The Experimental Leader

Celebrate International Coaching Week 2025 with this insightful episode exploring coaching's evolving role in leadership. From AI advancements to maintaining a pure coaching mindset, this conversation offers practical tips, powerful questions, and valuable insights into how coaching fosters transformation, innovation, and shared leadership. Whether you're a coach, leader, or lifelong learner, this episode delivers inspiration and actionable wisdom.

Celebrate a remarkable milestone with The Experimental Leader Podcast as we mark five years of exploring leadership through innovation, curiosity, and authenticity. In this special anniversary episode, podcast founder Melanie Parish reflects on the journey that started during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.Melanie shares candid insights into the challenges of hosting authentic conversations, the importance of curiosity and presence, and her commitment to providing value to listeners. With over 30,000 downloads—a number that resonates deeply with her—she discusses the unexpected joys of creating a platform for thought-provoking discussions and leadership experimentation.Looking to the future, Melanie envisions continuing the podcast with the same passion that launched it, embracing its emergent nature and the spontaneous, real moments that make it unique.Whether you've been with us from the beginning or are discovering us for the first time, this episode is a heartfelt celebration of five years of leadership experimentation.Tune in to join the celebration and keep experimenting!

This episode of The Experimental Leader explores leadership challenges, the power of experimentation, and ethical influence.Discover principles like bravery, reciprocity, and consistency, along with actionable insights to foster purpose-driven leadership and a values-aligned culture.

This episode explores the power of connection in leadership, emphasizing the importance of civility, respect, and understanding impact. Through real-life stories and practical strategies, it highlights how a coaching approach can simplify leadership by focusing on outcomes and relationships rather than conflict details.Discover how fostering curiosity, navigating workplace dynamics, and experimenting with personal growth can transform leadership at every level.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

In this episode of The Experimental Leader, we explore how leaders can balance empathy and accountability while supporting mental wellness in the workplace.We discuss practical strategies for creating a compassionate and resilient environment for teams, navigating mental health challenges, and leading with authenticity.Packed with actionable takeaways, this episode offers valuable insights for any leader looking to foster a healthier, more supportive workplace while maintaining strong leadership.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

In this episode of The Experimental Leader, we explore how self-awareness, compassion, and effective communication can transform workplaces into cultures of belonging.Discover practical strategies to foster deeper connections, nurture work relationships, and create environments where people thrive.Learn how intentional leadership can make belonging a cornerstone of your team's success.

Julianna Newland joins The Experimental Leader Podcast to share insights on navigating leadership, breaking barriers, and advancing careers. Learn about the "sticky floor," the "glass cliff," and how to lead with creativity and confidence.Tune in for actionable advice and inspiration!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

In this episode, the conversation dives into how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can be a game-changer for business success!Discover why DEI isn't just a buzzword—it's a powerful strategy that can ignite innovation, boost engagement, and elevate performance.You'll get fresh insights on how to create a workplace where every voice matters, and learn how inclusive leadership can lead to breakthrough results.Plus, there's an exciting take on using vulnerability as a leadership tool to empower teams and drive success.This episode is packed with ideas that will transform how you think about leadership and DEI!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

In this episode of The Experimental Leader, we sit down with a powerful guest who shares their journey of navigating gender diversity and embracing vulnerability as a leader.From raising a trans child to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, this episode offers personal insights into creating inclusive environments and the importance of allyship.Whether you're a leader, parent, or ally, this conversation provides practical advice and inspiration to support the LGBTQ+ community.Tune in for a thought-provoking and impactful discussion on leadership and inclusion.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

In this episode of The Experimental Leader Podcast, we explore the power of leading with kindness and how it can transform workplace culture.Discover the concept of a "cultural balance sheet" to assess your organization's strengths and areas for growth, and learn how to turn cultural liabilities into assets through intentional leadership.If you're looking to foster a culture of empowerment, curiosity, and compassion in your organization, this episode is a must-listen!Tune in to start building a better workplace today.

