Ever found yourself wondering if leaders should stick to the norm or do what's best for their own company? It's like wading through a jungle of "best practices" for leadership – a real head-scratcher.

Especially when we're all bombarded with advice on how to be a top-notch leader, figuring out what clicks with you can be a real puzzle. And, let's be real, in times like the crazy rollercoaster of the pandemic, it's not about doing what everyone else says; it's about doing what actually works for your unique business (and the people who make it up). Kelley Stacy, President and CEO of SMC Corporation of America, embodies this mindset completely. 

She joins host Joe Mills on this episode of the 1,000 Stories podcast to talk about the unrelenting work ethic behind her 29-year career. Listen to learn why a deep understanding of your business and holding strong to your beliefs is critical for your growth.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Filtering information is critical to choosing what’s best for your business.

2. If you aren’t willing to put in the hours you’re delegating to others, don’t be a manager.

3. You’re only as good at the people you manage.

Jump into the Conversation:

[04:34] Coming to Understand the Purpose of a CEO 

[06:14] Making Unpopular Decisions 

[08:22] Navigating Cultural Differences 

[11:30] Managing When the Role Feels Like an Error

[12:40] Balancing Determination to Learn and Leave 

[14:44] Proving the Grass Isn’t Always Greener

[15:40] The Difference Between Culture and People

[17:03] Kelley’s Growth in the Company

[18:30] Working in an International, Male-Dominated Space

[20:25] Understanding Acquisition with Adam Ringo

[20:55] Growing Organically

[21:42] Balancing a Hectic Schedule

[23:03] Learning to Delegate

[24:42] Ad Break

[25:48] Treating People Fairly

[26:42] Strict Streamlining

[28:50] Filtering Out the Noise

[31:52] Managing Your Inputs

[32:26] What People Miss When Working Remotely

[35:02] Post-show Debriefing 

To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories

Resources:

Follow Kelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kstacy/

Listen to 1,000 Stories with Adam Ringo: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_60aIbTxsM