Welcome back to Season 8 of Hidden Human! Get ready for an electrifying episode of Hidden Human as we welcome the phenomenal Lauren J. Footman! In this week’s installment, we’ll talk about cultivating sustainable change. We’ll also uncover the invaluable lessons learned from her tenure as a county DEIA officer, insights on navigating the EOC, and celebrate Lauren recently being named a ‘Top Ten Under 40’ by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Don’t miss this dynamic conversation!
Hosted by Kelly Meerbott, PCC of You Loud & Clear, Executive Leadership Coach, TEDx Speaker, and author. Check out her latest book, Meerbott’s Fables today!
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TRANSCRIPT
Kelly Meerbott: Welcome to the space where we reveal our personal humanity to reconnect with our shared humanity. I am so excited and enthusiastic about this conversation with Lauren Footman, Principal Consultant of Lauren Footman, LLC. That really doesn’t capture who she is. This woman is expansive, and I am just grateful to be witnessing her journey. Lauren, welcome.
Lauren Footman: Thank you, Kelly, for this opportunity. I’m really excited to delve into this conversation today.
Kelly Meerbott: So why don’t we start with setting up? If I were a six-year-old child, Lauren, and you were going to explain to me in a way I could understand what it is that you do?
Lauren Footman: Absolutely. I would say that I help equip, which is a fancy word to say, give the tools to individuals and companies to reach their goals. Some of those goals could be thinking about how they show up to help their teams drive outcomes or accomplish the goals they want to achieve. So, really providing people the space, grace, and tools to help them build and expand their toolbox to become the best version of themselves.
Kelly Meerbott: Oh, my gosh, that’s a great way to explain it. What was it in your soul that drew you to this kind of work? Because you and I both know, being in this field isn’t easy. Why would you want to do that?
Lauren Footman: Absolutely. I sometimes think about what are the things that I needed or sometimes still need to succeed, especially in this ever-changing landscape. Whether it’s how we work, how we experience the environment, especially coming out of the pandemic and the social justice uprisings. One of the things that has remained consistent for me is, how can I help others? That cliché comment, like, what are you doing for others? How are you leaving the world a better place than you found it? From my own experiences and exposure, recognizing what skill sets or experiences I have, I felt this is how I can make a meaningful impact in a way that is helpful for individuals, helpful at a larger societal level, and allows me to show up authentically as my best self.
Kelly Meerbott: That’s awesome. I’m wondering if there was a pivotal moment in your career that significantly shaped your leadership style?
Lauren Footman: Absolutely. I would say there have been two moments post-pandemic that have really informed how I want to show up and continue to develop as a leader. One was when I worked in the nonprofit space and had a leader who really focused on putting the staff first. During the pandemic, he told us to prioritize ourselves. I found it was real because he truly cared about our well-being. He valued the different perspectives I brought to the table. Seeing that helped me realize it’s not just what you say, but how you deliver on the commitments in your mission, vision, and values.
The second experience was with an organization that said all the right things but didn’t follow through. It impacted me physically and mentally. I took the good and the not-so-good experiences to shape how I want to lead, ensuring I don’t have that negative impact on people around me. Also, thinking about infrastructure to have safety nets in place for when bad actors facilitate harm.
Kelly Meerbott: How would you describe your leadership philosophy? How have all these experiences helped it evolve over time?
Lauren Footman: One quote that sticks with me is, “For whom much is given, much is required.” I think about how I can pay forward the support I’ve received. I connect with women professionals of color who may be navigating similar circumstances, recognizing my own privilege. I push conversations forward in spaces where I have influence. I focus on showing up for others without compromising myself, ensuring my cup is full, and being comfortable setting boundaries.
Kelly Meerbott: I love that you brought up privilege. Right after George Floyd’s murder in 2020, many people I coached, mostly white straight men, struggled with understanding privilege. How does privilege show up for you?
Lauren Footman: Privilege is having the ability to not be affected by something or having the resources to bounce back in ways that don’t completely disrupt your trajectory. An example from my last role as a diversity officer involved filing multiple complaints against my organization. I had the privilege to do so because I had the community, financial resources, and other opportunities lined up. Many people can’t take that risk due to fear of losing their job or facing severe consequences. Privilege allowed me to stand up against discrimination and still thrive.
Kelly Meerbott: That was a beautiful explanation. When I got laid off in 2009, I had the privilege of claiming unemployment and receiving a severance package, giving me six months to create my business. 15 years later, here we are. What advice would you give to someone just starting in a leadership role who isn’t a white cisgender male
Lauren Footman: Know your why. Understand why you’re doing what you’re doing and what your core values are. These will guide you when you face moral decisions. Keep balance in your life, maintain your mental, physical, and emotional health. Have mentors, coaches, and sponsors both inside and outside your organization. Give yourself grace; you won’t always get it right. Be agile and flexible, and always seek community for support. Stay grounded in your belief system and be willing to pivot when necessary.
Kelly Meerbott: That’s excellent advice. Staying connected with your body is crucial because burnout and stress can disconnect you. What books are on your nightstand
Lauren Footman: The 1619 Project, The Case for Cancel Culture, and The New Jim Crow.
Kelly Meerbott: What songs are on your playlist
Lauren Footman: I’ve been listening to Sade, smooth jazz, and gospel songs recently. It’s been a very zen place for me.
Kelly Meerbott: What’s your favorite comfort food?
Lauren Footman: Tacos. I love mahi-mahi tacos, carnitas, and adobo chicken.
Kelly Meerbott: What are you most grateful for in this moment?
Lauren Footman: I’m grateful for the lightness I feel. I wake up every day excited about what I’m doing. My goal is never to experience the Sunday night scaries again, and right now, I don’t have to.
Kelly Meerbott: I’ve loved having this conversation. Thank you to our audience for listening. It’s our intention on Hidden Human to inspire you to go out and have authentic conversations to deepen the connections in your life. Thank you so much and make it a great day.
