LearnChair Radio Leadership Podcast

LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone interviews longtime contributor Joe Santana on his new venture to use Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) as leadership development tools.  Recent research has shown that while major companies have poured large amounts of funds into leadership development the outcome has been poor in terms of actual leaders developed.  Joe’s solution is to use employee groups that already exist in companies to spot, assess and develop leaders for the company.  An efficient and cheaper way to produce good leaders.  ERGs first came about by employees banding together to promote common interests.  These could be efforts to increase diversity and inclusion or promote new methods of production.  The groups showed they could be productive in achieving specific goals, and now Joe and his colleagues believe they can allow companies to develop leaders from within.  Joe explains how this works and what a company can do set up a leadership development program based on ERGs.  This is something a company should consider when deciding to embark on a leadership development program.

Military leadership is a topic we have not explored in depth on LearnChair Radio.  To rectify this, LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone interviews former Army Colonel Christopher Talcott.  Chris was a field artillery officer who joined the Army in peacetime but found himself in combat as times quickly changed.  Chris was deeply engaged in education as a teacher of military issues at West Point, UCLA and Baylor University.  Chris’s comments on the current state of ROTC education are perceptive.  When asked his views on military leadership, Chris responds that the first that comes to mind for him is being purposeful as a leader.  What he terms Be, Know and Do.  Chris adds to this two leadership definitions - the definition of leadership itself and of success. Chris recently began work with an organization called Boot Campaign.  The organization began in 2009 by five Texas women who were concerned with the state of veteran affairs.  Their goals are to ignite patriotism in America and promote life improvement programs for veterans.  The organization is small but very engaged in support to veterans.  Chris relates two stories of his military time that were lessons for him in leadership.  Both involved bringing technical improvements to ongoing military operations.  The main lesson he learned from the unit’s commander was that people are still more important than technology. The commander by his example taught Chris the values of clarity, focus, discipline and engagement.  Above all he learned how to “make it work.”  In response to Bob’s question about what are the characteristics of a good leader, Chris lists four.  The first is servant leadership - in essence knowing that as a leader it’s not about you.  Next is having a sense of humor.  The final two are competitive greatness, doing what needs to be done when it counts, and listening and time management, i.e. not letting the tail wag the dog.  Leadership is paramount for the military services, and this interview with Chris is a good insight as to how its done. 

Are you interested in Art and Antiques?  LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone interviews John Hays, Deputy Chairman at Christie’s and a leading expert on American furniture and painting.  John describes how starting as an unpaid assistant at Christie’s seven years later he ran the company’s furniture and decorative arts division.  In the discussion with Bob, John explains how collectors can take risks in collecting unknown artists or concentrate on traditional areas such as American furniture.  He state that such furniture is currently undervalued and pieces of Queen Anne or Chippendale may rise in price in the future.  John notes that in choosing what pieces to collect, it’s all about the details.  Thousands of dollars may separate one piece from another of the same era depending on how elaborate the details involved.  John shares his thoughts on how an auctioneer, of which he is prominent at Christie’s, is like the conductor of an orchestra.  The auctioneer assembles the collection at hand into an event that often resembles theater in performance and giving the audience a fun event.  John tells two stories amongst his most memorable auctions.  One involves a portrait of George Washington that set a record for such paintings and the other of a wooden chest with original paint from three hundred years ago that fetched a million dollars.  When asked his opinion of the characteristics of a good leader, John stressed that a good leader is also a good follower.  Such a leader allows his or her people to learn and discover.  John added that leadership involves developing good working relations with colleagues and guiding younger employees.  This interview is an interesting peek into the art world that you will enjoy.

Jim Kouzes is the best selling author of the leadership classic, The Leadership Challenge.  Jim explains how an early inspiration by President Kennedy led him to a career in education and an expertise in leadership development. Now in its 6th edition, the book remains a well researched primer on how leaders lead and why people follow them.  Jim explains that his book remains an essential book on leadership because it is evidence based, Is backed by a wealth of data, is simple and easy to understand and laced with great stories.  Research is an essential element of Jim’s approach to leadership, which led he and his partner, Barry Posner, to develop the Five Practices of Essential Leadership.  Jim lays out these practices as modeling the way, inspire a shared vision, challenge the process, enable other to act and encourage the heart - recognize others contributions.  The data Jim and Barry collected was done by a tool known as the Leadership Practices Inventory.  Used for over 30 years, the tool is an empirical means to collect the data used to support the Five Practices.  It is this intensive research that makes Jim’s methods the bedrock for leadership studies.  As part of this research Jim defined the Important leadership Traits based on the initial question of why people willingly follow certain leaders.  He found that four traits were essential to leadership development.  A leader must be honest and trustworthy, possess competence, be inspiring and possess a forward thinking attitude.  Jim notes that his books contain numerous stories of how leaders believed they performed their best.  Jim discovered that almost every story had to do with overcoming an obstacle; leaders performed their best when challenged.  Jim gives an inspiring example to demonstrate this.  If you are interested in leadership, this interview contains a wealth of information from one of the most essential and respected sources on leadership today.

