Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast: Recent Episodes

Dale Carnegie

Welcome to Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast, where we seek to uncover what leadership means in today’s world. Hosted by Joe Hart, CEO of Dale Carnegie, we’ll be talking to diverse leaders across various industries to help unlock your potential for success. We’ll be sharing real-life insights into leadership—which in turn can help spark the next level of your growth as a leader.

About the Guest:

Howard Hochhauser is the CEO of Ancestry, the global leader in family history and consumer genomics. After serving as the company's CFO and COO for more than a decade, he became CEO and quickly led a cultural and business transformation centered on customer focus, employee engagement, and innovation. Under his leadership, Ancestry has renewed growth while leveraging artificial intelligence to make historical records more accessible, searchable, and meaningful for millions of people around the world.

Howard is passionate about building organizations rooted in curiosity, transparency, and humility. He believes leadership is about surrounding yourself with talented people, listening carefully, and creating an environment where honest feedback drives continuous improvement.

What You Will Learn:

Why humility is one of a leader's greatest strengths
How curiosity fuels innovation and better decision-making
Why feedback should be treated as a gift, not a threat
How AI is transforming historical data into meaningful human stories
The importance of staying approachable as a leader
Why focusing on today's work creates tomorrow's opportunities

Join us for this episode of the Take Command Podcast as Howard Hochhauser shares how purpose-driven leadership, curiosity, and humility can transform both organizations and the people within them. Whether you're leading a team, navigating change, or embracing new technology, this conversation offers practical lessons for leading with authenticity in an AI-powered world.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Ania Smith is the CEO of TaskRabbit, the global marketplace connecting people who need everyday tasks done with skilled local "Taskers." Born in Poland, she immigrated to Sioux Falls, South Dakota at 12, learned English, and went on to study business — including an exchange back in Poland — before earning her MBA at Wharton. She began her career in international development, moved through investment banking and consulting at L.E.K., and held leadership roles at Expedia, Walmart, and Airbnb before taking the top job at TaskRabbit at the end of August 2020.

Ania is known for her candor about ambition, her belief in running toward growth and discomfort, and her conviction that great leadership is fundamentally human. She leads TaskRabbit (now part of the IKEA family) with a focus on helping Taskers build meaningful income while keeping human connection at the center — even as AI reshapes the way we work. Hear more about her journey from a paper route in South Dakota to the CEO seat in this episode of the Take Command Podcast.

What You Will Learn:

Why resilience is "getting up after the fall" — and how to stop catastrophizing setbacks
Why careers are non-linear, and how lateral moves and new skills set you up to lead
How humility ("hire people smarter than you") becomes a leadership superpower
Why listening is the single most important skill of a good leader
How to build relationships that last by keeping in touch when you need nothing
Why human creativity and connection still beat AI's "generating to the mean"

Join us for this episode of the Take Command Podcast to explore what it takes to lead with grit, humility, and heart. Ania Smith doesn't claim to have all the answers — she'd rather hire people who do — but her journey offers clear, practical lessons for any leader navigating uncertainty and growth.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Eric Ries has been a force in entrepreneurship and innovation for over twenty years. He is the creator of the Lean Startup method and the author of The Lean Startup, The Leader’s Guide, and The Startup Way. His ideas have shaped how startups and large companies approach growth, decision-making, and innovation.

As a founder, Eric has applied his principles with ventures like The Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE); Answer.AI, an AI research lab; the Lean Startup Co.; Virgil, a legal services startup; and IMVU, where many of the concepts that became the Lean Startup method were forged. He has served as an entrepreneur-in-residence at Harvard Business School and IDEO. Eric lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children.

What You Will Learn:

How to create systems and cultures that encourage experimentation and learning
Lessons in influencing and leading without formal authority
Why long-term thinking matters for both founders and teams
The importance of compounding small, deliberate actions over time
Insights on how Lean Startup principles can transform established organizations

Join us for a deep dive into leadership, innovation, and the mindset that allows founders and executives to build companies that last. Eric’s approach is practical, disciplined, and forward-thinking. Tune in to gain strategies that go beyond theory and into the real-world application of building lasting organizations.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest
Janice Bryant Howroyd is the Founder and CEO of The ActOne Group, a global workforce solutions company operating in more than 30 countries. She is recognized as the first African American woman to build a multi-billion-dollar enterprise.

A best-selling author and global speaker, she has been honored for entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation, and has advised leaders across business, government, and education. Her work focuses on connecting people to opportunity through a deeply human-centered approach to business.

What You Will Learn:

Why “no shortcuts, no excuses” is a leadership mindset for long-term success
How asking better questions and listening drives stronger outcomes
Why resilience is essential when facing adversity
How AI is changing work but increasing the need for human skills
Why people must remain at the center of leadership and growth

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest

Jake Rawson leads Craft Sportswear North America with a focus on innovation, resilience, and performance. Inspired by the principles of Dale Carnegie, he has built a culture that values collaboration, encouragement, and incremental improvement. Beyond business, Jake applies the same endurance mindset to family and coaching, proving that small, consistent actions can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Whether guiding his team, developing athletes, or mentoring his children, he turns lessons into action and emphasizes the power of patience, persistence, and positivity.

What You Will Learn:

How treating business like an endurance sport drives long-term success
The power of small, incremental gains in leadership and personal growth
Practical applications of Dale Carnegie’s principles in work and life
Why saying “yes” to opportunities can unlock hidden potential
Building confidence, resilience, and positive habits in yourself and others

Join us for a candid conversation about perseverance, mindset, and growth. Jake isn’t just running a business—he’s running the long game, stacking wins, and showing how small steps lead to big results. Tune in today and discover the incremental edge in life and leadership.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Mr. Wai Phyo is a leading entrepreneur and business leader in Myanmar whose companies span food manufacturing, nationwide distribution, and technology. He is Managing Director of Yathar Cho Industry Ltd. and Cho Cho Industry Ltd., among the largest instant noodle manufacturers in the country, and also oversees Myanmar Zarla Distribution, one of the largest B2B distribution platforms. His technology ventures include Parama Technologies, OneLink Technologies, and Cannopy Technologies. He serves as Vice President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, founding President of the Myanmar Young Entrepreneurs Association, and is a 2017 Eisenhower Fellow.

Wai Phyo is known for his resilience in a volatile environment, his commitment to developing future leaders, and his focus on preparing organizations for an AI-driven future. He believes in reskilling and redeploying people so they can thrive as technology evolves. Hear more about how he turned a family business into a multi-company enterprise in this episode of the Take Command Podcast.

What You Will Learn:

Why grit is essential to extraordinary leadership and how to build it through failure
How to move from scattered expansion to focused, synergistic growth
Why succession is a privilege and how to prepare leaders to step up confidently
How to create a culture of ownership, trust, and shared responsibility
How to apply empathy, respect, and genuine interest in a modern organization
How AI can boost productivity while creating new opportunities through reskilling

Join us for this episode of the Take Command Podcast to explore what it takes to lead through uncertainty and build something lasting. Wai Phyo combines humility, long-term thinking, and a strong belief in people. He doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but his journey offers clear lessons for any leader looking to turn challenges into opportunity.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Wemimo Abbey grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where he witnessed his mother borrow at 400% interest to fund his education. That early experience inspired him to co-found Esusu, helping millions of Americans get credit for paying rent and access fair financial services. Abbey has been recognized on the TIME100 NEXT List and named EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023. He serves on the SEC Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, the University of Minnesota Crookston Board of Trustees, LEDA, and co-chairs the LACMA Director Circle. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota and earned an M.P.A. from NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

What You Will Learn:

How to turn early adversity and rejection into entrepreneurial success
The power of resilience, faith, and purpose in leadership
Why failure is a stepping stone and “falling forward” accelerates growth
Strategies for building mission-driven companies that create tangible impact
Lessons on teamwork and collaboration: going far together, not just fast alone

Discover how to lead with impact, embrace failure as a tool for growth, and create opportunities for others while building a sustainable business. Join Joe and Wemimo for a conversation full of inspiration, practical wisdom, and the mindset needed to make a difference.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Ivan Tornos grew up in Madrid, Spain, facing profound loss—his father, uncle, and brother all passed at 45 from cancer—which fueled his mission to "alleviate pain and extend life" in healthcare. Now CEO of Zimmer Biomet, a century-old medtech giant, he's expanding from orthopedics into robotics, AI, and infection prevention, aiming to become "the boldest medtech company on Earth."

Early in his career, Ivan struggled with leadership until embracing purpose alongside execution. "Once you get the purpose right and you're authentic about it, that's not enough—you gotta inspire performance and manage performance," he explains, outlining his 4P algorithm honed over 31 years at companies like J&J and Baxter.

Listen to hear how he "fired himself from email," blocks personal KPIs in his calendar (like gym time and calling his 90-year-old mom), and prioritizes patients over short-term shareholders—creating low turnover and high engagement at a $20B+ market cap firm.

What You Will Learn:

The 4P leadership model (Purpose, Plan, People, Processes) for turning vision into results
How to define winning holistically across spiritual, personal, physical, mental, and professional dimensions with personal KPIs
Why saying no and ruthless calendar audits (every Sunday) beat busyness every time
Balancing hugs and "kicks" as a leader, plus allowing failure for bold innovation

Ivan delivers transformative advice for leaders at any level, rooted in Dale Carnegie authenticity. "Purpose equals a sense of urgency when you're dealing with other people's lives," he says.

Discover how to lead with intention, build unbreakable teams, and live carpe diem when you listen to this inspiring episode of the Take Command Podcast. Join Joe and Ivan for stories, frameworks, and the discipline to win big.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:
Sanjay Gupta comes from a family of trailblazers. His mother, the first woman engineer hired at Ford Motor Company—a refugee who fled India at age 5—took Dale Carnegie courses to conquer public speaking fears, making How to Win Friends and Influence People a family staple. Inspired by her grit, Sanjay pursued neuroscience early, became a White House fellow, and joined CNN just before 9/11, evolving from healthcare wonk to global reporter on wars, disasters, and outbreaks—while still operating in war zones.

That’s why Sanjay is CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, a practicing neurosurgeon at Emory, a bestselling author (Keep Sharp), and a Dale Carnegie graduate. He credits the course (taken at 16–17) for turning speaking terror into TV poise for millions. Hear more about blending medicine, media, and mentorship when you listen to this episode of the Dale Carnegie Taking Commandpodcast.

What You Will Learn:

Insights into how family resilience shapes bold careers
Lessons in humility as a leadership superpower ("Say 'I don't know'—it galvanizes teams")
Stories about Dale Carnegie's hacks like using names and unsolicited praise notes
The hard truth on brain health: movement grows neurons, but brisk walks beat sprints for optimal results

Join us for this deep dive into balancing dual careers, learning from everyone, and optimizing your mind for peak performance. Sanjay isn’t just a reporter—he’s a perpetual student turning lessons into action. Tune in today to learn from one of the best.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:
Danica Patrick grew up in a household where discipline and high standards were the norm, with her father urging, “get up, don’t waste the day.” She started go-karting at 10 and by 14 had dominated nearly every race, which led sponsors to fund her Dale Carnegie course.

Her grit propelled her to become a trailblazing race car driver—the first woman to win an IndyCar race, lead laps at the Indy 500, and finish it—while also building a career as an author, podcast host, and media personality. Her mantra of blind faith and expanding comfort zones has guided her journey, proving that “when things are meant for you, they go fast.” Hear her full story on this Take Command episode.

What You Will Learn:

How embracing early discomfort, like leaving high school to race in England, can forge unshakable confidence
The role of passion and cumulative effort in bouncing back from setbacks
Mindset shifts like leaning into change, pushing harder, and knowing when to pivot
Insights on resilience, health hacks from her Pretty Intense era to modern biohacking, and her vision for a driving school rooted in real work

Join us for Danica’s candid reflections and practical advice. She doesn’t just talk about success—she shows how courage, grit, and curiosity drive it. Tune in today to learn from one of the most daring and inspiring athletes of our time.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:
Michelle K. Johnston, Ph.D., traces her passion for leadership and connection back to childhood, when she discovered Dale Carnegie’s work in her father’s study and learned the lesson of genuine connection through Carnegie’s story of his dog, Tippy. That early spark shaped her path as a leadership professor, executive coach, bestselling author, and podcast host.

Her first book, The Seismic Shift in Leadership, emerged from her work with healthcare executives navigating constant change. Her latest collaboration with the world’s number one executive coach, Marshall Goldsmith, launched in London following Thinkers50 conversations on why humanity will always outperform technology.

Michelle encourages leaders to shift their focus from the constant “what” of tasks to the critical “who” of people, starting with themselves. A former Loyola University leadership professor, she now coaches CEOs and senior executives to rethink calendars, rebuild engagement, and lead in ways that reduce burnout and increase results. Her message is clear: connection isn’t soft. It drives retention, satisfaction, and real business performance.

What You Will Learn:

Why today’s loneliness epidemic rivals the health impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day
How your calendar reveals your true priorities and how to redesign it around people
Why digital meetings don’t automatically create connection
Simple questions that deepen trust and engagement
How small language shifts can transform feedback and relationships

This episode of Take Command is a thoughtful, energizing conversation about leading with heart in a high-tech world. Michelle blends timeless Dale Carnegie principles with modern leadership realities, offering practical wisdom you can apply right away. Tune in to connect more deeply and lead more effectively.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

John Hope Bryant leads the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of financial literacy services for youth and adults. Recognized globally, he was named to the Forbes BLK50 List in 2024 and TIME Magazine’s inaugural The Closers List. A best-selling author and CNBC contributor, he reaches millions through his ‘Straight Talk’ series and continues to advance economic opportunity and inclusive capitalism.

What You Will Learn:

Why becoming the person you’re meant to be often confuses others

How courage, optimism, and faith drive leadership

Lessons from Dale Carnegie on influence and growth

The mindset shifts that separate good leaders from great ones

Join us for this inspiring conversation with John about acting boldly, embracing fear, and evolving into your best self.

Lukas

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Bill Anderson grew up learning the value of influence and positive leadership from his parents, who instilled in him the importance of helping others succeed. As a teen, he took a Dale Carnegie course that shaped his communication and storytelling skills—tools he has carried throughout his career.

He has held leadership roles across major organizations, including leading transformations that stripped away layers of bureaucracy and replaced them with models that empower employees, focus on purpose, and accelerate results. Bill’s philosophy is simple but profound: give people the tools, trust, and freedom to make decisions, and incredible things will happen.

Bill has guided organizations with tens of thousands of employees and operations in over 100 countries, using leadership principles that emphasize humility, clarity, and impact. He says, “I sat down with my team… and said, I can’t do this myself. No way. The only way this is gonna work is if all of us are totally committed to this.”

What You Will Learn:

Why empowering people at all levels drives better decisions and faster execution
How to break bureaucracy and redesign organizations around mission and purpose
The power of curiosity and relentless improvement in leadership
How storytelling and influence can inspire people and create meaningful change

Join us for this episode to explore what it means to lead boldly, focus on people, and make systems work for humans—not the other way around. Bill doesn’t just talk about leadership theory; he shows how to implement it at scale, creating organizations that are faster, smarter, and more empowering. Tune in today to learn from one of the most impactful leaders in modern business.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guests:
Mark Fitzmaurice is a Carnegie Master Trainer who has certified trainers worldwide and authored the “Simple Structures” that transformed Dale Carnegie’s global training standards. Juliette Dennett served as President of the International Franchise Association, guiding a diverse network through times of change. Together, they’ve impacted tens of thousands of lives and continue to champion lifelong learning.

What You Will Learn:

How to lead through uncertainty with courage and creativity
Why culture matters more than performance—and how to protect it
The Dale Carnegie principles that sustain leaders in good times and bad
How partnership and respect can turn differences into strengths
Why lifelong learning is the key to staying relevant in a fast-changing world

Join us for this inspiring conversation with Mark Fitzmaurice and Juliette Dennett. Whether you’re building a business, leading a team, or navigating change, their story will remind you that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about values, vision, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

Special Listener Offer:
As a thank-you for tuning in, enjoy 20% off orders of $149 or more at Omaha Steaks! Use this link to shop and automatically get your discount: https://www.omahasteaks.com/dale

Offer expires: November 30, 2025
Business holiday gifts: Companies can also get a free gift with qualifying orders here: www.omahasteaks.com/CEO

About the Guest:
Nate Rempe is the President and CEO of Omaha Steaks—the first non-family member to hold this role in over a century. A former CIO turned CEO, Nate is a technologist at heart, a passionate advocate for talent development, and a leader who believes in empowering others to do more than they think possible. He’s also a musician, a mentor, and a dedicated husband and father.

What You Will Learn:

Why empathy is the ultimate leadership superpower
How to prepare for a role before you have the title
Practical ways to push past fear and build confidence
The secret to hiring and empowering great talent
Why balance—not burnout—fuels long-term success

Join us for this inspiring conversation about grit, growth, and the kind of leadership that leaves a legacy. Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring others, or navigating your own career pivot, this episode will help you take command—one bold step at a time.

🎧 Listen now and discover why empathy might just be your greatest leadership advantage.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Jose Garcia is the President of Alberici Constructors, one of the top construction firms in the U.S. He’s a West Point, Stanford, and MIT graduate, a passionate advocate for mentorship, and the founder of Strong to Serve, a nonprofit supporting orphans in Nicaragua.

