Empathy in Action: Rebuilding, Sales Leadership and Showing Up Human with Roderick Jefferson

The Luminary Lens

What happens when a high-powered executive is forced to pause—and begins to truly listen?

In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, Rebecca Kaykas-Wolff sits down with longtime friend and sales enablement leader Roderick Jefferson to talk about what it really means to lead with empathy, live with intention, and rebuild from the inside out.

Roderick shares the story behind his life-altering stroke and the profound transformation that followed. Together, they explore the evolution from hustle-fueled success to values-led legacy, the fallacy of work-life balance, and why EQ—emotional intelligence—is no longer optional in today’s leadership landscape.

This episode is a masterclass in perspective, vulnerability, and redefining impact on your own terms.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Roderick reframed his definition of success through adversity
• Why “give to give” has become his personal and professional mantra
• The role empathy plays in high-performance leadership
• Why transformation is essential (and what it really takes)
• How younger generations are shifting the narrative on work and life

Whether you're a seasoned leader, an emerging executive, or simply someone navigating big life shifts, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and lead with heart.