In this episode, Anne Hancock Toomey chats with her longtime colleague and co-founder David Jarrard, a former journalist, public affairs counselor and founding CEO, now serving as executive chairman of Jarrard Inc. David shares his unique journey from growing up in East Tennessee and working the police and theater beats as a reporter to becoming one of the most influential communications leaders in the healthcare industry. He delves into his early career in journalism, lessons learned from leaders and his parents and how these experiences shaped his visionary leadership style. David reflects on the importance of an integrated life, his passion for team synergy and the need to have balance between humility and confidence for effective leadership. The conversation concludes with a lightning round, offering personal insights and a glimpse into David’s life outside of work.
Episode Highlights
- 02:44 Early Life and Influences in East Tennessee
- 05:11 Lessons from Journalism and Early Career
- 07:10 Transition to Corporate Communications
- 16:57 Reflections on Career Choices and Leadership
- 23:26 Founding Jarrard, Phillips, Cate and Hancock
- 26:03 The Importance of Relationships and Team Chemistry
- 28:11 Leadership Philosophy and Values
- 31:44 Balancing Work and Personal Life
- 35:52 Recognizing and Addressing Weaknesses
- 37:22 Healthy Habits for Effective Leadership
- 38:56 Lightning Round: Personal Insights
- 42:25 Final Thoughts on Leadership
