The High Road to Leadership with Beverly Lewis: Recent Episodes
Beverly Lewis
Heart-based Leaders with Extraordinarily High EQ are the shapers of culture, the movers, the shakers, and the change-makers. It's your season to step up and lead with the strength of character that will pave the way for the next generation. Take the high road!
Meet Joyce Weiss, the Conflict Resolution & Communication Coach. Did you know that unresolved conflict at work costs US companies a whopping $359 billion in losses every year? HR and Business Professionals state they spend more than 2½ hours per week trying to resolve conflict.
Joyce shares insights and strategies to help employees and managers feel confident using their voice without losing their cool - to feel heard and respected.
Beverly and Joyce cover many timely issues in this episode including a discussion about what bullying really is and how to put a stop to it through skilled communication. Anyone with a desire to improve relationships can learn these skills.
Joyce says, "You get what you tolerate." Set healthy boundaries, step up to difficult conversations, create a safe workplace, and be rewarded with a healthy culture of people who are able to give their best at work every day.
For more on this topic, contact Joyce on any of the following platforms: https://www.joyceweiss.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyceweiss/ https://www.youtube.com/@JoyceWeiss https://www.facebook.com/ConflictResolutionConsultant
Thank you for listening. Subscribing to this podcast is appreciated. A 5 star review sets our feet to dancing! For comments or suggestions, email Beverly Lewis at Beverly@BeverlySpeaks.com
Conversations can become contentious in a hurry in the current climate; whether you are talking politics, values, or any number of topics. Everyone has the need to be seen and heard, but the skill of listening sometimes seems like a lost art.
It takes intentional effort to listen well, particularly when you don't agree with someone. The real problem is that when you become offended, you shift into judging the other person. And judgement builds a wall of separation and blocks effective communication.
"Change Your Questions, Change Your Life" is a book by Marilee Adams that I think should be required reading for anyone wanting to improve relationships at work. Her description of the 2 modes - learner mode and judger mode - correlate perfectly with what I describe as the high road vs. the low road. An especially helpful skill is becoming aware of which road you are on. The next step is knowing what to do if you find yourself on the low road. I mention Dr. Adams' Choice Map in this episode. You can download it here: https://inquiry-institute.myshopify.com/products/cm-dl
This episode is quick brush over a deep and important topic. Don't judge me - learn with me. Contact Beverly@BeverlySpeaks.com for more information. Access Beverly's free gift of the audio version of her book, "Win from Within: The Heart of Success and Significance" at http://beverlyspeaks.com/freebook/
See you next episode - the best is yet to come!
Tracy Johnstone communicates “The Johnstone Difference” with warmth, authenticity, and a professionalism that inspires. Tracy’s experience as owner and operator of a chain of McDonald’s franchises equipped her with fascinating and powerful truths about how to hire well and build a team of cohesive business people who demonstrate loyalty, accountability, and bring their best to work on a consistent basis.
Her conversation with Beverly is full of wisdom on how to create an organizational culture that has people lined up to become a part of it. She is able to convey her knowledge about leadership development, corporate communication, change management, and predictive analytics with clarity and ease. Purpose on the path is a big part of Tracy’s message and you will be encouraged as you listen.
Tracy can be reached on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyvjohnstone/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/johnstonedifference
To give feedback on this podcast, contact Beverly@BeverlySpeaks.com.
An energizing conversation with Sandra Nestor Love, an engaging communication expert who is committed to customizing integrity-driven results for teams to benefit both emotionally/professionally!
Today, we're talking about her new board game, "The BEST!" and how it can be used to create a healthy organizational culture.
Things to know about Sandra:
- Certified Public EQ Keynote Speaker & Legacy Leadership Trainer -Over 50 perfect 5-star Google Business reviews
- Intl Missionary, Published Series Author & Consultant -Owns Core Success Dynamics OMG (optimizing my greatness) community app
Over 20 years of experience igniting people to feel more significantly accepted, secure & mature at their own pace in their own space. Transforming their new heroic inner narrative leads to influentially impactful milestones. Connect with Sandra at https://coresuccessdynamics.com/.
Beverly and Sandra are available as a team to speak and lead in a dynamic, impactful way at your next event. We are a walking, talking demonstration of diversity and belonging, leaving audacious joy in our wake.
Please direct questions, comments, or feedback to Beverly@Beverlyspeaks.com . Thank you for listening. Your presence here means a lot. If you would be so kind as to follow this podcast on your favorite audio platform. Subscribing and taking the time to leave a review is an amazing gift. Thank you in advance!
Welcome to Season Three of The High Road to Leadership. Your host, Beverly Lewis, will focus this season on identifying and developing the skills you need to create job satisfaction and build a healthy workplace culture. Leading yourself well is the door to leading others well, so we’ll keep it personal.
