Kelly Preston is the owner and CEO of Captial Steel and Wire. She has an extremely unique background. She is self-taught, has overcome some of life’s most difficult challenges, and has come out on the other side even stronger. Kelly is also involved in several non-profits. One closer to her heart is Ele’s Place, where she currently serves as a member of its statewide governing board.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Embrace Continuous Learning

Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone and continuously seek new knowledge and skills. Be open to making mistakes and learning from them, as this is crucial for your personal and professional development. Self-education, resilience, and adaptability are key traits for overcoming obstacles and achieving success in any field.

Foster Trust and Honesty

Building a culture of trust and honesty is essential. Be transparent about challenges, openly communicate with your team members, and foster an environment where people feel safe to express themselves and take risks. By demonstrating vulnerability and humility, you can inspire confidence and loyalty in your team, which is crucial for navigating difficult times and sustaining long-term success.

Prioritize Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

Be open to people’s stories and feelings, understanding that everyone has personal challenges that affect their professional lives. By being empathetic and actively listening to your team members, you can create a supportive and inclusive work environment. This not only improves individual well-being but also enhances overall team performance and cohesion. Emotional intelligence allows you to connect with your team on a deeper level, making it easier to navigate difficult times and achieve long-term success.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• In what ways can you integrate vulnerability and honesty into your leadership or personal relationships?
• How can you enhance your emotional intelligence to create a more supportive environment for yourself and those around you?
• Reflect on times you've faced adversity. How did you persevere and maintain focus on your goals?