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