Empowering Connections: The Heart of Servant Leadership with Kaye DeLange

In this episode of the Workforce Bliss podcast, host Mickele Bragg interviews Kaye DeLange, a recently retired senior executive from Cargill with over 31 years of experience. Kaye discusses her leadership philosophy centered on servant leadership, talent development, and the importance of engaging teams for high performance.

She recounts her journey from overseeing a corn milling facility to leading initiatives in quality assurance and safety, highlighting how meaningful connections and networking have been pivotal in her career. Kaye emphasizes the concept of "connecting with the unconnected," recalling a transformative coffee meeting with a CEO that led to significant relationships, including one with retired General Tommy Franks.

Kaye shares a particularly inspiring anecdote from her time as a department manager, where she shifted the focus from technical proficiency to fostering a culture of emotional intelligence and empowerment. Her strategic rebranding of the Mill Safety Committee helped transform it into a hub of creativity and participation, ultimately leading the team to win the Divisional Performance Award.

The interview underscores the idea that true engagement comes from recognizing and valuing employees, creating a sense of purpose and autonomy within the workforce. Kaye’s approach demonstrates that successful leadership involves intentionality and courage to prioritize people over processes, driving both individual fulfillment and organizational success.