Empathetic Leadership in Action: Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. David Bassett on Sustainable Organizational Change

How does open communication contribute to sustainable change? How can leaders balance the demands of immediate objectives with long-term vision? What strategies can be employed to build consensus in diverse teams? In this episode, Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General David Bassett sits down with Sonja and Jamie to share insights on empathetic leadership drawn from his 35-year military career and transition to private sector consulting. He emphasizes leadership as a marathon, advocating for fluid communication and consensus-building to achieve sustainable change through time and geographies. There is nuanced overlap in motivating teams across both mission-driven and commercial organizations, highlighting human connection as a core strength in building resilience. And as former director of the Defense Contract Management Agency overseeing billions of dollars in military contracts, Lt. Gen. Bassett addresses misconceptions about government inefficiency, emphasizing the importance of valuing people over technology. Together they cover strategies for maintaining organizational identity and unity, and discuss why prioritizing people is essential amidst transformational change.

What is Are We There Yet??

Are We There Yet? is about recognizing, defining, and building pathways toward a more sustainable working future. How can we collaborate with others in a way that brings authenticity and durability to our projects and relationships? What tools can we leverage to communicate productively towards a shared goal? What can leaders do to shape where we’re going, and how to get there? Hosts Sonja Ernst and Jamie Hardy are two humans on a quest to understand just where we’re headed, in monthly conversations with pioneers, professors, artists, and experts in the fields of science, technology, placemaking, coalition building, AI, and so much more. Whether you're a business leader, a technology enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of how we do things, this podcast is for you.