In this episode, Ralph Owens and Terry Baylor reflect on the impactful conversations of 2025, emphasizing the importance of curiosity in leadership and the value of supportive relationships. They discuss how asking better questions can elevate discussions and build trust, while also highlighting the significance of community and support in leadership roles.

Takeaways
-2025 has been a year of significant change.
-Asking questions that elevate can transform conversations.
-Curiosity is a key differentiator in leadership.
-Visibility is created through asking questions, not through volume.
-Curiosity builds trust and fosters relationships.
-You don't have to know all the answers to lead effectively.
-Confidence is built by engaging others meaningfully.
-Supportive relationships are crucial for leadership success.
-Curiosity can be a career accelerator.
-Reflecting on past conversations helps in personal growth.

⏲ Chapters

• (00:00) - Why This Recap Matters
• (01:50) - Lessons That Stick
• (02:40) - Building the Platform
• (04:20) - Meaning of Sovereignty
• (05:18) - Asking Better Questions
• (07:15) - Curiosity as Positioning
• (10:19) - Trust Through Curiosity
• (14:00) - Who Speaks for You

--------------------------------------------
🌐Engage with us on our website
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com

• View videos of episodes
• View or listen to our entire back catalog
• Read show notes, key insights, and guest takeaways
• Download free leadership tools, guides, and frameworks
• Submit questions or topics you have

-------------------------------------------------

⭐ Enjoyed This Episode?
Leave a quick review to help others find the show:
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/review

-------------------------------------------------
🗣️ Leave us a voicemail — we might feature you on a future episode:
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/vm

-------------------------------------------------
💌 Join Our Newsletter
Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter for exclusive leadership tools, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. No email address required!
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/nl

-------------------------------------------------
💰 Support the Show
We are a listener-sponsored show. Consider donating to keep the show going

In this episode of the Leadership Sovereignty Podcast, hosts Ralph Owens and Terry Baylor engage with Shachella James to explore the transformative power of curiosity in leadership. They discuss how curiosity can drive resilience, enhance decision-making, and foster a culture of growth within organizations. Shachella shares her top curiosity-driven leadership principles, emphasizing the importance of asking bold questions and encouraging open dialogue. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to cultivate curiosity as a vital skill for personal and professional development, ultimately leading to greater creativity and innovation in the workplace.

Takeaways

• Curiosity helps build resilience in the workplace.
• Asking bold questions can challenge the status quo.
• Leaders should encourage curiosity among their teams.
• Curiosity can simplify decision-making processes.
• Engaging in deep learning is more valuable than having all the answers.
• Curiosity can fuel creativity and innovation.
• Promotions often follow a demonstration of curiosity.
• Asking one bold question per meeting can shift dynamics.
• Curiosity is a key component of effective leadership.
• Curiosity is an advanced skill that requires practice.

Chapters

• (00:00) - A Little Friction Is Good
• (00:18) - Curiosity That Builds Resilience and Trust
• (01:15) - Top Three Curiosity-Driven Leadership Principles
• (02:06) - Go Deep on Learning and Elevating Others
• (03:47) - What Makes a Bold Question Bold
• (04:00) - Why Friction Creates Traction in the Room
• (08:22) - The Paradigm Shift: Curiosity Changes Everything
• (09:27) - Lessons on Promotion, Growth, and Influence
• (11:21) - Promotions Follow Curiosity
• (12:34) - Closing Reflections — Stay Curious, Lead Boldly

--------------------------------------------
🌐Engage with us on our website
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com

• View videos of episodes
• View or listen to our entire back catalog
• Read show notes, key insights, and guest takeaways
• Download free leadership tools, guides, and frameworks
• Submit questions or topics you have

-------------------------------------------------

⭐ Enjoyed This Episode?
Leave a quick review to help others find the show:
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/review

-------------------------------------------------
🎙️ Leave us a voicemail — we might feature you on a future episode:
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/vm

-------------------------------------------------
💰 Support the Show
We are a listener-sponsored show. Consider donating to keep the show going:
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/support

-------------------------------------------------
💌 Join Our Newsletter
Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter for exclusive leadership tools, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. No email address required!
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/nl

In this episode of the Leadership Sovereignty Podcast, Ralph Owens, Terry Baylor, and Shachella James delve into the concept of curiosity in leadership. They discuss common misconceptions about curiosity, the importance of preparation in asking questions, and how introspective curiosity can help individuals find their personal purpose. The conversation emphasizes the need for thoughtful questioning and the impact of curiosity on personal and professional growth.

