Discover how the warmth of a workplace friendship can become the cornerstone of professional growth and leadership. My conversation with my esteemed friend Carlos Fernandez uncovers the often underappreciated value of forging genuine connections in our careers. This episode is a heartfelt reminiscence of the lessons we've absorbed from our mentor, Sherry, whose unconventional approach to leadership fostered an environment of trust, collaboration, and gender-neutrality. As we look back on our time together at the university, we celebrate the comfort of being able to be our true selves and the security found in knowing we have each other's unwavering support. Carlos and I offer insights into the power of authentic, non-transactional relationships in shaping not only our own paths but also in impacting the lives of those we lead and mentor. Venture with us as we reflect on the mentorship culture we embraced within a student community and the joy of seeing young minds discover their potential through our guidance. We discuss the evolution of these mentorship practices into our current roles, adapting to the diverse and modern landscape of education, business, and the non-profit world. You'll hear about the continued significance of having a 'work best friend'—someone who can provide candid feedback and listen to your story with empathy. Through our shared experiences, we hope to inspire you to weave these same values of deep connection and understanding into your own leadership and mentoring endeavors. Join Carlos and me for a journey that celebrates the profound impact we can have on each other's professional lives. Support the show- Read the full blog post here! CONTACT US email: [email protected] LinkedIn Facebook Leadership Vision Online ABOUT The Leadership Vision Podcast is a weekly show sharing our expertise in discovering, practicing, and implementing a Strengths-based approach to people, teams, and culture. Contact us to talk to us about helping your team understand the power of Strengths.