Who you are now is more important than who you were. Leadership is not so much about where you've been as where you are going. Who are you becoming? What is your vision? If clarity is your goal, you're in the right place. We’re going forward together!
What's in Your Pack?
You are encouraged to print the leadership packing list here > http://beverlyspeaks.com/packinglist/
This list is one way to assess what’s in your pack and what you can do to prepare well for the future. Consider ONE attribute you want to focus on developing or improving. Then, be accountable to do the work.
Accountability Challenge
I challenge you to put the packing list, with the starred items you are focused on, in a place on your desk where you see it every day. Each morning when you come in, look over the list and focus on what you need to do to live up to your leadership philosophy today. At the end of the day, score yourself on how well you did. If you don’t want to do this exercise daily, then at least do it weekly. If you’re really serious about growing, give your list to those on your team and ask them to hold you accountable. Ask for feedback – especially if you fall short on one of the items you are working on. On a quarterly basis, ask them to score you on a 1 to 10 scale on those skills, attitudes, or attributes.
Raise Your EQ
Emotional Intelligence or EQ, is a quality in high demand in today’s top-level leaders. It is the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships empathetically and wisely. You can count on hearing ways to increase your EQ through listening to The High Road to Leadership.
Free Audio Book
Beverly authored a book that is a great tool for increasing EQ As a podcast listener, you can access the exclusive audio version of Win from Within: The Heart of Success and Significance through this link. http://beverlyspeaks.com/freebook/
Please direct questions, comments, or feedback to Beverly@Beverlyspeaks.com . Thank you for listening. Your presence here means a lot. If you would be so kind as to follow this podcast on your favorite audio platform. Subscribing and taking the time to leave a review is an amazing gift. Thank you in advance!
When was the last time you strategically planned a pause that refreshes? I’m not necessarily talking about a trip or vacation. We all know we can pack every travel moment so full of activity that we return home exhausted. I’m talking about a pause that includes white space on your calendar. Time to think, dawdle, and rest.
The fact is, a strong work ethic is part of my heritage and identity. I grew up with the belief system that you need to earn your own way. Get your work done every day and don’t complain. Show up early, stay late – do whatever it takes. Working a lot, in my mind, has always carried with it a badge of honor. So was not taking any sick days. A mental health day? What’s that?
I now realize how self-destructive this attitude can be. Life is far too short to spend all of it at work, even if you love what you do. Taking time for yourself is not selfish. Being kind to yourself is not being self-centered. Creating boundaries to protect your time and energy is critical. Add to that the fact that palliative nurses report that they don’t hear death bed wishes of people saying, “If only I had worked more.”
Join me for an episode that addresses:
Do We Need More Time Off To Be On At Work? How Vacations Benefit Productivity Two Reasons to Stop and Celebrate Four Ways to Strengthen Your Heart
I'm taking a purposeful pause from this podcast this summer. I will be back in August. During this time, I want to offer you an audio gift. As a podcast listener, you can access the exclusive audio version of my book, Win from Within: The Heart of Success and Significance
Simply visit http://beverlyspeaks.com/freebook/ Please direct questions, comments, or feedback to Beverly@Beverlyspeaks.com . Thank you for listening. Your presence here means a lot to me. Have a beautiful summer... the best is yet to come!
Catriese Johnson is a speaker, author, thought leader, businesswoman, foster care advocate, and positivity powerhouse. Her book, I Am the One I’m Waiting For, tells the poignant story of her early life spent in foster care homes. It wasn’t until she was 16 years old that she realized her biological mother's promise to return for her would never come true. The waiting was over. Catriese decided she was the one she was waiting for. You would think this realization would result in the claim that she is a self-made success. Catriese declares there is no such thing as a self-made person - we all have need of others. She describes the teachers in her life as as heroes.
She had more than a few adults who helped her develop clarity and confidence in her mission and purpose. The there are always the naysayers who speak negative words into your life. It was one such broker in the real estate industry who declared she didn’t have the capability of being an excellent realtor. She used those words intended to break her for breakthrough and in 2021 was recognized as Realtor of the year in her area. She comments, "success in real estate is not about how much money you make and how many deals you close. It’s about how many lives you impact".
Catriese speaks with wisdom learned in hard places about leaning into discomfort. Uncomfortable places lead to new spaces, according to Catriese. She admonishes listeners to embrace the valley moments. All of us have to visit the valley and it’s in the valley we learn how to reign on the mountain tops. Pain is part of the process of growth and none of us can escape going through it.
Resilience is about continuing to believe for the best and press in to lay hold of the beauty of your calling. Catriese is walking it out.
You can learn more at Catrieselive.com. You can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CatrieseLive.
Jennifer Conoley is professional and polished while exuding authentic warmth and grace. As a dynamic leader and CEO by day, she commands attention. As and a wife and mother of young boys 24/7, she talks about dealing with hat hair from the many hats she wears. She is someone to listen to and learn from.
