Grow Strong Leaders Podcast: Recent Episodes
Meredith Bell
In the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast, host Meredith Bell interviews business leaders who are committed to their own growth and the development of their people.
What if one of the most important leadership skills isn't speaking more clearly, making faster decisions, or solving problems more quickly—but simply being fully present?
In this thoughtful conversation, psychologist and coach Dr. Pam Garcy shares practical ways to quiet the mental stories that pull us away from the people and moments that matter most. Drawing from her book The Present Coach, Pam explains why returning to the present is a practice, not a destination, and how slowing down allows us to respond with greater wisdom, calmness, and compassion.
Together we explore what happens in our minds and bodies when we're under pressure, why our presence influences everyone around us, and how simple daily practices can help us become steadier leaders, partners, parents, and friends. Along the way, Pam shares moving personal stories and practical techniques you can begin using immediately—including one surprisingly simple exercise that may forever change the way you drink your morning coffee.
Dr. Pam Garcy, PhD, is a licensed psychologist, coach, author, and teacher with over two decades of experience supporting individuals and professionals in meaningful personal change. Her work integrates psychological depth, presence-based practices, and practical tools for emotional regulation, self-leadership, and sustainable growth—an integration that forms the foundation of The Present Coach.
You'll discover
- Why returning matters more than perfection
- Practical ways to regain calm under pressure
- How stories quietly shape your reactions
- Why your presence influences everyone around you
- Simple daily practices that build lasting awareness
Connect with Pam Garcy, PhD on Social Media
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-d-garcy-ph-d-5507439/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DrPamGarcy/
Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/drpamgarcyprosperity
Website
My Inner Guide https://www.myinnerguide.com/
Books
The Present Coach: Your Companion Guide to Traversing Life with Clientshttps://www.amazon.com/Present-Coach-Companion-Traversing-Clients/dp/1600252303
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Most organizations can describe their values. The real challenge is helping people live them when pressure, habits, and competing priorities get in the way.
In this thought-provoking conversation, Stephen Paskoff explains why changing behavior—not simply communicating expectations—is the true work of leadership. Drawing on four decades of experience helping organizations create respectful, accountable workplaces, Steve shares unforgettable stories that reveal how managers shape culture, why habits matter more than policies, and what it really takes to influence behavior over time.
You'll hear the remarkable healthcare stories that transformed Steve's thinking, the leadership lesson he learned as a teenager selling shoes, and a simple exercise that will forever change how you think about leading people. Whether you're responsible for one employee or thousands, this episode will challenge you to move beyond values statements and begin creating the daily behaviors that define exceptional cultures.
Stephen is the founder and Chair of Employment Learning Innovations, Inc. (ELI), a learning and human capital consulting company. ELI works with public and private organizations to build lawful, productive workplaces that maximize results and reduce compliance and other risks. He is a nationally recognized speaker and author on workplace legal issues. Before founding ELI in 1986, Stephen was an EEOC trial attorney and partner in a management law firm. He is the author of two books, Teaching Big Shots to Behave and Other Human Resource Challenges and Civility Rules! A New Business Approach for Boosting Results and Cutting Risks.
You'll discover
- Why values alone don't change behavior
- How leaders build lasting workplace habits
- What managers communicate without realizing it
- Why respect drives better business results
- How everyday actions shape organizational culture
Connect with Stephen Paskoff on Social Media
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliinc
Website
Employment Learning Innovations https://eliinc.com/
Books
Civility Rules! A New Business Approach for Boosting Results and Cutting Risks https://www.amazon.com/CIVILITY-Business-Approach-Boosting-Results/dp/0692601570
Teaching Big Shots to Behave and Other Human Resource Challenges https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Shots-Behave-Resources-Challenges/dp/0975895001
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What happens when values collide with results and a difficult decision has to be made?
Earl Rattray spent more than three decades helping organizations answer that question in real time. Drawing on his experience leading global ethics and compliance efforts at Colgate-Palmolive, Earl shares why values only become meaningful when they're tested, how managers shape culture more than policies ever can, and why trust is the foundation of every healthy workplace.
You'll hear stories from Earl's visits to teams around the world, lessons learned from employees who challenged his assumptions, and the experience early in his career that revealed his own courage. Whether you're leading a team or influencing culture from any position, you'll come away thinking differently about speaking up, earning trust, and what it really means to do the right thing when the stakes are high.
Earl spent more than two decades as a senior ethics and compliance executive at Colgate-Palmolive, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Global Ethics and Compliance. In that role, he built and led a compliance program operating across more than 200 countries and territories. He also advised C-Suite leaders and Board committees on institutional integrity, governance strategy, and emerging risk.
Under Earl’s leadership, the company was recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 16 consecutive years — one of the most rigorous ethics distinctions in the corporate world. His mission is to help organizations build compliance programs and ethical cultures that hold up under real-world pressure. He believes that principled leadership is not a policy or a program. It is a daily practice, most visible in the moments when doing the right thing comes at a cost.
You'll discover
- Why values matter most under pressure
- How managers shape everyday workplace culture
- What creates genuine psychological safety
- Why trust is leadership's most valuable currency
- How courage grows when you speak up
Connect with Earl Rattray
Social Media
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/earl-rattray-32535189/
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What if the most important leadership moment of your career lasts only five minutes?
Angela Burgess believes that meaningful change often begins with a single conversation. In this episode, she shares the story of a manager who saw potential in her when she was struggling, offered a different perspective, and changed the trajectory of her career. That experience shaped Angela's belief that leaders have an extraordinary opportunity to help people see possibilities in themselves that they cannot yet see on their own.
As Founder and CEO of Broad Oaks Consulting, Angela works with nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and advisors who need to navigate conversations that many people avoid. Along the way, she has become a passionate advocate for curiosity, active listening, and encouragement. You'll hear why asking better questions matters, why listening is more than hearing words, and how small acts of genuine caring can leave a lasting impact long after we forget we ever made them.
You'll discover
- Why one conversation can alter a career
- How curiosity creates deeper connections
- What great listeners do differently
- Why encouragement matters more than you realize
- How to serve others through conversation
Connect with Angela Burgess on Social Media
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelaburgesshtx
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/broadoaksconsulting
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlHvCYUSmc0
Resources
Website
Angela Burgess https://angelaburgesshtx.com
Broad Oaks Consulting https://broadoaksconsulting.com/
Book
Are You On the Right Bus?: Navigating Change on the Road to Success
https://www.amazon.com/Are-You-Right-Bus-Navigating/dp/B0D2JG5D5K
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What if your culture isn't defined by your values, but by the behavior you're willing to tolerate? Steve Harris has spent decades helping organizations create environments where employees feel safe speaking up, leaders model the right behaviors, and ethics become part of everyday decision-making. As Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at Lincoln Financial, Steve shares practical examples of how organizations can build trust, strengthen accountability, and help managers create psychological safety within their teams.
You'll hear how Lincoln reframed speaking up from a compliance obligation to a business imperative, why frontline managers have such a powerful influence on culture, and how one difficult experience early in Steve's career shaped his view of the difference between what is legal and what is ethical. His stories offer valuable lessons for any leader who wants values to guide behavior when decisions become difficult.
In his role as Senior Vice President and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer at Lincoln Financial, Steve leads the company's enterprise compliance and sustainability programs and helps shape a culture of ethical decision-making across more than 11,000 employees. Under Steve’s leadership, Lincoln Financial has been recognized five times as one of Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies. Before joining Lincoln, Steve spent more than a decade at The Hartford, another long-time Ethisphere honoree, and he’s built a reputation for helping organizations integrate ethics into business strategy, leadership, and culture. He's also a frequent speaker on ethics and compliance and serves on several industry and academic advisory boards.
You'll discover:
- Why speaking up drives business success
- How managers create psychological safety
- What trust looks like in practice
- Why listening builds stronger cultures
- The difference between law and ethics
Connect with Steve Harris on Social Media
Website
Lincoln Financial
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What if your desire to help is actually getting in someone else's way? You may think you're supporting, protecting, or guiding others, but sometimes your good intentions can unintentionally limit their growth, confidence, and sense of purpose.
Drawing from a deeply personal experience with my father, I explore how helping can cross the line into rescuing, controlling, or satisfying our own need to be right. You'll discover why this lesson matters not only in your personal relationships but also in your role as a leader, where the urge to solve problems can prevent others from developing their own capabilities and strengths.
I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. We provide assessment and development systems that help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills so they can consistently live their values and sustain strong, high-trust cultures—especially under pressure.
You'll discover:
- Why helping can sometimes feel controlling
- How rescuing prevents growth and confidence
- What your need to be right costs
- Why leaders should ask more questions
- The difference between support and interference
Connect with Meredith on Social Media
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmbell
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MeredithMBell
Twitter https://x.com/meredithmbell
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/meredithmbell/
Website
Grow Strong Leaders https://growstrongleaders.com/
Books
Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills: https://amzn.to/3jL0pEI
Grow Strong Character https://tinyurl.com/3zwcanxa
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How do you sustain an ethical culture across 113,000 employees in more than 80 countries with a team of just four ethics professionals? Kendall Mills shares how JLL has built one of the world's most enduring ethics programs, earning recognition from Ethisphere 19 times as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. She explains how ethics becomes more than a policy or annual training requirement when leaders consistently reinforce trust, transparency, accountability, and speaking up.
Kendall also shares a defining moment early in her career when she was pressured to alter an investigation report, and the decision she made that shaped her approach to leadership. Throughout our conversation, she reveals how organizations can operationalize integrity, create psychological safety, build trust at scale, and help employees make the right decisions even when nobody is watching.
Kendall is a licensed attorney and Certified Information Privacy Professional. She started her career at a Fortune 100 insurance company where she led more than 250 internal investigations, including matters involving C-suite executives. Today, she serves as Executive Director of Ethics & Compliance for the Americas at JLL, a Fortune 200 commercial real estate firm, where she also has global oversight for the ethics program spanning the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.
Kendall is known for translating complex regulatory issues into practical guidance, implementing compliance programs that work in the real world, and partnering with leadership to strengthen cultures of integrity and accountability. Her team develops the investigation trends and risk insights that go directly to JLL's Board, giving senior leadership clear visibility into where the risks are and what's being done about them. A Fellow of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Kendall is passionate about elevating compliance as a strategic function and developing a high-performing, globally aligned team.
You’ll discover:
- How JLL scales ethics across 80+ countries
- Why integrity starts with small decisions
- What builds trust in speaking-up cultures
- How leaders create psychological safety
- Why accountability strengthens organizational trust
Connect with Kendall on Social Media
Resources
JLL Ethics Everywhere Annual Report
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Do you need to know more than everyone else to be an effective leader? Chris Ware believes the answer is no. Throughout his career, he has repeatedly stepped into leadership roles where others had deeper expertise, yet he learned how to build trust, credibility, and engagement without relying on authority or having all the answers.
As Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at Itron, Chris shares lessons from his experiences as a federal prosecutor, business leader, and legal executive. You'll hear memorable stories about learning from failure, making ethical decisions under pressure, understanding the "why" behind people's actions, and creating cultures where communication, trust, and speaking up are part of everyday leadership.
You’ll discover:
- Why leaders need a viewpoint early
- How grace strengthens trust and credibility
- What failure taught Chris about listening
- Why ethical decisions rarely require speed
- How simple habits build strong cultures
Connect with Chris Ware on Social Media
Website
Chris’s employer Itron
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What makes employees feel safe enough to speak up when something feels wrong? Eva Lehman shares how ethical cultures are built through leadership behaviors, trust, consistency, and systems that reinforce integrity every day. As Vice President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at Marvell Technology, Eva offers a behind-the-scenes look at how their culture shapes employee behavior far beyond policies and compliance training.
You’ll hear how Marvell’s leadership team reinforces ethical decision-making across a global organization, why middle managers are critical to sustaining trust, and how employees are empowered to raise concerns without fear. Eva also shares personal reflections about the difficult moments leaders face when values are tested, and why courage, empathy, and support from leadership matter so much in those situations.
You’ll discover:
- Why employees hesitate to speak up
- How leaders reinforce ethical culture daily
- What builds trust across global organizations
- Why managers are the ones shaping workplace microcultures
- How Marvell approaches responsible AI governance
Connect with Eva Lehman on Social Media
Website
Eva’s employer, Marvell Technology
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AI can accelerate answers. But what happens when it weakens the development of judgment, critical thinking, and human connection? Jennifer May explores the growing pressure facing middle managers, the risks organizations face when relationship-building and professional development fall away, and why ethical culture depends on much more than policies and compliance training. Drawing on nearly 30 years in ethics and compliance leadership, Jennifer shares why she believes compliance is fundamentally a relationship business and how organizations can move from being the “office of no” to becoming strategic partners in building a healthy culture.
Jennifer also shares a powerful story from her university compliance work that shaped her “yes and” philosophy, revealing how trust, collaboration, and creative problem-solving can help organizations navigate difficult tensions without losing sight of innovation or integrity. This conversation is a timely exploration of leadership, accountability, AI, and the human skills organizations cannot afford to lose.
Jennifer founded May Solutions Group to help companies make ethics practical, human, and actionable. She helps organizations build systems that people actually trust by replacing complexity with clarity and making ethical decision-making easier in day-to-day work.
You’ll discover:
- Why AI may weaken judgment development
- The growing squeeze on middle managers
- Why compliance is a relationship business
- How ethical cultures are strengthened over time
- The “yes and” mindset that builds trust
Connect with on Social Media
Website
May Consulting Group
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What happens when organizations become so focused on speed, efficiency, and AI that they slowly lose sight of people? In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Kelly Monahan shares insights from her years studying the future of work inside organizations like Deloitte, Accenture, Meta, and Upwork. Drawing from her upcoming book, Reclaim the Plot, Kelly explains how leaders and organizations gradually “drift” away from the human purpose of work, often without realizing it.
We explore the pressures leaders face today, including complexity, investor expectations, technological disruption, burnout, and the temptation to prioritize performance over people. Kelly also shares a deeply personal story about recognizing her own leadership drift during the pandemic and the intentional steps she took to reconnect with her team. This conversation offers both a warning and a hopeful vision for leaders who want to strengthen human judgment, curiosity, wisdom, and principled leadership in an AI-driven world.
You’ll discover:
- Why leadership drift happens slowly and invisibly inside organizations
- How pressure, complexity, and exhaustion can cause leaders to lose empathy and perspective
- The difference between using AI to augment people versus replace them
- Practical ways leaders can rebuild trust, psychological safety, and human connection
- Why curiosity and feedback are essential for avoiding leadership drift
Connect with Kelly Monahan on Social Media
Websites
Dr. Kelly Monahan
Beyond the Desk
Book
Reclaim the Plot– (release date September 2026)
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Vera Cherepanova, Executive Director of Boards of the Future, believes the strongest boards are not the ones with the best reports, but the ones willing to ask the hardest questions. In this conversation, she explains why ethics cannot be treated as a compliance exercise or a checklist after decisions are made. True governance requires courage, dissent, and a willingness to examine what leaders may prefer not to see.
We explore her concept of FOFO—fear of finding out—and how it keeps boards from asking difficult questions that could expose risk, protect reputation, and strengthen trust. Vera also shares how silence, conformity, and the absence of real challenge can quietly erode culture from the top down. If values are meant to guide decisions, then boards must create the conditions where truth can be spoken and principled leadership can thrive.
Vera is the Executive Director of Boards of the Future, a nonprofit advancing ethical leadership and integrity at the highest levels of corporate power. Vera serves as a chair, director, and ethics advisor to global professional bodies, corporations, and international nonprofits. She has authored the guide, How Boards Should Oversee Ethics: A Ten-Practice Guide for Modern Boards, challenging boards to move beyond compliance checklists. Her latest work focuses on how boards oversee ethics, cultivate dissent, and create the conditions for principled leadership when pressure is highest.
You’ll discover:
- Why compliance and ethics are not the same thing
- How fear of finding out creates costly leadership blind spots
- What makes people stay silent when they should speak up
- Simple ways leaders can create safer spaces for dissent
- How boardroom behavior shapes culture across the organization
Connect with Vera Cherepanova on Social Media
Websites
Vera Cherepanova
Boards of the Future
Guide
How Boards Should Oversee Ethics: A Ten-Practice Guide for Modern Boards
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What happens when doing the right thing costs money, creates tension, or slows results? Tara Shewchuk, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Privacy, Integrity, and Compliance Officer at Medtronic, pulls back the curtain on what ethical leadership actually looks like inside a global company where decisions can impact millions of lives. You’ll hear how leaders navigate pressure, disagreement, and uncertainty while staying grounded in values that guide both business and patient care.
Tara shares powerful real-world examples of principled leadership in action, including Medtronic’s decision to open source ventilator technology during the pandemic, the systems they use to strengthen speak-up culture across global teams, and the daily leadership behaviors that build trust over time. This conversation goes far beyond compliance and policies. It’s about how leaders create cultures where integrity becomes part of how people think, decide, and act every day.
You’ll discover:
- Why ethical culture must be intentionally built every day
- How leaders create safety for people to speak up
- What Medtronic did when profit conflicted with patient care
- How ethics circles strengthen decision-making across teams
- Why authenticity and vulnerability make leaders stronger
Connect with Tara Shewchuk on Social Media
Website
Tara’s employer, Medtronic
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What happens when your drive to succeed begins to disconnect you from yourself and the people who matter most? You’ll hear how Kevin Rice navigated extreme personal and professional pressure while building and scaling a company, and what it taught him about values, leadership, and the cost of staying disconnected.
As Kevin reflects on leading through rapid growth, personal upheaval, and critical business decisions, you’ll see how clarity around values like integrity, resilience, and connection changed how he shows up as a leader and a father. This conversation will challenge you to examine where you may be operating on autopilot and how intentionality and presence can transform both your work and your relationships.
Kevin co-founded Hathway straight out of college and grew it from a garage-stage startup into a 200+ person company before its acquisition in 2021. Today, he leads Theorem One Capital and is focused on helping leaders scale companies without losing themselves in the process. Kevin is also the host of the CEOs and ABCs Podcast, a show for ambitious professionals navigating both career and family.
You’ll discover:
- How “robot mode” impacts your leadership and decision-making
- Why disconnecting from emotions weakens your intuition
- A defining moment that reshaped Kevin’s understanding of integrity
- How values guide tough decisions with clients and team members
- Practical ways to model values at home with your children
Connect with Kevin Rice on Social Media
Podcast
CEOs & ABCs Podcast
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What if your company’s stated values actually guided every decision you make? Christopher Annand, Senior Director of Ethics, Compliance, and Security, shares how Cargill brings this standard to life, where seven guiding principles shape how leaders think, act, and lead every day.
As you listen, you’ll discover how those principles are reinforced from day one, how employees at every level use them to evaluate decisions, and why trust becomes a competitive advantage in uncertain times. You’ll also gain practical insight into handling difficult conversations, making values-based decisions under pressure, and understanding why at Cargill, how you achieve results matters just as much as what you achieve.
Christopher leads a global team of compliance professionals across multiple regions, helping ensure that the company’s guiding principles are not only understood but also lived. He joined Cargill to help build and scale its compliance organization, and over time has played a key role in embedding those principles into how leaders operate across cultures and business units. What makes this conversation especially compelling is that at Cargill, values don’t sit on the wall. They shape decisions, they guide behavior, and they influence who gets to lead—and who doesn’t.
You’ll discover:
- How Cargill embeds values into daily decisions
- Why trust is the foundation of leadership
- A practical framework for making tough decisions
- How to handle emotional employee conversations effectively
- Why “how you achieve results” matters as much as outcomes
Connect with Christopher Social Media
Website
Cargill
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Pressure doesn’t reveal your values. It exposes whether you’ve defined them at all. In this conversation with John Castelly, you’re challenged to think about who you are as a leader before the moment arrives when everything is on the line.
You’ll hear how John built and scaled ethics and compliance at ServiceNow and now navigates high-stakes decisions as General Counsel at Promise. Through real stories, you’ll discover how small compromises become major failures, why trust is the foundation of every organization, and what it takes to lead with clarity when speed, growth, and pressure collide.
John is General Counsel at Promise. Before that he built and led ethics and compliance at scale as SVP, Legal – Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at ServiceNow. He has deep knowledge and experience as a senior executive on issues concerning risk assessment, fraud prevention, compliance practices, supervision, industry rules, regulations, and policies.
You’ll discover:
- How small “harmless” choices can lead to major ethical failures
- Why defining your values before a crisis is essential
- What it takes to build trust as the foundation of culture
- How to balance speed and risk in high-growth environments
- Practical ways to create a culture where people speak up
Connect with John Castelly on Social Media
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What happens when you set a bigger goal and it forces you to rethink who you are? In this solo episode, I share how one decision exposed gaps in my leadership approach and led to a series of identity-level shifts. Through working with AI as a strategic thinking partner, I uncovered patterns that were limiting my impact and began operating with greater clarity, precision, and intention.
You’ll hear how these shifts are changing the way I lead conversations, make decisions, and show up with others. More importantly, I’ll challenge you to look at where these same patterns may be showing up in your leadership, especially under pressure. This episode will invite you to examine where you may be staying vague, avoiding direct conversations, or moving too quickly to create real impact.
I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. We provide assessment and development systems that help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills so they can consistently live their values and sustain strong, high-trust cultures, especially under pressure.
You’ll discover:
- Why “generosity without clear intent” limits your impact
- How avoiding “the ask” weakens relationships
- The hidden cost of moving conversations forward too quickly
- What strong leaders do to create clarity and real progress
- Three powerful questions to elevate your leadership immediately
Connect with Meredith on Social Media
Website
Grow Strong Leaders
Books
Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills
Grow Strong Character
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What happens when a high-performing leader hits a wall they never saw coming? Kimberly Arnold knows firsthand. After she spent decades leading large-scale transformations at PwC, Salesforce, and Blue Shield of California, a perfect storm of personal and professional pressures sent her on a 15-week stress-induced medical leave. That experience opened her eyes to what most leadership development overlooks: the powerful role your nervous system plays in how you show up under pressure. Now, as founder of the Pressure Ready Method™, she teaches leaders simple, body-based practices that restore composure in seconds.
Kimberly reveals the neuroscience behind why your body reacts before your mind even catches up—and why that matters for every decision you make. You’ll hear how she walked into a room of 12 distraught stakeholders at Salesforce and used a quick physical reset to stay open, curious, and collaborative when blame was flying in every direction. She shares her PACE framework (Pause, Acknowledge, Center, Engage) and practical techniques you can use in minutes to interrupt stress reactions, prevent cortisol buildup, and lead from a place of clarity rather than reactivity.
Kimberly helps leaders and teams build high performance under pressure without compromising their relationships or their health. As founder of the Pressure Ready Method™, she teaches repeatable tools leaders apply to interrupt reactive patterns and reset in minutes. Drawing on decades of leadership at PwC, Salesforce, and Blue Shield of California, plus 15 years as a certified somatic teacher, Kimberly brings lived experience to turning high-pressure moments into clear thinking, sound judgment, and collaborative solutions.
You’ll discover:
- Why your body signals danger before your mind does
- How the PACE framework interrupts stress in seconds
- What pushing harder actually costs your leadership credibility
- The simple posture shift that boosts your confidence
- How a long exhale can prevent cortisol from building up
Connect with Kimberly Arnold on Social Media
YouTube
Kimberly's Resources
Resilient Reset
Newsletter
Meet with Kimberly
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Pressure reveals who you really are as a leader. Brian Aquart, Vice President of Workforce and Community Education at Northwell Health, shares how a defining moment during the first wave of COVID reshaped his understanding of purpose, responsibility, and ethical leadership. Deploying staff into high-risk areas forced him to wrestle with the weight of decisions that could either expose people to harm or help save lives.
You’ll hear how Brian moved from chasing titles to chasing impact, why principles at the top prevent chaos across 100,000+ employees, and how values must be embedded—not just stated—to withstand pressure. From education initiatives that change life trajectories to his belief that compassion drifts first when guardrails disappear, this conversation will challenge you to examine how you show up when it matters most.
Brian Aquart is a healthcare executive, advisor, and storyteller whose work sits at the intersection of leadership, workforce development, and human transition. He currently serves as Vice President of Workforce & Community Education at Northwell Health, where he helps design and scale education-to-career pathways that strengthen communities and future-ready systems.
He is also the creator and host of Why I Left, a podcast exploring the pivotal moments when leaders choose to evolve, and the founder of Storyline by Kingswood, where he works with executives and organizations to develop narrative clarity, strengthen leadership presence, and align how they show up with the impact they want to make. Across all of his work, Brian is driven by a core belief: when leaders change how they show up, they change what’s possible for the people and systems they serve.
You’ll discover:
- How ethical leadership becomes clear when lives are on the line
- Why principles at the top determine culture at scale
- What happens inside an organization when values aren’t reinforced
- How showing up physically signals integrity and care
- Why purpose, not prestige, sustains leaders long term
Connect with Brian on Social Media
LinkedIn
YouTube
Websites
Why I Left
Website: https://whyileft.co/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whyileft
Storyline by Kingswood
Website: https://www.kingswoodforestllc.com/storyline-by-kingswood/
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Growth doesn’t stall because leaders lack ideas. It stalls because execution gets messy. Andrea Jones, former Intel process engineer and MIT Sloan MBA, turned a painful early career experience into a mission: help organizations execute growth projects with clarity and confidence. That moment of public criticism—driven by unclear expectations—sparked what she now calls Executagility and shaped her definition of DONE leaders: those who take ownership, stay organized, follow through without excuses, and lead with empathy.
You’ll hear why teams struggle with scattered priorities, overloaded employees, and unclear ownership, especially in smaller companies. Andrea outlines the four pillars of Executagility: alignment, competence, available time, and structure. She also connects transparency and prioritization to ethical leadership—because when work stays “in the light,” integrity follows. And she shares how Women Plus Workplaces connects experienced women seeking flexible roles with companies that value their talent.
Andrea is one of those gifted entrepreneurs who sees an issue and then forms a company to address it. It all started when she was at Intel in her role as a Process Engineer in the factory. After years of running growth projects full-time, Andrea went to MIT Sloan, where she earned an MBA, and then completed a Systems Engineering Master's at MIT. For more than 20 years she has focused on efficient and effective project execution.
Andrea is the founder of AJC Company and The Executagility® Company, helping SMBs internalize their own project execution capability with the same team that runs their daily operations. In 2025, she co-founded Women+Workplaces, an online community whose mission is to normalize part-time work when caregiving makes full-time roles challenging. Andrea is the author of two books: The Executagility Field Guide and Stop Starting. Start Finishing: How Executagility Goes the Last Mile.
You’ll discover:
- Why growth projects stall even with strong teams
- The four pillars that determine execution success
- How unclear priorities overload your best employees
- What the DONE acronym reveals about great project managers
- Why transparency is a powerful ethical safeguard
Connect with Andrea Jones on Social Media
Andrea's Websites
The Executagility® Company
AJC Company
Women+Workplaces
Books
The Executagility Field Guide
Stop Starting. Start Finishing. How Executagility Goes the Last Mile.
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Great leadership is revealed in the moments when pressure makes it easiest to abandon your values. Steph Brady shares how falling into management at 21—without training or support—forced her to lead in high-stress situations where her instincts didn’t always align with her values. Those early mistakes became the foundation for a powerful leadership principle: meet people where they are, especially when it’s hardest to do so.
You’ll hear how Steph navigated impostor syndrome, scaled a company from $40 million to $250 million, and built cultures rooted in values alignment, even as demands intensified. Her approach to difficult conversations, hiring, and leadership development centers on clarity, calmness, and intentional action under pressure. If you want to lead with integrity when it matters most, her insights will challenge how you think about leadership.
Steph is a strategic HR, change, and transformation consultant who helps organizations and leaders navigate complexity with clarity and confidence. She’s the former Head of HR, with senior experience across global technology, retail, aviation, and facilities. Steph has a real gift for blending behavioral science, psychology, and neuroscience-informed coaching with real-world business insights. She’s known for warmth, sharp humor, and the rare ability to make complex “people challenges” feel human, doable, and grounded.
You’ll discover:
- How to meet people where they are, especially under stress
- Why impostor syndrome intensifies under pressure—and how to manage it
- A simple framework for navigating difficult conversations when stakes are high
- How values-based hiring holds up during rapid growth
- Why clarity and calmness determine team performance in high-pressure situations
Connect with Steph Brady
Social Media
Steph's Website
StephBe
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Most nonprofits fail for one simple reason: they don’t run like businesses. Dr. Sharon Elefant learned this firsthand and built her company, The Nonprofit Plug, to help founders close that gap. After beginning her career in hospital administration and later being laid off while finishing her doctorate, she turned her gift for connecting people to resources into a thriving consulting firm with 14 team members serving nonprofits across the country.
You’ll hear how Sharon built a culture grounded in follow-through, accountability, and professional excellence—and why she insists that mission-driven leaders must embrace financial literacy, systems, and quality control. She also shares how she intentionally prepared her team for her 3–6 month maternity leave by developing emerging leaders, transferring ownership of client relationships, and installing processes that allowed her to step away with confidence. If you care about impact, this conversation will challenge you to strengthen the business behind your mission.
Sharon is a nationally recognized nonprofit strategist, educator, and community advocate, serving as the Founder and CEO of The Nonprofit Plug LLC and The Nonprofit Plug Foundation Inc. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, compliance, financial management, grant writing, and capacity building, she has supported the formation and sustainability of hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the country.
You’ll discover:
- How consistent follow-through becomes the foundation of trust
- Why nonprofits must operate like businesses to thrive
- The systems Sharon uses to ensure 100% quality control
- How to develop emerging leaders through intentional shadowing
- Practical ways to prepare your team for your temporary absence
Connect with Dr. Sharon Elefant
Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsharonelefant/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenonprofitplug
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitplug/
Website
The Nonprofit Plug https://thenonprofitplug.com/
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What if being yourself at work wasn’t a risk—but your greatest strength? In this deeply moving conversation, you’ll meet Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and author of Be Yourself at Work. Her presence alone reminds you what leadership can feel like when it’s rooted in humanity, courage, and care.
As you listen, you’re invited to slow down and reflect on who you are beneath the roles you play, especially in moments when pressure makes it tempting to hide behind them. Claude shares how self-awareness, calmness, and intentional kindness help leaders stay grounded when challenges arise, creating workplaces where people don’t have to contort themselves to belong. You’ll hear why leading from the heart isn’t soft—it’s steady—and how the leaders who bring calm, authenticity, and empathy into difficult moments are the ones who build the strongest cultures.
You’ll discover:
- How self-awareness becomes the gateway to authentic leadership
- Why belonging matters more than “culture fit”
- The difference between being nice and practicing real kindness
- How calm leadership steadies teams in uncertain moments
- What it means to lead with heart—without losing strength
Connect with Claude Silver
Website
Claude Silver
Book
Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart
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What does it really take to lead well when the world—and the workplace—feels deeply divided? You’re invited into a thoughtful, grounded conversation with Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work, as we explore how trust, character, and everyday leadership behaviors shape cultures where people can thrive, no matter their differences.
You’ll hear why great leadership isn’t about perks or slogans, but about how consistently leaders listen, speak, thank, and show respect. Michael shares data-backed insights from decades of employee experience research, explains how companies earn Great Place to Work certification, and makes a compelling case that organizations that care for people—across demographics, beliefs, and roles—don’t just feel better to work in; they also perform better.
Michael is CEO of Great Place To Work, the global research and analytics firm that produces annual distinguished workplace rankings around the world, such as Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For, the World’s Best Workplaces, and the 100 Best Workplaces for Women. Michael joined Great Place To Work as CEO in 2015, bringing 30 years of experience leading and growing organizations. Michael is driven by a love of business and an unwavering commitment to fair and equitable treatment.
You’ll discover:
- Why trust is the foundation of every great workplace
- The leadership behaviors that matter most to employees
- How Great Place to Work measures fairness for all
- What leaders must do differently in polarized times
- Why people-centered companies outperform long-term
Connect with Michael C. Bush
Website
Great Place to Work
Book
A Great Place to Work for All
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What does it really mean to trust someone—and how intentional are you about the choices you make every day? You’ll rethink trust from the inside out as Charles Feltman challenges the idea that trust is vague or emotional and reframes it as a conscious decision to make something you value vulnerable to another person’s actions.
You’ll learn how trust works in both directions and why being trustworthy isn’t enough if you’re unwilling to extend trust to others. Charles shares a practical, behavior-based framework built around four key domains—care, sincerity, reliability, and competence—along with real workplace examples that show how trust can be strengthened, assessed, repaired, or rebuilt through honest conversation and clear commitments.
Charles has nearly three decades of experience helping leaders and teams build, maintain, and, when necessary, restore trust. He currently runs trust-building workshops under the banner of Trust at Work® and also speaks on the subject. An overarching goal in his work is that his clients achieve what they consider to be their full potential as leaders and as human beings. He is the author of The Thin Book® of Trust: An Essential Primer for Building Trust at Work. Currently in its 3rd edition, it has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide.
You’ll discover:
- How to define trust in clear, practical terms
- The four domains that determine whether trust grows or erodes
- Why focusing on behavior—not character—matters most
- How leaders can repair trust after a misstep
- A shared language that makes trust discussable at work
Connect with Charles Feltman
Website
Insight Coaching
Books
The Thin Book of Trust, 3rd edition: An Essential Primer for Building Trust at Work
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What if leadership isn’t about confidence or visibility—but about building systems that expand access for others? In this episode, you’ll meet Jiayuan Tian, a social entrepreneur and graduate student at Columbia University SIPA, whose journey through global education reshaped how he understands inequality, opportunity, and leadership. After studying at Minerva University and living across cities around the world, Jiayuan discovered a paradox: the more global his education became, the clearer it was how inaccessible global learning remains for many, often due to invisible barriers like language fluency, insider knowledge, and financial flexibility.
That realization led him to co-found OneXplore, a youth-led organization designed to make global learning accessible and humane. Jiayuan shares how his view of leadership has evolved—from personal visibility to leadership as infrastructure: platforms, systems, and cultures that continue to serve people even when the founder steps away. You’ll hear why access itself is a leadership issue, why storytelling carries responsibility, and why leadership is always relational. This episode will invite you to rethink how you design opportunities, support young people, and build organizations that endure through shared ownership and trust.
Under Jiayuan’s leadership, OneXplore has grown into a community of more than 100,000 young people, with partnerships spanning universities, international organizations, embassies, and global nonprofits.
You’ll discover:
- How leadership can function as infrastructure, not personality
- Why access—not talent—is often the real barrier to opportunity
- What young leaders need most from mentors and employers
- How trust and storytelling shape sustainable organizations
- Why community is foundational to effective leadership
Connect with Jiayuan Tian
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What if the future of leadership isn’t about choosing between people or technology, but learning how to lead both with intention? In this episode, you’ll hear from Gena Hoxha, PhD, Chief People & AI Officer at Ignitium, who is helping organizations embrace AI in a way that strengthens—not replaces—the human side of work.
You’ll discover how Gena’s own leadership journey shaped her belief that AI transformation must be human-first, grounded in trust, clarity, and shared values. She explains what AI leadership really looks like in practice, how leaders can address fear and uncertainty with honesty, and why developing human skills like emotional intelligence and strategic thinking is more important than ever as AI becomes part of everyday work.
Gena is an organizational strategist and leadership expert focused on shaping a future where AI doesn’t just automate what we do, but elevates who we become. Her work is grounded in a simple belief: AI is here to stay, and if we want it to benefit humanity, we have to design for it on purpose. Originally from Albania and now based in San Francisco, Gena has built her career at the intersection of leadership, transformation, and technology. Her work at Ignitium ensures that AI is implemented responsibly and strategically, while empowering people to stay skilled, connected, and inspired.
You’ll discover:
- What it truly means to lead AI with foresight, not fear
- How to connect AI initiatives to your organization’s values
- Why transparency builds trust during AI transformation
- The human skills leaders must strengthen alongside AI
- How proactive leadership can shape your career path
Learn more about Gena Hoxha, PhD on LinkedIn.
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What does it really mean to thrive, especially when success still doesn’t feel satisfying? Kamin Samuel, PhD, brings a grounded, deeply human perspective to thriving—one rooted in self-leadership, self-trust, and releasing the quiet belief that you’re “not enough.” You’ll hear why so many capable leaders, particularly women, undervalue their experience and resilience, and how that habit quietly drains confidence, ambition, and joy.
You’ll also learn how language reveals hidden beliefs, how regulating your nervous system helps unfamiliar situations feel safer, and why small, intentional steps create lasting momentum. This episode invites you to redefine thriving—not as striving or proving—but as living from wholeness, creativity, and the freedom to pursue what truly fulfills you.
Kamin is a trailblazing entrepreneur, international rapid transformational coach, and inspirational filmmaker. Her mission is to uplift, inspire, and empower people everywhere, proving that it’s never too late to thrive. As the US Navy’s first African American woman to serve as a helicopter pilot, Kamin served her country for nine years before transitioning into corporate America, where she rose to become the Vice President of Global Website Operations at a billion-dollar corporation.
Kamin is the co-author with Steve Chandler of the book, Wealth Creation for Coaches, which is an excellent read for anyone who wants to grow their business. She’s also the creator of the documentary film, Courage to Thrive. It tells a universal story of underserved and underestimated women and veterans.
You’ll discover:
- How the belief “I’m not enough” quietly limits growth
- Why language reveals more about beliefs than you realize
- Simple ways to normalize fear in unfamiliar situations
- How small steps build momentum and confidence
- A more fulfilling definition of success and wealth
Kamin's Resources
Websites
Kamin Samuel Media
Kamin Samuel
Courage to Thrive Documentary
Book
Wealth Creation for Coaches
_____________________________________________________________
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What does it really take to lead with courage in environments that were not built for you? Gretchen Gagel, PhD, a trailblazer with four decades of experience in the construction industry, shares what she has learned about unconscious bias, the importance of male allies, and what it takes to create truly safe and inclusive workplaces.
We also explore Gretchen’s concept of grounded self-leadership, rooted in courage, humility, and critical thinking, and her bold vision for the International Institute for Women in Construction, a Global Institute dedicated to accelerating the success of women in construction, mining, and energy. This conversation is practical, hopeful, and deeply encouraging for leaders in any industry.
Gretchen has degrees in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, and a PhD in Leadership, Organization Culture, and Change. She’s the former Chair of Brinkman Construction and the author of a new book, Building Women Leaders: A Blueprint for Women Thriving in Construction.
You’ll discover:
- The real barriers women still face in construction and similar industries
- Why male allies play a critical role in inclusive leadership
- How grounded self-leadership strengthens confidence and credibility
- What zero-tolerance cultures look like in action
- How research, storytelling, and convening leaders can drive lasting change
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What if the feedback you’re most hesitant to receive is actually a gift? In this solo episode, I share what 360-degree feedback really is—and what it is not—drawing on more than 30 years of experience helping leaders use feedback as a tool for growth rather than judgment. I explain how 360 feedback works, why it must always be developmental, and how it helps people see both their strengths and their blind spots through the eyes of others.
I also share a personal story about 360 feedback I once received that surprised me—and ultimately helped me become a better leader. When we take the time to reflect on the data, share it openly, and make a genuine commitment to change, that’s where the real power of this kind of feedback lives. Used well, it builds trust, strengthens relationships, and supports meaningful, lasting growth.
Since 1994, my company, Grow Strong Leaders, has helped organizations use 360-degree feedback to support leadership development—not performance ratings or termination decisions. If you’re curious about using this technology in a way that truly supports growth, connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out through growstrongleaders.com.
You’ll discover:
- Why 360 feedback should always be developmental, not punitive
- How honest input from others reveals blind spots and strengths
- The importance of sharing your feedback and your intentions
- Why commitment—not data—is where real change begins
- How 360s build trust when used with humility and care
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What if the greatest leadership breakthroughs begin with owning your truth? In this conversation with Joe Machicote about his book, Own Thy Stuff, we explore what it really means to take responsibility for your impact—on yourself, your relationships, and the culture at large. Joe shares deeply personal and practical insights from decades of leadership, all rooted in his lifelong commitment to leaving every person and situation better than he found it. You’ll hear stories that will challenge the way you think about communication, presence, and the stories you create in your own mind.
You’ll also discover the power leaders have to create spaces of trust, especially during grief, conflict, and moments of emotional strain. Joe’s candor about his own journey, including profound personal loss, opens the door to a compassionate and courageous view of leadership. He offers simple, meaningful practices that help you slow down, listen more deeply, and act with intention so you can strengthen culture, relationships, and your own self-mastery.
Joe is Chief Culture Officer at Premier, where he partners with the CEO, the Executive Team, and other stakeholders across the company. His role is to enhance and formalize a mission-driven culture of equal opportunity, high performance, and belonging. Joe has served in senior HR positions over the past 30+ years. His new book, Own Thy Stuff: The Continuous Improvement Journey to Becoming an Extraordinary Human Being, captures his most important insights and lessons from life and work:
You’ll discover:
- Why “owning your stuff” creates trust and credibility
- How to support team members experiencing grief with compassion, not fixes
- A simple mindset shift that transforms assumptions into clarity
- Practices for increasing presence and reducing distraction
- The difference between mentoring and sponsoring—and why both matter
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What happens when leadership development is built on ethics, values, and genuine human dignity, not just performance metrics? Brian Peckrill, Executive Director, describes how the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund is investing in leaders who want to make a meaningful difference. You’re invited to look at your own leadership through the lens of impact, responsibility, and the kind of intentional choices that move organizations—and society—forward.
You’ll learn how the Fund’s Fellows Program develops high-potential MBA students into values-driven leaders who can influence entire industries. Brian shares the core elements of their leadership model—stretch experiences, strong support, and deep reflection—and how this approach builds self-awareness, courage, and character. You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes stories about the Ethical Leader of the Year Award and what today’s exceptional CEOs are doing to elevate people, uphold dignity, and lead with integrity.
Brian is the Executive Director at the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund. He previously served as the director of their Fellows Program, where he was responsible for designing and implementing a forward-thinking, ethics-focused experience for top MBA students. Brian was also responsible for fostering an active and engaged alumni community of young business leaders as they embark on and manage their careers.
You’ll discover:
- How values-based leadership transforms both leaders and the communities they serve
- Why metacognition and self-concept matter in developing future executives
- The powerful role of stretch experiences, coaching, and reflection
- How alumni mentoring strengthens leadership capability and confidence
- What the Ethical Leader of the Year Award reveals about great leadership today
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Are your team members clear about what you really expect from them? In this compelling conversation, you’ll hear Megan Robinson share how confusion and unspoken assumptions can erode trust and productivity—and what leaders can do to prevent that.
You’ll hear how Megan helps leaders transform vague expectations into specific, teachable behaviors that drive growth. She also reveals why “professional guilt” often holds leaders back and how to replace it with curiosity and compassion. If you’ve ever wondered how to give feedback that builds confidence instead of defensiveness, this episode will give you practical insights and stories you’ll want to remember.
Megan is the Founder at E Leader Experience and works with individuals and teams to develop self-leadership skills that grow companies. She started her career in marketing and climbed her way through the corporate ladder at advertising agencies and Fortune 500 companies. Then she caught the entrepreneur bug and started her own marketing company.
After yet another “Business Therapy” session, Megan discovered her true passion was in coaching. Inspired by her own successful career in corporate and entrepreneurial environments, she makes leadership approachable for everyone, regardless of title, position, or experience. Megan is also the host of the Culture Connections Podcast and the Past President of ATD Chicago, the leading learning and development organization in Chicagoland.
You’ll discover:
- Why feedback fails when leaders assume understanding
- How to turn performance gaps into learning opportunities
- The role of clarity and language in setting expectations
- Simple ways to test assumptions and create shared meaning
- How self-awareness and intention make feedback transformative
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What if love—not control—was the driving force behind your leadership? In this thought-provoking conversation, Trevor Timbeck invites you to explore leadership through the lens of “loving as a verb.” Co-author of The Power of Love with Steve Chandler, Trevor explains how viewing love as an action, rather than a static feeling, can transform the way you lead, parent, and connect with others. He shares how a simple question—“What would love do?”—can shift your mindset in moments of frustration, helping you respond with awareness and compassion instead of reaction or control.
You’ll hear Trevor and Meredith discuss what he calls “emotioning,” a way of understanding emotion as a domain of action rather than a feeling to be managed. Through personal stories of parenting and coaching leaders, Trevor reveals how genuine leadership emerges from acceptance and presence, not authority or demand. His insights challenge conventional thinking about power, control, and influence, offering a refreshing and deeply human perspective on what it means to lead with love.
You’ll discover:
- Why love is a powerful verb—not just a feeling
- How to shift from controlling to allowing in leadership
- What “emotioning” means and how it shapes your actions
- How asking “What would love do?” can change any situation
- Why true leadership begins with awareness and acceptance
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Did you know that 40% of executives fail in their new roles within the first 18 months…and it’s rarely due to lack of technical skills? In this insightful conversation, you’ll hear from Navid Nazemian, an executive transition coach and author of Mastering Executive Transitions. He shares the real reasons leaders derail during role changes and what can be done to dramatically improve their odds of success.
Navid describes the cultural, political, and interpersonal challenges that make or break new leaders. You’ll learn why transitions take far longer than the often-cited 90 days, and how his “Double Diamond Framework” helps executives cut derailment risk and accelerate productivity by more than half. Whether you’re moving into a new role or coaching others who are, this episode gives you a practical roadmap to make your next transition a true success.
Navid has been ranked as the #1 Executive Coach for 3 years by CEO Today. He’s a leading authority on executive transitions and leadership impact. Navid is the author of the international bestseller Mastering Executive Transitions: The Definitive Guide. His focus is on supporting senior leaders as they transition into new roles, and he’s a trusted advisor to C-level leaders worldwide. He brings to his work 20 years of HR leadership across five countries and six industries.
You’ll discover:
- Why 40% of executives fail in new roles—and how to avoid it
- The critical difference between executive coaching and transition coaching
- How the Double Diamond Framework shortens time to impact
- The five C’s every executive should master before day one
- Why pre-boarding is the secret weapon of successful leaders
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What if young people learned to lead by tackling real-world problems instead of waiting for “someday”? In this inspiring conversation, you’ll meet Erin Lewellen, CEO of Tilting Futures, an organization that empowers youth around the globe to step into leadership through immersive, purpose-driven experiences. Erin shares how her own background—as a coach, educator, and social entrepreneur—shaped her belief that true learning happens through action, reflection, and collaboration.
You’ll hear how Tilting Futures’ Take Action Lab program helps students engage with human rights or environmental issues through apprenticeships, academic learning, and community impact. Meredith and Erin explore how these hands-on opportunities give participants clarity about their purpose, confidence in their abilities, and the courage to take on global challenges. Erin also reveals how her team fosters healthy disagreement, emotional awareness, and curiosity—skills essential for every leader who wants to create positive change.
Erin has been with an exceptional organization called Tilting Futures for 11 years, and she has served as CEO for the past 3 years. Before joining Tilting Futures, Erin was Vice President of School Partnerships for Revolution Foods and served as Bay Area Director for Playworks. For 20 years, she coached the Varsity Girls’ Basketball team at Emery High, and she’s an avid supporter of girls in sports.
You’ll discover:
- How global immersion helps young people build resilience, empathy, and leadership skills
- Why “tilt moments” transform self-doubt into personal growth and confidence
- How to make education more relevant through experiential learning
- The power of emotional intelligence and healthy disagreement in team dynamics
- How curiosity fuels innovation and learning from mistakes
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Have you ever wondered why so many well-designed strategies fail in execution? Tim Ohai reveals that the real problem isn’t poor planning, it’s poor decision-making. Drawing on decades of global experience, he shares how strategy is best understood as a series of decisions rather than as a static plan. You’ll learn how clarity at every handoff—from leadership to teams—determines whether people can actually deliver on what’s expected.
