In this episode of Partnering Leadership, John Veihmeyer, former global chairman of KPMG, looks back on how he started rising through the ranks at KPMG and why leading with self-awareness and empathy was critical in rebuilding morale. John Veihmeyer also shares valuable lessons in developing resilience in leadership, inspiring a purpose-driven culture in a company, and leading for impact.

 

Some highlights:

● How performing in musicals in high school helped John Veihmeyer later in his career

● Why John recommends aspiring leaders study accounting

● The value of building and nurturing work relationships without expecting anything in return

● How John Veihmeyer became deputy chairman of KPMG, a role he wasn’t ready for but felt responsible to undertake

● The importance of ‘doing the hard thing now and building resilience in leadership

● How John Veihmeyer inspired trust and regain confidence in a demoralized organization

● Why John believes empathy and self-awareness are the two most important leadership traits

● Why you should surround yourself with people that are going to be willing to disagree with you

● Laying bricks vs. building a cathedral: the perspective John Veihmeyer promoted to inspire a purpose-driven culture

● How the KPMG Family For Literacy Program started and its impact

 

Mentioned in this episode:

Steve Harlan, former managing partner at KPMG

➡ Listen to Steve Harlan’s Partnering Leadership podcast episode here (https://www.partneringleadership.com/impactful-leadership-with-a-genuine-drive-to-help-with-steve-harlan-changemaker/) . 

Linda Rabbitt, Founder & Chairman of rand Construction 

➡ Listen to Linda Rabbitt’s Partnering Leadership podcast episode here (https://www.partneringleadership.com/succeeding-against-all-odds-to-become-a-profile-in-success-with-linda-rabbitt-changemaker/) . 

Susan Flynn and Beth Veihmeyer, Co-founders of the KPMG Family For Literacy Program (KFFL)

Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

 

Connect with John Veihmeyer:

John Veihmeyer on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnveihmeyer)

 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com (https://mahantavakoli.com/)

 

More information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com (https://www.partneringleadership.com/)

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website (https://mahantavakoli.com/)

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahan/)

Partnering Leadership Website (https://www.partneringleadership.com/)