Episode Title: Keeping it Between the Lines
Release Date: October 13
Host: Holly McIlwain
Guest: Ronnie L. Bryant
Episode Summary: In this episode of the NarrowSpaces, Holly welcomes Ronnie L. Bryant, a renowned executive coach and community leader from Charlotte, North Carolina. With over 35 years of leadership experience in economic development, Ronnie shares his journey of navigating the narrow spaces of work and life. Author of “Driving from the Backseat: Tips for Surviving As a Not-For-Profit CEO”, Ronnie gets into the work of keeping it between the lines and maintaining momentum in the leadership space. He discusses the significance of mentorship, integrity, and community engagement in shaping effective leadership.
Ronnie Bryant is the founder and lead consultant of RLB LLC, specializing in executive coaching, organizational management, and board development. With a rich history in economic development, he has held leadership roles in various organizations, including a 15-year tenure as President and CEO of the Charlotte Regional Partnership. Ronnie is also an advocate for community engagement, serving on multiple boards and sharing his knowledge as a lecturer at prestigious institutions.
Connect with Ronnie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlbryant54
Website: Ronnie L. Bryant, LLC https://www.rlbryantllc.com/
Driving From the Backseat: Tips for surviving as a not-for-profit CEO https://www.amazon.com/Driving-Backseat-surviving-not-profit/dp/1090861591
Go Lattitude: https://golattitude.com
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Key Highlights:
The Power of Mentorship: Ronnie reflects on how mentorship has significantly impacted his career. He credits his early mentor for challenging him to reach his full potential and emphasizes his commitment to mentoring others as a way to give back.
A Journey Through Economic Development: Ronnie recounts his unexpected entry into economic development and how he has dedicated his career to enhancing communities. He emphasizes the importance of making decisions that positively impact people's lives.
Driving from the Backseat: Ronnie's book, "Driving from the Backseat: Tips for Surviving as a Nonprofit CEO," presents an analogy for nonprofit leadership, highlighting the dynamics between a CEO and their board. He discusses the importance of understanding one's role and influence within an organization.
Human-Centered Leadership: Ronnie advocates for a bottoms-up management approach, where leaders engage their teams and genuinely care about their well-being. He shares how building personal relationships with team members fosters a supportive work environment.
Work-Life Balance: Emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, Ronnie encourages leaders to prioritize their personal lives and well-being. He believes that taking time off and supporting family responsibilities is crucial for overall success.
Integrity in Leadership: Ronnie underscores that integrity is foundational to effective leadership. He encourages leaders to be true to themselves and maintain honest relationships with their teams.