Deborah Coviello: A CEO’s Compass to Get Back on Track

Episode recap:

Known as The Drop In CEO™, Deborah Coviello, a respected leadership consultant, joined Marcel to discuss her journey of self-discovery that led her to write her seminal book, The CEO’s Compass. She emphasized the importance of peace of mind, humility, and investing in mentoring and coaching programs to develop essential skills.

Guest Bio:

Known as The Drop In CEO™, Deb’s superpower is lowering the temperature and elevating conversations with empathy and patience. As a speaker, author, podcaster, and consultant, she teaches C-Suite leaders how to establish a “Lift, Light, Lead” environment and create calm amidst chaos or crisis. She is the author of “The CEO’s Compass: Your Guide to Get Back on Track” and “The NEW CEO Playbook: Stop Chasing Results and Start Pursuing Peace of Mind.”Her long-running podcast, The Drop-In CEO, ranks in the top1.5% globally among Apple Podcasts.

Quotes:

• "If something doesn't feel right, it's probably not right. And if your heart is telling you to go in a certain direction, trust it."
• "People are not transactions. We are humans. And when we can listen, show that we heard them, understand them, and see them for who they are, that is a way of showing practical love in the workplace."
• "Slow down to speed up. Get to know the people and what made them great."

Takeaways:

• Ask your team members how your company's purpose translates to their specific role and daily work.
• Schedule monthly one-on-one meetings focused on personal development, not just project updates.
• Reflect on your leadership style: Are you creating an environment where people feel seen, heard, and valued?
• Identify one external mentor or coach who can help you develop essential leadership skills.

Timestamps:
[00:11] How Deb Stepped into Leadership Her Way
[03:22] The Wake-Up Call That Changed Deb’s Leadership Style
[08:08] How Deb Defuses Conflict with Just Her Presence
[10:52] Why The CEO’s Compass Starts with Peace of Mind
[14:46] What Happens When Mentorship Is Missing at Work
[16:42] Four Compass Points That Keep Teams on Track
[32:13] Making Purpose Tangible for Everyone on the Team
[35:35] How Humility and Curiosity Can Quiet Workplace Ego
[36:17] Why Leaders Need Outside Eyes to Grow Their Teams
[41:35] The Small Acts That Make a Leader Worth Following

Conclusion:
Good leadership begins with truly understanding the people you work with—not just their roles, but also their goals, strengths, and values. When leaders invest in mentoring, thoughtful coaching, and a supportive work place, they open the door for better ideas and stronger dedication. A calm, clear mind helps leaders listen more fully and respond with care. This kind of leadership builds trust and skill across the entire team. Over time, it creates a work culture where people feel motivated, capable, and proud of what they contribute.

Links/Resources:
Website: https://dropinceo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahacoviello/
The CEO’s Compass–Your Guide to Get Back on Track on Amazon:
https://bit.ly/OrderCEOCompass

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