Podcasts about Employee engagement

Mark Carpenter is a keynote speaker, leadership coach, and bestselling author dedicated to reshaping business leadership with a human-first approach. With experience across multiple industries, Mark helps organizations improve productivity, engagement, and commitment by fostering authentic connections.He is the author of Lead Like a Person, Not a Position and co-author of Master Storytelling: How to Turn Your Stories Into Experiences that Teach, Lead, and Inspire. Mark's work blends heart and strategy, equipping leaders to move beyond titles and authority to build trust, unlock commitment, and create cultures where people truly thrive.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Mark Carpenter to explore what it truly means to lead and sell like a person, not a position. Mark challenges traditional leadership models that rely on authority and hierarchy, emphasizing instead the power of authenticity, presence, and intentional connection.Drawing from his bestselling book, Mark outlines three essential leadership skills—listening intently, communicating intentionally, and recognizing individuals, that directly impact trust, performance, and engagement. The conversation also addresses why top-performing salespeople often struggle when promoted into leadership roles without people-skills training and why mentorship is critical for developing effective leaders. This episode offers practical, human-centered guidance for anyone looking to lead and sell from the heart.KEY TAKEAWAYSLeadership and sales success begin with human connection—not titles or authority.Lead and sell as a person first; positions don't build trust, people do.The three core leadership skills: listening intently, communicating intentionally, and recognizing individuals.Many leaders fail because they receive position training but not people-skills training.Being a great salesperson does not automatically translate into being a great leader.Recognition is just as important as correction, and often overlooked.Listening requires discipline and presence in a fast-thinking world.Mentorship accelerates leadership readiness and long-term effectiveness.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESWe do not rise to the level of our expectations. We fall to the level of our training.People can speak at about 125 words per minute, listen at 400, and think at 900, presence is work.What's the best thing about your work? The people. What's the worst thing? The people.People are messy… and there's joy in the messiness too.

How to design meetings with purpose so they actually move work forward.Meetings are a necessary part of work. But for many people, they're also a major source of frustration. According to Rebecca Hinds, meetings don't have to feel like a drain—better meetings start when we stop treating them as a default and start designing them with intention.Hinds is the author of Your Best Meeting Ever: Seven Principles for Designing Meetings That Get Things Done, and a future-of-work expert who founded the Work Innovation Lab at Asana and the Work AI Institute at Glean. She argues that the problem isn't meetings themselves, but the sheer number of poorly designed ones, and by being more thoughtful about what actually deserves synchronous time, teams can redesign how they communicate in the workplace “Meetings are the most important product in our entire organization, and yet they're also the least optimized,” she says. “The first step is recognizing we need to be much more intentional about how we're designing meetings.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Hinds and host Matt Abrahams discuss why meetings so often go wrong—and what it takes to make them work. Whether you're leading a team, trying to protect focus time, or simply hoping to spend less of your week in calendar invites, Hinds offers practical frameworks for designing meetings with purpose so they become a tool people actually value.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Rebecca HindsRebecca's Book: Your Best Meeting EverEp.124 Making Meetings Meaningful Pt. 1: How to Structure and Organize More Effective Gatherings Ep.125 Making Meetings Meaningful Pt. 2: Key Ingredients for Effective Meetings Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:42) - Why Meetings Feel Broken (02:57) - The Default-To-Meeting Problem (03:50) - Treat Meetings Like A Product (05:10) - Meeting Doomsday Reset (06:40) - The 4-DCEO Test (08:43) - Designing Better Meetings (10:05) - Creating a Meeting Agenda (12:58) - Context And Meeting Fatigue (14:06) - Memo-First Meetings (16:11) - The Final Three Questions (21:02) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.This episode is sponsored by Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/tftsJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

►► GET MY FREE VIDEO & WORKSHEET - SHATTERPROOF YOURSELF LITE! 7 SMALL STEPS TO A GIANT LEAP IN YOUR CONFIDENCEJoin host Adam Gragg and special guest Dr. Stacy Wince as they crack open the vault of vibrant company cultures and spill the three essential decisions every leader needs to supercharge their team.From ice cream bribes with freshman boys to surprise shoe-shopping sprees for dental staff, this episode isn't your average chat about core values and leadership. It's a rollercoaster of real talk, personal stories, and laugh-out-loud moments. Discover how intentionality, accountability and pure awareness can transform even the busiest, most chaotic office into a place people can't wait to show up to, and yes, even at the dentist!Whether you're a business leader, a team member, or just someone who dreams of loving Mondays, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom to help you build a culture that's healthy, fun, and wildly effective. Don't miss out on fresh insights, heart, humor, and a few family squabbles. Tune in now and learn how to make your workplace the envy of the block!CHAPTERS:00:00 "Building a Healthy Culture"08:47 "Ensuring Cultural and Value Fit"11:43 "Be Intentional About Culture"16:02 "Advice Sticks Better Externally"18:30 Empowering Growth Through Support20:30 "Accountability Drives Personal Growth"24:49 "Teamwork in Dental School"28:06 "Leadership Tone Shapes Morale"30:42 "Strong Values Build Resilience"34:02 "Surprising Team with New Shoes"38:00 "Action Drives Transformation"39:32 "Decide Your Legacy Today"Ready to improve your organization's culture? Tune in now and let's build a legacy worth sharing!Connect with Dr. Stacy Wince: DrWince@wincedental.comLearn more about Decide Your Legacy and Adam Gragg: https://www.decideyourlegacy.com/If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with fellow leaders and friends! Your support helps us keep bringing you valuable content. Be sure to check out Escape Artists Travel and tell them Decide Your Legacy sent you!

In this episode, Jamie sits down with Colin Stevens to talk about the difference between communicating and actually connecting. They unpack why teams can look successful on the outside but be disconnected on the inside, how adversity reveals character, and why connection always carries risk. You'll also learn the two types of respect, the quiet trust-killers that damage teams over time, and the three controllables—effort, attitude, and energy—that determine whether connection grows or dies. www.YourHealth.Org

In this Your Health University episode, Jamie sits down with Colin Stevens, Director of Engagement at Your Health, for a practical and honest conversation about communication—what it is, why it breaks down, and how leaders can immediately improve it. Colin reframes communication as understanding, not just delivery, explains why tone is the packaging that determines whether a message gets opened, and explores how ego blocks empathy in moments of conflict. The episode ends with a simple, powerful challenge: if you want to elevate your career and relationships, start by becoming a better listener. www.YourHealth.Org

We're excited to welcome Mark Dunahoo, President & COO of TruHu, into the studio for a thoughtful conversation on employee engagement and feedback.In this episode, we dive into TruHu's mission, how organizations can better listen to their people, and what HR leaders should be thinking about as they look to strengthen culture, communication, and trust across their teams.We cover:Practical approaches to employee engagementWhy feedback systems often fail—and how to improve themWhat HR leaders should prioritize right nowTools and strategies that actually work in the real worldThis episode is a great watch for HR professionals who care about culture, connection, and building workplaces where people feel heard.Special thanks to our sponsors:TruHu, Excel Health, Cigna, KLB, and Rula#HR #HumanResources #HRPodcast #EmployeeEngagement #HRTechnology #EmployeeFeedback #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeBenefits

Most entrepreneurs were trained to be great at their craft… but not trained to lead people. This series is here to bridge that gap!The #BossToLeader series is designed to help you shift from the overwhelmed, doing-everything-yourself boss… to a confident leader who knows how to delegate, create accountability, empower your team & lead with vision instead of stress.In each episode, you'll get practical tools, strategies & honest insight into the real-life obstacles entrepreneurs face like trusting your team, letting go of control & showing up as the leader your business actually needs.So, if you're ready to stop surviving in your business and start leading with clarity and confidence, this series is for you.In this episode, I'm sharing how you can get results from your team without babysitting them!    Need one-on-one help with navigating being a new leader? Schedule your complimentary clarity call with me here!  www.baproinc.com/ep183       Apply to join the New Leader, BIG IMPACT Coaching Program to level up your leadership & build an engaging team... even if the culture is toxic & without management's support! https://baproinc.com/newleaderbigimpact   Questions about this episode? Topic suggestions for future episodes? Send them to culture@businessadvocatespro.com  Let's chat about this episode on “X”: @BAPROINC or IG: @CultureBuildingPRO  The Culture Building like a PRO Podcast: Simple ways to transform your company culture... Today!| Company Culture | Culture Building | Organizational Culture | Employee Engagement | New Leaders | Effective Leadership | Servant Leadership |baproinc.com

