In this episode we are joined by Meredith Bell, a distinguished leadership development expert who shares her wealth of knowledge accumulated over more than three decades.

She articulates the significance of character and communication mastery in cultivating effective leadership, highlighting the innovative tools developed by her company, Grow Strong Leaders, which empower leaders to build trust and foster high-performing teams.

We explore the barriers women face, such as imposter syndrome, and the essential skills required to transcend these obstacles, ultimately advocating for a culture of feedback and mutual support within organizations. Join us as we uncover strategies for sustainable leadership transformation, underscoring the profound impact of nurturing both personal and collective growth within the business landscape.

Our Guest This Week:

Meredith Bell is a leadership development expert, author, and podcast host with over 30 years of experience helping organizations cultivate stronger leaders through character and communication mastery. As the Co-Founder of Grow Strong Leaders, she has pioneered assessment and development tools that equip leaders at all levels with the skills needed to build trust, resolve conflict, and foster high-performing teams.

Meredith is the co-author of "Connect with Your Team" and "Peer Coaching Made Simple," and her company’s innovative GSL 360 feedback platform and SkillBuilder program provide real-world solutions for leadership growth. As the host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast, she interviews executives from Merck, Moderna, FedEx, UC Berkeley, and more to uncover what it takes to create positive workplace cultures where people thrive. With a deep commitment to sustainable leadership transformation, Meredith helps visionary women founders and executives develop the skills needed to scale businesses of substance and impact.

Takeaways:

• Meredith discusses the significance of feedback in leadership development processes.
• The conversation highlights the necessity of overcoming limiting beliefs to foster personal growth.
• Character development is essential for effective leadership, as it encompasses multiple attributes.
• The episode encourages leaders to adopt a growth mindset for continuous improvement.
• Practical tools for peer coaching and accountability are presented as vital for nurturing leadership skills.

Chapters:

08:15 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership

14:10 Navigating Feedback and Leadership Challenges

19:58 Developing Character and Leadership

28:33 The Power of Peer Coaching

35:03 The Importance of Trust and Feedback in Leadership

46:54 Embracing Kindness in Leadership

1.Why character development is essential for long-term leadership success

2.How feedback tools like 360 assessments create stronger, more self-aware teams

3.Practical ways to foster trust, communication, and accountability in your company culture

4.How peer coaching relationships can drive transformation (without adding extra cost)

5.Why courageous, values-aligned leadership starts with the founder

1.Why do so many leaders resist feedback—and how do we shift that?

2.What blind spots are hurting your leadership (and how do you uncover them)?

3.How can founders let go of control while growing their impact?

4.What does it take to build a truly values-driven team culture?

“There’s never going to be a moment where somebody gives you permission to make a bold ask. It’s just something you have to do.” – Meredith Bell

“Exposure to information doesn’t equal behavior change. Practice does.” – Meredith Bell

“We aren’t trying to turn