Jennifer is the President & CEO of Florida's Great Northwest, an organization created to promote economic growth and diversification, advocate for economic development issues that affect the region, and collaborate to improve regional competitiveness.
This conversation is rich in encouragement for leaders of all ages and stages. Some of her tips include:
Build relationships without being concerned if they are transactional. Protect your time, prioritize. Give up on perfectionism Ask for help. Be laser focused on your mission. Always ask the question: does this align with our mission?
Break down borders and link arms with your neighbors. United we grow.
Jennifer is a vibrant example of the power of communication skills to power your success. Warren Buffet says that honing this one skill can increase your worth by as much as 50%.
Florida's Great Northwest is well represented by this bright light.
The average person spends 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime. Is it unreasonable to expect that the majority of those should be happy ones?
Beverly Lewis flies solo in this episode on the relationship between happiness and business success.
Despite a large body of positive psychological research into the relationship between happiness and productivity, happiness at work has traditionally been seen as a potential by-product of positive outcomes at work, rather than a pathway to business success. But things have changed. Purpose and fulfillment are the new success indicators for a new generation.
Employee happiness can be influenced by two factors: the organizational culture and employees’ mindset. These factors form an intricate link. Today's focus is on personal mindset and Beverly discusses seven strategies for improving your own outlook.
The seven strategies are: 1. Always have something to look forward to. "There are times when dreams sustain us more than facts."
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Physical exercise boosts endorphins, oxygenates the brain, and combats depression. According to a new review of research about good moods and physical activity, people who work out even once a week or for as little as 10 minutes a day tend to be more cheerful than those who never exercise. And any type of exercise may be helpful.
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Appreciation – everyone responds to appreciation. Give more compliments.
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Spend at least 30 minutes a day doing something you love. A study from the Mayo Clinic found that physicians who spend about 20 percent of their time doing “work they find most meaningful are at dramatically lower risk for burnout.” But here’s what’s fascinating: Anything beyond that 20 percent has a marginal impact, as “spending 50 percent of your time in the most meaningful area is associated with similar rates of burnout as 20 percent.” In other words: You don’t need to change everything about your job to see substantial benefits. A few changes here and there can be all you need.
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Implement the 20 second rule. In other words don’t strain your willpower. Make good choices easier to implement. James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits, goes into this at length and is a fascinating read.
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Be grateful. Researchers describe the relationship between joy and gratitude as an intriguing upward spiral.
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Invest in building relationships.
Beverly always appreciates feedback and can be reached at Beverly at BeverlySpeaks.com.
Dr. Temitope (Tope) Keku has a passion to help others reach their full potential – body, soul, and spirit. She has a fulfilling career as a scientist as well as being an author, coach, and speaker.
In this episode, she talks about the powerful combination of science and faith by sharing six steps to living life in peace, strength, and joy.
Join us as we explore the hidden treasures in these steps:
- Center Yourself
- Ask for Guidance
- Anchor Your Identity
- Inclusivity - Embracing the Gifts in Those Around Us
- Gratitude
- Possibility Thinking
Tope offers much wisdom on finding hope in the midst of life’s trials. You can find her books on Amazon. Her devotional book is one of my absolute favorites. Weathering Storms: Finding Treasures in the Ruins- 90-Day Devotional (https://amzn.to/2NHiHHH)
Tope speaks often on the effectiveness of journaling as a tool to learn, grow, and hear God and makes it easy with this companion guide: Thankful Every Day: A Gratitude Journal to Refresh Your Soul and Increase Your Joy ( https://amzn.to/2S67O8o)
She has graciously offered listeners the opportunity to schedule a free call with her to explore possibilities. To book a free 30-minute private call with her, go to https://hiddentreasuresandriches.com/call/.
"Empowerment became a buzzword in business a while back and I have an aversion to buzzwords". This week's solo episode with Beverly Lewis addresses this issue by shedding light on why empowerment is a vital tool in a healthy culture.
Entitlement is the opposite of empowerment. Entitlement lives right next door to laziness and is toxic in any culture. An entitlement mentality can be defined as a state of mind in which an individual believes that privileges are rights. It’s a mindset that finds fault, blames others, and thinks the world revolves around one’s self. It’s quite the opposite of empowerment and will never lead to excellence.
Empowerment, on the other hand, takes personal responsibility and raises the standard through practical action. Empowerment exhibits a strong work ethic and is more likely to be found reforming than conforming. Empowerment is selfless, entitlement is selfish.
Empowerment means letting people bring their brains to work and allowing them to use their innate knowledge, experience, and motivation to contribute to the progress of the organization.
"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." – Alice Walker
Two proven ways to empower others is through sharing information and creating autonomy with boundaries.