Learnchair Radio host Bob Dragone interviews Christian Swain in this interesting and entertaining foray into the history of Rock and Roll.  Chris explains how his interest in both Rock and Roll and history led him to founding the RocknRoll Archaeology Project, a series of programs and podcasts that delves deeply into the history of Rock music.  a labor of love, Chris and his fellow archaeologists explore the roots of Rock following World War II and and discuss the branches that evolved over the years up to the present.  To the question of whether Rock is dead, Chris affirms this and gives the causes from the rise of Windows 95 and Napster to  the gradual demise of the guitar in favor of computer generated music.  Now new genres dominate and Chris and Bob discuss the reasons why.  Chris relates several stories about his own experiences as a rock musician and what it is like to play such historic venues as the Whisky A Go Go.  To the question of what characteristics define a good leader, Chris first mentions vision and how this shapes the relationship of leader to followers and the importance to a leader of surrounding him or herself with good people.  If you have an interest in Rock and Roll this is a podcast you should certainly listen to.

Over the course of two years, LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone has heard some great leadership stories from his guests.  Some of them were funny tales about clients if they do leadership development for companies or some were about people who inspired them to be better leaders. This podcast is the first in a series that will compile some of these stories for both your enjoyment and perhaps to inspire you too as well.  Bob leads off with an explanation from TED talks expert Jeremy Donovan about how to structure a good story.  This is followed up by Phil Romano explaining how he made the Fuddruckers restaurant chain a success.  The third story is from leadership development expert Mike Mears who tells about a great leader he worked for, former Secretary of Commerce Malcolm Baldridge.  If you enjoy the stories please let me know by leaving a comment at www.learnchairradio.com.

Renowned leadership expert and best selling author Chris Cebollero is interviewed by LearnChair Radio’s host Bob Dragone.  Chris’s leadership expertise is based on many years in the emergency medical services field.  Chris describes how he developed his leadership principles through trial and error in assuming leadership positions in the demanding and dangerous EMS field.  He now applies these principles to help organizations and businesses develop good leadership to improve performance and achieve success.  Chris notes that one of the leading failures of companies is not investing in their people.  It takes time and effort to make employees productive team members, and real leaders do this.  Chris is the author of Ultimate Leadership, a book that debuted as Number 1 on the Amazon best seller list.  In it he lists the steps an individual must take to become an effective leader.    He is following this up with a new book to be published in July entitled, Ultimate Success, A Strategy For Achieving Leadership Excellence, which outlines the skills a leader must know to achieve success.  To the question of what characteristics a good leader should possess, Chris responded with one - self awareness.  He states that you have to know who your are before you can help others become who they want to be.  This is a recurring theme throughout this interview and comes from Chris’s many years of being a hands-on leader in a highly demanding field.  This is a fun podcast with a man who knows leadership from first hand experience.

LearnChair Radio Host Bob Dragone interviews the CEO of the Business Thinking Institute, Ram V. Iyer.  Ram was invited to the podcast because of his innovative approach as to why businesses fail.  As he notes, over 70 percent of businesses fail but not usually for the reasons owners believe.  Ram subjected this issue to one of his annual “hard thinking projects.” and after much time and effort came up with his conclusions.  Most owners think they fail because they lack something - funding, marketing or some other external reason.  Ram discovered that the main reasons for failure are internal.  In a recent article in businessthinking.com Ram lists 9 internal reasons for failure.  For instance, people think that because it is easy to start a business it is easy to obtain success.  Ram also notes that people have what he terms internal thermostats - the level at which they will be satisfied with the money they obtain.  Exceeding this level causes them to lose what they have made.  In such cases, Ram states that 80 percent of owners would have gotten better returns if they had invested their money rather than using it to start a business.  Ram believes that leaders fail for the same reasons businesses do.  The reasons are internal.  People start businesses, call themselves a CEO and believe they are leaders.  True leaders, Ram says, must work at being a leader every day.  True leaders are aware of both their strengths and weaknesses, and work at improving both.  Education is key, and true education is taking what you have been taught and adapting it to the needs of your daily life.  Ram lists three characteristics of good leadership.  Again, it is being aware of one’s strengths and weaknesses.  It is having an open mindset.  Third, always being teachable.  His final lesson is when you stop learning you start dying.  This is a novel approach to business success and well worth a listen.

LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone interviews best selling author Jason Jennings on his work analyzing great businesses and great leaders. Jason discovered a number of years ago that his main goal is to find the world’s great leaders and great companies. As a result, he is a world renowned author of eight books on business and leadership based on his research of 220,000 companies.  Jason publishes a book at two year intervals.  He interviews 800-1000 executives each year as research for his books.  What is not fully explored in one book often becomes the main topic of his next one. Currently, his research centers on explorations of culture and inclusiveness.  He explains why these are important and what he has discovered so far.  For example, he notes that the more a company looks like its customers the better its financial performance.  Jason states that his biggest discovery is that great leaders do not recognize themselves as such.  Great leaders, rather, are good, solid stewards.  Do we currently have a crisis of leadership in America today?  Jason feels that we have many great leaders but they go unnoticed.  They do not bring attention to themselves and do not confuse leadership with notoriety.  His prime example is given in an insightful comparison of Uber versus Lyft.  Finally, Jason gives 6 characteristics of good leadership - a good moral compass, authenticity, good stewardship, purpose, a set of guiding principles and a balance of IQ and EQ.  Jason’s comments on leadership are based on sound research and vast experience. 

LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone interviews chef and Texas barbecue master Jeffrey Hobbs on an exploration of leadership in the culinary field.  Jeffrey is owner and operator of the Slow Bone restaurant in Dallas which is famous far and wide for its succulent smoked meats and excellent service.  Jeffrey’s approach to the restaurant business goes beyond just serving good food, but centers on hospitality in all its aspects.  Jeffrey describes his beginnings in the food industry and how he got involved in the hotly contested Texas barbecue arena.  For those of you interested in what makes good brisket, sausage and ribs, Jeffrey’s approach to smoking these delicacies will add to your barbecue knowledge.  The conversation goes beyond this, however, and really centers on Jeffrey’s leadership principles and how a good owner serves both his patrons and his staff.  The interview reveals a man who is just as much concerned with doing his business right as he does for serving good food.  Please listen to the interview if you want to learn more about Texas barbecue but let Jeffrey add to your knowledge of what good leadership is all about.

Are you interested in art and antiques?  Do you want to know what are the best collections you should visit and who has the best private collections?  What media is being avidly collected these days and who are the artists drawing the most attention?  These questions are answered in this episode as LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone interviews Miller Gaffney.  Miller is an internationally renowned art and antiques appraiser who many of you may know from her two TV shows, Market Warriors on PBS and Art Breakers on Ovation.  Miller explains how she got interested in art and how she developed as both a recognized expert and TV personality.  In this lively discussion Miller talks about what’s happening in art and antique collecting and some of the pitfalls of the profession.  How do you spot a forgery?  What happens to stollen art masterpieces?  This is a very concise and informative master class in art collecting from one of the world’s foremost experts.

LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone interviews one of the world’s top leadership development experts, Sylvia Lafair, in this podcast. Sylvia explains how a childhood tragedy led her to become a psychologist and how her work with family structures evolved into her leadership development methods.  Sylvia realized that bosses are like parents, co-workers like siblings, and wages like allowances.  Her program is called Total Leadership Connections.  Her insight was to recognize that people develop patterns that may cause them problems in a work environment.  Her program is a deep dive into patterns as leaders.  Her methodology includes what she terms OUT - observing patterns, understanding where they come from and transforming them into new patterns for leadership success.  She also uses what she calls a SANKOSA map, a term that means clearing the past to free the future.  HR.COM has judged Sylvia’s program to be one of the best for seven years running.  Sylvia is the author of Don’t Bring It To Work, a book available on amazon.com that summarizes her approach and methods.  Sylvia is also the author of GUTSY - How Women Leaders Make Change, where she urges women to stand up for themselves.  Integrity is the one characteristic Sylvia believes every leaders should have because it integrates all aspects of a situation.  You will enjoy listening to one of the world’s best leadership experts tell her story.

LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone interviews one of the top ten leadership thought leaders, Arthur Carmazzi.  Arthur explains how he got to this ranking by starting with his list of personal failures and how he learned from them.  Rather than perpetuate the behaviors he found in companies he worked for that led to failure, Arthur began to study them.  This became the basis for his leadership methodology he terms Directive Communication Psychology.  As he began to practice his methods, others soon caught on and now Arthur finds himself serving an international clientele from his base in Bali, Indonesia.  Arthur concentrates on cultures that perpetuate failure and how an individual can recognize these behaviors, change them and develop a personal leadership style.  The individual is in control of his or her environment, and with Arthur’s assistance one can learn to be a leader as circumstances demand.  Arthur also talks about his new book, Architects of Extraordinary Team Culture.  a fun and interactive exploration of his leadership methodology.  Rather than list characteristics of a good leader, Arthur emphasized the difference between competencies and skills and how an individual’s qualities can be developed to become a leader for any situation.  This is a lively and informative interview, from one of the top masters in the leadership field.

LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone interviews Danielle DiMartino Booth, the founder of Money Strong LLC and the former advisor to Richard W. Fisher of the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas.  Danielle is the author of, FED UP, An Insider’s Take on Why the Federal Reserve is Bad for America.    Danielle explains what prompted her to write the book and why she is critical of the Fed’s broken policies.  The interview focuses on Danielle’s views of leadership at the Fed beginning with the Fed’s mishandling of the subprime mortgage crisis a decade ago.  She looks at the role politics plays in the Fed’s policies and the critical role played by the current Fed chairman.  The Fed has been criticized for a lack of diversity, which Danielle explains both in terms of race and gender as well as a lack of diverse backgrounds among Fed leaders.  Danielle looks at the technical challenges the Fed now faces to modernize the organization’s cybersecurity procedures and information management systems.  Her list of important characteristics of a good leader highlight integrity as a primary one for all worthy leaders.  Danielle’s interview sheds light on a host of current issues affecting the Federal Reserve and why we should care.

LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone interviews one of the nation’s top thinkers on leadership, Mike Mears.  Mike’s leadership expertise is based on practical experience in the military, business and government fields.  A West Point graduate, Mike worked with Jack Welch at GE and was the founder of the CIA Leadership Academy.  Bob and Mike explore why with all the experts involved in leadership development there remains a dearth of truly affective leaders.  They surmise that while principles are taught they are often soon forgotten for institutional and personal reasons.  Mike states his view on the best characteristics of a good leader based on his experience.  Mike is known for his advocacy of “stamping out bad bosses,”  but he prefers to accent positive features of good leadership development.  In this regard, Mike gives his observations on what are the best leadership lessons any one should learn.  Finally, when asked about who comes to mind when he is asked about great leaders, Mike relates his relationship with the late Secretary of Commerce, Malcolm Baldridge.  Mike emphasizes the personal relationships a good leader develops that leave a legacy.  This interview is a thoughtful guide on what you should do to improve your leadership skills.

R. Gaines Baty is the bestselling author of Champion of the Barrio, a book about the legendary Texas football coach, Buryl Baty.  Gaines decided to write a book about his father to honor the coach’s legacy.  In doing so, he learned much about the father who died tragically when Gaines  was only four.  He also learned the leadership lessons his father imparted to his teams of hispanic kids, who he championed and guided.  Gaines interviewed over a hundred people who knew Buryl and who testified to the lasting impact he had on their lives.  Gaines, who runs a recruiting firm is not a professional writer.  Despite this, he wrote a book that remains among the top ten percent on Amazon’s list and is considered by several critics as among the best books on leadership written in recent years.  In the interview Gaines relates how he came to write the book, the struggle to get it published and the leadership lessons he learned in this endeavor.  If you are looking for a readable, inspiring book on leadership, please obtain a copy of Champion of the Barrio.

LearnChair Radio host, Bob Dragone interviews Caroline Avinger, the president of Protocol LLC.  Caroline is an expert in teaching good etiquette and protocol.  She explains why these are necessary skills for a leader to develop, since image and style have such an important impact on how a leader is perceived.  Many people can benefit from perfecting their manners, since being a leader depends so heavily on developing a positive image.  She also explains how developing good protocol skills affects a company’s bottom line and can increase profitability.  Caroline explains her methodology and how her courses are structured to develop the necessary skills.  With a few stories she relates that although many people balk at first when asked to address their manners, she finds them always appreciative they have had the chance to benefit from her skills.  Caroline explains her approach for helping business people adapt to foreign cultures should assignments take them overseas.  She stresses an open mind and a willingness to learn.  These also form the basis for her views on what it takes to be a good leader.  Do you think you can benefit from adding a little polish to your etiquette and protocol habits?  Listen to Caroline to find out how it can be done.

Does your brain work for you or against you in making sound leadership decisions?  LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone examines this issue with Joe Santana.  This is our second interview with Joe, who is a leading expert, teacher and consultant on bias and diversity in the workplace.  Joe’s current emphasis is on unconscious bias and how the brain works.  His focus is on how we make judgments and how the rules we live by affect our management decisions.  Joe asks how do people make good decisions when 95% of the time decisions are driven by processes we are unaware of?  Being unaware of brain functions can cost a company millions of dollars in lost opportunity costs.  Joe gives examples involving a penchant to hire fast and fire slow, continuing to stick to methods that fail time and again and failing to recognize changes in the business environment.  Joe poses seven tips on how to better use our brains to make good management decisions.  Among these are raising our awareness of how we make decisions, separating fact from opinion and challenging our beliefs.  When asked what characteristics make for a good leader, instead of listing terms Joe explains processes that good leaders use to make sound judgments.  Among these are freeing subordinates to examine all aspects of a goal rather than limiting the space they will work in.  The is a fascinating mini seminar on a unique aspect of leadership development - managing our brains.

LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone takes a look at leadership in the arts in this interview with up and coming metals artist Calina Shevlin.  Callie is an expert in the art of guilloche, a technique used to engrave the elaborate and delicate patterns found on top end Swiss watches Faberge eggs, and increasingly in fine jewelry.  She is one of only 27 artists in the world who have mastered the machines and methods used to produce the guilloche patterns.  Recently, Callie published a book, Guilloche, A History and Practical Manual by Schiffer Publishers. This is the most comprehensive text on the art of guilloche ever published and will certainly be the defining publication on the topic for years to come.  In the interview Callie explains how she first became interested in guilloche and her search to find a mentor to teach her the techniques.  After a time working for Swiss watch companies she has now established her own business to further the art of guilloche in own creative manner.  Callie’s talent, perseverance and creativity are a lesson in leadership for those who have a vision and wish to establish themselves in whatever field they choose to pursue. 

LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone interviews renewable energy expert Doug Faulkner on his views regarding the current state and future of sustainable energy programs and clean water initiatives.  Doug has 30 years experience as a senior federal government sustainability expert who is now active in the private sector.  Doug defines sustainability as improving humankind’s quality of life through efficient use of the earth’s resources.  Doug notes that we are in the early stage of an historic shift in the state of our environment.  He notes that sustainability requires changes at the individual level, in the market place, in trade and takes advantage of developments in science and technology.  Doug comments on the Paris Accord and gives his views on the future of sustainable energy programs under the Trump administration.  When asked for his view on the requirements for a good leader, Doug lists deep knowledge of one’s field, adaptability, good communication, a good listener, emotional intelligence and strength of character.  This is a very timely interview on a subject of great interest to many of our listeners.

Is there a spiritual aspect to leadership?  LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone explores this interesting notion with Kerry Harmanis, one of Australia’s prominent mining developers and philanthropists.  Kerry relates his journey from lawyer to fishmonger to mining magnate and how he developed his leadership style based on mindfulness and personal growth.  Kerry states how he developed his style through lifelong practice of what her terms, “spiritual endeavors” - meditation, Tai Chi, yoga, stretching and other physical activity.  Through his personal growth he developed a sense of compassion which he applies to how well he treats his employees and business associates.  His endeavors allow him to see a bigger picture.  Kerry notes the importance of giving subordinates responsibility and the freedom to exercise it.  Kerry is currently recognized for his philanthropy which he claims to have developed through contact with the Dalai Lama.  Kerry gives an extensive list to the question of what characteristics a good leader should have.  He lists humility, integrity, practical values, compassion, unconditional giving and the ability to surrender.  The latter involves letting go of issues and emotions that hold you back.  This is a unique take on leadership and one well worth considering for developing anyone’s leadership style.

LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone interviews world-renowned bluegrass mandolin artist Mike Compton.  Mike relates his early interest in string band music and the influence of music playing relatives as the beginnings of his career in music.  But it is the influence of American musical master Bill Monroe that early on caught Mike's devotion.  Mike explains how Monroe took the music of the blues, country, Scots-Irish music and other forms to forge his own genre of Bluegrass music.  Mike has mastered the Monroe method of mandolin playing and now spends considerable time and effort to preserve Monroe's music and pass it on to new legions of followers. Mike tours extensively as both a solo and ensemble musician as well as holding house concerts and classes.  Mike is the host and chief instructor for the Monroe Mandolin Camp held each fall in Nashville.  In the discussion with Mike we explore what influences Monroe experienced to form his drive and ambitions as a leader, from a difficult childhood to drive champion of his own music.  Mike shares his opinions on leadership in the music business which include an honest relationship with the audience and the value of positive collaboration with other musicians and executives.  If you are not familiar with either bluegrass music or Bill Monroe, here's your introduction to a music and man you should know more about.

Dr. Bob Dent is the Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer for Midland Memorial Hospital in Midland, Texas. LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone was looking for an organization that operated on a firm set of leadership standards when he came across Midland Memorial's remarkable leadership principles. The discussion with Bob Dent examines how the hospital established its leadership standards and how Bob and his staff ensure every employee lives up to them.  Bob relates how Midland Memorial developed its Leadership Pledge and how every employee is introduced to a Culture of Ownership.  Every day Bob conducts leadership rounds to interact with both staff and patients.  In this manner, the hospital builds and maintains lasting relationships with patients, families and the Midland community.  Midland's strong commitment to staff encompasses a unique policy on meetings which many companies might envy.  Bob adds his own insights on what characteristics a good leader should have on top of the standards set by his hospital.  This podcast is a valuable look at how an organization can make leadership work every day.  

