Podcasts about c suite

She's an ambitious leader with a strong vision to drive value and growth for the company. But she's concerned that plan may now be in jeopardy due to lack of buy-in from her boss. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her on how to handle getting the alignment needed to move a strategy forward.Connect with Muriel:Website: murielwilkins.comLinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.comRead Muriel's book: LeadershipUnblocked.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Diana Brandl is a longtime C-Suite assistant, and host of the Executive Office Insights podcast.In this spotlight episode, Diana speaks with Lauren Bradley about how EAs can thrive.Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/365 --It's the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.Sound too good to be true? It's actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite. --Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.More from The Leader Assistant... Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership Events -> leaderassistantlive.com Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community

“As I unpacked that with them in their interviews, some of them came to tears because something that is so personal and what some people discounted outside of the walls as something emotional, actually had value and meaning outside of the walls of that church and into very hard-hitting corporate America.” – L. Michelle Smith Today's featured bestselling, award-winning bookcaster is a keynote speaker, Certified Personal & Executive Coach, Fortune 100 C-Suite advisor, and the founder of No Silos Communications LLC, L. Michelle Smith. Michelle and I had a fun on a bun chat about her new book, “Call and Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church”, how her upbringing in the Black church shaped her communication and leadership skills, and more!Key Things You'll Learn:What inspired Michelle to write her latest bookHow a pack of chewing gum got her into TCUSome practical advice for writers seeking to make an impact and grow their audienceThree major lessons Michelle learned from starting, running, and growing her podcastsMichelle's Site: https://www.lmichellesmith.com/Michelle's Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08DG76T6N/allbooksMichelle's Podcast, “The Culture Soup Podcast”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-culture-soup-podcast/id1437715578The opening track is titled, “Unknown From M.E. | Sonic Adventure 2 ~ City Pop Remix” by Iridium Beats. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://www.patreon.com/posts/sonic-adventure-136084016 Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…306 – Be The SPARK with Simon T. Bailey: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-306-be-the-spark-with-simon-t-bailey-simontbailey/420 – The UPside of Failure with Tiana Sanchez: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-420-the-upside-of-failure-with-tiana-sanchez-likearealboss/#Holiday Bonus Ep. – Read Until You Understand with Dr. Farah Griffin (@FJasmineG): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/holiday-bonus-ep-read-until-you-understand-with-dr-farah-griffin-fjasmineg/1057 – Higher Education Leadership Lessons for Navigating Crisis and Change with Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum (@BDTSpelman): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1057-higher-education-leadership-lessons-for-navigating-crisis-and-change-with-dr-beverly-dan/257 – It's Time To Fly Away with Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/257-its-time-to-fly-away-with-dr-froswa-booker-drew-froswa/1056 – Faith Driven Leadership Tips for Living a Both/And Life with Dr. Kevin Foreman (@bishopforeman): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1056-faith-driven-leadership-tips-for-living-a-bothand-life-with-dr-kevin-foreman-bishopfo/1016 – Hustle, Flow, or Let It Go? with Dr. Portia Preston: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1016-hustle-flow-or-let-it-go-with-dr-portia-preston/466 – Sabotage with Brandon Wilson: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-466-sabotage-with-brandon-wilson-wilbroninc/868 – How Women Can Thrive After Corporate Setbacks with Dr. Elizabeth Carter (@eacaappeal): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-868-how-women-can-thrive-after-corporate-setbacks-with-dr-elizabeth-carter-eacaappeal/365 – My Poetry Is the Beauty You Overlook with Kim B. Miller: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-365-my-poetry-is-the-beauty-you-overlook-with-kim-b-miller-pwcpoetlaur2020/316 – Ubuntu Leadership with Dr. LaMarr Darnell Shields: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-316-ubuntu-leadership-with-dr-lamarr-darnell-shields-lamarrdshields/680 – The Influence Lottery Ticket for Having High Impact with Kelly Swanson (@motivationspkr): https://shorturl.at/WTUsx

Carl Quintanilla, Michael Santoli, and David Faber kicked off the hour with a deep dive on the story of the day: Nvidia earnings, as shares turned lower despite a big beat. Truist CIO Keith Lerner discussed the high bar for investors - and dueling dynamics between software and the semis, before the team broke down the state of the Big Tech trade with one analyst who's still bullish on Nvidia here.  Also in focus: the view from the C-Suite... Hear the CEO of IMAX talk the company's record earnings - and who he thinks should acquire Warner Brothers Discovery... Along with the CEO of Zoom - fresh off results hitting shares double digits.  Squawk on the Street Disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is episode 815. Read the complee transcription on the Sales Game Changers Podcast website. Watch the video of this podcast on YouTube here. This is an Office Hours – Sales Professors Unplugged sub-brand of the Sales Game Changers Podcast. The Sales Game Changers Podcast was recognized by YesWare as the top sales podcast. Read the announcement here. FeedSpot named the Sales Game Changers Podcast at a top 20 Sales Podcast and top 8 Sales Leadership Podcast! Subscribe to the Sales Game Changers Podcast now on Apple Podcasts! Purchase Fred Diamond's best-sellers Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know and Insights for Sales Game Changers now! On today's show, we interviewed Dr. Andrea Dixon, Executive Director, Center for Professional Selling, Baylor University. Find Dr. Dixon on LinkedIn.  DR. DIXON'S TIP: "We can't just be preparing students for an initial role. We have to prepare students for their career and for life."

What if the biggest obstacle in your organization isn't resistance — but thinking? In this episode, Bob 'n Joyce explore why smart leaders keep applying logical, linear solutions to problems that require something different. Drawing on the work of Edward de Bono and his ideas on lateral thinking, we examine why better analysis doesn't always produce better outcomes. True creativity — the kind that shifts culture and unlocks strategy — happens when leaders deliberately disrupt their own patterns of thought. That doesn't come naturally. It takes structure, intention, and often a skilled OD practitioner willing to redirect the conversation sideways. We share practical ways to apply these concepts in your organization, including how to: • Interrupt entrenched thinking • Expand options before narrowing them • Facilitate conversations that create possibility instead of reinforcing positions If you're an OD professional or executive leader, this conversation may challenge how you approach your next strategic discussion. Sometimes progress doesn't require more effort. It requires a different question.

In leadership, trust isn't a given—it's earned, protected, and sometimes rebuilt. This episode gets practical about the quiet power of credibility and how to lead without playing politics. - How do you build trust with IT, attorneys, and senior leadership—without overplaying your hand? - What do you do when you're caught off guard, and your credibility is on the line? - What are the trade-offs between being liked and being respected—and how do you navigate them with intention? - And what happens when trust breaks down? We share a moment that didn't go as planned, and the lessons that followed. This episode earns its place in the series by grounding listeners in the real work of influence—before we dive into heavier leadership terrain. If you've ever led from the middle, the margins, or the hot seat, this one's for you.

Listen to Full Audio at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-business-and-development-daily-news-rundown/id1684415169?i=1000751672204

Listen to Full Audio at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-business-and-development-daily-news-rundown/id1684415169?i=1000751672204

Listen to Full Audio at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-business-and-development-daily-news-rundown/id1684415169?i=1000751672204

Listen to Full Audio at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-business-and-development-daily-news-rundown/id1684415169?i=1000751672204

Are you growing your company or are you keeping it small by being the hero?In this solo episode, Bill unpacks the hidden addiction leaders have to being needed; constantly jumping in, solving problems, and staying essential to everything. While this mindset may help you start a company, it will quietly sabotage your ability to scale it.Topics explored in this episode:(00:03) The Fastest Way to Stay Small *Staying essential to everything keeps your company small *Jumping in to solve every problem prevents team growth *Being the hero steals others' opportunity to level up(03:31) The Addiction to Being Needed *Leaders often love being the hero and solving problems *Hero mindset requires “victims”, which creates weak and dependent teams *Real leadership means developing problem-solvers, not being the problem-solver(09:19) Practical Delegation Shift *Before solving a task, ask: Who should own this? *Assign work based on others' strengths and pride points *Even imperfect recognition builds trust and engagement *Speak specifically to why someone is right for the challengeBill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth.Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshopBill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoachVisit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth.Did you enjoy today's episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts.Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJSubscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00uBill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall

Transformation continues to be the word at the top of leaders' minds. Whether it's due to changes in technology with AI, market shifts, the regulatory landscape, or unexpected global events, leaders are looking to transform their organization's operations and culture to be more agile, innovative, and resilient. In today's Redefiners, Marla Oates and Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic talk with former Telstra CEO and managing Director, Andy Penn, about how he led the transformation of Australia's largest telecommunications company. Andy shares what it was like stepping into the CEO role at Telstra at a turbulent time for the company, its customers, and the board. He talks about the key lessons he learned leading a multi-year company-wide transformation effort, and how he put the right team and culture together to get it done. He also talks about his current roles in cybersecurity, providing critical insights on how to prepare for and deter cyber-attacks. We'll also hear from Tuck Rickards, a leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates, who will discuss what he believes is the leadership formula for effective AI transformation. Four things you'll learn from this episode: The key steps and KPIs when implementing a transformation project Tips on putting together the right leadership team and organizational culture to help make reinvention happen How to prepare for cyber-security risks while balance the productivity benefits of AI projects How to successfully transition from CEO to board and advisory roles If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Talking Transformational Leadership with RRA's CEO Constantine Alexandrakis Leadership Lounge: How to Build a Top-Performing C-suite: The Leadership Blueprint for Sustained High Performance Trust Your Gut: AXA's Thomas Buberl Talks Transformation and Reinvention Leadership Lounge: From Firefighting to Future-Building: How Leaders Can Master Perpetual Transformation Driving Transformation with Volvo Cars President and CEO Jim Rowan Leadership Lounge: Unleashing AI's potential: Are you ready to lead the charge? Learn more with the latest research from Russell Reynolds Associates: Adapt or Die in the Age of Perpetual Transformation Why Most AI Transformations Fail Before They Start

Listen to Full Audio at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-business-and-development-daily-news-rundown/id1684415169?i=1000751248515

Listen to Full Audio at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-business-and-development-daily-news-rundown/id1684415169?i=1000751248515

Listen to Full Audio at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-business-and-development-daily-news-rundown/id1684415169?i=1000751248515

