Seema’s Leadership Journey and Insights
Seema, a leader in business transformation, shared how she realized that leadership needed a serious overhaul that creates value without causing harm. Her experience launching Canada’s first Social Finance Bank and working in finance across the country gave her a unique perspective on what works and what doesn’t in leadership. I recognized her drive to improve leadership and make a real impact, something she’s now bringing to the world through her book.
Addressing Toxic Work Environments
Seema and I didve into a tough but necessary conversation about why so many workplaces today are toxic. The issue isn’t just lousy management; leaders are laser-focused on short-term targets while ignoring the human side of business. We both agreed that authentic leadership means creating an environment where people feel valued, engaged, and can do meaningful work. People don’t quit companies—they leave bad leaders.
Leadership Through Humility and Listening
I shared my experience turning around a high-turnover primary care clinic by doing something surprisingly simple—listening. Great things happen when leaders stop dictating and start understanding their people’s needs. Humility is key. Seema echoed this, emphasizing that leadership is about gathering perspectives, being fully present, and observing challenges with a fresh lens. If leaders truly listened more and talked less, they’d be amazed at what they could learn.
Seema’s Book on Consciousness Transformation
Seema’s new book explores how consciousness can transform organizations and society. She first felt the pull to write in 2016, but the pandemic gave her message new urgency. Despite the skeptics, she boldly chose to walk away from a corporate consulting gig in Toronto to finish her book. That level of commitment to change is precisely what leadership needs today.
Adaptation and Awareness in Leadership
We talked about how leaders who fail to adapt don’t just hurt their businesses—they create ripple effects that impact families and communities. History is full of once-dominant companies that collapsed because their leaders ignored external changes. The lesson? Adaptability isn’t optional. Leaders must be open to new experiences, actively listen to their teams, and adjust their strategies before it’s too late. Business isn’t static, and leadership shouldn’t be either.
Leadership, Learning, and Team Cohesion
Great leaders don’t pretend to have all the answers—they ask better questions. I emphasized the power of vulnerability in leadership, while Seema reinforced the importance of trusting the expertise within your team. When leaders foster a culture of learning and openness, Innovation thrives. Seema’s book, launching March 28th, aims to start a much-needed dialogue about this shift in leadership.
Podcast Impact and Self-Care
Seema and I also discussed the impact of our respective podcasts. She praised the conversational nature of my show, and we explored the role of storytelling in leadership. We also touched on her journey from Burnout to being a book author,w hich is an essential reminder that leaders must prioritize their well-being to make a lasting impact.
Book: https://amzn.to/43jGXI6
Website: https://www.seemadhanoa.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemadhanoa/
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