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Halting Churn - an Interview with Angela Stopper, PhD, Chief Learning Officer & Director of People and Organization Development at UC Berkeley

churn Mar 03, 2025

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Angela Stopper, PhD, Chief Learning Officer & Director of People and Organization Development at UC Berkeley, about the power of confidence, courage, and human connection in leadership. Angela shared deeply personal stories about overcoming self-doubt, building a strong professional network, and creating environments where people feel valued—insights that are critical for leaders at every level.

Angela’s leadership journey was shaped by an early experience in high school gym class, where an unexpected act of inclusion taught her the impact of courage and community. This moment, still vivid 30 years later, influences how she leads today—prioritizing belonging, empathy, and ensuring others feel seen and supported.

Throughout our conversation, Angela emphasized the role of middle managers in employee retention and the importance of leaders fostering psychological safety. She shared how strategic empathy, gratitude, and meaningful one-on-one conversations can transform workplace cultures, ultimately halting the costly cycle of employee churn.

Key take-aways from the interview:

00:01:09 – The high school experience that shaped Angela’s leadership philosophy on confidence, inclusion, and courage.
00:09:49 – Rejection and setbacks can be defining moments—how Angela turned a career-altering rejection into an opportunity.
00:13:47 – The importance of building a professional network that supports and challenges you
00:17:38 – Employee retention is deeply tied to feeling valued—leaders must prioritize human connection.
00:22:27 – How leaders can foster engagement through consistent, meaningful conversations with their teams.
00:23:57 – One-on-one meetings should be a space for support, not just status updates—small shifts can create major impact.
00:27:45 – Strategic empathy: Why truly understanding employees’ challenges leads to stronger performance and retention.
00:29:35 – The power of gratitude and recognizing employees in ways that make them feel genuinely seen and valued.
00:32:31 – Expanding your network beyond your comfort zone is essential for personal growth and fearless leadership.

Watch this impactful interview with Angela Stopper for more in-depth perspective.

Angela’s wisdom is a testament to the impact of courageous leadership and the power of fostering a culture of care. If her insights resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s connect and explore how you can apply these principles to your leadership journey. Book a call with me today to take the first step toward fearless leadership.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, please email me at info@sherylkline.com.

If you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, build cohesive, high-performing teams or navigate challenges with greater confidence and/or influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Also, if your company would like to be a part of the 10 company book speaking roadshow for my new book, The Fearless Female Leader, I’d love to discuss it with you!

Cheering you on always!
- Sheryl