Cultures are impacted by emotional intelligence and closing the gap between our intentions and our actions. Jason is joined by author and Harvard professor, Margaret Andrews, for an engaging conversation. Jason is joined by Margaret C. Andrews, Harvard University professor and seasoned executive, for a masterclass on the interpersonal dynamics that drive modern organizational success. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! Summary: In an era where employee engagement has hit a ten-year low, how do elite leaders bridge the gap between corporate vision and the daily human experience? In this episode, Jason V. Barger sits down with Margaret C. Andrews to explore the shift from "soft skills" to "power skills." Margaret, a faculty member at Harvard who has worked with giants like Amazon and the United Nations, shares why emotional intelligence (EQ) and self-awareness are the ultimate competitive advantages in 2026. This conversation moves beyond theoretical management to the heart of "Culture-Making." Jason and Margaret deconstruct the "knowing-doing gap"—the space between understanding leadership principles and actually embodying them under pressure. They explore the critical distinction between being a "culture taker" versus a "culture maker," and how executives can use perspective-taking to resolve the cultural dissonance that often leads to cynicism and turnover. Essential listening for C-Suite executives, academic leaders, and managers at all levels, this episode offers a nuanced look at generational diversity, the "Chief Culture Officer" role of the CEO, and why walking beside your team is more effective than leading from the front. Episode Notes & Timestamps: [00:00] Intro: Jason sets the stage for a conversation on co-creating cultures that bring out the best in people during a time of low trust. [00:03] Meet Margaret Andrews: From master's swim teams to Harvard lecture halls, Margaret introduces her "excitement meter" and the Facets of Strategy. [00:06] The Harvard Perspective: Margaret discusses her courses on Managing Yourself and Leading Others, emphasizing that there is no "single right answer" in leadership—only context. [00:09] The Engagement Crisis: A look at recent data showing 10-year lows in engagement and why only 23% of employees trust their leadership's direction. [00:11] Culture Takers vs. Culture Makers: Margaret defines why most employees are culture takers and how the CEO must act as the "Chief Culture Officer" to move the needle. [00:15] The Satya Nadella Case Study: An analysis of how Microsoft's CEO transformed a legacy culture by being an "insider on the sideline" and changing who got the "seats on the bus." [00:19] Cultural Dissonance: Why "sharp elbows" in leadership destroy collaboration and how promotion criteria serve as the loudest signal of what a company truly values. [00:23] Identifying Your Heroes: The power of stories in transmitting culture. To change your culture, you must change who your organization celebrates as a "hero." [00:27] The "Soft Skills" Crusade: Jason and Margaret discuss why interpersonal skills are actually "superpowers" and why MIT alums consistently wish they had paid more attention to Organizational Behavior. [00:31] The EQ Quadrants: A breakdown of self-awareness, self-management, social competency, and empathy in the high-stakes environment of executive leadership. [00:37] The 6 vs. 9 Perspective: A viral analogy for the workplace—how two leaders can be looking at the same problem, seeing different "numbers," and both be "right" from their vantage point. [00:41] Digital Natives & The "Why": A deep look at Gen Z and Millennials. Why these generations don't need "hovering" leaders, but rather partners to walk beside them. Key Takeaways for Leaders: The Knowing-Doing Gap: Real credit in leadership isn't given for knowing you should listen or be empathetic; it's only given for doing it consistently. Vantage Point Curiosity: Replace judgment with curiosity. When a team member disagrees, ask what "vantage point" they are standing at to see the problem differently. Hero Alignment: Audit the stories told in your halls. Do your "office legends" embody the culture you want to build, or the one you are trying to leave behind? Listen to the full episode and access show notes at: https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/culture-making-margaret-andrews/ Bio: Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Connect: Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2026 Effective! Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason

In this Matthews Mentality Podcast episode, host Kyle Matthews interviews Dr. Debra Clary, founder and CEO of the Clary Group and author of The Curiosity Curve (launching with Fast Company in October 2025). Clary shares how she grew up feeling like an underdog and used that mindset to outwork others, beginning her career as a 4:00 AM Frito-Lay route driver in Detroit before moving into leadership roles at major organizations including Coca-Cola, Jack Daniels, Papa John's, and Humana. She recounts learning credibility through discipline, building trust with backdoor receivers to increase route sales, earning a promotion to manager in nine months, and discovering the “power of a question” after being publicly accused of damaging truck tires that weren't hers. Clary describes being fired after a corporate shakeup at Frito-Lay, landing at Coca-Cola through a recruiter connection, saving the Papa John's account by gathering franchisee feedback and securing a video from Coca-Cola president Jack Stahl, then later being hired—and fired—by Papa John's. After joining Jack Daniels as VP of strategy, she earned a doctorate at George Washington University and later moved to Humana, where she founded and ran a Leadership Institute developing the top 600 leaders, then supported enterprise-wide onboarding and performance efforts under a new CEO. The conversation centers on her 2019 “joke, question, and puzzle” that led her to commission MIT researchers to study curiosity and performance, ultimately prompting her to leave corporate life, start her firm, and build a framework for balancing curiosity and decisiveness. Clary explains the book's “optimal amount of curiosity” and the four drivers of curiosity—exploration, openness, inspirational creativity, and focused engagement—while also discussing working motherhood, getting help to scale at home, women supporting women in leadership, and the realities of entrepreneurship, including taxes, hiring support, and the long sales cycle before momentum arrived in her third year.00:00 Underdog Mindset02:26 Why Curiosity Matters03:03 The Italy Train Moment05:07 MIT Research Breakthrough06:03 Writing the Curiosity Curve09:16 Growing Up in Michigan12:35 Frito Lay Route Driver15:32 Hacking Route Sales18:21 Union Rules and Weekends19:23 CEO Notices the Spike24:52 From Driver to Manager25:45 Leading Different People33:15 Hard Lessons on Firing35:57 Women in Corporate America37:26 Women Supporting Women39:48 Women Supporting Women40:11 Fired at Frito Lay42:57 Risk Taking Lessons43:32 Reebok Storm Connection44:30 Coke GM to Global45:05 Saving Papa Johns46:30 Calling the President48:05 Leaving Coke Reflection48:59 Hired Then Fired Again50:53 Jack Daniels Lifeline53:18 Working Mom Survival56:15 Family Business Culture57:24 Doctorate Grind59:37 Curiosity as Driver01:02:59 Humana Leadership Institute01:06:19 Called to Entrepreneurship01:09:13 Founder Reality Check01:11:02 When It Finally Clicked01:13:20 Craziest Investor Day01:15:51 Legacy and Curiosity Curve01:18:02 Curiosity Framework01:19:39 Closing and Where to Find

