In the latest episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we had the pleasure of speaking with Vicki Bradley, a seasoned leadership coach and the driving force behind many successful leaders, both women and men. Vicki’s work is rooted in the understanding that leadership is not just about authority or strategy—it's about connecting with people on a deeper level through effective communication and emotional intelligence. In our conversation, Vicki shared profound insights into how these elements are not just complementary but essential to effective leadership.

One of the key takeaways from our discussion with Vicki was the critical role that communication plays in leadership. She emphasized that clear, authentic communication is the cornerstone of trust-building. When leaders communicate effectively, they are able to inspire, motivate, and engage their teams. This, in turn, fosters an environment where people feel valued, understood, and committed to the shared vision.

But communication alone isn't enough. Vicki argues that to truly excel as a leader, one must couple communication skills with emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. According to Vicki, leaders who possess high EQ are better equipped to handle the complexities of human behavior in the workplace. They are more empathetic, more adaptable, and better at conflict resolution—skills that are indispensable in today’s dynamic business environments.

During our conversation, Vicki also touched on the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when working with both women and men to enhance their leadership skills. She noted that while the fundamental principles of good leadership—like communication and EQ—apply to everyone, the ways in which these skills are developed and expressed can differ between genders.

For women, Vicki observed that societal expectations often influence how they communicate and assert themselves in the workplace. Many women are taught to be nurturing and cooperative, which can sometimes be at odds with traditional notions of leadership. Vicki’s coaching helps women to leverage these qualities while also encouraging them to find their voice, assert their ideas confidently, and navigate the complexities of leadership without compromising their authenticity.

On the other hand, men might face different challenges. Vicki explained that some men are conditioned to suppress emotions or view emotional intelligence as a "soft" skill that doesn’t align with leadership. However, she emphasizes that when men embrace EQ, they often find that it enhances their leadership capabilities, particularly in building trust and fostering team cohesion. By helping men understand the value of EQ, Vicki guides them toward a more balanced and effective leadership style.

From Observation to Innovation,

Andi Simon, PhD

CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Award-Winning Author
Simonassociates.net
Info@simonassociates.net
@simonandi
LinkedIn

Welcome to our anniversary podcast that celebrates a year of empowering change with our book, co-authored by Edie Fraser, Robin Freedman Spizman, and Andi Simon, PhD. This book, Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success, has become an amazing experience. I have often said that every book has its unique signature. A book's energy comes from the reader who opens the book and feels the power of the words, images, and ideas.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since Edie Fraser and I launched Women Mean Business, a book that has become more than just a collection of stories; it’s a movement. Over the past year, the book has not only sold extremely well but has also been the catalyst for nearly 70 events. These have sparked meaningful conversations, inspired change, and built connections among women—and even some men—seeking to understand and harness the power of women’s leadership.

Read more about the authors and the book at www.womenmeanbusinessbook.com.

From Observation to Innovation,

Andi Simon, PhD

CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author
Simonassociates.net
Info@simonassociates.net
@simonandi
LinkedIn

In a recent episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we spoke with Kathy D'Agostino, a forward-thinking expert passionate about the intersection of AI and human potential. Kathy's approach to AI goes beyond its technical capabilities; she focuses on how AI can be harnessed to uplift and augment what humans can achieve rather than replace them.

The fear that AI is coming for jobs is a persistent narrative that Kathy is eager to dispel. "The first thing I like to address is the fear that AI is coming after your job," she says. "AI is not coming after your job, but humans who know how to use AI will be able to do your job better, faster, and more efficiently. And yes, they may eventually nudge you out of the way, but let's be polite about that."

Kathy's message is clear: AI isn't here to replace people but to help them. By understanding and embracing AI, workers can not only safeguard their roles but also enhance their ability to perform in previously unimaginable ways. AI can transform how people work, making tasks more efficient, freeing time for creative problem-solving, and ultimately strengthening companies. But this can only happen with a willingness to learn and adapt.

You can also watch our interview here

One of the most significant takeaways from Kathy's conversation is her emphasis on learning AI. "Always remember to learn it," she stresses. "Because you're going to be able to do your job better, and you're going to make your company better. And on top of that, you're going to feel better."

This sense of empowerment through learning AI is a central theme of Kathy's philosophy. She believes that instead of seeing AI as a threat, individuals should view it as a tool that can enhance their skills, making them indispensable in their roles. In her view, AI is an extension of human capability—an assistant, not a competitor. By integrating AI into everyday work processes, people can become more effective at what they do, whether that's improving customer service, streamlining administrative tasks, or even uncovering new market opportunities.

From Observation to Innovation,

CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author
Simonassociates.net
Info@simonassociates.net
@simonandi
LinkedIn