51 Leading with humility and empathy with John Veihmeyer | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
Episode description
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, John Veihmeyer, former global chairman of KPMG, looks back on how he started rising through the ranks at KPMG and why leading with self-awareness and empathy was critical in rebuilding morale. John Veihmeyer also shares valuable lessons in developing resilience in leadership, inspiring a purpose-driven culture in a company, and leading for impact.
Some highlights:
● How performing in musicals in high school helped John Veihmeyer later in his career
● Why John recommends aspiring leaders study accounting
● The value of building and nurturing work relationships without expecting anything in return
● How John Veihmeyer became deputy chairman of KPMG, a role he wasn’t ready for but felt responsible to undertake
● The importance of ‘doing the hard thing now and building resilience in leadership
● How John Veihmeyer inspired trust and regain confidence in a demoralized organization
● Why John believes empathy and self-awareness are the two most important leadership traits
● Why you should surround yourself with people that are going to be willing to disagree with you
● Laying bricks vs. building a cathedral: the perspective John Veihmeyer promoted to inspire a purpose-driven culture
● How the KPMG Family For Literacy Program started and its impact
Mentioned in this episode:
Steve Harlan, former managing partner at KPMG
➡ Listen to Steve Harlan’s Partnering Leadership podcast episode here.
Linda Rabbitt, Founder & Chairman of rand Construction
➡ Listen to Linda Rabbitt’s Partnering Leadership podcast episode here.
Susan Flynn and Beth Veihmeyer, Co-founders of the KPMG Family For Literacy Program (KFFL)
Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
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