In today’s Convergence Spotlight, I have the privilege to introduce you to Alayna Wolfe our bright Marketing and Program Coordinator. Alayna joined ConvergenceCoaching® in March 2022 and her responsibilities range from managing our website, coordinating events, orchestrating communications, and moderating our Leadership Development Program for Seniors and Supervisors™ (LDP-SS) and our Rainmaker Development Program® (RDP).

Alayna is kind, big hearted, funny, and brings a positive presence to the team. I’m excited to share her perspective on leadership with you:

CCLLC: What is it about a leader that you believe makes others genuinely want to follow them?

AW: For me, the willingness to follow a leader has more to do with the leader’s characteristics rather than their business or organizational knowledge. I believe successful leaders embody empathy and sincerity, model desired behavior, and advocate for others on both a personal and professional basis. People are inspired to follow leaders when they feel seen, valued, and protected.

CCLLC: Whose leadership style do you admire most and why?

AW: I admire Misty Copeland who has inspired and led many young dancers to follow their heart’s ambitions. What’s amazing about Misty is that she didn’t start dancing until she was 13 years of age but was able to join the American Ballet Theatre by the age of 15 and went on to become their first black female principal dancer. As a dancer, I am in awe of her natural ability and profound bravery to break barriers and pioneer a space for underrepresented dancers in the dance community. She has been a true champion for change and her fearlessness is a testimony to other leaders who may doubt their own ability.

CCLLC: What is the most challenging part of being a leader? What is your advice for successfully overcoming this challenge?

AW: The most challenging part of being a leader is finding the right balance between achieving business objectives and managing individual goals or conflicts. The best way to overcome this is to provide as much transparency as possible, invest time and energy to identify the root cause of issues, and quickly address individual concerns via regular check-in conversations.

CCLLC: Do you believe that great leaders are born or made? Why?

AW: I believe great leaders inherently possess certain personality traits that enhance compatibility with leadership, such as being intuitive, easily establishing connections, and having confidence. However, I think great leaders can transform into amazing leaders by adapting to changes, being humble, and remaining an active learner.

CCLLC: Do you have a favorite movie or book that you feel exemplifies what it means to be a great leader?

AW: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is not intended to be a leadership guide but offers principles to improve well-being. As such, it resonates with me as the principles are applicable to leaders as well. The book details four agreements: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best. I feel this translates nicely to the mindset of a leader by encouraging integrity, putting aside ego, getting to the bottom of issues, and always striving for the best possible outcome.

CCLLC: What would you like ConvergenceCoaching blog readers to know about you?

AW: I would like readers to know that I am passionate about being kind and giving back to others. I value opportunities that allow me to use my talents for the greater good. As a dance teacher for youth in my community, I have a great appreciation for the characteristics that make each person unique – because of this, I strongly believe that the key to success is remaining genuine and connecting with your organic self. When you are rooted in your beliefs, your efforts will allow you to flourish in whatever you set your mind to.

When I read Alayna’s answers and learned more about her, I couldn’t help but smile. Alayna hit on one of my favorite components and cultural “edges” of the ConvergenceCoaching team: the importance of bringing your whole self to work. Like Alayna mentioned, people want to be heard, seen, and empowered to be their genuine selves. Respecting your team members for who they are is a key component to a thriving firm culture. How are you encouraging your team members to bring their whole selves to work? 

Until next time,

Emily