Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Return on energy

In this podcast episode, we delve into the world of leadership and empowerment with Selena Conmackie, a talented WordPress website designer and digital strategy expert. Selena is known for her hands-on approach to helping businesses thrive in the digital landscape, and she co-hosts the "15-ish Minute Coffee Chat" podcast, where she discusses various aspects of business and online marketing.

In this insightful conversation, Selena shares a pivotal moment in her career and reflects on the profound impact one remarkable leader had on her. Join us as we explore the lessons Selena has learned and how she continues to apply them in her role as a leader.

The Impactful Leader 

Selena's journey into the world of leadership begins with a look back at her early career in the restaurant industry during the late '90s and early 2000s. She takes us through the hectic atmosphere of a multimillion-dollar restaurant and the occasional visits from industry bigwigs, setting the stage for a transformative encounter.

Selena vividly describes her first meeting with Chef David, a prominent figure in the corporate restaurant world. At the time, she was a young manager who was somewhat cautious about these high-profile visits. She shares the anticipation that often surrounds such visits.

The Empowering Moment 

What makes this podcast episode remarkable is the story of empowerment and recognition. Selena's initial caution quickly transforms into a sense of empowerment as Chef David takes a moment to acknowledge her excellent work. His words, simple yet powerful, change Selena's perspective and set the tone for the rest of her career.

Selena's story highlights the enduring impact of a single empowering moment. Even after two decades, she remembers Chef David's words, emphasizing the lasting impression of genuine recognition and appreciation.

Selena shares her valuable insights about leadership, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acknowledging others. She believes in giving the gift of recognition and empowerment, even when immediate results are not visible.

The Art of Noticing 

The act of noticing and acknowledging others is a core theme in Selena's leadership philosophy. She finds joy in recognizing others, regardless of the outcomes, as she believes that every bit of positive energy contributes to an individual's journey.

Selena introduces the concept of "return on energy" (ROE), highlighting the significance of balancing and incorporating ROE in various aspects of leadership and business. She encourages leaders to consider the return on energy as an integral part of their decision-making process.

Maintaining one's energy and protecting it is crucial for effective leadership. Selena shares the importance of setting boundaries, taking time for rest, and understanding that nurturing one's energy leads to better leadership.

Receiving Compliments 

Selena highlights the art of receiving compliments and shares a technique to physically acknowledge them. She suggests that placing a hand over the heart while saying, "I receive that," adds a personal and heartfelt dimension to acknowledging compliments.

Connect with Selena 

Connect with Selena on Instagram and LinkedIn. Her unique approach to web design and digital strategy reflects her leadership style and dedication to helping businesses succeed in the digital world.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of "Illustrating Leadership." Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of leadership.

Your host, Jessica Wright, is the Founder and Life & Career Development Coach for Leaders at Wright Life Coaching, LLC.