https://www.sherylkline.com/blog/key-factors-to-build-cohesive-teams-with-jen-fults-global-chief-people-officer-at-alvarez-marsal

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Jen Fults, the Global Chief People Officer at Alvarez & Marsal. Jen shared her journey of rising through the ranks, driven by a passion for people and an unwavering commitment to creating cohesive, high-performing teams. Throughout our conversation, her wisdom and practical insights highlighted the importance of leadership grounded in humanity, accountability, and clear communication.

This interview is a must-listen for leaders striving to build strong, resilient teams, particularly as we close out the year and prepare for new challenges ahead. From fostering team cohesion to addressing burnout head-on, Jen’s approach offers actionable strategies for navigating complex people challenges with grace and impact.

Key Takeaways

The Power of Grit and Resourcefulness (00:05:44)
Jen credits her success to a deep sense of grit and resourcefulness, traits she honed during her early career and as an athlete. She emphasizes the importance of believing in your ability to figure things out, even when taking on roles you feel unprepared for.

Building Cohesive Teams Through Empathy and Connection (00:12:02)
One of Jen’s core philosophies is that leaders must genuinely care about their teams’ well-being. She highlighted the importance of checking in with team members, creating space for personal connection, and ensuring everyone feels supported during challenging times.

Clarity as the Foundation of High Performance (00:21:32)
Jen stressed the importance of clear expectations in fostering high-performing teams. Whether it’s providing direct instructions or giving space for creative problem-solving, clarity ensures alignment and minimizes misunderstandings.

Addressing Burnout with Transparency and Prioritization (00:27:23)
When team members are feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, Jen believes in taking a two-pronged approach: self-reflection and direct communication. She encourages leaders to first assess their role in the situation and then address challenges head-on with their teams.

Jen’s insights remind us that leadership is not just about achieving results but also about how we achieve them. By fostering empathy, maintaining clear communication, and prioritizing well-being, leaders can create environments where both people and performance thrive.

If you’re a leader looking to build cohesive, high-performing teams or navigate challenges with greater confidence, I’d love to hear your story. Let’s connect and explore how you can elevate your leadership journey.

https://www.sherylkline.com/blog/leading-through-herculean-change-and-disruption-insights-from-kathie-johnson-cmo-of-sitecore

In the latest installment of my Fearless Female Leadership interview series, I had the privilege of sitting down with Kathie Johnson, the Chief Marketing Officer of Sitecore. Kathie has a proven track record of leading through complex challenges, and her first year at Sitecore was no exception. From navigating leadership and board changes to spearheading a monumental rebranding initiative, Kathie’s story is a masterclass in resilience, clarity, and focus.

Our conversation delved into what it takes to lead teams through Herculean change while managing the inevitable disruptions that come with it. Kathie shared invaluable lessons from her journey, emphasizing the importance of clarity, communication, and staying centered in one’s values. Whether you’re an individual contributor navigating organizational shifts or a leader managing teams through uncertainty, this interview offers practical advice to help you thrive.

Key Moments from the Interview

1. The Power of Persistence: Turning “No” into Opportunity (00:04:22)
   Kathie recounted a time early in her career when personal and professional setbacks collided. Instead of giving up, she found the courage to ask for what she needed.
   
   
2. Clarity, Communication, and Celebrating Wins: The Three C’s of Leadership (00:12:14)
   To navigate her team through significant organizational changes, Kathie relied on her “three C’s” framework:
   
   
   • Clarity: Clearly outlining the strategy and goals on one page to ensure everyone was aligned.
   • Communication: Providing consistent updates through roundtables and weekly notes to keep everyone informed and focused.
   • Celebration: Recognizing both big and small wins to sustain momentum and boost morale during challenging times.
3. Energy and Mood: The Ripple Effect of Leadership (00:13:18)
   Kathie highlighted the importance of maintaining a calm and positive demeanor as a leader. Teams take cues from their leaders’ energy, so staying composed and energized is crucial for inspiring confidence and focus during periods of disruption.
   
   
4. Focus on the “One Big Thing” (00:15:20)
   Whether you’re an individual contributor or a leader, staying focused on the most critical objective is key.
   
   
5. Aligning Career Choices with Core Values (00:22:01)
   Kathie closed with a powerful reminder: “This is your career, your life.” By staying true to your core values, you can make decisions that align with your long-term goals and lead a career filled with purpose and integrity.
   
   

Staying Grounded During Change

Kathie’s insights reinforce that leading through Herculean change requires a combination of personal resilience and thoughtful leadership. By staying centered in your values, maintaining clear communication, and celebrating progress, you can inspire your team to navigate even the most challenging circumstances with confidence and focus.

If Kathie’s story resonated with you, I’d love to hear yours. Let’s connect and explore how you can apply these principles to your leadership journey. Book a call with me today to share your story and take the first step toward fearless leadership.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leader podcast, please email

https://www.sherylkline.com/blog/unlocking-bold-potential-with-connie-white

In this Fearless Female Leadership Interview, I had the pleasure of connecting with Connie White, Chief People Officer at Altos Labs, to discuss the art and science of unlocking bold potential. Connie’s journey, insights, and passion for empowering others offer a roadmap for leaders and emerging professionals alike to tap into their own potential and that of their teams.

We explored what it means to “unlock bold potential” and how that journey often starts with small, intentional actions. Connie's stories—from her formative years to her current leadership role—underscore the importance of staying curious, giving and receiving feedback, and taking bold, well-thought-out action.

Key Takeaways

~ The Value of Curiosity in Unlocking Potential (00:01:17)

Connie emphasizes that curiosity is a powerful, often underappreciated factor in both personal and team development. As a leader, being curious about team members and their strengths helps create opportunities for growth.

~ Drawing Inspiration from Early Life Experiences (00:04:21)

Connie reflects on how her disciplined upbringing instilled in her a sense of responsibility, resilience, and self-belief. She shared a story from her Little League days when she was asked to play catcher for the All-Stars, a role she hadn’t previously trained for.

~ Building Trust Through Honest, Ongoing Feedback (00:12:22)

Feedback can feel intimidating, but Connie describes it as a crucial element of professional growth. When leaders offer feedback with care and clear intention, it builds trust, reinforces bonds, and strengthens the team.

~ Taking Bold, Well-Thought-Out Action (00:22:55)

Connie has learned that unlocking bold potential often requires making bold, thoughtful decisions. She encourages leaders to trust their intuition and act on it before overthinking leads to inaction.

~ Communicate, Care, and Be Curious (00:35:36)

To unlock potential on a larger scale, Connie champions the “three C’s”: communicate, care, and be curious. Leaders should actively listen, show genuine care, and create space for open conversations that allow team members to express their aspirations and challenges.

Connie’s approach to leadership is deeply inspiring and highlights that bold potential isn’t unlocked overnight. It’s nurtured over time through consistent, thoughtful actions and a willingness to step out of comfort zones. Her insights offer valuable guidance for both established and emerging leaders on how to recognize and foster bold potential in themselves and others.

If you’re on a journey to unlock your bold potential or want to foster it within your team, I’d love to support you. Book a call with me to start the conversation. Let’s make bold potential a reality, together.

Cheering you on always,

Sheryl