ILLUMENATE 004: Ethical Leadership and Embracing Joy with Eddie Francis

[Also on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music]

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, I welcome Eddie Francis—brand strategist, speaker, award-winning broadcaster, and host of the personal leadership podcast “For Your Edification”, the employer branding podcast “I Want to Work There!” and the talk show The Way Forward on WBOK Radio in New Orleans.

Eddie shares his mission to promote ethical leadership and how his upbringing in New Orleans—a city that celebrates the human spirit—shaped his worldview. From attending an all-boys, African-American Catholic high school that instilled self-confidence and excellence to navigating toxic workplaces and eventually earning a master’s degree at 50, Eddie reflects on the pivotal moments that molded his purpose-driven approach to leadership.

Throughout the conversation, Eddie opens up about the importance of self-awareness, how therapy has helped him stay grounded, and the role of community and male friendships in his growth. He also highlights his experiences in theater, his love for dance, and the value of maintaining joy in life.

Key takeaways include:

• Success is a team sport. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you.

• Feedback is fuel for growth. Embrace learning and reflection to refine your leadership style.

• Mindfulness matters. Accept what you can’t control and focus on how you respond.

• Celebrate joy. Make room for joy in your own life and allow others to experience it fully.

Tune in to discover how Eddie combines humor, resilience, and intellectual flexibility to create impact—and how you can too.

You can learn more about and connect with this episode’s guest at eddiefrancis.com