Dr. Melissa Gratias is a Productivity Psychologist, her own term that translates as forging custom productivity solutions for her clients.  Her solutions are tactical and practical, and she focuses on what should be done to improve a company's methods and procedures.  Her methodology's basic approach is to identify problems as flags, from red to green, depending on their urgency.  Her methods are now available in a series of 6 ebooks available on her website, melissagratias.com.  Here's the link for the ebooks: http://melissagratias.com/ebooks/  Melissa is a great story teller, and she regales LearnChair Radio Host Bob Dragone with examples of her biggest successes and some of her professional challenges.  Melissa also shares her opinions of what characteristics a good leader should have.  She lists three - predictability, calmness, and trust.  Few would argue these and we think you will enjoy this very engaging discussion with Melissa Gratias.

Zoe Chance is a Professor of Influence and Persuasion at the Yale University School of Management.  In the discussion with LearnChair Radio's host Bob Dragone, Zoe explains the profound role of influence and persuasion on your leadership style.  Based on relationships, persuasion has a powerful positive force in meeting goals and building team success.  Zoe talks about examining motivations and why empathy is so important to a leader's ability to influence the people they work with.  Zoe, when posed the question about what characteristics a good leader should have, comes up with a unique perspective.  Based on her acting background she states that a good leader should have the aspects of both a good director and a good producer. Again, she emphasises the importance of motivation, empathy and well-honed management skills to be a leader worth following.  The interview with Zoe is both enlightening and humorous, and one we are sure you will enjoy.

LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone discusses the elements of style as they relate to a good leadership image with leading style expert Sylvie di Giusto.  Sylvie relates her beginnings in HR as they developed her interest in style and how it is so important to project an image of competence and confidence.  Her comments about the style factors of several of the recent presidential candidates are quite interesting and revealing. Silvie explores the link between style and leadership and why it is so important to create a good first impression.  Her experience with helping to develop the image of many senior executives provides her unique insight as to what characteristics good leaders should have.  

[smart_track_player_latest url="http://learnchairradio.libsyn.com/rss" social="true" social_twitter="true" social_facebook="true" social_gplus="true" ] Zoe Chance is a Professor of Influence and Persuasion at the Yale University School of Management.  In the discussion with LearnChair Radio's host Bob Dragone, Zoe explains the profound role of influence and persuasion on your leadership style.  Based on relationships, persuasion has a powerful positive force in meeting goals and building team success.  Zoe talks about examining motivations and why empathy is so important to a leader's ability to influence the people they work with.  Zoe, when posed the question about what characteristics a good leader should have, comes up with a unique perspective.  Based on her acting background she states that a good leader should have the aspects of both a good director and a good producer. Again, she emphasises the importance of motivation, empathy and well-honed management skills to be a leader worth following.  The interview with Zoe is both enlightening and humorous, and one we are sure you will enjoy.

LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone talks with speaker, author and coach Cy Wakeman about the principles of Reality-Based Leadership. Cy explains how she came upon her unique approach to leadership development and how it allows an organization's leaders to cut through the everyday drama of the workplace to deliver better results.  In the discussion, Cy steps us through how Reality-Based Leadership is about becoming the revolutionary new type of leader needed today—one who can change the way people think about and perceive their circumstances. A Reality-Based Leader deals with the facts, clarifies roles, gives clear and direct feedback, instills accountability, and helps others focus their efforts on their contribution (and not on the drama!).  Cy gives examples of success in the workplace and how leaders she has worked with have increased productivity through her methods.  Cy's opinion that a leader requires empathy rather than sympathy is a notable addition to our list of characteristics for good leadership. j5x62cx2

NOTE - This episode is re-issued due to a problem with the original file.  Many listeners could not download the file so this problem is now corrected. The Director of the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University joins AQQOLADE's LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone to discuss Doerr's groundbreaking program to give leadership development to all Rice students.  As a leading research university with a distinctive commitment to undergraduate education, Rice University aspires to pathbreaking research, unsurpassed teaching and contributions to the betterment of our world. It seeks to fulfill this mission by cultivating a diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders across the spectrum of human endeavor.  Dr. Kolditz explains how the Institute through certified leadership coaches helps develop the leadership potential of all of Rice's students beginning at the sophomore level.  The program has been in existence for one year, and Dr. Kolditz describes what the Institute has learned in that time and where it plans to go in the future.  Finally, Dr. Kolditz gives valuable insights on what it takes to be a leader.

AQQOLADE's LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone interviews noted author and speaker Anese Cavanaugh on her IEP (Intentional Energetic Presence) method of leadership development.  In explaining her IEP method, Anese explains the importance of "showing up." - our impact with people and how others respond to who we are and how we present ourselves. With IEP, we get to be the ’cause’ of things, without it, those things get to be the ‘cause’ of us.  IEP helps people work better together, show up more fully, and create the impact they want—intentionally.  The podcast with Anese is a short workshop on how IEP works and how it can benefit you.  Anese and Bob also discuss the status of leadership in the U.S, today and how leaders are being developed.  Finally, Anese gives an interesting formulation on what it takes to be a leader.  She talks about "filling the container," for both others and ourselves to reach the leadership potential we all have.  This is a podcast with a lot of value for listeners looking to expand their leadership abilities.    