His story is one of bold choices, deep character, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

What You Will Learn:

Why adversity can be the foundation for leadership
How feedback, when given with care, unlocks growth
Why self-awareness is the #1 predictor of leadership success
How Dale Carnegie’s principles shaped a servant leader
The power of mindset in building culture and thriving teams

Join us for this inspiring conversation about grit, growth, and the kind of leadership that leaves a legacy. Whether you're leading a team, mentoring others, or climbing your own mountain, this episode will help you take command—one step, one breath at a time.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Adam von Gootkin was raised by a single mother and learned early on that humility and hustle go hand in hand. He built his first distillery from scratch, learned the liquor business by trial and error, and eventually launched Highclere Castle Gin a brand rooted in heritage, elegance, and authenticity.

He’s a passionate storyteller, a bold risk-taker, and a firm believer in building brands that outlive their founders. His journey is a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

What You Will Learn:

How early challenges can fuel bold leadership
Why fear and procrastination are often two sides of the same coin
How Dale Carnegie’s principles shaped Adam’s fearless mindset
The power of storytelling in building trust and influence
Why authenticity and enthusiasm are essential leadership traits

Join us for this inspiring conversation with Adam von Gootkin about dreaming big, acting boldly, and staying true to your values. Whether you're launching a brand, leading a team, or just trying to get out of your comfort zone, this episode will leave you energized and ready to take command.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Rashmi Airan was a high-achieving attorney, Columbia Law graduate, and entrepreneur when a real estate transaction scandal changed everything. After serving time in federal prison, she chose to own her story and use it to help others. Today, she’s a global speaker, ethics consultant, and advocate for personal transformation. Rashmi’s work is rooted in the principles she learned as a Dale Carnegie graduate at age 16—and the resilience she inherited from her immigrant parents.

What You Will Learn:

How achievement can mask deeper insecurities
Why listening to your inner voice is critical—even when it’s inconvenient
What it means to take radical ownership of your mistakes
How to build a support system that lifts you and holds you accountable
Why surrendering control can lead to personal evolution

Join us for this deeply personal and powerful conversation with Rashmi Airan. Whether you’re facing a challenge or simply want to lead with more authenticity, this episode will inspire you to take command of your life—and rise through whatever comes your way.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

Matt Britton has been on the front lines of cultural and technological change for over two decades. He’s the founder and CEO of Suzy, a leading consumer intelligence platform that helps top companies make real-time decisions driven by human insights. Matt is also the author of Generation AI and a sought-after speaker known for his bold ideas and data-backed foresight.

With a deep understanding of Gen Z and millennial consumers, Matt has helped Fortune 500 companies—from Pepsi to Microsoft—navigate everything from social media shifts to brand reinvention. His mission? To help businesses close the gap between what consumers want and what companies deliver.

What You Will Learn:

Why Gen Z values community and co-creation over traditional advertising
How companies can build trust by being transparent, responsive, and real
Why staying static is the biggest risk a brand can take
The key difference between data and insight—and why that matters
How to foster a culture of innovation inside large organizations

Join us for this future-focused conversation with one of the leading voices in consumer trends and innovation. Matt Britton doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges, but he also doesn’t believe in standing still. If you want to understand where your audience is headed—and how to meet them there—this episode is a must-listen.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:
John Venhuizen leads Ace Hardware, a company with a proud 101-year history, built on the trust and hard work of thousands of local owners. With over 6,000 stores worldwide — nearly all independently owned — John believes that this combination of local entrepreneurship and global support is the secret sauce that keeps Ace strong and relevant.

He’s a leader who values character, humility, and grit — the kind of qualities that get tested daily when you’re trying to solve problems and move a big organization forward. John’s perspective is both inspiring and grounded, reminding us that leadership is about service and connection as much as strategy and results.

What You Will Learn:

Why real leadership is about rolling up your sleeves and tackling problems
How local ownership creates a powerful bond with communities and customers
The importance of putting faith, family, and character before work — and why that matters for long-term success
How AI is a tool to empower people, not replace them
Why a servant heart and human connection will always be a business’s greatest advantage

Join us for this heartfelt conversation with John Venhuizen and discover what it really takes to lead with purpose in a complex, fast-moving world. If you want to lead better and build something that lasts, this episode will give you plenty to think about — and put into action.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

Episode Notes:

Brieane Olson has spent 18 years shaping Pacsun into a youth-focused lifestyle brand, stepping into the CEO role in 2023 after serving as President. Known for her digital-first mindset and passion for innovation, she’s deeply committed to empowering teams and promoting mental health awareness.

Key Takeaways:

How Pacsun builds long-term brand loyalty through purpose and authentic partnerships
Why vulnerability and intentionality are essential tools for leaders today
Moving beyond trends to a multi-pillar strategy rooted in California lifestyle

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about brand evolution and genuine leadership—reminding us all that staying real is the key to staying relevant.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Sowmyanarayan Sampath is the CEO of Verizon Consumer, leading a multibillion-dollar division serving over 100 million customers across the U.S. Known for his calm leadership and strategic vision, he’s focused on operational excellence and reskilling teams to stay ahead in a fast-evolving digital landscape.

What You Will Learn:

Why AI is a deflationary force that every company needs
How to use AI as a personal growth and communication tool
The career advantage of thinking in three-year chapters
What to do when your job evolves—or disappears
Evergreen skills that matter more than ever: clarity, curiosity, and communication

This episode is packed with insight, strategy, and practical optimism. Whether you're navigating a tech transformation or planning your next leadership chapter, Sampath will inspire you to think longer, lead better, and move with intention.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Liz Haberberger is the president of Dale Carnegie Missouri and a leadership powerhouse. With a decade of experience coaching professionals at every level, Liz is known for helping people unlock potential they didn’t know they had. Her training sessions and keynotes are packed with energy, actionable insights, and honest encouragement.

Whether she’s working with a senior leadership team or speaking on stage, Liz's mission is the same: inspire people to lead themselves first—so they can better lead others.

What You Will Learn:

Why attitude is your greatest leadership asset
The “gap and the gain” mindset and how to apply it daily
The role of optimism and energy in creating lasting culture change
How to lead with more self-awareness and intentionality
Ways to build stronger, more emotionally intelligent teams

Get ready to rethink how you show up. Liz brings practical wisdom, powerful mindset tools, and a spark that stays with you. Don’t miss this conversation on the Take Command podcast.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:
Meet Guy Fieri—chef, TV host, entrepreneur, and champion for communities in need. With his signature style and relentless energy, Guy rose to fame through shows like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, but his impact reaches far beyond entertainment. Through the Guy Fieri Foundation, he mobilizes disaster relief efforts across the U.S., bringing resources and volunteers to rebuild communities. Guided by the belief that “As soon as you are not learning, you are dying,”Guy continues to inspire others to lead with heart, humility, and hustle.

What You Will Learn:

How Dale Carnegie’s principles shaped Guy’s approach to leadership and life
The philosophy behind the Guy Fieri Foundation’s disaster relief efforts
Why it’s crucial to listen to those who love you—not the noise from strangers

Tune in for a fresh, powerful follow-up where we explore how Guy built a movement beyond food, why focusing on the right people matters, and why the right mindset changes everything. Whether or not you heard Part 1, you’ll walk away inspired.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

Meet Hal Elrod and listen to his story of resilience, mindset, and the relentless pursuit of personal growth. After surviving a car accident at age 20, Hal defied the odds and recovered, despite doctors' grim predictions. Years later, when faced with cancer, he again took full responsibility for his healing. He researched holistic practices, implemented them all, and emerged victorious. Hal now shares his experiences with the world through The Miracle Morning, a routine that has helped millions achieve their goals and transform their lives.

Hal’s approach isn’t just about achieving success—it’s about cultivating a mindset that allows you to show up for life every single day.

What You Will Learn:

How Hal overcame life-threatening challenges and used his mindset to heal
The key practices in The Miracle Morning that have helped millions transform their lives
How to push through mental and emotional roadblocks to achieve your goals

Join us for this inspiring conversation as Hal shares how he turned adversity into a life-changing philosophy, and how you can do the same. Don’t miss this chance to learn how to elevate your own life with the power of mindset and intention.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

Meet Anne Mahlum—entrepreneur, investor, speaker, and advocate for living life on your own terms. In 2007, she founded Back on My Feet, a nonprofit that uses running to help individuals experiencing homelessness regain confidence, employment, and independence. A few years later, she launched [solidcore], a pilates-inspired fitness brand that she scaled to 100 locations nationwide, attracting clients like Michelle Obama. After raising $210M in private equity and exiting the company in 2023, Anne now invests, writes, and advocates for causes close to her heart, including addiction recovery and wrongful convictions. She believes in taking control of your story—“You are always one decision away from a totally different life.”

What You Will Learn:

How Anne turned a simple idea into a national movement with Back on My Feet
The mindset shifts that helped her scale [solidcore] and exit successfully
Why she believes in sharing wealth and lifting others up
How to embrace risk, reinvention, and a bold approach to leadership

Join us for this powerful and personal conversation, where Anne shares not just her successes but the mindset that got her there. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to create the life you want—on your terms.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Meet Dr. Bruce Stillman, president and CEO of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, one of the oldest and most distinguished scientific and research facilities on the planet. Growing up, Bruce knew that medicine and science were in his future—he was already volunteering in hospitals at the age of fifteen. But little did he suspect that his first gig out of medical school would prove to be his entire career.

“I was thirty-eight at the time,” he says. “And I got plucked out of the faculty here to become assistant director and, ultimately, director…I had no experience in running anything. But I knew the culture of the lab, the organization, and I think that was the most important thing that I've carried forward.” This knowledge informed his leadership approach, which ultimately led both the organization and its faculty and staff to flourish under his direction. Learn more about Bruce and his amazing career in this episode of the Take Command podcast.

What You Will Learn:

Lessons in conflict resolution and negotiations
Stories of the ups and downs of being a Nobel laureate
Strategies for bringing workers together under a single mission
Insights into why having a big question to answer still requires flexibility in how you approach it

Join us for this incredible episode, where you’ll learn everything you want to know about fostering an environment that supports mentorship and risk-taking. Bruce is here to share his knowledge. Don’t hesitate to dive into his wisdom to make your own organization even better. Listen to the Take Command podcast today!

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Ginni Rometty comes from a long line of hardworking women. First there was her great grandmother, who came from Belarus and cleaned bathrooms in the Wrigley building in Chicago. Next, it was her grandmother, a young widow twice over. Finally, there was her mother, who brought herself and her kids up through education and hard work after her husband abandoned them. Watching these women do what it takes to succeed instilled in Ginni a deep drive to be the best she can be and more.

That’s why Ginni is the former chairman, president, and CEO of IBM. That’s why Ginni was named by Fortune magazine as the number one most powerful woman in the world for three years in a row. And that’s why Ginni’s new book, Good Power, is here to transform your life too. She says, “Hard work is a way to get ahead . . . It doesn't matter how bad it is, there's always a way forward.” Hear more about how Ginni moved her way to the top when you listen to this episode of the Take Command podcast.

What You Will Learn:

Insights into why your early life informs so much of what you become
Lessons in how to be more passionate (Hint: do things you like)
Stories about why you have more agency than you think you do
The hard truth that no one is beneath homework, not even CEOs

Join us for this deep dive into what it means to lead an intentional life, using our powers for good along the way. Ginni isn’t a pie-in-the-sky thinker. She believes in the power of hard work and the value in gaining perspective from our relationship with others. Ginni doesn’t always have the right answer, but she sure has a lot to offer in this episode. Tune in today to learn from one of the best.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

Remember how people used to ask when you were younger what you wanted to be when you grew up? Well, no one asked Guy Fieri that question because by nine years old, he already was what he wanted to be. After a funny incident with his mother, Guy’s love for cooking took off. From his first childhood business of selling soft pretzels to his more than ninety award-winning restaurants now open around the world, Guy has built himself a cooking empire.

But he wouldn’t have gotten half as far if it weren’t for Dale Carnegie. “At twenty-two years old, I was very smart about what I knew. I was very expectant of people. And I just couldn't understand why people wouldn't work their ass off and be great,” Guy says. “So now I'm working with a hundred and fifty team members that don't all give a hundred and fifty percent, and I don't know how to really manage it. So I just did it with aggression . . . So anyhow, it doesn't really go well . . .”

Listen in to the podcast to hear more of Guy’s origin story as a chef and as a true leader who maintains his authentic self by recognizing and celebrating the authentic self in everyone.

What You Will Learn:

Strategies in practicing what you preach
Insights into being your true self over becoming sensational for attention
Why you should come into any business wanting to “protect their castle”
Lessons in why you can’t base your success off someone else’s failures

Guy has some pretty fantastic advice packed into this episode, and he couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. He genuinely wants you to succeed as your authentic self. “I'd always been the guy that was always telling everybody to go for it. Ask her out. Start the business. Get the loan. Buy the truck . . . I'm always the guy that's pushing everybody to go live their best self.”

You can learn how to maintain your true self in business and in life when you listen to this episode of the Take Command Podcast. Join Joe and Guy for an episode filled with stories, advice, and passion.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

You may know him as the illustrious host of the Take Command podcast and the CEO of Dale Carnegie & Associates, but today, you can meet the “Average Joe” behind his story. Joe says, “My ambition as a high school and college person was to go to law school, become a lawyer, join a large firm, become very successful, and do that for 40 years. And I was on that track.” But Dale Carnegie would come to pull him repeatedly in a new direction throughout his life.

From lawyer to real estate mogul to owner of an eLearning company to CEO of Dale Carnegie, Joe’s life path has been anything but straightforward. The throughline? Joe is wholly passionate about everything he does—including maximizing the value of everything he spends money on. He says, “Six months after I took the course, I was thinking about all these Dale Carnegie principles that I was not applying. So I said, ‘You know, I spent $890 on this program. I want to maximize my value. So I developed a calendar, and every day I started to practice Dale Carnegie principles.”

Learn how the practice of these principles has led Joe to where he is today.

What You Will Learn:

A plea in why AI is a technology to be engaged with, not threatened by
Lessons in how to make real connections, not the pseudo-connections of social media
Stories on why it’s better to be the “man with ideas” than the “man with the plan”
Reasons behind the changes in the ways employees see leadership

Joe Hart has truly embraced a life of purpose, and he teaches you how to do the same in this episode of the Take Command podcast, featuring host Dr. Greg Story from the podcast Japan's Top Business Interviews. Tune in if you want to hear about how agility leads to resilience, why being happy is better than rotely following a plan, and where trust really comes from (hint: it’s based in one-to-one relationships!). Your future is awaiting. Listen in today.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

While he never would have imagined being where he is today, Jason Buechel was truly made for his current position as CEO of Whole Foods. Jason’s parents grew up on dairy farms, sowing in him a strong connection to the land and food. Combine that with Jason’s thirteen years of retail consulting work, and you have a man with a unique intersection of perspectives that continue to bring Whole Foods to the front of their industry.

There are many things that make Jason a strong leader, but it’s his passion for his people, the company, and its mission that shines brightest. He says, “I'm privileged to be leading a company that not only I love, but ultimately I'm so honored to be able to help support our next iteration of what we're gonna do in helping nourish people on the planet, which is our higher purpose.” Hear more about Jason’s life and leadership in this episode of the Take Command podcast.

What You Will Learn:

Lessons in the importance of being a servant leader
Tips on how to find your own best way of solving tough business problems
Discussion of why you always need to lead by example
Strategies for taking a panoramic view when it comes to customers, team members, and other stakeholders

Jason says it’s difficult to be a leader who both drives short-term results and can fully connect with and motivate an organization—something he’s done remarkably well. His view is that a leader is there to “help support the organization and bridge it to the next opportunity, and ultimately help work through [challenges].” Listen in to hear all of Jason’s great advice so you can b

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

You’ll always find this guest asking new questions because that’s just who Penny Zenker is. Penny says her career path has been a “crazy old maze,” taking her from accounting and finance to building and selling a multi-million-dollar company, to becoming a keynote speaker and executive coach. But she couldn’t have done any of it without her “focusology” practice. “The name of the game is how to be more intentional in a time where everybody is vying for our attention,” she says.

After her dad’s accidental death when she was nineteen, Penny started asking “Why me?” but quickly changed her tune to ask: “What does this mean?” She says this mindset helped her “be more conscious of my words, the questions that I ask myself, and what I really want.” And Penny has made all of it happen. Listen in to hear Penny’s story.

What You Will Learn:

Strategies to bring together “attention and intention and give it direction”
How to work through insecurities to perform at the highest level
Lessons in why following fear won’t get you anywhere
Directions for dynamically reassessing your direction in favor of the future

This episode has it all—insightful questions, fun moments, and many, many pearls of wisdom. Penny encourages listeners to learn to step back, gain perspective, and take those lessons to realign for the future. She’ll tell you all about how when you listen to this episode of the Take Command podcast.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Say hello to Bob Chapman, CEO of the internationally renowned Barry-Wehmiller, a machinery industry company with over 12,000 employees in over 100 countries. Bob’s first title at the company was “Somebody He Could Trust”—meaning he was tasked with helping his father (the owner) make business decisions. But all did not go as planned. “I worked with my dad for six years, was put in the position of VP of finance, and I think it was October of ’75, he had a severe heart attack and died. The next day I was president of the company at age thirty, and the first people I met were the bankers, who immediately pulled our loans.”

