The One Lesson I Wish I Learned Earlier

Project Violet Podcast Ep. 1

In the kickoff episode of the Project Violet Podcast, Daniel Lai and Carrie Missele dive into one powerful question from their advisor network: “What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?” Carrie shares the lesson that transformed her leadership style—understanding that people are different from you—and tells a relatable (and slightly cringeworthy) story about a book club gone wrong. Daniel breaks down a quote that changed his mindset: “No one is as good or as bad as you think they are, including yourself,” and reflects on managing ego, empathy, and self-talk.

If you’re navigating leadership, team dynamics, or just want some honest reflection from two seasoned professionals, this one’s for you.

TIMESTAMPS:

• 00:00 – Intro & casual banter (plus a little norovirus talk 😅)

• 01:49 – What is the Project Violet advisor network?

• 02:10 – The question: “What’s one piece of advice you wish you had earlier in your career?”

• 02:30 – Carrie’s answer: People are different from you (and that matters as a leader)

• 05:39 – The story of Steve and the book club

• 08:45 – Learning to lead with empathy

• 10:25 – Adapting your leadership style to your team

• 12:08 – Tips for understanding your team’s needs

• 13:22 – Work preference surveys & team dynamics

• 14:07 – The power of a leadership manifesto

• 15:06 – Daniel’s answer: “No one is as good or as bad as you think they are… including yourself”

• 17:55 – The danger of putting people on a pedestal

• 19:38 – Leading with empathy when someone stumbles

• 21:20 – It’s on the leader to help their team succeed

• 23:34 – Giving yourself grace (and quieting the inner critic)

• 24:26 – When ego gets in the way of leadership

• 25:44 – Leveling the playing field as a leader

• 26:16 – A quote to live by: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”

• 27:00 – Wrap-up and what’s coming next from Project Violet