Podcast Title: Chief Change Officer
Episode Number: #259
Guest: Rashia Cardiff
Episode Title: From Starbucks to Startups—Serving Joy at Work – Part One
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Host: Vince Chan

Introduction

In episode #259 of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan welcomes Rashia Cardiff, the Vice President of Partnerships at Happy Companies, to discuss her inspiring journey from corporate titans like Best Buy, Starbucks, and Microsoft to her entrepreneurial venture focused on fostering happier and healthier workplaces. This episode marks the first part of a two-part series where Rashia delves into her personal and professional transformations, resilience in the face of adversity, and her vision for enhancing employee experiences through a harmonious blend of technology and human-centric approaches.

Guest Background and Career Journey

Rashia begins by sharing her extensive background in people management, highlighting her 20-year tenure across major brands:

"People are truly the heart of what propels an organization forward. They are the heart of what propels growth and success."
— Rashia Cardiff [07:15]

She explains how her consistent people-first philosophy has been the cornerstone of her leadership across Best Buy, Starbucks, and Microsoft, emphasizing the importance of hiring the right talent, providing structured onboarding, and fostering continuous talent development. This approach not only enhanced team performance but also led to significant career advancements and opportunities.

Personal Challenges and Transformative Experiences

Rashia candidly discusses the pivotal personal challenges that reshaped her life and career priorities:

"In 2016, my life really started to go through some really challenging life experiences... I had to start asking myself, what changes are you going to make?"
— Rashia Cardiff [21:02]

Facing a divorce and the loss of her mother within a short span, Rashia found herself reevaluating her relentless pursuit of career success. The birth of her son in 2018 further reinforced her desire to balance professional ambitions with personal fulfillment. These experiences propelled her to resign from corporate roles and pursue entrepreneurship, ultimately leading her to Happy Companies.

Leadership Philosophy: People-First Approach

Rashia elaborates on her leadership philosophy, emphasizing the integral role of employees in organizational success:

"If I put my people first... then the results will follow."
— Rashia Cardiff [07:15]

She shares her strategy of understanding each team member’s strengths, passions, and professional goals to create an environment where employees feel valued and empowered. This people-centric approach not only improves individual performance but also contributes to the overall growth and success of the organization.

Balancing Corporate Policies with Empathetic Leadership

Addressing the challenges of working within large corporations, Rashia discusses how she managed to maintain her people-first ethos amidst rigid policies and bureaucratic structures:

"As a leader, you need to exercise discernment and have courageous conversations."
— Rashia Cardiff [11:42]

She recounts a specific instance where she took over a team with members on performance improvement plans. Instead of strictly enforcing existing policies, she engaged personally with the individuals to understand their circumstances and potential, leading to one becoming a top performer and another finding a more suitable role elsewhere. This exemplifies her belief in leading with empathy and courage, even within structured corporate environments.

Embracing the Present: Mindset Shifts and Living Intentionally

Rashia emphasizes the importance of living in the present and making mindful choices to enhance personal and professional life:

"Living in the present is not just a saying. It's truly a way of being."
— Vince Chen [27:47]

She shares practical habits, such as daily reflections on whether her day brought her peace and joy, which have helped her align her actions with her values. This shift towards intentional living has been instrumental in her decision to prioritize family and personal fulfillment over an all-consuming career.

Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience

Rashia reflects on how her personal losses and professional challenges taught her resilience and adaptability:

"If I was having one of those challenging days... I can redirect my time and energy towards something productive and fun right now."
— Rashia Cardiff [29:11]

By adopting a mindset that focuses on the present and finding positive outlets during tough times, she has been able to maintain her well-being and continue contributing meaningfully to her work and community.

Conclusion and Tease for Part Two

Vince wraps up the conversation by highlighting Rashia's profound insights and resilience. He teases the upcoming part two of the series, where Rashia will delve deeper into her role at Happy Companies and her vision for transforming workplaces by balancing technological innovation with genuine care for people.

"Join us again on Tuesday and find yourself some happiness."
— Vince Chen [31:07]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rashia Cardiff [07:15]: "People are truly the heart of what propels an organization forward. They are the heart of what propels growth and success."
• Rashia Cardiff [11:42]: "As a leader, you need to exercise discernment and have courageous conversations."
• Rashia Cardiff [21:02]: "I had to start asking myself, what changes are you going to make? What are you willing to do differently moving forward to work towards the life that you really want to have."
• Vince Chen [27:47]: "Living in the present is not just a saying. It's truly a way of being."
• Rashia Cardiff [29:11]: "If I was having one of those challenging days... I can redirect my time and energy towards something productive and fun right now."

Final Thoughts

Rashia Cardiff's episode on Chief Change Officer offers a deep dive into the interplay between personal resilience and professional growth. Her journey underscores the significance of aligning one's career with personal values and the transformative power of a people-first leadership approach. Listeners are left inspired to reflect on their own life choices and consider how they can foster environments that prioritize both employee well-being and organizational success.

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