Podcasts about intentional leadership

“Adaptive leadership is about choosing the right leadership approach for the right people in the right situation.” - Winnie da SilvaSome leaders hold on too tightly. Others delegate too fast. In this episode, I break down the adaptive leadership framework I've used for years with everyone from first-time managers to CEOs, and explain why effective leadership is rarely about sticking to one style.I walk through the continuum of directing, collaborating, and delegating, and share how I decide which approach fits the person, the situation, and the moment.You'll hear me discuss:Why adaptive leadership is about choosing the right leadership approach for the right person and situationHow the leadership continuum shifts between directing, collaborating, and delegatingThe three things I evaluate before deciding how to lead someoneHow trust, risk tolerance, and leadership instincts shape leadership decisionsWhy clarity and direction can slowly turn into micromanagementHow collaboration and delegation build ownership, growth, and stronger decision-makingWhy great leaders constantly reassess and adapt instead of relying on one leadership styleResourcesWinnie da Silva on LinkedIn | On the Web | Substack | YouTube | Email - winnie@winnifred.org

Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/Joy isn't a perk. It's a business strategy.Have you ever wondered whether work has to feel this hard? Whether the team you've built can actually function without you? Whether there's a way to lead that doesn't burn you — or your people — out?Rich Sheridan built Menlo Innovations around one bold idea: ending human suffering in the workplace. The result is a company where joy isn't a slogan. It's how things actually get done. It's a place built on collaboration, human energy, and pride in what people create together.Joy isn't constant happiness. It's the long arc of meaning and contribution alongside people who care. And it becomes possible the moment you stop being the center of every problem and start creating the conditions for ownership, continuous learning, and yes, joy.You don't have to change the world. You just have to change your world.You'll Learn:The mistake most leaders make about mistakes, and why more mistakes can get you ahead fasterWhy what looks like a questionable decision from below makes sense from aboveThe difference between joy and happiness, and why most leaders are chasing the wrong thingWhy running a small experiment will move you further than creating the perfect planWhat it really takes to build a company designed to last a hundred yearsABOUT MY GUEST:Rich Sheridan is the co-founder, CEO, and Chief Storyteller of Menlo Innovations, a software development and consulting firm known for its people-centered culture and focus on joy in the workplace. He is the author of Joy, Inc. and Chief Joy Officer and was inducted into the Shingo Academy in 2022 for his contributions to organizational excellence.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/77Connect with Rich Sheridan: linkedin.com/in/menloprezFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonSubscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletterCheck out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comJoin us on the Japan Leadership Experience: KBJAnderson.com/japantripPurchase a copy of Rich's books: Joy, Inc. and Chief Joy OfficerLearn more about Menlo Innovations: menloinnovations.comTugboat Institute: tugboatinstitute.comTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:37 When work no longer feels sustainable05:26 The moment Rich realized the problem wasn't technology07:27 What an 8-year-old noticed about leadership08:23 Why hero-based organizations scale through exhaustion09:39 When caring becomes carrying12:21 The codependency leaders develop with crises14:09 What joy at work actually means17:13 Working with pride and delighting customers19:17 Why human energy is a leadership responsibility21:00 What's the cost of not having joy?23:28 From constant firefighting to two emergencies in 25 years25:24 Joy vs. happiness: What's the difference?27:02 Why joy isn't happiness every day32:17 The phrase that keeps Menlo moving forward 34:15 The leadership lesson Rich learned from flying40:39 Why Menlo isn't chasing exponential growth43:02 The book that changed Rich's career45:18 Why crisis practices work when there isn't a crisis47:28 Why your system keeps producing the same results49:38 The shift from carrying to creating conditions for change leadership51:46 Why stepping in can hold people back Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

What happens when the systems you've built are no longer working for you? In this conversation, Heather Cayouette, founder and CEO of Firefly Strategic Consulting and author of Reset the System, shares practical insights for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by competing priorities. From burnout and decision fatigue to change management and organizational growth, this discussion explores how stepping back can create the clarity needed to move forward with intention. This Episode Covers: Why overwhelm is often a signal that a system needs attention, not proof that you're failing How leaders can identify what's truly causing stress and where to focus their energy The importance of pausing, reflecting, and making intentional decisions instead of constantly reacting Why women often feel pressure to keep pushing through and how to challenge that mindset How to prioritize effectively when everything feels urgent The realities of leading through change and why change management is often more about people than processes How organizational values can guide decisions, create alignment, and support long-term success The challenges founders face as organizations grow and how to avoid becoming the bottleneck Why building support systems and asking for help are critical leadership skills Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, managing a household, or navigating a season of change, this conversation offers a thoughtful reminder that taking a pause is not falling behind. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is step back, reassess, and reset what is no longer serving you. How to Find Heatherhttps://www.fireflyconsult.ca Connect with Heather on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-cayouette-48b48467/ Get Heather's Book: Reset the Systemhttps://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0GX2ZM9ZX https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/womendontdothat/ TikTok- http://www.tiktok.com/@womendontdothat Blog- https://www.womendontdothat.com/blog Podcast- https://www.womendontdothat.com/podcast Newsletter- https://www.beaconnorthstrategies.com/contactwww.womendontdothat.com YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@WOMENdontDOthat How to find Stephanie Mitton: Twitter/X- https://twitter.com/StephanieMitton LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemitton/ beaconnorthstrategies.com TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@stephmitton Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemitton/ Interested in sponsorship? Contact us at hello@womendontdothat.com Produced by Duke & Castle Our Latest Blog: https://www.womendontdothat.com/post/i-don-t-do-resolutions-i-do-this-perfect-for-busy-women Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Burnout is more than being tired—it is often a loss of energy, connection, meaning, and momentum.Burnout is a word we hear frequently, but do we really understand what it means?In this first episode of our three-part series on burnout, Andy Huckaba, Teresa Schwab, and Phyllis Collins explore what burnout actually is, how it differs from ordinary stress, and the many ways it shows up in our lives and leadership.Drawing from coaching experiences, personal stories, and the work of burnout researcher Christina Maslach, the conversation examines why burnout is often more than exhaustion. It can also involve disconnection, cynicism, loss of purpose, and a diminished sense of accomplishment.The discussion also explores how burnout can affect not only our work, but our relationships, caregiving responsibilities, and overall well-being.Whether you're a leader, professional, caregiver, entrepreneur, or someone navigating a demanding season of life, this episode offers practical insights to help you recognize burnout before it becomes a crisis.·      What burnout is—and what it is not·      The difference between stress, fatigue, and burnout·      Christina Maslach's three dimensions of burnout:o   Emotional Exhaustiono   Cynicism and Detachmento   Reduced Personal Accomplishment·      Why high-capacity people are often most vulnerable·      How burnout can feel like “spinning your wheels”·      The concept of burnout as “workplace depression”·      The role of purpose, meaning, and connection·      Why burnout is often both an individual and systemic issue·      How do I know if I'm experiencing burnout?·      What warning signs do people often miss?·      Why do high-performing leaders burn out?·      What does burnout look like beyond the workplace?·      How can we recognize burnout in ourselves and others?Christina Maslach·      Co-developer of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)·      Pioneer in burnout research and organizational well-beingDaniel Pink·      Author of Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us·      Known for the framework of:o   Autonomyo   Masteryo   PurposeThese concepts will be explored more deeply in upcoming episodes as we discuss how leaders and organizations can build more resilient and sustainable workplaces.Burnout doesn't always begin with being tired. It often begins with feeling stuck, disconnected, depleted, or overwhelmed.Episode 32: Building Resilient Systems and OrganizationsWhat role do leaders play in preventing burnout? We'll explore organizational culture, workplace systems, and how leaders can create environments where people can thrive.Related EpisodesIf this conversation resonates with you, you may also enjoy:Episode 30 – Intentional Leadership and the Power of the PauseEpisode 29 – Mastering DelegationEpisode 27 – Uncertainty: Fear, Trust, and the Path ForwardEpisode 23 – Finding Your Compass: Values in Leadership and LifeLearn more at⁠#AdAstraCoachAlliance #Coaching #Leadership#ExecutiveLeadership#ExecutiveCoaching#LeadershipDevelopment#OrganizationalCulture#Burnout#Resilience#EmotionalIntelligence#SustainableLeadership#GrowthBeyondBoundariesTag us @AdAstraCoachAlliance and share your thoughts or takeaways from this episode!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!) License code: 1AF9FYKW2TNQNGG1

Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/What does it really take to sustain a culture of continuous improvement –  through pressure for results, across generations, and into an era of AI?In this final episode of my three-part series with John Shook, one of the most influential leaders and thinkers in the global lean community, we turned to the questions on your mind. Before we sat down to record, I asked listeners to submit your questions. We cover four of them specifically here, though many others were addressed in Parts 1 and 2, and together they highlight the tensions change leaders and executives face every day.At the end, as we promised in Part 2, John shares his parting reflections and advice for all of us leading transformation to create people-centered learning cultures. It's not just what we should stop doing, it's what we need to continue. Starting with ourselves.If you haven't listened to episodes 74 and 75 yet, start there first as you won't want to miss hearing this conversation in full.You'll Learn:Why leaders should be patient for results but impatient for actionWhy getting to the assumptions that underlie your principles and values is where the real work of culture change beginsHow aligning around the real problem to solve helps close the gap across generations and perspectivesWhat the original intention of jidoka — separating machine work from human work — can teach us about navigating AI and keeping technology in service of peopleThe real purpose of kaizen and continuous improvementABOUT MY GUEST:John Shook spent eleven years with Toyota in Japan and the U.S., where he helped transfer the Toyota Production System globally. He later served as President of the Lean Enterprise Institute and Chairman of the Lean Global Network.John is the co-author of the award-winning books Learning to See and Managing to Learn, and wrote the foreword to my book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn. As an industrial anthropologist, he brings a perspective that connects culture, systems, and practice to bridge deep thinking with real-world application.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/76Connect with John Shook: lean.org/about-lei/senior-advisors-staff/john-shook/ Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Subscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletterCheck out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comJoin us on the Japan Leadership Experience: KBJAnderson.com/japantrip Purchase a copy of, “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn,”: https://kbjanderson.com/learning-to-lead/ TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:28 [Listener Question] How do you balance patience with action?04:06 Avoiding solution jumping and analysis paralysis05:20 [Listener Question] What will matter most for the next generation of organizations?07:21 Why underlying assumptions matter more than artifacts08:28 The deeper level of hansei and reflection08:53 [Listener Question] How do you bridge generations without slowing improvement?10:43 Quick PDCA vs. long-cycle learning11:23 Aligning people around shared purpose13:56 [Listener Question] In our age of AI, how do we stay true to jidoka's original intent, separating machine work from human work?14:12 AI, jidoka, and protecting human work15:23 Four questions to navigate uncertainty16:17 Why respect for people still matters in AI17:15 Jidoka beyond “automation with a human touch”18:54 Curiosity, experiments, and learning with AI19:30 The promise and risk of AI thinking for us22:08 PDCA beyond engineering and problem solving25:39 The purpose of kaizen is to do more kaizen26:18 Creating conditions for people to think and grow27:00 Shifting from leading change to creating conditions Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

