In last week’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Carolyn Creswell, CEO of Carman’s. We delved into the fascinating world of purposeful leadership and self-awareness, exploring the concept of bringing the whole self to work. Today I’m breaking it down with you and talking about some of the evidence and the research behind the ideas we spoke on. I also share some practical tips to help you implement some of these ideas and enhance your own purposeful leadership.

To start with, I discuss my thoughts around really understanding behaviour change themes. Carolyn spoke a fair bit about her self-awareness and how she's built that level of awareness through deep reflective practices about herself. She emphasised the importance of knowing oneself and how self-awareness and purpose-led leadership go hand in hand. 

Carolyn spoke about the need to be mindful of how we show up every day and be deliberate about that. It's essential to create space in our busy lives to reflect on ourselves and how we want to show up. Rather than operating on autopilot, slowing down and creating that space for reflection allows us to make deliberate choices aligned with our values. So, let's make a conscious effort to pause, reflect and be intentional in our actions.

One remarkable quality Carolyn embodies is courage. She has made tough choices throughout her career journey, and she attributes her courage to not being worried about others' judgement and practising self-compassion. Carolyn shared the concept of the art of the graceful "no," which Adam Grant explores in his work on disagreeable givers. By setting boundaries and being clear on what we will and won't commit to, we can prioritise the things that truly matter and avoid burnout.

One aspect that stood out in our conversation was Carolyn's emphasis on using data to drive positive behaviour change. She shared examples of leveraging technology, such as Oura rings and DNA testing, to gather valuable insights about her own well-being. Collecting data allows us to make informed decisions and track progress over time. By combining data with regular measurement and feedback, we can make small, focused behaviour changes that enhance our overall wellbeing.

By understanding our values, setting boundaries and being mindful of how we show up in the world, we’re able to be authentic and courageous in the many choices we must make as leaders. So join me as I dive deeper into the wonderful insights uncovered through my conversation with the inimitable Carolyn Creswell. 

LINKS:

Connect with Hayden:

Websites: -  https://haydenfricke.com/ 

-  https://www.steople.com.au/

-  APS College of Organisational Psychologists

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayden-fricke/