55. Will’s “Me to We” Transition As A Business Leader

In this episode of "The Art of We," Dr. Will Van Derveer and Krista Van Derveer delve into the fascinating journey of transitioning from a "me-first" mindset to a "we-focused" perspective in both personal and professional leadership. Dr. Will shares his evolution from a solo psychiatrist to a leader in a large organization, highlighting the challenges and insights gained along the way.

Episode Highlights:

Introduction (0:00 - 0:57)

• Interviewing Dr. Will and the episode's focus on his journey from a solo practitioner to a leader in a large organization.

Evolution from Solo Practitioner (0:57 - 6:27)

• Dr. Will's background as a solo psychiatrist and the initial one-man show in his private practice.
• The significance of the success being primarily about him, his reputation, and word-of-mouth referrals.
• The gradual shift towards hiring staff members but still maintaining an "all about me" mindset.

Leadership Development (6:27 - 13:25)

• Krista reflects on the transformation from "me" to "we" perspective and the importance of thinking about what's best for the company.
• The challenges of transitioning and the need for collaboration and vulnerability.
• The journey of learning to rely on others and the shift from "I can do it better" to "we can do more."

The Importance of Collaboration (13:25 - 19:19)

• Dr. Will's struggle with social anxiety and delegating tasks, and the fear of relinquishing control.
• The significance of transforming into a leader who trusts others' abilities and harnesses collective intelligence.
• The analogy of a silverback gorilla as an example of leading from a "we" perspective for the greater good.

Leadership and Growth (19:19 - 22:11)

• Emphasizing the importance of mentoring and coaching others and sharing credit and responsibility.
• The benefits of creating a culture of collaboration and collective intelligence within an organization.
• The evolution of leadership from "I can do it better" to "we can do more."

Challenges and Vulnerability (22:11 - 25:01)

• Dr. Will's fear of becoming irrelevant in the shift towards a "we" perspective.
• The relief and challenges of sharing success, responsibility, and blame with others.
• The importance of facing psychological limitations and embracing growth.

Support and Personal Growth (25:01 - 26:34)

• The role of psychotherapy and support systems in personal and professional development.
• Acknowledging the importance of seeking psychological support when needed.

Conclusion (26:34)

• Encouraging listeners to explore the benefits of adopting a "we" perspective in various aspects of their lives.
• The realization that a "we" perspective is essential for a bigger impact and requires personal growth and support.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on the journey from a "me" to a "we" mindset in leadership and discover the transformative power of collaboration and collective success in personal and professional growth.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform. 

Resources Mentioned: 

• The Art Of We - Our Top 10 Relationship Agreements 

Get in Touch: 

• The Art Of We Website
• The Art of We Instagram 
• Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Integrative Mental Wellness & Psychedelic Therapy Training

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