Exclusive listener discount: Use code ATTEND25 for 25% off your registration! Register here: sarahgibbons.com/shop/p/when-effort-stops-working Join Sarah for a 75-minute virtual live workshop on Wednesday, June 3rd at 12 PM PT. This is the second in a series of four workshops and is designed for leaders who sense that the problem isn't motivation — it's the system they're operating from. You'll learn to work with capacity, timing, and internal alignment instead of against yourself. In 75 minutes, you'll identify: Where your work has become unnecessarily heavy What actually matters right now (and what to ignore) The decisions and actions you already know you need to make In this episode, I sit down with executive coach and founder Sarah Gibbons for a deeply honest conversation about what it really takes to sustain entrepreneurial success without burning out. We explore why hustle culture is a trap, and how intentionality — not more effort — is what separates entrepreneurs who scale from those who stall. Sarah shares how she built a thriving, referral-based coaching practice over 17 years by prioritizing her inner world first: her values, her sleep, her relationships, and her capacity to lead. Together we dig into self-leadership, the courage to pivot, the power of “three-foot tosses,” the myth of time blocking, and why spaciousness is the secret ingredient to creativity. We also talk about navigating uncertainty — whether that's the LA fires, economic shifts, or the messy middle of entrepreneurship — and what it means to show up as the leader you're being called to be right now. About Sarah Gibbons: Sarah Gibbons is an accomplished executive coach and founder of Sarah Gibbons & Co., a global coaching practice dedicated to helping individuals and organizations unlock transformational leadership. With over 15 years of experience, she has worked with top executives and creatives from leading organizations including Goodby Silverstein & Partners, 22 Squared, Hey Wonderful, The LA Clippers, and TBWAChiatDay. A former tech-industry leader with roles at Amazon, IMDb, and Fox Interactive Media, Sarah transitioned her career after earning a Master's in Spiritual Psychology. She is the co-author of The Chalk Collective: Drawing the Life You Deserve and host of The Tidal Podcast. Sarah lived in the Pacific Palisades, a community recently ravaged by devastating fires, where she cultivated her passion for fostering connection and resilience. As a mother of three, she is committed to helping others discover aliveness, self-trust, and legacy impact in both their personal and professional lives. Connect with Sarah: Website: sarahgibbons.com Instagram: @sarahgibbonsco Facebook: facebook.com/sarahgibbons.co LinkedIn: Sarah Lyons Gibbons Substack: @sarahgibbonsco About Justin Colby: Justin Colby is the host of The Entrepreneur DNA and The M.O.R.E Show podcasts and a best-selling author. He is a serial entrepreneur and a seasoned real estate investor with over 20 years of experience. Driven by a passion to help entrepreneurs thrive, Justin created the Entrepreneur DNA community to support business owners in building wealth, systems, and long-term freedom. Through his podcasts, books, education platforms, and hands-on mentorship, he continues to help entrepreneurs scale with clarity and confidence. Connect with Justin: Instagram: @thejustincolby YouTube: Justin Colby TikTok: @justincolbytsof LinkedIn: Justin Colby Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/Lean has always been about people. We just kept reaching for the tools, without understanding the human purpose behind them.In part two of my three-part conversation with John Shook, we go behind the scenes of Toyota's culture and leadership — sharing stories of the system-building leaders who actually made it what it is, and exploring what it really means to lead people-centered change.John shares behind-the-scenes reflections from his time inside Toyota that you might not have heard before. Drawing on his direct experience in the company and our shared experiences living and working in Japan and globally, we explore a critical feature that is often missed: lean has always been a socio-technical system. The tools only work when we understand the deeper human purpose behind them.In this episode, we talk about the people who actually built Toyota's culture, what John learned from his two very different bosses — including Isao Yoshino, the subject of my book “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn” — and what happens when we lose sight of the human purpose inside the tools we practice every day.In the previous episode, John offered a powerful reframe on lean's impact — and what question we should really be asking as change leaders. If you haven't listened to episode 74 yet, hit pause and start there first — then come back to this one to pick up where we left off.You'll Learn:Inside stories of how Toyota's culture was built and the system builders behind itWhat John learned from his very different bosses inside Toyota and how their styles shaped his own leadershipWhether you are a lean “mechanic” or “social worker” and what your answer reveals about your leadershipWhy every lean tool is already socio-technical — kanban, standardized work, A3, andon — and what we lost when we introduced them as primarily technicalThe concept of motainai — waste as a moral failure, not just a technical one — and why this matters for how you leadABOUT MY GUEST:John Shook spent eleven years with Toyota in Japan and the U.S., where he helped transfer the Toyota Production System globally. He later served as President of the Lean Enterprise Institute and Chairman of the Lean Global Network.John is the co-author of the award-winning books Learning to See and Managing to Learn, and wrote the foreword to my book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn. As an industrial anthropologist, he brings a perspective that connects culture, systems, and practice to bridge deep thinking with real-world application.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/75Connect with John Shook: lean.org/about-lei/senior-advisors-staff/john-shook/ Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Subscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletterCheck out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comJoin us on the Japan Leadership Experience: KBJAnderson.com/japantrip Purchase a copy of, “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn,”: kbjanderson.com/learning-to-lead TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:04 Why changing culture is harder than copying systems04:05 John's question that still drives him: Why Toyota?05:10 How John found his way into Toyota and NUMMI06:15 Why Toyota endured while other Japanese companies faded07:10 Short-term leaders vs. long-term system builders08:15 The crisis that shaped Toyota's future direction10:05 John's experience learning from very different Toyota leaders11:15 Why conflicting feedback accelerated John's learning12:10 Bringing your own thinking into the A3 process13:15 Different cultures inside Toyota and how they shaped leadership14:10 Mr. Cho's powerful way of teaching through stories16:10 Katie's lion story and breaking the telling habit17:15 Adapting your leadership approach to the situation19:15 Reading both the technical and social sides of change20:20 TPS as a way to expose weaknesses and accelerate growth21:45 Are you a lean mechanic or a lean social worker?22:50 Identifying your leadership bias and growth edge24:05 Why process improvement and OD teams should work together27:10 Scientific thinking, humanism, and ethics in Toyota leadership28:55 Eliminating waste as more than a technical exercise30:05 Mottainai and the deeper meaning of waste32:25 Why lean tools were always socio-technical33:40 Kanban, standardized work, and the human side of lean35:10 The A3 as more than a problem-solving tool37:35 The most common failure mode in lean transformations38:30 When lean becomes the goal instead of the means39:30 Why lean isn't just for executives40:35 Improving work at every level of the organization41:40 Why empowerment without support falls apart42:20 The Andon system as a model for real support43:45 Where do you need to grow: technical or human? Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

Send us Fan MailKate McKinnon is the former Head of Human Resources at Playfly Sports, a leading sports media and marketing company. There, she led the People function through a fast-paced, high-growth phase - helping the company earn recognition as both a Most Loved Workplace and one of the Best Employers in Sports. Today, she leads her own consulting practice focused on empowering organizations by prioritizing their most valuable asset: people. Her work centers on:Leadership DevelopmentHR Strategy & Culture BuildingPersonalized Career Coaching-Quick Episode Summary:Kate McKinnon shares Human Resource insights, Philly sports, and kindness stories.-

Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/Has lean really failed?That question sparked one of the most listened-to conversations in the history of this podcast — my two-part series with Jim Womack in episodes 37 and 38.When I sat down with John Shook — one of the most influential thought leaders and practitioners in the global lean and continuous improvement community — we explored a different angle.John's perspective isn't a rebuttal. It's a reframe. A counterpoint to the question itself.John asks: what problem are we really trying to solve?His answer unfolds across three episodes — the first ever three-part series on Chain of Learning. And I think it will change how you think about your own impact as a change leader.You'll Learn:Why the question "how many lean enterprises have we created?" may be leading us in the wrong direction — and what we should ask insteadThe difference between "command and control" and what John calls "command and abandon" — and which one you're more likely doingWhy the key question in problem-solving is not "is this accurate?" but "is this useful?"How to recognize your span of influence and build systems at the right level that help people think, learn, and take ownershipWhy purpose → work → capability is the right sequence — and why most leaders start in the wrong placeABOUT MY GUEST:John Shook spent eleven years with Toyota in Japan and the U.S., where he helped transfer the Toyota Production System globally. He later served as President of the Lean Enterprise Institute and Chairman of the Lean Global Network.John is the co-author of the award-winning books Learning to See and Managing to Learn, and wrote the foreword to my book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn. As an industrial anthropologist, he brings a perspective that connects culture, systems, and practice to bridge deep thinking with real-world application.Will you help me?I have a quick favor to ask. I'm conducting research for my next book and would love to get your insights on people-centered, learning organizations and the leadership that creates them. The survey takes just 5 to 10 minutes and your responses will directly shape the book and a future Chain of Learning podcast episode.-> Take the Survey here, open through May 22.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/74Connect with John Shook: lean.org/about-lei/senior-advisors-staff/john-shook/ Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Subscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletterCheck out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comJoin us on the Japan Leadership Experience: KBJAnderson.com/japantrip Grab a copy of, “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn,”: kbjanderson.com/learning-to-lead TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:00 Why John Shook believes we may be asking the wrong question about lean05:25 Why change leadership always starts with changing yourself06:40 The tension between influencing others and trying to control them08:15 What a people-centered learning culture actually looks like in practice09:05 Why John avoids lean jargon and starts with the problem instead10:00 The Toyota question that shaped John's thinking: “What problem are you trying to solve?”11:15 Why learning only matters when it's grounded in the work12:30 Toyota's “attitude toward learning” and why it changes everything15:05 Why leaders must create the environment for learning and problem-solving16:00 How organizations drift into “big company disease”17:05 Why purpose → work → capability is the sequence most leaders miss18:15 The risk of starting culture change with leadership behaviors alone19:20 Why focusing on the work reveals what's really blocking change21:00 Why John sees more “command and abandon” than command and control23:20 Focusing on your span of influence instead of waiting for senior leaders27:15 How every person at work already has “problem consciousness”29:00 The surprising truth about who is most frustrated in organizations32:15 Building systems at your level that create ownership and capability33:20 Why modeling the behavior matters more than pushing harder36:15 Why sustainable change starts with how you show up each day Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

The way you're leading transformation might be getting in the way of the culture you're trying to build.As change leaders and practitioners, we care about results. But in that focus, it's easy to stay on the outer work—processes, metrics, systems—and underestimate the inner work – our mindset, behaviors, and relationships – that actually moves people.Our passion can unintentionally pull us away from creating the conditions for learning, alignment, and growth, and taking ownership back by stepping in to do, to solve, and to own the work.To explore this, I'm joined by Richard Koch, who has spent 25+ years leading change inside large, complex global organizations—from frontline improvement to system-level transformation. We're connected by a shared belief: sustainable transformation doesn't come from pushing harder. It comes from creating the conditions for people to be successful.In this conversation, Richard shares what he's learned from being inside that tension including why the way many organizations deploy improvement teams can unintentionally prevent the problem-solving ownership they're trying to build.You'll Learn:Why daily work and small steps are where long-term change is actually builtHow separating leadership development and continuous improvement creates confusion—and weakens ownershipWhere improvement teams unintentionally take over the work and limit capability growthWhat it looks like to support leaders in owning change without stepping in to solve itWhy the leader must be at the center of transformation—and what changes when that responsibility is heldABOUT MY GUEST:Richard H. Koch is Managing Director of Serofia and works with leaders who want to create meaningful progress for people, performance, and the future they are helping to shape. Drawing on more than 25 years of international experience across strategy, leadership, operational excellence, innovation, and transformation, he brings together coaching, training, and consulting in a way that is both human and practical. His approach is grounded in systems thinking, deep listening, and helping leaders turn strategic ambition into real progress through small steps and real work.Will you help me?I have a quick favor to ask. I'm conducting research for my next book and would love to get your insights on people-centered, learning organizations and the leadership that creates them. The survey takes just 5 to 10 minutes and your responses will directly shape the book and a future Chain of Learning podcast episode.-> Take the Survey here, open through May 22.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/73Connect with Richard Koch: linkedin.com/in/richardkoch88Learn more about Serofia: serofia.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Subscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletterCheck out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:44 Importance of seeing potential in every person06:10 How seemingly insignificant actions ripple through teams08:37 Why separating leadership and improvement work breaks progress09:14 The Inner System vs. Outer System framework and how it drives change12:19 The negative effect with silos that keeps you away from  focusing on the work and the leader15:14 Why forcing change undermines ownership17:32 The mindset shift for change leaders and internal consultants19:07 Why daily work is the path to long-term transformation 21:22 When improvement work splits into process and leadership, change stops sticking23:19 Why direct observation and connection matter25:23 Challenge of relying on experts to help solve problems28:27 How to build sustainability instead of dependency29:05 Navigating trust, timing, and influence with senior leaders32:25 Leading with empathy and understanding the pressure leaders are under33:52 Value of having the right outside partner to achieve goals35:50 Seeing a leader move from sponsor to truly owning and enabling change39:36 Importance of staying curious and creating space for ideas and growth41:00 Taking small steps to make big changes43:00 The essence of small steps, belief in people, and leading with heart to create the conditions for change

