Lead with Levity cover art

Lead with Levity

By: Heather Walker Ph.D.
  • Summary

  • Feeling the pressure? This podcast will equip you with the tools you and your team need to rise above it. If you want to create the kind of work environment that your team can get excited about, where people feel valued and connected, then this is the show for you. Tune into interviews with bestselling authors, executive coaches, consultants, and managers in a league of their own. Extending research to the workplace, Dr. Heather Walker sheds light on the power of levity at work. "Join me in my journey to find workplace solutions that improve work climate, the culture, and that support a positive employee experience. I talk to leaders across industries to find out what they do to improve their work environment through levity, better management, and survey insights."https://www.leadwithlevity.com
    © 2023 Lead with Levity
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Episodes
  • Navigating Business Success and Leadership: Insights from Adam House
    May 27 2024

    In today's fast-paced business world, finding success and maintaining a balance between work and personal life can be challenging. With this episode of "Lead with Levity," Dr. Heather Walker sits down with Adam House, a senior executive, business advisor, former professional basketball player, and co-owner of the Rochester RazorSharks, to delve into the keys to success in business and leadership.

    Setting the Stage
    Dr. Walker kicks off the podcast by discussing the importance of consistency in achieving success. She reflects on how success is often perceived as an overnight accomplishment, but, in reality, it stems from consistent behaviors and good habits. This sets the stage for a deep dive into Adam House's experiences and insights.

    From Entrepreneurship to Business Advisory

    Adam House shares his remarkable journey from starting his first business with just a couple of hundred bucks to launching multiple successful ventures. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, perseverance, and never quitting despite facing failures along the way. Adam's transition from being a CEO to becoming a business advisor has allowed him to help other entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting, scaling, and exiting their businesses.

    Balancing Work and Personal Life

    One of the key highlights of the conversation is Adam's focus on balancing work commitments with personal life. He shares valuable insights on the seasonal awareness of life, understanding the sacrifices involved in pursuing business goals, and the importance of staying grounded in faith and family values.

    Leadership Lessons
    As the discussion progresses, Adam provides expert advice on effective leadership, including setting clear expectations, measuring performance, and providing timely feedback to team members. He stresses the significance of cultural fit, performance-based evaluations, and the necessity of making tough decisions, such as letting go of those who are not a good fit for the organization.

    Launching New Ventures
    Despite his success in previous ventures, Adam continues to channel his entrepreneurial spirit by launching new businesses, offering business advisory services, and guiding other entrepreneurs on their journey to success. His podcast, "The House of Bricks," focuses on leveraging life experiences as building blocks for success.

    Connect with Adam House
    To learn more about Adam House and his podcast, "The House of Bricks," visit his website at AdamHouseSr.com and follow him on Instagram at @adamhousesr. Don't miss the insightful discussions and valuable insights shared on his podcast!

    In conclusion, the conversation between Dr. Heather Walker and Adam House offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone striving for success in business and leadership. By embracing consistency, balancing work and personal life, and cultivating effective leadership skills, individuals can navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and fulfill their potential in the business world.


    Support the Show.

    Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

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    32 mins
  • The Secret to Success in Every Industry: A Conversation with Rasmus Holst
    May 13 2024

    In a world where the average turnover rate in some industries spikes to over 21%, holding onto talent becomes a challenge every leader faces. Yet, it's a challenge that Rasmus Holst, CEO of LMS 365, meets with a vision that transcends the typical corporate approach. In an enlightening episode of the Lead What Levity podcast, hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, Rasmus divulges the universal key to not just keeping talent, but also nurturing it to thrive and grow within any industry.

    Understanding Human Success

    From the onset, Rasmus Holst lays out a compelling narrative that challenges the conventional norms of employee retention and corporate growth. "Investing in human success is universal," he asserts, drawing connections between diverse fields like construction and software development. This notion is grounded in the belief that regardless of the industry, providing people with reasons to grow and stay is essential. A notable statistic sheds light on this perspective: more than 40% of workers in the U.S. report that their organization's commitment to employee development keeps them satisfied at work. Yet, less than half feel their company significantly invests in their growth.

