Authentic Leadership in Practice: Deb Donley on Trust, Values, and Small Habits That Scale

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Deb Donley is the founder of Vocon, an architecture and interior design firm with offices in Cleveland, Chicago, and New York. She and her brother, Paul Voinovich, founded the firm in 1987, and over nearly four decades, she has grown it into one of the larger design practices in the country. The firm now employs more than 225 professionals, including architects, interior designers, strategists, and experiential brand designers. Vocon is licensed in all 50 U.S. states and ranks 41st globally on Interior Design Magazine’s list. Clients include Sherwin-Williams, PwC, KeyBank, Goodyear, and Willis Towers Watson.

A Few Quotes From This Episode

• "I write every person at Vocon a birthday card on their birthday. It forces you to sit down and think: do I have enough content to write a birthday card about this person? And if I don't, it's a signal to me that I've missed something about somebody."
• "Awards to me are the outcome of a team that has been so successful because the space has come to life in a way that is totally and authentically that organization. That is the secret sauce."
• "We are all heroes, top to bottom, side to side. Own it. We have the ability to change someone's day by the decisions we make."

About The International Leadership Association (ILA)

• The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. Attend The Global Conference in Toronto, October 28-31.

About  Scott J. Allen

• Website
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• The views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. Nothing can replace your reflection, research, and exploration of the topic.

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