Published Sep 8, 2024

First Time Founders with Ed Elson – This Mother-Daughter Duo Started a Leadership Coaching Platform

Explore the inspiring journey of mother-daughter team Edith Cooper and Jordan Taylor, founders of the leadership coaching platform Medley, as they reveal the complexities of balancing family dynamics with professional ambitions, while underscoring the importance of adaptability and soft skills in developing effective leaders.
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Episode Highlights

  • Soft Skills

    Soft skills are increasingly recognized as essential in leadership roles. and discuss how these skills, once undervalued, are now crucial for authentic leadership and effective team management. emphasizes the importance of being intentional in learning to listen and respond, especially in a rapidly changing world 1. explains Medley's approach to group coaching, which integrates personal and professional development, allowing leaders to practice these skills in a supportive environment 2.

    People are showing up at work today as humans. They are not as excited about leaving who they are behind.

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    This shift in focus from technical expertise to interpersonal skills is reshaping organizational cultures.

       

    Experience

    Leadership development is an ongoing journey, often without a clear playbook. and share their experiences of navigating the unknown while building Medley, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adaptability 3. notes that organizations must foster a culture that encourages connection and intellectual versatility to remain relevant 4. adds that embracing unpredictability has strengthened her confidence in handling unexpected situations, a skill she believes will aid her in both business and personal life 5.

    There's no playbook for someone like myself, who worked in large institutions previously for 35 years, to roll up into an organization where it's Jordan and myself sitting in a two seater.

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    This mindset of learning from every experience is crucial for effective leadership.

       

    Listening Skills

    Listening is a fundamental yet challenging skill in leadership. describes how Medley's group sessions create a low-risk environment for leaders to practice active listening and other interpersonal skills 6. She highlights the role of technology in making these skills more tangible and measurable for individuals and organizations. This approach not only enhances personal growth but also contributes to a more inclusive and effective leadership style.

    Listening can be a skill you can practice. A group is an incredibly powerful space to practice that.

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    By focusing on measurable outcomes, Medley aims to transform how leaders engage with their teams.

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