Name: Matthew Warzel

Title: President

Organisation: MJW Careers LLC

Matthew Warzel, CPRW is a certified resume writing expert and career coach with over 20 years in Human Resources and career advancement techniques. He manages MJW Careers and provides assistance to companies in transition from downsizes to buyouts as well as individual job seekers needing to advance their careers. He has a long history working in HR and human services, and on recruitment/staffing teams across a variety of industries. He helps clients build their career paths or navigate their career journeys, and fashions LinkedIn profiles and resumes allowing employers to review the applicant's assets while highlighting his or her accomplishments, showcasing impacts on the employer's bottom lines using quantitative verbiage, and maintaining brevity. He has over 870 LinkedIn recommendations, over 25,000 LinkedIn followers, over 100 Google recommendations, over 100 Facebook recommendations, and has been writing resumes and career coaching for 20 years.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

We’ve gone through the interviews and asked the best of the best to come back and answer 7 MORE Questions on Leadership.

I hope Matthew's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. As a leader, how do you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders?

As a leader, I build trust by consistently demonstrating integrity through transparent communication and follow-through on commitments. I prioritize active listening and empathy to understand and address the needs of employees, customers, and stakeholders. By fostering an environment of collaboration and accountability, I ensure that trust is cultivated and sustained over time.

2. What do 'VISION' and 'MISSION' mean to you? And what does it actually look like to use them in real-world business?

To me, "VISION" is the aspirational future we aim to create, while "MISSION" is the actionable purpose driving us toward that goal. In real-world business, vision inspires long-term strategy, while mission shapes daily operations and decision-making. Together, they act as a compass, aligning teams and ensuring every effort contributes to meaningful progress.

3. How can a leader empower the people they're leading?

A leader empowers others by fostering autonomy, providing the resources and support needed for success, and recognizing their contributions. Clear communication of goals and expectations ensures alignment, while offering trust and encouragement builds confidence. Empowerment thrives in a culture where growth, collaboration, and accountability are prioritized.

4. Who are some of the coaches or mentors in your life who have had a positive influence on your leadership? Can you please tell a meaningful story about one of them?

One of the most influential mentors in my leadership journey has been Steve Jobs. While I never met him personally, his story of relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation profoundly shaped my perspective on leadership. A meaningful moment from his life that inspires me is the time he was fired from Apple, the very company he founded, only to return years later with a renewed vision that revolutionized the industry with products like the iMac, iPod, and iPhone. This story taught me resilience, the importance of learning from setbacks, and the value of staying true to your creative instincts. Jobs' ability to lead through vision and inspire teams to build what they never imagined possible remains a guiding principle in how I approach leadership today.

5. Leadership is often more about what you DON'T do. How do you maintain focus in your role?

I maintain focus by saying no to distractions, delegating effectively, and avoiding micromanagement to empower my team. I prioritize tasks aligned with strategic goals and let go of activities that don’t add value. This clarity allows me to channel energy into meaningful decisions and long-term vision.

6. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone plans differently. How do you plan for the week, month and years ahead in your role?

I plan my week by setting clear priorities, breaking down larger goals into actionable tasks, and scheduling focused time for key activities. For the month, I align team objectives with broader milestones and adjust strategies based on progress and feedback. Looking years ahead, I establish a vision with flexible yet ambitious goals, ensuring adaptability to navigate changes while staying true to core values.

7. What advice would you give to a young leader who is struggling to delegate effectively?

Start by identifying tasks that align with your team members’ strengths and clearly communicating expectations. Trust your team to take ownership, resist the urge to micromanage, and provide guidance only when needed. Remember, effective delegation empowers others to grow while freeing you to focus on strategic leadership.