In this insightful episode of The Experimental Leader, explore the dynamic world of leadership, decision-making, and change management.Dive into the complexities of experimenting with change management strategies on an academic campus, offering a fresh perspective on leadership styles across various settings.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Explore the importance of honoring marginalized perspectives, challenging implicit biases, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.Learn how engaging with diverse political views and listening to differing opinions can lead to more robust solutions and a deeper understanding.Discover actionable steps to overcome biases, promote diversity in decision-making, and create an environment where every voice is valued.Transform your leadership approach with insights on cultivating inclusivity and embracing diverse viewpoints.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Explore the nexus of leadership and legal frameworks in this insightful podcast episode.Explore shared leadership, workplace dynamics, and unions' pivotal role in advocating for workers' rights.Gain actionable strategies for fostering inclusive cultures, navigating legal complexities, and driving organizational excellence.Tune in for essential insights to empower your leadership journey!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Join us on The Experimental Leader as we delve into uncharted territories with Dr. Kim Alexander in an episode that redefines leadership and sexual health education.From navigating leadership transitions to unraveling the complexities of sexual education, we explore the intersections and implications for personal growth and organizational dynamics.Tune in for enlightening conversations that challenge the status quo and inspire change!

In this podcast episode, Melanie Parish and Beverly Horton navigate the complexities of leadership, mental health, and workplace inclusivity.They introduce an eye-opening anti-racism program, shedding light on the internal journey for individuals.The conversation delves into the challenges of fostering dialogue and self-reflection on race and identity.Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on breaking down barriers and promoting growth in this transformative course.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Explore leadership, self-care, and equitable assignments. Dive into mindfulness tools, meditation, and unique perspectives on personal growth.Discover the transformative power of psychic abilities in trauma healing, individually and collectively.Uncover insights into coaching, authenticity, and the importance of tailored approaches.Join us for a brief yet impactful journey into healing and leadership evolution.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Embark on a journey of positivity and inclusivity in this episode of The Experimental Leader.From overcoming challenges with grace to embracing the power of Kanban boards in gender identity transitions, discover the uplifting impact of effective communication and self-actualization.Personal anecdotes shed light on the joyous moments of navigating gender identity and pronouns.Join the uplifting conversation on fostering positive work environments and celebrating diverse perspectives in this insightful episode.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Embark on a journey of empowerment and resilience in this episode of The Experimental Leader.Muay Thai champion Chris Romulo shares his transformative story, from conquering self-doubt to becoming a youth advocate. Discover the keys to decision-making, overcoming obstacles, and championing positive change.Gain insights into Chris's vision for empowering youth and dismantling the barriers to success.Join the conversation on leadership, innovation, and the profound impact of shaping the leaders of tomorrow.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Explore the synergy of leadership, indigenous music, and the power of apologies.Join the conversation on land acknowledgment, nature-inspired music, and the unique perspectives of indigenous composers.Delve into water conservation and the transformative nature of music.Discover the voices and stories shaping the orchestra's future.This episode unites leadership, culture, and the magic of music.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

In this episode, we delve into the ever-evolving landscape of education and leadership.Explore essential topics, including gratitude, college funding, admissions, and the significance of acknowledging others' contributions.Discover insights from an array of speakers as they shed light on the challenges and opportunities within the educational journey.Plus, gain valuable parenting advice and explore the transformative power of personal essays.Join us on a journey of learning and growth. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Explore transforming boundaries and reactivity on The Experimental Leader podcast. Break free from limiting beliefs with guest Josselyne Herman-Saccio.Discover being "unmessable with" and detaching rewards from dreams. Delve into ontology, linguistics, and personal freedom.Tune in now!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Join Nisha Anand on The Experimental Leader podcast as she shares insights into fostering unconventional partnerships for transformative change.From bipartisan successes to student loan equity, discover the power of collaboration and inclusive leadership.Tune in now!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

