What Makes a Good Leader?: 9 Leadership Traits That Matter Most

If you want to build your business and change the world for the better, you can’t start with what’s on the outside. You have to do it from the inside out. This episode of C-Suite Mentor first appeared as an interview with Theresa Cantley on Meridith Grundei’s LinkedIn and YouTube live show, but it was too good not to share here. Theresa was interviewed by Meridith about her work as a business and leadership coach, her passion for hospitality, and what it really takes to build a business that lasts. If you didn’t catch it live, you’re in luck!   Things to listen for: How I fix businesses from the inside out [2:38] Why I love working in the hospitality industry [8:58] How to utilize peoples’ unique abilities to help a business thrive [22:22] How technology and humanity can work together [32:47]   JOIN THE MERIDITH GRUNDEI SPEAKERS NETWORK: Because confidence doesn’t come before action—it comes because of it! Join now! GO TO THE UNSCRIPTED RETREAT: From October 16-19, led by Meridith Grundei & Jamar Jones. Reserve your spot now!

Have you ever been in a conversation where you walked away thinking, Did they even hear me? The truth is, most people don’t listen to understand. They listen to respond. They’re already crafting their comeback in their head before you’ve even finished your sentence. And in today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world, it feels like this problem is only getting worse.   In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor, Theresa Cantley shares what happens when we don’t listen with intention, why listening with intentionality matters, and her best practical tips to become a more effective listener.   Things to listen for: Why so many people only listen or read to respond [1:12] What we lose when we listen without intention [13:50] The powerful technique that helps people reflect on what they’ve said (and gives you more time to respond) [27:17] The one thing I always do after a coaching session or team meeting for better connections [30:40]   BOOK A C-SUITE SNAPSHOT: If you’re ready to uncover the blind spots in your business and get the results you want, book a C-Suite Snapshot with me. We’ll take one hour together to uncover the things that are breaking down in your business and create a personalized plan for the next 60-90 days to move the needle. BOOK A COFFEE CHAT: Book a free virtual coffee chat with me and let’s talk through where you’re stuck, your business needs, and how we can start building a stronger foundation for you and your team.

When people talk about leadership, it often comes with images of powerful titles, big decisions, and commanding boardrooms. But great leadership traits aren’t about titles or prestige – it’s about who you are on the inside and how you help others rise. In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor, Theresa Cantley shares the 9 leadership traits you need to effectively lead people with heart. Whether you’re a CEO, a manager, or just someone who cares deeply about helping others, these traits apply to you. Things to listen for: What makes good leadership (and what doesn’t) [1:36] How a God-sized vision can inspire and unite your team [4:30] Why vulnerability and humility are essential leadership traits [17:28] How strong leaders lead with intention (even when the path is unclear) [20:02] BOOK A C-SUITE SNAPSHOT: If you’re ready to uncover the blind spots in your business and get the results you want, book a C-Suite Snapshot with me. We’ll take one hour together to uncover the things that are breaking down in your business and create a personalized plan for the next 60-90 days to move the needle. BOOK A COFFEE CHAT: Book a free virtual coffee chat with me and let’s talk through where you’re stuck, your business needs, and how we can start building a stronger foundation for you and your team.

If you're leading a business in today’s unpredictable world, you know that business challenges are constant. From rising costs and staffing struggles to international shipping chaos and rapid changes in tech, being a business owner or CEO often feels like trying to steer a ship through a storm with no map. In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor, Theresa Cantley shares what no one talks about enough when it comes to navigating big business challenges: the internal struggle. That voice in your head that says, “I can’t do this.” Today, I’m sharing how to conquer that feeling and start navigating challenges with grace using my signature SACK Framework.  Things to listen for: What most leaders overlook when facing challenges [3:23] How to shift from breakdown to breakthrough with the SACK Framework [6:06] Why taking a pause is a powerful leadership move [7:01] What resources you can use to decide your next steps [25:55] BOOK A C-SUITE SNAPSHOT: If you’re ready to uncover the blind spots in your business and get the results you want, book a C-Suite Snapshot with me. We’ll take one hour together to uncover the things that are breaking down in your business and create a personalized plan for the next 60-90 days to move the needle. BOOK A COFFEE CHAT:  Book a free virtual coffee chat with me and let’s talk through where you’re stuck, your business needs, and how we can start building a stronger foundation for you and your team.

Not all business advice is good advice. In fact, some of the worst advice can come from people who call themselves experts – consultants from big-name firms, corporate mentors, and business coaches. Bad business advice can cost you more than just time and money. It can cost you your confidence, your peace of mind, and your vision for your business. This episode of The C-Suite Mentor Podcast is a little different. It’s personal. Theresa Cantley is sharing the worst pieces of business advice she’s ever gotten – and how they shaped her into a better coach, leader, and human being.  Things to listen for: Why trusting yourself essential [12:07] What mistake to never make with pricing [17:15] Why your story matters [20:15] How to stop getting caught up in competition with other businesses [32:38] BOOK A COFFEE CHAT: Book a free virtual coffee chat with me and let’s talk through where you’re stuck, your business needs, and how we can start building a stronger foundation for you and your team.

