Name: Vee Ann Hollero

Title: Founder and CEO

Organisation: Vee Hollero Podcast Booking Service

Vee Ann Hollero Founder & CEO, Vee Hollero Podcast Booking Service With nearly three decades of professional experience, Vee Ann Hollero is a seasoned expert in podcasting, freelancing, and the BPO industry. As the Founder and CEO of VeeHollero.com Podcast Booking Service, she helps professionals and visionaries amplify their voices through impactful podcast appearances, building strong relationships and elevating brands.

Recognized by Dr. Forbes Riley as a “Super Podcast Connector,” Vee has worked with globally renowned thought leaders, including Ed Mylett, Sharon Lechter, Kevin Harrington, Jon Gordon, and Chris Voss. Her extensive experience spans collaborations with top agencies like Interview Connections, Predictive, and Podcasting You. Notably, she has been associated with a company recognized three times on the Inc. 5000 list and ranked among the top 0.5% of podcasts globally—a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence.

Vee’s mission is to empower clients to share their stories and inspire change, leveraging her expertise to deliver tailored podcast bookings that drive growth and influence. She believes in the transformative power of every conversation to make a meaningful impact.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

As a leader, one of the most challenging aspects I’ve faced is balancing the strategic vision for the company with the day-to-day operations. It's important to keep my eye on the bigger picture while also ensuring that the team is aligned with and executing our immediate goals. Another challenge is managing different personalities and skill sets within my team.

Each person has a unique approach, and as a leader, it’s vital to recognize those differences and ensure we work cohesively towards our shared objectives. Finally, learning to delegate effectively has been a growth process. Trusting my team with critical tasks while maintaining accountability is something I continually work on to maintain efficiency and foster a strong sense of ownership within the group.

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

I became a leader through a combination of my experiences and the responsibility I took on at each step of my career. Early on, I found myself in situations where I had to step up, particularly when I started working in the call center industry. Managing both the pressures of a high-stakes job and caring for my family taught me resilience and adaptability. Over time, as I honed my skills, I took on more leadership roles within teams, particularly in business development and client management.

The pivotal moment for me came when I started my podcast booking service. It wasn’t just about managing projects—it was about leading a team to create something meaningful and impactful. I realized that leadership isn't just about making decisions but empowering others to succeed, recognizing their potential, and helping them grow along the way. My journey has been about taking ownership, continually learning, and building a vision that others can rally around.

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

My typical workday is structured to balance productivity and personal time. I wake up early, starting with mindfulness and a workout, followed by a review of my agenda. The morning is dedicated to high-focus tasks, such as responding to emails and preparing for podcast bookings. After lunch, I hold team meetings and focus on client work. The afternoon is reserved for creative tasks like content creation. In the evening, I spend time with my family, reflect on the day, and unwind before bed.

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

A recent lesson I've been reminded of as a leader is the importance of **trusting my team** and empowering them to take ownership. Early on, I tended to be very hands-on with everything, which, while effective in some ways, also slowed down progress and limited my team's growth. I’ve learned that by trusting my team to take the reins and make decisions within their areas of expertise, they can bring fresh perspectives and solutions that I might not have considered.

This has not only helped the business grow but has also strengthened the team's sense of ownership and accountability. It’s a reminder that effective leadership isn’t about doing everything myself but about fostering an environment where everyone is empowered to thrive.

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?

One book that has had a profound impact on my journey as a leader is The 5 Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell. This book helped me understand that leadership isn’t just about being in charge; it's about influence, developing others, and building trust.

The concept that resonated with me most was the idea of "Level 4: People Development." As I grew in my leadership role, I realized that my success wasn’t solely dependent on my efforts but on how well I helped others grow and succeed. This shift in mindset encouraged me to focus on empowering my team, helping them hone their skills, and providing them with opportunities to step up.

By investing in their growth, I not only improved the team's performance but also strengthened the overall culture of the business. It was a reminder that leadership is about lifting others and enabling them to thrive.

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

My advice would be: "Focus on building genuine relationships and trust with others." Leadership isn't about title or authority; it's about influence and how well you can connect with and inspire those around you. Take time to listen to, understand, and support your team. The best leaders are those who empower others, foster a sense of belonging, and lead by example. Authenticity, empathy, and consistent communication will make you a leader people respect and follow. Build relationships, and success will follow.

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

One meaningful story that stands out is when I was managing a particularly challenging podcast booking project for a high-profile client. The guest had specific requirements and expectations, and the team was struggling to align everything in a way that met the client's vision. I noticed the team’s morale was starting to dip, so I stepped in, not just to help with the technical aspects but to provide encouragement and remind everyone of their capabilities.

I held a meeting where I acknowledged the difficulties, celebrated small wins along the way, and emphasized the importance of their contributions. We were able to recalibrate, collaborate better, and ultimately deliver a successful podcast appearance for the client. This experience taught me the value of leading by example, staying calm in the face of challenges, and the power of supporting your team through difficult moments. It reminded me that leadership isn't just about directing; it's about being present and helping your team navigate obstacles together.