The Leadership Foundry Podcast

The best leaders “pull complexity up and push simplicity down.” This episode featuring Frank Blake, former Chairman and CEO of The Home Depot is a true gift! Frank highlights how CEOs and senior teams need to understand the inverted pyramid (you're at the bottom, folks!). Communication does not cascade. He also talks about listening to your team and maintaining the mindset of a continuous learner. These are important concepts to revisit on a regular basis. 

Have you ever made a $2 million mistake at work? Today's guest did during his early days as CMO of Chick-fil-A. Listen in to this special edition of the podcast as Steve Robinson, author of Covert Cows and Chick-fil-A, shares what he learned and how it changed his career.  

We're taking it back to one of our favorites from the vault this week. In this episode, Brandon Smith sits down with Rick Gilkey, a member of the Emory University family as a professor for many years. The two discuss how, if we better understand our brains, we better understand ourselves AND our relationships! Our brain creates 10,000 new neurons each day! But as Rick says, “use it or lose it!”

Keynote speaker and bestselling author Jennifer Kahnweiler has been a friend of the show for many years. We're excited to welcome her back later this spring for a brand new episode on her book, The Introverted Leader 3rd Edition! So to help us prepare, we're pulling one of Brandon's previous conversations with Jennifer from the vault for this week's release. Whether you lead with quiet influence or you're looking for tips on how to be the best “introvert ally” - today's show is for you!  

Embracing transformation takes courage, but just like spring, it's a chance to bloom into something new. So today, we're revisiting our conversation featuring Brandon Smith and Ashley Freeman on the topic of career purpose. 

Navid Ahdieh is Senior Managing Director and Partner at North Highland. In this special re-focus episode from the vault, Navid and Brandon explore the personal evolution of leadership, reflecting on how our histories shape self-awareness and leadership philosophies. They dive into the power of patience, the importance of authenticity, and the value of creating space for team members to share their own stories as well.

As a leader, is patience one of your superpowers? If used at the right time and in the right context, having patience can actually give you better results. Listen in as co-founders Brandon Smith and Randy Hain explain in this important episode from the vault.

If you're looking to make a smooth and beneficial transition from CEO to board member, today's episode is for you. We're revisiting our conversation with Dave Stockert on The Leadership Foundry Podcast. Dave details the three T's of a good board member along with the markers of an effective board chair. 

We've talked a lot about virtues, leadership qualities and building trust in recent episodes of the podcast. Today's topic nicely aligns as we're revisiting our conversation with CEO Doran Oancia. Doran highlights an often under-represented practice: setting and leading with company values. Listen in for tips on how to select, promote and hire with those values.

Andrea Chilcote is CEO of Morningstar Ventures and author of the book What Leaders Need Now. For today's conversation, Andrea joins Brandon and Randy to discuss the book and her findings from the accompanying assessment. How do leaders assess their performance on compassion, courage and humility? What do their direct reports say? In which areas do leaders tend to struggle the most? Listen in! 

Randy Hain's new book, Practical Virtue, is now available! Today on the podcast, he and Brandon take a deep dive into the virtues early career professionals must embrace to become leaders others want to follow. Randy guides senior leaders on how to use the book to connect with those on their teams and foster mentor relationships.

Last week, we focused on building healthy teams, comprised of healthy individuals. Today on the Leadership Foundry Podcast, we're revisiting Brandon Smith's conversation with Chris Pacer, Vice President Group Executive at Motion Industries. Chris details how to align your people with their passions so you can lead at scale.    Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izkJ4-x2tbE 

A high-performing leader doesn't guarantee a high-performing team, but you can't have a high-performing team without a strong leader. In this episode from the vault, Rusty Chadwick of WinShape Teams joins Brandon to discuss the power of teams. 

As leaders, how do we create a culture of accountability while effectively driving ownership within our teams? Co-founder, Brandon Smith, details the three-step process on this edition of the podcast.  