Bob goes on to detail the many ups and downs of the company after his sudden rise to the top. He says he went from “phenomenal success to traumatic decline and then a phenomenal recovery.” And phenomenal it is. Today, Barry-Wehmiller is a $3.6 billion company. Bob attributes that to many factors, including his creative approaches, his tenacity in the face of crisis, and his focus on people as the main drivers of success.

What You Will Learn:

Strategies into how common sense, creativity, and a positive attitude can replace book smarts and accolades
Insights into why we need “leaders, coaches, and mentors,” not “managers, bosses, and supervisors.”
Lessons in why it isn’t enough to get people on the same bus; the bus needs to be able to support the people getting on it
Stories of the quick rise, epic fall, and monumental comeback of the Barry-Wehmiller Company

Join Joe Hart and Bob Chapman as they discuss weathering the ups and downs of business while always keeping people front and center. More than anything, Bob wants leaders to understand the importance and responsibility they have as business leaders to give employees a “grounded sense of hope,” meaning “they can decide to raise a child, buy a home, educate their kids, or save for their retirement. That is your fundamental responsibility.” Learn more about how to fulfill your responsibilities as a leader when you tune in to this insightful episode.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Meet Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Bill carries a deep appreciation for art, but despite his mother being an artist, he didn’t see it as a viable career path. So, he earned a BA in actuarial sciences and went to work supporting creatives behind the scenes.

After stints at Columbia University and the Sundance Institute, he joined the Academy and has helped to take it to new heights ever since, starting with coordinating the building of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Bill knows a lot about leadership and how to inspire a team with a greater purpose. Listen in to hear more about Bill’s journey to being a leader.

What You Will Learn:

How to balance the competing needs and desires of employees and clients
Why “everyone's role should feel purpose-driven and connected to a greater vision”
How to enter with humility, especially when there are more aspects of the job to learn
Why you have to be intentional about nurturing yourself outside the office

Bill drops some major knowledge in this episode—so it’s not to be missed. You’ll discover more about the Academy and its mission, see how Bill is helping fulfill that mission by being a good leader, and absorb new leadership tips for your own work. Press play and be ready to be transported into a masterclass of leadership.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Meet Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association. For the last 35 years, he’s been responsible for over 4,000 vendors and 130,000 guests each year at CES, the largest consumer electronics tradeshow on the planet. He’s a lawyer, a runner, a leader, and he was also awarded the Légion d'Honneur (Legion of Honor) by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2021.

Not only that, Gary is already a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with a new book, Pivot or Die, releasing October 2024. “We're all humans fundamentally,” Gary says. “I think, in a way, Covid inspired me to write Pivot or Die because Covid was something we in the world shared as humans.” Despite admitting it’s one of the leadership areas he’s always working on, Gary writes about the importance of empathy and strong human relationships to allow businesses to pivot on a dime when the time comes.

Hear all about Gary’s new book and the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way that will make you a stronger leader in turn.

What You Will Learn:

Strategies for making sure everyone’s opinion is expressed, not just yours
Insights into why people are more than the sum of their business results
Lessons in how everything that goes wrong can become a learning opportunity
The importance of surrounding yourself with people who fill your weaknesses

Gary has certainly learned a thing or two in his time in the technology world. And he’ll tell you all about how leadership needs a clear vision, why not to berate yourself for your mistakes, and why being curious is the most important part of growth. After all—“If you ask a question, you're a fool for a second. If you don't ask, you're a fool for a lifetime.” Hear this and other amazing tidbits from Gary and Joe’s episode.

Tune in today!

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

It takes a lot to stand out among greatness, and Wonya Lucas’s family is home to some heavy hitters—from her dad, the first Black general manager in Major League Baseball, to her mom, whose bright idea in a Turner Broadcasting meeting turned into Cartoon Network, to her uncle, the late great Hank Aaron. But Wonya has made just as much a name for herself with her storied career.

Wonya graduated with an engineering degree from Georgia Tech before going to work for Westinghouse for many years. But engineering wasn’t enough. After a stint at Wharton to earn dual Finance and Marketing degrees, Wonya continued on her path of greatness, eventually earning positions such as EVP/GM at The Weather Channel, CMO of Discovery Communications, and president and CEO of Hallmark Media. Today, Wonya serves on the boards of many companies and organizations, always striving to bring her dual-brained personality to tackle any problem.

What You Will Learn:

Strategies for staying grounded and accessible as a leader
Insights into how the tiniest voice can have the biggest impact
Lessons in how marketing is about showing different types of love
Stories of how staying intellectually curious about people can lead to opportunity

Join Joe and Wonya as they discuss leadership, family, purpose, and the role we all play in developing the community around us. Wonya offers a very clear first and second step, both learned from her father, to being a great leader. And who wouldn’t want to follow in her amazing shoes? Tune in today so you don’t miss a single drop of wisdom.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Being only the 9th CEO in Deluxe Corporation’s 109-year existence, Barry McCarthy feels the weight of that history, saying, “You start with a deep sense of humbleness that you are carrying on a legacy that has been so significant for so long.” But that doesn’t mean Barry will treat any company with kid gloves. He says, “I think of myself as something of a fixer, a reinventor, an innovator.” And there’s no better spot to drive innovation than in how we connect as people within a company. Barry has made it his mission to extend humble leadership, a listening ear, and a helping hand to all those he is responsible for. As a firm believer in mentorship at every level of an organization, Barry is here to spread his wisdom to us today.

What You Will Learn:

Strategies for focusing on what you can do for people, not what they can do for you
Insights into the three critical things that together help people succeed as leaders
Lessons on why kindness, decency, and respect will get you further than demands

Join us to discover why Barry says employees are “the most important asset the company has.” You’ll learn new ways to support your team and build your organization. From setting visions that inspire people to the importance of being transparent when things aren’t going well, the advice in this episode is not to be missed. Listen in today!

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

Meet Richard Edelman, the president and CEO of Edelman Communications, a global marketing firm. Richard’s life was on the right track from an early age. Then, just one month before graduating from Harvard Business School and with a plan to work as an assistant product manager at Playtex, Richard’s father called and asked him to work for the family business. Forty-six years later, Richard is now the proud head of this world-renowned, family-owned business. “I haven't just loved it. I've thrived in it,” he says. While he’s made some mistakes along the way, Richard reminds us that “If you don't try and fail forward, you'll never get ahead.”

What You Will Learn:

Why every action and person should be measured by ability, dependability, integrity, and purpose
How humble leadership adds to self-confidence
The most underrated aspect of creating and maintaining a broad network
Insights into leading from the front and how that inspires trust

Join us for this insightful episode, where you’ll learn the best-kept secrets to leadership from a man who has led a successful global communications firm for decades. Richard draws on Dale Carnegie’s principles in his work, saying that Carnegie teaches the “forging of close personal ties that matters more than ever.” Richard’s advice will leave you inspired and ready to become who you’ve always wanted to be. Listen today, and you’ll be a better leader tomorrow.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Meet Sharon Price John, President and CEO of Build-a-Bear Workshop and an all-around powerhouse of a woman. Sharon dives deep into her roots to guide who she is today. Coming from a small town, she felt restricted and couldn’t wait to get out and go to college (the first in her family to do so). But she also says, “I didn't really start growing until I made peace with the value that the small-town experience had created for me.”

Today, Sharon uses her skills and empathy to connect consumers with precious moments and inspire Build-a-Bear’s workers to live the company’s mission. Of course, her path hasn’t always been smooth, but as she says, “Everybody's journey has ups and downs…It's not that you have those, it's what you do with them.” And Sharon has done a lot. In addition to leading Build-a-Bear to peak success, her first book—Stories and Heart: Unlock the Power of Personal Stories to Create a Life You Love—is available on Amazon.

What You Will Learn:

Strategies for overcoming limiting thoughts
Insights into why we tend to take the scenic route to our dreams
Lessons in why ignoring the odds is sometimes the best way to beat them
Reminders for why leadership should never be considered a “burden”

Join us for Sharon’s episode to learn more about how she took Build-a-Bear from a $49 million annual loss to their most profitable years ever. Her thoughts on social responsibility, communication skills, and empathy will transform the way you look at leadership and your responsibility to people and future generations. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the great Sharon Price John.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Meet Aaron Witt, a man who loves dirt. Or, more specifically, loves the industries that hold our society together. As founder, CEO, and chief “dirt nerd” of BuildWitt, Aaron uses his marketing chops to bring light to the jobs and people who keep our world running. Aaron says he loves the purpose of the dirt industries because they support everybody else, just as Aaron tries to support his team and clients by becoming the best leader he can be.

What You Will Learn:

The “chores” that, when put into place daily, can lead to a better life
Why consistently practicing your “free throws” is more important than nailing it the first time
Strategies for moving forward with your desires so you don’t end up regretting the chances you didn’t take
Tips on prioritizing yourself as a leader in order to do your best for others

This insightful episode is not to be missed! Join us and listen to Aaron's wisdom to learn what the path to leadership really looks like.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

Episode Summary

About the Guest:

Lisa Sun is a businesswoman through and through. She credits it to her parents, saying, “I cut my teeth as an entrepreneur, because in 1987, at the age of eight—I don't think my mother understood child labor laws—I was the cashier [at their restaurant]. I learned firsthand what it took to create something from nothing.”

Lisa’s achievements accelerated when she entered high school at only twelve years old and was introduced to Dale Carnegie. “I read [How to Win Friends and Influence People] cover to cover, and it was my formative experience at twelve years old learning what it meant to operate in Western culture, to shake hands and remember people's names and ask questions and be interested. I would not be the person I am today if I hadn't had that experience.”

Lisa’s experience also involves twelve years with McKinsey and Company, where she sought feedback and grew as a person. When she decided to start GRAVITAS, she interviewed 200 people for insights and brainstorming. She says, “The more you allow people to have fingerprints on your journey, the more likely they're going to be invested in [your] success.” Today, Lisa helps empower others with confidence so they can reach their highest potential.

What You Will Learn:

How to treat feedback as a gift
Details on the six forces Lisa has identified that hold us back
The importance of being who we are, not “faking it until we make it”
Why you need to embrace your five-year-old self more often

Lisa could not have packed this interview with more insight than the plethora she provides. Don’t miss out on all her tips for building confidence, her stories of growing up with a “Tiger Mom,” and her encouragement to take chances. Listeners will easily apply Lisa’s advice to their own lives as they learn to live with more gravitas.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Say hello to David Meltzer. After becoming a millionaire nine months out of law school (not by being a lawyer, mind you), David was hired as CEO of his dream company. But in 2008, his multimillionaire status turned into bankruptcy. From this, he learned to attach his intentions not to outcomes but to the pursuit of his own potential. While some people may pursue the paths others set for them, David says he follows his own path by identifying who he really is inside—someone who was born to help others. Today, David runs Sports 1 Marketing, hosts The Playbook Podcast, and acts as a board member for several societies and organizations.

What You Will Learn:

· Strategies for overcoming any type of setback

· Insights for determining the difference between who we are and what we have

· Lessons in aligning our “mindset, heartset, and handset”

· How to stop, drop, and roll in order to accelerate along the right trajectory

Hear all about the ups and downs of David’s leadership career when you join us for this insightful episode. David says that entrepreneurs often have one hand reaching up asking for help, but we cannot forget to lower the other hand to help those in the chair beside us. Listen in for all David’s best advice as he reaches out his hand to you.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

Scott Osman always thought he never needed an executive coach. Jacquelyn Lane had an epitome when she vigorously tried to defend a mistake she had made when one of her supervisors asked her, “What does it serve you to be defensive here?”

Both now run 100 Coaches Agency, an organization representing the world’s best coaches, founded by internationally renowned author, coach, and educator, Marshall Goldsmith. During their Take Command Podcast conversation, Osman and Lane share their passion for the importance of coaching removing career-limiting thinking and unlocking leadership potential. From their own experiences, they strongly affirm that coaching changed their lives. Here are a few of their insights:

Coaching matters. Lane defines coaching as the “ability to learn, grow and develop, which is often about taking feedback to be open to change and input from others. They're simply things that we can't see in ourselves. And so coaching is an outside perspective that helps us learn, grow, and be better.” Both Lane and Osman agree that securing a professional coach is best, but if people are not ready for that yet, they should seek out their bosses or peers to give them clear, honest feedback. Osman describes coaching this way, “The world around you is changing, and the coach can help guide you through that change to deal with the things that are different and also help you either to be different or better … So, the very first hurdle is being open to change.”

Embrace expansion. Osman admits he told many potential coaches that he was feeling good and didn’t need any help until one coach changed his mind. The coach explained: ‘“If that's the case, then how about we work on expansion?’” Osman explains. “And he went on to explain it in that first session. He said, ‘Look, if you believe that things are good the way they are this is a self-limiting belief and it's stopping you from thinking beyond where you are now.’” Ten years later, Osman says, “Coaching is not about fixing a problem; coaching is very often about creating expansion.”

Beware of blind spots. Osman and Lane say everyone has them, even if they vehemently deny they do. “There are just these glaring blind spots that are by the nature of blind spots invisible to me,” Osman explains, “and I need someone from the outside who has a different perspective and a different experience and a different point of view to help me see what I don't see.” Lanes offers this colorful analogy: “The saying goes: the jam can't read the label on the jar, right? None of us can see ourselves from the outside. And similarly, you know, if I think of so many great leaders who become aware of challenges in their business that they simply didn't see, only because they asked some of the other people in the business. For example, front-line workers.” Osman tells the story of Hubert Joly, the former Best Buy CEO who turned around the company, in part, by traveling the country asking employees for their advice.

Ask questions. One method corporate leaders are successful is when they create safe spaces where their employees feel comfortable sharing ideas and criticisms. Osman and Lane say leaders must be willing to ask questions.“It's amazing how few people, especially leaders,” Lane says, “ask for feedback or ask for the ideas and suggestions of people beneath them. Many leaders think that it's their job to have the answers or to fill the space with their ideas, input, and insight. But that's simply not the case, and sometimes just creating the space … just asking for it opens up that flow of information once again.”

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Meet Asheesh Advani, a long-time entrepreneur and current CEO of Junior Achievement (JA). Asheesh had his first brush with the business world when he was voted CEO of a student business at the age of fourteen. As founder and leader of several entrepreneurial ventures, Asheesh learned the true meaning of “leadership,” which he says is still evolving as he pursues new goals and training. Asheesh wants nothing more than to empower his employees and the youths in JA by removing obstacles so others can succeed.

What You Will Learn:

What it means to be above or below the line of curiosity
Strategies for building self-confidence and where to find your biggest supporters
Insights into leadership coaching and its impact on Asheesh’s businesses
Lessons in resilience as a child with a stutter up to a CEO overseeing multiple ventures

Asheesh is a man who lives his truth daily. From the power of extracurriculars to the benefits of surrounding yourself with other smart people, you’ll learn from Asheesh’s every word in this lesson-packed episode.

Additional Resources:

Book: Modern Achievement ; Pre-order on Amazon- https://a.co/d/egjvBQz,

Junior Achievements

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Say hello to Robin Holdren, a retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer and now global leader and coach ofLearning and Development at ABB, where she provides training opportunities to over 20,000 employees in 50 countries. Robin says she’s grown professionally and personally by embracing a lifelong education—not only through schooling but also by simply interacting with people and discovering more about them. Robin collaborates with Dale Carnegie to provide bespoke workshops, including a Women’s Leadership Development program, to ABB.

What You Will Learn:

Why development is a lifelong journey and how to succeed along the way
What being “authentic” really means and how it leads to humility
Lessons in building credibility through earning respect, not wielding authority

Join us and listen to Robin's tales of showing empathy through her deployment during Desert Storm to the mechanics of how she helps others reach their goals with ABB.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

Embark on a journey of real-life business insights and inspiring personal growth narratives. Welcome to Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast, where we seek to uncover what leadership means in today’s world. Hosted by Joe Hart, CEO of Dale Carnegie, we’ll be talking to diverse leaders across various industries to help unlock your potential for success. We’ll be sharing real-life insights into leadership—which in turn can help spark the next level of your growth as a leader.

This isn't just a podcast, it's your gateway to a more confident, influential, and successful you. Because at Dale Carnegie, we believe in bringing out the best in you. Let the journey begin.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Meet Matt Norman, the president of Dale Carnegie, North Central US. Matt’s career started in technology, where he struggled with confidence, building relationships, and communication. Over time, and by following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather (both Dale Carnegie trainers), Matt learned to trade the comfort of solving tangible problems for a deeper understanding of the ambiguity of interpersonal relationships. His new book, Lead with Influence: A Proven Process to Lead Without Authority, helps people everywhere learn the importance of relationship-building and communicating ideas.

What You Will Learn:

Strategies for blasting through self-perceptions to dig into unique leadership powers.
Behind-the-scenes insights into the crafting of Matt’s new business book.
Lessons on “slowing down to speed up” when it comes to crafting effective partnerships.
Stories of Matt’s leadership growth and how you can get there too.

