This episode of The Eh List features a thoughtful conversation with strategy leader Jordan Schwartz, who shares how leadership, growth, and human connection shape successful organizations. With more than a decade of experience at the intersection of technology and business, Jordan reflects on his journey from university to his current leadership role at Caylent, explaining why following instinct and staying open to opportunity can be more valuable than rigid career planning.

Jordan discusses the importance of building strong relationships, investing in personal development, and creating cultures that support long-term growth, especially in fast-changing business environments. He also highlights why hiring for cultural fit matters and how leaders can balance strategy with execution when expectations are high.

Drawing from his early career experiences, including his time at Traction on Demand and its acquisition by Salesforce, Jordan explains how an exploratory approach helped shape his path. He introduces the idea of delayed gratification, encouraging young professionals to focus on long-term development rather than short-term rewards.

Throughout the episode, Jordan emphasizes the role of company culture, the value of meaningful connections, and the impact of finding leaders who challenge you to grow. He reminds listeners that every organization has its own subcultures, and understanding them can play a major role in career success.

Overall, Jordan’s story is a reminder that careers are rarely linear. Success is driven not by job titles or company names, but by the experiences you gain, the relationships you build, and your willingness to adapt as opportunities arise.

Takeaways:

1. The journey of career exploration often involves making instinctual decisions rather than following a predetermined path.
2. Fostering relationships within an organization can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth in one's career.
3. Delayed gratification is a vital principle for younger generations to understand in their career development.
4. Building teams with the right cultural fit is paramount for creating a successful and cohesive work environment.
5. Leaders must act decisively when faced with underperformance or challenges within their teams to ensure continuous improvement.
6. Investing in oneself and prioritizing personal growth over immediate gains can yield long-term career benefits.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Traction on Demand
2. Salesforce
3. Caylent
4. Live Different

Books mentioned in this episode:

This episode features an insightful conversation with Precious Ile, Executive Coach and Co-Founder of Impact Plus Consulting. Her journey, which began with a scholarship to study in Canada, is a story of resilience, growth, and leadership development.

Growing up in Nigeria, Precious reflects on how her family and early experiences shaped her values, especially integrity and the importance of finding and using her voice in challenging situations. Her early experiences in public speaking and poetry became the foundation for the work she does today, helping leaders communicate clearly and build trust within their teams.

Throughout the discussion, Precious shares her perspective on authenticity in leadership, introducing the idea of adaptive authenticity. She explains how leaders can stay true to who they are while remaining aware of and responsive to their audience. At its core, she emphasizes that effective communication is not just about delivering a message, but about creating connection, inspiring engagement, and moving people toward meaningful action.

Takeaways:

1. Precious Ile's journey illustrates the significance of cultivating one's voice from an early age.
2. The importance of adaptive authenticity in leadership allows for effective communication with diverse audiences.
3. Engaging with stakeholders fosters a sense of community and collaboration within organizations.
4. Using one's voice as an act of stewardship can create meaningful impact in the lives of others.
5. Leaders must reframe self-promotion as promoting ideas, facilitating positive change in society.
6. The ability to connect through storytelling enhances empathy and inspires others to lead.

Today’s conversation highlights the role leadership plays in shaping the financial services industry through the lens of Izumi’s journey. Drawing from decades of experience, she shares how leading with authenticity and a strong sense of community creates space for growth, learning, and innovation.

Throughout the discussion, it becomes clear that strong leadership is rooted in aligning personal values with professional responsibility. Izumi reflects on how meaningful relationships are built over time and why mentorship matters just as much to the mentor as it does to the mentee.

At its core, this conversation is a reminder that leadership comes with a responsibility to support others, share knowledge, and help develop the next generation, leaving an impact that extends well beyond individual careers.

Takeaways:

• The financial services industry in Canada has been significantly influenced by leaders who prioritize community and authenticity, showcasing the importance of personal connections in business.
• Navigating a male-dominated industry can shape one's career trajectory, but support from mentors can create opportunities for success regardless of gender dynamics.
• Effective leadership is characterized by the ability to facilitate growth and remove barriers for team members, allowing for an environment where everyone can thrive.
• Cultivating relationships is essential in leadership; it is not merely about networking but forming genuine connections that can yield long-term benefits for all parties involved.
• The importance of emotional intelligence in leadership cannot be overstated, as it fosters an environment where individuals feel valued and are more likely to contribute positively.
• Legacy is built through consistent actions and genuine care for others, emphasizing the need for leaders to be present and engaged in their communities.