The messy middle is part of the learning process.It's the point where what worked before no longer fully fits—but what comes next is not yet clear.Where your thinking is still forming, your ideas are evolving, and the answer has not fully emerged.And while it can feel uncertain, this is often where the deepest continuous learning happens.In this behind-the-scenes bonus episode on Chain of Learning, I share a live conversation with, Betsy Jordyn, my business coach and strategic thinking partner, recorded on the final day of a working retreat earlier this month. We pull back the curtains and invite you into our unscripted reflections from working through the messy middle of shaping my next book—and the leadership (and life) lessons that continue to emerge through the process.Tune in to hear the real-time learning, reflection, and refinement happening as I shape the ideas behind my next book.You'll learn:Why the messy middle is often a necessary part of continuous learning, growth, and effective change leadershipHow to recognize when forcing clarity too early limits stronger thinking from emergingWhat it looks like to let ideas evolve instead of defending what came beforeHow collaboration and outside perspective sharpen your judgment and deepen your thinkingWhy modeling your own learning process creates stronger conditions for learning in othersHow to stay engaged in uncertainty without rushing to jumping to answers too quicklyABOUT MY GUEST:Betsy Jordyn is the founder and CEO of Betsy Jordyn International, a strategic branding firm that helps transformational consultants and coaches refine their messaging, positioning, and offers to accelerate their success and amplify their impact. She is also the host of the Consulting Matters podcast and a sought-after speaker and trainer on brand strategy, executive influence, and the business of transformation.Will you help me?I have a quick favor to ask. I'm conducting research for my next book and would love to get your insights on people-centered, learning organizations and the leadership that creates them. The survey takes just 5 to 10 minutes and your responses will directly shape the book and a future Chain of Learning podcast episode. -> Take the Survey here, open through May 22.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/72Connect with Betsy Jordyn: linkedin.com/in/betsy-jordynListen to Betsy's Podcast, Consulting Matters: betsyjordyn.com/podcasts/consulting-matters Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Download my FREE KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalystSubscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletter Take the People-Centered Leadership SurveyTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:16 The hidden reality of creativity and why books are written multiple times02:39 What the messy middle feels like and why this stage matters more than we think05:04 Re-centering leadership on what's within your control in a world of constant change06:00 Why influence isn't about forcing change, but creating conditions for growth08:12 Reframing resistance and what people actually need to move forward10:06 How to keep evolving instead of staying stuck in old ways of thinking12:26 The process of writing a book and getting clarity on the what the book is about16:04 Why growth often requires releasing what once worked17:09 Benefits of collaborating in person vs. using AI as a thinking partner18:07 Why learning can't be forced, but we need to allow space for insight22:07 The concept of omotenashi and looking at a lens of caring from a human angle24:14 The meaning of Intention = Heart + Direction to create the conditions for learning29:15 What changes when you respect others' agency instead of driving direction32:19 How to have empathy and not push your agenda when leaders are not “bought in”33:01 Why your expertise can become a barrier to connection and clarity35:46 How different perspectives reveal whether your message actually lands38:08 Moving beyond the lingo to prevent barriers43:27 Why growth requires releasing identities, ideas, and ways of working

If you've ever felt busy but not fulfilled… this episode is for you. So many women are trying to manage their time better—but still feel scattered, overwhelmed, and pulled in too many directions. In this episode, we're shifting the conversation. Because time management isn't just about getting more done… it's about leading your life with intention and asking "Master, what matters?" Because what matters to Him should matter to us. I'm sharing a simple framework you can come back to again and again: Your Calling. Your Community. Your Cause. When you align your life around these three areas, you gain clarity, build confidence, and begin to create real, Christ-centered influence in the lives of others. This is how you stop reacting… and start leading. In this episode, you'll learn: Why traditional time management isn't working for you The difference between being busy and being aligned How to identify what actually matters in your life and leadership A simple filter to help you make better decisions with your time How to lead with clarity, confidence, and intentional impact Questions to reflect on: What is God doing in me right now? (calling) Who has He placed in my life to influence? (community) What is He asking me to focus on in this season? (cause) Ready to go deeper? If you're ready to step into your calling and become a more intentional, confident leader… The Called to Lead Framework will help you grow in clarity, strengthen your leadership, and learn how to influence others with purpose—at work, in your community, and at home.

Caring becomes carrying.It happens so naturally we rarely notice it. Someone brings us a problem. We care. We want to help. And somewhere in that desire to help, without meaning to, we take on the weight of solving it ourselves.That shift is subtle. And costly.Because the moment you take ownership of the thinking, you take away the very capability you're trying to build.In this episode, I explore a critical shift in change leadership: how to hold the thinking process so others can solve their own problems — without taking on their work as your own.Your value as a leader isn't in having the answer. It's in creating the conditions where others can think, test, and learn. When you want to create empowered problem-solving in your organization, stepping back is stepping up.You'll Learn:How to notice when you've shifted from supporting someone's thinking to carrying their problemWhy redirecting your focus from the problem to the person working through it changes everything about how you coachHow to use a simple problem solving structure (Target, Actual, Gap) to anchor your questions and keep ownership where it belongsHow to stay present to how someone is thinking instead of jumping ahead to solutionsHow to choose intentionally when to step in with direction — and when to step back to build capabilityIMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/71 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:00:40 The subtle shift from caring to carrying problem solving03:35 Realization of owning the process of solving the problem04:39 What gets in the way of intentions to be helpful05:27 Why problem solving and problem solving coaching are two different skills05:50 How to stay focused on the thinking process and keep from sliding back into the problem itself06:42 How to anchor questions around a structured problem solving flow08:11 The mantra, “Target, Actual gap, Please explain,” to identify the real problem before jumping to solutions09:13 Benefit of assigning a problem for a team member to solve10:56 The identity shift from having all the answers to holding the process12:28 One way to notice if you have a telling habit14:41 Why you should avoid defaulting to giving the answer and ask questions to understand the problem first16:59 The meaning of intention = heart + direction to coach with the right motives17:21 Three steps to coach with intention:17:25 [ONE] Take an intention pause17:45 [TWO] Choose the behaviors that align with that impact18:08 [THREE] Reflect and learn your way forward19:15 Positive result from leading by asking questions that helped team gain confidence21:41 Three reflection questions before you go into your next coaching conversation

In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I’m joined by Christina Howard, a former Fortune 100 HR leader and founder of Intently, to explore what it really means to lead with intention. Christina’s career spans large corporate environments, executive leadership, and coaching senior leaders through complexity and change. Along the way, she’s built a reputation for helping leaders move beyond theory and into practical, human-centred leadership. We discuss how leaders can build self-awareness as a foundation for better decision-making, why values only matter when they are translated into everyday behaviours, and how to create cultures that are designed with purpose rather than left to chance. We also explore the realities leaders are facing today. Navigating difference within teams, creating space for diverse perspectives, and leading with empathy without losing clarity or direction. Christina shares the distinction between intellectual and emotional empathy, and why that gap will matter even more as AI becomes embedded in the workplace. This is a thoughtful and practical conversation for leaders who want to lead with intention, stay grounded in their values, and build organisations that are both high performing and deeply human. https://www.intentlyco.com/about-usSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The LEARN Framework: Building a Lasting Culture Through Intentional LeadershipGuest: Jim Carbaugh, Educator, Leadership Coach and Author Host: Julie RigaOverviewJim Carbaugh spent 35 years in classrooms and school leadership before turning five letters his grandfather taught him into a framework now adopted by schools and businesses nationwide. His LEARN Framework covers Listen, Ethics, Attitude, Respect, and Know. In this episode, Jim and Julie explore what it takes to build a lasting culture, lead with purpose, and stay curious in a rapidly changing world.The LEARN Framework: Building a Lasting Culture Through Intentional LeadershipAbout Jim CarbaughJim Carbaugh is a leadership coach, speaker, and author with 35 years in education as a teacher, coach, and school administrator. His LEARN Framework was shaped by a personal story of mentorship passed down by his grandfather and refined through decades of leading people under pressure. He is the founder of All Points Leadership, now transitioning to jimcarbaugh.com, and has a new book releasing soon that walks leaders step by step through the framework.Fun Fact: Jim is a devoted fan of Maryland Hardshell Blue Crabs with Old Bay seasoning and has a reputation for testing the limits of all-you-can-eat seafood restaurants.The Three Ingredients for SuccessListenYour climate controls your culture. Before you can build a great culture, you must first understand the climate you are creating. True listening means entering every conversation with curiosity, not with the intent to fix or to win. Communication does not happen unless the listener confirms understanding. Leaders must listen at every level of the organization and always clarify before anyone leaves the room.EthicsYour non-negotiables are your values in action. Jim leads a team exercise where everyone writes their top three to five non-negotiables. When compared, shared values almost always surface, revealing why conflict was unnecessary in the first place. When leaders stretch beyond their non-negotiables, poor decisions follow. Knowing your values empowers bold choices, including walking away from opportunities that do not align with who you are.KnowNo has two sides. The first is the boundary you set for yourself. The second is the no you will receive from others. We are wired to hear no as permanent, but it is not final. Every yes you have earned came through the no's you navigated. The mindset shift is replacing no with "What if?" Leaders who stay curious, embrace new tools, and keep learning are the ones who will shape what leadership looks like in the years ahead.Memorable Quotes"Your climate controls your culture.""Communication does not happen unless the listener says it does.""In life, we either get better or we get worse. Nothing stays the same.""No is not permanent. The next yes you get came from all the no's you decided to get over.""Leaders need to be curious. That is the bottom line for everything."Connect with Jim CarbaughWebsite: jimcarbaugh.com Upcoming Book: A step-by-step guide to the LEARN Framework for educators and leadersConnect with Julie RigaPodcast: Stay On Course, available wherever you listen to podcasts Coaching: Leadership coaching, transformation, and executive developmentSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with a leader who is ready to grow.#StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDrivenLeadership #LEARNFramework #AuthenticGrowth

Mash Up Episode ft. 12 Rules For Leaders Deep Dive - Leadership Models from Sun-Tzu to Albert Murray w/David Baumrucker & Jesan Sorrells---Explore the gap between leadership models and real-world practice as Jesan Sorrells and guest David Baumrucker examine the pitfalls of rigid frameworks and the necessity for leader courage in today's volatile environment. They discuss the enduring value of classical wisdom, the influence of myth according to Carl Jung, and the critical challenge technology poses to authentic leadership and organizational culture. The conversation is rooted in Sorrells' own "12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership" and explores how timeless principles offer guidance for navigating the uncertainty ahead.Book Title: 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership Author: Jesan SorrellsGuests: David Baumrucker (Co-Host), Jesan Sorrells (Host)---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 Developing leadership principles10:02 Models as compass, not map11:04 Modern leadership and experiential learning20:47 Rediscovering true leadership basics25:20 Signs of ineffective leadership30:54 Understanding leadership and the shadow33:39 Understanding leadership archetypes and the shadow41:55 Returning to healthy masculine and feminine46:29 Fire as a metaphor for growth52:07 Rethinking our relationship with technology58:58 Disconnecting from nature and myth01:04:08 Practical AI tools for everyday use01:06:03 AI's impact on workplace loyalty01:13:10 Society's challenges and survival pressures01:17:11 The new American project vision01:25:24 Questioning leadership and blind faith01:29:31 Talking about the Word and creation01:35:59 The role of Gen Z in change01:37:59 Passing wisdom to future generations---Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!--- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out HSCT Publishing at: https://www.hsctpublishing.com/.Check out LeadingKeys at: https://www.leadingkeys.com/Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/Contact HSCT for more information at 1-833-216-8296 to schedule a full DEMO of LeadingKeys with one of our team members.---Leadership ToolBox website: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/.Leadership ToolBox LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ldrshptlbx/.Leadership ToolBox YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershiptoolbox/videosLeadership ToolBox Twitter: https://twitter.com/ldrshptlbx.Leadership ToolBox IG: https://www.instagram.com/leadershiptoolboxus/.Leadership ToolBox FB: https://www.facebook.com/LdrshpTl

