Episode 68

bonus
Published on:

12th Oct 2022

Ep 68: Why You Should Take More Risks and Mentor Others With M. Shane Canfield & David Vela

Ever wonder how leaders get ahead by mentoring and taking risks? Should you try? If so, when? Shane and David share valid points to consider beforehand.

WAEPA CEO Shane Canfield joined the organization in 2016, having most recently served as the Executive Director of the Council on Employee Benefits. He has spent most of his career in the pooled-risk group/affinity insurance industry. He has an MBA from George Mason, is a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist from the Wharton School of Business and the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, and is a Registered Health Underwriter from the American College.

A 30-year career veteran, David Vela retired as deputy director, exercising the authority of the director of the National Park Service (NPS), in August 2020. In this role, he managed over a $3 billion dollar budget, more than 20,000 employees, and America's 419 national parks. In addition, Vela served as Chair for the Committee for the Preservation of the White House. 

Main Takeaways:

  • First impressions are important impressions
  • You are not born a senior executive. But rather you get to learn certain skills throughout your life and career that you use. This is a lifelong journey and you should be encouraging and mentor those that are starting out as well as prepare to be mentored in turn.
  • There are certain expectations and realities of the workforce that you have to learn when you are starting out.
  • You need to have a development plan for those who are starting out. Strive for a balance between building expertise and passion and temper it with the reality of the business or organization that you are in by providing mentorship, support and encouragement in the process.
  • Be humble when you receive hard feedback. You need to analyze the feedback that you receive and discover the intent behind it. Remember that there is always something to learn from feedback, even if you do not agree with it.
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The Executive Appeal
Insights From Influencers
Want to be a Rock Star leader? Want to know the keys to thoughtful leadership from America’s top private and public sector leaders?

Climb the corporate ladder by tuning in to The Executive Appeal, an inspirational and education podcast hosted by motivational speaker, leadership mentor, and author Alex Tremble. Enjoy leadership tips, laughs, and life lessons exclusively on The Executive Appeal found across all major podcast platforms.

About the Host:
Alex D. Tremble is an award-winning speaker, author, and leadership expert with over a decade of experience coaching and advising some of America’s most senior level government leaders. Alex teaches ambitious leaders how to gain the influence strategic relationships needed to solve complex challenges AND reach their personal career goals.

About your host

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Alex D. Tremble

Alex D. Tremble is an award-winning speaker, author, and leadership expert who has over a decade of experience coaching and advising some of our nation’s most senior level government leaders. He is also the host of The Alex Tremble Show, which is focused on providing ambitious leaders with the leadership and career advancement skills required to excel as senior and executive leaders.

Alex began his career managing three government-wide senior leadership development programs, and quickly went on to establish the Tremble Influence Academy, while publishing two bestselling books ("Reaching Senior Leadership: 10 Growth Strategies Every Government Leader Should Know” and “The GPS Guide to Success”) geared towards helping leaders gain influence and attain career success. Alex is a Leadership Center for Excellence 40 under 40 honoree and is passionate and committed to helping our leaders across the world reach their highest potential; personally, and professionally. In addition to his speaking, he serves as the Chief Culture Officer for America’s second largest national conservation corps; American Conservation Experience. Alex received his Bachelor's degree in sociology and psychology from William Penn University and his Master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology from the University of Baltimore. Please visit AlexTremble.com to gain the tools and strategies you need to reach your leadership and career goals.