In this Leadership with Heart episode, Heather speaks with Kirsten Benefiel, CEO of HSS, a company focused on leading the next generation of innovative security managed devices. Kirsten is a leader who strives to be authentic by showing up, being vulnerable and listening more than she speaks.
Kirsten describes how aligning her life and leadership style with her personal values makes for a much easier leadership experience. Kirsten shows her compassion by explaining how a leader can never over communicate care for their team, whether it be via showing up, listening, or just trying to help.
Heather and Kirsten both elaborate on the importance that values, purpose and mission play in the trajectory of both one’s personal life as well as their professional path. Oftentimes the greatest rewards in leadership are the outcomes that a leader can affect by leading with purpose and their core values. To reach this level, Kirsten explains how she first had to focus on what her values were and what made her tick.
Kirsten elaborates on a crucial experience in her leadership journey that taught her that success is not always about the outcome, it’s about the journey too, because how you win also matters. Kirsten and Heather discuss best practices for how to “check yourself”.
At the end of their conversation Kirsten offers a piece of heartfelt advice to anyone who is struggling, finding themselves at a crossroads or just in need of motivation.
Key Takeaways:
Define your personal core values Align your life with your values. You’ll have a much easier time leading. It’s not always about the outcome, it’s about the journey. Don’t be overshadowed by your ego. Your values are a filter that shape decision making and your behavior. Be your own critic. Shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance Life is not a zero-sum game Expand your circle of influence Never operate from a place of fear Vulnerability is empowering187: Leaders with Heart Give Hope for the Future
186: Leaders with Heart Assume Positive Intent
185: Leaders with Heart Show their Intent Everyday
184: Leaders with Heart Meet People Where They Are
183: Leaders with Heart can Transform Industries
182: Leaders with Heart Take Action
181: Leaders with Heart Reflect on Their Journey
180: Leaders with Heart Understand That Safety is Critical to Listening
179: Leaders with Heart Impact Lives
178: Leaders with Heart Must Find a Balance
177: Leaders with Heart Must Fight Compassion Fatigue
176: Leaders with Heart Know Leadership is a Choice
175: Leaders with Heart are Receptive to Change
174: Leaders with Heart Practice Self-Care
173: Leaders with Heart Ask for Help
172: Leaders with Heart are Self-Aware
171: Leaders with Heart Know Their Purpose
170: Leaders with Heart Know Being Vulnerable is Human (Brian Kelly)
169: Leaders with Heart Pay Attention to the Lessons
168: Leaders with Heart Look Out for Their People
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The emPOWERed Half Hour
HCI Leadership Revolution
Human Capital Leadership
The Power of Music Thinking
BusinessWISE
Business Wars