Podcast Summary: Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan

Episode Title: Confidence Classic: Take The Risk & DARE To Fail! With Andrew Metz
Guest: Andrew Metz, Sales Leader & VP Of Sales at Zywave
Release Date: December 18, 2024

Introduction to Andrew Metz and His Journey

In this episode of Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan, Heather sits down with Andrew Metz, a seasoned Sales Leader and Vice President of Sales at Zywave. Andrew shares his remarkable journey through corporate America, highlighting his climb from a Business Development Representative (BDR) to overseeing a sales organization of one hundred people. This ascent was marked by a series of highs and lows, providing Andrew with invaluable insights into leadership, vulnerability, and building confidence.

Embracing Vulnerability on LinkedIn

Andrew Metz [00:20]:
"I actually think LinkedIn has created some level of intimacy with me and my sales team. So one thing I've found that's been really interesting and I don't see a lot of leaders in corporate America taking risks on LinkedIn or being vulnerable."

Andrew emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in leadership, especially on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Unlike many corporate leaders who maintain a facade of perfection, Andrew chooses to share personal stories, including his struggles with alcohol use and experiences of being let go. This transparency has fostered a deeper connection with his team and audience, making him more relatable and trustworthy.

Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Heather delves into the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome, particularly among high-achieving individuals.

Heather Monahan [07:03]:
"It's all about picking up that first box or picking up those first papers or putting those sneakers on and going out for the run. Challenge yourself to do one thing today to get started so you can start on a way to a better path and quickly."

Andrew Metz [04:22]:
"The thought of imposter syndrome is simply the feeling that you're unworthy or you don't exist. And everyone has that to some degree."

Andrew relates his personal battles with imposter syndrome, discussing how being honest about his limitations and embracing vulnerability has helped him navigate these feelings. He suggests that imposter syndrome often signals that one is stepping outside their comfort zone, which is a precursor to growth and achievement.

Building Trust and Scaling Leadership

As Andrew progressed in his career, managing larger teams posed a significant challenge: maintaining personal connections while scaling leadership efforts.

Andrew Metz [14:08]:
"It's been a challenge. As I moved through, it was easy with six people, it was harder with 20, and it's almost impossible with 100, at least on a weekly basis."

To address this, Andrew leverages group interactions, such as team lunches and Q&A sessions, to foster intimacy within larger teams. He also utilizes LinkedIn to create a sense of community and connection, although scalability remains a challenge. Emphasizing empathy and genuine care, Andrew ensures that his leadership remains approachable and supportive, even as his team grows.

Strategies for Building Confidence in Teams

Heather and Andrew discuss practical strategies for leaders to build confidence within their teams.

Andrew Metz [19:12]:
"Once someone's kind of established their footing is creating a mentor mentee situation where even if they just know a little, teaching someone something they didn't know builds your confidence a lot."

Andrew highlights the importance of mentorship and positive reinforcement. By establishing mentor-mentee relationships, leaders can empower team members to share knowledge and support each other's growth. Additionally, actively recognizing and praising team members' achievements fosters a culture of confidence and mutual respect.

Effective Presentation Techniques

When it comes to delivering strong presentations, Andrew shares his approach to engaging and energizing his audience.

Andrew Metz [21:46]:
"I like going, I just saw last week, so and so do this. And, you know, so and so does a great job of this. And I think using people's names keep them engaged."

He advocates for referencing specific individuals in the audience to maintain engagement and demonstrate attentiveness. Incorporating humor and maintaining an unscripted, conversational tone also contribute to more dynamic and relatable presentations. Andrew believes that leaders should not take themselves too seriously, as this fosters a more open and approachable environment.

Leadership vs. Parenting: Building Confidence in Children

The conversation transitions to leadership strategies applied at home, particularly in parenting.

Andrew Metz [24:06]:
"To me, it's about leading by example myself. So my actions speak louder than my words."

Andrew discusses how principles of leadership, such as responsibility and passion, translate into his parenting approach. By setting an example through his actions—like maintaining a healthy lifestyle and pursuing personal growth—he instills confidence and resilience in his children. Encouraging children to find their passions and allowing them the autonomy to explore ensures they develop a strong sense of self and confidence.

Personal Transformation and Lessons Learned

Andrew shares his personal transformation journey, detailing how overcoming stagnation and unhealthy habits led to significant personal and professional growth.

Andrew Metz [32:29]:
"The catalyst was stagnant feeling of life, career health. I thought of myself as a good athlete... I ran a full marathon. And quitting alcohol has opened up a lot in terms of productivity and emotions."

Facing a period of stagnation, Andrew took proactive steps to revitalize his life by embracing running and eliminating alcohol from his routine. These changes not only improved his physical health but also his mental clarity and emotional resilience. Professionally, taking risks and stepping out of his comfort zone led to new opportunities, reinforcing the importance of continuous self-improvement and adaptability.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Heather wraps up the episode by highlighting the key takeaways from Andrew's experiences:

1. Start Small: Begin with manageable steps to initiate positive change.
2. Embrace Vulnerability: Authenticity fosters trust and deeper connections.
3. Build Mentorship Culture: Encourage knowledge sharing and mutual support within teams.
4. Maintain Personal Connections: Find creative ways to engage large teams personally.
5. Lead by Example: Actions speak louder than words, both in leadership and parenting.
6. Pursue Continuous Growth: Never settle; always strive for personal and professional development.

Heather Monahan [36:23]:
"Challenge yourself to do one thing today to get started so you can start on a way to a better path and quickly."

Andrew's insights provide a roadmap for leaders and individuals seeking to build confidence, embrace vulnerability, and foster meaningful connections both professionally and personally.

Notable Quotes

• Andrew Metz [00:20]:
  "No one's going to do it for you. You got to go do it for yourself."

• Heather Monahan [07:03]:
  "It's about picking up that first box or picking up those first papers or putting those sneakers on and going out for the run."

• Andrew Metz [04:22]:
  "When you get that imposter syndrome feeling, it really means you're out of your comfort zone."

• Heather Monahan [08:34]:
  "Anyone who isn't forward facing and being a ball and broad social media, you are missing a huge opportunity."

• Andrew Metz [21:46]:
  "I think using people's names keep them engaged. But it also shows you're paying attention, you're listening."

Resources Mentioned

• Andrew Metz on LinkedIn: Andrew Metz
  Connect with Andrew to stay updated on his insights and leadership strategies.

• Past Episode on Creating Intimacy in Teams: Referenced but not directly linked. Check Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan show notes for related episodes.

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