Want to hear two passionate Canadians riffing about the systems that are not designed to support parity, equity or inclusion? You got it! My guest this week, Katherine Lazaruk, shares her leadership journey from teaching music and singing opera to becoming an executive coach. We delve into the concept of executive presence - what it is and whether it is still relevant in today's world. We discuss the meaning of feeling empowered (and why that can be a cringeworthy word), the importance of balanced leadership and responsible exercise of power.
This is a conversation that illuminates hidden challenges manifest in the changing dynamics of leadership and why we need a new leadership paradigm that embraces diversity and authenticity. We also touch on the challenges faced by leaders in adapting to these changes and the power of vulnerability in creating a supportive and inclusive workplace. It’s a truly fascinating way to look at the evolution of leadership!
Challenging and changing old leadership paradigms
Why you should listen: executive presence - stepping into your leadership power
What’s your personal leadership brand?
We explore the evolution of leadership
Hierarchies are out; relational leadership is in
Better than empowered - how we exercise leadership power
Adopt a holistic leadership perspective to move past prejudice
Take action
Tip 1: Lean in, listen and really pay attention to the whole person
Tip 2: Question your processes. Are they as inclusive as they could be?
About Katherine Luzaruk
Katherine Lazaruk is a professional presence expert who helps leaders and their teams walk the walk, talk the talk and look the part. She is passionate about achieving gender parity in her lifetime and through her coaching, consulting, and speaking, she works with women and champions of women to get more women into senior leadership faster.
Recognising that we are currently in a shifting paradigm, she works within the system to change the system for teams and individuals alike to create a kinder, gentler, and more effective world. Find out more: LZRKconsulting.com
Related episodes on leadership paradigms and perspectives
224 A paradigm-shattering leadership perspective from Carol Sanford
236 Perspective shifting leadership insights
300 A leadership perspective from 10,000ft with fighter pilot Dom Teich
Key moments
*Feeling Empowered and the Death of Executive Presence [00:01:11]*
Exploration of personal empowerment and the concept of executive presence, including a conversation with guest Katherine Lazarus.
*Gender Parity in Leadership [00:07:30]*
Discussion about the lack of gender parity in leadership roles, the desire for more balanced leadership, and the challenges faced by women in positions of power.
*The happiest years of people's lives [00:09:54]*
Discussion about research suggesting that the happiest years of people's lives are between the ages of 50 and 75.
*Moving from hierarchical to relational leadership models [00:10:23]*
Exploration of the shift in leadership models from hierarchical and authority-based to more integrated and relational approaches.
*Challenges of relating and handling diversity in the workplace [00:14:41]*
Discussion about the need for improved relational skills, social intelligence, cultural intelligence, and emotional intelligence to create a workplace where individuals can bring their whole selves and feel valued and understood.
*The Paradigm Shift [00:19:21]*
Discussion on the outdated leadership model and the need for a new paradigm that is not based on gender.
*Leadership Behaviours [00:20:26]*
Exploration of leadership behaviours that are divorced from gender and cultural norms.
*Challenging Old Paradigms [00:25:54]*
Encouragement to look beyond traditional stereotypes and focus on the content, actions, and whole person when identifying leaders.
*The importance of human emotions in leadership [00:29:07]*
Discussion on the portrayal of men as human beings with emotions in TV shows like Ted Lasso and the need to focus on universal human experiences.
*The need for systemic change in organisations [00:30:58]*
Exploration of the need for systemic changes in policies, meetings, and expectations in organisations to create a mentally healthy and collaborative workplace.
*Challenging the default mindset and metrics in leadership [00:33:30]*
Discussion on the need to challenge default metrics like return on investment and move towards measuring other metrics that ensure a mentally healthy and collaborative workplace.
*The Purpose of Business [00:38:46]*
Discussion on the purpose of business and the idea of creating more for all, not just for some.
*Empowering Women vs. Gaining Power [00:40:22]*
Exploration of the concept of empowering women and the alternative idea of women gaining power and exercising it responsibly.
*External Packaging and Executive Presence [00:45:40]*
Reflection on the importance of personal presentation and guidelines for external packaging to develop executive presence in the workplace.
👉🏼 Want to share your experience? Ask a question? Share a resource? Jump on our podcast Facebook page here.
About your host, Canberra leadership expert Zoë Routh:
Zoë Routh is a leadership futurist, podcaster, and multiple award-winning author. She works with leaders and teams to navigate future horizons.
She has worked with individuals and teams internationally and in Australia since 1987. From wild Canadian rivers to the Australian Outback, and the Boardroom jungles, Zoë is an adventurist! She facilitates strategy and culture sessions with audacious teams.
Zoë's fourth leadership book, People Stuff - Beyond Personality Problems: An advanced handbook for leadership, won the Book of the Year at the Australian Business Book Awards in 2020. Her fifth book is a near future science fiction dystopian novel, The Olympus Project.
Zoë is the producer of the Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast, dedicated to asking “What if…?” and sharing Big Ideas on the Future of Leadership.
Zoë is an outdoor adventurist and enjoys telemark skiing, has run six marathons, is a one-time belly-dancer, has survived cancer, and loves hiking in the high country. She is married to a gorgeous Aussie and is a self-confessed dark chocolate addict.