In the spring of 2024, Lea appeared as a guest on the Cerius Executives podcast, hosted by Kristen McAlister. The discussion, entitled, “Aligning People with Strategy - Exponential Impact,” focused on the many, relevant areas of connecting people to the company’s business strategy.

To watch the full podcast, please click on the link below:

The podcast transcript from "Lea’s Cerius Executives Leadership Podcast" delves deeply into the critical aspects of aligning team capabilities with business strategies to enhance organizational performance. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding individual team members' traits and aligning these with the company's strategic goals and financial objectives. 

Tools and assessments are highlighted as effective methods for gaining insights into team dynamics and individual behaviors, which can then be strategically aligned to drive the business forward. The conversation underscores proactive engagement in aligning people and strategy rather than reacting to misalignments later, which can hinder business progress.

A significant portion of the podcast focuses on the practical aspects of leadership and management, particularly around the topic of having open and effective conversations within teams and individuals. The dialogue covers the necessity of leaders being empathetic and prepared when discussing roles and expectations with team members. This approach facilitates a more transparent and supportive environment, fostering a culture where team members feel valued and understood. The discussion also touches on the potential challenges and complexities of managing performance and aligning individual capabilities with organizational needs, stressing the importance of timely and honest feedback. Recognizing individuals’ strengths and giving them the tools and motivation to utilize these to maximum effect serves to strengthen individual participation, drive team development, and realize company goals.

Towards the end of the podcast, strategic planning and risk management are discussed as essential components of leadership. The conversation advocates for a dynamic approach to strategy, where ongoing adjustments are made based on real-time business and team performance. This segment of the podcast also explores the concept of scenario planning to anticipate potential challenges and quickly adapt new strategies accordingly. The leaders are encouraged to involve their teams extensively in the strategy execution process, which not only empowers the team but also ensures that the strategies are robust and have a higher likelihood of successful implementation.

Overall, the podcast serves as a comprehensive guide on how to effectively manage and lead teams by aligning their strengths and capabilities with the strategic objectives of the organization, ensuring both employee satisfaction and business success.