Ep. 22: Empathetic Leadership, Entrepreneurial Insights, and Reimagining the Legal Profession with Ben Grimes
It may be safe to say that a lot of Gen X’ers were raised with models of leadership that centered around competitive, dictatorial, heavy-handed methods. And often, many of us find it hard to believe in our own leadership abilities, assuming that “leaders are born.”
But what if the most powerful leadership actually focuses more on empathy, connection, and curiosity?
What if every single one of us could realize that leadership is a skill that can be cultivated–both in and out of our career lives?
This week’s guest, Ben Grimes, is the brilliant mind behind BKG Leadership Coaching. In this empowering conversation, we learn about Ben's extraordinary journey through a challenging childhood to becoming a lauded military leader and DOJ attorney, before transitioning into an executive leadership coach working with new law firm partners. Listen to Ben’s candid insights on cultivating genuine leadership through empathy, trust, and curiosity, while shunning the often cutthroat law firm mentality.
Ben offers practical strategies for navigating career shifts, addressing imposter syndrome, and aligning personal values with professional goals.
Key takeaways include:
(12:09) Growing up poor and developing resilience
(22:05) The Desire to Prove People Wrong: Ben's Path to West Point
(31:40) Navigating Shame and Imposter Syndrome
(01:02:52) Career in the Army and DOJ
(01:04:41) Leadership Lessons from the Army
(01:10:45) 4 Questions Leaders Should Ask
(01:35:51) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
A West Point graduate and former helicopter pilot, Ben Grimes understands leadership in dynamic environments. Now a professionalism, ethics, and leadership expert, Ben helps lawyers tackle the transition to partnership and other positions of new responsibility through his coaching practice, BKG Leadership Coaching. His unique background, including retiring from the U.S. Army after 20 years as a decorated military attorney and now lecturing part time at Columbia Law School, equips him to offer unparalleled support to legal professionals at every stage of their career.
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