How Chemical Leaders Can Thrive: Mentoring, Feedback, and Navigating Challenge with Jeff Hancher - Ep. 222

Great leadership is forged through adversity, not comfort. Leadership expert Jeff Hancher joins host Victoria Meyer to explore the evolving challenges of leading teams in today’s chemical industry—where post-pandemic disruption, hybrid work, and rising mental health concerns are reshaping expectations. Jeff shares how growing up in poverty, serving in the military, and climbing the corporate ladder from truck driver to senior leader shaped his views on feedback, resilience, and mentorship. 

Victoria and Jeff discuss the mechanics of effective feedback, how to build robust leadership skills in a volatile world, and why personal investment in growth and mentorship is more critical than ever. Drawing from Jeff’s new book, "Firm Feedback in a Fragile World," and personal stories from the chemical sector and beyond, this conversation delivers actionable insights for leaders tackling retention, talent development, and organizational change. 

Get additional insights on: 

• The changing landscape of leadership and how to build and apply leadership skills 
• Jeff Hancher's career journey and how mentorship shapes professional success at every level. 
• Strategies for delivering honest, clear feedback while maintaining trust and team morale. 
• How to leverage AI, digitization, and supply chain challenges as opportunities for leadership growth. 
• Practical tactics for finding mentors, building confidence, and becoming a leader others respect and follow. 

Killer Quote: "It's not the load that weighs you down, it's how you carry it. The greater the adversity, the greater the opportunity for impact."  —Jeff Hancher 

Additional Links: 

Check out Jeff Hancher’s book “Firm Feedback in a Fragile World” here.

00:00 "Path to Higher Education" 

03:34 Unexpected Career Path at Cintas 

07:54 Leadership Challenges Amid Industry Disruptions 

11:16 Leadership Through Adversity 

16:52 Navigating Career and Family Dynamics 

18:41 Leaders Beyond Business Results 

22:32 Leadership vs. Product: The Cultural Impact 

25:51 Leadership Under Stress: Managing Reactions 

29:51 Shift Perspective, Lead Resiliently 

32:20 Mentor's Impact on Sales Career 

35:15 Ultimatum at a Crossroads 

37:22 Leadership's Impact on Personal Growth 

42:29 Finding a Mentor: Simple Strategy 

44:20 Evaluate Your Investment in Success 

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