In this episode, the host interviews Monica Swanson, a seasoned IT leader with 30 years of global experience. They discuss the importance of keeping the purpose and vision of a business at the forefront for team members to foster flourishing and productivity. Monica shares her career journey, the impact of purpose on team motivation, and actionable strategies for maintaining this focus within teams. She also provides personal anecdotes, industry insights, and practical advice for tech leaders to improve team effectiveness and engagement. The discussion touches on the balance between technical excellence and fulfilling business objectives, highlighting the profound impact of purpose-driven work.

* Monica Swanson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicaroeswanson/

* "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins - https://www.amazon.com/Let-Them-Theory-Life-Changing-Millions/dp/B0DFMZMKFJ?tag=sommardahl-20

* "In On It" by Elisabeth O'Toole - https://www.amazon.com/Adoptive-Parents-Adoption-Relatives-Friends/dp/0982876505?tag=sommardahl-20

* "The Introvert's Edge" by Matthew Pollard - https://www.amazon.com/The-Introverts-Edge-audiobook/dp/B074XKXNQZ?tag=sommardahl-20

* Website: monroebusinesssolutions.com

* Email: monica@monroebusinesssolutions.com

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Business
00:31 Meet Monica Swanson
01:22 Monica's Professional Background
02:46 Personal Interests and Hobbies
06:32 Confession Time: Embracing Mistakes
09:21 Keeping Purpose Top of Mind
17:30 The Impact of Purpose on Teams
27:04 The Importance of Grounding Meetings in Purpose
27:26 Interactive Communication and the Power of Stories
29:35 Understanding Customer and Employee Experiences
31:18 Trust and Transparency in Leadership
35:08 The Pitfalls of Micromanagement
44:33 Aligning IT and Business Goals
46:30 Unexpected Career Paths Through Purpose-Driven Work
48:41 Practical Tips for Tech Leaders

In this episode, the host engages in a compelling conversation with Nate Abele, an experienced tech advisor and strategist, about fostering a culture of ownership and accountability within tech teams. Nate shares his personal experiences, insights on the benefits of empowering team members, and practical advice on how to implement this mindset. The discussion covers the importance of intentional leadership, avoiding common pitfalls, and enhancing team productivity and morale by making individuals feel like they own their work. Additionally, Nate provides a candid look into how adopting this approach helped turn around a struggling startup project. The episode is packed with actionable tips and thought-provoking ideas for tech leaders looking to inspire and lead their teams effectively.

* Nate Abele on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nateabele/
* "Boundaries with Kids" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend - https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-Kids-Children-Control-Their/dp/0310243157?tag=sommardahl-20
* Website - https://nateabele.com/

00:00 Introduction: Minimalist Tech Habits
01:08 Switching from Windows to Mac
01:59 The Messy Windows Registry
02:56 Starting the Discussion
04:07 Guest Introduction: Nate Abele
04:52 Nate's Background and Current Work
06:25 Book Recommendation: Boundaries with Kids
08:28 Confession Time: Embarrassing Leadership Moments
16:54 The Importance of Boundaries in Leadership
19:57 Making Teams Feel Like Owners
22:00 Ownership and Accountability in Business
24:26 Human Flourishing and Ownership
27:52 Implementing Ownership in Teams
32:08 Challenges and Pitfalls of Ownership
36:10 Success Stories and Unexpected Outcomes
43:59 Practical Advice for Tech Leaders
49:53 Conclusion and Contact Information