In this episode of Live Like a Leader, I sit down with organizational development expert Gil Crosby (https://www.crosbyod.com/) to explore timeless principles for change, leadership, and frontline empowerment. Learn why most “programs” fail, how to balance authority with freedom, and how leaders can unlock performance by listening to the people closest to the work.Gil Crosby has been an Organization Development Professional since 1984. He applies the Social Science of Kurt Lewin to help organizations navigate change and improve performance, as the same principles apply in both business and society. He is also a Professor at the Leadership Institute of Seattle, and he has just published his 7th book, Leadership and the Front-Line Workforce, for anyone in an organization. Here's what we get into: Kurt Lewin's social science—and why it still worksGil explains Lewin's core insight: when people who live with the problem talk it through together, design solutions that make sense to them, and test them, change actually sticks. Whether it's improving productivity in a plant or reducing violence in a community, people implement what they help shape. Why “forcing best practices” often failsWe talk about how organizations take something like Lean or the Toyota Production System and try to copy-paste it—usually by forcing compliance. Gil highlights what gets left out: at Toyota, when a worker stops the line, the supervisor's first response is “Thank you.” That level of respect and engagement is the point—and when it's missing, the system becomes just another top-down “program of the month.” A perfect frontline story: the Channel Locks lessonGil tells an incredible example from a manufacturing plant: management tried to reduce theft by making workers check out channel locks (basic tools used constantly), which slowed production every time someone needed one. When we asked the obvious question—what does downtime cost compared to a $15 tool?—The plant manager immediately changed course: “Tomorrow, we're putting channel locks everywhere.”And the best part? Once workers saw leadership was actually listening, they didn't steal them. Trust went up, friction went down, and productivity improved. Empowerment isn't “nice”—it's operationalI share why bad customer service drives me crazy (including what I've seen in Slovakia), and the pattern underneath it: people on the front line aren't empowered to make decisions. If the people closest to the work can't act, everything bottlenecks—and leadership often doesn't even know what's broken. Battlefield leadership and “commander's intent.”We connect this to military lessons: when leaders hoard information and control, people suffer. When teams understand the goal and the intent, they can make smarter decisions in real time. That's true in combat, and it's true in business. Democracy vs. autocracy—at work and in societyGil shares Lewin's conclusion that hit me hard: every generation has to learn how to be effective democratic citizens, because democracy isn't self-sustaining. The same is true inside organizations: if people aren't taught how to think, participate, and take ownership, you'll get passivity… or rebellion. The leadership sweet spot: structure + freedomOne of my favorite parts: Gil breaks leadership down as a balance of structure and freedom.People need clarity, information, accountability, and guidance.They also need autonomy and space to think.Too much control creates compliance-without-commitment. Too little structure turns into leaderless chaos. Meetings, fear, and why delegation is so hardWe talk about why leaders struggle to delegate well: endless meetings, unclear authority structures, and fear—fear of upsetting someone, fear of saying no, fear of authority (often rooted way earlier than work). I share a line I coach leaders to use when they're overloaded: “I'd be happy to do that. I'm maxed out—what would you like me to deprioritize so I can take this on?” Gil's low moment, and a leadership lessonGil opens up about the Great Recession: no safety net, consulting work dried up, and he drove a taxi to survive. His takeaway is powerful: do your best, no matter the role. And don't get cocky when money is flowing, because it can stop.MY BIGGEST TAKEAWAYIf you want performance, stop trying to “roll out” solutions to people. Build solutions with them. The front line sees what leadership can't—and when you treat them like owners instead of obstacles, everything improves: morale, execution, and results. --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, KJ sits down with Joey Coleman, two-time Wall Street Journal bestselling author and expert in experience design and retention strategy. Joey reveals the shocking truth about employee turnover—costing businesses a trillion dollars annually—and shares his proven framework for transforming the first 100 days of any relationship. From his background as a criminal defense attorney and White House advisor to consulting with NASA, Volkswagen, and Zappos, Joey brings unique insights into why companies lose employees and customers, and more importantly, how to keep them. Four Key Takeaways The First Day Crisis (10:25) 4% of all new hires quit after their first day of work globally, and by day 45, that number jumps to 22%. By the one-year mark, 40% of employees have left—costing U.S. businesses approximately $1 trillion annually. The True Cost of Turnover (13:00) Replacing an employee costs between 100-300% of their annual salary just to get someone new into the seat—not including their actual salary and benefits. For a $50,000 employee, you're looking at $50,000-$150,000 in replacement costs alone. HR's Shift from Culture to Compliance (27:00) Over the past 50 years, HR departments have shifted focus from creating great workplace cultures to managing compliance, documentation, and litigation prevention—leaving no one responsible for making the workplace the best it can be. The Remarkable Organization Test (35:31) "The way you know you're running a remarkable organization is if you announce you're hiring and your existing employees immediately recommend amazing people they want to work with. In most organizations, internal referral candidates measure close to zero." Quote of the Show (28:12):"There is no one who wakes up in the morning, looks in the mirror and says, 'My primary job when I get to work today is to make sure that this is the best place that any of these people have ever worked.'" – Joey Coleman Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Joey Coleman: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycoleman1/ How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world of work has changed forever—and it's still changing. COVID 19 didn't just disrupt where we work—it transformed how we think about careers, leadership, learning, and culture. In this powerful conversation, Nicole Greer and Steve Cadigan unpack the aftershocks of the “workquake” and what they mean for both employees and employers.Steve shares insights from scaling LinkedIn from 400 to 4,000 employees, explains why learning velocity matters more than tenure, and challenges traditional ideas about loyalty, retention, and talent strategy. From embracing ambiguity and building entrepreneurial teams to rethinking training, alumni networks, and career ownership, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for leaders navigating today's hyper-change environment.If you care about building a vibrant, adaptive culture where people can grow and create value—this episode is for you.Vibrant Highlights:00:03:00 – Steve explains why the “pajama revolution” and remote work debates aren't going away, and why leaders must stop looking for a one-size-fits-all answer and start embracing flexibility.00:07:50 – Nicole and Steve dive into why tolerance for ambiguity is now a critical leadership skill and how being “more human” is the secret advantage AI can't replace.00:13:45 – A powerful mindset shift as Steve reframes loyalty, tenure, and turnover—and explains why creating value is what actually makes employees more valuable in today's workforce.00:22:25 – Steve drops a game-changing insight: people aren't disloyal to companies, they're loyal to learning—and explains what leaders must do to keep great people engaged.00:43:40 – A behind-the-scenes story from LinkedIn on learning velocity, revealing how leaders can identify fast learners and build future-ready talent from within.Connect with Steve:Steve's book, Workquake: https://a.co/d/i5StO4jSteve's website: https://stevecadigan.com/Also mentioned in this episode:Mindset by Carol Dweck: https://a.co/d/i43IUYwListen at vibrantculture.com/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts!Book Nicole to help your organization ignite clarity, accountability, and energy through her SHINE™ Coaching Methodology.Visit vibrantculture.comEmail: nicole@vibrantculture.comWatch Nicole's TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/SMbxA90bfXE

Most entrepreneurs were trained to be great at their craft… but not trained to lead people. This series is here to bridge that gap!The #BossToLeader series is designed to help you shift from the overwhelmed, doing-everything-yourself boss… to a confident leader who knows how to delegate, create accountability, empower your team & lead with vision instead of stress.In each episode, you'll get practical tools, strategies & honest insight into the real-life obstacles entrepreneurs face like trusting your team, letting go of control & showing up as the leader your business actually needs. So, if you're ready to stop surviving in your business and start leading with clarity and confidence, this series is for you.In this episode, I'm sharing actionable steps on how you can finally stop doing it all by yourself!    Need one-on-one help with navigating being a new leader? Schedule your complimentary clarity call with me here!  www.baproinc.com/ep182       Apply to join the New Leader, BIG IMPACT Coaching Program to level up your leadership & build an engaging team... even if the culture is toxic & without management's support!https://baproinc.com/newleaderbigimpact   Questions about this episode? Topic suggestions for future episodes? Send them to culture@businessadvocatespro.com  Let's chat about this episode on “X”: @BAPROINC or IG: @CultureBuildingPRO  The Culture Building like a PRO Podcast: Simple ways to transform your company culture... Today!| Company Culture | Culture Building | Organizational Culture | Employee Engagement | New Leaders | Effective Leadership | Servant Leadership |baproinc.com

Join Ivoclar (AND US!) this February at LMT Lab Day in Chicago. Ivoclar will be offering 16 different educational lectures over the three-day event, giving dental professionals plenty of opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Visit labday.com/Ivoclar to view the full schedule and register, and be sure to stop by and see the Ivoclar team in the Windy City. Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 https://cal-lab.org/ LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday Almost three years after his last appearance, Rob Nazzal returns to Voices From the Bench, this time joined by Mike Alessio of Bonadent Dental Laboratory (https://bonadent.com/). The conversation dives deep into lab leadership, culture, transparency, and how data—when used the right way—can empower teams instead of policing them. Mike shares his 32-year journey with Bonadent, from starting as a pickup-and-delivery driver to leading the Danaren division, and explains how a family-owned lab has grown into a multi-location organization without losing its people-first culture. Rob and Mike unpack the realities of tracking productivity on the lab floor, the challenges of sharing metrics openly, and why transparency builds trust, alignment, and accountability when done with intention. The discussion shifts to quality vs. productivity, the difficulty of truly measuring “quality,” and why labs must lead with craftsmanship before numbers. They also explore how digital workflows, QC processes, and proactive communication with doctors impact remakes, efficiency, and relationships. On the sales side, Rob breaks down how icortica (https://www.icortica.com/voices) helps labs grow by focusing on existing customers, improving retention, and giving sales teams real-time insights into what conversations they should be having—right before they walk into an office. Mike and Elvis share firsthand experiences using icortica (https://www.icortica.com/voices), highlighting how real-time data, centralized notes, and smart alerts change the way sales reps prepare, prioritize, and perform. The episode wraps with a look at Bonadent's unique culture (including their famous converted Walmart lab), long employee tenure, and why investing in people, transparency, and the right technology is the real key to sustainable growth in today's dental lab landscape. If you want to grow your business, you need clear insight into what's happening inside your operation and across your customer journey. That's where Icortica comes in. At Canadian Dental Labs, Icortica has become a cornerstone of how we operate—giving us at-a-glance visibility into performance, helping us focus our efforts, spot opportunities early, and solve problems before they grow. It takes the guesswork out of decision-making and shows us what to do next. Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success. If you're serious about growing your business and understanding your customers better, Icortica can get you there. Learn more at icortica.com/voices — Icortica, helping dental labs grow. Special Guests: Mike Alessio and Rob Nazzal.