Whether you're leading change, building influence, or navigating uncertainty, trust is the foundation. None of these are possible without establishing trust first! On today's episode of the Leadership Foundry Podcast, we're breaking down the three essential ingredients for building trust with colleagues, team members, customers, and beyond.

The outcome of the meeting determines the need for a meeting.  So - should you have less meetings in 2025?  Check out today's episode from the vault as friend of the show and Inc. Columnist, Jeff Haden, details three ways leaders can set up their teams for success:  1 - Drive transparency around the promotion process.  2 - Match the proper managers and management styles to the context in which you work. (Think: in-person vs hybrid.)  3 - Limit the number of meetings.   

January is a great reminder to refocus and shift our attention back to those we serve: our employees, our partners and our customers. Atlanta Community Food Bank founder, Bill Bolling highlights this in our “timeless leadership masterclass” on the Leadership Foundry Podcast.  Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Fgd_Fz_55Q

What are some of the most common leadership best practices that leaders need to revisit in 2025? As the workplace transforms and challenges shift, staying effective requires a fresh look at timeless principles. Brandon and Randy discuss seven focus areas on today's podcast. 

If one of your goals this year includes driving innovation and fostering the entrepreneurial culture inside your organization, today's refocus episode is for you. Louis K. Gump has literally written the book on how to effectively implement an intrapreneurship program. Drawing from firsthand experience, Louis offers valuable insights on talent acquisition, monitoring metrics to track progress and more.

The countdown to a new year is on! As we prepare to enter 2025, we're taking a look back at some leadership lessons learned over the years. From 360 interviews to managing stress and beyond, Brandon Smith and Randy Hain break down the “bad behaviors” stress can bring out of team members and how to help.

“Ti voglio bene” = “I want your good." Podcast guest Andreas Widmer challenges leaders to have the courage to ask: “What is the “end” you want for your team?” We're taking some time away from the mics this week, but hope you enjoy this special holiday edition of The Leadership Foundry Podcast. Co-hosts Brandon Smith and Randy Hain talk with Andreas about the leader's responsibility to the team, flourishing in life and business and one thing to do to become a better leader as we revisit Episode 48. 

What would it look like if you were 20% braver in 2025? Inspired by the previous podcast conversation with co-host Randy Hain and a recent client engagement, Brandon Smith challenges leaders with this question as we approach a new year. 

As we reflect on 2024, Brandon and Randy examine the need for inspiration. Where does inspiration come from? How can we be more inspiring to others as leaders? Get ready to "breathe new life into" a new year as our co-founders offer tips for how to do this effectively and with excitement.   Watch the full show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW41Pa6HCJQ

'Tis the season of gratitude and giving! We're revisiting Episode 33 of The Leadership Foundry Podcast as we examine the unique challenges nonprofit leaders face. Cal Morgan, President and CEO of the Atlanta Humane Society, shares his insight on collaboration, communication and highlighting the mission.  Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday! Don't forget to show some love to your favorite nonprofits! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9R_MGszbHeo 

As we approach Thanksgiving this week, we're taking time to reflect on how to show gratitude to our teams in this special holiday edition of the podcast. Earlier this year, co-hosts Randy Hain and Brandon Smith had the opportunity to sit down with Chester Elton. He explained that the common thread for excellence of best-in-class companies is gratitude. Our team members want to be noticed and celebrated for making a difference. Listen in for ways to do just that as we take a look back on Episode 58.   Watch the full show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RbI75hE0C40?feature=shared  

Leaders and their organizations face various challenges as we enter the last few months of 2024. Hiring freezes and year-end goals coupled with an election year have turned the pressure up causing many leaders to enter "stress behaviors". To help us reset and position for a new year, co-hosts Brandon Smith and Randy Hain share their tips for navigating through uncertainty. Listen for insights on setting priorities, providing feedback, increasing workplace engagement and the ripple effect of showing gratitude.

