In this powerful episode of Leadership Lab, Rich Lohman is joined by Brigitte LaPointe-Dunham, the CEO of Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, for a deep dive into leadership, mentorship, and the strength that comes from embracing your personal story. Together, they explore how living between two worlds—culturally and professionally—has shaped Brigitte’s leadership style and her influence within her tribe. The conversation focuses on the importance of humility, storytelling, and how every experience, good or bad, can be a stepping stone to becoming a great leader. This episode offers valuable insights for those seeking to lead authentically while staying grounded in their values.
Summary:
The episode opens with Rich Lohman discussing the profound impact of mentorship on leadership. He highlights Brigitte's humility, noting how her journey, influenced by her mentor, continues to shape her leadership approach. Brigitte shares her experience of growing up on a Native American reservation, navigating the challenges of integrating that identity into the wider world, and how she eventually embraced her background with pride.
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the idea that one's life story is directly tied to their leadership journey. Brigitte reflects on how her mentor encouraged her to tell her story, pushing her beyond her comfort zone and helping her realize that her background is a source of strength, not a weakness.
Additionally, Brigitte shares her initiative to create a marketing communications office within her tribe, demonstrating how storytelling can have a ripple effect. She underscores the importance of showcasing the tribe's identity, not only internally but to the world, and how that communication strategy has strengthened their community and partnerships.
Rich and Brigitte also discuss the tribal value of humility, explaining how it intertwines with leadership. Brigitte emphasizes that while staying humble is key, it’s equally important to step up and share your story to inspire others and lead future generations.
One of the most poignant exchanges in the episode occurs when Brigitte talks about the cultural value of humility within her tribe and how it initially made her reluctant to share her story. Rich prompts her to reflect on this dynamic:
Brigitte: "I really didn't like people to know that I was Native American growing up... but [my mentor] really pushed me like, hey, tell your story. It's so interesting. You will be the most interesting person in the room when you are with people."
This moment captures the essence of the episode—the struggle many leaders face in balancing humility with self-empowerment, and how telling one’s story can have a transformative impact, both personally and on the communities they lead.
Conclusion:
This episode of Project 12:02 offers listeners a compelling reminder that leadership is not just about skills or titles—it's about authenticity, humility, and the power of storytelling. Brigitte’s journey from feeling reluctant about her identity to becoming a proud and effective leader is both inspirational and instructive. Whether you're just starting your leadership journey or you're an experienced leader facing new challenges, the lessons from this conversation will resonate. The emphasis on mentorship, the importance of embracing one's background, and the reminder that leadership is a daily process, make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to lead with impact.
Resources:
Visit the Project 12:02 website
Check out our Passport to Growth program
Purchase Rich’s
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