Healthy teams protect their sense of empowerment by avoiding the Drama Triangle. In addition, teammates learn how to disarm the advice monster and stay curious a little longer, to cite the work of Michael Stanier in The Advice Trap. 90% of leaders identify with The Rescuer, and find themselves trying to fix situations.
An effective strategy that empowers others is to ask questions. Six key questions you can use to stay curious a little longer are:
1) What’s on your mind? 2) And what else? 3) What’s the real challenge here for you? 4) What do you want? (What’s the best case outcome?) 5) And if you are saying yes to this outcome, what are you saying no to? 6) How can I help? (What does support look like?)
Beverly has a gift for her you - the special folks who listen to The High Road to Leadership. Her book, Win from Within: The Heart of Success and Significance is available as an audio book exclusively for listeners to this podcast. Go to http://beverlyspeaks.com/freebook/.
Signing off for this week. We love your feedback, comments, and suggestions. Email Beverly@Beverlyspeaks.com. Thank you for being part of this community of listeners.
Research reveals that the #1 indicator of successful schools, organizations, and businesses is trusted leadership. Dr. Toby Travis is building bridges to mission fulfillment and well-being. His work on the fundamental value of trust is influencing schools, businesses, and organizations of all types.
In a recent Forbes magazine article, Travis comments, "When leaders, in an effort to build and expand the business, place the needs and wants of new clients over the wellbeing, success and support of their employees, it breeds distrust of company leadership,” says Dr. Travis. “A lack of trust in corporate leadership reduces employee engagement and higher turnover rates and negatively impacts corporate objectives.”
Dr. Travis is a fascinating speaker, teacher, and trainer. A few of his accomplishments are:
- Author of the award-winning book “TrustED: The Bridge to School Improvement”available on Amazon.
- Creator and developer of the “TrustED Leader 360” assessment – available to you at no charge.
- Executive Consultant with the Global School Consulting Group.
- Certified Trainer with Willpower Consultation.
- Adjunct Professor and Graduate Faculty, International Graduate Program for Educators, the State University of New York at Buffalo State.
- Writer and columnist with articles and work featured in Forbes, CEOWorld Magazine, eSchool News, Authority Magazine, Businessing Magazine, The Knowledge Source, Medium, numerous podcasts, NPR, and more.
He also serves Ripe For Harvest World Outreach (RFH), a global non-profit missions organization. He dedicates time as a trainer/consultant for school leaders worldwide (especially in developing and distressed communities).
Dr. Travis is committed to helping leaders assess, develop, (repair if necessary) and increase high levels of TRUST! Remember to access the free self-assessment (or team assessment) at https://www.schoolright.net/te_assessments.html
To learn more or contact Dr. Travis directly, visit TrustedConsulting.org
Contact your podcast host, Beverly@BeverlySpeaks.com for more information.
The adventure on the high road to leadership continues with a conversation with Dr. L. Carol Scott. Dr. Scott is a coach, trainer, and keynoter who teaches this truth: relationships are at the heart of all success.
Dr. Scott’s first career was as a nationally respected thought leader in the U.S. systems for early care and education. She began with a BA in child development and a BA in anthropology. She earned an MA in early childhood education, and a PhD in developmental psychology.
This formed the foundation for an astonishing second act. Carol is a TEDx speaker and author of two books, including Just Be Your S.E.L.F. -- Your Guide to Improving any Relationship.
Carol's career knowledge and experience point us to how we first develop our social and emotional core for successful relationships. From the surprising foundation of how your earliest experiences created the brain you use today, you can rise on the power of “REAL” success, measured by your productivity and achievements.
This fascinating conversation with Beverly will provoke you to think in new ways about how you arrived where you are and how to go forward with increased self-awareness and bold new strategies for success.
To receive a free copy of Carol's Become Your Sassy S.E.L.F book-ette, email her at carol@lcarolscott.com You are also invited to download Dr. Scott's SASS Manifesto on the bottom right side of the webpage at https://lcarolscott.com/a-sip-of-sass/
To continue the conversation, connect with Dr. Scott on the following social platforms:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-l-carol-scott-7b70429/
https://www.facebook.com/Dr.L.CarolScott/
https://www.instagram.com/dr.l.carol/
For comments on this podcast, please contact Beverly Lewis at Beverly@Beverlyspeaks.com
Thanks for listening - we would love to hear from you.
Our world has fundamentally changed and this troubled world is demanding a better brand of leadership.
The changes we're facing require a fundamentally different response. There’s a whole new way of living, working and winning. And there’s a whole new way of leading.
Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva of the Reinvention Academy states, " Our challenge is not to survive until things stabilize. Our challenge is learning how thrive in constant uncertainty."
It's imperative that we power into change rather than being tossed on the waves of change. This requires an attitude shift. We must see constant change as a feature - an opportunity to upgrade - rather than as a bug in the system.
