Turning Problems into Power: Overcome Challenges and Thrive!

In this insightful episode of "The Room - Where Leaders Talk," Jenny DuFresne sits down with Tonisha Stalnaker, CEO of SVS Agency. They delve into Tonisha's diverse career, spanning healthcare, IT, and recruiting, revealing the vital role of resilience and adaptability. She shares her experiences tackling organizational challenges, from transforming recruiting processes to handling difficult personnel situations. One notable story involves managing a large group of employees and the impact it had on her leadership journey. Tonisha's ability to identify problems and take bold action, even in uncomfortable situations, highlights the importance of strong communication and resilience in leadership. This episode showcases how adaptability and self-awareness can lead to valuable leadership lessons in any industry.

 

3 Powerful Leadership Lessons:

 

  • Resilience and Adaptability: In Tonisha's career journey, we witness the power of resilience and adaptability. Her ability to thrive despite multiple layoffs and transition between industries underscores the importance of embracing change and demonstrating unwavering resilience in leadership.

 

  • Effective Communication: Tonisha's experience with managing a group of employees demonstrates the significance of effective communication in leadership. Her shift from handling a large group to addressing individuals individually after a less-than-ideal experience underscores the importance of clear, empathetic communication.

 

  • Handling Challenging Situations: The story of Tonisha's encounter with a confrontational colleague reveals the necessity of addressing difficult situations head-on while maintaining composure. Her response serves as a valuable lesson in standing up for oneself in a professional setting.

 

3 Impactful Quotes:

 

  • "Resilience and adaptability go hand in hand. Embrace change, no matter how accidental it may seem. It's in those unexpected moments that you find your greatest strengths." - Tonisha Stalnaker

 

  • "Leadership is not just about making bold decisions but also about communicating them effectively. It's not the 'what' but the 'how' that matters." - Tonisha Stalnaker

 

  • "Don't ever speak to me like that again. It's crucial to assert boundaries and maintain professionalism even in challenging situations." - Tonisha Stalnaker

 

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  • Interested in being a guest on The Room: Where Leaders Talk or to share a comment, please contact us at [email protected] 

About Jenny DuFresne, The Room Host: 

Jenny DuFresne is the CEO, Leaders Transform, a business growth training firm. The Leaders Transform team helps CEOs and leaders mitigate the risks to revenue, reputation, and productivity. People are the soul of every company. Leaders Transform’s 6 Levers of Culture, Trust, Communication, Engagement, Values, and Alignment build great teams, reduce employee turnover, and build vibrant company culture.  Since 2013, the firm has served more than 3,500 business leaders and teams around the globe. 

Jenny is a Veteran with 10-years of service in the United States Marine Corps. She is the international bestselling author of From Empty to Overflow: 5 Radical Actions for Women Leaders, a leadership guide for women leaders to lead harmonious lives. She holds degrees from Harvard University and George Mason University. 

See you next week in The Room.