295 | Self-Leadership: The Foundational Skill Every Leader Needs to Build a Thriving Culture

In this episode of the Lead Culture Podcast, Jenni Catron kicks off our Summer of Leadership series by spotlighting the most overlooked but foundational leadership skill: self-leadership. As leaders rise through the ranks, many realize they were trained to be led—but not necessarily to lead themselves. Jenni unpacks the personal and organizational impact of this shift, emphasizing how self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and disciplined routines form the bedrock of effective leadership.

Through honest insights and practical strategies, Jenni challenges leaders to own their growth, model a growth mindset, and align daily behaviors with core values. You'll learn why organizational culture is shaped by how leaders show up every day—and how leading yourself well is the first step to leading others with clarity, confidence, and consistency.

Whether you're stepping into a new role or seeking to deepen your leadership influence, this episode will inspire you to take meaningful ownership of your development—and remind you that growth is contagious.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-leadership is the foundation of effective leadership.
• Leaders must shift from being led to leading themselves.
• Daily leader behaviors shape organizational culture.
• Growth mindset and ongoing learning are non-negotiable.
• Taking ownership of your development drives team success.
• Strong self-leadership boosts morale and retention.
• Growth is contagious—lead yourself to lead your team.

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