Most entrepreneurs were trained to be great at their craft… but not trained to lead people. This series is here to bridge that gap!The #BossToLeader series is designed to help you shift from the overwhelmed, doing-everything-yourself boss… to a confident leader who knows how to delegate, create accountability, empower your team & lead with vision instead of stress.In each episode, you'll get practical tools, strategies & honest insight about the real-life obstacles entrepreneurs face like trusting your team, letting go of control & showing up as the leader your business actually needs.So, if you're ready to stop surviving in your business and start leading with clarity and confidence, this series is for you.In this episode, I'm sharing the truth behind why being good at your craft isn't good enough & how you become a great leader for better results!    Need one-on-one help with navigating being a new leader? Schedule your complimentary clarity call with me here!  www.baproinc.com/ep181       Apply to join the New Leader, BIG IMPACT Coaching Program to level up your leadership & build an engaging team... even if the culture is toxic & without management's support! https://baproinc.com/newleaderbigimpact   Questions about this episode? Topic suggestions for future episodes? Send them to culture@businessadvocatespro.com  Let's chat about this episode on “X”: @BAPROINC or IG: @CultureBuildingPRO  The Culture Building like a PRO Podcast: Simple ways to transform your company culture... Today!| Company Culture | Culture Building | Organizational Culture | Employee Engagement | New Leaders | Effective Leadership | Servant Leadership |baproinc.com

In this episode of Remodelers On The Rise, Kyle reflects on twelve standout podcast episodes from 2025 — one from each month — and shares the key takeaways and insights that stuck with him. From leadership and branding to marketing, delegation, and client experience, this year-in-review episode is packed with practical reminders to help you move quickly... but not rush, as you grow your business in 2026. ----- Want to keep in touch with past clients and prospects without the hassle of writing content yourself? That's exactly what Remodelers AutoPilot does — each month you get a done-for-you email newsletter and social media posts, ready to send. ----- Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights! ----- Takeaways Business is all about solving problems. Your clients are your most valuable marketing asset. Move quickly, don't rush. Branding matters more than you think. Clients connect with stories. Investing in team growth leads to higher retention rates. Trust people, even if they haven't proven their trustworthiness yet. Advertising is the price you pay for not being remarkable. We need to learn to delegate to avoid burnout. Emotional safety is crucial in relationships. ----- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Year in Review 03:44 Branding and Storytelling in Remodeling 06:09 Employee Engagement and Team Motivation 09:04 Strengthening Company Culture 11:59 Building Trust Through Branding 12:57 Time Management for Remodelers 13:53 Transforming Marketing Strategies 15:20 Leadership and Team Management 17:17 Lessons from Entrepreneurship 18:14 Enhancing Client Satisfaction 20:08 Aging in Place Strategies 21:06 Sales Conversations and Storytelling 22:33 Balancing Business and Marriage

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with Rhett Power, CEO and co-founder of Accountability, Inc., to discuss his groundbreaking new book "Head of Metals: How Leaders Silence Negative Self-Talk and Transform How They Lead." In this raw and powerful conversation, Rhett reveals why self-talk is the most ignored driver of leadership performance and shares practical strategies for managing the mental noise that kills focus, concentration, and culture. From the 3 C's of the Maverick Method to the "plutonium problem" of toxic narratives, this episode delivers actionable insights for leaders ready to reclaim control over their inner voice and build championship teams. Episode Highlights: [2:10] The Seven-Year Journey to Head of Metals - Rhett shares the intensive process of writing Head of Metals with co-authors Ryan Gottfredson and Dr. Susie Burkin, including seven rewrites over seven years. He reveals how the book unexpectedly helped a surgeon's teenage sons prepare for exams, proving that self-talk mastery transcends age and profession. [14:57] The Three C's: Catch, Challenge, Change - Rhett breaks down the simple but powerful framework for managing self-talk: Catch it (notice harmful narratives), Challenge it (question if it's true, useful, or even yours), and Change it (replace destructive narratives with grounded thinking). He provides a practical exercise: write down your negative narratives and track them with check marks to identify patterns. [16:38] The Plutonium Problem: When Leader Self-Talk Infects Teams - Discover why negative self-talk is like plutonium—toxic, powerful, and invisible. Rhett explains how leaders' mental narratives leak into their teams, creating radioactive thinking that destroys engagement, retention, and performance. He shares a powerful story of a CEO who discovered his assistant triggered unresolved childhood issues with his mother. [26:15] AI as a Leadership Mirror - Rhett discusses his involvement in developing an AI coaching platform that provides real-time data to help coaches and leaders identify blind spots. He compares it to film study in sports—giving leaders instant replay of their performance to make fewer unforced errors and exploit opportunities for growth. Rhett Power is the CEO and co-founder of Accountability, Inc., where he helps leaders break limits, make bold decisions, and drive growth. Recognized as a global guru of top management thinkers and a Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coach, Rhett is the bestselling author of "The Entrepreneur's Book of Actions" and the newly released "Head of Metals." He co-hosts "Bestseller Live" on Apple TV and is a regular contributor to Forbes, Inc., and CNBC. With decades of experience coaching executives and entrepreneurs worldwide, Rhett brings practical, science-backed strategies to help leaders silence negative self-talk and transform organizational culture. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the first episode of 2026 on The Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast! Join host Andy Storch for a solo deep dive into the six (plus a bonus!) biggest trends shaping talent development this year and beyond.In this episode, Andy Storch shares actionable insights and strategies informed by countless conversations with industry leaders—and even some innovative advising from his custom ChatGPT! Discover what organizations, L&D teams, and individual professionals MUST focus on to thrive in a rapidly evolving workplace.What you'll learn:Why "AI readiness" is about more than just tools—and how to create a growth mindset for tech adoption.The shift from roles to skills: How to actually execute as a skills-based organization (not just talk about it).Career ownership as the new retention strategy—in a world where promotions are slower and organizations are flatter.Coaching at scale: Managers as key drivers of employee engagement, performance, and growth.How L&D professionals can move from content creators to strategic business advisors.The essential role of personal brand—why visibility and reputation inside organizations are now business assets.BONUS: Why human skills will be the ultimate differentiator in a tech-dominated future.This episode is packed with real-world examples, practical frameworks, and resources for anyone responsible for talent development—or those simply interested in owning their career amid change.Grab the quick one-sheet summary of these 2026 trends at:https://talentdevelopmenthotseat.com/Hit ‘Subscribe' for more expert discussions, practical strategies, and future-focused talent development insights!Talent Development, L&D, Learning and Development, Andy Storch, Future of Work, AI Readiness, Career Ownership, Coaching at Scale, Skills-Based Organization, Personal Brand, Employee Engagement, HR Trends, Workplace Innovation, Human Skills, Strategic Advisor, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Career Growth, Professional Development, Organizational Culture, Retention Strategies, Corporate Learning, Amazon, Allstate, BetterUp, ATD PressConnect with Andy:Website: https://andystorch.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andystorch/My books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Andy-Storch/author/B08NF9QPFY?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1767699536&sr=8-2&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Most entrepreneurs were trained to be great at their craft… but not trained to lead people. This series is here to bridge that gap! The #BossToLeader series is designed to help you shift from the overwhelmed, doing-everything-yourself boss… to a confident leader who knows how to delegate, create accountability, empower your team & lead with vision instead of stress. In each episode, you'll get practical tools, strategies & honest insight about the real-life obstacles entrepreneurs face like trusting your team, letting go of control, handling accountability & showing up as the leader your business actually needs. So, if you're ready to stop surviving in your business and start leading with clarity and confidence, this series is for you. In this episode, I'm sharing how you can make the shift from being an overwhelmed entrepreneur to being an impactful business leader!     Need one-on-one help with navigating being a new leader? https://app.acuityscheduling.c...!  http://www.baproinc.com/ep180        Apply to join the New Leader, BIG IMPACT Coaching Program to level up your leadership & build an engaging team... even if the culture is toxic & without management's support! https://baproinc.com/newleaderbigimpact    Questions about this episode? Topic suggestions for future episodes? Send them to mailto:culture@businessadvocatespro.com   Let's chat about this episode on “X”: @BAPROINC or IG: @CultureBuildingPRO  The Culture Building like a PRO Podcast: Simple ways to transform your company culture... Today! | Company Culture | Culture Building | Organizational Culture | Employee Engagement | New Leaders | Effective Leadership | Servant Leadership | baproinc.com

