Chief of Anything

Most of what we communicate isn't said out loud. In this episode, we explore the “Iceberg of Communication” and how understanding this powerful model can transform the way you lead. Dive into the unspoken world of assumptions, emotions, and unconscious signals that influence every conversation. Learn how to tune into what's beneath the surface—and become a more empathetic, effective leader.

Repetition isn't a weakness—it's leadership in action. This episode introduces the “Chief Repeating Officer,” a playful yet powerful mindset shift for leaders. Discover why the most effective leaders don't just say something once—they repeat, reinforce, and realign, building clarity and consistency within their teams.

How do the words you choose affect your leadership success? In this episode, we explore the concept of Positive Language—an essential leadership skill. You'll learn how shifting your vocabulary from problem-focused to solution-oriented changes not only how others perceive you but how you think and act. Positive language isn't about ignoring reality—it's about shaping it constructively.

What makes influence sustainable and sincere? In this episode, Michael and Christian delve into what it really means to influence others effectively. They challenge the myth that influence is about control, instead highlighting how leaders shape outcomes through alignment, trust, and example. If you've ever wondered how to lead with intention and integrity, this conversation is your blueprint.

What if small details were the difference between average results and exceptional ones? In this episode, Michael and Christian explore the role of detail orientation in leadership, quality, and team performance. They reflect on how our natural preferences influence how we handle details—and how we can train our focus when it matters. You'll learn why attention to detail is a mindset, not a personality trait, and how to cultivate it without getting overwhelmed. If you want to improve precision, reliability, and execution, this episode is for you.

What if being fully present—right here, right now—was the missing piece to your clarity and peace of mind? In this episode, Michael and Christian explore the power of presence in leadership and everyday life. Through stories and reflections, they show how practicing presence leads to better decisions, calmer responses, and more meaningful interactions. You'll learn how to notice when your mind is elsewhere and gently return to the current moment. If you're searching for more focus, purpose, and calm in a fast-paced world, this episode is for you.

What if truly listening to others was the key to better collaboration, stronger relationships, and more effective leadership? In this episode, Michael and Christian explore the art of conscious listening—and why it's more than just hearing words. They discuss how listening requires presence, patience, and a willingness to hold space without immediately offering advice. You'll hear how empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to stay curious can transform conversations and build trust. If you're looking to become a better communicator and more mindful leader, this episode offers valuable insight.

What if your biggest productivity challenge isn't time—but how you choose to use it? In this episode, Michael and Christian explore how clarity and structure can transform the way we work and lead. They share practical techniques for setting priorities, staying focused, and creating space for what truly matters. Drawing on the "rocks, pebbles, sand" metaphor, they offer a simple yet powerful approach to organizing tasks and managing energy. You'll also learn why saying “yes” to everything often means saying “no” to what's most important. If you're looking for a more intentional way to work and lead, this episode is for you.

What if the people who drain your energy aren't the problem—but your reaction to them is? In this episode, Michael and Christian take a closer look at the concept of “energy vampires” and what really makes certain interactions feel exhausting. They explore how our attention, expectations, and values shape our experience of others—and how much of what we perceive as draining comes from within. You'll learn how to manage your focus more intentionally, recognize when misalignment is the real issue, and lead with more empathy and clarity. If you want to protect your energy and strengthen your leadership presence, this episode offers powerful insight.

What if the key to better leadership, stronger relationships, and greater personal success was simply paying more attention? In this episode, Michael and Christian explore the power of awareness and mindfulness in both personal and professional life. They discuss how cultivating awareness helps you understand yourself and others better, while mindfulness allows you to stay present and focused in a world full of distractions. You'll also learn simple, effective techniques to train your mind, reduce stress, and improve decision-making. If you're looking for practical ways to enhance clarity and control in your daily life, this episode is for you.

What do you believe about yourself, your abilities, and the world around you? In this episode, Michael and Christian dive deep into the psychology of beliefs and how they influence every aspect of our lives. They discuss the hidden power of subconscious beliefs, how they affect our confidence and decisions, and how we can consciously change them to achieve greater success. Whether you want to overcome self-doubt, improve your leadership, or simply challenge old ways of thinking, this episode will show you how to break free from limiting beliefs and adopt a mindset that fuels growth.

