Janine Van Leeuwen

Janine Van Leeuwen of Inspirer brings conscious leadership to the construction industry. A technical PM working with Ministry of Education (schools, offsite manufactured buildings), Janine delivers a masterclass on leadership evolution: from hierarchical/authoritative to servant leadership (flat structure, remove roadblocks) to conscious leadership (empathy, vulnerability, self-reflection). She live-coaches Andy on ending podcast segments smoothly using pre-priming/intention techniques. The conversation on women in construction is frank and practical: "most men wing it" was a liberating insight, fake it till you make it works, but never be the token woman. Features the Aboriginal circle exercise for empathy and Cicero's persuasion framework.

Key Topics Discussed

• Conscious leadership. Three pillars: empathy, self-reflection, vulnerability. "Old style authoritative leadership doesn't have a place anymore." 80% of decisions driven by emotions, not logic. When leaders create emotional connection, teams want to be there vs having to be there.
• Servant leadership. Flat structure, leader serves the team. "What does the team need of me?" not "What do I need the team to do?" Removes roadblocks, empowers team. First step toward conscious leadership.
• Live coaching Andy. Coached Andy on ending podcast segments. Technique: choose an anchor word ("smooth"), pre-prime/set intention, ground yourself (feel feet on floor, come into body). "When we're searching for words, it's because we're not present."
• Power of persuasion. Not manipulation, moving people to win-win. School building vision (100 kids without classrooms) as persuasion example. Adapt vision per audience (CEO gets big picture, chippy gets direct affirmation).
• Three Hs. People need to be Helped, Hugged (affirmed), or Heard. Leaders must listen for which one. "Some people just need to be heard."
• Women in construction. Historical bias, not capability. "Most men wing it" was liberating insight. NAWIC conferences opened doors. One woman in a company opens the door for more. Dempsey Wood employs many female technical engineers. Don't be the token woman, right person for right job.
• Empathy. Aboriginal tribe circle exercise: stand on opposite sides, switch and speak from other's POV until resolved. Cicero: "Think my thoughts, feel my feelings, speak my words to persuade me." Treat people how THEY want to be treated, not how you want to be treated. Andy explaining empathy to his 6-year-old son.
• Diversity. Must be authentic, not for social media. "Diversity for the sake of diversity is a very dangerous thing." Government broader outcomes are valid but must be genuine.

Notable Quotes

• Janine: "A conscious leader works with people to bring the best out of them, but it starts with bringing the best out of themselves."
• Janine: "People need one of three things: to be helped, to be hugged, or to be heard."
• Janine: "I reckon I know about 10% of what's possibly going to be rolled out. But the other 90% I know in my gut I can figure it out."
• Janine: "Most men wing it... if I could just take that one little masculine gem and apply that."

Guest Background

Janine Van Leeuwen runs Inspirer, a leadership and project management consultancy. Technical PM specializing in Ministry of Education projects (schools, capital works, offsite manufactured buildings) and infrastructure (civil, roading). Coaches leaders on conscious leadership, communication, and presence. This was "Take Two", they recorded twice.