As you probably have already experienced, millennials have changed the rules of leadership.Sawubona Leadership can be the team development tool you've been looking for to elevate your connection and impact with your team. In this powerful episode, executive coach and bestselling author Susan Inouye joins Bernadette to explore Sawubona Leadership—an approach that moves beyond generational stereotypes and into truly human-centered leadership.Susan shares how leaders can shift from control to connection, recognize the gifts hidden in behavior, and build cultures of belonging that drive engagement, retention, and performance. Drawing from real-world leadership transformations, this conversation offers practical insights for leading millennials, Gen Z, and multigenerational teams through change.What You'll Learn: – Why “I see you” is a leadership skill – How to identify gifts beneath challenging behavior – The five leadership shifts required for today's workforce – Why belonging directly impacts productivity and profitability – How leaders can coach instead of commandChapters and Timestamps:Introduction to Modern Leadership Challenges — 0:00Meet Susan Inouye: A Journey of Transformation — 2:04Discovering Sawubona Leadership — 6:36Implementing Sawubona Leadership in the Corporate World — 9:51Transforming Gifts into Organizational Success — 19:50Recognizing and Leveraging Employee Gifts — 21:10Adapting Leadership for Younger Generations — 24:53Why Cutting Training and Coaching Hurts Growth During Challenging Times — 27:14About the Guest: Susan Inouye is an executive coach, bestselling author of Leadership's Perfect Storm. She has worked with over 600 organizations across 40 industries, helping leaders engage and inspire multigenerational teams worldwide.Resources & Links: – Susan Inouye: https://susaninouye.com – Book: Leadership's Perfect Storm available at https://susaninouye.com/book- Linkedin: @SusanInouyeSubscribe & Review: If you found value in this episode, subscribe and leave a review—it helps more leaders find these conversations. https://balloffirecoaching.com/podcast/Support the show

In this conversation, career ownership coach Maja Taylor shares powerful insights on what it truly means to take control of your professional future. She talks about helping leaders and professionals explore new career paths, including entrepreneurship, so they can maximize their potential and build careers that fully align with their goals and values. Maja encourages listeners to regularly review their career direction, consider alternative income streams and stay open to possibilities that may lead to greater fulfillment and independence. Employee Engagement and the Need for Better Guidance Michael discusses the growing disconnect many employees feel in today's workplace and highlights how small businesses and leaders can play a pivotal role in guiding their teams toward greater engagement and clarity. He emphasizes the value of career exploration and meaningful conversations that help individuals uncover interests, strengths and untapped potential. Michael also shares personal stories about stepping into new roles without a perfect plan and learning through adaptability, curiosity and experience. Navigating Burnout and Workplace Uncertainty Maja speaks candidly about the rising rates of burnout she sees among clients, driven by layoffs, constant change and market instability. She explains how her coaching practice supports individuals during these challenging transitions by helping them rediscover confidence, purpose and possibility. Maja also reflects on her own journey from science to HR to leadership coaching, revealing how each chapter deepened her passion for helping others achieve greater self sufficiency and work life balance. Corporate Experience as a Launchpad for Entrepreneurship Michael reminds listeners that entrepreneurship is rarely about starting from zero. Skills gained in corporate environments, from operational insight to relationship building, can become powerful assets when launching a business. He encourages people to recognize the value of their existing expertise and leverage it instead of discounting it. Career Coaching for the Shift Into Business Ownership Maja outlines her approach to coaching professionals who are evaluating entrepreneurship, especially those who feel drained by corporate roles or stuck in burnout cycles. She uses assessments to help clients recognize their strengths and potential, and stresses the importance of being open minded as they explore ownership opportunities. Michael adds that many people underestimate their abilities due to work environments that suppress creativity and curiosity. Curiosity as a Catalyst for Breakthroughs Michael shares a personal story about taking a personality assessment with his former CEO and discovering they shared the same profile. The experience reminded him that curiosity is a powerful driver of self awareness and growth. He encourages listeners to lean into curiosity as a tool for breakthroughs, career shifts and life changing clarity. Goal Setting, Reflection and a Free DISC Assessment Maja talks about the impact of written goals, noting that only a small percentage of people write down their goals, yet nearly all who do achieve them. She offers a complimentary executive DISC assessment to help listeners better understand their personality patterns and career strengths. Michael encourages everyone to take advantage of the offer and reminds listeners that Maja's contact information and social links are included in the show notes below.   Maja Taylor is a Career Ownership Coach with The Entrepreneur's Source, where she guides people who are ready to step outside the traditional job market and into new possibilities. She supports clients as they explore entrepreneurship, business ownership, investments, licensing, and franchising, helping them design a career path that aligns with their values, strengths and long term vision. Maja is driven by a deep passion for personal transformation and lifelong learning. She thrives on watching clients experience those pivotal AHA moments when they realize what they are truly capable of. Her mission is to help people rise to their full potential by building careers and businesses that reflect who they are and the life they want to create. With a foundation in science education and talent development, Maja has worked across Europe and the United States in global organizations as a team leader, scientist, strategic HR professional, trainer, coach and mentor. She brings a unique blend of analytical thinking, people development expertise, and business strategy to every client engagement. Her work focuses on helping individuals grow their dreams, wealth and personal equity as they move toward self sufficiency and higher levels of fulfillment and success. Background Overview • Business Owner and Certified Professional Coach • Global Talent, Learning and Engagement roles in Pharma and Biotech • Management consulting experience with Fortune 500 organizations • Scientific and HR leadership roles in manufacturing and environmental industries • Education: BS in Pharmacy, University of Applied Sciences, Wiesbaden, Germany • Credentials: Certified Coach, Human Resources Professional, Leadership Trainer and Facilitator; certified in DiSC, 360 assessments and multiple professional development tools Connect with Maja Website: www.majataylor.esourcecoach.com Email: majataylor@esourcecoach.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/majataylor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majataylorcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majataylorcoach For your audience, add to captions, free offer – DiSC assessment with debrief - a $200 value – if your listeners reach out to me on social media/LI/Insta/FB/ or my website and book a call at www.majataylor.esourcecoach.com

As we head into 2026, leaders are facing a familiar challenge in a new form. Expectations are higher. Attention spans are shorter. Technology is accelerating. And yet, the differentiator hasn't changed. In this episode I talk about what is needed to drive employee experience, customer experience, and hospitality to drive business results. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why leadership, hospitality, and CX are no longer separate conversations • How employee experience directly shapes customer behavior and loyalty • Why hospitality is a strategic growth lever, not a "soft" skill • The rise of premiumization and intentional moments that matter • How technology should enable humanity, not replace it • The leadership behaviors that will differentiate brands in 2026 • Practical questions every leader should be asking right now Perfect for: hospitality leaders, business owners, CEOS, COOs, CX/EX professionals, operational managers, retail and service teams, training and development leaders, and anyone responsible for people and performance (and sales growth) in 2026. If you are ready to start 2026 with clarity, confidence, and momentum, this episode is your launch point. Book time with me to learn about our speaking, training, and consulting services: https://calendly.com/thetonyjohnson/strategy  Links & Resources:

In this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis shares standout moments from past guests to explore how a true culture of quality—grounded in ISO 9001—can significantly boost employee engagement. The discussion explains why ISO 9001 isn't just about compliance, but about creating clarity, consistency, and support that reduce stress and help people succeed. Guests describe how involving employees in improvement work builds ownership, how recognition within a QMS-driven environment strengthens morale and retention, and how leadership and middle management together keep quality systems alive in daily operations. You'll also hear practical takes on competency-based training, overcoming resistance to change, and embedding ISO into the real rhythm of work. The episode wraps with a compelling reminder to treat employees like customers—through flexibility, continuous learning, and meaningful recognition—so organizations can build workplaces where people feel valued, engaged, and motivated to grow.   Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at info@thecoresolution.com A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

Send us a MessageIn this episode of Culture Change RX, I discuss the importance of setting challenging goals within organizations. Soft goals do not lead to significant improvements and that setting hard goals can spark creativity, increase engagement, and surface underlying issues that need to be addressed. By aiming for ambitious targets, organizations can achieve more in less time and foster a culture of motivation and collaboration. I encourage you to embrace the challenge of setting big goals for the upcoming year, particularly in the healthcare sector, where the stakes are high.Key Takeaways“Soft (easy) goals,” leading to slow incremental improvement or growth, just don't serve us.“Less is more” when it comes to the quantity of goals, this allows for each goal to be more challenging.Setting hard goals sparks creativity.We can't ignore certain challenges any longer if they interfere with achieving a big goal.High engagement is prompted by a big goal that requires an “all in effort” to win.Difficult goals lead to making more progress in less time.We should win at providing safe and satisfying care and creating a best-place-to-work organization.We're stepping forward in a bigger way—growing our team of rural healthcare experts, growing our capabilities by adding a strategic planning division … all of this so we can expand our ability to help even more rural hospitals and other small healthcare organizations in 2026. … We'd love to explore how we can support your organization in being the provider- and employer-of-choice so you can keep care local and margins strong! Learn more at CaptoneLeadership.netHi! I'm Sue Tetzlaff. I'm a culture and execution strategist for small and rural healthcare organizations - helping them to be the provider and employer-of-choice so they can keep care local and margins strong.For decades, I've worked with healthcare organizations to navigate the people-side of healthcare, the part that can make or break your results. What I've learned is this: culture is not a soft thing. It's the hardest thing, and it determines everything.When you're ready to take your culture to the next level, here are three ways I can help you:1. Listen to the Culture Change RX PodcastEvery week, I share conversations with leaders who are transforming healthcare workplaces and strategies for keeping teams engaged, patients loyal, and margins healthy. 2. Subscribe to our Email NewsletterGet practical tips, frameworks, and leadership tools delivered right to your inbox—plus exclusive content you won't find on the podcast.

