Hi, everyone!
Today, I’m extremely excited to share a story and a conversation on a topic I could geek on for hours. This episode of our podcast takes a deep dive into something we all crave, whether we consciously acknowledge it or not: belonging. I had an inspiring chat with Minette Norman, a leadership coach, consultant, and an accomplished author who has a wealth of experience, insights, and practical advice to share.
Minette spent 30 years in the tech industry before transitioning to a new career in inclusive leadership. We explore the importance of psychological safety in the workplace, and Minette shares practical advice on creating cultures where everyone feels valued and heard. From her own experiences with workplace politics to becoming a consultant, Minette offers valuable insights and actionable steps for fostering an environment of belonging and psychological safety. Whether you're navigating a career change or looking to improve your leadership skills, this conversation is packed with wisdom and inspiration.
About Minette Norman:
Minette Norman is an author, speaker, and leadership consultant who previously spent decades leading global technical teams in the Silicon Valley software industry.
Minette knows that when groups embrace diversity in all its forms, breakthroughs emerge, and innovation accelerates. Her most recent position before starting her own consultancy was as Vice President of Engineering Practice at Autodesk. Responsible for influencing more than 3,500 engineers around the globe, she focused on state-of-the-art engineering practices while nurturing a collaborative and inclusive culture.
As the author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader and the co-author of The Psychological Safety Playbook: Lead More Powerfully by Being More Human, Minette is committed to helping leaders unleash the full potential of the people in their organizations.
Named in 2017 as one of the “Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business” by the San Francisco Business Times and as “Business Role Model of the Year” in the 2018 Women in IT/Silicon Valley Awards, Minette is a recognized leader with a unique perspective.
Minette holds degrees in Drama and French from Tufts University and studied at the Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris.
Key Lessons:
Psychological Safety: Learn what it means and why it's essential for team success.
Office Politics: Understand the impact of workplace politics and how to navigate them effectively.
Building Confidence: Hear Minette's personal story of overcoming self-doubt and rebuilding confidence after a challenging career transition.
Inclusive Leadership: Practical advice on creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and heard.
Episode Notes:
[00:02:00] - Introduction to Minette Norman: Background and career journey.
[00:06:00] - The Path to Tech: How Minette transitioned from acting to tech.
[00:13:00] - Defining Psychological Safety: What it is and why it matters.
[00:20:00] - Practical Steps for Inclusive Meetings: Tips and techniques to foster inclusion.
[00:28:00] - The Role of Middle Management: The critical influence of first-line managers on workplace culture.
[00:33:00] - Personal Stories of Overcoming Adversity: Minette's experience with workplace bullying and career change.
[00:39:00] - Starting Her Own Business: Transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship.
[00:45:00] - Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Key takeaways for anyone looking to improve their leadership skills.
Resources
What Google Learned From Its Quest to Build the Perfect Team - New York Times
The Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmonson
The Psychological Safety Playbook by Minette Norman and Karolin Helbig
The Boldly Inclusive Leader by Minette Norman - Bookshop Link
Unlearning Silence by Elaine Lin Hering
The Strengths, Weaknesses and Blind Spots of Managers - Gallup
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