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 empowering167: Leaders with Heart Understand that Caring is About Action
165: Leaders with Heart Show Grace - Eddy Badrina
164: Leaders with Heart Embrace Your Crazy - Janine Williams
163: Leaders with Heart Lead with Compassion
162: Leaders With Heart Need to Have a Loyal and Dependable Team
161: Leaders with Heart Surrender
160: Leaders with Heart Lead from Behind
159: Leaders with Heart Put Their Hearts into Their Work and Find Joy
158: Leaders with Heart are Committed to Doing Better
157: Leaders with Heart Lead with Curiosity
156: Leaders with Heart Care All Year Round
155: Leaders with Heart Exhibit Ownership
154: Leaders with Heart Know When to Step Back Description:
153: Leaders with Heart Go First
152: Leaders with Heart Focus on Relationships
151: Leaders with Heart Know When to Let Go
150: Leaders with Heart Are Accountable and Humble
149: Leadership with Heart 2020 Wrap-up!
148: Leaders with Heart Bring out Other’s Strengths
147: Leaders with Heart are Part of the Team
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