In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Inez Robinson-Odom about their book, The Silent Rebellion: Becoming a Modern Leader. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Inez Robinson Odom discussed her book "The Silent Rebellion: Becoming a Modern Leader," emphasizing the importance of servant leadership, active listening, and self-awareness in effective leadership. The conversation covered the lessons learned from the pandemic and their implications for the modern workplace, highlighting the need for flexibility, emotional intelligence, and intergenerational knowledge transfer. The discussion concluded with concerns about the upcoming US election and its potential impact on the country, as well as information about the book's availability and the allocation of its proceeds.
Becoming Modern Leaders and Intellectual Humility
Inez Robinson Odom, a media educator, executive coach, and social justice advocate, discussed her book, "The Silent Rebellion: Becoming a Modern Leader." She emphasized the importance of asking questions, actively listening, and taking action, rather than making assumptions. Jonathan, the interviewer, agreed, highlighting the need for intellectual humility and self-awareness in leadership. They also discussed the challenges of navigating a dynamic world and the importance of being open to new information and perspectives. Inez shared her approach to engaging different age groups through various channels, such as QR codes and videos, to reach a wider audience.
Servant Leadership and Sustainable Results
Inez and Jonathan discussed the importance of servant leadership in achieving success and driving positive outcomes. They emphasized that servant leadership is not just about making people feel good, but about driving sustainable results and fostering intrinsic motivation. They also highlighted the role of personal responsibility and self-awareness in effective leadership. Inez mentioned that they had profiled 11 cause leaders in their book, who were seen as canaries in the coal mine, providing a voice for the struggles of the common man. Jonathan agreed with the importance of servant leadership and its potential to drive better outcomes than authoritarian leadership. They concluded by suggesting that individuals could optimize themselves by leaning into self-awareness and seeking the help of an executive leadership coach.
Emotional Intelligence in Modern Workplaces
Inez and Jonathan discussed the lessons learned from the pandemic and their implications for the modern workplace. They emphasized the importance of flexibility, work-life balance, and leading with humanity. Jonathan expressed concern about the trend of reverting to pre-pandemic practices, while Inez highlighted the opportunity for intergenerational knowledge transfer. They agreed that good leaders should foster emotional intelligence, empathy, and compassion, and that these qualities will be crucial for future leaders. They also noted the shift in workforce demographics, with more millennials and Gen Z workers taking senior positions, and the need for bridging the gap between the wisdom of veteran workers and the tech-savviness of younger generations.
Inez's Book and Leadership Discussion
Jonathan and Inez had a productive and enjoyable conversation about Inez's book, "The Silent Rebellion: Becoming a Modern Leader". Inez shared that the book is available on Amazon and the Kogan Page website, with proceeds from its sales going to the Lewis Foundation. She emphasized the importance of using words to uplift and edify, and encouraged leaders to remember to ask, listen, and act. Jonathan expressed his appreciation for the conversation and encouraged the audience to reach out to Inez for more information.
Listen to the webinar here:
