"Instead of protecting their feelings for them, I’ve learned that it’s their job to protect their feelings. It’s my job to give them the truth, and you can do it in an empathic way.”

In this episode, Craig Anderson speaks with Peter Dunn, CEO of Your Money Line, about the leadership lessons that come from embracing empathy and self-awareness. Peter recounts his early experiences where he focused on achieving his personal goals, only to realize that true leadership means helping others grow. He shares how this shift in perspective transformed his approach and led to better team outcomes.

After You Listen:

• Get your copy of Give and Take by Adam Grant

• Connect with Peter Dunn on LinkedIn

• Check out Your Money Line

• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

• Subscribe to Craig’s "The Evolving Leader" newsletter

• Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership is about providing resources and removing obstacles to help your team succeed

• Empathy in communication, especially during difficult conversations, is crucial for effective leadership

• Nurturing potential in team members who may not see it in themselves promotes internal growth and leadership development

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(02:32) Lightning round with Peter Dunn

(04:05) Setting up a “talent bomb”

(11:09) How self-awareness shapes leadership growth

(15:35) Leadership is a privilege

(16:37) The power of empathy in leadership

(21:57) Maturity means being comfortable with difficult conversations

"Leadership is about more than directing, it's about inspiring your team and guiding them towards a shared goal.”

In this episode of Executive Evolution, Craig Anderson interviews his son, Daniel Anderson, discussing various aspects of leadership experienced throughout Daniel’s naval career.

Daniel reflects on his initial leadership role as a Combat Electronics and Main Propulsion Division Officer upon joining the Navy. He shares his insights into the balance between hands-on leadership and administrative duties, the evolution of his leadership strategies, and the application of the "good dude" theory of leadership.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn
• Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• Identify individual motivations to inspire and effectively lead your team
• Delegate tasks according to team strengths to maintain efficiency
• Trust your team but verify their work to ensure accountability and foster growth

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro
(02:10) Lightning round
(05:55) Navigating team dynamics in the Navy
(08:16) How to balance leadership and learning
(14:43) Lessons on delegation and micromanagement
(19:45) The ‘good dude’ theory in leadership
(22:50) How to improve time management in leadership

"Make sure your intent and the impact are aligned, right? Because even if it's not necessarily a positive situation, if you do your job well, then it should be articulated objectively and with the right tone and outcome.”

In this episode of Executive Evolution, Craig Anderson chats with Caroline Abeleda, Co-Founder of Exploradoor. Caroline discusses why treating your team with dignity is essential, even in difficult situations like layoffs. She explains how embracing vulnerability helped her address the challenges of transitioning from peer to leader and how this openness fostered trust within her team. Caroline also talks about the realities of leading a company that’s always in growth mode, and where time management and resource allocation play a crucial role.

After You Listen:

• Get your copy of Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
• Connect with Caroline on LinkedIn
• Check out Exploradoor
  
• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn
• Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Key Takeaways:

• Show your team honesty in one-on-one conversations to build trust and strengthen relationships.
• Ensure your leadership actions match your business goals to achieve desired outcomes
• Handle tough decisions with compassion, preserving the dignity of your team members
  
  

Things to listen for:

(00:00) The lightning round

(07:22) Defining leadership beyond the title

(10:38) Becoming a leader among your peers

(15:07) Challenges of leading a company that’s always in growth mode

(19:13) The Importance of self-awareness in leadership