Episode 283 - How to Succeed Without the Perfect Boss

Traditional models of leadership have focused on influence over others: inspiring teams, delegating tasks, setting strategic direction. But the definition of leadership is expanding to include how we influence and guide ourselves. Self-leadership is about setting our own direction, managing our mindset, and taking proactive ownership of our careers.

We are witnessing a pivotal shift in how work is experienced and how careers are built, especially in the corporate sector. With mass layoffs making headlines and a growing number of organizations calling employees back to the office, professionals are facing unprecedented uncertainty. For many, the promise of purposeful work seems to conflict with the rigidity and pressure of corporate environments. Yet amid these complexities, there is a powerful idea gaining traction: self-leadership.

In this episode of The Job Hunting Podcast (283), I spoke with Elizabeth Lotardo, a leadership consultant, author, and educator who has worked with companies like Salesforce and Hilton. Her book, Leading Yourself: Finding More Joy, Meaning and Opportunities in the Job You Already Have, and her expertise in employee engagement offer timely and practical guidance for navigating today’s volatile job market. Elizabeth traced the origins of the self-leadership concept to ancient philosophy, yet emphasized that it is now finding new relevance in the corporate world. In 2017, she pioneered the first LinkedIn Learning course on the topic, and interest surged during the pandemic as remote work made self-direction a professional necessity. Her insight is especially relevant now as many organizations reduce headcount, restructure teams, and withdraw flexibility.

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Timestamps to guide your listening:

• 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting
• 04:37 Understanding Self Leadership
• 07:44 The Importance of Self Leadership in Today's Work Environment
• 10:26 Developing Self Leadership Skills
• 13:38 Navigating Career Development and Professional Growth
• 16:27 Job Crafting and Finding Meaning in Work
• 19:49 Dealing with Difficult Work Situations
• 22:40 Maintaining Mental Health and Wellbeing
• 25:32 Identifying Autonomy in Job Roles
• 28:30 Self Leadership Practices and Personal Development
• 31:28 Conclusion and Resources

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Elizabeth Lotardo's website
• Elizabeth Lotardo's...