Creating a Culture of Empathic Leadership with Justin Steinbach

Ron, Deb and Justin Steinbach

Creating a Culture of Empathic Leadership with Justin Steinbach

Ep. 86 - Creating a Culture of Empathetic Leadership with Justin Steinbach 

Justin Steinbach's story begins in Duluth, Minnesota, at the tip of Lake Superior, where his entrepreneurial spirit was kindled. At 28, seizing the opportunity to create something distinctly his own, Justin and his wife plunged into the world of business, acquiring an excursion boat company. This marked the inception of a journey that wouldn't just redefine their lives but also the fabric of their community's tourism experience.

Their business venture transcended the traditional boundaries of entrepreneurship to touch lives, ingraining unforgettable experiences in the memories of travelers and the community. His mantra, "great experiences create great memories," became the cornerstone of their business ethos, driving them to innovate continuously and offer unique experiences like sunrise paddleboard rides on Lake Superior.

Cultivating a Culture Among Employees

An integral part of Justin’s success is his approach to building a team culture that mirrors his values. He emphasizes investment in people, advocating for a work environment where employees are encouraged to explore and bring new experiences to the table. This ethos not only fosters personal growth among team members but also enriches the business's service offerings, creating a cycle of innovation and excellence.

His leadership is grounded in empathy and communication, recognizing the human element in business. He shares personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of being relatable, showing vulnerability, and maintaining regular, genuine interactions with his team. These practices have enabled him to assemble a dynamic team whose shared visions and values drive the company forward.

Leadership and Empathy

An interesting aspect of Justin’s leadership is the predominantly female management team, which brings diverse perspectives and drives the company's success. This unique dynamic has fostered an inclusive environment where innovative ideas flourish, contributing to the company's growth and community impact.

Steinbeck credits his empathetic leadership style as a significant factor in creating a culture that attracts motivated individuals. He emphasizes understanding employees' personal journeys and integrating their experiences and aspirations into the company's fabric, ensuring mutual growth and success.

Empathetic Leadership Beyond the Workplace

The conversation with Justin underscores the transformative power of empathetic leadership not only within the workplace but also in personal interactions and community engagements. His approach revolves around understanding and catering to the emotional needs of customers, creating memorable experiences that resonate on a personal level. This philosophy extends to his team, where fostering a supportive and understanding environment allows for personal challenges and professional responsibilities to coexist harmoniously.

To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/

To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com

Episode Summary

Creating a Culture of Empathic Leadership with Justin Steinbach

Ron, Deb, and guest Justin Steinbach dive deep into creating a positive workplace culture through empathetic leadership, fostering a team environment that encourages open communication, and investing in employees' personal growth.