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   In this episode, Justin interviews Cynthia Garcia about her career journey. She credits mentors and sponsors for paving the way for her success. Justin and Cynthia discuss the demands of the Chief Risk Officer role and how Cynthia works with stakeholders who have competing priorities. Cynthia shares her perspective on construction risk and safety. She is seeing more diversity in the rising generation of risk professionals, with amazing opportunities for all.   Cynthia shares how her Confucianist upbringing still makes it a struggle for her to receive recognition. Despite that, she posted on LinkedIn about receiving the 2025 Bill McIntyre Leadership Award at the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI) Construction Risk Conference. That post led Justin to reach out to her. Cynthia speaks of her involvement with the Spencer Educational Foundation, including being a Risk Manager on Campus. Justin and Cynthia talk about the March 6th Webinar, "Hard Hats & High Stakes: Women Leaders Shaping Construction Risk Management", that she joins as a featured panelist. Listen for tips on careers in risk management for construction.   Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:16] About this episode of RIMScast. Our guest is Cynthia Garcia, the award-winning Chief Risk Officer for Bernards. We will talk all about her career in construction risk and get some "inspirado." But first… [:44] RIMS Virtual Workshops. On March 10th and 11th, we have a two-day course led by John Button for the RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep. [:55] On March 17th and 18th, RIMS will align with AFERM for a two-day RIMS-CRMP-FED Exam Prep Course. [1:02] On March 4th and 5th, we have a virtual workshop, "Facilitating Risk-Based Decision Making", with Joe Milan. On April 15th, we have a virtual workshop covering "Emerging Risks", led by Joseph Mayo. [1:20] Register today and strengthen your risk knowledge. RIMS members always enjoy deep discounts on the virtual workshops. [1:27] Webinars. On March 6th, RIMS presents "Hard Hats & High Stakes: Women Leaders Shaping Construction Risk Management". We'll be joined by a Chief Risk Officer, an underwriter, and a broker. [1:42] They will explore their career paths, risk and safety philosophies, and lend some insight as to why this is the time for the next generation of leaders to rise. [1:53] On March 12th, Global Risk Consultants returns with "Don't Waste the Soft Market: Where to Reinvest Insurance Savings Before the Window Closes". Register for these and other webinars by visiting RIMS.org/webinars and the links in this episode's show notes. [2:14] On with the Show! Our guest today is Cynthia Garcia. She is the Chief Risk Officer for Bernards. [2:22] Cynthia made a big impact on the risk landscape in 2025 when she received the Bill McIntyre Leadership Award from the International Risk Management Institute during its Construction Risk Conference. [2:35] I wanted to learn all about her career and what it's like to be the risk officer for a major construction company. [2:42] Earlier, I mentioned the March 6th RIMS Webinar, "Hard Hats and High Stakes," and Cynthia will, in fact, be the Chief Risk Officer mentioned there. [2:51] If you like what you hear in this episode and want to learn more about career development, construction risk, and why rising risk professionals should seize the opportunities in the construction sector, you can register for that Webinar. [3:04] Cynthia is a fascinating individual, and I am so pleased to present this interview! Let's get to it! [3:09] Interview! Cynthia Garcia, welcome to RIMScast! [3:27] Justin and Cynthia are going to be collaborating on a RIMS Webinar on March 6th, "Hard Hats and High Stakes." It's all about how women have and can continue to thrive in construction risk management. Cynthia is the ideal Chief Risk Officer to have on that panel. [3:46] Justin thanks Cynthia in advance for being on that panel and being a guest on RIMScast. [4:07] Cynthia is the CRO for Bernards, based in California. [4:33] Like many in her generation, Cynthia stumbled into risk management. She started as an administrative assistant for Morley Builders, an amazing employee-owned general contractor in Santa Monica, California. [4:52] She was fortunate to have several sponsors and mentors within the organization. They helped her see that she belonged at the table. They saw something in her that she hadn't seen in herself, which is the beauty of a mentor. [5:16] In spaces she was not in, they advocated for her and said, Why don't we give this to Cynthia? That's the beauty of a sponsor. Cynthia says she was blessed to be in the right place at the right time. She was able to lean in. [5:32] Cynthia says that the thing that attracts her about risk management and what she does is finding the hard yes. Risk management doesn't say, "No." [5:50] Risk management, when practicing its craft, is fully integrated with operations and understanding what the business needs. It is strategically aligned and helps make sure the organization is making those thoughtful business decisions that allow taking risks. [6:11] Then, risk management takes it to the next step to ask how this adds to our shareholder equity, how this aligns with who we want to be as a company and as people. Risk management threads the needle between entrepreneurship and "cowboyism." [6:28] Risk management leads with "Help me understand, and help us get to the hard yes. We can do it, but here are some of the things we need to do to make sure that it's successful."  [6:50] Cynthia always likes to start by making sure she is coming in with a lot of curiosity. She asks for help to understand what she's not seeing to try to connect the dots. If Cynthia doesn't understand the needs of her business partners, she's not creating value. [7:11] Cynthia joined Bernards as Chief Risk Officer four years ago next month (March). Bernards created the position for her. She says she's blessed to work with talented people. She credits an amazing group of rockstar individuals. She says a rising tide lifts all boats. [8:00] Cynthia says her team carries the weight and does it beautifully. She says the genius of true leadership is understanding we're paving the way for our replacement. Leaders who are afraid of talent need to pause and rethink what that means. [8:26] Cynthia's Risk and Safety team has 13 staff members. [8:45] Cynthia has a VP of Risk and Safety who is definitely a genius at making the wheels turn. He is Cynthia's only direct report. He does an amazing job setting the tone and the pace. [9:03] Cynthia says, We focus on listening to the voices of our internal and external customers. As an employee-owned company, we try to understand what our business partners need, whether it's accounting, finance, human resources, operations, or estimating. [9:22] Cynthia focuses on what our business partners need from risk management to help achieve mission success. [9:27] Cynthia says, from day to day, it's everything from safety to claims, to insurance issues, to coverage questions, but a fair part of the job is when business teams proactively reach out with questions about issues that have come up. [9:50] Cynthia says the beauty of being in a smaller organization is that Risk Management is not siloed. It's not just insurance and claims but also litigation management and contracts. Risk partners closely with the CHRO on policies and employment practices. [10:13] Risk partners closely with Finance and Accounting on a variety of issues. Cynthia feels it is fortunate that Risk is viewed and valued as an internal resource to its business partners and part of the critical strategy to achieve the company's goals. [10:41] Bernards has a little fewer than 400 employee-owners. Cynthia credits Finance and Accounting for paying vendors on time and treating trade partners fairly. She credits Marketing for helping the brand, highlighting company accomplishments, and creating community buzz. [11:30] Cynthia credits the very customer-centric Tech team, who have helped her a lot, and the Virtual Construction Design team, who help with clash detection and getting ahead of constructability issues early on. [11:59] She notes the estimating team getting ahead of what's out there and making sure we have the right projects to go after. It takes a village. [12:14] Cynthia says we like to think all of us employee-owners have a vested interest in mission success. We're all in construction. [12:27] Quick Break! RISKWORLD 2026 will be held from May 3rd through the 6th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. RISKWORLD attracts more than 10,000 risk professionals across the globe. It's time to Connect, Cultivate, and Collaborate with them. [12:45] Booth sales are open now. General registration and speaker registration are also open right now. Marketplace and hospitality badges will be available starting on March 3rd. Links are in this episode's show notes, and be sure to check out RIMS.org for more information. [13:04] Save the dates March 18th and 19th, 2026, for the RIMS Legislative Summit, which will be held in Washington, D.C.! Join us in Washington, D.C. for two days of Congressional meetings, networking, and advocating on behalf of the risk management community. [13:20] Visit RIMS.org/advocacy for more information and to register. Also, check out the prior episode of RIMScast, Episode 378, featuring RIMS General Counsel and Vice President of External Affairs, Mark Prysock, as we discuss the top priorities for RIMS in 2026 and beyond. [13:41] Let's Return to Our Interview with Bernards' Chief Risk Officer, Cynthia Garcia! [13:58] When Cynthia joined Bernards, there were about 10 people on the Risk and Safety team. Then they went into remodel mode, with a different strategic vision. Continuous improvement is a Bernards core value. It's a 52-year-old company with processes and talent in place. [14:27] Cynthia says we've been looking at the areas where we can have the greatest impact, picking off the low-hanging fruit first, and then building out processes that allow us to scale without reinventing ourselves every few years. [14:57] Cynthia says safety is our priority. Bernards added safety to its core values this year. Cynthia says it was a grass-roots movement. It percolated up through Operations and said, This is who we need to be. [15:24] Cynthia says a risk management team's job is to safeguard all the resources of the organization. That includes people and things, clients, and trade partners. The Risk and Safety team has a holistic view. They can't be good by themselves. They can't be safe by themselves. [15:42] For Cynthia, safety takes on a larger meaning than physical well-being, including creating spaces where people are allowed to be vulnerable. [15:57] Cynthia talks about leading with empathy, with top priority not only for physical safety but also for a psychologically safe environment, where you can show up, be seen, heard, and thrive. [16:41] Cynthia says she works on building connections through conflict. For what could be tough conversations, it helps if you are willing to check your ego at the door and come in curious. Cynthia often states her intention up front. [17:01] Cynthia might say, "My intention isn't to challenge you, it's to have you help me understand your perspective and help me see what I'm missing." Cynthia says she asks a billion questions because there is so much she doesn't know. She always tries to get with the "why." [17:32] Cynthia says, When I try to understand what it is that my counterpart needs to happen, then we can figure out the path forward together. As employee-owners, our goals are aligned. We're looking in the same direction. [17:52] Cynthia says, We may fuss with the GPS a little bit, but we know the destination is set and we have a commitment to one another. Once we are willing to shut up, listen, and ask the questions to learn, then we can figure out how to be of service. [18:16] Cynthia says her job isn't to convince, it's first to understand. [18:22] A Quick Break! The Spencer Educational Foundation's Risk Manager on Campus application period will open on April 1st, 2026, and it will close on June 30th. Grant awardees, colleges, and universities are typically notified in September. [18:51] The Course Development Grant application deadline for Interval Number 2 will be on June 15th, 2026. Award notifications will be sent out in late July. [19:06] General Grant applications will open on May 1st, 2026, and the application deadline is July 30th. Internship Grant applications open on August 15th and close on October 15th. [19:18] Links to each of these grants are in this episode's show notes. Visit SpencerEd.org for more information. [19:27] Let's Conclude Our Interview with Bernards' Chief Risk Officer, Cynthia Garcia. [19:41] As Cynthia mentioned earlier, Bernards is employee-owned. Cynthia thinks that Bernards being 100% employee-owned makes all its employee-owners better businesspeople. The heart of risk management is making those good choices. [20:27] Looking across the table and knowing she is betting with her fellow owner's retirement, makes Cynthia think about that a little bit differently. She thinks the employee ownership structure lends itself to amazing risk management. [20:49] Cynthia says you have to be disciplined. You're not spending somebody else's money on this. We're working together, and when we all make good choices, we are ultimately rewarding ourselves and impacting future generational owners, too. That's quite meaningful. [21:09] Cynthia says it's the best of both worlds. You have the umbrella of a big company paying the bills, but you're rewarded for smart entrepreneurism. [21:27] Cynthia has a long-term view when making decisions. It's not about what's in it for her. It's how does this support who we want to be today, and who we want to try to be tomorrow? It makes us look further into the horizon. [22:24] May 4th through May 8th, 2026, is Safety Week, here in the U.S. That coincides with RISKWORLD 2026. Cynthia will be at RISKWORLD. [22:41] Cynthia says for Safety Week, Bernards has planned activities on each job site to highlight the good things that men and women are doing to build the communities in which they work and live, and doing them in such a way that they go home to families and loved ones. [23:01] Justin notes that settlements from construction site accident injuries can be astronomical. Part of Cynthia's job is to minimize accidents from the outset, which connects to Bernards' core value safety-first mindset. [23:34] Cynthia says client response has been amazing. Recently, one of the project executives at Bernards was invited to the school district and won an award acknowledging their efforts on safety. That felt good because it wasn't Bernards saying it, but the clients saying we see it. [23:58] Bernards has trademarked "A Better Experience." It's a phrase they are proud of. They're building not only to create a better experience for their employee-owners, but also for project success for owners who value safety. [24:15] Bernards is a large school builder, working on many programs up and down the state. Bernards is cognizant of the impact they are having on the future generation of leaders and citizens. They're very grateful to have that acknowledgement from their clients. It's special. [25:29] Cynthia says she is absolutely seeing more opportunities for women in risk management and in construction. Construction tends to be inclusive. It's an industry filled with optimists. Its people bring that can-do attitude. They are very generous and gracious with their support. [26:13] Cynthia says she has been in the risk profession for about 30 years. The demographics have changed, and she sees diversity in the new young talent permeating the industry. [27:10] Cynthia thinks the work that the Spencer Educational Foundation does in partnership with RIMS is tremendous. She says it is amazing that colleges and universities are offering the Risk Management and Insurance degree and concentration. Cynthia never heard of that before. [27:35] Cynthia says that people her age moved into risk management from adjacent areas. She is pleased that now people come into risk management intentionally. She talks about risk managers trying to figure out how to help businesses thrive and grow to the next level. [28:47] Cynthia is one of Spencer's Risk Managers on Campus. She explains how the grants to colleges work. Spencer works tirelessly to make sure the next generation of leaders know what an amazing career this is and the opportunities it offers. Cynthia is grateful to be part of it. [30:15] Justin mentions that other Risk Manager On Campus risk professionals have been guests on RIMScast, and they have inspiring stories to tell. They love reaching the young people who are going to be the future of the profession. [30:35] Megan Miller, Spencer CEO, was a recent RIMScast guest. Check out SpencerEd.org for grants and opportunities. If you know somebody interested, send them the link to explore. If they connect with people like Cynthia through the RMOC grant, their experience will be richer. [31:28] Cynthia came to Justin's attention through a LinkedIn post about her being honored as the 2025 Bill McIntyre Leadership Award recipient at the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI) Construction Risk Conference. [32:08] Cynthia says you're always a little bit surprised but so pleased when you get acknowledged by your peers. As IRMI is pre-eminent in the construction risk management space, it was more special to Cynthia, as she knew of the great work they did. [32:33] Cynthia remembers starting in risk management and going to them as a resource. She knows the people who make IRMI thrive. They're people Cynthia looks up to. She is very grateful that it was her turn to be acknowledged. She feels there are way more qualified folks out there! [33:41] Cynthia says she is an immigrant. English is her second language. She is Korean and grew up in a Confucianist household. In terms of philosophy, you should be seen, not heard. The collective win is celebrated. [34:06] Cynthia has had to work to get over the heebie-jeebies about self-promotion or what could be viewed as arrogance. She's working on it and doing better at accepting compliments. It's an opportunity to show others who are coming up behind her that diversity exists. [34:45] Cynthia says it's hard for us to visualize ourselves in a role without models who came before us. What are the opportunities that exist? Can I also think about this? Cynthia said the marketing team is genius. Justin said that was what caught his eye on LinkedIn. [35:19] Cynthia says she is very fortunate to be supported by so much talent and such a community that helps uplift you. [35:27] Justin comments that the "seen and not heard" thing is not just Confucianism, but also old-world Brooklynism. His old relatives said, "Children should be seen and not heard." [35:52] Cynthia says we all have shared experiences within our collective. People tend to focus on the differences. It is important to celebrate our differences, but there's so much more in common, regardless of the geography and the generation in which we were raised. [36:10] There is so much in shared value. Cynthia says she is constantly inspired by those stories of people who saw a different future or leaned into a hand up. That motivates her to try to be better and drives her. [36:35] Justin says posting is a networking opportunity too. If that post had not gone up, Justin would not have met Cynthia. It's a way to broaden your network and meet more people. Justin says it's OK to do a humblebrag. Justin is known as the shameless self-promoter. [37:11] Justin says it is very special when you are acknowledged outside your company. [37:20] Cynthia's post triggered a series of events, one of which is, in recognition of Women's History Month, RIMS will present the webinar on March 6th, "Hard Hats & High Stakes: Women Leaders Shaping Construction Risk Management", with Cynthia as a featured panelist. [37:38] Cynthia will provide the CRO perspective. Also on the panel are Danette Beck from Astrus and Jessica Risullo from WTW. Cynthia shares how she knows these amazing, trailblazing women. Cynthia is grateful to be on a panel with them. They're rockstars! [38:47] Justin says it's going to be excellent! The link is in this episode's show notes, or visit RIMS.org/webinars. Megan Miller, the CEO of the Spencer Educational Foundation, will kick things off with a special introduction. [39:15] It's going to be a wonderful way to observe and celebrate Women's History Month, ahead of RISKWORLD and Construction Safety Awareness Week. [39:30] Justin thanks Cynthia for joining us on RIMScast, sharing with listeners her construction risk perspective and career path. There's a lot to take away. Justin thanks Cynthia for her perspective and her time. [39:45] Cynthia says she appreciates Justin and the work RIMS is doing to put a spotlight on our amazing industry and the opportunities that exist. She says she is grateful for the opportunities Justin and RIMS are creating and thoughtfully curating. [40:04] Special thanks again to Cynthia Garcia for joining us here on RIMScast. You can hear more from her directly on March 6th during the RIMS Webinar "Hard Hats & High Stakes: Women Leaders Shaping Construction Risk Management". [40:17] RIMS members, keep in mind that RIMS Webinars are complimentary for you. That is one of the many benefits of a RIMS membership. Visit RIMS.org/webinars and the link in this episode's show notes to register. That's going to be a fantastic session! [40:34] Plug Time! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [41:03] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [41:21] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [41:38] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [41:55] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [42:09] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. Please remember to subscribe to RIMScast on your favorite podcasting app. You can email us at Content@RIMS.org. [42:21] Practice good risk management, stay safe, and thank you again for your continuous support!   Links: RIMS Legislative Summit — March 18‒19, 2026 on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. | Register now! RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RISKWORLD 2026 Registration — Open for exhibitors, members, and non-members! Reserve your booth at RISKWORLD 2026! Construction Safety Week RIMS-CRO Certificate Program In Advanced Enterprise Risk Management | April‒June 2026 Cohort | Led by James Lam RIMS Compensation Survey 2025 — Download Today RIMS Risk Management magazine | Contribute RIMS Now RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) | Insights Video Series Featuring Joe Milan! The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center RIMS Diversity Equity Inclusion Council RIMS-CRMP Story, featuring John Button RIMScast Canada — Debut Episode Now Live Spencer Educational Foundation — Scholarships and Grants RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2026 Education Content Submission — Deadline March 18, 2026! Hard Hats & High Stakes: Women Leaders Shaping Construction Risk Management | March 6 | Presented by RIMS — Featuring Today's Guest, Cynthia Garcia! Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP Exam PrepMarch 10‒11 | April 21‒22 | June 9‒10 RIMS-CRMP-FED Exam Prep with AFERM | March 17‒18 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops RIMS Virtual Workshop — "Facilitating Risk-Based Decision Making" | March 4‒5 | Register Now "Risk Appetite Management" | March 25‒26 "Claims Management" | April 7‒8 "Emerging Risks" | April 15 | Register Now! Upcoming RIMS Webinars: "Hard Hats & High Stakes: Women Leaders Shaping Construction Risk Management" | March 6 | Presented by RIMS "Don't Waste the Soft Market: Where to Reinvest Insurance Savings Before the Window Closes" | March 12 | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants RIMS.org/Webinars   Related RIMScast Episodes: "Investing In Yourself with RIMS 2026 President Manny Padilla" "Strategic Risk Career Transitions with Susan Hiteshew" "Supply Chain Integrity and Sustainability with Nicole Sherwin of EcoVadis"   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: "Secondary Perils, Major Risks: The New Face of Weather-Related Challenges" | Sponsored by AXA XL (New!) "The ART of Risk: Rethinking Risk Through Insight, Design, and Innovation" | Sponsored by Alliant "Mastering ERM: Leveraging Internal and External Risk Factors" | Sponsored by Diligent "Cyberrisk: Preparing Beyond 2025" | Sponsored by Alliant "The New Reality of Risk Engineering: From Code Compliance to Resilience" | Sponsored by AXA XL "Change Management: AI's Role in Loss Control and Property Insurance" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company "Demystifying Multinational Fronting Insurance Programs" | Sponsored by Zurich "Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding" | Sponsored by Zurich "What Risk Managers Can Learn From School Shootings" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog "Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping" | Sponsored by Medcor "How Insurance Builds Resilience Against An Active Assailant Attack" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog "Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips" | Sponsored by Alliant   RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS President Manny Padilla!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guest: Cynthia Garcia, Risk Manager at Bernards   Production and engineering provided by Podfly.