You’ll also discover the human side of strategy. We explore how ego, fear, and unclear accountability derail even the best intentions—and what leaders can do to reverse it. Through engaging stories and practical insights, Tim explains how to replace confusion with empowerment, align decisions with outcomes, and approach leadership as stewardship rather than control. If you’re ready to transform how your organization thinks and acts, this episode will show you how to make clarity your greatest competitive advantage.
Tim has spent decades helping leaders around the world uncover what’s getting in the way of their teams—and their own success—and then guiding them to take meaningful action. As a consultant, coach, author, and speaker, Tim combines business best practices with psychological insights to drive performance that’s both healthy and sustainable. He’s also the host of the How to NOT Execute Your Strategy Podcast, and we explored some key ideas from his upcoming book, The Zen of Strategic Execution.
- Why strategic execution fails even when plans look solid.
- How defining strategy as a series of decisions changes everything.
- The three universal drives that shape team behavior.
- Practical ways to reduce fear and ego in your culture.
- How stewardship leads to stronger alignment and engagement.
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Want a behind-the-scenes look at how real leaders make ethics practical on a day-to-day basis? In this conversation with Noreen Fierro at Principal Financial Group®, you’ll hear how, as Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, she builds trust by asking questions, owning mistakes, and keeping teams aligned to values, not just outcomes. You’ll also get an insider’s view of the rigorous Ethisphere “World’s Most Ethical Companies” application—what it takes, why cross-functional collaboration matters, and how to sustain momentum over months.
You’ll come away with fresh, usable ideas: pausing unsustainable busywork, watching for stress signals, and turning misses into shared learning instead of blame. Plus, you’ll discover a mentoring approach grounded in humility, self-awareness, and long-term relationships that helps people grow with confidence.
Noreen is Senior Vice President and Enterprise Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at Principal Financial Group®. She joined Principal® in 2022. Her career spans 30 years in the financial services industry, both in-house in legal and compliance roles and as outside counsel. Prior to joining Principal in 2022, she was Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer at Guardian Life and before that held various senior-level positions at Prudential Financial. You’ll hear Noreen’s passion for strong leadership in our conversation, and she speaks often about it at industry events.
You’ll discover:
- How vulnerability (and “I don’t know yet”) elevates leadership.
- A practical playbook for complex, months-long ethics initiatives.
- What to do after a miss: learn, don’t blame.
- Ways to protect your team’s capacity and values in real time.
- A mentoring style that blends humility, curiosity, and care.
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What if you had to step into a CEO role at just 22, with no formal business training? That’s exactly what Thiago Da Costa did, and he quickly discovered that leadership is best learned on the job. In this episode, Thiago shares what it was like to build and grow a company that Autodesk later acquired, leading teams of up to 300 people and adapting to constant organizational change. He reflects on the lessons learned about authenticity, cultural alignment, and the compromises leaders must navigate to stay true to their values while driving results.
You’ll also hear how Thiago is now leveraging AI to shape the future of work. From hiring and skill development to automating routine tasks, Thiago offers a fascinating look at how AI can enhance—not replace—human leadership. He shares practical insights about using AI for personalized guidance, preparing for tough conversations, and freeing leaders to focus on what matters most: engaging meaningfully with people. His vision of AI as a partner in leadership offers a compelling roadmap for today’s leaders who want to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Thiago is a product visionary, an AI futurist, and a serial entrepreneur. He sold his first company to Autodesk and is now building the future of work with Datagrid, where he’s Founder and CEO. Datagrid is an AI platform that turns your company’s data into intelligent agents. These agents automate workflows, surface real-time insights, and supercharge decision-making.
You’ll discover:
- The hard-earned lessons Thiago acquired as a first-time CEO at 22.
- Why aligning with an organization’s culture and DNA is essential.
- How AI agents are transforming routine business tasks.
- Ways AI can enhance communication and feedback for leaders.
- The future of hiring in an AI-driven workplace.
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What if you realized you’re already creating every moment of your life—yourself, others, and the world around you? In this milestone 350th episode, I reflect on what it truly means to be a creator in all three areas. Drawing inspiration from master coaches Steve Hardison and Steve Chandler, I explore how daily intentions, conscious thoughts, and deliberate actions shape who we become and how we experience others. You’ll be inspired to see every encounter and circumstance as an opportunity to create something meaningful—with kindness, awareness, and purpose.
I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. We’ve created online resources that help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills to build strong relationships and inspire others to perform at the highest level.
You’ll discover:
- How to consciously create the person you want to be each day.
- Why your thoughts and beliefs “create” how others show up for you.
- A powerful way to bring intention to every interaction.
- How to transform challenges by asking, “What do I want to create?”
- The liberating truth that you are already a powerful creator.
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What does it take to lead with both speed and heart? Danielle Fette shares how her leadership in regenerative medicine is shaped by trust, courage, and a relentless focus on impact. She reveals why running a lean company allows for faster decisions, more agility, and better outcomes—and how these same principles apply to anyone leading a team or organization. You’ll hear how she built a culture that clears roadblocks quickly and puts people first, while staying laser-focused on purpose.
Danielle also opens up about the leadership skills that matter most: hiring for curiosity and energy, creating safe spaces for honest dialogue, and approaching tough conversations with empathy. She emphasizes the role of self-awareness, intuition, and listening deeply to guide decisions and strengthen relationships. Her story offers powerful lessons for every leader who wants to combine courage, clarity, and compassion to achieve meaningful results.
Danielle is Co-founder and CEO of FetTech. She’s deeply passionate about transforming lives through groundbreaking advancements in regenerative medicine. She’s dedicated her career to developing innovative, FDA-cleared medical devices that empower the body to heal naturally—and to address some of the world’s most catastrophic injuries, diseases, and viruses.
You’ll discover:
- How lean leadership accelerates decisions and outcomes.
- Practical ways leaders can hire for curiosity and energy.
- Why trust and transparency are vital to team success.
- How empathy transforms difficult leadership conversations.
- The role of self-awareness in effective leadership.
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What’s the real difference between managing and leading? Mark Hinderliter, former C-suite executive, business owner, and consultant, explains how shifting from managing processes to inspiring people can transform both your leadership and your organization. Drawing from his book From Manager to Leader: 6 Practices that Accelerate Transformation and his own journey, he shares practical lessons on growing through mistakes and focusing on what matters most.
You’ll also hear why trust is the foundation of strong teams and how leaders can show character, competence, connection, and consistency. Mark shares practical insights on balancing accountability with support, giving clear feedback, and creating clarity through active listening. His stories and strategies will help you reflect on your own leadership and take steps to strengthen both relationships and results.
Mark is the creator of Diamond Quality Leadership©, a workshop designed to help managers lead today’s workforce. As a senior leader in the corporate arena, Mark has taught and coached hundreds of leaders at all levels in eight countries. In his own business, Mark has coached leaders from the Director level up to the CEO.
You’ll discover:
- The key distinction between managing tasks and leading people
- How trust impacts culture, engagement, and performance
- Why accountability is a vital part of servant leadership
- Ways to improve clarity in giving feedback and instructions
- Six practices that accelerate your growth as a leader
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What would change if you paused before reacting? In this conversation, you’ll discover how mindfulness can transform both your leadership and your daily life. Anita Barbero shares her journey from running a fitness business to leading wellness initiatives at ESPN, where she partnered with senior executives to embed wellbeing practices across the organization. She explains how listening deeply to employees and integrating mindfulness into corporate culture created lasting positive results for both individuals and the company.
Anita also brings mindfulness down to earth with practical strategies leaders can use every day. From mindful eating to noticing tension in your body, she shows how small moments of awareness can make a big difference in resilience, compassion, and decision-making. You’ll hear how leaders can prevent burnout, foster empathy, and create supportive environments when wellbeing is prioritized.
Anita is the CEO of Renew Your Health, where she helps companies like ESPN and Disney embed sustainable wellbeing into their culture. She creates tailored, high-impact programs that address stress, burnout, and disengagement and turn them into energy, resilience, and renewed purpose.
This is a woman who is using her gifts to foster environments where leaders lead with empathy, teams perform with clarity, and health becomes the foundation of success.
You’ll discover:
- Why mindfulness is different from meditation and easier to apply at work.
- How leaders can pause and respond instead of reacting under stress.
- Practical strategies for integrating wellbeing into your daily routine.
- The benefits of mindful eating and taking true breaks during the day.
- How embedding wellness into leadership training builds stronger cultures.
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What does it look like when leadership is rooted in genuine care for people? In this conversation, you’ll hear how Peter Bissonnette’s experiences in a monastery and in the corporate world shaped a philosophy of service, humility, and trust. His journey shows that caring isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the foundation for lasting impact with employees and customers alike.
With stories, Peter illustrates how leaders can bring humanity into business while still driving growth and innovation. From customer service initiatives that prioritize connection to employee engagement practices that value feedback, you’ll discover how an organization can thrive when its culture is built on compassion, humility, and treating people like family.
Peter is the former president of Shaw Communications Inc., one of Canada’s leading telecommunications companies. With more than three decades of experience in the cable, internet, and media industries, Peter played a pivotal role in transforming how Canadians connect and communicate.
Peter has recently published a very inspiring memoir, Count on Me: My Life, Lessons, and Legacy as Former President of Shaw Communications. Peter is not just an exceptional leader, he’s also a remarkable human being. You’re sure to be inspired by a man who experienced unbelievable adversity and trauma as a boy, then created a life that’s grounded in integrity, empathy, and trust.
You’ll discover:
- Peter’s early life experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy.
- The values that run through Peter’s book, Count On Me.
- Why vulnerability and humility strengthen leadership impact.
- Practical ways Shaw Communications fosters customer loyalty and trust.
- How employee engagement and customer feedback transformed company culture.
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Keith brings these concepts to life with stories, tested practices, and simple tools you can start using right away. He explains how methods like “stress testing,” candor breaks, and energy checks transform group dynamics, helping teams shift from avoidance and silence to openness and trust. This episode is full of strategies that don’t just improve collaboration—they create lasting bonds and higher performance.
Keith is the best-selling author of books you’re probably familiar with, like Never Eat Alone, Who’s Got Your Back, and Leading Without Authority. This interview focused on his latest book, Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship.
You’ll discover:
- Why “never lead alone” is more than a slogan—it’s a new way of working.
- A proven method for giving and receiving feedback that strengthens relationships.
- How vulnerability and energy checks foster deeper trust and empathy.
- Ways to move from conflict avoidance to courageous conversations.
- Practical strategies for enhancing collaboration, both in real-time and asynchronously.
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What if the most powerful thing you could do as a leader is to see greatness in others that they can’t see in themselves? That’s the philosophy that has guided Ken Crenshaw, longtime Director of Sports Medicine and Performance for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Drawing on values learned from his small-town ranch upbringing and a pivotal mentor in high school, Ken has built a leadership approach centered on service, humility, and love. His stories remind you that even the simplest principles, when applied consistently, can transform lives and teams.
In this conversation, you’ll hear how Ken integrates self-awareness, vulnerability, and authentic listening into his work with athletes and staff. He explains how culture is a living, breathing force that requires daily care, and why crucial conversations rooted in love are essential for growth. Whether you lead a business, a sports team, or a family, Ken’s wisdom will inspire you to slow down, listen deeply, and commit to helping others reach their full potential.
You’ll discover:
- How a high school coach’s tough love shaped Ken’s leadership philosophy.
- Why self-awareness and feedback are game-changers for leaders.
- The role vulnerability plays in accelerating personal and professional growth.
- Practical ways to build a culture rooted in love, trust, and shared purpose.
- How to recognize and call out the hidden potential in others.
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What does it take to lead in a world where the odds are stacked against you? Jennifer Langton’s remarkable journey from being the only girl on an all-boys lacrosse team to becoming the NFL’s first Vice President of Player Health and Safety is filled with lessons on courage, authenticity, and strategic visibility.
Her early sports experiences taught her the value of letting your work speak for itself and knowing when to step forward—or step back—to build trust and credibility. Those lessons became the foundation for her “Connect, Trust, Grow” leadership model, which she’s applied at the highest levels of professional sports and business.
Jennifer shares stories of resilience, innovation, and determination, from overcoming personal loss and career-ending injuries to pioneering concussion prevention initiatives that transformed the NFL’s approach to player safety. You’ll hear how she’s led groundbreaking projects, navigated male-dominated environments with confidence, and inspired teams to embrace change—even when resistance was high. Her insights will challenge you to rethink how you lead, influence, and create lasting impact.
Jenny is an award-winning strategic executive who’s known for her ability to drive innovation and positive change. She was an executive with the NFL for 15 years, where she spearheaded initiatives that revolutionized sports safety, including the development of an AI platform to predict injuries, impacting not only football but all sports and several other industries. She’s now focused on delivering keynote speeches and providing advisory services to companies.
You’ll discover:
- Why authenticity can build trust quickly
- How “strategic visibility” can accelerate your influence
- Jennifer’s three-part model for leadership
- Ways to overcome resistance and inspire innovation in any setting
- How to turn adversity into a catalyst for growth and success
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What do you do when one person’s behavior is quietly eroding the trust and teamwork of your group—and no one wants to speak up? In this episode, I share a true story from my own leadership journey where I faced that exact challenge. You’ll hear how I guided four frustrated team members through a structured, respectful process to share their concerns directly with a colleague—and how that meeting became one of the most transformative moments of my career.
You’ll discover the simple 4-step feedback model we used, why it’s so effective in preventing defensiveness, and how it can turn even the most difficult conversations into opportunities for connection. You’ll also hear an unexpected twist that shifted the entire dynamic in the room and led to deeper trust, openness, and collaboration than the team had ever experienced before.
I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. We’ve created online resources that help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills to build strong relationships and inspire others to perform at the highest level.
You’ll discover:
- Why waiting too long to address an issue can backfire
- A 4-step framework for giving feedback with clarity and care
- How to prepare people so emotions don’t derail the message
- The surprising moment that turned confrontation into connection
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Are you holding back in ways you don’t even realize? In this candid and inspiring conversation, Dr. Tom Olson invites you to take a hard look at how fear of change and a need for safety can quietly run your life. He shares powerful stories from his own journey, including the leap that led to his PhD, and offers practical ways to shift from playing it safe to making bold, intentional choices.
We talk about what it really means to lead—at work, at home, and in your own life. Tom explains how to stop giving away your power, how to support others without fixing them, and why emotional intelligence makes all the difference in leadership. You’ll walk away thinking differently about risk, responsibility, and what’s truly possible when you take the helmet off.
With over 30 years of global experience, Tom is a highly sought-after coach, trainer, and researcher who has transformed lives through his dynamic, innovative approach to personal and professional development. He's affectionately known as Dr. Tom by his clients throughout the world, with a stellar reputation for providing impactful coaching and training to leaders and teams. His work empowers clients to unlock their potential and overcome their greatest challenges.
Tom is the author of the acclaimed book, Don't Die With Your Helmet On, which has inspired leaders and professionals to embrace purpose, resilience, and action.
You’ll discover:
- What Tom means by “don’t die with your helmet on” (and why it matters)
- Why fear often shows up looking “reasonable”
- The questions that help you take back control
- A healthy way to challenge team members stuck in victim thinking
- How strong leaders build engagement through shared power
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What can you do to set up your frontline leaders for success from Day 1? This episode with Matt Gjertsen explores the essential skills and strategies new managers need to transition smoothly from individual contributor to effective leader. Find out how to help them shift from being the “answer person” to empowering their teams, asking better questions, and building trust that leads to stronger results.
Matt shares specific ways to guide new leaders in interviewing and hiring, holding meaningful development conversations, and setting realistic expectations around career growth. Whether you’re supporting first-time managers or looking to strengthen your leadership pipeline, you’ll gain actionable tools to help them thrive and positively impact their teams.
Matt is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and a former Air Force Instructor Pilot with 2500 flight hours. After leaving active duty, he spent over 4 years at SpaceX, leading the training and development team, before founding Better Every Day Studios in 2021. Matt has continued his career in the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a Lt. Colonel supporting Space Systems Command.
Matt’s 20 years of experience working with and leading high-performing teams all over the world have given him a unique perspective on what it takes to lead teams in this ever-changing world. He and his team at Better Every Day Studios are on a mission to train better managers, build better companies, and create a better world.
You’ll discover:
- What new leaders need to navigate the shift from individual contributor to manager
- How to coach them on interviewing and hiring using the 70-30 rule
- Why development conversations should focus on growth, not just tasks
- How to set clear expectations around promotions and career development
- Ways to help new managers balance reinforcing and redirecting feedback
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How can you effectively manage stress and stay composed in high-pressure situations? In this episode, Dr. Susan Bernstein dives into the power of somatic leadership, offering insights on how you can use body signals to transform your responses to time pressures and unexpected changes. Drawing from her extensive experience working with top companies like Cisco and Google, Susan shares practical techniques that foster self-awareness, reduce stress, and enable you to create a sense of calm in chaotic environments.
By learning to tune into your body’s signals, you can improve decision-making and enhance team dynamics. Susan discusses six common nervous system response patterns—fight, flight, freeze, fawn, fade, and fix—and shows how leaders can shift from a reactive, “fight” mode into a more grounded, mindful approach. This shift not only alleviates stress but also boosts resilience and fosters a healthier workplace culture.
Susan is the CEO of a boutique consulting firm called Powerful Under Pressure. As the name implies, she helps leaders and teams at companies like Cisco, Google, and Uber excel under the most demanding conditions.
Susan combines her past experiences in leadership roles at Intel and Accenture with an MBA from UC Berkeley and a PhD in Somatic Psychology in her work with clients. Susan developed the Powerful Under Pressure framework to help organizations strengthen operational capacity by increasing the resilience and clarity of the people leading them. This emphasis equips teams to navigate complexity with sound judgment and sustained performance.
You’ll discover:
- The concept of "somatic smarts" and how small shifts in body awareness can lead to greater leadership effectiveness
- The six nervous system response patterns and how they impact your decisions
- Simple somatic techniques you can use to enhance self-awareness and relaxation
- How self-awareness can help you navigate high-pressure situations with calmness and clarity
- Strategies for supporting your team in managing stress and building resilience
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What if everything you experience—stress, conflict, even judgment—is not about what’s happening out there, but what’s going on within you? That’s the powerful lens Townsend Wardlaw offers as he guides us into a deeper understanding of consciousness and how it shapes every aspect of our lives. Through personal stories, vivid metaphors, and hard-won lessons, he shares how shifting your perspective can completely transform how you lead and live.
You’ll walk away with a new awareness of how unconscious scripts and internal projections influence your decisions, relationships, and company culture. Townsend draws a clear distinction between traditional consulting and true coaching, where the goal is not to give answers, but to help others access their own wisdom. His insights offer practical ways to release control, lead from higher consciousness, and move from judgment to curiosity. This is a conversation that has the power to change how you see the world—and yourself.
Townsend began his professional journey at 27, rapidly rising from outbound cold-calling for a small, long-distance reseller to the role of vice president of a Fortune 500 technology company in under six years. In 2002, he ventured into entrepreneurship, founding a sales consulting and outsourcing company that grew to $3 million in revenue.
After closing the company in 2009, Townsend dedicated himself to serving founders on their journey to growth and exit. He has coached 100s of leaders, and his efforts have generated over $1.5 billion in revenue and created more than $1 billion in generational wealth for their founders. What Townsend holds in the highest regard is his role in mobilizing over $7.5 billion in capital and contributions towards social and environmental organizations.
Currently, Townsend serves as the trusted advisor to a select group of founders and the world’s top coaches. In his spare time, he leads The Coach’s Operating System, a community that serves the top 5% of coaches in the world.
You’ll discover:
- Why stress often comes from your perspective, not your circumstances
- How unconscious scripts quietly shape your choices and relationships
- The difference between giving answers and creating transformation
- How leaders can release control and build more resilient cultures
- A fresh way to see challenges as invitations for growth
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What if delegation wasn’t about getting tasks off your plate, but about helping your people grow? This episode explores a powerful reframe of delegation as a leadership tool for development. Brad Federman shares insights from his book Never Delegate Again, challenging outdated models like the Eisenhower Matrix and offering a modern, growth-oriented approach that builds both people and performance. He introduces the Growth Matrix, a practical framework for assigning tasks in ways that stretch capabilities while avoiding overload or misalignment.
You’ll hear real-life stories that bring Brad’s strategies to life, including how he helped a burned-out employee reclaim her career path and why feedback needs to be treated like a long-term investment.
We discuss the mindset shifts required for effective leadership today, such as prioritizing coaching over control and seeing possibility in others. This conversation is a must-listen for leaders who want to empower their teams, build emotional intelligence, and lead with purpose in a fast-changing world.
Brad is the founder of PerformancePoint, a firm dedicated to helping organizations engage employees, strengthen customer relationships, and cultivate resilient, collaborative cultures through effective leadership.
You’ll discover:
- Why traditional delegation models are no longer effective
- The critical role of mindset in leadership success
- How to use the Growth Matrix to assign tasks for development
- How to coach your team for confidence, not just compliance
- What "investment feedback" looks like in practice
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What if you could navigate even the most challenging conversations with calmness, clarity, and confidence? This in-depth conversation with David Wood explores just that, diving into how to communicate more effectively in high-stakes moments, whether at work or in life. David shares his unique approach to coaching and communication, combining emotional awareness with practical tools. His latest innovation, WhisperLead AI, helps leaders role-play difficult conversations, receive coaching prompts, and even get real-time support during live interactions.
Our discussion goes beyond mechanics to emphasize authenticity and vulnerability as leadership strengths. David unpacks common pitfalls in conflict—like poor framing, making assumptions, or avoiding others’ perspectives—and offers techniques for building trust and achieving shared outcomes. Whether you're leading a team or seeking better communication in your personal life, this conversation delivers practical wisdom and fresh ideas you can start using immediately.
David left behind a high-powered career as a Consulting Actuary for Ford, Sony Music, and Chanel—trading Park Avenue boardrooms for a mission to transform lives and businesses. He didn’t just start a coaching business; he built the world’s largest coaching business at the time, ranking #1 on Google for "life coaching", serving 150,000 coaches globally.
But David’s story is about more than success—it’s about resilience. He’s survived a paraglider collapse and a fractured spine, battled anxiety and depression, and most recently, took on acting in Hollywood! Today, he helps leaders 4X their clarity AND productivity, and to love their life.
You’ll discover:
- A powerful method for framing difficult conversations with positive intent
- Why asking for the other person's perspective first can shift everything
- How AI tools like WhisperLead can coach you in real-time
- The link between vulnerability and stronger leadership
- A practical model for brainstorming solutions collaboratively
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What happens when a mother and daughter build a business grounded in legacy, love, and leadership?
June Perry-Stevens and Krystle Rogers share the powerful story of their mother-daughter business partnership, rooted in a family lineage that dates back to ancestors who were enslaved. Their bond is built on mutual respect, deep trust, and a shared commitment to community, excellence, and generational leadership. Their company, Best Ed Business, has evolved through intentional partnerships and a clear focus on delivering exceptional service, all while staying grounded in values passed down through generations.
Together, June and Krystle model what it means to lead with integrity and love. Their conversation touches on honoring the past while building for the future, the importance of empowering women, and the role of relationship-building in business success. With a lineage of strength behind them and a heart for service, they demonstrate how legacy can be both a source of pride and a call to purpose.
You’ll discover:
- The power of intergenerational leadership built on respect and trust
- Why leading with love and service creates lasting customer relationships
- The importance of appreciating differences and individual strengths
- How one family lives into a history of resilience and excellence
- Practical ways to empower women and uplift communities through business
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What does it mean to lead without fanfare or recognition? In this solo episode, I reflect on the life and legacy of my beloved mother, Doris Melancon—a woman whose quiet strength, unwavering love, and deep wisdom shaped generations. Though Doris never saw herself as a leader, her influence was undeniable and profound.
I honor my mother’s legacy by highlighting the qualities that defined her: humility, generosity, patience, and a steadfast faith that guided her every action. Through personal stories and reflections, you’ll come to understand how true leadership can radiate from a calm, gentle presence—and how one person’s values can ripple out to impact the lives of many.
I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. We’ve created online resources that help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills to build strong relationships and inspire others to perform at the highest level.
You’ll discover:
- Why quiet leadership can have the most lasting impact
- How humility and love become a powerful guiding force
- What makes a person truly wise and deeply respected
- The strength behind patience and emotional steadiness
- How one life of service can shape an entire family legacy
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What if the secret to success is giving more? In this episode, Meredith Bell speaks with Bob Burg, co-author of The Go-Giver, about why shifting your focus to consistently providing value leads to greater fulfillment and profitability. Bob explains the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success and how they apply to entrepreneurs, leaders, and teams.
You'll come away inspired by Bob’s deep insights on value-based leadership, the true meaning of influence, and why receptivity is just as important as giving. Whether you're growing a business or leading a team, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and equip you with timeless, practical wisdom.
The Go-Giver has sold well over a million copies and has been translated into 30 languages. Bob has created The Go-Giver Academy online learning portal featuring The Go-Giver® Success Vault, which includes all of his online courses and other business-building resources.
Bob is an advocate, supporter, and defender of the Free Enterprise system, believing that the amount of money one makes is directly proportional to how many people they serve.
You’ll discover:
- The meaning of a “go-giver”
- Why giving value is more profitable than chasing money
- How to lead with authenticity without using it as a crutch
- The difference between genuine influence and manipulation
How being open to receiving fuels your ability to give more
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Are your leadership habits helping you adapt…or holding you back? Kevin Eikenberry shares highlights from his new book, Flexible Leadership, and explores what it truly means to lead with confidence in uncertain times.
Using the powerful image of a tree, deeply rooted yet able to bend, Kevin offers a fresh take on how leaders can stay grounded in their values while adapting their approach. The discussion covers the essential elements of mindset, skillset, and habitset, and how each one shapes a leader’s ability to navigate complexity with clarity and purpose.
This conversation brings practical wisdom and real-life application to the forefront. The concept of the “confidence-competence loop” offers a hopeful reminder that growth builds momentum. Whether you’re leading a team, managing change, or working on personal development, you’ll find actionable insights for growing stronger through flexibility.
Kevin is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, a leadership and learning company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a team across the United States. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations and leaders from at least 53 countries become more effective.
You’ll discover:
- How to stay grounded in your values while adapting your approach
- The power of “it depends” in shifting perspective
- What the confidence-competence loop means for leaders
- Why resistance isn’t a problem—it’s an invitation
- How to use questions to unlock better decisions
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What if the only thing standing between you and stronger leadership is the way you see and lead yourself? In this conversation, Ben Albert shares how losing his job during the pandemic became the catalyst for his growth as an entrepreneur and podcaster.
We explore why self-leadership matters, especially when no one else is steering the ship, and how habits, relationships, and honest feedback can help you grow. Ben also explains how self-care, personal branding, and seeking out mentors can transform your impact on others and yourself.
We also discuss overcoming fears, turning weaknesses into strengths, and the power of empathy and curiosity in personal development. Ben describes building a supportive community of growth-minded leaders and why genuine connections are the foundation of lasting success. Whether you’re looking to lead more effectively or become a better version of yourself, you’ll find practical ideas and inspiration in this episode.
Ben hosts a network of 5 podcasts called “Real Business Connections,” ranked in the top 1% globally. He also runs a massively successful marketing firm, Balbert Marketing. Ben is on a mission to move the needle on one million lives, one conversation at a time.
You’ll discover:
- How self-leadership can empower you during times of uncertainty and change.
- The role of self-care in supporting both personal growth and your ability to lead others.
- Why personal branding matters and how to shape the way others perceive you.
- Practical ideas for overcoming fears and turning past weaknesses into strengths.
- The benefits of joining a growth-minded community for networking and ongoing development.
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What if the real secret to great leadership isn’t found in strategy or skill, but in the strength of your character? This conversation with Dane Deutsch explores how character forms the true foundation of leadership, shaped by his own family values, military service, and years of leading diverse teams.
Through stories from the Air Force and his own experience as a CEO, Dane reveals why caring for people and building trust matter more than any title or technique. His insights show that whether you’re coaching athletes, running a business, or guiding a community, authentic leadership always begins with character.
Dane also introduces the “tricycle effect,” illustrating how qualities like trustworthiness, respect, and responsibility steer both personal and professional growth. From practical tools for self-coaching to the power of empathy and humility, you’ll come away inspired to strengthen your own character skills, build genuine connections, and lead with heart in every area of life.
Dane was a Commander in the US Air Force and first applied character skills in the military. He’s the CEO of LMDC Academy, which stands for Leadership Management and Development in Character. Over the past 40 years, he’s coached and trained athletes, businesses, and teams. Dane owned a cybersecurity company and sold it in 2020. He’s also taught classes on cybersecurity at the university level. He and his wife own a gymnastics training center for pre-k to high school students, and character is the #1 skill they teach, followed by leadership, and then technical skills. Dane’s most recent book is titled "Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect: Coaching Character as the Foundation of Leadership."
You’ll discover:
- Why character skills are the true foundation of great leadership
- How self-talk and body posture can help you manage anxiety and boost confidence
- The “tricycle effect” and how it can guide your personal and professional growth
- Real stories about empathy, humility, and the power of being coachable
- Practical ways to develop trust, respect, and authentic connections in any area of your life
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What if the real key to powerful leadership is tuning in to your inner wisdom? Coco Sellman brings this idea to life by sharing how listening to that quiet inner voice and acting with integrity can transform not just your own journey, but also the lives of those you lead. Through stories of founding multiple companies and guiding teams through challenges like the pandemic, Coco highlights how self-leadership, reinvention, and daily rituals help unlock personal and professional growth.
You’ll learn how transformational leadership goes beyond innovation, creating environments where people are genuinely empowered to grow and contribute their unique strengths. Coco’s insights into finding one’s “highest and best use” offer a fresh perspective on aligning daily actions with greater purpose. From nurturing nurses to redefining high-performance cultures, this episode is packed with wisdom for anyone seeking to lead with heart, clarity, and impact.
Coco is such a big believer in the idea that business is a force for good that she founded and is the CEO of a company called A Force for Good. Her focus is to support purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Coco is well qualified for this role. She has more than 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, has launched five companies, and guided over 500 startups.
Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. Coco’s book, A Force for Good, offers a detailed roadmap that inspires societal change through women-led enterprises.
You’ll discover:
- How to tap into and trust your inner wisdom
- The difference between simple change, innovation, and true transformation
- Practical ways to identify your “highest and best use”
- Why nurturing and valuing team members fuels growth
- Strategies for building collaborative, high-purpose organizations
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Curious how LinkedIn can actually help you build real business relationships—not just rack up connections? In this episode, LinkedIn expert Bill McCormick shares his journey from traditional sales to becoming a trusted advisor on the platform. Bill reveals why authenticity, curiosity, and genuine engagement are the keys to standing out and building trust, whether you’re networking, recruiting, or growing your business.
We dive into practical tips for optimizing your profile, engaging with others in a meaningful way, and using LinkedIn’s premium features (like Sales Navigator) to your advantage. Bill also shares his thoughts on AI and automation, and why the human touch still matters most. If you want to make LinkedIn work for you—without feeling salesy or inauthentic—this episode is packed with actionable advice you can use right away.
Bill is the Founder of Digi-Sales, a Digital Selling training company, and Digi-Sales Academy, an online video training platform where he shares his passion for helping professionals leverage the power of LinkedIn. Bill first started using digital sales techniques after he and his wife, Sue, started their own promotional product business.
By using social platforms, especially LinkedIn, they were able to build a very successful business. Bill then began to help other business owners, entrepreneurs and sales professionals learn how to use LinkedIn to increase sales.
Bill has conducted training for companies worldwide and specializes in helping to ‘make LinkedIn Human’ - explaining the platform in easy-to-understand ways, and recently launched the All Selling Is Social Podcast.
You’ll discover:
- How to create a value-driven LinkedIn profile
- The right way to connect and engage
- Why curiosity builds trust on LinkedIn
- Tips for using Sales Navigator effectively
- The pitfalls of AI and automation on LinkedIn
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When you hear the word authenticity, you might think of it as being your true self around other people. Actually, it’s much more than that. In our conversation, Erin Hatzikostas shares her bold and refreshing perspective on authenticity in leadership and life.
As a former corporate CEO turned authenticity advocate, Erin opens up about her journey from a rocky start as an actuary to leading a company with a culture rooted in trust and connection. She introduces her HUMANS framework for authenticity, emphasizing the importance of humility, unexpectedness, and storytelling in building relationships and inspiring others. Erin’s unforgettable stories offer practical ways to embrace imperfection and lead with heart.
Her insights on being unexpected in communication, taking risks, and cataloging imperfect moments will leave you feeling inspired to bring more of your true self into every interaction. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to lead authentically, connect deeply, and stand out by simply being real.
Erin is the CEO and founder of b Authentic Inc, a global keynote speaker, and the author of two books, You Do You(ish) and The 50% Rule, the co-host of the podcast, b Cause Work Doesn’t Have to Suck, and coach-sultant. Her TEDx Talk was one of the Top 20 globally most viewed TEDx Talks released in 2021.
You’ll discover:
- How authenticity can transform leadership and build trust
- The HUMANS framework: key elements of authentic connection
- Why embracing imperfection fosters deeper relationships
- The “50% rule” for breaking free from conventional thinking
- How storytelling can elevate communication and problem-solving
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How can leaders use AI to unlock new levels of strategic thinking and team collaboration? Meredith sits down with Geoff Woods, author of The AI Driven Leader, to explore how AI is transforming leadership and decision-making. Geoff shares his personal journey from fear of AI to embracing it as a powerful tool for growth, offering practical examples of how leaders can use AI to tackle challenges like restructuring debt or addressing toxic workplace dynamics.
Geoff also dives into actionable strategies for empowering teams, including three essential questions every leader should ask to better understand their team’s strengths and needs. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or aspiring leader, this episode will inspire you to rethink your approach to leadership in the age of AI and equip you with tools to harness technology as a thought partner—not a replacement—for human judgment and creativity.
Geoff is not only the #1 bestselling author of The AI-Driven Leader, he’s also the host of the AI-Driven Leader podcast and Founder of AI Leadership. He’s created The AI-Driven Leadership Collective™, a network of executives collaborating to harness AI to build better businesses and better lives.
You’ll discover:
- How AI enhances strategic decision-making
- What you can do to prompt AI to ask you thought-provoking questions
- Practical ways to use AI as a thought partner
- Strategies for overcoming fear of new technology
- The CRIT framework for effective AI communication
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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your workload, unsure how to delegate effectively, or hesitant about bringing new people onto your team? Erin Bradley shares her powerful journey from burnout and anxiety to finding true freedom and fulfillment in her work. She opens up about the common leadership fears around hiring, delegating, and trusting others, and how shifting her mindset changed everything.
Whether you're leading a team or stepping into a new role at your company, you'll find practical insights in Erin's approach to leadership. She reveals three essential questions every leader should ask their team members and explains how genuine curiosity, service-oriented leadership, and thoughtful delegation can transform your workplace culture. If you're ready to scale your impact without sacrificing your well-being (or sanity!), this episode is a must-listen.
As a mortgage lender, Erin learned the hard way just how difficult entrepreneurship and sales success can be. From flat broke to six figures and burnout, Erin has been through it all. She quickly discovered that the stress of being overwhelmed is no less painful than financial stress.
After redesigning her business to support her dream life, Erin has been on a mission to teach others to do the same. She is a dynamic speaker and trainer, host of the real estate podcast Pursuing Freedom, and author of an outstanding book Pursuing Freedom. She’s created a community for realtors and lenders called the Pursuing Freedom Collective.
You’ll discover:
- How curiosity transforms leadership conversations
- 3 key questions to ask your team
- How to overcome fear and take action
- Ways to scale impact without burnout
- Why service-oriented leadership boosts team performance
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What if your introverted nature wasn't a limitation but a powerful strength in leadership? Dr. Nicole Bryan shares her personal journey as an introverted leader, debunking common misunderstandings and myths about introversion and highlighting its unique strengths. She emphasizes that introversion is not about being shy but about deriving energy from internal sources, which can be a powerful asset in leadership roles. Nicole's insights offer a fresh perspective on how introverts can thrive in professional settings.
She also provides practical advice on how introverts can effectively navigate networking and professional challenges without compromising their natural strengths. Whether you're an introverted leader seeking growth or a manager looking to foster a more inclusive team culture, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies to help you succeed.
Nicole is a certified leadership career coach, organizational consultant, and psychotherapist. She’s spent over 25 years helping introverted women define their own success, lead with confidence, expertly navigate company politics, and secure their executive seat to maximize their income, influence, and impact. She founded TheChangeDoc, LLC, for ambitious women looking to leave a legacy through their leadership. Nicole's programs integrate psychology, key business principles, organizational behavior, and decades of real-world experience as a corporate executive to empower introverted women to make a difference, lead bolder, and create positive change for themselves, their teams, and the world.
You’ll discover:
- Common myths about introversion
- Strategies for introverts to excel in networking
- The importance of valuing diverse communication styles
- How to create inclusive environments for introverts
- Practical tools for understanding team dynamics
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Have you ever wondered how your childhood experiences shaped your work ethic today? In this solo episode, I share personal stories about growing up in a household where chores, responsibility, and initiative were non-negotiable—and how those lessons have carried over into my adult life. I reflect on how these early habits built the foundation for a strong work ethic that continues to influence my life.
But this isn’t just about childhood—it’s about leadership too. I explore how leaders can help their teams develop character skills like accountability, initiative, and effort through intentional assignments and coaching. Whether you’re a parent instilling values in your kids or a leader shaping your team’s culture, this episode is packed with actionable insights to strengthen character at every stage of life.
I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. Our online resources help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills to build strong relationships and inspire others to perform at the highest level.
You’ll discover:
- How childhood chores build lifelong work ethic
- The connection between character and leadership success
- Ways to instill responsibility in kids and teams
- Practical steps to strengthen accountability skills
- Resources for developing character in yourself and others
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Have you ever felt like certain patterns in your life keep repeating, no matter how much you try to change? Rich Habets shares the concept of “scripts”—deeply ingrained, unconscious behaviors shaped by past experiences that influence how we see ourselves and interact with the world. By recognizing and rewriting these scripts, we can break free from limiting beliefs and create more empowering, fulfilling experiences in both our personal and professional lives.
We also explore the power of conscious choice—how shifting from “getting from” to “bringing to” transforms the way we approach relationships, work, and everyday moments. Rich’s stories from his new book, Being Your Own Authority, illustrate how mindfulness and self-awareness allow us to step into our own authority. If you’re ready to embrace self-discovery, cultivate trust, and align your actions with your values, this episode will leave you inspired to take the next step on your journey.
Rich is a former executive turned coach and strategist who has spent over 25 years working with leaders, founders, and organizations worldwide. Rich has helped thousands of individuals and businesses break free from limiting patterns and create powerful transformations. He specializes in leadership, mindset shifts, and game-changing strategies that help individuals and organizations solve intractable problems by being fully themselves and dismantling the stories that have held them back.
You’ll discover:
- How unconscious "scripts" shape your decisions and how to identify them
- The transformative power of shifting from "getting from" to "bringing to" in everything you do
- Why self-awareness and mindfulness are essential for personal growth
- Why taking a stand for your values builds trust and authenticity
- Practical ways to step into your personal power and create new possibilities
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In this powerful episode, Dr. Beth Kaplan returns to discuss her groundbreaking book, Braving the Workplace: Belonging at the Breaking Point. She opens with her personal journey through workplace trauma. Beth reveals the critical distinction between inclusion and belonging—explaining that while others determine inclusion, belonging is an internal decision that requires staying true to yourself without compromising your values.
You’ll be moved by Beth's compelling message about the dangers of self-sacrifice in toxic work environments and the crucial role managers play in fostering genuine belonging. She offers practical strategies for recognizing workplace trauma, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritizing self-care before company loyalty. Whether you're struggling in a challenging workplace or leading a team and want to create a culture of authentic belonging, this episode offers specific strategies you can start using today.
Beth is a visionary thought leader, researcher, and keynote speaker who has redefined how we look at belonging and how to be our best selves. She works with companies to enhance employee engagement and retention while significantly lowering turnover costs. Beth is currently pioneering a groundbreaking belonging tool with the University of Pennsylvania, designed to measure belonging and predict the propensity to thrive.
You’ll discover:
- Why belonging is an internal decision rather than something granted by others
- The warning signs of workplace trauma
- How managers can become the number one factor in creating environments where people truly belong through empathy and "stay interviews"
- Practical strategies for setting boundaries and prioritizing your wellbeing without sacrificing your authentic self for a job
- The dangerous impact of using "family" language in workplace settings
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Conflict is inevitable, but how leaders handle it makes all the difference. In this episode, vicki abadesco! shares a real-world example of a well-known organization struggling with team conflict and how small miscommunications can escalate when left unresolved. She explains how our upbringing shapes our approach to conflict and why developing emotional intelligence is essential for effective leadership. Through her work with both executives and young children, vicki highlights the importance of clear communication, emotional awareness, and accountability in building strong teams and relationships.
vicki also introduces practical tools like the "emotional balloon" and the "cleanup process" to help individuals recognize their emotions, take responsibility for their actions, and repair relationships when mistakes happen. Whether you're leading a team, raising a family, or simply striving to communicate better, this episode will provide insights and strategies to help you lead with empathy, transparency, and authenticity.
vicki is a nonprofit leader and mentor renowned for her unwavering commitment to growth and lifelong learning. Through her organization, Soul Shoppe, she and her team have touched the hearts and minds of over one million elementary school students with their conflict resolution and peacemaking curriculum. vicki has created a lasting impact, nurturing a generation of emotionally intelligent individuals who can build strong relationships and foster inclusive communities.
You’ll discover:
- Why conflict resolution is a critical leadership skill
- How early life experiences shape communication habits
- The "emotional balloon" metaphor for managing emotions
- A 5-step process for acknowledging mistakes and making amends
- How teaching emotional intelligence to kids can inspire better leadership in adults
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Company culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of an organization’s success or failure. Brad Federman shares how businesses can create a culture that balances people and results. He explains where many organizations go wrong when developing their values and why culture must be designed to outlast leadership changes. Brad also reveals how companies can avoid common pitfalls, such as tolerating bad behavior and adopting trendy policies without considering business needs.
We dive into practical strategies for aligning culture with business goals, reinforcing positive behaviors, and holding leaders accountable. Brad describes the importance of continuous culture audits and experiential activities that make culture tangible. Whether you’re a business leader, HR professional, or culture champion, this episode provides actionable insights to create an environment where employees thrive and customers stay engaged.
Brad is the founder of PerformancePoint, a firm dedicated to helping organizations engage employees, strengthen customer relationships, and cultivate resilient, collaborative cultures through effective leadership. With over 25 years of corporate experience, he’s worked with global companies like Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Nordstrom, and Mayo Clinic. Brad is an international speaker and the author of Cultivating Culture: 101 Ways to Foster Engagement in 15 Minutes or Less.
You’ll discover:
- The biggest mistakes companies make when defining their values
- Why culture must be stable, not built around a single leader
- How to hold employees and leaders accountable for culture
- The role of feedback and culture workouts in shaping workplace norms
- Strategies for overcoming resistance to cultural change
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Have you ever found yourself not speaking up, whether it’s in a 1:1 situation or in a group? For a variety of reasons, women often hold back instead of using their voice. Jennifer Wilkov, founder and CEO of Speak Up Women, learned to speak up in a powerful way herself and now teaches other women to do the same. Whether you're looking to build confidence, advocate for yourself, or become a more effective leader, you’ll take away actionable strategies to amplify your own voice.
Jennifer shares her personal journey, from a successful career as a certified financial planner to an unexpected wrongful conviction that tested her resilience. Rather than staying silent, she turned her experience into a movement—empowering women to embrace their self-worth and use their voice with confidence.
Speak Up Women is a community that’s cultivating women’s self-expression and empowerment. Jennifer speaks to women through her inspiring personal message, “You have the right to remain fabulous! – regardless of any situation, circumstance or condition.” She is passionate about elevating the self-esteem of women everywhere and encouraging their self-worth.
You’ll discover:
What a wrongful conviction taught Jennifer about speaking up
Why women hesitate to speak up…and the situations where they often hold back
What Speak Up Women is…and is not
How you can speak up for others who don’t have a voice
Jennifer’s work with interns to develop future leaders
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In this eye-opening episode, we're joined by Erica Salmon Byrne, a leading expert in business ethics and compliance. Erica shares her fascinating journey from litigation attorney to becoming a key figure in shaping ethical business practices worldwide at Ethisphere. We dive deep into the upcoming announcement of the 2025 World's Most Ethical Companies, exploring what sets these organizations apart and why ethical behavior is not just good for society, but also for the bottom line.
Whether you're a small business owner or part of a large corporation, this episode offers practical advice on how to integrate ethics into your daily operations and long-term strategy. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the foremost experts in the field and discover how your organization can join the ranks of the world's most ethical companies.
Erica is Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Chair of Ethisphere. Previously serving as CEO, she’s now responsible for ensuring continuous and strong growth for the company while maintaining the key principle that good businesses do better. She’s also the Chair of their Business Ethics Leadership Alliance, which serves ethics and compliance practitioners around the globe.
You’ll discover:
The link between ethical practices and financial performance
Why effective leadership skills are crucial in maintaining a strong, compliant company culture
The importance of defining and communicating your organization’s “why” to all stakeholders
The criteria Ethisphere uses to select winners for the World’s Most Ethical Companies award
How to integrate ethics into your daily operations and long-term strategy
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What wisdom could you extract from someone who’s had over 40 years of experience as a leader? An amazing amount, if that leader is Oakland McCulloch. You’ll hear practical ideas and stories that will inspire you to elevate your own leadership.
Better known as Oak, our guest’s 40-plus years of leadership experience includes 23 in the U.S. Army, followed by various civilian positions. While in the Army, he was deployed overseas multiple times. Oak’s last position in the Army was a three-year tour as Professor of Military Science at the University of South Alabama, where he led the training and commissioning of Lieutenants and tripled the size of the program.
Oak is the author of an excellent book, Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be, and he’s now an internationally recognized keynote speaker on leadership and success. As you listen to this conversation, you’ll see that Oak is a true servant leader.
You’ll discover:
- What two high school mentors taught Oak about leadership
- How Oak defines leadership
- What’s required to build a culture of trust
- Why Oak says, “Becoming a micromanager is the #1 mistake a leader can make.”
- The importance of preparing young people for leadership roles—and what to focus on
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Have you ever noticed how two people can experience the same event but walk away with entirely different perspectives?
In this episode, I share a striking contrast between two individuals on a birdwatching trip.
Their reactions caused me to reflect on how our attitudes shape our experiences and the energy we bring to those around us.
I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. We’ve created online resources that help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills to build strong relationships and inspire others to perform at the highest level.
You’ll discover:
- How your words and reactions influence those around you
- The key mindset shift that leads to greater joy and connection
- How to become more intentional about the perspective you bring to every situation
- A simple yet powerful way to enhance your leadership and relationships
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Change can be daunting, no matter what size your organization is. Our guest Dr. Mary Lippitt sheds light on the common fears—fear of the future, fear of the process, and fear of unintended consequences—that often accompany new initiatives.
Mary shares how organizations can address complexity through holistic strategies that emphasize listening, collaboration, and adaptability. We also discuss the power of asking the right questions to surface hidden concerns and ensure buy-in from all levels of an organization.
Mary is a renowned thought leader in the field of organizational development. She’s an award-winning author, speaker, and consultant. As President and Founder of Enterprise Management, Mary has more than 30 years of experience implementing change, delivering results, and boosting strategic thinking. As a researcher, Mary has studied the strategic and critical thinking patterns of 6,000 leaders.
She is proud to be a second generation Organizational Development professional, following in the footsteps of her father Gordon and uncle Ron. Her new book Leadersheep: Saving the Herd offers a fable about successfully executing change along with the steps necessary to make change stick.
