flynn and Beth Veihmeyer, Co-founders of the KPMG Family For Literacy Program (KFFL)

Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Connect with John Veihmeyer:

John Veihmeyer on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

More information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website:

PartneringLeadership.com