Leadership Beyond Challenges: Cheri Mason’s Journey and Insights on Relational Leadership

In this podcast episode, Avik Chakraborty interviews Cheri Mason, a trailblazer who rose from humble beginnings to become the first woman and military spouse to serve as chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Cheri shares her inspiring journey from the foothills of Appalachia, where she faced significant challenges, including the loss of her father and societal stigma around mental health. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, relationships, and support systems in overcoming adversity. Cheri discusses her concept of relational leadership, which focuses on building connections and trust within an organization. She highlights how understanding and investing in people can lead to innovation and better collaboration. Cheri also shares a pivotal moment in her career when she moved to Germany and took on a role as an executive secretary, which taught her valuable leadership skills and strategic thinking. Throughout the conversation, Cheri underscores the significance of making employees feel valued and the impact of positive leadership on both individuals and organizations. She advises aspiring leaders to build relationships, seek mentors, and focus on the human aspect of leadership to create meaningful change.