In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Mark A. Mears, Chief Growth Officer for LEAF Growth Ventures – a consulting firm inspiring individuals, teams, and organisations to find purpose in fulfilling their true growth potential while making a positive, lasting difference in the world. Mark is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, consultant, and visionary business leader.
Mark tells the story of how he turned around the fortunes of half-a-billion-dollar casual dining restaurant chain, making it successful and leading it through an acquisition, only to be immediately let go. Shortly after this setback he spotted a leaf on a previously barren fig tree; a symbol of his rebirth. He also noticed that LEAF could be an acronym for his strategy in business: Leadership, Engagement and Accountability. But Mark admits in his previous role he was missing the ‘F’: Fulfilment. From there, Mark has been on a journey to help organisations create a fulfilling culture for their teams.
How do we foster a sense of belonging and love within a team? Mark emphasises the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion but he says, these are not enough. Safety, trust and acceptance are crucial for individuals to perform at their best. Mark teaches us how to create a trustful and unified community by being vulnerable and displaying love. Mark also reveals how having a shared sense of purpose can create a strong and productive team.
Mark also stresses the importance of language when it comes to building inclusive teams. Imagine how empowered you would feel being a ‘team member’ as opposed to an ‘employee’ or a ‘worker’. Wouldn’t you rather have a ‘leader’ than a ‘boss’?
In this episode, Mark mentions the free self-assessment that you can take online to help understand you can enhance your personal and professional growth as an individual and as a part of a team or organisation. You can take the self-assessment here.
Mark has just released his new book – The Purposeful Growth Revolution: 4 Ways to Grow from Leader to Legacy Builder.