The words of General Douglas McArthur describe the intentionality needed in our world today. "A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent".
How can you lead well if you're job description isn't one of leadership? Learn how to leverage the opportunity for horizontal leadership.
Discover the five words that open the door to meaningful communication.
Resources to help you as you travel the high road include a free audio version of Beverly's book, Win from Within: The Heart of Success and Significance. To access this special gift created for her podcast audience, go to http://beverlyspeaks.com/freebook
Diane DiResta, CSP, is founder and CEO of Diresta Communications, a New York City constultancy that serves business leaders who deliver high-stakes presentations – whether one-to one, in front of a crowd, or on an electronic platform.
Speaking is the new competitive advantage. Your success today depends on how well you present. And the delivery of that presentation determines your success trajectory.
Gifted speakers might be born, but effective speakers are made. Regardless of your personality, pay grade or position, you can learn the skill of communicating with clarity, confidence, and charisma.
Diane delivers rapid-fire practical tips in this episode that will help you develop visual, vocal, and verbal congruency. She gives clear advice on how you can blend the right mindset with the right skillset.
Her LinkedIn Learning Module on Speaking Confidently and Effectively was rated one of the top courses in 2021.
Learn more about Diane at https://www.diresta.com/ and access her book, Knockout Presentations on Amazon.
You can Diane on Linkedin and on Twitter she is known as @speakingpro.
This episode will take you to a new level of confidence in your communications. Enjoy!
Your feedback is always welcome. Email Beverly@BeverlySpeaks.com. She loves hearing from you.
Meet DiAnna Wallace, ND. Her passion for helping others shines through her calling as a naturopathic doctor. In this episode, she shares the surprising story of how she found her way to this profession. The timing of her message is perfect as we set out to accomplish new things and build new dreams in 2022. DiAnna shares practical and simple tips to energize your body and your life.
Did you know 80% of medical visits are related to stress? Her take on wholistic health will encourage you and direct you down a path to peace, health, and crazy joy. In fact. That’s the subtitle of her book. You can find Healthy Body: 12 Principles for Peace, Health and Crazy Joy on Amazon.
You’ll be fascinated to hear the health habit that three strategic leaders shared. What could Douglas MacArthur, Dwight Eisenhower, and Winston Churchill all have in common?
You can find DiAnna on Facebook and she would like to extend a warm invitation to women who want to learn more to join the free Healthy Body Book Club
You are also welcome to schedule a complimentary 30 minute consultation with DiAnna.
And P.S. Rest before you’re tired.
Beverly Lewis is honored to host fascinating guests and always appreciates hearing from you. Follow The High Road to Leadership and visit Beverly at BeverlySpeaks.com.
What does it mean to take the high road? To choose to do the right thing -regardless of whatever people think or do.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost
There is a crisis in leadership in America and globally.
When we reach a peak of excellence or achievement, we can see new vistas and are challenged to set the next goal. So here we are at the beginning of a new year. Circumstantial uncertainty can be translated to describe a new adventure.
In this episode, Beverly highlights five reasons leadership is in crisis and challenges you to step into being part of the solution.
Contact Beverly Lewis by email at Beverly@BeverlySpeaks.com You can also connect via your favorite platform:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverlydrulewis/ https://www.facebook.com/BeverlyLewisSpeaks/ https://twitter.com/Beverlyspeaks
https://www.instagram.com/beverlyspeaks/ https://www.youtube.com/c/BeverlyLewis32405/
Are you measuring your success in a way that celebrates progress? Or do you constantly find yourself frustrated at the gap between your expectations and your reality? The traditional way of setting goals needs adjustment in the face of the cataclysmic change we’ve all experienced.
In this episode – the wrap for season one of The High Road to Leadership – Beverly reviews the highlights of what she has learned thus far in her podcasting journey. There are always challenges that go with a new creative endeavor and embracing the process and celebrating the wins along the way is key.
A discussion follows on the difference between the gap and the gain – two different ways of measuring progress. The traditional strategy involves passing tests and comparing ourselves with others. It can easily cause us to focus on shortcomings. The Gain Method focuses on celebrating wins and building positive expectancy on a daily and weekly basis. Beverly is happy to offer you a worksheet for implementing the Gain Method if you email your request to Beverly@Beverlyspeaks.com.
Beverly will take a short break between season one and season two and returns with fresh wind on January 5, 2022. Expect a gift when you return for Season Two.
Thank you for an incredible launch to the journey on the High Road to Leadership. See you in January.
At times, we all face the kind of disruptions in our life that knock us down. Sure, the leadership books all say that's how we develop resilience. But what do you do when you get lost on the very road you thought for certain was the right one? You keep going. The best way out is through.