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Hey there leader! Today in Leadership Lost and Found join Randy and Jim as they talk with Barry Vandeveer about his journey from software developer to CTO, CIO and now COO, and the leadership lessons he's learned along the way. We cover practical topics like transitioning from individual contributor to people leader, hiring and mentoring talent, navigating cultural change after acquisitions, making data-driven spend decisions, and the importance of listening and being available for your team. Barry also shares personal anecdotes — founding Travelocity, a brief stint as a flight attendant, earning an MBA while raising a family, recovering from burnout, and his current focus on integrating AI at Datacore — giving real-world examples of leadership in action.

Today we are talking about the critical role of the CEO in embedding equitable practices in their organisations. I am talking with expert Sandra D'Souza, who is sharing research insights from her book, "From Bias to Equality". Join us!My guest today is Sandra D'Souza, author of the book, 'From Bias to Equality: How business leaders can drive innovation, success and profitability by embracing true gender balance'  and Founder of Women's Business Networking group Ellect.Her book, From Bias To Equality provides actionable insights from successful business leaders who have achieved greater women representation on their boards and in C-Suite roles. In showcasing real-world examples and best practices from international leaders, this book empowers organizations to build diverse and inclusive leadership teams, leading to improved decision-making, enhanced company culture, and increased innovation and profitability.In this ep, Sandra is discussing:The critical importance of a CEO in instigating change on gender equity in the workplaceKey business impacts of diversity: growth, profitability, running better operationsThe need and the want of having gender equity in the workplace The role of CXOs generally in bridging the gender equity gapCreating Leadership KPIs around hitting equity measures and the importance of role modelling as leaders Gender equity quotas... and so much more! Sandra, on her research of ASX listed companies:"Research shows that with a gender balanced leadership team and Board, companies have achieved greater profitability, 27% more collaboration and faster innovation cycles because of the diversity."Links:Get a copy of Sandra's book : "From Bias to Equality: How business leaders can drive innovation, success and profitability by embracing true gender balance"For Career & Leadership coaching, connect with Rebecca Allen on Linkedin or visit the Illuminate website Rate, Review, & Follow our Show on Apple Podcasts:Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We air every week and I don't want you to miss out on a single broadcast. Follow now!About Sandra:Sandra D'Souza, founder of Ellect, is a passionate advocate for gender equality in business leadership. An Amazon bestselling author of From Bias to Equality, Sandra's leadership is driven by resilience and a growth mindset. Recognised as the Most Influential CEO of 2023, she is committed to closing the gender gap and empowering women in leadership roles. Find Sandra on Linkedin hereAbout Rebecca:Rebecca Allen is a Career & Leadership Coach for corporate women, aspiring to senior levels of leadership. Over the last decade, Rebecca has helped women realise their potential at companies including Woolworths, ANZ, J.P. Morgan, PwC, Coca-Cola Amatil, Ministry of Defence, Frontier Sensing and AbbVie Medical Research through her Roadmap to Senior Leadership coaching programs. 

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Akshay Verma, COO of SpotDraft explores his non-linear journey through the legal industry. From his early days as a big-law paralegal to lawyer to a business development role to leading legal operations at tech leaders like Facebook and Coinbase, Akshay shares his unique perspective on why the most successful legal departments prioritize process over technology. The conversation dives deep into the realities of Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM), the evolution of the "agentic" legal tool, and why change management is the biggest hurdle for legal innovation. Akshay also discusses the "underdog mentality" that drew him to the startup world and the future of AI in legal workflows. Key Takeaways: Process First: Technology is not a "magic pill" for broken workflows; centralized repositories and defined approval chains must come first. The Power of BD: Business development skills (evangelism and resilience) are critical for successful legal operations leaders. The "Holy Trifecta" of Legal Tech: Every department needs a CLM, a Spend Management tool (at scale), and an agentic Workflow/Intake tool. AI vs. Lawyering: AI will replace non-legal tasks, not the lawyers themselves, making AI literacy a new standard for the profession. Episode Credits Editing and Production: Grant Blackstock Theme Music: Home Base (Instrumental Version) by TA2MI  

Is the end really nigh? Will AI replace you?In this episode, Bill sits down with Geoff Woods, author of The AI-Driven Leader, to unpack what actually separates leaders who dabble in AI from those who use it to transform decision-making. They explore why AI adoption fails when leaders treat it like a productivity hack instead of a strategic thought partner. Geoff introduces the CRIT framework (Context, Role, Interview, Task) and explains why the quality of your input determines the quality of your output.Topics explored in this episode:(05:50) Strategy First, Technology Second*AI adoption should never be the goal, business strategy is the goal.*AI can either accelerate your objectives or distract you from them.*The difference isn't the tech, it's the leader using it.(14:55) The CRIT Framework for Better AI Thinking*Garbage in --> garbage out. Rich context determines quality output.*Have AI interview you one question at a time to deepen clarity.*Ask for “top 3 high-impact, non-obvious strategies” and not generic answers.(18:55) The First Output Is Always the Worst Output*AI's first answer is just a draft and never the final product.*Give feedback: what you like, dislike, and want changed.*Switch personas (e.g., challenger, ideal customer, board member) to pressure-test ideas.*AI improves through iteration, just like strategic thinking does.(37:25) AI as a Strategic Question Engine*A CEO facing bankruptcy used CRIT to consult AI as a debt restructuring expert.*AI asked sharper questions than he had considered; uncovering hidden leverage.*Within minutes, it generated a “non-obvious” strategy that restored hope.Thanks to Geoff Woods for being on the show!Connect with Diane on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/geoff-woods-8534774Learn more about his work: https://www.aileadership.com/Get his book: The Ai-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions – https://www.aileadership.com/bookBill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth.Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshopBill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoachVisit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth.Did you enjoy today's episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these...

