Dr. Desiree Williams | Episode #488

The Team Engagement Podcast, Season 6, Episode 488: Growth Requires Room to Be Unfinished

In this episode, Shawn Richards welcomes Dr. Desiree Williams, leadership expert, author, speaker, and healthcare professional, for a conversation about psychological safety, continuous learning, emotional wellness, and creating workplaces where both people and performance can thrive.

Desiree explains that psychological safety is not simply about telling employees that your door is always open. The real test comes after someone walks through that door. How leaders respond when people disagree, admit mistakes, ask difficult questions, or bring bad news determines whether employees will feel safe speaking up again.

Instead of becoming defensive or dismissive, Desiree encourages leaders to respond with curiosity, listen before defending themselves, and thank people for bringing concerns forward. Psychological safety is ultimately shaped by how employees consistently experience leadership.

Shawn and Desiree also discuss the impact of belief. Desiree shares the story of a mentor who saw leadership potential in her before she fully recognized it herself. That experience taught her that sometimes people need to borrow someone else's belief until they develop enough confidence to believe in themselves. For leaders, this means recognizing potential, providing opportunities, and empowering people to do the same for others.

When it comes to growth mindset, Desiree reminds leaders that they do not need to have every answer. Saying, "I haven't learned how to do this yet," creates room for learning and development. Leaders who openly continue their own education also demonstrate to their teams that growth never stops.

Her message is simple but powerful: growth requires room to be unfinished.

The conversation also explores the emotional weight of leadership. Desiree emphasizes self-awareness, recognizing when frustration or depletion is beginning to build, establishing healthy boundaries, asking for support when necessary, and creating space outside of work to reset.

She reminds leaders that they set the emotional temperature of the room, which means they must pay attention to their own internal temperature first.

Desiree closes with a memorable experience at a Chicago White Sox game in 2021, where she was recognized on the field for her work during COVID. Running onto the field while her name appeared on the Jumbotron became a meaningful moment of celebration after an incredibly challenging period.

⭐ About Dr. Desiree Williams

Dr. Desiree Williams is a leadership expert, author, speaker, and healthcare professional who helps leaders turn leadership principles into practical everyday behaviors.

Her work focuses on the intersection of people, culture, and strategy, helping leaders strengthen trust, improve workplace culture, and create environments where people and performance can thrive.

Through her Leadership Impact Circle and practical leadership resources, Desiree is especially passionate about helping emerging leaders build the skills and confidence they need to positively influence their teams.

Connect with Dr. Desiree Williams

Website:
http://drdesireespeaks.com