We were honored to have Retired Lieutenant General, Ken Keen, as he joined host, Brandon Smith on a recent edition of The Leadership Foundry Podcast. During the conversation, Ken highlights what it means to be a leader in the Armed Forces, the importance of earning your title and the responsibility that accompanies it, which includes developing and leading others. He also highlights the newly launched Masters in Business for Veterans program at Emory University. Take a moment of reflection as we revisit Episode 62: “Three Components to Become a Leader of Leaders” on this special Veterans Day edition of the podcast.

As a leader, we have both the opportunity and the obligation to develop others within our organizations. But as deadlines loom and the days grow shorter, one-on-ones are often moved to the backburner or abandoned altogether, and time for personal reflection along with it. This is a costly mistake as co-hosts, Brandon Smith and Randy Hain, highlight on today's episode as they take a deep dive into Randy's new book, Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader. Listen in for ways to prep yourself and your team for a successful launch into 2025.   

We're in a season of uncertainty. How do we answer our team's pressing questions when we don't have the answers? Brandon Smith offers four steps for leading through uncertainty on today's podcast. Listen to the end where he shares three things all leaders can do to maintain control of the ship, even when sailing into the unknown.

How can leaders use their time, talent and treasures long after leaving the C-suite? To help us answer this question, Dave Stockert joins Brandon on this week's podcast episode to highlight the transition from CEO to board member along with the markers of a good board member and board chair. 

Anxiety levels are at an all-time high. Stress compounded by hybrid work environments, concerning health reports, and a weary world is something we can all relate to. Brandon sat down to talk with Licensed Counselor, Mazi Robinson, near the end of 2022, but both her insights and words of encouragement on how to flex our resiliency muscles are still very applicable today. She says: “The only thing that frees us from anxiety is doing the thing you are afraid to do.” Listen in for ways leaders can get out of our "ruminating rooms" and take action.

Are you feeling the career itch? Whether you're ready to make a change, up for a new challenge within your current organization or if you're simply curious as to the available options, today's guest is here to help us navigate the four stages of a career transition. Author and certified career coach, Scott Doyne, joins host Brandon Smith to help us answer: "What do you want to try next?" 

The number one way to overcome fear? Do the thing you fear most! Cameron Richardson, Senior Vice President at Genuine Parts Company (NAPA) joined Brandon on Episode 15 of The Leadership Foundry Podcast. The two discussed self-awareness as a key to overcoming new leadership challenges. As a leader, self-awareness is your greatest ally. It helps you understand your strengths, acknowledge your challenges, and align your actions with your goals. Embrace this time for introspection and set a clear path forward as we prepare to enter the final quarter of the year.

Class is in session! Today, we're thrilled to have Atlanta Community Food Bank founder, Bill Bolling on the podcast. Bill gives us a master class on leadership beyond that of the nonprofit sector. He explains to achieve our goals, there are parts of the process we must decentralize and that requires trust. In his words, "The way to connect with individuals is to involve them in the work." Listen in as Bill shares highlights from his inspiring career and how we as leaders can shift the focus back to those we serve: our employees, our partners and our customers. 

For the first time in history, six different generations comprise the workforce. Today on the podcast, Randy and Brandon are joined by Dr. Tim Elmore. Tim is an expert in this space and offers practical ways leaders can engage with various generations, welcome their differences and practice reverse mentorship so all parties learn and grow.   

Patience at the right time can get the right result. Not everything should go through the “decision microwave”! Today on The Leadership Foundry Podcast, Brandon Smith and Randy Hain examine what causes our lack of time (which feeds impatience) and how we as leaders can be more mindful to slow down. As Randy states in the opening lines: Your goal as a leader should be to make patience your superpower.

Feelings of anxiety, loneliness and burnout are reaching record-high numbers among leaders and CEOs. According to Businessolver's 2024 State of Workplace Empathy report, 55% of CEOs have experienced a mental health issue. This is up 24 points from previous reports. On today's Leadership Foundry Podcast, Rob Volpe returns to help us take a closer look at these numbers. We discuss the challenges leaders and CEOs face, the unique pressures placed on the C-suite and how we can effectively model empathy for our organizations while still maintaining the position of a capable, competent leader.

