In this episode, Dr. Yasmin Davidds, an accomplished entrepreneur and organizational psychologist, delved into her latest book, Graciously Assertive: How Becoming a Better Human Makes You a Better Leader. As the CEO of the Dr. Yasmin Davidds Leadership Institute, she has devoted over two decades to empowering and developing women leaders, particularly focusing on multicultural women.

Dr. Davidds’ journey is deeply personal, shaped by her experiences as a Latina of immigrant parents from Mexico and Ecuador. Her upbringing in a machismo culture, where women often lacked a voice, fueled her passion to create a better world for women. Overcoming childhood trauma and the challenges of being a single mother, she has dedicated her career to advocating for women’s empowerment and leadership.

Dr. Davidds emphasized the importance of inclusivity and self-awareness in leadership. She highlighted three of the eight pillars of her book: self-awareness, social awareness, and self-regulation. According to Dr. Davidds, self-awareness is foundational for personal growth and effective leadership. Social awareness involves understanding how one’s behavior impacts others, while self-regulation is about managing emotions to align intentions with outcomes.

Dr. Davidds shared a compelling story from her book about a woman who struggled to advance in her career due to her belief in keeping personal and professional lives separate. Through Dr. Davidds’ program, the woman learned to build trust and connect with her team on a deeper level, ultimately transforming her career and personal life.

At the core of Dr. Davidds’ philosophy is the idea that being a better human makes one a better leader. Her approach integrates empathy, compassion, and inclusivity, advocating for a leadership style that values both assertiveness and graciousness. Her work continues to inspire and transform the lives of many, proving that leadership rooted in humanity and kindness can drive profound change.

For more insights and practical steps on becoming a graciously assertive leader, explore Dr. Davidds’ book or visit their website.

 

You may also refer to the transcripts below for the full transciption (not edited) of the interview.

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