Two people can experience the exact same event but interpret it completely differently—why? In this episode, Michael and Christian explore the power of perception and how our beliefs, experiences, and emotions shape the way we see the world. They discuss the impact of cognitive biases, the role of perspective in leadership, and how shifting your perception can open up new possibilities. If you want to improve your decision-making, communication, and ability to see the bigger picture, this episode will give you practical tools to broaden your view of the world.

Having a goal is important—but without a strategy, even the best intentions can lead nowhere. In this episode, Michael and Christian break down the importance of strategy in leadership, business, and personal growth. They explore how to create and implement strategies that align with your vision, ensuring that your plans are actionable and results-driven. You'll learn why simplicity is often the key to effective strategy, how to avoid common mistakes in planning, and why flexibility is just as important as structure. Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or working on personal development, this episode will help you design strategies that turn your ambitions into reality.

What truly matters to you? Your values shape your mindset, decisions, and leadership style. But how often do we stop to define them? In this episode, Michael and Christian explore the deep impact of values—on both personal and professional levels. They discuss how values influence the way we communicate, make decisions, and build relationships. You'll learn how to identify your core values, align them with your goals, and use them to create a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. The hosts also share practical strategies for ensuring that your stated values aren't just words, but principles that guide your daily actions. By gaining clarity on your values, you can make better decisions, strengthen your leadership, and create a life that truly aligns with who you are.

What separates those who achieve great things from those who don't? A clear and compelling vision. In this episode, Michael and Christian break down the elements of a strong vision and how it influences your personal and professional life. They share insights on how visualization, mindset, and strategic action work together to bring your dreams to life. Learn how to set a vision, stay motivated, and overcome distractions that might stand in your way.

What gives your life meaning? More than just setting and achieving goals, understanding your purpose provides direction, motivation, and a sense of fulfillment. In this episode, Michael and Christian explore how defining your why can transform the way you lead, work, and live. They discuss the difference between purpose and ambition, how to uncover what truly drives you, and why aligning your actions with your purpose leads to greater impact and satisfaction. If you've ever wondered how to bring more meaning into your daily life, this episode will give you the tools to find and live your purpose with clarity and confidence.

Many people set goals, but only a few actually achieve them. What makes the difference? In this episode, Michael and Christian explore the psychology and strategy behind setting and achieving life goals. They reveal how aligning goals with your core values and breaking them down into realistic steps increases the likelihood of success. You'll learn why some goals remain unfulfilled, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to develop a goal-setting framework that actually works. Whether you're striving for personal or professional growth, this episode provides the tools you need to turn your dreams into reality.

The stories we tell ourselves define how we see the world and how the world sees us. But what if we could change the script? In this episode, Michael and Christian break down the impact of personal narratives on leadership, mindset, and self-development. They share insights on how to recognize limiting beliefs, rewrite disempowering stories, and build a mindset that fosters success. Whether you're leading a team or leading yourself, this episode will give you the tools to take control of your story and shape your future with intention.

"You are who you want to be" – a powerful claim, but is it true? In this episode of Chief of Anything, Michael and Christian explore the idea that our beliefs shape our lives. Are you in control of your own story, or are you letting old narratives hold you back? Learn why your self-image matters and how you can rewrite your story to align with your goals. The key to success starts with self-awareness and intentional action.

Self-leadership begins with self-awareness. In this episode, Michael and Christian explore the fundamental question: Who am I? They discuss how our preferences, competencies, and values shape our identity, decisions, and leadership style. The hosts reveal how our beliefs—both empowering and limiting—affect our actions and how challenging these beliefs can unlock new potential. By understanding what drives us, what we naturally excel at, and what we truly value, we can lead ourselves more effectively and, in turn, lead others with greater impact. This episode will help you reflect on your own strengths, rethink your assumptions, and take charge of your personal and professional growth.

Are you owning your results, or are you caught up in excuses? In this episode of Chief of Anything, Michael and Christian dive into the game-changing mindset of self-responsibility. They explore why taking full ownership of your actions and decisions is the foundation of leadership—and how shifting from blame to accountability can transform your success. Discover how to replace excuses with results, shift from effect to cause, and take full control of your leadership and life. The moment you embrace self-responsibility, everything changes.

