We may receive commissions for affiliate links included in this article. This is a sponsored post. Future Sharks makes no warranties about the statements, facts and/or claims made on this article. These are the opinions of the author. Read our advertising and contributor disclosure here.
Best-selling author of The 7 Intuitive Laws of Employee Loyalty and founder of Customer Fanatix, Heather R. Younger, J.D., gave a keynote at Harvard Business Review’s HBR Brasil Week held in Sao Paulo during April 8-11. The event brought together international experts in innovation, leadership, organizational culture, and strategy.
HBR Brasil Week’s focus is to create a high-impact event for management professionals, equipping them with more tools, data, and strategies to be able to optimize their decision-making.
We caught up with Heather and asked her to share her experience.
- For those of us who have never been to an HBRweek, tell us about HBRweek Brasil.
It was pretty darn cool. There were over 500 executive leaders all gathered to learn more about trends in leadership, culture, management and digital strategy. They had some vendors, they sold books in an author corner and had the authors speak about their books. I loved the panel discussions they had with many of Brazil’s top business minds.
It was very well done and their service was impeccable. They really know how to make someone feel special. The editor was the person who selected me as a speaker and she was amazing!
2) What were your top three takeaways from the event?
1. Leaders know that something is missing in the workplace. They know that they control some of it and we’re hungry to find out what else they could do to create great employee experiences.
2. Having a “learning” mindset requires that we take risks and be willing to fail.
3. Despite the difference in cultures, people all want a deep connection with those inside and outside of their families.
3) What points did you drive home during your keynote speech?
My main point was this: Employee experience and retention is driven by emotions. Leaders get to choose which emotions they leave heir people feeling this retaining them or losing them as a result.
I focused on the many stories I have heard or read from employees about how their leader’s actions made them want to stay on or leave the team.
4) What is your top piece of advice for aspiring speakers who would like to one day give an international Keynote?
Imagine yourself there first. It’s how we frame who we are and want to be in our minds first that is the main driver of our results. If you believe you are good enough to be there and have a message that others want to hear, you will get there.
To discover more about Heather and her future speaking engagements make sure to follow her journey via LinkedIn.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatheryounger/
➡ Looking to get featured on Future Sharks?
