Redefining Leadership: James Lawrence on Creating Powerful Impact

This article recaps a recent episode of Shay Wheat's "Creating Powerful Impact" podcast. Listen to the full episode, "Redefining Leadership for Thriving Teams with James Lawrence."

One truth stands firm in business—your people are your most valuable asset. In a recent episode of Creating Powerful Impact with host Shay Wheat, James Lawrence, Cofounder and CEO of Happy Companies, delivered a compelling message about the undeniable link between people-first leadership and business success.

Drawing from over 25 years of experience as a CEO, James shared his hard-earned lessons on how intentional leadership, personalized coaching, and investing in employee development can transform workplace culture and unlock unprecedented growth. This conversation is a must-listen if you've ever wondered how to turn your team into a competitive advantage.

Here are the key takeaways from the episode.

People Are Your Competitive Advantage

James opened the conversation by challenging the traditional view of employees as just another business resource. For James, people are more than a means to an end—they are the heart of any organization. He emphasized that teams can be a company's greatest strength when managed effectively in today's business world.

His own experiences shaped his belief in the importance of a people-first culture. "I did it wrong for a very long time," James admitted, recalling his early years as a young CEO, trying to lead from a place of authority rather than empathy. Over time, he learned that authentic leadership is about service—understanding your people, listening to them, and supporting their growth.

James encourages leaders to shift their thinking from seeing teams as something to "manage" to viewing them as a critical asset that, when nurtured, can give companies a competitive edge. As he puts it: "How do you turn people into a competitive advantage for you, rather than a pain point?"

Intentional Leadership: It Starts with You

A central theme of the conversation was the importance of intentionality in leadership. James pointed out that managing people is often seen as just another task buried beneath a mountain of emails and reports. However, he argues that great leaders start each day with the intention of investing in their people.

He notes that it's not about fixing everyone at once. "Pick one person," he advises. Find someone who may be struggling, feeling disconnected, or underperforming and invest time in them—listen to them, understand their challenges, and offer support. Small, consistent acts of attention and care build trust and loyalty, creating a culture where people feel valued and supported.

James underscores that leadership isn't about having all the answers but creating a space where others can thrive. You can foster an environment where every team member feels seen and heard by being intentional with your time and energy.

People Are Not a "One-Size-Fits-All" Resource

Throughout the podcast, James emphasized that every person on a team is different—and that's a good thing. "You have to understand your team," he said, highlighting that not everyone communicates or works the same way.

Here, Happy plays a vital role. Happy uses behavioral science and technology to help teams understand individual communication styles and work preferences. This level of personalization is key to fostering better relationships and improving collaboration across an organization. James shared how Happy's coaching tools allow managers to tailor their approach to each team member, ensuring that communication and support are personalized and effective.

In the podcast, he gave a simple but relatable example: some team members thrive on small talk, while others prefer to dive straight into work. Happy provides real-time coaching tips that help leaders navigate these differences, allowing for more meaningful and productive interactions. This level of personalization builds trust and fosters better working relationships, ultimately leading to higher engagement and better performance.

Investing in People Delivers the Best ROI

One of James's most powerful points during the episode was that investing in people is the best return on investment (ROI) any organization can make. He referenced research from Gallup, which shows that companies with engaged employees are more profitable and productive than those with disengaged workers.

Yet, as James pointed out, many leaders still view employee development as optional, something akin to a "vitamin" rather than a necessity. He urged leaders to change this mindset, advocating for a holistic investment in people through traditional benefits, coaching, mentoring, and professional development. "Investing in people is the best ROI. It's your competitive advantage," James stressed.

Companies can unlock their teams' full potential by committing to training managers, providing employees with coaching, and creating a culture that values growth and personal development. As Happy demonstrates, this doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With the right tools, it's possible to provide scalable coaching that helps every team member thrive.

Aligning Organizational DNA with Culture

Another insightful concept James discussed was the idea of "organizational DNA." Every company has an unwritten set of rules that define how things are truly done—often very different from the formal mission statements on the walls. This DNA reflects the everyday behaviors, values, and actions that shape company culture.

For leaders, understanding and shaping this DNA is crucial. Discussing culture in meetings or printing it on a poster is not enough. Real culture is built over time through intentional actions, consistent communication, and a commitment to values that resonate with your team.

James explained that leaders in both small and large companies must take ownership of their organizational DNA, ensuring it aligns with the values they promote. This can be more challenging in larger companies, but it's still essential. Whether you're managing a team of 10 or 1,000, your actions as a leader define the culture.

Embracing Transparency and Candid Conversations

A key takeaway from the podcast was James' call for transparency in leadership. He believes leaders need to be upfront about what they truly value. Whether it's work-life balance, profit, or team culture, being honest with employees allows them to make informed decisions about whether they align with the company's values.

James shared a humorous but profound observation about generational differences in the workplace. He noted that while many older managers read books about work-life balance, younger employees—particularly Gen Z—are already living it. They're clear about their priorities and don't hesitate to seek a balanced life. Rather than resisting this shift, James advocates for embracing it, creating a workplace where everyone's values are respected.

The Long Game: Why Investing in People Always Pays Off

James closed the podcast by urging leaders to commit to their people long-term. Building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating a people-first culture takes time—but the rewards are well worth it. The data is clear: engaged teams are more productive, profitable, and satisfied.

At Happy, James and his team have developed a simple yet powerful tool that helps organizations invest in their people at scale. By offering personalized, technology enhanced coaching through everyday platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams, Happy helps leaders foster better communication, collaboration, and manager effectiveness.

Ultimately, James' message is clear: people are the heart of every organization, and investing in them is the surest way to create lasting success. As he said, "Investing in people always pays off."