The inaugural episode of the Suite Spot: Social Success Series is here!  Join first time host and Brand Ambassador at Travel Media Group, Cassady Quintana as she sits down with special guest, Aislynn Roberts, the TMG Enterprise Client Success Manager, as they discuss the latest and greatest social media trends and landscape for hotels.  This first installment of the series is the beginning of a new age for the podcast and we hope you enjoy the discussion between two social media gurus on how hotels and property management groups can not only optimize their social media presence but also how they can see the greatest return on their social media investment. Cassady Quintana: Hello everyone and welcome to our very first episode of the Social Success Podcast, A Suite Spot podcast powered by Travel Media Group. I'm your host, Cassady Quintana, Brand Ambassador here at Travel Media Group. Super excited to finally kick off this podcast. You know, the reason we decided to start this was because of the success of our social success webinar series that we did last year and we're still doing to this day. But I was hearing a lot of feedback from people that were watching and there's a lot of opinions and hot takes about hotel, social media, but not nearly enough conversations with people that are actually in the thick of it working in hotel social media. So I thought, what better way to have Aislynn Roberts, our Enterprise Client Success Manager here at Travel Media Group as our first guest, she is working with partners and talking about these topics every day. So Aislynn thank you for joining me. Aislynn Roberts: Thank you for having me. Cassady Quintana: So kind of before we get into social media, I want people to know what your role is like. So just walk us through kind of what your day-to-day looks like. Aislynn Roberts: Yeah, of course. So as the enterprise Client Success Manager, I have a unique opportunity to work not only with individual property owners, but I also work with brand team execs and the C-Suite for hotel management groups as well. So it's a very interesting role in which you are talking to these executive teams a lot around overall portfolio trends. What you're seeing across the board industry, news updates, especially if you consider meta, how many times they're updating. Making sure that they're in the know of what's happening, but also giving them trend analysis for their portfolio. What's working well, the performance, what we're seeing across the board versus when you're talking to individual properties, it's very much focused, right? What their individual goals are, what they're trying to achieve, and, and really honing in on what works well for them. And social media content wise. The conversation becomes very much focused into their amenities, what their guests are, what type of audience they're looking for, versus what the C-suite and brand. It's overarching, right? Like how can you continue to capitalize this across the board? Cassady Quintana: Yeah, I totally agree. And so when you're having these conversations, what are some of the biggest concerns or reservations that you're hearing the most from these people you're speaking with? Aislynn Roberts: Yeah, it can differ across the board. Most of the time it really depends on each individual's comfort level, which surprisingly matches throughout the executive team. So whether you're individual property level as you go up, dependent on your personal use, your personal comfort with social media, your conversations could be the same or it could be vastly different. If you're talking to a director of marketing or VP of marketing who's eats lives and breathes social media. So, those conversations shape a little bit different, but there is a lot of fear of not knowing what to do, right? Not understanding how it works, fear of doing something wrong, or needing to be a hundred percent professional and completely photogenic and ph...

As workplace trends continue to evolve, Jason identifies 4 foundational habits that every culture needs to be intentional about to create their future. Gemini said Jason builds on the emerging workplace trends of 2026 to identify the four foundational habits every organization needs to cultivate a high-performing culture. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! Summary: In a workplace landscape defined by a 10-year low in employee engagement and the rapid integration of AI, how do leaders ensure their teams remain connected and high-performing? In this episode of The Thermostat, Jason V. Barger outlines a roadmap for 2026, shifting the focus from reactive trends to proactive, human-centered habits. He explores how the "soft skills" of the past—empathy, adaptability, and trust—have become the essential hard skills for modern executives. This conversation challenges the traditional "work-life balance" myth, proposing instead a "work-life rhythm" that treats employee well-being as a core business strategy rather than a perk. Jason breaks down the mechanics of "setting the temperature" through strategic culture audits, intentional 365-day onboarding, and the participatory alignment of values. By moving values from "posters on the wall to people in the room," leaders can build an environment where culture is co-created and sustained at every level. Essential listening for C-Suite executives, HR directors, and emerging leaders, this episode offers a tactical guide to navigating the technological shifts of AI while doubling down on the human elements that drive long-term organizational health. Episode Notes & Timestamps: [00:00] Intro: Jason sets the stage for 2026, identifying four habits your culture needs to navigate current workplace shifts. [00:03] 2026 Workplace Trends: A recap of the five key trends impacting the workforce, including values alignment and the engagement crisis. [00:05] The New Core Competencies: Why empathy, communication, and trust-building are now the most critical "hard skills" for leaders. [00:06] From Balance to Rhythm: A strategic look at well-being as a performance driver and the reality of the hybrid work standard. [00:10] Habit 1 – The Culture Audit: Moving beyond survey fatigue to a strategic, honest assessment of your organization's "temperature". [00:12] Habit 2 – 365-Day Onboarding: Why the best organizations view onboarding as a year-long cultural roadmap rather than a first-week event. [00:14] Habit 3 – Participatory Values: Strategies to move values from static slogans to actionable behaviors that drive decision-making. [00:15] Habit 4 – Continuous Leadership Development: Why senior leaders must avoid becoming "finished products" and remain committed to their own growth. [00:17] Closing Questions: Jason leaves leaders with reflective prompts to strengthen their personal and organizational habits. Key Takeaways for Leaders: Audit for Action: Conduct a culture audit every 2–3 years, but only if you are committed to communicating themes and acting on the feedback to avoid survey fatigue. The 365-Day Rule: Treat onboarding as a long-term strategic immersion into your culture, not just a logistical checklist. Human-AI Balance: Lean on AI for efficiency, but double down on human judgment and emotional intelligence to lead effectively. Listen to the full episode and access show notes at: https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/4-habits-your-culture-needs/ Bio: Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Connect: Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2026 Effective! Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason

More than half of Americans say job insecurity is crushing them with stress. So how do some people look like they've always had it figured out? Spoiler: they haven't.  Host Elizabeth Weingarten traveled to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland to pull aside C-Suite leaders, entrepreneurs, and founders from companies like BetterUp, Zoom, Bain & Company, and more to talk about the moments when work inexplicably shifts—the layoffs, the pivots, the feeling of being completely stuck.  From Dr. Becky Kennedy discovering that admitting "I don't know" was actually the path to knowing herself, to Ray Wang's father asking him "what are you worth?" before he started his own company, to Josh Kallmer's "happiness matrix" that pulled him out of his darkest professional period, these leaders show that navigating uncertainty is what makes great leaders. Follow Leading Up: The Work Shift on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen. New episodes drop Tuesdays.  If you're trying to skill up, head to Udemy.com  Find out more about Leading Up: The Work Shift at business.udemy.com/leading-up-podcast Subscribe to our Substack: workshifthappens.substack.com  Leading Up: The Work Shift is produced by Udemy in partnership with  ⁠Pod People⁠.

Ever wondered how top executives stay perfectly calm when the stakes are at their highest? In this lesson, we're deconstructing the "1% Communication Framework"—the exact social scripts and psychological tools used by the C-Suite to command authority under pressure.Whether you're facing a high-stakes board meeting, a difficult performance review, or an unexpected "hot seat" question, these executive communication strategies will ensure you never freeze up again. Learn the art of social fluency and professional polish that separates rising leaders from the rest of the pack.In this video, you will learn:The "3-Second Pause" technique for instant composure.How the 1% use "Verbal Softeners" to handle aggressive questioning.The "Executive Pivot" script to redirect a conversation without losing authority.Practical drills to build your "Communication Resilience."Timestamps:00:00 Welcome + What You'll Learn: Communicate Confidently Under Pressure00:30 Why Pressure Makes Even Pros Stumble (High-Stakes Examples)00:54 Reframe Nerves: Use Anxiety to Sharpen Focus01:13 The Foundation: Preparation That Builds Poise02:07 Mock Q&A Drills + Time-Buying Phrases for Tough Questions02:36 Executive Presence: Body Language, Eye Contact, Conviction03:26 Calm Under Fire: Mindfulness, Breathing, and Confident Language03:44 Adaptability: Thinking on Your Feet When the Unexpected Hits04:32 Practice Curveballs: Improv Mindset + Acknowledging Surprises05:06 Authenticity Wins: Be Genuine, Let Your Passion Show05:56 Lead With Values: Vulnerability, Core Motivations, and Your Unique Voice06:21 Wrap-Up: Progress Over Perfection + Next Steps07:04 Masterclass Invite: Executive Excellence + Explearning Academy07:45 Final CTA & Sign-Off: Like, Subscribe, Newsletter, See You Next TimeBoost your Communication Skills and get the life and job you want

Today, Paul M. Neuberger fires up the boardroom—no apologies. No watering down.The world says popularity is the prize. But Scripture? Scripture says, “If the world loves you… ask yourself why.”Leaders today are told to chase applause, likes, and comfort. But Christ called us to carry the cross, not chase the crowd.Opposition? It's not failure. It's confirmation. Ridicule, venom, backlash—those are the battle scars of obedience.You won't find easy faith here. You'll find faith that costs. Faith that stands. Faith that refuses to compromise.Jesus is still Lord—even when standing for Him draws fire from every corner.So, C-Suite leader, what will you do when your moment of truth arrives?Will you bend for applause, or stand for the King?“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." –John 15:18–19Episode Highlights:05:27 – Jesus draws a clear dividing line. Belonging to him automatically places you at odds with the world. There is no neutral ground. There is no option where faithfulness and universal approval coexist. If the world loves you, scripture tells us to ask why. All throughout the Bible, God's most faithful servants were rarely celebrated in their time. The prophets were ridiculed, imprisoned, threatened, and killed. Jeremiah was called a traitor. Elijah was hunted. John the Baptist was beheaded. The apostles were beaten, jailed, and executed—not because they were cruel or unkind, but because they spoke truth without compromise.12:15 – The absence of resistance isn't evidence of effectiveness. Often it's evidence of accommodation. And that's why when the world loves you, you should not celebrate. You should pause. You should reflect. You should be really, really nervous. There's a dangerous illusion in modern Christian leadership that says alignment with the world can coexist with faithfulness to God. It sounds reasonable. It feels strategic. It's often framed as wisdom. But scripture consistently rejects the idea that God shares allegiance with anyone or anything else.38:03 – Let this truth settle deep in your spirit. The goal of Christian leadership has never been to be liked. It's always been to be faithful. The applause of the world is fleeting, but the approval of God is eternal. One is going to fade, but the other will stand forever. If you're facing criticism because you refuse to compromise scripture, please, I implore you, take heart. You're not failing. You're standing.Connect with Paul M. NeubergerWebsite

Ever wondered how top executives stay perfectly calm when the stakes are at their highest? In this lesson, we're deconstructing the "1% Communication Framework"—the exact social scripts and psychological tools used by the C-Suite to command authority under pressure.Whether you're facing a high-stakes board meeting, a difficult performance review, or an unexpected "hot seat" question, these executive communication strategies will ensure you never freeze up again. Learn the art of social fluency and professional polish that separates rising leaders from the rest of the pack.In this video, you will learn:The "3-Second Pause" technique for instant composure.How the 1% use "Verbal Softeners" to handle aggressive questioning.The "Executive Pivot" script to redirect a conversation without losing authority.Practical drills to build your "Communication Resilience."Timestamps:00:00 Welcome + What You'll Learn: Communicate Confidently Under Pressure00:30 Why Pressure Makes Even Pros Stumble (High-Stakes Examples)00:54 Reframe Nerves: Use Anxiety to Sharpen Focus01:13 The Foundation: Preparation That Builds Poise02:07 Mock Q&A Drills + Time-Buying Phrases for Tough Questions02:36 Executive Presence: Body Language, Eye Contact, Conviction03:26 Calm Under Fire: Mindfulness, Breathing, and Confident Language03:44 Adaptability: Thinking on Your Feet When the Unexpected Hits04:32 Practice Curveballs: Improv Mindset + Acknowledging Surprises05:06 Authenticity Wins: Be Genuine, Let Your Passion Show05:56 Lead With Values: Vulnerability, Core Motivations, and Your Unique Voice06:21 Wrap-Up: Progress Over Perfection + Next Steps07:04 Masterclass Invite: Executive Excellence + Explearning Academy07:45 Final CTA & Sign-Off: Like, Subscribe, Newsletter, See You Next TimeBoost your Communication Skills and get the life and job you want