Join us for this insightful episode where you’ll learn how to be a leader without authority and how to gain buy-in through building quality interpersonal relationships. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Matt’s wisdom collected on his journey as leader of the largest North American operation in the Dale Carnegie network.

Episodes Notes:

Lead with Influence: A Proven Process to Lead Without Authority: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1722506822?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_2ANXW81GXVGANVP7ZW9Y_1

Lead with Influence Course: https://www.dalecarnegie.com/en/courses/6629

Matt Norman's Blog: https://www.mattnorman.com/

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Meet Suzanne Sutter Chesnutt, a dynamic leader with a rich corporate leadership, philanthropy, and organizational development background. Suzanne's illustrious career culminated in her role as the CEO of Things Remembered, overseeing a massive 650-store organization. Her journey is characterized by a deep commitment to leadership development and significant contributions to charitable endeavors, particularly with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since 2014, Suzanne has served as a Dale Carnegie Board Member.

What You Will Learn:

Effective leadership strategies from a former CEO of a multi-store organization.
The role of social responsibility in business and its impact on organizational success.
The transformative power of personal and organizational change.
Charitable endeavors and leadership development insights from a Dale Carnegie Board Member.

Join us for this enlightening event where you'll gain insights into effective leadership from a seasoned CEO. Discover the importance of social responsibility in business and the transformative power of personal and organizational change. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Suzanne's wealth of experience and wisdom.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guests:

Christina Dorr Drake & Rusty Drake are the co-founders of Willa’s Organic Oat Milk since 2020. The couple juggled launching their product while simultaneously navigating Christina's breast cancer diagnosis and facing the COVID-19 pandemic. This episode features Rusty, a former filmmaker & Dale Carnegie master trainer turned entrepreneur, and Christina, an advertiser, a resilient cancer survivor, a well-being enthusiast, and an entrepreneur. Together, they share their journey of self-care, entrepreneurship, resilience, and growth, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.

What You Will Learn:

Communication Skills in Entrepreneurship: Rusty, drawing from his Dale Carnegie training background and experience, emphasizes the critical role of clear, frequent, and honest communication in entrepreneurship. Discover how effective communication impacts negotiation, sales relationships, and team leadership in the day-to-day operations of a global brand.

Relationship Building in Sales: Rusty delves into the heart of his approach to sales, highlighting the importance of relationships. As Head of Sales at Willas, Rusty uses his Dale Carnegie communication and sales skills to navigate various industries, mastering the unique "language" of different stakeholders. Learn how building connections and friendships is the key to success in diverse markets.

Resilience and Personal Agency: Hear Christina's inspiring story of confronting breast cancer head-on. She shares her perspective on taking ownership of her treatment plan, maintaining agency in the face of a challenging diagnosis, and turning adversity into strength. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder to flip the script and find empowerment in difficult times.

Self-Care Culture in Entrepreneurship: Both Rusty and Christina emphasize the importance of mental health, therapy, and coaching for themselves, their teams, and their business. They discuss their commitment to adding self-care sessions to busy work calendars. Discover how prioritizing mental and physical health contributes to a stronger foundation for both personal well-being and business success.

Asking for Help and Empowering Teams: Starting a business is challenging and demanding. Rusty and Christina share the importance of asking questions and seeking mentorship and help. Learn about the value of hiring experts to complement your skills and foster a sense of empowerment within your team. They highlight the power of collaboration, delegating tasks, and the strength that comes from learning and problem-solving together.

Summary of the Story:

Amidst the challenges of a global pandemic and a personal health crisis, Christina Dorr Drake and Rusty Drake not only launched a successful product but also built a resilient business. From effective communication to relationship building, resilience, and prioritizing self-care, their journey offers a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs and a testament to the strength that can arise from facing adversity with determination and grace.

Join us to learn how Christina & Rusty successfully navigate family entrepreneurship, from self-care to team synergy, and collective growth!

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Niren Chaudhary is the CEO & Chairman of the Board of Panera Brands, one of the world's largest fast-casual restaurant companies. With prior roles as President of Krispy Kreme and 23 years at Yum! Brands, including the Global President of KFC, his leadership is unparalleled. Fluent in four languages, he supports DKMS, a leading non-profit with the world’s largest stem cell donor registry.

What will You Learn:

Chaudhary offers a leadership framework based on his experience with four core elements: courage, gratitude, generosity, and congruency.

Courage: Focus on what you can control, not on external circumstances.
Gratitude: Start each day with appreciation for what you have, rather than dwelling on losses.
Generosity: Embrace a generous heart, seeking opportunities to serve others.
Congruency: Align your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions to present a consistent version of yourself.

Become self-aware of our strengths: Caution against overplaying strengths, which can become weaknesses.

As a lover of people, Chaudhary acknowledges the potential pitfalls of trust and decision-making. To counterbalance, he encourages leaders to surround themselves with truth-tellers who provide honest feedback.

As a lifelong learner, Chaudhary advises against excessive ideation without implementation. A strong leadership team helps maintain focus and holds leaders accountable.

Chaudhary’s wisdom: "Don't solely develop competence; invest time in deepening your character, committing to your values and principles."

Interview Summary:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Niren Chaudhary, Chairman of Panera Brands, discovered the profound privilege that comes with leadership. Quickly mobilizing his team, they prioritized the health and safety of both team members and customers. Recognizing the significance of clear and simple messaging, as well as the need for a calm demeanor, the company embraced the pandemic as an "unprecedented opportunity to get stronger and better."

Chaudhary acknowledges that throughout his career managing hotels and holding key positions in renowned food brands, two defining moments in his personal life have shaped him profoundly: the loss of his eight-year-old and 18-year-old daughters. His older daughter Aisha's courageous response to a five-year life expectancy continues to inspire him. Aisha wrote a book, delivered TedTalks, and became the inspiration for movies like "The Sky is Pink" and "Black Sunshine."

Join us and listen to Niren's leadership insights on leading with courage, gratitude, generosity, and congruency. Be self-aware to not overplay our strengths and present one version of ourselves.

Show notes:

Panera Brands

"The Sky is Pink"

"Black Sunshine Baby"

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Alvaro Nuñez Alfaro, originally from Madrid, Spain, found himself drawn to the world of tennis at an early age. His dreams of becoming a professional tennis player laid the foundation for his resilient and adventurous spirit. Graduating as a valedictorian student,Alvaro used his proficiency in tennis as a lever to secure a scholarship in the U.S., kickstarting a journey that would transcend sports and lead him into the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship. He is the founder & CEO of the real-estate company Super Luxury Group in Miami, FL, bestselling author of “Level Up”, based in Miami, FL.

Beyond the business suit, Alvaro is a risk-taker with a penchant for adventure and extreme hobbies—someone who has jumped out of airplanes, flown helicopters, and conquered ultra-marathons and Ironman competitions. His story is not just about business; it's about embracing challenges head-on and turning setbacks into stepping stones for personal and professional growth.

He was recently named the “Best Health Influencer of the Year” by Influencers Insider.

What You Will Learn:

The Power of Passion and Leverage: Discover how Alvaro navigated a career shift by leveraging his passion for tennis, turning it into a catalyst for personal and professional growth.
Innovative Approaches to Business: Explore Alvaro's visionary strategies, including influencer marketing before its mainstream popularity, and understand how these approaches contributed to the success of his luxury real estate business.
Aligning Values with Business Success: Understand the importance of aligning personal values with entrepreneurial endeavors, and how courage, resilience, and fearlessness played pivotal roles in Alvaro's life and career journey.

Interview Summary:

Alvaro Nuñez invites us into his world, from the tennis courts of Madrid to the creation of Super Luxury Group, a formidable player in the luxury real estate market. His narrative unfolds with moments of setback, resilience, and strategic innovation.

Join us to gain valuable insights from Alvaro's journey that goes beyond business and get a glimpse into the life of an adventurous, passionate, and forward-thinking individual. Learn how you can leverage your passion, develop an innovative approach to business, and align your values to business success.

Take Command and Level up your life now!

Additional Assets:

Website: https://alvaronunez.com/

IG: @alvaronunez

Book: Level Up: Turning Your Obstacles into Superpowers

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Chris Winton, from his early days in Memphis, initially struggled with his academic performance while juggling two jobs to support his family. However, an internship through the InRoads program at FedEx altered the trajectory of his life. This opportunity ultimately led him to become a key figure in both FedEx and Tesla, gaining profound insights from iconic CEOs Fred Smith and Elon Musk.

What Will You Learn?

Authenticity in Leadership: Winton emphasizes the importance of authenticity in interactions, particularly in job interviews and leadership roles, encouraging genuine conversations over scripted responses.
Setting Personal Goals: Addressing the challenge of decision-making in a world of endless choices, Winton advises setting clear personal goals as the starting point for a successful career journey.
Mentorship and Humility: Highlighting the significance of giving and receiving support, Winton shares a mentor's lesson about the metaphorical image of "He Ain’t Heavy," stressing the value of seeking knowledge and humility in leadership.
Preparation and Passion: From his journey to the C-Suite, Winton advocates doing thorough homework and cultivating a deep passion for the work, emphasizing that success requires dedication and an unwavering commitment to learning.

Story Summary:

Chris Winton's journey from a teenager in Memphis to influential roles in major corporations like FedEx and Tesla showcases the transformative power of opportunities. His experiences underline the pivotal lessons learned from mentors and CEOs, shaping his beliefs about authenticity in leadership, setting goals, fostering mentorship, and the importance of preparation and passion in achieving success. Winton's insights reflect a blend of personal growth and professional development, emphasizing the essence of authenticity, goal-setting, mentorship, and dedication in carving one's path to success in both life and business.

Join us to learn Chris’ insights on authentic leadership, setting goals, mentoring with humanity, and preparing with passion.

Thought Leadership Segment:

In today's 'Thought Leadership Spotlight' segment, Daren Howard, Managing Partner for Dale Carnegie Training Mid-South, guest underscores the importance of aligning with your leader's direction and recognizing the significance of servant leadership within your organization. Much like Chris Winton, our guest underscores that forging personal connections is the key to rallying people to your cause, with no limits to where they will follow.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

Who is Deena Ghazarian?

Deena Ghazarian is a former retail executive at Macy's who has transitioned into a tech executive and is currently the CEO of Austere, an award-winning technology accessories company. She is also the co-founder of Chloe Nickie, a women's shoe business that provides higher-end brands at reasonable prices and donates a significant portion of its profits to support autism spectrum disorders

What will you learn?

1. The Value of Listening and Collaboration: Deena Ghazarian highlights the importance of actively listening to others before making significant decisions. Takeaway: Actively engaging in conversations and seeking input from others can lead to more informed and successful choices.

2. Building a Strong Professional Network: Deena emphasizes that her network has consistently led to career opportunities and advises against burning bridges. Takeaway: Nurturing and maintaining professional relationships can open doors to various opportunities and should be treated as an asset.

3. Being a Servant Leader and Mentor: Deena promotes mentoring others regardless of their age or experience, fostering a culture of mentorship. Takeaway: Mentoring not only fulfills but also helps individuals become better leaders and peers, fostering personal and professional growth for both mentors and mentees.

4. Embracing Leadership and Entrepreneurship: Deena's journey from fashion to technology leadership illustrates the transformative power of leadership and entrepreneurship. Takeaway: A willingness to adapt and seize opportunities, even in different industries, can lead to personal and professional growth, as well as the creation of innovative ventures.

Story Summary:

Deena Ghazarian's career journey took her from the fashion world as a retail executive at Macy's to becoming a tech executive and the CEO of Austere, a technology accessories company. She co-founded Chloe Nickie, a women's shoe business that supports autism spectrum disorders through its profits. Deena emphasizes the significance of listening to others, building a strong network, and being a mentor, regardless of age or experience, to achieve personal and professional growth. She encourages individuals to embrace the power of leadership and entrepreneurship.

Join us and listen to Deena’s experience and insights about the importance of open communication, networking, mentorship, and adaptability in our career journey.

Dale Carnegie Thought Leadership Segment:

Melissa Marshall, President of Dale Carnegie North Dakota & Northwest Minnesota, embodies servant leadership and resilience, drawing inspiration from a profound Dale Carnegie quote: "Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all." Much like Deena, Melissa emphasizes that during difficult times, we can overcome adversity and positively influence both ourselves and those around us. Adopt a positive mindset, accept adversity with confidence, and look for opportunities.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

1. Who is Vala Afshar?

Vala Afshar is a prominent figure in the world of technology and digital transformation. He currently serves as the Chief Digital Evangelist for Salesforce, a leading international CRM software company. Vala has a remarkable life story that began with the Iranian revolution in 1979. At the age of 10, he and his family needed to immigrate to the United States as refugees, separated from his father. Vala's journey to this influential position is marked by his resilience and dedication. Today, Vala Afshar is renowned for his thought leadership, digital presence, and storytelling abilities. He has nearly one million followers on Twitter (now X), over 600 published articles, and is the author of two books: The Pursuit of Social Business Excellence and his newest book Boundless: A New Mindset for Unlimited Business Success. Afshar is also the co-host of DisrupTV, a weekly podcast show covering the latest digital business and innovation market trends.

2. What Can you learn?

Vala's journey to success is characterized by his resilience and social skills. Despite earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees in electrical engineering, he only ventured into social media, writing, and book authorship in his early 40s. Vala's path led him to Salesforce, where he is now known as a prolific thought leader and the company's chief storyteller. Here are three pieces of advice he shares:

Develop Your Personal Brand: Vala emphasizes the importance of building a personal brand and a positive digital footprint. He believes that your online presence, coupled with what you share, can reveal a lot about you. He encourages avoiding negative criticism on social media and being mindful, especially when representing a public company like Salesforce.
Build Better Habits: Drawing a parallel to athletes, Vala stresses the need for executives to establish habits that promote resilience, confidence, and adaptability. He underscores that building a strong brand, fostering communities, and nurturing trust requires consistent effort and commitment.
Leave People Better: As a leader, Vala suggests leaving a positive impact on others as a hallmark of effective leadership. He believes that helping others succeed and adopting a beginner's mindset are key traits of a successful leader. Additionally, he underscores the importance of continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning as a fundamental aspect of achieving boundless goals.

Join us to hear Vala Afshar’s valuable insights on developing our personal brand, building healthy habits, and improving people’s careers and lives.

Thought Leadership Spotlight

Dr. Mohammad Odat serves as the President and CEO of Dale Carnegie of Jordan. Beyond his professional role, Mohammad is a respected thought leader within his community. In this episode, he illustrates the art of "Speaking in terms of the other person’s point of view" through a practical example. He shares valuable insights on taking command of communication, and fostering stronger relationships, and emphasizes that these efforts yield tangible results in both our personal and professional spheres

Show Notes and Links:

Boundless: A New Mindset For Unlimited Business Success by Vala Afshar

The Pursuit of Social Business Excellence by Vala Afshar

Vala’s Twitter

DisrupTV Podcast

Take Command Book by Joe Hart and Michael Crom

A Minute in Leadership by Dr. Mohammad Odat

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

The Pursuit of Social Business Excellence

None

Who is Aarash Darroodi?

Aarash Darroodi is General Counsel, Executive Vice President, and Corporate Secretary of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, one of the world’s global leaders in manufacturing instruments and amplifiers.

He grew up in Iran with his grandparents and was able to move to his parents in the USA at the age of 7. His background and experience with immigration to the US shaped who he is today. With a background spanning over 19 countries, he connects cultures across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and beyond. His endeavors resulted in Fender's largest acquisition of PreSonus Audio Electronics. Darroodi attributes his success to several factors, including taking a Dale Carnegie course while he was a teenager.

What will You Learn?

Aarash offers key pieces of advice that are core to his success and ingrained in his philosophy of life:

Become a Storyteller: Uncover the art of crafting impactful stories that resonate with people's emotions and drive engagement.
Navigate Cross-Cultural Teams: Gain strategies for fostering understanding and collaboration across diverse cultural backgrounds.
Execute Innovative Leadership Strategies: Explore unconventional yet effective approaches to leading teams and driving innovation.
Grow Through Networking: Learn how building authentic connections can be a catalyst for personal and professional growth.
Make Strategic Decisions: Explore methodologies for making informed decisions that lead to strategic outcomes.
Apply Adaptive Learning Techniques: Discover techniques for adapting your learning style to various contexts and challenges.
Be Resilient in Adversity: Explore ways to cultivate resilience and thrive in the face of adversity and uncertainty.

Leadership Style & Story Summary

Unleashing Hidden Potential: Darroodi believes in humans' hidden potential. Often, external encouragement is needed to tap into greatness beyond imagination. He believes people are more capable than they think, and we all need someone to push us to go out of our comfort zone. When building a team, he seeks those who have a story, not just a great resume, those who overcame difficulties & challenges and showed resilience.

The Power of Learning: Daarrodi advises us to embrace constant discovery and to engage with novel concepts and people. He treasures wisdom from mentors, focusing on punch lines & pivotal phrases engraved in memory.

Nurture Growth: Darroodi champions empowering leadership. He promotes intercultural understanding, values GenZers, and dismantles hierarchical structures. As a guide, he aids individuals in pursuing their distinct North Star goals. He advises working with team members and learning from them. Leaders and employees should learn about cultures and make a conscious effort to engage with the GenZers. When he works with individuals, he immediately asks them to figure out what they want to achieve in their lives and empowers everyone to have the freedom to share their ideas.

Leadership Style: His role as a leader is to guide, advise, and help teams achieve and reach where their North Star is. Aarash helps his team to get closer to whatever that North Star goal is. ”I see it more as a guide. That's how I see leadership.”

Join us and listen to Aarash's leadership insights about unleashing hidden potential, lifelong learning, and nurturing personal and professional growth.

Thought Leadership Segment

In today's Thought Leadership Spotlight segment, we welcome the President of Dale Carnegie of Arizona, Ken Beyersdorf, and highlight the core value of aligning actions with goals by applying one of the Dale Carnegie principles: "If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically”. Like Aarash, our guest emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and evaluating actions to achieve that vision.

*Note: This episode was recorded in March 2023

About our guest:

Meet Britta Wilson, who most recently served as the Vice President of Inclusion & Outreach at Pixar Animation, where she led initiatives to discover, nurture and empower diverse voices. Her primary focus is on cultivating resonant content, fostering a culture of belonging, and promoting compassionate community service.

Prior to Pixar, she served as the Chief Diversity Officer/VP for Inclusion Strategies at Expedia, where corporate partners were often engaged in the filmmaking business, and as the SVP of Organization & People at Paramount Pictures.

Her journey was far from conventional, comprising a series of adventures that shaped her career and life philosophy. This perspective became her guiding principle: a closed door leads to new opportunities.

Britta's life journey also involved prioritizing her family and pursuing a Ph.D. in Education, specializing in organizational leadership. She consistently sought opportunities to make an impact and learn, even if it meant taking on roles with less prestigious titles. Setbacks were seen as learning moments, never reasons to wallow.

What you will learn:

How to turn setbacks into opportunities for personal and professional growth
How to embrace a unique and non-linear career path
How to adopt a jungle gym approach to mindset and skill development
The art of active listening and learning from team members at all levels
How to cultivate a culture of belonging and empathy within an organization
Strategic methods for driving change within diverse organizations.
The power of storytelling as a platform for creating a lasting impact on people's lives

Leadership Style & Story Summary:

As a leader, Britta values the input and insights of her team members, firmly believing that everyone has the capacity to lead, regardless of their job title. To drive cultural change within organizations, she employs a strategic approach, engaging her team to collaboratively define the culture and envision a future where inclusivity thrives. The "Inclusion Summit" she organized serves as a powerful catalyst for fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion among all employees.

Her approach aligns seamlessly with Pixar's "Culture Trust Process," which involves actively involving everyone in the filmmaking process, irrespective of their role. Britta recognizes storytelling as a potent tool to impact lives and feels privileged to contribute to stories that will endure long after her involvement.

Join us in this captivating podcast episode as we delve into Britta Wilson's inspiring journey and her dedication to creating a positive impact through storytelling and inclusive leadership.

Dale Carnegie Thought Leadership Segment

Also, listen to Brittany Schmid, President/CEO at Dale Carnegie of San Diego, Los Angeles, Bay Area & Sacramento, as she shares insights on the profound influence of Empathy on both people and businesses.

Please Leave a Review on your favorite listening platform!

Enjoying our podcast? We'd love to hear from you!

Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command Podcast community and benefit from the leadership insights we share.

We appreciate your time, and we're excited that you are part of our journey!

Who are Redfoo and Piers Ridyard?

Redfoo, born Stefan Kendal Gordy, is a multi-platinum-selling singer and two times Grammy nominee, songwriter, producer, and Web3 coder. Despite facing hurdles and criticism, Redfoo pursued his passion for music and achieved success. He is best known for his hit single "Party Rock Anthem" in 2011 and his performance for Super Bowl Half-Time Show in 2012. However, he has recently shifted his focus towards coding, considering it the ultimate creativity that combines math, science, engineering, and language.

Piers Ridyard is CEO of Radix, a Web3 and DeFi company. He collaborates with Redfoo to create accessible and user-friendly digital platforms. They both share a common goal of making Web3 and Decentralized Finance (DeFi) easily approachable for everyone. They collaborated to develop #Scrypto, a programming language that simplifies the process of building on Web3 and DeFi, enabling individuals to create projects in a short time frame.

What will you learn?

The potential for personal growth and reinvention when transitioning to new career paths or passions.
Effective leadership skills and strategies for driving transformative advancements in a chosen field.
The idea process of development of user-friendly programming languages that facilitate easy participation in digital innovation.
The importance of fostering relationships, nurturing communities, and promoting collaboration in driving innovation within decentralized technologies.

Story Summary:

Growing up, Redfoo harbored aspirations of becoming a professional basketball player, only to have his dreams dashed when his mother asserted that his height would prevent him from making it. Undeterred, he turned his attention to music, immersing himself in rap and showcasing his talent with a Casio keyboard. Despite facing further skepticism from his father, the influential music industry figure Barry Gordy, who doubted his vocal abilities, Redfoo defied the odds and achieved remarkable success as a multi-platinum rapper. These experiences taught him the importance of pursuing personal dreams and not allowing external opinions to sway his path.

Driven by a newfound passion, Redfoo has recently shifted gears towards coding, which he regards as the epitome of creativity. His journey led him to connect with Piers Ridyard, the CEO of Radix, who was impressed by Redfoo's knowledge and inquisitiveness about programming. Together, they organized Foo Hack, an event that brought together their shared love for chess and the objective of creating a non-hackable, web-based application. Their collaborative efforts aim to build digital platforms that are user-friendly and accessible, with the introduction of Scrypto, a programming language designed to simplify the adoption of Web3 and Decentralized Finance for individuals of all backgrounds.

Central to the endeavors of Redfoo and Ridyard is the recognition of the influence of building relationships and community. Redfoo emphasizes the significance of people skills, the ability to trust and judge character, and the desire to learn from others. His initial connection with Radix and Piers was fostered through shared humor, vegan food, and a shared affinity for dogs. Ridyard, as a CEO, emphasizes the importance of aligning people with a common vision and understanding their motivations. Both individuals firmly believe that networking is not solely about personal gain but about cultivating a network that nurtures collective innovation and inspiration. By bringing people together, they have witnessed the remarkable outcomes that arise from the mutual exchange of energy and ideas.

Join us and listen to Redfoo and Piers’ insights about building confidence, overcoming doubt, pursuing our passion, and recognizing the benefits of networking for our community, not just for ourselves.

Thought Leadership Segment:

In our Thought Leadership Segment Christine Ramirez, Managing Partner of Dale Carnegie South Florida, shares her valuable insights on building confidence in both our personal and professional lives. Listen to Christine’s insights on gaining confidence and get a valuable resource on how to face doubts, pause when needed, and continue to seek the inner strength to overcome challenges, pursue ideas, and our dreams, and thrive in various aspects of life.

Who is Merrie Williamson

Meet Merrie Williamson, an accomplished leader with a diverse background. With 20 years of experience leading engineering teams at Intel and currently serving as the Corporate Vice President of Azure Infra at Microsoft, Merrie's career trajectory has been remarkable. In this episode, Merrie shares her personal journey of discovery and the pivotal moment that led her to embrace empathy and transition into her current leadership role as CVP of Azure Infrastructure and Digital & App Innovation at Microsoft.

Gain insights into the following key areas:

• Merrie's Leadership Style: Discover how Merrie's unique leadership style, rooted in empathy, has helped her navigate the challenges of leading diverse teams in the tech industry.

• Career Transition Moment: Learn about Merrie's transformative shift from engineering to sales leadership and the valuable lessons she gained from engaging directly with customers and understanding the intersection of technology, sales, marketing, and business transformation.

• Diversity in the Tech Industry: Explore the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, as Merrie shares her experiences and insights on creating an inclusive work environment.

• The Power of Mentoring, Coaching, and Executive Presence: Delve into the significance of mentoring, coaching, and developing executive presence, as Merrie highlights their impact on personal growth and leadership development.

Merrie’s journey from engineering to sales at Azure and Microsoft was a significant and eye-opening shift. She transitioned from working with complex technologies in the cloud supply chain to engaging directly with customers, understanding their technology needs, and guiding them through business transformation.

This transition became Merrie’s "empathy moment," where she gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of sales and developed empathy for engineering, sales, and marketing. As a leader, Merrie leverages a diverse "knowledge base" within her company, drawing expertise from various departments. She adopts a coaching approach to empower her managers and teams to make informed decisions.

Merrie emphasizes the importance of looking inward and approaching team members authentically. She values the support of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), such as women in tech and Black tech networks, as a sounding board for ideas, coaching, and peer mentoring. Through these communities, Merrie found her voice and was able to engage with senior managers and trusted individuals.

As a leader, Merrie recognizes the significance of role modeling and continuous learning. She prioritizes understanding when team members need breaks to rejuvenate and perform their best in challenging tasks.

Also, listen to our thought leadership spotlight featuring Travis Daniels, CEO of Dale Carnegie Washington, who reflects on the vital role of empathy in today's business environment. Learn how applying Dale Carnegie's principles and approaching situations with an open mind can elevate your leadership effectiveness.

Who is Ron Carter?

Ron Carter is a veteran of the technology industry, an inventor, and a visionary whose work has helped great technology products enter the market. In 2003, he filed a patent for the first video doorbell—now known as Ring. He is revolutionizing the industry with his latest first-generation technology that addresses security in the e-commerce sector, using mobile applications for improved security, access, and logistics. Due to his tremendous technological contributions, he became a member of the Forbes Technology Council, an invitation-only organization of high-level technology leaders with deep knowledge and diverse experience in the industry. Read on to meet the founder and CEO of 1AHEAD, Ron Carter!

What will you learn from his story?

How to build on your entrepreneurial and inventive mindsets
How to build on the determination to transform an idea into reality
How to re-start your business from zero
Why leading with a human-centric style is important?
Build on each other’s ideas to motivate others and forms a highly effective team

Why do you need to learn about his leadership style?

Ron Carter's approach to leadership emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, and empowerment, all of which can be useful in fostering a positive work environment and motivating team members to achieve their best work.

The Story:

Meet Ron Carter, a veteran of the technology industry and the inventor of the first video doorbell—now known as Ring. He is revolutionizing the industry with his latest first-generation technology that addresses security in the e-commerce sector using mobile applications for improved security, access, and logistics. Despite facing multiple setbacks, including losing everything and battling cancer, he never gave up and continued to pursue his dream. He founded 1Ahead Technologies, which is in the process of developing and manufacturing GLO, an AI-powered video doorbell that uses a patented digital key to create a one-time code that can be sent to package delivery drivers who can place packages in a secure lockbox or inside the home.

Carter's leadership style emphasizes recognizing the ability of others before oneself and building a team approach. He believes that a leader should only be a director to keep things on track and rely on the people around them because most leaders don't know it all. Carter advises trusting your instincts, being true to yourself, and focusing on how successful you can become instead of how wealthy you can become.

Our Thought Leadership Spotlight appearance this week is Neville de Lucia, President of Dale Carnegie Central & Eastern North Carolina. He highlights how leaders can grow individuals and teams to become successful.

Join us and get inspired to take command of your ideas, leverage individual strengths, and build highly effective teams.

Related Information:

Home | Gloai (glo-ai.com)

About | Mysite (1aheadtechnologies.com)

Silvina Moschini is an Argentinian entrepreneur and businesswoman. She is the founder, president & chairwoman of Unicoin, a next-generation cryptocurrency designed to be stable and profitable because it’s backed by a portfolio of equity stakes in the companies part of Unicorn Hunters, is a new groundbreaking investment platform that will spotlight emerging growth companies looking to hit the coveted $1B “unicorn” valuation mark while rallying individual investors worldwide to help fund these breakout ventures.

She is highly respected in the fields of technology and the digital transformation of the workplace. In 2020, she became the first Latin American woman to lead a company to unicorn status, with an evaluation of more than $1.6 billion through a Global Private Offering.

In addition, she’s co-founder, president, and chairwoman of the board of TransparentBusiness for workplace transformation. She founded SheWorks!, a digital platform that provides women access to remote opportunities. She is a judge on Unicorn Hunters TV show that helps entrepreneurs find investors, attracting more than 300 million viewers in Latin America, Europe, and Africa. Silvina received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Women in Tech and was selected “Woman of the Decade” by the Women Economic Forum. She is now based in Miami.

When she was a child, Silvina’s dad told her that if she wanted to be a princess, she should be the one who made her own castle. From then on, that shaped her idea of becoming a “princess entrepreneur.” After holding a vice president job with a large company, Silvina left the corporate world. She was initially hired for her innovative mindset and energy but was almost fired for the same reasons. She decided that if she wanted to work in a company that she would love, she would need to create it.

In short fashion, she learned a great deal about entrepreneurship. “It was hard because I came from a corporate background with a lot of people doing a lot of things for me, and when you're an entrepreneur … you need to do everything.”

Silvina quickly realized that it was more difficult to raise capital and hire people as a woman. So, she tapped into her financial savvy to raise money through crowdfunding. Afterward, she created her own company to hire and train remote workers with a particular focus on women. She has learned many lessons in her career, but most importantly, you must be prepared when opportunities arise. She believes you live by design. We need to plan the things we want to happen.

Silvina’s restless entrepreneurial energy keeps her continuously innovating. She aims to transform the way people invest and transact. Her belief is that alternative forms of currency are needed to address the current instability of traditional currency markets. She’s already sold more than $315 million worth of Unicoin in less than a year.

Her leadership style is grounded in several fundamental concepts: inspire others, bring out the best in everybody, and work together toward a goal. She admits that she picked up some of these principles from reading How to Win Friends and Influence People early in her career, helping her learn the importance of building relationships and communication. The use of communications and relationship building is a key anchor for creating businesses that always bring things together.

Our Thought Leadership Spotlight appearance this week is Adriana Cruz, General Manager of Dale Carnegie Nuevo Leon, Mexico. She describes how Dale Carnegie’s principle “Arose in the other person an eager want” helped her build her own castle and business.

Join us and get inspired to take command of your thoughts, chase your dreams, and build your own castle.

Suneel Gupta is an accomplished entrepreneur and best-selling author whose mother immigrated to the United States from Pakistan. She secured a position as the first female engineer at Ford, and her inspiring story influenced Suneel's career trajectory. Suneel has helped thousands of individuals develop better habits and achieve success through his best-selling book, "Backable: The Surprising Truth Behind What Makes People Take a Chance on You." He is also the founding CEO of RISE, a company that partnered with then-First Lady Michelle Obama to provide affordable healthcare services to underserved communities. His start-up, which was named "App of the Year," was successfully sold to the NASDAQ-listed company One Medical. Additionally, Suneel serves as a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Medical School and as an Emissary for Gross National Happiness between the United States and the Kingdom of Bhutan. Suneel co-hosts a documentary podcast series with AmEx. Suneel's older brother is America's top medical correspondent for CNN, Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

Suneel grew up in the Detroit area. His mother's story of overcoming poverty in Pakistan and pursuing her dream of working for Ford in the USA inspired Suneel to embrace his mother’s rules of the "Game of Now," a philosophy that emphasizes taking action without waiting for the courage to arise. She also taught him that short-term embarrassment can lead to long-term success and that making mistakes is an essential aspect of growth.

Suneel notes that many successful companies, such as Airbnb, faced significant challenges before achieving success. He personally experienced the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, starting two unsuccessful companies before founding RISE. He believes that the key to success is learning from failures and continuing to move forward.It's great to see that Suneel approaches both winning and losing as opportunities for growth. Rather than creating a typical New Year resolution list, he focuses on what he can learn and how he can continue to grow. Suneel's desire to create a TV show about leadership and how it differs in different parts of the world, similar to Anthony Bourdain’s food show, is a great example of his curiosity and willingness to take on new challenges.

It's also interesting to see the impact that Dale Carnegie has had on Suneel and his family. His mother's positive experience with the Dale Carnegie course and the relationship and communication skills she acquired through it encouraged Suneel to take the course himself, leading to increased confidence and speaking skills that he applies in his career.

Join us and listen to Suneel’s leadership and life insights and take command of your thoughts, energy, and enthusiasm to become more successful.

In our Thought Leadership Spotlight, Phil Zeller's story about the power of positive thinking and doing our best is a great reminder that our mindset influences our success and opportunities for growth. By filling our minds with positive beliefs, we overcome our limitations.

Ally Love is a multifaceted woman, pioneering the slash generation by wearing a multitude of hats. She is the CEO of Love Squad, a community organization empowering women; a Peloton instructor, Brooklyn Netsarena host; an inspiring speaker; and an Adidas global ambassador. Ally was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and moved to New York City (NYC) to pursue her dream of becoming a dancer. As a speaker and instructor, she has inspired audiences from major global corporations, including Google, JP Morgan, Amazon, Salesforce, and more. Ally has been featured in Vogue and the New York Times, has appeared on Good Morning America, and was a co-host at U.S. Open live show in 2022.

Curiosity and hunger are what drove Ally Love—curiosity of what’s next and the hunger of “I want to get to the point where I deserve to be.” She fought for her life from a young age. Her ambition to achieve more, combined with the desire to become a dancer, led her to move to NYC. She received a scholarship from Alvin Ailey, the international dance troupe, and graduated from Fordham University at Lincoln Center, NY. She later became a dancer for the New York Knicks, the professional basketball team based in Manhattan. She also performed with top-named artists such as Beyonce and Pitbull. But she still wanted more.

In her early days in NYC, Ally remembers that she struggled to make friends and adapt to the fast rhythm of the city. However, she did not step back, and she fought through those emotions. She got a modeling contract with Wilhelmina Models, start making money and friends, and learned to love NYC.

Her boyfriend (now husband), Andrew Haynes, encouraged her to tap into her love of reading. Ally admits that Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People and How to Stop Worrying & Start Living are two key books in her life. These books have helped her understand herself and find her purpose in her early days in NYC, as well as recently when she needed to battle a stressful and busy year flying between NYC, where her full-time job is, and London, where she was recording a show for Netflix.

One of the core principles she has grown to believe is that we must be comfortable being uncomfortable. Her mom offered additional advice. “If you're uncomfortable, take a beat. Listen—you're learning something. It doesn't mean run. It doesn't mean change. It doesn't mean leave! So, anyone who's dealing with that fear of what’s next, or fear of making a transition . . . take a beat. Stay where you are. Be steadfast.”

Ally’s high energy, positive attitude, and desire to explore new things earned her a well-rounded knowledge of sports, fashion, public speaking, wellness, and activism. While she admits she’s never taken a course in business or leadership, she has learned to manage her team and business through experience, lots of hard work, and by loving her many jobs.

Her style of leadership is grounded in understanding how to lead from the inside and grow and achieve goals together. Ally believes leaders should be able to bring out the best in people, figure out who's the best in a specific area, and let them do what they do well.

This episode's Thought Leadership Spotlight segment features Liz Haberberger, President of Dale Carnegie Missouri. Liz’s enthusiasm and passion aren’t easily matched. Her number one rule in life is to have fun. If it’s not fun, she’s not doing it. She is at her best in front of a group or working to solve a complex business challenge.

Join us to learn how to take command of our lives, learn what we are good at, manage negative thoughts, overcome fear, and— grow and succeed— to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Happy New Year!

Our first episode of 2023 is dedicated to Dale Carnegie & Associates' newest book, Take Command. The book, like our podcast, focuses on what professionals in the modern world can do to take command and succeed in their personal and professional lives. Our guests today are the book co-authors: Joe Hart, President & CEO of Dale Carnegie & Associates and Take Command Podcast host; and Michael Crom, author, Board member of Dale Carnegie & Associates, and Dale Carnegie's grandson. In this interview, Joe & Michael illustrate how building self-confidence, enhancing our network of support, and becoming more intentional can help us succeed in 2023.

The episode is dedicated to a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the Take Command book. It is a compilation of real-life stories. The use of Dale’s principles and other leadership philosophies will serve as a manual to take command of our lives.

Our guests have been influenced by Dale Carnegie’s principles. Joe started his career as a practicing attorney. After taking the Dale Carnegie Course, he reassessed his career path and founded an innovative e-learning company. He became the CEO of Dale Carnegie, the global professional development training organization, in 2015. He speaks around the world on leadership, culture, change management, resilience, creativity, and innovation. He is a contributor to Rolling Stone magazine, Newsweek, HR.com, and Forbes magazine. In 2019, the CEO Forum Group awarded him the Transformative CEO Leadership Award. He has hosted the Take Command Podcast since 2020. Michael is currently a board member of Dale Carnegie & Associates. Prior to that, he served in different leadership positions in the organization, most recently as Chief Learning Officer and Executive Vice President for Dale Carnegie & Associates.

In the episode, Michael & Joe share how they leverage the Dale Carnegie principles and apply them in different situations. Learn how to control our thoughts, build relationships, and envision our future. The book’s goal is to familiarize younger generations with core communication and leadership principles from Dale Carnegie and others.

Joe says that a fundamental purpose of this book is to offer readers some insights and learnings that he and Michael wish they had known when they were younger. The people interviewed and included in this book not only faced similar challenges as the authors did, but they thrived during that time period. This should become a guidebook for readers to follow, understand, and grab onto.

Michael & Joe conceived the book as a set of concentric circles, with each of the three sections—complementing and depending on each other.

In Part I, “Taking Command of Your Thoughts and Emotions,” the authors focus on self-awareness, stresses, fears, and insecurities, and ways to understand and manage negative thoughts.

Part II, “Taking Command of Your Relationships,” reviews building trustful relationships as a critical part of life success. Joe explains that today, building meaningful relationships has become more difficult because of our polarizing world. Part II principles and tips to deal with people come from How to Win Friends and Influence People.

The last section, Part III, “Taking Command of Your Future,” draws on the famous Dale Carnegie Course that asks participants to write their short- and long-term vision. When they follow through, they will ultimately get the most out of their lives. Part III asks: What are the things that are important to you? What are your values? How do you want to be remembered? What's the impact you want to have?

Both Joe and Michael want readers to act. Their goal is for this book to be a manual, a roadmap, and something that can activate people to really take control. It's not only there to help you think about your life, to study, or learn by research. The book says, “Hey, take command and make it happen.”

Also, Take Command is a guide to creating a “strength inventory.” The book influences readers and helps them build an intentional life. Intentionality is about giving people time and space to understand what’s important to them and how they can condition themselves for success so that every day, they become better and stronger. Having a North star helps us follow the steps to get us there.

Michael explains, “You know, we're made up of many great strengths and a few perceived weaknesses. So, let's begin to focus on those strengths, the positives that are going on in our life.”

Joe and Michael believe that young people can and will make a huge difference on this planet by bringing about unity rather than division. “Let's make a difference. Let's bring this to be a better place for all of us to live in.”

Join us and learn how building self-confidence, enhancing our network of support, and becoming more intentional can help us Take Command in 2023.

Order a copy of Take Command in hardcover, eBook, or audiobook at your favorite bookseller or at takecommandbook.io. Available online and in stores today, January 10th.

Visit takecommand.com for additional information on the book and more free resources.

This end-of-year, special episode of Take Command features an interview with Dale Carnegie’s daughter, Donna Dale Carnegie, who is the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Dale Carnegie and Associates. Together with Simon and Schuster author Andrew Postman, they added, edited, and updated the bestseller, How to Win Friends and Influence People, with more contemporary stories and language.

Andrew Postman, a professional author and a fan of Dale’s teachings, worked alongside Donna Dale Carnegie, going page by page through the first edition of the book, reading, discussing, debating, and revising. Donna delved into the archives and found interviews and biographies that Dale Carnegie had written, but never published. She would run those stories by Andrew, and they sometimes argued about what to keep and what not to keep. It reached the point that Donna needed to bargain and say, “All right, you can have that one, if I can have this one.”

Donna’s goal in refreshing the book was to update it as close to her father's voice and writing style as possible. Andrew and Donna carefully reviewed each story to understand how certain references would work for a modern audience and to discern which stories stood the test of time.

One of the obvious areas of concern involved the lack of representation of women in positions of power or decision-making, women “who weren’t mothers, wives, secretaries or domestics as they were referred to in 1936.” The reality is that in the 1930s, there were “free women”—as they were called—in prominent leadership positions in business. There were also other older phrases that Postman and Carnegie had to decide whether to include.

Postman acknowledged early in the process that Dale Carnegie was a master storyteller. We hear the word storytelling so much now in marketing, and PR, but he doesn't think anyone has yet done it better than Dale Carnegie.

Join us to learn about the power of storytelling, communication, and seeing things from the other person's point of view.

Dr. Vince Patton served as the Eighth Master Chief Petty Officer (a combination of a rank and a position) of the Coast Guard for more than 30 years until his retirement in 2002.

As the service’s top senior-ranking enlisted leader and ombudsman during that period, Master Chief Patton was the principal advisor to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, his directorates, and the secretaries of Transportation and Defense. Dr. Patton’s primary focuses were on quality of life, career development, work environment, and personnel matters, which affected over 45,000 active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel service-wide.

Dr. Patton received his Doctor of Education from the American University, Washington; a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University, Chicago; a Master of Theology from Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley; and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Pacific College, Angwin.

Dr. Patton set his eyes on becoming the Coast Guard’s Master Chief Petty Officer after two weeks in boot camp in Cape May, New Jersey. He drew strength and inspiration from Pelé’s words, the legendary soccer player, who said, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, but most of all, love of what you're doing or learning to do.”

In 1976, during his journey climbing the ranks, Dr. Patton took a Dale Carnegie class that helped him improve his confidence, communicate better, and discover his core values and vision. He is delighted that Dale Carnegie became a stepping stone to leadership and is still ongoing today. And he now understands what a good foundation this program is in helping individuals in their leadership journey & developing their personal philosophies.

Dr. Patton had a communication problem and overcame his stuttering by singing the Star-Spangled Banner every day. That gave him renewed confidence to sing out loud, to read articles and books out loud, and helped him become an influential leader in the U.S. Coast Guard.

When Dr. Patton finally reached his goal of becoming a Chief Petty Officer, he realized his job was a privilege and served multiple purposes. The best way to describe it is that he was a cheerleader, a consultant, an advisor, and a chaplain, and heard all kinds of things from people in terms of what's needed in the service.

The experience also helped Dr. Patton develop his core values centered on people, passion, and performance. Our capabilities and ability to handle responsibilities start with our core values. We are where we are today because we stood on somebody's shoulders. And wherever we are heading, we need to give back.

Join us to learn how to be better, do better, and excel in order to mentor other people to be the best they can be.

Listen to leadership and communication insights from Doug Escher, President of Dale Carnegie Rochester, NY, Boston, MA, and Buffalo, NY.

Susie Ma is the Founder and CEO of Tropic Skincare. She is a philanthropist with a focus on creating a healthier, greener, and more empowered world. Tropic Skincare has been recognized at numerous stages, including “Fastest Growing Skincare Brand in the UK” by the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 League Table. Most recently, it has been ranked the 14th best female-powered company in the UK by JP Morgan.

The company’s commitment to sustainability and disrupting the industry has also been recognized internationally with Marie Claire’s Sustainability Awards. In 2018, Susie was listed on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Under her leadership, Tropic Skincare has funded a year’s worth of education for 4,000 children in rural Asia and a new forest with Forestry England in Hampshire in 2022.

At 15, Susie Ma and her mom moved from Australia to London. They struggled to make ends meet, so Susie decided to help her mom with the bills. That’s when she remembered spending time with her grandmother, who was a medicinal chemist, in tropical Nord Queensland, Australia. She taught Susie that our skin needs feeding with nourishing, healthy ingredients just as much as our bodies. Susie found her grandma’s recipe and began making body scrubs with natural ingredients.

This was her lightbulb moment for Susie. She would join her mom at London’s Greenwich Market to sell her body scrub. That Saturday at the market initiated a life-changing moment. She borrowed and invested £200 in the products and after an exhausting day of selling, Susie remembers counting her money— nearly £1000 —and realizing that “this was the beginning of everything.”

As a high school student, she wanted to do more. She headed off to college, where she majored in business so she could land a job where she could “make loads of money.” Right out of college, Susie landed a job as a foreign exchange trader at Citi Group. She achieved her dream of making lots of money. But by the end of her first work week, she felt something was missing. She quickly realized that she didn't just want to be working to earn good money. Instead, she wanted a job where she could enjoy herself daily.

She applied to the United Kingdom’s version of The Apprentice, hosted by Lord Alan Sugar, a hugely successful entrepreneur, and investor. Out of 73,000 applicants, Susie made the final 16 candidates. She did not win, but while she was on the show, she restarted her Tropic Body Scrub business, counting on the show’s publicity to drive sales. It worked. She sold out of products instantly, which garnered the attention of Sugar, who wanted to help her. Susie convinced him to invest £200,000 to become a 50% partner in the company.

While the investment helped, Susie built on her direct sales model, turning her first 400 customers into ambassadors who could generate up to a 30% commission on sales. That network of ambassadors has now grown to more than 20,000 around the UK and 400 full-time employees.

Susie has focused on positioning Tropic as a model for the beauty industry, using sustainable packaging, and donating 10% of its profits “to good causes to help towards that infinite purpose, which is to help create a healthier, greener, and more empowered world.” Susie wants to show the world just how much difference you can make and show people that no matter who you are or where you're from, and how old you are, you can make a difference.

Join us to listen to how Susie embraces challenges and opportunities, turns her Plan B into Plan A, and gives back to our planet and the underprivileged part of society.

Listen to Eudeshi Naidu, our special appearance from Dale Carnegie London, on how we can make a difference by applying the Dale Carnegie principles, going the extra mile, and creating a memorable experience for all.

Fergus Williams is the CEO of Walking With The Wounded (WWTW), a UK charity that supports injured former members of the UK armed forces during their career transition from military to civilian life. Over the past decade, Fergus and his team have supported more than 15,000 veterans in the United Kingdom.

Fergus first served in the British Army for nine years as an infantry officer with the Welsh Guards, ending his career as a staff officer for HRH (His Royal Highness), the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles III. After leaving the Army, Fergus held several commercial positions, including running his own project management company in the banking and finance sector.

He leads WWTW with a culture that puts the customer first. This service culture was tested by the COVID-19 outbreak. But his team and he responded quickly and were able to contribute to the veterans online.

Fergus started using the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) system to better manage his team remotely. He sets a goal for the team, and they pursue that goal without worrying about all the side issues. As a leader, he aims to create an environment where his team can grow and deliver quality services both in-person and online.

During his time at the Royal Military Academy and as a soldier, Fergus learned the values of leadership. He realized that service is a privilege of leadership and that humility is the other key element. For him, it's all about listening to others' perspectives and bringing out the best in people.

In this episode’s Thought Leadership Spotlight segment, Pete Burbidge, General Manager of Dale Carnegie London and Southeast UK, explains how Dale Carnegie's principles led him to make a life-changing decision and move into action with a positive attitude. Like Fergus, Pete reminds us of the importance of standing by our decisions, facing the consequences, and learning from our mistakes if they occur.

Join us and listen to Fergus’s leadership insights on taking command of our decisions, leading with a people-first culture, gaining humility, and having a service mindset.

Walking with the Wounded

Joe Hart’s Fundraising Link– London Marathon WWTW 2022

Huynh Thanh Phongstarted his work in financial services and insurance in Asia and is now a well-respected figure in the global insurance industry with experience in several leadership roles, currently as the CEO and Executive Director of the FWD Group.

Phong’s life philosophy is that we must always be prepared so that when an opportunity presents itself, we can take advantage of it. He did that by developing a market for life insurance in Asian communities that had never bought such products before. He created long-term wealth, jobs, and economic development and improved the economy from a macro- and microeconomic perspective. His leadership advice is to always leverage our strengths and not pretend to be what or who we are not.

Phong is passionate about helping people. He finds different ways to do that while developing strong relationships. He believes in karma and his vision is grounded in doing good. If we do that, good things happen to us. His goal and passion are to improve the social safety net throughout Asia.

Phong also urges people to have passion for their work and to wake up every day excited about what they will do. We need to be prepared to work hard. The harder we work, the luckier we get. And financial reward comes later.

Please join us to listen to Phong’s insights on how to leverage our strengths, help people, do good, develop strong relationships, and work with passion.

Also, enjoy a short story by Linh Nguyen, CEO of Dale Carnegie Vietnam, on how by helping other people and doing good, we not only build relationships but also allow our business to grow in the long run.

Dr. Yasmin Davidds is an entrepreneur and organizational psychologist. She is CEO of three organizations: the Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Foundation, the Women’s Institute of Negotiation, and the Dr. Yasmin Davidds Leadership Institute, which is focused on empowering Latina women. Both the U.S. Congress and the California State Senate have recognized her efforts for the Latin and female communities.

After dramatic family circumstances, depression, and life in rehab, Dr. Davidds realized that her story could help others. She wrote a book, Empowering Latinas: Breaking Boundaries, Freeing Lives, which led her to a global speaking tour. Her success as a speaker led to invitations to teach corporate Leadership Workshops for Latina Executives, which later grew into her pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology. Next, Yasmin partnered with the USC Marshall School of Business in California to launch the Dr. Davidds Leadership Institute. The goal of the Institute is to help Latin women take command of their lives and careers.

Davidds has learned from her failures, and her story serves as an inspiration to others. Davidds believes that everyone must get to know who they are and what they want to achieve in life. The institute teaches leadership skills & creates an environment where women can be vulnerable and share their fears.

Dr. Davidds encourages her students to read Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People. By embracing empathy, we can learn how to adapt to environments, family, or work settings, learn how to shelter ourselves from toxic experiences and people, and learn how not to fear them.

Yasmin’s goal is to encourage people to find their purpose. We should commit to getting to know who we are as individuals, finding out who we want to be, and becoming the best version of ourselves.

Listen to how Dr. Yasmin Davidds found her purpose—to inspire and help others to become the best version of themselves.

Dr. Marshall Goldsmith is ranked as Thinkers50 World’s #1 Leadership Thinker, World’s #1 Executive Coach, and a New York Times #1 Bestselling Author. He is a member of the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame, has won the Lifetime Award for Leadership from the Harvard Institute of Coaching, and is on the list of Amazon’s “100 Best Leadership & Success Books Ever Written.”

Goldsmith has coached over 200 CEOs and their management teams. His experience and deep focus on leadership have enabled him to understand how successful people think and make decisions. He’s been coaching positive leadership behavioral changes that help us overcome challenges and become more confident. Marshall’s coaching tactics discover roadblocks that prevent us from reaching our best potential and lead to a fulfilled life.

One of Marshall’s first executive clients was Alan Mulally, one of the most outstanding leaders in the USA (Former CEO of Boeing & Ford). Marshall admits that Alan was the person who changed his life. When Marshall started using the famous Business Plan Review, developed by Alan, in his coaching, he transformed it into Life Plan Review, using the“accountability & collaboration process” for personal and professional growth tracking.

Marshall talks about his newest book, “The Earned Life: Loose Regret, Choose Fulfillment”, where he shares findings about coaching during the Covid-19 pandemic, the post-pandemic work-life balance desire, and the Great Resignation, connected with people’s urge to seek meaning, get unstuck, and make changes.

Marshall’s tips for achieving a successful life lie in three areas: Aspiration – finding a profound meaning; Ambition – setting goals; and Action – our day-to-day activities that should be based on our aspirations and goals. It’s essential to combine the three.

As someone who transformed the executive coaching industry, Goldsmith has discovered that everyone can get better at something, no matter how successful they are. It’s OK to get help and bring in experts as needed. So many people he has worked with have made a conscious effort to get the coaching they need to become better leaders.

Join us to hear Marshall Goldsmith’s insights on how courage, humility, and discipline can help us achieve positive change, reach our fullest potential, and succeed!

Additional Resources:

Dale Carnegie

Dale Carnegie Coaching

Dale Carnegie Course

Dale Carnegie Leadership Coaching Blog

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Marshall Goldsmith’s Website

Marshall Goldsmith’s Top Leadership Books

The Life Plan Review (LPR) by Marshall Goldsmith: HBR

Matt Norman’s Website

Matt Norman’s Blog

Joe Hart’s Website

Connect on LinkedIn:

Joe Hart, CEO of Dale Carnegie

Marshall Goldsmith, #1 Executive Coach

Matt Norman, President Dale Carnegie North Central US

Andre Swanston is a dynamic tech innovator and media magnate whose ability to forecast industry shifts, identify opportunities, and take calculated risks has catapulted him to one of the Top 10 9-figure exits by a Black American. He was the co-founder and CEO of Tru Optik, a data and identity company for streaming media advertising, acquired by TransUnion in 2020.

Swanston’s first venture was an event promotion and production company. At the age of 23, he opened one of New England’s most prominent nightclubs, and by 28, he had moved on to private wealth management at JP Morgan Chase & Co., becoming one of the youngest Vice Presidents of Investments.

What’s important for Andre is learning and growing from experiences that prepare us for challenges later. The “magic” is that everyone has a unique combination of life experiences. He grew up in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the world, the Bronx, NY, where his father constantly motivated him by pointing out the success of people with diverse backgrounds.

Andre’s biggest responsibility & definition of success is the evolution of the family - to provide more for our kids than we had, no matter who we are. This goal motivated him to keep going and deal with setbacks along the way.

Andre left his investment banking job at JP Morgan to start his own company from nothing - one of his “riskiest and best” decisions in his life. He had a unique vantage point, seeing digital media as the most effective place to invest advertising dollars at that time and having access to angel investors he knew from his work at JP Morgan.

The two most important things in building a business are creating a great team and learning to motivate As a leader, Andre pushes for what’s possible and even what’s impossible but realistic. When a team sees that we as leaders are fully invested – they are motivated by us. Swanston believes that a more diverse team drives creativity.

Andre’s personal competitive advantage is having healthy ambition and confidence. It’s essential to have a larger goal to drive our ambition. Short-term confidence comes from preparation while long-term, it comes from life experiences, education, relationships, and taking decisions.

His advice to younger people is: “Don’t rush; give yourself more time than you expect! Prepare yourself to work harder and longer! Believe in goodwill!”

Join us to hear how Andrew builds a mindset of confidence, motivates a diverse team, and leads as an “optimistic realist”.

Saana Azzam is the Founder, CEO & Chief Inspirational Officer of MENA Speakers, The Middle East’s leading speaker’s bureau. She is an award-winning international economist, Forbes contributor, an international keynotes speaker, and a business influencer. Her success is grounded in helping businesses in The Middle East select the right speakers for their events.

Saana was born in Germany, raised in Sweden by Palestinian parents, has lived in the UK, USA, and the UAE (currently in Dubai), and speaks five languages. She defines herself as a citizen of the world and a sum of all the people she has met, all the places she has visited, and all the books she has read. She holds a Master’s in Economics and was named “Female Economist of the Year” by the Stockholm School of Economics in 2010. She then found her area of interest and specialized in Leadership Communication at Harvard University.

After her career as a gold trader in banking, Saana realized that public speaking is what excites her and what she had always wanted to do. When she moved to Dubai, she saw there were no organizations representing speakers in the Middle East. She saw an opportunity and founded and grew her business in the events speaking industry. Her diverse background and cultural awareness helped her understand the various leadership styles practiced in different countries and became a speaking coach for young entrepreneurs. She defines her leadership style as servant and situational.

Her advice to young female leaders is to take on opportunities going all in and be prepared to be uncomfortable. Saana believes that in 2022 we can easily change jobs with an open mind and heart, that micro careers are the new norm now, and we should not be afraid to try out new occupations.

To stay aligned, Saana relays on coaches and mentors. Her routine includes meditation, journaling (in apps), and reading books. She emphasizes the importance of mental health and finding the things/places that help you stay balanced, calibrated, and feel good about yourself, so you can fully contribute to the success of your family, friends, team, and clients.

Join us to hear Saana’s valuable insights on courage, persistence, finding your passion, and living a bit on the edge.

Meet the original “shark” from the show Shark Tank, the infomercial creator, the pioneer of the As Seen on TV brand, and co-founding board member of the Entrepreneur’s Organization, Kevin Harrington. His legendary work behind the scenes of business ventures has produced more than $5 billion in global sales, the launch of more than 500 products, and the making of dozens of millionaires. Kevin’s been called the Entrepreneur’s Entrepreneur and has a passion for helping and mentoring entrepreneurs.

Kevin’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 15, and by 18, he was building a million-dollar business. He is a true believer in reading books by authors such as Dale Carnegie and Zig Ziglar, as well as staying on top of current events and industry trends. He speaks about the importance of surrounding ourselves with and hiring more intelligent people than us, as well as finding great mentors.

His experiences and endeavors have all been instrumental in leading him to where he is today. Kevin defines leadership as empowering others, giving directions, and not micromanaging but inspiring people to follow his ideas. He advises us not to be afraid to fail but to fail fast, fail cheaply, and not lose our enthusiasm along the way. His recipe for success is having a vision, following it enthusiastically, and acting upon it.

Join us to listen to Kevin’s leadership insights on the power of enthusiasm, acting upon your vision, and surrounding yourself with great mentors.

Adam Mendler is the CEO of The Veloz Group, where he co-founded and oversaw ventures across a wide variety of industries.
Adam is also the host of the leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he elicits insights from America's top CEOs, founders, athletes, celebrities, and political and military leaders. Adam has authored articles for Forbes, Inc., HuffPost, and “Leadership Lessons” in Thrive Global.

Adam began his leadership journey at a young age. He held various leadership positions, like the class president, sports coach, or captain of the team. These endeavors have all been instrumental in leading him to where he is today. Leadership to him is the synergy that brings out the best in others and elevates the greater view of the team and the organization.

Setbacks were constant experiences for Adam, especially when he founded the Veloz group. According to Adam, how we bounce back from failure is what defines us. He teaches us not to have regrets but to learn from our mistakes. Even if things don’t work out by themselves, we should pull from our collected experiences, and do our best next time. And if we are fearful, we should understand wh, break down what we are afraid of, and work on it.

Join us to listen to Adam’s leadership insights on the power of learning, defining success, and combating fear.

Robert Forrester is the CEO of Vertu Motors plc, currently the fifth-largest automotive retailer in the UK. He got into his current role through a series of accidents. His life changed when he was diagnosed with a deadly disease. Immediately, he understood what he wanted to do next, personally and professionally. He believes that people need to figure out what they want from life early on, create a plan, and execute it.

Strong mental preparation and focus helped Robert respond to setbacks with positivity. Robert’s advice on handling adversity with less stress and worry is to trust your support network, work on your mindset daily, and build your personality to be confident and aligned when faced with challenges.

He believes that to build strong relationships, we need to show genuine interest in others and do things for them without expecting anything in return because loyalty and friendships are what we get back and that is priceless. Those are tips that Robert learned from reading Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People as a young leader. He admits that he was not a people person at the beginning of his career. Still, he quickly realized that he needed to work on his social skills to succeed in business, influence others, and achieve win-win outcomes.

Join us and listen to Robert’s insights on mental focus, leadership, fast decision-making, and the power of communication during challenging times.

Books and Authors mentioned in the Podcast:

Marcus Aurelius –Meditations: Book of Knowledge and Philosophy Handbook our lives are what our thoughts make it”

Dale Carnegie – How to Win Friends and Influence People

Greig Huntington - Risk: A Road Worth Traveling

John Maxwell

Franklin Covey

Keith Ferrazzi is a master networker and bestselling author of “Never Eat Alone”. Keith’s experience as the Chief Marketing Officer of Deloitte and Starwood Hotels has informed his work as Founder and Chairman of Ferrazzi Greenlight, an executive consulting firm.

According to Keith, what distinguishes highly successful people is the ability to build and cultivate meaningful relationships. He believes that generosity opens the door to relationships and empathy can transform a transactional relationship into a caring and genuine connection.

Today, Keith shows organizations how insecurity and fear hinder relationships and how they could be overcome with practice. It’s a piece of advice that Keith shares consistently to help leaders gain the confidence and courage to reach out and connect.

Join us to hear Keith’s advice on how to build your support network through meaningful relationships.

Portia Mount is a marketer who advocates for, writes, and speaks on career and lifestyle issues for working women. Portia is the Vice President of Marketing for Trane Technologies, a global climate technology company. One of her side passions is hosting a podcast for aspiring women: The Manifista Podcast. Portia is also a co-author of several best-selling career advice books: "Kick Some Glass: Ten Ways Women Succeed at Work on Their Own Terms”, “Beating the Impostor Syndrome,” and “Leadership Brand.”

What helps Portia progress in her career is learning from experiences and from different people. Portia sees building relationships as a two-way process that happens over time and consists of genuine interest, curiosity, and a willingness to connect. Networking is something we should all do consistently and intentionally, especially in a time when people crave authentic connections.

She describes balancing her work as an executive, author, and mom as being possible because all of these activities involve the theme of working women. Portiaadvises that we should do things that give us energy, tap into our core passions, and feed other activities. Blocking time for priorities, automating certain tasks, and outsourcing non-value-added items is crucial to managing stress and investing in the right people and activities.

Portia shares how to overcome the “imposter syndrome” – when people feel they are not good enough in their job. None of us are immune to making mistakes but these can be teachable moments. It’s important to accept that we can be wrong, step up quickly, and forgive ourselves. We should ask for help and not ruminate.

What drives and fuels Portia is her love for connecting with people and customers, as well as solving organizational problems. Her creative energy comes from sources outside of her daily job, such as reading and journaling. When she is stuck on a problem, Portia reaches out to her network for help and to gain an outside perspective. Leadership to Portia is established around setting a direction, getting a commitment to that direction, building a network, and creating an impact with a mission.

Join us to hear Portia’s advice on balancing executive career, side passions, motherhood, and nurturing relationships!

Admiral Mullen is a retired United States Navy Admiral, who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was appointed by President Bush and reappointed by President Obama. He advanced rapidly in the field of innovative technologies, championed emerging and enduring global partnerships, and promoted new methods for countering terrorism. Additionally, he taught at the Woodrow Wilson School of International and Public Affairs at Princeton University. Today he continues to teach Advanced Ethics and Leadership at the US Naval Academy.

Admiral Mullen’s passion for leadership started with college sports. His passion to communicate came from his father, a Hollywood PR executive, and his interest in human relations was enhanced by the Navy, where he was provided the opportunity to travel internationally and get to understand different cultures.

Mullen believes that creating a framework for yourself by establishing your values and principles is a foundation for discovering your true north and leadership style. Mullen advises that no matter what happens, we should never walk away from integrity.

When faced with failure, we need to take the time to reflect on who we are and how we can improve in the future. When difficult and challenging situations approach, we as leaders should rely on our values, have the courage to ask for help, and understand accountability. Leadership encompasses taking responsibility in good times and bad. When a mistake is made, a leader is tested by how they persevere, and they must keep going instead of giving up. It is not about the failure itself, but how the person handled it and what they learned the lessons. Another important skill is effective communication and managing relationships, particularly in such tense times. Having good relationships and strong mentors will continue to provide the support needed during all types of situations.

Join us, and learn how to make tough decisions, understand culture and history, prepare ourselves for global challenges and make the world a better place.

Dave Winfield is a “true unicorn in sports” as the only athlete in history to be drafted by four professional sports leagues.Today, he is a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, CEO of Winfield & Winfield, a NY Times best-selling author, speaker, business advisor, and philanthropist.

Before best-selling books, Dave built confidence through reading, traveling, and winning new friends. Building a strong mental focus and toughness helped him to get through adversity and to become recognized and respected.

To Dave, earning a “leader” or “Captain” title in sports is based on actions, accomplishments, attitude, techniques, talent, and giving back to others. Dave defines personal leadership as making a positive impact on the people around us; being able to communicate our wisdom, and making a difference in the world.

Join us as we listen to Dave’s positive approach to life and life-long learning, his mental focus and endurance practices, and his genuine desire to give back and leave a legacy.

Listen here, or subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

Resources Relevant to this Conversation: 

Dave Winfield website 
Follow Joe Hart on LinkedIn 

Self-Improvement Books:

As Men Think – James Allen
The Great Salesman in the World – Og Mandino
How To Win Friends & Influence People- Dale Carnegie

At the age of 19, Daniela Fernandez founded Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) while being a student at Georgetown University. Today, Daniela is the CEO of SOA which has become the world’s largest network of young ocean leaders. SOA features the world’s first Ocean Solutions Accelerator – cultivating and accelerating innovative solutions to prevent the greatest threats to our planet and to protect and sustain the ocean’s health.

Being self-aware, establishing priorities, and acting without fear are qualities that guided Daniela. Her fearless wisdom and willingness to take risks at a young age allowed Daniela to grow as a leader and become a global champion for her cause.

As a Forbes 30 under 30, Daniela teaches young leaders to ask important questions that will help them identify their values and purpose. Daniela believes that self-awareness is a key to creating a foundation for young entrepreneurs – knowing who they are and who they want to be – so they can build their organizations’ vision, mission, and culture.

Daniela’s secret weapons for motivating others are “vulnerability” and “curiosity”, specifically not having all the answers and not being afraid to ask for help, yet being willing to challenge the status quo. Daniela also attributes her success to an army of supportive mentors and advisors who always have her back. She inspires young entrepreneurs by giving them that same kind of support – providing them the resources they need to question themselves and to find answers.

Join us to hear Daniela’s inspirational insights on how to be more self-aware, take risks, trust yourself, and be intentional.

At the age of 19, Daniela Fernandez founded Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) while being a student at Georgetown University. Today, Daniela is the CEO of SOA which has become the world’s largest network of young ocean leaders featuring the world’s first Ocean Solutions Accelerator – cultivating and accelerating innovative solutions to prevent the greatest threats to our planet and to protect and sustain the ocean’s health.

Being self-aware, establishing priorities, and acting without fear are qualities that guided Daniela. Her fearless wisdom and willingness to take risks at a young age allowed Daniela to grow as a leader and become a global champion for her cause.

As a Forbes 30 under 30, Daniela teaches young leaders to ask important questions that will help them identify their values and purpose. Daniela believes that self-awareness is a key to creating a foundation for young entrepreneurs – knowing who they are and who they want to be – so they can build their organizations’ vision, mission, and culture.

Daniela’s secret weapons for motivating others are “vulnerability” and “curiosity”, specifically not having all the answers and not being afraid to ask for help, yet being willing to challenge the status quo. Daniel

At the age of 19, Daniela Fernandez founded Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) while being a student at Georgetown University. Today, Daniela is the CEO of SOA which has become the world’s largest network of young ocean leaders. SOA features the world’s first Ocean Solutions Accelerator – cultivating and accelerating innovative solutions to prevent the greatest threats to our planet and to protect and sustain the ocean’s health.

Being self-aware, establishing priorities, and acting without fear are qualities that guided Daniela. Her fearless wisdom and willingness to take risks at a young age allowed Daniela to grow as a leader and become a global champion for her cause.

As a Forbes 30 under 30, Daniela teaches young leaders to ask important questions that will help them identify their values and purpose. Daniela believes that self-awareness is a key to creating a foundation for young entrepreneurs – knowing who they are and who they want to be – so they can build their organizations’ vision, mission, and culture.

Daniela’s secret weapons for motivating others are “vulnerability” and “curiosity”, specifically not having all the answers and not being afraid to ask for help, yet being willing to challenge the status quo. Daniela also attributes her success to an army of supportive mentors and advisors who always have her back. She inspires young entrepreneurs by giving them that same kind of support – providing them the resources they need to question themselves and to find answers.

