Elizabeth Lotardo, author of “Leading Yourself: Find More Joy, Meaning, and Opportunities in the Job You Already Have (Despite Imperfect Bosses, Weird Economies, Lethargic Coworkers, Annoying Systems, and Too Many Deliverables),” is also a LinkedIn Learning instructor. In this conversation, Elizabeth offers valuable insights on self-leadership, personal accountability, and employee engagement, emphasizing the importance of taking ownership of your work experience rather than waiting for external circumstances to change.
She unpacks the three essential traits of self-leaders, explores the dynamic between corporate and personal responsibility in fostering engagement, and highlights the critical role of emotional intelligence in professional development. Additionally, Elizabeth discusses the evolving impact of AI on the workforce, strategies for receiving and applying feedback effectively, and the importance of strong networks for career growth.
Listen in at The Leadership Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts to gain practical, actionable strategies to take control of your career and create meaningful, fulfilling work experiences.
Key Takeaways
[3:50] Elizabeth wrote Leading Yourself after noticing how many professionals underestimate their power at work. People often focus on what they can’t control—like their boss or the economy—rather than what they can. She discovered that self-leadership is a predictor of both professional success and personal happiness.
[05:49] While companies benefit from engaged employees, Elizabeth argues that individuals have personal responsibility for their engagement. Instead of waiting for leadership or HR to improve things, employees should develop tools to sustain their own engagement. “If you’re waiting to be engaged until your boss changes, you’re paying a personal price for that,” she says.
[07:14] Self-leaders share three traits:
- Mastering their mindset – They create confidence and purpose instead of waiting for it.
- Elevating their behavior – They actively improve how they show up at work.
- Building intentional relationships – They expand their network inside and outside their organization.
[12:58] Elizabeth highlights the importance of sitting with feedback rather than immediately rejecting it. “We assume we must either accept or reject feedback, but strong leaders take time to process it first,” she explains. She suggests looking for the “note behind the note” to understand the deeper insight behind criticism.
[19:01] Elizabeth sees self-leadership and emotional intelligence as deeply connected. Leaders with high emotional intelligence understand themselves, navigate relationships effectively, and take ownership of their career. She predicts that these skills will become even more critical as AI and automation reshape work.
[23:15] Elizabeth advises people to focus on what they can control, even in overwhelming situations. When handed a difficult goal, instead of fixating on external challenges, break it down into personal actions. “What do you uniquely own? That’s where your energy should go,” she says.
[30:06] Building relationships should not be accidental. Strong self-leaders proactively expand their networks. This not only helps with career growth but also provides the right support system when facing challenges.
[34:00] Elizabeth dedicates her book to her son with the message: “You are never powerless.” She urges listeners to remember that while they can’t control everything, they always have the ability to control their response and mindset.
[ ] And remember, I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self. – Aristotle
The Leadership Podcast is sponsored by W.S. Darley & Company.
Founded in 1908, Darley remains a family owned and operated business, providing the highest quality equipment solutions to our country’s warfighters and firefighters.
Learn more at darley.com and darleydefense.com
Quotable Quotes
“If you’re waiting to be engaged until your boss changes, you’re paying a personal price for that.” Share on X “Self-leaders don’t wait for confidence, purpose, or permission—they create it.” Share on X “People assume feedback must either be accepted or rejected. But strong leaders sit with it first, unpacking what’s behind it before deciding how to act.” Share on X “Being intentional about your relationships is just as important as being intentional about your work.” Share on X “The people who embrace AI and learn how to use it will have a competitive advantage. The ones who resist it will fall behind.” Share on XThis is the book mentioned in this episode
Resources Mentioned
- The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com
- Sponsored by | www.darley.com
- Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com
- Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com
- Elizabeth Lotardo LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethlotardo
- Website | http://elizabethlotardo.com
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