10.14.2014 Interview with Molly Harvey
How did you get the name the Corporate Soul Woman?
I was speaking in Minneapolis,USA at the 3M Headquarters and after one of the keynote speeches, a member of staff approached me and said I think they should call you the Corporate Soul Woman because you speak with heart and soul.
What is the message you hope people will take away from your presentation?
Delegates will take away very practical tips, ideas and strategies that can be implemented into the business straight away. I am known for my no nonsense, straight talking approach.
Do you have a favourite experience from your speaking career?
One of my favourite speaking experiences was without doubt when I addressed a group of Young World Leaders at the United Nations in New York. My speaking topic was called, how to lead with soul in the 21st Century.
How do you prepare for speaking engagements?
I spend a lot of time before the speaking engagement, collaborating and engaging with the client, getting to know their culture and needs, so as when I work with them, the synergy of any keynote or master class fits exactly with the clients theme and culture.
How have your life experiences shaped the messages you deliver in your presentations?
I passionately believe I was being prepared as early as six and seven years of age to do what I do today. I grew up in Southern Ireland and even at six years old I felt something deep inside was calling me to speak. My life experience of working across such diverse cultures from Corporate to Humanitarian has helped to shape my current ideas of where the world is currently at with leadership and culture change. Diversity and Tenacity has been two of the key ingredients that have shaped me.
What are some of the necessary elements for successful leadership?
- Leadership to me is all about presence, impact and results. Leadership is about how you show up every moment of the day.
- Leaders of the future need to develop their inner as well as their outer capacity to deal with these complex times.
- The key to leadership is connecting to and with the people you lead.
- Outstanding leaders take focused action each day towards the long term vision.
How are your keynote presentations unique?
Companies have said I have a unique ability to simplify information that at first can seem complicated. I use a questioning approach which is very unique during keynotes and master classes. Sir Eric Peacock has described my skill as ‘rare, challenging and insightful enabling leaders, CEO’s and delegates to have light bulb moments that create lasting change’.
When is cultural change necessary?
Cultural change is necessary because it has a significant impact on performance. The first step to culture change is understanding what the leaders in the organisation want. Changing the organisational culture requires time, commitment, planning and proper execution and it can be done. As Lou Gerstner once said “Culture is not just one aspect of the game, it is the game”.