Hope and Leadership – Becoming a Dealer in Hope

In this episode of The Heart of Leadership, Mardere Berkel sits down with Dr. Lenora LeMay, an expert in the narrative conception of hope, to explore the role of hope in leadership. Drawing from her experience as an educator and researcher, Dr. LeMay emphasizes that hope is not just an abstract concept but an embodied process that helps people navigate challenges and move forward. Leaders, she argues, must be intentional in fostering hope within their teams, especially in times of uncertainty.

The discussion highlights that hope is different from optimism—it’s not the belief that everything will work out perfectly, but rather the conviction that, despite obstacles, meaning and progress are possible. Leaders must recognize the power of hope in shaping team morale and engagement, ensuring they are "dealers in hope" rather than "hope suckers." Through small actions, thoughtful reflection, and a focus on relationships, leaders can create an environment where hope thrives.

Key Leadership Insights from this Episode:

1. Hope is an Action, Not Just a Feeling – Leaders must actively create conditions for hope by acknowledging challenges while reinforcing belief in the future.
2. Hope and Fear Cannot Coexist – Fear paralyzes, while hope propels people forward. Leaders should address fears while fostering a shared vision of possibility.
3. Small Actions Build Hope – Instead of getting overwhelmed, leaders should focus on one small, meaningful action at a time to sustain momentum and encourage resilience.

Tune in to learn how you can cultivate hope in your leadership journey!

Our Guest:

Lenora Lemay holds an educational PhD that focuses on a narrative conception of hope, which she learned about in her daily interactions at an internationally recognized applied research centre. Lenora’s expertise, first as a classroom teacher and then, as a hope-focused practitioner and researcher, across disciplines, helps us to attend to meaningful and relevant ways of relating, acting, feeling, and thinking from a place of hope in our personal and professional lives.

Jen is CEO of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), where she works collaboratively with the National Board of Directors to implement their vision and ensure an ever-vibrant organization. She joined NAWBO in 2008, bringing with her an extensive background as a woman business owner in commercial music production and virtual operational support. At NAWBO, Jen has reactivated the organization’s 501c(3), the NAWBO Institute, and successfully navigated NAWBO and its members through an unprecedented pandemic. Jen also serves as Executive Director of the NAWBO Institute and is an Advisory Member for Enterprising Women Magazine, Council member for the National Women’s Business Council and a member of a special task force for the FCEM (World Association of Women Entrepreneurs) Steering Committee. This episode of The Heart of Leadership dives deep into what it means to lead with a people-centered approach. Guest speaker Jen Earl, CEO of the National Association of Women Business Owners, shares her insights on servant leadership, emotional intelligence, and the role of trust in creating thriving teams. Jen’s leadership philosophy is rooted in serving from behind—ensuring that people feel valued, heard, and supported. She emphasizes the power of self-awareness, vulnerability, and connection in leadership, as well as the importance of fostering a culture where employees feel psychologically safe. Throughout the conversation, the discussion expands to global leadership trends, the future of work, and the next generation of leaders. Jen highlights the need for adaptability, collaboration, and human-centered leadership as organizations evolve in an increasingly complex world. The episode closes with a powerful reminder: “Have courage and be kind. Together, we are invincible.”

Top 5 Lessons for Aspiring People-Centered Leaders

Servant Leadership Creates Lasting Impact

• True leadership is about serving from behind, prioritizing the well-being of your team, and fostering a culture of care and empowerment.

Self-Awareness is Key to Effective Leadership

• Leaders must recognize their own emotions and energy before they impact their teams. Self-regulation and reflection are essential for maintaining trust and stability.

Psychological Safety Fuels High-Performing Teams

• When employees feel safe to express ideas, take risks, and admit mistakes, they contribute more meaningfully and drive innovation.

Empathy + Action = True Leadership

• Leadership isn’t just about understanding people’s struggles—it’s about taking action to support and uplift them in tangible ways.

The Future of Work Requires Adaptability and Connection

• As workplaces evolve, leaders must balance technological advancements with human connection, ensuring that people feel valued and engaged in the digital age.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders striving to create workplaces where people feel empowered, supported, and truly part of something greater. 🚀💡 #PeopleCenteredLeadership #ServantLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #FutureOfWork

In this podcast, Liam Murphy, CEO of Innoflo (Previously Fireball Equipment), shares his journey toward embracing a people-centered leadership philosophy. Reflecting on challenging times in 2018-2019, Liam explains how prioritizing processes over people led to cultural disconnection, disengagement, and financial struggles despite record revenue. Stepping into his leadership role, Liam implemented a values-driven, people-first approach, guided by the mantra: “The customer experience will never exceed the employee experience.” This transformation fostered a virtuous cycle of employee engagement, better customer outcomes, and sustainable growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. People-First Leadership: Investing in employees creates a thriving culture that drives customer satisfaction and business success.
2. Vulnerability in Leadership: Transparency about strengths and weaknesses builds trust and alignment across teams.
3. Holistic Employee Wellness: Supporting physical, mental, and emotional well-being leads to happier, more engaged employees and better overall performance.

Liam’s insights highlight the profound impact of prioritizing people in business leadership.

More about Liam:

Liam Murphy is the CEO and Co-Owner of Innoflo, a specialized engineering, contracting, and manufacturing firm based in Edmonton, Alberta. A passionate and dedicated leader, Liam fosters a positive and collaborative environment for Fireball's team of 100 employees, bringing enthusiasm, care, and compassion to every interaction. He has been happily married for 12 years and is a proud father of four children under the age of 10. Innoflo specializes in designing and building fuel and lubrication infrastructure solutions, serving the Mining, automotive, and heavy equipment industries across Canada. Innoflo essentially builds "gas stations" for 400-ton mining rock trucks in some of the most remote locations imaginable. Their equipment has also supported millions of oil changes for vehicles across Western Canada, working behind the scenes to keep industries and communities running smoothly.