Executive Panel: Leading with Edge and Empathy

The Allegacy Financial Center for Leadership and Character along with the office of Alumni Engagement held a leadership learning session for alumni, faculty and staff on Tuesday, October 13th. The webinar, entitled “Leading with Edge and Empathy” was moderated by Interim Dean Norma Montague and featured executive guests: Andrea Malik Roe and Amy Reynolds. 

Roe, a Wake Forest alum, is the President and Co-Founder CRH Healthcare, LLC and draws upon corporate finance experience to advise the clinic and regional levels on capital efficient operations. Reynolds is the Senior Vice President at Flow Automotive Companies and is responsible for the enterprise functions that connect customers, technology, and stores, from marketing and customer engagement to the platforms and people that power them.

Addressing more than 25 virtual participants, Roe and Reynolds spoke about leading with confidence, honesty and compassion, gaining trust and making tough decisions fairly. 

The panelists emphasized that empathy, honesty, authenticity and understanding are essential to leadership. This is accomplished, Roe shared, by working alongside your employees, offering help when needed and taking the time to “walk in their shoes.” Not only will this ensure that the task is getting done, but leaders will learn the “how” behind the operation. Reynolds stated that empathy is not to be confused with “accepting excuses” but it is “intelligence” and essential to leadership. Polite, professional, and thoughtful feedback is also a part of leading with empathy. 

Full webinar available here.