We all have a desire to find meaningful and purposeful work. Leaders have both the opportunity and obligation to connect with their teams. Senior executives play an important role in how their people feel about their jobs. On today's show, Brandon and Randy discuss how leaders can increase engagement by asking the right questions and fostering psychological safety.   

During one of our first podcasts, Brandon Smith was joined by Papa John's Vice President of Enterprise Strategy and Transformation, Rob Pepper. Rob's conversation points highlight executive presence and influencing change, two topics we've been focused on in recent weeks. Take a listen to this re-release as Rob shares his knowledge on affecting change through influence, when EQ matters more than IQ, and how to do more of what motivates your people so you can impact your organization at both the total and individual team member level.

As a leader, navigating change isn't always easy and for many, it feels like we've been navigating great change for the last several years. So today on The Leadership Foundry Podcast, we're revisiting our conversation with Leslie Nydick, The Conflict Strategist. Leslie shares how to navigate friction and foster discussion when issues arise in the workplace. 

A key trait of those leaders who best represent executive presence is their ability to be inspiring and courageous. As we continue our focus on how we “show up” as leaders, let's look back at our conversation with Tiffany Willis, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations with Starbucks. In this episode, Tiffany spoke with co-host Brandon Smith on resiliency and how to nurture courage within the individual team members we lead each day.

Last week on the podcast, Leadership Foundry co-founder and podcast co-host, Brandon Smith, brought us back to basics, detailing the two key functions of all leaders and executives: drive focus and alignment. As a perfect follow-up, we're revisiting our episode on how to build and maintain executive presence. Fellow co-founder, Randy Hain, joins Brandon for this conversation. Listen in!     

We live in a messy, noisy world where everything is urgent all of the time. Today on the podcast, co-host Brandon Smith takes leaders back to basics as he reminds us of the two key actions all leaders should be doing right now: driving focus and alignment. 

"Is this person a narcissist... how can I tell?" This question has been posed to co-host, Brandon Smith, several times recently in his work with leaders. Today, Brandon breaks down the five signs you're working with a narcissist and shares survival tactics for navigating this type of office relationship. 

As we approach the July 4th holiday, we're honored to welcome back Retired Lieutenant General, Ken Keen, to the podcast. In today's discussion, he and Brandon highlight the newly launched Masters in Business for Veterans program at Emory University. Ken also breaks down the three components to leadership development and examines the difference between character and competence. 

Here at the Leadership Foundry, we're all about giving you tips and tools to help you run effective teams and accomplish goals. Today, we're revisiting our conversation with Holly Bellmund, President of GLC Minerals. Listen in as Holly shares two key ingredients for making a successful leadership transition. 

In this episode, co-host and Leadership Foundry co-founder, Brandon Smith, examines new data on what researchers call "invisible work." But doing things outside our job descriptions are those actions that most often get us noticed and promoted. Listen in as we discuss from both the junior and senior-level viewpoints. 

Accountability plays a big role when it comes to teamwork, ranging from tough conversations to achieving results. So today on the Leadership Foundry Podcast, we're examining the 3 C's of Accountability: Clarity, Communication and Candor.

Your messaging around culture is missing the mark. On today's new release of the Leadership Foundry Podcast, Brandon Smith challenges leaders to refocus on culture (the right way) with his three-year checkup protocol.

As the perfect follow-up to our episode last week on expressing gratitude with guest Chester Elton - we're revisiting our conversation with Andreas Widmer. In this episode, Andreas chats with Brandon and Randy on how doing good, from our employees to our customers, can lead to prosperity – both, monetarily and culturally in the workplace.

What makes for an "all-in" culture... those top-performing teams that are the foundation of world-class organizations? It all comes down to showing gratitude. Today on the podcast, Brandon and Randy are joined by bestselling author, Chester Elton, as he shares three rituals you can put into practice today to make your workplace healthier.