The Director of the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University joins AQQOLADE's LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone to discuss Doerr's groundbreaking program to give leadership development to all Rice students.  As a leading research university with a distinctive commitment to undergraduate education, Rice University aspires to pathbreaking research, unsurpassed teaching and contributions to the betterment of our world. It seeks to fulfill this mission by cultivating a diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders across the spectrum of human endeavor.  Dr. Kolditz explains how the Institute through certified leadership coaches helps develop the leadership potential of all of Rice's students beginning at the sophomore level.  The program has been in existence for one year, and Dr. Kolditz describes what the Institute has learned in that time and where it plans to go in the future.  Finally, Dr. Kolditz gives valuable insights on what it takes to be a leader.

Joan Stewart, The Publicity Hound, talks to LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone about the benefits of free publicity. As a former newspaper editor, Joan quickly learned the value of publicity and how best to use it.  She emphasizes the value of free publicity and the importance of adding content to media to spark interest and increase followers. Joan discusses her methods and gives two examples of successful media campaigns based on gaining access to the front page of the Wall Street Journal.  She discusses publicity in terms of the current presidential campaign, particularly to dispel the notion that there is no such thing as bad publicity.  Finally, Joan gives her opinion to the question of what characteristics a good leader should possess.   Her belief that good leaders depend upon their people for advice and expertise is particularly worth noting.

The founders of the XPrize followed up their monumental successes with a new venture called HeroX, in which innovators from all over the world use HeroX to find challenges in which to compete - to create breakthroughs in technology, health, education, economies and communities, and win prizes up to $1 million.  Listen to HeroX CEO Christian Cotichini explain the HeroX program and how HeroX is changing the face of crowdsourcing while creating new companies that may revolutionize the way we live.

Leadership and corporate culture expert Sam Silverstein discusses why accountability is a fundamental aspect of good leadership.  Sam explains why leaders must be held accountable to their subordinates, clients and boards, and why "no excuses" are permissible.  He cites examples of both good and poor leadership to bolster his advice. Sam and AQQOLADE's Bob Dragone discuss the status of leadership in the U.S. today, with insights on both corporate and government performance in today's world.

The top international recruiter for the hospitality industry shares his insights on leadership with AQQOLADE's Bob Dragone.  If any industry demands leadership people skills its hospitality, and Axel explains how he staffs for the world's most famous hotel chains.  Axel is a master of social media for business development, with one of the highest profiles on Twitter and other sites.  Anyone looking for insights on how to build a business using social media will find this podcast a primer on brand, content and contact growth.

LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone discusses the elements of style as they relate to a good leadership image with leading style expert Sylvie di Giusto.  Sylvie relates her beginnings in HR as they developed her interest in style and how it is so important to project an image of competence and confidence.  Her comments about the style factors of several of the recent presidential candidates are quite interesting and revealing. Silvie explores the link between style and leadership and why it is so important to create a good first impression.  Her experience with helping to develop the image of many senior executives provides her unique insight as to what characteristics good leaders should have.  

In this episode one of the most influential people in social media, Ted Rubin, explains the importance of building personal relationships on-line.  Ted tells us about his approach, which he calls ROR - Return on Relationships. Ted re-introduces us to the one-on-one communication skills we’ve forgotten in our rush to new technologies, like social and mobile technologies, and how to manage these relationships productively.  This is a very engaging conversation with one of the truly great masters of social media.  

Join host Bob Dragone as he discusses leadership in the world today with Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies Dean Vali Nasr.  Dean Nasr tells about developing his career in academia, his government service and his commitment to developing international leadership.  The discussion examines how international leadership is exerted in today's world and how academia is developing leaders to face the myriad of problems in foreign relations.  Dean Nasr also examines the future of relations between the U.S. and Iran in the decade ahead.  Dean Nasr contributes his views on what makes a good leader.Ths podcast is a must for all interested in grappling with the problems of international policy.

LearnChair Radio host Bob Dragone interviews Siskin Children's Institute CEO John Farrimond on issues affecting non-profit organizations.  While the main topic is leadership, John describes major non-profit challenges involving funding as well as hiring, training and retaining people.  John talks about filling boards and what non-profit organizations need to do to develop the careers of their personnel.  John's candid and insightful remarks give us an expert's view into the non-profit world.  His thoughts on leadership are particularly worth listening to.

This episode is a re-issue of Part Two of our series on preparing for a TED talk. Bob Dragone and Jon Moss welcome Tamsen Webster to our program. Tamsen is Sr VP of Executive Communications at Oratium, and the Executive Producer of TEDx Cambridge, Massachusetts. As producer,  she finalizes the roster and is charged with preparing the speakers before they take the TEDx stage. In this episode Tamsen explains how a TED talk is organized, how speakers are selected and gives great advice on delivering a quality TED talk.

