Judy Knight
Watch the Video ↑
Listen to the Audio Version ↓
Leadership Rooted in Empathy, Trust, and Purpose with Judy Knight Ep 211 - The Global Discussion
Host Simon Hodgkins is joined on this episode of The Global Discussion by Judy Knight, founder and president of Thumbprint Coaching, Inc. Judy's experience in coaching, consulting, and facilitating leaders shines through in this conversation. With a background in technology, sales, and marketing, she now dedicates her career to helping leaders thrive in an ever-evolving workplace.
The Evolution of Leadership
Judy's career spans decades of change, particularly in the technology industry, where she saw firsthand how leadership needs have shifted. From managing technical teams in telecommunications and networking to now focusing on leadership development, she has always had a deep passion for making workplaces more humane.
"I've worked in some really toxic environments early on in my career," Judy recalls, "and that's why I transitioned to coaching—to make a tangible difference by improving leadership practices."
Judy's emphasis on humane leadership is rooted in her desire to help organizations foster cultures where empathy, trust, and clear communication are paramount. This approach is practical, particularly as many leaders grapple with remote and hybrid work challenges and increased employee expectations around flexibility and work-life balance.
Navigating Leadership in a Post-Pandemic World
Judy notes that leadership has changed drastically in just a few years, especially post-pandemic. The shift to remote and hybrid work models has led to new challenges in managing teams and sustaining productivity without the physical presence of employees. Judy emphasizes that leaders today need to move away from a "command and control" mindset and toward a more results-driven, empathetic approach.
"Some managers struggle with not seeing their employees in the office every day, but the key is focusing on expectations and results, not hours worked," she explains.
Judy's focus on helping new leaders through their first 90 days in a new role is a testament to her commitment to creating successful transitions for leaders at all levels. The pressure of these early months can make or break an executive's long-term success. Judy's specialized coaching provides the support they need to establish themselves and create impactful, lasting change within their organizations.
Building Trust and Psychological Safety
A key theme in Judy's coaching philosophy is the importance of building trust. "If you want a strong team, it starts with trust," she says. Judy often works with teams to develop psychological safety, an important area. She stresses how crucial it is for leaders to create environments where team members feel safe enough to be honest and open, ensuring the team's overall success.
Judy also highlights the importance of leaders setting clear expectations and giving employees the autonomy to meet those goals. Leaders need to be specific in their feedback and guidance, fostering an environment where accountability and clarity go hand in hand.
Leadership in the Age of AI and Globalization
Another fascinating aspect of Judy's leadership insights comes from her extensive work in the technology sector. She touches on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, emphasizing that AI is not a threat to leadership roles but a tool that can enhance leaders' ability to focus on strategic planning and leading their teams effectively.
She also reminds us that globalization has long required leaders to manage remote teams, even before the pandemic. Judy's early career managing teams across the U.S. and Europe gave her invaluable experience that now helps her guide leaders who are navigating similar challenges today.
What Makes a Great Leader?
When asked what qualities define a great leader in today's world, Judy's response is thoughtful and insightful. She believes that effective leaders must be strategic and people-focused, capable of empathizing with their teams while maintaining a clear vision of the organization's goals.
Empathy and humility are at the core of her leadership philosophy, but these traits must be balanced with the ability to communicate purpose and vision clearly to team members.
About The Global Discussion
The podcast features carefully curated guests from an exciting cross-section of creatives, leaders, and thinkers. New episodes are available on Apple, Google, and Spotify podcasts and several leading podcast platforms. You can listen to and watch the episodes on our dedicated YouTube channel and the website.
To learn more about The Global Discussion, please visit:
https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com
Audio
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3QdMqfzyvca6EVlEJ80I4n
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-global-discussion/id1668702566
Video
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theglobaldiscussion
Website: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com
Follow us on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theglobaldiscussion
Others: X, Instagram, and Facebook