Leadership Beyond Titles with Dr. Lani Jones

"Leadership is influence with purpose and direction and service to others."

In this episode, Craig P. Anderson speaks with Dr. Lani Jones, Owner and Founder of HBL Advisory Group, about the mindset shifts leaders must make when stepping into positions of influence, regardless of whether they hold the title. Dr. Jones reflects on her early leadership experience training interpreters in a clinical setting, where she learned to own her expertise and communicate with clarity and confidence. She and Craig explore how impostor syndrome can be reframed as a sign of growth, why feedback must be timely and constructive, and how leadership is as much about serving others as it is about direction and decision-making.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Dr. Lani Jones on LinkedIn

• Check out HBL Advisory Group

• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

• Subscribe to Craig's "The Evolving Leader" newsletter

Key Takeaways

• Influence begins before the title—leadership is about showing up with agency

• Give and receive feedback in real-time to build trust and momentum

• Reframe imposter syndrome as part of the growth process, not a flaw

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(00:36) The importance of timely feedback

(02:17) Discussing 'Necessary Endings' by Dr. Henry Cloud

(06:09) Pursuing your leadership crush

(10:28) Keeping the human touch as a leader

(11:21) Early leadership role reflections

(25:55) A nuanced take on imposter syndrome

(32:36) A better way to receive feedback