Stanford University’s Hoover Institution U.S. Coast Guard National Security Fellow, Captain Lushan Hannah explains why we have never arrived as a leader by helping us understand the importance of investing in ourselves, empowering others, and paying it forward to all those who will come after us. Captain Hannah shares a powerful story of when a mentor helped him recognize his own potential and invites us help others recognize their own potential. He quotes Simon Sinek with “you can easily judge the character of a man by the way he treats those who can do nothing for him” and invites us all to be the change we want to see.
Leading with Grace: Vulnerability, Empathy, and the Power of Permission – That ALL Might Be Edified: Discussions on Servant Leadership
In this powerful episode, we sit down with cybersecurity executive and thought leader Tammy Klotz to explore the profound impact of compassionate leadership in high-stakes environments. Tammy shares a deeply personal story of receiving crucial support from a leader during a professional and personal crisis—a moment that shaped her own leadership philosophy and redefined how she views strength in the workplace.We discuss what it means to show vulnerability in a world that often demands perfection, and why soft skills like emotional intelligence, grace, and empathy aren't optional—they're essential. Tammy opens up about how leaders can create psychological safety, establish rituals that foster connection and trust, and give explicit permission for authenticity, rest, boundaries, and even failure.This conversation is a masterclass in human-centered leadership and a reminder that some of the most powerful things leaders can offer don’t come from a playbook—they come from the heart.Topics Covered:The moment a leader’s support changed everythingCreating space for vulnerability in high-performing teamsWhy emotional intelligence and empathy are critical leadership skillsBuilding team rituals that support culture and connectionThe impact of leaders giving “permission” to be humanGuest Bio:Tammy Klotz is the Chief Information Security Officer at Trinseo, a Top 100 CISO, and the author of Leading with Empathy & Grace. With over 30 years in cybersecurity leadership, she is redefining what it means to lead with both strength and soul. She holds esteemed certifications including CISM, CISSP, and CRISC, and has earned notable accolades such as the 2022 Covanta Leadership Award and recognition as a Top 100 CISO by Cyber Defense Magazine in 2023. Tammy is also the author of "Leading with Empathy & Grace: Secrets to Developing High-Performing Teams", where she shares insights on leadership, resilience, and emotional intelligence.Resources: Leading with Empathy and Grace – Tammy KlotzLeading with Empathy and Grace: Secrets to Developing High- Performing TeamsRituals Roadmap – Erica KeswinRituals Roadmap: The Human Way to Transform Everyday Routines into Workplace MagicThe Anxious Generation – Jonathan Haidt The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness
It is interesting, I think “leadership” has a stigma of what the CG leader you interviewed mentioned about Patton-esque leaders. I really appreciated that he defined leadership as giving back agency to subject matter experts.
The reality is that we can all “lead” in our positions, be it by example or with a positive attitude or a commitment to making our organizations better and I think as a leader, the fact that he recognizes that and tries to actively fan those flames is pretty awesome.
Fantastic podcast! Keep up the excellent work!