In this episode, Beverly describes the personal challenge she has been walking through for the last several months. She hasn't previously posted about the flooding issues that have resulted in the loss of her home but is doing so now for several reasons:
1) Everyone is going through hard things. Social media often doesn't reflect that. But Beverly hasn't wanted to contribute to the bad news everyone is bombarded with.
2) Authenticity is a valuable leadership attribute. Keeping it real is not as easy as it seems.
3) We all learn together when challenges are shared.
We can be hard pressed to find the good in bad situations. That's when we need to hang around people who pour water on the fires of our fears and pour gasoline on our passions and our dreams. Beverly wants to be that kind of leader. Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, an expert in reinvention states, "Change is not the enemy. It's a beautiful freedom to make any choice you want".
Beverly Lewis' conversation with Letitia Bates, owner of At the Wheel Coaching, is a fascinating one. Letitia is a Mindset & Empowerment coach specialized in helping coaches & consultants get unstuck & stop procrastinating so they can create the impact & income they desire.
Keys unlock doors. You must open them. In this episode, Letitia and Beverly discuss insights on how to open the doors before you to become your best self. Letitia uses the acronym I CAN to represent her system for helping others build a healthy mindset. The acronym represents the following: Identity - How are you identifying yourself? This is the lens from which you see yourself and the world. Care - The emotional part of us is often stuffed down with brave talk like “fight the fear and do it anyway”. Emotions are where much of our power is – they shouldn’t be ignored. We need to CARE about our own emotional signals. Attending - If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. This is the basis of “attending“. Notice - Pay attention to what you are doing well and celebrate your progress.
Letitia talks about SMART goals in a memorable way.
Letitia authored I Can: 12 keys to Achieve Personal Success in the Smartest Way, available on Amazon. Open this door of opportunity by scheduling a free clarity session with Letitia. Visit chatwithletitia.com Connect with Letitia on your favorite platform by visiting letitia10k.com.
To reach host Beverly Lewis, email Beverly@Beverlyspeaks.com.
“You leave people with an experience of yourself every time you deliver words”. Mary Lyn Jenkins, author of The Transformative Power of Language: Change Your Language. Change Your Life shares fascinating insights about communication in this episode.
Mary Lyn is a momma, wife, coach, speaker, consultant, and writer. She began her career as an interior designer and worked for Southern Living Magazine. Her move to the West Coast opened an opportunity to become a set designer. She taught yoga for 20 years, owned her own yoga studios for eleven years, taught the NFL how to touch their toes, and was a cover model for Yoga Journal Magazine.
She has trained hundreds of students to step into leadership in and out of the classroom and as yoga teachers, entrepreneurs, and catalysts for change.
Today’s episode begins with a heart to heart conversation about the beginning of Mary Lyn’s journey with transformative communication.
When a relationship is not working, our default response is to say, “I’m out of here”. While walking away may seem easier, making that choice robs us of the opportunity to learn something new. It’s not enough to try to work together. We have to just do it.
Somewhere, we were taught to be confident, proud, and right. In fact, these are habitual patterns that wreck the chance for forgiveness. Asking for forgiveness with an expectation is manipulation. We have to be willing to lay down our attitude of being right and purpose in our hearts to glimpse the other person’s perspective. Being the first one to say your sorry – that’s leadership!
May Lyn is currently running a wellness company called LiveBigFishCo. This includes more than exercise and treating your body right. It encompasses inspiration, journaling, leadership development and coaching. Her podcast, One Creative Act is starting its second season.
Resources: o One Creative Act’s Instagram: @onecreativeact o Mary Lyn Jenkin’s Instagram: @marylynbigfish o Big Fish Co.’s Instagram: @livebigfish o Big Fish Co.’s Website: https://livebigfishco.com/
Three Ways to Increase Your Emotional Intelligence, the topic of this solo episode with Beverly Lewis will provoke you to think as well as provide tools and strategies for raising your EQ.
Ever worked with someone who made everyone’s day better – when they didn’t show up? 99% of people say they've had the misfortune to have a co-worker who was clueless that everyone in the office considered them difficult to work with.
Emotional Intelligence is a meta-skill for leaders in the 21st century. This episode on how to raise your emotional intelligence through self-awareness addresses the fact that 95% of people claim to be self-aware when in reality, only 10-15% actually are.
Self-awareness is the will and skill to understand who we are, including our values, patterns of behavior, and our impact on others. It’s having a lens of understanding about how others see us.
You’ll hear about three ways to increase self-awareness that are intentional and practical. These tips conclude with a reminder that observing patterns in our own behavior is key to shifting into new thinking and acting. Ernest Hemingway said, “You can’t get away from yourself by moving from one place to another”. Many continue to try that strategy without success.
John Taylor’s words from decades ago challenge us to develop the gift of insight:
“The computer makes us fantastically more able to calculate and analyze.
