Niels Brabandt, the owner and founder of NB Networks, is your host. Sustainable Leadership. We are helping managers to become better leaders. This show dedicates time to help, to improve and to assist you in achieving your goals. You may already be a leader and aim to become better, or you want to be in a leadership position in the future and avoid mistakes on the way of getting there. Your host, Niels Brabandt, is in business since 1998. He worked for a large corporation as well as a global franchise company before he became full-time self-employed. This podcast is your free access to his knowledge, his experience and his network of experts. What can you expect? You will get scientifically proven expertise. Your host will make unambiguously clear when he is talking about opinion rather than facts. He will address your challenges as a leader or someone who wants to be one and how to overcome them. The challenges you face as a leader in today's business world come from many different aspects of an organisation. Finding the right way to communicate and managing conflicts are just the beginning. Excellent presentations skills are a must today besides dealing with change inside and outside the teams which you have to lead — keeping motivation high means that you must be able to have skills of influence without being manipulative. Negotiate and set goals, be creative and innovative, make the right decisions and position yourself in a business work which heavily relies on networking. You must deliver all this at the best quality with efficient and effective processes during projects which must be on time, on track, on target but under budget. Moreover, of course, you must recruit, develop and retain the best talents of your industry. Your employer's brand and business storytelling become a significant part of your work today. At the same time, hard skills as forecasting, planning, conceptualisation are part of you as a leader mastering Strategy. Of course, selling the products has to work as well in challenging and competitive environments. Niels Brabandt, owner and founder of NB Networks, your host, will help to become a (better) leader.
Motivating people is a wish which almost any leader has. Unfortunately, leaders are often unaware of which methods work. Seeking solutions, they approach unsubstantiated, pseudoscientific or even esoteric methods. One of these cases now happened at Deutsche Bahn, Germany's main train and logistics organisation. The press immediately reacted negatively to the matter. Which approaches work, and how can you motivate the teams in your organisation? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's podcast. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://expert.nb-networks.com/
Leaders know about the importance of their network. Still, often they struggle to connect excellent networks to excellent recruiting and excellent results. How can an organisation use all three aspects to gain a competitive advantage? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Kontakt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Recruiting needs KPIs. However, choosing the wrong ones, too many of them or creating reports on which no action is taken, never solved any issue or brought more talent to your organisation. Which KPIs are relevant and which aspects are crucial for a successful recruiting approach? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Most internal cybersecurity measures aim for punishment. Craig Taylor from Cyberhoot successfully chose a different approach. In this interview with Niels Brabandt, he shares his experiences, expertise and insights. Guest: Craig Taylor / Cyberhoor Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Regulatory and Compliance are often perceived as a nuisance. Leadership behaviour has a massive positive impact on the matter. How do you act as a leader to position yourself and your organisation in the best way possible? Niels Brabandt discusses the isse in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Unlocking people's and teams' potential is any organisation's goal. However, most fail to accomplish it. Ernesto J. Gómez is a former VP and CHRO. He delivered on the promise. In this interview with Niels Brabandt he shares his experience and expertise. Guest: Ernesto J. Gómez Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Leadership behaviour has an immediate impact on any other department. HR and Recruiting are no exception to this rule. What does excellent leadership look like, and which impact does sub-standard leadership have? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
When an employee resigns, quits, or leaves, an exit interview is crucial. However, often, these exit interviews are not conducted at all, lack structure and focus, they deliver no results. How do you conduct an excellent exit interview? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
The AfD was declared extremist. This decision has wide-reaching consequences for organisations, business and their leaders. How do you deal with supporters or members of this party when you see them amongst your staff or even leaders? How can this process get aligned with the organisation's values? Niels Brabandt discusses this issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Value-driven Leadership is an approach which leaders often claim for themselves; however, living these values is a struggle for most leaders. The case of Harvard University versus Donald J. Trump shows how Alan Garber, Harvard University's president, lived a value-driven approach in the dispute with the White House. Niels Brabandt discusses the case in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Not every difficult decision is a dilemma. Leaders often do not even know how to define a dilemma or how to act if they face one. Which aspects are the most important ones when facing a dilemma? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
How can leaders make measured, appropriate and reasonable decisions? Niels Brabandt discusses these aspects in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
The Leadership Podcast is now available as The Leadership Videocast as well. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
