Empathy in Action: Tracy Layney on Career Growth, Mental Health, and Building Supportive Work Cultures

Career Club Live with Bob Goodwin

What if your career path didn't have to be linear to be successful? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Tracy Layney, EVP and Chief HR Officer at Levi Strauss Company. Tracy shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Houston, Texas, to becoming a prominent advocate for mental health and employee well-being. Learn how her personal experiences, like the emotional milestone of sending her son off to college, shape her professional perspective on fostering empathetic workplace cultures and supporting employees through various life stages.
Discover the critical importance of evaluating potential and fit in today’s evolving job market. Tracy delves into the value of embracing diverse experiences and saying yes to new opportunities, which can enhance skill sets in unexpected ways. Balancing hiring managers' needs for specific experience with the fresh perspectives that newcomers bring, she advocates for recognizing transferable skills and growth potential—even among interns. Tracy’s insights are a must-listen for anyone involved in hiring or career development.
Burnout is real, and Tracy gets candid about its impacts and the necessity of self-care. She highlights Levi Strauss' holistic approach to mental health and wellness, including partnerships with Thrive Global and Lyra, and the importance of expanded leave policies. Through personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, Tracy underscores the significance of fostering empathy in business culture, managing job transitions, and nurturing genuine passion in one's career. Tune in for a treasure trove of advice on maintaining resilience and compassion in both personal and professional lives.

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1. Empathy in Action: Tracy Layney on Career Growth, Mental Health, and Building Supportive Work Cultures (00:00:00)

2. Mental Health Initiatives and Career Growth (00:00:02)

3. Evaluating Potential and Fit in Hiring (00:12:07)

4. Recognizing and Addressing Burnout (00:20:43)

5. Supporting Mental Health and Wellness" (00:26:32)

6. Empathy in Business Culture (00:30:23)

7. Navigating Job Loss and Transitions (00:39:56)

8. Career Advice and Life Lessons (00:46:12)