When I look back at the conversations we’ve had on Epochal Growth, one thing stands out: core values have been the silent thread running through every episode. Even when we weren’t explicitly talking about “core values,” the way these leaders approached their work, their teams, and their personal growth was deeply rooted in their values.

It wasn’t something I realized immediately, but as I reflect on the insights shared by guests like Kel Kurekgi, Lauren Eimers, Ricardo Araújo, and many others, it’s clear that these leaders have all been living and leading through their core values. They’ve demonstrated how clarity in values drives not only personal growth but also team success and long-term business impact.

In this post, I’m diving into the ways these leaders have embodied their values, and how it has shaped their leadership journeys.

1. Leadership Rooted in Empathy: Ricardo Araújo

When Ricardo Araújo spoke about leadership, one theme came up again and again: empathy. For Ricardo, empathy isn’t just a nice-to-have quality—it’s central to how he leads his teams and fosters relationships with his customers.

Ricardo shared how building trust, showing vulnerability, and truly listening to the needs of his team allowed him to create a supportive environment where people felt seen and heard. His leadership was always about more than just driving results—it was about making sure everyone felt valued.

Ricardo’s approach illustrates how core values like empathy and trust form the foundation of strong leadership. It’s through this lens that he builds meaningful connections, both with his team and his clients, ensuring that everyone feels supported and empowered.

2. Adaptability and Resilience: Kel Kurekgi

In my conversation with Kel Kurekgi, we explored how his core values of adaptability and resilience have shaped his career. As someone who transitioned from one industry to another, Kel’s journey wasn’t linear, but what kept him moving forward was his ability to embrace change while staying true to the values that guided him.

Kel spoke about the importance of adaptability in leadership, particularly in the fast-paced tech world. But what really stood out to me was how he connected that adaptability to his ability to lead with empathy and give his team the support they needed in times of uncertainty.

Kel’s resilience, coupled with his openness to change, is a testament to how core values can anchor you in times of rapid transition. Whether leading a team through new challenges or navigating personal career shifts, Kel’s values helped him stay focused and confident.

3. Integrity and Trust: Lauren Eimers

Lauren Eimers came on the podcast to talk about customer support and leadership, but what struck me most was her unwavering commitment to integrity. Lauren believes that trust is built through consistency and transparency—whether that’s with her team or her customers.

Her leadership style is deeply rooted in integrity and honesty, and she’s never been afraid to confront difficult situations head-on. For Lauren, maintaining trust means being open about what’s working and what isn’t, and making sure everyone on her team feels comfortable sharing feedback.

Lauren’s focus on integrity ensures that her leadership is always grounded in transparency and fairness. It’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about doing it in a way that aligns with her core values and sets a positive example for her team.

4. Empowerment and Growth: Sarah Hatter

Empowerment has been a recurring theme in my conversations with Sarah Hatter. For Sarah, leadership is about giving people the tools they need to succeed and then stepping back to let them take ownership of their work. It’s a value that’s not only shaped her own leadership style but has also helped her build teams that are proactive, engaged, and innovative.

Sarah’s commitment to empowerment is a powerful reminder that when you trust your team and give them the space to grow, you create an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. It’s a value that leads to long-term success, both for the team and the organization.

5. Balance and Reflection: Miranda Lee

Finally, Miranda Lee shared how important balance and self-reflection have been in her own journey. Miranda talked about how taking the time to pause and reflect on her values allowed her to lead with more confidence and clarity. By making space for self-reflection, she’s been able to better understand her strengths and how to use them to support her team.

Miranda’s commitment to finding balance and making time for self-reflection is a valuable reminder that core values don’t just guide how we lead—they also guide how we take care of ourselves in the process.

What We’ve Been Talking About All Along

What I’ve realized, looking back at these incredible conversations, is that core values have been the heartbeat of Epochal Growth from the very beginning. Whether it’s Ricardo’s focus on empathy, Kel’s adaptability, Lauren’s integrity, or Sarah’s commitment to empowerment, these leaders have shown us time and again that when you lead from your core values, you create a foundation for success.

It’s not about having the perfect strategy or the most polished plan—it’s about staying true to the values that define you and letting those values guide your decisions, actions, and relationships.

Key Takeaways:

1. Empathy Builds Trust – Leading with empathy fosters strong relationships with both your team and customers.

2. Adaptability is Essential – Embrace change and lean into uncertainty with resilience and openness.

3. Integrity Drives Results – Leading with integrity builds trust and creates a culture of transparency.

4. Empowerment Fuels Innovation – Empower your team to take ownership and push boundaries.

5. Balance and Self-Reflection – Take time to pause and reflect on your values to lead with more confidence and clarity.

Conclusion: As I reflect on the many conversations we’ve had on Epochal Growth, it’s clear that core values have always been at the heart of what we discuss. Whether it's building trust through empathy, navigating transitions with resilience, or leading with integrity, these values shape how we approach both leadership and life.