In this episode of Leadership Story Talks, hosts Julienne Ryan and Jerome Deroy welcome the inspiring Pearl Alexander, JD, a transformational leader in organizational culture and higher education. Pearl shares her remarkable journey from her early career in HR at Georgia Tech to her influential work in fostering inclusion and belonging. With over 35 years of experience, Pearl has catalyzed meaningful cultural transformations and empowered leaders to create thriving workplaces.
This episode is brimming with profound insights, authentic stories, and actionable advice for leaders, professionals, and anyone interested in building inclusive and resilient organizational cultures.
You’ll hear:
- Pearl’s Journey to Georgia Tech: How personal challenges as a young parent led Pearl to a fulfilling career in HR and culture building.
- The Power of Storytelling in Leadership: Why storytelling is a crucial tool for inclusion, connection, and fostering a sense of belonging.
- Owning Your Truth: Pearl’s reflections on embracing life’s defining moments, including personal loss, to inspire growth, resilience, and leadership development.
- Transforming Leadership at Georgia Tech: Insights from the creation of the Inclusive Leaders Academy and its transformative impact on leaders and culture.
- The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership: Why exploring emotions, personal narratives, and self-awareness is essential for fostering authentic leadership and overcoming challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- How storytelling serves as an act of inclusion, enabling leaders to create trust and connection.
- The importance of self-awareness and owning one’s story to inspire personal and professional growth.
- Strategies for leaders to create psychologically safe environments that encourage authenticity and collaboration.
- Practical ways to integrate belonging and inclusion into leadership practices.
Resources:
- Discover Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead curriculum, a cornerstone of Pearl’s leadership training programs.
- Pearl on Linkedin.
- Producers and Organizers (PRO SIG) – National Storytelling Network:
- National Association of Black Storytellers:
Tune in to this heartfelt conversation and discover how the art of storytelling can transform leadership, connect teams, and inspire change!