You’ll discover:
- Why top-down approaches often fail and how leaders can stay engaged to create lasting change
- How to achieve a clear and actionable vision by leveraging situational awareness and data-driven decision-making
- What you can do to identify gaps, monitor progress, and make necessary course corrections when implementing change
- The benefits of adopting a situational mindset to enhance leadership flexibility
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Not everyone has equal access to mentoring and sponsorship opportunities. Ayana Carroll is on a mission to change that for Black mid-level managers. In her work with clients and in our conversation for this interview, Ayana shares valuable tips that can help those managers as well as those who make decisions around promotions.
Ayana is the Founder of ARC Consulting, and she’s dedicated to elevating Black mid-level professionals into transformative leaders. With over 25 years of HR leadership and DEI expertise, Ayana specializes in breaking down barriers to leadership, including limited access to high-visibility projects, mentorship gaps, and challenges in self-advocacy.
As the first Black professional to rise to the level of Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Fluence, Ayana created and led the company’s first DEI department. This pioneering initiative established pathways for diverse hires, increased representation in leadership, and drove inclusion at all levels.
Ayana has extensive experience coaching C-suite leaders as well as mid-level managers, creating tailored learning paths to accelerate their development. She also volunteers with various homeless organizations to support individuals on their journey to stability and success.
You’ll discover:
- Why Ayana focuses her work on mid-level managers
- The current narrative around Black talent…and how Ayana is reshaping it
- What mentors and sponsors can do
- Why STAY interviews are vital to retaining talent
- How Ayana helps managers create a plan for career development
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What causes companies to experience rapid top-line revenue growth? Philippe Bouissou, PhD, provides the answer in this impactful conversation. His framework is brilliantly simple. Identify the four possible areas of misalignment between the company and the customer, then make changes to create alignment.
Philippe outlines the four areas and provides concrete examples of each. He also describes one of the world’s most successful companies that excels in aligning all four.
Philippe has been in Silicon Valley for 33 years. He launched and scaled Apple’s eCommerce business from zero to $350 million, working closely with Steve Jobs. Since leaving Apple, he’s had success as a CEO, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist, and he’s served on the board of 23 companies. He is a growth expert, a TEDx speaker with over one million views, and the author of the bestseller book Aligning the Dots.
Today, Philippe is Managing Partner at Blue Dots Partners LLC, a Palo Alto-based advisory firm he founded. The firm is dedicated to solving one problem: helping companies grow faster.
If you’re responsible for any part of top-line revenue growth in your company, this episode is a must-listen. And you’ll want to pick up a copy of Aligning the Dots, too!
You’ll discover:
- Why Philippe said Steve Jobs was the best leader he ever worked with
- Key lessons Philippe has learned in his leadership journey
- The one question he asks CEOs about their business (and it’s not, “What do you do?”)
- The four axes of alignment required to grow a business
- Why there’s a 5th axis that determines the execution of the other four
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Over the course of his career, Ethan Evans reviewed 10,000+ resumes, conducted over 2,500 interviews, and made more than 1,000 hires. He knows a thing or two about finding, onboarding, AND developing the right people.
In this high-energy conversation, Ethan shares the qualities he looked for and the aspects of character he believes are most important for leaders. You’ll find great value in reflecting on the lessons he learned from a big mistake he made at Amazon that got him in trouble with CEO Jeff Bezos.
Ethan is a former Vice President at Amazon. During his 15 years there, he helped invent many of the offerings that we take for granted today, like Prime Video, Amazon Video, and the Amazon App Store. Prior to Amazon, Ethan spent 12 years at 3 startups.
In September of 2020, Ethan retired from Amazon and made the decision to pay it forward. He devotes time to teaching leaders to become true executives through courses he offers and the free content he provides on LinkedIn and his website.
You’ll discover:
- How Ethan added to the Amazon Leadership Principle of Ownership
- What Ethan looks for when interviewing a candidate or considering someone for a promotion
- The five steps in Ethan’s Magic Loop for managing up
- What leaders can do to build trust quickly
- A big mistake Ethan made at Amazon and the lessons he learned from it
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Have you ever taken on a project that you thought would be straightforward…and then discovered it wasn’t?
Sometimes that occurs because of the expectations we put on ourselves to perform at a certain level.
That’s what happened to me when I tried to record a headshot video.
In this solo episode I describe the situation, how I handled the setbacks, and what I learned from the experience that might be helpful for you, too.
I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. We’ve created online resources that help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills to build strong relationships and inspire others to perform at the highest level.
You’ll discover:
- The challenge I was given in a LinkedIn course
- How I define perfectionism
- Why I struggled initially to complete this assignment
- What slowing down and reflecting helped me realize
- 3 insights that allowed me to relax and enjoy the process
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Have you thought about how your words create you and your world? No matter what you answer, Trevor Timbeck will help you gain a better understanding of this power we all have if we choose to use it well.
Trevor co-authored The Power of Systems with Steve Chandler. You’ll recognize the book and Steve’s name from episode 300 of the podcast. In this episode, we discussed the book and how it ties in with who you are BEING and what you’re CREATING in the world.
Trevor is an absolutely remarkable human being, with important insights not just on the power of systems, but on life itself. You’re going to want to give this your full attention because you’ll hear many valuable ideas to reflect on.
Trevor has a deep technical background and started his career as a software engineer. He was promoted to leadership roles and eventually became head of Sales and then Chief Talent Officer with a large IT company. Today Trevor is a very successful leadership coach.
You’ll discover:
- Significant lessons Trevor learned in his leadership journey
- How Trevor weaves together love, language, and leadership when coaching his clients
- What he learned from his first coach that transformed the way he led
- The difference between language as coordinating behavior and language as communicating information
- Why Trevor says our words create our world
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Do you ever have thoughts that could be called “head trash”? Very likely, you’ve experienced them, and those thoughts may even keep you awake at night. In this conversation, Dr. Robyn Odegaard provides a concrete, practical tip for getting back to sleep if you wake up at 3:00 am. She also shares her approach to questions and conversations with her clients that you can use yourself for your long-term happiness and success.
Dr. Robyn is a former competitive beach volleyball player turned business psychologist and professional confidante. She did her graduate work in business psychology with a concentration in high performance and sport. She’s been working in the space between executive coach, therapist and best friend for more than fifteen years and has designed her business to support ultra-busy clients who live excessively fast-paced lives.
Dr. Robyn’s expertise has been showcased through her TEDx talk, Creating Success Out of Chaos, the seven books she has authored, co-authored or contributed to, her Five-Point Paradigm for Creating Success Out of Chaos™, and her signature talk: Take Out the Head Trash: How to fight the demons keeping you awake at 3am.
You’ll discover:
- Dr. Robyn’s personal journey as a young adult and what she learned along the way
- Why she had self-doubts about her ability to succeed in college
- A 5-point paradigm for creating success out of chaos
- The #1 question she asks her clients to help them identify what’s holding them back
- How Dr. Robyn learned to make Big Asks in quoting fees to potential clients
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Leading people who aren’t like you can be challenging. In this episode, Stephanie Chung provides important insights and tips to help you be more effective in this critical area. You will love the passion and stories she brings to our conversation.
For the past 30 years, Stephanie has been a force of strategic innovation, a beacon of change, and a titan in the world of business growth and human capital management.
Stephanie blazed trails as the first African American to serve as President at a private jet company. Under her visionary leadership, JetSuite evolved from a mere service provider to a symbol of luxury and excellence. During her tenure, JetSuite was named one of the Best Places To Work by the Human Rights Campaign and one of the 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies by the Dallas Business Journal. From there, she became Chief Growth Officer and Global Brand Ambassador at Wheels Up.
Stephanie's impact extends far beyond the boardroom. She serves on the Make-A-Wish Board and the Advisory Council for the National Business Aviation Association. Stephanie is also a #1 international best-selling author with her excellent book, Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You.
You’ll discover:
- What the acronym ALLY stands for
- How to meet people where they are
- What to do if you don’t like someone on your team
- Why the most effective leaders are “culturally intelligent”
- The various kinds of privilege that exist and how to leverage yours
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Here’s a startling statistic. Harvard published the results of a survey of 17,000 managers, and one of the questions asked was this: When did you experience your first formal leadership training? The average age was 42.
What would happen if we started with children instead of waiting until someone is so far into their career? You don’t have to wonder what would happen because our guest, Dr. Alan Nelson, has focused on teaching leadership to young people for almost 20 years.
Alan is the Founder of KidLead Academy, the world’s first online course to train parents how to develop their child’s leadership potential. Alan has been passionate about leadership throughout his career.
Alan is the author of 40 books and over 200 articles on personal growth and leadership. He has a doctorate in leadership from the University of San Diego and has taught leadership courses at several universities, including USC’s Marshall School of Business and the Naval Postgraduate School.
In this conversation, we focused on his book for parents, My Kid Leads! A How-to Book for Parents Wanting to Raise Future Leaders Today.Highly recommended!
You’ll discover:
- The answer to the question of whether leaders are made or born
- Why Alan says the sweet spot for teaching leadership to kids is ages 10-13
- The 4 primary indicators of giftedness in leadership in both children and adults
- What parents can do to help their children develop self-control and critical thinking skills
- How Alan uses peer-led teams in his programs to teach leadership and followership
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Have you ever lost your cool when you encountered something unexpected?
In this solo episode, I describe a situation where I witnessed someone who became emotional and took it out on me.
Thankfully, I recognized that she was simply unable to think rationally in the moment, and I didn’t take it personally.
I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. We’ve created online resources that help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills to build strong relationships and inspire others to perform at the highest level.
You’ll discover:
- The event that triggered this person’s reaction
- What I realized about the feelings she was experiencing
- How I handled the uncertainty of the moment
- The lessons I took away from that incident
- Two questions you can ask yourself when you feel fear or uncertainty
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If you’ve been in leadership development for a long time, you’re in for a treat with this episode. Our guest, Howard Leong, is the youngest person to appear on the podcast! Don’t let his youth fool you. He is wise beyond his years in his understanding of leadership and personal growth. Howard has been mentored by Asheesh Advani, CEO of Junior Achievement or JA Worldwide, and you’ll see that he’s absorbed key lessons from this extraordinary leader.
Howard is featured in a new book that Asheesh co-authored with Marshall Goldsmith, Modern Achievement: A New Approach to Timeless Lessons for Aspiring Leaders. In this conversation, we explore the experiences and lessons learned that Howard shares in the book.
Howard is the Research Strategist at JA Worldwide and is currently building The JA Institute. He’s a college senior specializing in Econometrics and Machine Learning with four years of experience in software product management and international economic development.
Howard was awarded the Global Student Prize in 2021 from JA for building an online marketplace, JA Malaysia Mall, for high school entrepreneurs. In just two months, it fulfilled over 1,000 orders. He also built an investment app that received The Webby Award Honoree 2024. Howard has consulted the City of Calgary on economics, AI, and electricity rates.
You’ll discover:
- The messages Howard got from his family growing up in Malaysia and changes he felt compelled to make after leaving home
- What the phrase, Modern Achievement, means to Asheesh and what it means to Howard
- Ways Howard learned to advocate for himself—and the payoffs he got from doing so
- What employers need to know about working with young adults
- Tips for young employees who want to have a positive impact
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In your leadership role, do you see yourself as a salesperson? Mark Hunter makes the case that leadership and sales are the same. You’ll agree that they are when you hear Mark’s definition of those words. It’s just one of many writer-downers in this episode!
Mark Hunter is known as “The Sales Hunter,” and he’s recognized as an expert in sales. He is a member of the Sales Hall of Fame. He’s the author of High-Profit Prospecting, High-Profit Selling and most recently, A Mind for Sales, which was the focus of this conversation.
Mark spent more than 15 years in the sales and marketing divisions of three Fortune 200 companies. During his career, he led many projects, including the creation of a new 200-member sales force.
Mark’s passion for sales has allowed him to consult and speak on 5 continents and 28 countries. He is on a mission to have each person he meets see sales the way he does. Clients range from Samsung, BP, and Kawasaki to small start-ups. No matter their size, they all value Mark’s engaging style and specific strategies that deliver results.
You’ll discover:
- Why Mark says you cannot lead anyone until you first lead yourself
- What made his manager at McDonald’s one of the most memorable leaders Mark ever worked for
- The positive words Mark associates with EGO
- How Mark defines charisma—and what it looks like in action
- The 3 greatest assets a leader has, if used well
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When you think of the key qualities of an effective leader, what words come to mind? Did you include the word GENEROUS? If not, you will add that word to your list after you listen to this conversation with guest Joe Davis.
Joe is the author of a fantastic new book, The Generous Leader: 7 Ways to Give of Yourself for Everyone’s Gain. This important book is a must-read for every leader because it touches on so many areas that the best leaders learn and practice. Joe exemplifies the type of leader Meredith is always eager to have as a guest: he’s focused his entire career on growing strong as a leader and helping others realize their potential.
Joe is a Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group or BCG. In The Generous Leader, Joe shares a performance review he received that was a game-changer for him: He was told he was not the best at problem-solving solo; but with others, he could solve any challenge. His manager identified his key strength—a person who could connect with others.
Joe has leveraged that strength in his 35+ years at BCG in roles such as co-founding the Washington, DC, office and leading BCG North America. He is currently Chair of BCG’s Center for Inclusion and Equity and the Board Chair at Whitman College.
You’ll discover:
- What leaders can do to help others feel seen
- Why Joe recommends leaders adopt the “practice of perspective taking”
- How Joe pushes people to be more than they believed possible and addresses times when they diminish themselves
- How to be an Action Ally and not a Performative Ally
- Ways to show vulnerability so others more easily connect with you
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Twelve years ago, when my father died, the funeral director made a statement to my mother, my sister, and me that I’ve never forgotten.
In this solo episode, I share what he said and how it applied to my father. I also describe seven ways Dad lived that have had a lasting impact on all of us who knew him.
I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. We’ve created online resources that help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills to build strong relationships and inspire others to perform at the highest level.
You’ll discover:
- Why my father never made one enemy throughout his entire life
- How a strong work ethic drove everything he did
- What Dad did to build trust instantly
- The 3 words of sage advice Dad passed on to everyone in the family
- Questions you can ask yourself as you reflect on your life and how you want to be remembered
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This is a very special episode of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast for 2 reasons: it’s #300, which is a noteworthy milestone for any podcast. And #2, the guest is Steve Chandler, someone whose books have influenced Meredith’s thinking and her life more than any other author. At this point, she’s read 20 of his 30+ books.
Steve has been coaching leaders and other coaches for decades. His own coach calls him the Godfather of Coaching. Steve is the Founder of the Coaching Prosperity School, now called Advanced Client Systems, for people who already know HOW to coach. This program is highly recommended if you’re a coach because you’ll learn systems for acquiring clients and building a prosperous business.
And speaking of systems, that’s the focus of this conversation. We discussed the new book Steve has written with Trevor Timbeck. It’s called The Power of Systems: How to Create a Life That Works. It’s packed with life-changing insights, so you’ll want to listen to multiple times to capture them all.
You’ll discover:
- The issues Steve and Trevor were seeing with their coaching clients that inspired them to write this book
- How Steve defines a system in the context of creating a life that works
- A simple 2-step process for creating a system
- Why Steve says that PRACTICE is one of the most powerful systems
- The role of systems in setting and reaching a goal
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Immigrants to the United States are not always welcomed with open arms, but that doesn’t stop them from pursuing their dreams. Cynthia Torres arrived in the U.S. from Colombia when she was 25, and she’s a beautiful example of someone who started a business and is having a very positive impact on the people in her community. You’ll be inspired by her story and her accomplishments.
Cynthia Torres is a Colombian American who has resided for over 25 years in Oxnard, California, west of Los Angeles. She’s a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and is leaving an indelible mark in service to its vibrant and dynamic Latinx population. Her professional journey is nothing short of remarkable.
Cynthia is the founder and CEO of the local for-profit business, New Dawn Counseling & Consulting. She also recently assumed the Executive Director position of a thirty-year-old nonprofit organization called City Impact, Inc.
You’ll discover:
- What brought Cynthia to the U.S. from Columbia when she was 25 years old
- Important lessons Cynthia has learned as a leader of two organizations
- How she’s incorporated the teachings of compassionate communication into the culture of New Dawn
- The startling statistic about Latinas in the C-suite in US companies
- What Cynthia recommends to young Hispanic women about overcoming barriers they face
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There’s been a lot of controversy post-pandemic between companies and employees about returning to the physical workspace. This episode’s guest, Wayne Turmel, is uniquely qualified to discuss this topic.
Wayne was my guest on episode 77 in the fall of 2020 when we were dealing with the early months of COVID-19, and most people were working remotely. In that conversation, we discussed the book he and his co-author, Kevin Eikenberry, published PRE-COVID. It was called The Long-Distance Leader and focused on leading remote teams, so they were ahead of their time.
They’ve recently released the second edition of The Long-Distance Leader, subtitled Revised Rules for Remarkable Remote and Hybrid Leadership. In his interview here, we discussed key ideas from the updated book.
Wayne Turmel has been writing about developing communication and leadership skills for nearly 30 years. He’s also taught and consulted at Fortune 500 companies and startups around the world. For 18 years, he’s focused on the growing need to communicate effectively in remote and virtual environments.
In addition to his writing, Wayne is a sought-after speaker at business and leadership conferences and events. He’s the author of 15 books and a frequent guest at events such as ATD’s International Conference and Exposition and the European Digital Learning Expo. He’s also the host of the Long Distance Worklife Podcast. Marshall Goldsmith calls him “One of the most unique voices in leadership today.”
You’ll discover:
- What happened after the first edition of the book that caused Wayne and Kevin to conclude they needed to update it
- What Wayne means when he uses the word HYBRID and how it differs from the commonly understood meaning
- The importance of factoring in TIME as part of a hybrid work schedule
- The 3C model that needs to be considered when an organization wants to define its culture
- Three reasons why young people want in-person time at the office
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In this episode, I talk about different ways you can uplevel the way you serve others in your world. When you apply these ideas, you won’t just surprise or delight them, you’ll actually ASTONISH them.
I share specific examples of things I’ve done. As you listen, consider how you can incorporate some of them in your own unique way with the people in your life.
I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders, a company that publishes software tools and books to help people build strong relationships at work and at home.
You’ll discover:
- The one question to ask yourself before every conversation that’s important to you
- What another person feels from you when you express genuine curiosity in them
- How to make introductions that stand out
- Ways you can use social media to acknowledge people in your world
- Why expressions of appreciation are so powerful
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When you think about it, leadership and sales have a lot in common. For example, both require the ability to build trust quickly. In this value-packed episode, Larry Levine shares ideas from his new book, Selling In a Post-Trust World, that apply to leaders and salespeople alike.
Larry is also the international best-selling author of Selling from the Heart and the co-host of the award-winning Selling from the Heart Podcast.
In a world where it can be hard for salespeople to create trust, Larry helps sales teams leverage the power of authenticity to grow revenue, grow themselves, and enhance the lives of their clients. Larry has coached sales professionals across the world, from tenured reps to new millennials entering the salesforce.
You’ll discover:
- The importance of identifying your WHY to have the greatest possible influence and impact
- Why the ability to create authentic relationships must begin with being authentic with yourself
- How you can create an inspirational experience for your team members and your clients
- The power of learning what your unique “secret sauce” is and using it consistently
- What you can learn when you’re curious and not making assumptions
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Sometimes personality tests are used to put people in a box, which can be restrictive and limiting. Markey Read advocates a different approach, one that empowers you to discover your superpowers and use them more often. You’ll enjoy this lively conversation where Markey explains why it’s best to identify and focus on your superpowers and spend far less time on your bozopowers. She and Meredith share personal stories about themselves, revealing how they’ve each learned how to do this in their work and with their spouses.
Markey Read is an internationally acclaimed trainer and consultant renowned for her innovative approach to Team and Project Leadership. Recognized as a thought leader in her field, Markey champions the belief that everyone possesses innate leadership qualities. However, mainstream corporate culture often obscures these talents by favoring certain styles over others.
With over 30 years of experience in coaching, training, and developing dynamic leadership teams, Markey specializes in empowering emerging leaders and entrepreneurs to harness their unique superpowers while effectively delegating their bozopowers, allowing them to excel in their areas of expertise.
As a highly sought-after keynote speaker and trainer in the US and UK, Markey has successfully guided entrepreneurial ventures and international corporations in transforming their organizational cultures. She is the author of two books, Leadership Styles and Launch, Grow & Prosper as a Woman Solopreneur, and she’s certified in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, FlexTalk, and Emotional Intelligence. Markey holds a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Group Dynamics from the University of Vermont.
You’ll discover:
- What led Markey to do the work she does with leaders and teams
- How learning about personality types can help you discover your superpowers
- The distinctions she makes between skills, superpowers, and bozopowers
- Why Markey uses rooms in a house to explain your natural tendencies and areas of stretch
- Questions leaders can ask to discover the preferences of their team members
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If you’ve ever wondered what’s involved in a company being named one of the best places to work, this episode’s guest Angie Redmon pulls back the curtain and reveals key elements. She also explains the commitment and alignment required to build a culture that’s worthy of being recognized. If you’d like to uplevel the culture of your team or entire organization, you’ll gain valuable insights from this conversation.
Angie Redmon has invested more than two decades learning what makes good companies great, and it always comes back to the same thing: Companies who care about their people as much as they care about their bottom line are more likely to recruit and retain outstanding employees. Through her dedication to workplace culture and employee engagement, Angie has developed and led HR teams with multiple companies in diverse industries.
Now, Angie is the President and Founder of striveHR, LLC, an organization focused on guiding aspirational companies through the process of pursuing a best workplace distinction. She channels her work into helping organizations develop their people strategies and guiding HR professionals to develop in their careers through her coaching and mentorship. Angie has an impressive track record of helping organizations uncover employee engagement challenges and guiding organizations to achieve an award-winning workplace culture.
You’ll discover:
- What it takes to be an award-winning workplace
- The most common issue that gets in the way of creating a positive culture
- The steps a company can take before applying for an award
- How an award can help you with recruitment and retention of the best talent
- What needs to be done to sustain the progress after winning an award
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Think of a person who takes up more real estate in your mind than you’d like…someone whose words or behavior you find annoying, irritating or worse.
What if you could transform your attitude towards that person into one of gratitude?
In this episode, I describe a simple yet powerful way to help you appreciate the value of every person in your world.
I kick things off by sharing a thought-provoking quote from Chapter 7, “Attitude,” in one of my all-time favorite books, The Power of Awareness by Neville Goddard. You can ponder those words for a long time when considering your own role in creating a positive relationship with someone important to you.
I also talk about a simple process you can complete before a conversation to help you develop a greater appreciation for the person you’re about the meet with.
I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders, a company that publishes software tools and books to help people build strong relationships at work and at home.
You’ll discover:
- Two definitions of appreciate that I learned from Dan Sullivan, CEO of Strategic Coach
- An exercise you can complete before you meet with someone to ensure you bring a positive attitude
- The positive impact of completing the exercise
- What appreciation means for the other person
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If you’ve ever gone through a major transition from one career path to another that’s totally unfamiliar, you may have felt disoriented and unsure of your identity. That often happens to college and professional athletes when they leave the sport that’s been a central part of their identity.
This episode’s guest, Jay Dixon, specializes in helping these athletes discover how they can transfer the skills they already have to the business world. You’re going to hear ideas that you can apply to your own role as a leader.
Jay is an expert at the intersection of sports and business. He was a student-athlete at the University of Nevada, where he played football. Since then, he’s cofounded three companies and consulted or participated in more than 50 transactions. After these experiences, Jay started an elite accelerator for athletes called SuccessCoach.com. It blends the mindset strategies of elite CEOs and an actionable playbook to transition their athletic talents into thriving business ventures.
He’s the author of a new book, After the Game: Bridging the Gap from Winning Athlete to Thriving Entrepreneur. It’s an excellent book for anyone in business.
You’ll discover:
- Jay’s personal journey from athlete to entrepreneur
- The unique strengths athletes have that serve them well in the business world
- Why a growth mindset is the first piece in the 10 mindset elements that Jay teaches
- Tips for optimizing your time and energy
- The distinction between expectations vs agreements
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Did you know that two communities only 5 miles apart can have a 20-year difference in life expectancy? That’s a reality in the United States, and Dr. Jean Accius is committed to changing that drastically so everyone has the same opportunity for a longer, healthier life. This topic is just one of many we explored in this deep, meaningful conversation with an exceptional CEO and human being. You’ll be fascinated with Jean’s journey and the compelling stories he shares that illustrate his brilliance as a leader.
Jean came to the United States as an immigrant from Haiti when he was four. Today, he is the President and CEO of CHC: Creating Healthier Communities. Before that, he spent more than 15 years at AARP, the nation’s largest nonprofit, where his most recent position was Senior Vice President of International Affairs and Global Thought Leadership.
Throughout his career, Jean has focused on addressing barriers to health and health equity and creating solutions that ensure people have longer lives with more time to learn, earn, and be with their loved ones.
You’ll discover:
- Jean’s experiences in his leadership journey that shaped his approach today
- The distinctions Jean makes between drive vs driven and success vs significance
- How leaders can step back to allow others to step up
- Effective ways to get buy-in for a project or a vision
- The importance of understanding Interdependence in getting things done
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How did Dr. Antonia (Toni) Novello become the first woman and the first Hispanic to hold the position of U.S. Surgeon General in 1990? Hers is an inspiring story and compelling read as described in her book with Jill Tietjen, Duty Calls: Lessons Learned from an Unexpected Life of Service. In this conversation, we discuss Toni’s career path to that position as well as her role during 9/11 as the New York State Commissioner of the Department of Health.
Toni and Jill are both highly accomplished women, extraordinary leaders, and trailblazers in their respective fields, so it was a real honor to have them as guests.
Toni was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a B.S. and an M.D. She completed her residency and internship in pediatrics at the University of Michigan and a fellowship in pediatric and adult nephrology at the University of Michigan and Georgetown University. Also, she received a Master’s and a Doctor of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
In 1990, Toni was sworn in as the 14th Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service and became the first woman and the first Hispanic to hold this position. From 1999 to 2007, she was the New York State Commissioner of the Department of Health and served in this position during 9/11.
Jill S. Tietjen, PE, is an author, international speaker, and electrical engineer. After more than forty-five years in the electric utility industry, her professional focus is now on women’s advocacy worldwide. Her fifteen books include the bestselling and award-winning Her Story: A Timeline of the Women Who Changed America and Hollywood: Her Story, An Illustrated History of Women and the Movies. She has been inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame and the Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame and has been elected to the National Academy of Construction.
You’ll discover:
- How Toni and Jill met and decided to collaborate on writing this memoir
- What Toni learned from her mother in her early years that influenced her throughout her life
- The experience that taught Toni to under-promise and over-deliver
- Why loyalty is a core value of Toni’s and how it served her in her various roles
- How always being prepared opened doors for Toni’s next position
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I’ve been hosting my podcast for more than five years, since June 2019, and have never done a solo episode. That changes with this episode! Many of my listeners have requested that I share some of my thoughts about leadership, so I’ve decided to devote one episode each month to speaking directly with you.
For this episode, I focused on the topic of character—what it is and two specific areas that show why it’s essential for leadership. My business partner Denny Coates and I have been immersed in this aspect of leadership development for decades, and even more so in the past two years as Denny has worked on his latest book, Grow Strong Character, and the two of us have created content for our new self-paced leadership development program, GSL SkillBuilder.
I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders, a company that publishes software tools and books to help people build strong relationships at work and at home.
You’ll discover:
- What strong character consists of
- The role of character in leadership
- Why character development strengthens emotional intelligence
- The importance of helping people live into an organization’s core values
- Resources that can help you strengthen your own character
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One of the most important skills a leader can develop is the ability to help others expand their vision of themselves. Ilias Simpson has been practicing this skill for decades; and in this conversation, he gives a masterclass on how to do it effectively. You’ll be mesmerized by the stories he tells to illustrate what he does, and you’ll learn ways to build a culture where people perform at high levels and feel valued at the same time.
Ilias is a highly accomplished leader who transforms companies into profitable growth engines through operational excellence, lean improvements, and instilling a culture of success. With a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ilias ensures that employees at all levels feel heard, valued, and supported.
Previously, Ilias served as President of Modivcare Mobility, President and CEO of Radial Inc., CEO of PaLo Na, and Senior Director of Operations at Ryder System, Inc. Ilias graduated with a Master of Business Administration from the University of Dayton and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of North Texas. Additionally, Ilias is a decorated veteran of the United States Air Force.
You’ll discover:
- How Ilias built trust and credibility at the age of 18 when he was put in a leadership position in the military
- The experiences from his youth and from sports that shaped his leadership style
- What Ilias does to help others expand their vision of themselves
- Why Learning Agility is a crucial skill to develop for success in business
- The benefits of having diversity of thinking on a team
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Are you helping each person on your team identify areas where they could level up? Dan Kent is a master of meeting people “where they’re at” and then listening for ways they can build on their strengths to become even more effective. In this rich and immensely practical conversation, you’ll learn specific questions you can use in conversations to discover more about another person’s capabilities and aspirations.
One of Dan’s superpowers is his ability to not only SEE the strengths in others but also articulate them. In this conversation, you’ll learn more about how he does that with his clients. Meredith experienced Dan’s magic first-hand when she was a guest on his podcast, Clearing Obstacles. His introduction beautifully captured her essence and who she aspires to be in the world. You can listen to that conversation HERE.
Dan is the founder and owner of Best Self Coaching, a business coaching company that strengthens and grows businesses by developing the humans involved in them. He’s affectionately known as the “loving butt-kicker” they often need in their lives.
Dan’s method is a natural extension of his affinity for working both sides of the brain. He has degrees in both Accounting and Theatre Arts, almost thirty years in business ownership, and over a decade in Coaching and Consulting. That balanced approach combining left brain and right brain has served him and his clients well.
You’ll discover:
- What Dan does to “meet clients where they’re at”
- The 3 Pillars Dan uses with every client he works with
- How he discovers the growth edges where a client needs to focus their development efforts
- Why everything starts with self-awareness for a leader
- Tips for finding out what your people want most from you
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Some personal development programs focus on digging into your past to uncover what might be holding you back. Others emphasize getting over your past and focusing exclusively on your future. In this conversation Moustafa Hamwi makes a compelling argument for giving attention to both. He shares practical tips from his book, SLINGSHOT: The Practical Guide to Becoming a Master of Your Destiny, Not a Victim of Your History, that you can begin implementing immediately.
Moustafa is a bestselling author, international speaker, and mindset coach. His background spans diverse disciplines—from executive coaching, hypnotherapy, yoga, and meditation to adventure sports and nature healing.
Moustafa’s unique lifestyle as an executive nomad has him traversing the globe, often spending months living out of a campervan, immersing himself in diverse cultures, and forging a deep connection with nature.
His quest for self-discovery leads him to learning and meditation centers worldwide, exploring the intricacies of mind, body, and soul. He’s globally recognized as a foremost expert and thought leader in reigniting passion within organizations and teams.
You’ll discover:
- The story behind the book and what’s unique about Moustafa’s methodology
- Why it’s important to go through your past and not try to get over it
- How to rewrite your story so it serves you and doesn’t limit you
- Why courage, humility, and discipline are critical elements of effective leadership
- Tips for mastering your mindset so it frees you to master your destiny
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There’s a skill that’s critical for success in every aspect of life, and that’s the ability to make good decisions. This episode’s guest, Kandis Porter is co-author with previous guest Damon Lembi of a must-read book on this topic: Good Decisions Equal Success: Stop Decision Anxiety and Start Taking Action.
After listening to this conversation, you’re going to want to get a copy of this book for yourself and for every member of your team. It’s that good…and that important for your personal and business success.
Kandis is the Founder and CEO of Effective Flow Connections, a management consulting company that helps transform organizations through strategic planning, project management, process improvement, change management, and training. Kandis also works one-on-one with clients, focusing on Leadership development and growth.
You’ll discover:
- The problem with making decisions strictly on your gut or emotions
- Why it’s important to clarify who’s responsible for the four decision roles
- Strategies for prioritizing tasks
- What Time Bankruptcy is—and how to fix it
- How to overcome decision fatigue
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Character has always been essential for anyone in a leadership position. But what exactly IS character? And is it a fixed aspect of who you are, or can it be developed?
In this episode, you’ll learn the answers to those questions from a special guest, Denny Coates, who’s been Meredith’s business partner for almost 33 years. He’s the CEO of Grow Strong Leaders, and his genius is in writing and creating content for the company’s books and products.
Denny has studied character for decades, and he’s just published a new book, Grow Strong Character, that explores this topic in depth. Together, he and Meredith developed a new online, self-paced leadership program called GSL SkillBuilder that facilitates mastery of high-impact communication skills and character skills.
You’ll discover:
- How Denny defines character
- The relationship of communication skills and character to emotional intelligence
- What’s required to strengthen a specific character skill
- The role of coaching in the mastery of any skill
- GSL SkillBuilder’s unique structure for growing strong character
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What role does mindset play in achieving your greatest work and personal goals? It’s the foundation for everything! In this inspiring and valuable conversation, Sohee Jun, Ph.D., explains why that is true. We discuss several key ideas from Sohee’s latest book, The Aligned Mindset: Secrets of High-Achieving Women for Navigating Work, Life, and Mindset.
Sohee is a premier leadership coach for women, mindset expert, bestselling author, corporate leadership facilitator, TEDx keynote speaker, and thought leader and contributor to the Forbes Coaches Council.
The Aligned Mindset is the result of her two decades of transforming the lives and work of high-performing executive women at top companies such as Netflix, Fox, Disney, and others. Sohee shares the secrets of how highly successful women have created a winning mindset—conquering imposter syndrome, silencing inner critics, and empowering them to prioritize their own version of success.
You’ll discover:
- The role of awareness in achieving greater alignment
- How you can reframe the way you view situations or people
- Micro-actions that reduce self-doubt and build self-confidence
- How finding your North Star can guide your decisions about success
- Why Sohee refers to mentors as your “Tribe of Advocates”
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It’s not easy to make the transition from high-performing individual contributor to manager in an advertising agency (or in any industry, for that matter). TJ Bennett knows that first-hand because he was promoted to leadership roles with no advance preparation…and no training once he was in the position. In this episode, TJ shares lessons he learned along the way and the three primary areas he helps his coaching clients with.
TJ is the creative who helps creatives get creative with their career. Often beclad in cat-themed and/or Snoopy gear, TJ is pretty easy to spot in a crowd. Once you find him, you’ll discover that his love for felines and cartoon beagles is matched by a mildly unhealthy obsession with making work not suck. He spends his days listening intently to clients, helping them uncover insights that spark life-altering possibilities.
And he spends his nights dreaming of the same thing, except everyone is dressed like clowns and he forgot to wear pants for some reason. Rest assured he will never show up to a session sans trousers and will always show up with a fresh perspective that makes you think about work a little differently.
TJ is the Founder of The Pudding Factory, where he serves as coach, creative problem solver, and writer. He’s the host of an excellent podcast, Desuckify Work.
You’ll discover:
- How leaders can create themselves in order to help others be creative
- What agency is and ways to develop it
- Actions leaders can take to help their team members become autonomous
- Ways to create accountability up, across, and down
- The importance of values and purpose in helping people find meaning in their work
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Have you ever thought of yourself as a perfectionist, or do you know someone who is? In this episode, you’ll learn a new term—and a way of being—that will give you a new sense of freedom. Michele Molitor has been helping her clients achieve greater joy and satisfaction in their lives for more than 20 years, and you’re going to love what she has to share as we discuss key ideas from her book, I Am Perfectly Flawsome: How Embracing Imperfection Makes Us Better.
Michele Molitor, CPCC, PCC, CCHt, is a force for positive change in today’s challenging mental health landscape. As a master coach, hypnotherapist, speaker, and author, she has dedicated her career to helping others activate positive change in their lives, both personally and professionally.
As CEO of Nectar Consulting, Inc., Michele’s expertise focuses on empowering professionals to overcome anxiety, self-doubt, and the stress that often saturates modern work environments. Her approach is practical: to bring dignity into our communications that foster emotional well-being through genuine acceptance, belonging, and meaningful connection – with ourselves and others.
Clients affectionately dubbed her “The Mind Detective,” not just for her intuitive insights, but for her unique Rapid Rewiring™ approach that effectively combines the science of positive psychology and neuroscience with the healing powers of somatic and mindfulness practices. The results? Tangible improvements that make a real, lasting difference in people’s lives.
You’ll discover:
- The differences between toxic perfectionism and striving for excellence
- How Michele has evolved from her own perfectionistic tendencies
- Why an effort to do everything right takes a toll on your mental, emotional, and physical health
- The benefits of embracing your flawsomeness
- What parents and leaders can do to help others when they fall short in their efforts
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It’s not easy to create a strong, positive culture, and it’s even more challenging to sustain it for 10 years. That’s exactly what Dan Turner and his team have done at Xperigo. And instead of resting on this accomplishment, Dan continues to raise the bar for himself and for his company.
Dan has been President and CEO at Xperigo since 2019. He’s also served as COO and Vice President of Business Development. Since joining the company in 2014, Dan has been instrumental in establishing Xperigo as a leading provider of customer experience management solutions to the automotive sector in North America.
With his people-first philosophy, Dan has placed significant emphasis on cultivating a high-performance culture at Xperigo, which has resulted in the company being the 3-time consecutive winner of the prestigious award, Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures™.
Before joining Xperigo, Dan held senior leadership positions in both sales and client services at other large companies, where he managed strategic relationships with Fortune 500 companies like Apple, General Motors, and Netflix. He successfully secured over 500 million dollars in new business over his 12-year sales career.
You’ll discover:
- Dan’s journey from tow truck driver to CEO
- The qualities Dan learned from high school that have served him well as a leader
- How Xperigo’s values are used throughout the year by every leader and employee
- Why “Life Is Better Here” is the tagline used to attract job candidates
- Ways that Dan and his team used the results of the engagement survey to enhance the company culture
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Do you have a daily mindfulness practice? If you don’t—or you’re not even sure what that is—you’ll find out from guest Pamela Stambaugh why such a practice is an essential part of your day. In this valuable conversation, Pamela explains why focusing on who you are being (BE) needs to precede the actions you take (DO) and the results you want to achieve (HAVE). You’ll learn how to practice 3 As—Accountable, Awake, and Aware—and how they impact your ability to lead and influence others.
Pamela is the President and Founder of Accountability Pays Inc., a certified woman-owned business. She has an MBA and is an ICF-certified executive coach. Recently, Pamela has begun to create products based on what she’s learned from coaching senior leaders and their teams for more than 25 years.
She’s worked with clients from diverse industries, including construction, medical devices, financial services, and manufacturing. Her clients have included companies like GE Healthcare, Abbott, and the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.
Pamela maintains her mindfulness by participating in personal transformation courses provided by Landmark Education and maintaining spiritual and athletic practices.
You’ll discover:
- The Be Do Have model and how mindfulness fits in
- Pamela’s daily mindfulness practices
- Various ways that Being impacts your effectiveness as a leader
- What’s required to be both a trustworthy and a trusting leader
- Why leaders need to be trustworthy and trusting
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What if you landed your dream job and discovered that it didn’t deliver the fulfillment you were seeking? That’s what happened to Johannes Leerink, and it happened more than once in his career. In this conversation, he shares that journey with us. You’re going to love hearing his story as well as the insights he gained along the way, all of which led to the work he does today.
Johannes shares his takeaways from the Proctor & Gamble management training programs and his role as President and General Manager at Sara Lee. He applied these lessons and those from personal development programs to his work in transforming multinationals, hospitals, and NGOs into high-performing organizations.
Today Johannes is the founder of The Hidden Transit. He’s dedicated to helping highly successful professionals achieve their desired progress while unlocking a new dimension of fulfillment and freedom.
You’ll discover:
- How Johannes defines freedom
- The breakthroughs he got when attending Landmark programs
- What transformed a hospital system from silos and isolation to an environment of love
- The distinction between “knowing about” and “being” the 7 Habits
- Why Johannes refers to himself as a “Progress Maker”
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What’s required to work effectively with people from different cultures? Paula Caligiuri has been studying this question for 30 years, and she’s created strategies that leverage your natural strengths while developing cultural agility competencies. You’ll gain valuable insights that you can apply immediately when working with diverse populations locally or globally.
Paula is a Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University's D’Amore-McKim School of Business. Before that, she was a professor of HR management at Rutgers University for 18 years. She’s also the Founder and CEO of Skiilify and the creator of the free MyGiide assessment.
Her specialty concerns cultural agility's importance as a critical leadership competence. She explains it all in her excellent book, Build Your Cultural Agility: The Nine Competencies of Successful Global Professionals.
You’ll discover:
- What cultural agility is, and why it’s critical for leaders
- Why Paula considers curiosity and humility to be key competencies for cultural agility
- The dangers of training around unconscious bias
- Paula’s approach to training that fosters open, honest conversations
- Insights from research projects that Paula has conducted
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This episode is different from any other because the guest, Sigmar Berg, is someone who invented a product that has enhanced the lives of 1000s of people around the world. You’ll find this conversation thought-provoking and enlightening. You’re encouraged to slow down your mind, shift away from what you need to DO, and focus on being fully present to what Sigmar shares in this deeply meaningful conversation.
Sigmar is an entrepreneur, architect, and designer. He has dedicated his life to fostering wellness and balance, and his mission is to bring healing and love to the world. His most exciting venture, the Lovetuner, brings the ancient art of sound healing to today’s world through an easily accessible mindfulness tool.
Thanks to the commercial success of Lovetuner®, Sigmar established the Lovetuner® Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes wellness and healing. He’s also the author of The Lovetuner® Book: ONE JOURNEY, which tells the story of his spiritual awakening.
You’ll discover:
- The journey that led Sigmar to create the Lovetuner
- Why breath work is critical to overcoming the fight or flight response
- How leaders can benefit from developing mindfulness
- What the 528Hz frequency means
- What heart coherence means and why it’s important to our wellbeing
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What would happen if leaders focused on helping each member of their team create a new way of thinking about themselves and others? David Katz has developed a way of thinking where he sees everything that happens as a gift, including the death of his daughter five years ago. This extraordinary man shares what he’s learned over the past 3 years about himself, life, and his work since his first appearance on this podcast (Episode #98).
You’ll want to take notes as David talks about how leaders can be vulnerable with others, how to create real freedom in your life, and what you can do to help others feel seen. Listen to this conversation more than once if you’d like to extract the full value. It’s packed with treasures!
David is the founder and CEO of Plastic Bank. It’s a remarkable company comprised of a global network of micro-recycling markets. This ecosystem empowers the poor to transcend poverty by collecting and trading plastic waste as a currency. Their global partners include IBM, Shell Energy, SC Johnson, and Aldi.
You’ll discover:
- Why David sees plastic trash as gold and diamonds
- The power of your thinking in changing your life
- How David creates an environment of vulnerability and safety
- What you can do to help others feel seen
- Powerful questions David asks candidates to determine if they’ll be a good fit at Plastic Bank
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As humans, we’re hardwired to resist change and seek certainty. But that leaves us ill-equipped to thrive in our rapidly changing world. Adam Markel has studied and researched resilience throughout his career. In this conversation, you’ll learn how to become “change-proof,” the title of his latest book, Change Proof: Leveraging the Power of Uncertainty to Build Long-Term Resilience.
This beautifully written book has compelling stories that will grab your attention from the very first page. Listen to the wisdom Adam shares in this one-hour interview, and then get a copy of his book so you can explore this powerful treatment of resilience further.
Adam is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and workplace expert. He’s also the CEO of More Love Media and host of The Change Proof podcast. He’s a sought-after business culture catalyst who inspires, empowers, and guides organizations and individuals to create sustainable, high-performance strategies.
You’ll discover:
- How Adam’s 7 years of experience as a beach lifeguard shaped the principles he teaches today
- The three essential steps to take before responding to something unexpected
- What Adam’s resilience assessment reveals about your resilience in four areas of life
- Why taking time for Recovery is important before it becomes critical
- How to dispute irrational beliefs
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What if you could design and implement a comprehensive program for developing leaders? That’s the opportunity Brian Wallace had when he joined Wintrust Financial Corporation as Chief Learning Officer. He describes the company’s commitment to the development of every person and the investment it’s made in a physical structure to support those training programs.
Brian describes his journey as a leader and what he learned from those he reported to. His experience as an internal executive coach for 200 leaders at a regional bank shaped his thinking about the content to include in leadership development programs. He also shares adjustments he made in his first 90 days at Wintrust compared to the actions he took in other companies where he was hired to transform learning and development. You’ll get valuable take-aways from every aspect of this conversation!
As a senior executive in the financial services industry for more than 18 years, Brian’s responsibilities have included executive coaching, leadership development, sales training, and sales enablement. At HSBC Brian was awarded the coveted President Award, given annually to only one individual per business that demonstrated the true character of the company and its core values.
You’ll discover:
- The people who’ve influenced Brian in his own leadership journey
- Common challenges that leaders face, from Brian’s experience being an internal executive coach
- 3 key leadership traits that drive engagement and job satisfaction
- What it looks like for a company to commit to the development of people
- Why the first 90 days are critical to a new employee
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Imagine how you’d feel if someone recognized your true potential—beyond what you thought was possible—and guided you to grow into it. That’s what Caroline Hughes does with each client she coaches. She meets them where they are, gets clarity about where they want to go, and that destination becomes her place to stand for them. You will be inspired as you listen to Caroline describe her process, and you’ll see how you can do this for each person on your team.
Caroline is the Founder and CEO of Conscious Leadership Development, based in Ireland. She became a global director at the age of 39 and held senior executive positions across a range of sectors, delivering large-scale transformation. Caroline now works with highly talented senior executives to create compelling visions for their teams and increase their impact and outcomes.
Caroline takes a powerful stand at the intersection of leadership and personal development. She believes that organizations are rich academies in which we learn all the skills and capabilities we need to be powerful leaders and human beings.
You’ll discover:
- The evolution that Caroline has seen in the role of leaders over the past 20 years
- Ways that we lose our power and how to reclaim it
- What Caroline does to help clients discover for themselves the changes they need to make
- Why it’s important to meet others where they are and not where we think they “should” be
- How to be a stand for the possibility in others
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What would it be like to work for a CEO who aspires to be the best example of working together? You’ll hear from someone who IS that CEO in this very special conversation with Darcy Verhun, CEO of Canada Diagnostic Centres (CDC). Darcy sets that intention every day as he works to build a culture of connecting with the team and customers.
Canada Diagnostic Centres (CDC) is an independent healthcare company specializing in radiology and imaging. Before joining CDC, Darcy was the President of FYidoctors, at the time one of North America's fastest-growing companies. He has also held senior leadership roles at Ernst & Young, Grant Thornton, and Cap Gemini.
Darcy’s leadership is based on being a lifelong learner and passionate coach who lives his life with gratitude. He’s used his leadership strengths to create enterprise value through scale and growth. He’s the author of The Freedom of Constraints: Turn Obstacles into Opportunity, written with Marshall Goldsmith and other members of Marshall’s group of 100 Coaches.
Darcy was a founding Director of The Calgary Homeless Foundation, and today he serves as a Director of HomeSpace Society, a non-profit focused on eliminating homelessness.
You’ll discover:
- How Darcy helped reduce the number of projects that had been undertaken at FYidoctors from 120 to 11.
- What happened when the CEO at FYidoctors couldn’t make an important meeting…and what everyone learned from that experience
- Why Darcy went on a listening tour when he joined CDC and his biggest take-aways
- The 10-10 Commitment that increased engagement and results
- What insights from Darcy’s bookreveal about the value that constraints can serve
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We don’t often hear the word LOVE used when describing the workplace. That’s about to change in this conversation with Jeff Ma and Chris Pitre, as we discuss their Wall Street Journal best-selling book, Love As a Business Strategy.
Written with two other senior leaders at Softway, the four authors identified six core pillars as a result of their journey to create a positive culture in their own company. Each chapter begins with a compelling story about one of the authors and what that individual learned. It’s truly a guidebook for developing the values and related behaviors that empower people to thrive.
