S4 E8: From Grenada to Global: Donna Adonis on Identity, Values, & Adaptable Leadership

Podbean Episode Description

🎙️ Episode Title: From Grenada to Global: Donna Adonis on Identity, Values & Adaptable Leadership

What does growing up in Grenada teach us about leadership, and how do those early lessons influence the way we lead in an increasingly complex global environment?

In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers, Dr. Esther Bubb reconnects with fellow Grenadian and longtime schoolmate Donna Adonis, Director of Global Project Management, for a meaningful conversation about identity, leadership, values, and the behaviors that build trust.

Drawing on her experiences growing up in Grenada and developing a global career in Canada, Donna shares how community, family, humility, integrity, and service continue to influence her leadership. She discusses the importance of remaining authentic in professional environments, acknowledging what we don't know, building teams whose collective expertise exceeds our own, and staying open to continuous learning.

The conversation explores several important leadership questions:

• How do we remain connected to our cultural identity while navigating global professional spaces?
• Why is adaptability essential, and how can leaders remain flexible without compromising their values?
• What behaviors establish trust and credibility?
• How can leaders use their influence to challenge harmful social norms and promote dignity, equity, and accountability?
• What does it mean to build a legacy that extends beyond individual accomplishments?

Donna also addresses the responsibility leaders have in confronting gender-based violence through role modeling, institutional change, prevention, education, and the engagement of men and boys.

Her leadership philosophy is grounded in a powerful distinction: You can have unshakable values and still be flexible in your methods.

For her Monday Morning Move, Donna challenges listeners to have one honest conversation they've been avoiding, reminding us that meaningful change often begins when someone chooses to speak the truth rather than remain silent.

Whether you are an emerging leader, an experienced professional, or someone navigating change, this conversation offers an opportunity to reflect on who you are, what guides your decisions, and the impact you are creating through your everyday behaviors.

Listen, reflect, and consider: What values are guiding your leadership, and are your behaviors demonstrating them?

Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers
Hosted by Dr. Esther Bubb
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Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers — Leadership grounded in behavior. Guided by dignity. Designed for change.

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Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers is hosted by Dr. Esther C. Bubb, a behavior analyst and educational leader who explores leadership, behavior, dignity, organizational culture, and systems change.

Leadership grounded in behavior. Guided by dignity. Designed for change.

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If you're passionate about leadership, behavior science, education, and creating cultures where people flourish, you're in the right place. Because leadership isn't about changing people. It's about creating the conditions where people discover what's possible.

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Leadership is behavior. And behavior always tells a story.

About Our Guest

Donna Adonis, Director, Global Project Management

Donna Adonis is a Grenadian presently residing in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She migrated to Canada in pursuit of higher education. She has over 20 years of experience in program and project management, leading the execution of strategic initiatives across institutions within the Financial sector. She has led multiple large-scale technology transformation projects and brings together multidisciplinary teams to turn ideas into meaningful results.

Beyond her professional leadership experience, Donna has a strong commitment to her community and her heritage. She has served on the boards of non-profit organizations for several years, where she was instrumental in initiatives aimed at keeping Caribbean culture alive in the Toronto community. She continues to give back by leading fundraising campaigns for the less fortunate and mentoring several high school and college students, sharing her experiences and supporting them as they pursue their goals and begin their careers.

Donna values family time, connection, collaboration, and helping others to grow and succeed. She sees leadership in all settings as an opportunity to make a positive impact on others' lives.

AI Info

This episode description was written with the assistance of AI.