Saying More, by Speaking Less (WSG Teri Takai)

Host Greggory Garrett is joined by Teri Takai, a leader who found her voice while growing up in the automotive industry before shifting to public service at the State and Federal levels. Teri learned to make her voice heard in powerful rooms not by the count of her words, but by the power and precision of how and what she says. Teri shares her “Top 3”: Colleagues, Dick and Ray, at Ford Motor Company who taught her to have a voice; former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm who gave her a seat at the table and demonstrated what real collaboration looked like; and Former Secretary of Defense Bob Gates who shaped her powerful leadership style. And you have to hear what he says about questioning herself. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (00:00) Introduction (1:07) Social media and the importance of listening (05:40) Meet Teri The “Top Three”: (8:05) Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm: Gave her a seat at the table and demonstrated what real collaboration looked like (11:40) Colleagues, Dick and Ray, at Ford Motor Company: Taught her to have a voice (13:30) Former Secretary of Defense Bob Gates: Shaped her powerful leadership style Other Points of Interest: (17:13) Bravery and women in leadership (28:30) Public service versus private sector roles (35:27) Technology trends in government and the influence of CIOs You Have to Hear This: (45:27) Question yourself . LINKS AND RESOURCES Teri Takai: LinkedIn | Email | e.Republic Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn

Om Podcasten

You, Me, and Your Top Three is a podcast focused on exploring leadership in the connecting world. Specifically, the podcast invites leaders to tell stories, reflect, and discuss their views on: - disruptions in industry and society; - how they are leading transformations considering these disruptions - brave leadership to drive transformation. It is this last point where we focus most of the discussion, asking our guests to share their insights into the relationships they have with their “Top 3” closest advisors. It is our observation and experience that as the world connects, the importance of a diverse set of counselors is increasing in value. For some this may be a formal advisor who has been contracted on behalf of the company. For most this will be deep relationships in which they have been invested and nurtured. Through stories and discussion, we strive to celebrate the art of giving and receiving advice. The stories that are told are heartfelt and real. At the root we are exploring the process of knowledge building, relationship building, and perhaps most importantly, confidence building. After all, it takes a brave leader to battle the inertia that exists in industries, our organizations, and in ourselves. It is our hope that as successful leaders open up about around the subjects and the way in which they interact with their closest confidants, that our listeners will, in turn, reflect on their own “virtual board of advisors.” Over time they will then surround themselves with those who help them stretch toward greatness and lead bravely in the connecting world.