Are you the leader of your life, or are you stuck in victim mode? In this episode of Chief of Anything, Michael and Christian challenge you to take radical responsibility for your actions, mindset, and outcomes. They break down the concept of cause and effect in leadership, exploring why taking ownership is the ultimate key to success. By mastering the response-ability mindset, you can shape your results, improve your leadership skills, and create a life and career on your terms. Learn how to move from effect to cause and become the Chief of Your Life.

In this insightful episode, Christian Kohlhof and Michael Portz explore the transformative power of self-fulfilling prophecies and how the stories we tell ourselves shape our lives. Through relatable anecdotes and practical wisdom, they discuss how self-limiting beliefs, often rooted in childhood or societal expectations, can hold us back. By challenging these narratives and adopting a proactive mindset, they inspire listeners to take control of their inner dialogue and unlock their full potential. Discover how purposeful leadership starts from within, and learn actionable strategies to lead yourself effectively, paving the way for personal and professional success.

Discover the origins of Chief of Anything and the vision behind relaxed-productive leadership. In these opening chapters, Christian Kohlhof and Michael Portz reflect on their journey, share practical leadership insights, and introduce the Purpose-driven principles that form the foundation of the book. Joined by Leonie Schulze Bölling, they explore the importance of self-leadership, storytelling, and creating positive, people-focused work environments. Perfect for anyone looking to lead with clarity, Purpose, and ease.

In this very first English episode, hosts Christian Kohlhof and Michael Portz share the inspiring story behind the Chief of Anything Podcast. Discover how their passion for leadership and people skills evolved from a German podcast into a successful book, audiobook, and now an international podcast series. Christian and Michael talk about the importance of purposeful leadership, effective teamwork, and how sharing their experiences can help leaders around the world. They also give thanks to the incredible team that helped bring this project to life. Join them on this exciting journey and learn how to become the Chief of Anything in your own life!

Tanja bietet einen Einblick in ihre erfolgreiche Herangehensweise an Teamarbeit. Der Schlüssel liegt nicht nur in klaren Strukturen und Zielen, sondern auch im Verständnis der individuellen Persönlichkeiten im Team.

Unternehmerischer Erfolg ist ein Selbstläufer... ...wenn alle produktiv sind, sich auf das Wesentliche fokussieren und klare Verantwortlichkeiten herrschen. Doch wie erschaffe ich als Führungskraft diesen Zustand?

Understanding the intricacies of transformation is key - especially in the dynamic world of organizational leadership.

Diese Woche erzählen unsere Podcast Gäste von ADFERENCE hautnah von ihren #Schlüsselmomenten, #Eindrücken und #Erfahrungen direkt nach den #VIERKLANG Strategy Workshops.

How do I unleash success in my companies? Understand your WHY.

Von der Fast-Insolvenz zu Rekordumsätzen! Wie haben es Jessica Krauter & Daniel Krauter von buah GmbH geschafft ein erfolgreiches, profitables und wertstiftendes Unternehmen aufzubauen?

How do I find my pink

Gesellschaft demokratisch leben • Wie nutze ich Bildung als Schlüssel? • In der aktuellen VIERKLANG Podcastfolge erzählen die beiden Gründerinnen & Geschäftsführerinnen von Zukunftsmotor GmbH Julia Kaufmann und Franziska Ibele über ihre Erfahrungen mit dem VIERKLANG Modell aus Purpose, Vision, Werten und Strategien.

How do I create an energized, aligned, and thriving organization? Here are some of the highlights of this weeks VIERKLANG Strategy podcast episode with Brand Strategist Melanie Gleeson...

Wie finde ich die richtigen Mitarbeiter? ...

How do I become the MOST ADMIRED BRAND in just 3 YEARS? Listen to this week's VIERKLANG podcast episode. We spoke with the former executive team of Vodafone Qatar. Daniel, Jan, Jenny, John, Matthew and Michael share their insights & stories on…

Natascha Wegelin, CEO von Madame Moneypenny, erzählt in dieser Podcastepisode von ihrem eigenen Purpose, Frauen zu empowern; und davon, wie sie diesen Purpose ganz real umsetzt und welche Werte sie auf ihrem Weg begleiten.

