Leadership with Empathy and Curiosity, Boss Talks with Misty Rowell

Hello everyone! Welcome to another episode of "Boss Talks." We're thrilled to have Misty Rowell with us today. Misty is the Director of Operations at Neiders Company and an industry veteran of 18 years. Today, we dive deep into her journey, leadership style, and the wisdom she's gathered over nearly two decades.

She opens up about the emotional roller coaster she experienced after being laid off. Her career, like many others, is more than just a job; it’s a passion. "Changing employment can be incredibly raw, with feelings of shame and embarrassment," Misty shares. However, it's in these challenging times that we discover who truly supports us. The solidarity of her friends and peers was a silver lining that helped her navigate this tough period.

For Misty, the support from her LinkedIn community and industry peers played a critical role during her layoff. Messages of encouragement, virtual hugs, and career opportunities poured in, giving her the strength to move forward. She emphasizes how small gestures can significantly impact someone struggling, a testament to the power of kindness and community.

Networking was a vital factor in Misty’s career transition. She speaks about the importance of building and maintaining professional relationships. Her current role at Nader's was made possible through years of networking with Frank, the VP. “Establishing trust and relationships over the years made the decision easier,” Misty explains, highlighting the advantages of internal referrals and known working styles.

Misty wasn’t always a leader driven by empathy and emotional intelligence. It was after joining Thrive as a regional manager that she realized the critical role these qualities play. She stresses that empathy is a skill that must be developed over time, likening it to lifting weights at the gym. This new approach helped her address team issues more effectively by understanding their perspectives and acknowledging their emotions.

Curiosity is another cornerstone of Misty’s leadership philosophy. She believes in the power of asking "why" to understand underlying issues better. By being approachable and open-minded, Misty fosters an environment where her team feels safe to share their struggles and successes. Her advice? “Ask your team, ‘What would you do if you were in my role?’” This simple question can yield invaluable insights and foster a more collaborative workplace.

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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.