In this episode, the host interviews Monica Swanson, a seasoned IT leader with 30 years of global experience. They discuss the importance of keeping the purpose and vision of a business at the forefront for team members to foster flourishing and productivity. Monica shares her career journey, the impact of purpose on team motivation, and actionable strategies for maintaining this focus within teams. She also provides personal anecdotes, industry insights, and practical advice for tech leaders to improve team effectiveness and engagement. The discussion touches on the balance between technical excellence and fulfilling business objectives, highlighting the profound impact of purpose-driven work.

* Monica Swanson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicaroeswanson/

* "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins - https://www.amazon.com/Let-Them-Theory-Life-Changing-Millions/dp/B0DFMZMKFJ?tag=sommardahl-20

* "In On It" by Elisabeth O'Toole - https://www.amazon.com/Adoptive-Parents-Adoption-Relatives-Friends/dp/0982876505?tag=sommardahl-20

* "The Introvert's Edge" by Matthew Pollard - https://www.amazon.com/The-Introverts-Edge-audiobook/dp/B074XKXNQZ?tag=sommardahl-20

* Website: monroebusinesssolutions.com

* Email: monica@monroebusinesssolutions.com

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Business 00:31 Meet Monica Swanson 01:22 Monica's Professional Background 02:46 Personal Interests and Hobbies 06:32 Confession Time: Embracing Mistakes 09:21 Keeping Purpose Top of Mind 17:30 The Impact of Purpose on Teams 27:04 The Importance of Grounding Meetings in Purpose 27:26 Interactive Communication and the Power of Stories 29:35 Understanding Customer and Employee Experiences 31:18 Trust and Transparency in Leadership 35:08 The Pitfalls of Micromanagement 44:33 Aligning IT and Business Goals 46:30 Unexpected Career Paths Through Purpose-Driven Work 48:41 Practical Tips for Tech Leaders