S2:E5 | How McKenzie Reeves Decker Thinks About Embracing Your Own Leadership Style.

How Leaders Think with Kenny Lange

On this episode of How Leaders Think, host Kenny Lange speaks with guest McKenzie Reeves Decker about the importance of self-care, defining leadership, transcending past mistakes, and thriving in an entrepreneurial environment. McKenzie talked about how taking breaks and engaging in non-work activities can help refresh the mind, improve productivity, and creativity.

McKenzie also shared her experience of working with charismatic leaders who could inspire and bring people together, while she was more focused on execution and rising into leadership through her skills. She also discussed her definitions of leadership and entrepreneurship, which they see as related but not the same thing. McKenzie also talked about the System and Soul business framework she's been working on with the founders.

Tune in to this insightful episode and find out how to arrive at your own conclusions about leadership and entrepreneurship.

Resources

System and Soul website: https://systemandsoul.com

McKenzie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckenzie-reeves-decker-67a1b262/

[00:02:34] Definition of leadership and entrepreneurship shaped by nature and nurture, influenced by Southern Baptist culture and parent's business ownership. Sacrifice and hard work are assumed essential for success, but myths are being challenged.

[00:06:10] Take breaks to refresh your thinking, have a life outside work, and prioritize health for yourself and your team. Benj's leadership helped the realization.

[00:12:04] Person leads the team with challenges of age and cultural differences, strives to make own mark with caring leadership style, and learns to turn personal doubts into assets.

[00:16:11] Soul and System is a framework for integrating business systems and unique value propositions. The speaker is a team member responsible for executing and guiding the company's objectives as a startup, which is both exciting and daunting.

[00:19:01] Speaker worked for the John Maxwell Company (now Maxwell Leadership) and learned about leadership and self-management. She was an individual contributor but rose into leadership through execution. The current work environment requires self-direction and has greater consequences and returns.

[00:23:17] Learned principles from books, felt like an imposter, leadership defined by the environment, John Maxwell's leadership communication style, and felt uncomfortable with public speaking.

[00:25:42] Push through mental blockades with a success-only mindset; take care of oneself like a professional athlete; challenge perceptions of leadership styles.

[00:31:50] Reflect on old beliefs, identify goals and doubts, and seek help from loved ones for mental clarity.

[00:35:38] Efficiency and productivity require soft skills in addition to hard skills. It's not just about getting the job done.