EP 246 The Evolution of Leadership: A Conversation with Steve Wright

In this captivating episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast, host Wize El Jefe sits down with Steve Wright, a seasoned IT professional turned business and life coach, to explore The Evolution of Leadership. Their vibrant conversation spans across various facets of leadership, personal development, and how life experiences shape one's ability to lead with empathy and effectiveness. This episode delivers rich insights into the intertwined worlds of technical prowess and emotional intelligence.

Key Themes and Discussions:

1. Background and Upbringing:

Steve Wright delves deep into his childhood, drawing connections between his present inclinations and his formative years. Growing up with a single mom and a dad who had a strong technical background, he was imbued with values of helpfulness and utility. These childhood experiences, be it through fixing cars or tinkering with electrical appliances with his dad, paved the way for his future in IT and his subsequent transition into coaching.

2. Career Path and Development:

Tracing his professional journey, Steve’s initial immersion into the IT sector underscored his profound value in helping others through technical expertise. His career saw him working with various companies across the UK, and even venturing into self-employment. However, a significant turning point arrived in the early '90s when he met Tony Robbins, sparking an enduring interest in personal development and coaching. Moving to the U.S. for technical opportunities, he eventually gravitated towards coaching, blending his technical acumen with the human-centric approach of mentoring and guiding others.

3. The Pivot to Coaching:

Steve recounts a pivotal moment approximately 18 months ago when his job was rendered redundant. This crossroads led him to contemplate the essence of his career path, ultimately steering him towards coaching – a decision filled with challenges given the saturated market but driven by an intrinsic belief in its foundational benefits. He delves into the cultural perceptions of coaching, contrasting the aspirational view often held in the U.S. with the more remedial perspective in the UK.

4. Management and Leadership:

With a treasure trove of experience in various industries and organizational structures, Steve now dedicates his efforts to aiding managers and leaders. He emphasizes tackling workplace toxicity, underscoring the importance of focusing on personal well-being alongside professional accomplishments. His unique approach of leading through serving is highlighted, along with his initiative “Managers Who Lead” on Facebook – a community aimed at fostering effective leadership skills.

5. Personal Philosophy and Belief:

Steve’s coaching philosophy is deeply embedded in his Christian faith and his stoic mindset. He shares how these elements shape his approach to leadership and personal growth. His passion for helping others is further evidenced by his openness in sharing personal experiences and insights, striving to inspire personal and professional fulfillment in his clients.

6. Host's Appreciation and Engagement on LinkedIn:

Wize El Jefe shares his gratitude for Steve’s presence and contributions on the podcast. Inspired by Steve’s engagement on LinkedIn, Wize expresses his intent to leverage LinkedIn audio to build a meaningful audience and create impactful content. This exchange sets the stage for a discussion on the innovative use of LinkedIn audio for real-time, interactive podcasting and audience engagement.

7. Digital Platform Dynamics:

Steve elaborates on his positive experiences with LinkedIn audio, a platform he initially adopted to complement his podcasting efforts. As an introvert who enjoys conversing, Steve found LinkedIn audio to be a valuable tool for dynamic, impromptu discussions without the need for video preparations. The platform’s simplicity allows genuine interactions, enhancing the overall enjoyment and impact of his sessions.

8. Personal Lifestyle Choices:

Steve’s holistic approach to coaching is exemplified through his personal lifestyle choices – from cycling and mindful eating to veganism and continual self-experimentation. These facets of his life are not just personal pursuits but integral components of his coaching methodology, offering clients a well-rounded perspective on health, well-being, and professional growth.

9. Connection on a Heart Level:

A recurring theme in Steve’s dialogue is the importance of authentic connections. He challenges the rigid traditional metrics of defining ideal customers, advocating instead for meaningful, heart-level engagements. This philosophy extends to his practice of spending quality time with clients to truly understand and help them, going beyond mere transactions to build deep, impactful relationships.

10. Reflections and Future Collaborations:

Both Wize and Steve reflect on the value of their connection and the enlightening conversation. They express a keen interest in future collaborations, highlighting the enriching nature of diverse interactions and shared experiences. The episode concludes with a heartfelt acknowledgment from Wize to Steve, his team, family, "boss lady," and essential workers, embodying the spirit of gratitude and community that underpins the podcast.

Conclusion:

This episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast is a profound journey through leadership, personal development, and the transformative power of genuine human connections. Steve Wright’s diverse background, grounded philosophies, and pragmatic coaching approach offer listeners invaluable insights into leading not just with intellect but with heart. Whether you're a manager, aspiring leader, or simply someone seeking personal growth, this episode is a wellspring of inspiration and practical wisdom.

Don't forget to:

• Subscribe to the Stuck In My Mind Podcast

• Like, share, and replay this episode to spread the learnings

• Connect with Steve Wright on LinkedIn and explore more about his coaching services at saycoaching.com

Tune in to be inspired, informed, and ready to embrace an evolved perspective on leadership!