Lara Hamilton: Leading with Care, The People First Formula for IT Leadership

Lara Hamilton: Leading with Care, The People First Formula for IT Leadership In This Episode: Lara introduces herself as VP of IT Services at Help Desk Realty, leading a department that supports affordable housing and property management clients nationwide Julie and Lara open with a lighthearted moment about southern food, Memphis roots, and a wild family story involving Elvis Presley Lara explains why hiring exceptional people starts with understanding culture fit, not just skill She shares why temp to hire arrangements help leaders confirm alignment before making a long term commitment The two discuss what happens when a hire does not work out, and why true leadership requires self reflection first Lara describes how her team creates systems with a human purpose, reducing frustration instead of adding to it She reveals why sometimes the most valuable thing a leader can do is simply listen Lara connects her department's daily work to a much bigger mission, supporting affordable housing communities across the country She explains how fast, reliable technology can be the difference between someone securing stable housing or remaining without it Julie and Lara talk about persistence, and why never stopping matters even when mistakes happen Lara shares her philosophy on doing it scared, and why fear should never be the reason someone stops moving forward She opens up about a recent moment of courage, ziplining down Fremont Street in Las Vegas, and what it taught her about growth Lara closes with a reflection on what leading with care truly means, and why trust in your people always comes back around Key Takeaways: Hire for Culture, Not Just Skill: Exceptional teams are built through intentional, values aligned hiring Systems Should Serve People: Technology and process design should always reduce human frustration, not add to it Purpose Multiplies Impact: Understanding the deeper why behind the work transforms an ordinary job into meaningful work Reflection Is Leadership: Great leaders look inward first when a hire or a plan does not work out Do It Scared: Confidence often follows action, not the other way around Memorable Quotes: "Leading with care means a lot of things, but for me it is starting with my own employees." "It is really a failure on yourself and the employee when someone does not work out." "It could mean the difference between someone being homeless or not." "Do it scared, and you might find that it is really something you enjoy doing." "Do not let fear stop you." This episode is perfect for sharing with leaders, managers, and IT professionals in your network who want to lead with more heart and intention. Connect with Lara Hamilton: Company: Help Desk Realty, a Division of Tectonic Role: VP of IT Services Connect with Julie Riga: Stacklist: https://stacklist.app/julieriga Website: julieriga.com/lead Social Media: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Coaching: Learn more about leadership coaching and transformation Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder to lead with care today. #stayoncourse #leadwithcare #purposedrivenleadership #authenticleadership #peoplefirstleadership Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.