Kerry Siggins Podcast

How Storytelling Supercharges Leadership

Have you ever thought about how storytelling supercharges leadership? I never did until I started studying storytelling and practicing delivering stories, whether it be in meetings with my team or customers or on stage in front of an audience. And now I believe that storytelling is more than just a buzzword; it's a game-changer for leaders looking to make a real impact. It's not just telling a good story; it's about connecting, inspiring, and guiding your team in a way that numbers, memos, emails and dry, boring meetings simply can't.
During this week’s episode of Reflect Forward, I discuss the power of storytelling in leadership and why it’s so important.
Here’s how storytelling can give your leadership a serious boost:
Boosting Connection and Engagement: We're all drawn to a good story. Studies show that stories are 22 times more memorable than facts alone. When leaders share the company's goals and values through engaging narratives, it doesn't just communicate; it resonates.
Earning Trust and Credibility: People tend to trust those they can relate to. By weaving personal insights and experiences into their narratives, leaders can break down barriers, showing they're not just in the command tower but in the trenches with their team.
Igniting Action and Embracing Change: Ever heard a story that made you want to do something? That's the magic of storytelling – painting a picture of what could be, making the leap from the present to the future less daunting. By framing change as an exciting chapter in the company's story, leaders can inspire everyone to jump on board.
Making Lessons Stick: By turning lessons into narratives, leaders can make even the driest material come alive, ensuring the message isn't just heard but remembered and applied.
Building Resilience and Adaptability: In the face of challenges, the right story can be a powerful motivator. Leaders can use stories to frame setbacks as stepping stones, encouraging a mindset that sees every challenge as a chance to grow and innovate.
In a nutshell, storytelling is a skill that all leaders can benefit from. People want to connect with their leaders and the vision and the mission of the company. By weaving compelling narratives, leaders can foster a more connected, motivated, and resilient team ready to turn visions into reality.
And the best part? Everyone loves a good story, so why not make your leadership strategy as engaging as your favorite book or movie?
Please consider ordering my book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Reflect Forward.
And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

From Engineer to Entrepreneur w/ Ana Kraft

Ana Kraft is the Founder and CEO of Xena Workwear - a company that engineers stylish safety shoes and functional apparel for women in STEM and the Trades. This new workwear category helps professional women feel safe and confident in any work environment. Transitioning between the office and the manufacturing floor or construction site has never been so easy. Ana holds a degree in International Project Engineering from Reutlingen University in Germany and currently resides in Detroit, Michigan. The causes that drive her include sustainable development, education and maximizing opportunities for women.
Episode in a Tweet: So many of us have amazing ideas – sometimes even million-dollar ideas – but because we're afraid to fail, we don't even give it a shot.
Background: During this week's episode of Reflect Forward, Ana Kraft and I discuss what it's like to go from engineer to entrepreneur and chase your entrepreneurial dream. Ana's story is inspiring, and she shares how she came up with an idea and built a women's workwear company without fashion design expertise. Ana shares her philosophy on radical transparency and how she was inspired by Sara Blakely's philosophy on failure, "Instead of failure being the outcome, failure became not trying." We can all learn from Ana's story of believing in herself, taking risks, and learning how to be a leader while also learning how to be an entrepreneur.
How to find Ana:
Website: https://xenaworkwear.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-kraft-b10878aa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xenaworkwear/
Please consider ordering my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!
And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

How To Create a Culture of Care

How do you create a culture of care? That’s the question I was asked during a keynote I gave a few weeks ago. I love giving this keynote because it matters. People want their companies to care about them and when they feel cared about, they are willing to care more, too. I believe the significance of a nurturing and supportive organizational culture cannot be overstated. For almost two decades, I’ve worked to create a culture where people feel cared about – where they know we have our back – and the results have been tremendous. In this week’s episode of Reflect Forward, I share my suggestions on how to create a culture of care, too.
Reinforce Vision and Mission
The cornerstone of a caring culture is a clear and compelling vision and mission. When employees understand and connect with the company's goals, their engagement and productivity soar. According to a Gallup poll, companies with engaged employees see a 21% increase in profitability.
Give Support in Times of Need
Providing unwavering support during challenging times is a tangible demonstration of a culture of care. This includes not only flexible work policies but also comprehensive mental health and wellness programs.
Commitment to Employee Development
The 2020 Workplace Learning Report by LinkedIn revealed that 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development. Show you care by investing in your employees.
Build Trust Through Genuine Connections
Trust is the bedrock of any thriving organizational culture, cultivated through authentic relationships and open communication. Research from the Harvard Business Review found that employees in high-trust organizations report 76% more engagement and 50% higher productivity.
Cultivate a Feedback-Rich Environment
Embracing a culture of feedback is crucial for fostering an environment of continuous improvement and growth. Nothing says, “I care about you,” like giving genuine, helpful feedback, both positive and constructive.
Impact of a Culture of Care
The benefits of a culture of care extend far beyond employee satisfaction – it impacts customer loyalty, talent attraction, and retention. When you care about your employees, they return the care and improve the overall customer experience. Want proof? A study by the Temkin Group found that companies leading in customer experience outperform laggards on the S&P 500 index by nearly 80%, underscoring the link between employee satisfaction and customer success.
The creation of a culture of care is a multifaceted endeavor that requires deliberate action and commitment from leadership. By emphasizing a clear vision, providing support, investing in development, building trust, and valuing feedback, leaders can cultivate an environment where employees not only thrive but are also deeply invested in the company's success. The result is a resilient, innovative, and high-performing organization poised for long-term success.
Please consider ordering my book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Reflect Forward.
And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Living a Life of Transformation w/ Dao Jensen

