The Art of Self-Leadership with Heather Younger

Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP®, the founder and CEO of Employee Fanatics as well as a best-selling author

In Episode 249 of The Leadership Project, Mick Spiers engaged in an enlightening conversation with Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP®, the founder and CEO of Employee Fanatics as well as a best-selling author. Their discussion zoomed in on Heather’s latest book, The Art of Self Leadership, providing listeners with insights into self-leadership, introspection, and bridging the gap between employees and employers.

Introducing Heather Younger: A Journey of Empowerment

Heather Younger’s career spans across law, sales, customer experience, and leadership development, emphasizing her belief in the power of self-leadership. Her journey of "clawing her way up" is both inspiring and instructive, reflecting the resilience and introspection needed to rise above challenges.

The Birth of The Art of Self-Leadership

The impetus for Heather's book stemmed from her frustration with the prevalent "waiting" and "victim mindset" she observed in people, who often blamed their external circumstances rather than seize their potential for leadership. Through her extensive experience in areas like employee satisfaction and psychological safety, Heather recognized a recurring disconnect between management and employees—a gap her book aims to address through self-awareness and active leadership.

Reclaiming Power and Bridging Gaps

The conversation highlighted how individuals often give away their power by waiting for external validation or direction. As Heather explained, self-leadership involves recognizing these behavioural patterns and actively choosing to take charge. Mick and Heather discussed the "alliance" between employers and employees, advocating for equal responsibility in employee development and success, thus creating a more balanced and fulfilling workplace relationship.

Framework for Self-Leadership

The Art of Self Leadership encourages a shift from perceived limitations to realistic self-assessment. Heather outlines how introspection can unravel the fears and beliefs that hold us back, empowering us to confront them. Her book includes exercises like fear mapping and value assessments that prompt readers to delve into their inner world, fostering an "internal shine" that radiates "outer brilliance."

Empowering the Workplace

For leaders, the key takeaway Heather offers is the transformative power of presence and listening. By embodying self-awareness and adopting a mindset of curiosity and humility, leaders can initiate dialogues that reshape workplace dynamics. These conversations, as Heather demonstrated, should start small, be free of assumptions, and be grounded in curiosity and open communication.

Conclusion: An Invitation to Introspection

Heather Younger’s The Art of Self Leadership provides actionable insights into fostering a culture of empowerment and introspection. It encourages readers to apply self-leadership in their personal and professional lives, nurturing an environment where everyone’s potential can flourish.

Heather invites us all to engage in the deep work of self-leadership, ultimately cultivating stronger, more resilient leaders who can navigate the complexities of modern organizational life with confidence and clarity.

The journey of self-leadership is personal and profound, and Heather Younger’s guidance in this field offers a roadmap for anyone willing to step into their own power and lead with intention.