The Strength of a Leader’s Voice

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The Strength of a Leader's Voice
Episode #16 of the Third Turn Podcast - A Conversation with Jay Bennett

This episode grew from the seed of a personal observation cohost Mark L. Vincent made about the weight of his voice as a Third Turn leader; and sprung fully to life in our interview with Jay Bennett--who not only resonates with a leader’s weight of voice, but literally lost his voice for about 6 years at his Third Turn.

Can you imagine that? Literally loosing your ability to speak at such a pivotal time? Add Jay’s loss-of-voice story to the following weight-of-voice insights we discuss, and you’ve got one compelling episode:

• First Turn - In this foundational career phase, one’s voice is typically grounded primarily in communicating newfound capabilities, competencies, and expertise.
• Second Turn - Here a leader’s focus shifts more to, ‘Can I use my voice to rally, align and inspire others?’
• Third Turn - Mark’s observation here is a growing awareness of the “surprising freight” of his voice; that he’s communicating even when he’s not talking!--prompting him to use it more judiciously and wisely as a Third Turn leader.

In this episode (and in this related blog post), Mark shares some deeper insights around the strength of a leader’s voice. And thankfully, Jay’s voice returned to him and he’s able now to share his own hard-won insights with us. He attributes this voiceless time to giving him both a new perspective on what’s truly important and, as he says, “a new voice.”

Jay Bennett had a dual career as an attorney and leading a private, faith-based foundation in the Twin Cities, and is now solidly into his Third Turn, serving as the national board Chair of the National Christian Foundation, and as Founder/Chair of NCF’s Twin Cities office. In addition to his own transition experience, he shares helpful perspective for boards, having overseen leadership transition from this level as well.

And for those of you who appreciate metaphors, there are many great Third Turn illustrations peppered throughout this episode, including The Triple Crown, Einstein’s E=MC², and molecular parallels for the role of the board.

With each episode of the Third Turn Podcast we host a conversation among leaders who want the world to flourish for generations beyond their lifetimes.

Listening with others in some way and enjoying in-depth conversations of your own as you reflect and choose what you would do the same or differently is a plus!

We always welcome you sharing these podcasts with others as well as sending along any suggestions for making these podcasts better.

The Third Turn Podcast is part of the Maestro-level leaders initiative, a production of Design Group International.  Strategically Connected's Jennifer Miller is the producer.

- Kristin

The first Maestro-level leaders cohort is now underway, and the next will begin before the end of 2021. This blog, the Third Turn podcast, and Maestro-level leaders cohorts are the ongoing resources of raising vision for other leaders to aspire to their own Third Turn.

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