Stepping into a new leadership role can feel like sailing into uncharted, rocky waters—exciting AND terrifying. Your inner critic is loud, your confidence shaken, and the pressure to lead feels overwhelming.

In this episode, Jenny Mitchell chats with Katie McMillan, Executive Director of the Milton District Health Foundation, who shares real, raw lessons from her first year as a newly appointed leader. Katie opens up about the moment she knew it was time to move from a supporting role into leadership, the challenges of owning decisions, and how coaching became one of her secret weapon to thrive.

Hear how Katie invited her board to invest in her growth, while embracing a leadership style that’s about listening, learning, and empowering others—not having all the answers.

Key Takeaways:

1. Gain experience by trying new things and embracing challenges.

2. Coaching builds confidence and supports leadership growth.

3. Trust and compassionate listening are essential to effective leadership.

4. Ask the right questions to resolve conflict and foster team ownership.

5. Understand organizational dynamics and balance action with planning for success.
   
   

Chapters:

00:00 Navigating Leadership Transitions

02:56 The Role of Coaching in Leadership

05:48 Building Trust and Vulnerability

08:52 Listening and Learning as a Leader

12:01 Conflict Resolution and Decision Making

15:01 Understanding Organizational Politics

18:05 Balancing Doing and Planning

21:02 Compassionate Leadership and Accountability

If you loved this episode, you’ll also enjoy:

• Episode 2.1 - Transformational Leadership in Six Steps or Less: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1U4BkH5ru2TsKQ5cB7ggAG?si=ZSiW5ALiTJaUNcDqVWWxxQ

• Episode 4.4 - How to Get (More) Comfortable Doing New Things: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Z0fLQ0ciclFjUzQbnuuZY?si=DPSqYUCySUa0rrHzV12KNg

• Episode 5.7 - Career Transitions and How to Navigate Them: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0aerfLW3l6EGYP69HFFTz1?si=eoMMiLe3QSiEOmEqS1JfJg

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✨Buy the Embracing Ambition Book: https://chavender.com/embracing-ambition-the-book/

Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/jennychavender/30min?back=1&month=2022-09

Lean into Meaningful Conversations with this complimentary 20 minute video all about the tools and techniques for moving conversations forward: https://youtu.be/zv1N_ZsDEAs

Don't miss an episode by joining my Podcast VIP Email List: https://chavender.activehosted.com/f/27

Catch me on email: jenny@chavender.com

Check out my website: chavender.com

Hop on over to Instagram: @jennychavender

Let's connect on LinkedIn: Jenny Mitchell, CFRE, CEC, DMA

"See" me on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Q97-c98aPUmfhzlpswfsw

If you want to learn more or get in touch with Katie, here’s how:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katie-mcmillan-3683a84b
  
  

• Email: smalltownkate@gmail.com
  
  

Feel free to reach out and connect with her!