Get Out of Your Own Way with Dr. Shirley Davis: Lead to Succeed 150
Episode Summary:
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a situation, held back by fear of the unknown? What does it really take to break free from what's familiar, even if it's uncomfortable, and embrace the possibility of something greater?
In this episode, we explore these transformative questions with our guest, Dr. Shirley Davis, as she challenges us to "stop living in our known hell because there's an unknown heaven."
Shirley is president and CEO of SDS Global Enterprises, a strategic development solutions firm that specializes in human resources strategy; talent management; leadership effectiveness; culture transformation; and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Dr. Davis has worked in more than 30 countries on 5 continents and delivers more than 100 speeches a year to a wide range of industries, sectors, and sizes. She continues to consult, coach, and train leaders at all levels, including Corporate CEOs, C-Suite executives, and Board of Directors.
Shirley is the author of several books, including: Living Beyond "What If?": Release the Limits and Realize Your Dreams, Reinvent Yourself: Strategies for Achieving Success in Every Area of Your Life, and the first-ever Diversity, Equity & Inclusion For Dummies, which was published in January 2022 by the global publishing company, John Wiley & Sons. Her latest book, Inclusive Leadership For Dummies, was also published by Wiley and released in May 2024.
Key Talking Points of the Episode: (Note: timestamps follow the audio recording)
[03:04] More about Dr. Shirley’s journey.
[07:40] Dr. Shirley’s advice for people who are dissatisfied with their current situation to embrace the present while actively exploring new opportunities.
[11:13] How Dr. Shirley helps individuals break free from limiting mindsets by creating a vision that inspires action and empowers them to change their path.
[15:33] Dr. Shirley’s insights on why people often neglect self-reflection, and the strategies she offers to encourage deeper, more meaningful reflection.
[19:25] Would Dr. Shirley recommend joining an organization with strong culture but weak leadership, or one with strong leadership but weak culture, assuming all other factors are equal?
[21:20] A belief Dr. Shirley holds firmly, even though few others may agree with her perspective.
[24:22] Dr. Shirley’s biggest aha moments during her speeches.
[28:12] The power of storytelling.
[29:20] Dr. Shirley’s biggest mistake that set her up for future success.
[31:04] Rapid-fire questions.
[33:29] Dr. Shirley’s final life lesson.
Standout Quote from the Episode:
“Every place you go, every person you encounter, and everything that you do, leave it better than the way you have found it.”
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Becoming the New Boss: The New Leader's Guide to Sustained Success
Becoming the Productive Boss: 5 Proven Steps to Leading High Performing Teams
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