Leadership – What Problem Are You Solving? | Yemi Akande-Bartsch, Ph.D. | TEDxStLouis

Leadership & Relationship Building - The core message emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships over superficial connections in leadership and life [16][17] - Building trust and nurturing relationships are presented as essential for effective collaboration and creating positive change [17] - The speaker advocates for a leadership style that prioritizes understanding individuals' challenges and fostering bridge-building conversations [23] - The TED talk promotes the idea that everyone has the potential to be a leader, regardless of their title [25] - The speaker challenges the audience to "go first" in acts of kindness and thoughtful gestures to strengthen relationships [25][26] Personal Journey & Values - The speaker's early experiences as a six-year-old in Nigeria shaped her ability to connect with people and build relationships in unfamiliar environments [6][7][8] - The speaker's parents' emphasis on relationships led to her studying at a small liberal arts college in Bolivar, Missouri, which influenced her understanding of American values [11][12][13] - The speaker highlights the importance of asking courageous and difficult questions, as well as creating inclusive spaces for diverse voices [28][29] Community Impact - The speaker's leadership development organization has graduated over 11,000 senior and emerging leaders, equipping them with skills and networks to make a positive impact [3] - The speaker emphasizes the need for relationship-based leadership innovation in a polarized world [19]