In this episode I talk to Deb Crowe, the host of ‘imperfect’, the heart-centred leadership podcast. We explore how the ways in which we are all leaders, and ways we can all be more heart-centred.
About Deb
Deborah started and has been the CEO of her company since 1990 and knows how to get to the top, hold that senior position, and integrate career and family. In her coaching practice, she provides the tools, strategies, programs, and support to help create meaningful changes in their lives.
Deborah has had the same challenges that her clients face. She is remarkably familiar with the pressure of job deadlines, trauma, family obligations, and inadequate feelings. She has been there, done that and knows that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, even if it is dim. The hardest part is starting.
Deborah is a community builder, hospice volunteer, hiker, traveller, yoga teacher, wife, mom, sister, and friend in her spare time. She has a deep passion for self-care and ensuring it is in your life, first and foremost.
Who are the leaders in our lives?
Our parents, our bosses, our siblings are all leaders and influencers in our lives. Conversely, we too are leaders. So it’s important that we all recognise that, and think about how effectively we are communicating.
Deb spent many years coaching leaders who were burned out; the stress and pressure of their job had made them ill. After a traumatic year when she sadly saw five of her clients pass away due to stress related illnesses, she decided to turn her business on it’s head and help all leaders create a better personal toolkit, to enable them to recognise and deal with stressors better.
Let’s talk self care
It doesn’t matter who you are, if you don’t care for yourself then you won’t make a great leader. You could have the perfect diet and exercise regime, but if you are not taking time to nurture yourself it won’t have the benefit it should.
Whatever self care is for you, it’s important to recognise that it takes practise and it takes time.
As a yoga teacher, Deb understands the power of meditation and reflection, however she’s the first to admit that it took time and practise to hone the skills. Whatever it looks like for you, make sure you are adding your self-care into your day.
What qualities make a good leader?
Deb has a great resource for you to understand what your personal leadership skills are. Take some time and recognise your personal three best leadership skills, then the challenge is to pick one or two areas that you need to focus on and improve – and work on them regularly. That’s the key to being a good leader – personal growth.
Quick fire!
- What is your most positively memorable meal? The first night of my honeymoon in the Caribbean, I felt very grown up eating steak and lobster and drinking fine wine.
- What food reminds you of childhood? Corned beef hash cooked by my grandmother.
- What have you got for tea? Probably roast chicken breast with seasonal vegetables and baby potatoes (Deb loves to cook and is a true foodie, just like me!)
Deb’s links
My links
I’d love to know what your top three leadership skills are.
Mine are – Truthful, Approachable, Models Self Care and I’m working on being more Mindful of Words and Own Character Flaws.