The Core Idea Execution problems are often misdiagnosed as strategy issues In reality, teams respond to the energy behind the message, not just the message itself  Why Energy Matters Same strategy + same team ≠ same results The difference is often how the leader shows up Energy sets the tone for how people receive, interpret, and act The Leadership Blind Spot Many leaders default to their natural energy (optimism, urgency, momentum) Strengths can become liabilities when mismatched to the moment Example: positivity can feel dismissive when people need acknowledgment Key Insight Energy is not about personality It's about intentionality The Three Questions to Lead with Energy What does this moment actually require? Push forward vs. pause Momentum vs. reflection Direction vs. collaboration Am I creating clarity or just intensity? Clarity drives confident action Intensity creates urgency without direction Fast does not equal effective Do people need to be lifted or met where they are? Lift: vision, possibility, forward movement Meet: acknowledgment, validation, presence Misalignment leads to disconnection or stagnation Practical Application Adapt your energy based on the situation: Strategy sessions → vision and momentum Difficult conversations → groundedness and empathy Crisis moments → calm and stability Cultural Impact Your consistent energy becomes your culture: Urgency → reactive teams Positivity without acknowledgment → hidden struggles Calm without movement → complacency The Leadership Shift Stop expressing energy unconsciously Start directing energy strategically Reflection Question What energy are you bringing into your conversations—and is it what's needed? Call to Action Explore the full framework in Think First: Build a Team That Thinks Like Leaders Think First

This week on Your Best Day Yet, Chief Adventure Officer, Caleb Kolb, is joined by Chief Victory Officer, Eric Guy, for a powerful conversation centered on clarity, consistency, and intentional leadership. Together, they explore what it takes to stay aligned with your purpose in the midst of distractions, how discipline creates momentum over time, and why the best leaders are those who consistently show up with focus and intention.Check out our website: https://www.centerforvictory.com/

Episode #131 is up!  Check it out!!!Special Guest Ms. Jayme Braida, Elementary Principal and Special Education Director, joins Dr. Woods on episode #131 of Leading Out The Woods to discuss Culture Isn't an Accident: How Intentional Leadership Creates Effective Schools. In this episode, they explore how leaders can intentionally shape school culture through clarity, consistency, and purpose-driven actions. Drawing from her LEAD framework, Ms. Braida shares practical strategies for building trust, fostering belonging, and creating environments where both students and staff feel seen, heard, and empowered to thrive.

What happens when leaders make decisions further and further away from the work itself?In a world of AI, automated dashboards, and remote work, it's easy to manage representations of work instead of understanding what's actually happening for the people who do it.Yet, when leaders rely on data rather than facts, they often end up solving the wrong problems, even with the best intentions.In this episode of Chain of Learning, I'm joined by Nigel Thurlow, consultant, systems thinker, and Toyota's first-ever Chief of Agile, to explore how better decisions come from understanding how the system actually operates. And that understanding is built by engaging with the people doing the work.When you stay connected, you don't just get better information. You see how work actually flows, where problems emerge, and what's getting in the way. You build trust, surface issues earlier, and make it easier for people to think and solve problems together.In this episode, you'll learn:Why there's a critical difference between delegation and empowerment — and why one leaves people unable to actHow to distinguish between data and facts, and why going to see conditions firsthand changes the decisions you makeWhat "going to gemba" looks like in a digital or remote environment when there's no factory floor to walkWhy making work visible creates the conditions for people to surface problems,  before they compoundWhy AI amplifies what's already there — and why fixing the underlying system comes firstABOUT MY GUEST: Nigel Thurlow is CEO of The Flow Consortium and the creator of Scrum the Toyota Way. He spent over 20 years at Toyota, including serving as the first Chief of Agile at Toyota Connected. He is co-author of The Flow System and The Flow System Playbook, and his work focuses on improving decision-making in complex environments.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/70 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comConnect with Nigel Thurlow: linkedin.com/in/nigelthurlowFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst  TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:19 Effects of being detached from the work when working remotely04:17 Difference between delegation and empowerment when assigning work to others05:35 Fear of those who are delegated to of failing or making the wrong decision07:15 What it means to empower someone and transfer the ownership of that decision to someone else09:21 How to go to gemba and go where the work is done10:07 The benefits of "presenteeism" and being present where the work is performed11:46 Benefits of collaborating in person vs. a digital environment to make better decision13:02 Nigel's experience in working in a frozen food manufacturer and going out to the line to understand the pain workers experienced15:42 Why you need to understand how work gets done to improve throughput and quality of work16:39 Benefits of hiring an external or internal consultant to understand the problems that need solving19:31 The effects of companies investing in tools and AI and realizing it doesn't help with problem solving21:30 How to avoid the leadership decision problem and get all the facts to avoid consequences24:39 Technique known as “sense making” to understand the temperament and behaviors in the environment to reveal dark constraints26:09 The difference between US and Toyota's corporate culture in incentivizing leaders to be part of a system29:10 How to help workers make changes that need to be made visible to senior leaders35:04 Enabling others to communicate with leaders to improve decision making37:14 Why badly designed systems and not the workforce are the cause of problems38:25 Why you can't implement AI with a broken system40:31 The possible future of AI and how it can affect our decision making43:37 Importance of embracing the human connection to better communicate and make better decisions47:24 Reflect on where your decisions may be happening too far from the work

Tina Robinson is the CEO of WorkJoy, a firm dedicated to helping leaders at all levels unleash their potential, and author of the newly released book, Developing Your Business Leaders A Guide to Investing at all Levels. In this episode, Tina challenges conventional thinking around how organizations develop their leaders and shares why leadership development should be treated as a strategic investment and not a one-off training program.  Using strategies from her book, Tina provides tactics for moving past vague requests from stakeholders to uncover the real business needs underneath. One practical tool is her "one-to-one, one-to-many, and one-to-all" framework, which helps talent development professionals choose the right approach to leadership development. We also cover navigating stakeholder conversations with confidence, why not every problem should be solved with training, and how to measure impact in meaningful ways.  Resources:   Tina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinarobinsonspeaks/  WorkJoy website: https://www.workjoycoaching.com/  Tina's book: https://www.amazon.com/Developing-Your-Business-Leaders-Investing/dp/1960231766  

You're being told to use AI. But which tool you actually need to do your best work?Leaders and change practitioners everywhere feel the same pressures right now — more meetings, more information, more mandates to adopt AI — with less time to think and less clarity about where to start. And most of the advice begins in the wrong place: with the tool.In this episode of Chain of Learning, I talk with Barry O'Reilly, bestselling author of Unlearn and Lean Enterprise, and author of the new book Artificial Organizations, about why the real opportunity with AI isn't automation. It's better judgment.Barry shares examples from his work with Fortune 500 executives who are successfully pairing human instinct with machine insight — not by adopting every new tool, but by understanding how they work, where judgment matters most, and what needs to be unlearned along the way. It's about letting go of the belief that your expertise is your competitive advantage, and starting to see AI not as a replacement, but as a thinking partner that can sharpen your clarity, your presence, and your preparation.In this episode, you'll learn:Why starting with the tool is the wrong place to start — and what to do insteadHow to identify your natural traits and highest-leverage tasks as the foundation for working with AIThe unlearning required to shift from relying on instinct alone to combining human judgment with machine insightHow successful leaders are using AI to pressure-test ideas and show up more prepared and presentWhy the skills that make you more effective with AI are the same skills that make you more influential with peopleWhere does judgment matter most in your role right now — and what might you need to unlearn to create space for a better way of working?ABOUT MY GUEST: Barry O'Reilly is the bestselling author of Unlearn and co-author of Lean Enterprise. He hosts the Unlearn Podcast and is co-founder of Nobody Studios, an AI-driven venture studio. His newest book, Artificial Organizations, is a practical guide for leaders ready to combine human and machine intelligence to make better decisions faster. Barry O'Reilly is also giving away a copy of Artificial Organizations to THREE lucky winners!Artificial Organizations explores how leaders can combine human judgment with AI to make better decisions in an increasingly complex world. Instead of focusing on AI tools, the book shows how organizations must redesign how leaders think, work, and make decisions so technology enhances clarity rather than amplifies confusion. It presents a practical leadership system for using AI as a thinking partner to improve judgment, reduce decision overload, and lead more effectively.Register now to enter the giveaway!IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/69 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comConnect with Barry O'Reilly: linkedin.com/in/barryoreilly Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonCheck out Barry O'Reilly's book, Artificial Organizations: artificialorganizations.com Subscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletter Learn more about my coaching, trusted advisor partnerships, and leadership learning experiences: organizations@kbjanderson.com RELATED LINKS:Unlearn Podcast | Intentional Leadership with Katie AndersonEpisode 59 | Get Better at Getting Better: Leveraging AI to Elevate Human Learning with Nathen HarveyTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:28 Where to start on adopting AI05:04 Importance of understanding natural traits and strengths before looking into AI tools07:12 Defining the problem first before looking for the tool to close the gap08:17 Why some may see AI as a deflection tool09:02 How to use AI for synthesizing data rather than rudimentary tasks12:28 Why judgment is the leadership advantage and leveraging AI to make better judgment12:38 Using decision velocity to improve decision making13:35 Decision advantage in synthesizing data to make a decision14:35 The difference between AI and human strengths in decision making16:26 Unlearning how you work to make progress19:32 Why human thinking plus machine equals a better outcome20:28 Examples of how to use AI to be the best business and thinking partner24:46 Importance of asking the right questions when brainstorming with AI26:06 The limitations of AI and knowing how to use it to your advantage30:18 How technology can help us be make a bigger impact33:12 The loss of psychological safety when implementing AI and unlearning this fear35:35 Better results when teams collaborate with AI vs. doing it independently36:06 Shifting from control based learning mindset to influence based learning mindset for continuous improvement37:54 Implementing AI to be the most effective in your organization40:34 How to start building an AI stack knowing your natural traits, one or two tasks, and then experimenting with an AI tool42:54 The skills that make us more effective with machines to increase influence43:16 Questions for reflection on how to implement AI in your organization Enter to win a copy of Barry's book here: https://kbjanderson.com/giveaways/book-giveaway-artificial-organizations

