In this episode of Relationships Rule, I had a great conversation with Mike Desjardins, CEO of ViRTUS, about what leadership really looks like when it’s grounded in relationships.

We started with a powerful idea, that leadership has very little to do with titles or results, and everything to do with whether people actually want to follow you. From there, our conversation unfolded into a thoughtful exploration of emotional intelligence, trust, and the small, intentional actions that make a big difference in business relationships.

Mike shared how his work focuses on developing leaders at every level, and why emotional intelligence is the foundation that everything else is built on. We talked about the importance of listening for understanding, not agreement, and how that simple shift can completely change the way we communicate and resolve conflict.

One of my favorite parts of our conversation was hearing how Mike and his team create meaningful client relationships through thoughtful, personalized gestures. These are not big, flashy moments, but small, intentional actions that show people they are truly seen and valued.

We also explored how leaders can build trust by consistently asking for feedback, empowering their teams to take initiative, and creating a culture where people feel heard and supported.

This episode is a wonderful reminder that business is built on relationships, and that the way we show up as leaders has a lasting impact on everyone around us.

Key Takeaways

Leadership is defined by followership, not titles or authority
Emotional intelligence is the foundation of effective leadership
Listening for understanding builds trust and reduces conflict
Small, thoughtful gestures can have a lasting impact on relationships
Trust is built through consistency, feedback, and genuine care

Mike can be found at:

mikedesjardins.com (Blog)

virtusinc.com (Company)

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