Dao Jensen is all about living a life of transformation. She founded Oak Rocket, Inc. (formerly KTP) in 2013 as the first 100% female minority-owned company on the West Coast born in the Cloud. Oak Rocket helps clients strategize and optimize public cloud platforms and solutions. With the emergence of Gen AI, Oak Rocket has adapted to offer more personalized and intelligent solutions. Dao has grown Oak Rocket to become one of the fastest 50 women-owned companies recognized by Chase Bank (several years in a row) despite the challenges of being a refugee, a mother of four and losing her parents and 16-year-old daughter.
Oak Rocket is on a mission to be a United States’ leading minority-owned enablement company by 2030. She is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s OPM Executive program. She has brought many OPMers into the program, such as Will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas. Her expertise in the tech industry has led her to speak at worldwide events, such as the closing speaker of INK Talk, Harvard Club, AWS, GEN AI Days, SiliconAngle, and WBENC, discussing leadership, cloud technology, challenges in business and the power of networks. She is a board member of the YPO (Young President’s Organization) Pacific West Integrated Chapter and IEEW. With Dao’s leadership and Oak Rocket’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve, they will continue to provide innovative cloud solutions to their clients for the years to come.
Episode in a Tweet: Personal transformation is about being able to share all parts of yourself without fear of being judged by others.
Background: During this week’s episode of Reflect Forward, Dao Jensen, Founder and CEO of Oak Rocket and I talk about transformation. Dao shares her story of overcoming setbacks and turning challenges into opportunities. She shares how she left corporate America to found Oak Rocket when it was clear she wouldn’t make it to the C-suite while working for someone else. She shares what it was like to go through a painful divorce and lose her father and 16-year-old daughter last year. We talk about how we shouldn’t be afraid to find our voice, speak up and take up space and the importance of investing in future generations. Dao has a remarkable, unbreakable spirit and is an inspiration to all of us who want to learn, grow, and bounce back from life’s setbacks.
How to find Dao:
Dao’s Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN8EZyT-Iag
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daojensen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaoOakRocket
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daooakrocket/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DaoOakRocket
Please consider ordering my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!
And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Why Leaders Need Effective Boundaries

Have you ever considered the secret sauce of effective leadership? It boils down to setting effective boundaries. These aren't just lines drawn in the sand but the framework that fosters a culture of respect, balance, and trust. Good boundaries empower teams, streamline processes, and support leaders' well-being, paving the way for everyone to reach their peak potential.
I had to learn over time the importance of setting boundaries at work and have spent a good amount of time teaching my fellow employee owners how to create better boundaries and to role model what healthy boundaries look like. In this week’s episode of Reflect Forward, I share my tips on how to create, role model, and accept others’ boundaries.
Clear Communication is Key
Transparency is crucial. Explaining the 'why' behind boundaries helps team members buy in. For example, a "no emails after 6 PM" rule, when framed as a way to ensure work-life balance, becomes more than just a guideline—it becomes a shared value.
Lead by Example
Actions speak volumes. When leaders adhere to their own rules, it reinforces their importance and encourages the team to follow suit, creating a culture of accountability and respect.
Consistency Matters
Consistency in applying boundaries is essential for their effectiveness. It ensures fairness and predictability, reinforcing the importance of the rules set.
Empower Through Delegation
Boundaries enable leaders to delegate more effectively, encouraging team members to take ownership and innovate within defined limits, fostering a sense of autonomy and confidence.
Adaptability is Crucial
Boundaries should evolve with the team's needs. Being open to feedback and willing to adjust keeps the work environment dynamic and supportive.
In essence, setting boundaries is about creating an environment where leadership and teams can thrive. It's about clear communication, leading by example, consistency, empowerment through delegation, and adaptability. This approach not only sets the stage for success but also nurtures a healthy, productive work culture.
Please consider ordering my book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Reflect Forward.
And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Well-Being is a Sustainable Competitive Advantage w/Theresa Larson

