INT 188 - Lessons From Hearing Loss and Their Impact On My Leadership Style

Can a disability impact your leadership abilities negatively or positively? Find out in this episode of the Int-HER-rupt podcast.

Host Linda Yates chats with guest Monica Dreger, a distinguished guest with a rich background in overseeing research initiatives at companies like Airbnb and as a volunteer advisor for the Bereavement Center. Monica delves into topics surrounding human decision-making, her career evolution, and hearing loss's impact on her personal and professional life.

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Professional Journey in UX Research

• Monica Dreger shares her role in user experience (UX) research, explaining her goal to understand human decision-making.

• Her background in advertising and psychology has been instrumental in creating successful ad campaigns by tapping into fundamental human truths.

• This interdisciplinary expertise has provided a robust framework for her subsequent industry roles.

Navigating Hearing Loss

• Monica shares her journey with hearing loss that started when she was a young child.

• She recounts how it affected her ability to moderate focus groups, leading her to seek professional help and eventually pivot her career.

• Monica's experience underscores the importance of awareness and advocacy in managing hearing impairment.

• Despite the hurdles, she views her hearing loss as a part of her identity and a source of resilience.

Importance of Kindness and Empathy

• A crucial part of Monica’s philosophy is responding to incorrect answers with kindness and empathy.

• She emphasizes these values as essential for effective communication and fostering a supportive environment, particularly when dealing with communication challenges arising from her hearing impairment.

Advocacy and Self-Advocacy in Business

• Monica's discussion on self-advocacy sheds light on the difficulties soft-spoken individuals face in the business industry, often rewarding louder voices.

• She articulates how overcoming societal expectations and advocating for oneself is essential, especially for female empowerment.

• Monica frames her advocacy for herself as a way to pave the path for the younger generation, particularly young women, in the corporate world.

Leadership and Community Building

• In her leadership style, Monica leads with genuine curiosity and prioritizes building a strong community among her team members.

• She believes in surrounding herself with skilled and collaborative individuals, which she considers a crucial leadership lesson.

Communication Challenges and Personal Strength

• Monica reflects on her communication challenges, often having to piece together sentences due to mishearing words.