In this episode, Jamie speaks with Flore Saint Fleur, Vice President at Avanade. Born in Haiti, Flore moved to the US and joined the Army, serving in both active duty and the reserves. She discusses the leadership tension line between providing transparency and optimism, and how this relates to her leadership journey both in the service and as a civilian leader in tech. She offers phenomenal insight into leading successfully in times of change, including providing assurance around “the why,” prioritizing clear communication, and helping people believe in the cause. Flore shares the importance of vulnerability, both in providing a team the space to be vulnerable and in showing your vulnerability as a leader. We end the discussion with the topic of inclusion and how giving back to others brings gratitude full circle. Flore is a purpose-driven leader full of wisdom, curiosity, empathy, and bias for action.

During the episode, Flore refers to the following:

• Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking is the Beginning & End of Suffering by Joseph Nguyen

• Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brene Brown

• Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek

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