Dr. Theresa Larson, commonly referred to as "Dr. T," believes that well-being is a sustainable competitive advantage. Theresa is renowned for her enduring commitment to wellness and strength as both the founder of Movement Rx and a proud veteran of the Marine Corps. Having personally navigated the complexities of mental and physical injuries, her experiences have spurred a deep-rooted dedication to helping businesses owners and leaders face difficulties such as client attrition, employee retention, and scalability issues that can result from their own compromised mental or physical well-being. Movement Rx has been honored with the prestigious Force for Good award, reflecting their unwavering commitment to promoting healthy leadership and organizational well-being. Dr. T and her team are hard at work building a community of business owners and leaders who are resilient, healthy, and happier in all they do.
Episode in a Tweet: Leaders must ensure employees are healthy and present enough to do their best work by introducing them to simple self-care secrets that improve physical AND emotional health.
Background: Dr. Theresa Larson is dedicated to equipping individuals and organizations with the essential knowledge and tools required for sustained physical and emotional well-being. She believes that the foundation of an organization's health, progress, and overall well-being lies in its leadership. Consequently, she collaborates with companies that give precedence to their employees' health, happiness, and satisfaction.
In this week's episode of Reflect Forward, Theresa and I discuss why well-being at the leadership level is important for setting the tone and ensuring leaders have the energy and stamina to lead well. She tells us why leaders need to ensure employees are healthy and present enough to do their best work by introducing them to simple self-care secrets that simultaneously improve physical AND emotional health. Theresa talks about the five pillars of well-being and why her overarching goal is to help organizations create a culture of physical freedom, where movement and leadership are integrated into every aspect of work and life.
How to find Theresa:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtheresalarson/
Website: www.movement-rx.com
Calendly: https://calendly.com/drtheresalarson
Free download: https://movementrx.typeform.com/lifestylerx
Lifestyle Rx Theresa spoke about on the podcast: https://movement-rx.com/be-well-to-lead-well-retreat/
Please considering buying my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

How to Cultivate an Exceptional Culture

Have you ever wondered how to cultivate an exceptional culture? Ultimately, a great company culture positively impacts employees' well-being, both at work and in their personal lives, and I've seen firsthand how it can drive success and growth within our organization.
During this week's episode of Reflect Forward, I share a story about an employee survey we recently conducted at StoneAge and how the results were remarkable. It validated that our efforts to build a world-class culture of care are paying off. And then I share five ways to cultivate an exceptional culture.
Here’s a summary of my five tips:
Lead by Example: Company culture starts at the top. Leaders and managers should set the tone by embodying the values and behaviors they want to see in the organization. When employees see their leaders actively living the company's culture, they are more likely to follow suit.
Define Core Values: Clearly define your company's core values. These should reflect the beliefs and principles that guide your organization. Ensure that these values are communicated to all employees and integrated into various aspects of the company, from hiring to performance evaluations.
Foster Open Communication: Encourage open and honest communication throughout the organization. Create channels for employees to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback. Listen actively to their input and take appropriate action to address their needs and suggestions.
Recognize and Reward: Acknowledge and reward employees who embody the company's culture and values. Recognition can take many forms, including praise, awards, or promotions. Recognizing and appreciating employees' contributions can motivate them to continue aligning with the desired culture.
Invest in Employee Development: Support the growth and development of your employees. Provide training, mentorship programs, and opportunities for advancement. When employees feel that the company is invested in their personal and professional growth, they are more likely to be committed to the organization's culture.
Remember that cultivating an exceptional culture is an ongoing process that requires commitment and consistency from leadership and all employees. It's also important to periodically assess the culture to ensure it remains aligned with the company's goals and values.
Please consider ordering my book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Reflect Forward.
And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

