In this episode, I sit down with Susan Inouye, a leadership coach who has worked with over 600 companies across 40 industries. Susan brings a unique perspective shaped by her early career in film and her focus on helping people become the best version of themselves.

We begin with a challenge many leaders face today: working effectively across generations. Susan explains that while younger employees may seem different, their core needs are not. People want to feel heard, use their gifts, and be part of something meaningful. The issue is not the generation, it’s how we lead.

From there, we discuss her Sawubona approach, meaning “I see you,” and the shift it requires from leaders. She walks through key changes, including moving from control to connection and from conformity to truly seeing individuals. Instead of forcing performance, she challenges leaders to understand what each person naturally does well and build from there.

We also explore practical examples, including a leader ready to fire a high-performing employee who wasn’t meeting traditional metrics. By stepping back and recognizing his strengths, the organization improved both retention and overall performance.

The takeaway is simple: leadership today is less about directing people and more about understanding them. When leaders take the time to truly see their people, performance and engagement follow.

Get in touch with Susan: https://susaninouye.com/

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