Building Trust and Diversity in the Workplace: Heather Smith

Building Trust and Diversity in the Workplace: Heather Smith

Author: Marcylle Combs November 13, 2024 Duration: 43:32

Heather Smith, founder of Talent Elevated, is an accomplished and recognized senior talent management leader with expertise in partnering with lower mid-market businesses to intentionally build employee culture that accelerates business goals. She is committed to helping organizations achieve their mission and strategic vision through employees reaching their full potential. When employees reach their full potential, they lead lives with greater impact on all surrounding them -customers, family, friends, co-workers, etc. - positively impacting not only their organization but their entire community.  

 Heather began her career for 17 years in the healthcare industry leading talent and learning for 5,000-120,000 employees and leaders. Now, she is bringing this expertise to her clients across the United States to help them build practical solutions to build and sustain culture. Her combination of operational knowledge within the organizational environment and cross-industry application to small businesses differentiates Heather among talent professionals and provides unique insight to her clients.   

In this conversation, Heather Smith shares her unique career journey from a planned path in computer programming to discovering her passion for learning and development in the healthcare sector. She discusses the importance of finding joy in work, navigating career transitions, and the role of company culture in employee engagement. Heather emphasizes the significance of diversity and trust in the workplace and offers insights on empowering women to reach leadership positions. In this conversation, Heather Smith discusses her experiences in leadership coaching, the importance of building trust and relationships in the workplace, and the challenges of transitioning to entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the need for women to develop their unique voices and perspectives in professional settings, the courage to take risks in their careers, and the importance of self-care and personal growth. Heather shares her journey of navigating self-employment while balancing family responsibilities and highlights the significance of seeking support and expertise from others.

Takeaways

  • Finding joy in work is crucial for personal and professional fulfillment.

  • Company culture significantly impacts employee engagement and satisfaction.

  • Diversity and inclusion are essential for a thriving workplace.

  • Trust is a critical component for open communication in organizations.

  • Empowering women in the workplace requires intentional support and mentorship.

  • Self-awareness and understanding one's 'why' can lead to better career choices.

  • Creating a safe environment for feedback is vital for organizational growth. Healthcare has a larger pool of women in leadership.

  • Building trust is essential for effective leadership.

  • Observing workplace dynamics can provide valuable insights.

  • Women should develop their unique voices in professional settings.

  • Taking risks is necessary for career growth.

  • Self-talk can hinder personal and professional development.

  • Networking is crucial for success in entrepreneurship.

  • Hiring a coach can provide necessary guidance and support.

  • Balancing family and career requires intentionality and support.

  • Self-care is vital for managing stress and responsibilities.

  • Talent Elevated

  • LinkedIn


Hosted by Marcylle Combs, 50% with Marcylle Combs is built on the belief that women's voices and leadership are essential to every conversation. This podcast moves beyond surface-level interviews to explore the full spectrum of a leader's life. In each episode, Marcylle sits down with a woman who is actively shaping her field and community, delving into the real texture of her journey. You'll hear about the pivotal moments that defined her path, the obstacles that reshaped her direction, and the hard-won insights gathered along the way. These are not just success stories; they are honest accounts of professional and personal evolution, offering tangible advice for anyone looking to lead. By focusing on this depth, the podcast creates a platform where the diverse and inspiring narratives of women from various backgrounds, industries, and sectors take center stage. Tuning into this podcast means gaining access to a repository of experience, a source of solidarity, and a clearer understanding of what it means to build a meaningful career and life. It’s where ambition meets reflection, and where listening feels like joining a candid, necessary dialogue about progress and purpose.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

50% with Marcylle Combs
Podcast Episodes
Negotiation is About Collaboration: Carolyn Goerner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:49
Carolyn Goerner shares her journey from a small-town upbringing in California to becoming a respected academic in management and human resources. She discusses her teaching philosophy, emphasizing empathy-based negotiati…
Connecting and Networking for Success: Lisa Nichols [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:10
Lisa Nichols is the CEO and co-founder of Technology Partners (TPI), a Women-Business Enterprise and provider of premier IT staffing, solutions, and IT leadership development. Named among the Most Influential Business Wo…
Transforming Leadership in Ireland: Joanne Hession [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:32
Joanne Hession shares her inspiring journey from her early entrepreneurial endeavors in Ireland to her impactful work in leadership development. She discusses her experiences in the charity sector, the importance of educ…
Unlocking the Power of AI in Business [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:05
Nicole Hilgenkamp is an AI Business Growth Strategist passionate about empowering businesses to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and innovative technologies. We dis…
Agriculture, Resilience and Clarity of Thought: Ali Cox [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:04
Ali Cox, a fifth generation farmer, is an agriculture and food ingredient marketing visionary and founder of Noble West, an award-winning marketing consultancy that specializes in the entire agricultural ecosystem. In th…
Personal Experiences Shape Professional Resilience: Margaret Graziano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:21
In this conversation, Marcylle Combs interviews Margaret, or "Magi," Graziano, who shares her journey from recruiting to consulting, focusing on organizational change and personal development. Magi discusses the importan…
Hurdles In Securing Venture Capital: Lori Mazan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:29
In this conversation, Lori Mazan shares her journey from a limited childhood in Virginia to becoming a successful entrepreneur and executive coach in California. She discusses the challenges women face in the startup wor…
The Story of Village of Hope: Cindy Cunningham [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:47
In this conversation, Cindy shares her transformative journey from a childhood marked by trauma to becoming the founder of Village of Hope, a ministry dedicated to helping orphans in Africa. She discusses the importance…
New Beginnings and Exciting Plans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:23
Marcylle and Deantha reflect on the New Year, discuss the impact of Taylor Swift's generosity, and explore essential skills for 2025, including communication and emotional intelligence. They also delve into the role of A…
Faith, Christmas, and the Spirit of Giving [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:03
This episode explores giving, love languages, holiday preparations, and the significance of faith during the Christmas season. In this heartfelt conversation, Deantha and Marcylle explore the significance of memories, th…