In this episode of Leadership with Heart, I sit down with someone I genuinely admire, both professionally and personally. Kevin Eikenberry joins me to discuss his newest book, Flexible Leadership, and together, we explore what it truly means to lead with flexibility during times of constant change.

As someone who believes deeply in the power of self-leadership, this conversation is significant. Kevin and I share the belief that, while much about leadership remains the same, the context in which we lead has shifted significantly. The pace of change, the uncertainty around us, and the complexity of the workplace have all made flexibility not just helpful but necessary.

Throughout our discussion, Kevin talks about how leaders often operate on autopilot. We fall back on habits, old models, and assumptions. But authentic leadership today requires a willingness to pause, reflect, and adjust. I shared my own experiences in this regard, mainly how being open to change has enabled me to evolve through various seasons of my life and career.

We also discussed identity and how easy it is to define ourselves in rigid ways that limit our growth. Kevin offered a powerful metaphor about trees that helped me rethink what consistency means. It's not about doing things the same way every time. It's about being rooted in your values while adapting to the moment at hand.

If you've ever wondered how to stay grounded while evolving or how to remain open without losing your sense of direction, you'll find this conversation valuable. We didn't just talk about the theory. We discussed what flexibility looks like in real-life moments, both at home and at work, as well as within ourselves.

This episode is filled with truth, curiosity, and reflection that every leader can benefit from. I hope it challenges and inspires you in the best ways

Click the following link, KevinEikenberry.com/gift , to listen to Kevin’s podcast and receive a generous free gift.

What does it take to lead with heart in one of the most demanding, misunderstood public service sectors? In this episode of the Leadership With Heart Podcast, I spoke with Billie Jo McCarley, Deputy Director of Operations at the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department.

From the moment I saw her speak on a panel, I was drawn to her clarity, purpose, and grounded approach to leading in a system that rarely gets the spotlight it deserves. Her words were honest, her tone firm, and her leadership style deeply human.

Billie Jo shares her journey from a union kid in upstate New York to a Marine Corps officer, and now to her executive role overseeing one of the largest utilities in the country. She brings a refreshingly straightforward style to leadership, one rooted in ownership, structure, and service. What resonated most was how she balances military precision with a deep sense of emotional intelligence and faith. Her mantra is simple: understand people, respect their uniqueness, and make hard decisions without ever stripping someone of their dignity.

We explored how she builds high-performing teams by focusing on talent, alignment, clarity, and trust. She described her people as “scrappy builders,” but also reminded us that every person comes with a story, and our job as leaders is to create a space where that story matters. Whether shifting someone to a better-fitting role or navigating tough conversations with fairness and compassion, Billie Jo never loses sight of the mission: to serve the people of Miami-Dade County with integrity and purpose.

Her belief that leadership is not about softening expectations but elevating them through care stayed with me. You can be clear, direct, and firm, and still lead with a heart full of compassion. That’s the real balance we’re all trying to strike, especially in times of uncertainty, change, and disruption.

So here’s my question: What does leadership with heart look like in your world, and how are you holding space for others while still pushing them to grow?

I would love to hear your thoughts. Share your reflections with me, and let’s continue the conversation.

What does it take to grow a business from 3 million to over 350 million dollars without losing sight of your purpose, people, or principles? In this Leadership With Heart Podcast episode, I reconnect with Ron Alvesteffer, President and CEO of Service Express, who returns with even more perspective, humility, and wisdom than when we first spoke years ago.

Ron shares what it means to lead a fast-growing organization in today's business world without focusing only on numbers or scale. At the core of his message is a deep belief that culture starts with people and that sustainable growth is built on the foundation of hiring, empowering, and retaining the right talent.

Ron opens up about how his leadership philosophy has evolved since he was first featured in my book The Art of Caring Leadership, and how his commitment to continuous learning, coaching, and intentionality keeps him energized in the face of new challenges.

In our conversation, Ron discusses embracing the journey, not just the milestones. He reflects on lessons learned through failure, why running toward problems is often where the most significant breakthroughs happen, and how he continues to sharpen his self-leadership skills even as his role expands. We also explore how to hold people accountable with care, avoid the burnout trap of being "busy," and what it means to be a leader who builds other leaders.

Whether you're a CEO, team manager, or someone simply trying to figure out your next move, there's something in this episode for you. Ron's story is a reminder that growth—real, meaningful growth—isn't about shortcuts. It's about showing up, doing the work, staying humble, and staying hungry.

What challenges have shaped your leadership the most? And how do you make space to keep growing when the pace doesn't slow? Let me know what resonated with you and share your thoughts after listening.

What does it take to go from the mail room to the C-suite? And how does someone stay grounded in empathy while holding one of the highest positions in a global firm?

In this episode of Leadership with Heart, William McKinley Washington II, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie, shares a journey that challenges assumptions about leadership, success, and what it means to rise.

His story begins far from corner offices and executive meetings. William is open about being a high school and college dropout, a young father navigating food stamps and homelessness, and someone who never expected to one day lead a global finance team across 46 countries.

This conversation is not about titles. It is about growth, ownership, and leadership that begins with a human connection. William speaks candidly about the moment he was told he was not ready for the role he wanted and how he turned that into a turning point. Rather than push back, he leaned in, brought in a coach, embraced the harsh feedback, and reshaped his leadership. The result was not just a promotion. It was a transformation.

