Dr. Tenia Davis, an accomplished author, leadership coach, and founder of Leadership Wise, stands as a beacon of inspiration in the realm of leadership development. With a mission to empower individuals and organizations to flourish through authentic and effective leadership, Dr. Davis leverages her extensive experience in corporate leadership, higher education, and coaching. Her innovative approach emphasizes the importance of building trust, cultivating emotional intelligence, and inspiring transformational change. Join us as we delve into her invaluable insights on leadership, career confidence, and the strategies for fostering thriving workplaces.
LISTEN TO THE FULL PODCAST INTERVIEW HERE
Beverly Hills Magazine: How are you this morning?
Dr. Tenia Davis: I’m doing well. Thank you.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Good, good. So, I want to congratulate you on your success, your career achievements, and also on your book, which I’m excited to learn more about. Why don’t we get started with you telling us a little bit about your background? You’ve had an incredible journey in corporate leadership and higher education. What inspired you to create Leadership Wise? And what is the core mission of your work?
Dr. Tenia Davis: So, there are a couple of things. I’ve kind of grown up through the ranks as a human resources practitioner in corporate America, and I’ve been fascinated with how leaders evolve. Some evolve faster than others, and some are not able to evolve. I’m always flooded with questions like, ‘How can I do this better?’ ‘How can I lead my team?’ My passion really centers around empowering leaders to rise above challenges and inspiring groups to achieve and contribute to the greater good of the organization.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Absolutely. Now, is this just in corporate America, or could your teachings also be applied to, let’s say, a father in a household? Are these general personal leadership skills?
Dr. Tenia Davis: No, it arches over everywhere—personal, professional, communication, interactions, relationships. They’re all the same, and the challenges are the same. The steps may differ, but the challenges are consistent across contexts.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Good point. Now, you emphasize the importance of trust in leadership. How can leaders cultivate and maintain trust within their teams, especially in today’s fast-paced virtual work environment?
Dr. Tenia Davis: Absolutely. It begins with trust, consistent communication, and transparency. Leaders who prioritize active listening and engage with their teams build trust more quickly, especially in virtual settings. With dispersed workforces, the demand for communication, interaction, and setting clear expectations has increased. Recognizing and valuing team members is key. Trust isn’t a one-time event; it’s something that needs to be woven into daily interactions.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Absolutely. I suppose that would also ensure employee retention. When people feel valued and acknowledged for their contributions, it makes a difference, right?
Dr. Tenia Davis: Oh, absolutely. It’s like earning a gold star as a child. We all still want acknowledgment for our efforts and contributions. When reviewing exit interview data or discussing with peers, the feedback is consistent—people often leave not because of the job but because they don’t feel connected or included. Those feelings of belonging are something leaders can control and cultivate.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Absolutely. So, how does emotional intelligence, which is one of the pillars of your coaching philosophy, play a crucial role for leaders? And how can they develop this skill?
Dr. Tenia Davis: Emotional intelligence allows leaders to navigate interpersonal relationships with empathy and self-awareness, fostering stronger connections and reducing conflict. Seeking feedback and tuning into emotions are essential aspects. It’s about leading with both head and heart, making decisions that consider both data and humanity. We need to balance the focus on data with an understanding of the human element.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Absolutely. We are emotional creatures, and even in business, interpersonal relationships are fundamental. Emotional acknowledgment in any formal corporate environment is crucial.
Dr. Tenia Davis: Exactly. Validating each other’s emotions is key.
Beverly Hills Magazine: So, your book, The Feedback Blueprint, tell me more about it.
Beverly Hills Magazine: And, really, being able to cultivate emotional intelligence, which is so important in terms of dealing with emotions and conflict, as well as navigating the challenges of the new workplace.
Dr. Tenia Davis: Absolutely.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Now, let’s talk about self-awareness. This is a critical aspect of leadership. How can leaders cultivate self-awareness, and what role does it play in effective leadership?
Dr. Tenia Davis: Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence. Leaders can cultivate it by seeking feedback, reflecting on their actions, and understanding their impact on others. It plays a crucial role in effective leadership because it helps leaders manage their emotions, make better decisions, and build stronger relationships with their teams.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Excellent. And your coaching programs, tell me about those. What do they involve, and what can leaders expect to gain from them?
Dr. Tenia Davis: My coaching programs are designed to help leaders develop their emotional intelligence, communication skills, and leadership presence. They involve one-on-one coaching sessions, group workshops, and personalized development plans. Leaders can expect to gain insights into their strengths and areas for improvement, develop strategies for overcoming challenges, and build the skills needed to lead with confidence and authenticity.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Fantastic. Now, you’ve been recognized as one of the top leadership coaches in the industry. What do you think sets you apart from other coaches?
Dr. Tenia Davis: I think what sets me apart is my ability to connect with leaders on a personal level, my deep understanding of the challenges they face, and my commitment to their growth and success. I bring a unique blend of experience, knowledge, and passion to my coaching, and I am dedicated to helping leaders achieve their full potential.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s wonderful. Now, before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Dr. Tenia Davis: I’d like to encourage everyone to invest in their personal and professional growth, seek out opportunities to learn and develop, and never stop striving to be the best leader they can be.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Thank you so much, Dr. Davis, for sharing your insights and expertise with us today. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.
Dr. Tenia Davis: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you as well.