Many companies reach the point where they need outside advice and guidance to help their companies grow.  Join host Bob Dragone in an interview of the SK Group's CEO, Stan Krejci, as he explains why Boards Of Advisors or Directors are necessary and how he goes about building one for a company.  Stan takes great pains in matching prospective directors with a company, and he explains in detail how he forms the alliance between board and management.  Stan and Bob also explore the subject of leadership, particularly the central role of good communication.  Stan describes what he believes are the most important characteristics of a good leader and why they are important.  This podcast has a wealth of information on how to help a new company grow.

Bob and Jon welcome Polished Style and Image expert Robin Fisher. Robin believes that any individual, regardless of their size, shape or age can have amazing style that makes them feel confident and look fabulous. Listen as the conversation flows into how personal style impacts the way others perceive, how you’re treated in the workplace and what to do about it. So sit back or keep moving, but do an honest assessment of your physical appearance and prepare to be transformed by the conversation

Stephen Shedletzky is Head Engagement Officer with Sinek Partners.  A noted speaker and facilitator, Stephen espouses the dictum that to succeed in business you have to Start With Why.  Learn why this concept is so relevant to business today as well as the pitfalls of over-reliance on technology.  There is a lot of good, informative content on business and leadership packed into this discussion between Stephen and AQQOLADE's Bob Dragone.

AQQOLADE's Bob Dragone talks with brand and identity designer D.J. Trischler.  D.J. is a highly innovative graphic designer who takes an in-depth look at a client's work, self and reputation to come with a defining brand design.  D.J. talks about his background, influences and design concepts in this interesting discussion on why good design is so important for a company.  Are you satisfied with your company's design?  if not, find out how you can make it better.

Are you a first-time manager or about to become one?  What do you know about managing people or what it takes to succeed in a leadership position?  Chances are no one has taken the time to help you develop your new and necessary skills.  Your technical skills may be top-notch but you will soon be expected to build teams, handle conflict and communicate effectively.  Let this podcast be your first step in learning the skills you need for success.  AQQOLADE's Bob Dragone interviews Bill Gentry of the Center for Creative Leadership.  Bill has done extensive research in finding out what skills a new manager needs to develop and the best ways to do it.  This is a very fact-filled and comprehensive discussion on what it means to be a leader.

In commemoration of Memorial Day, AQQOLADE invited Two Marines Moving CEO Nick Baucom to join us.  Chief of one of the fastest growing companies in America, Nick has an interesting story of how he started as a Marine sergeant, opened his own business, expanded and was invited to become a contributor for INC magazine.  Did Nick learn anything in the Marines that he applied to his business?  You bet. Listen in and find out how he did it, and how other veterans can benefit from Nick's example.

Once again, we open the vault to retrieve two episodes regarding the very popular TED talks.  This first episode is a discussion with the man who wrote the definitive book on how to deliver a TED talk, Jeremey Donovan.  Everything you need to know and do is in the book, and much of it is covered in our discussion.  Interested in delivering a TED talk?  Listen to this podcast and you'll know exactly what to do.

Phil Romano's story of success after success in the restaurant business is shared with AQQOLADE's Bob Dragone.  The founder of Fuddrucker's, Romano's Macaroni Grill and a host of other famous restaurants shares his principles and vision for long-term business success.  Phil explains his dedication to service and why he is now helping young food professionals get a start in the tough but exciting restaurant business.  Phil's story is inspiring for all business professionals regardless of sector.  

AQQOLADE's Bob Dragone interviews Stewart Ross of the Southeast Business Forum. The topic is networking, not social networking, but face-to-face to build business relationships.  Stew has a process called the "Mindset of Networking."  He explains how it works and why it works.  For anyone building a business and looking to grow a network of beneficial relationships, this episode is a guide on doing networking right.

Join AQQOLADE's host, Bob Dragone, as he interviews Upper New York State's Ballston Central Spa School Superintendent Joseph Dragone.  It's an honor to have such a distinguished educator in the family.  Joe is an award-winning, innovative educator, with both local and national recognition.  Joe and Bob discuss several vital issues in education today including STEM, the 4C's (critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity), public/private partnerships, and building an educated workforce.  Joe's comments on what it takes to be a leader are some of the most thoughtful we have heard.

This episode is another from the LearnChair Radio vault of our earlier podcast called Leadership Matters.  Bob Dragone and Jon Moss welcome Christian Hoeferle to the podcast. Christian has a unique background which gives him insight and experience in working with companies (both foreign and domestic) and the cultural challenges they face. Whether you’re working out in the gym, kicking back with your favorite beverage or driving to/from the office we hope you enjoy this episode.