What stands out most is his commitment to authenticity. When he stepped into the CFO role, his priority was not strategy or performance metrics. It was a connection. At one of his earliest team meetings, a colleague shared a powerful personal story that brought the room to tears. That openness has become the foundation of how he leads.

This episode will offer insight and inspiration if you are in the early stages of your career or facing a leadership crossroads. William’s path is a reminder that doors may open unexpectedly, but what matters most is the courage to walk through them and bring others with you.

How do you lead when no one is watching? And what would it take for you to show up more fully, not just as a professional, but as a person? Let me know what resonates with you.

What does it mean to lead from the heart, and what happens when we admit we do not have all the answers? In this episode, I speak with Brian Brault, founder of Legacy of Significance and a globally respected leadership teacher and entrepreneur.

Brian has built and sold two companies and dedicates his time mentoring leaders worldwide. His work is rooted in humility, curiosity, and a deep belief in helping people discover the leadership potential that already exists within them.

Our conversation moves beyond traditional leadership tropes. Brian shares what he learned about vulnerability when everything was on the line, how admitting he did not know the answer led his team to step up, and why that experience shaped how he leads today. He also discusses the difference between being friendly and kind and why effective leadership must be grounded in clarity, accountability, and care.

We talk about relational authority, how real influence comes not from a title but from presence and trust, and why creating space for others to contribute is one of the most powerful tools a leader can use. Brian shares how his role as chair of the Entrepreneurs' Organization inspired a broader commitment to using entrepreneurship as a force for good worldwide.

So here is my question for you. When was the last time you created space for someone else to lead? And what might happen in your team if you believed the answers were already in the room? Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts.

In this episode, I’m joined by Marc Koehler, a former U.S. Navy submarine officer. His unique perspective, gained from leading in a nuclear submarine where every action has consequences and complacency can be catastrophic, offers some of the clearest thinking on leadership I've heard in a long time. Marc shares how his experiences taught him lessons about accountability, emotional influence, and self-leadership that every leader on land needs to hear.

What struck me most is Marc’s belief that leadership isn’t something we wait to be given. We must choose to step into it, regardless of our title or time on the team. He shares practical stories from his time aboard the USS Pogi, from navigating dangerous missions with a crew whose average age was 23, to learning how to lead through presence, not authority.

Marc explains how submarine culture requires everyone to be seen as a leader and to see themselves as one. When you’re hundreds of feet below the surface, the person closest to the problem must take charge, whether they’ve been onboard for three years or three days. That belief forms the foundation of his leadership framework, Fast Attack Leadership.

We also explore what it means to emotionally regulate under pressure, how leaders can transfer thinking instead of just giving answers, and why connecting every task, no matter how small, to the bigger mission makes all the difference in team performance and culture.

If you’ve ever wrestled with how to balance accountability and care, or how to build leadership capacity at every level of your team, this conversation has the potential to reframe your entire approach and inspire a new way of leading.

So here’s my question for you: How are you creating a culture where everyone sees themselves as a leader? And what would change in your organisation if they did?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

What happens when a scientist decides to lead from the heart? In this Leadership of the Heart podcast episode, Heather welcomes Jayshree Seth, Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate at 3M.

Jayshree's journey challenges traditional leadership narratives, proving that influence and impact do not require a title or permission. Her path from technical expert to global science ambassador is an authenticity, resilience, and service masterclass.

Jayshree reflects on how a role that had never existed before was created around her unique blend of expertise and advocacy. She shares how being a scientist doesn't just mean working in a lab, but also communicating ideas, connecting across disciplines, and leading by example. Her role at 3M evolved because she consistently showed up with heart and rigor, which she believes anyone can do from their own rung of the ladder.

The conversation also introduces her concept of "leakproof leadership," a philosophy built on twelve practical qualities drawn from decades of experience. It's not just theory. These are grounded insights shaped in the trenches of product development and innovation. Jayshree discusses the value of vision, strategy, active listening, learning, and purpose-driven work, all of which are critical to leading in any environment.

She also reframes the meaning of STEM. For her, it is not just science, technology, engineering, and math. It is skills, talent, expertise, and mindset. It is about showing up fully, learning continuously, and finding meaning in the work you do.

What does it mean to lead without a title? And how can you turn your experience into something that inspires others to act? Listen in and share your thoughts. What rung of the ladder are you standing on, and how are you leading from there?

In this episode of Leadership with Heart, Shawn Hanks, CEO of Premiere Speakers Bureau, reflects on his evolution from sales leader to CEO. He shares the pivotal lessons that shaped his leadership, including when he learned that offering his opinion too soon in meetings unintentionally stifled the voices around him.

Rather than leading with answers, Shawn now leads with questions and listens first, giving his team the space to bring forward their insights.This conversation is grounded in humility and real-world experience.

Shawn opens up about the difference between knowing and living the exemplary leadership phrases. He speaks about the gap between theory and practice, the challenge of leading former peers, and the importance of self-awareness at every growth stage. His daily journaling practice shows how he maintains clarity and perspective over time, treating each entry as a conversation with his future self.

You’ll also hear about Shawn’s belief in gratitude as a leadership skill, not just a mindset. His approach to leadership blends emotional maturity, vulnerability, and the quiet strength of consistency. Whether handling a business decision or helping a team member course correctly, his message is clear: people want to follow human beings, not polished personas.

So here’s something to think about. In your meetings and conversations, are you genuinely listening for new ideas or unintentionally shaping the answers before they are spoken? Let us know how you create space for diverse thinking in your leadership.