In this episode, host Melanie Parish engages in a captivating conversation with leadership expert Lisa Marie Platske.Together, they explore the power of courageous leadership, emphasizing the importance of connection, vulnerability, and embracing discomfort.From navigating challenging conversations to the transformative impact of 360-degree assessments, this episode offers valuable insights for leaders seeking personal and professional growth.Tune in to gain practical wisdom and discover how to unleash your full leadership potential.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Join host Melanie Parish in a special PRIDE Month episode of The Experimental Leader podcast.Explore the power of activism, the fight for recognition, and the importance of embracing one's identity with pride.Uncover inspiring stories, legal battles, and the pursuit of equality.Tune in to this podcast that celebrates PRIDE and the relentless pursuit of human rights.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

In this episode, I'm thrilled to dive into the captivating world of coaching alongside Kerryn Griffiths, the brilliant founder of Reciprocal Coach.Together, we'll unravel the enchantment of reciprocal peer coaching and examine the future of this transformative industry.Prepare to be amazed as we explore the interplay between AI and coaching, and uncover the profound significance of human connection in this dynamic field.Get ready for a riveting conversation filled with enlightening insights and stimulating discussions about the ever-evolving landscape of coaching.Tune in and join me on this incredible journey!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Join me, Melanie Parish, on The Experimental Leader podcast as I dive into a compelling conversation with coaching and accountability expert Gail Rappolt. Discover the true essence of accountability and how it transforms relationships. We challenge common beliefs, explore neural pathways, and uncover the power of vulnerability. Get practical insights for senior leaders and learn how to foster trust through daily check-ins.Tune in as we explore the fascinating world of coaching and accountability with Gail Rappolt on The Experimental Leader podcast.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Join me, Melanie Parish, on The Experimental Leader podcast as we delve into the inspiring world of "Women in Coaching & Leadership."Hear from guests Darlene Chrissley, Marita Fridjhon, and Libby Robinson as we discuss the evolving landscape of coaching and the importance of diversity.Discover the rewards of a coaching career and explore thought-provoking topics like decolonization and compassion.Tune in for empowering insights and embrace your path of growth and impact.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

It's been so fun to be here with you today. And I love talking with Angela Johnson.It was fun to look at processes that we share, things that come from Toyota, things that come from Scrum, and things that come from Goldratt. And to dive into the things that we think about when we're trying to create teams.I love the humility aspect that Angela hires. It's a good trait and the idea of calling everyone a team member. Those are things that will stick with me for a long time.I challenge you to think about what you want on your teams and what you want to hire for.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

It's been so fun to be with Paul talking about human beings. And I love the idea of giving and receiving as opposed to giving and taking of feeling of generosity and acceptance of what comes our way.I love the power of language that he used in those word choices that he was making.I challenge you to think about your language choices and how they impact what you do.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

It's been a pleasure being here with you today.I love talking with Lee Devy about things as foundational as breath, how we can change that, and many things about us.It's been so fun to be here.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

It was great being here with you today.It was great talking with Jeffrey Pollock.Look for where you can innovate and look for where you can measure your innovation.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

In this episode, I share my recent experience with a vendor and how it made me realize the importance of having better conversations to build stronger relationships.I discuss the need to understand each other's needs and motivations and how asking the right questions can lead to better collaboration and mutual understanding.Tune in for some valuable tips on improving your communication skills and building stronger relationships, both in business and in your personal life.

It was great to be here today with Lori Michele Leavitt. And to talk about leadership. It's it was amusing to talk about how managers can lead better.I am left thinking about we manage work and lead people. I think that's such a powerful statement.I also think it's essential for us to continue to think about what we measure in the work that we do, how we plan the work that we do, and how we collect data to see what results we're having as we do that work.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

It has been great to be here with Guillaume Wiatr. I think our story is so important to who we are as authentic leaders.It's important to share our stories as we lead others because it's essential for them to know who we are.It's important in our mentorship of others that we know that they know who we are and how we think.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

It's amazing to be here with Leigh Marz and her book "Golden" today. I want to challenge you to think about yourself and consider paying attention to your needs around silence.And to be curious about how you find it in your life.I'm sure you have ways that you do it. And then my second challenge is to find it. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Today I honor my great-aunt Sarah.Her journey and her life were where she lived fully.She's a businesswoman and a loving family member for her whole life.And I challenge you to figure out the best ways to grapple with your leadership's loneliness and create the fullest life you can for yourself.

