Leading with Heart: Jill De Chavez on Building a People-First Business in Social Impact

In this episode of the podcast, host Shane Jeremy James, known as S1H, sits down with Jill De Chavez, the dynamic owner of Briteweb. This digital agency manages the online presence of mission-driven organizations, such as the David Suzuki Foundation. After years of overseeing large corporate projects, Jill took the bold step of becoming an owner by purchasing the very agency where she once worked.

Now leading a 15-person team, she quickly realized that running a company presents its unique challenges. From making difficult decisions, such as letting go of underperforming employees, to fostering a culture of psychological safety, Jill’s journey is raw, honest, and full of valuable insights. We discuss what it takes to maintain strong values while staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Jill emphasizes that emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and open conversations with your team are not just "nice to have" but essential for business success. We also explore how technology is transforming the creative industry and why listening to your team might be your greatest competitive advantage.