Registration is now OPEN for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/What changes when leaders stop learning alone—and start learning together?Leadership development often focuses on individual insight: reading, listening, reflecting. But some of the most meaningful shifts in leadership don't happen that way.They happen when leadership teams go see, ask questions, and reflect together.That shared experience becomes a catalyst—aligning leaders around a new way of seeing their organization, supporting one another in practicing new behaviors, and driving lasting transformation.In this episode of Chain of Learning, you'll learn why immersive experiences can transform how leadership teams align, learn, and develop—and why learning in context often leads to change that lasts.Drawing on examples from my Japan Leadership Experience, we look at what happens when leadership teams step away from the day-to-day pressures of their roles and create space to learn and reflect in new ways.Shared experiences give leadership teams something powerful: a common reference point for how they want to lead and improve—accelerating organizational transformation.In this episode, we explore how to:Shift from learning as an individual activity to learning as a leadership team practiceCreate alignment by seeing and reflecting on the same thingsMove from “What did I learn?” to “What are we seeing differently?”Turn shared insights into new leadership behaviors back at workUnderstand why immersion and context matter when developing people-centered leadershipIMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/67 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Learn more about my Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantripRELATED EPISODES:Episode 25 | Getting Results Through the Power of Serious Leadership with Kecia Kelly and Amy ChaumetonEpisode 20 | How to Coach Executives and Influence Change with Brad ToussaintEpisode 48 | Make Leadership Meaningful: From Tools to Purposeful Impact with Josef ProcházkaEpisode 67 | Why Lifelong Learning Is the Foundation of Influence (and Can Limit Your Impact)Episode 4 | Leading for Impact: The Power of Being Over DoingEpisode 17 | Leading Change from the Middle with Pennie SaumTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:1:30 The gap between inspiration and the system you return to2:46  Three conditions that most leadership development is missing.4:13 The fundamental difference when others are learning beside you vs. learning alone4:47 How Jim, Healthcare COO,  accelerated transformation by inviting his team on the Japan Leadership Experience6:49 Transformations that past Japan Leadership Experience have experienced in accelerated learning and sustaining excellence in their organization10:34 Unlocking shoshin - the beginner's mind - through immersive experiences12:04 The benefits of observing Japan employees and companies in person14:22 The depth of connection that forms when you learn together16:43 Why shared learning is important for leaders to make changes that sticks18:55 The cultural impact of the Japan Leadership Experience21:31 The deepest leadership changes that come from shared learning and shared leadership Registration is now OPEN for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

In this episode of the Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of welcoming Tamian Dysart, a leadership speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of the Elevate You platform. Tamian's work centers on personal transformation, intentional leadership, and fostering healthy cultures within organizations. Our conversation delved into how leaders can elevate themselves to uplift their teams, organizations, and communities. Tamian shared his personal journey, which began with over 15 years in corporate America, where he learned valuable lessons about leadership—often by observing what not to do. A pivotal moment in his life came when he discovered the works of John Maxwell, which inspired him to focus on personal development and culture-building. He highlighted a significant achievement at Capital One, where he reduced employee turnover from 33% to an astonishing 6% in just 18 months by investing in personal development and culture. We explored the concept of "elevate," which Tamian defines as personal empowerment. He emphasized the importance of intentionality in our thoughts and actions, noting that many people live on autopilot, allowing their thoughts to dictate their emotions and actions. By elevating our thinking, we can create a positive cycle that leads to better outcomes. Tamian also addressed common myths and barriers to growth, particularly in the nonprofit sector, where burnout and a lack of investment in personal development can hinder impact. He stressed that leaders must prioritize their own growth to effectively lead others and fulfill their missions. Throughout the episode, we discussed the significance of discipline and intentionality in achieving personal and organizational success. Tamian encouraged listeners to start small, focusing on one new habit at a time to build momentum and transform their lives. Finally, we touched on the importance of culture in organizations, describing it as currency that can either elevate or diminish the workplace experience. Tamian's insights on leadership, personal growth, and culture are not only relevant for nonprofit leaders but for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their communities. I encourage our listeners to check out Tamian's book, "Elevate," and visit his website, Think3D, for more resources on transforming workplace culture and personal development. Thank you for joining us for this inspiring conversation! More at https://letsthink3d.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Grow Think Tank, Gene Hammett talks with Matthew Rooda, Founder/CEO of SwineTech (ranked No. 247 on the 2025 Inc. 5000), about the real challenges of scaling a business while keeping culture and customers front and center. Matthew shares lessons on why it's critical to address cultural issues early, build a strong foundation for sustainable growth, and truly understand what your customers want, especially in the meat industry. He also dives into the importance of honest customer discovery, hiring the right people, and creating a team environment where collaboration, ownership, and accountability thrive. Matthew also shares practical tips on listening to your team, even in the small things, and why these simple wins can have a big impact on morale and engagement. He closes with advice for leaders on maintaining reasonable expectations, staying adaptable, and continually reinventing themselves and their businesses to navigate growth successfully. If you're a founder or CEO looking to scale without losing your culture or your sanity, this episode is full of actionable insights. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 4:12 The Journey of Swine Tech 9:31 Defining Scaling Smart 11:30 Building a Strong Foundation 15:56 Hiring the Right Talent 21:24 The Cost of Tolerating Culture 24:14 Key Takeaways for CEOs Key Takeaways ✅Culture is foundational small issues left unchecked can derail growth. ✅True product-market fit comes from deeply understanding your customers' real problems. ✅Growth requires balance: business goals, customer satisfaction, and your team's well-being. ✅Hiring isn't just about talent; it's about mindset and alignment with your mission. ✅Small gestures, like payroll frequency or listening to feedback, can significantly improve morale. ✅Leaders must embrace flexibility, continuous learning, and reinvention to sustain growth. If you're looking to scale your business without losing your culture or your mind, this episode is packed with actionable insights and lessons learned the hard way. This episode is a must-listen for CEOs and executives looking to lead innovation with purpose, scale responsibly with AI, and build cultures where people feel empowered to think About Matthew Rooda Matthew Rooda is the Founder & CEO of SwineTech, an ag-tech company developing automation and data solutions to improve pig care and farm efficiency. He is also the host of the Popular Pig Podcast, where he interviews global leaders in the swine industry. Rooda has been recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and is an MBA graduate from Johns Hopkins University. LinkedIn: Matthew Rooda (LinkedIn) Company Website: SwineTech Get In Touch with Matt: https://swinetechnologies.com/contact/

Many leaders assume that company culture is something that just "happens"—a byproduct of the team they hire. But as Katherine Robinette points out: culture happens whether you plan it or not. The real question is whether you are intentionally designing it to support your goals, or letting it evolve by accident. In this episode of Leadership in Quarters, host Josh Seldin sits down with leadership strategist Katherine Robinette to unpack the "Core Dimensions of Leadership." They explore how to move away from the "Flavor of the Month" management style and toward a structured, intentional approach that protects your team's energy and clarifies your organization's true North Star. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ The 4 Core Dimensions: How to balance Mindset, Method, Metrics, and Mood. ✅ Why your "North Star" isn't a goal to achieve, but a reason to exist. ✅ Identifying "Method" problems: Why team burnout is usually a system failure, not a people failure. ✅ How to use "In-Progress Metrics" to keep your team motivated during long-term projects. ✅ The art of saying "No": How to protect your team's energy by knowing what to stop doing. ✅ The Stop-Start-Continue framework: A tactical gut-check for any organization. ✅ How to transition from an individual executor to a strategic leader without the burnout. Connect with Katherine Robinette: Her Website: https://keystoneandraven.com/ LinkedIn: / katherine-robinette-speaker Curious how your leadership, team, or workplace is showing up? Download these reflection tools to get a sense of what is really going on at work: https://keystoneandraven.com/resources Contact Josh: leadinquarters@gmail.com Follow Leadership in Quarters: Instagram, YouTube & TikTok @leadinquarters Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode on navigating the complexities of modern leadership! Music by https://www.bensound.com License code: US7J7IREGSLNT8B0 Artist: : Benjamin Tissot #LeadershipInQuarters #IntentionalLeadership #CoreDimensionsOfLeadership #LeadershipMindset #CompanyCultureDesign #BurnoutPrevention #StrategicPlanning #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagementSystems

Fan Mail: Tell Wendy how you're saying yes to yourself!Explore Wendy's bespoke experiences in 2026: Space to Dream: Workshops Around the WorldEdinburgh July 6-10 Walnut Grove Cookery Aug. 27 - Sept. 2More Trips & ExperiencesQuestions? Email Wendy!In this episode, Wendy sits down with Bianca D'Alessio, real estate entrepreneur and author of Mastering Intentions: 10 Practices to Amplify Your Power and Lead with Lasting Impact, who knows what it's like when everything starts working. Not the hustle-and-grind kind of working—the aligned, ease-filled, things-fall-into-place kind of working. The kind that comes after you've been through seasons of difficulty and built the resilience to shift.They explore:Why you don't need to qualify your desires or explain every step of your journey to make someone else comfortableHow to stop living in the version of yourself from 6 versions agoWhy giving people grace for where they are on their journey changes how you show upThis is a conversation about alignment, inspired action, and recognizing that we're all crossing paths at different points in time. What if you stopped waiting for the world to understand and just said yes to yourself anyway?Connect with Bianca:Get her book, Mastering Intentions: 10 Practices to Amplify Your Power and Lead with Lasting ImpactInstagram @biancadalessioLinkedInbiancadalessio.comReferenced in this Episode:The Numerology of Endings and Renewal | Dina BerrinCoffee Chat with Dina Berrin________________________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Wendy: LinkedinInstagram: @phineaswrighthouseFacebook: Phineas Wright House Website: Phineas Wright House PWH Farm StaysPWH Curated Experience and Travel Interested in being a guest on the show? Send your pitch to podcast@phineaswrighthouse.com Podcast Production By Shannon Warner of Resonant Collective Want to start your own podcast? Let's chat! If this episode resonated, follow Say YES to Yourself! and leave a 5-star review. It helps more women in midlife discover the tools, stories, and community that make saying YES not only possible, but powerful.

What if your commitment to learning is actually limiting your influence as a change leader?Many of us pride ourselves on being lifelong learners. We read, earn certifications, study new tools, and go deep into our methodology. That depth is a strength. But as your responsibility grows—from running projects to shaping transformation—what's required of you changes.At some point, going deeper into your method or functional expertise is no longer enough. Your role shifts from applying tools to enabling leaders to see the whole system, define the real problem before choosing an approach.In this episode of Chain of Learning, I help you learn how to move from learning as accumulation to learning as adaptable influence.As your scope expands, you're no longer just responsible for executing well. You're responsible for how others think, decide, and take ownership. That requires more than expertise. It requires the ability to step back, question the form, and respond to what the situation truly calls for.Your learning might be limiting your impact. We often define lifelong learning as going deeper into our expertise, but what's missing is the shift toward adaptability and broader perspective. A learning mindset is the foundation for enabling a learning organization—yet if it stays attached to one form or method, it can constrain your influence.In this episode, you'll explore how to:Describe the impact you create tools or jargonMove from Shuhari—rigidly following a method to adapting based on contextPractice beginner's mind—Shoshin, even when you're the expertIdentify when you've fallen into the Doer Trap—and choose to develop others insteadNotice when you're following the form in situations that call for flexibilityIf you want to build a learning organization, your own learning mindset must evolve first. It's not just what you know, but how you show up.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/67 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Learn more about my Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantripRELATED EPISODES:Episode 65 | From Learning to Impact: Turn Insight into Leadership ActionEpisode 9 | The 8 Essential Skills to Become a Transformational Change Katalyst™Episode 15 | 5 Steps to Revitalize Lifelong LearningEpisode 27 | 3 Practices to Become a Skillful FacilitatorEpisode 42 | Do the Right Thing: Japanese Management Masterclass Part 1 with Tim WolputEpisode 52 | What You Love About Lean and Operational Excellence — And Your #1 Frustration: How to Get Executive Buy-inTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:00:40 The Katalyst model revision and why lifelong learning was removed as a standalone competency03:24 Why learning isn't what distinguishes your influence. It's what makes influence possible05:07 What it means to be a lifelong learning enthusiast06:52 Three questions every change leader should be able to answer without jargon09:22 What 75 leaders revealed in a survey and the lesson underneath it10:31 The concept of Shu Ha Ri that shapes how you develop and learn:11:13 [SHU] following the form11:25 [HA] where you begin to adapt11:35 [RI] Transcending the form entirely12:20 Five Toyota Kata Coaching questions developed by Mike Roth that requires learning and unlearning to develop, grow, and improve15:05 The concept of Shoshin and clearing what's in the way16:04 Katie's personal confession about her own telling habit and what modeling the way actually looks like in practice17:35 The "doer trap" and why getting leadership buy-in starts with us20:39 What lifelong learning really means and why it's a being practice21:01 Three practices to try this week to create more impact

Feeling busy yet strangely stuck? We pull together a month of conversations to reveal a clearer path: lead with conscious influence, not control. Across three standout themes—self-leadership, emotional fitness, and meeting design—we show how small, intentional choices create outsized cultural ripple effects.We start by reframing where leadership lives: not in titles or dashboards, but in behavior and micro moments. Tracy Clark's lens on self-awareness challenges us to look for where we unintentionally bottleneck our teams by over controlling or rushing to certainty. The move is from hero to catalyst—asking better questions, creating space for others to step up, and letting curiosity replace the need to be right. You'll hear practical reflection prompts and a simple weekly action to step back once and watch ownership grow.Next, we add emotional depth with Melinda McCormack. People do not leave their lives at the door, and disengagement rarely happens overnight. We practice the intentional pause: notice, name, and ask why this emotion, why now, then choose a values-aligned response. Treat emotions as data that point to met or unmet needs—belonging, respect, significance. This is how leaders create psychological safety, regulate under pressure, and earn trust that compounds over time.Finally, Rebecca Hinds equips us to reclaim our calendars. Meetings aren't bad; they're badly designed. We challenge visibility bias, clarify purpose, and treat meetings like a product with users, outcomes, and constraints. You'll learn how to run a calendar reset, redesign who's in the room, set tighter timeboxes, and use small structural tweaks—like 3:05 starts—to protect energy. One better meeting can reset a team's focus and signal what your culture truly values.We close with an integrated challenge: lead one moment with self-awareness, handle one situation with empathy and emotional regulation, and redesign one meeting to be more intentional. Ready to trade busyness for impact? Subscribe, share with a leader who needs this, and leave a review with the one change you'll try this week.Send a textSupport the show✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week!