This week, Theresa Cantley had the joy of chatting with her mentor, Chelsea Grayson. Chelsea is a lawyer turned seasoned CEO & board member. She’s been the CEO of several highly successful companies, including American Apparel, True Religion, and Spark Networks. This episode originally aired as a casual chat on LinkedIn Live, but quickly turned into an insightful conversation on leadership, building teams, repairing cultures after toxic leadership leaves, and the importance of having a mentor.   For those who don’t yet know Chelsea Grayson, you’re in for a treat. Her career spans three dynamic chapters (with more likely on the horizon). Tune in for a very real, humor-filled conversation on being a CEO and entrepreneur today!   Things to listen for: How Chelsea went from lawyer to successful CEO of multiple companies [4:23] What lessons Chelsea has learned on teamwork in her career [25:28] Why active listening is a key ingredient of good leadership [27:33] What makes a truly great leader [44:26]   BOOK A COFFEE CHAT: Book a free virtual coffee chat with me and let’s talk through where you’re stuck, your business needs, and how we can start building a stronger foundation for you and your team. GET ACCESS TO THE SECRET PODCAST: Looking to improve employee engagement, build connections with your customers and get the freedom to finally take a vacation? Get access to my special, secret podcast Lead with Soul where I dive deep into what you can do to avoid the most common pitfalls in leadership while building a high performing team and a business that thrives no matter what the economy is doing. Head on over to https://theresacantley.com/lead-with-soul/ to join the movement!

Leadership isn’t just about climbing a corporate ladder – it’s about becoming more of who you are while doing it. That’s the philosophy that Dominic George, a Leadership Coach for Black men, brings to his work as he helps them move from mid-level to senior leadership roles.   In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor, Theresa Cantley sits down with Dominic to talk about the heart behind his coaching, the mindset shifts leaders need to make, and how showing up authentically is the key to long-term success in leadership.   Things to listen for: Why Dominic George started leadership coaching [4:05] The biggest change Dominic believes we need to make in leadership today [6:39] What to do if you’re struggling to lead authentically [9:13] What barriers Black men face in leadership [23:16]   BOOK A COFFEE CHAT: Book a free virtual coffee chat with me and let’s talk through where you’re stuck, your business needs, and how we can start building a stronger foundation for you and your team.  

We’re living in a time when technology is advancing faster than ever – and it’s not going anywhere. From the rise of AI to automation replacing human jobs, it can all feel a little overwhelming. If you’ve ever asked yourself, "Is my job safe? Am I falling behind if I’m not using AI yet?" – you’re not alone.   In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor, Theresa Cantley gets candid about how she really feels about technology and introduces us to a new concept she’s developed over the years – The Spirit of Phygitality – and how leaders need to embrace it to strengthen their businesses.   Things to listen for: Why we need to overcome our fear of technology [2:02] What Is Phygitality, and why leaders and business owners should care about it [13:47] Why digital tools should enhance, not replace, human connection [37:19] What it means to lead in the Spirit of Phygitality [38:15]   BOOK A COFFEE CHAT: Book a free virtual coffee chat with me and let’s talk through where you’re stuck, your business needs, and how we can start building a stronger foundation for you and your team.   GET ACCESS TO THE SECRET PODCAST: Looking to improve employee engagement, build connections with your customers and get the freedom to finally take a vacation? Get access to my special, secret podcast Lead with Soul where I dive deep into what you can do to avoid the most common pitfalls in leadership while building a high performing team and a business that thrives no matter what the economy is doing. Head on over to https://theresacantley.com/lead-with-soul/ to join the movement!  

When faced with a frustrating situation at work, it’s easy to jump to conclusions, assign meaning to someone else’s actions, or take things personally. But what if you had the power to shift your perspective and create something better – not just for your work, but for your entire leadership journey?   In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor, Theresa Cantley unpacks a powerful concept that’s relevant for every business leader, entrepreneur, and team manager: the power of choice. Drawing from a recent coaching conversation, Theresa shares how choosing how we interpret a situation – and how we respond – can either limit our growth or propel us forward.   Things to listen for: How most people use their power of choice to avoid seeing other people’s perspectives [1:19] Why the power of choice shapes your leadership [4:25] How to lead from the inside out [12:22] What the sixth gear is and why you need it [15:21]   BOOK A COFFEE CHAT: Book a free virtual coffee chat with me and let’s talk through where you’re stuck, your business needs, and how we can start building a stronger foundation for you and your team. GET ACCESS TO THE SECRET PODCAST: Looking to improve employee engagement, build connections with your customers and get the freedom to finally take a vacation? Get access to my special, secret podcast Lead with Soul where I dive deep into what you can do to avoid the most common pitfalls in leadership while building a high performing team and a business that thrives no matter what the economy is doing. Head on over to https://theresacantley.com/lead-with-soul/ to join the movement!

In a world that glorifies hustle culture and celebrates the “just push through” mentality, conversations about self-worth, rest, and emotions often get labeled as weakness. But as Theresa Cantley and mental health therapist and speaker Deanna Pelley remind us in this powerful episode of The C-Suite Mentor, the real strength comes not from grinding yourself into the ground – but from embracing the gift of being human and knowing when to ask for help. This episode is the encouragement you need to keep going.   🔗 Connect with Deanna Pelley on LinkedIn   Things to listen for: Why we don’t embrace the gift of being human [7:05] Why rejection might just mean you need to change your approach [13:46] How to build your self-worth muscle [36:13] How entrepreneurs can help others embrace their weaknesses so they can uncover their strengths [55:00] JOIN MY WORKSHOPS: Join me every Friday at 10 am on LinkedIn for my free workshop: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresacantley/