Episode 277: Why Wendy Gonzalez Fires Herself Every Year, and Why You Should Too!
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What if the key to being a great leader was to fire yourself every year?
It sounds radical, but that’s exactly what Wendy Gonzalez, CEO of Sama, does—and she believes every leader should do the same.
In today’s episode of the improve it! Podcast, Erin sits down with Wendy to explore how radical empathy, introspection, and vulnerability can transform leadership. This conversation challenges the traditional leadership playbook and offers a fresh perspective on how stepping back can actually move teams forward.
1. Respect is the Foundation of Empathy
The discussion begins with the concept of radical empathy, emphasizing that respect is its core foundation.
Wendy explains how deeply understanding and valuing others' perspectives enhances communication and strengthens team dynamics. By fostering an environment where employees feel seen, heard, and valued, leaders build more engaged and collaborative teams.
2. Firing Yourself: A Bold Leadership Strategy
One of the most compelling moments in the episode is Wendy’s explanation of her practice of “firing herself” every year.
This exercise involves leaders stepping back and asking themselves, “Would I rehire myself?” By doing so, leaders are encouraged to assess their roles critically and ensure they remain aligned with the organization's needs. This method fosters continuous self-improvement and adaptability, ensuring that leaders evolve alongside their companies.
3. Vulnerability and Humility in Leadership
Wendy and Erin also explore the significance of vulnerability and humility in effective leadership. Embracing vulnerability allows leaders to connect more authentically with their teams, creating an atmosphere of trust and psychological safety.
By acknowledging their own imperfections and being open to feedback, leaders set the tone for a culture where employees feel empowered to learn and grow.
4. The Power of Natural Curiosity
Another key takeaway is the importance of curiosity in leadership. Wendy emphasizes that curiosity drives engagement, resilience, and innovation within a team.
Surrounding oneself with passionate individuals and fostering a learning-driven culture encourages teams to navigate challenges creatively and push boundaries. Leaders who cultivate curiosity inspire continuous growth and adaptability within their organizations.
5. Aligning Leadership with Personal Purpose
As the conversation comes to a close, Wendy shares her personal purpose: “To raise three good humans.” This statement highlights the importance of aligning professional and personal values. Leadership extends beyond the workplace, and true impact is measured by the positive influence leaders have on those around them.
This episode provides invaluable insights for leaders looking to cultivate empathy, introspection, and growth within their teams. By adopting these principles, leaders create workplaces where individuals feel valued, inspired, and empowered to succeed.
If you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The Empathy Cheat Sheet here. Break out this 3-part list of helpful phrases before heading into any conversation or meeting, responding to an email, or hosting a one-on-one call.
If you found the discussion on radical empathy and leadership with Wendy Gonzalez insightful, you might also appreciate Episode 274: Step Into Their Shoes: Intentional Empathy with Virtual Reality with Vivian Acquah.
In this episode, host Erin Diehl converses with Vivian Acquah about leveraging virtual reality to foster intentional empathy in the workplace. The conversation delves into innovative strategies for leaders to cultivate deeper understanding and connection within their teams.
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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