Leading in Times of Uncertainty with Stephanie Royal

In this podcast episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Stephanie Royal, Chief People and Culture Officer at the Robin Hood Foundation. Stephanie’s journey and experiences provide a powerful reminder that leading with authenticity, resilience, and purpose is essential, especially in today’s ever-changing landscape. Together, we unpacked the importance of embracing our unique leadership journeys, navigating cultural and societal expectations, and finding strength in community and self-care.

Here are five key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Embrace Your Unique Journey (1:17)
   Stephanie’s journey to becoming a leader wasn’t linear. Inspired by strong female role models, she learned early on the importance of carving her own path. Despite societal and familial expectations, Stephanie emphasized that we must give ourselves permission to pursue the career and life paths that align with our values. "You do you," as we like to say, because it’s your life to live and your legacy to build.
2. Find Strength in Authenticity (9:14)
   Stephanie reminds us that being our authentic selves is crucial for effective leadership. She shared her own experience as a woman—and often the only woman of color—in executive spaces. Staying true to her identity allowed her to cultivate meaningful relationships and lead with confidence. Authenticity, she believes, is key to feeling settled, comfortable, and ultimately impactful in our leadership roles.
3. Trust is Essential in Times of Uncertainty (16:45)
   During uncertain times, having the trust of your team is paramount. Stephanie emphasizes that being a trusted leader makes it easier to guide teams through crises. By building relationships grounded in trust and transparency, leaders can inspire confidence and collaboration. In times of change, clear communication and a well-articulated plan can be a stabilizing force for the team.
4. Prioritize Self-Care and Reflection (24:12)
   One practical tool Stephanie introduced is embedding weekly reflection time into your schedule. This allows leaders to pause, review, and celebrate progress with their teams, helping everyone stay grounded and motivated. Whether it’s a dedicated hour or even just 10 minutes, reflection gives you the chance to recalibrate and focus on what’s working.
5. Build Your Support System (28:33)
   Stephanie’s final takeaway is about the importance of finding and nurturing a support system. Building connections, having trusted peers or mentors, and taking time for self-care are vital for long-term success and well-being. As she reminds us, “find your people” and invest in relationships that keep you grounded and resilient.

This episode was a powerful reminder that being intentional, authentic, and supported as leaders is essential for navigating today’s challenges. If you’re ready to strengthen your leadership journey, I’d love to connect. Book a discovery call with me to explore how high-level coaching can support your biggest goals and support your team.

Cheering you on always.

Sheryl