Building a Culture of Respect: Strategies for Leaders

The Executive Connect Podcast

Building a Culture of Respect: Strategies for Leaders

Welcome to the Executive Connect Podcast, where modern leaders find inspiration and guidance. In today's episode, host Melissa Aarskaug welcomes her friend Nicole Pletka, a trailblazer in technology and community activism. Nicole shares insights from her roles at Zeitcode and her work with Austin Women in Technology, highlighting the importance of respect in the workplace. Join us for a candid conversation on fostering respect, addressing challenges, and empowering others to thrive.

Topics include:

00:00 – Introductions and overview

05:00 - Understanding Individual Communication Preferences - Effective communication is crucial in any workplace environment. Understanding individual communication preferences ensures that messages are conveyed clearly and respectfully, fostering better relationships and collaboration.

09:26 - Addressing Disrespectful Behavior Promptly - Allowing disrespectful behavior to persist can negatively impact team morale and productivity. Addressing it promptly sends a message that such behavior is not tolerated, setting clear expectations for respectful conduct.

15:14 - Advocating for Change and Leading by Example - Leaders play a crucial role in shaping workplace culture. By advocating for respect and leading by example, they inspire others to follow suit, creating a positive and supportive work environment.

26:13 - Fostering Open Communication within Teams - Open communication encourages transparency, trust, and collaboration within teams. It allows individuals to express concerns, provide feedback, and address issues effectively, leading to improved team dynamics and performance.

31:40 - Prioritizing Self-Respect and Self-Care - Self-respect is the foundation for advocating for respect in all aspects of life. Prioritizing self-care and positive self-talk enables individuals to set boundaries, maintain confidence, and navigate challenging situations with resilience.

As we come to the end of another insightful episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, we want to give a big thanks to Nicole Pletka for sharing her valuable insights with us today. Her down-to-earth approach to fostering respect in the workplace reminds us that simple acts of kindness and understanding can go a long way. Remember, respect starts with each one of us. So, let's continue to uplift and support one another on our journey towards success. Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, keep connecting and growing!

Guest Bio:

Starting her career in anthropology and environmental science, Nicole Pletka found her passion for tech by using GIS to answer archaeological hypotheses in her Master’s research.

Nicole currently serves as the Director of Operations and Project Management at Zeitcode, an Austin, Texas based software development firm focused on creating custom applications for a variety of clients. In this role, she not only creates the project delivery process for Zeitcode, but she also provides consultation and software solutions in support of a few large, corporate Project Management Offices.

Among several professional affiliations, Nicole is the Programs Director and President elect for Austin Women in Technology where she organizes monthly networking events. She has also volunteered her time at several professional conferences by moderating expert panels on topics including diversification of employment practices, corporate culture, data privacy, and Web3.

Nicole believes in strengths-based leadership, and she is intrigued with the unique qualities of each person. Outside of work, Nicole finds joy playing with her dog, dancing, spending time with her family, and supporting her close friends.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-m-pletka/

https://awtaustin.org/

About Melissa Aarskaug:

I’m an energetic executive with 15+ years of experience steering companies to new heights of growth and scale. An engineer at heart (I started my career as an engineering manager on one of the world’s largest concrete bridges), I’ve become a trusted leader and business builder in the technology and cybersecurity space.

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/

Podcast LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/

Website - https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com/