    The LMS 365 Story: From Library to Global Business

    Rasmus shares the intriguing origin story of LMS 365, which began nearly two decades ago with a dentist in Denmark who quit his job to help people find books in a local library. This simple yet innovative act laid the foundation for a global business, turning over about $30 million and partnering up with giants like Microsoft. Fast forward to today, LMS 365 is used by 2000 organizations across the world, affirming Rasmus's belief that great ideas can come from the most humble beginnings.

    Changing Narratives: Human Resources to Human Success
    Rasmus introduces a thought-provoking shift in corporate terminology: from human resources to human success. This language change reflects a deeper commitment to recognizing employees not as mere assets but as individuals with potential and aspirations. "Why are we not thinking about people as success?" he questions, prompting leaders to invest in their teams' success, not just witness it from afar.

    The Power of Human Success
    In an era where technological advancements and corporate structures redefine work cultures, Rasmus Holst's philosophy presents a refreshing perspective on success. It's a conversation that extends beyond the confines of LMS 365, challenging leaders across all industries to reflect on how they view, treat, and invest in their most valuable asset: their people.

    Listeners left the conversation with not just insights into one CEO's journey from a small Danish library to the helm of a global enterprise but also with a challenge to redefine what success looks like within their organizations—and, possibly, within themselves.

    For more insights into Rasmus Holst's vision and the transformative power of LMS 365, connect with him on LinkedIn or explore the innovative solutions at LMS 365.

    This episode of the Lead What Levity podcast not only peeled back layers on the necessity of nurturing talent but also served as a beacon for those looking to foster an environment where people are encouraged to grow, stay, and thrive.

    Support the Show.

    Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

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    38 mins
  • Navigating the Corporate Ladder: Insights from African American C-Suite Executives
    Apr 29 2024

    In this episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, I had the profound opportunity to host Dr. Chuck Wallington, a towering figure in the realm of corporate leadership and a beacon for aspiring African American executives. Dr. Wallington, the author of "A Seat at the C-Suite Table: Insights from the Leadership Journeys of African American Executives," shares invaluable wisdom gleaned from his research and personal journey, highlighting the nuanced challenges and victories experienced by black male leaders across the nation.

    The Uniqueness of the Black Executive Experience
    One of the most compelling revelations from Dr. Wallington's work is the distinctiveness of the leadership journey for African American males in corporate America. Through his doctoral research, which originally stemmed from a quest to understand the scarcity of black men in public relations, Wallington broadened his scope to explore the stories of 30 black male executives. These narratives collectively underscore the rarefied air these leaders breathe and navigate within the C-suite realm – often as the first and only person of color in executive teams.

    Mentorship: A Pillar for Success
    A recurring theme in these leadership journeys is the vital role of mentorship. Despite the prevailing narrative, Wallington's findings reveal that while not all successful black executives had mentors, the ones who did could draw on a reservoir of support and guidance that significantly eased their paths. This mentorship paradigm extends beyond race, emphasizing the universal value of having seasoned advisors for those climbing the corporate ladder.

    Challenges and Opportunities for Growth
    The conversations Wallington had with these executives illuminate the ongoing challenges faced by black men in corporate America. The physical presence, the conscious efforts to not intimidate colleagues, and the overarching need to constantly prove oneself are just snippets of a larger narrative that demands attention and action.

    The Unlearning Process: A Path Forward
    Reflecting on personal growth, Wallington emphasizes the importance of unlearning preconceived notions and biases. This process of unlearning, prompted by new evidence or perspectives, is crucial for personal and professional development. It underscores the necessity for a mindset open to growth, change, and understanding, particularly in supporting colleagues, friends, and teams from different backgrounds.

    Conclusion
    Dr. Chuck Wallington's journey, coupled with the insights from his research, offers a clarion call to corporate America and beyond. It's a call for introspection, broader inclusion, and a concerted effort to understand and address the unique challenges faced by African American executives. As we reflect on these stories, let us consider how we, too, can be a part of the change – through mentorship, a willingness to learn and unlearn, and our actions and policies that nurture an environment where every leader can flourish, regardless of race.

    Thank you, Dr. Chuck Wallington, for sharing your profound insights and research. Your work not only shines a light on the often untold stories of black male executives but also serves as a roadmap for building more inclusive and empathetic leadership frameworks in every sphere of influence.


    Support the Show.

    Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

    Show More Show Less
    48 mins

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