Marian Baldini - Kencrest: Leading a 90-Day Miracle - Speaking to Influence

Marian Baldini - Kencrest: Leading a 90-Day Miracle

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Marian Baldini, the CEO and president of Kencrest, a human services and early learning provider. Marian shares her experiences and insights on leadership communication, including the importance of enrolling people to their giftedness and the power of silence in conversations. She also discusses the challenges she faced in starting a new company and the importance of speaking up as the lone voice of dissent. Overall, Marian emphasizes the need for leaders to understand and connect with their team members' strengths and interests to create a positive and productive work environment.

In this episode you will learn:

Enrolling people to their giftedness is an important aspect of leadership communication.
Overcoming the fear of public speaking can lead to personal growth and improved communication skills.
Authentic inclusion is essential in creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
Making wrong calls is a part of leadership, but it's important to learn from them and make necessary adjustments.
Taking risks can lead to innovation and growth, but effective communication is crucial in navigating the challenges..

About Marian:

Marian Baldini is the CEO and President of KenCrest, a human services and early learning provider throughout Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Delaware; that serves over 12,500 people annually. She is an unwavering advocate for the equality and inclusion of people with disabilities, as well as access to early education for all. Marian has over 40 years of leadership in executive planning, administration, academia, and operational oversight; and began her career as a Direct Support Professional in the 1970s, at the same Agency where she now serves as CEO.

She has been recognized by Philadelphia Business Journal as one the “Most Admired CEOs” (2019) in the region, as well as a “Woman of Distinction” (2015); as one of Main Line Today’s “Power Women” in 2021; as Lutheran Services of America (LSA)’s first ever Paragon Award (2022); as Drexel University College of Medicine’s first non-doctorate recipient of their Biomedical Sciences Graduate Recognition Award (2022); and most recently recognized by Metro Philadelphia as a “Power Women” on their annual Power Player list (2022).

You can connect with Marian Baldini in the following ways: