Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary

Episode: #310 Jevon Wooden: From Cell Block to C-Suite — Part Two
Release Date: April 19, 2025
Host: Vince Chen
Guest: Jevon Wooden, Army Veteran and Leadership Coach

Introduction

In this compelling two-part series, Vince Chen welcomes Jevon Wooden, an Army veteran turned leadership coach, who shares his transformative journey from facing incarceration threats to leading soldiers in combat and ultimately ascending to the C-suite. This episode delves deep into how trauma can shape purpose, the power of empathy in leadership, and the critical role of emotional intelligence in today's corporate landscape.

Jevon Wooden's Military Experience and Its Impact

Timestamp: [02:09] – [07:30]

Jevon Wooden recounts his 12-year tenure in the U.S. Army, highlighting his challenging deployment to Afghanistan in 2016 and 2017. During his final deployment, a suicide bombing on Veterans Day at Bagram Airfield profoundly affected him, resulting in the loss of six to seven comrades and injuring 18 others. This traumatic event marked a pivotal moment in his life:

“I was treating the bomber with the same respect as my friends and comrades, and that was another inflection point for me.”
— Jevon Wooden [03:46]

Upon returning home in 2017, Jevon grappled with severe depression and PTSD, plagued by recurring nightmares. Therapy revealed that his nightmares were tied to unresolved issues with his estranged father, whom he had to reconnect with under traumatic circumstances. This reconciliation not only alleviated his PTSD but also coincided with the birth of his daughter on the same Veterans Day, symbolizing a serendipitous turnaround from despair to joy.

Transition to Leadership Coaching

Timestamp: [07:30] – [11:16]

Realizing that a career in technology wasn't fulfilling his desire to make a meaningful impact, Jevon transitioned to leadership coaching and speaking, focusing on emotional intelligence. He emphasizes that the core issue in many organizations is a lack of genuine human connection, exacerbated by over-reliance on technology as a scapegoat. Jevon observed that:

“People are not taking the time, they're not putting in the effort to make genuine connections.”
— Jevon Wooden [07:30]

His personal losses, including friends lost to suicide and the rampant opioid crisis, fueled his mission to foster environments where leaders prioritize emotional well-being and authentic support systems.

Emotional Intelligence in Corporate Leadership

Timestamp: [11:16] – [15:32]

Jevon addresses the pressing issues faced by leaders in high-stress industries like construction, where suicide and opioid addiction rates are alarmingly high. He argues that emotional intelligence (EI) is not just a soft skill but a strategic imperative tied directly to profitability, employee engagement, and retention. By presenting compelling statistics, he convinces leaders that:

“Results over people is no longer the way. People aren't going to stay in places that they don't feel valued.”
— Jevon Wooden [11:16]

He dismantles the misconception that empathy is a sign of weakness, illustrating how empathetic leadership can drive organizational success through improved communication, diverse perspectives, and inclusive practices. He cites Satya Nadella at Microsoft and the CEO of Best Buy as exemplary leaders who have successfully integrated empathy into their leadership styles, resulting in transformational growth.

Practicing Empathy in Leadership

Timestamp: [18:43] – [23:30]

Empathy in leadership, as Jevon explains, involves a deliberate shift from reacting emotionally to responding thoughtfully. He shares a case study of a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) perceived as abrasive but genuinely caring for his team. Through coaching, Jevon helped the CMO transition from a confrontational style to one that fosters support and accountability:

“Instead of saying, why the heck did you do this wrong... you can say, how can I help you get there?”
— Jevon Wooden [18:43]

Jevon emphasizes the importance of feedback loops and inclusive decision-making, encouraging leaders to co-create solutions with their teams rather than imposing top-down directives. This approach not only enhances team cohesion but also unlocks innovative ideas by valuing diverse perspectives.

Emotional Blind Spots and Self-Awareness

Timestamp: [23:30] – [28:21]

Addressing emotional blind spots, Jevon identifies key areas leaders must navigate to harness emotional intelligence effectively:

1. Mastering Self-Awareness:
   Jevon advises leaders to allocate daily time for self-reflection to understand their values, thoughts, and behavioral patterns.

   “Take some time daily, even if it's 15 minutes, to just be... to recenter yourself.”
   — Jevon Wooden [24:50]

2. Recognizing Behavioral Patterns:
   By identifying triggers and understanding their own reactions, leaders can manage their responses more intelligently rather than reacting impulsively.

3. Proactive Communication:
   Leaders should strive to understand the preferred communication styles of their team members, fostering a more supportive and effective work environment.

Jevon underscores that true leadership begins with self-mastery and extends to cultivating empathetic relationships within the team. This holistic approach ensures that leaders not only drive business results but also nurture a thriving, resilient workforce.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Timestamp: [28:21] – [31:35]

Vince Chen and Jevon Wooden conclude by reiterating the importance of self-awareness as the foundation of emotional intelligence and empathy. Vince highlights that:

“Resilience is remembering that empathy includes self-empathy too, which is self-love, supporting yourself the way you will support others.”
— Vince Chen [28:21]

Jevon agrees, adding that empathetic individuals are more likely to receive support in return, fostering a culture of mutual respect and assistance:

“If you are empathetic and you ask for support, some people are more inclined to help you find that next role because you treated them well and they remember that.”
— Jevon Wooden [29:59]

The episode wraps up with Jevon expressing gratitude for the insightful conversation and Vince emphasizing that change is not only possible but contagious, encouraging listeners to embrace emotional intelligence to unlock unprecedented personal and professional growth.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Chief Change Officer offers a profound exploration of how personal trauma can be transformed into a powerful tool for leadership and organizational change. Jevon Wooden's journey underscores the necessity of emotional intelligence in today’s corporate world, highlighting that genuine empathy and self-awareness are critical for sustainable success and meaningful human connections.

Connect with Chief Change Officer:
Follow on LinkedIn, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube @chiefchangeofficer.