Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

The Human Side of Human Resources: Creating Authentic Connection with Rhonda Morris

Apr 14, 2025

Rhonda Morris, the former VP and Chief Human Resources Officer at Chevron, shares her remarkable journey as the first African American female corporate officer in the company's history. She discusses the importance of authentic leadership and the challenges she faced in a competitive environment. The conversation covers the role of HR in fostering connections, enhancing employee satisfaction, and navigating the complexities of team dynamics. Rhonda emphasizes resilience, vulnerability, and the need for psychological understanding in modern leadership, especially in a post-pandemic world.

48:48

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Episode guests

Rhonda Morris

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Quick takeaways

Authentic leadership is crucial as it influences employee morale and communication, promoting a positive work environment.

Participation in sports fosters valuable traits like competitiveness and resilience, shaping strong leadership qualities essential for success.

Modern leaders must prioritize emotional intelligence and open conversations about mental well-being to enhance workplace connections and productivity.

Deep dives

The Power of Leadership Impact

Leaders have a significant influence on the perception their direct reports hold about them. They have the ability to be either confidence builders or confidence destroyers, which affects how employees communicate about their leadership outside the workplace. This strong position underscores the importance of authentic leadership, as a leader's behavior can create a positive or negative ripple effect on team morale and cohesiveness. The responsibility of leadership not only involves achieving business objectives but also fostering an environment where employees feel valued and empowered.

Intro

2min

Sports, Family, and Leadership Reflections

7min

Empowering Excellence and Wellness

3min

Leading with Connection: The Role of Leadership in Employee Satisfaction

8min

The Vital Connection Between Human Resources and Team Dynamics

3min

Navigating Leadership and Community in HR

11min

The Science of Longevity and Decision-Making Under Pressure

4min

Redefining Leadership in a Post-Pandemic World

9min

Embracing Morning Mindset and Reflecting on Significance

3min

10.

The Modern Leader: Craft and Connection

5min

11.

Exploring Self-Doubt and Pursuit of Excellence

3min

What does it take to lead at the highest levels—while staying true to who you are?

Today’s guest is Rhonda Morris, the former VP and Chief Human Resources Officer of Chevron. Rhonda is a powerhouse—sharp, competitive, and deeply committed to helping others perform at their best. How do I know that? Because we’re friends.

Her journey started back in Oakland, California playing sports with the neighborhood kids, determined to be picked first. That same fire and relentless drive propelled her to become the first African American female corporate officer in Chevron’s 140-year history. Success at that level doesn’t come without challenges.

This is the second installment of our Modern Leadership Series. If you haven’t listened to our first episode with Matt Breitfelder, I highly recommend you go and listen to that one as well. These are conversations with the people who are helping to define Modern Leadership and what it takes to build the next generation of leaders.

Everyone who knows Rhonda knows that she leads authentically. That’s how she’s broken barriers and led at one of the largest organizations on the planet.

Check out this week’s amazing conversation with Rhonda Morris.

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