Takeaways

• Curiosity is often misinterpreted as ignorance.
• Questions should be sequenced and tailored to the context.
• Curiosity can be abused if not appreciated.
• Preparation enhances the effectiveness of curiosity.
• Open-ended questions encourage deeper insights.
• Curiosity should be used to build a culture of inquiry.
• Understanding metrics requires asking the right questions.
• Introspection helps clarify personal goals and motivations.
• Curiosity can simplify decision-making processes.
• A strategic view of life enhances personal development.

Chapters

• (00:00) - The Discipline Behind Curiosity
• (00:51) - Misconceptions About Curiosity
• (02:04) - The Power of Tailored and Timely Questions
• (02:53) - When Curiosity Gets Mislabeled as Ignorance
• (03:28) - Turning Perception Into Advantage
• (04:21) - Preparation The Hidden Strength of Great Questions
• (05:35) - Anticipating Gaps Before They Appear
• (07:06) - Frameworks for Asking Better Questions
• (08:57) - Going Two Clicks Deeper
• (12:13) - When Curiosity Turns Inward

--------------------------------------------
🌐Engage with us on our website
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com

• View videos of episodes
• View or listen to our entire back catalog
• Read show notes, key insights, and guest takeaways
• Download free leadership tools, guides, and frameworks
• Submit questions or topics you have

-------------------------------------------------

⭐ Enjoyed This Episode?
Leave a quick review to help others find the show:
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/review

-------------------------------------------------
🗣️ Leave us a voicemail — we might feature you on a future episode:
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/vm

-------------------------------------------------
💌 Join Our Newsletter
Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter for exclusive leadership tools, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. No email address required!
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/nl

-------------------------------------------------
💰 Support the Show
We are a listener-sponsored show. Consider donating to keep the show going

In this episode of the Leadership Sovereignty Podcast, Ralph Owens, Terry Baylor, and Shachella James discuss the multifaceted nature of leadership, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, responsibility, and effective communication. They explore how leaders can leverage data to make informed decisions, the significance of understanding business metrics, and the art of facilitating purposeful meetings. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to ask the right questions and engage stakeholders effectively, ultimately fostering a culture of collaboration and critical thinking.

Key Takeaways

• Curiosity is essential for effective leadership.
• Understanding data is crucial for making informed decisions.
• Leaders must connect metrics to real-world impacts.
• The ability to ask the right questions can shift conversations.
• Effective meetings require alignment on purpose and outcomes.
• The art of gathering involves understanding why we are together.
• Exclusion can be a powerful tool in meetings.
• Business acumen is necessary for collaboration and success.
• Leaders should appreciate input while guiding discussions back on track.
• The power of a question can influence interactions significantly.

Chapters

• (00:00) - Heavy Is the Head That Wears the Crown
• (01:23) - From Data to Decisions That Matter
• (03:53) - Connecting Curiosity to Strategy
• (05:16) - The Power of a Single Question
• (06:05) - Power in the Prompt
• (06:32) - Curiosity That Gets You Promoted
• (07:17) - Asking vs. Answering: The Leadership Balance
• (09:02) - The Art of Gathering: Purposeful Meetings
• (12:00) - The Gift of Exclusion in Leadership
• (14:31) - Leading with Grace and Focus

--------------------------------------------
🌐Engage with us on our website
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com

• View videos of episodes
• View or listen to our entire back catalog
• Read show notes, key insights, and guest takeaways
• Download free leadership tools, guides, and frameworks
• Submit questions or topics you have

-------------------------------------------------

⭐ Enjoyed This Episode?
Leave a quick review to help others find the show:
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/review

-------------------------------------------------
🗣️ Leave us a voicemail — we might feature you on a future episode:
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/vm

-------------------------------------------------
💌 Join Our Newsletter
Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter for exclusive leadership tools, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. No email address required!
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/nl

-------------------------------------------------
💰 Support the Show
We are a listener-sponsored show. Consider donating to keep the show going

In this episode of the Leadership Sovereignty Podcast, Ralph Owens and Terry Baylor engage with Shachella James, exploring the importance of curiosity in leadership and career development. They discuss the SPICE framework, which emphasizes sponsorship, performance, image, curiosity, and exposure as key elements for success. The conversation highlights how asking the right questions can foster inclusion, build confidence, and drive organizational transformation. Shachella shares her personal journey and insights on how curiosity has been a catalyst for her career advancement and the importance of engaging others through meaningful dialogue.

