Take Command: A Leadership Podcast – Episode Summary
Episode Title: Lead Like You Mean It: Purpose, Positivity, and Performance
Guest: Elizabeth Haberberger, President of Dale Carnegie Missouri
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Take Command: A Leadership Podcast, host Joe Hart engages in an insightful conversation with Elizabeth Haberberger, the President of Dale Carnegie Missouri. Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey from a fourth-grade teacher to leading one of Dale Carnegie’s top-performing franchises. The discussion delves into leadership philosophies, overcoming personal and professional challenges, building a positive team culture, and the importance of authenticity and resilience.
Elizabeth’s Journey to Leadership
Elizabeth recounts her unexpected transition from teaching to the business world. Initially a marketing major, she found her true calling in coaching competitive gymnastics and later in teaching fourth grade. The pivot to Dale Carnegie came through a serendipitous connection with a Dale Carnegie employee, which led her to discover her passion for adult education and personal development.
Notable Quote:
“I fell in love with the business in that moment.” – Elizabeth Haberberger [06:54]
Elizabeth's dedication and leadership transformed the St. Louis and Kansas City territories from lower-performing markets to ranking number four globally out of 166 franchises, and number two in North America.
Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change
Elizabeth openly discusses her struggles with fear when taking on leadership roles. She emphasizes the importance of "insane courage" and taking the first step despite uncertainties. Drawing inspiration from mentors and concepts like "two-way doors," Elizabeth highlights strategies to reframe fear and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Notable Quotes:
“Nike. The first time he said it, I said, I'm sorry, what? And he goes, Nike. Just do it.” – Elizabeth Haberberger [10:08]
“There are very few one-way doors. Most things are two-way doors where if I fail, I can pivot and try something else.” – Elizabeth Haberberger [12:01]
Joe adds that mindset plays a crucial role in overcoming fear, advocating for continuous movement and flexibility rather than viewing setbacks as catastrophic.
Building a High-Performing Team and Positive Culture
Elizabeth attributes her success to fostering a supportive and appreciative team culture. She incorporates Dale Carnegie principles such as genuine appreciation, active listening, and seeing things from others' perspectives. Her unique approaches, like the annual “Coneys” award show and team-building trips, reinforce a fun and motivated work environment.
Notable Quote:
“People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they're doing.” – Elizabeth Haberberger [45:27]
She believes that surrounding herself with good people who are intrinsically motivated leads to greater collective success.
The Role of Physical Health and Personal Discipline in Leadership
A passionate advocate for physical fitness, Elizabeth draws parallels between her training for American Ninja Warrior and effective leadership. She emphasizes that physical discipline fosters mental resilience, creativity in problem-solving, and teamwork—qualities essential for leading a successful organization.
Notable Quote:
“I'm constantly practicing, I'm constantly feeling those same things. I'm getting in those reps physically and mentally.” – Elizabeth Haberberger [21:23]
Joe echoes the importance of physical health, noting how it models positive behavior and helps manage stress.
Cultivating Optimism and Resilience
Elizabeth shares her strategies for maintaining unwavering optimism, including keeping a gratitude journal and focusing on gains rather than gaps. She underscores the significance of consistency and discipline in fostering a positive mindset, which in turn influences her team's morale and productivity.
Notable Quotes:
“I keep a gratitude journal every single night. I write down three things that I'm grateful for.” – Elizabeth Haberberger [23:18]
“I have an attitude of unwavering optimism.” – Elizabeth Haberberger [22:19]
Joe highlights the contagious nature of a leader’s optimism, reinforcing that a positive outlook can cultivate a thriving team culture.
Authentic Leadership and Personal Vulnerability
Elizabeth champions authentic leadership by openly sharing her experiences and vulnerabilities. She discusses the value of genuine connections and how transparency on social media has helped her build meaningful relationships both personally and professionally.
Notable Quote:
“Authentic leadership is about being human, making mistakes, and learning along the way.” – Elizabeth Haberberger [38:44]
She believes that authenticity not only aids in personal growth but also strengthens team trust and loyalty.
Personal Adversity and Growth
A poignant moment in the episode is Elizabeth’s account of losing her sister, Dolo, to a tragic accident. She describes how this profound loss shaped her resilience and leadership approach. By honoring her sister’s memory and integrating her values into her life and work, Elizabeth found strength and purpose during her grieving process.
Notable Quotes:
“I lost my 23-year-old firefighter sister, which was a huge gut punch.” – Elizabeth Haberberger [27:25]
“What's my choice? I quit and give up or I just do it sad and move forward.” – Elizabeth Haberberger [31:29]
Joe commends her for her intentional decision to move forward, illustrating the power of choice in overcoming adversity.
Legacy and Inspirational Lessons
Elizabeth reflects on her familial connection to Abraham Lincoln and how his forward-thinking vision inspires her leadership style. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on others, embodying Dale Carnegie principles, and continuously striving to empower those around her.
Notable Quotes:
“When I think of myself less and think of other people more, I become more successful.” – Elizabeth Haberberger [43:14]
“Take a chance. All of life is a chance. The person who goes the farthest is usually the one who's willing to do and dare.” – Elizabeth Haberberger [45:27]
She champions the idea that leadership is not about personal accolades but about fostering growth and success in others.
Conclusion
In this episode of Take Command, Elizabeth Haberberger exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, positivity, and performance. Her journey underscores the transformative power of embracing fear, cultivating a positive and authentic culture, maintaining physical and mental resilience, and leveraging personal experiences to inspire and empower others. Elizabeth's insights offer valuable lessons for leaders at all levels, emphasizing that true leadership is about making a meaningful impact on the lives of those you lead.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Fear: Use fear as a catalyst for action and growth.
- Positive Culture: Foster a supportive and appreciative team environment.
- Physical and Mental Discipline: Maintain resilience through physical health and personal discipline.
- Authenticity: Lead with genuine connections and transparency.
- Resilience through Adversity: Transform personal loss into strength and purpose.
- Focus on Others: Prioritize the success and growth of those you lead over personal achievements.
Elizabeth’s Final Advice:
“People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they're doing. Take a chance. All of life is a chance.”
For More Insights and Tools: Visit www.dalecarnegie.com to explore resources that support your leadership journey and help you take command of your potential.