This episode features a profound discussion centered on the transformative power of heart-led leadership as exemplified by our esteemed guest, Lori Igleski. With her extensive background in financial services and as the founder of Heart Led Ventures, Lori articulates the significance of fostering a compassionate and empathetic organizational culture during periods of change and disruption.

Throughout our conversation, she emphasizes the necessity of aligning personal values with professional endeavors, advocating for the next generation of diverse leaders, and the critical role of building trust within teams and communities.

Moreover, Lori shares invaluable insights regarding the implementation of effective change management strategies, particularly in navigating the complexities of mergers and acquisitions.

We invite you to join us as we delve into the inspiring wisdom and experiences that can guide women in business towards creating authentic, impactful transformations in their organizations and beyond.

Our Guest This Week:

Today we have a WISDOM-WEILDING WARRIOR in our midst!

Lori Igleski is a transformational leader, board director, strategic advisor, and the founder of Heart-Led Ventures LLC, where she empowers organizations to lead authentic, enduring change. After a decades-long career in financial services, including leadership roles at JP Morgan Chase, MB Financial, and Fifth Third Bank, Lori formed her firm to pass forward the wealth of wisdom she gained through over 35 large-scale M&A integrations, reorganizations, and transformations.

Known for blending operational rigor with heart-centered leadership, Lori has championed the client and employee experience even through the most complex changes impacting hundreds of thousands of people. Today, she serves as a board director for SmartBiz, a limited partner at How Women Invest, and an executive advisory board member of How Women Lead. Lori is a fierce advocate for the next generation of diverse leaders and a guiding force for transformational change grounded in authenticity, logic, and empathy.

Takeaways:

• The episode emphasizes the importance of celebrating the brilliance and resilience of women in business, fostering a supportive community.
• Lori advocates for heart-led leadership, blending operational rigor with empathy to navigate complex changes.
• The episode explores the significance of personal values in evaluating opportunities and making courageous decisions in professional journeys.
• Listeners are encouraged to create a personal board of directors to support their growth, emphasizing the importance of self-care and community in leadership.

Chapters:

04:36 Moments of Transformation: Defining Experiences in Leadership

17:30 Navigating Change: The Emotional Landscape

24:37 Heart-Led Leadership in Organizational Change

35:09 Navigating Growth and Self-Care as a Founder

39:22 Building a Legacy: Uplifting Others and Personal Growth

Burning Questions Answered:

1. What does it mean to lead with both strategy and heart?
2. How do you navigate personal and professional transitions with courage?
3. What is a “personal board of directors” and why should every founder have one?
4. How do you lead a company through large-scale transformation without losing your people—or your purpose?
5. What makes heart-led leadership not just compassionate—but powerfully effective?

Favorite Quotes:

"Sometimes the boldest leadership move is walking away from something that no longer serves you."

"Legacy isn’t built in one role—it’s built in how you show up every day."

"Leadership is not just about