Jill Wright - Leading with Love: A Journey from Shoe Shining to Heart-Centered Leadership

Maker Manager Money - First Business & Side Hustle Inspo

SUMMARY

In this episode of the Maker Manager Money podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jill Wright, the founder of Executive Shine, a company that has transformed the art of shoeshining into a meaningful service experience. With over 38 years of experience, Jill operates locations in both the Denver and Charlotte International Airports, but her story goes far beyond just shining shoes.

Jill's approach to business is deeply rooted in love and connection. She emphasizes the importance of asking, "What does love look like here for the person in front of me right now?" This guiding principle has shaped her leadership style and the culture at Executive Shine. From her ranch in Colorado, where she raises horses and chickens, Jill has developed an innovative training program called the Shine Experience, which focuses on creating high-functioning teams through a service-oriented culture.

During our conversation, Jill shared her personal journey, including her early experiences with horses and how they taught her about energy and connection. She recounted a pivotal moment with her trainer, who advised her to be mindful of how her energy impacts those around her. This lesson has been instrumental in her approach to leadership and service.

We delved into the concept of HeartMath, a practice that emphasizes heart-brain coherence and the importance of connecting with others from a place of love rather than fear. Jill explained how this practice has influenced her interactions, both personally and professionally, and how it can help individuals navigate stress and build authentic connections.

The episode took a poignant turn as I opened up about my own journey of grief following the loss of my son, Jake. Jill offered insights on how to channel grief into love and connection, emphasizing that unexpressed love is often what we carry in our hearts after a loss. Her perspective on using personal experiences to foster deeper connections with others resonated deeply with me.

Jill also shared her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting her rebellious spirit and desire to create something meaningful. She discussed the importance of hiring individuals who align with her core values and the significance of developing a diverse team that can bring unique perspectives to the table.

Throughout our conversation, Jill's passion for serving others and creating a culture of love and connection was evident. She reminded me that true leadership involves vulnerability and the willingness to honor the unique gifts of each team member.

TIME STAMPS

00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
00:01:53 - Jill's Life on the Ranch
00:02:23 - Jill's Passion for Horses and Dressage
00:03:11 - The Connection Between Humans and Horses
00:05:22 - Energy Awareness and Its Impact
00:09:00 - Channeling Energy Through the Heart
00:10:53 - Understanding HeartMath
00:14:02 - The Importance of Heart-Brain Coherence
00:19:04 - Navigating Grief and Loss
00:20:55 - Finding Purpose Through Pain
00:31:05 - Jill's Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit
00:33:05 - The Birth of Executive Shine
00:39:00 - Building a Team and Delegation
00:43:07 - The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership
00:55:02 - The Power of Connection Over Perfection
00:58:18 - Hiring for Love and Impact
01:00:07 - Expansion of Executive Shine Locations
01:01:45 - The Journey to Washington, D.C.

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