It's been great being here with you today.I love talking to Tricia Timm about her book.And I'm a huge advocate for how we figure out how to be authentic and let others be authentic.So my challenge to you is, what barriers do you need to remove for yourself to be more authentically in the world this week?And what can you do to remove a barrier for someone else to be more authentically them?Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Well, this was a fascinating day at The Experimental Leader podcast.I love talking to Randi Roberts and thinking about career development. What do you intend for your career?And then, how do you intend to leave if you decide to go?What do you intend to create for yourself?Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

It's been great being with you here today.I loved Amy Wong's perspective on that, something I always talked about.Think about where the flow is constricted and where it's good, where the energy, the money, the light, the joy flows, where it doesn't, and what the bottlenecks are.And how you can remove them to restore and optimize flow in the ways you want to in your life for this year 2023.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

It was so great to be here with Lisa Hale. It was amazing to get to hear her thoughts.It's so rare for me to have on-air conversations with other master-certified coaches.And I love this idea of really looking at fulfillment.I love that different emotions can live in us at any one time.We can be happy. We can grieve. We can experience everything.We don't have to be one thing. We can change our perspectives at any time.So I want to invite you. You don't have to be any one thing for anyone. And it doesn't have to be the same at any given time as it was a minute before.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Well, it was super fun talking to Fred Fowler about experimenting. And I love that. He said anytime you try something new; you're experimenting. I believe this wholeheartedly. And I think one of the things I want to challenge you or you need to do is, if you are doing something new, think of it as an experiment number one or two.Think about how long you will do the experiment and how you will know whether you should keep doing it.So, how will you collect data? How will you measure what you're doing? So that you know whether or not it works.So, make sure you've got that measurement in place before you start so that you know whether or not you're trying.What you're doing for the first time is a good thing to do or not a good thing to do as you try it.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

It's been great being here with Alexandra Blum today. I loved our conversation.I want to challenge you to go out and look at your leadership.Look at your people. Look at where you can infuse. Look at where you can infuse empathy into the conversations that you're having.Look where they are struggling and not connected to your brand, where you can help and mentor them. And dive deep with them to help build their resilience in your organization. I hope you find meaning in the relationships you build, your conversations, and the depth you strive for in your leadership.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

It has been so fun being here with Marsha Redmon. And I love thinking about how we experiment with virtual teams and how we get people. We treat the people in our meetings virtually, and how you give them a voice by pairing them with others.I think that's a great thing to experiment with. To create some equity and to get their ideas into a room. I think it's so easy to marginalize them because they're in technology. They don't get their ideas spoken, so they have to have their ideas told by others.It's a cool thing to try. I'd love to challenge you to amplify virtual team members' voices in meetings.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

It was great talking to Brandi Olson. I enjoyed our conversation.And as I was thinking about it, I was thinking about a couple of things that are part of my leadership toolkit with people.One is I often recommend that leaders end meetings when they're done. Set aside one meeting every couple of weeks with your team. Where you check in and do all the warmth and things that need to be done, but don't be afraid to schedule short meetings and get off after five minutes or 15 minutes if that's time to get the work done. So that you don't end up being in a cycle where because you scheduled an hour, you have to stay on for an hour. Be efficient in your meetings and see what needs to be done. And then don't be afraid to say, "I feel like we're done. Can we move on now?" That's not rude. You don't have to sit through a long meeting. It's okay to finish and recoup your time back.The other thing is, how many things you can work on at once. It made me think of the Kanban process, and Kanban sort of limits you. A Kanban board can make work visible.I talked about it in my book. But there's a Japanese efficiency tool to make work visible. And they often constrain you to have a column for work in progress. They limit you to having only three things in progress. So I think you need more than one. And I think you may need more than two because, for example, if you're reaching out to someone to get the information, you're waiting on them. So you might be in the waiting mode for a project. So it would help if you so had that you're working on the project, but you're not actively working on it. But you certainly don't need 20 because if you're working on 20 things, you're not working on anything to move it forward and get throughput or completion with the project.So Trello Atlassian, this project product is a Kanban board. There are some free other free Kanban boards out there. There's we used Kanban flow for a long time. So there's just a variety of Kanban boards that you can use if you want to. And it can be a handy tool. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