Chris and Jeff are both senior leaders at Softway. Chris is Vice President, supporting sales, delivery, HR, and other back office operations. Jeff is Director of Project Management and Quality.
Together, they are co-founders of Culture+, a company with a mission to bring humanity back to the workplace. They teach companies how to create a positive culture based on the pillars described in their book.
You’ll discover:
- The unforgettable incident that served as a wake-up call to the leadership team at Softway
- The 6 pillars that form the foundation of a thriving workplace
- Why they go beyond Reflection and recommend Introspection
- How to empower someone from a place of vulnerability
- Why Forgiveness is essential to resolving hurts, disappointments, and other negative emotions
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No matter what leadership role you have, what you and your team do on a daily basis affects your customers, either directly or indirectly. Do you have systems in place for tracking and managing both the customer experience as well as your employees’ experiences?
If you don’t, you’re in for a treat because our guest Michael Hinshaw is an expert in the area of customer experience, also known by the letters CX.
Michael is the Founder and President of customer experience consultancy McorpCX, and he’s recognized on more than a dozen lists of "Top Global CX Influencers." He has consulted for and advised executives at companies such as Intel, Microsoft, Biogen, Roche, Best Buy, and lululemon.
Michael is the co-author of the best-selling book Smart Customers, Stupid Companies: Why Only Intelligent Companies Will Thrive, and How to Be One of Them. His new book is Experience Rules! The Experience Operating System (XOS) and 8 Keys to Enable It, co-authored with Diane Magers. This conversation covered only a few of the 8 keys, so you’re encouraged to pick up a copy of his latest book to learn about the others.
You’ll discover:
- Michael’s first experience gathering input from customers—and the impact that had on the company he worked for
- How customer experience (CX) and employee experience are alike
- What’s really behind a customer’s decision to continue doing business with a company
- How internal and external councils can strengthen your business as it relates to CX
- The first steps you can take to find out if your own customers are happy with your company…or not
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Have you considered how powerful your thoughts are in determining the way you see and respond to the world? Be prepared to expand your mind as you listen to the insights and unforgettable stories that Michael Neill shares in this conversation. You will not view stress, pressure, and overwhelm in the same way, and you’ll understand why the most powerful thing you can do is learn to be yourself.
Michael is an internationally renowned transformative teacher, author, broadcaster, and speaker. He’s described as having the unique ability to “blend the sacred with the profane.” The inside-out understanding at the heart of his work challenges the cultural mythology that stress, pressure, and other symptoms of “seriousness” are a necessary part of adaptation and growth in business or indeed any area of life.
Michael has authored six best-selling books including two of Meredith’s favorite books, The Inside Out Revolution and Creating the Impossible. He’s also the host of one of her must-listen podcasts, Caffeine for the Soul (each episode is just 6-9 minutes of wisdom from Michael).
You’ll discover:
- What Michael means by “inside out” when it comes to our thoughts
- Why pressure is not the effective driver some think it is
- The distinction Michael makes between two types of fear
- The misunderstanding leaders sometimes have around being REAL
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You can’t predict which career and life experiences will serve you in the future. Yet each one can prepare you for your next adventure if you become skillful in handling change. Terry Yoffe gives a masterclass in describing events from her early years and from her various jobs that helped prepare her to be an extraordinarily effective coach with her clients.
Terry Yoffe is an Executive, Business and Career Coach. She has been coaching for over 20 years, after many years in both corporate and entrepreneurial roles. She brings an impressive breadth and depth of knowledge to her coaching and specializes in global business relations, which is critical to her work with international clients.
Terry helps her clients maximize their talents and achieve their full potential. She employs a two-step process: having the client clarify their goals and then developing a focused strategic plan.
Terry is also the host of the Extraordinary Work Podcast: Conversations about Creating Change.
You’ll discover:
- The varied experiences that prepared Terry for her coaching career
- How she learned to deal with fear when stepping into the unknown
- Tips for speaking up and advocating for yourself
- What Terry does to guide clients to create changes in their lives
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Whether you’re an entrepreneur or leader of a team, you’ll benefit from the life wisdom that Gary Polk shares in this special conversation. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the value of failure or losses. Gary also explains why he’s a big believer in the triple bottom line, which includes “People, Planet, Profit.”
Gary is a Black businessman, CEO, business consultant, university professor and author. For decades, he’s been passionate about entrepreneurs…and why they succeed or fail.
His initial book, Why Entrepreneurs Fail (to Win), is widely used as a textbook in college entrepreneurship programs. He’s also written books with similar titles specifically for Black and Brown Entrepreneurs and for Women Entrepreneurs. Gary is committed to helping these leaders learn what they need to know so they can be as successful as possible.
Gary is focused on the triple bottom line, “People, Planet, Profit,” and believes these 3 elements align to drive success for everyone involved. He’s a proponent of social entrepreneurship and launched the Polk Institute Foundation in January of 2021.
You’ll discover:
- Why all 3 of Gary’s books include “Fail (to Win)” in the title
- What failing can teach us
- Why Gary says EQ is more important than IQ
- The #1 value Gary emphasizes at Polk Institute
- How Social Entrepreneurship can fit into any business
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Many mergers and acquisitions are dismal failures, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Find out how Sikko Zoer created buy-in and achieved a positive transformation when combining two very different divisions after an acquisition. So many of the actions Sikko took can be used by leaders on a daily basis.
Sikko has more than 15 years of experience in Healthcare and MedTech at Medtronic. He’s got a strong history of being a dependable executive leader who is driven by challenge, undeterred by obstacles, and committed to excellence in multiple areas, including operations, supply chain planning & optimization, logistics, IT, and marketing.
These days Sikko is involved in several businesses. He offers Strategic Advice, Consulting, Coaching, Mentorship, and Interim Management through his own companies, Qwinn Consultancy and Supply Chain Companions. Sikko also serves as a Senior Advisor with The Boston Consulting Group.
Sikko loves bringing new insights and providing directions that make companies and their people successful and proud. He does this in a positive, optimistic, open, and respectful way, as you’ll learn in this conversation.
You’ll discover:
- Issues Sikko encountered when combining two very different teams with very different mindsets
- What he did to get buy-in from stakeholders
- Ways that Sikko himself changed during the process
- How Sikko helped people shift from Victim to Owner mindset
- Why listening to understand was a critical skill for each person to develop
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Often leaders struggle with the best way to develop members of the younger generation entering the workforce. You’ll get great ideas and practical tips for Ariana Tadler in this high-energy conversation. Helping young adults create a successful career is a deep passion project for Ariana, based on her experience as an attorney, business owner, mentor, and mother.
You’ll want to take notes because Ariana drops lots of gems that can guide you in strengthening your relationship with the younger members of your team. Her vulnerability, openness, and curiosity as a leader have helped her build a strong team in her own firm.
Ariana is the founding partner of Tadler Law LLP, a women-owned boutique law firm that offers an array of litigation and legal counseling services. Ariana is one of the leading women litigators in the country. She has 30 years’ experience advocating for consumers and investors against corporate fraud and abuse.
Ariana is recognized as one of the nation’s leading authorities on electronic discovery. She pioneered the establishment of an e-Discovery Practice group within a plaintiffs’ firm structure 20 years ago. She’s also a professional and keynote speaker.
You’ll discover:
- The 3 core areas Ariana focuses on when mentoring young professionals
- Why communicating effectively in the workplace is challenging for those in the 18-35 age group
- How Ariana works with the young people in her firm
- What she does to help everyone on her team have open, honest conversations
- Actions Ariana takes to help young adults develop into strong leaders
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Want to get some practical tips for being an effective leader and hear some unforgettable stories at the same time? This conversation with Ron Reich is a must-listen! Ron draws from his own experiences in the corporate world and from his 30 years of training and development and consulting experience. You’ll come away with new ideas for handling situations that are within your control—and for those outside your control.
Ron’s background is broad based, having worked for some major organizations such as Toshiba, The Chubb Corporation, and Organon Pharmaceuticals.
The majority of his work through these years has focused on leadership and management development, along with corporate training and organizational development.
Ron is passionate about the work he does and makes the workshops as interactive as possible. His only request is for participants to arrive ready to participate and have some fun along the way. For my listeners, I know you’re going to have fun listening to our conversation, and you’ll get some valuable take-aways along the way.
You’ll discover:
- The importance of setting expectations and getting agreement with members of your team
- Ways to create psychological safety so others are open and honest with you and with each other
- An experience one CEO had as a child that moved him to tears as he shared it with his C-suite team
- Why one of Ron’s mantras is “Stay out of the results business.”
- How you can use PRD to stay calm and respond appropriately when unexpected situations arise
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What comes to mind when you hear the word SWAGGER? If it has a negative connotation for you, prepare to be persuaded differently! Jennifer Mrozek Sukalo has created a powerful acronym that we explore in this lively conversation, based on her new book, Claim Your SWAGGER: Stop Surviving and Start Thriving. You are sure to want to take notes as we discuss important concepts like self-worth, self-limiting beliefs, and gratitude.
Jennifer is an exceptional guide in the realm of leadership and personal development. She’s focused on empowering individuals to unleash their potential by reshaping the way they think, act, and behave.
Jennifer has more than thirty years’ experience working with individuals, cancer survivors, leaders, and multinational Fortune 500 companies. Her influence has positively impacted more than 50,000 leaders in 18 countries across the globe.
With a science-based educational foundation in behavioral change and a wealth of practical knowledge, Jennifer excels at helping people learn to harness their mental power and use what they already have to foster positive life changes, transforming themselves and the world around them.
You’ll discover:
- The Power of 3 Ps for creating new behavior patterns that last
- Jennifer’s opportunity to practice patience when getting a new mobile phone
- 3 aspects of self-worth that are driven by external factors
- How Acts of Kindness help you expand your feelings of worthiness
- Why REP (Recognize, Evaluate, Pivot) is a winning strategy for removing limiting beliefs and replacing them with more powerful ones
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A lot of emphasis is placed on leadership behaviors, but it all starts within. What must a leader do to master Self? In this value-packed conversation with Craig Dowden, you’ll learn about the 7 areas included in his best-selling book, A Time to Lead: Mastering Your Self… So You Can Master Your World. Craig unpacks what leaders can do in each of these areas to prepare themselves to be more effective in their roles.
Craig is a highly respected executive coach with the Forbes Coaches Council as well as an award-winning speaker who delivers interactive, evidence-based workshops that translate the science of leadership, team, and organizational excellence into everyday practice.
His podcast, Do Good to Lead Well, which is based on the title of his first bestseller, is rated in the top 0.5% of podcasts in the world. Each week, Craig speaks with top CEOs, fellow bestselling authors, and global thought leaders to share their experience and expertise with his audience.
Craig has been a regular contributor to, and featured expert in, top-tier leadership and business publications including Forbes, Fast Company, the Financial Post, the Huffington Post, Financial Times, the Globe and Mail, and Psychology Today.
You’ll discover:
- The top 2 areas of self-mastery that most leaders struggle with
- Why a growth mindset is the foundation for all the other areas
- The importance of recognizing and mastering your emotions
- What you must do before asking someone to give you feedback
- Some cautions and guidelines around authentic leadership
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Do you remember Neo’s choice of the blue pill or the red pill in the movie, The Matrix? Angela Cusack explores this choice in the context of leaders and their ability to decide on the level of integrity they want to have with themselves and with others. It all hinges on the desire to break through illusions that keep us safe and do the work to become more self-aware through deep reflection.
In this important conversation, Angela shares key concepts from her book, Discover The Matrix, Integrity: The True Mark of Leadership. She shares her own journey, as well as some of her clients, in discovering how to “explore the space between.”
Angela is the founder of Igniting Success and she’s often called a company’s secret weapon – she works with C-suite execs & what she does is so transformative that it impacts the entire organization.
She’s a Master Certified Coach and has provided mentor coaching and supervision for coaches over the past 15 years to help them prepare for certification as PCC or MCC.
You’ll discover:
- How the book’s title and contents tie in with the movie, The Matrix
- Why Angela says integrity with self is the starting point of having integrity with others
- What Angela means by “exploring the space between” and why it’s important for leader
- The illusions we can have about ourselves that hold us back
- Why “permission to unzip” is vital to becoming an authentic leader
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What’s the difference between a Learn-It-All leader and a Know-It-All Leader? That’s just one of many questions Damon Lembi answers in this value-packed conversation. Damon is an excellent example of a leader who’s been focused on his own growth and equally committed to helping members of his team become the best versions of themselves.
For nearly three decades as CEO, Damon has led his company, Learnit, through the ever-changing landscape of Learning and Development, gaining insight into what works, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competition.
Coming to business from a career in baseball, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective on leadership and training to his informal mentoring of executives. He’s distilled those hard-won insights into his bestselling book, The Learn-It-All Leader—Mindset, Traits, and Tools.
You’ll discover:
- Leadership lessons Damon learned from the 3 Hall of Fame Baseball Coaches he worked with in college
- The distinction Damon makes between Being and Doing when it comes to leader behaviors
- Why Damon hires for potential instead of experience
- Reasons he prizes Curiosity as a key leadership skill
- What the Trust Tax is and why it’s an important payment to make
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What’s the evidence that women face unique hurdles in advancing to executive leadership roles? Jennifer McCollum shares the data based on 25+ years of research conducted by Linkage. The facts are real. In this conversation, we focus on the actions women can take to overcome these hurdles – and what men can do to be effective allies and executive sponsors. You will love Jennifer’s passion for this topic and her transparency in describing some of her own experiences.
Jennifer is the former CEO of Linkage, a SHRM company, where she oversaw the strategic direction and global operations of this leadership development firm. Linkage’s mission is to “Change the Face of Leadership” and over the past 35 years the company has been dedicated to improving leadership effectiveness and equity in hundreds of organizations globally.
Jennifer has 20 years of experience building and leading businesses in the leadership space. She’s a highly sought-after consultant and speaker, with deep expertise in Inclusive Leadership and Advancing Women Leaders.
She’s a member of Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches and the author of the new book, In Her Own Voice: A Woman’s Rise to CEO: Overcoming Hurdles to Change the Face of Leadership. Highly recommended for women and men alike!
You’ll discover:
- Why the Inner Critic is the “uber” hurdle that impacts the other 7
- How the Compassion Center’s 4 steps can help you shift from judging yourself or others
- The distinction between External Bias and Internal Bias
- The importance of Recognized Confidence, a step beyond self-confidence
- What men can do to support women and the role of Executive Sponsorship
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What does it take to make the transition from being a star athlete in college to a successful business owner? Meet Chase Dalton, CEO of Silicon Signs, who did just that. Chase is an extraordinary leader who lives daily the focus of this podcast, to Grow Strong Leaders, by developing himself and his people. You are sure to be moved by the stories he shares from his business and from his life.
In college Chase was an outstanding athlete. He's a three-time All-American in track and field and once held the title of Junior National Champion in the decathlon. You’ll find out which strengths transferred nicely to the challenges of starting and running a company. Chase leads a team 20 to create signs for brick-and-mortar businesses in all 50 states.
You’ll discover:
- The process Chase and his team followed to create their values, vision, and mission
- Ways that Chase and his team live their values on a daily basis
- How his degree in Sociology has serve Chase well in his business
- Why Chase views his employees as his customers – and how that impacts the way he spends his time
- The near-death experience in 2020 that forever changed the way Chase shows up in the world
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Do you know of a leader who worked with the same team of people for 12 years? Russel Lolacher achieved that feat. In this interview, Russel reveals exactly what he did to create the environment that caused every person to want to stay and give their best effort. You’ll learn valuable strategies that you can implement immediately with your own team.
Russel is an international speaker and the founder and host of Relationships at Work Podcast. It’s the leadership guide to creating a workplace we love. On his show, Russel digs into timely and relevant topics with global experts on how to be better leaders and create healthy workplace cultures.
He’s held successful leadership and communication roles for almost 25 years, retaining one team for almost 12 years. Russel’s work and expertise in building employee and customer trust has been recognized on international stages and in multiple publications. He’s been named 4 times as a Top Thought Leader by the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI).
You’ll discover:
- Why Russel uses Air, Land, and Sea to describe the 3 levels of awareness that leaders must have
- How Russel created a psychologically safe work environment for his team
- What’s missing in most organizations after the onboarding process, to complete employee’s journey with an organization
- The long-term impact of poor leadership on people, even after they leave the organization
- Key take-aways Russel has learned from the guests on his podcast
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Mark is the CEO of Northeast Sequoia Private Client Group, a national financial planning and wealth management firm. He is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs to achieve multigenerational wealth by providing personalized strategies that focus on emotional fitness, wealth accumulation, and a plan that can work under all circumstances. His unwavering commitment to delivering a "wow" experience has earned him a reputation as a trusted expert in the industry.
Mark has been ranked #1 in New Jersey and #3 in the nation on the 2023 Forbes America's Top Financial Security Professionals List. He's the host of The Hero of The Hour Podcast and the author of 3 books including his latest, The Ultimate Investment: A Roadmap to Grow Your Business and Build Multigenerational Wealth. It’s a must-read for every business leader.
You’ll discover:
- How leaders can identify and use their unique abilities
- What Mark does to identify whether or not job candidates are aligned with his company’s core values
- The 4 types of intelligence and the one Mark values most when hiring
- The distinction Mark makes between differentiation and competition
- The question he poses to someone who’s experienced a loss, disappointment, or setback
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How would you respond if you learned you had an illness that is likely to shorten your life? My guest Dr. Mark Goulston got that news, and it was a major wake-up call for him. He was inspired to create a series of videos on YouTube called, “I’m Dying to Tell You.”
This is a conversation you’ll want to listen to multiple times because it’s packed with so much life wisdom. Mark shares specific ways you can deepen the important relationships in your life…because, in the end, relationships are what matter most.
Mark is the host of the popular My Wakeup Call Podcast and the author of the best book you’ll ever read on the topic of listening, Just Listen.
You’ll discover:
- The power of true vulnerability in strengthening relationships
- How to approach a loved one if you’ve been too busy to listen to them
- Why it’s important for you to be the one to start a conversation
- The key question an executive can ask of every employee to create a positive culture change
- How to use HUVA when you’re in a conversation so the other person feels uplifted afterwards
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If someone took a look at your LinkedIn profile and your activity on that platform, what impression would they have? In case your answer involves any aspect of “needs improvement,” you’ll find this conversation with guest Jennifer Darling super valuable. She shares specific tips that will help you with 3 Ps: Profile, Posts, and People.
Jennifer is a master at creating visibility, making noise, and building relationships using LinkedIn. Her posts have generated 10’s of thousands of views, and she’s grown her network to over 8,000 high-quality connections.
She is one of the world’s foremost LinkedIn experts and the ONLY one who has 20+ years of advertising, sales and management experience. Jennifer has trained thousands of thought leaders to maximize their LinkedIn results—without having to invest hours and hours each week.
Jennifer is the author of Say Yes! Then Figure It Out and Increase Your Leads with LinkedIn. She’s also the creator of the Mastering LinkedIn Deep Dive Training, which Meredith has taken and highly recommends.
You’ll discover:
- How to create an attention-grabbing banner and headline in your profile
- Why a LinkedIn newsletter is an excellent content strategy
- What to do when you want to become visible to your ideal connections
- Tips for sending connection requests that get a positive response
- The surprisingly small amount of time you can devote to being on LinkedIn – and what to do while you’re there
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What causes so many leaders to fail when they are transitioning to a senior leadership role? Robert Witherspoon reveals important reasons, based on his decades of experience coaching leaders in transition. What he shares can help your organization avoid those pitfalls and instead ensure success.
Robert is a leadership coach for top executives, and he’s been serving leaders in business and government since 1990. He specializes in C-Suite and Leadership Transition Coaching.
Robert is the lead author, along with Randy White, of Four Essential Ways That Coaching Can Help Executives, the first field guide to executive coaching, published by the Center for Creative Leadership in 1997. Robert has been doing this work well before executive coaching and leadership development became popular boardroom language. Today he is considered a pioneer in the coaching profession.
His mission is to provide immediate impact, measurable results, and sustainable success. He achieves this by helping leaders develop their leadership skills and facilitating their transitions to new roles.
You’ll discover:
- What Leadership Transition is and why it matters
- Some of the key transitions that have major impact on an organization
- What’s often missing before a leader moves into a new position
- The role of robust assessments in identifying potential challenges for the leader
- How to increase the chances for success
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What do the best founders do when leading others to fulfill the company’s mission? You’ll find out in this valuable conversation with Raja Skogland, who’s based in Norway.
Raja is not only an entrepreneur herself, she has also invested in more than 70 start-ups and small businesses. She’s observed firsthand—and also practices herself—the leadership skills necessary for building a successful company.
Raja is the Founder and Chair of The Visionary Company & VC. She’s created an ecosystem of experts, board members, investors, and serial entrepreneurs. Their purpose is to help startups, scale-ups, and small- to medium-size businesses raise money and build profitable, scalable businesses. Raja is also a Board Member of NorBAN, the Norwegian Business Angel Network.
You’ll discover:
- How Raja’s experiences in the business world led her to the work she does today
- Why Raja works on her mindset on a continuous basis and encourages entrepreneurs to do the same
- The power of surrounding yourself with “friend clients”
- Key leadership skills needed to run a successful business or team
- How Raja applies these skills with her children and with her team
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To celebrate Episode #250, Meredith invited her business partner of 32 years, Dr. Denny Coates, to be her guest and discuss insights they’ve acquired around skill development and behavior change.
Denny and Meredith were introduced to each other in 1990 and met for breakfast to get acquainted. Three hours later, they were still talking. They are still fascinated with each other’s thinking as they’ve evolved as individuals and as a company over the past 3 decades.
Denny is CEO of Grow Strong Leaders and is the primary author of the company’s products and books. He’s a graduate of West Point and the Army Ranger School and earned his Ph.D. from Duke University. He served on the faculties of the United States Military Academy, the Armed Forces Staff College, the College of William and Mary, and the Center for Creative Leadership.
You’ll discover:
- How knowledge and skills are different
- What it takes to establish a skill so you use it automatically
- Why it’s important to focus on improving just one skill at a time
- How to provide coaching to every person in an organization
- What the peer coaching process looks like
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You may think that success requires striving and pushing hard. Dr. Jeff Spencer dispels that notion and presents an alternate approach that results in a joyful life. You’ll want to take notes as you listen to this amazing man drop nugget after nugget of wisdom.
Jeff builds champions. He has spent more than 400,000 hours mastering the art and science of full potential play. His extraordinary track record helping athletes win gold medals, entrepreneurs dominate their fields, and business titans become iconic come from his experience as an Olympic cyclist, author, hot glass artist, sports scientist, doctor, husband and father.
Jeff’s clients include Tiger Woods, U2, Nike, Hitachi and Bulletproof. His proudest achievement is the raising of his adopted daughter, Kin, with his wife Kristina.
You’ll discover:
- The difference between a human mindset and a champion mind
- Why a state of Receivership beats hard work every time
- What’s required to play the long game in life
- Jeff’s definition of Imposter Syndrome that’s sure to resonate with you
- Why Jeff “answers callings” instead of chasing dreams or goals
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Did you know that stress is actually something we create in our own minds? It’s true! And Dr. Bridget Cooper shares specific Stress Busters that can help you become calmer in the face of any challenge. This is a must-listen episode if you’d like to ditch the drama in your life while maintaining your inner peace and personal power.
Bridget, or Dr. B as she’s called by her clients, is a cage rattler. Over the past 20+ years, she’s helped teams and leaders think and communicate more clearly so they can navigate problems proactively and effectively. She works with clients to overcome the attitudes and behavior patterns that derail their success by offering down-to-earth insights and action plans.
Bridget does this through coaching, corporate consulting, and leading workshops that guide people to live more authentic, peaceful, and powerful lives. Her mission is to change the world, one life at a time. She has also done this in her new book, Unflappable: How Smart People Quit Overthinking, Ditch the Drama, & Thrive at Work, which is packed with practical suggestions you can start implementing right away.
You’ll discover:
- Why Unflappable is the perfect title for her book
- How we create stress and what we can do to reduce it
- The benefits of creating a “bubble” in conflict situations
- Why it’s important to create a Professional Avatar and why Bridget calls it “the holy grail”
- The power of using the “Meet Them Where They Are” strategy
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What does it take to be someone who can benefit from coaching? Jacquelyn Lane and Scott Osman share the qualities that are essential to make the most of the coaching process.
Scott and Jacquelyn are the two lead authors of the new book, Becoming Coachable: Unleashing the Power of Executive Coaching to Transform Your Leadership and Life. Their co-author is Marshall Goldsmith, a familiar name to everyone in the business world.
Scott is the founder and CEO of the 100 Coaches Agency and Jacquelyn is the president. Together they designed a proprietary curation process for matching leaders and executive coaches for an extraordinary experience.
Scott co-founded the 100 Coaches Community with Marshall Goldsmith in 2016, and Jacquelyn is a critical pillar in that Community of coaches.
They are committed to not just elevating the quality of leadership, they are also focused on guiding leaders to elevate everyone in their organization so that every person flourishes.
You’ll discover:
- How Scott and Jacquelyn have worked on becoming coachable themselves
- The 4 qualities required for someone to become open to coaching
- The distinction they make between Rising and Flourishing
- Why flourishing (for self and for others) is the ultimate goal of coaching
- Examples of CEOs who’ve turned around companies based on their own coaching experiences
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Would you consider yourself a CURIOUS person? I hope your answer is YES. In this interview with Dr. Michele D’Amico, you’re going to learn some of the benefits of curiosity and why it’s even more powerful when combined with reflective listening.
Michele is the founder of Vetta Consultants, an organization that specializes in developing leaders and team members who are emotionally intelligent, curious, and resilient.
Michele has a Doctor of Psychology degree and is certified as a mediator and coach. Her ROE system (Return On Empathy) educates leaders and their organizations on the power of empathic leadership and the building of safe environments where people want to work.
You’ll discover:
- The meaning behind the title and tagline of Michele’s company
- The 4 components of Emotional Intelligence
- Tips for regulating your emotions so you can maintain your cool
- Elements involved in creating an environment of psychological safety
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What comes to mind when you hear the word INFLUENCE? Think about people who have influenced you in the past – and what it was about their approach that you found persuasive. Elaina Zukerhas studied this topic for decades. It’s her specialty and her passion, and you’ll come away with important insights about influencing others at work and at home.
Elaina is President of Elaina Zuker Associates, a management training and consulting firm in Montreal. She’s an expert in the area of Influence and the author of 11 books, including the best-seller, The Seven Secrets of Influence. She has recently published a new mini e-book called “INFLUENCE: The 7 BIG Secrets in 7 Little Minutes.”
Elaina’s unique “Secrets of Influence ™“ theory and training program were developed from her experience in Sales, Advertising and Marketing and helped her sell millions of dollars in products and services. Her program is now available as an eLearning package.
You’ll discover:
- The experiences in sales and advertising that shaped Elaina thinking about influence
- The distinctions she makes between Influence and Manipulation
- How Elaina created the 6 styles of influence
- Why it’s important to learn your own style and adapt to those who aren’t like you
- The approach Elaina took in a competitive sales situation with decision-makers at AT&T that caused them to choose her
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If you were dealing with personal challenges, such as a special needs child or being caretaker of an aging parent, would you feel comfortable sharing them with your boss? Andrea Grant had both situations, and her answer was a resounding NO. In this conversation, you’ll find out why and how her life experiences led to the work she’s doing today.
Andrea leads the growth and expansion efforts for the Human Capital division of FutureSense. She partners with organizations to design and execute critical business and HR programs that identify and leverage talent within underrepresented groups.
Andrea is also a devoted special needs parent and was the caregiver to her disabled veteran father. Giving back to others is at the core of her being.
You’ll discover:
- Why Andrea didn’t share with anyone in her workplace the personal challenges she was going through
- What leaders can do to encourage someone to open up about difficult situations they may be dealing with in their personal lives
- 5 areas that FutureSense’s Inclusion Services can add value to clients
- Specific, practical actions organizations can take to implement DEIB practices
- The practical reasons why organizations should care about DEIB
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Being voted a “Best Place to Work” doesn’t happen by accident. Aaron Wilmot shares what’s he learned about creating the kind of culture where people are excited to come to work and put forth their best efforts. He points out several leadership behaviors that are key to this environment, including the investment of time in getting to know people and what’s important to them.
Aaron is the Vice President of People and Talent at AgentSync, one of the Best Places to Work in Denver. Aaron has been working in the People space for nearly 20 years, and he has experience in a range of industries from Ground Handling to SaaS and a variety of stages from mature to start up.
You’ll discover:
- What a Best Place to Work looks like
- Why time, not money, is a key element in leadership
- The role of the C-suite in creating a positive culture
- Key traits Aaron looks for when hiring new employees
- The 5 expectations AgentSync has laid out for leaders
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When you think of change management, do you imagine a process that takes months or years? Think again. Angela Priest is an extraordinarily skilled facilitator whose 3-day workshops produce immediate and lasting impact. You’ll be inspired as you hear Angela describe her approach, where she involves the right people and gets buy-in from key influencers. You’ll want to take notes to capture all the valuable ideas she shares.
Angela is a seasoned executive and operational strategist with a 20-year track record of improving business operations and leading transformative change in technology, SaaS, and digital service industries. As the former head of performance improvement at J.D. Power, she restructured the customer delivery operating model, improving quality, performance, and time-to-value, as part of a strategy that led to a $1.1bn exit.
Angela’s experience extends across a company’s life cycle, from startup through enterprise. As the Founder of Groyu LLC, she provides advisory services to help businesses navigate the intersection between employee needs and operational performance, guiding organizations to scale their businesses, while bolstering employee engagement, customer retention, and profitability through improved operational design strategies. Her simple, pragmatic approach expedites workflows and reduces costs to establish a firm foundation for sustainable business growth.
You’ll discover:
- Experiences Angela had in the corporate world that led her to the work she does today
- How to blend employee needs with high operational performance
- The 3-day workshop format that Angela uses to achieve rapid transformations with her clients
- Why knowledge transfer often fails to happen effectively…and what to do to fix it
- The 3 adult learning principles that apply to knowledge transfer
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Is it possible to create a high-trust environment and achieve ambitious business outcomes at the same time? J.C. Lapierre describes how professional services giant PwC is doing just that with its Trust Leadership Institute. You’ll be inspired by J.C.’s enthusiasm for this important project and her passion for her role as a leader.
J.C. serves as Chief Strategy and Communications Officer for PwC, based in the firm’s Boston office. A visionary leader, J.C. creates strategy and collaborates with leaders to help develop, communicate, and sustain corporate initiatives. J.C. helped launch PwC’s Trust Leadership Institute.
She also helped create and guide PwC’s CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion – the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. During her 27 years at PwC, J.C. has held leadership roles in human capital and marketing and sales. She was named a 2022 PRWeek Woman of Distinction, as well as 2022 Outstanding In-House Professional of the Year.
J.C. sits on the Board of Flying Kites, a progressive school network in rural Kenya. She’s also an active biker and participates every year in the Pan-Mass Challenge – a fundraising bike-a-thon that benefits the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
You’ll discover:
- The question J.C. asks herself at the beginning and end of each day in pursuit of her own growth
- Actions J.C. takes to help those on her team grow and develop
- What led to the creation of PwC’s Trust Leadership Institute and the benefits CEOs experience from attending
- How PwC demonstrates its commitment to invest in its people
- The mentorship and sponsorship opportunities PwC provides for every employee
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Which leadership skills and strengths are important for entrepreneurs in order to build a successful business? Geoffrey Kent shares the ones he needed to use, and they’re the same ones he advises every business leader to develop. You’ll be mesmerized by the stories Geoff tells to illustrate his points.
Geoff has been a serial entrepreneur for more than 40 years. As a result of his own experiences, he’s developed a comprehensive methodology to help entrepreneurs build their own unique, customized strategy for responsibly scaling exponential business growth.
Today Geoff teaches entrepreneurs – from business start-ups to those who are growing – how to connect their entrepreneurism with their passion.
You’ll discover:
- The lessons Geoff learned along the way in his own entrepreneurial journey
- Why leaders need to havea clear, compelling vision and be able to articulate it to others
- What Geoff advises you to focus on instead of the competition
- How Geoff served his customers so powerfully that they became his sales team
- The 3 questions Geoff asks entrepreneurs to determine if they have a viable business idea
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One of the most important strengths of an effective leader is empathy. But where do leaders learn this skill when they often feel driven by KPIs and ROIs? Emily Harper describes a compelling approach that Villyge is taking to develop empathic leaders in the context of supporting employees around significant life events.
Emily Harper is the Chief Operating Officer of Villyge. It’s a people-first platform that upskills managers in the power of empathic leadership. Emily joined Villyge to redefine the corporate landscape, and she firmly believes that organizations thrive when their employees feel valued, inspired, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives to the table.
Today, Emily is on a mission to increase belonging, dismantle career barriers, and elevate opportunities using the power of technology. Emily is a Certified Public Accountant, and she founded a SaaS company in the accounting space in 2012, as well as a women-focused coaching business in 2018. Most importantly, Emily is a proud mom to her 4-year old, and she is truly dedicated to shaping the future of work for the next generation to come.
You’ll discover:
- Why empathy is an essential skill for every leader
- How an organization benefits when leaders demonstrate empathy
- The unique process Villyge uses to remind managers to practice the skill
- The effective onboarding process Villyge uses to ensure active participation by managers and employees alike
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Did you know that Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, was working on another book before he died in 2012? The book is called Live Life In Crescendo: Your Most Important Work is Always Ahead of You.
His co-author was his daughter Cynthia Covey Haller, and she was committed to see the book through to publication. This took several years because of all the stories she included as examples of the “Crescendo Mentality.”
In this unforgettable conversation, Cynthia takes us behind the scenes about the creation of the book and the key message that Stephen was eager to get out to the world in the last years of his life. She also reveals the condition that robbed Stephen of his ability to speak and write near the end.
You’ll discover:
- The story behind the book’s title and subtitle
- Examples of what the Crescendo Mentality looks like in action
- Why contribution is a key theme running throughout the book
- How Stephen turns the concept of “retirement” upside down
- What you can do to be a “Transition” person who ends unhealthy patterns in a family or community
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In your role as a leader and in other areas of your life, what kinds of habits have prevented you from being as effective as you’d like to be? My guest Gregg Vanourek has studied and written about these leadership derailers and common traps of living, and we cover several of them in this conversation.
Gregg runs Gregg Vanourek LLC, a training and development firm, and teaches at the University of Denver and Stockholm Business School. He helps people with leadership, personal growth, and life design through his books, courses, workshops, speaking, and coaching.
Gregg has been an entrepreneur for most of his career. He was a tech startup executive at K12 Inc., which is now a market leader with $1 billion in sales. He also co-founded New Mountain Ventures, focused on developing entrepreneurial leaders.
Gregg is co-author of three influential books, including LIFE Entrepreneurs about infusing your life with passion and purpose, and Triple Crown Leadership: Building Excellent, Ethical, and Enduring Organizations. He’s working on a new book about the common traps of living.
You can take the two assessments Gregg refers to in this interview, “Leadership Derailers” and “Traps Test,” for free on his website.
You’ll discover:
- What Gregg considers the superpowers of leaders
- Why both Head and Heart are necessary to lead effectively
- The #1 leadership derailer that causes problems for leaders and their teams
- The most common traps of living that prevent people from experiencing the success and happiness they desire
- Specific suggestions for changing these into positive habits
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Black women are under-represented in the C-suite. That’s a reality that Dr. Mechelle Roberthon has seen first-hand, and she’s on a mission to turn that around. This is a must-listen interview if your organization is committed to ensuring diversity at all levels, including top executive positions.
Michelle shares important insights from her dissertation research and describes specific actions organizations can take to ensure opportunities for diverse representation at top leadership levels. Mentorship and Sponsorship are key elements of this process.
Mechelle is a Certified Professional in Talent Development. Her background includes training delivery, performance improvement, and managing learning programs. She received her Doctor of Education degree from Baylor University and holds a Master of Science in Education with a specialization in Training and Performance Improvement.
Mechelle is an experienced career and professional development instructor. She’s taught over 500 corporate courses and receives consistently high evaluations. Her dynamic teaching style has become a favorite amongst learners. You’ll understand why when you listen to our conversation!
You’ll discover:
- The event that inspired Mechelle to choose her dissertation topic
- What she learned from interviewing Black women already in, or aspiring to, positions in the C-suite
- 4 specific actions you can take to ensure opportunities for diverse representation at top leadership levels
- What organizations do wrong when someone leaves voluntarily
- What effective Offboarding looks like
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Do you faithfully hold weekly 1-1 meetings with each member of your team? Jeremy Barr explains why this is the most important thing you can do as a leader. In this fast-paced conversation, Jeremy shares lots of nuggets about leadership that he’s learned from his various executive roles and now teaches to company founders, business owners, and leaders. He’s on a mission to have a positive impact on 3 billion people, and you’ll be fascinated to learn the approach he’s taking to reach that audacious goal.
Jeremy has been CTO, COO, CEO and VC investor. As a leader, he has managed teams of teams of people. He is currently building the world’s largest investor and founder network. He created his company Rocket Mindset to rapidly uplevel the skills of founders and leaders.
Jeremy is unique among the guests on this show because of the size of the positive impact he intends to have. Everything Jeremy does is to impact 3 billion people…and have a lot of fun while doing it. To achieve this audacious goal, Jeremy is working with his global team of investors and founders to run, invest in, and advise a ton of companies with the intention of growing them and the humans inside them rapidly.
His favorite things are to find and create high quality, highly evolved humans.
You’ll discover:
- What you should learn during the interview process to ensure you hire the right person
- How to make an effective pitch, no matter what idea you’re trying to sell
- A winning approach when you want to help two people resolve a conflict
- Why daily stand-ups with your team create greater clarity, focus, and productivity
- The kinds of questions to ask that help your team become autonomous
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What would happen if everyone in an organization adopted a collaborative approach to working together? Lloyd Fickett has facilitated such transformations scores of times over the past 20+ years with a set of 5 practices he created called The Collaborative Way. In this powerful conversation, Lloyd explains each one and describes the benefits that individuals, teams, and entire companies experience as a result of living these practices.
Lloyd founded Lloyd Fickett & Associates, Inc. in 1983, a management consulting firm initially focused on leadership, team building and extraordinary performance. In 1990 he developed The Collaborative Way® while working with Rodel, one of his clients. Since then, Lloyd
has helped his clients adopt The Collaborative Way® in order to build the futures they envision while navigating challenges like rapid growth, mergers, acquisitions, and other market pressures.
Lloyd is co-author of two books, The Collaborative Way®: A Story About Engaging the Mind and Spirit of a Company and Leading the Collaborative Way: Overcoming the Seven Most Common Pitfalls.
You’ll discover:
- What led Lloyd to create The Collaborative Way while working with Rodel, one of his clients
- Why Listening Generously is the #1 practice
- That Honoring Commitments is not just about making them
- The distinction Lloyd makes between Acknowledgement and Appreciation
- The benefits one company has experienced by practicing the 5 commitments for 25 years
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Do the words “Compassion” and “Accountability” seem like opposites to you? My guest Dr. Nate Regier views them as such an important pairing that his new book, Compassionate Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results, as well as his work with clients, focus on addressing them together. In this interview we discuss the three elements that bring these words together. Be ready to take notes, or even better, buy the book because Nate shares so many practical strategies in it.
Nate is the CEO and founding owner of Next Element Consulting, a global leadership firm dedicated to bringing compassion into the workplace. He’s brilliant in creating models that foster positive relationships and workplaces…and then teaching clients how to use them to transform their organizations.
You’ll discover:
- The evolution of Compassion as a term and as a practice in the workplace
- The two extremes on the Pendulum of Compassion
- How three fundamental components of Compassionate Accountability apply to how leaders see themselves and their teams
- Practical ways that leaders can bring these elements to life
- Case studies of organizations that have operationalized these components
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Description
How do you help people feel valued in a huge organization like Amazon? Omar Halabieh shares what he does on an ongoing basis to connect with his team members and help them understand the contribution they’re making. You’ll enjoy Omar’s enthusiasm as he describes his commitment to being a true servant leader to others.
Omar is Director of Technology at Amazon Payment Services. In this role he’s responsible for delivering simple, trusted, and affordable payment solutions for customers and merchants across the Middle East and North Africa.
Omar is based in Dubai and has been in this role since 2019. Prior to this, he led technology teams within Amazon’s Supply Chain Optimization Technologies organization, based in Seattle, for four years.
Overall, Omar has 20+ years of technology experience where he has delivered transformational initiatives that have created competitive advantage, enabled business growth, exceeded customer expectations, and transformed global organizations.
You’ll discover:
- How Omar uses LinkedIn to share valuable content to people throughout Amazon
- The distinction he makes between mentoring and coaching
- What Omar does to help people feel valued in such a huge organization
- The communication skills he considers most critical for success as a leader
- Strategies Omar uses to help team members prioritize and focus their time
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Do you consider yourself a nonlinear thinker…or do you know someone who is? Perry Knoppert, aka Dr. Octopus, shares important insights that all of us need to hear in order to better understand these individuals. They are often seen as “curious misfits,” and many of their talents are overlooked in the workplace.
This is a must-listen episode for everyone. We have all been guilty of judging or even cancelling others because they don’t think and act the way 80% of the rest of us do.
Perry is an artist of life, driven by his non-conformist spirit and a passion for empowering non-linear thinkers. He was born in the free-spirited Netherlands and was exposed to the diversity of the market while selling lampshades with his father. But Perry yearned for more, and he discovered the beauty of unexpected possibilities in living abroad in places like Beijing, China. After a huge shift in his life, he founded The Octopus Movement, a global network that has become a mycelium of nonlinear thinkers.
Perry embraces his ADHD energy, dyslexic learning style, and multi-tasking brain. He’s found his true calling as a visionary, a trailblazer, and a true-life artist. His movement is on a mission to get the world to recognize and harness the gifts of non-linear thinkers.
The Octopus Movement has grown to include more than 2,600 members from over 63 countries. What they have in common is this: They approach problem-solving in unconventional ways, often bringing unique creativity to entrepreneurship, the arts, and other careers.
You’ll discover:
- What distinguishes nonlinear thinkers from those who think in a more linear way
- Strengths and gifts these individuals bring to the workplace
- How to structure a conversation between a nonlinear thinker and their manager
- Reasons why people tend to judge or cancel nonlinear thinkers
- What it looks like to be a nonlinear leader
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The Command & Control approach to leadership is obsolete, and there’s a powerful replacement for it: Trust & Inspire. Steven M. R. Covey is passionate about helping leaders adopt this far more effective way of leading others, and he brought this enthusiasm to our conversation. You will be inspired as he describes all the benefits of a leadership model that’s focused on helping people grow even as they are held accountable for results.
Stephen is the New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Speed of Trust, which has sold over 2 million copies worldwide. His new book, Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others, is also a Wall Street Journal bestseller. It immediately became one of my favorite books for leaders and parents.
Stephen brings to his writings the perspective of a practitioner, as he is the former President & CEO of the Covey Leadership Center, where he increased shareholder value by 67 times and grew the company to become the largest leadership development firm in the world. Stephen co-founded and currently leads FranklinCovey’s Global Speed of Trust Practice.
You’ll discover:
- The limitations of Enlightened Command & Control
- How the best leaders extend trust to others
- What’s involved in inspiring someone to perform at the highest level
- Fundamental beliefs that Trust & Inspire leaders have about people
- The elements of Stewardship Agreements that clarify expectations and define accountability
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As a college freshman, Marcus Engel was blinded and nearly killed after being struck by a drunk driver. Through hundreds of hours of reconstructive surgery, months of rehab, and adapting to a completely new world, Marcus remained committed to his goals: return to college and recapture life.
Marcus accepted and embraced the challenge. The life lessons he learned on this unexpected journey are now the guiding forces that inspire hundreds of thousands every day. He is the co-founder of the I’m Here Movement, a 501(c)3, which is changing the culture of care with two simple words.
Marcus has authored four books, including I’m Here and The Other End of the Stethoscope. He holds a B.S. in Sociology and a Masters in Narrative Medicine. In 2017, Marcus was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Notre Dame where he teaches pre-med students the art of “being with.”
You’ll discover:
- What happened to Marcus and how he’s used that experience to serve others
- The two words spoken to Marcus by a caregiver, giving him hope and comfort during his initial hours in the hospital
- What is means to truly “be with” another human being
- How leaders can bring more caring and compassion into conversations with those they serve
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What if Human Resources served as a critical business partner, where the team functioned as a revenue center? Amy Dufrane describes examples of companies where this is happening and the resources HRCI provides to help HR professionals gain a seat at the table.
Amy is the CEO of two important organizations tied to human resources. The first is HRCI, which is the world’s premier credentialing and learning organization for the human resources profession. Amy is responsible for guiding this multi-million-dollar enterprise as it provides training that helps companies and their employees navigate the demands of the modern day workplace—and its future. Almost every Fortune 500 company has HRCI-certified professionals among their leadership ranks.
Amy is also CEO of HRSI, a subsidiary of HRCI. It’s the world’s premier standards and credentialing institute for private and publicly traded organizations. She’s the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including 2021 and 2022 Top 100 HR Tech Influencers and 2021 Stevie Awards Female Executive of the Year.
You’ll discover:
- The vision Amy had for HRCI when she came on as CEO and how she got buy-in for it
- The benefits of hiring a CIO with expertise in Agile when designing and implementing new programs
- Why testing is critical if you’re focused on growing fast
- What’s required to instill a culture of experimentation
- Amy’s perspective on the evolution of Human Resources as a profession
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Do you expend energy trying to make others wrong so you can be right? Rich Habets is a master of facilitating powerful discussions 1-1 and with teams by asking questions and not making anyone wrong. In this conversation, he shares what he does to guide clients to look within and listen for the gold in what others say.
Rich is the founder and lead coach at Insight, Inc. Over the past 14 years, he’s dedicated himself to empowering more than 6,000 individuals and collaborating with more than 30 world-class companies, helping them break through barriers and achieve unparalleled performance.
What’s interesting is that Rich’s clients are already a force to be reckoned with, but his expertise serves as the catalyst that propels them to even greater heights. He’s operated behind the scenes for years as a silent but powerful ally in their journeys.
His mission is to help others harness their untapped potential so they transform their lives into a beacon of success, growth, and personal accomplishment.
You’ll discover:
- The benefits of being open and vulnerable with others
- Why Rich focuses on who he is BEING when he works with clients
- How Rich helps leaders raise their awareness about their own behaviors
- The powerful questions Rich uses to help leaders discover the blind spots and gaps
- Ways to make meetings more productive
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Is there something you’d love to have but think it’s impossible for you to achieve? Listen to this inspiring conversation with Kimberly Wiefling, and you’ll likely see ways that you can, in fact, create what you want. Along the way, you’ll discover how the best leaders build trust with their teams through vulnerability.
Kimberly is the founder of Wiefling Consulting, and cofounder of Silicon Valley Alliances. She’s also the author of the globally popular book Scrappy Project Management: The 12 Predictable & Avoidable Pitfalls Every Project Faces. Her latest book, Turning Ideas Into Impact, is an anthology with 15 other Silicon Valley consultants.
Kimberly’s superpower is turning managers into leaders and groups into true teams who can achieve together what seems “impossible” but is merely difficult. She’s been described as a “force of nature,” and she’s determined to use that force to make a significant positive impact on our world.
You’ll discover:
- The key differences between managers and leaders
- What Kimberly did wrong when she managed teams early in her career
- Differences in the cultures of a typical Silicon Valley company compared to one in Japan
- How Kimberly helps leaders and teams believe the impossible is actually possible
- The importance of structuring the work environment to reinforce the culture
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A big complaint in most companies is the amount of time wasted in meetings. If that’s been your experience, too, this episode is a must-listen. Amy Casciotti, Vice President of Human Resources at TechSmith Corporation, explains how they’ve created an innovative approach that’s eliminated the need for people to meet at the same time. You’ll learn how their Async-First environment has saved time and increased productivity.