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   In this episode, Justin interviews RIMS General Counsel Mark Prysock on RIMS Public Policy Focus in 2026.   The RIMS Public Policy Committee is focusing on several legislative issues in 2026. These include the reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, a federal government backstop in the event of a catastrophic terrorist attack. The bipartisan legislation would reauthorize program funding through 2034.   The Public Policy Committee is tracking an association tax reform proposal to levy a 21% tax on nonprofits' net earnings. Republicans and Democrats together are interested in the potential tax revenue of this proposal. RIMS serves on the Steering Committee of an association coalition led by ASAE to try stop this new tax from moving forward.   Other legislative interests include reforming the National Flood Insurance Program, mandating disclosures around third-party litigation funding of civil lawsuits, and providing the risk management perspective on various cybersecurity and data privacy initiatives.   This year's Legislative Summit, scheduled for March 18th and 19th in Washington, DC, will allow RIMS members to meet with their members of Congress to discuss these issues. Registration for the Summit is now open. Justin and Mark discuss these topics and more in today's interview.   Finally, if you haven't already done so, please consider contributing to RISK PAC, the Society's political action committee.   Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:16] About this episode of RIMScast. Our guest is RIMS General Counsel and VP of External Affairs, Mark Prysock. He's here to tell us what's going on with RIMS advocacy efforts and the top items on our legislative agenda in 2026 and beyond. But first… [:47] RIMS Virtual Workshops. On March 10th and 11th, we have a two-day course led by John Button for the RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep. [:57] On March 17th and 18th, RIMS will align with AFERM for a two-day RIMS-CRMP-FED Exam Prep Course. [1:06] On March 4th and 5th, we have a virtual workshop, "Facilitating Risk-Based Decision Making", with Joe Milan. On April 15th, we have a virtual workshop covering "Emerging Risks", led by Joseph Mayo. [1:22] Register today and strengthen your risk knowledge. RIMS members always enjoy deep discounts on the virtual workshops. [1:29] Webinars. On March 6th, RIMS presents "Hard Hats & High Stakes: Women Leaders Shaping Construction Risk Management". We'll be joined by a Chief Risk Officer, an underwriter, and a broker. [1:43] They will explore their career paths, risk and safety philosophies, and lend some insight as to why this is the time for the next generation of leaders to rise. [1:54] On March 12th, Global Risk Consultants returns with "Don't Waste the Soft Market: Where to Reinvest Insurance Savings Before the Window Closes". Register for these and other webinars by visiting RIMS.org/webinars and the links in this episode's show notes. [2:12] The RIMS 2025 Compensation Survey is now available through the link in this episode's show notes. The survey incorporates data from 867 U.S. and 201 Canadian Risk Professionals. Download it today and see how you measure up to your peers. [2:32] RIMScast has its first spinoff, RIMScast Canada! It is a video podcast hosted by RIMS Canada Conference Committee Chair, Aaron Lukoni, with Justin as co-host. Check it out at RIMS.org/canada. This is a monthly series, and we are stoked to share it with you! [2:57] On with the Show! Our guest today is Mark Prysock, the General Counsel and Vice President of External Affairs here at RIMS. It is always wonderful to have him on the show. [3:07] He's here to remind us of the RIMS legislative priorities of 2026 and how they will be addressed during the RIMS Legislative Summit on March 18th and 19th in Washington, D.C., and who qualifies to attend. [3:19] He will also talk about what else we can expect in the way of public policies that RIMS would like to prevent, and those we support. There are lots of links in this episode's notes. You can visit RIMS.org/advocacy, as well. [3:30] Let's learn about the policies that are changing the risk landscape. [3:34] Interview! Mark Prysock, welcome back to RIMScast! [4:15] Mark says the RIMS priorities for 2026 include third-party litigation funding, where third parties, often from other countries, invest in civil litigation. This is of great concern from a national security perspective.  [5:22] If a foreign firm wants to invest in a lawsuit against a defense manufacturer, that foreign investor will have access to everything that comes out in discovery. [5:36] There's a lot of information that can be gleaned through civil litigation. That is a national security concern. That's one of the things we are hoping Congress will address. [5:55] Justin notes that RIMS had a couple of webinars about TPLF in 2025. The webinar panelists were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about prevention. They covered ways to spot it and what to do about it. [6:21] Mark states that there is a strong link between TPLF agreements and nuclear verdicts for substantial amounts of money. [6:34] There's a real risk from a commercial insurance buyer's perspective if you are in an industry that is subject to TLPF arrangements, that the insurance for these types of lawsuits could dry up or become substantially more expensive. This could be extremely problematic. [7:15] Congress is considering reauthorizing the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA). There is bipartisan support for it. The full House will be voting on it before too long. This may get wrapped before the RIMS Legislative Summit. The reauthorization would extend through 2034. [7:40] Mark says that overall, RIMS would support a long-term reauthorization of the program. [9:25] A proposal to tax the net earnings of non-profits came up almost two years ago. Some members of Congress feel that non-profits compete with for-profit organizations but don't bear the same tax burdens. Congress is always looking for new revenue streams. [11:08] Congress is not done with budget bills and comprehensive tax bills. If there is a bill that comes forward this year, RIMS will try to make sure that there are no changes in the way that non-profits are taxed. [11:28] Justin points out that RIMS is serving on the steering committee of a broad-based association coalition led by the American Society of Association Executives. It's called the Community Impact Coalition. A substantial number of associations in the D.C. area are involved. [11:50] Being on the steering committee means that RIMS plays a very active role in settling on the legislative strategy in dealing with this issue. [12:01] Mark says it's great to be involved in working with this group. They had a great deal of success last year in making sure none of these new tax provisions were included in the budget reconciliation bill. [12:15] WMark says that we just need to make sure again, for the last half of this session of Congress, that those tax provisions don't rear their ugly heads again. [12:24] Justin states that we love ASAE at RIMS. In 2023, RIMScast won an NYSAE Award for MarCom Excellence. [12:40] Justin asks about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is typically funded as part of the Continuing Resolution, a bill that funds the federal government in general. That bill is considered by Congress every three to nine months. [13:22] We often reach a point where the issues regarding the Continuing Resolution are hashed out at the eleventh hour. Sometimes, they're not, and the government experiences a partial shutdown, which, at the time of recording this episode, we are currently in. [13:42] At present, the NFIP is not funded. RIMS advocates for the NFIP to be reauthorized, with enhancements, for an extended time, such as two or three years. However, if it were not part of the Continuing Resolution, it would no longer be considered must-pass, and it might go away. [15:31] Mark talks about attending the RIMS Legislative Summit. You may attend if you are a RIMS member working for a company that does business in the United States. [15:37] Mark says we are looking for RIMS members who represent companies that are constituents of Members of Congress, so you can go in, talk to a Member, say I am here on behalf of RIMS, and I work for a company that has X number of employees in your district. [15:59] Say that these are some risk management issues that my company is facing right now. I'd like to talk to you about those, if I could. [16:08] Quick Break! The RIMS CRO Certificate Program in Advanced Enterprise Risk Management is RIMS' live virtual program, led by James Lam. Great News! A brand new cohort has been announced. Registration closes on April 6th. [16:29] Beginning on April 14th, bi-weekly workshops will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time through June 23rd. Register now! A link is also in this episode's show notes. [16:42] February is Insurance Careers Month! That coincides nicely with the Spencer Educational Foundation's 7th Annual Spencer Day, which will be February 23rd. [16:54] Spencer's CEO, Megan Miller, was recently a guest on RIMScast, and we were discussing how everyone can join in this virtual celebration. Spencer is seeking $47 donations in honor of its 47th year. [17:11] The goal on Spencer Day is to raise $7,500 to support an additional scholarship, which will be awarded in the Spring. A link to Spencer Day information is in this episode's show notes. Visit Spencered.org/spencer-day. [17:27] Let's Return to Our Interview with RIMS General Counsel and Vice President of External Affairs, Mark Prysock! [17:58] Mark says the RIMS Legislative Summit will take place in Washington, D.C., on March 18th and 19th. March 18th is Education Day, held at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Building in D.C. There will be training on the various advocacy issues. [18:28] There will be panel discussions around third-party litigation funding, reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program, and association tax reform. They bring together many people from the D.C. community to talk about these issues. [18:45] This includes lobbyists, people from the administration, Congressional staffers, and people who are going to bring different perspectives to provide RIMS attendees with a well-rounded understanding of each of these issues. [19:04] After that, there will be a basic presentation on how to lobby Members of Congress, with all the dos and don'ts. By that time, RIMS members will be ready to go. There will be one-page leave-behinds that outline an issue in depth and have a specific ask for Members of Congress. [19:27] Mark says we'll make sure that those one-pagers are transmitted to all the Congressional offices we'll be visiting, before our meetings, and also have printed leave-behinds for our members to take with them when they go to the Hill. [19:41] Thursday, March 19th, will be a full day. We release the hounds! Everybody hits the Hill, talks to Congressional staff members, and maybe Members of Congress, about our legislative priorities. [20:11] Mark says the pitch in 2025 was solid. One issue, the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act, liberalized the use of 529 College Savings Accounts for credentials, certifications, and things that might advance their careers in other ways. [21:06] There was very strong bipartisan support in the House and the Senate. Mark says RIMS participated in a very effective lobbying campaign on this. That legislation was passed into law using the exact language that our lobbying campaign recommended. [21:28] For Mark, that was a high point from last year's RIMS Legislative Summit. Another high point was the attendance numbers. There were about 100 Congressional visits in total. RIMS was very well-represented last year, and Mark hopes we outdo ourselves this year. [21:52] A Final Break! RISKWORLD 2026 will be held from May 3rd through the 6th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. RISKWORLD attracts more than 10,000 risk professionals from across the globe. It's time to Connect, Cultivate, and Collaborate with them. [22:12] General registration is open, and you can lock in the Advance Rates through February 28th. Marketplace and Hospitality Badges will be available starting March 3rd. Links are in the show notes. Check RIMS.org for more information. [22:29] Let's Conclude Our Interview with RIMS General Counsel and Vice President of External Affairs, Mark Prysock. [22:48] Beyond the Legislative Summit, the RIMS Public Policy Committee wants to work very closely with the RISK PAC Trustees to raise awareness around RISK PAC and the important role that it plays in supporting our legislative program. [23:05] RISK PAC is the RIMS political action committee. It's a vehicle to raise personal funds from RIMS members and use those dollars to support the reelection campaigns of Members of Congress who RIMS believes already support our issues or are in a position of influence. [23:38] Mark says we have some fairly exciting new things happening with RISK PAC this year. The first is a fundraising reception at RISKWORLD on Sunday afternoon, just before the opening general reception. [24:29] Any RIMS member who is a U.S. citizen can support the RISK PAC. Make a contribution to the PAC in order to attend. [24:58] RISK PAC will have a fundraiser at the Florida RIMS Conference in July. They are planning on more exposure at other regional conferences this year, as well. [25:36] Mark expects a lot of good things to happen for the RISK PAC this year, and hopes to raise a good amount of money to support our legislative initiatives. [26:14] Mark says TRIA is becoming a new, very relevant issue to the risk management community. It's all about extending an existing program. [26:39] Last week's RIMScast guest was RIMS's 70th President, Manny Padilla. Mark says Manny has been a long-time supporter of the Public Policy Program and Committee. He's a financial supporter of RISK PAC. He's a regular attendee at the RIMS Legislative Summit. [27:41] Having someone in the President's role who is enthusiastic and supportive of our Public Policy Program is great for us. [27:50] Mark says that Manny Padilla has been great for connecting the Public Policy Committee with other people working on similar issues. [28:10] Justin and Mark look forward to speaking more, later in the year, about what is accomplished on these issues. [28:33] If you have any questions before the RIMS Legislative Summit, you can visit RIMS.org/advocacy or reach out to Mark Prysock directly. He'd love to hear from you. [28:53] Special thanks again to Mark Prysock for joining us here on RIMScast and providing these very critical advocacy and legislative updates. The RIMS Legislative Summit will be held on March 18th and 19th. [29:10] Register today at RIMS.org/advocacy. There is also information about the RISK PAC. We want you to get involved and take part in advocating for your profession! [29:26] Plug Time! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [29:54] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [30:12] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [30:31] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [30:47] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [31:01] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. Please remember to subscribe to RIMScast on your favorite podcasting app. You can email us at Content@RIMS.org. [31:13] Practice good risk management, stay safe, and thank you again for your continuous support!   Links: RIMS Legislative Summit – March 18‒19, 2026 on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. | Register now! RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RISKWORLD 2026 Registration – Open for exhibitors, members, and non-members! Reserve your booth at RISKWORLD 2026! Spencer Educational Foundation | Spencer Day — Feb. 23, 2026 RIMS-CRO Certificate Program In Advanced Enterprise Risk Management | April‒June 2026 Cohort | Led by James Lam RIMS Compensation Survey 2025 — Download Today  RIMS Risk Management magazine | Contribute RIMS Now RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP)| Insights Video Series Featuring Joe Milan! The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center RIMS Diversity Equity Inclusion Council RIMS-CRMP Story, featuring John Button RIMScast Canada — Debut Episode Now Live Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP Exam PrepMarch 10‒11 | April 21‒22, 2026 | June 9‒10 RIMS-CRMP-FED Exam Prep:  Feb 17‒18 | Led by Joseph Mayo Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops RIMS Virtual Workshop — "Facilitating Risk-Based Decision Making" | March 4‒5 | Register Now "Risk Appetite Management" | March 25‒26 "Claims Management" | April 7‒8 "Emerging Risks" | April 15 | Register Now! Upcoming RIMS Webinars: "Hard Hats & High Stakes: Women Leaders Shaping Construction Risk Management" | March 6 | Presented by RIMS "Don't Waste the Soft Market: Where to Reinvest Insurance Savings Before the Window Closes" | March 12 | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants RIMS.org/Webinars   Related RIMScast Episodes: "Investing In Yourself with RIMS 2026 President Manny Padilla" RIMS Public Policy Committee: "Navigating Cyber and IT Practices to Legal Safe Harbors" "Spencer Day 2026 | The Future of Strategic Risk Management" "Risk Outlook '26 with Morgan O'Rourke and Hilary Tuttle"   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: "Secondary Perils, Major Risks: The New Face of Weather-Related Challenges" | Sponsored by AXA XL  (New!) "The ART of Risk: Rethinking Risk Through Insight, Design, and Innovation" | Sponsored by Alliant "Mastering ERM: Leveraging Internal and External Risk Factors" | Sponsored by Diligent  "Cyberrisk: Preparing Beyond 2025" | Sponsored by Alliant  "The New Reality of Risk Engineering: From Code Compliance to Resilience" | Sponsored by AXA XL  "Change Management: AI's Role in Loss Control and Property Insurance" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company  "Demystifying Multinational Fronting Insurance Programs" | Sponsored by Zurich  "Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding" | Sponsored by Zurich  "What Risk Managers Can Learn From School Shootings" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog  "Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping" | Sponsored by Medcor "How Insurance Builds Resilience Against An Active Assailant Attack" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog "Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips" | Sponsored by Alliant   RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS President Manny Padilla!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guest: Mark Prysock, RIMS General Counsel & VP External Affairs   Production and engineering provided by Podfly.