Join us to hear Daniela’s inspirational insights on how to be more self-aware, take risks, trust yourself, and be intentional. a also attributes her success to an army of supportive mentors and advisors who always have her back. She inspires young entrepreneurs by giving them that same kind of support – providing them the resources they need to question themselves and to find answers.

Join us to hear Daniela’s inspirational insights on how to be more self-aware, take risks, trust yourself, and be intentional.

Resources Relevant to this Conversation:

Follow Daniela on LinkedIn 
Follow Joe on LinkedIn

Follow Dale Carnegie on LinkedIn

Follow SOA on LinkedIn

Follow Daniela on Instagram

SOA - Become a member

The Inconvenient Truth Film by All Gore

Ginny Clark is the Executive Director of The Sands Family Foundation and a retired Executive of Constellation Brands. What helped Ginny grow in her career is understanding the importance of building connections, asking for help when needed, and not being afraid of taking risks. She defines trust, respect, and communication as the main requirements for having a team that is centered around success and a culture of support. By bringing people together and paying it forward as a leader, Ginny established the Communications and PR department within Constellation Brands and rose to the level of SVP of what is now a Fortune 500 beer, wine, and spirits company.

Join us to hear Ginny’s inspirational insights on how to build meaningful relationships, take risks, and surround ourselves with trusted people who can help us grow along the way and excel in our careers.

Dr. Ali Parsa holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Physics and is the founder & CEO of Babylon Health, one of the world’s fastest-growing digital healthcare companies. Babylon reached “Unicorn Status” in 2019 and served over 24 million people in over 15 languages by 2021.

Ali shares his incredible journey from childhood, to being an Iranian refugee living in the UK, to achieving success in academia and investment banking, and to today, where he is a successful entrepreneur who is solving global health challenges.

The goal of Babylon Heath is to provide people worldwide with affordable access to real “health” care, not just “sick” care. Ali and his team are working to achieve this bold vision by creating a workplace culture that attracts and hires talent around six core skills: compassion, inclusivity, creativity, positivity, resilience, and people who take ownership.

Join Ali, who was named “The Times 100 People to Watch”, as he offers inspirational insights on how to be bold, courageous, and to lead with empathy and intention.

Resources:

Follow Ali Parsa on LinkedIn
Follow Joe on LinkedIn

Babylon LinkedIn

The Last Dance,Netflix

Rachel Olney is the Founder & CEO of GEOSITE, a business intelligence software for spatial data. As a Stanford University Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. candidate and a Forbes 30 under 30, she believes that the twists and turns you experience in life and how you respond to them is what defines your success. Rachel focuses on constantly challenging herself to live and work courageously, without the fear of failure and with a desire to learn and grow. She believes that by checking your ego at the door and jumping into new and different challenges you can uncover opportunities with a “beginner's mindset”. Join us as Rachel challenges us all to work and live outside our comfort zone.

Listen here, or subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Resources Relevant to this Conversation:

Follow Rachel on LinkedIn
Follow Joe on LinkedIn

GEOSITE Linkedin

GEOSITE

Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBS), lives with a relentless belief in finding and following our own purpose and leading with integrity personally and professionally. During his tenure at National 4-H Council and as Vice President of Marketing, Strategy & Operations at Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Artis has contributed to over $100 million in funding for both organizations. He became a recipient of the 2018 AMAF National Nonprofit Marketer of the Year Award. As a leader of BBBS he committed to create a greater impact for youth, families, and communities in need. Artis believes in the power of mentorship and genuinely connecting with young people - by showing respect, humility, and vulnerability – to change lives, communities, and ultimately the world. Join us as we listen in on Artis’ inspirational lessons for leading with integrity and taking command to improve the life of the youth.

Resources Relevant to this Conversation:

Follow Artis Stevens on LinkedIn
Follow Joe Hart on LinkedIn

Become a mentor at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America:

Listen here, or subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Ryan Chen lives with a relentless focus on the present to maintain a positive, regret-free leadership style. Forbes 30 Under 30 Entrepreneur and the CFO/Co-Founder of Neuro, Ryan’s entrepreneurial success was carved from lessons learned on his journey to rising after a life-changing experience that left him paraplegic. He shares insight to the hands-on journey that has led to year-over-year growth for Neuro, what it means to be a leader, and the type of mindset that motivates action. Join us to hear inspirational lessons for redefining success, overcoming obstacles, and taking command of your potential – no matter the circumstance.

Resources Relevant to this Conversation:

Follow Ryan Chen on LinkedIn

Follow Joe on LinkedIn

Listen here, or subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

A former stage writer and journalist turned editor-and-chief and business leader, Simon & Schuster’s President and CEO, Jonathan Karp, honed his belief in open and transparent leadership from years of experience with institutions designed to educate and inform others. An avid reader with a firm belief that books can change the world, Jon shares lessons he’s learned from formative experiences along his journey that span from addressing institutional racism at a college paper in 1985 to welcoming all voices – even the less favored – at Simon and Schuster today. Join us for today’s discussion to learn practical advice for building productive groups and encouraging “restless curiosity” through books, open interactions, and transparency.

Resources Relevant to this Conversation:

Follow John Karp on LinkedIn
The Word According to Karp
Follow Joe Hart on LinkedIn
High Conflict by Amanda Ripley
Let’s Talk About Hard Things by Anna Sail
A Curious Mind by Brian Glazier
Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark

Listen here, or subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Let's Talk About Hard Things

High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out

“The key between somebody who builds confidence through adversity and through failure and somebody who doesn’t is all in the decision they make in their mind when [failure] happens.” – Lea Gabrielle

Lea Gabrielle is committed to the kind of personal and professional growth that is born from the courage of taking on the unknown, leading through adversity, and being intentional about how we expand our experiences to push our limits.

The former US Special Envoy and Director of the Global Engagement Center honed her “listen and be decisive” leadership mindset from taking on diverse roles such as a Navy F/A-18C Fighter Pilot, a CIA-trained intelligence operative, and eventually a National Television news correspondent and anchor.

Join us to hear practical insight for how to lead people forward in environments prone to conflict and wrought with polarizing opinions. Lea offers ideas for handling people that seek to undermine the overall success of the mission, discusses how to lead without designated authority, and shares questions we can ourselves when we’re fearful or anxious about pushing our limits and taking the next step.

Resources Relevant to this Conversation:
Follow Lea on LinkedIn
Follow Joe on LinkedIn

Listen here, or subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

A creative troublemaker and growth-hacking guru, Josh Linkner first learned the art of creating something from nothing from his history as a jazz musician. Today, he is a celebrated entrepreneur, New York Times Bestselling Author, engaging keynote speaker, and an expert in unlocking the power of human creativity. In this episode, Josh shares real life examples from his experience on how to fail forward to cultivate the kind of creativity that leads to big results. Join us to learn what it means to democratize innovation, empower responsible risk, and reward the rituals that lead to psychologically safe environments open to ideas and innovation.

Resources Relevant to this Conversation:

Big Little Breakthroughs: How Small, Everyday Innovations Drive Oversized Results
Follow Josh on LinkedIn
Follow Joe on LinkedIn

Big Little Breakthroughs: How Small, Everyday Innovations Drive Oversized Results

A doctor gone healthcare executive with an entrepreneurial flare, Stephen Klasko, CEO of Jefferson Health and President of Thomas Jefferson University, is a transformative leader who believes in a “no limits approach” to innovation. Noted by Fast Company as one of the 100 Most Creative People in Business and the leader behind Jefferson Health’s exponential growth, Dr. Klasko shares his insight on the leadership mindset that empowers what’s possible in people and organizations and offers practical advice on succession planning, creative risk taking, and asking the kinds of questions that open the door to innovation. Join us for this episode to learn how to inspire the kind of creativity that “breaks the strategy” and revolutionizes the status quo.

Resources Relevant to this Conversation:
UnHealthcare: A Manifesto for Health Assurance

Listen here, or subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Knowing your “true north” and proactively asking for feedback are two things that Kathleen Hogan, Chief People Officer and EVP of Human Resources for Microsoft, offers to others looking to Take Command of their leadership potential. Equipped with a mindset for opportunity and a passion for empowering dynamic teams, Kathleen shares insight on the steps Microsoft took (and continues to take every day) to implement its Culture Transformation and create balance between a growth mindset that rewards failing forward and an accountability mindset that empowers results. Tune in to this episode to hear practical advice on personal and organizational leadership, the importance of listening and staying humble, and how organizations succeed by empowering great teams.

Resources Relevant to this Conversation:

Follow Kathleen Hogan on LinkedIn
Follow Joe Hart on LinkedIn
Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck

Listen here, or subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Setting healthy boundaries, “pouring in” to personal and professional wellness, and making the conscious decision to Boss Up and Take Command of our mindset are just a few habits that Britney Turner, Founder and CEO of The Boss Up Inc., cultivates to achieve success. A media enthusiast and social media influencer with a knack for innovation and storytelling, Britney shares her journey from a 9-to-5 hustle to a successful and growing entrepreneur. Join us in this episode as we talk practical advice on how to take that leap, hold yourself accountable and commit to the habits that yield success through change, growth, and the era online comparison.

Resources Relevant to this Conversation:

Follow Britney on TikTok
The Boss Up Blog
The Boss Up Instagram Community
The Dale Carnegie Course
Atomic Habits by James Clear

Listen here, or subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Understanding how great ideas come to fruition is the key to success for many leaders – something that Christian Ward, Chief Data Officer and EVP for Yext, knows a lot about. A serial entrepreneur with enthusiasm for leveraging data to tell compelling stories about the world around us, Christian shares insight on how to develop new ideas, listen to hear what people don’t say, and lead in a way that others rally behind.

Resources Based on this Conversation:

Follow Christian Ward
Follow Joe Hart
Data Leverage by Christian Ward and James J. Ward
Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
LEAD! by Dale Carnegie & Associates; Forward by Joe Hart

Listen here, or subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Data Leverage: Unlocking the Surprising Growth Potential of Data Partnerships

Lead!: How to Build a High-Performing Team

Today’s guest is characterized for his authentic leadership style and unyielding curiosity for people, leadership, and business. Join us for a discussion with Ronan Dunne, Executive VP and CEO of Verizon Consumer Group, on how to create environments that “bring the light in” and welcome alternative ways of thinking to inspire innovation and confidence. Ronan shares practical insight on personal leadership and how to cultivate a curious and open attitude through change while empowering others to thrive.

Join us to learn the leadership best practices for ensuring people are set up for the success they deserve, how to leverage context to tell stories that inspire, and the secrets to making decisions that move things forward – even when in crisis mode.

Listen here, or subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Fueled by a passion for public service and helping others, today’s guest shares insight on what it means to be a business leader, philanthropist, and family man. In this episode we welcome David M. Rubenstein, the Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group, author of several books including How to Lead, and the host of The David Rubenstein Show: Peer to Peer Conversations on Bloomberg.

David shares his journey from humble beginnings to a career in government and eventually the founding of The Carlyle Group, one of the largest private equity investment firms in the world. Join us to learn his experience around building a legacy that goes beyond business success by giving back to humanity, valuing those around you, and making the time for the people you care about most.

Listen here, or subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

How to Lead: Wisdom from the World's Greatest CEOs, Founders, and Game Changers

It was from his upbringing, close family ties and lessons learned from his mother that Carlos Cubia, the Global Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Vice President of Walgreens Boots Alliance, first discovered what it means to be a leader. The leadership lessons that were instilled in Carlos at a young age have been reinforced by his extensive leadership experience in Corporate America with companies such as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Safeco Insurance. In this episode, we explore leadership through the honest, open mentality of “never being the smartest person in the room” and discuss the key actions leaders should take to cultivate inclusive atmospheres, lead change, and empower others to take initiative.

Listen here, or subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

With a longstanding history both researching and teaching entrepreneurialism as a Baker Foundation Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and a National Venture Capital Association American Spirit Award recipient, we’re excited to introduce Bill Sahlman to the show. Bill shares practical insight for how people can transform opportunities into businesses by leveraging a simple, calculated framework that helps minimize risk and increases the likelihood of success. In this episode, we explore how to encourage others to adapt from successes and failures with empathy and a mind open to learning.

This week we welcome a guest who shares tangible insight on leading innovative and effective organizations with authenticity, humility and empathy. As the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Johnson and Johnson, Alex Gorsky attributes much of his leadership success to being open to a variety of experiences that taught him the value of continuous learning, stretching your comfort zone and committing to grit. Join us to hear more about the culture of innovation that led to the new COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, the importance of empathetic and humble leadership, and the mindsets that leaders should cultivate to empower people to thrive.

Listen here, or subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Embrace servant leadership, have a coachable spirit and lean in to the gray. This is the philosophy that has guided the success our most recent guest, Camille Chang Gilmore, the Global Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of Human Resources for Boston Scientific. With a background carved from people leadership with companies like IBM and Exxon, Camille shares insight on what it means to bring your voice to the table, have the courage to innovate forward through difficult times and cultivate environments that allow others to be seen.

Listen here, or subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

As the Chief Revenue Officer of Indeed, Nolan Farris touts a wealth of experience facilitating growth for companies by empowering their greatest asset: People. In this episode, Nolan offers advice on how to scale success through transparent coaching that motivates potential in others – even when it comes to the hard stuff. We explore the role of the manager as a “bridge builder” and how to earn trust and inspire growth through exceptional, people-centric leadership, a simplified focus, and an open, fun environment.

Listen here or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more advice, resources and inspiration on leadership, please visit www.dalecarnegie.com

CEO and Managing Partner for Edward Jones and Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Business by Fortune, Penny Pennington shares her advice on unleashing greatness within ourselves and our companies. With the philosophy that failure only occurs from having never tried at all, Penny shares practical advice on how to leverage our inner purpose to inspire confidence, manage through change and unleash what’s possible.

Listen here or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more advice, resources and inspiration on leadership, please visit www.dalecarnegie.com

As a former Partner and the Global Head of Brand Marketing and Digital Strategy for Goldman Sachs from 2010 to 2014 in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, Lisa Shalett possesses a breadth of experience leading through change and adversity. Currently founder of a dynamic community, Extraordinary Women on Boards, Lisa is known as a connector of people and ideas with a mindset for growth. In this episode, she shares her insight on what it means to lean in to the upside of risk and uncertainty, understand your inner strengths and lead with empathy – even during unfamiliar and difficult times.

Listen here, or subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more resources that will help you Take Command of your leadership potential, visit www.dalecarnegie.com

Dr. Kevin McDonald has dedicated his career to empowering young people to reach for success no matter who they are or where they come from. From his first job in the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights division to his current role as University of Virginia’s Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, he’s felt a calling to this space throughout his career. Today a pivotal force in shaping what the future of inclusive leadership looks like, he shares his own path and key lessons learned over the past two decades.

As Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability at The Estée Lauder Companies, Nancy Mahon is a social impact “thought leader” in the rarest, truest sense of the term; each day she inspires teams around the world to make a concrete difference in their communities.

Listen to hear her proven lessons for meaningful, impactful leadership.

Greg Coleman is a veteran digital media executive who made his career helping iconic brands navigate seismic industry upheavals—from Reader’s Digest, Yahoo!, Huffington Post, and BuzzFeed to his current roles as an executive in residence at Lerer Hippeau and Professor at NYU. Listen to hear his hard-won insights into leadership in times of change.

As Chairperson and Managing Director of Dale Carnegie Training India, Pallavi Jha has transformed the business into one of Dale Carnegie’s most successful and admired global verticals. Prior to Dale Carnegie, Pallavi held roles at Procter & Gamble and at her family’s construction business Walchandnagar Industries, one of India’s Industrial conglomerates—seeing firsthand what it means to be female in a completely male-dominated industry.

Hear inspiring lessons and takeaways from her boundary-breaking career.

Katie Dill, VP of Design at Lyft, is a rising star in her field—and a celebrated leader in a historically male-dominated industry. From the surprising reason her childhood set her up for success to her predictions about the most important trends in tech, Katie’s insights into 21st-century leadership can help all leaders achieve their full potential.

In her time as an executive, Jeannie Barsam has climbed the ranks at a who’s-who of American retailers, serving as VP at Gap and SVP at companies like Talbot’s, Zales and more—before venturing out on her own, founding Gifting Brands to focus on giving back to her community. Listen to hear her battle-tested insights into real-life leadership.

In his time as an executive, Mike Searles has weathered storms of change, gales of growth, and the ever-shifting culture of the American workplace. On this episode of Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast, we’ll cover a wealth of his experiences including his time at Toys R Us, as CEO of Benjamin Moore Paint (a Berkshire Hathaway Company), what it was like working for Warren Buffett directly, and how one of his biggest mistakes also became one of the most valuable lessons of his life.

This conversation was recorded in Austin, Texas during the recent Dale Carnegie North American Regional Conference.

For the first episode of Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast, we spoke with Alan Mulally: a man who has headed up some of the biggest corporations on the planet. From his time as an EVP at Boeing and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and then as the president and CEO of Ford Motor Company where he is credited with saving the corporation, through today as a member of the board of directors at Alphabet, Mr. Mulally will discuss his decades of incredible leadership.