What if the most powerful clinical tool in healthcare wasn't a drug, a device, or a data platform — but a word? In this episode of Experiencing Healthcare, Jamie and Matt have a conversation that starts with Disney World germs and ends with something that will change the way you lead your team tomorrow. They unpack the idea of Intentional Positive Reinforcement — not the hollow "great job" you throw over your shoulder in the hallway, but the kind of deliberate, meaningful recognition that creates a ripple effect all the way to the patient's bedside. Matt shares what a dental hygienist taught him about doing things right, why a pair of clicking heels in a nursing home hallway was actually a leadership strategy, and what happens to a healthcare team that only ever hears what they're doing wrong. This is a conversation for the bedside nurse and the C-suite executive. For the credentialing specialist who never sees a patient and the clinical coordinator who sees dozens. Because in healthcare, everyone plays a role in the patient experience — and the way we lead people determines the care those people deliver. If you've ever wondered whether your words are adding to your team or subtracting from them, this episode is your answer.

What does it really take to lead transformation as responsibility grows?At some point, leadership stops being about doing the improvement work or having the right answers. For operational leaders and change practitioners alike, the work moves to holding the system—people, priorities, and consequences—and helping others learn how to do the same.In this episode of Chain of Learning, I'm joined by Carlos Scholz, CEO of Catalysis, to explore the critical shift leaders must make to enable systemic, lasting organizational change.Carlos shares his journey from technically trained engineer in manufacturing, to transformational change leader in healthcare leading a team of continuous improvement practitioners, to operations leader, and now CEO. Across these roles, he's learned that transformation doesn't fail because leaders don't care or aren't trying, but because we often rush to outcomes and skip the systems-level and behavioral maturity required to sustain them.This conversation highlights a critical truth: leadership is practice. It's not a role or a title, it's how you intentionally show up and get better, day after day.Together, we explore what really changes as leadership responsibility and organizational complexity increase, how leaders have to change their own behavior, and how influence shifts when the work is no longer about doing improvement, but about developing leaders who can own the system.In this episode, we explore:Why leadership becomes less about expertise and more about intentional practice as scope and responsibility expandWhat changes when you move from leading through influence to owning the system through positional authority and the consequences that come with itHow identity and perceived value shape resistance to change, including your ownWhy skipping organizational and behavioral maturity undermines reliability, even with strong intentionsHow repositioning improvement teams from doers to coaches helps leaders change their behavior and allows transformation to scaleIf you're navigating your own growth as a change leader—or supporting leaders in truly owning their system—this conversation offers language and perspective to help you lead with greater impact.ABOUT MY GUEST:Carlos Scholz is the CEO of Catalysis, a mission-driven organization advancing people-centered, value-based healthcare. A former manufacturing engineer and healthcare operations and change leader at Kaiser Permanente and NYC Health + Hospitals, he brings deep experience driving system-wide Lean and continuous improvement transformation and developing leaders at scale. Carlos was named a Shingo Rising Star and serves on the Shingo Institute Board.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/66 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comConnect with Carlos Scholz: linkedin.com/in/carlosscholz Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Learn more about my Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantripRELATED EPISODES:Episode 9 | Move from Technical Expert to Influential LeaderEpisode 16 | Leverage Analytical Systems Thinking and Psychological Safety to Drive Organizational Improvement [with Mark Graban]TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:02 Leadership shifts Carlos made stepping into senior executive responsibility06:19 The start of Carlos' journey and how it evolvedrelationships as it does on technical expertise12:19 Learning that sustainable change depends as much on influence and being vulnerable and sharing openly 17:42 Multiple approaches in creating conditions for leaders to feel safe enough to be vulnerable18:44 Importance of organizational assessment to identify behavioral gaps24:05 Understanding that sustainable change requires aligning the entire system, not just improving isolated parts26:32 When leaders are not on board with change efforts28:48 Importance of both the technical and social side of being a change leader31:30 The process of building a system of coaching36:23 Transitioning from leading through influence to stepping into direct operational leadership43:28 How skills developed as an influence leader strengthened operational leadership45:57 A surprising lesson from stepping into an operational leadership role50:16 How Carlos is leading transformation as a CEO of Catalysis55:08 Steps to make real transformation happen1:00:13 Reminders for leading transformational change1:01:43 Questions for reflection to strengthen the system around you Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

What does it really look like to build a faith-first life and business, without burnout?In this episode of the Grace Space Christian Coaching podcast, I'm joined by entrepreneur, coach, podcaster, designer, and mom of four Rebekah Scott for a powerful conversation about creating systems that bring order, productivity, and JOY to your home and work life.If you're a Christian woman building a business, leading your family, and craving harmony (not hustle), this episode is for you.With more than 15 years of experience running multiple brands, Bekah shares how she helps women go from overwhelmed and overworked to confident and decisive through simple, customized systems that meet their unique family and business structure's needs.Inside this episode, we talk about:✨ How to create simple systems for food, family, home, and business✨ Finding harmony (not “balance”) between motherhood and entrepreneurship✨ Encouragement for the woman with one business, who still feels like she's drowning✨ What expands your capacity as a leader and mom✨ Marketing lessons from serving clients well for 15+ years✨ The power of legacy and long-term vision✨ The behind-the-scenes story of interviewing Bob GoffRebekah is the host of The Encourager Podcast (https://www.encouragerpodcast.com/) and founder of Encourager Academy, where she equips women to take control of their roles, conquer their day, and build lives rooted in purpose and joy.If you're ready to let go of limiting beliefs and step into your most intentional Christ-centered life and business, this conversation will encourage and equip you.

Send a textWhat does it really take to build a business from $200 into a company that generates over $1 billion in revenue for clients?In this episode of The Good Enough Mompreneur Podcast, I sit down with Jacqueline Basulto — award-winning Latina entrepreneur, founder and CEO of SeedX — to talk about bootstrapping, leadership, motherhood, and scaling with intention.Jacqueline shares:What starting with limited resources teaches you about resilienceHow motherhood reshaped her executive leadership styleThe key to aligning sales and marketing for sustainable growthHow to build remote global teams with cultural cohesionWhy community-driven marketing is the future of brand growthIf you're a mom entrepreneur who wants to grow your business without losing yourself in the process, this conversation is for you.Don't forget to download the reflection worksheet for this episode to apply what you learn.Stay until the end for Angela's top 3 takeaways.Connect with Jacqueline: 

In this episode, we talk with Melissa A. Washington, award-winning advocate, speaker, author, entrepreneur, and U.S. Navy veteran, about intentional leadership, visibility without compromise, and building community that actually works. Melissa is the founder of Women Veterans Alliance, co-founder of Women Veterans Magazine, and the creator of Veteran Events, a national platform supporting veteran and military-connected communities. From enlisting in the Navy at 18 to reinventing her career during the Great Recession, Melissa shares powerful insights on resilience, reinvention, and creating infrastructure that leads to sustainable impact. This conversation is essential for women veterans, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and anyone building mission-driven organizations with purpose and clarity. What You'll Learn What intentional leadership really looks like Why visibility matters—without burnout or compromise How community and infrastructure drive lasting impact Lessons from career reinvention and entrepreneurship What it means to be fierce, fearless, and unfuckable in life and business About the Guest Melissa A. Washington is an award-winning advocate, speaker, author, entrepreneur, publisher, and U.S. Navy veteran. She is the founder of Women Veterans Alliance, co-founder of Women Veterans Magazine, and creator of Veteran Events. Melissa supports women veterans, founders, and mission-driven organizations through leadership, strategy, and visibility. Website: https://www.melissawashington.com Women Veterans Alliance: https://www.womenveteransalliance.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissawashington

What if the reason your learning feels productive—but your impact feels stuck—has nothing to do with effort?Many change leaders and improvement practitioners are excellent learners. You're likely a Learning Enthusiast—like me. You read the books, attend the workshops, listen to podcasts, and gather ideas with genuine enthusiasm.And yet, despite all that effort, learning doesn't always turn into impact. In fact, it can sometimes lead to overwhelm or paralysis—more ideas, more options, and less clarity about what to actually do.I've lived this pattern myself, and I see it again and again in my work with leaders around the world. When learning becomes something we collect rather than something we practice—and bring to fruition through our habits—it stalls our impact.The challenge isn't gaining more knowledge.It's learning how to turn insight into behavior—and connect behavior to results.In this episode, I explore a critical shift: moving from the Chain of Learning® to a Chain of Impact.Instead of treating continuous learning as something to acquire, I invite you to see learning as something to harvest—by making the value chain of impact explicit: turning insight into specific behaviors, practicing them deliberately through doing and reflection, and connecting that practice to the impact it creates for people and results.If you care deeply about learning, growth, and people—and want to build the capability to translate learning into action and impact—this episode will help you do exactly that.YOU'LL LEARNHow to recognize when learning feels productive but isn't changing how you actually show up as a leaderHow to make the connection between learning, behavior, and impact visible—and actionableWhy behaviors—not intentions, traits, or inspiration—are the real bridge between learning and resultsHow treating leadership actions as experiments helps you learn by doing and reflection, not just aiming for a targetWhy harvesting learning means finishing what's ready—not endlessly adding more ideas or initiativesIMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/65 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comDownload my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Learn more about my Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantripTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:00:59 Why doing more is not mean progress02:13 The invisible trap of when we are focused on learning vs. putting it into practice02:27 Harvest - what it means and why it's a fitting word for 2026 05:04 The difference between learning and behavior in creating impact05:25 How to apply Intention = Heart + Direction® to close the execution gap07:40 Four key practices to take action on learning to impact your work and life 07:48 [ONE] Make the learning itself concrete and specific09:00 [TWO] Focus on specific observable behaviors, not traits that we want to develop10:48 [THREE] Identify the gap you want to close and identify what you expect to happen and the impact when you put the learning into practice11:42 [FOUR] Reflect and adjust for accelerated improvement12:49 Where intention stems from and why intention plus direction is important to see results13:54 How leaders turn into impact through the Immersive Japan Leadership Experience14:52 Three open ended questions for leaders to reflect on to create a clear action plan17:07 Josef's experience in shifting from being seen as an expert to a trusted partner18:06 Questions to ask to help break the telling habit21:12 How the meaning of “harvest” is focused on collaboration and creating the space for others to grow22:40 Reflection questions to reflect on to make an impact through your behaviorP.S. This episode happens to be released on my birthday

