About the Guest(s):

Helena Foulkes is a seasoned business leader with a rich history in the retail and healthcare industries. She's a former CEO of Hudson Bay Company, known for brands like Saks Fifth Avenue, and the ex-president of CVS's retail division, where she led nearly 180,000 colleagues. Helena has also ventured into politics as a Democratic candidate for governor of Rhode Island. In her current roles, she's the executive chair of the Follett Higher Education group, board chair of PM Pediatrics, and board member of Harry Skillsoft. Her experience extends to serving as CEO advisory board at Salesforce, and previously she has been a part of the board of overseers at Harvard and the board of directors at Home Depot.

Episode Summary:

In this enthralling episode of "Growing Your Business with People," host Jeff Lackey engages with the formidable Helena Foulkes, drawing insights from her journey across various leadership roles. Their conversation traverses from leading large corporations to nurturing public-private partnerships aimed at closing opportunity gaps in education and employment.

Foulkes shares her in-depth knowledge, drawing from her rich professional background that cuts across healthcare, retail, and politics. Her stories and the wisdom gained from her experiences shine a light on how leaders can create purpose-driven organizations that make a tangible difference. Helena eloquently dives into the role of business in society, emphasizing the importance of connecting individuals with burgeoning economic opportunities and infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

Purpose-driven leadership can profoundly resonate within an organization, influencing decisions and igniting a sense of pride among team members.

Complex emotions within leadership can yield creative decision-making when addressed openly.

The concept of "Returning Authority" empowers team members to make decisions and fosters a culture of accountability and initiative.

The intersection of public service and business leadership creates a synergy that benefits communities, closing gaps in workforce development and education.

Personal and professional challenges, such as overcoming cancer, can lead to a deeper sense of empathy and commitment to making a positive impact.

Notable Quotes:

"By listening so intently, learned so much…serving the people who are serving your customers."

"There's more convergence than ever. And I think when both sides of the equation can come together, that's when we can really make explosive gains."

"Being the top of any organization can feel very lonely… what I can do is be there for them and help them think about the most important decisions they make."

"When I arrived at one of my roles… I found that very, very senior people in the organization were all looking to me to make every decision."

"I realized that there are a lot of people walking around with pain that we can't see… I think I'd always been a fairly empathetic person, but honestly, that experience really accentuated it for me."

Resources:

Tune in to the full episode to hear Helena Foulkes' riveting stories and leadership philosophies that drive success in both the corporate world and in service to the community. Keep an eye out for more episodes from "Growing Your Business with People" for further enlightening discussions that will inspire any business leader. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and comment to join the conversation.