It does not help us to meditate.
We have instruments to enable us to see everything from the nebulae to the neutron – everything except ourselves. We have immeasurably extended our gift of sight, but not of insight.
For that, we have the same equipment as the eighth-century prophets.
Potentially the same, but actually poorer, for while we have been busy extending one aspect of the knowing of telling self, we have allowed other aspects to atrophy.
We have built ourselves up into power transmitting stations but as receiving sets we are feeble.”
For more information, visit BeverlySpeaks.com or email Beverly@BeverlySpeaks.com. Your feedback is welcome!
So many people start in the corporate world and dream of owning their own business. Tammy Dunaway’s path took the opposite direction. She owned her own business for 20 years, then led a non-profit organization, and now works within a corporate framework at Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center.
In this conversation, she shares leadership lessons from each of these chapters of her career. Health care taught her the discipline of bringing your best to work every single day because you can’t afford to have a bad day when you’re holding someone’s health in your hands.
She talks about the joy of working with Girls, Inc. and the privilege of equipping young women to be strong, smart, and bold.
As a leadership trainer at the hospital, instead of pointing out how people can do their job better, she focuses on helping each employee become their best self. “If people come to work prepared to deliver their best, they take care of the patients and guests with excellence. Employee engagement and guest experience are inseparable." This principle is one you hear repeatedly from guests on The High Road to Leadership.
Tammy teaches the importance of the word patterns we choose to use. We have a tendency to ”awfulize” a situation and she offers tools to resist that negativity bias.
She tells stories of how our health care heroes are navigating the crisis of the ongoing pandemic.
This is a warm conversation you won’t want to miss.
Inspired, hopeful, and challenged - all in the course of 25 minutes.
Willie Spears is a professional speaker and is passionate about motivating people to become more, serve better, and add value to their families, teams, and society. Willie has authored 11 books including Win at Home, Bib or Apron, Transforming Your Life from Good to Great, and Culture Creators.
From the classroom to the locker room to conference rooms across the country, Willie brings his energy, candor, and truth to provoke others to make extra their norm. He has served as a teacher, athletic director, head football coach and Assistant Principal and now coaches by offering The Willie Spears Experience to companies, teams, youth groups, prison inmates, schools, teachers, and individuals.
Willie and Beverly talk candidly about diversity and how to heal the chasms that have divided our nation over race, politics, vax or no vax, and the endless list of charged topics that heat up conversations.
Willie poses the key question we must all ask ourselves and clearly conveys principles on how to create a healthy culture.
Willie lives in Panama City, FL with his wife, Tanika, and their two children.
Discover more about The Willie Spears Experience at WillieSpears.com.
How do you know what you don’t know?
“The beginning of wisdom is found in doubting; by doubting we come to the question, and by seeking we may come upon the truth.” ~ Pierre Abelard
If you don't think you have a blind spot, yours is probably bigger than anyone else's. We all have them - it's part of being human. In the physical realm, science calls this a scotoma, a physiological obscuration of the visual field corresponding to the inability to detect light in part of the optic disc. The fascinating thing is the brain fills in the surrounding information from the other eye so the blind spot is not normally perceived. Applied to business the lesson is profound.
Ignorance is not bliss and what you don’t know can hurt you.
Chief among reasons for blind spots are our own strongly held beliefs. We don’t really see things as they are - we see what we want to see.
Tune in for 5 ways to expose blind spots. Feedback is welcome - contact Beverly@BeverlySpeaks.com More information on booking Beverly to raise the Emotional Intelligence of your team can be found at BeverlySpeaks.com
This week's guest is John Spence, recognized as one of the top business thought leaders and leadership development experts in the world. John was named by the American Management Association as one of America’s Top 50 Leaders to watch along with Sergey Brin and Larry Page of Google and Jeff Bezos of Amazon.
John was the owner or CEO of six companies and currently serves as a board member or adviser to several organizations and executives. He is a guest lecturer at more than 90 colleges and universities including MIT, Stanford, Cornell, Wharton School of Business, University of Auckland, Canterbury University, University of Krakow and Kozminski University.
John is the author of four books and a co-author of several more, a business consultant, workshop facilitator, keynote speaker, and executive coach with a client list that includes Fortune 500 firms, small businesses, professional associations, government and academic institutions. John has built his entire career on “Making the Very Complex… Awesomely Simple.” You can learn more about John at JohnSpence.com.
In this exclusive interview, John and Beverly discuss the speed of change, the moment of truth in business, the formula for success, and provide a list of resources for leaders who are serious about personal and professional growth. Join us for this fast-paced and fascinating conversation. Contact Beverly@BeverlySpeaks.com with any questions, comments, or suggestions.
As a huge fan of positive psychology, it’s unusual to hear Beverly Lewis focusing on negativity. The need for practical ways to cast fresh vision and create a map for the days ahead necessitates the cultivation of positivity. The negativity bias doesn’t help at all.
