How Speak-Up Culture Builds on Psychological Safety: Stephen Shedletzky

My Favorite Mistake: Navigating Business and Career Pitfalls for Leadership Growth and Innovation

My guest for Episode #250 (!!!) of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Stephen Shedletzky or “Shed” to his friends. He is a sought-after speaker, coach, and advisor, — As a thought leader on psychological safety in the workplace, Shed has led hundreds of keynote presentations, workshops, and leadership development programs around the world.

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Author of the book Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up.

After years on a corporate track, Shed was introduced to and inspired by the work of best-selling author Simon Sinek and, became the fourth person to join his team. For more than a decade, Shed contributed at Simon Sinek, where he led a global team of speakers and facilitators.

Shed graduated from the Richard Ivey School of Business with a focus on leadership, communication, and strategy. He received his coaching certification from The Co-Active Training Institute. He lives in Toronto with his wife and two young children.

Shed's route from his first job post-business school to establishing himself as a speaker, coach, and thought leader reflects the transformative power of self-awareness and the pursuit of work that aligns with personal passions. He transitioned from a potentially constrained corporate environment to one where he could significantly impact organizational cultures on a global scale.

While navigating shifts in career paths can be intimidating, especially during disruptions like layoffs, such moments can provide much-needed clarity and drive individuals to seek opportunities that resonate more with their personal values and dreams. Shed's experiences prove that embracing change and following your passion can lead to a fulfilling career, inspiring others to contemplate and pursue their professional aspirations in a more authentic, dedicated, and inspired manner.

Adopting psychological safety, authentic leadership, and the courage to speak up is critical to nurturing a positive and productive workplace culture. Steven Shedletzky's life and insights stand as an inspiration for all personnel, helping them create environments that prioritize the well-being of their teams and promote purposeful and fulfilling work.

Questions and Topics:

• Should we quit or stick it out??
• What is a speak-up culture? Why a speak-up culture?
• Lessons about HOW to speak up most effectively?
• Maybe we should call it ‘listen up culture’?
• How often are leaders in denial about this culture problem? Or how often do they put the onus on employees that they SHOULD speak up?
• Elon Musk seems not to engender a speak-up culture…
• Boeing has declared now they want employees to speak up
• What must leaders do to cultivate a “speak up” culture?