“Banking is ripe for disruption.” “People thought we were crazy, because you have five very big banks in South Africa, very well run and very well capitalized. So, you'd be crazy to be starting a bank in this context, you would never compete against banks of this size… “

Vertrauen ist ein wesentlicher Treiber für langfristigen Unternehmenserfolg. Wie baue ich dieses Vertrauen in meinem Team auf?

How do I create an attractive workplace where good people want to come to work and stay? Sven Gebhard's successful forward-thinking leadership approach: “Happy Continuum”...

"Der rote Faden im Unternehmen.“ …neue Einblicke in eine erfolgreiche Unternehmenskultur! Es geht um weit mehr als nur Zahlen und Prozesse…

How do you break a monopoly and “Make a world of difference for all the people in Qatar”? Jan Michael Holzmann shares his VIERKLANG Strategy success story of joining Vodafone Qatar in 2008.

Teamkultur und effektive Kommunikation in Startups erforschen - Ein Einblick in Sabine Engels Reise als Serial Entrepreneur...

Exploring team culture and effective communication at startups - An insight into Sabine Engel's serial entrepreneurship journey...

In this episode of the VIERKLANG Strategy Podcast Kathrin & Dominik interview Sami Benchekroun, the Co-Founder & CEO of Morressier. Key Points of this episode: A Deep Dive into Organizational Dynamics

Kathrin & Dominik interviewen in dieser Folge des VIERKLANG Podcasts Sami Benchekroun, den Co-Gründer & CEO von Morressier. Die wichtigsten Punkte dieser Folge sind...

In this episode of the VIERKLANG Podcast Kathrin & Dominik interview Andy Haines, the Founder & Creative Director of Origami Ltd. based in New Zealand.

Kathrin & Dominik interviewen in dieser Episode des VIERKLANG Podcasts Florian Hempen, den Gründer & CEO der State of the Art GmbH (SOTA). Florian teilt seine wertvollen Einblicke über die Implementierung des VIERKLANG Strategiemodells (Purpose, Vision, Werte und Strategien) und die positiven Veränderungen im Unternehmen. Unter anderem spricht er über...

Wherefore do I need a strategy model? A strategy model can serve as a collaborative tool that harnesses the collective intellectual power of everyone in my team to reach our desired destination. I can apply the "Vierklang" model, consisting of Purpose, Vision, Values, and Strategies, both for my company and for myself. This provides direction to my life and my team. The "Vierklang" enables us to: • Foster collaboration and inclusion of all team members, • Facilitate an effective process for quick decision-making, • As a pleasant byproduct, motivate individuals who support and understand the strategy. With my team, I shift into implementation mode and together we contribute to creating a company that fulfills its purpose and transforms the industry. In this episode of the Chief of Anything podcast titled "Vierklang," I get to know Kathrin and Dominik, who, along with Michael, introduce the "greatest strategy model of all time." In the upcoming episodes of this podcast, I will hear stories from CEOs, company owners, and founders about how this model has transformed their businesses. **About the Podcasters** Michael on LinkedIn: ► http://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-portz-362209 Christian on LinkedIn: ► http://linkedin.com/in/christiankohlhof Dominik auf LinkedIn: ►http://www.linkedin.com/in/dominikklimmek/ Kathrin auf LinkedIn: ►http://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrinwuetz/ **Our Book** CHIEF OF ANYTHING: How Relaxed-Productive Leadership Improves the World Order it today on Amazon: ► https://amzn.to/2Z5IIXh **About the CoA Academy** For more information about the Academy, our seminars, and the CHIEF OF THE YEAR Remote Leadership Program, visit our website: ► https://coa.academy **Newsletter** Feel free to subscribe to our newsletter. It will keep you up to date with our latest news and experiences: ► https://bit.ly/3a9FoAQ Now also readable on LinkedIn, with or without a profile: ► https://bit.ly/3ALkAfL **And one more big favor** Please subscribe to our podcast and stay informed. If it helps you become a better leader, improves your communication skills, or if you simply find it entertaining, we would greatly appreciate a 5-star rating and review. **THANK YOU VERY MUCH!**