TechSmith is a software company with a mission to empower people to create remarkable videos and images that help share knowledge and information. Amy is focused on being an advocate for both the company and its employees to ensure TechSmith and its staff have the skills needed to continue to move the company and employee engagement forward.
Meredith and her team have used their products, Camtasia and SnagIt, for more than 15 years and are huge fans!
You’ll discover:
- TechSmith’s top 4 values and how they are practiced by everyone, starting with the CEO
- The difference between synchronous and asynchronous meetings
- What Amy and her team did to move people to a “No Meetings” mindset
- How people now use videos to convey information that use to be presented in meetings
- How the company practices “Put People First” with employees and customers alike
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When high achievers get promoted, they actually need to learn to be leaders in four different areas: Up, Across, Team and Self. Mark J. Silverman describes how he works with Rising Leaders to raise their awareness—and effectiveness—in each of these situations. You’ll get practical tips on what to say and do to achieve the results you and the other person want.
When he was working for fast-growing tech startups, Mark generated more than $90,000,000 in sales. He achieved this by bringing together teams of executives and technical leaders to close complex multimillion-dollar sales. Mark has experienced, first hand, the pressure of the 'hustle and grind' culture along with the unique challenges of the "C-Suite." This experience, together with his years of training as a coach and facilitator, helps his coaching clients create sustainable and lasting success in all areas of their lives.
You’ll discover:
- The 4 areas of responsibility that Mark coaches leaders around
- Why Mark starts with Leading Up instead of Leading Self when coaching his clients
- How to respond to a visionary boss without using the word “No”
- The power of creating an Empathy Map to better understand your boss, a colleague or a member of your team
- How to adopt a “coopetition” attitude when working with peers
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A positive culture where people feel valued and empowered doesn’t happen by accident. Tim Lupinacci, CEO and Chair at Baker Donelson, has been intentional about creating one by developing a five-year vision, then getting buy-in and commitment from everyone in the law firm.
Tim Lupinacci leads more than 1,300 individuals in 22 law offices across the Southeastern US. Tim is presently leading the firm’s five-year BakerVision 2028 strategy and its Diversity & Inclusion Compact.
A life-long leadership student, Tim recently launched a nonprofit called Everybody Leads, focused on empowering individuals in underserved communities with basic leadership skills and confidence to better lead themselves, lead others, and lead in the community.
You’ll discover:
- How Tim built buy-in and support for his vision and strategy
- Efforts Tim has made to open pathways and leadership opportunities for women and marginalized groups
- How The Women’s Equity Program has enabled more women to become equity shareholders in the firm
- What’s behind Tim’s creation of his nonprofit and the impact he wants it to have
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How do you hire, onboard and get the best results in a virtual workplace? Dr. Ronald Beach knows it takes a combination of communication skills, setting clear expectations, and taking time to create a strong relationship with each person on the team. He shares many useful tips from his two books, The Virtual Divide and The Virtual Bridge.
Ron is an Organizational Sociologist with a Ph. D. in Organization and Management. He’s now at the University of Arizona Global Campus, where he serves as the Lead Faculty for the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration within the Forbes School of Business and Technology®.
Before that Ron had more than 25 years’ experience as a manager in high tech manufacturing at companies like Western Digital and Hitachi. He’s also an award-winning author of 7 books.
You’ll discover:
- How Ron applied lessons from his years in the Marines to his work in a high-tech manufacturing environment
- Why it’s worth a leader’s time to schedule weekly calls with each person on their team
- What to include in your onboarding to ensure a good match and high productivity long-term
- Ron’s approach to managing his remote team of 84 full-time and adjunct faculty members at the University of Arizona
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Do you ever struggle to find joy in your life? My guest Cordelia Gaffar is a master of guiding clients to discover the joy within, and that’s why she has the title, Ultimate Joy Goddess.
Through her own life experiences (which include many years in the corporate world followed by being a mother of 6 children and homeschooling for 18 years), Cordelia now serves as an executive transformation coach. She helps clients learn to nurture themselves by using a process she calls Four Mind Alignment.
Cordelia has won multiple awards for her 8 books and 2 podcasts, along with other awards like the Brainz Global 500 Award of Influencers and Entrepreneurs for 2021.
You’ll discover:
- How Cordelia defines joy
- What gets in the way of self-care
- The five practices of self-nurturing that lead to joy
- How to respond when negative feelings arise within you
- Why Cordelia advises, “Pause for the cause of you”
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Description
Want some inspiration and practical tips for surmounting obstacles in your life? You’ll get both from Jill Tietjen, who shares stories about the adversity faced by several of the 50 women featured in her latest book, Over, Under, Around, and Through: How Hall of Famers Surmount Obstacles.
Jill is an author, international speaker, and an electrical engineer. After more than 45 years in the electric utility industry, her professional focus is now on women’s advocacy, worldwide. She speaks internationally on the accomplishments of women, nominates women for awards, and continues to write books, with 12 published to date.
Her first 2 books about women were bestsellers and award-winners: Her Story: A Timeline of the Women Who Changed America and Hollywood: Her Story, An Illustrated History of Women and the Movies.
Jill has been inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, the Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame, and the National Academy of Construction.
You’ll discover:
- How Jill got the idea to write this book
- The wide range of obstacles faced by the 50 women featured in the book
- The 10 common characteristics they shared
- Key take-aways readers have reported
- Tips for surmounting the obstacles in your life
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Have you ever wondered what would happen if an org chart were flipped, so it was an upside-down triangle? Meet Nick Gallo. He and his brother Giovanni are Co-CEOs at Ethico, and they’ve accomplished this by putting their clients at the top of the pyramid.
Nick Gallo is Chief Servant and Co-CEO of Ethico, a company that provides human resource, compliance and ethics solutions that serve 8 million employees in over 100 countries. He has the distinction of being the only millennial CEO of a compliance company.
Nick is a first-generation American son of a Cuban refugee and member of Mensa International. He’s a student of behavioral economics and organizational psychology, and he’s a thought leader in the compliance and culture space. Nick has dedicated his life to serving — his community, clients, and team — in order to make the world a better workplace.
You’ll discover:
- Why Nick’s other title is Chief Servant…and what it communicates to everyone else in the company
- How Nick got buy-in from employees for flipping the org chart
- What Day 0 looks like for new employees
- Strategies used at Ethico to attract and hire the right people
- The initiatives in place to give employees opportunities to learn and grow
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Have you ever had a boss who challenged you because they saw your long-term potential? Geoffrey Roche was lucky enough to work for a CEO who led him that way, and her influence is reflected in the way he leads his own teams today. You’ll take away ideas that can help you be that kind of leader to others.
Geoffrey is the son of a nurse, as well as a future of work and education expert. The combination of healthcare and higher ed represents a common thread throughout his professional career, which includes over nine years in hospital administration and in senior leadership roles at two universities.
Geoffrey currently serves as the Senior Vice President of National Health Care Practice & Workforce Partnerships at Core Education, a Public Benefit Corporation. He is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and a champion for transforming health equity. He’s also the host of the EdUp HealthUp podcast.
You’ll discover:
- How Geoffrey continues to model behaviors he learned from an extraordinary CEO he worked for
- What led him to be a Heart Leader and adopt Love as a way of being with others
- Why Geoffrey’s superpower is connection
- The importance of addressing career mobility with employees
- What’s different in the way Geoffrey leads and coaches his remote team
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Do you know someone who struggles at work or at home because of neurodiversity or executive functioning challenges? If so, you’re going to find this interview with Michelle Raz extremely valuable! You’ll learn what you can do to support them, whether they’re an employee on your team or a family member.
Michelle is a certified career coach and the owner of Raz Coaching where she works with neurodiverse professionals. She helps them shift from feeling like a misunderstood outsider to feeling like they belong by taking them through a process that identifies their strengths and gives them strategies for success.
And in case you have a high school or college student in your home, Michelle is also co-founder of Thrivister – an academic coaching company specializing in helping neurodiverse students. She’s the author of Happiness+Passion+Purpose, which she wrote to guide people to identify their strengths and discover the career they love.
You’ll discover:
- The meaning of the terms “neurodivergent” and “executive functioning challenge”
- Cues leaders can pay attention to, for employees who might otherwise go under the radar
- How leaders can tap into the unique gifts these individuals have to offer
- Three tips for helping a neurodivergent person experience greater success
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Many companies are struggling with how to structure work, and some are requiring everyone to return to the physical building. Yet remote and hybrid teams are here to stay. Kevin Eikenberry shares practical tips from his new book, The Long-Distance Team, on making these teams successful.
Kevin is an expert on this subject, not only because he’s written the book, but also because he’s been leading a long-distance team himself for more than 25 years. He explains how to consciously design teams, define and create culture, and nurture employee engagement, all from a distance.
Kevin is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. He’s recognized by Inc.com as one of the top 100 Leadership and Management thinkers in the world. Kevin has spent nearly 30 years helping organizations around the world in the areas of leadership development, learning, teams and teamwork, and communication.
You’ll discover:
- Why getting involvement from everyone is important when designing your team
- A simple and clear definition of Culture
- Differences in creating culture in a new team vs. an existing team
- The 3 Cs that are the pillars for long-distance teams…and why they are essential
- The distinction between expectations and agreements for both individuals and teams
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In a challenging sales environment, it can be tough for leaders to stay positive—and to keep their team members seeing possibilities, too. Reggie Marable has learned how to do both in his role at Slack, where he heads a national sales organization. You’ll love Reggie’s enthusiasm for his work as well as his commitment to his ongoing growth. He’s a walking encyclopedia of inspiring quotes, and you’ll want to capture them for future reference!
Reggie is the Head of Sales, Communications, Media and Technology for Slack, which is now owned by Salesforce. Reggie has responsibility for generating growth in Salesforce's largest accounts in North America. He’s also the author of The Blue Print: The Keys to making BIG Money in Professional Sales to help salespeople shorten their learning curve and save them from struggling like he did in his early years.
You’ll discover:
- How Reggie chooses to view past rejections and failures
- What Reggie does to maintain a positive attitude every day
- The skills he practices to continue his own growth
- Why diversity of backgrounds is essential for achieving the best results as a team
- Favorite quotes that inspire and guide Reggie daily
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It can be devastating to lose a close family member to a disease like cancer. Carrie Verrocchio talks about the inspiration she received to use her true gifts because of messages she received from her beloved brother before and after he died. Since then, she’s been on a mission to wake others up to their true potential.
CarrieVee, as she is affectionately known to all her fans, is an international speaker, international best-selling author, podcast host, and Certified Transformation, Forgiveness, and Grief Coach.
After going from burned out corporate general manager to seizing opportunities and creating the life she had been dreaming of, Carrie now uses her experiences to lead others on a journey of Radical Empowerment and Radical Change.
She is the founder of the Radical Empowerment Method, an online program designed to walk people through the exact method she herself used to move from a life of feeling invisible to a life of empowered success and action. Carrie is the author of two very special books, The Radical Empowerment Method and 30 Days to Gratitude Journal.
You’ll discover:
- How “Life is Short, Choose Wisely” came to be Carrie’s mantra
- What are “Pow Pow Shoes” and how can you identify yours?
- Why forgiveness is one of the most powerful choices you can make
- The benefits of adopting and maintaining gratitude as a way of being
- Why Carrie says Happiness is a choice and not a destination
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Have you ever made a hiring mistake? If you’d had guidance from Jeannette Seibly, you might have avoided that costly error. Jeannette is an expert on hiring practices, and in this conversation she shares many important tips from her excellent book, Hire Amazing Employees: How to Increase Retention, Revenues and Results!
Jeannette is The Leadership Results Coach as well as an award-winning speaker, author, and consultant. Besides her deep knowledge around hiring, Jeannette also works with leaders and their teams to explore ideas, create new possibilities, and achieve win-win-win results. Her primary focus for the past 30 years has been hiring, coaching, and retaining top talent.
You’ll discover:
- The process many companies follow when hiring…and why that approach is a problem
- Why Jeannette says Job Fit is #1 when considering a candidate
- The 3 equal parts that make up the Selection Triad
- How to conduct effective interviews—what to do and what not to do
- Why doing only a background check is not adequate due diligence
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Are you working with a coach or have you considered hiring one? There are things you can do to maximize the experience, and my guest Karen Davis has literally written the book on it. In this enlightening conversation, you’ll find out the characteristics of being coachable and how to integrate what you learn into daily practice.
After 25 years in leadership roles in business-to-business technology, Karen changed her life by serving and guiding the transformation of others. Since 2007, she’s been coaching, consulting, and facilitating leadership workshops for organizations such as Pfizer, Cisco Systems, Hewlett Packard, and Medtronic, as well as small to medium businesses
Today, Karen’s practice focuses on deep one-on-one coaching with high-performing executives, entrepreneurs, and executive coaches who are committed to their success, ready to uncover their hidden potential and make their own unique difference in the world. She’s the co-author of three books; and in her interview, we focused on her latest, How to Get the Most Out of Coaching, A Client’s Guide for Optimizing the Coaching Experience.
You’ll discover:
- The benefits Karen has experienced herself by working with different coaches since 2007
- The distinction between goal-line and soul-line and how the two work together
- What it means to be coachable
- Why it’s so critical to have an agreement related to each person’s commitment to the coaching process
- The kinds of actions that are important immediately before and after the coaching session
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How does a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry translate into the corporate world of Learning and Development? Dr. Eli Bendet-Taicher brings that experience—and many others—into his role as Head of Global Learning and Development at Wix.com. It turns out that his passion for people and his love for research and experiments are the perfect combination!
Eli has more than 21 years of international experience in both technical and educational leadership positions. His career path includes global talent management, human resources, learning & development, coaching, mentorship & leadership, people & performance analytics, product development, data analysis, and storytelling.
As a scientist who believes in data as the driver of the best business decisions, Eli presents a unique approach to Learning and Development that drives organizations to be on top of industry standards in today’s new workplace era.
You’ll discover:
- Why Eli advocates running L&D like a business
- How Eli gained the trust of the CEO by demonstrating the value L&D contributes to the bottom line
- The power of A/B Testing to determine which learning programs produce the best results.
- Why Eli’s team created their own set of values and the benefits of doing so
- What Eli looks for when hiring a new person for his team
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Imagine if you could aggregate your collective experiences throughout your career into the ideal job. That’s what Dr. Denise Caleb has been able to do in her role as President of the Human Resource Standards Institute℠ (HRSI℠).
HRSI is the world’s premier standards and credentialing institute for private and publicly traded organizations. It’s a subsidiary of HR Certification Institute (HRCI), the organization that provides credentials and learning for individual human resources professionals.
In her role, Denise gets to mine her deep business and HR experience to advance the goals of HRSI. She’s passionate about having a positive impact on the future of work for HR and D&I professionals by showing how these standards can be leveraged.
Before joining HRSI, Denise spent more than 25 years in executive leadership roles for Fortune 500 companies like Ford and Walgreens. She worked in several areas, including Human Resources, business development, DEIB, and marketing. In her career she served on seven different executive teams and four Boards.
You’ll discover:
- The qualities of Denise’s former bosses that she admired and adapted for her own leadership roles
- Insights Denise gained from serving on 7 different executive teams and 4 Boards.
- Why HRSI is a separate entity from HRCI and the purpose it seeks to fulfill
- The many benefits organizations gain from going through the HRSI application and certification process
- How Denise’s dissertation on African-American women prepared her for the work she does today at HRSI
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What’s required for a person with technical expertise to develop Emotional Intelligence (EI)? Susan Schwartz provides excellent insights and examples in this interview. As a high tech professional and leader, Susan learned the importance of developing EI in order to work effectively with her team. And now she coaches professionals in technical fields on how to become more effective as leaders of people.
Susan Schwartz is a leadership and management coach. For more than 20 years prior to that, she led teams herself and coached professionals to their next career level. Her Expert To Excellence® programs are designed to help knowledge experts in technical fields make sense of intangible leadership concepts and equip them to create amazing, collaborative teams. She uses the EQ-I 2.0 assessment to help them identify
Susan is the author of Creating a Greater Whole: A Project Manager’s Guide to Becoming a Leader. In this excellent book she unlocks the not-so-secret secrets of how aspiring managers can become strong leaders.
She also serves on the Executive Committee of the weekly group, Inclusive Leadership in a Virtual World (ILVW), where she and Meredith first met. If you’re committed to growing as a leader, this is an outstanding group to be a part of.
You’ll discover:
- The one skill that’s at the core of all other leadership skills
- What technical professionals struggle with most when they transition from individual contributor to leader
- Why Susan emphasizes the importance of Reflective Exercises to learn from your experiences
- Success stories of clients who’ve raised their emotional intelligence as a result of Susan’s coaching
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Do you ever get nervous when you need to speak in public, whether your audience is one person or a large group of 100 or 1,000? You’re not alone! Shelley Goldstein and Mark Bossert are experts in helping people calm down and relax. You’ll want to take notes as you listen to the many valuable ideas they share for becoming a confident, compelling speaker.
Shelley and Mark are international speaking coaches and the founders of Remarkable Speaking. They’ve trained thousands of people in over 40 countries in a wide variety of industries.
Shelley struggled to memorize scripts, making her incredibly nervous and tongue-tied when she had to present. Mark was terrified to speak up because he was anxiety ridden and lost his confidence from sleepless nights.
The two of them met in a public speaking course. The investment and experience mastering those skills became Shelley’s and Mark’s inspiration for developing their own signature transformational methodology to help others overcome their speaking fears.
You’ll discover:
- The benefits of being imperfect and vulnerable when you’re speaking
- What to do if someone in the audience is not engaged in what you’re saying
- How to connect with your breath and your emotions to increase your effectiveness
- The distinction between personal and private when deciding what to share with an audience
- How Shelley and Mark use small groups and gamification to help someone gain confidence and get past imposter syndrome
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Have you ever gone on a Listening Tour? That’s what Hillary Miller did in her first 3 months at Penn State Health in her role as Chief Learning Officer. What she learned in her conversations with hundreds of people allowed her and her team to design programs that were relevant and well received.
Hillary has also set up a Learning Council across the organization that enables people in all types of positions to have a voice. You will love the types of questions Hillary shares throughout this conversation that encourage people to speak openly and build strong trust.
You’ll discover:
- The 4 questions Hillary asked each person she met with during your listening tour
- What Hillary has done to build trust and high performance with her own team
- The weekly Development Sessions Hillary and her team have…and how she’s expanding them to other parts of the organization
- The growth she went through to make it easy for her to say “I’m not perfect” and “I made a mistake”
- Why Hillary is a big believer in humor and laughter
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Does “lead from the heart” imply touchy-feely or weakness? Not according to Mark C. Crowley, who used this approach successfully throughout his 25 years in the financial services industry, an industry known for being highly competitive. Mark shares the science and research that backs up the value of this approach.
Mark is the author of what’s become one of Meredith’s favorite business books ever, Lead from the Heart, and he’s the host of a podcast of the same name. You’ll find out WHY Mark was so successful by leading from the heart in this riveting conversation.
You’ll discover:
- Experiences Mark had early in life that shaped his purpose today
- The science that shows that the heart is more than “a blood pump”
- What Mark learned about the power of engaging both the minds and heart of others to achieve extraordinary results
- How “Love Your People” became Mark’s mantra
- The 4 Practices of leading from the heart
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How can we reconcile the different (and often conflicting) perspectives that employers and employees have? You’ll get important insights in the lively conversation I had with Tony Carnesi and Brian Gorman. They work closely with both groups, and they share important steps business owners and leaders can take to open the door to understanding and trust.
Tony Carnesi and Brian Gorman are the co-founders of Do-Be Associates. Tony is the consultant who helps business owners and leaders focus on what they need to DO to get what they want from their Business. Brian is a certified Executive Coach, and his focus is how they "Show Up", or who they need to BE. Their combined objective is for the business owners and business leaders to fully realize the vision they have for their success.
You’ll discover:
- What Tony has learned in recent conversations with business owners and executives
- The importance of understanding both employers’ and employees’ perspectives
- Questions business leaders can ask to understand the needs of their employees
- How Judith Glazer’s TRUST model can be applied to building strong relationships in the workplace
- The powerful and effective combination of DOING and BEING to get the best results
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What happens if you refer to new initiatives in scientific terms like “experiment” and “test”? That’s exactly what Mark Kaestner, Ed.D., does at Ball Corporation. You’ll be fascinated to learn how that approach ensures success later, when scaling the program. Mark also explains why continuous feedback is a critical piece of the process.
Mark is Vice President of Talent Development, Learning and Development, People Analytics and Transformation at Ball. He has more than twenty years of executive experience in these fields with companies like Coca-Cola and Graphic Packaging. Mark finds it exhilarating to have the opportunity to impact leaders and employees through talent solutions, and you’ll feel his enthusiasm come through in this conversation.
You’ll discover:
- 3 core values that drive behavior and performance at Ball
- Why Mark uses the words “experimenting” and “testing” with initial implementation of a new program instead of “pilot”
- How continuous feedback is used by managers coaching employees and by employees giving upward feedback
- The 3 power questions that managers are encouraged to ask employees in their monthly meetings
- The key lessons Mark has learned in his own growth as a leader
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What happens when a major university partners with a huge corporation to offer a program that helps employees earn college degrees? You get University of Memphis (UofM) Global’s LIFE: Learning Inspired by FedEx.
Dr. Richard Irwin and Courtney Brafford, both of UofM Global, describe how the two organizations worked together to create a program that requires no out-of-pocket payments by employees and has resulted in high retention rates.
Dr. Irwin is the Executive Dean, Academic Innovation and the College of Professional & Liberal Studies, and Courtney is Director of Student Success. They’ve created corporate partnerships that provide employees with opportunities for professional development that translate into college credit.
You’ll discover:
- The need FedEx had that caused them to approach UofM Global
- Key elements of the LIFE program that have led to great results for participants
- The PREP Academy that UofM Global created to ensure participants succeeded with their coursework
- Benefits that both FedEx and their employees have experienced
- Why the LIFE program now serves as an excellent recruitment tool for FedEx
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What’s wrong with the term, Human Resources? In this enlightening conversation, Eugene Whitlock explains why he prefers People and Culture. He also describes the valuable work his DEI team has done to put in place an Equity Training Series and an Inclusive Leadership Academy for faculty and staff.
Eugene is Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources and the Chief People & Culture Officer at the University of California Berkeley. Eugene leads a 75-person human resources department including talent acquisition, people and organization development, employee and labor relations, total rewards, diversity equity, inclusion and belonging, and human resources information systems. During his time at UC Berkeley, Eugene has emphasized the creation of a workplace where everyone can be themselves and feel like they belong.
You’ll discover:
- What Eugene did when he became a leader for the first time
- Why he’s a big believer in feedback
- The reason for changing from Human Resources to People and Culture
- Why Eugene set up a DEI team and the programs now offered to faculty and staff
- Two research projects in the Psychology Department and the Haas School of Business that Eugene is involved with
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In many organizations, those who supervise individual contributors are often neglected when it comes to development opportunities. Not at WM. Phil Rhodes describes how they are providing a transformative program for all 3,600 of these leaders, which has led to 90%+ retention rate for those who complete the program. You’ll want to take notes to capture all the fantastic strategies Phil shares.
Phil is Head of Learning and Leadership Development at WM, formerly Waste Management, a Fortune 250 company and North America’s largest environmental services company. Phil joined the People Organization at WM in 2021 and led the successful reorganization of WM’s learning organization. This effort supported the design and delivery of more consistent learning and leadership development solutions for the company’s 50,000+ employees.
Phil and his team at WM were just named Bronze Winner of the Learning in Practice Award by Chief Learning Officer for their first-line leaders program.
You’ll discover:
- The “listening tour” Phil conducted before re-designing WM’s learning organization
- How the CEO and the leadership team consider “People First” before making decisions that impact employees
- What WM did to provide a virtual coach to every front-line leader
- How Cohort Learning is used to support learners and ingrain skills
- WM’s generous program for educational assistance
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Do you know of a company that’s created 12 powerful mindsets that are used daily by all employees? You do now, because Moderna is that company. And in this powerful interview, the team of April Eldred (VP, Talent Acquisition) and Noah Rabinowitz (VP, Learning & Development) describe with great enthusiasm what the Moderna Mindset looks like in action.
As VP and Global Head of Learning and Development, Noah leads Moderna University, the team responsible for providing world-class learning solutions for all segments of Moderna’s employee population. Noah has almost 25-years of experience in the HR and learning industry.
As VP of Global Talent Acquisition, April has recently been focused on building Moderna’s AI-capabilities in talent acquisition. She has spent more than 20 years creating recruitment teams that are passionate about building diverse talent pipelines and ‘making the match’ in a differentiated way.
You’ll discover:
- Moderna’s mission statement and the unique culture that’s been created from it
- A sampling of the 12 Moderna Mindsets and how they’re applied in everyday work situations
- How April and Noah are using AI in talent acquisition and talent development
- Why Moderna University is set up to serve those both internal and external to Moderna
- The kind of data they’re using in their HR decision-making
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What does it take to create leadership training programs that result in real behavior change? Billy Martin has the answer because he’s done this successfully with sales leaders in two global companies—Salesforce and Dassault Systems. He describes all the elements built into their process, including teaching leaders how to ask powerful questions that draw out the native genius of their team members.
Billy is Senior Director of Strategic Programs and Leadership at Medidata Solutions, a Dassault Systems Company. He’s passionate about leading teams of professionals that create programs for onboarding new sales leaders and B2B sales reps around the world. His team builds and delivers various leadership business simulations, training programs, guided coaching activities and skill assessments --- all designed to scale globally across the leadership community.
Billy is the co-author of One Thing: Focus on Sales Leadership: Insight from Top Business Executives on What It Takes to Be a Great Leader. He’s also been a basketball referee since 1978.
You’ll discover:
- The FLIPD model and what the acronym means
- How Billy uses simulations to make learning relevant for learners
- The follow-up components that help leaders ingrain skills
- What Billy and his team do to help leaders become effective coaches
- Ways that Bill has grown as a leader over the years
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How do you help leaders take on the role of “coach” in addition to their other responsibilities? Arin Bryan is making that happen at Redfin with excellent results. You’ll love her enthusiasm for what she’s doing and the outstanding results they’re experiencing!
Arin is the Senior Director for Learning and Organizational Development with Redfin, and prior to that, she led Learning and Development teams in the travel tech industry for Expedia and Vrbo. With 12 years of experience leading learning and development teams, Arin is an industry expert in talent development. She is passionate about creating innovative learning and career experiences, cultivating learning cultures, and driving behavior and skill growth. She is a Certified Professional Coach specializing in career, executive, and life coaching.
You’ll discover:
- How Arin got “hooked” on coaching as a key skill for managers
- The research and analysis she did to design the most effective training programs
- Different ways employees said they wanted “coaching” without using that word
- Why Arin—and Redfin’s CEO, Glenn Kelman—says it all starts with love
- How effective coaching impacts attraction and retention of talent
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Are you committed to achieving what you want in life #NoMatterWhat? Sterling Hawkins is on a mission to help more people do just that. In his interview, we talk about the five practices you can adopt to get results regardless of the circumstances you may be facing.
Sterling serves as CEO and founder of the Sterling Hawkins Group, a research, training, and development company focused on unlocking human and organizational potential. He has been seen in publications like Inc., Fast Company, The New York Times and Forbes and recently released the best-selling book Hunting Discomfort: How to Get Breakthrough Results in Life and Business No Matter What. I highly recommend you pick up a copy ASAP, then study and apply the 5 practices.
You’ll discover:
- Why Sterling recommends hunting for discomfort instead of avoiding it
- The 5 practices from his book that empower you to achieve greater success and joy
- The impact of the “Get a Tattoo” practice on your commitment to a desired result
- How “Building a Street Gang” can take your results to the next level
- What Surrender really means when applied to all areas of your life
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What does it take to transform learning and development in a big pharmaceutical company? Johann Laville shares the three gaps that existed at Merck and what they’re doing to build a powerful learning culture. You’ll love hearing Johann’s passion and enthusiasm for all aspects of this undertaking…and you’ll gain important insights about what’s possible when everyone from the executive suite on down is committed to making the transformation a reality.
Johann is the Chief Learning Officer in Global Learning & Development at Merck & Co., Inc. where he ensures that learning solutions and innovations are aligned with the company’s mission to save and improve lives. He has more than 20 years of experience leading large global teams with a focus on furthering business transformation as well as defining and launching innovative user experiences.
You’ll discover:
- The 3 gaps Merck is addressing in its “transformation of learning”
- What Johann and his team are doing to build a strong culture of learning
- How Merck is resolving issues around the Journey of Leadership across all departments
- The onboarding process in place for new hires to help them start their learning journey on Day 1
- Key leadership lessons that Johann has learned in his own journey
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What thoughts come to mind when you hear the word “networking”? If any of them are negative—or if you wish you could build a stronger network yourself—this episode is for you. My guest Frank Agin is a masterful networker, and he has invested decades in showing others how to do it right. You’ll hear valuable tips around making introductions, the benefits of being a Giver and not a Taker, and what to do at networking events.
Frank is president of AmSpirit Business Connections, which empowers entrepreneurs, sales representatives, and professionals to become successful through networking. He hosts the Networking Rx Podcast that’s packed with insights and interviews related to better business relationships. Frank is also the author of several books, including Foundational Networking, which I highly recommend if you’re interested in learning from a true thought leader around the importance of building professional relationships.
You’ll discover:
- What many people get wrong about networking
- The elements of foundational networking
- Why KNOW, LIKE and TRUST are the keys to building strong business relationships
- The infinite power of making introductions
- Steps you can take to become effective at networking events
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What do CEO peer advisory groups and high-performing teams in organizations have in common? Leo Bottary has worked closely with both, and he’s identified 5 Factors that are essential to their ultimate success. You’ll enjoy learning from his expertise combined with his passion to have a positive impact!
Leo is the founder and managing partner of Peernovation, LLC. He’s a sought-after thought leader, keynote speaker, and workshop facilitator on leadership and maximizing the power of peers in the workplace. Leo is the author of three books, and we focused on his latest one, PEERNOVATION: What Peer Advisory Groups Can Teach Us about Building High-Performing Teams, in this conversation.
You’ll discover:
- Why CEO peer advisory groups are so effective
- How the principles from those groups apply to teams in today’s organizations
- What’s behind Leo’s saying, “The Power of WE begins with ME”
- How the 5 Factors work together to create the right results
- The importance of celebrating large and small wins as a team
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...
Have you ever invested in technology, only to find yourself frustrated when trying to learn how to use it? Tom Studdert and his team at ZoomInfo have created a new customer experience that ensures their success. Tom shares lots of nuggets you can apply to the onboarding of new clients and employees.
Tom Studdert is the Vice President of Customer Onboarding & Education at ZoomInfo where he oversees the comprehensive onboarding program with a focus on early adoption of the ZoomInfo suite of products. Before joining ZoomInfo, Tom spent 20 years in Higher Education serving as an Assistant Dean of Student Development at Texas Christian University and a Director of New Student Orientation at the University of Southern California.
You’ll discover:
- The strengths Tom brought from his experiences in higher education to his role at ZoomInfo
- How Tom and his team build scaffolding into all customer education programs
- How Customer Education differs from Customer Training and Customer Service
- What Tom and his team do to provide extraordinary experiences when onboarding new customers
- The values that the CEO models and advocates for everyone in the company
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...
What if you could change the way you look at fear? Jacqueline Wales has a deep understanding of what’s behind fear…and the questions you can ask yourself to break through limiting beliefs and stories that may be causing you to play small in life. You’ll discover how to reframe your ideas about fear and failure so they serve you instead of hold you back.
Jacqueline developed a fearless approach herself after enduring, and then breaking away from, a nightmarish family to establish new patterns and find peace. She is now an author, keynote speaker, and trusted advisor to successful, high-achieving women. And she is an unwavering champion for being fearless.
In this conversation we talk about key ideas and questions from her latest book, The Fearless Factor @ Work, which I highly recommend, especially if you’ve ever allowed your fears to get in the way of speaking up or taking courageous action.
You’ll discover:
- How Jacqueline defines fear and more specifically, fear in the workplace
- The distinction Jacqueline makes between the stories we tell ourselves and the evidence for those beliefs
- What she does to help clients play big when they’re used to playing small and holding back
- Some of the messages that girls receive when growing up that don’t serve them as adults
- The importance of self-compassion and self-love when you’re working to make a change
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...
What would you predict the future to be for a boy who was the son of a Black pimp father and a white single mother on welfare? If you answered “pretty bleak,” you would be wrong in the case of JeVon McCormick. JeVon took all the adversity he faced and turned it into a highly successful life and career.
Today, JeVon is the CEO of Scribe Media, a multi-million-dollar publishing company that was recently ranked the #1 Top Company Culture in America by Entrepreneur Magazine. JeVon was recently named Best CEO in Austin, Texas.
JeVon’s experiences shaped a mindset for modern leadership that now guides his service at Scribe Media and is captured in his book, Modern Leader. You are likely to re-evaluate of your ideas and even some of the words you use as you listen to this thought-provoking conversation.
You’ll discover:
- The incident that made JeVon immune to criticism from others
- Why the old corporate playbook is obsolete
- The #1 behavior that modern leaders need to demonstrate
- What JeVon learned from his biggest mistake
- Words that JeVon dislikes and the alternatives he prefers
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...
Have you ever been told, “You’re the best leader I’ve ever had”? Michelle Braden has. She lives and breathes every day the behaviors that both challenge and support the people on her team.
In this gold nugget-filled conversation, you’ll hear about the journey that led Michelle to learn about, adopt, and apply the key leadership skills that bring out the best in others.
Michelle is the Vice President of Global Talent Development at WEX, a leading provider of corporate payment solutions. She has more than 25 years of successful management experience in companies like TELUS International, SAP and Xerox.
You’ll discover:
- Why Michelle Braden likes to describe herself as the Chief Learning Evangelist
- How the Situational Leadership program became a turning point in Michelle’s career
- What Michelle does to challenge team members and provide support at the same time
- The behavior that consistently trips up the senior leaders Michelle has coached in her role
- How application of The Fifth Agreement helps build critical thinking skills
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...
How do you create a leadership development program from scratch? Will Leahy explains how he did just that at GoDaddy as Senior Director of Learning and Talent. You’ll feel his unbridled enthusiasm for his work, and you’ll learn how he’s still refining that program after two years.
Throughout Will’s career at companies like Virgin Orbit, Hulu, and LinkedIn, there’s a common thread that’s near and dear to my own heart. Will has a passion for developing strong leaders who help others thrive and realize their full potential. And in our conversation we talked about how he’s been doing that at GoDaddy.
You’ll discover:
- Will’s purpose and how he gets to fulfill it at GoDaddy
- The key question Will asked that helped him develop a powerful leadership development program
- The story behind The Everyday Leaders Program title
- Why the program results in real changes in the way leaders lead
- How Will utilizes the program’s Alumni Network to test new classes and get feedback
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...
Did you know that Lean Six Sigma extends way beyond the world of manufacturing? Paul Stamper is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and he’s done a magnificent job bringing this process to the County of Ventura in California. You’ll enjoy Paul’s passion for this topic and the practical ways the principles are applied across all departments in the County. You’re sure to get ideas of how you can incorporate Lean Six Sigma into your own organization.
Paul is the Deputy Executive Officer for the County of Ventura, California. He oversees multiple program areas including their continuous improvement program, called Service Excellence, which has documented over $40 million in savings. Paul leads Strategic Planning and Economic Vitality efforts to support the 850,000 residents and 22,000 businesses in the County.
You’ll discover:
- What Lean Six Sigma means and what it looks like in action
- The natural strengths Paul brought with him when learning about Lean processes
- How Ventura County has used the Service Excellence Program to improve services to its customers
- Positive changes that have occurred at all levels in the organization since adopting Lead Six Sigma
- Ways that Paul has grown as a leader and what he’s learned from his experience in this role
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...
What’s it like to be bullied and abused as a kid, end up in jail for beating up someone, and later decide to create a Legendary Life Movement? That’s just a slice of Tommy Breedlove’s life.
Tommy emerged from those early experiences stronger and determined to change his life. He went on to have a 20-year corporate career at one of the largest financial consulting firms in the world. And then…at the top of his career, Tommy experienced a transformational moment that inspired him to walk away from the corporate world and follow his true calling…to empower others to build and live Legendary Lives.
Tommy is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best-Selling Author of the Book, Legendary. He’s also the Founder of the Legendary Life Movement… a movement that empowers driven people to be Pros in Leadership, Business, Mindset, & their Relationships. You’ll be inspired and motivated to take action as you hear him share specific steps you can take to build your own legendary life.
You’ll discover:
- What the word Legendary means to Tommy…and why he chose it
- Why self-leadership is the starting point for all personal development
- The question one of Tommy’s mentors asked him that became an ah-ha moment in his life
- 3 things you can do every day to build a practice of gratitude in your life
- 3 actions you can start taking today to become legendary at work, no matter what your title
What leaders in your life have had the greatest impact on your thinking and behavior? Anton Gunn can name five different U.S. Presidents who’ve personally influenced him.
These interactions form the basis of the seven principles in his bestselling book, The Presidential Principles. Anton served as a senior advisor for healthcare in the Obama Administration, and that President inspired him to find more ways to be of service to others.
Anton is the CEO of 937 Strategy Group, a consulting firm focused on helping leaders build diverse, high-performing teams, and world-class workplace culture. Anton was recently named one of the Ten Most Influential Minority Executives in Healthcare by Fierce Healthcare, and he’s the world’s leading expert on Socially Conscious Leadership.
You’ll discover:
- The two leadership lessons Anton learned from his first boss that transformed his life
- How Anton redirected his life purpose after the death of his brother
- What he discovered about the U.S. healthcare system that motivated him to become an advocate for change
- How Anton became a senior advisor to President Barack Obama
- The one Presidential Principle that serves as that foundation of all the others
What’s it like to discover your true calling? Laura Coons, Ph.D., began her career teaching at the college level and then transitioned to the corporate world…and that’s where she found true joy. Laura bubbles over with enthusiasm when talking about her work, and you’ll hear that in our conversation.
Laura is the Senior Director of Learning at Frontdoor, a company that’s on a mission to make home ownership simple. Throughout her career there’s been the thread of servant leadership. She’s truly passionate about her role as a leader and committed to the development of future leaders.
You’ll discover:
- Why Laura made the transition from higher education to the corporate world
- The adjustments she needed to make to be successful in that new environment
- The most important aspect of a leader’s role with members of their team
- Three pillars that are the foundation for a strong, effective leader
- How Laura has grown as a leader over the years
What’s it like to hire, coach and fire based on your company’s Purpose, Values, and Mission?
Clate Mask knows the answer because that’s exactly what he and his team at Keap are doing every day at Keap. And they’ve built a positive culture where everyone takes ownership and personal responsibility for their actions.
Clate is the co-founder and CEO of Keap (formerly Infusionsoft), with the mission of simplifying growth for millions of small businesses worldwide. Clate’s passion for small business success stems from his personal experience taking his software company from a struggling startup to an eight-time Inc. 500/5000 winner. He’s received numerous awards over the years, including Business Leader of the Year from the Arizona Technology Council, and he was a finalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Clate is also the co-author of the New York Times bestseller Conquer the Chaos: How to Grow a Successful Small Business Without Going Crazy, a must-read for every business owner.
You’ll discover:
- What Clate learned from his coach Steve Hardison about how to show up for important conversations
- The importance of hiring people who are eager to grow as individuals and be owners of their lives
- Why Caring is the #1 core value at Keap
- The questions you’ll want to answer if you’re committed to creating a positive culture
- Some of the most important lessons Clate has learned as a leader
Is there really a LAW of Giving and Receiving? Indeed there is, and Cynthia Kersey describes exactly how it’s worked in her own life…and how it can work in yours.
Cynthia shares the research and benefits around the power of giving. You’ll love the way she and her team live this every day at The Unstoppable Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to ensuring that every child on the planet has access to the life-long gift of education.
Cynthia embodies her message, and she’s integrated giving and contribution into her life and business for more than two decades. The Unstoppable Foundation has provided a daily education to over 100,000 children, and it also provides access to life-saving services such as clean water, health care, nutritious food, and income generation training to parents. The Foundation’s work has impacted the lives of more than 500,000 men, women, and children in Kenya alone!
You’ll discover:
- What Cynthia learned about the power of giving after publishing her two books
- How to leave the impression of increase with everyone you encounter
- What a culture with the spirit of service and giving looks like
- Two questions you can ask yourself to develop the mindset of giving
- Why individuals and organizations alike have been enthusiastic donors to The Honor Foundation since Day 1
What can you do to stand out among 100s of applicants for college or a job? Anthony Berryhill shares brilliant insights for making sure your application is compelling. His strategies worked in his own life, helping him get admitted to prestigious universities like Stanford and Yale and land a high-level position in one of the country’s largest investment firms.
This is a man who started life as a resident of New Orleans’ 9th Ward, a neighborhood wiped out by Hurricane Katrina. You’ll be inspired by the story of a first-generation, low-income student who figured out how to write his essay in such a moving way that members of the admissions committee cried.
Anthony is the owner of Elite College Hacker, a consulting firm that specializes in helping students of color (both in the US and in Asian countries) gain admission to America's top undergraduate, medical, and business schools. Anthony is also an award-winning competitive debate coach, and he’s coached 3 national champions, one at the college level and two at the high school level.
You’ll discover:
- How Anthony acquired a Hustle Mindset to move out of his adverse circumstances
- The life experiences Anthony shared in his college admission essay that grabbed the attention and emotions of the committee
- How job applicants can apply ethical hacking to land their ideal position
- Thought-provoking questions Anthony asks his clients to draw out their unique experiences
Imagine if your manager said this to you at your annual performance review: “I just don’t think you belong here.” Dr. Beth Kaplan heard those words, and that one sentence shattered her confidence in the moment. It also led her to pursue deep work in the area of belonging in the workplace. This conversation will give you a greater appreciation for the need that each of us have to belong, and what leaders can do to create that environment.
Beth is currently the global head of leader development and enablement at Dassault Systemes. And through her Rebel Research Group, Beth works with organizations committed to building a culture that nurtures the sense of belonging in every employee.
You’ll discover:
- Beth’s unique definition of belonging
- The person who has the greatest impact on a person's sense of belonging at work
- The #1 thing people have told Beth they want at work
- Why Beth recommends organizations focus on POLICIES first before designing and implementing PROGRAMS related to DEI and belonging
- What leaders can do to minimize or eliminate workplace trauma
What does it look like when you “Put People First?” My guest Mark McNally describes what how it works in his company, and it starts with listening to learn from the people around him. He’s a leader who isn’t afraid to say he loves the people he works with.
Mark is the Founder and Chief Nobody at Nobody Studios. He’s been involved in 15 start-ups over the course of his career, so he knows a thing or two about what it takes to create and maintain a successful business. I love the emphasis he puts on the PEOPLE side, and during our conversation you’ll see why and how he does that.
You’ll discover:
- The story behind the founding and the name of Nobody Studios
- Why Mark says communication is the key
- The kind of culture Mark is creating in his company
- The distinction Mark makes between leadership and culture
- What he learned in the Army Special Ops that serves him well today
What can an organization do to make sure Wellbeing is an integral part of the culture and not a stand-alone program? Mari Ryan describes exactly what she does with clients to help them achieve this goal. She shares important, practical strategies along with the “why” behind them. Mari’s definition of Wellbeing is the best, most inclusive I’ve ever heard. Our conversation is a “must listen” for any leader committed to creating a workplace where people thrive.
Mari is a workplace well-being strategist, speaker, and author. She works with organizations to create workplaces where both the people and the business thrive. Mari is the author of the award-winning book, The Thriving Hive: How People-Centric Workplaces Ignite Engagement and Fuel Results. She’s also the President of the National Speakers Association New England Chapter.
You’ll discover:
- How Mari defines “wellbeing” – and why it matters in the workplace
- The biggest obstacles to creating a people-centric culture
- Policies that organizations can put in place to support employee wellbeing
- Why many leaders overlook taking care of themselves…and the downsides of neglecting to do so
- Specific actions leaders can take to show they care about their team members
What does it take to become a truly effective leader, one people want to follow? Pat Lattore has thought deeply about this question and has been involved in developing strong leaders for the past 45 years. In this conversation, he shares brilliant insights about the roles that influence, emotional intelligence, and culture play in the shaping of leaders.
Pat served in various leadership roles inside organizations and then founded his consulting company P.A.L. Leadership, LLC, in 1992 to: provide leadership development and executive coaching; improve collaboration and teamwork; and facilitate organizational change. His years of experience in so many fields have given him a unique perspective that you’re sure to enjoy and appreciate.
You’ll discover:
- How Pat defines leadership
- Why Pat says real leadership is not positional
- The skills and traits required to be an effective leader
- What leaders must do to build currency in order to have influence
- Why Pat says the most profound leadership exchange happens between mother and child
Would you have the courage to make the necessary changes if you realized your company or team was no longer working the way you’d hoped? Jonathan Keyser faced that challenge in his company, and he had the awareness and courage to tackle it head-on.
In this riveting conversation, Jonathan shares the struggles he experienced in identifying the changes that were needed, acknowledging his contributions to the situation, and the three core lessons he learned. You’ll connect with his transparency and vulnerability as he shares the process of transitioning from Keyser 1.0 to Keyser 2.0.
Jonathan is the founder of Keyser, one of the most innovative and trustworthy commercial real estate firms in the country. Along with their international partners, they have more than 560 people on their team worldwide. Jonathan's efforts to change the business world through selfless service are reflected in his content, thought leadership, and the level of excellence he holds his team to within Keyser.
You’ll discover:
- What caused Jonathan to realize he needed to make changes in his company
- Why key problem areas were all based on misalignment
- The key question he asked himself to determine which employees should stay…and which should move on
- How Jonathan learned how to “do less and receive more.”
How does a company with 100,000+ employees worldwide create a culture that everyone buys into…and more importantly, lives by? Marie-France Lechasseur explains how Michelin’s ICARE Model provides a common ground for the way people treat each other across the organization. You can feel her passion around these shared values and behaviors throughout our conversation! ICARE is an acronym for Inspiring, Create Trust, Awareness, Results, and Empowerment.
Marie-France is a Human Resources Business Partner and also a competency Director in Learning & Development at Michelin. She’s been on the team that’s helped bring ICARE to life within Michelin and with companies they’re acquired.
You’ll discover:
- The importance of customizing content delivery for training programs
- Differences in the preferred learning modes of different generations
- Why employees in an acquired company quickly embraced the ICARE model
- How the ICARE model provides a common set of values for having more productive conversations
- How Marie-France applied the model with her future boss
What if a company prepared upcoming leaders for their new roles and set them up for success on Day 1? That’s just one of many ways FedEx takes care of its people. My guest Tamera Maresh-Carver describes with great enthusiasm the programs and benefits in place to ensure everyone has an opportunity to advance their career.
Tamera is the Managing Director of Employee Development, Innovation, and Organizational Strategy at FedEx Express. Her responsibilities include global leadership development, employee development, and organizational effectiveness. She’s been with the company since 1998 when she started as a courier and advanced into leadership roles in 2003. Tamera has won the most prestigious award that FedEx bestows three times. She truly is a superstar as you’ll see in our conversation!
You’ll discover:
* The alternative approach FedEx has taken to replace a Hustle Culture
* What leaders are doing to create psychological safety for everyone
* Why the On Deck Management Training includes mentoring and coaching
* Benefits that reduce turnover and create opportunities for employee advancement
* The partnership with University of Memphis that results in employee retention
Did you know that 91% of employees report that their manager doesn’t listen to them? Janine Hamner Holman shares this startling statistic along with many others in a conversation that will convince you why listening should be the #1 skill that’s taught, practiced, and mastered in the workplace.
Janine is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and expert on conscious leadership, DE&I, organizational development, neurobiology, and what it takes to attract and retain world-class talent. As CEO of the J&J Consulting Group, she brings more than 30 years’ experience to her work with purpose driven CEOs and executive teams to help them create courageous, high-performance organizations. Janine is also the host of an outstanding podcast, The Cost of Not Paying Attention.
