142: Leaders with Heart are Empowered by their Vulnerability

In this Leadership with Heart episode, Heather speaks with Kirsten Benefiel, CEO of HSS, a company focused on leading the next generation of innovative security managed devices. Kirsten is a leader who strives to be authentic by showing up, being vulnerable and listening more than she speaks.

Kirsten describes how aligning her life and leadership style with her personal values makes for a much easier leadership experience. Kirsten shows her compassion by explaining how a leader can never over communicate care for their team, whether it be via showing up, listening, or just trying to help. 

Heather and Kirsten both elaborate on the importance that values, purpose and mission play in the trajectory of both one’s personal life as well as their professional path. Oftentimes the greatest rewards in leadership are the outcomes that a leader can affect by leading with purpose and their core values. To reach this level, Kirsten explains how she first had to focus on what her values were and what made her tick.

 Kirsten elaborates on a crucial experience in her leadership journey that taught her that success is not always about the outcome, it’s about the journey too, because how you win also matters. Kirsten and Heather discuss best practices for how to “check yourself”.

At the end of their conversation Kirsten offers a piece of heartfelt advice to anyone who is struggling, finding themselves at a crossroads or just in need of motivation.

Key Takeaways:

Define your personal core values Align your life with your values. You’ll have a much easier time leading. It’s not always about the outcome, it’s about the journey. Don’t be overshadowed by your ego. Your values are a filter that shape decision making and your behavior. Be your own critic. Shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance Life is not a zero-sum game Expand your circle of influence Never operate from a place of fear Vulnerability is empowering