We're continuing with the #LeaderSHIFT series on the podcast this week. These episodes are very direct & to the point, where we'll talk about the different challenges leaders tend to face & how to shift into becoming an influential leader who leads a healthy culture & engaged team!In this episode, I'm sharing how you can shift from operating like a boss who manages tasks to an influential leader who builds trust!Mentioned in the Episode:Episode 178: #LeaderSHIFT from DIY to Delegation:  www.baproinc.com/ep178       Need one-on-one help with navigating being a new leader? Schedule your complimentary clarity call with me here!  www.baproinc.com/ep179       Apply to join the New Leader, BIG IMPACT Coaching Program to level up your leadership & build an engaging team... even if the culture is toxic & without management's support! https://baproinc.com/newleaderbigimpact   Questions about this episode? Topic suggestions for future episodes? Send them to culture@businessadvocatespro.com  Let's chat about this episode on “X”: @BAPROINC or IG: @CultureBuildingPRO   The Culture Building like a PRO Podcast: Simple ways to transform your company culture... Today!| Company Culture | Culture Building | Organizational Culture | Employee Engagement | New Leaders | Effective Leadership | Servant Leadership |baproinc.com

Trust isn't built in boardrooms, it's built in community.  In this episode, Gloria Dixon (Director of Philanthropy + Executive Director, BECU Foundation) joins us for a real talk on what it takes to share power and reimagine funding through a trust-based lens. From her journey in Milwaukee to leading community-centered giving in the Pacific Northwest, Gloria opens up about what's shifting in philanthropy and what still needs to.  Together, they dig into why multi-year, unrestricted support matters, how authentic relationships drive impact, and what it means to show up with empathy (not just reports and metrics). It's hopeful, heart-forward, and packed with practical wisdom for anyone navigating the changing landscape of nonprofit funding.Episode Highlights: Sector Challenges and Funding Changes (00:51)Gloria's Background and Upbringing (03:18)Disconnects Between Funders and Nonprofits (05:57)BECU's Community-Focused Funding Approach (08:09)Multi-Year Funding Importance (10:32)Funding Friction and Reporting Challenges (14:17) Trust-Based Partnership Practices (17:58)Employee Engagement and Community Impact (20:53) Advice for Nonprofits: Building Trust (23:11) Gloria's Personal Story of Philanthropy (25:38)Gloria's One Good Thing (29:07) Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/669Thank you to our partners

Trust and empathy are critical leadership currencies in today's uncertain business landscape, especially when navigating internal communications and team dynamics.In this episode of High Octane Leadership, host Donald Thompson engages with Bianca Freedman, CEO of Edelman Canada, to explore effective leadership strategies, building trust, and creating psychological safety in the workplace. As the youngest regional CEO in Edelman's global network, Bianca shares insights from leading 300 employees across five offices and achieving strong double-digit growth.What You'll Learn:Build trust and alignment through clear, consistent communication—focusing on everyday messaging, visibility, and proximity with teams.Model psychological safety by addressing mistakes openly and prioritizing solutions over spin to maintain both internal and client trust.Lead with authenticity by grounding thought leadership in genuine curiosity and delivering real value.Accelerate career growth by excelling in current responsibilities while actively seeking learning opportunities for future roles.About the Guest(s)Bianca Freedman is the CEO of Edelman Canada, where she oversees strategy, operations, and culture across five offices and nearly 300 employees. Appointed in 2022 as the youngest regional CEO in Edelman's global network, she has led the organization to strong double-digit growth and numerous creative accolades, including top ranking at Cannes Lions 2024. Under her leadership, Edelman Canada has earned recognition as one of the best workplaces in Canada and best workplaces managed by women in 2025. In this episode, Bianca shares valuable insights on building trust in uncertain times, effective internal communications, and creating psychological safety in the workplace, drawing from her experience leading a major professional services organization through complex business environments. Her practical approach to leadership and focus on empathy-driven decision-making offers valuable lessons for both emerging and established business leaders.Resources:Bianca Freedman LinkedInEdelman LinkedInEdelman WebsiteHigh Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO'S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO'S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

Most employee recognition programs don't work the way leaders think they do. In this episode, Hall of Fame keynote speaker Joe Mull, CSP, CPAE, examines why many common approaches to employee recognition fall short of building real engagement, motivation, and a healthy workplace culture. He explains how well-intentioned systems can unintentionally feel impersonal and why recognition that becomes routine often loses its impact. Joe reframes what meaningful recognition actually looks like, showing how specific, personal expressions of gratitude from leaders strengthen employee commitment, reinforce purpose, and encourage people to bring more of themselves to their work—without relying on swag, gift cards, or formal reward programs. If you want to create a culture where people feel seen, valued, and motivated to care and try, this episode offers practical insight into how recognition works when it's done right. To subscribe to Joe Mull's BossBetter Email newsletter, visit https://BossBetterNow.com For more info on working with Joe Mull, visit https://joemull.com For more info on Boss Hero School, visit https://bossheroschool.com To email the podcast, use bossbetternow@gmail.com #transformativeleadership #workplaceculture #companyculture #talentretention #employeeengagement #employeeretention #bossheroschool #employalty Joe Mull is on a mission to help leaders and business owners create the conditions where commitment takes root—and the entire workplace thrives. A dynamic and deeply relatable speaker, Joe combines compelling research, magnetic storytelling, and practical strategies to show exactly how to cultivate loyalty, ignite effort, and build people-first workplaces where both performance and morale flourish. His message is clear: when commitment is activated, engagement rises, teams gel, retention improves, and business outcomes soar. Joe is the founder of Boss Hero School™ and the creator of the acclaimed Employalty™ framework, a roadmap for creating thriving workplaces in a new era of work. He's the author of three books, including Employalty, named a top business book of the year by Publisher's Weekly, and his popular podcast, Boss Better Now, ranks in the top 1% of management shows globally. A former head of learning and development at one of the largest healthcare systems in the U.S., Joe has spent nearly two decades equipping leaders—from Fortune 500 companies like State Farm, Siemens, and Choice Hotels to hospitals, agencies, and small firms—with the tools to lead better, inspire commitment, and build more humane workplace cultures. His insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and more. In 2025, Joe was inducted into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame (CPAE). This is the speaking profession's highest honor, a distinction granted to less than 1% of professional speakers worldwide. It's awarded to speakers who demonstrate exceptional talent, integrity, and influence in the speaking profession For more information visit joemull.com.

We're continuing with the #LeaderSHIFT series on the podcast this week. These episodes are very direct & to the point, where we'll talk about the different challenges leaders tend to face & how to shift into becoming an influential leader who leads a healthy culture & engaged team!In this episode, I'm sharing how you can shift from being a DIY leader to a delegating leader!Mentioned in the Episode: Download your free D.E.E.P. Delegation Framework + Decision Rights Matrix Template here! Article: https://landerchamber.org/delegation-done-right-free-yourself-and-empower-your-team/  Need one-on-one help with navigating being a new leader? Schedule your complimentary clarity call with me here!  www.baproinc.com/ep178       Apply to join the New Leader, BIG IMPACT Coaching Program to level up your leadership & build an engaging team... even if the culture is toxic & without management's support! https://baproinc.com/newleaderbigimpact   Questions about this episode? Topic suggestions for future episodes? Send them to culture@businessadvocatespro.com  Let's chat about this episode on “X”: @BAPROINC or IG: @CultureBuildingPRO  The Culture Building like a PRO Podcast: Simple ways to transform your company culture... Today!| Company Culture | Culture Building | Organizational Culture | Employee Engagement | New Leaders | Effective Leadership | Servant Leadership |baproinc.com

SummaryIn this conversation, Dr. Chris L. Brown and Shep Hyken explore the evolution of customer service, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer expectations, building trust, and creating emotional connections. They discuss the need for a customer-centric culture, the adaptability of employees, and the balance between employee and customer focus. The conversation highlights the significance of consistency in service, measuring ROI in customer experience, and the philosophy that customer service is a holistic approach rather than just a department.TakeawaysCustomer service has evolved, but the core principles remain the same.Customers compare service experiences to the best they've ever had.Trust is a critical component in customer relationships.Emotional connections lead to customer loyalty.A strong customer-centric culture is essential for success.Adaptability in employees is key to enhancing customer experience.Both employee and customer focus are important for business success.Engaged employees contribute significantly to positive customer experiences.Consistency in service delivery is crucial for customer satisfaction.Measuring ROI in customer experience can demonstrate its value to the business.Sound bites"You can't out-decorate poor customer service.""Consistency is amazement.""Focus on the culture first."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Customer Service Evolution01:56 The Unchanging Nature of Customer Service04:36 Understanding Customer Expectations08:32 The Disconnect in Customer Trust09:05 The Role of Customer Experience in Business13:26 Customer Service vs. Customer Culture17:30 Engaging Different Personalities in Customer Service21:21 Balancing Customer and Employee Focus22:15 The Employee Golden Rule23:53 Creating a Positive Work Environment24:21 The Power of Gratification in Customer Experience26:11 The Importance of Employee Engagement26:56 Balancing Product Quality and Customer Experience29:05 Measuring Customer Satisfaction and ROI32:20 The Value of Customer Loyalty34:32 The Importance of Consistency in Customer Experience35:17 Convenience vs. Amazing Experiences38:59 Key Takeaways for Improving Customer Experience41:44 My reflections and 5 Key Things to Remember from the conversation

