142: Kelli Lester - Leadership in Transition: Embracing Change, Vulnerability, and Feedback

Kelli Lester is the Co-founder and Partner at Onyx Rising, a change management consulting firm. Kelli discusses how leaders can navigate uncertainty, empower their teams, and drive innovation. She highlights the importance of leaders’ vulnerability, adaptability, and inclusive decision-making in today’s evolving business landscape. Kelli draws from her experiences navigating mergers, workforce integration, and cultural shifts to offer insights for leaders wanting to improve workplace dynamics and foster meaningful collaboration. Kelli explores strategies for developing high-potential talent, bridging generational divides, and cultivating authentic leadership.

 

 

TAKEAWAYS

 

[01:50] Kelli studies communications to have her own TV show and develops her voice.

 

[04:00] Working for the Mayor’s office, Kelli needs to understand the pulse of the community.

 

[04:50] Kelli works at the Census Bureau exploring why people might not want to be counted.

[05:54] The Mayor reinforces understanding and serving the community’s needs.

[07:02] Mergers and acquisitions at Sara Lee reveal leadership challenges in cultural integration.

[08:10] Required field experience to get promoted reveals assumptions that Kelli’s boss questions.

[10:12] A human-centric leadership approach creates a more integrated company.

 

[11:01] Transforming the talent review processes to increase transparency and fairness.

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