We all need the best talent in our organisation. In the competition amongst other organisations, benefits play a decisive role. Which benefits are accepted? Which ones are expected? Which one sound like benefits but they are actually of no value to applicants? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Leaders often struggle to find the right approach with AI. Should we embrace and implement it or carefully check every single step? Which approach is the best practice which leaders are looking for? Dr. Shanda Gore offers her insights, experience and expertise in this interview with Niels Brabandt. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Guest: Dr. Shanda Gore Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Hardly anyone likes to talk about finance. However, any decision made has a financial implication, a financial impact, a financial consequence. Can leaders today still brush off the topic by saying they are not responsible for this aspect of the business or do we need another approach today? Niels Brabandt discusses the topic in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt (he/him) Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
How can you become a leader in the creative industry? Vincent Wanga has an impressive track record to offer. He delivered success in the very competitive field without starting from any privileged position. In this interview with Niels Brabandt, he shares his insights. Host: Niels Brabandt (he/him) / NB@NB-Networks.com Guest: Vincent Wanga Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Extraversion and Introversion are often known as binary labels. The newest scientific results show a more nuanced spectrum. Moving away from quick decisions to a suitable spectrum model, what does all this mean for the organisation? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Organisations frequently claim to drive innovation. The reality is often a very different one. How can innovation become a reality in your organisation? Matt Sturgess is a former CEO, a former MD and answered important questions in the interview with Niels Brabandt. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Guest: Matt Sturgess Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
World Women's Day sparked the debate again. Do we need a Women's Quote? Which approaches to quotas are working in real-world practice? Which pros and cons speak in favour and against a Woman's Quote? Niels Brabandt discusses the complex topic in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Marketing, as a business activity, needs to focus on becoming more sustainable, eco-friendy and carbon-neutral. However, how do I deliver sustainable and eco-friendly marketing without losing the successful results from it? Megan Thudium is an expert on this topic. In this interview with Niels Brabandt, she answers every question you need to know about how to make your marketing more sustainable. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Guest: Megan Thudium Contact Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganthudium/ Contact Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/
Efficiency Programmes are well-known in organisations. Preferred as a tool by management, people who work within the organisation often hate them. Are efficiency programmes necessary? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's topic. Host: Niels Brabandt (he/him) / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Knowledge and experience are terms which are often used in organisations. However, their use is often ambiguous and not well-defined, so the benefit of both terms remain unknown for the organisation. How should a modern organisation use knowledge and experience to succeed? Niels Brabandt discusses the topic in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Leaders joining negotiations spontaneously is a worst case scenario for people, no matter if they work in sales, engineering or compliance. Can leaders delegate the task of negotiation of do they have to master the skill of negotiation themselves? Niels Brabandt discusses the topic in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Leader's actions always happen in the context of their organisation. Any action will be judged against the organisation's beliefs and values. Recently, leaders' actions harmed organisations severely. How can you deal with these situations? How do you prevent harm from happening to others and your organisation? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Everyone loves to talk about values. Value-driven leadership, value-driven decision-making, the value-driven organisation. From employees to executives, everyone claims to follow the best values possible. However, the credibility of these values became questionable. How important are values for an organisation in today's times? Niels Brabandt discusses the topic in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Due to recent political events, the argument around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) was reignited. Instead of comparing opinions, ideologies and hearsay, we must look at facts, proof and scientific evidence. Do DEI programmes pay off for the organisation? Does DEI work? Niels Brabandt discusses the difficult topic in this week's podcast. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Lifelong learning is a goal which many people have. However, after receiving their first qualification, most people do not strive for additional knowledge. This behaviour often causes severe problems later in these people's lives. How do you implement a pattern to become a lifelong learner, and why is lifelong learning important? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
The New Year 2025 has now fully begun. A quite omnipresent negativity is apparent. A challenging year is ahead of us. How do you deal with this situation as a leader? How do you motivate the people in the organisation for a potentially challenging year? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
AI is omnipresent. Unfortunately, most discussions are superficial, meaningless and offer no solutions for the working world. Evidence and facts are available from the University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton Business School. After successfully completing their AI education programme, Niels Brabandt presents the results in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
