Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places with Andrew Stoute

In a first for the show, I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming my dear friend, Andrew Stoute, as our very first male guest! Andrew and I connected through LinkedIn (proof that amazing relationships can blossom online!), and I’ve been so inspired by his work in HR, diversity, inclusion, and leadership. He also hosts the fantastic podcast, “Let’s Be Diverse,” which I’m honored to sponsor.

This conversation was such a breath of fresh air. We talked about the impact that women have had across generations, and dove into the personal stories that have shaped Andrew’s journey. Get ready to feel inspired, motivated, and maybe even a little nostalgic as we celebrate the women who embody true Moxie!

Bonjour Mes Amis! A Little Taste of Eastern Canada

Before diving into the heart of our conversation, Andrew graciously shared a fun, easy French Canadian phrase with us: “Bonjour mes amis!” (Hello, my friends!). I gave it my best shot (and Andrew was kind enough to say I did pretty well for a first-timer!). It was such a fun way to kick off the episode and add a little international flair. Listeners, I encourage you to try it out the next time you greet your friends!

It reminded me of my cruise to Eastern Canada stopping in Quebec City, Montreal, and Prince Edward Island and just how stunningly beautiful Quebec City was. With the history, architecture, and cool bluff up above the river, I felt like I was walking in Paris.

Honoring the Women Who Inspire: Yvonne and Louise

A central theme of Hello Moxie is honoring the women who inspire us, and I was so eager to hear about the women who have shaped Andrew’s life. He shared stories about his wife, bosses, and leaders who he followed but ultimately his late mom, Yvonne, and his late aunt, Louise, were his biggest inspirations.

Yvonne, his mother, instilled in him the values of guidance, hard work, positivity, and strength. It was from her that he learned the importance of rapport building, a core value that shines through in everything Andrew does.

Louise, his aunt, taught him about unconditional love. She had a way of making everyone feel special, offering compassion and understanding in every interaction. She spoke her truth with love and never with hatred.

Root Beer Floats and the Power of Connection

Andrew shared such a heartwarming memory of his mom taking him for root beer floats every Thursday night. Initially, as a teenager, he wasn’t thrilled about spending his Thursday nights with his mom, but over time, those weekly outings became invaluable.

Those root beer floats weren’t just about the sweet treat; they were about building relationships, improving communication, and, most importantly, connecting with himself. As Andrew explained, communication isn’t just about talking to others; it’s about having an open dialogue with yourself.

He does a little mantra every morning to ensure that at the end of the day, he’s happy with his accomplishments.

“I am a huge believer and one of my core values is rapport building and I learned rapport building from my mom. It also taught me how to connect with myself.” – Andrew Stoute

The Jungle Book and the Joy of Simple Pleasures

Andrew also fondly remembers his aunt Louise taking him to see his very first movie: The Jungle Book. What a special memory! Beyond the excitement of the movie itself, Andrew realized that his aunt instilled in him how to be inspired and enjoy and reduce stress in life.

It’s a great reminder to embrace simple pleasures and find ways to de-stress.

How Men Can Be Advocates for Women

I asked Andrew for his perspective on what men can do to be better advocates and champions for women, not just in the workplace, but in our communities and at home as well. His response was thoughtful and direct:

Andrew talked about the importance of speaking up and using your voice to support women, especially in situations where they may be marginalized or overlooked. He highlighted the need to be vocal when you see something that isn’t right, and to actively create opportunities for women to thrive and lead. He believes in amplifying women’s voices, ensuring they are heard and valued in every space.

“We have to be prepared for the response. And I think we have to work together for the common good.” – Andrew Stoute

What Does Moxie Mean to Andrew?

I always love asking my guests what the word “Moxie” means to them. For Andrew, Moxie embodies determination, perseverance, and human spirit.

He shared that his late mother, Yvonne, exemplified determination through her unwavering commitment to her family and her tireless work ethic. She faced challenges head-on and never gave up, always striving to provide the best for her loved ones. 

Louise, his aunt, embodied human spirit through her compassion and unconditional love. She had a remarkable ability to connect with others and make them feel valued, spreading joy and kindness wherever she went. Their legacy continues to inspire him to approach life with resilience and a deep sense of empathy.

“For me, Moxie is determination, perseverance, and I would say human spirit. I think they defined the word human spirit in my mind.” (Referring to his mom and aunt) – Andrew Stoute

Key Takeaways

• The power of consistent connection: Make time for weekly quality time with loved ones.
• Communicate with yourself: Have internal conversations and show up for yourself.
• Embrace simple pleasures: Find ways to reduce stress, de-stress, and enjoy life.
• Be inspired by movies: Watch movies to learn how to instill and find inspiration.