In the relentless hum of the digital age—where "hustle culture" is the default and our calendars are back-to-back battlegrounds—we often look toward the future for solutions. We seek the next productivity app or the newest AI integration to save us. But what if the key to becoming a truly authentic leader isn't found in a software update, but in the timeless echoes of the past?
As we celebrate World Book Day, we are revisiting a profound conversation from a 2023 "Positivity Hack Delivered" (PHD) livestream featuring Kylee Stone, a descendant of the Wakka Wakka and Kulluli First Nations people and a seasoned leadership coach. Her insights remind us that the most forward-thinking leadership often requires looking back at indigenous wisdom and literary foundations to guide our future decisions.
The Lost Art of the "Deep Listen"
In indigenous cultures, wisdom was passed down through stories told around campfires. There were no distractions—only the story and the listener. Stone highlights that modern leadership has misinterpreted storytelling; we focus too much on the speaking and not enough on the listening.
In a world of notifications, the ability to listen without distraction is a superpower. It requires what Stone calls "slowing down the pace" through mindfulness to truly absorb the message being communicated.
Leading with the "Heart" in a Tech-Driven World
We often hear the Eleanor Roosevelt quote: "To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart". But how do we apply "heart" when our workplaces are increasingly defined by algorithms and automation?
Stone suggests that "heart" is synonymous with our true selves, often found in moments of stillness. Whether it's a one-minute breathing practice or a guided visualization of nature, reconnecting with the "earth" (even virtually) allows leaders to see that there is no separation between themselves and others. When we lead from a place of shared humanity rather than corporate hierarchy, we foster a community that empowers everyone to follow.
The Leader’s "A-Game": A Framework for Authenticity
For those seeking a structured way to integrate these historical and personal insights into their careers, Stone shares her "A-Game" methodology:
Alignment: Ensuring your integrity matches your actions and connecting them to a clear vision and values.
Action: Taking the steps necessary to achieve that vision.
Acknowledgement: This is the "A" that leaders often forget. It involves asking team members, "What do you want to be acknowledged for?" rather than assuming we know.
A Timeless Recommendation for Your Shelf
Every great leader has a "Bible"—a book they return to when the path gets foggy. For Stone, that book is The Three Laws of Performance by Steve Zaffron and David Logan. It is a text grounded in disrupting traditional thought patterns and creating movements—perfect for the woman in tech or the startup founder looking to rewrite the rules of her industry.
As you navigate your career today, remember: you don't need permission to lead. You only need the courage to stop, breathe, and listen to the stories that came before you.
To revisit the journey of embracing indigenous wisdom and authentic leadership, you can watch the full livestream featuring Kylee Stone.