Fearless Sharing and Building Deeper Trust: Leadership Lessons with Steve Vaught
#5

Fearless Sharing and Building Deeper Trust: Leadership Lessons with Steve Vaught

In this episode, host Shawn FitzGerald chats with leadership facilitator Steve Vaught to explore how meaningful relationships, safe spaces, and intentional communication create lasting impact in leadership.

Steve shares why he regularly sends curated articles to peers—not as a strategy, but as a way to show care, spark conversation, and deepen connection. He also opens up about the importance of creating trusted environments where mid-level managers can talk openly, get support, and work through real challenges without fear or judgment.

Listen to hear Steve and Shawn discuss what it takes to build trust over time, how to lead with empathy, and why overcoming fear with curiosity is essential for personal and team growth. You’ll also hear how peer group techniques—like agenda-setting, open challenges, and shared accountability—can transform how your internal teams connect and communicate.

Whether you're leading a team or facilitating growth in others, this episode offers practical takeaways for anyone who wants to lead with more empathy, build stronger trust, and create space for intentional change—one honest conversation at a time.

Creators and Guests

Shawn FitzGerald
Host
Shawn FitzGerald
Communication Solutions Consultant, Level Up Media Interactive
Steve Vaught
Guest
Steve Vaught
Steve Vaught is the President of Organizational Architects, bringing over 35 years of business experience to his work helping organizations align their teams, strengthen culture, and drive strategic growth. Through his facilitation of leadership groups and peer networks, Steve creates safe, high-trust spaces where leaders can speak openly, learn from one another, and grow with intention. His career has spanned roles in business development, strategic planning, marketing, and content creation—including leadership positions at Studio Iowa, Lexicon Content Marketing, and White Rabbit Group. Across every role, Steve’s hallmark has been his ability to connect people, ask thoughtful questions, and use empathy to inspire positive change.