Catherine Clark, a seasoned GrowCFO mentor, joins Kevin Appleby to delve into the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership. They explore how self-awareness is the foundation upon which successful leaders build their careers. By understanding their own emotions and triggers, leaders can better manage their responses and interactions with others. Catherine and Kevin emphasize that adaptability in communication styles is essential for fostering an inclusive and productive work environment, enabling leaders to connect more effectively with their teams and stakeholders.

The conversation also highlights the resilience required for leaders to navigate the inevitable challenges and setbacks they encounter. Catherine shares her experiences and strategies for maintaining composure and focus during turbulent times, underscoring the importance of aligning personal values and beliefs with the responsibilities of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). By staying true to their core principles, finance leaders can make decisions that are not only strategic but also ethical, thereby earning the trust and respect of their colleagues and subordinates.

Key takeaways from this episode include the vital importance of self-awareness in leadership, the power of having a clear vision, and the impact of empowering others to achieve collective success. Catherine argues that effective CFOs and finance professionals should continuously develop these attributes to lead with confidence and authenticity. By doing so, they can inspire their teams, drive organizational growth, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Key topics covered include:

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• The difference between managers and leaders, and how finance professionals can develop leadership skills beyond just managing a team.
  
• The importance of self-awareness, understanding your values and beliefs, and choosing the right environment to thrive as a leader.
  
• Navigating organizational culture and the challenges of trying to change it as a leader.
  
• Developing leadership qualities like personal power, effective communication, and overcoming task overwhelm.
  
• The role of emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-care in leadership.
  
• Change management and adapting communication styles to different stakeholders.
  
• The value of making time for personal recovery and growth as a leader.
  

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• Catherine Clark on LinkedIn
  
• Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn
  
• GrowCFO Mentoring
  

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• 0:00:11 – Introduction and discussion of the difference between managers and leaders
  
• 0:01:24 – Importance of self-awareness and choosing the right environment to lead
  
• 0:02:27 – Navigating organizational culture and the challenges of changing it
  
• 0:03:52 – Developing leadership qualities like personal power and communication
  
• 0:07:09 – The role of emotional intelligence and resilience in leadership
  
• 0:13:32 – Overcoming task overwhelm and delegating as a leader
  
• 0:16:41 – Additional characteristics of great leaders
  
• 0:24:36 – The importance of resilience and personal recovery for leaders
  

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