You’ll discover:
- How Janine helps clients integrate DEI into their culture so it’s not viewed or experienced as a “program”
- The shared challenges that all organizations face, no matter what the size
- What Janine has learned about brain science…and ways she applies that knowledge in her work with clients
- The top 3 reasons people give for leaving their employer
- Advice for attracting and retaining superior talent
What if you could reduce turnover to 5% or less? My guest Jaime Jay has done that in his own company because he makes sure he hires the right people.
Jaime is the founder and managing director of Bottleneck Distant Assistants. Since 2006 his company has been sourcing Distant Assistants from the Philippines. They support entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, C-level executives, founders, and other professionals who are doing the wrong things so they can focus on their best work instead.
Jaime is a U.S. Army veteran and the author of the book, Quit Repeating Yourself. His life has been quite the adventure, and you’ll be inspired by the values he’s built into his company and that he and his team live by every day.
You’ll discover:
- How Jaime went from being homeless 3 times to running a successful multi-million dollar business
- The #1 question Jaime asks a candidate and why he does it
- The 4 questions Jaime asks people on his team that prepare them to make sound decisions
- The one word Jaime’s team is studying this year…and what they’re doing to make it part of their culture
- Why Jaime likes to create a Ripple Effect
Did you know that women lost 36 years of progress in 2020 alone? That’s a startling statistic from the World Economic Forum, and Jane Finette is committed to reversing that trend.
Jane is the Founder and Executive Director of The Coaching Fellowship, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of young women leaders in social and environmental change. Jane has dedicated her life to achieving equality for women — empowering them to create impact and build the world of tomorrow, today. She’s the author of Unlocked: How Empowered Women Empower Women, which is a must-read to understand the challenges women around the world have faced and are still facing today.
You’ll discover:
- Why Jane founded The Coaching Fellowship and what she wants to achieve with it
- Why women lost 36 years of progress in 2020—what happened and what was lost
- Why people should care about gender equality
- Specific steps women can take individually to support other women
- What men can do to support equality for women
What would your life look like if you were guided by these three leadership principles: Be present, stay conscious, act compassionately? My guest Teresa Roche lives those principles every day and guides others to do the same. You’ll love the important insights Teresa shares about her key learnings in her own journey as a leader…and as a human being.
Teresa is the leader of the Human Resources team for the City of Fort Collins, and she has more than thirty years of experience working as an executive in various high-tech companies. Teresa has a deep passion for collaboration and learning because she’s interested in how individuals and organizations develop the capability to interpret an evolving and complex environment in order to take effective action.
You’ll discover:
- Why Teresa changed her title from Chief Human Resources Officer to Human Resources Executive
- How Teresa has used the Enneagram over the past 40 years for her own growth and for the growth of those she works with
- Why Teresa makes no distinction between work self and home self
- How she defines “radical candor” and uses it to wake people up to their potential
What if you could turn your performance review process into a real development opportunity? Angela Stopper, Ph.D., describes exactly what she and her team at UC Berkeley did to accomplish this amazing transformation.
Angela is the Chief Learning Officer and Director of People and Organization Development at the University of California, Berkeley. She is responsible for the team that creates and delivers campus-wide learning initiatives supporting supervisory, management, functional, and technical learning efforts for the campus's 9,000 staff and faculty administrators.
You’ll discover:
- The You-Me-We Learning Model that forms the basis for all their development programs
- Why the entire learning operation at UC Berkeley is branded as GROW
- What they’ve done to empower learners to be self-driven
- How coaching has been incorporated into their performance review system
- What “Achieve Together” conversations between managers and employees sound like
What does powerful leadership in healthcare look and sound like? My guest Liz Bruno describes the qualities and behaviors that matter most when creating a culture where everyone thrives. You’ll want to catch every minute of this interview because Liz drops wisdom bombs throughout our entire conversation.
Liz is the Vice President and Chief Learning Officer at Baptist Health System in Jacksonville, Florida. She’s an advanced practice psychiatric nurse who’s held leadership positions in learning and development for a number of health systems in the Southeast. Since joining Baptist Health in 2015, Liz and her team have designed and implemented innovative programs in both the clinical and leadership development arenas.
You’ll discover:
- The distinction Liz makes between empathy and compassion
- The negative impact that fatigue has on a leader’s behavior
- Why self-awareness is a critical component of effective leader
- Why Liz says everyone needs a coach
- How Baptist Health helps employees connect with each other and with patients
Did you know that only 23% of people think their leaders lead well? How did we get to the point that employees have such low confidence in their leaders?
Alain Hunkins understands what people are looking for, and why the approach of previous generations of leaders is not the answer. He talks in a compelling way about the three C’s that are required—Connection, Communication, and Collaboration. They form the basis of his excellent book, Cracking the Leadership Code.
Alain is CEO of Hunkins Leadership Group, where he helps high achieving people become high achieving leaders. Over his twenty-year career, Alain has worked with thousands of groups of leaders in 25 countries. Clients include Wal-Mart, Pfizer, General Electric, IBM, and Microsoft.
You’ll discover:
- The impact on Alain of growing up with two Holocaust survivors (mother and grandmother)
- What younger workers are looking for—but not getting—from most leaders
- Why leading with empathy is essential…and the benefits of doing so
- What gets in the way of leaders communicating well
- How to identify and acknowledge peak moments to create a positive workplace
What does it take to create a workplace where civility is a core value that’s lived every day? Sejal Thakkar tackles this topic head-on with clients, based on her experience as a former employment law attorney for corporations and as a human being who’s been on the receiving end of uncivil behavior.
Sejal is on a mission to educate and empower people to create a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. She’s a 2x TEDx speaker shedding light on two vital topics: “The Pain, Power, and Paradox of Bias” and “How to Harness the Power of Exclusion and Go from Longing to Belonging.”
Sejal is the Founder and Chief Civility Officer at TrainXtra, where she helps leaders create positive, safe, and respectful workplaces through customized training and coaching.
She’s also responsible for cultivating a people-first culture at Nobody Studios.
You’ll discover:
- The distinction Sejal makes between “civility” and “respect”
- How a company can make civility a core value and bring it to life
- Why it’s important to become aware of your own unconscious biases
- The HAT strategy that encourages people to examine their biases
- Subtle micro-aggression words and behaviors that undermine inclusion
Can you imagine what it’s like to grow up in a home with a famous father and travel the world meeting celebrities and leaders of other countries? As the son of Hall of Fame boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, Ray Leonard Jr. doesn’t have to imagine it. He lived it.
Ray Jr lives by a four-word creed taught to him by his grandfather: “Know better. Be better.” And he practices this every day as he strives to be 1% better than the day before. You’ll love the simple routine he follows each evening to assess his day and reinforce the positive things he’s done.
Ray Jr is a top motivational keynote speaker, radio host, actor, and award-winning business executive. He’s also a serial entrepreneur with experience in starting and running multiple businesses. He’s the CEO of Ovationz, a start-up company focused on matching virtual event planners with speakers who can serve their audiences.
You’ll discover:
- Life lessons Ray Jr learned from his father and still applies today
- What he’s committed to teaching kids in his role as a youth sports coach
- A sports figure Ray Jr has admired his entire life
- Insights that can help you become a more effective leader at work and at home
How would you describe your attitude about money…and how well you’re taking care of the people who matter in your life? Get ready for some radical ideas about these topics from my guests, husband-and-wife team Dr. Shawn Dill and Dr. Lacey Book.
Chiropractors by profession, Shawn and Lacey are founders of The Black Diamond Club, a community of 600+ service professionals who have a desire to reach more people and make a bigger impact while creating the lifestyle they dream of.
You’ll discover:
- The very different mindsets about money that Lacey and Shawn each brought to their relationship and business
- How to reframe “rejection” so you see it as a positive
- The #1 book Lacey recommends to clients to help them get past limiting beliefs about money
- How to use an Abundance Timer to rewire your brain for Abundance
- Why Shawn recommends hiring the right person before defining the specific position they’ll fill in the company
Did you know that Napoleon Hill only revealed half the secret for creating success in his classic book, Think and Grow Rich?
My guest John Mitchell studied the book for months in his quest to dramatically increase his income. He discovered and tested the full secret, and he shares it in our conversation.
This technique caused his own income to go to $5 million a year, after 20 years of low six figures a year.
You’ll discover:
- Why working harder is the wrong approach if you want to increase your income
- The key point from Napoleon Hill’s book
- A practical way to apply John’s technique that only takes 12 minutes a day
- The importance of Clarity and Repetition in the process
What can you do to make sure your company avoids being part of the Great Resignation? Maurice “Moe” Rondeau has specific suggestions you can adopt, based on what he and his team have done to build community and high performance.
Moe is Vice President of Learning & Development at WinnCompanies, a real estate property development and management company in the Boston area. He has a diverse 25+ year background in global learning and organizational development.
Moe’s multi-industry experience provides him with a solid understanding of the challenges that business leaders face in engaging and retaining talent.
You’ll discover:
- What leaders can do to engage and retain their top talent
- What WinnCompanies does to keep everyone informed and involved
- A few thought leaders Moe admires most…and why
- 5 key lessons Moe learned when starting up the L&D division from scratch
- How Moe structured programs for high potentials and first level managers to achieve a positive impact
Description
What leadership lessons can we take away from the Elders in traditional communities around the world? Eboni Adams Monk has first-hand experience living with and learning from these wise individuals, and we uncover several of them in this inspiring conversation.
Eboni is Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Excellence at a specialty chemical company. She draws from her studies with Elders to inspire transformational leadership and life-changing growth so others can succeed at work. Her experiences with these cultures led her to write her beautiful and powerful book, Leading Wise: Inspirational Reflections for Corporate Leaders.
You’ll discover:
- Why Eboni makes no distinction between work life and personal life
- What inspired her to write her book and the key messages she wanted to convey
- The benefits of taking time to reflect…and the consequences if we don’t
- Why Eboni considers the power that leaders have to be sacred
- How leaders can build a feeling of community
What does it look like when the CEO of a publicly traded company treats people as the company’s #1 asset? Phil Gallagher does just that. He’s an extraordinary leader whose motto is, “When people feel good, they do good.”
Phil is the CEO of Avnet, a publicly traded company with annual sales north of 20 billion dollars and more than 14,000 employees worldwide, and ship to 140 countries. They’re #167 on Fortune 500.
You’ll discover:
- The value of self-awareness in a leader’s growth
- How Phil developed his own EQ
- Why asking for feedback and receiving it well is a critical skill for every leader
- Some of the little things Phil does to strengthen relationships
- The difference in leaders who head Avnet’s highest-performing locations vs. the lowest-performing locations
What does it take to help people unlock their true potential? Peter Walmsley is masterful at doing this, and you’ll learn the key approaches he’s taken over the years. Peter has lived and breathed everything my podcast is about, so I know you’re going to value the insights and ideas he shares in our conversation.
Peter is the Senior Vice President of Organization Effectiveness at Scopely. He’s a highly committed leader with extensive experience in global organizations covering the U.S., Europe, Asia, and North Africa. He’s originally from London, and he’s lived and worked primarily for US companies in Paris, Madrid, Geneva, and San Francisco.
You’ll discover:
- Why Peter creates an environment for people to flourish
- What he does to convey his belief in an individual
- The role of courage in decision-making
- How Peter developed his own courage muscle
- What leaders can do to become more comfortable with uncertainty and help their team members with this, too
We all know about the “elephant in the room.” But what about those less obvious thoughts and feelings you might be having?
My guest David Wood describes them in his captivating new book, The Mouse in The Room – Because the Elephant Isn’t Alone. You won’t want to miss out on the mice he names during our conversation…and the simple 3-D process you can use to determine if you want to bring them up.
We’re at a time when our world needs more vulnerability, transparency, and connection. David’s experiences make him the ideal person to teach us how to do that. He built the world’s largest coaching business and coached thousands of hours in 12 countries, and he’s advised business owners and leaders. The Mouse in The Room can be a powerful guide to fostering more connection, influence, and understanding with the people who matter to you, both at work and at home.
You’ll discover:
- What “mouse naming” is and why it’s important for your wellbeing
- What Toleration Mouse and Desire Mouse are connected to
- Why we tend to hide our mice…from ourselves and from others
- The impact that self-esteem has on our ability or willingness to identify mice and talk about them
- How to receive a mouse from someone else without getting defensive
Want to stand out from every other candidate when you’re being considered for a new position or a promotion? Debra Olshan Cooper is a genius at helping clients answer the question: “Who are you?” You’ll find out the exact approach she uses with clients to uncover their true talents and passion. She’s a masterful storyteller herself, as you’ll hear in the many client examples she shares.
Debra is the founder of Your Career Design Lab, which mentors and coaches college graduates to excavate their passion and turn it into a paycheck by crafting their unique story. She’s worked with young adults and people in their 60s. Her 30 years of experience as CEO of two highly successful public relations and marketing firms puts her in a unique position to teach her clients how to create, tell and sell their individual story.
You’ll discover:
- How to turn an interview into a conversation where you share compelling stories
- Why it’s important to ask for what you want
- How to transform imposter syndrome into a strength
- What you can do to turn a No into a Yes
- What employers need to know and do to maximize performance of younger workers
What’s it like to work in a company whose core values are practiced daily by leaders and employees alike? Christopher Lind paints a clear picture, describing the positive impact on relationships and results.
Christopher is Chief Learning Officer at ChenMed. He’s a globally recognized, digital-first leader in learning and workplace technology with a career at the intersection of people, business, and technology. He’s the founder of Learning Sharks and host of the Learning Tech Talks Podcast.
You’ll discover:
- How ChenMed teams live their core values when interacting with each other and their patients
- Four challenges that Christopher is hearing about when talking with leaders in organizations
- A simple solution for eliminating the problem of poor managers
- How leaders can reduce employee anxiety and build a foundation of trust
What if every CEO understood that their title really stands for Chief Environmental Officer?
My guest Jay Steinfeld makes the case that the #1 role of a CEO is to create a culture that helps people thrive and achieve their potential. He should know. His company maintained an astonishingly low turnover rate of 8% throughout his years of leadership.
Find out how this exceptional leader built a healthy workplace that encouraged people to evolve continuously, experiment without fear of failure, express themselves, and enjoy the ride along the way.
Jay was founder and CEO of Blinds.com, the world’s number one online window covering retailer, that was acquired by The Home Deport in 2014. Jay remained on as its CEO and later joined The Home Depot Online Leadership Team. He stepped away from these positions in early 2020 and has RE-WIRED himself for new roles as advisor or Board member for several companies.
You’ll discover:
- How Jay brought the 4 Es to life everyone in the company
- The practices that helped Jay and his team hire the right people
- What leaders can do to make it safe for people to take risks
- Why generosity and gratitude are two of Jay’s core values
- Ways that Jay instilled fun and humor so people actually enjoyed coming to work
Are you aware of the kind of energy you bring to conversations? My guest Marcel Daane has combined his study of martial arts and neuroscience to create a powerful, practical model you can use to apply the right energy in any situation..
In our conversation, we discussed the model and Marcel’s latest book, Five Energies of Horrible Bosses and How Not to Become One. You can take his free 5-minute assessment to become more aware of your own dominant energy and learn how to adjust it for the person you’re with.
Marcel is the CEO of Level V Partners, a global network of uniquely trained Executive Coaches working with multinational organizations, teams, and leaders. In 2020 Marcel was voted Executive Coach of the Year by Singapore Prestige Brands, and in 2016 he was awarded the Global Coaching Leadership Award.
You’ll discover:
- How to identify an organization’s culture in terms of weather
- The 3 Pillars of Wisdom and the one most leaders mistakenly rely on
- A practical definition of Energy
- Why the acronym W.I.S.E. serves as an excellent model for leaders
- The 5 Energies we all have and what they look like on our behavior
Want to know what separates peak performers from everyone else? Dr. Ruth Gotian has studied super successful people for decades and shares the four elements that set them apart. You can learn and adopt these same behaviors.
Ruth is the author of The Success Factor: Developing the Mindset and Skillset for Peak Performance and a contributor to Forbes and Psychology Today where she writes about optimizing success. She won the Thinkers50 Distinguished Achievement “Radar” Award, ranking her the #1 emerging management thinker in the world to bridge theory and practice.
You’ll discover:
- A definition of success that has nothing to do with money
- The single sentence from one of Ruth’s mentors that totally changed the focus of her work
- The four elements that all super successful people have in common
- What you can do to identify and work with a mentor
- How the mindset of very high achievers differs from everyone else
What if you could find out secrets to a strong marriage and then discover that these same secrets can apply to all your relationships? That’s exactly what you’ll learn in this profound conversation I had with John David Mann and Ana Gabriel Mann, co-authors of The Go-Giver Marriage.
John is coauthor of more than 30 books, including his classic 2008 parable The Go-Giver, coauthored with Bob Burg. Ana is a clinical psychologist and therapist currently focused on training coaches around the globe to lead The Go-Giver Marriage workshops.
You’ll discover:
- The role John and Ana each played in the creation of this book
- The one principle that underlies all 5 secrets
- Specific words you can say to express appreciation
- Which secret is a favorite for John and for Ana – and why
- Why they refer to one’s partner as an “unexplored continent”
Do you need to get things done with people whose personalities are very different from yours? Dr. Nate Regier shares how you can recognize their drivers as well as their distress signals—and then respond in a way that best serves you and them.
Nate is the CEO and founding owner of Next Element Consulting, a global leadership firm dedicated to bringing compassion into the workplace. He’s brilliant in creating models that foster positive relationships and workplaces…and then teaching clients how to use them to transform their organizations.
Our conversation centered around his latest book: Seeing People Through: Unleash Your Leadership Potential with the Process Communication Model.
You’ll discover:
- What it means to “see people through” versus “see through people”
- The 6 personality types in the Process Communication Model
- Why it’s important for leaders to detect distress signals so they can invite people back to a healthy place
- What it means to have personality agility
- How leaders can become “self-full” rather than selfish or selfless
What if you could begin each day with the ultimate confidence and focus? Eric Lofholm shares the exact daily routine that prepares him to have an extraordinary, productive day…every single day.
Eric is President and CEO of Eric Lofholm International and the author of 15 books including his latest, Continuous Sales Improvement: The Secret of Achieving Your Peak Sales and Personal Potential. He also leads a Facebook group based on the book, The Ultimate Coach, that’s focused on how you are BEING in the world.
You’ll discover:
- How Eric went from failure in sales to a highly respected international sales trainer
- Three steps you can follow to become a masterful time manager
- The distinction Eric makes between Affirmations and Declarations with his “I AM” statements
- The win-win mindset Eric uses when he encounters “No” from a prospective client
- Why Eric started a Facebook Group around a book he didn’t even write
What if you could learn how to notice and heed your inner signals to make the best decision? Scott Shute describes how you can do this by slowing down and becoming more mindful. We go deep into his fantastic book, The Full Body Yes, exploring the importance of knowing and loving yourself in order to bring more compassion into your world.
In his most recent role at LinkedIn, Scott was the Head of Mindfulness and Compassion programs. He’s been a pioneer in creating mindfulness programs and advancing the discussion around “operationalizing compassion” in the workplace.
You’ll discover:
- What Scott means by The Full Body YES
- How Scott manages his competitive spirt
- Why mindfulness is a powerful tool in the workplace
- How organizations can operationalize compassion
- Why gratitude is a superpower you’ll want to develop
Why is it best to put people before processes in order to achieve the best possible results? My guest Tom Lawrence has learned the answers through intense study of thought leaders and dedicated application over the years with his own teams. Now he’s passionate about sharing his experiences and insights with aspiring and current leaders. You’ll get many practical tips from someone who’s still on the job every day honing his leadership skills.
Tom is unique among my guests because he’s worked in engineering for his entire career. His undergraduate degree is in mechanical engineering, and his master's degree is in maintenance engineering. He had his first leadership role as a project manager in 2009. As a result of his various experiences in all levels of leadership positions, Tom is now on a mission to help aspiring leaders as well as current leaders enhance their leadership skills so they bring out the best in the people on their teams. As part of his mission, he’s written two books, Manager to Leader: How to Become a Highly Effective Leader and A Limitless Mindset: How a Highly Effective Leader Thinks. I highly recommend both of them!
You’ll discover:
- Tom’s journey from acquiring engineering skills to a focus on people in order to achieve the best results
- What Tom means by a “highly effective leader”
- Why character-based leadership is the most powerful way to influence people
- The differences between secure and insecure leaders
- How Tom helps people learn how to solve their own problems
Are you a person who’s always looking for ways to grow and expand? If so, you’ll love my conversation with Simon Haigh. And get ready to take notes. Simon shares valuable, practical ways for expanding your mindset and behaviors to become a more effective leader. Simon is founder and CEO of GCM Consulting and Simonhaigh.com. He’s known as The Growth Strategist because he helps organizations and leaders grow in 4 areas: business, leadership, brand, and mindset.
Simon started out as a tri-qualified commercial lawyer—in England & Wales, Australia, and Ireland. He’s been an entrepreneur, building and selling out of companies in 3 industries: technology, luxury items and travel. Simon has also been a C-suite executive and has sat on five boards across different industries. He’s currently an associate member of the Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching Organization.
You’ll discover:
- What Simon learned from Marshall Goldsmith about matching his confidence with his capabilities
- The benefits of having clarity around your purpose
- 3 questions you can ask yourself every morning for 6 weeks to gain greater self-awareness
- Why you can actually achieve more when you slow down
- The importance of understanding both the light and dark side of yourself
What if you could welcome conflicts instead of avoiding or dreading them? My guest Jason Digges describes how it’s possible to do just that by using Authentic Relating. We talk about that topic and many other ideas from his excellent book, Conflict = Energy, The Transformative Practice of Authentic Relating. You will want to take notes because Jason shares a wealth of practical ideas you can apply at work and at home.
Jason is a modern renaissance man. He’s equal parts artist, philosopher, teacher, and media producer. From 2003-2012 he worked for Integral Institute to create thousands of hours of educational media on the topics of transpersonal psychology, spirituality, productivity, and personal growth. Jason is obsessed with how humans can live and relate optimally. Since 2012, he’s facilitated groups and taught authentic relating and circling courses in over 20 cities around the world.
You’ll discover:
- The 5 practices involved in Authentic Relating (AR)
- Why Appreciation is a key element in building trust and strong relationships
- The roles of Noticing, Appreciating, and Curiosity in AR
- Why Dignity + Humility = Transformation and how the shadow side of each can get in the way of connecting with others
- How leaders can create psychological safety so people feel free to speak up and share their thoughts and feelings
Have you considered starting a business—or do you run one now? In either case, my conversation with Sylvana Caloni and Paul O’Donnell is a must-listen. They share essential lessons learned from the starting up and closing down of a premium pie business. Their insights can help you avoid pitfalls and increase your chances of long-term success.
Sylvana and Paul co-authored Humble Crumbles: Savouring the Crumbs of Wisdom from the Rise and Fall of Humble Pie to tell the story of Paul’s failed business venture. Paul provides a raw account of his journey as an entrepreneur with his company, Humble Pie, and Sylvana supplements his narrative with observations and suggestions based on her dual lenses as an equity analyst and leadership coach. They embrace the one word we tend to avoid in life and in business: failure.
You’ll discover:
- Why “failure” is not a negative
- The importance of self-awareness for entrepreneurs to be successful
- Why you must consider the downsides when creating a business plan
- How to make the most of mentors and advisors when starting and running a business
- The value of making a BIG ask
What if you could increase your emotional intelligence and expand your self-awareness? That’s the journey my guest Jon Hunter traveled in advancing from salesperson to Chief Revenue Officer. You’ll be drawn in by Jon’s truth-telling around topics like self-awareness, feedback, and creating safety and trust. Get ready to take notes because Jon drops a lot of nuggets you’ll want to remember and apply.
Jon has held positions like Chief Revenue Officer and Senior VP of Sales in various enterprise software companies over the past 25 years. Now he’s passionate about developing the next generation of leaders, and he started The Hunter X Podcast to share insights gained from his experiences. Jon’s podcast is packed with nuggets you can use every day, in just 8-12 minutes per episode. I highly recommend you subscribe and read all his posts on LinkedIn.
You’ll discover:
- Why leaders must create safety and trust early on when working with a new team
- The #1 stumbling block for leaders who want to advance to the next level
- How Jon developed his emotional intelligence to become a highly effective leader
- The most important trait John looks and listens for when interviewing job candidates
- The value of getting feedback throughout your career
Do you struggle to achieve what you want in life? My guest Tim Shurr understands what holds most people back. He’s worked with more than 10,000 people in his career as a hypnotist and therapist, and in a very short time, he’s helped people break behavior patterns that have plagued them for decades. You’ll love Tim’s caring, confident approach in working with clients and be amazed at the results he helps them achieve.
Tim is one of the top Hypnotists in the world and author of 6 books including The Power Of Optimism, Get Out Of Your Way, Losing Weight Without Losing Your Mind, and One Belief Away! He’s also the host of the podcast, How to Be Mesmerizing. Tim is improving the lives of people around the world with his revolutionary One Belief Away method. His personal mission is to make the world a happier place by helping millions of people end needless emotional suffering.
You’ll discover:
- The role unconscious beliefs play in our actions and results
- The #1 limiting belief that almost everyone has
- Why affirmations alone won’t help you change a belief
- Tim’s 5-step process for upgrading a belief
- Why kindness towards ourselves and towards others is so important
Do you have a consistent, intentional reading habit? If not, my guest Jeff Brown will help you appreciate the power of establishing one! Jeff describes the impact that books have had on his career and life. He’s the host of the popular Read to Lead Podcast, where he interviews today's best business and non-fiction authors, such as actor and author Alan Alda, Seth Godin, John Maxwell, Brian Tracy, and more than 300 others (including me!). In our conversation, Jeff shares many practical tips that will make it easier for you to remember and apply what you read.
Jeff is an award-winning radio producer and personality, and former nationally syndicated morning show host. Following a 26-year career in radio, Jeff went boss-free in 2013 and soon after launched his podcast. He’s the co-author of the book, Read to Lead: The Simple Habit That Expands Your Influence and Boosts Your Career.
You’ll discover:
- Why it’s important for leaders to be readers
- How reading can help you expand your influence and boost your career
- What’s behind the resistance some people feel towards reading
- How to create a consistent, intentional reading habit
- Work-arounds for reading a 200-page book in an hour
Think back to a time when you were anxious about addressing an issue with someone at work. How long did you put it off? My guest Roberta Matuson has written a powerful book to help you prepare for and have those challenging conversations. In her interview, we discussed the important, practical guidance she provides in her latest book, Can We Talk? Seven Principles for Managing Difficult Conversations at Work. We took a deep dive into the topics of confidence, clarity of preparation, compassion, and curiosity. You are sure to pick up tips that you can use next time you need to have one of those difficult discussions.
Roberta is president of Matuson Consulting. For more than 25 years, she’s been helping organizations like General Motors and Microsoft achieve dramatic growth through the maximization of talent. And that’s why she’s known worldwide as The Talent Maximizer. She’s the author of six commercially published books and an executive coach who leads her clients to reduce the time and stress often associated with speaking up to a boss, coworker or direct report.
You’ll discover:
- The impact that the Great Resignation has had on open, honest communications
- How to plan for the worst and expect the best
- The kinds of conversations people avoid having with each other…and why
- Questions you can ask yourself to gain clarity about the purpose and desired outcomes for a conversation
- Why empathy and compassion are key elements in building trust in work relationships
How can you combine a service orientation with marketing to build strong relationships? My guest Janice Porter has a winning approach that works really well for her and for her clients. Janice is all about relationships! She’s passionate about helping people build their businesses through relationship marketing and networking, using both online and offline strategies. I loved her focus on giving first, and so will you.
During our conversation, Janice shares specific strategies she recommends for making your presence on LinkedIn more powerful and effective. She also describes how she uses SendOutCards to stay in touch with people she’s met, to provide the kind of mail that always gets opened. Janice is also the host of the Relationships Rule Podcast, where she interviews people who share her passion for building strong business relationships. I highly recommend her show.
You’ll discover:
- How Janice defines Relationship Marketing and what it means for you
- The 4 H’s in your LinkedIn profile that matter most
- How to send connection requests that get accepted
- What most people do wrong in LinkedIn messaging…and what you can do that works
- Ways that Janice uses SendOutCards to send personalized cards that don’t get thrown away
How do you become a thought leader and then leverage that position for increased influence and income? My guest Peter Winick knows how. For that past 20 years, Peter has worked with a variety of thought leaders—including authors, speakers, CEOs, and academics—to build their brands. And his results are impressive. In our conversation he shares important do’s and don’ts for achieving such an esteemed position.
Peter is the founder and CEO of Thought Leadership Leverage, a consulting firm that helps thought leaders leverage their expertise. He applies these same processes to an organization that wants to differentiate and grow its business. Peter is also the host of the Leveraging Thought Leadership Podcast, where he interviews, not surprisingly, thought leaders. I highly recommend his show!
You’ll discover:
- What thought leadership is and how it differs from subject matter expertise
- Peter’s advice for those who want to develop a reputation as a thought leader
- Why it’s a mistake to claim you’re a thought leader
- How Peter’s company helps clients use leverage to scale their influence and revenue
- The impact COVID had on speaking as a thought leader’s key strategy
Do you know the factors that most influence your career advancement? My guest Amii Barnard-Bahn is an expert in this area; and in our conversation she reveals the five key elements that impact promotability. Amii and I discuss the one that most leaders underestimate—external awareness—and what you can do to make sure this is not a blind spot for you. Her stories about executives she’s helped are sure to inspire you!
Amii is a former Fortune Global 50 executive and now a consultant to the C-Suite at global companies like Adobe and The Gap. She’s recognized by Forbes as one of the top coaches for legal and compliance executives, and she’s a member of Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches. Her latest creations are an assessment called The Promotability Index® and the companion book, The PI Guidebook: How the Promotability Index Can Help You Get Ahead in Your Career.
You’ll discover:
- The 5 key elements of promotability
- Why so many leaders lack external awareness—and what to do about it
- How to build a better relationship with your manager and others who could influence your advancement
- Practical ideas for requesting feedback to help eliminate your blind spots
- Why relationships are the foundation for getting support for a promotion
Do you ever struggle with overwhelm and feel stressed? My guest Fran Keogh understands those feelings. She helps clients reduce those negative states by simplifying their decisions and their lives. Fran also “gets” the perfectionism and procrastination that keep someone from achieving the results they seek. In fact, her coaching practice focuses on assisting busy professionals to build a better life in order to have more time, fun, and freedom.
Over the years, Fran has reinvented herself multiple times—from radio host, voice-over talent, “domestic goddess” (aka at-home mother of four), alpaca farmer, yoga teacher, health coach, to business life coach and speaker. This is a lively conversation with a very special human being who’s learned many lessons from her varied experiences.
You’ll discover:
- How Fran helps clients identify and work through overwhelm
- What’s behind the fear that often drives us
- How to practice mindfulness in your daily life
- Why Fran does not hesitate to ASK for what she wants
Have you known anyone who went from millionaire to bankrupt to multi-millionaire? That describes the journey of my guest, David Meltzer, Co-founder and CEO of Sports 1 Marketing. We discuss what he’s learned along the way, and why his company today is committed to teaching others to make a lot of money, help a lot of people, and have a lot of fun. You’ll learn about the five daily practices that can assist you in accomplishing these three things on an ongoing basis.
Before founding his company, David served as CEO of the renowned Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment Agency, which was the inspiration for the movie Jerry Maguire. David has been recognized by Variety Magazine as their Sports Humanitarian of the Year. He’s the author of Connected to Goodness, Compassionate Capitalism with Blaine Bartlett, and his latest, Game-time Decision Making. David’s mission in life is to empower OVER 1 BILLION people to be happy! This simple yet powerful mission has led him on an incredible journey to provide one thing…VALUE. In all his content and communication, that’s exactly what you’ll receive, as you’ll see in our conversation.
You’ll discover:
- Why those who love you most aren’t always the best ones to give you career or business advice
- The distinction David makes between things happening to or for him vs through him
- The perspective David has about the word “NO” that allows him to welcome each one he gets
- What it means for a leader to be an intelligent follower
- Why gratitude is the secret sauce for happiness in life
How can you work through the inevitable pain that you experience in life…and emerge stronger and more powerful? Dr. Bridget Cooper knows a thing or two about that. She endured unthinkable physical, emotional and sexual abuse from infancy and throughout her teen years. She overcame incredible odds to become a powerful voice for living life fully, no matter what adversity you’ve had in your past.
Dr. B is the bestselling author of six books including Little Landslides, which is her personal memoir of rising up through trauma. She’s created a proven process for being a Pain Rebel, empowering clients around the world to reclaim their power…and peace. Our conversation centered around this process, which she describes in her latest book, Pain Rebel: How We Take Our Power Back.
You’ll discover:
- Why Dr. B refers to herself as a cage rattler
- The importance of eliminating “should” from your thoughts and words
- How to identify and eliminate old “contracts” so you can enter into new, healthier ones
- The roles that Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors have in forming new contracts
- The important distinction Dr. B makes between wounds and scars
What if the purpose of business were to “uplift the experience of being alive on the planet?” My guest Blaine Bartlett proposes this definition after 30+ years of working with all kinds of organizations. Blaine makes the point that potential customers will want to buy from a company that takes this approach because they’ll feel good about themselves when they do. There are lots of thought-provoking moments in my conversation with this very remarkable human being.
Blaine is President and CEO of Avatar Resources, Inc., a consulting firm he founded in 1987. He coaches and consults worldwide with leaders, executives, companies and governments. He’s also the Founder of the Institute for Compassionate Capitalism and a longtime member of the Transformational Leadership Council. Blaine is the author of 5 books, and we talked about his two latest ones: Compassionate Capitalism: A Journey to the Soul of Business and The Leadership Mindset Weekly.
You’ll discover:
- What’s broken about capitalism and what Blaine sees as the solution
- How Blaine defines compassion in the context of business
- A 3-word definition of leadership that’s right on target
- How the “reality distortion field” can help you accelerate achievement of your goals
- What companies that adopt compassionate capitalism do differently
Is it really possible to transform a company’s culture? Tom Willis not only knows it’s possible, he facilitates these kinds of changes on a regular basis. Tom’s experiences as a CEO and Superintendent of Cornerstone Education Group, as a consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers, and as an engineer with the Intel Corporation prepared him well for the work he does today. He’s committed to helping senior leaders become conscious of behaviors they can change that positively impact culture. You’ll love Tom’s passion for his work and the specific skills he brings to ensure real changes happen.
Tom is the co-founder and Partner of Phoenix Performance Partners, a firm that works with school superintendents and CEOs to create cultures that foster the growth of each person and the organization as a whole. Tom is also the host of the Culture Eats Everything Podcast, where he interviews CEOs and Superintendents who’ve created positive cultures.
You’ll discover:
- How Tom defines culture
- What prevents many organizations from making changes to their existing culture
- Why Tom’s team avoids labels like “dysfunctional” when describing issues or behaviors that cause problems within an organization
- The types of up-front analysis tools Tom and his team use to identify the root cause issues
- What’s required to create a high-performing, coaching culture
Are you feeling stressed or in danger of burning out? My guest Janice Litvin shares valuable tips that can help you regain calmness, inner peace and joy. Janice has invested years in developing and applying unique strategies to her own life and to the lives of her clients. We discuss her stress management methodology, which is not only practical, it really works! You’ll love Janice’s passion for her work and the success stories she shares.
Janice is on a mission to help leaders and teams banish burnout in their organizations. She does this through keynotes, workshops, and accountability groups. Janice wants to help as many people as possible take care of their physical and mental health, and that includes teaching them to manage stress to prevent burnout, to eat healthfully, and to fall in love with fitness. She’s the author of the Banish Burnout Toolkit, and we took a deep dive into her book during our conversation.
You’ll discover:
- Where stress comes from…and how to recognize it
- Why awareness is the first of the 6 tools Janice covers in her book
- The role that music plays in preventing burnout
- What leaders can do to help workers avoid burnout
- How an accountability buddy contributes to well-being
Want to find out how to act with more courage and connect with celebrities or other VIPs? Meet my guest, Laban Ditchburn. Laban has invited, and had as guests on his podcast, well-known authors and speakers like Les Brown, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. Laban’s lack of fear is well-earned. He’s one of those people who has truly seen and done it all, especially when it comes to addictions—from alcohol, sex, gambling, drugs, and negative self-talk. Laban now embodies the word, “transformation.”
Today Laban is a motivational speaker, author…and the undisputed World’s Best Courage Coach. He’s passionate about health, well-being and personal growth. He uses his own experiences as fuel. Laban is the host of the Become Your Own Superhero Podcast and the author of a new book, Bet on You. You’re sure to be inspired and motivated by Laban’s story.
You’ll discover:
- Why it’s important to surround yourself with people who support your best self and growth
- Why Laban gave his podcast the name “Become Your Own Superhero”
- The encouragement Laban provides for those struggling with any kind of addiction
- How he learned to create a healthy, loving romantic relationship
- The role forgiveness has played in Laban’s journey to emotional and physical health
Have you ever worked for a very smart but very toxic boss? Dr. Katrina Burrus specializes in helping these kinds of leaders become more aware of their problem behaviors and adopt new ones that inspire people to perform at their best. You’ll love hearing about her style and approach, which focuses on strengths and strategies for building productive relationships…instead of weaknesses that need to be fixed or overcome.
Katrina is the CEO and founder of Excellent Executive Coaching. She’s a keynote speaker and author of 3 books, including Managing Brilliant Jerks: How Organizations and Coaches Can Transform Difficult Leaders into Powerful Visionaries. She’s also the host of the Excellent Executive Coaching Podcast, which I highly recommend you subscribe to.
You’ll discover:
- How Katrina defines “brilliant jerk”
- The difference between a brilliant jerk and a demanding leader
- The process Katrina uses to help a leader become aware of behaviors that are causing problems for others
- The impact on performance of those who work for a caustic boss vs a great leader
- What Katrina does to ensure that new leaders succeed
What does it take to create a positive culture in a competitive sales environment? Vince Burruano shares answers to that question and more in this outstanding interview. Vince works with purpose and intention every day to provide opportunities for learning and development for each member of his sales team. He’s also been committed to his own growth, and he firmly believes that leaders need to be a model in this area for their teams. It was inspiring to hear Vince describe all the ways he fosters an open, honest and safe environment.
Vince is Vice President of Sales for the Commercial Division of JK Moving Services, the nation’s largest independent mover, based in Sterling, Virginia. As a leader, Vince promotes a culture that values trust, respect, and collaboration in order to foster continuous improvement. He’s the author of A Daily Dose of Sales Wisdom, a book that offerspractical advice for sales professionals and leaders who want to excel.
You’ll discover:
- The importance of scheduling regular 1-1 meetings with each team member…and what to cover in those conversations
- How Vince uses books with his team to help them make continuous improvements
- What Vince and his team did to ensure the company thrived during COVID
- The strengths Vince has identified and enjoys most in millennial workers
- Why mindset has been a key component in the success Vince has experienced since his early years in sales
What could you learn about another person if you paid attention to much more than the words they were saying? Steve Sims is a master at this. He designs and delivers unique experiences for his clients by listening to what they say they want and then asking questions to hear what they really need. The result is an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience and a raving fan for life.
Steve has a unique talent for connecting with people’s passions, opening doors, and making things happen. He’s been running his luxury travel and lifestyle concierge firm, Bluefish, for more than twenty years. During that time, Steve has developed an exclusive reputation and impressive client list of the world’s rich and famous. Steve is the author of Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen and host of the podcast, The Art of Making Things Happen.
You’ll discover:
- Why Steve made the decision to hang around with rich people…and how he did it
- How Steve uses his listening skills to hear what a prospective client really needs, beyond the words they say
- The reason Steve asks WHY 3 times whenever someone gives him an answer…and how it leads to a powerful relationship
- What holds people back from making big asks…and how to get past the hesitation
- The reason Steve uses the word “discover” instead of “fail”
Want to upgrade your mindset and learn to trust your intuition more? Kc Rossi shares powerful insights that will help you expand your thinking about what’s possible for you. Be ready to take notes because you’ll want to capture, remember, and apply a boatload of ideas from this powerful interview. Kc’s own experience as an entrepreneur for 30 years has prepared her for the work she does as a Business & Mindset Coach who helps high-achieving women entrepreneurs go from people-pleasing burned-out perfectionists to profitable powerhouses.
A full-time entrepreneur since 1991, Kc has built 6 and 7+ figure businesses. She’s the Founder of The Soulprint Method®, a system that combines energy, mindset, and spirituality. She’s also the talented host of Women Developing Brilliance – the Spirit of Business Podcast, where she combines interviews with seasons entrepreneurs with her own rich solocasts.
You’ll discover:
- How self-trust expands your intuitive capabilities
- Why you need to expand your mindset instead of looking for “another stinking strategy”
- What you can do to have fun as you pursue ambitious goals and personal growth
- The value of slowing down and giving your inner wisdom a chance to speak to you
What do bullying, workplace culture and visionary leadership have in common? Meet Connie St. John. She is a woman on a mission to have a positive (and BIG) impact in each of these areas. You’ll discover what she’s doing to eliminate bullying in middle schools throughout the country. And you’ll get valuable insights about the importance of leaders paying attention to the “tone” in order to tell if they are creating a culture where people thrive. Connie’s stories and message are compelling and unforgettable!
Connie has more than 25 years of experience working with a wide variety of cultural influencers, including Fortune 50 companies, historic nonprofits, notable entertainment companies, churches and media moguls. She heads St. John Consulting Group, which specializes in team-building workshops and retreats, employee engagement, leadership development, executive coaching, and JEDI training (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion). Connie is also the president of No Weapon Productions, which specializes in change-your-life entertainment for film, television, stage productions, and live events.
You’ll discover:
- How Connie uses her balance between right- and left-brain thinking to help clients work more efficiently and with heart
- What “cultural influencer” organizations are and why Connie is uniquely qualified to serve them
- The musical Connie has created for middle school students around the issue of bullying
- The approach Connie takes with executives to address workplace bullies
- How Connie uses jigsaw puzzles to teach leaders the importance of communicating their vision throughout the organization
What’s required to create relationships that are personally and financially rewarding? My guest Tyler Wagner has answers because connecting people is his superpower. A college drop-out and a door-to-door salesman, Tyler did not follow the typical path to a successful career. Since an early age, he’s known how to make friends and strategic introductions. It took him a while to figure out how to build a business around that, and today he has an incredible network of people who love helping him succeed. In our conversation, he shares ideas that you can adopt for your own business or career.
Tyler is the Head Honcho at Authors Unite where he and his team help authors with all aspects of book writing, publishing and promotion—and that includes getting on best-seller lists of publications like the Wall Street Journal and USA Today. He’s also host of The Tyler Wagner Show, where I’ve been a guest, and he’s recorded almost 2,000 episodes.
You’ll discover:
- What Tyler’s experience with door-to-door sales taught him about business
- A key question to ask yourself up-front so you avoid taking “No” as a personal rejection
- How to use curiosity to learn, grow, and create strong relationships
- Why Tyler thinks in terms of complementing and not competing with related vendors
- Mistakes to avoid if you’re considering writing a book or publishing one you’ve already written
What does it take for women to thrive in the corporate world? After spending decades trying to figure out the answers, my guest Helen Appleby came to realize that men had advantages that women didn’t. So she formulated her own set of rules that she now shares through her book, podcast, coaching and programs for women. In this interview, Helen shares specific, practical tips based on her experiences. My male listeners will benefit from our entire conversation and in particular the ideas she shares at the end on how men can support women in the workplace.
Helen is an expert in women’s leadership. She’s navigated her own path to success in corporate life, which included running a billion-dollar global business and living and working in six countries. Helen now provides coaching and training to other women leaders. She wrote her book The Unwritten Rules of Women’s Leadership to help women step into their power, write their own rules and succeed in their career. She’s also the host of The Unwritten Rules Podcast, where she interviews women about their journeys and lessons learned in the corporate world.
You’ll discover:
- Why the advice Helen’s father gave her was both encouraging and unhelpful
- The difference between visible and invisible work—and why invisible work is not enough
- Helen’s recommendation for making your work more visible without coming across as self-promotional
- The roles of Mentors and Sponsors in helping you advance your career
- 3 things men can do to support the women they work with
Imagine if there were a company that could consistently achieve an employee engagement score of 93 or 94? You don’t have to imagine it. That’s a reality at WD-40 Company. My guest Garry Ridge describes the elements he and his tribe have put in place and practice daily. You’ll be inspired by his passion and commitment to create a learning and empowering culture where every single person in the company thrives.
Garry is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WD-40 Company. He now speaks and coaches with other CEOs to help them build positive cultures in their own organizations. Garry is also an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego where he teaches the principles and practices of corporate culture in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership program. In 2009 he co-authored Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy called ‘Don’t Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A with Ken Blanchard. In 2020 he wrote TRIBE CULTURE: How It Shaped WD-40 Company and in 2021 The UNEXPECTED LEARNING MOMENT.
You’ll discover:
- What “accidental soul-sucking” CEOs do to undermine a positive work environment
- Why Garry refers to everyone at WD-40 as “tribe” instead of “team”
- The 4 pillars of the fearless tribe at WD-40
- The distinction Garry makes between empathy and ego
- Why there are only “learning moments” and not failures or mistakes at WD-40
Have you ever wondered what’s involved in the path to being recognized as a thought leader? Denise Brosseau has provided the answer in her timeless book, Ready to Be a Thought Leader? And in our conversation, she reveals the key elements required to achieve that level of influence. Denise helps clients overcome a major obstacle in this journey—their reluctance to give themselves credit for their well-earned expertise. You’ll find out her approach to moving them past these self-imposed limitations.
Denise is founder and CEO of Thought Leadership Lab, where she works with leaders and their teams to accelerate their journey from leader to thought leader. She founded the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, which is now Watermark, and co-founded Springboard, the prestigious women’s startup launchpad that has led to more than $10 billion in funding for women entrepreneurs.
You’ll discover:
- How Denise defines “thought leader”
- The essential steps for being recognized as a thought leader
- Issues that hold people back from stepping into this role
- The importance of champions and allies—and the differences between these two groups of supporters
- Why Denise has focused on helping women entrepreneurs get funding for their start-ups
How much attention do you pay to each moment as you experience it? My guest Achim Nowak shares four keys to becoming more mindful in the midst of a busy, full life so you create the best possible experience from every moment. In our conversation we explore four topics from his latest book, The Moment: A Practical Guide to Creating a Mindful Life in a Distracted World. This book is a rich resource of ideas and insights, and Achim is a superb storyteller.
Achim is the Founder and President of Brilliant Best. In his work as an executive coach, he helps CEOs and C-Suite leaders around the world show up with relaxed authority and amplify their impact. He’s a TEDx speaker, the author of 3 books, and the host of an outstanding podcast, MY FOURTH ACT.
You’ll discover:
- How actors train to awaken their senses so they can be or do whatever’s needed in a given moment
- Benefits of developing and paying attention to “Prajna” or inner wisdom
- What you can do to create micro-moments of love throughout the day
- Ideas for slowing down and making time stand still
- Why it’s important to build “unobligated time” into your life
Want to reduce the amount of drama and conflict in your life? My guest Nate Regier explains the drama triangle and the real causes of conflict…and why compassionate accountability is the solution to both. Nate’s unique perspective about conflict can help you approach differences with another person in a new, better way. He’s brilliant in creating models that foster positive relationships and workplaces…and then teaching clients how to use them to transform their organizations. You’ll find that his model for compassionate accountability has immediate application in your life.
Nate is the CEO and founding owner of Next Element Consulting, a global leadership firm dedicated to bringing compassion into the workplace. He’s the author of three books, and this interview focused on his second book: Conflict without Casualties: A Field Guide for Leading with Compassionate Accountability. Nate hosts an excellent podcast called “On Compassion with Dr. Nate,” where he spotlights leaders committed to building positive cultures.