The question of whether performance at work pays off is a long-standing one. The discussion is often led ideologically. To answer the question, we need data, proof and evidence. Anyone working more expects to have personal benefits from it. Does performance at work pay off? Niels Brabandt discusses and answers the question in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Every year, the topic of New Year's Resolutions comes up. Are these resolutions helpful? Do most people achieve them of fail to do so? Is there any scientific evidence on New Year's Resolutions? Niels Brabandt discusses the topic in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Not achieving expectations at work can quickly lead to conflicts. Performance Improvement Programmes should help employees. Which aspects belong in such a programme? Which elements are a must-have, and which ones are nice to have? How do you implement the programme in the organisation? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
The topic of Psychological Safety has become highly relevant recently. However, leaders often struggle to comprehend which aspects are important and how to implement the necessary steps in their team, their department or their organisation. How can your leaders and your organisation deliver on the promise of Psychological Safety in the workplace? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Facing challenges is common in business. Facing times of war is not. Olexandr Buratynskiy grew his business in exactly such times. The founder and CEO of tTravel succeeds amongst the hardest omnipresent challenges. What can we learn from him? Niels Brabandt discusses this topic with him in an extraordinary interview. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Guest: Olexandr Buratynskiy Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Leadership communication fails frequently. How can leaders communicate efficienctly and effectively in moments of crisis? How do leaders live up to the expectations regarding accountability? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Absenteeism is on the rise. However, organisation do not deal with it well. The attempts appear to be helpless, uninspiring and sometimes even against the law. How you can you deal better with this situation? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
The vast majority of projects do not meet their goals. Often, the Kick Offs already set the wrong tone, do not create a motivating atmosphere, and every aspect of the project goes downhill from there. How can your organisation start projects better? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Organisations often claim to live by values which they do not represent in reality. At the same time, people frequently complain about the limits the compliance department sets for their work. How can an organisation thrive on values and implement a well-working compliance process? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's podcast. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Platforms such as Glassdoor and Kununu dramatically show the problems applicants face when applying for jobs. However, it is not only the applicants who struggle. Employers are often dissatisfied with certain applicants' behaviours as well. How can your organisation get the best process possible implemented? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's podcast. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
International experience is often mentioned in job ads. However, is it really as important as some people claim it is? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
We recently discussed how to deal with leadership mistakes. The question remains: how to deal with employee mistakes? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Do recruiters and people working in HR need sales skills? This argument has been going on for years now. Time for a fact-based solution to this question. Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://nielsbrabandt.biz/
An application arrives. Employer References are included. Are these relevant? Is there evidence about their relevance? How do you deal with and weigh employer references? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
The number of escalations happening after leaders speak is rising. Quickly, certain people claim that "no one can say anything anymore" in today's times. To what extent does the right to the Freedom of speech apply to leaders and where are the limits to it? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Organisations need to use modern technology to support their recruiting efforts. However, how much automation is necessary, useful and helpful? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. --- Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Europe's largest Trade Fair took place in Cologne. How does the best approach to acquiring talent work? Niels Brabandt was booked at the trade fair to deliver ten speeches in three days. Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Non-profit organisations often struggle to adapt to the demands of the online world. David Pisarek, Founder and Owner of Wow Digital Inc, knows how to do it better. In this interview, he will show how non-profit organisations can succeed online. David Pisarek and Niels Brabandt discuss the matter in this episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Guest: David Pisarek, Owner and Founder of Wow Digital Inc. Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Organisations and their leaders love to talk about values and attitudes. However, do they live up to the promise? How can you, as an organisation and leader, show the right attitude in the right situation? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Business Storytelling is more relevant than ever before. How do you apply the technique in your daily business? Niels Brabandt interviewed Doug Stevenson on the matter. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Misconduct by managers or executives is often mentioned in press publications. How do you deal with the situation, and how do you prevent future misconduct? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
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