What happens when you walk into a workplace filled with chaos? In this episode, Nicole sits down with the powerhouse author, leadership expert, and former deputy mayor, Irma J. Neal, for a jaw-dropping conversation about Leading in Chaos — the title of her book and the essence of her leadership journey.
Irma shares real, raw stories from her time leading a government department in Washington, D.C. under extreme dysfunction—and how she brought it back to life with structure, empathy, and fearless leadership. From handling fish-frying, gossiping, couch-surfing chaos to confronting political pressure and addiction in the workplace, Irma drops 20 powerful management insights you won’t want to miss.
Key Highlights from this episode:
[00:03:04] – Why every leader should lead with love, empathy, and vision
[00:09:13] – How there’s always somebody who is benefiting from the chaos of a dysfunctional workplace
[00:14:05] – Why administrative assistants are your most powerful allies in navigating organizational power
[00:32:18] – How coaching misfits into becoming strong contributors pays off big
[00:41:22] – Just because you solved a problem once doesn’t mean it won’t return
Irma’s book: Leading in Chaos
FREE RESOURCE: Self Assessment for a Thriving Workforce
Connect with Irma:
website: www.onyx2rise.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irma-j-neal-082739118/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadinginchaos/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/LeadingInChaos/
Also mentioned in this episode:
Life’s Little Instruction Book by H. Jackson Brown
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, MD