Key Takeaways

• Curiosity is essential for effective leadership.
• Building confidence involves engaging others in conversation.
• The SPICE framework includes sponsorship, performance, image, curiosity, and exposure.
• Asking the right questions can lead to better outcomes.
• Curiosity helps in navigating career challenges and opportunities.
• Effective communication fosters inclusion and collaboration.
• Performance and credibility are foundational for career success.
• Curiosity can drive organizational transformation.
• Questions should be strategic and meaningful.
• Engaging with others through questions enhances relationships.

• (00:00) - Power of the Question
• (01:06) - Finding Your Voice in the Room
• (03:49) - Replacing “I Don’t Know”
• (04:10) - What Sparked Her Path
• (05:46) - From PIE to SPICE
• (07:18) - Curiosity as the Differentiator
• (09:23) - Why Organizations Stagnate
• (11:36) - The Power of the Prompt
• (12:36) - Curiosity That Opens Doors
• (14:30) - Curiosity and Career Promotability

--------------------------------------------
🌐Engage with us on our website
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com

• View videos of episodes
• View or listen to our entire back catalog
• Read show notes, key insights, and guest takeaways
• Download free leadership tools, guides, and frameworks
• Submit questions or topics you have

-------------------------------------------------

⭐ Enjoyed This Episode?
Leave a quick review to help others find the show:
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/review

-------------------------------------------------
🗣️ Leave us a voicemail — we might feature you on a future episode:
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/vm

-------------------------------------------------
💌 Join Our Newsletter
Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter for exclusive leadership tools, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. No email address required!
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/nl

-------------------------------------------------
💰 Support the Show
We are a listener-sponsored show. Consider donating to keep the show going

In this episode of the Leadership Sovereignty Podcast, Ralph Owens and Terry Baylor engage with Shachella James, a seasoned technology leader, discussing the pivotal role of curiosity in leadership and personal development. Shachella shares her insights on how curiosity can drive innovation, foster inclusion, and enhance leadership effectiveness. The conversation explores practical principles for cultivating curiosity in both personal and professional contexts, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions and creating a supportive environment for learning and growth.

Takeaways

• Curiosity is essential for progress and innovation.
• Asking powerful questions can accelerate careers.
• Leaders should prioritize learning over knowing.
• Curiosity can elevate conversations and relationships.
• Shifting focus from problems to possibilities fosters growth.
• Encouraging personal agency empowers individuals.
• Building a culture of curiosity enhances team dynamics.
• Curiosity can boost confidence and visibility in leadership.
• Effective questioning engages and includes others.
• Curiosity is a key driver in STEM education and diversity initiatives.

Chapters

• (00:00) - The Power of Curiosity in Leadership
• (01:06) - Meet Shachella James
• (03:19) - Why Curiosity Matters in Your Career
• (03:55) - The Personal Side: Half Marathons and Resilience
• (05:32) - Defining Curiosity for High-Level Leaders
• (07:38) - Guiding Young Professionals with Curiosity
• (09:11) - Three Curiosity-Driven Leadership Principles
• (11:14) - Asking to Elevate, Not Incriminate
• (13:46) - Building a Culture of Curiosity
• (14:57) - How Curiosity Builds Confidence and Visibility

--------------------------------------------
🌐Engage with us on our website
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com

• View videos of episodes
• View or listen to our entire back catalog
• Read show notes, key insights, and guest takeaways
• Download free leadership tools, guides, and frameworks
• Submit questions or topics you have

-------------------------------------------------

⭐ Enjoyed This Episode?
Leave a quick review to help others find the show:
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/review

-------------------------------------------------
🗣️ Leave us a voicemail — we might feature you on a future episode:
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/vm

-------------------------------------------------
💌 Join Our Newsletter
Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter for exclusive leadership tools, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. No email address required!
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/nl

-------------------------------------------------
💰 Support the Show
We are a listener-sponsored show. Consider donating to keep the show going

In this episode of Leadership Sovereignty, host Terry Baylor and guest Brenda Battle explore the essential qualities of effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of humility, trust, and relationship-building. Brenda shares her insights on navigating partnerships, managing conflicts, and the significance of having a clear vision for career advancement. The conversation highlights the impact of upbringing on leadership style and the necessity of balancing execution with empathy. Listeners are encouraged to write down their goals and visions to facilitate personal and professional growth.