It's been a pleasure being here today with Claudia Aronowitz.I loved that she talked about "NO" as a learning word.I often tell my clients that "NO" is a two-letter word that will change their life.I also challenge you to look for places where you can use "NO" without explanation. So you know, we sometimes soften " NO " for people by explaining why we can't do it. I'm busy. I'm this...But I challenge you this week to look for a place to say, "No, I can't do that." And let it sit because it's incredibly powerful. It allows you to sit with "NO" being an option for no other reason. Then you choose it.That's my challenge to you this week. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Well, it has been a joy to be with my dad today. The heart of the scientists with that Ph.D. in physics growing up around him makes me want to challenge you.Think about where you need to be experienced or experimenting in your life. Where do you need to be stretching?Look for new ways to use the technology that's evolving.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Well, it was great to be here with you today.I loved talking about Gemba walks and women in leadership.I challenge you to think about where you want to learn more about the people you're supervising and the world you want to see more.And go there and look at what's happening on the ground. Do your Gemba walk.Figure out what you want to learn. Then, find out what you can see.It's all there waiting for you.And I encourage you to learn as much as you can. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

It's been so fun to be here with you today. And oh my goodness, Anne Bokma is just such an experimenter in her soul. So it's fun to talk to her about how she approached her book.You know, it reminds me of being in a workshop at the University of Michigan with Mike Rother, the author of Toyota Kata. And he, you know, said if you want things to change, start changing something somewhere. So if there's something in your life you want to have to be different, start doing some things. Start changing something. Start experimenting somewhere.So my challenge is to find a place you aren't so satisfied with and pick a place to experiment. It doesn't matter if it's exactly right.Do a short experiment, maybe a week and pick something and start trying something new. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Well, this has been super interesting.And if you want to think more about leadership, or any of those things, I'd love to invite you to go to my website, melanieparish.com.You can learn about individual coaching, you can learn about the Leadership Essentials program, and you can get a copy of the book.And it's interesting to pivot. It's interesting to redirect live. So I think anytime things happen in a fast-moving world. So it's essential to take a minute. I accepted, you know, five maybe to think, and Christine watched me think for a while today and figure out what principles I want to stand on. What are the values that I want to stand on?And today, it was authenticity like this and a chance to dialogue with you about what's happening in real-time.So my challenge to you is what's your authentic leadership that needs to shine through as things don't always go exactly the way that you want them to.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

Well, it's been super fun to be here with Crista Grasso. It's amusing to talk about continuous improvement.And I want to challenge you to go out and look for a space in your calendar for some time that you can block out to hold for innovation in your life.Maybe it's an innovation Friday. Perhaps it's an hour, in the morning or on Tuesday. It doesn't matter.Take some time to consider how you hold innovation in your life or for yourself.It may be about innovating your leadership brand and how you think globally. But look for a space for innovation in your life.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube

It's been so fun to be with you here today. And it was super fun to hear Greg talking about how his leadership journey has evolved.I want to reiterate the idea of sharing thoughts. Sometimes it's a year before they happen. Sometimes it's two years; my example of the Unitarian Church is 20 years. That's a bit long, but you want to start sharing your ideas and seed your environment with the things you want to happen.It helps you emerge as a thought leader. And it allows people to see the items you're interested in, be a thinker, and then share those thoughts freely. Because it helps you in your career development and lets people see what you're interested in.I hope that you have a fantastic week.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join The Experimental Leader community today:melanieparish.comYouTube