The Accidental Leader - What is your "root system?"

What is your "root system?"

05/17/23 • 18 min

A leader's root system is what makes them the leader they are today. Our root systems tell us what to do, how to react, communicate, and think about things. It's not a choice. It's how we were taught.

Today, I'm flying solo to discuss in-depth what a root system is. I get vulnerable and share a specific instance in my life that played a major role in negatively shaping the way I saw myself. And I detail what it took to stop seeing myself in that negative light.

Time Stamps:

[1:00] - Bo is flying solo for this episode.

[2:30] - Your root system is like wine.

[6:00] - Bo talks about a moment that shaped who he is.

[9:12] - Sometimes, you need to get out of your head.

[11:23] - Bo wonders what it would be like if he hadn't experienced a specific trauma.

[14:14] - Our root system tells us what to do.

[15:20] - What issue do you wish you could be better at?

Time Stamps:

[1:00] - Bo is flying solo for this episode.

[2:30] - Your root system is like wine.

[6:00] - Bo talks about a moment that shaped who he is.

[9:12] - Sometimes, you need to get out of your head.

[11:23] - Bo wonders what it would be like if he hadn't experienced a specific trauma.

[14:14] - Our root system tells us what to do.

[15:20] - What issue do you wish you could be better at?

Previous Episode

When your ego is your enemy

When new leaders come into an organization, it can cause a lot of fear. It's important to keep your head down and worry about what you can control.

Today, I'm joined by Bob Quick, a Director of Radio Partnerships & Traffic at Motor Radio Network. Bob has been through numerous acquisitions in various companies he's worked for. He shares what he did to get through each one and the leaders that helped him. We also share a few laughs as Bob recounts his career path and our shared time in radio.

Time Stamps:

[2:26] - Bo recounts the importance of thanking those who impacted your life.

[4:20] - Bob introduces himself.

[7:00] - The Motor Radio Network combines two of Bob's passions.

[9:30] - The sitcom, WKRP in Cincinnati, inspired Bob to get into radio.

[12:00] - Bob relates how he ended up in North Carolina working at his dream job.

[15:00] - Having a good support system is everything.

[17:05] - Bo and Bob share a laugh about their old boss.

[19:08] - When an organization is sold, it can cause a lot of fear.

[21:13] - Getting a job with someone else creates a bond.

[24:44] - Being empathetic is essential to being a leader.

[27:09] - For leaders, sometimes it's best to give employees the tools they need to succeed and get out of the way.

[31:20] - Few people say they want to grow up to lead people.

[35:15] - Not everyone who's good at their job is the right person for a leadership position.

[37:00] - Bob recalls what it was like leading Bo.

[40:13] - Bo remembers when his ego was out of control.

[43:10] - Finding a mentor is the key to being a better leader.

Links

Bob on LinkedIn

Next Episode

Getting Over the fear with Guest Evan Leaphart

Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone is essential to being a leader.

Today, I get over my fear and step outside my comfort zone to interview Evan Leaphart, someone I don't know very well. Evan is the Founder of Kiddie Kredit and the Co-Founder of the Black Men Talk Tech Conference. We have a [something] discussion about Evan's entrepreneurial journey filled with ups and downs.

Time Stamps:

[3:08] - Evan introduces himself.

[5:30] - Inspired by his own "financial ruin," Evan created Kiddie Kredit.

[7:12] - Learning from people smarter than you and always taking feedback is the key to success.

[9:20] - Fear is always going to be there.

[12:18] - There's a lot of value in the middle.

[13:20] - Evan discusses the impact his father had on him.

[16:56] - Evan's Mount Rushmore of leaders.

[21:16] - People who bridge gaps are who Evan admires the most.

[24:42] - No one's perfect.

[26:20] - Staying true to his vision is how Evan has been successful.

[30:00] - Evan gives his advice to fellow accidental leaders.