From Command and Control to Serve and Support, with Marisol Bello - Coaching for Leaders Recap

Podcast: Coaching for Leaders

Published: 2026-03-13

Duration: 22 min

Guests: Marisol Bello

Summary

Marisol Bello discusses her transition from a command-and-control leadership style to one that serves and supports her team, highlighting the challenges and learnings along the way.

What Happened

Marisol Bello, executive director of the Housing Narrative Lab, talks about her leadership journey and the shift from command-and-control to a more supportive leadership style. She shares how her initial approach as an executive director was affected by the tendency to control outcomes, a habit from her past roles. Marisol emphasizes the importance of pausing and listening before speaking, a practice she learned from the Coaching for Leaders Academy.

She recalls the pivotal moment of discovering Dave's podcast, particularly an episode with Marshall Goldsmith, which led her to join the Academy. The course helped her identify her strengths and apply them in practical ways, such as improving communication with her deputy director. Marisol admits the transition was challenging, involving significant internal work and self-awareness.

A key takeaway for Marisol was realizing that her brainstorming sessions often came across as directives to her team. By adjusting her communication style to include more questions and less immediate input, she fostered a more collaborative environment. This change helped prevent confusion and encouraged team members to contribute actively.

Marisol's story highlights the critical role of self-reflection and mentorship in leadership. She notes the absence of mentors in her executive role compared to earlier in her journalism career, which made the Academy's structured support invaluable.

The episode underscores the difference between intention and perception in leadership. Marisol intended to support her team but initially came across as controlling due to her authoritative role. Adjusting her approach to encourage dialogue was crucial for building the desired organizational culture.

Marisol's experience illustrates the broader theme of evolving leadership styles to meet the needs of dynamic organizations. Her journey from a journalist to a narrative strategist and eventually an executive director showcases the adaptability required in leadership roles.

Dave wraps up by emphasizing the importance of recognizing power dynamics in leadership and the value of small, intentional changes to create a more supportive environment. He invites listeners to consider how they can apply these lessons in their own leadership journeys.

Key Insights

• Marisol Bello's leadership journey at the Housing Narrative Lab pivoted when she realized her brainstorming felt like directives to her team. By shifting to ask more questions instead of giving immediate input, she transformed team dynamics and fostered collaboration.
• The Coaching for Leaders Academy helped Marisol Bello identify her strengths and apply them practically, improving communication with her deputy director. This shift from control to support involved significant self-awareness and internal work, echoing her past journalism experiences.
• Discovering Dave's podcast episode with Marshall Goldsmith was a turning point for Marisol Bello, prompting her to join the Academy. This decision filled the mentorship void she felt in her executive role, contrasting with her earlier career in journalism.
• Marisol Bello's shift from a journalist to an executive director highlights the adaptability required in leadership roles. Her experience reveals the tension between intention and perception, as her supportive intentions initially came off as controlling due to her authoritative position.

Key Questions Answered

How did Marisol Bello transition her leadership style on Coaching for Leaders?

Marisol Bello transitioned from a command-and-control style to a supportive leadership approach by focusing on self-awareness, communication, and leveraging her strengths, as discussed in her episode on Coaching for Leaders.

What lesson did Marisol Bello learn about communication in leadership?

Marisol learned that her brainstorming often seemed like orders due to her role, prompting her to pause and listen more, fostering a collaborative environment.

Why did Marisol Bello join the Coaching for Leaders Academy?

Marisol joined the Academy seeking mentorship and a roadmap for leadership, inspired by a podcast episode featuring Marshall Goldsmith.