Why Aware Super’s CEO Deanne Stewart broke down after being promoted
Feb 19, 2024
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Aware Super CEO Deanne Stewart discusses overcoming fear and self-doubt in her career growth, the importance of leaders in shaping company culture, and her interest in psychology for personal growth.
Leaders play a crucial role in setting company culture by leading by example.
Overcoming fear and taking risks are essential for personal growth and seizing opportunities.
Deep dives
Building a Positive Culture Within a Company
Creating a positive culture within a company requires a combination of top-down and bottom-up efforts. Leaders play a crucial role in setting the culture and behaviors by leading by example. Organically, employees can contribute by forming collectives or tribes that take initiative and foster a positive culture. Rituals and deliberate actions can also reinforce the desired culture. For example, stand-up meetings and feedback sessions can promote continuous improvement and engagement.
Learning to Think Big and Take Risks
Deann Stewart shares a pivotal moment in her career when she was offered the opportunity to run an international business unit. Initially hesitant due to self-doubt, she reflects on how fear held her back. However, she decided to overcome her fears, take the risk, and seize the opportunity. This experience taught her the importance of courage, thinking big, and considering the potential in people rather than just their past experiences.
The Power of Making a Difference and Finding Purpose
Deann Stewart emphasizes the innate desire in human beings to make a positive difference in the world. She believes that clarity of purpose, both at an organizational and individual level, is crucial in fostering a sense of making a difference. Stewart discusses the importance of leaders explaining to employees how they contribute to the overall picture and encourages individuals to reflect on their purpose and desired impact. She shares her personal purpose of developing others to have a significant impact.
In this week's episode, Aware Super CEO Deanne Stewart talks about the link between ‘thinking small’ and fear, her love of developing people and her meeting with King Charles III.