Key Takeaways

• Humility allows leaders to uplift their teams and foster collaboration.
• Building trust is essential in leadership and negotiation.
• Conflict management involves finding common ground and respecting differing views.
• Effective execution requires striking a balance between relationships and strategic planning.
• Listening actively to others builds trust and understanding.
• Writing down goals and visions is crucial for career advancement.
• Navigating relationships with respect and consistency is key to leadership success.
• The influence of upbringing shapes leadership styles and approaches.
• Leadership is about guiding others while maintaining integrity and empathy.

• (00:00) - Clarity Is the Shortcut
• (01:28) - Say It Plain: Teaching Moments
• (02:12) - Humble, Consistent, Trustworthy
• (03:29) - Negotiate by Listening First
• (05:24) - Relationships over Positions
• (07:16) - Conflict to Common Ground
• (10:32) - Write the Vision, Work the Plan
• (12:57) - Execute Without Breaking People
• (16:13) - The Roots Behind the Leader
• (20:31) - Step Into Your Next: Put It in Writing

--------------------------------------------
🌐Engage with us on our website
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com

• View videos of episodes
• View or listen to our entire back catalog
• Read show notes, key insights, and guest takeaways
• Download free leadership tools, guides, and frameworks
• Submit questions or topics you have

-------------------------------------------------

⭐ Enjoyed This Episode?
Leave a quick review to help others find the show:
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/review

-------------------------------------------------
🗣️ Leave us a voicemail — we might feature you on a future episode:
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/vm

-------------------------------------------------
💌 Join Our Newsletter
Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter for exclusive leadership tools, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. No email address required!
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/nl

-------------------------------------------------
💰 Support the Show
We are a listener-sponsored show. Consider donating to keep the show going

In this enlightening episode of Leadership Sovereignty , host Terry Baylor and guests Brenda Battle and Ralph Owens explore the transformative journey of leadership, emphasizing the importance of healthy boundaries, the essence of purpose beyond position, and the significance of authenticity in leadership roles. Brenda shares her personal experiences of transitioning in her career, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned about maintaining excellence and consistency. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to operate with authority and authenticity, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique voices and contributions in their respective fields.

Takeaways

• Brenda Battle is the first female guest on Leadership Sovereignty .
• Healthy boundaries are essential for personal and professional longevity.
• Purpose does not change; only the execution of it may shift.
• Transitioning in leadership requires self-awareness and readiness.
• Maintaining excellence is crucial, even during challenging times.
• Consistency in performance leaves a lasting legacy.
• Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and connection.
• Leaders should operate with the authority given to them.
• Community engagement is vital for impactful leadership.
• People appreciate authenticity and desire to be genuine.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.

• (00:00) - Opening: Purpose Beyond the Job
• (00:57) - Healthy Boundaries and Longevity
• (02:15) - Purpose Beyond Position
• (03:47) - Life After Power — Second Act Purpose
• (05:41) - Defining Purpose Beyond the Title
• (06:28) - Maintaining Excellence During Transition
• (08:00) - When Leadership Leaves a Legacy
• (10:12) - Being the Only One in the Room
• (11:15) - The Courage to Speak Up
• (12:42) - Operating Through Authority, Not Fear
• (13:34) - Why Leadership Sovereignty Exists
• (14:33) - Authenticity and Presence at the Table

--------------------------------------------
🌐Engage with us on our website
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com

• View videos of episodes
• View or listen to our entire back catalog
• Read show notes, key insights, and guest takeaways
• Download free leadership tools, guides, and frameworks
• Submit questions or topics you have

-------------------------------------------------

⭐ Enjoyed This Episode?
Leave a quick review to help others find the show:
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/review

-------------------------------------------------
🗣️ Leave us a voicemail — we might feature you on a future episode:
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/vm

-------------------------------------------------
💌 Join Our Newsletter
Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter for exclusive leadership tools, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. No email address required!
https://www.leadershipsovereignty.com/nl

-------------------------------------------------
💰 Support the Show
We are a listener-sponsored show. Consider donating to keep the show going