In this heartfelt episode of LoveLeadChange, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith sit down with Chris Conley, interim president and CEO of the Metropolitan Planning Council, founder of Abundant Professional, and a pioneer in human-centered design. Chris brings a wealth of experience in fostering compassionate workplace cultures, blending innovative practices with a deep commitment to care and connection.
Chris discusses his unique approach to leadership, starting with how he defines love in the workplace: fully accepting people for who they are while celebrating their unique qualities. He shares how his focus on empathy and curiosity has shaped his leadership philosophy, starting from his early days as a faculty member, where he championed underperforming students who had been overlooked. He draws parallels between his academic and professional experiences, challenging the traditional "high potential" mindset in organizations. Instead, Chris believes in investing in every team member, empowering them to unlock their potential.
Through personal anecdotes, Chris highlights the transformative impact of love in action. From sitting down with each team member one-on-one to build trust, to fostering openness and honesty in team sessions, his leadership style emphasizes connection, inclusion, and curiosity. Chris also speaks candidly about the challenges of leading peers and addressing dysfunction at senior levels, illustrating how vulnerability and persistence are key to fostering collaboration.
A particularly moving part of the episode focuses on Chris's experience of letting go of a senior leader in a loving way. He shares how framing the departure as a matter of fit rather than judgment allowed him to support the individual through the transition and celebrate their contributions even after their exit. This moment underscores Chris's belief in sustaining relationships and maintaining care, even in difficult situations.
Chris also reflects on the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe to express themselves, critique processes, and collaborate on solutions. He describes how these practices, rooted in human-centered design, help organizations navigate uncertainty and embrace change effectively.
This episode is an inspiring exploration of how leaders can revolutionize workplace culture by leading with love, fostering resilience, and prioritizing relationships. Chris's insights will resonate with leaders at every level, encouraging them to embrace vulnerability, empower their teams, and build workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
03:14 Meet Chris Conley: A Leader in Human-Centered Design
06:09 The Importance of Love in the Workplace
09:00 Building Relationships and Trust
11:50 Navigating Challenges as an Interim Leader
15:08 Letting Go with Compassion
17:51 Creating a Loving Workplace Culture
21:09 Reflections on Impact and Future Aspirations
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Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:
Chris Conley - LinkedIn Profile
Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile
Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile
All Music composed by Adam Phillips
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