Is sustainability at odds with profitability? In this week’s reflection…
Reflection Episode | Are You Listening?
Are you listening as you should be?
This week’s episode is a reflection on a topic touched on by previous guests on the show – listening. Each of the first five guests, Don Williams, Karine Rouge, Michael Hinojosa, David Lewis, and Kristina Lund, touched on the importance of listening from different aspects.
Listen to the excerpts and understand the lessons on listening from the guests’ collective perspective. And then, if you are curious, go back and listen to the full episode that piques your interest the most.
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Let’s stay engaged, curious, and make an impact.
Show Notes
About the Guest(s):
- Cecilia Edwards: Host of the podcast “Business of Impact” and a global management consulting firm working with large enterprises on complex transformations.
Episode Summary:
In this episode, host Cecilia Edwards reflects on the importance of listening as a key element in driving positive societal change. She highlights excerpts from past interviews with guests who have successfully implemented change by actively listening to the communities they serve. From Don Williams’ personal meetings with community leaders to Karine Rouge’s research on electric vehicle adoption, each guest shares their unique approach to listening and how it has shaped their leadership style. The episode emphasizes the value of curiosity, trust-building, and understanding in creating meaningful impact.
Key Takeaways:
- Effective change-makers prioritize listening to the communities they serve.
- Building trust and understanding is crucial in order to collaborate and generate solutions with the community.
- Research and market listening help identify the best approach to address societal challenges.
- Cultural shifts require deep connections and relationships between individuals.
- Leadership styles that emphasize listening and collaboration can lead to sustainable transformation.
Notable Quotes:
- “I didn’t walk down there with a program. I walked down there with a set of questions.” – Don Williams
- “Having less answers increases curiosity and drives innovation.” – Karine Rouge
- “You couldn’t disconnect the human story from the broader ambition and purpose.” – Karine Rouge
- “Listening and seeking dissenting opinions are valuable leadership skills.” – Kristina Lund
- “If that doesn’t go well, all the rest is just bs.” – Kristina Lund
Resources:
- Wavestone
- Trammell Crow Company
- Veolia
- Dallas Independent School District
- MoveEV
- AES Indiana
- AES Ohio
- Pattern Energy Group
To listen to the full episode and gain more insights from these change-makers, tune in to the “Business of Impact” podcast. Stay engaged, stay curious, and keep making an impact.