You’ll discover:
- The dynamics between the 3 roles of Victim, Rescuer and Persecutor
- Why Nate describes Rescuers as “non-consensual helpers”
- What Nate means when he says, “Compassion is not for the faint of heart”
- The 3 elements of the model (Open-Resourceful-Persistent-Order) and why the sequence is so important
- The distinction between boundaries, ultimatums and consequences
How do you respond to unexpected and unwelcome events in your life? My guest Vanessa Broers has walked this path herself and helps her coaching clients navigate these situations successfully, too. In our conversation, Vanessa shares specific lessons she learned during her pregnancy and her first year of motherhood. You won’t want to miss this interview, where you’ll learn how to see that “life’s challenges are specifically designed for your success.”
Vanessa is a life and performance coach and the host of a weekly live show on Facebook and YouTube called “Practical Magic.” She is the best copywriter, bar none, in describing her guest for an upcoming show…and her interviews are all excellent. Vanessa is the author of a book about her experience with motherhood called We Are One, which I’ve read and highly recommend.
You’ll discover:
- The distinction Vanessa makes between “balance” and “integration” or “expansion”
- Insights Vanessa gained during her pregnancy and first year of motherhood as a result of deep personal development work she did during that time
- The experience that helped her discover how to take in the fullness of the present moment and not just one piece of it
- Why Vanessa believes we’ve gotten “motherhood” all wrong
- What she means when she tells clients to “stop asking for love like an infant”
How can you tell stories that draw people in, enhance your credibility and don’t send the audience running? Ann Sheybani has the answer, and she shares her wisdom in great detail in this interview. Ann excels in helping speakers, coaches, and entrepreneurs write and publish books that attract their ideal clients and make them stand out from the rest. You will love her truth-telling, direct approach in describing what works…and what doesn’t.
Ann is the Founder of Summit Press Publishers and The Influential Author. She’s also the author of How to Eat the Elephant: Build Your Book in Bite-Sized Steps. Ann received a Masters degree in Creative Writing and Literature from Harvard University and is a Book Yourself Solid Certified Coach. She currently resides in rural Ireland with her husband and a former guest on my podcast, Walt Hampton. Ann and Walt together run Summit Success, a global business and personal development consultancy.
You’ll discover:
- Why storytelling is such a critical component of a book or speech
- Mistakes that authors and speakers often make around stories
- The kinds of stories you may be reluctant to tell…but will have strong persuasion power
- How one client almost lost a book deal because she was going to omit her most powerful story
Do you ever hesitate to speak up in a meeting or in a situation that you perceive to be risky? My guest Dr. Doreen Downing shares practical, valuable tips that can make those moments more comfortable and enjoyable for you. You’ll love Doreen’s approach to helping people identify their negative thoughts and beliefs that prevent them from feeling safe about speaking up. In conquering her own stage fright, she discovered being connected to your authentic self is the key to relaxed and confident speaking.
Doreen is a Psychologist, Founder of the Essential Speaking Institute, and host of the podcast, Find Your Voice, Change Your Life. Her experience as a therapist helps her create a safe space for clients who want to get past the fears and doubts that have held them back from being their authentic selves. Doreen now specializes in the treatment of public speaking anxiety.
You’ll discover:
- How Doreen’s training as a psychologist helps her in her work with clients
- The fears that prevent people from offering their opinions and ideas in meetings or risky situations
- How to recognize when you’re being authentic so you speak with great confidence
- Why Doreen uses the word BE as the first word in each of her 7 steps
- What’s required to BE Silent and quiet a busy mind
Can you imagine having your arm torn off your body at age 7? That was the reality that my guest, Brian Bogert, faced at that tender age. You’ll be inspired and moved hearing Brian’s story of the accident, his recovery, and how he has used that experience to pursue the path he’s on now. His goal is to impact one BILLION people in the next 25 years, to help them see how to experience No Limits Living. Get out your pen and paper because Brian shares so much wisdom that you’ll want to capture these insights and tips to apply later.
Brian is a passionate human behavior and performance coach, speaker, business strategist, top sales professional and philanthropic leader who believes in helping growth-minded individuals achieve the best version of themselves: meaning, their most authentic selves.
You’ll discover:
- How to experience pain so you can move through it now and avoid suffering in the future
- Ways to increase your levels of awareness to realize when you’re operating in a “victim” mindset
- Questions you can ask others to help you identify blind spots…and the mindset you need to adopt before you ask
- How to take personal responsibility even if you find yourself being emotionally triggered by someone’s words or actions
- The advantages of approaching a situation from a neutral position
What if there were a way to create a workplace (and world!) where people genuinely respect those who aren’t like them? That’s the focus of Robin Rosenberg’s work. As CEO and Founder of Live in Their World, Robin combines her expertise as a clinical psychologist with her passion for using Virtual Reality for good. Join our conversation to learn about the programs she’s created to help all employees of a company become more sensitive to bias and its effects…and develop more respectful and productive ways to interact with each other.
Robin is board certified in clinical psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Psychology. She has taught psychology classes at Harvard University and Lesley University and has written psychology textbooks. She’s also had psychotherapy and coaching practices in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City.
You’ll discover:
- How Robin defines civility in the workplace
- Why she prefers the sequence of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity (EID) instead of DEI.
- The impact on workplace behavior when someone is able to experience virtually what another person goes through when being disrespected
- The challenges of remote and hybrid work environments…and how to overcome them
Are you focusing every day exclusively on the systems and processes that will help you accelerate your business growth and get the results you want? If not, Crista Grasso has practical answers! She shares lessons learned from her own jewelry business that she brings to her work with clients. You’ll find out why she recommends a 90-day plan to help you achieve phenomenal results and achieve a Rich Fulfilled Life.
Crista Grasso is a lean business consultant, creator of the Lean Out Method, the 90 Day Lean Out Planner, and host of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast. She has been helping businesses achieve accelerated results and increased profitability for two decades through a combination of strategic planning and lean business practices. Crista, known as the "Business Optimizer," specializes in helping businesses identify the most important things they should focus on right now that will drive maximum value for their customers and maximum profits for their business.
You’ll discover:
- How to eliminate waste in your business so you invest time in what gets you the best results
- The 4 pillars for creating a lean business
- Why Crista created a Lean Out Planner with a 90-day focus
- How she helps clients shift from their old, inefficient process to a more effective one
- Why it’s useful to listen for times when you say, “Yeah, but…”
What does it take to prepare college and university students to be effective leaders when they graduate? My guest Tom Kolditz knows exactly what’s required…and he’s making it happen as Executive Director of the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University—the most comprehensive, evidence‐based, university‐wide leader development program in the world. Tom was hand-picked by billionaire John Doerr to create this program. What Tom and his team have achieved in the past 6 years is ground-breaking and highly effective.
Tom is extremely well-qualified for this role. He’s a retired Brigadier General, and for 12 years at West Point he led the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership. Then for 4 years he was the founding director of the Leader Development Program at the Yale School of Management. He's the co-author with my good friend Libby Gill of the book that explains all the components of the Doerr program: Leadership Reckoning: Can Higher Education Develop the Leaders We Need?
You’ll discover:
- The 4 Principles of the Doerr Institute that drive all their program decisions
- The shortfalls in most college/university student leadership development programs
- Why Tom’s focus of leadership development is on colleges/universities only and not high schools
- Why HR executives compete to hire participants of the Doerr Institute
- How Tom has partnered with the Carnegie Foundation to co-create a classification system that every college and university in the U.S. can apply for
Want to have a truly inspired and inspiring life? You’ll love what my guest Tony Martignetti has to say about this! Tony is a master at guiding his clients to explore their pasts and uncover themes in their life that help them identify the future they’d like to create. During our conversation, Tony describes what he does to be fully present so his clients feel safe opening up to him. Just listening to him is a gift that will help you discover how you can be in the moment and live a more inspired life.
Tony is the Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer at Inspired Purpose Coaching. His mission is to elevate leaders and equip them with the tools to navigate through change and unlock their true potential. He loves guiding people to find clarity in their lives so they are energized, fully present, and unstoppable. He has 25 years of business and management experience, including the fields of life sciences and high tech. Tony is the host of The Virtual Campfire Podcast and the author of Climbing the Right Mountain: Navigating the Journey to An Inspired Life.
You’ll discover:
- The moment Tony realized that, “To change the room, I had to leave the room.”
- Why Tony calls his coaching methodology Inside Out Coaching
- What the best leaders do to inspire others to do their best
- What causes many leaders to feel unfulfilled…and how Tony helps them create their own definition of success
- Why Tony advocates using “employee enrichment” instead of “employee engagement”
Want to create a new perspective about the younger generation in the workplace? You must listen to my conversation with Evan Hackel! Evan is on fire about the value these young people bring to work. You’ll discover why he says, “Millennials are the best workers who have ever entered the workforce, and Generation Z will only be better.” Evan also describes the detailed process his company uses to interview and hire new employees…and the excellent results they’ve achieved.
Evan is the CEO of Tortal Training, a leading training development company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tortal is on the cutting edge when it comes to the creation of mobile training platforms for organizations with distributed workforces. Evan is also Founder and Principal of Ingage Consulting, a management and leadership consulting firm located in Woburn, Massachusetts. And he’s the author of a wonderful book, Ingaging Leadership Meets the Younger Generation.
You’ll discover:
- The distinction Evan makes between Ingagement and Engagement
- The unique strengths that younger workers can bring to your organization
- Ways that Millennials and Gen Z generations are different
- What type of training young people respond best to
- How to onboard new hires so they become part of your culture faster
If you’ve tried different time management systems and still feel overwhelmed and stressed, this episode is for you. My guest Mark Silverman shares key points from his excellent book (and my favorite on this topic), Only 10s 2.0 - Confront Your To-do List, Transform Your Life. Mark has created a simple system that’s easy to adopt and stick with. You will love the passion and energy he brings to our conversation around valuing your time, uncovering the real reasons why you don’t do the things that will achieve your goals, and the power of self-inquiry.
When working for fast-growing tech startups, Mark generated more than $90,000,000 in sales. He achieved this by bringing together teams of executives and technical leaders to close complex multimillion-dollar sales. Mark has experienced, first hand, the pressure of the 'hustle and grind' culture along with the unique challenges of the "C-Suite." This experience, together with his years of training as a coach and facilitator, helps his coaching clients create sustainable and lasting success in all areas of their lives.
Mark is the author of and the host of the Mastering Midlife Podcast.
You’ll discover:
- How to identify the 10s that are your true top priorities
- Why 7s, 8s and 9s can be so attractive and derail your focus
- The one-word question Mark keeps asking his clients until they get to the real reason or root cause
- Why self-inquiry is a key step in discovering the truth about your procrastination
- How to find the “gold” in any crisis
Have you had trouble establishing a work-out routine and sticking with it? My guest Carl Ficks has helpful solutions to that challenge! Even if you have minimal time available, Carl describes how to create a plan that will work for you. He shares how his routine enables him to be more creative and come up with great ideas for his business. You’ll love Carl’s passion for the topic and the practical tips he shares!
Carl is Founder of No Surrender, LLC, and his passion is helping busy professionals reclaim their wellness. His Ficks System is a proven road map for endurance athletes and weekend warriors alike. His weekly LinkedIn posts and bi-weekly newspaper columns, both titled “The Friday Ficks,” provide strategies, tools and inspiration to stay resourceful and resilient.
You’ll discover:
- How being fit helped Carl during his years as an attorney
- The 2 big obstacles that prevent people from getting started
- The first step you can take to put a fitness program in place
- Why accountability is a key element of staying on track with your fitness goals
- How you can get fit with zero equipment
Want encouragement about the future of our youth? My guest Asheesh Advani, President and CEO of Junior Achievement (JA) Worldwide, describes all the ways JA is preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship. As one of the world's largest NGOs, JA is in more than 100 countries and reach 12 million students each year. Asheesh is a visionary and inspiring leader. You’ll love hearing the passion in his voice as he describes the impact JA is having on the lives of students around the globe. And he’s equally committed to developing his own team so they can serve their constituents in the most powerful way possible. Asheesh also describes how you can get involved as a volunteer in JA in your area.
You’ll discover:
- The impact on career choice of high school students who shadow someone in a work setting
- How AI lets students experiment with different career experiences
- Why it’s so important for non-profits to do impact tracking for their programs
- What Asheesh does to invest in the development of his leadership team
- The benefits Asheesh gained from getting 360 feedback and working with a coach
Do you procrastinate about business development? My guest Janine Bolon knows how you feel. In this lively conversation, Janine explains how she learned to block time for four all-important activities and what you can do to make them enjoyable and fun. She describes the actual messages she leaves with people and why she has so many calls afterwards. If you’re committed to building strong relationships that lead to clients working with you, get ready to take notes and apply Janine’s ideas!
Janine has been a serial solopreneur since the age of 10. She is owner of The8Gates, LLC, which produces 4 podcasts, 15 online coaching classes and markets her 10 books. She is also a mom of 4 rambunctious human beings who continue to keep her need for structure in check. Janine’s programs and classes are all designed for one purpose: to help you have abundant cash flow while enjoying the family and friends who surround you.
You’ll discover:
- The 4 elements in Janine’s system that should be on your calendar every week
- How to create audio messages that are authentic and compelling…and result in people wanting to talk to you
- The low-tech, automated solution Janine uses to stay in touch and follow up
- Why it’s critical to set aside time each week for your own education
Want to learn ways to take better care of your brain so you think and perform at higher levels? My guest Cindy Shaw has answers! Cindy explains the roles that food (what to eat and what to avoid), sleep and stress management play in optimizing the function of your brain. We had a fascinating discussion, and I’m certain you’ll have some ah-ha’s as you take in her insights and advice on this vital organ.
Cindy is the founder of The Better Brain Academy. She’s a Certified Brain Health Coach with Amen University, and she uses her expertise as a brain health and mental performance trainer to help people transform their lives. By blending leading-edge neuroscience, brain health and self-improvement strategies, Cindy helps others naturally improve their moods, boost their performance, supercharge their energy and focus, and optimize their well-being.
You’ll discover:
- Why brain health is critical to overall health
- The 5 brain centers that can be over or under active
- 5 foods to add to your diet to help you optimize brain health…and the ones to avoid
- How to incorporate SHIDDs – Small Habits I Do Daily – into your daily routine
- The impact of proper amounts of sleep and probiotics on your brain functioning
Do you feel stress or anxiety on a regular basis? That was the situation my guest Joe Perrone found himself in several years ago. As a small business owner, he had achieved greater financial success than he’d ever imagined, but he was not happy or at peace with himself. In this interview, Joe shares the various ah-ha’s he’s had in his journey to greater joy in every part of his life.
Joe is the owner of 2 businesses in New Haven Connecticut – New England Collision and Astro Auto Repair. He’s learned how it work ON his business instead of IN it. You’ll be amazed to hear that Joe spends just 15-20 hours each week on site. Today he works with other business owners who’d like to have more free time, energy and money. His ebook, “5 Keys to Time Freedom” has excellent tips for creating days that are fulfilling and anxiety-free.
You’ll discover:
- What Joe did to recover from the anxiety and panic attacks he experienced from allowing his business to run him
- Why Joe is so committed to lifelong learning
- How Joe made the transition from working IN his business to working ON it
- The impact that thinking of himself as a “business owner” had on Joe’s behavior
- The habits Joe has put in place to focus on giving and delivering value to others
Do you have any people who are “tornado magnets” in your life? If you find yourself consumed with too many thoughts about someone who’s creating issues for you, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Roger Hall shares how to deal with these individuals…along with an amazing number of other ideas that you can use immediately to remove your negative, fearful thoughts and replace them with positive, more helpful ones. Roger is the author of Staying Happy, Being Productive: The Big 10 Things Successful People Do. He is a Business Psychologist with clients all over the country, and he trains leaders to monitor and manage their thinking.
You’ll discover:
- The underlying fears that people often get paralyzed by
- How to do an “airtime test” to find out what’s causing you concern or worry
- What one executive does to make sure he doesn’t “infect” others with his bad mood
- Why Roger considers worry as malignant advanced planning and how to shift to seeking a positive solution
- The advantage of focusing on the right process rather than the result
- Why it’s so important to have people around you who will tell you the truth
Want to become better at communicating your ideas in a powerful way to others? Catch my fascinating conversation with Todd Cherches, where we discuss key ideas from his book, VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life. Todd explains how to leverage visual thinking to paint a clear picture for your audience, whether that’s one person or 1,000s.
Todd is the CEO & Cofounder of BigBlueGumball, an innovative New York City-based management consulting firm specializing in leadership development and executive coaching. He’s a three-time award-winning Adjunct Professor of leadership at NYU, and a Lecturer on leadership at Columbia University. Todd is also a TEDx speaker and a member of Marshall Goldsmith's prestigious "MG100 Coaches."
You’ll discover:
- How Todd’s conversation with Grant Tinker on a flight to L.A. changed his life
- Visual models that Todd uses to make clear, easily-understood points
- How you can use visual imagery and visual language to get someone else to see the idea in your head
- Why visual metaphors are valuable in helping someone grasp a new concept
- The role of storytelling in having strong, emotional impact
Are you making the most of the talents you have? If you identify as an under-performer in any area of your life, tune in to my interview with Kozhi Makai. We discussed the key points from his latest (and excellent!) book, Sharpening Your Edge: How to Turn Potential into Performance. Kozhi is a performance psychologist and Founder of Kozhi Makai Worldwide. His sole mission for the past 20 years has been to use behavioral science to help people thrive. He’s absolutely brilliant in the way he explains the concepts covered in his book!
You’ll discover:
- What your ProPersonal®Edge is and how to keep it sharpened
- How you can adopt a “thrive” mindset
- Steps you can take to turn your talents into strengths
- Why Kozhi uses “employability skills” instead of “soft skills”
- The role of leverage in making the most of your edge
What difference does it make to work with a skilled coach? Observe first-hand the life changing impact business owner Joe Perrone has experienced by working with expert coach Walt Hampton. This is truly an inspiring conversation with two people who are committed to making a real difference in the world! Walt Hampton is Founder & Chairman of Summit Success International, a global personal and professional development firm. He’s a best-selling author, business coach, management consultant, leadership trainer, and motivational speaker. Joe Perrone is a small business owner who runs 2 businesses, New England Collision and Astro Auto Repair. What’s remarkable about Joe is that he’s truly learned to work ON his business, not IN it, so now he has time to be a coach himself. He works with other business owners to help them fine time and avoid or recover from burnout.
You’ll discover:
- Criteria to use when choosing someone to coach you
- What coaches should consider when looking for their ideal client
- The 3 core questions that haunt clients…and what Walt does to help them work through these to do the work they’re meant to do.
- How addressing those questions helped Joe make significant changes
- Key reasons why working with a coach can help you grow faster and easier
Most universities have a mission statement about developing student leaders. But very few result in graduates with the leadership skills needed for their first job. Find out why in this interview with Libby Gill. Libby and I discuss her new book, Leadership Reckoning: Can Higher Education Develop the Leaders We Need?, which she co-authored with Dr. Tom Kolditz, Director of the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University.
Libby is the former head of communications for Sony, Universal, and Turner Broadcasting. Today Libby is an executive coach, leadership expert, and award-winning author. She guides emerging and established leaders to clarify the next level of their work and life, then guides them to get there.
You’ll discover:
- The disappointing discovery that caused Bill Doerr to establish the Doerr Institute for New Leaders
- Why most university leadership programs for students don’t produce leaders
- The First Principles of the Doerr Institute that are the basis of everything they do
- How to measure the effectiveness of every aspect of a leadership program
- Why graduates of the Doerr Institute are actively recruited by Chief Human Resource Officers
Description
Want to know how you can live your life so you have no regrets? That’s the end-game for my guest David Wood, Founder of Focus.ceo, for himself and for his clients. David works with business owners to help them double revenue, achieve more in less time, and be a more extraordinary human being in every area of their life. You’ll want to take lots of notes because David is a source of amazing insights and tips. Our rich conversation covered topics like how to hold space for another person, exercise more courage to have tough conversations, and structure you day so you get better results in half the time. He’s a very special human being having a deep impact with all who know him.
You’ll discover:
- How David “holds space” for his clients who are dealing with a tough situation
- Ideas for handling twice as much of what matters in half the time
- Four things that keep us from being more productive
- The benefits of working in sprints of 25 minutes instead of 60 or 90 minutes
- How to move past your fears to have those difficult conversations
Do you sometimes get triggered by another person or a particular kind of situation? My wonderful guest Mary Simon is an expert on helping clients recognize their triggers and find ways to reduce the impact on their minds and bodies. Mary is a respected, trusted executive coach with 20 years of experience, and she’s coached leaders and teams in 17 different industries. She’s certified in brain science and neuroscience and is a former faculty member at The Wharton School of Business. In this fascinating conversation, Mary shares why reacting to triggers can be harmful to your health…and what you can do instead to reduce their impact.
You’ll discover:
- Why Mary makes a distinction between brain science and neuroscience
- How Mary helps clients become aware of words or events that trigger them
- How to identify where in your body you become tense when you have a reaction to a situation
- What you can do to respond to triggers in a way that serves you better
- Why curiosity is the magic key for moving away from a trigger
What if you could let go of the doubts and fears that could hold you back from pursuing your big dream? This interview can rock your world! My guest David Katz is founder and CEO of Plastic Bank. He’s beyond inspiring to listen to, as he describes his journey to create and run this company. David didn’t get bogged down in questions about HOW he was going to make it all happen. He focused on becoming the person he needed and wanted to be. David shares insights about his decision to create a company that’s having an impact on thousands (soon to be millions) of lives around the globe. Your heart and mind are sure to be touched deeply as you absorb the wisdom of this very special man. Truly one of the most impactful interviews I’ve had the privilege of conducting. I’m guessing you’ll feel the same after watching or listening to our conversation.
You’ll discover:
- The moment David realized he could create a company with Plastic Bank’s focus and mission
- How David supports his team members, no matter where they are in their own personal development journey
- Why it’s more effective to focus on who you are becoming in the world rather than what you are doing.
- The importance of vulnerability and integrity in a leader’s influence
- The positive impact Plastic Bank is having on individuals and communities around the globe
Why is it so important to have a positive culture in the workplace and eliminate any toxic elements? The ripple effects of both types of environments may surprise you. My guest JoAnna Brandi has a deep understanding of the dynamics and shares her expertise with great enthusiasm and clarity. You’ll love the specific actions she recommends leaders take to notice others’ strengths and express appreciation for them.
JoAnna has been in business since 1990 helping companies create happy, engaged, and productive employees who are dedicated to providing “Exquisite” Customer Care. She’s the author of several books, including 54 Ways to Stay Positive and two on customer loyalty. She is passionate about helping her clients activate the link between positivity and profitability, creating “great companies to work for and do business with.”
You’ll discover:
- Why there’s now dis-connect between Engagement and Wellbeing since the pandemic…and what organizations need to know
- Why having happy, engaged employees is a prerequisite for superb customer service
- The characteristics and behaviors leaders can model to set up a positive culture
- How a toxic work environment can impact domestic violence and school bullying
- The scientific basis for a focus on employee well-being and happiness in the workplace
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are hot topics these days, and rightly so. Do you know all the facets involved in addressing each of these in the workplace? If not, catch this important interview with my guest, Sarah Tabet. She shares behaviors we might unconsciously engaged in that could be perceived as a micro-aggression by the other person.
Sarah is Global Human Resources Director at Schneider Electric in Dubai and a business partner to senior leaders in the area of Diversity and Inclusion. Sarah has more than a decade of multi-national experience in the human resources field. She’s passionate about D&I and has even written a book to raise awareness and introduce strategies: Inclusion Starts with U: A Call to Spread a Culture of Inclusion to All Diversities.
You’ll discover:
- Events that created Sarah’s passion for these topics
- The distinction between Diversity and Inclusion
- Negative consequences for not addressing their importance and relevance at work
- The three elements that are essential for building a diverse, inclusive culture
- Factors that influence compensation and opportunities for advancement for women
Kon is the Founder and CEO of Fresh Biz Solutions, a Human Capital Management consulting group that provides performance improvement and training solutions. He helps organizations develop their people, improve business results, and reap the benefits of a comprehensive Talent Management strategy. He’s also committed to developing future leaders by applying the same principles to the coaching of young soccer players in local, state and Olympic development programs.
You’ll discover:
The 7 keys that can help you navigate through any crisis
How leaders can use these keys with their teams to improve performance and achieve the desired results
The Leadership Paradox – how to take seemingly contradictory items and blend them successfully (e.g., empathy and tough love)
What Kon does to teach these concepts to the youth athletes he coaches
Do your beliefs about what’s possible for you ever hold you back? If so, my interview with Dr. Lisa Walker is a must-listen. You’ll love hearing her passion and stories as she describes her own breakthroughs and the ways she helps clients with theirs. Lisa is a Psychologist and Leadership Development Expert as well as an ICF Master Certified Coach, and a Columbia University Certified Executive Coach. She’s also an advanced level Mediator and Facilitator, helping leaders navigate crucial conversations.
Lisa has worked on large-scale leadership initiatives for clients in over 30 countries. She has a knack for coaching executives to achieve positive, measurable change in their leadership behaviors while delivering on business results and nurturing and growing their people. Her clients include Dell, Amazon, Target and IBM.
You’ll discover:
- How Lisa applies her background as a psychologist to coaching leaders
- The top challenges leaders are facing right now…and what Lisa says and does to help them achieve breakthroughs
- Success stories of clients who’ve abandoned their limiting beliefs to embrace their true potential
- The life-altering lessons Lisa learned when she successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa
Description
If you’re working long hours in your business and find it hard to take time off, my interview with Tom Perrone is a must-listen. Tom’s been in the financial planning business since 1970, and he’s passionate about helping small business owners learn how to create a company that grows revenue and profits and also allows them to take lots of time off. Tom is the host of the Building and Protecting Your Business Worth Podcast. In our conversation, we dive into his excellent book for business owners, Unlocking Your Business’ DNA: Cracking the Code to a Better Business, Bigger Profits and More Time on the Beach!
You’ll discover:
- What Tom means by Business DNA and how it applies to you
- Why it’s critical to block time to work ON your business and not just IN it
- How Tom is able to work fewer hours/week than most business owners and still grow his business and income
- One big thing you must do to build your company’s value
- Why you need to think about “exit planning” as soon as you start your business
Does the idea of creating a vision for your life or company seem daunting or vague? My guest Dr. Oleg Konovalov brings vision into a practical, executable concept. Oleg is a global thought leader, author, business educator and consultant with over 25 years of experience operating businesses and consulting with Fortune 500 companies internationally. He’s been named as “the da Vinci of Visionary Leadership” by many leading authorities as he helps companies create and executive their vision. In this conversation we talk about key elements of his latest book, The Vision Code, that you can apply in your own business and life.
You’ll discover:
- The difference between communicating a vision and sharing a vision
- Why it’s important to set aside ego when you want to inspire others to buy into your vision
- What gets in the way of executing a vision
- What leaders can do to keep people engaged in pursuing a vision
- How having a vision helped Oleg get through a tough time
Description
Would you like to get your name and services “out there” in a bigger way? In this interview, my guest Julie Livingston share specific strategies for doing that. She lays out an excellent plan for turning your LinkedIn profile into a landing page. Julie is president of WantLeverage Communications, a marketing communications agency based in New York City. She's an expert at helping “under the radar” companies break through the noise to capture the attention of their target audiences and increase their visibility.
You’ll discover:
- What brand visibility is, and why it’s critical in business today
- How to update your LinkedIn profile to position you positively with potential clients
- Why you should identify the 3-5 key messages you want others to know about you and your services
- The importance of embedding keywords in all your online content
Do you struggle with marketing your business? Catch this interview with guest Gabe Arnold. He’s the Founder & CEO of Business Marketing Engine, and he knows a thing or two about marketing. Gabe is known as a serial problem-solver, and with his 22 years of experience in professional writing, computer technology and marketing management, it’s a title that fits him well. In our conversation he shares big-picture concepts as well as tactics you can incorporate into your own marketing strategy. And what I loved most is that he wraps them all in a desire to bring more kindness, love and respect to business relationships.
You’ll discover:
- How to become more comfortable marketing your services
- Elements of a successful “omni-marketing” strategy
- Ways to build your referral network so you leverage your marketing through influencers in your niche
- What Destinations, Content and Traffic mean and why they’re essential to your business success
- Why kindness is a cornerstone of all of Gabe’s business relationships
Want to get insights about creating your Dream Business so you can live your Dream Lifestyle? My guest Jim Palmer has done just that. Jim and his wife sold their home of 30 years to embark on a four-year (so far!) adventure on their boat, Floating Home. And he manages all his businesses from there. Jim also shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, revealing successes and setbacks in his various businesses. You’ll enjoy Jim’s positive energy, truth-telling and personal stories!
You’ll discover:
- Why imposter syndrome is so common and how to get past it
- The value of making decisions quickly
- Ways to create strong bonds with clients so they stay with you and refer you to others
- The most important elements that Jim credits for his success (and they’re NOT credentials or formal education)
Have you taken time to discover the real reasons for negative beliefs you hold about yourself…or others? Listen closely to this interview with Chris Salem, who explains how to discover the root cause of issues you experience in life. He shares his own journey out of co-dependency to interdependency. Chris is CEO of CRS Group Holdings, working with companies to create a thriving culture starting with a growth mindset foundation. He’s the author of the international best seller Master Your Inner Critic: Resolve the Root Cause and Create Prosperity, and host of the weekly radio show, Sustainable Success. Chris is also CEO and Co-Founder of Empowering Fathers in Action, a non-profit dedicated to building strong father-son relationships.
You’ll discover:
- Two tools you can use to identify what’s behind any unhappiness or dissatisfaction you may be feeling about your life
- Why a growth mindset is critical to your happiness and success
- What you can do to detach from the outcome while still expecting a positive result
- How to become a trusted advisor with potential clients
Tired of attending (live or virtual) networking events that waste your time? Find out how to radically change your thinking and your efforts in my interview with Amy Evans. As a serial entrepreneur, Amy has discovered the magic of leveraging and cultivating relationships in growing each of her businesses. She’s applied these strategies in the structure of her AlignWomen mastermind groups, with excellent results. You’ll love the energy and passion behind all the ideas Amy shares!
Amy is the founder of AlignWomen, a leadership and networking organization for professional women, and the host of The AlignWomen Podcast. She’s also the President of Colibri Insurance Services, a boutique insurance agency that simplifies employee benefits for employers in Southern California.
You’ll discover:
- Why most networking groups don’t lead to effective business development
- A virtual mastermind structure that generates business for each member
- Strategies (not sales techniques) Amy has used to effectively sell her services
- Why a focus on “alignment” is key to networking with intention
- How to create social media posts that your ideal clients will respond to
What if you could increase your income by 20 times? My guest Monica Da Maren explains how she did just that as she evolved from hair dresser to VP of Sales for Bob Proctor’s company, Proctor Gallagher Institute. You’ll be inspired by her story and the practical suggestions she shares that you can use, too. Monica’s coaching and teaching have been instrumental in my own growth over the past two years. Come prepared to take notes because Monica shares lots of valuable nuggets you can start implementing today.
You’ll discover:
- 3 powerful ways to use auto-suggestions to build your self-image
- The downsides of focusing on “how-to” instead of “what”
- The importance of strengthening your intuition so you see opportunities as they arise
- The value of a strong purpose that drives all your actions each day
- Why failing is something you should seek instead of avoid
Are you just getting started with your new consulting or coaching practice? If so, my interview with David Shriner-Cahn is a must-listen. Experienced professionals will also find dozens of nuggets you can use to launch or expand your business. David guides highly skilled professionals who are recovering from a late career job loss and who yearn to impact the world with their knowledge and creativity by becoming successful entrepreneurs. He’s also the host of two popular podcasts for consultants, coaches and other entrepreneurs, Smashing the Plateau and Going Solo, with a focus on building a successful business.
You’ll discover:
- Why a consulting practice can be a great next step for a seasoned professional from the corporate world
- The unique challenges a consultant faces when starting a new practice…and how to work through them
- Limiting or negatives beliefs new consultants often have that can hold them back
- Key questions you must answer about yourself and the marketplace before you start promoting your new business
- How to make the most of your network to confirm your strengths, discover opportunities, and identify people who offer complementary services
Think you’re already a skilled listener? Think again. My guest Theresa Campbell shares insights that will help you listen more closely to yourself as well as to others. Theresa is the founder and CEO of Her Life, Her Legacy, a leadership development organization dedicated to the power of deep listening. As a leadership coach, author, and life-long learner, she helps you find and listen to what matters most. You’ll want to take notes to get the most value from this episode…and then apply these ideas to all aspects of your life. The question she poses to her clients towards the end can help you gain clarity about your desired future.
You’ll discover:
- How deep listening differs from “regular” listening
- The three voices you can listen to…and the potential impact when you do
- Why slowing down and listening is an act of self-love
- The difference between a GOAL line and a SOUL line
- A key question Theresa asks her clients that you can use, too
If you relied on in-person meetings before the pandemic, you’ll love this interview with Gautam Ganglani. Gautam explains how he was able to strengthen relationships with 200 people VIRTUALLY during the past 7 months. He also shared lots of gold nuggets, including how he’s used of LinkedIn to become known to prospective clients before asking them to have a conversation. Gautam is Managing Director of Right Selection, a “Speaker Management Agency” in the Gulf area of the Middle East & India. He’s been an entrepreneur for more than 20 years as part of a father and son team. They represent and work very closely with world renowned authors and global thought leaders like Marshall Goldsmith, Ron Kaufman & Brian Tracy. You’ll want to take notes as he shares tips and stories from his new book, Breaking Bread: Building Meaningful Relationships for Long-lasting Success.
You’ll discover:
- How “breaking bread” differs from networking
- Three principles Gautam’s father shared with him in high school that serve as the basis for everything he’s done since then
- Why sharing coffee or a meal with someone is so powerful
- What you can do to get the attention of your ideal clients on social media
- How to use affirmations to create a new reality for yourself
Have you experienced any challenges when working remotely? You’ll want to capture all the gems offered by my guest Kevin Eikenberry. Kevin is co-founder of The Remote Leadership Institute and has also led his own remote team for 10 years. He offers practical tips that can help you be more productive starting today. Kevin is the author, co-author or a contributing author to nearly 20 books, including his two most recent with Wayne Turmel - The Long-Distance Leader: Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership (2018) and The Long-Distance Teammate: Stay Engaged and Connected While Working Anywhere.
You’ll discover:
- Why Kevin uses the term “teammate” instead of “team member”
- A 3P model for work success, no matter where you’re located
- The kind of mindset a person needs in order to work well in a remote setting
- The 4 pivot questions that can help you get back on track if your productivity is suffering
- The kinds of routines you can establish when working from home
Want an effective, time-efficient way to get in front of your ideal prospective clients? My guest Tom Schwab explains how you can use targeted podcast interviews to establish credibility, build your list, and acquire clients. Tom is the Founder and CEO of Interview Valet, the category king in podcast interview marketing. He makes a strong case for adding “podcast guest” as one of your most effective strategies for acquiring new clients. You’ll get practical tips on identifying the best podcasts, approaching hosts, and making offers that build your list and start conversations. His approach is based on serving first and creating relationships.
You’ll discover:
- The strategies that are not working to bring in the clients you seek
- 5 criteria to use when deciding which podcasts you want to appear on
- Best practices for ensuring you get booked on the shows you’ve targeted
- How to be an ideal guest, from the host’s perspective
- Why it’s important to make THREE offers at the end of your interview
Would you commit to a relationship if you knew your partner had State-IV cancer? My guest Larry Indiviglia made the choice to say YES to Gayle, and he wrote 126 Days, 11 Minutes: Our Love Story to honor that very special woman. In this exceptional interview, Larry shares what he learned and how he grew as a result of his 126 days with Gayle before she succumbed to her cancer. Be sure to listen until the end as Larry reads Gayle’s beautiful note to him about finding love again in the future.
Larry is President of INDsightsForLife, Inc., a fitness professional, presenter, an author, and a business and life coach for the Todd Durkin Mastermind Program. He’s also a retired naval reserve officer and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis.
You’ll discover:
- What you can learn by saying YES to risks you face in life
- Why it’s better to love with loss than never to love at all
- The skills Larry drew on from his coaching experience to be the best possible support in her final weeks
- Why it’s important to have a network of supporters when you’re going through a tough time
- How to create a “shield of serenity” when you face a difficult challenge…and the impact that can have on those around you
Do you sometimes feel confused about which marketing strategies will get you the best results? My guest Denise Griffitts shares tips for creating a website, social media presence, and brand that bring your ideal clients to you. Denise is an expert web developer and online marketer. She describes the traps her clients fall into around branding, use of social media, driving traffic to their website, and much more. She’s the founder of Your Office On The Web, a digital marketing agency, and the host of Your Partner In Success Radio. You’ll get valuable insights about marketing that help you experience less overwhelm.
You’ll discover:
- The free tool that helps you audit where your name and company appear online
- Why you can save time and get better results when you work with a brand expert
- The big differences between social media and marketing
- The best strategy for discovering a client’s real needs
- The benefits to your business by being a podcast guest
Ever wonder what kind of gifts would be most memorable and appreciated? My guest John Ruhlin reveals the Who, What, When, Where and How of gift-giving, based on his bestselling book, Giftology. John is the world’s leading authority in maximizing customer loyalty through radical generosity. He’s developed a system of using generosity to gain access to elite clients and generate thousands of referrals. This is a must-listen episode if you want to know how to select the right gifts and start getting referrals without asking!
You’ll discover:
- Why “radical generosity” leaves a lasting impression
- Two types of gifts you should never give
- Who you need to consider (besides your point-of-contact) when you send a gift
- Tips for getting referrals without asking
What changes have managers needed to make to lead remote teams during the pandemic? My guest Wayne Turmel Wayne is the co-founder of the Remote Leadership Institute, and author or co-author of 12 books including The Long-Distance Leader: Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership, which he wrote with Kevin Eikenberry. Wayne has spent 25 years in the leadership and communication skills space, the last 15 specializing in virtual communication and remote work.
You’ll discover:
- The biggest concerns that leaders have about remote workers
- What adjustments managers and workers alike have needed to make
- The impact of isolation and loneliness on performance
- How to shift from transactional calls to in-depth conversations that reveal potential issues and needs
- How technology both facilitates and interferes with communication and productivity
Are you clear about the message that your personal brand communicates to potential clients? My guest Ben Baker has literally written the book on this, and he shares valuable insights that will help you clarify your message. We also discuss actions to take when dealing with a crisis like the pandemic. Ben is the president of Your Brand Marketing, an Employee Engagement Consulting firm. For nearly 25 years, he’s been helping companies, and the people within them understand and communicate their unique value to others. He’s also the author of two books, Powerful Personal Brands: and his latest one, Leading Beyond a Crisis. His latest project is Podcast Host for Hire, providing a done-for-you service for companies that want to have a podcast.
You’ll discover:
- What “personal brand” is and why that’s important for your business
- How to create an unforgettable experience before and after your clients buy
- What a company needs to create beyond a mission, vision and values statement
- How to create a compelling story to make your brand memorable
- Why it’s important to reach out to current clients during a crisis
Do you ever have conflicts with people who don’t think or act like you? This episode is for you. My guest Merrick Rosenberg has studied personality differences for the past 25 years and knows a thing or two about this topic! Merrick created a unique model for teaching the DiSC behavior styles that’s easy to remember and apply. We had a great conversation about recognizing another person’s personality preferences and adapting your approach to reduce conflict and enhance communication.
You’ll discover:
- Why Merrick replaced DiSC with the names of four birds
- The difference between “behavior style” and “personality.”
- How to recognize a person’s personality even if you just met them
- Ways to adapt your approach or presentation to address all four styles
Would you like to take your performance to the next level? My guest Dre “All Day” Baldwin has learned what it takes to do just that. Since 2005, Dre has built a content publishing empire! Since 2006, he’s produced 7,000+ YouTube videos with more than 73 million views. He’s authored 27 books and has given 4 TED talks. In this interview we discuss his latest book, Work On Your Game, and the four principles that have guided his actions since college. You’ll love Dre’s passion, substance and stories!
You’ll discover:
- The importance of understanding The Third Day as it relates to discipline
- Why asking “Who do I need to BE?” Is such a powerful question in developing confidence
- How mental toughness served Dre in his goal to be a professional basketball player
- Ways you can use personal initiative to achieve the results you want
Want to know what service-oriented marketing and sales look like? My guest Robert Grabel explains his approach, which makes it easy for him to acquire new clients. You’re sure to get ideas you can apply to your own business development efforts! Robert created his firm Nonprofit Now! to provide organizations and their leaders with the support they need to change the world. Nonprofit Now! offers leaders customized services that nonprofits need to grow and thrive, such as Executive Coaching, Board Development, and Fundraising. In late 2020 Robert will release his first book, Just Do the Work: The Portable Nonprofit Coach.
You’ll discover:
- How Robert transitioned from cold-calling as a financial advisor to reaching out to people who already know, like and trust him
- The email message that gets results for Robert when he invites his connections to have a conversation
- Why Robert has 3-4 conversations instead of just 1 with a prospective client
- The distinction Robert makes between consulting and coaching
How can you take a fresh look at your work so you and your team continue to innovate and adapt to change? Katharine Halpin founded her firm The Halpin Companies 25 years ago to fill a void she saw in her CPA career. Katharine has helped leadership and management teams increase their effectiveness in engaging each other and their colleagues, her clients tend to grow 2-3x because of the innovation that gets ignited from the new work environment. She’s the author of Alignment for Success, and we discuss key ideas from this book. Come prepared to take notes from all the nuggets Katharine shares!
You’ll discover:
- The areas in work and life that need to be aligned in order to achieve lasting success
- Suggestions for being productive in a remote work environment
- How to create a safe environment that encourages people to come up with innovative ideas
- Three self-care actions you can take in order to work at your best
- How to create Strategic Think Time to ensure you’re focused on the right actions
What’s it like to record a conversation with someone you’ve worked with for 30 years? Join me for this discussion with my long-time business partner, Dr. Denny Coates, about our new book, Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills. We talk about some of the skills and how they contribute to team collaboration and productivity. Denny is a prolific writer. In addition to this book, Denny has published three books in 2020 for parents: How Your Teen Can Grow a Smarter Brain, Connect with Your Kid, and Preparing Your Teen for Life.
You’ll discover:
- Why this book is different than other books about workplace communication
- Interpersonal skills that have a positive impact on others
- A key leadership skill that’s not used often enough
- The role of peer coaching in building stronger teams
- How the 10 skills can be used in coaching
Do you get nervous when you need to speak in public? Whether you’re new to making presentations or a seasoned professional speaker, you’ll want to catch my interview with Michael Gelb. He’s known for his life-changing presentations on creative leadership, genius thinking and conscious business. Michael shares several strategies from his new book, Mastering the Art of Public Speaking: 8 Secrets to Transform Fear and Supercharge Your Career. He also tells remarkable client stories that will inspire you to tap into your own creativity.
You’ll discover:
- What’s behind the fear most people have about public speaking
- How you can transform fear and get the butterflies to fly in formation
- 2 simple ingredients for excellence
- Why mindmaps are better than an outline for creating and remembering your presentation
- The 5 elements for structuring your message so your audience will remember it
Learn more about Michael Gelb’s services and resources here: https://michaelgelb.com/
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything.”
Have you been wanting to write a book but keep putting it off because you find the task too daunting? If so, this episode is for you! My guest Mike Capuzzi is an expert at helping business owners become published authors of short, helpful books (shooks™). In his latest shook, The 100-Page Book, Mike shares his proven formula anybody can use to author, publish and leverage a shook to create a position of authority, differentiate one’s business and attract more ideal customers.
You’ll discover:
- Why short, helpful books are one of the most powerful marketing tools you’ll ever create
- The top 3 reasons for being a published author
- Questions to answer before you begin writing your book
- What you need to include in a shook to make it compelling and effective
- Examples of Mike’s clients who’ve published a shook and how it helped their business
Would you like to have greater influence with people at work? My guest Deb Coviello provides important insights for making subtle adjustments to your beliefs, words and actions that can increase your impact. Deb is the Founder of Illumination Partners and host of The Drop in CEO podcast. She applies her 20+ years of experience in Quality and Operational Excellence to help clients identify, assess and solve the issues that are preventing business growth. Our conversation is packed with practical tips you can apply in your business and at home.
You’ll discover:
- The skill Deb helps leaders work on first to increase their effectiveness
- How limiting beliefs about oneself affect the possibilities you can see and consider
- The difference in weak and powerful language when your goal is to influence and get results
- Why feedback is an essential skill for every leader…and how to do it right
Are you involved with teams struggling to deliver the expected outcomes as they work remotely? Meet my guest George Brough George is a true thought leader on how to achieve fabulous results in a virtual environment. He’s been helping organizations do this for more than 15 years! He has facilitated the growth and success of thousands of companies across the globe by tapping into the underutilized potential of their teams. He’s the founder and CEO of Artha Leadership and is based in Brazil.
You’ll discover:
- The difference between managing and leading, especially in a virtual environment
- Why trust is even more essential when people are working remotely
- How team transformations can happen even if everyone is in a different country
- What NASDAQ did to change its culture to a healthier one where people could thrive
- Why it’s critical to have diversity instead of just “experts”
Have you thought of resilience as the ability to “bounce back” from adversity? My guest Dr. Taryn Marie Stejskal provides a much more powerful definition with three elements that allow you to emerge from any challenge enhanced and actually bounce forward. Have pen and paper handy because you’ll want to capture the important insights and practical tips Dr. Taryn Marie shares for developing resilience. She founded Resilience Leadership, where she serves as the Chief Resilience Officer (CRO), leveraging over a decade of research on resilience that gave birth to the empirically-based framework she uses with clients today. She’s a foremost international expert on this topic and is the former Head of Executive Leadership Development at Nike and Global Leadership Development at Cigna.
You’ll discover:
- Why resiliency is not “bouncing back”
- A definition that encourages you to flourish, no matter what adversity you face
- The research that led to Dr. Taryn Marie’s evidence-based model
- The 5 core practices that resilient people engage in regularly
- 3 Quick Wins for building resilience
How would you rate your confidence level in sales situations? If you feel it could use a boost, my guest Jason Cutter shares practical ideas you can start using immediately. He explains how to acquire more clients by adopting the approach of professionals like physicians, who diagnose problems and prescribe solutions. Jason is CEO of Cutter Consulting Group and sees himself as a sales success architect. His new book is Selling with Authentic Persuasion: Transform from Order Taking to Quota Breaker, where he explains how a marine biologist with ZERO sales experience became a high-priced sales trainer hired by Fortune 500 companies worldwide.
You’ll discover:
- Why “authentic” plus “persuasion” is a compelling framework for increasing sales
- Tips for increasing your effectiveness when you’re in front of a potential client
- How to incorporate your “flawed past” appropriately into sales conversations
- Questions to ask that help you get at the “why” behind the client’s needs
- The 5 aspects of your mindset that make the biggest difference in sales success
Do you feel uptight in sales situations? My guest Ryan Stanley has a simple solution: focus on serving by doing the right thing for every person, every time. For 10 years, Ryan worked at The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) in 2 roles: as an Admissions Coach, where he closed almost $22 Million in sales in 8 years, and as their first ever Internal Coach where he coached staff from entry level to C suite. Ryan took his sales and coaching expertise to new levels by co-founding Teach Me to Sell, an online Sales Training Organization focusing on working closely with Service Oriented SoloPreneurs to help them push past fears and blocks around sales. Ryan is also the author of Be Patient, Be Present, Be Joyful: A First Aid Kit for the Emotional Bumps, Scrapes, and Bruises of Life.