Send us a MessageIn this episode of Culture Change RX, Sue Tetzlaff, cofounder of Capstone Leadership Solutions, engages in conversation with one of Capstone's transformational experts, Julie Coneset. They discuss the transformational assessment, planning, and coaching process at Capstone Leadership that makes up the early weeks of Phase One activities for healthcare organizations that are engaged in a Capstone partnership. They explore the importance of establishing a strong foundation for this transformation through this strong start. The conversation emphasizes the need for tailored team structures and action plans that respect past efforts while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and growth.Julie  joined me on a previous episode, The Art of Meaningful Employee Evaluations. If developing leaders through thoughtful, human-centered processes matters to you, that episode is worth a listen as well.Key TakeawaysPhase I activities are crucial for setting the foundation for long-term change.Deliverables include team and leadership action plans.The initiative champion plays a key role in leading change.Data collection is essential for assessing organizational needs.Plans are tailored to meet specific organizational goals.Past experiences with large-scale change initiatives help to inform future strategies.We're stepping forward in a bigger way—growing our team of rural healthcare experts, growing our capabilities by adding a strategic planning division … all of this so we can expand our ability to help even more rural hospitals and other small healthcare organizations in 2026. … We'd love to explore how we can support your organization in being the provider- and employer-of-choice so you can keep care local and margins strong! Learn more at CaptoneLeadership.netHi! I'm Sue Tetzlaff. I'm a culture and execution strategist for small and rural healthcare organizations - helping them to be the provider and employer-of-choice so they can keep care local and margins strong.For decades, I've worked with healthcare organizations to navigate the people-side of healthcare, the part that can make or break your results. What I've learned is this: culture is not a soft thing. It's the hardest thing, and it determines everything.When you're ready to take your culture to the next level, here are three ways I can help you:1. Listen to the Culture Change RX PodcastEvery week, I share conversations with leaders who are transforming healthcare workplaces and strategies for keeping teams engaged, patients loyal, and margins healthy. 2. Subscribe to our Email NewsletterGet practical tips, frameworks, and leadership tools delivered right to your inbox—plus exclusive content you won't find on the podcast.

What if one of the most overlooked leadership behaviors was also one of the most powerful drivers of engagement, performance, and retention?In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, we reframe gratitude from being “nice” to being strategic. Backed by research from Harvard, Gallup, and the University of Pennsylvania, this conversation breaks down why leaders who fail to recognize effort quietly erode culture — and how intentional gratitude can transform results, morale, and loyalty.Time Stamps & Key Talking Points00:00 – Why Gratitude Shapes Leadership Legacy People may forget what you say or do, but they never forget how you make them feel, Gratitude as an emotional leadership lever04:00 – The #1 Thing Employees Ask For Why employees just want to be seen, The underestimated power of “thank you”09:00 – A 50% Productivity Increase University of Pennsylvania research, Adam Grant's findings on gratitude13:00 – The Three Unspoken Employee Questions Do I matter?, Does my work matter?, Do you even notice?18:00 – Fuel the Climb, Not Just the Win Recognizing effort and progress, not just outcomes19:00 – Modeling Gratitude as a Leader Why leaders set the emotional standard, Behavior gets mirrored24:30 – The Real Question Leaders Must Ask Can you afford the absence of gratitude?26:00 – Leadership Reflection Challenge What went unnoticed?, What culture are you quietly building?28:00 – Final Takeaway Gratitude isn't changing who you are, It's changing what you noticeCall to Actions

With the support of Personio, we're bringing Disrupt back to Dublin with a format built for action: five-minute lightning talks, auto-advancing slides, and zero fluff. After years of webinars and multitasking, Dublin gets a night where ideas hit hard, conversations move fast, and the network you build matters.Ahead of the festive break, Bill Banham sat down with Disrupt Dublin co-organizer Ben Geoghegan to unpack why now is the right moment to relaunch, what makes the format so effective, and how a curated mix of voices can shift the future of work. We spotlight an early lineup featuring leaders from Google, Irish Rail, and Mazars; a chartered psychologist from the Royal College of Surgeons; and founders pushing new recruiting tech. Each speaker brings one tight message and one practical move you can test - no drawn-out slides, no corporate spin, just clear ideas with real outcomes.We also dig into why the crowd is the secret sauce. Senior HR execs, consultants, operators, and technologists share the floor, cross-pollinating approaches to AI, learning design, leadership, culture, well-being, and hiring. That diversity turns quick talks into immediate experiments: pilots you can run with your team, metrics worth tracking, and conversation starters for your leadership table. Expect energy, focus, and dozens of new connections by the time the Personio-hosted event wraps at 8:30.If you care about building better workplaces in 2026, this preview delivers the what, the why, and the how. Hit play to hear the format breakdown, the themes to watch, and the speakers to meet. Enjoy the show, then subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a quick review so more HR pros and people leaders can find us.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

How do you go from newsroom bloopers to leading national brand strategy? In Part 2 of our conversation with Stephen Johnson, we dive into the moments that shaped his mindset: From losing a news package on deadline to designing fish-themed fantasy football merch for charity. Stephen opens up about self-taught creativity, pushing the boundaries of “safe” marketing, and how he balances compliance with storytelling. He also shares why industry leadership isn't about flashy promises, it's about consistency, communication, and delivering on what you said you would. Whether you're in B2B marketing, managing rapid growth, or just trying to keep your creative spark alive, Stephen's story is packed with practical knowledge. Plus, we settle the ultimate Rockford debate: Uncle Nick's or Portillo's?

Something New!  For HR teams who discuss this podcast in their team meetings, we've created a discussion starter PDF to help guide your conversation. Download it here http://goodmorninghr.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Good-Morning-HR-Episode-231-Discussion-Starter.pdf  In episode 231, Coffey talks with Diondra Filicetti about the real economics of employee engagement and how leaders can drive performance by shaping environment, alignment, and activation on their teams.  They discuss why engagement is an economic lever rather than a feel-good metric; how misaligned leadership expectations undermine performance; the impact of poorly prepared managers on engagement; practical ways to evaluate team capacity before adding headcount; the critical role of culture, trust, and behavior norms in workplace performance; strategies for designing the right environment, role alignment, and activation for teams; the Pygmalion Effect and how leaders' beliefs shape outcomes; diagnosing attitude issues versus structural problems; and using engagement needs as a framework for one-to-ones and organizational improvement.  You can find Diondra's book “Engagement Economics: Increasing Performance & Profitability by Engaging Your People” here https://a.co/d/9mTuXIs  Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com.   If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.   About our Guest:  Diondra Filicetti is a Learning and Development professional, best-selling author, and two-time TEDx speaker. As the founder of Driven By Co., she helps organizations enhance performance through engaging workshops, leadership programs, and communication training. Her book Engagement Economics explores how employee engagement drives profitability and success. With expertise in adult learning and instructional design, Diondra has empowered professionals to lead with purpose, connect effectively, and inspire growth.  Diondra Filicetti can be reached at https://www.drivenbyco.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/diondrafilicetti  https://www.facebook.com/DrivenByCo  http://instagram.com/drivenbyco  https://www.youtube.com/@drivenbyco Her book “Engagement Economics: Increasing Performance & Profitability by Engaging Your People”  https://a.co/d/9mTuXIs  About Mike Coffey:  Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher. In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business. Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies. Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.  Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community. Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year.  Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee. Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week. Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.  Learning Objectives: Understand and explains the economic impact of employee engagement. Identify gaps in environment, alignment, and activation that reduce team performance. Apply practical leadership behaviors that build trust, clarify purpose, and elevate team capacity. 

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Stephanie Van Meter about talent enhancing development and employee engagement within your team. As Chief Operating Officer at Ammunition, Stephanie is a distinguished leader known for fostering teamwork, strengthening communication, and driving organizational growth. Joining Ammunition in 2022, she advanced from Chief of Staff to Chief Operating Officer in 2024, a testament to her leadership and impact across the agency. Her strategic guidance has been instrumental in Ammunition's recognition by Adweek's Fastest Growing Agencies, Inc. 5000, The Financial Times, and the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Previously, as Director of Operations, Process, and Development for Barry's, an international boutique fitness brand, she launched the company's first learning management system and optimized operational best practices. Stephanie's passion for people development, operational excellence, and clear communication continues to drive her success and the success of the organizations she leads.  Check out all of the podcasts in the HCI Podcast Network!

Should leaders care about job satisfaction? In this episode, Hall of Fame keynote speaker Joe Mull, CSP, CPAE, explains why focusing on job satisfaction won't move the needle on employee engagement, performance, retention, or workplace culture—and why many satisfied employees still deliver only the minimum. Joe breaks down the real drivers of commitment at work and clarifies what leaders should prioritize if they want teams to care, try, and give more than the bare minimum. He also explores what distinguishes engaged employees from those who are checked out or actively disengaged, and how leaders can start assessing the employee experience more effectively through practical conversations and simple tools that reduce burnout and increase motivation. If you're looking to build a workplace where people feel connected, energized, and invested, this episode offers clear guidance for improving engagement in meaningful, sustainable ways. To subscribe to Joe Mull's BossBetter Email newsletter, visit https://BossBetterNow.com For more info on working with Joe Mull, visit https://joemull.com For more info on Boss Hero School, visit https://bossheroschool.com To email the podcast, use bossbetternow@gmail.com #transformativeleadership #workplaceculture #companyculture #talentretention #employeeengagement #employeeretention #bossheroschool #employalty Joe Mull is on a mission to help leaders and business owners create the conditions where commitment takes root—and the entire workplace thrives. A dynamic and deeply relatable speaker, Joe combines compelling research, magnetic storytelling, and practical strategies to show exactly how to cultivate loyalty, ignite effort, and build people-first workplaces where both performance and morale flourish. His message is clear: when commitment is activated, engagement rises, teams gel, retention improves, and business outcomes soar. Joe is the founder of Boss Hero School™ and the creator of the acclaimed Employalty™ framework, a roadmap for creating thriving workplaces in a new era of work. He's the author of three books, including Employalty, named a top business book of the year by Publisher's Weekly, and his popular podcast, Boss Better Now, ranks in the top 1% of management shows globally. A former head of learning and development at one of the largest healthcare systems in the U.S., Joe has spent nearly two decades equipping leaders—from Fortune 500 companies like State Farm, Siemens, and Choice Hotels to hospitals, agencies, and small firms—with the tools to lead better, inspire commitment, and build more humane workplace cultures. His insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and more. In 2025, Joe was inducted into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame (CPAE). This is the speaking profession's highest honor, a distinction granted to less than 1% of professional speakers worldwide. It's awarded to speakers who demonstrate exceptional talent, integrity, and influence in the speaking profession For more information visit joemull.com.