From uncovering the belief that's quietly holding you back… to mapping your path to the C-suite… to recovering after a career-defining mistake — executive coach Muriel Wilkins is back with real, unscripted coaching conversations that take you inside the lives of leaders at pivotal moments. And for the first time ever, you'll get new episodes twice a month, all year long - no more waiting between seasons.Listen in as leaders wrestle with ambition, visibility, competition, fulfillment, and the hard challenges that come with the job. Plus, check out a brand-new monthly series — Ask Muriel Anything — where Muriel answers the toughest leadership questions straight from listeners.The new season of Coaching Real Leaders drops March 2. Connect with Muriel:Website: murielwilkins.comLinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.comRead Muriel's book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when the journey to conception collides with burnout? In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, is joined by Dr. Aumatma Simmons, a renowned holistic fertility expert who's changing the conversation around natural, whole-person fertility care. Dr. Aumatma explores the key areas that truly support clients on their path to conception and how chronic stress and burnout can quietly impact fertility. She also debunks common myths, especially those around advanced maternal age, and shares her personal journey into fertility work and the unique model of care she's built. This is a thoughtful, empowering conversation for anyone navigating fertility, supporting others, or curious about the deeper connection between stress, health, and reproduction. Dr. Aumatma is a double board-certified Naturopathic Endocrinologist, in practice for close to 20 years. She founded the Holistic Fertility Institute to support badass power couples (C-Suite execs, Entrepreneurs, and multi-passionate people) to create the family of their dreams. ABOUT DR. AUMATMA SIMMONS: Website – Holistic Fertility Institute LinkedIn – Aumatma Simmons BOOK: Fertility Secrets: What Your Doctor Didn't Tell You About Baby-Making   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

Send a textAndrea Iorio is one of Brazil's most requested keynote speakers on digital transformation, innovation, and leadership. His work has reached more than 50,000 people through live talks, and his podcasts have surpassed 300,000 downloads. A former Head of Tinder across Latin America and Chief Digital Officer at L'Oréal Brazil, he brings firsthand experience leading digital change inside large organizations. Today, he advises leaders, teaches MBAs, and studies how AI reshapes work, skills, and decision making. His latest book, Between You and AI, explores how humans stay relevant as machines take on more cognitive tasks.In this conversation, we discuss:Why AI replaces tasks rather than entire jobs, and how reframing work around tasks changes how leaders redesign roles, workflows, and value creation.Andrea shares surprising data from a global HR survey that reveals why 93% of HR leaders prioritize soft skills over hard skills in new hires, and why this trend signals a massive shift in the future of work.Andrea outlines nine new skills, grouped into Three Pillars of Transformation essential for professionals and leaders: cognitive, behavioral, and emotional.Why asking better questions matters more than producing answers, and how prompting extends beyond AI inputs into everyday leadership and decision making.Andrea shares how L'Oréal's reverse mentoring program shifted the C-Suite's perspective on emerging digital trends, demonstrating why understanding the Gen Z consumer requires direct immersion over passive presentations.What the rise of autonomous AI agents means for responsibility, goal setting, and collaboration, and why agency remains a human obligation even as systems gain autonomy.Resources:Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Andrea on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn how investors decide what to fund in gen AI and what most entrepreneurs get wrong

If your leadership team defines culture by your values statement, engagement scores, or what you wish were true — you don't know your culture. You're describing your aspirations. In this episode, Bob 'n Joyce challenge leaders and OD practitioners to stop treating culture like a slogan and start treating it like a system. Using a disciplined lateral thinking methodology, they show how to uncover what really drives behavior — the unwritten rules, the workarounds, the quiet power dynamics, and the habits that get rewarded and repeated. Not the culture on the wall. The culture in motion. Why does this matter? Because culture determines how decisions actually get made. It shapes who advances, what gets funded, what gets tolerated, and what quietly dies. Strategy doesn't fail because it's flawed. It fails because culture wins. Lateral thinking offers an indirect, disruptive way to see your organization as it actually operates — not as you've convinced yourself it does. And once you can see it clearly, you can lead it intentionally. Because whether you define it or not, your culture is defining you.

The biggest stories on the internet from February 13th, 2026.Join our Patreon here!!! https://www.patreon.com/c/CentennialWorld/Please consider buying us a coffee or subscribing to a membership to help keep Centennial World's weekly podcasts going! Every single dollar goes back into this business

