Take Command: A Leadership Podcast

Episode: Integrity First: Where Kindness, Respect, and Innovation Meet
Release Date: September 10, 2024
Host: Joe Hart, CEO of Dale Carnegie
Guest: Barry McCarthy, President and CEO of Deluxe

Introduction

In this episode of Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast, host Joe Hart engages in a profound conversation with Barry McCarthy, the President and CEO of Deluxe Corporation. Barry, renowned for transforming financial services companies and driving innovation, shares his insights on leadership, integrity, and fostering a people-first culture within a Fortune 1000 company.

Barry McCarthy's Leadership Philosophy

1. Integrity and Reputation

Barry emphasizes the paramount importance of integrity in leadership. He asserts, “A reputation, whether it's your personal reputation or the organization's reputation, there really is nothing else” (02:52). Maintaining integrity in all actions is crucial as it builds a lasting reputation that cannot be easily replaced if lost.

2. People-First Approach

Barry believes that an organization’s strength lies in its people. He states, “Any organization as a leader can only be as good as its people” (02:52). His strategy focuses on deeply engaging employees with the company's mission, providing opportunities for growth, and ensuring fair compensation and rewards.

3. Passion and Energy

Passion at the leadership level is essential, according to Barry. He notes, “There’s got to be a lot of passion and energy at the top” (02:52). This fervor is necessary to inspire and motivate employees throughout the organization, ensuring that the mission is embraced at every level.

Cultivating a People-First Culture at Deluxe

1. Overcoming Company Challenges

When Barry took the helm at Deluxe, the company had struggled with performance issues from over 50 acquisitions. To reignite the company's spirit, Barry initiated a series of two-week sprints for the top leadership, fostering teamwork and building momentum (07:02). This approach helped instill confidence and a sense of collective achievement.

2. Employee Engagement and Incentives

Barry implemented several initiatives to reinforce a people-first culture:

• Shareholder Inclusion: Every employee, regardless of their role, was made a shareholder, instilling a sense of ownership and belonging.
• Open Door Policy: Ensuring accessibility and transparency by encouraging open communication between leadership and employees.
• Continuous Learning: Providing resources like LinkedIn Learning to support professional development (07:02).
• Unique Benefits: Introducing volunteer time off and foundation matching programs to encourage community involvement and recognize employee contributions (07:02).

These measures collectively fostered an environment where employees felt valued and motivated to contribute to the company’s success.

Communication and Organizational Values

Mission and Values Clarity

Barry underscores the necessity of clear communication regarding the company’s mission and values. He explains, “We help businesses succeed so communities can thrive” (10:05). This mission statement connects daily work to a larger purpose, enhancing employee motivation and alignment with organizational goals.

Demonstrating Commitment

By actively participating in initiatives like volunteer time off and foundation matching, Deluxe not only talks about its values but also embodies them, thereby motivating employees to engage more deeply with the company’s mission (10:05).

Trust and High-Integrity Leadership

Barry discusses the critical role of trust, especially in challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. He mentions that Deluxe was recognized as a trustworthy company, which significantly contributed to business growth (12:12). Maintaining high integrity ensures that employees and customers continue to trust and support the organization even during crises.

Defining Leadership and the Role of Humility

Leadership Definition

Barry defines leadership as, “Someone who can set a vision that inspires people to achieve more than they thought they could” (12:42). He emphasizes that leadership at all levels involves not just inspiring but also supporting and helping others to achieve their potential (13:20).

Humility in Leadership

Humility is a cornerstone of Barry’s leadership style. He believes in leading by example without seeking personal glory, stating, “It's about people that genuinely care about not just the success of the company, but the success of the people within the company” (14:14). This humility fosters an inclusive and respectful workplace where ideas can flourish openly.

Building Relationships and Mentorship

Investing in Relationships

Barry advises professionals to prioritize building genuine relationships. He asserts, “I tell people all the time to invest in relationships. It will make you more human and help you get prepared for the next job” (21:29). Strong relationships create a support network that is invaluable for personal and professional growth.

Mentorship Importance

Barry is a firm advocate for mentorship, believing it plays a crucial role in leadership development. He highlights that mentorship is about helping others improve and succeed, not just about personal advancement (24:31). By fostering mentorship, leaders can cultivate the next generation of talent within the organization.

Personal Development and Work-Life Balance

Continuous Learning

Barry is an avid reader, continually seeking knowledge on leadership and business (26:12). He also participates in forums and seminars to stay updated on market trends and engage with other senior leaders.

Work-Life Balance

Maintaining personal relationships and engaging in recreational activities with family are vital for Barry. He emphasizes that these activities provide necessary breaks and help maintain mental clarity and emotional well-being (26:26).

Overcoming Adversity and Leadership Courage

Pivotal Career Challenge

Barry recounts a significant challenge during his tenure at First Data, where the company was heavily leveraged and financially strained (28:47). He learned the importance of courage and decisive action in leadership during these trying times, which was instrumental in navigating Deluxe through the COVID-19 crisis.

Courage to Act

Barry believes that the ability to act decisively and with conviction is essential for effective leadership, especially in uncertain and high-pressure environments. This courage helps prevent paralysis by analysis and ensures timely and impactful decision-making (28:47).

Final Insights on Kindness and Respect in Leadership

Barry concludes by advocating for leadership grounded in kindness, decency, and respect. He argues that it is possible to achieve results without being abrasive, enhancing trust, loyalty, and passion within the organization (30:48). This approach not only secures business success but also builds a positive and sustainable organizational culture.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this insightful episode, Barry McCarthy shares a comprehensive view of leadership that intertwines integrity, a people-first approach, passion, humility, and the courage to act. His strategies for cultivating a positive organizational culture, effective communication, and the importance of mentorship provide valuable lessons for aspiring leaders. Key takeaways include:

• Integrity is Non-Negotiable: Upholding honesty and ethical standards builds an unassailable reputation.
• People are the Core Asset: Investing in employees through engagement, development, and fair compensation drives organizational success.
• Clear Communication of Mission: Consistently articulating the company’s purpose aligns and motivates the workforce.
• Humility and Accessibility: Leading with humility fosters a respectful and open environment where ideas can thrive.
• Building Genuine Relationships: Prioritizing relationships and mentorship cultivates a supportive and collaborative workplace.
• Balance and Personal Growth: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance enhances overall effectiveness and well-being.
• Courageous Leadership: The ability to make decisive and courageous decisions is crucial during adversity.
• Kindness and Respect: Leading with kindness and respect builds trust and loyalty, essential for long-term success.

Barry McCarthy’s leadership journey offers a blueprint for cultivating a thriving, inclusive, and resilient organization. His emphasis on integrity and people-first values underscores the sustainable path to success in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• “A reputation, whether it's your personal reputation or the organization's reputation, there really is nothing else.” — Barry McCarthy [02:52]
• “There’s got to be a lot of passion and energy at the top.” — Barry McCarthy [02:52]
• “We help businesses succeed so communities can thrive.” — Barry McCarthy [10:05]
• “Being accessible and available is huge.” — Barry McCarthy [09:43]
• “If they don't believe you, they're not going to follow you.” — Barry McCarthy [16:53]
• “Focus not on what that person can do for you, focus on what you can do to help that person succeed.” — Barry McCarthy [23:34]
• “You have to be tough and firm and strong, but it doesn't mean you can't be kind, decent, and respectful.” — Barry McCarthy [31:58]

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Thank you for listening to this episode of Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast. Join us next time as we continue to explore the nuances of leadership and personal growth with inspiring leaders from diverse industries.