Growth Beyond the Ladder: Lessons from Beverly Kaye

What makes people feel they truly matter at work? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Beverly Kaye, a trailblazer in career development, employee engagement, and retention. For more than 50 years, Bev has shown that the small things leaders do, like noticing and naming what they see, can have the biggest impact on whether people grow, feel valued, and choose to stay.

In their conversation, Andrew and Bev explore why growth is more than climbing the ladder, how everyday conversations shape engagement, and what it means to lead with an “opportunity minded” approach.

Key Takeaways

• Noticing creates mattering. Saying out loud what you see in someone is the simplest way to show they matter.
• Growth is not just up. Careers can be kaleidoscopes, shifting through lateral moves and fresh perspectives.
• Conversations are retention tools. Stay interviews and everyday check-ins build trust and engagement.
• Opportunity mindset matters. Leaders and employees can either be opportunity minded or opportunity blinded.

Why This Episode Matters

Meaningful work isn’t only about the tasks we do, but how others see us and help us grow. Bev’s lifetime of work shows that noticing, mattering, and honest conversations are the foundation of engagement and retention.

About Our Guest

Dr. Beverly Kaye is recognized internationally as one of the most knowledgeable voices on career development, employee engagement, and retention. Her books have become classics for managers and organizations worldwide, offering simple, practical tools for growth and retention that stand the test of time.

In the blog, we expand on Kaye’s ideas with more context and examples, including her concept of kaleidoscope careers. Read more here: https://www.eudaimonicbydesign.com/resilience/bev-kaye