In this episode, Beverly defines negativity bias and explains what it is and how it can sabotage us. You'll hear research from the field of positive psychology that builds a solid case for developing intentional strategies to shore up positivity and increase your level of happiness. This is critically important for leaders, since happiness is contagious! And it's proven that happy employees do a better job. And those who do a good job are happier - creating an upward cycle that will benefit any team or organization.
Five specific strategies are discussed as action points for creating a more positive mindset and offsetting negativity bias.
When you pursue happiness, you aren’t denying the pain that’s in the world. You are refusing to let it get the best of you.
For more information, visit BeverlySpeaks.com or email Beverly@BeverlySpeaks.com. Your feedback is welcome!
Jump into this conversation about the power of neuroplasticity in unleashing your brain agility, resilience, and ability to lead well.
Dr. Deb worked as an emergency medicine physician for more than 20 years. Deb became the director of the Emergency Department in a high volume hospital. As she led teams in an atmosphere where the speed of change rivals what any business experiences, Deb developed insights that she imparts in a different setting today.
Dr. Deb has shifted her focus to healing the healers and bringing needed change to the health care industry. She has combined her scientific background with the neuroscience of rewiring the brain, to assist individuals and organizations to make transformational, long lasting changes.
Dr. Deb leads a community of professionals who desire to reset, realign, and redesign their future. Learn more at DrDebLeads.com
A changing world has created a shift in the attributes needed for successful leadership. Beverly Lewis is an executive trainer and culture catalyst who leads from the heart. She invites you to take inventory of your own strengths and weaknesses with a free download to accompany this episode.
When packing for a short journey, you may be able to get away without much preparation. But travelling on the high road to leadership can be compared to the precise packing required when you are hiking with a 40 pound pack on your back that holds everything needed for survival. Strategic planning is required!
In addition to the top five essential traits, Beverly reviews attributes you can be intentional about developing. For what to pack when you're called to lead, go to http://BeverlySpeaks.com/packinglist
Dexter Pitts is the voice of the I Am Pitts Podcast. Dexter is a Purple Heart veteran, a black conservative, Christian, former Border Patrol Agent and current Louisville Metro Police officer. Dexter gives insights into lessons learned in his journey through combat, injury, recovery, and finding a path forward where he can make a difference. Beverly and Dex have a frank discussion about the racial divide in America and how we can find our way to healing.
You can find Dexter’s podcast on iTunes, Spotify and more. He broadcasts consistently with commentary on current issues facing law enforcement, veterans and America.
Of all the goals Beverly has set, becoming unoffendable is among the toughest. Brant Hansen author of Unoffendable points out, “Anger is extraordinarily easy. It’s our default setting.” Though Beverly’s personal default setting is happiness - keeping the dial there in a culture filled with strife, violence, and angst is no small feat.
Lewis calls the art of not being offended “sitting down on the inside.” When you sit down on the inside, you liberate yourself by letting go of the need to be right. It’s a choice to put down a prideful attitude and listen to another person. Even if they’re wrong. You may feel justified to be offended by someone’s words or actions. You may feel vindicated when you react. But if you’re interested in building enduring relationships, there has to be a better way.
When you feel offended by another, it’s a sign you have passed judgement. The statement “judgement demands punishment” implies that someone is going to get hurt. It might be you. It might be the other person. Most likely, it will be both of you. Therein is the motivation to make the effort to bridge the communication gap.
Author John Bevere states, “An offended heart is the breeding ground of deception.” Being offended is a choice – and not a wise one for leaders. Fill in the pot holes in the road to leadership with Beverly’s insights.
A discussion of John Garfield’s latest book, “Lead Your Tribe Field Guide” leads to a thought-provoking, heart-stirring conversation. John has authored five books and co-authored OnlineHeartPlan.com; a way to unlock the lion to make your dreams come true. People want to be found, not fixed. If you are called to lead - whether it's a business, a non-profit, a family, or a tribe - you will benefit from John's insights. Discover why John is on a personal crusade to replace accountability with something far better.
Join a fascinating conversation with Kathleen Koch, an international speaker on disaster and resilience and founder of LeadersLink. Koch is also an award-winning former journalist and author who for 18 years was a CNN Washington correspondent covering the White House, Pentagon and Capitol Hill as well as numerous disasters including 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.
The war against mastery is ongoing. You can identify the opposition and intentionally implement proven strategies that assure success. The path to mastery doesn’t always look like what you expect.
There’s a critical difference between a dreamer and someone who’s on a quest. The story of the search for the sunken Spanish galleon, Nuestra Senora de Atocha, is the backdrop for this message.
Get to know host Beverly Lewis as she talks about her new podcast, The High Road to Leadership.