In this lively and thoughtful episode, global credibility expert Mitchell Levy sits down with Jennifer McCollum, CEO and leadership author, to explore what it really means to lead with humanity, authenticity, and clarity. Together, they discuss how parenting mirrors leadership, why influence outweighs control, and how leaders can build cultures where people feel seen, valued, and motivated. Jennifer shares insights from her book, reflecting on connection, empathy, and the growing importance of clarity in today’s evolving workplace.
Summary
Mitchell Levy and Jennifer McCollum delve into the evolving definition of leadership—one rooted in empathy, authenticity, and clarity rather than authority or command. They compare lessons from parenting to leadership, emphasizing influence over control and the need to treat team members as whole people. Jennifer discusses creating environments of belonging and engagement, while Mitchell highlights that most executives lack clarity about their purpose and success metrics. Together, they underscore that great leaders listen deeply, communicate transparently, and align personal values with organizational goals to drive fulfillment and performance.
Quotes
* “Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about influence.” – Jennifer McCollum
* “As a parent or a CEO, you’re not telling people what to do; you’re guiding them toward growth.” – Mitchell Levy
* “Clarity is simple, but most leaders overlook it.” – Mitchell Levy
* “When we see our people as people first, engagement follows naturally.” – Jennifer McCollum
Takeaways
* Lead Through Influence, Not Authority: The best leaders inspire action through example and empathy, not command.
* Parenting Teaches Leadership: Understanding and guiding without control mirrors how effective leaders nurture their teams.
* Clarity Is a Core Competency: Executives must define success for themselves and their organizations to lead with confidence.
* See People as Whole Humans: Engagement grows when leaders connect with employees beyond their roles.
* Empathy and Presence Matter: Human-centered leadership builds trust, innovation, and long-term results.
Timeline
[00:00] Mitchell opens with enthusiasm and introduces Jennifer McCollum.
[02:00] Discussion on names, respect, and intentional connection.
[04:00] “Who are you?”—moving beyond titles to purpose and impact.
[07:00] Parenting as a leadership metaphor—learning influence over control.
[10:30] How feedback, empathy, and people-first thinking drive engagement.
[14:00] Virtual and hybrid workplaces—rethinking “off-site” and presence.
[18:00] Exploring Jennifer’s book and favorite chapter.
[20:00] The power of clarity—why 98% of executives struggle with it.
[23:00] Closing reflections on clarity, credibility, and human connection.
Conclusion
Mitchell Levy and Jennifer McCollum remind us that effective leadership begins with self-awareness and empathy. Leading through clarity, respect, and authenticity allows teams to flourish without control or fear. Their conversation bridges heart and strategy—showing that when leaders truly see their people, engagement, clarity, and purpose naturally follow.
If you like what you’re hearing and want to dive deeper into credibility, clarity, and how to show up as your best self, visit MitchellLevy.com. You can also book time directly on the calendar at https://mitchelllevy.com/contact-us to start your journey toward greater credibility today!