John talks with Amos Balongo — executive leadership coach, communications coach, keynote speaker, John Maxwell speaker and coach, corporate trainer, founder of Camp Ohana Foundation (nonprofit serving youth globally), husband, and father. Amos is also an international speaker who has traveled to 32 countries, speaking to groups such as the U.S. Navy, YMCA, United Nations, and U.S. Pacific Command. Listen to this episode to learn more: [00:00] - Intro [01:08] - Amos' bio  [02:32] - Amos' journey from Kenya to the U.S. and into leadership [06:02] - Camp Ohana Foundation and its impact on kids [09:31] - Camp Ohana locations around the world [11:12] - Bringing guest speakers to inspire kids with real careers [12:34] - Why Amos connected with John Maxwell team [13:57] - Coaches Need Coaches [15:24] - Amos' fear of public speaking and overcoming it [18:56] - Speakers who don't work on their craft [20:58] - A Voice Empowered book [24:46] - Four pillars of leadership [31:16] - How Amos' faith gives him purpose and strength [33:34] - The pendulum of work and family [35:25] - Creating memories with family [36:49] - Amos' definition of success [38:14] - #1 daily habit [39:31] - Traits of a great leader [41:38] - Legacy Amos wants to leave behind [43:18] - How Amos invests in his growth [44:24] - Best way to connect with Amos [47:11] - Closing thoughts NOTABLE QUOTES: "A lot of times, we focus so much on a destination, not realizing that the journey is where we learn, is where we grow, and the destination is just an end product of the journey." "When you're blessed, it's very important to look back and give back and bless others." "If you're a leader and you're not creating more leaders, something is wrong with your leadership." "You cannot be what you cannot see." "Everybody can teach you something if you're, if you're teachable and willing to learn." "With everything you're doing, you've got to ask yourself, 'How am I growing every day?' And you got to reflect and ask yourself, 'How am I better? How will I be better tomorrow?' And if you're not reflecting, you're not growing, and you're stuck in the same thing." "If you are a leader and you have a great message, but you cannot communicate it, and people can't receive it, then you're going nowhere as a leader." "Success for me is how many people I have impacted and brought along on this journey, because we are on this journey of inspiring each other. We're on a journey. And it's not, did we get to the destination." "Your role as a leader is not positional. Your role is to serve others, is to bring others along. It's, 'I'm in this position because I want to bring others along,' and I'm humble enough to understand that I may not know it all, and there's going to be people that I am leading that would know more than I do. But it's about how we complement each other's strengths, to be able to to work together and bring each other along." "If you're not learning every day, then you're not growing every day. It's just kind of like a banana. If you're green, you grow. If you're ripe, you rot." BOOKS MENTIONED: Straight from the Gut by Jack Welch and John A. Byrne (https://a.co/d/clFRSie) Find Your Why by Simon Sinek (https://a.co/d/dCRB22U) USEFUL RESOURCES: https://amosbalongo.com/ https://leaderconsulting.coach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amosbalongo/ https://www.instagram.com/amosbalongo/ https://www.facebook.com/amosbalongo https://x.com/abalongo https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOlIweirA1HGSgy3t8m299w Transforming Your Life Volume IX: 9 Incredible Stories Showing the Strength of the Human Spirit (https://a.co/d/bee1AFc) CONNECT WITH JOHN Website - https://iamjohnhulen.com    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhulen Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnhulen    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/johnhulen    X - https://x.com/johnhulen    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLX_NchE8lisC4NL2GciIWA    EPISODE CREDITS Intro and Outro music provided by Jeff Scheetz - https://jeffscheetz.com/ 

Hey sis

Growth isn't about doing more or filling checklists; it's about doing what matters within your capacity and rhythm. In fundraising, true impact comes with honoring long-term engagement over quick monetary wins, creating space for transformation, and holding firmly to mission and values while adapting methods. When distraction, uncertainty, and external pressure are inevitable, leaders have to ground themselves, set boundaries, and act with purpose to cultivate clarity, resilience, and meaningful connections. Every action sends ripples, and you have to be mindful of what impact yours will create.  Joining us today is Floyd Jones, a speaker and coach who helps organizations to build sustainable communities that drive lasting impact. Believing that strong communities are the heart of any impactful mission, he collaborates with organizations and leaders to turn followers into dedicated supporters by centering on a community-first approach throughout his career. His specialization is on providing strategies to help leaders grow their reach, build deeper connections, and inspire consistent support. Floyd joined Mallory in this episode to discuss sustainable fundraising and leadership, where mission, values, and relationships guide growth and adaptability. In this episode, you will be able to: - Discover ways to align your fundraising strategies and leadership with mission and values. - Recognize the difference between transactional and relational donor engagement. - Apply grounding and self-regulation techniques in uncertain times as a leader. - Understand the effect of intentional actions that ripple through teams, communities, and the broader sector. - Understand how people-pleasing can distract you from mission-driven decision-making. Get all the resources from today's episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it's the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven't already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you're looking to raise more from the right funders, then you'll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point

Join Grace Space Christian Coaching as we sit down with Dana Gentry Roach, a powerhouse in leadership and real estate. Dana owns multiple Keller Williams franchises that close over $1.5 billion annually and hosts the "Everything Life and Real Estate" podcast.But more importantly, she's passionate about helping leaders live intentionally and experience the big life God designed for them.In this episode, we dive deep into:✨ What it really means to show up consistently in leadership✨ How to align your daily habits with your core values✨ The transformative power of small, thoughtful moments✨ Dana's mentorship with John Maxwell and what she's learned✨ Practical strategies for prioritizing what matters most✨ How Dana and her husband grow together intentionally✨ Charleston favorites and faith-filled living

As the new year begins, leaders often feel pressure to set goals and move quickly. In this episode, Andy Huckaba and Teresa Schwab invite leaders to slow down and lead with greater intention.They explore why reflection matters more than resolutions, how leaders drift without noticing, and why values—not just goals—must anchor leadership decisions. This conversation offers practical ways to create space, protect energy, and establish a clear North Star that guides leadership throughout the year.Referenced Episodes & Resources:Episode 23: Finding Your Compass: Values in Leadership and LifeThe Four Tendencies by Gretchen RubinJonathan Fields' Connection, Contribution, and Vitality frameworkJonathan Fields "Success Scaffolding":  https://www.goodlifeproject.com/podcast/success-scaffolding/Warren Buffet exercise:  Brainstorm 25 work goals that you have for the year. Circle the 5 most important ones. Ignore the others at all costs.End of year/beginning of year reflection:  List 100 changes in the previous year. They could be big or small, or positive, negative or neutral. Don't judge them, just write them down. Episode 23: Finding Your Compass: Values in Leadership and LifeLearn more at⁠ https://adastracoachalliance.com#AdAstraCoachAllianceTag us @AdAstraCoachAlliance and share your thoughts or takeaways from this episode!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)License code: 1AF9FYKW2TNQNGG1

Apply for the Japan Leadership Experience here:https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/What if the reason leading your organization's transformation feels heavy isn't the work itself—but the role you've been playing as a change leader?If you're a change leader, continuous improvement professional, or internal consultant, this tension may feel familiar. You're helping. You're busy. You're delivering results. And before you realize it, you're wearing every hat—facilitator, teacher, problem-solver, checker—all at once.That was my experience too as an internal change leader. And it's a pattern I see again and again in my work with internal change leaders and continuous improvement practitioners: when we're not clear on our role, we become the doers of transformation—when our real work is to enable others to lead it.In this episode of Chain of Learning, I'm joined by Jill Forrester, Director of Continuous Improvement at 3sHealth, to explore the leadership shift that changed how she and her team show up—and the impact they're having—by moving from helping to intentionally creating the conditions for learning and ownership.If you've ever felt the weight of carrying organizational transformation on your shoulders, this conversation will help you see why—and how redefining your role and how you help can change everything.You'll LearnWhy internal change leaders often become the default doers—and why that role isn't sustainableHow lack of role clarity creates confusion, overburden, and dependency for leaders and their internal clientsWhat it really means to create the experience for learning, not just drive improvement outcomesWhy clarifying and labeling your role and intention changes how others engageHow shifting from doing to enabling builds capability, ownership, and sustainable transformationABOUT MY GUEST:Jill Forrester has been a leader in health system transformation since 2012. She has collaboratively guided the development of a comprehensive management system at 3sHealth, encompassing patient and customer engagement, problem-solving and process redesign, strategic visioning and deployment, performance measurement, leadership coaching and development, and employee engagement. Jill is an active member of a strong provincial network of continuous quality improvement leaders dedicated to strengthening Saskatchewan's health system through learning-centered, people-focused practices.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/64 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comConnect with Jill Forrester: linkedin.com/in/jill-forrester Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Learn more about my Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantripDiscover how to get out of the Doer Trap: kbjanderson.com/doertrap TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:27 Jill's new role director of continuous improvement and when she realized she needed to make a shift05:00 The question, “Are we actually helping”?  that changed how Jill viewed her role07:01 Why starting a training with questions makes a bigger impact10:12 Why opening up space for others to learn and contribute can improve engagement13:56 Two shifts Jill and her team made to clarify their roles for better continuous improvement outcomes and build confidence16:07 Labeling your role (even when it feels awkward) to better guide others to transformation22:47 What lead Jill to invest in the Japan Leadership Experience to take her leadership to the next level25:14 Seeing quality as trust and quality as love to reshape how you think about improvement25:44 What good 5S is as something you feel instead of a checklist27:16 An example of 5S in the Japanese culture29:20 The importance of long term thinking to sustain your company for decades30:42 How giving with two hands can be applied to your organization to show respect and support others33:08 The impact of creating space for others to ask questions and learn more quickly35:05 Doing less doing and creating the conditions to increase results and coach more effectively37:15 Reflections to shift from doers to catalysts of change 38:29 Top recommendation for change leaders and continuous improvement practitioners who want to show up in that different space from doing to enabling40:35 Your role as a change leader and creating an experience for others to learn and to lead change themselves42:38 The impact of an intention pause before your next meeting or discussion to help you shift from doing to enabling Apply for the Japan Leadership Experience here:https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

Leadership is meant to be lived with purpose, peace, and alignment with God's plan — yet many Christian women who carry responsibility feel heaviness, second-guessing, and decision fatigue. In this episode, we talk about intentional leadership and how walking in obedience to God's Word brings clarity and confidence in the way we lead. This conversation explores how a lack of intentional obedience can quietly contribute to confusion, uncertainty, and fatigue — even for faithful leaders. You'll learn why obedience is meant to set you free, how Scripture provides clear instruction for leadership and daily decisions, and why leading like Jesus requires intentional alignment, not just good intentions. If you are a Christian woman who influences others, makes decisions that affect people, and desires to lead with wisdom, discernment, and peace, this episode will help you reflect, realign, and lead intentionally according to God's plan. In This Episode, You'll Learn: What intentional leadership really looks like for Christian women How obedience brings clarity, confidence, and freedom Why heaviness and decision fatigue can stem from unintentional disobedience The difference between being busy and being intentionally aligned with God's Word How Scripture shapes leadership decisions and influence Why Christian leaders are called to focus outward — influencing others and pointing them to Jesus Be sure to visit pampegram.com/links and scroll to the bottom where you can sign up for the newsletter and start receiving blog posts from Pam. Your Next Step If this episode resonates and you're craving deeper clarity, confidence, and intentional growth, I would love to walk alongside you.

In this 2026 edition of Experiencing Healthcare, we open the year with a deceptively simple leadership question: who's the hardest person to lead? The answer isn't a teammate—it's yourself. Through humor, real-world CEO moments, and hard-earned reflection, Matt unpacks why self-leadership is often overlooked, how boundaries are actually discipline in disguise, and why emotional regulation is the foundation for every decision you make—especially in a “heavy” industry like healthcare. The takeaway: if you want to lead others well this year, start by leading you with intention.

Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we explore stories of reinvention, resilience, and the courage it takes to lead lives that break old cycles and create new possibilities.To kick off 2026, today's guest brings heart, grit, and a fresh perspective on what true leadership looks like.Meet Erin Krueger — top-ranked Nashville realtor, nationally recognized expert, bestselling author of Capture the Culture, and a woman whose leadership journey began long before she built one of the most successful all-female real estate teams in the country. Her team has sold more than $2 billion in real estate to date, with nearly $225 million in 2024 alone — but it's her authenticity, intentionality, and heart-centered leadership that stand out most.Erin joins Yo for a candid conversation about building culture (at home, in business, and within ourselves), navigating adversity, choosing who we want to become, and leading with humanity in an era of rapid change.Whether you're entering 2026 with big goals, seeking a healthier work culture, or looking to lead in a more intentional way, this episode is filled with wisdom and tools to help you design the life and leadership path you want.

When you hear the word sustainability, what comes to mind first?If it's recycling, you're not alone. But sustainability is far bigger—and more complex—than end-point solutions that address the symptoms of deeper problems. As this episode reveals, sustainability efforts—like many major transformations, including lean—don't stall because leaders don't care. They stall because of an execution gap: the gap between what organizations say matters and what actually shows up in daily work, decisions, and priorities.In this episode of Chain of Learning, I'm joined by Rose Heathcote, sustainability expert, lean adviser, and author, to explore sustainability as a leadership and transformation challenge, not just an environmental one.Together, we discuss why sustainability often lives in strategy decks and slogans, but struggles to take root in everyday work, and how leaders can shift their focus upstream to close that gap: to how work is designed, how problems are framed, and how people learn to see new kinds of waste and impact.This conversation goes beyond sustainability to address a pattern that shows up in any transformation—lean, AI-enabled change, or building a people-first learning organization. If you're working to close the gap between intention and execution, this episode offers perspective and practical starting points for leading meaningful change that lasts.You'll Learn:What sustainability really means—and why it's often treated as an aspiration instead of embedded in daily workWhat the sustainability execution gap is, and why it mirrors lean and culture-change failuresWhy shifting problem-solving upstream—from symptoms to root causes—is critical for creating lasting impactHow lean thinking and problem-solving skills enable sustainability and organizational transformation when paired with influence and change leadership skillsWhy speaking the language of business matters for gaining leadership buy-in—and how AI can be used as a thinking partner to support systems thinking and better decisionsABOUT MY GUEST:Rose Heathcote is a speaker, adviser, and Chartered Environmentalist who works at the intersection of Lean thinking and sustainability. She is the founder of Thinking People and the author of "Green Is the New Gold." With decades of experience supporting organizations across industries and regions, Rose focuses on helping leaders move sustainability from aspiration to everyday practice through systems thinking, problem-solving, and people-centered change.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/63 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comConnect with Rose Heathcote: linkedin.com/in/rose-heathcote Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Learn more about Rose's book, “Green is the New Gold”: learn.thinking-people.co.uk/courses/green-is-the-new-gold Learn more about my Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantrip TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:04 Why the real challenge with sustainability starts with where the conversation begins02:39 A broader definition of sustainability meeting the needs of people, planet, and future generations04:16 Why people mistake sustainability for “recycling”05:54 The execution gap lean leaders keep running into07:43 A real-world example: when “people first” and sustainability don't show up in the metrics09:58 Important shifts leaders must make to close the execution gap11:26 Seeing waste, energy loss, and impact through a green lens14:06 Using AI as a thinking partner, not a replacement15:16 The skills leaders must develop in an AI-driven world16:41 How multidisciplinary thinking led to a smarter, more sustainable solution19:19 Why sustainability requires systems thinking across the value chain20:23 How to make progress towards big challenges23:05 The meaning of the Japanese concept, “sanpo yori” and “yanpo yori” for goodness in four ways and happiness for the long term view24:33 How the book “Green is the New Gold,” came to be27:10 Three ways to build better products and be more efficient while reducing impacts on the planet29:19 What we are doing well as a global community to make improvements towards sustainability31:31 How to broaden your lens and use what you already know to do more good32:35 Practical first steps lean leaders can take to apply a sustainability lens at work34:29 Why productivity alone doesn't reduce damage to the environment36:45 A simple reflection on looking upstream to improve sustainability

878. We often talk about "finding" our purpose as if it's a destination on a map. But what if purpose isn't a noun, but a verb? This week, Rachel talks with Ira Bedzow, Executive Director of the Emory Purpose Project. They discuss why purpose belongs in every industry—from real estate to healthcare—and how leaders can move away from "shoulds" to focus on what they actually want to cultivate. Learn how to build your "reflection muscle" and use the power of listening to create a culture where people truly matter.Learn more about Ira Bedzow and the Emory Purpose Project here.  Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success.Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentorhttps://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn this powerful episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark Jewell sits down with Tyler Dickerhoof — dairy farmer, leadership coach, and founder of the Impact Driven Leader movement.Tyler brings raw honesty and hard-won insight to the conversation, unpacking how insecurities quietly shape the way we lead, connect, and communicate — often without us even realizing it. Drawing on decades of experience from dairy barns to boardrooms, Tyler reveals how to recognize your emotional blind spots, dismantle walls that limit growth, and lead from a place of wholeness and trust.This conversation goes beyond leadership theory — it's an unfiltered look at what happens when intensity becomes intimidation, when connection gives way to isolation, and how to reframe it all with empathy, clarity, and courage.Key Takeaways:1. Intentionality Starts with Purposeful ImpactBeing intentional isn't about perfection — it's about aligning your actions with the impact you want to create. Tyler defines it simply: “Be purposeful in action.” Every decision, word, and relationship either builds trust or breaks it.2. The Four Walls of InsecurityTyler introduces a groundbreaking framework that helps leaders identify how fear and insecurity show up in behavior. The four walls are:Intensity: When drive turns into domination.Inactivity: When fear paralyzes decision-making.Insensitivity: When protection becomes detachment.Isolation: When fear of judgment leads to hiding.Recognizing which “wall” you lean on most is the first step toward breaking through it.3. Every Problem Is a Relationship ProblemAs Mark puts it: “Every business issue traces back to a relationship issue.” Tyler expands on this, explaining that our ability to lead others directly mirrors our relationship with ourselves. Leaders who don't value or forgive themselves struggle to extend grace and connection to others.4. Empathy Without Boundaries Isn't Leadership — It's ExhaustionTyler warns that empathy, without limits, leads to burnout. True empathy requires clarity and boundaries — modeling what healthy leadership looks like instead of just preaching it.5. Intentional Leadership in the Age of OverloadFrom late-night texts to “always-on” expectations, Tyler and Mark challenge today's leaders to rethink boundaries. Intentionality means having systems and communication rhythms that protect both productivity and peace. If your team is burning out, it's not a workload issue — it's a leadership clarity issue.6. Choose to Be an Incubator, Not an IncineratorOne of Tyler's most memorable phrases: “I'd rather be an incubator than an incinerator.” Great leaders don't burn people out; they develop them. Building people means caring enough to challenge them, coach them, and let them grow — even if that means letting them go.Notable Quotes:“Be purposeful in action. Our actions create our results, and our results reinforce our beliefs.” – Tyler...

I am so excited to welcome leadership coach Jen Recla to the Lead with Heart Podcast. Jen helps senior nonprofit leaders break free from burnout, reclaim their clarity and energy, and build teams that thrive even in seasons of complexity and change.In this episode, we dig into one of the most common and corrosive habits in the nonprofit sector: saying “I'm too busy.” Jen shares why this phrase keeps leaders stuck in survival mode, how urgency culture erodes team confidence, and how you can shift from reactive leadership to intentional leadership without adding more to your plate.If you're ready to lead with more calm, clarity, and confidence, this conversation is for you.In this episode:00:00:00 The Power of Supportive Leadership00:09:07 Intentional Feedback Skills00:15:56 Overcoming Overwhelm Patterns00:26:34 Strategy Building in Leadership00:29:11 Leadership in ActionRESOURCESThe Lead with Heart Summit is not just another conference. It's a powerful, purpose-driven experience created specifically for nonprofit fundraisers who are feeling burned out, stretched thin, and in need of real, meaningful support. April, 2026.E8: Create The Transformation You Seek in Your Life & Relationships with Stephanie CourtillierThe Illustrated Happiness Trap by Russ HarrisCONNECT WITH JENLinkedIn: Jennifer ReclaWebsite: https://www.jenrecla.com/ Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.orgCONNECT WITH HALEYHaley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations.Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFREWebsite: thesavvyfundraiser.comYouTube: thesavvyfundraiserProduced by Ideablossoms

There's a difference between doing something because you can and doing it because it's aligned. In this episode, I'm sharing the evolution that's been unfolding for me behind the scenes — a season where everything I do has become intentional. Not perfect. Not curated. Not strategic for the sake of performance. But intentional. We're talking about: Why intentionality is emotional discipline, not aesthetic presence Choosing alignment over capability Refining leadership by closing what no longer matches who you're becoming How intention quietly shapes strategy, identity, communication, and growth Why perfection isn't the goal — devotion is Intentionality is the only thing we can truly control. And when it becomes the place we lead from, our business stops being a reaction and starts becoming a creation. If you're navigating a season of refinement, release, or deeper clarity — this one will land.

Kris welcomes Ashanti Ordone, the Founder and CEO of Gifted & Talented Academy, and the 2025/26 Child Care Rock Star Award winner! They talk about expanding from a home daycare to three locations, transforming her school's culture, and overcoming challenges in the early childhood education landscape. Ashanti shares her powerful story of building a thriving early learning center, detailing how she developed rock-solid core values and poured into her leadership team, implemented innovative leadership strategies, and turned her school's culture into a model of excellence.   Key Takeaways: [6:02] Ashanti shares her background, starting Gifted and Talented Academy in Indiana with her mom in 2002. They are family-owned and family-focused. [6:21] Fun fact! They started with a home daycare and expanded to a center within three months due to high demand. [14:31] Ashanti discusses her transition from practicing law to early childhood education, driven by her passion for working with children. [17:07] How Ashanti's legal training and education background have been instrumental in her success in the child care industry. [18:21] Ashanti talks more about her family and personal life, along with her love of a good beach! [21:53] What led Ashanti to Kris and the Child Care Success family in 2018. [23:47] Ashanti implemented strategies from the academy, focusing on core values and culture, which led to significant improvements. [25:42] Ashanti explains how they crafted their core values: family, education, respect, excellence, and fun. [31:30] Teachers were involved in the interview process to ensure a good cultural fit, and core values were incorporated into interview questions. [36:19] They have a core value of the month award to recognize team members who exemplify each value. [38:21] Ashanti gets candid about the struggles that providers are facing, and the importance of staying focused on your mission and staying on the course. [42:30] The power of keeping a positive mindset and building with consistency and focus.   Quotes: "I don't think there's anything more important as a cornerstone, a foundational element to your culture, than core values that you actually live and breathe." — Kris [4:55]   "She is absolutely my why. She is the reason that family and education are so important to me." — Ashanti [10:13]   "I think that that combination of just that core value of education, growing up with a mom who is an educator, and having a passion for young children, combined with the legal training, is what helps me to be successful in business." — Ashanti [17:33]   "For me, I think the biggest game changer that first year was focusing on our core values and really starting to turn our culture around." — Ashanti [26:40]   "If family is one of our core values, then you have to fit into this family." — Ashanti [35:26]   "Excellence, again, means we're a culture of continuous improvement, so we don't settle for where we are right now. Our culture is amazing, but culture is living and breathing, and so we're always working on it, and we're always striving to make it better." — Ashanti [35:47]   "When you feed yourself with a positive mindset and you really spend time working on your spirituality and your growth mindset, it helps you actually prepare for the challenges, be grateful for them, and work through them." — Ashanti [42:43]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal Gifted & Talented Academy Ashanti Ordone LinkedIn