Leading with Vulnerability: Strengthening Teams Through Connection with Renesha Westerfield

Speak In Flow

In episode 85 of the Speak In Flow podcast, Melinda Lee welcomes Renesha Westerfield, an HR executive who shares her journey of embracing vulnerability and authenticity as a key part of her leadership style. Renesha opens up about the challenges she faces as a black woman in a leadership position, touching on topics such as setting boundaries, the power of self-advocacy, and the importance of being your true self in professional settings. Her insights offer practical advice for leaders who want to foster authentic connections, build resilience, and lead with integrity.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Boundaries in Leadership

Renesha emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries – especially as an HR professional – being clear about personal boundaries is essential to maintaining a good work environment for everyone involved and to avoid setting potentially harmful precedents.

The Strength of Storytelling

Opening up and speaking her truth has allowed Renesha to establish her worth and expectations in her role. This has been a critical part of her leadership development, enabling her to create a safer space for herself and others.

Acknowledge the Human Component

Leaders should acknowledge the "human component" of their team members. While everyone goes to work to get the job done, fostering an environment that allows people to open up creates better team dynamics.

Representation and Authenticity

Renesha’s advice to leaders, especially women of color, is to remember that “who you are is enough.” Authenticity is powerful, and there is strength in leading as one's true self without feeling the need to mimic others.

Memorable Quotes:

“Someone is looking up to you; someone sees themselves in you. The more you can project that authentic person, the better.”

“Being you is enough. It sounds simple, but it’s a powerful act of courage and resilience.”

“Wisdom and vulnerability go hand in hand.”

Connect with Renesha Westerfield

LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/renesha-westerfield

About the Guest:

Renesha Westerfield is an amazing HR professional and dedicated mother who brings her dedication and empathy to everything and everyone around her. Renesha is a people person with a passion for music, art, dance, and food. Known for her ability to connect with others, she's a valued mentor and advocate, always sharing her insights and support. Her work centers on building authentic connections and making a positive impact.

Fun-facts:

• Renesha is an avid bird watcher who finds peace and inspiration in nature.
• She loves making up songs, bringing creativity and joy into her everyday life.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

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