We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lisa Edmondson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lisa, really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?
During my tenure in a leadership role spanning a decade, I fostered an environment of dedication and loyalty amongst my team, achieving remarkable results with zero turnover. However, a shift in leadership dynamics ensued when a new leader entered the department. Despite my extensive expertise, instead of collaboration, I faced bullying tactics and ultimately, termination.
In the aftermath of this ordeal, I turned to writing as an outlet for my emotions. Channeling my devastation into action, I embarked on a mission to address workplace bullying, and was shocked to find, through my extensive research, how pervasive of an issue workplace bullying is across the globe. While diligently searching for a methodology to defend oneself against bullying, I also recognized the pivotal role of effective leadership in mitigating such behavior and therefore began crafting a book advocating for a more conscientious selection of people leaders within organizations.
My journey took a serendipitous turn when I connected with an individual offering an innovative solution to combat workplace bullying. Convinced of its efficacy, I collaborated with him to develop an eLearning course called, “Dissolving Bullying in the Workplace,” which I subsequently shared freely via my YouTube channel and website. This endeavor culminated in receiving a Silver Telly Award, marking a significant milestone in my career.
When I resumed by book-writing efforts, I realized that the first draft of my book was heavily driven by personal grievances. While cathartic, my brave editor pointed out the reality of how that edition of my book would be perceived. I completely agreed, and therefore reframed my narrative to encapsulate constructive insights. The culmination of this process yielded a publication I am profoundly proud of, “The Ethology of Leaders.”
Reflecting on this transformative experience, I recognize that being fired was the catalyst for my most significant professional achievements. It underscores the resilience and growth that can emerge from setbacks, reaffirming my belief in the power of perseverance and purpose… and that how you respond to those setbacks is a choice.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and have been fortunate to have had a long career working in the corporate Learning & Development industry. Transitioning from a stable corporate job to the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, where financial security is uncertain, can be a daunting leap. The constant flux and pressure can feel overwhelming at times, testing my resilience and resolve.
In moments of doubt, I draw strength from my faith and the unwavering support of an incredible circle of friends. With their support, I am empowered to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come my way, knowing that I am never alone in my journey.
This relationship between faith and friendship has proven to be an invaluable source of solace and motivation, instilling within me the confidence to navigate the uncharted waters of an industry that is completely new to me.
I firmly believe that every event in life is orchestrated for a purpose, guided by a higher power. This belief was reaffirmed when an old high school friend read my book, drawn to its message about the transformative power of effective leadership. Her decision to reach out sparked a conversation that unearthed her passion project—a film centered around our shared hometown.
Remarkably, her project aligned seamlessly with my background in corporate Learning & Development. Without hesitation, I committed myself wholeheartedly to the endeavor. In a whirlwind span of less than two months, I helped name the film (“Made in Doraville”), crafted a tagline, logline, synopsis, and pitch deck, enlisted the talents of an award-winning filmmaker (whose acquaintance stemmed from another serendipitous encounter), launched a successful GoFundMe campaign, and spearheaded the creation of promotional materials including a film poster, press kit (sizzle reel, white sheet), and website. I’m also writing the script for this film.
This opportunity not only validated my creative capabilities but also allowed me to explore new avenues beyond my previous roles as a people leader, and I’m thoroughly enjoying the challenge.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I attribute the remarkable trajectory of my journey, which is still unfolding, to three fundamental traits: authenticity, honesty, and faith. Embracing authenticity means showing up to every interaction as my true self, even when it feels uncomfortable. This commitment to genuine expression isn’t always met with universal approval, as some may perceive my candid nature and unfiltered viewpoints as unorthodox or unprofessional.
However, I firmly believe that staying true to myself has guided me down a path that resonates with my passion and purpose, even if it diverges from my initial expectations. While this journey may not align precisely with the path I envisioned, I trust my faith will continue to lead me towards fulfilling destinations and meaningful connections.
Authenticity and honesty are difficult characteristics to embrace in a society where anyone can completely rewrite their reality via social media. That’s a very slippery slope that requires more effort to maintain. However, if you force yourself from the start to show up as your authentic self, you will find your purpose and therefore your “tribe.” You’ll also sleep better at night.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
Throughout my life, my unwavering passion has been centered around animals. The idea of providing a safe haven for creatures in need has always resonated deeply with me. Equally, I’ve had a long-standing dream of living by the ocean. I often joke that should fortune ever smile upon me in the form of a lottery win, my first act would be to establish a sanctuary for rescues, nestled along a serene beach coastline somewhere. The thought of nurturing strays of all kinds amidst the soothing sounds of crashing waves fills me with profound contentment.
Additionally, I possess an eagerness to explore the world beyond our borders. Despite obtaining my passport just prior to the onset of the pandemic, my aspirations to travel internationally have remained unfulfilled. My fascination with history fuels this desire, as I yearn to walk the streets and witness firsthand the marvels I’ve only encountered through literature thus far. Embarking on journeys to immerse myself in diverse cultures and witness the richness of our shared human heritage is an ambition that burns brightly within me. And maybe I’ll pick up a cat or two along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leadershipreno.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadership_reno
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaedmondsonga
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/diy_leader
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thediyleader
- Other: https://madeindoraville.com
