Name: Jeannie M Kiess

Title: CEO

Organisation: Kasstle Consulting

Professional Digital and NFT artist. I Live in Georgia and specialize in one-of-a-kind artworks that are purchased online. voice.com/kasstle

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

The most challenging thing I have noticed in having the Leadership role is definitely finding your "People" or your TRIBE, i.e. the people who WANT to follow you. Especially in a small niche industry such as mine. You really have to have the ability and drive to put yourself out there and prove WHY people need to choose to follow you.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I find it odd, but I seem to have been BORN into the leadership role, it was one I had to take as a child coming from a broken family and a hard childhood, it has always been my natural inclination to take charge and direct the family, as well as throughout my life, I tend to be automatically cast into leadership roles and taskmaster roles by my peers and family.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I find it difficult at times to incorporate a certain structure, as I have Ehlors Danlos Syndrome, I have to first listen to my body, then I base how my day will go on that. I get up and do the usual hygienic dance, then I will spend 20 minutes in communication with MY Higher power, it motivates me and gives me my direction reason and drives to keep going every day.

Then I sit down at my PC and close my eyes and imagine what I want to create for this world creatively of course...I dive right into an art piece. I knock that out and then I do my posting on the social sights, I get feedback and then I respond to my followers and fans to keep the dialog open and communication going.

It is a sense of community that lends the most to being a successful leader. It is how you interact with them. I then have my nightly meal, and sit down in a quiet place and reflect on the events of the day. This is so important. Then once I am in a relaxed mood I give thanks to my higher power for getting me through my day and I am able to sleep.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Be open to seeing things from alternate perspectives, because we can't lead unless we are open to active listening.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

It is very difficult to reference just one book. I draw inspiration from many.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Don't take EVERYTHING personally. It can damage your perception of yourself and your confidence in your ability to be a strong and confident leader.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

Hm... again, there are so many moments I could reference, enough to write a book. But just having the people you are guiding being able to come up to you and let you know that you have inspired them is always an amazing experience.