Kristen sits down with Melissa Jurkoic, a tech industry veteran and champion for diversity in leadership. Melissa's journey from junior software engineer to Chief Experience Officer is a testament to the power of resilience and authenticity in leadership. She shares candid insights on navigating male-dominated spaces, the importance of sponsorship, and why being your genuine self is crucial for effective leadership. Melissa's approach to "boundaried vulnerability" offers a fresh perspective on balancing openness with professionalism. This conversation will challenge you to rethink your approach to leadership and inspire you to create more inclusive, transparent work environments.

About Melissa:
Melissa Jurkoic has been in the tech industry for more than 25 years, primarily in hospitality tech, progressing from Junior Software Engineer to her current position as Chief Experience Officer at Thynk. She earned a Bachelor's in Computer Science from the University of New Hampshire and an executive certificate in Management and Leadership from MIT. Motivated by her commitment to increasing the representation of women in leadership and tech, she has volunteered with various global organizations such as ChickTech, Everwise, WITI, NH Tech Alliance, Microsoft DigiGirlz, wiseHer, Girl Scouts, and AnitaB.org. This dedication also inspired her to co-found Diversify Thinking, an initiative dedicated to advancing inclusion from dialogue to implementation and fostering diversity of thought.

Highlights:

• Melissa's unexpected path from aspiring journalist to engineering leader
• The impact of having a sponsor who puts you "in the room"
• Dealing with skepticism and proving yourself as a woman in tech
• The concept of "boundaried vulnerability" in leadership
• Creating a culture of trust and transparency within teams
• The importance of authenticity in leadership, even during tough times
• Challenging the notion of "like-minded" teams and embracing diversity of thought
• Melissa's experience with Diversify Thinking and unconventional mentoring programs
• The mutual benefits of mentoring across different backgrounds and experiences

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Melissa’s LinkedIn profile
• Diversify Thinking (Melissa’s initiative)
• WomenTech Network (where Kristen and Melissa met)
• Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
Instagram: @loveleaderpod

Follow us on LinkedIn!
Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/

Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

Giving difficult feedback is a crucial skill for leaders, but it's often dreaded. In this episode of Love and Leadership, Kristen and Mike Sharkey dive into the art of delivering constructive criticism effectively. They explore why the traditional "feedback sandwich" falls short and introduce a more impactful approach. Drawing from their personal experiences and research, they offer practical strategies to make feedback conversations more productive and less anxiety-inducing for both parties. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned executive, this episode will equip you with tools to transform challenging conversations into opportunities for growth and stronger relationships with your team.

Highlights:

• The importance of feedback in leadership and why employees actually want more of it
• Why the "feedback sandwich" method is ineffective and can undermine your message
• Introduction to Kristen's IMPEL model for delivering feedback: Intention, Moment, Presentation, Exploration, and Layout
• The significance of choosing the right moment and gaining commitment before giving feedback
• How to frame feedback in a way that shows you have the employee's best interests at heart
• Using the SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) framework to make feedback specific and actionable
• The importance of active listening and allowing the receiver to process the feedback
• Empowering the feedback receiver to commit to their own action plan
• Tips for preparing for difficult feedback conversations, including writing out talking points
• How leaders can overcome their own discomfort with giving feedback

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Zenger Folkman research on feedback
• Harvard Business Review article by Zenger and Folkman
• Kim Scott's blog post on why the feedback sandwich is ineffective
• The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
• The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
• Radical Candor by Kim Scott
• It's Your Ship by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff
• The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier
• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
Instagram: @loveleaderpod

Follow us on LinkedIn!
Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/

Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

Kristen and Mike dive into The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier, a book that's transforming how leaders approach coaching. They unpack the seven essential questions that can revolutionize your leadership style, making you more effective and less overwhelmed. From learning to tame your "advice monster" to understanding the neuroscience behind great coaching, this episode is packed with practical insights. Whether you're drowning in an over-dependent team or struggling to focus on what really matters, Kristen and Mike offer a fresh perspective on how to lead with curiosity and empower your team. Plus, they share personal anecdotes and challenges in implementing these techniques, making the journey to better leadership both relatable and achievable.

Highlights:

• Introduction to The Coaching Habit and its impact on leadership at all levels
• The importance of asking "What's on your mind?" to start meaningful conversations
• Using "And what else?" to dive deeper and generate more options
• Focusing on "What's the real challenge here for you?" to address core issues
• The power of "What do you want?" in increasing autonomy and trust
• How "How can I help?" can prevent micromanagement and create clarity
• Understanding trade-offs with "If you're saying yes to this, what are you saying no to?"
• The significance of reflection with "What was most useful for you?"
• Discussion on the neuroscience behind effective coaching techniques
• Personal insights from Kristen and Mike on implementing coaching habits in their lives

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
• Box of Crayons (Michael Bungay Stanier's learning and development company)
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
• Make It Stick by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger, III, and Mark A. McDaniel
• The HeART of Laser-Focused Coaching by Marianne Franklin
• Chill and Prosper by Denise Duffield Thomas

Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
Instagram: @loveleaderpod

Follow us on LinkedIn!
Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/

Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com