We're continuing with the #LeaderSHIFT series on the podcast this week. These episodes are very direct & to the point, where we'll talk about the different challenges leaders tend to face & how to shift into becoming an influential leader who leads a healthy culture & engaged team!In this episode, I'm sharing how you can shift from being a trust barrier to building real trust with your team!Mentioned in the Episode: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/393401/trust-decline-rebuild.aspx  Need one-on-one help with navigating being a new leader? Schedule your complimentary clarity call with me here!  www.baproinc.com/ep177       Apply to join the New Leader, BIG IMPACT Coaching Program to level up your leadership & build an engaging team... even if the culture is toxic & without management's support! https://baproinc.com/newleaderbigimpact   Questions about this episode? Topic suggestions for future episodes? Send them to culture@businessadvocatespro.com  Let's chat about this episode on “X”: @BAPROINC or IG: @CultureBuildingPRO  The Culture Building like a PRO Podcast: Simple ways to transform your company culture... Today!| Company Culture | Culture Building | Organizational Culture | Employee Engagement | New Leaders | Effective Leadership | Servant Leadership |baproinc.com

As we close out 2025, we're revisiting one of our most popular episodes of the year, a timely conversation on artificial intelligence and its role in the built environment. Lorri Rowlandson, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at BGIS, outlines a three-layer approach to AI integration: individual-level desktop AI for job reengineering, operational AI for internal efficiencies, and client-driven AI for service improvement.Lorri emphasizes the importance of responsible innovation, employee engagement and continuous learning as AI continues to reshape the FM profession.00:00 Introduction to Responsible AI Usage00:25 Welcome to Connected FM Podcast00:51 Revisiting AI in Facility Management01:41 Strategic Guide to AI in Facilities Management04:13 Three-Layer AI Integration Approach05:13 Desktop AI: Empowering Individuals09:21 Operational AI: Driving Internal Efficiencies12:20 Client-Driven AI: Enhancing Service Value14:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts15:46 Podcast Closing RemarksThis episode is sponsored by ODP Business Solutions! Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

AI is saving contact centers time, but is it actually making life better for agents? In this episode of Working Smarter, Dave Hoekstra chats with Steve Morrell from ContactBabel about new research into agent burnout, the evolving role of the agent, and what really happens when productivity goes up but KPIs don't change. From AI-powered self-service and agent assist to analytics that tell us why customers are calling, they explore whether time saved is being reinvested wisely, or quietly driving new pressures. The conversation also digs into manager empathy, agent empowerment, and why up to 25% of call time is still spent hunting for information, proving that the data is there, but we may be asking the wrong questions.

SummaryIn this conversation, Joe Bockerstette discusses his book 'Red Cloud Road' and the concept of 'Red Clouds'—the obstacles that prevent organizations from achieving their goals. He explains the Paragon methodology used in his consulting firm, Business Enterprise Mapping, to identify and address these issues. The discussion covers the importance of standardizing processes, engaging employees in improvement efforts, and making it easier for teams to do the right thing. Joe emphasizes the role of leadership in facilitating change and the value of experienced consultants in optimizing workflows.Buy the Book:Red Cloud Road: How Strategic Process Management Drives Competitive AdvantageConnect with Joe BockerstetteLinkedInwww.businessmapping.com KeywordsRed Clouds, Strategic Process Management, Paragon Methodology, Quick Wins, Workflow Optimization, Leadership, Change Management, Employee Engagement, Standardization, Business ProcessesTakeawaysRed clouds are obstacles preventing organizations from achieving their goals.The Paragon methodology helps organizations identify and address workflow issues.50% of red clouds can be resolved as quick wins by frontline employees.Standardizing processes can lead to greater efficiency and scalability.Engaging employees in process improvement fosters a culture of ownership.Leadership plays a crucial role in facilitating change management.Making it easy to do the right thing is essential for organizational success.Inadequate data collection often leads to workflow challenges.Experienced consultants can help organizations redesign processes for better results.The ideal consultant balances detail orientation with strategic awareness.Sound Bites"50% of all Red Clouds are quick wins.""It's about making it easy to do the right thing."Chapters00:00 Understanding Red Clouds and Strategic Process Management02:59 The Paragon Methodology and Quick Wins05:44 Identifying and Addressing Systemic Issues08:57 Standardizing Processes for Efficiency11:52 Engaging Employees in Process Improvement15:04 Leadership and Change Management17:54 Making It Easy to Do the Right Thing20:48 The Role of Consultants in Workflow Optimization

We're continuing with the #LeaderSHIFT series on the podcast this week. These episodes are very direct & to the point, where we'll talk about the different challenges leaders tend to face & how to shift into becoming an influential leader who leads a healthy culture & engaged team!In this episode, I'm sharing how you can shift from being estranged from the conditions of your team culture to being more engaged with your team!Mentioned in the Episode:  https://www.gallup.com/471521/indicator-organizational-culture.aspx https://www.gallup.com/394373/indicator-employee-engagement.aspx  Need one-on-one help with navigating being a new leader? Schedule your complimentary clarity call with me here!  www.baproinc.com/ep176       Apply to join the New Leader, BIG IMPACT Coaching Program to level up your leadership & build an engaging team... even if the culture is toxic & without management's support! https://baproinc.com/newleaderbigimpact   Questions about this episode? Topic suggestions for future episodes? Send them to culture@businessadvocatespro.com  Let's chat about this episode on “X”: @BAPROINC or IG: @CultureBuildingPRO  The Culture Building like a PRO Podcast: Simple ways to transform your company culture... Today!| Company Culture | Culture Building | Organizational Culture | Employee Engagement | New Leaders | Effective Leadership | Servant Leadership | baproinc.com

Employee Engagement on the Brink In 2024, the globalpercentage of engaged employees fell from 23% to 21%. Engagement has only losttwice in the past 12 years, in 2020 and 2024. Last year's two-point drop inengagement was equal to the decline during the year of COVID-19 lockdowns andshelter-in-place orders.  According to the latest State of the GlobalWorkplace 2025 report, released by Gallup. $9.6 trillion in productivity could be added to theeconomy if the global workforce were fully engaged.That would represent a 9% increase in global GDP. But ifleaders seize the moment, a productivity opportunity awaits. In fact, someorganizations are already enjoying the benefits of a highly engaged workforce.Manager engagement is the key to reversing declining productivity, improvingemployee well-being, and unlocking trillions in economic potential.As Founder of HEARTnomics, Hanna Bauer equips top teams with actionablestrategies to build cultures of resilience and clarity. She is among just 20global Faculty Members for Maxwell Leadership, travelling internationally totrain executive teams in leadership that connects people and performance.Hanna's career includes being a former CEO who led her company toGovernor-recognized success, as well as blazing a trail as the first woman to chairthe Board of Ser Familia.Her work resonates with thousands of leaders andprofessionals online, but Hanna's approach remains incredibly genuine anddown-to-earth. Her speaking style is engaging, relatable, and deeply rooted inpersonal experience and decades of cross-industry leadership.Implementation ExcellenceIt's about having the solutions and knowing how tointegrate the right solutions successfully. Executed with love, you can learnhow excellence becomes vital for delivering quality services that fostercustomer retention and acquisition. She joined me thisweek to tell me more. For more information: https://heartnomics.com/Follow: @HannaBauer

In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant Anouska Bhattacharya, VP of Programs at YW Boston, for a conversation that somehow ties together the imperialist history of the gin and tonic, the absolute barbarism of mammograms, and the future of equity work in a post-DEI world.Anouska shares her origin story as a "recovering academic" who traded the ivory tower for community organizing, and explains how her neurobiology background helps her understand why systems can, and must, be unlearned. We get into how DEI work is evolving (spoiler: call it civility, call it employee engagement, the work continues), what it means to find joy as fuel for sustainability, and why she's currently tap dancing in her Watertown basement while performing in a burlesque reimagining of the Nutcracker.Plus: ice shipped from Massachusetts to India, dense breasts, and a love story between Pluto and its moon. You know, the usual.

"Instead of thinking in terms of using AI, think about it as managing AI. Manage it like you would a person." This is one of the ideas shared at the Responsibly Human AI Summit last week, where leaders in HR, People Ops, and Employee Engagement gathered to discuss and learn about how to use AI at work.Here's my initial take....After the EpisodeEnroll now for Communication Strategies for Managers:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching, team workshops or off-sites:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠~Connect on LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠

Meaningful work isn't just a perk, it's a fundamental necessity for driving employee engagement, wellbeing, and business success in today's workplace.In this episode of High Octane Leadership, host Donald Thompson engages in an insightful discussion with Bob Batchelor and Jackie Ferguson about creating meaningful work environments, leveraging AI effectively, and developing self awareness as a leader. The conversation draws from their collective experiences in transforming organizations and building high performance cultures.What You'll Learn:Lead with Purpose: Connect everyday tasks to your organization's larger mission to create truly meaningful work experiences.Adopt AI with Intention: Use the Education → Experimentation → Execution framework to integrate AI responsibly, balancing innovation with transparency and trust.Master Self Aware Leadership: Combine humility and confidence to lead authentically, build psychological safety, and drive results that strengthen both culture and the bottom line.About the Guest(s)Bob Batchelor is a globally recognized communications strategist, award winning author, and cultural historian. His passion lies at the intersection of business, culture, and storytelling. In executive leadership roles, he has led high performing teams delivering data driven marketing that enhanced thought leadership and drove brand growth. He is also the author of 16 books, editor of 19 books. Jackie Ferguson is cofounder and vice president of content and programming at The Diversity Movement. A member of the 2023 Inc. Female Founders 200 list, she wrote the bestselling book The Inclusive Language Handbook: A Guide to Better Communication and Transformational Leadership. Resources:Bob Batchelor LinkedInJackie Ferguson LinkedInDonald Thompson LinkedInHigh Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO'S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO'S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

In this episode we talk with John Guaspari about the common pitfalls leaders and organizations make when it comes to driving employee engagement.  During our time together we discuss:Why employee engagement has been such a challenge historically (and currently) for leaders and organizations.The four intangibles leaders need to leverage the full potential of their workforce.How to tell if you are a really good leader.What "empowerment" really looks like.The importance link between customer focus and employee engagement.How leaders who want people to come to the office everyday can navigate this challenge without disengaging their workforce.If you are interested in more from John, pick up a copy of his book, If Engagement is the What, then Respect is the How.In addition, take a look at these two articles John wrote about stories he referenced in this episode: We Make People Happy john-guaspari-ced4ca.webflow.io - this is an article about the work John did at National Grange Mutual (NGM)  A Shining Example john-guaspari-ced4ca.webflow.io - this article tells what happened after their national claims center burned down—how everyone recognized how critical this was and joined forces to get the claims function back up and running with very little down time.

In this episode of the Fearless Mindset Podcast, we delve into the importance of security and open communication within organizations. With a record number of elections and global distrust in institutions, security teams must foster collaboration and personal connectivity to build trust and ensure everyone's safety. The discussion covers the challenges of balancing security measures with human interaction, the significance of training programs, and how to manage and mitigate workplace anger effectively. The conversation also delves into the role of emotional intelligence in leadership and the need for comprehensive inside threat analysis to preemptively identify and address potential risks.Key TakeawaysSecurity is about collaboration, trust, and meeting people where they are—not just rules and restrictions.Open, honest conversations about difficult topics (like anger and workplace safety) are essential for a healthy organization.Security professionals should serve as culture-bearers, modeling the values and behaviors they want to see.Emotional intelligence and empathy are critical leadership skills, especially post-COVID.Security knowledge should be shared beyond the workplace to benefit families and communities.Addressing insider threats requires long-term, holistic approaches, not just reactive measures.Notable Quotes"The message is not always guns, guards, gates, lock it down. The message is: how do we work together to collectively secure everyone?""You have to meet people where they are. You can't be a robot.""Collaboration and trust are the foundation of civilization—and we need to get back to that.""Security is a primary culture bearer of what we do here.""Anger is real. It's in your organization. We have to be able to have these conversations and deal with it.""It all starts with you."To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen on major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Christy Kovac, President and CEO of Sheridan Construction, shares her journey of intentional, purpose-driven leadership, exploring how stewardship, employee ownership, and community impact drive meaningful, long-term success. We discuss the importance of intentional succession planning, celebrating employee contributions to strengthen engagement, and building trust with clients to support lasting relationships—providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and creating a thriving legacy. Stay tuned to Key Takeaways The importance of intentional succession planning to ensure long-term organizational success. How celebrating employee contributions and fostering ownership strengthens engagement and culture. Why building trust and prioritizing community impact creates lasting relationships and a meaningful legacy. Resources Mentioned Visit https://www.sheridanconstruction.com/ Follow Shane on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-kovac-ab801411/ Follow Jackson Healthcare on social media at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sheridanconstruction/ Twitter / X: https://x.com/SheridanCo1947 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheridanco1947/ Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the key to leading others with empathy… is learning how to lead yourself first?Today's guest, Heather Younger, is here to show us how self-leadership isn't just a personal development buzzword — it's the foundation of truly impactful, caring leadership that achieves real ROI. As a global expert on active listening and workplace culture, Heather has helped Fortune 100 companies transform the way they engage employees—starting from the inside out.In this episode, we learn about Heather's journey as a culture bearer and customer experience professional, what self-leadership is, and why it matters - why doing the inner work helps you lead with grace and drive results, and why treating employees with care isn't just a moral choice but a business strategy that drives innovation and performance. She shares powerful examples and offers actionable first steps to help you lead more effectively, take ownership of your career, make smarter choices, and advocate for yourself.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…What self-leadership is and why it matters.How can you change your office culture to an empathy-driven culture?The power of getting curious within yourself.The power of giving and receiving feedback within your sphere of influence. "Take back your own power to lead yourself in the way you, intuitively, already know you're supposed to be doing." — Heather R. YoungerFrom Our Sponsor: Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariaross About Heather R. Younger: CEO, Keynote Speaker, Author:Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP, is a trusted contributor to leading news outlets, like Forbes, Fast Company, Bloomberg, NBC, and ABC, and one of the world's leading experts on Caring Leadership® and active listening at work. She is the visionary Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a preeminent employee engagement and workplace culture consulting firm for Fortune 100 companies. Employee Fanatix conducts annual research on workplace culture, relying on employee voices for what is relevant now, to help companies redefine their culture strategy. Heather has personally read over 30,000 employee surveys and facilitated over 100 employee focus groups, including her signature “Art of Active Listening Sessions.”With over 25 years of successful management of teams, she has worked in customer experience, sales, and large account management for multi-million dollar accounts and multiple industries such as tech, staffing, healthcare, professional services, the public sector, and the financial sector. She's a renowned keynote speaker, drawing insights from current data and putting into practice what she teaches in her Caring Leadership Transformation Model™.Heather is an award-winning leader in the area of Employee Engagement, as recognized by Inspiring Workplaces, is a LinkedIn Learning course partner, a 3-time bestselling author, a TEDX speaker, and the host of the popular Leadership With Heart Podcast.Connect with Heather:Employee Fanatix: heatheryounger.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/heatherryounger Facebook: facebook.com/HeatherRYounger Instagram: instagram.com/heatherryoungerofficialX: x.com/HeatherRYounger Her new book: The Art of Self-Leadership Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariarossGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

Sanish Mondkar is the Founder and CEO of Legion Technologies, a company specializing in AI-powered workforce management solutions that optimize labor efficiency and enhance hourly employee engagement. Under his leadership, Legion has become a trusted platform for automating scheduling, forecasting, and communication across major industries. Before Legion, Sanish served as Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer at SAP, and earlier at Ariba. He holds a bachelor's degree in computer engineering from the University of Pune and a master's in computer science from Cornell University. In this episode… In today's fast-paced world of retail, hospitality, and other hourly-based industries, companies are racing to balance efficiency with employee satisfaction. But as technology reshapes how businesses operate, can AI actually make hourly work more engaging, flexible, and fulfilling? Sanish Mondkar, a seasoned technology leader and AI innovator, believes it can. He explains that traditional workforce management systems were built to control labor costs, not empower people — and that's where AI can fundamentally shift the equation. By automating scheduling, predicting demand, and empowering employees with control over their work schedules, companies can reduce attrition while fostering a more motivated workforce. Sanish also points out that real transformation comes when AI is transparent, explainable, and trusted by both managers and frontline workers. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Sanish Mondkar, Founder and CEO of Legion Technologies, to discuss how AI can drive employee engagement and operational excellence. They talk about Legion's AI-powered scheduling innovations, the "trifecta" that reduces attrition, and how automation builds trust between employers and staff. Sanish also shares lessons from scaling Legion with major brands like Dollar General and Philz Coffee.

How to unlock the power of groups through collective communication.They say teamwork makes the dream work. But as Colin Fisher knows, unlocking the power of groups requires a specific kind of collective communication.Fisher is an associate professor of organizations and innovation at University College London School of Management and author of The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups. His research reveals the dichotomy of group dynamics: "Groups can be the pinnacle of human accomplishment," he says. "But groups also have these tendencies to restrict us, to take away our individuality, and to sometimes make us the worst versions of ourselves.” The key, he argues, is fostering communication that maximizes the creative synergy of collaboration while minimizing the pressure to conform.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Fisher joins host Matt Abrahams to share evidence-based strategies for effective teamwork, from selecting the ideal group size to fostering psychological safety. Whether with our coworkers, our families, or our friends, Fisher's insights reveal how collective communication can make or break group success.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Colin FisherColin's Book: The Collective EdgeEp.174 Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful MomentsEp.124 Making Meetings Meaningful Pt. 1: How to Structure and Organize More Effective Gatherings   Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:19) - Advantages and Disadvantages of Groups (03:53) - What Makes Teams Successful (05:37) - The Ideal Group Size (06:33) - Building Psychological Safety (08:49) - Launching a Team for Success (13:10) - Making Meetings More Effective (16:25) - The Final Three Questions (23:13) - Conclusion   ********This episode is sponsored by Grammarly. Let Grammarly take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on high-impact work. Download Grammarly for free today