INT 188 - Lessons From Hearing Loss and Their Impact On My Leadership Style

IntHERrupt

Can a disability impact your leadership abilities negatively or positively? Find out in this episode of the Int-HER-rupt podcast.

Host Linda Yates chats with guest Monica Dreger, a distinguished guest with a rich background in overseeing research initiatives at companies like Airbnb and as a volunteer advisor for the Bereavement Center. Monica delves into topics surrounding human decision-making, her career evolution, and hearing loss's impact on her personal and professional life.

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Professional Journey in UX Research

• Monica Dreger shares her role in user experience (UX) research, explaining her goal to understand human decision-making.

• Her background in advertising and psychology has been instrumental in creating successful ad campaigns by tapping into fundamental human truths.

• This interdisciplinary expertise has provided a robust framework for her subsequent industry roles.

Navigating Hearing Loss

• Monica shares her journey with hearing loss that started when she was a young child.

• She recounts how it affected her ability to moderate focus groups, leading her to seek professional help and eventually pivot her career.

• Monica's experience underscores the importance of awareness and advocacy in managing hearing impairment.

• Despite the hurdles, she views her hearing loss as a part of her identity and a source of resilience.

Importance of Kindness and Empathy

• A crucial part of Monica’s philosophy is responding to incorrect answers with kindness and empathy.

• She emphasizes these values as essential for effective communication and fostering a supportive environment, particularly when dealing with communication challenges arising from her hearing impairment.

Advocacy and Self-Advocacy in Business

• Monica's discussion on self-advocacy sheds light on the difficulties soft-spoken individuals face in the business industry, often rewarding louder voices.

• She articulates how overcoming societal expectations and advocating for oneself is essential, especially for female empowerment.

• Monica frames her advocacy for herself as a way to pave the path for the younger generation, particularly young women, in the corporate world.

Leadership and Community Building

• In her leadership style, Monica leads with genuine curiosity and prioritizes building a strong community among her team members.

• She believes in surrounding herself with skilled and collaborative individuals, which she considers a crucial leadership lesson.

Communication Challenges and Personal Strength

• Monica reflects on her communication challenges, often having to piece together sentences due to mishearing words.

• This experience has reinforced the importance of empathy in communication and recognizing the personal strength required to navigate such challenges daily.

To understand decision-making, I have to listen to people, which is ironic in itself but kind of, you know, in a beautiful bow of irony. - Monica Dreger.

Resources

Monica Dreger on LinkedIn

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know.

This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals.

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Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.