In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast Andy Lopata features Derrick Noble. Dr. Derrick has spent the past two decades helping business leaders elevate their leadership and communication skills. Overcoming a severe stutter and speech impediment in his youth, Derrick defied the odds to become an award-winning keynote speaker, two-time TEDx speaker, speech coach, and trainer. Known for his humor, he often says, "At first, I couldn’t talk, and now they can’t shut me up!" He works with leaders from various sectors, including business, non-profits, and government agencies, with clients including the U.S.A.F, Navy, Forestry Service, FBI, and the City of Los Angeles. Derrick shares how his fifth-grade principal, Lionel Ward, helped him conquer his stammering fear by encouraging him to read school announcements over the intercom. This experience instilled in him the belief that "leaders are made, not born." Andy and Derrick discuss his passion for helping individuals who are often overlooked or underestimated. Derrick recounts a personal experience where he publicly confronted a workplace bully to protect a coworker, demonstrating that sometimes a bold, public stand is necessary to address ingrained toxic behavior. He stresses the importance of creating a culture where individuals feel safe to voice their concerns. The significant positive impact a single individual can have on an organisation's culture is identified, sharing an anecdote about a quiet receptionist whose kindness significantly boosted team morale. He emphasises the importance of recognising and acknowledging those who quietly contribute to a positive environment. Andy and Derrick also explore the delicate balance of having management present during team discussions, recognising that their presence can influence open communication. Derrick advises leaders to assess their team's comfort level and decide whether separate meetings without management are necessary to foster open dialogue. The importance of making team members feel heard by actively listening, understanding concerns, and offering honest responses, even if those responses involve acknowledging limitations or explaining why a requested change isn't feasible is real leadership. This episode is a goldmine of leadership insights, covering topics like workplace bullying, public and private conversations, the impact of individual personalities, fostering positive team dynamics, and ensuring that people feel heard. It's a powerful testament to the transformative power of leadership and its ability to create positive change within an organisation. Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Derrick Noble: Website |LinkedIn |X/Twitter| YouTube The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring