Chief Change Officer Podcast: Episode #293 - Wayland Lum: From Booth to the Battlefield of the Mind

Release Date: April 12, 2025
Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Wayland Lum

Introduction

In Episode #293 of the Chief Change Officer podcast, host Vince Chan engages in a profound conversation with Wayland Lum, a seasoned HR professional and leadership coach based in Austin, Texas. With a career spanning influential roles at Nvidia, Coinferry, and Chicago Booth School of Business, Wayland now spearheads his own leadership practice. This episode delves into Wayland’s career journey, his principles of modern leadership, and his vision for the future of coaching in an age where human and AI partnerships become increasingly pivotal.

Career Evolution: From Corporate Giants to Personal Practice

Wayland Lum's career trajectory is a testament to his commitment to merging psychology with business. Starting with a foundation in industrial and organizational psychology at San Jose State University, he quickly immersed himself in the world of HR, working with top talents across Silicon Valley, New York, and beyond.

Wayland Lum [06:13]: "The prevailing theme in my career has been how to work with and provide value to the best talent in the world... to help them develop their maximum potential and become the leaders they are meant to be."

His journey through prestigious institutions like Nvidia and Coinferry provided him with invaluable experiences, shaping his understanding of organizational dynamics and leadership. However, despite the allure of large corporations, Wayland sought a platform that allowed for deeper, more creative influence—culminating in his decision to establish his own leadership practice in Texas.

Taking the Leap: Building His Own Leadership Practice

Transitioning from big corporations to running his own practice was not an impulsive decision for Wayland. It was a culmination of years of introspection and a desire to fully express his creativity and impact.

Wayland Lum [08:23]: "When I frame the question like that, Vince, the answer became very clear. I had to step out and bet on myself as I would have coached and encouraged my leaders that I work with to do."

Wayland emphasizes the importance of walking the talk—practicing what he preaches to his clients. Leaving a stable corporate environment to venture into his own practice was a defining moment, reinforcing his belief in authentic leadership and personal accountability.

The Power of Being Coached: Shaping His Coaching Philosophy

Wayland’s own experience as a coachee profoundly influences his approach to leadership coaching. Early in his career, he sought mentorship to refine his coaching skills, learning to push boundaries and believe in the potential of others.

Wayland Lum [11:56]: "When you have that expectation of people, more often than not they're able to rise to the occasion and they will become more than they have thought possible."

This experience instilled in him the importance of challenging clients to exceed their self-imposed limitations, fostering an environment where leaders can thrive beyond their expectations.

Defining Modern Leadership: A Systemic and Timeless Approach

When asked to define modern leadership, Wayland presents a nuanced perspective that integrates timeless principles with contemporary challenges.

Wayland Lum [17:08]: "Modern leadership is really about the many demands of a leader today that didn't exist or they didn't have those expectations put upon them."

He advocates for a systemic view of leadership—understanding individuals and groups within the broader context of their environments. This approach emphasizes flexibility, adaptability, and a deep understanding of human nature and historical leadership patterns.

The Eight Principles of Modern Leadership

Wayland outlines eight foundational principles that guide his coaching philosophy. Although the episode touches on several, two key principles stood out:

1. Nature as a Majestic Teacher:
   Nature serves as a timeless source of wisdom, blending ancient insights with modern applications.

2. Embrace Life’s Stages and Seasons:
   Recognizing that every individual undergoes various phases—spring, summer, fall, and winter—mirrors the seasons of life, each with its unique challenges and opportunities.

Wayland Lum [19:52]: "Core purpose is understanding both your deeply held values, how you move in the world, what's important to you... when you are able to combine both of those and then channel that into your purpose, you really do become unstoppable."

These principles are designed to foster transformational change, not just in business outcomes but in the personal growth of leaders, creating a ripple effect that positively impacts organizations and beyond.

Fear and Courage: Dual Forces in Leadership

A particularly poignant discussion revolves around the interplay between fear and courage in leadership.

Wayland Lum [24:53]: "Fear is a precursor to courage. You do not get courage without first experiencing fear."

Wayland draws parallels to the animated movie Inside Out, emphasizing that understanding and accepting fear is essential for cultivating genuine courage. This dynamic is crucial for leaders who must navigate uncertainty and make bold decisions.

Emotional Intelligence: The Heart of Effective Leadership

Continuing the theme of human emotions, Wayland highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership.

Wayland Lum [26:38]: "Understanding and accepting both profound joy and deep grief is a bit of wisdom that we're talking about here in terms of modern leadership."

Recognizing and embracing the full spectrum of emotions enables leaders to connect deeply with their teams, fostering a supportive and resilient organizational culture.

Conclusion

Wayland Lum's insights offer a comprehensive roadmap for modern leaders striving to navigate the complexities of today's business landscape. From his rich career journey to his profound principles on leadership, Wayland provides actionable wisdom that resonates with leaders aiming to outgrow themselves and drive meaningful transformation.

Wayland Lum [28:00]: "Understanding both the human experience for oneself, but also for others, is essential."

As Vince Chan aptly concludes, embracing these philosophies can empower leaders to unlock outcomes that transcend conventional expectations, truly embodying the role of a Chief Change Officer.

Notable Quotes

• Wayland Lum [06:13]: "The prevailing theme in my career has been how to work with and provide value to the best talent in the world... to help them develop their maximum potential and become the leaders they are meant to be."

• Wayland Lum [08:23]: "I had to step out and bet on myself as I would have coached and encouraged my leaders that I work with to do."

• Wayland Lum [11:56]: "When you have that expectation of people, more often than not they're able to rise to the occasion and they will become more than they have thought possible."

• Wayland Lum [19:52]: "Core purpose is understanding both your deeply held values, how you move in the world, what's important to you... when you are able to combine both of those and then channel that into your purpose, you really do become unstoppable."

• Wayland Lum [24:53]: "Fear is a precursor to courage. You do not get courage without first experiencing fear."

• Wayland Lum [26:38]: "Understanding and accepting both profound joy and deep grief is a bit of wisdom that we're talking about here in terms of modern leadership."

• Wayland Lum [28:00]: "Understanding both the human experience for oneself, but also for others, is essential."

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This summary captures the essence of Episode #293, providing a comprehensive overview for those who seek to understand the depth and breadth of Wayland Lum's expertise in modern leadership and transformational coaching.