Leadership, Reflection, and Alignment: A Conversation That Tapped a Deeper Layer of Authenticity ft Sharon Chun Wetterau

Living Out Loud Discussion Series

A thoughtful leader confronts the bittersweet journey of leaving her long-time position, grappling with internalized oppression and the pursuit of aligning personal values, while navigating the challenging conflict between privilege and identity. The conversation went in an unexpected direction which illustrated the nuanced nature of reflective process.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the transformational power of self-reflection following a transition from leadership.

• Absorb profound life lessons influenced by personal principles.

• Understand the trap of societal pressure to chase position and wealth over personal fulfillment.

• Uncover the crucial role of courageous communication in cultivating inclusive environments.

• Get into the complex intersection of identity, privilege, and oppression in leaders.

Meet Sharon Chun Wetterau

Sharon is a luminary in the field of social work and higher education with a 30-year career in direct practice and leadership. Sharon's journey shines a light on the value of every professional development stage, from frontline practitioner to program coordinator and leadership roles in notable educational institutions. Facing the challenges and rewards of each phase has only refined her insight and fueled her dedication to her craft. Sharon's reflective approach following her departure from a decade-long role at Dominguez offers an invaluable example to leaders transitioning from their familiar spaces. As a testament to her commitment to self, Sharon now serves in a direct practice role, underlining her belief in treasuring each career stage and aligning professional decisions with personal values.

One of My Fav Moments: The Transformational Power of Self-Reflection:
Self-reflection is a crucial tool for personal growth and is especially powerful during career transitions. It enables leaders to reassess their actions, decisions, and leadership style, providing valuable insights for future work engagements. This self-reflective process can also help individuals realign their career goals with their personal values, leading to heightened feelings of fulfillment and job satisfaction.

In this episode, Sharon gave herself to the moment which allowed for a real life moment to unpack in real time. It was an example of the learning process leaders avoid when behavior change is what they want... This is a must see!

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• https://www.livingunapologetically.com

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To get in touch with Sharon Chun Wetterau, you can contact her here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-chun-wetterau-a0183619/

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Setting the Stage
00:02:41 - The Impact of Sharon's Leadership,
00:06:05 - Reflecting on Change,
00:09:11 - "Aha" Moments in Reflection,
00:12:37 - Societal Pressure and Reflection,
00:17:16 - Unexpected Changes and Personal Growth,
00:18:30 - The Impact of Being the First,
00:18:59 - Developing a Critical Race Theory Lens,
00:20:35 - Not Honoring Values in the Workplace,
00:24:54 - Lessons from Past Mistakes,
00:33:14 - Communication and Its Impact,
00:34:45 - Reflection and Learning,
00:35:53 - Similarities in Higher Ed and Organizations,
00:39:04 - Circling Back and Behavior Change,
00:41:52 - Experiential Learning and Reflection,
00:49:20 - Negative Narratives and Privilege,
00:50:41 - The Complexity of Experiences,
00:51:35 - Gratitude and Validation,
00:52:54 - Choosing a Different Path,
00:54:00 - Reflection and Change,