Podcast: Leadership & Learning with Dr. JBT
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Dr. Jamie J. Brownlee-Turgeon explores what real advocacy looks like in the workplace, and why saying there's a need isn't enough. Too often, "advocacy" stops at awareness or conversation, when true advocacy requires evidence, effort, and follow-through.
Dr. JBT shares why she has a love-hate relationship with the word advocate, how leaders can move from talking about challenges to acting on them, and why the best advocates, at every level, combine conviction with data and persistence. Using real leadership examples, she unpacks how advocacy reveals what people value most and how great leaders listen beyond the complaint to solve for those values.
Key Takeaways:
Advocacy isn't about noise; it's about movement.
The best advocates support their case with data, clarity, and alignment to institutional goals.
True advocacy is intentional: it's communication and action.
Leaders must create cultures where advocacy is welcomed, not dismissed as a complaint.
"People complain about that which they value" — listen for what matters most, not just what's said loudest.
Reflection Questions:
Where in your organization are you waiting for someone else to advocate for you — instead of taking action yourself?
How can you strengthen your advocacy through evidence, collaboration, and follow-through?
As a leader, how can you create an environment where people feel empowered to move from talking about the need to meeting the need?
Memorable Quote:
"Advocacy without action is noise. Advocacy with action creates progress." — Dr. JBT
Listen, Reflect, Lead.
🔗 Tune in to learn how to transform your advocacy into action and your action into impact.