What if the extraordinary results you're chasing are hiding in the ordinary daily tasks you're overlooking? In this episode, Dr. Lani Jones shares how she helps mid-career professionals navigate the "what's next?" question through psychology-informed business coaching. Lani is a clinical psychologist who works in the leadership space, doing one-on-one coaching with professionals asking "I've checked all the boxes, where do I go from here?" while also working with organizations on culture and clarity. She started her career in a hospital setting as part of an interdisciplinary team before opening a private practice, but COVID became the unexpected catalyst when evaluation needs dropped while therapy demand skyrocketed, and she began working with entrepreneurs and executives on leading through crises and balancing professional ambition with caregiving. Lani's innovative approach centers on deep-dive calendar audits that reveal what's truly important versus what's done out of obligation, helping seasoned professionals reclaim agency they've forgotten they have. Her biggest win was helping a C-Suite executive who achieved her life's goal but was miserable, and after 18 months she was loving work again simply by claiming her agency and rebuilding her calendar. Beyond her professional achievements, Lani champions the motto "the extraordinary abides in the ordinary." Lani reveals the relationships that transformed her business: three powerhouse women she met in a mastermind group for testing psychologists around 2018-2019, who after the mastermind ended gelled so deeply that one said "I think we need to meet in person," leading to yearly gatherings where they show up so vulnerably that if two end up in the same city there's a text guilting the others to fly in even for 36 hours. These women became her biggest champions who championed her pursuit of coaching saying "pursue this, it's okay to transition out of clinical work," and because Lani had all her cheerleaders behind the scenes giving her business advice while personally supporting her, she could show up powerfully for an early coaching client, a founder drowning without systems who couldn't afford mentorship. She worked with her pro bono, introducing her to key people and helping her handle burnout, leading to Lani's realization that it wasn't just about these three women but about the broader relationship ecosystem she'd built over years where she could say "let me share my people with you."   [00:03:20] Clinical Psychologist in Leadership and Business Space Works as consultant and coach with mid-career professionals One-to-one coaching with those asking "what's next? I've checked boxes, had success—where do I go from here?" Works with organizations and leadership teams on culture, clarity, evaluation procedures Does workshops and trainings [00:04:20] Started Career in Hospital Setting Worked with variety of medical professionals as part of interdisciplinary team Focused on diagnostic side: evaluation and testing Moved to opening private practice during COVID [00:04:40] COVID Changed Everything By happenstance started working with group of entrepreneurs and executives Covering topics: leading through pandemic, going through reorg while dealing with divorce Climbing corporate ladder while being caregiver at home Talking about dual roles [00:05:00] Merging Business and Psychology Being business owner herself, loved talking all things business Using psych expertise to address people-related challenges Coaching was way to merge love of both business and psychology Help people maximize impact and show up as best selves in all spheres [00:05:40] The Need Shifted Dramatically Stay-at-home mandates, children in schools at home Need for evaluations drastically dropped off Need for therapy greatly increased What she'd been doing totally unexpectedly shifted [00:07:40] C-Suite Client Success Story Woman came to her, been in C-Suite about a year C-Suite was her entire goal—everything she'd done was for this Year in, I was not very happy, asking "is this it? Is this what it's supposed to feel like?" Crisis moment: "What do I do now?" [00:08:20] Deep Dive Calendar Audit First step with all clients: calendar audit Can say such and such is important, but calendar reflects what truly is Spend week or two doing deep dive: mindless scrolling, transport times, all the things Start peeling back layers in all spheres [00:08:40] What's on There Out of Obligation? What's under obligation or guilt? What did you really want to say no to but said yes to? Seasoned professionals often forget how much agency they have in a situation [00:09:00] The Big Win: Nothing Externally Changed By end of their time together, she was really loving things again Nothing significantly changed externally: same role, two elementary age kids, married Started claiming her agency, taking more control Peeling away guilt and "shoulds" [00:09:40] Rebuilding Calendar to Bring Life Rebuilt calendar to things that brought her life, things she wanted to say yes to Even within job position, had more flexibility than she was claiming Structured schedule to maximize deep think time Had flexibility in when and how she was taking meetings [00:12:40] Met in Mastermind Group When first starting practice, sought out business mentor Was in mastermind group—all testing psychologists in private practice Very specific niche, all virtual across the country [00:13:00] Four Women Really Gelled Together At end of mastermind, herself and three women really gelled One said "I think we need to meet in person" Met up in person number of years ago for first time Have yearly gathering somewhere in world, one plays host [00:13:20] Guilting Each Other to Fly In If two end up in same city, there's text message Guilting other ones to fly in even for 36 hours to be with them Powerhouse business owners [00:13:40] Biggest Champions and Cheerleaders Been some of her biggest champions and cheerleaders Shown up in this space so vulnerably and authentically Few weeks ago, sitting on beach in Florida talking life, talking business What's going great? What's hard? [00:15:40] Early Coaching Client: Founder Drowning One of early coaching clients was a founder couple years in Didn't quite have systems in place that she needed This was her first business, felt like she was drowning Not in financial position to take on business mentor or coach [00:16:00] Working Together Pro Bono Made agreement to work together Started working with her on both personal and professional life Getting business systems in place Introduced her to number of key people with expertise outside of hers [00:16:40] Had Cheerleaders Behind the Scenes Because had all her cheerleaders behind scenes Who were giving her all amazing business advice and expertise Personally supporting her Was able to show up in very similar way for this client [00:17:40] Broader Relationship Ecosystem Wasn't only these three women Was the broader relationship ecosystem she shared with client So many other key players was able to introduce her to All that relationship equity over the years [00:20:20] The Extraordinary Abides in the Ordinary One of her mottos: "The extraordinary abides in the ordinary" As entrepreneurs and business owners, we want the big shiny things Want to run after really big successes or goals Actually the seemingly mundane or just ordinary daily tasks [00:20:40] Relationships Take Time to Build Even relationship building: sending the text, doing the follow up, grabbing the coffee Can't alter time—time is what it is, for better or worse Sometimes it's fast, sometimes it's slow Relationships take time to build, they're not overnight   KEY QUOTES "The extraordinary abides in the ordinary. Sometimes as entrepreneurs and business owners, we want the big, shiny things, but it's actually the seemingly mundane, ordinary daily tasks of relationship building, sending the text, doing the follow up that creates big results." - Dr. Lani Jones "Our calendar actually reflects what truly is important to us. We can say such and such is important, but how are we spending our time? Seasoned professionals often forget how much agency they have in a situation." - Dr. Lani Jones "Relationships take time to build. They're not overnight. Don't get in that rapid pace of 'I'm not where I need to be.' Just do the daily tasks, do the ordinary, and you're gonna see the big results." - Dr. Lani Jones CONNECT WITH DR. LANI JONES 

Over the last 12 to 16 weeks, we've been sitting down with the one and only Jen Allen-Knuth (2–3 hours per week, plus an entire week of shooting) to build her course: Selling to the C-Suite. This is everything you could possibly need to close a 6–7 figure deal at power. Backed by Gong data of and 1M+ executive-level sales cycles. https://www.30mpc.com/course/multithreading-exec-selling-course-selling-to-the-c-suite FOUR ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS Start by aligning on the problem in the big team meeting and sell your champion on why it's important. At the beginning of the big team meeting present in this order, the problem > the cost of inaction > alternatives which include you. In the big team meeting, call out those people who are not voicing their perspectives and create a safe space to air out problems. Even if there is consensus, push for one more person to get involved in the deal cycle before making a solution recommendation. GET MORE TACTICS Join our weekly newsletter – https://hubs.ly/Q01-R33G0 Things you can steal and use today – https://linktr.ee/30mpc

In a world of instant output, what makes your insight stand out?Bill Gallagher explores the mindset shift every leader needs to make when using AI tools. While executives are often excited, teams on the ground are nervous--and with good reason. But AI isn't here to replace your thinking; it's here to amplify it. In this episode, Bill breaks down how to stay ahead of the curve without falling into the trap of automation overwhelm.Topics explored in this episode:(00:02) AI Is an Amplifier, Not a Replacement*Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc., are here to scale and amplify you, not replace you.*The biggest mistake is seeing AI as either a threat or a total replacement for human contribution.*Traditional research (library, citations, cross-referencing) was extremely time-consuming.(02:48) Human Wisdom Is the Differentiator*Let AI draft, format, analyze, summarize.*But judgment, insight, and strategic calls remain human responsibilities.*AI output is often a starting point, but it is not the final answer.(06:32) Leaders Are Excited, but Teams Are Nervous*CEOs and execs tend to be excited.*Teams often fear being replaced and falling behind.*Leaders must normalize learning and experimentation.Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth.Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshopBill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoachVisit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth.Did you enjoy today's episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts.Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJSubscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00uBill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall

For new CEOs, few relationships matter more—and few are more complex—than the relationship with their board. The tone set in the first year can either establish the board as a powerful ally or create friction that slows progress. In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe is joined by three of our trusted leadership advisors Rusty O'Kelley, Anita Wingrove, and Ty Wiggins, to explore how new CEOs can build trust, alignment, and effective ways of working with their boards—and how that relationship evolves over time. They discuss: Why the CEO–board relationship is so critical in the first year of leadership What new CEOs should seek to understand about their board before and during the transition How transparency and candor build credibility and trust Where conflict most often arises between CEOs and boards—and how to navigate it constructively “You ultimately want their perspective on key matters. And for that, they need to have the unvarnished truth.” Ty Wiggins Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates Four things you'll learn from this episode: Early engagement with board members helps new CEOs understand individual perspectives, priorities, and expectations—reducing the risk of misalignment later on. Clear priorities, timelines, and metrics give boards confidence and prevent anxiety from filling information gaps. Candor builds trust—boards are most effective when CEOs share the full picture, including challenges, alongside a clear plan forward. The CEO–board relationship must evolve over time, with periodic resets helping to maintain alignment. In this episode, we will cover: (01:45) Why the CEO–board relationship is critical in the first year (03:10) How new CEOs should prepare for working with multiple board perspectives (05:05) What to understand about the board during the selection and transition phase (10:30) What effective transparency with the board really looks like (13:40) How to share difficult news without undermining confidence (16:20) The most common sources of tension between CEOs and boards (18:55) Managing disagreement constructively and maintaining trust (24:10) When and how to reset expectations with the board over time (26:45) The most common mistakes new CEOs make—and how to avoid them A closer look at the research from this episode: CEO Transitions | Russell Reynolds Associates The New CEO | Russell Reynolds Associates

The future of work is evolving each day. Jason dives into his observations, reflections, and research about the growing trends as it relates to developing people and culture. Jason shares his strategic forecast for the year ahead, analyzing the critical people and culture trends shaping organizations in 2026. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! Summary: As we step into 2026, the workplace is simultaneously becoming more technological and more human. In this season premiere of The Thermostat, Jason V Barger unpacks the shifting landscape of work, drawing from his own consulting experience across industries and data from sources like Harvard Business Review and Gallup. He challenges leaders to move beyond the old label of "soft skills" to embrace "human-centered leadership" as the primary driver of performance. This episode confronts the reality of a decade-low in employee engagement and provides a roadmap for reversing the trend. Jason explores five essential shifts: the rise of employee-driven values, the necessity of re-skilling senior leadership, the transition of AI from a mere tool to a daily practice, the strategic imperative of well-being (shifting from balance to rhythm), and the permanence of flexible, hybrid work models. Essential listening for C-Suite executives, HR directors, and team leaders, this discussion offers actionable strategies to recalibrate your culture, ensuring you attract talent and drive results in a rapidly evolving environment. Episode Notes & Timestamps: [00:00] Season 10 Kickoff: Jason welcomes listeners to the new season (over 315 episodes!) and sets the stage for a year focused on authentic leadership and compelling cultures. [00:02] The Power of Sharing: A reminder on how rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast helps amplify positive messages in a noisy world. [00:05] The Evolving Future of Work: Jason introduces the context for 2026, noting that organizations must adapt to what people need now to remain sustainable. [00:06] Trend 1: The Engagement Crisis: With global engagement hovering around 21%, Jason discusses the shift toward employee-driven cultures where values alignment is non-negotiable for job seekers. [00:09] Trend 2: Human-Centered Leadership: Why "soft skills" are now the skills. A look at how empathy, adaptability, and trust-building are becoming core competencies for senior leaders. [00:12] Trend 3: AI as a Practice: Moving beyond fear, successful teams are using AI as a "thought partner" to automate tasks while doubling down on human judgment and connection. [00:13] Trend 4: Well-Being as Strategy: Jason reframes "Work-Life Balance" to "Work-Life Rhythm," explaining why employee health is a performance strategy, not just a perk. [00:15] Trend 5: Flexible & Hybrid Models: The experiment is over. Jason explains why personalized, role-based flexibility is the new standard for retaining diverse talent. [00:18] Questions to Ponder: Jason concludes with critical questions to help leaders identify which trends need immediate attention in their own organizations. Key Takeaways for Leaders: From Soft Skills to Core Skills: Empathy and trust are no longer optional; they are the primary metrics for effective senior leadership. Work-Life Rhythm: Replace the static goal of "balance" with a dynamic, performance-based rhythm that supports mental health and prevents burnout. Tech & Touch: Leverage AI for efficiency, but prioritize human connection to solve complex problems and build culture. Listen to the full episode and access show notes at: https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/people-culture-trends-2026/ Bio: Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Connect: Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2026 Effective! Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason