When there are people looking up to you, your actions are never irrelevant. In fact, they create a ripple effect that can either energize or drain your entire organization. Natasha Kehimkar, CEO of Malida Advisors, introduces the "Boulder Effect." The powerful impact leaders have when they invest in their own cohesion and purpose. 

In this conversation with Melinda Lee, she reveals how executive teams can transform from a source of stress into a central force for resilience, creating waves of safety, collaboration, and growth that push energy back to them.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The Two Paths of Leadership Under Pressure

Why leaders facing constraints either huddle into protective, competitive silos or choose to open up, operate as a "first team," and focus on the greater good of the organization, and how that choice defines the entire culture.

From Commanding to Co-creating

“We have, to some degree, created what's around us.”

How to shift from a demanding, commanding leadership style to one that intentionally manifests a more collaborative and supportive environment by deciding what you will and will not tolerate.

The "Boulder Effect"

“Executive teams investing in their own development… the ripple effect of that is like putting a boulder in a pond.”

Why investing in executive team alignment during uncertainty isn't an expense, but a critical long-term investment that creates waves of positive energy throughout the entire organization.

The Power of Leader-Led Vulnerability

“When leaders share those failure moments… it's a very powerful moment of connection.” 

How sharing your own stories of growth and missteps becomes a low-cost, high-impact way to invest in your people, build trust, and foster a culture of collective learning.

About the Guest: 

Natasha Kehimkar is the visionary founder and CEO of Malida Advisors, where she specializes in shaping the leadership and culture of pioneering tech and life sciences companies. With a career spanning three decades, her expertise was forged in the fires of rapid growth and transformation at industry leaders like OpenTable, Guardant Health, and Pfizer. Natasha has earned a reputation as a "steady hand in a storm," expertly guiding executive teams through uncertainty to build the resilience and alignment required for long-term success.

Social Handles:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashakehimkar/  

Website: www.malidaadvisors.com 

Fun Facts:

• 🧬 It's in Her DNA: A deep understanding of people and organizations runs in the family, with both her mother and father-in-law having built careers in HR.
• 🚴‍♀️ Coaching in Stereo: She seamlessly transitions from coaching C-suite executives in the boardroom to leading high-energy classes as a certified spin instructor.
• 🎓 Doctor in the Making: Ever committed to mastering her craft, she is currently advancing her knowledge by pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

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