You’ll discover:
- The #1 area coaches struggle with in their coaching practices
- How Ryan helps coaches move past their fears related to selling
- Why a focus on service pays off BIG in building your business
- How you can use coaching skills in any sales situation
- What you can do first thing in the morning to make the most of your day
What limiting beliefs about money and your own potential are holding you back? My guest Chris Dorris shares profound insights and life-changing ideas in our conversation, including the 6 steps of his ALL IN process. Chris is a Mental Toughness who’s the psychological equivalent of a physical trainer. He helps clients develop mental exercises they can do every day to expand their thinking about themselves and the world. Bring pen and paper to this interview because Chris shares dozens of nuggets that you’ll want to record and review often.
You’ll discover:
- Why “I can’t afford it” is never a true statement
- How become an emotional master and effortlessly create more excellence
- The difference between a DECISION and a GOAL
- What a quantum leap is and the elements that allow one to occur for you
- The importance of I AM statements to help you visualize and affirm your very best self
What role can science play in organizational outcomes and personal well-being? My guest Sharon Strauss provides the answer to this question—and so much more—in this interview. Sharon is Founder of The Human Insight Group, an Executive Coaching and Leadership Advisory firm that serves clients globally. As the creator of HumanSight®, she uses insights from the latest neuroscience research to help her clients approach situations in new ways. Before becoming a coach, Sharon spent 15 years in her own technology consulting practice providing Fortune 500 companies with technical experts in internet networking and project leadership.
You’ll discover:
- Why Sharon believes now is the time for a human revolution in the culture of organizations
- What makes self-awareness and emotional regulation critical for all leaders
- The science behind our brains and bodies
- Why a sense of belonging and trust are essential for effective team interactions and results
- The benefits of learning to pay attention to signals from your body
Are some of your existing beliefs about yourself or about the world holding you back? If so, you’ll love the many gold nuggets Darren Gold shares in this interview! This is a man who faced serious, adverse situations while growing up yet was determined to prevail and make his life a success. Today Darren is Managing Partner of The Trium Group, where he serves as an executive coach to the CEOs of many of the world’s most influential companies. His excellent book, Master Your Code: The Art, Wisdom, and Science of Leading an Extraordinary Life, explains how to identify old programs that are holding you back and invites you to adopt new approaches that serve you better.
You’ll discover:
- Why all our beliefs are made up…and how you can expand them
- What it really means to take 100% responsibility for your own choices
- The power of forgiveness to release old resentments and hurts
- The most important thing you can do to connect deeply with another person
- How Darren uses Identity Reconstruction to help leaders increase their effectiveness
What impact does your mindset have on your success in selling your products and services? My guest Cynthia Beiler shares practical strategies for growing your business with less stress and more ease. As CEO of Leveraged Mind Consulting, Cynthia works with clients to develop and implement an overall sales strategy to accelerate profitable growth. Her clients include large corporations as well as consultants and coaches to help them adjust their mindset and approach to selling.
You’ll discover:
- The challenges Cynthia faced when she took on a struggling territory as regional sales manager…and how she turned things around
- The profound impact that your state-of-mind has on your attitude and actions
- Ideas for thriving in the midst of the difficult circumstances your business may be facing
- How to move past fear into actions that get results
Want to discover practical tips for having more joy and less stress in your life? Listen to my interview with leadership and executive coach Sharissa Sebastian. Sharissa has more than 15 years of corporate leadership experience, and now she coaches Fortune 100 executives at companies like LinkedIn, Microsoft, Bank of America, and Intuit. Find out her secrets to helping leaders draw on their strengths, see their value and bring out the best in themselves and others all while having fun, being fulfilled and not burning out!
You’ll discover:
- Ways to develop a strong mindset
- Strategies for dealing with the current challenges
- Why people often sabotage themselves…and how to stop doing it
- How to avoid falling into imposter syndrome
- What you can do to discover joy and happiness in any situation
Looking for tips that can help you expand your business? My guest James Butler shares a boatload of ideas you can start using immediately. James is a serial entrepreneur who has built four companies from the start-up phase to over a million dollars in revenue. He now consults with companies to help them put the right systems in place to grow their revenues and profitability. He’s also the author of 18 books, including the best-selling book The System is the Secret. In our conversation we focused on several ideas from his new book, Clear and Present Game Changers.
You’ll discover:
- How to identify your company’s unique strengths to differentiate yourself from the competition
- Ways to uncover hidden money or opportunities that you may not currently see
- What you can do to create a WOW experience for clients so you’re unforgettable
- How to “manufacture” your own celebrity so clients see you as the authority they want to work with
- Ideas for dealing with the impact of COVID-19 and emerging stronger than before.
Have you considered putting on a live or online event? My guest Sherrie Sokolowski provides sound guidance for planning and conducting this gathering to ensure a successful outcome. Sherrie is the owner of SLS Strategic Event Planning and Consulting. She’s an expert with 15 years of experience, spending 7 years as the event planner at Glazer-Kennedy Insider’s Circle (GKIC) following by 8 years in her own business helping clients to put on their events. Sherrie shares a wealth of information that can help you avoid costly mistakes, create a memorable time for attendees, and build profits for your business.
You’ll discover:
- All the ways you need to be strategic in your thinking and actions
- Common mistakes people make when putting on live events
- Why getting the right attendees is more important than the number of attendees
- Tips for creating a wildly success experience for participants
Have you ever felt like you were forcing yourself to fulfill the life others expected you to live? Be prepared to take a fresh look at your life in this wonderful interview with my guest Lisa Berkovitz. She shares how to connect with your true nature, expand your view of your capabilities, and show up as your best self in the world. Lisa is the Founder of Let Soul Lead, where she provides leadership coaching for conscious leaders and their teams. You’ll find her to be inspiring and wise!
You’ll discover:
- What Lisa has done to adjust to life with COVID19
- How to tune out the noise (both inside and outside your head) so you can listen to the voice of your higher self
- Why being utterly clear about who you serve will draw the right people to you
- What can happen when you get in touch with who you truly are and discover how to use your gifts in the world
Has your business struggled in the past months due to COVID19? My guest Thomas Beck offers concrete suggestions that can help you turn things around. He describes the reactions that can create more problems for business owners and shares strategies that lead to greater success. Thomas is a Serial Entrepreneur and Founding Partner at Varial Agency, a firm that provides fractional marketing and sales talent to companies that want expertise without the expense of hiring.
You’ll discover:
- The 3 responses people have had to COVID19 and the ones that can serve you best
- The most important things you can do to get past fears and adopt a strong mindset
- Mistakes business owners often make when it comes to marketing and sales
- How to make sure you understand what potential clients are experiencing so your message resonates with them
- What to consider when you run ads on Facebook or LinkedIn
Everyone has been impacted by COVID-19, and it’s been a source of great financial, emotional and physical stress for many. My guest Dr. Kozhi Makai shares important insights on how to successfully navigate these unprecedented circumstances. We discuss ideas from his latest book, Disrupted! Resiliently Reintegrating After Stress & Adversity that are relevant to the challenges facing the world – and each of us – today. Kozhi is a performance psychologist and Founder of Kozhi Makai Worldwide. His sole mission for the past 20 years has been to use behavioral science to help people thrive.
You’ll discover:
- How to reframe the idea of stress so you can use it to transform your life
- The difference between distress and eustress – and why eustress is better
- The three types of narratives that influence the way you see and interact with the world
- The benefits of approaching circumstances from a neutral position
What does it mean to be a Healing Organization? That’s the focus of my interview with Michael Gelb, who co-authored a book of the same name with Raj Sisodia. Together they interviewed 25 companies that are focused on delivering value for their STAKEHOLDERS, not just their shareholders. In our rich conversation, Michael explains why he and Raj felt compelled to write this book…and how the approach of these companies improves the lives of everyone—employees, customers, the community and the world. Michael is the world’s leading authority on the application of genius thinking to personal and organizational development.
You’ll discover:
- What a healing organization is
- Why a focus on stakeholders is more important than just caring about shareholders
- The 3 core principles that distinguish healing organizations
- The attitudes and behaviors of employees who work for these kinds of organization
Do you know how to create strong relationships with people from different cultures? My guest Maya Hu-Chan is an expert on this topic, and she describes it in terms of “saving face.” You’ll learn that this term goes much deeper than helping someone avoid embarrassment and what it looks like in action. Maya is an internationally recognized speaker, author and Master Certified Executive Coach, specializing in global leadership, diversity, inclusion and cross-cultural management. She’s the author of an outstanding new book, Saving Face: How to Preserve Dignity and Build Trust, and we focus on several ideas from her book in this conversation.
You’ll discover:
- The 3 aspects of “Face” and why they matter
- How using face is a type of social currency
- What leaders can do to ensure they help build and save face with the people on their team
- Examples of leaders who have helped someone save face—and the benefits for both parties
Would you like to become the key person of influence with your ideal clients? My guest Frank Mulcahy has achieved this goal, and in this interview he gives you the exact steps for achieving this status yourself. Frank is a best-selling author, international speaker and coach. His entrepreneurial journey has included high’s and low’s; he lost more than $5 million in one venture, then came back to build a highly successful speaking career, where he is in high demand globally. Bring a notepad when you listen to this episode because Frank drops a lot of gems along the way.
You’ll discover:
- How Frank defines a “sabbatical” and why it’s critical to build it into your schedule
- The questions to ask yourself during a sabbatical to achieve breakthrough ideas and solutions
- The 5 key steps you need to complete in sequence in order to become a Key Person of Influence
- How Frank made the shift from local to international speaker
- What event organizers want to know…that most speakers miss
Are your sales skills at the level they need to be? My guest Steve Heroux speaks openly about what’s wrong with much of the sales training offered today and what he’s doing to address it. Steve is Founder and CEO of Victory Selling, and he uses a unique tool called the Sales DNA Test to help anyone in a sales role, including business owners, to identify the real factors that are holding them back. Steve was #1 producer with Aflac and CUTCO Cutlery, so the insights he shares in this episode are based on his experiences “in the trenches.” You’ll love his positive energy and passion for this topic!
You’ll discover:
- Why Steve was an unlikely candidate for success in sales yet became the #1 producer in two big companies
- The reason a one-size-fits-all approach to selling doesn’t work
- Critical pieces that are missing from most sales training programs
- The three traits essential if you want to make more sales
How do the principles in music apply to work teams? My guest Dr. Pelè explains this clear connection in our conversation and in his new book, The 7 Songs of a Successful Team. Dr. Pelè blends his passion for music with his purpose to help leaders and teams achieve the success they seek, and you’ll feel his enthusiasm for both topics in this interview! You’ll also find out how you can listen to the songs that are part of each chapter in the book – the story will come to life, and you’ll love the melody and lyrics.
You’ll discover:
- The difference between Emotional Literacy and Emotional Intelligence
- The elements of Harmony that are essential in music and in a team
- How “Profitable” and “Happiness” work together to create a harmonious team
- Why music-based training is uniquely designed to make training stick
In this special episode, we have a “mic swap.” Former guest Angela Cusack interviews Meredith Bell about her new book, Strong for Performance: Create a Coaching Culture with Learning & Development Programs That Stick. Meredith kicks off by revealing the famous Star Wars actor she was friends with in high school! We then turned our discussion to more serious topics, like what’s required to change behavior for the long-term. Meredith describes a four-step roadmap that organizations can use to create an environment where people love to come to work, contribute their best efforts and achieve high levels of performance.
You’ll discover:
- The famous Star Wars actor that Meredith knew in high school
- Why Meredith wrote her book and the impact she wants it to have on organizations
- The one element missing from most learning and development programs that results in a lack of long-term impact
- A proven three-step process for rewiring the brain for a new skill or habit
- Why a support system and accountability coach are key components for improving a skill
Have you ever heard these words paired together – culture + humility? If not, you’ll learn why they belong together—and how you can use them to deepen your understanding of yourself and others—from my guest Angela Cusack. Angela is the Founder of Igniting Success, working her coaching magic with C-suite executives to have a transformational impact on the entire organization. For the past 15 years, she’s also provided mentor coaching and supervision for coaches preparing for certification as PCC or MCC. Angela shares profound insights that will help expand your understanding of inclusion and cultural awareness.
You’ll discover:
- The difference between cultural humility and cultural awareness
- Why Angela recommends compassionate self-reflection as the first step in your own journey
- The 3 principles around cultural humility and how they apply to you
- Power questions you can coach leaders to ask when they are leading a meeting or having a 1-1 conversation
Why is it critical for a leader to have a clear vision in order to create a culture that’s thriving? My guest Dr. Oleg Konovalov has written an entire book about this in Leaderology! In this interview, he explains why effective leadership requires executives to understand their role in shaping a culture where people thrive. Oleg is a thought leader, author, business educator and consultant with over 25 years of experience operating businesses and consulting with Fortune 500 companies internationally. He’s also the author of Corporate Superpower and Organisational Anatomy.
You’ll discover:
- Why there is no single definition of vision
- Elements to consider when forming a vision
- Why leadership is a system, not a function
- The 3 aspects of culture that contribute to high performance
- Behaviors you can expect to see in a culture that’s thriving
Have you or someone you know had to deal with a serious health issue? My guest Pamela Cournoyer faced Stage 4 Lymphoma in 2012, and she is thriving today. In this interview she describes her journey from diagnosis to recovery and talks about how she uses this experience and insight in her work with clients today. Pamela is an internationally recognized conflict management maven, and her specialties include mastering mindset, boundary setting, and resolving conflict.
You’ll discover:
- What a friend said that shocked Pamela into creating a recovery plan
- Why she put together a team of coaches to help her through treatment and recovery of her illness
- How Pamela helps clients change their perspective about past failures so they appreciate these experiences as gifts
- The Serenity Process Pamela uses to guide clients to slow down, think clearly and get past roadblocks
What does it mean to create hope in yourself and others? My guest Libby Gill wrote an entire book about this fascinating topic. In this excellent interview, Libby brings to life the concepts in her book, The Hope-Driven Leader: Harness the Power of Positivity at Work, with examples of leaders who are the shapers of hope-driven cultures. Libby is an executive coach, leadership expert and award-winning author. She’s also been in the trenches as the former head of communications at media giants Sony, Universal, and Turner Broadcasting.
You’ll discover:
- Why hope and hopefulness are critical components of a healthy corporate culture
- How a servant leadership attitude helps shape a culture of hope
- The essential factors needed for team communication to be effective
- The 4 attributes that employees cite most often about leaders who contributed significantly to their lives
Are you looking for a simple yet effective way to double or triple your revenue? My guest Adam Urbanski is known as the Millionaire Marketing Mentor for a reason. Over the past 20 years, he’s helped thousands of coaches, consultants and other service professionals achieve ambitious revenue goals in as little as 90 days. I’ve known Adam since 2006, and he’s the real deal. He knows how to help you monetize your unique genius, attract more ideal clients, and close high-value sales. I recommend you connect with him on Facebook to experience his magic first-hand.
You’ll discover:
- A 3-pronged approach to go from idea to clients and money in the bank
- How Adam uses his personal Facebook account to engage and acquire his ideal clients
- The 6 criteria Adam uses for his Perfect Client Persona – and how to create yours
- Why Adam says Marketing = Teaching
- Questions you can ask in a sales conversation that help you determine if there’s a good fit
If you’re a business owner who wants to expand your business dramatically, this episode is for you. My guest Brad Sugars is the founder and Chairman of ActionCoach, the #1 global business coaching franchise that he’s grown to 1,000 coaches in more than 80 countries. He’s also the author of 17 books, including the one we discussed in this episode: Pulling Profits Out of a Hat: Adding Zeros to Your Company Isn’t Magic. Brad Sugars reveals the most important disciplines you must follow if you’d like your business to experience exponential growth.
You’ll discover:
- Common mistakes that entrepreneurs make…and what to do differently
- The 5 disciplines every business owner needs to pay attention to continuously
- How to create a mission statement that employees remember and live by
- How to leverage and scale your business without sacrificing your life
- Ideas that you can use yourself and share with clients
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything.”
What if there were a simpler, easier way to acquire new clients? My guest Adam Kawalec is a Life and Leadership Coach whose approach results in 83% of his potential clients saying YES. These days, he invests no money in marketing his services. Instead, he asks for and receives referrals on a continuous basis due to the transformation his clients experience in their work with him. Adam is based in Sweden and coaches clients virtually around the globe.You’ll be inspired by Adam’s passion for his work and commitment to his clients’ success, and you’ll hear specific ideas for expanding your own business.
You’ll discover:
- Adam’s alternative to traditional marketing approaches
- What Adam does in his initial conversation with potential clients to cause them to want to work with him
- An approach to asking for referrals that really works and doesn’t feel sleazy
- The world’s simplest coaching model in just 3 steps
- The role of curiosity, questions and genuine caring to connect on a deep level
with a client
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything.”
Have you ever started working on a project with someone you have a history with...and allowed your previous interactions with the person to influence the attitude you bring to the current situation? My guest Katie Bishop has. She recently co-authored a book, "The Best Seller", with her father. In this interview we explore why this project took five years and how her view of her dad changed as they interacted and as she interviewed people he had mentored. The lessons she shares can be applied to any relationships, at home or at work. You’ll love hearing the new appreciation Katie developed for her father during this work, and you’ll likely re-think the way you view some of the people in your life.
You'll discover:
- An approach for defining roles when you're embarking on a new project with someone
- How to resolve differences and get into a successful rhythm when working with
others - Ways to communicate when two people disagree in order to honor both parties’ opinions
- How to create realistic dialogues when writing articles or books that involve people having a conversation
- Why “going slow” at first can help you “go fast” later
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything."
Do you find it hard to make time for marketing and sales because you're too busy delivering your services? My guest Dr. Kevin Gazzara has found effective ways to keep his firm's pipeline full. Kevin is co-founder and Senior Partner at Magna Leadership Solutions based in Pheonix, AZ. Since founding his company 12 years ago, Kevin has consistently done five things to grow his business. Take notes to keep track of all the nuggets Kevin drops, and stay until the end because he shares a BIG idea that's free to implement and could impact your visibility on Google searches.
You'll discover:
- What Kevin learned from 10 successful consultants about building a successful business
- One of the most important decisions you can make up-front to be sure you get in front of your best clients
- The benefits of writing a book in positioning you with potential clients
- Why you need to invest the time in building a solid network and delivering value without looking for reciprocity
- The Task Quotient Assessment, a free quiz you can take to identify the kinds of work activities you enjoy the most
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, "The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything."
Have you wondered why so many experts stress the importance of having high emotional intelligence (EQ)? My guest Amy Sargent makes the case in a very compelling way. I loved that her own EQ skills are highly evolved, and she provides concrete examples to illustrate how you can use EQ in everyday situations. As Executive Director at the Institute for Social + Emotional Intelligence, Amy helps lead online programs for leaders, coaches, and HR professionals.
You'll discover:
- The four separate aspects of emotional intelligence
- What can go wrong when someone’s EQ is low
- The role of self-awareness in managing your emotions
- How 3 managers were on the brink of being fired and why developing EQ helped
them keep their jobs - One thing you can do at the end of each day to increase your own EQ
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, "The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything."
Want to find out how to network so effectively that you regularly get introductions to your ideal clients? Come prepared to take notes as you listen to my interview with Steven Crawford, as he reveals many of the brilliant strategies he uses to land more clients. Steven is the Director of Sales and a senior consultant with McGee Productivity Solutions based in Denver, Colorado. He manages a team of 12 consultants who have responsibility for sales in addition to the delivery of their consulting services. You'll love Steve's approach to getting introductions, asking for referrals, and building a powerful relationship in your initial conversation with a prospect.
You'll discover:
- How to replace a selling mindset with one focused on relationship-building
- One question you can ask to open a conversation that's guaranteed to engage the other person immediately
- Two obstacles that can hold you back from making appointments...and how to get past them
- Steve's very effective process for requesting referrals, researching the referred person and then following up with both people
- Innovative ways you can use LinkedIn to become known by your potential clients
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything.”
Want to find out the two big mistakes that leaders and salespeople make in the area of communication? You'll learn the answer in my interview with guest, Todd Holzman, CEO of Holzman & Company. Over the past 25 years, Todd has worked with 25,000 leaders and salespeople to help them improve the quality of their conversations. He's discovered that, across all industries, countries, and cultures, there are two errors that get people into trouble. Todd doesn't leave you hanging about the solution. He shares a simple three-step process for structuring conversations that keep your potential clients engaged and build your credibility...and this process works equally well with friends and family. Todd and his 13-person global faculty consult to some of the world's best companies in the fortune 100 and Global 1000.
You'll discover:
- How taking a risk by telling a potential client the truth helped Todd land his first big contract
- The importance of having conversations that uncover the real issues
- Why it's important to talk to potential clients as if they've already hired you
- The kinds of questions you can ask to reflect an attitude that's kind, gracious, and shows empathy
- How to make yourself confrontable so clients see that you're comfortable in being wrong
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything.”
Whenever Meredith Bell and Dr. Mark Goulston have a conversation, rich observations and insights inevitably emerge. In this episode, they explore topics that are relevant no matter what role(s) you have in life. They talk about Mark’s latest projects and then delve into topics like kindness, generosity, and what it means to enjoy a fellow human being. That’s followed by a discussion of the impact we have as listeners on the person speaking to us, and as parents on our children. As always, Mark gives practical, actionable tips that you can use with the very next person you interact with!
You’ll discover:
- What Made You Smile Today movement that Mark started to help combat disconnection and loneliness
- What’s behind the Count Me In Global Community
- 3 questions you can ask yourself after every conversation to rate your listening...from the other person’s perspective
- The secret to developing mentally healthy children
- 2 questions parents can ask themselves about their relationship...from their kids’ perspective
Rachel Langer offers practical solutions for dealing with universal challenges we all face around fear, pain and suffering, and slowing down to appreciate life.
You’ll discover:
- How you can use fear to motivate you to take action
- The difference between pain and suffering
- Questions you can ask your clients–or yourself–to achieve greater insights
- Why it’s better to be an owner instead of a victim...and when it’s okay to be a victim anyway
- How to slow down and allow time and space for creativity
Have you ever tried to convince someone to buy a product or service by appealing only to their logical mind? My guest Ben Hipps used to sell that way, until he learned about neuro-marketing from Christophe Morin. In this interview, Ben explains the importance of three elements that impact buying decisions and how to incorporate them into your sales conversations. You’ll see why his clients say Ben is “easy to know” and are eager to do business with him. As the Founder of Keys2selling LLC, Ben offers cutting edge sales processes that drive exceptional results.
You’ll discover:
· What is neuro-marketing and why it’s important for making sales
· Why people don’t say Yes to data-driven presentations
· The one feeling that drives many buying decisions
· How to research a potential client before meeting with them so you’re prepared with questions that show you’ve done your homework
· How to prepare for sales meetings and ask for the business without fear or anxiety
Ever wish you could read people so you know how open they are to what you have to say? My guest Terry Earthwind Nichols is an expert in profiling, the art of observing others and interpreting the signals they’re sending. Join me for a fascinating conversation about little things you can pay attention to in one-on-one or group settings to detect the unspoken signs right in front of you. Terry’s varied careers – from U.S. Navy Classifier to custom clothing salesman to private club manager – helped him refine his profiling skills and become a master of people-reading. Terry is the Chairman of Evolutionary Healer, a global transformational performance improvement company.
You’ll discover:
· The aspects of physical behavior to pay attention to when observing or engaging others in conversation
· How to pay attention to the subtle nuances of movement that send clear signals
· One simple question you can ask to see if the person is “with” you and more likely to say “Yes” later
· How to scan the room at a networking event to determine the best group to approach
· The unique way Terry works with his clients to help them identify and heal from a previously-unknown memory that’s been holding them back
Social Media
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryearthwind/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/earthwindhealer
Twitter https://twitter.com/EarthwindHealer
Do you ever think that what’s happening outside of you is what’s causing your feelings? My guest Barb Patterson shares her journey in discovering that our experiences are always generated from within us. Once she discovered the role that our state of mind plays in everything we think and do, it transformed the way she works with clients. Her insights are profound, and you’ll come away from this interview reflecting more deeply on the way you view yourself and the world.
You’ll discover:
· How to view your thoughts in a neutral way, without judgment or criticism
· Why striving and working harder aren’t necessary to achieve your goals
· The conditions that create your best thinking and a more present mind
· How you can alter your relationship to your thoughts to create fresh perspectives and ideas about your work and business
· Why you’ll want to replace a reactive mind with a more relaxed, thoughtful state
Do you struggle to attract and acquire your ideal clients? My guest Sam Hutchinson shares a simple, straightforward approach that WORKS. Sam is the founder of Hutchinson Marketing in the UK and works with experienced consultants and coaches in the US and Canada. He helps them develop an avatar of their ideal client and then develop marketing messages and sales conversations that are authentic and effective.
You’ll discover:
· A simple, streamlined approach to marketing that feels natural and genuine
· Questions to ask prospective clients that help you identify their real problems
· How to conduct sales conversations that don’t put pressure on you OR your potential client
· Why you should use premium pricing to serve the people you really want to work with
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hutchinsonmarketing/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonmarketing/
Have you ever taken on a new position and been tormented by self-doubts about your ability to succeed? My guest Rozanna Wyatt explains how pervasive this feeling is among leaders she coaches. She describes how she helps them uncover the real issues that create these doubts and move past them. Rozanna is founder of Wyatt Way Counselling & Life Coaching, and she works with clients globally to help them evolve into their best selves, both professionally and personally. Her insights in this interview are valuable for coaches and leaders alike.
You’ll discover:
· The kinds of doubts that lead to imposter syndrome – and how they can negatively impact a leader’s performance
· How to identify the root cause of a client’s leadership shame so you can provide the right coaching
· Questions you can ask to discover the stories that clients may be telling themselves and believing, even though they aren’t true
· Strategies for guiding clients to realize their actual qualifications and value so they move past self-doubt
· What you can do to help clients strengthen their confidence by developing self-compassion
Are you tired of spending money on marketing efforts that don’t produce results? My guest Walt Hampton share three simple, free strategies that can transform your business immediately. Walt is a former attorney who was able to replace his six-figure salary within seven months of starting his consulting and coaching practice by implementing these 3 strategies, and he’s coached his consultant clients to do the same.
You’ll discover:
· The one key to remember that makes business development really, really simple
· How to develop strong relationships with your ideal referral partners
· Why identifying who do your people see before they see you” is THE best strategy to master
· The right way to implement the “speaking strategy” to acquire new clients
· Specific ideas for creating unforgettable experiences for your clients
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/walthampton/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/walthamptonjr
Twitter https://twitter.com/walthampton
Do you ever wish for more than you have in life but don’t allow yourself to believe it’s really possible? My guest Barbara Daoust is a success coach who helps clients break through limiting beliefs around money and their ability to achieve higher levels of performance. In this interview, she shares specific, practical ideas for expanding your self-image so to increase your income and achievements. Barbara’s unique background includes 25 years in Theatre Arts, Film and Television as a director, acting coach, writer, and producer.
You’ll discover:
· What’s required to identify past beliefs that have interfered with your success
· How to take control of your negative thoughts and feelings
· How to use positive affirmations to engage your mind and emotions
· What you can do to get in a perpetual state of gratitude
· A powerful exercise for releasing judgments and forgiving yourself or others
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaradaoust/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/barbara.daoust.75
Twitter https://twitter.com/iamsoulnotes
Would you like a suggestion that can dramatically grow your revenues? My guest Paul McManus shares TWO ideas that catapulted his company’s growth, and you can adapt them for your own business. They don’t require chasing or pursuing prospective clients. Instead, clients come to YOU because you’re instantly positioned as the expert with strong social proof. Paul is co-founder and CEO of More Clients More Fun and host of The Million Dollar Producer Show. His practical, solid strategies for business development really work.
You’ll discover:
· How to acquire multiple clients from a single source
· The benefits of being very specific when describing your target market
· How one client success story can build your credibility fast—and add more clients easily
· What you can do to avoid having conversations with tire kickers
· Why having a podcast is good for your business
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgmcmanus/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/paul.mcmanus.355
Million Dollar Producer https://milliondollarproducershow.com/
Do you struggle to identify a niche to focus on? My guest Jodi Flynn describes her path to identifying her favorite type of client. After she did that, she received more engagements with companies that were just the right match for her passion and skills. Jodi is the founder of Women Taking the Lead and host of the Women Taking the Lead podcast.
You’ll discover:
· A behavior that holds many female leaders back in their careers
· The mindset that can cause people-pleasing and the mindset that frees you from it
· Why it’s important to identify the kinds of people you most enjoy working with
· Why using labels or language like “Type A Personality” can push potential clients away and cost you business
· The phrase Jodi used with a prospect that landed the sale and helped her discover a huge opportunity
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodiflynn/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jodimarieflynn
Twitter https://twitter.com/JodiMFlynn
Women Taking the Lead Website https://womentakingthelead.com
Book: ACCOMPLISHED: How to Go from Dreaming to Doing https://www.amazon.com/Accomplished-How-go-Dreaming-Doing/dp/0692806970/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=jodi+flynn&qid=1570027636&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Are you tired of trying a bunch of different marketing tactics that don’t result in more business? My guest Kyle Wilson focuses on principles that help you identify the tactics that are right for you. Kyle was the mastermind behind Jim Rohn becoming the premier name in personal development, and he’s helped market and promote many other legends like Brian Tracy, Mark Victor Hansen, and Les Brown. What Kyle shares in this interview is pure gold!
You’ll discover:
· The importance of identifying your “secret sauce” in order to stand out
· The difference between tactics and principles, and why a good tactic should never override a principle
· The 4 principles to follow if you want to create a successful business
· Questions to ask yourself to identify whether the actions you’re taking are the right ones to grow YOUR business
· How to work smarter, not harder: identify the one strategy that can help you knock down the right dominoes
Connect with Kyle Wilson
Social Media
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwmarketing/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kwmarketing
Twitter https://twitter.com/kwmarketing
Resources
Website: https://kylewilson.com/
Do you struggle to compete with other professionals in your same industry? Block time for my interview with Jason Goldberg to find out how to set yourself apart so YOU are the one your ideal clients choose to work with. Jason explains three simple pillars that can help you demonstrate your uniqueness and acquire clients more easily. He shares examples of his clients (coaches and consultants) who’ve achieved dramatic results from implementing a few simple strategies. Get out your pen and get ready to learn from a real master.
You’ll discover:
· How to create huge impact without competing on price, popularity or parlor tricks
· Why many of the marketing programs that coaches invest in don’t work
· How staying in your comfort zone can actually SERVE you and your clients better.
· Why “turning pro” is about mindset more than your credentials or content
· How one client got 10,000 views, 1,000+ likes and 700 comments on a single LinkedIn post by telling her story in a compelling way
Social Media
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrgoldberg/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JG407
Twitter https://twitter.com/jasonthespeaker
Ebook: How to Build a Competition-Proof Coaching Business
http://www.becompetitionproof.com/guide
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/competitionproof/
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything.”
Would you like to kick your presentations up a notch or two? My guest Dolores Hirschmann helps speakers, entrepreneurs and authors prepare a compelling message for a TEDx talk and other stages in her role as Chief Clarity Officer at Masters in Clarity. In this interview, she shares her unique 7-step framework for appealing to the head and heart of your audience members.
You’ll discover:
· How volunteering for a TEDx event can benefit your business
· One question that can help you identify your real passion
· What the best speakers do on a TEDx stage
· How to incorporate storytelling into the core idea you’re presenting
· Why it’s not a good idea to introduce yourself at the beginning of a presentation or speech
Connect with Dolores on Social Media
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dolores-hirschmann28620b28/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Mastersinclarity
Twitter https://twitter.com/DglarH
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything.”
How do you get your foot in the door of large organizations if your firm is a small operation? My guest Axel Meierhoefer, Ph.D. describes how he has consistently gotten work with global companies…and continues to find ways to deliver value over time once he’s there. Axel also explains how to form such strong relationships that when key contacts leave the company, they engage you for projects with their new employer. And Axel shares a unique question that he poses to clients to ensure they have listened to and understood what he has said.
You’ll discover:
· The secret to landing work in large organizations when you’re a small operation
· How to turn a single assignment into 3 years of work in a big company
· Why it’s important to build trusting AND memorable relationships with your internal champions
· How to make your fee a non-issue
· The power of connecting heart-to-heart with clients
Connect with Axel on Social Media
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameierhoefer/
Twitter https://twitter.com/AxelMeierhoefer
Resources
Website https://expediteyourbusiness.com/
Do you feel pressured to show up with clients as someone who has it all together? My guest Aaron Young argues that always showing the “shiny” version of your life is not as compelling as being transparent. Aaron is Chairman and CEO at Laughlin Associates, and his life’s work is to arm business owners with success formulas that immediately provide exponential growth and protection. His personal history includes a year spent in prison. His willingness to share that with audiences and prospective clients has had the effect of bringing him more business.
You’ll discover:
· Why it’s OK to be open with clients about your own challenges
· How to stand out and be compelling by leverage your unique past
· What entrepreneurs do that often get in the way of success
· How to ensure your business thrives even during tough economic times
· Why so many coaches don’t earn the money they’d like to
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronscottyoung/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theunshackledowner
Twitter https://twitter.com/aaronscottyoung
The Freedom Formula – free guide https://theunshackledowner.com/
Aaron Scott Young http://aaronscottyoung.com/
Have you ever wondered if a business can really be sustainable if you focus exclusively on serving others?That’s exactly how my guest Jonathan Keyser has built his commercial real company. In his new book, You Don’t Have to Be Ruthless to Win: The Art of Badass Selfless Service, Jonathan describes the stages of his own awakening to this approach when working in the cut-throat, back-stabbing commercial real estate industry. Now he’s on a mission to transform that industry as well as other companies open to a way of doing business that’s focused on helping others.
You’ll discover:
· Why Jonathan credits his own coaches for where he is today
· How to make SERVICE a mindset that drives your thoughts and actions
· The 15 principles that have guided Keyser since Day 1
· How going above and beyond for clients results in long-term sustainable success
· Examples of Keyser team members who display extraordinary acts of kindness and service
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankeyser/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100015957846149
Twitter https://twitter.com/KeyserWay
Resources
Company Website https://keyserco.com/
Jonathan’s book https://ruthlessbook.com/
Are you ready to shift from struggling coach to thriving professional? My guest Melissa Ford has walked that path herself. In her new book, Living Service: The Journey of a Prosperous Coach, Melissa describes the uneven steps she took on her way to establish a truly successful coaching practice. She shares the beliefs that held her back and how she broke through them to create more clients than she’d ever dreamed possible. Today, in addition to her own clients, Melissa works with other coaches to help them build a prosperous business.
You’ll discover:
· How coaches can apply H.O.W. (Honest, Open and Willing) to themselves and to their work with clients
· One sentence that can transform an argument into a profound listening and learning experience
· The three stages of learning for a coach and how to avoid getting stuck in the first two
· Why it’s important for coaches to have their own coach
· Questions you can ask yourself to evaluate and revise your current client acquisition system
Learn more about Melissa Ford’s services and resources here:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissafordcoaching/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/melissa.b.ford.75
Website https://www.melissafordcoaching.com
Book, Living Service: The Journey of a Prosperous Coach https://amzn.to/2nnRbFY
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything.”
Sometimes executive coaching falls short of the expected outcomes. My guest Lance Hazzard, Ph.D., has developed a system to ensure all the right stakeholders are involved so the coaching engagement is a resounding success. Lance created this process based three unique experiences: (1) as a senior HR executive who received coaching, (2) as an internally certified coach working with other leaders inside the company, and (3) as an external coach working with clients. Lance is President of Oppna Executive and Achievement Coaching, co-author of Accelerating Leadership.
You’ll discover:
· The 2 key people to involve in a leader’s coaching experience (besides the leader and the coach)
· How to structure an alignment meeting to ensure everyone understands and commits to their respective roles
· What you can do to ensure all the stakeholders stay engaged with the coaching process
· Why these elements contribute to the establishment of a coaching culture within the organization
· How to use assessments to determine the areas of focus for a specific leader and to measure improvements
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lancehazzard/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lance.hazzard.3
Accelerating Leadership book - https://www.acceleratingleadershipbook.com/
Oppna Executive & Achievement Coaching Website https://www.oppnacoaching.com
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything.”
Have you struggled with how to use LinkedIn most effectively? Meet John Nemo, author of LinkedIn Riches and Content Marketing Made Easy. John helps coaches, consultants and other service professionals make the most of this powerful platform. He knows that creating the right connections and then building strong relationships with them are the keys to expanding your business. In this interview John shares many specific strategies you can start using TODAY.
You’ll discover:
· How to create a LinkedIn profile that attracts your ideal clients
· Why it’s important to focus on just ONE niche instead of trying to appeal to everyone
· How to personalize your connections requests and increase the number of acceptances
· A template for a script you can use with 1st level connections that elicit responses and start a conversation
· Why you’ll want to ask permission before sending links or resources to someone
· How to write up a client success story as a case study that does the selling for you
Connect with John
Social Media
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hirejohnnemo/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/john.nemo.946
Twitter https://twitter.com/JohnNemoPR
Resources
Get John’s books FREE:
LinkedIn Riches https://linkedinriches.com/
Content Marketing Made Easy https://contentmarketingmachine.com/
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything."
What’s the most effective way to get the attention of a potential client and gain a sterling reputation? In this interview, my guest Frank Wagner explains two powerful things you can do to gain credibility and build trust. Frank is an expert on developing strong relationships that span decades. He’s been Marshall Goldsmith’s business partner for more than 30 years and created the Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching program.
You’ll discover:
· How Marshall Goldsmith acquired a client who was about the hire a competitor
· The benefits of building relationships with the people important to your client
· The 2 critical elements you must use to establish a strong connection with decision-makers
· Why discovering how to be useful to others is a good business strategy
Learn more about Frank Wagner’s services and Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching here: https://sccoaching.com/
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.comto learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything.”
Ready for a boatload of practical tips you can use to acquire and keep more clients? Jody Holland is a firehose of ideas! In the past 20 years, he’s published 20+ books, been a keynote speaker 300+ times and trained almost 300,000 leaders. Jody shares the approach he takes in conversations that cause people to ask how theycan work with him. No chasing or pushing involved!
You’ll discover:
· What Jody did to generate a six-figure income his first year in business
· Metrics you can use to help quantify the ROI clients get when they work with you
· How to create multiple internal champions so you don’t lose a client if someone leaves
· The exact words you can use to ask for (and get!) referrals
· How Jody uses his face-reading skills to identify his most promising prospective clients on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jody Holland’s services and resources here:
Website www.jodyholland.com
eLearning Site www.psycheofsuccess.com
Jody’s books on Amazon www.amazon.com/author/jodyholland
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.comto learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything.”
How do you become the trusted advisor with your clients for life? My guest Jeff Moore has succeeded in doing just that in a highly competitive industry. Jeff is a brilliant marketer who helps his clients simplify their description of who they are to their audience so it’s easy for people to quickly “get” the benefit of their product or service. This interview is packed with usable gold nuggets that can help you create unforgettable and remarkable experiences for your clients.
You’ll discover:
· The real reasons your clients choose to do business with you
· How to create business friendships that last for decades
· The ValYOU Discovery Session that helps you identify your own value
· How to ask questions that help you understand the other person and create a strong bond
Learn more about Jeff Moore’s services and resources here:
Thursday Night Boardroom http://thursdaynightboardroom.com/ (free MasterMind)
MasteryMode.com https://masterymode.com/
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.comto learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything.”
How effective are you with using your time every day? My guest “Mister Productivity” Mark Struczewski is an expert in helping people reduce overwhelm and increase their daily output by taming distractions. In this episode he shares simple, easy-to-implement tips that will ensure that you get more done – and that they are the rightthings to achieve the results you want.
You’ll discover:
· The one thing you can do to reduce daily anxiety and achieve a greater sense of calmness
· Practical tips for handling email and social media so they don’t consume your day
· How to maintain focus and get more done
· The kinds of activities you’ll want to put on your calendar
· Why it’s okay to watch TV and play video games
Learn more about Mark Strucszewski’s services and resources at MisterProductivity.com:
http://misterproductivity.com
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything.”
What can go wrong if the leadership of a company changes and the new executives focus exclusively on the bottom line? My guest Mark Hinderliter, Ph.D., lived through this experience with two different companies. He came to understand the factors that can plummet a once-thriving company into one that struggles or goes out of business. As an external coach and consultant today, he describes the approach he takes to identify whether or not a prospective client is focused on these elements.
You’ll discover:
· The two superpowers in any business that become their greatest liability if misused
· Clues you can look for in determining if a client will be a good fit for you…or not
· One skill that helps you create credibility in the first conversation and uncover ways you can be of service to a client
· Questions to ask in your initial conversation with a prospective client
· The weekly habit you can adopt on LinkedIn to build connections and followers
Learn more about Mark Hinderliter’s services and resources here: http://www.thirdwayinc.com/
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything.”
Have you been looking for a way to scale your business without putting in longer hours and more effort? When she transitioned from corporate executive to business advisor, Dr. Shohreh Aftahi found that she needed to get creative in order to serve her audience of small business owners. She developed a special program that brought her 50+ coaching clients in the first 6 months! In this episode she reveals the elements of her blueprint.
You’ll discover:
· How to create a profit center focused on small business owners
· Ways to scale your business without increasing hours and effort
· A powerful tool and process for impacting more leaders
· How conversations at Starbucks and on an airplane led to 6-figure contracts
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shohreh-rostami-aftahi/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/saftahi1
Twitter https://twitter.com/shohrehrostamia
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything.”
Many “gurus” are giving coaches and consultants some bad advice by discouraging them from actually coaching, according to my guest Marc Mawhinney. And Marc should know. He’s worked directly with hundreds of coaches since 2014 and has a popular Facebook group, The Coaching Jungle, with 16,000+ members. In this interview Marc explains why it’s important to first build up a base of client fans who get fabulous results from working with you beforeyou attempt to create other revenue sources, such as online courses. Marc also shares many of the strategies he uses with his own coaching clients to help them achieve their goals.
You’ll discover:
· How to keep your business development simple with 3 pillars
· 5 criteria Mark has created for evaluating his ideal clients
· How to identify a niche to focus on
· Why your social media efforts may not be getting the results you hope for
· Why it’s okay to be controversial in the positions you take
Connect with Marc on Social Media
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcmawhinney/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/marc.mawhinney
Twitter https://twitter.com/marcmawhinney
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything.”
In this special one-hour episode, Coach Extraordinaire Steve Chandler shares brilliant tips that can help you on two levels – with your own personal growth and in your work with clients. Steve is the author of more than 30 books, and Meredith has read 12 of them, each one outstanding in its own right. In this interview, Steve takes a deeper dive into the golden nuggets contained in his latest books, CREATOR andRight Now. You’ll want to listen more than once to capture all the valuable insights Steve shares here about future vs present, being playful vs serious, and other contrasting concepts.
You’ll discover:
· Questions you can ask current and prospective clients to go deeper in your conversations
· How to help clients remove the labels that limit their identify and actions
· Why the concept of an “inner critic” is just plain wrong
· How to help someone pull a future event that feels scary into the present moment so it becomes positive and exciting
· The best script to bring with you into a sales conversation
· How to slow down and see opportunities that are right in front of you rather than striving for the next big thing
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephendchandler/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SteveChandler
Twitter https://twitter.com/SteveChandler
Learn more about Steve Chandler’s services and resources here: https://www.stevechandler.com/index.html
Visit http://GrowStrongLeaders.com to learn more about our assessment and development tools, and grab your free guide, “The 5 Secrets to Getting Better at Anything.”
It can be tough to run your own practice as a business owner attending to business development andas a service professional providing value to your clients. Whit Raymond understands that challenge from both sides, as he’s alternated being inside the corporate world and serving executive teams as an external advisor and strategic leadership coach. Whit is the founder of LodeStar Leadership LLC. He’s created a system for identifying which clients are the best fit for him and which ones to walk away from, while keeping everyone’s dignity intact.
You’ll discover:
· How Whit decided on the kind of work he’d focus on with clients
· How to coach yourself so you stay focused and on track
· Two strategies for overcoming anxiety related to work
· Three warning signs that a client may not be right for you
As a coach and consultant, you probably find it natural to give. You may find it more difficult to ask or receive. Dr. Ana Melikian shares a powerful set of actions steps that can strengthen relationships with your core network in a meaningful way. She explains the difference between nurturing your core network of 100 and doing outreach to 20 people you want to know and add to your network. Ana is the host of the MINDSET ZONE Podcast and Founder of Tech Tips for Coaches. She works closely with coaches, consultants, trainers and speakers to help them achieve their big goals.
You’ll discover:
- The benefits of sharing relevant information with your network
- How you can become an effective connector
- Why it pays to cultivate positivity and relate on a basic human level
- How to put your “Ask” in gear to generate new business
If you find yourself anxious in sales situations with potential clients, this episode is for you! My guest John Livesay explains how to incorporate storytelling into your sales conversations to become memorable and compelling. John’s insights about handling objections, dealing with rejection and asking for the business are priceless. To go deeper with his material, get his best-selling book, Better Selling through Storytelling: The Essential Roadmap for Becoming a Revenue Rockstar, and subscribe to The Successful Pitch Podcast.
You’ll discover:
- Why stories trigger attention and engagement more than facts or figures
- How to overcome the fear of selling by becoming a master storyteller
- Questions you can ask that help you discover other needs they have so you can add more value and expand the scope of the project
- How to reframe objections and rejection so you maintain a positive mindset and momentum
You’ll want to grab a pen and thick pad of paper for this information-packed interview with Dr. Mark Goulston. He reveals several intriguing ways to differentiate yourself and stand out from the crowd. Mark is a prolific content producer. He’s the author of the best-selling books Just Listen and Talking to Crazy; the host of two podcasts, “My Wakeup Call” and “Stay Alive”; and a syndicated columnist.
You’ll discover:
- How to be compelling instead of convincing with prospective clients
- The 4-part formula Steve Jobs used in presentations to grab and keep the audience’s attention
- What to say and ask to quickly establish trust when you’re with a potential client
- How to use “1116” to eliminate any possible regrets after they buy from you
You’re going to face many personal and professional challenges in life, and you can prevail in all of them. Ellen Cooperperson describes four different life-threatening situations her son faced as a young man and how the two of them used creativity, persistence and determination to overcome the odds each time. Ellen is the CEO and founder of Cooperperson Performance Consulting, and the author of the bestselling book, Desire, Discipline, and Determination. Hearing her remarkable story will inspire and motivate you to keep seeking solutions no matter what you’re dealing with.
You’ll discover:
- How to ensure clients comply with agreements you’ve made
- Why your attitude is critical to the way you respond to unexpected bad news
- The value of being resourceful when it seems all hope is lost
- Why carving out time for personal growth is critical to your success
You can dramatically grow your revenue without killing yourself when you focus on clients who can easily invest in your high-end programs. Dr. Pelè is the author of the Amazon bestseller, Big-Ticket Clients: You Can’t Catch a Whale with a Worm. In this episode, he explains how to use content marketing to position yourself as an authority and lay the groundwork for building solid relationships. Dr. Pelè shares how one of his clients started a podcast that opened the door to conversations with top executives he hadn’t been able to reach in the past.
You’ll discover:
- How you can use narrative psychology to connect with your ideal clients
- Why most marketing advice you get only works for small-ticket clients
- A big-ticket strategy that’s so powerful your ideal clients will welcome a conversation with you
- Why the principle of reciprocity works so well…and how you can apply it
Do you allow your unique self to shine when you’re with clients? Master Certified Coach Ben Dooley gives specific tips on how to do this, authentically and confidently. For more than a decade, Ben has been helping other coaches discover their powerful coaching magnificence and develop confidence. In this interview Ben describes the two most important places your confidence needs to shine, and he shares a simple yet profound process for quickly discovering others’ perceptions of what makes you unique.
You’ll discover:
- Why self-confidence is critical to a coach’s success
- What prevents you from seeing and appreciating your own talents
- A simple question you can ask others to identify your unique WOW factors
- How to integrate what you discover into the way you show up in the world