Embracing Struggle for Learning and Growth in Leadership

In this episode, Tatiana Kolovou discusses how she manages her social media presence, focusing on family content on Instagram and Facebook while maintaining a professional image on LinkedIn. She also shares her love for Greek cuisine and hobbies like indoor cycling and creating playlists. Tatiana emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone for personal growth and highlights effective communication strategies, inclusive leadership practices, and the significance of emotional intelligence. She also mentions the value of seeking and appreciating feedback and tailoring communication to suit the audience's needs. She advocates for balance in life, growth through challenges, and kindness towards others.     Key Takeaways   [03:13] Tatiana shares her values, balancing personal and professional content across her social media platforms. She keeps her Instagram and Facebook for family moments and celebrations, while maintaining a professional image on LinkedIn by sharing learning opportunities. Though she occasionally posts personal content on LinkedIn, she finds that authentic and real posts perform well due to the platform's algorithm.    [04:36] Tatiana shares her favorite Greek dish, "Lahandolmades.” She also mentions that she enjoys indoor cycling and creating playlists but keeps these personal interests off LinkedIn to maintain a professional focus. She also discusses the concept of training in the "discomfort zone," highlighting the importance of pushing oneself beyond comfort for growth and self-awareness. Tatiana emphasizes the value of daily challenges, weekly new opportunities, and monthly learning experiences for personal development and effective communication.   [8:59] Tatiana emphasizes the importance of training in the discomfort zone and developing communication skills through practice. She suggests standing instead of sitting to project energy, and recommends recording oneself for feedback on intonation and energy. She admires William Shatner's performance during an eclipse event at the age of 92, noting his mastery of pacing, energy, and pausing. Tatiana also believes in captivating audiences through stories and energy, even without video. She mentions the need for continuous practice to improve communication skills and stay focused.   [13:35] She highlights the importance of inclusion in organizations, urging leaders to establish a culture that aligns with common values and attracts people for more than just money. Tatiana mentions the need for accommodating different communication styles and clear direction to maintain trust. She also warns against bullying and fear-based leadership, promoting cultural humility and openness to allow others into the in-group. Leaders should seek feedback, listen, and be empathetic to grow their organizations.   [18:16] Tatiana emphasizes the importance of not coddling team members, stating "different is not deficient." Leaders should be curious and open to newcomers, while outsiders must also be flexible and curious. She stresses the value of letting younger people struggle a bit to learn and grow, such as through cultural exchanges or joint projects. She advocates for simulating struggles in controlled environments to prepare individuals for real-world challenges, allowing them to process, reflect, and grow from their experiences.   [23:44] Tatiana highlights the importance of emotional intelligence to avoid damage control. She emphasizes self-awareness, social awareness, and feedback for growth. Tatiana values building relationships and trust, advising people to invest time in making connections. She recommends arriving early to meetings and complimenting clients to strengthen relationships.   [27:24] Tatiana discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in communication and leadership. She shares a story about coaching her son, Alexei, on managing his emotions. Tatiana emphasizes the Greek concept of "Philotimo" or "love of honor," doing the right thing even when no one is watching. She advises leaders to practice cultural humility, emphasizing listening and asking questions rather than making assumptions. This approach fosters trust and builds stronger relationships.   [30:03] She discusses balancing active engagement ("dance floor") and reflection ("balcony") in life. She finds herself reflecting more as she juggles career and family responsibilities, reassessing decisions and trust. Tatiana emphasizes the value of reading to broaden perspectives and the need for honest, direct conflict resolution. Tatiana notes the challenge of avoiding exclusion in teaching and handling conflict, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual needs to provide constructive feedback and guidance.   [35:45] Tatiana coaches individuals to ask specific questions when seeking feedback, such as, "Did I come across with more energy?" This approach elicits more helpful responses. She emphasizes being open to feedback and showing appreciation for it, as people rarely offer feedback freely. Tatiana shares about honor, noting that while it doesn't have a price, it brings gratitude and respect to those who possess it. She also highlights the Greek connection between honor and price, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to apply each.   [37:51] Tatiana challenges people not to assume that difference is bad, and instead encourages empathy and understanding. She urges individuals to embrace differences and put themselves in others' shoes. She advocates for taking time daily to observe oneself and to focus on giving more than taking. Tatiana's challenge is to pay it forward when possible, fostering a culture of care and kindness toward others.   [38:44] Tatiana emphasizes understanding the audience's values and interests before delivering a message. She advises adapting communication style (email, phone call, or video) to suit the audience. She also stresses the importance of tailoring the approach to meet the audience's needs for more effective communication.   [43:02] Remember, the single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place. -George Bernard Shaw   Quotable Quotes   "Challenge yourself daily by stepping out of your comfort zone. Ask for something unexpected once a week, and every month, embrace learning something new, even if it makes you feel like a beginner."   "Mastering this skill requires continuous practice and pushing through discomfort. The more you do it, the better you become."   "If you have the energy to speak with conviction and enthusiasm, you don't necessarily need video.”   “Success lies in how engaging and captivating you can be, regardless of the medium."   "Being different doesn't mean being deficient.”   “When the in-group views outsiders as 'different,' it can discourage newcomers from joining."   "The culture you establish defines your organization.”   “Those who join are drawn in by some aspect of that culture."   "Standing instead of sitting can help you project energy, but it can be tiring."   "Show empathy to those on the outside and listen closely, especially as your organization grows."   "Facing struggles is essential for growth; without challenges, people may become overwhelmed when difficulties arise.”   "Being emotionally intelligent is an invaluable asset—it saves time and prevents harm in challenging situations."   "To develop emotional intelligence, seek strong, genuine feedback from someone who can offer candid advice."   "Investing time in building relationships and trust fosters smooth interactions and eliminates the need for task-oriented shortcuts."   "Leaders who practice cultural humility admit they don't have all the answers. They listen, ask questions, and avoid assumptions."   "Take a moment to pause and reflect on your actions.”   "Honor is priceless—it earns you gratitude and respect.”   "Embrace diversity and practice empathy.”    “Recognize and appreciate others' perspectives by putting yourself in their shoes."   "Tailor your message to your audience and focus on their needs."   Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | Sponsored by | Rafti Advisors. LLC | Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | Tatiana Kolovou LinkedIn | Kelley School of Business Website | Tatiana Kolovou Instagram | Tatiana Kolovou Twitter |