Cultivating Empathy and Resilience in Team Dynamics with Makeda Brown

In this episode of the Future of Teamwork podcast, Dane Groeneveld, interviews Makeda Brown, a leadership optimizer and executive coach from PVR Coaching and Consulting. Makeda shares her journey from working in human resources to becoming an executive coach. They discuss the importance of leaders connecting with their teams personally and professionally, and how creating a supportive and empathetic team environment can lead to greater success. Makeda emphasizes the significance of understanding the 'how' and 'what' of teamwork, especially in challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. She also highlights the necessity for leaders to shift from a fear-based mindset to a collaborative one, describing the role of a leader as similar to a conductor of an orchestra. Makeda stresses the importance of leaders hoping for and actively cultivating a positive team experience, and she provides insights on coaching approaches that focus on growth, curiosity, and resilience.

Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork Podcast
00:18 Meet Makeda Brown: Leadership Optimizer and Executive Coach
00:35 The Power of 'How' in Team Success
01:51 Makeda's Journey from HR to Coaching
04:00 Personal Transformation and Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs
07:46 Navigating Change During the Pandemic
10:16 The Importance of Team Connection and Empathy
15:05 Altruism and Authentic Leadership
19:33 Coaching Leaders for Team Success
23:35 The Burden of Leadership
24:50 The Conductor Analogy
26:33 Identifying Overburdened Leaders
27:59 Coaching for Success
32:04 Navigating Change and M&A
35:06 Sustaining Success Through Coaching
41:41 The Importance of Practice and Curiosity
42:13 Conclusion and Contact Information