The Power of Storytelling w/ LaQuita Cleare

LaQuita Cleare, CEO of Clear Communication Academy, is a highly sought-after public speaking and storytelling expert who transforms CEOs, companies, entrepreneurs, politicians, royal families and public figures into powerful, engaging communicators.
LaQuita's degree in Psychology enables her work to be science/research-based. At the same time, her unique background in Hollywood allows her to help audiences use the magic of storytelling to motivate, inspire and persuade.
Over the past decade, she has worked on stages and screens in more than 50 countries across five continents, speaking at numerous prestigious schools and events such as Harvard, Loyola University, Milan Polytechnico, and INSEAD Business School. She has worked with leading companies like Chase, Covergirl, Ikea, RR Donnelley, and Pepsi and is a top-rated resource for YPO, the leading business organization with over 30,000 members. She has also been featured on ABC, FX Network, Lifetime, and LA Talk Radio.
With her experience and background, LaQuita has created The Engagement CodeTM, a signature and trademarked method that helps people to engage audiences of all sizes.
LaQuita believes in the power of words to create meaningful change and impact, and she is on a mission to help audiences use stories to create tangible business impact.
Episode in a Tweet: Leaders who invest in their storytelling skills inspire others, create movements, and connect with people at a deeper level.
Background: I met LaQuita several years ago at a CEO conference where she taught leaders how to tell stories on stage – impromptu. After seeing my peers transform with a few pointers, I knew I had to work with her. LaQuita has been my communication and speech coach for the past two years, and the results have been remarkable. She’s helped me tell powerful stories that inspire action and refine my stage presence. She’s been so impactful that I knew you would want to learn from her, too.
During this episode, LaQuita gives actionable tips on being more vulnerable – even when it makes you uncomfortable, crafting compelling stories that move people and being yourself on stage or in front of a camera. She also talks about her upcoming storytelling conference for women, Rock My Story, held in LA on February 22nd and 23rd. LaQuita is a total rockstar and I know you will love this interview.
How to find LaQuita:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laquitacleare/
Clear Communications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clearcommunicationacademy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laquitacleare/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laquitacleare/
Website: https://www.clearcommunicationacademy.com/
Order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!
And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Make 2024 The Year of Feeling Good

In a world that often seems shadowed by complexities, it's crucial to remember the power of doing things that bring good feelings. While the media may focus on the darker side of life, an undeniable truth often goes unsung: you can embrace countless positive moments every day. You can choose to focus on the good and embody a positive mindset.
In this week's episode of Reflect Forward, I discuss why you should focus on well-being and doing things that make you and others feel good. We review personal and professional well-being actions such as practicing gratitude, eating healthy, minimizing complaining, and investing in relationships. From a professional perspective, I discuss leading with empathy, creating a positive workplace, balancing accountability with compassion, and embracing lifelong learning.
By integrating practical steps into your daily routines, you can make 2024 a year of positive growth and well-being. I encourage you to take actionable steps to feel good and inspire those around you to do the same.
And if you're not feeling good on a given day? That's okay. There will no doubt be difficult days. Maybe even weeks or months. I offer tips like practicing mindfulness, walking and keeping things in perspective during a rough period.
This episode is here to inspire you to rise above negativity and focus on well-being. You can make 2024 a year of personal and professional evolution, prioritizing well-being in all aspects of your lives and those of your team.
Please consider ordering my book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Reflect Forward.
And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Role Modeling Humble Leadership w/ Rudy Alexander

With over 30 years of experience in the computer software industry, Rudy Alexander is a visionary with proven ability to bring technology to market and developing successful companies. In his current role as President of Breadware, his knowledge of IoT and what the future of tech looks like offers a unique perspective. Rudy has an extensive background in mergers ,acquisitions and capital structure in both domestic and international companies. Rudy was the co-founder of 11Giraffes, which developed and provided software to assist retailers in using their digital media more effectively. He has authored several white papers in the software industry and was featured on World Business Review. Rudy was honored with the Charlotte Chamber’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award and is a founding member of Charlotte’s Business Innovation and Growth Council.
Episode in a Tweet: I'm overly optimistic and have to find the balance between being optimistic and keeping it real. Sometimes you have to come out and say it like it is, no matter how hard it is to hear.
Background: In this week's episode of Reflect Forward, I interview Rudy Alexander, President of Breadware. Breadware is a subsidiary of StoneAge, and I thought it would be fun to interview Rudy so you all could get an inside peak of what it's actually like to lead in a StoneAge company. Breadware is an IoT (Internet of Things) Solutions company that helps industrial OEMs build smart products and solutions, transforming indiusrty through data insights.
Rudy shares his insight on how he has transformed as a leader as he has transformed Breadware. We discuss humitly, transparency, and how he continues to learn about himself everday.
How to find Rudy:
Website: https://breadware.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudy-alexander-148ab66/
Please consider ordering my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!
And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!