Ep. 71 The Authority Shift: Leading Through Change at Work and at Home | Conversations with Jackie

What does it really mean to lead?

Leadership isn’t simply about having authority, managing a team, or holding a title. It’s about how we communicate, build trust, respond to change, and connect with the people who depend on us—both professionally and personally.

In this episode of Speak Feed Lead Conversations with Jackie Bailey, Jackie sits down with Shirley Sutton, Career Coach and founder of Ascendly, for an insightful conversation about what Shirley calls “The Authority Shift”—the transition from simply managing people to truly leading them.

Drawing from her experience in career coaching, leadership, HR, and recruitment, Shirley explores how professionals can develop the confidence, communication skills, and self-awareness needed to navigate growth and change.

But the conversation goes beyond the workplace.

Jackie and Shirley explore the powerful connection between leadership and parenting and how many of the same skills we use to become better leaders—listening, communicating clearly, adapting our approach, building trust, and understanding people—also influence the way we show up at home.

In this conversation, you'll discover:✨ What it means to make the shift from manager to leader

💼 How leadership evolves as our responsibilities and relationships change

🗣️ Why effective communication is essential when leading people through uncertainty and transition

🧠 How confidence and self-awareness shape the way we lead

🤝 Why connection and understanding are just as important as authority

🏡 The surprising similarities between leading at work and parenting at home