STI 208 - Jane Boulware - Author of "Worthy" and retired Microsoft Exec: Worthy

STI 208 - Jane Boulware - Author of "Worthy" and retired Microsoft Exec: Worthy

Author: Dr. Laura Sicola May 14, 2024 Duration: 38:53

In this episode, Jane Boulware, author of Worthy: From Cornfields to Corner Office of Microsoft, shares her journey from rural Iowa to becoming a top executive at Microsoft. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming self-doubt and claiming one's worth.

Boulware discusses the need to adapt communication styles to connect with different audiences while staying authentic. She also highlights the difference between managing and leading, emphasizing the importance of inspiring and motivating others.

Boulware shares her experiences of being dismissed and how she used the word 'yet' to fuel her determination. She encourages others to never give up and to keep pushing forward.

In this conversation, Jane Boulware discusses various challenges and strategies related to leadership and personal growth. She addresses the issue of dealing with toxic individuals in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and removing toxic behavior.

Boulware also explores the difference between feeling afraid and being good enough, highlighting the need to embrace fear as a catalyst for growth.

Additionally, she shares insights from her experience at Microsoft, where she learned the value of leadership and collaboration.

Boulware concludes by discussing the relevance of the Gottman Institute's four horsemen of the apocalypse in both personal and professional relationships.

In this episode you will learn:

  • Overcoming self-doubt and claiming one's worth is essential for success.
  • Adapting communication styles to connect with different audiences while staying authentic is crucial.
  • Leadership involves inspiring and motivating others, while management focuses on tasks and deadlines.
  • Using the word 'yet' can fuel determination and help overcome obstacles.
  • Never giving up and pushing forward is key to achieving goals.
  • Recognize and remove toxic behavior in the workplace.
  • Embrace fear as a catalyst for growth.
  • Focus on collaboration and leveraging the strengths of team members.
  • Celebrate successes and recognize personal worth.
  • Apply relationship-building strategies to both personal and professional contexts.

About Jane:

Jane is an inspiring and dynamic catalyst for change whose stories, humor and honesty empowers all to rethink what’s possible. From the cornfields of rural Iowa, Jane Boulware defied expectations to build billion-dollar businesses, lead the US’s largest merger and rise to top Microsoft executive.

Jane’s unconventional career and approach blazed a trail for many. “My failures and success show worth isn’t defined by what you have or have not, but by what you make, claim, and give of what you got.” All proceeds from her book Worthy go to Boys & Girls Clubs scholarships.

 

You can connect with Jane Boulware in the following ways:

 

You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
  • LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
  • Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
  • Twitter: @LauraSicola
  • Instagram: @drlaurasicola
  • Website: https://laurasicola.com
  • Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

 


Speaking to Influence features conversations about the tangible mechanics of leadership communication, moving beyond theory into practical application. Host Dr. Laura Sicola, an expert in linguistic influence, guides discussions that dissect how language, tone, and presence directly impact credibility and outcomes. Each episode brings a perspective from seasoned executives and industry figures who share their real-world experiences-not just their successes, but the nuanced moments where a single conversation changed a trajectory. The focus here is on the actionable: how to structure a message for a skeptical board, modulate your voice to convey authority without arrogance, and read a room to pivot your approach in real time. This isn't about generic public speaking tips; it's a deep exploration of the strategic choices behind influential speech. Listeners gain access to a toolkit for building confidence, commanding attention, and achieving specific professional results through more intentional communication. The podcast operates at the intersection of business strategy, personal development, and the often-overlooked technical art of persuasion, making it relevant for anyone whose role requires them to lead, sell, or inspire through spoken word. Dr. Sicola's background provides a unique lens, ensuring every conversation yields insights you can use immediately to refine your own impact.
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