The Art of Connection: Judy Shen-Fillerman on How to Lead with Humanity

The Step UP - Where Leaders, Talent Managers and Leadership Development pros find expert tips for Leadership excellence

Judy’s mission is to catalyze leaders of all backgrounds to be their very best and to help organizations build a workplace ecosystem that allows all individuals to thrive.

Judy is passionate to help “culture-crossers” (women, persons of color, first gen and global professionals) express their Best Self to achieve their highest potential. She also engages with organizations to develop workplace ecosystems and inclusive managers who engage, inspire and promote individuals of different social identities, backgrounds and cultures. As a Chinese immigrant woman who grew up in NYC, Judy’s first-hand struggles and accomplishments as a culture-crosser have deeply informed the mission and work of the firm.

Judy’s impact is proven with a broad base of institutional clients such as McKinsey, Biogen, Fidelity Investments and City Year. Judy is also a sought after lecturer and coach at leading business schools around the country including Wharton, Tuck and Harvard Business School.

Whether facilitating diversity, equity and inclusion discussions at institutions, or coaching individual leaders in demanding growth trajectories or lecturing on effective storytelling at US business schools, Judy brings her passion and authenticity to engage and empower others. Judy is impassioned to write about the intersection of leadership, identity and culture; and, has been featured in numerous professional and national publications.

We’re diving deep into the nitty-gritty of leadership in this episode, and trust me, it’s a ride you don’t want to miss! The main takeaway? Great leaders show up for their teams, especially when the going gets tough. We chat with Judy Shen Feilerman about how simply asking three questions can transform your leadership game: How are you? What’s exciting you at work? How can I help? It’s all about making your people feel seen and valued, which we know boosts morale and productivity like nobody's business. With the world feeling more chaotic than ever, it’s crucial for leaders to step back, breathe, and focus on their team's emotional well-being. So, grab your favorite drink, kick back, and let’s get into how we can all thrive as leaders and make a real impact!

Navigating the choppy waters of leadership in tough times is no easy feat, but that's exactly what we dive into during our latest conversation with Judy Shen Feilerman. She brings her A-game, sharing her journey from an immigrant kid in NYC to becoming a powerhouse executive at Polaroid and eventually carving her own path as an entrepreneur. The episode digs deep into the essence of leadership, especially in today's unpredictable climate where fear and uncertainty reign supreme. Judy emphasizes the need for leaders to step up and genuinely care for their teams, not just as employees but as human beings with real feelings and fears. She throws out some killer questions for leaders to ask their teams, like “How can I help you thrive?” and “What are you really excited about right now?” These aren’t your run-of-the-mill corporate queries; they’re the kind of questions that show genuine concern and can foster a culture of trust and belonging. It’s all about leaning in, listening, and being present for your people—because when they feel seen and valued, they’re more likely to go above and beyond for the organization. So if you’re a leader looking to navigate the current chaos, this episode is packed with insights that might just help you turn fear into opportunity, and uncertainty into innovation.

The conversation flows from Judy’s own experiences in corporate America, where she learned the ropes of leadership from the ground up, to her current focus on helping marginalized voices thrive in the workplace. She challenges the status quo and encourages leaders to reflect on their true intentions: are they in it for the power and profit, or are they genuinely invested in the well-being of their people? The discussion takes a serious turn as Judy addresses the heightened fears many individuals are facing today, particularly those from marginalized communities, and the crucial role leaders play in creating a safe and supportive environment. The bottom line? Great leaders don’t just manage tasks; they inspire and empower their teams. And in these turbulent times, that’s more important than ever.

In wrapping up, Judy provides actionable advice for leaders, stressing the importance of regular check-ins and conversations that connect. She emphasizes that these chats should be about more than just performance metrics; they should foster a sense of community and support. So whether you’re at the C-suite level or just starting your leadership journey, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on what it means to lead with heart and purpose. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just stepping into the role, you can’t afford to miss the gems of wisdom Judy shares in this conversation. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to elevate your leadership game!

Takeaways:

• Motivation starts with listening to what drives you; it’s all about understanding yourself.
• Asking your team about their interests not only shows you care but also boosts productivity.
• Great leadership today means supporting your people through fear and uncertainty with empathy.
• Leaders need to step back and reconnect with their purpose to inspire their teams effectively.
• Regular check-ins are key; they help foster a sense of belonging and engagement among employees.
• The best leaders ask open-ended questions to help their team thrive, creating a culture of trust.

Links for today's show:

• Judy's Linked In Page
• Dreambridge Partners
• Kent's Linked In Page
• Promoted Leader Playbook

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

*Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com