Hey there!
I’m so excited to share with you the latest episode of Build Better Brands, where I had the pleasure of chatting with Kate Richardson-Walsh, ex-GB hockey captain and a true force to be reckoned with. Our conversation centered around the remarkable insights gained from Kates on-pitch expertise and how she successfully translates them into team building in both coaching and the business world.
One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the immense value of being a leader and understanding your “why.” We spoke about how, during her journey, she had a shift in perspective regarding leadership. Gone are the days of the stereotypical leader at the front, shouting commands and orders. Instead, she highlighted the importance of connecting with people, understanding them on a deeper level, and building spaces where individuals feel valued and heard.
Kate’s journey to leadership was not a linear one. As a shy teenager, she never imagined herself in a position of authority. But she discovered that leadership takes many forms, and sometimes it’s about simply listening, observing, and taking time for thoughtful introspection. It’s about recognising that everyone has a unique voice and finding ways to empower them to express themselves (loudly or quietly!).
Kate and I talked about our personal experiences and moments where we we wished we could and had of spoken up more, particularly in the face of homophobia, sexism, racism, and ableism. Such experiences have motivated Kate to challenge the status quo and encourage others to do the same. She emphasised the importance of creating an environment where individuals feel safe to share their feelings and experiences, thus enabling society to progress towards a more inclusive and equal future.
Another crucial aspect of building successful teams and brands that we touched upon was the significance of embedding values into the very fabric of an organisation. Mission statements, goals, and values often end up as mere words on a page or discussed briefly in meetings. However, Kate stressed the need for continuous dialogue and reflection to truly embed these values into the behaviours, habits, and interactions within a team. When values become ingrained in the organisation’s culture, they shape how team members behave, how they show up for each other, and how they engage with their audience.
These insights are invaluable for entrepreneurs and business owners who aspire to build better brands. By understanding the power of leadership, embracing diverse perspectives, challenging negative narratives, and embedding values into their organisations, they can create environments where teams thrive, innovation flourishes, and success becomes inevitable.
I hope you enjoy listening to this episode of Build Better Brands and found inspiration in Kate Richardson-Walsh’s remarkable journey.
Remember, you don’t need to be a corporate giant like Nike to build a great brand. It all starts with focusing on improvement and embracing your unique voice. If you’d like to know how I can help you do just that, get in touch today.
Until next time!
Danielle Clarke