Connecting with Stacy London

How have relationships influenced your professional development and leadership style?

To be completely honest, I’m not sure how to answer this question. Without relationships that I’ve worked hard to form and maintain, I wouldn’t really have developed professionally at all! In terms of leadership skills, I’m always learning. I know to surround myself with people who are smarter than me. I know that professional relationships always require care in the form of kindness, insight into each person’s character and strengths, and forthrightness.

Do you have any tips for maintaining and building strong relationships?

Always be on the same page about boundaries and the hierarchy of positions in any company. Who is responsible for what and who is accountable to whom are essential basics. I know that may sound obvious but it sometimes isn’t, especially in start ups where it’s all hands on deck. Clarity in communication is a necessary trait for good leadership.

How have you intentionally built inclusiveness into your circles?

I have never found it hard to create inclusiveness. The more kinds of people you have at your table, the better the meal will be. Alternating perspectives are downright divisive in politics these days but in business, it can make a company that much better to see different points of view.

What community or communities are you proud to be a part of?

Gosh! So many! The L.ist, Media Hacks, Let’s Talk Menopause, just to name a few.

Who’s a Connector that's made a difference in your life? 

There are so many people here too but Tracy Chadwell and Katie Loeb are two people I am eternally grateful to have in my corner. 

Susan McPherson is a serial connector, seasoned communicator and founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a communications consultancy focused on the intersection of brands and social impact. She is the author of The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Relationships.

Follow Susan on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram and order her new book, The Lost Art of Connecting, also available on Kindle and Audiobook.