Podcasts about leadership psychology

Tonight on America at Night with McGraw Milhaven, NewsNation Political Contributor and former White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney joins the program to discuss the latest developments involving Trump and China, the growing redistricting battles across the country, and what it all could mean for the upcoming midterm elections. Dr. Eli Gottlieb, executive coach and cultural psychologist, shares insights on AI induced psychosis, and the impact it has on the world today. Later, Jeffrey M. McCall, professor of communications at DePaul University, discusses his article in The Hill arguing that the FCC's equal opportunity rule must be enforced, and what the debate means for fairness and accountability in broadcasting. Plus, Theo Lewis Clark joins the show for the weekly Hollywood Exec for the Night segment, putting movie knowledge to the test with fun movie trivia and entertainment insights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I explore the powerful influence of crowds and group behaviour, particularly within boarding school environments.Why do people join in when someone is being shamed or targeted? Why does it happen so quickly — and often without conscious thought?Drawing on Elias Canetti's Crowds and Power and modern neuroscience around mirror neurons, this episode looks at how emotional contagion shapes behaviour — and why many of us still carry guilt or shame about those moments.This is also an episode about self-forgiveness.Understanding that what happened was often about survival — and how we begin to take responsibility without self-judgement.In This Episode: Crowd psychology and emotional contagion  Boarding school group dynamics  Mirror neurons and unconscious behaviour  Shame and the inner critic  Self-forgiveness and healing---Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems. He also runs online men's groups for ex-boarders, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man. He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1 For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community Many blessings, Piers Cross http://piers-cross.com/ 

Jeff Dudan's free digital copy of his book   What separates leaders from managers? What does a car dealership turnaround have in common with raising your kids? And why is 'love yourself' some of the worst advice ever given? In this episode of the Unemployable Podcast, Jeff Dudan sits down with Chris Collins - child of missionaries, former broke drummer in the Seattle grunge era, record-setting automotive GM, and now one of the most respected turnaround experts and leadership educators in the country. Chris is the author of the groundbreaking two-volume book set I AM LEADER, a rawly honest and visually stunning work four years in the making. Chris and Jeff go deep on the psychology of high performance - unpacking locus of control (why 90% of people externalize responsibility and how it keeps them stuck), the difference between real leadership and glorified management, why self-esteem is the immune system of consciousness, and the counterintuitive playbook Chris uses to turn failing businesses profitable in 90 days. They also get honest about parenting as the hardest leadership role, why you should never cut a business into profitability, what culture actually means (hint: it's law and order, not vibe), and the one-sentence philosophy that reframes how you see every single day. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a parent, a manager trying to level up, or someone who feels like they're mowing a lawn someone else designed - this conversation will challenge, sharpen, and inspire you. Key Topics Covered: • Locus of control - the hidden key to success and fulfillment • Self-esteem as the foundation of leadership • How to turn around a failing business in 90 days • Why leadership books are mostly management training in disguise • The difference between builders and landscapers • Culture as law and order - not perks and feelings • Parenting as the ultimate leadership challenge • The I AM LEADER book - design, philosophy, and how to use it • Why creativity is the defining trait of great leaders • The magic trick framework for business transformation  Guest: Chris Collins Guest YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtK5rssLQRzkf-NLL0eosNw  Guest Website: https://chriscollinsinc.com/  Guest Socials: https://www.instagram.com/chrisbulldogcollins/  I AM LEADER Book: https://iamleaderbook.com  #Leadership #BusinessTurnaround #IAmLeader #ChrisCollins #Entrepreneurship #Mindset #LocusOfControl #SelfEsteem #CarDealership #UnemployablePodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Dudan's free digital copy of his book   What separates leaders from managers? What does a car dealership turnaround have in common with raising your kids? And why is 'love yourself' some of the worst advice ever given? In this episode of the Unemployable Podcast, Jeff Dudan sits down with Chris Collins - child of missionaries, former broke drummer in the Seattle grunge era, record-setting automotive GM, and now one of the most respected turnaround experts and leadership educators in the country. Chris is the author of the groundbreaking two-volume book set I AM LEADER, a rawly honest and visually stunning work four years in the making. Chris and Jeff go deep on the psychology of high performance - unpacking locus of control (why 90% of people externalize responsibility and how it keeps them stuck), the difference between real leadership and glorified management, why self-esteem is the immune system of consciousness, and the counterintuitive playbook Chris uses to turn failing businesses profitable in 90 days. They also get honest about parenting as the hardest leadership role, why you should never cut a business into profitability, what culture actually means (hint: it's law and order, not vibe), and the one-sentence philosophy that reframes how you see every single day. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a parent, a manager trying to level up, or someone who feels like they're mowing a lawn someone else designed - this conversation will challenge, sharpen, and inspire you. Key Topics Covered: • Locus of control - the hidden key to success and fulfillment • Self-esteem as the foundation of leadership • How to turn around a failing business in 90 days • Why leadership books are mostly management training in disguise • The difference between builders and landscapers • Culture as law and order - not perks and feelings • Parenting as the ultimate leadership challenge • The I AM LEADER book - design, philosophy, and how to use it • Why creativity is the defining trait of great leaders • The magic trick framework for business transformation  Guest: Chris Collins Guest YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtK5rssLQRzkf-NLL0eosNw  Guest Website: https://chriscollinsinc.com/  Guest Socials: https://www.instagram.com/chrisbulldogcollins/  I AM LEADER Book: https://iamleaderbook.com  #Leadership #BusinessTurnaround #IAmLeader #ChrisCollins #Entrepreneurship #Mindset #LocusOfControl #SelfEsteem #CarDealership #UnemployablePodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this solo episode of Where Work Meets Life, Dr. Laura explores leadership through a bell curve, illustrating the range of leaders found in today's organizations. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience as an organizational psychologist, Dr. Laura explains how leaders often rise not through careful selection, but through promotions based on technical skill or ambition. She outlines the spectrum from toxic bosses to truly great leaders and reflects on how leadership quality shapes culture, employee engagement, and organizational health. She asks us to consider where our own leaders fall on the continuum and what it would take to move leadership from merely adequate to genuinely inspiring. Dr. Laura emphasizes that great leadership is not accidental. It requires intentional hiring and thoughtful promotion processes and involves ongoing development rather than one-time training efforts. She highlights the power of mentorship and self-insight as essential qualities that help leaders grow. In a time marked by burnout, mental health challenges, and global uncertainty, Dr. Laura stresses that organizations need more great leaders who understand that people and culture drive long-term success. She offers a thoughtful reflection on leadership responsibility and a call for both organizations and individuals to invest in developing leaders who bring out the best in others. “Leading human beings is an honor and a privilege, and too often people are promoted into leadership roles without the ingredients that help someone truly thrive as a people leader.” - Dr. Laura About Dr. Laura: Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a work and career psychologist and thought leader on the evolution of work. She has always been fascinated by how work intersects with life and loves to use her expertise to improve organizations and help people thrive. Her passion for taking creative ideas and launching them into successful business strategies led her to start three counselling psychology practices (Calgary Career Counselling, Canada Career Counselling, and Synthesis Psychology), as well as six different business brands offering organizational assessment and consulting services. Dr. Laura is honoured to have been selected as a Woman of Distinction in Canada in 2014 and received a Canadian Woman of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. Her new book, I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, is available for purchase on Amazon now. Resources: “I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations:  Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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In this episode of Where Work Meets Life™, Dr. Laura welcomes back Dr. Michelle Johnston for a thoughtful conversation about the seismic shifts leaders must make to create meaningful connections and stronger results. Inspired by her new book, The Seismic Shift in You, coauthored with Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, Dr. Johnston shares how the future of leadership depends less on achievement and more on humanity. Together, they explore the powerful shift from focusing on the what to prioritizing the who, reminding us that meaningful relationships are what sustain engagement and fulfillment. Dr. Laura and Michelle offer a hopeful path forward in a time marked by burnout and disconnection. Dr. Johnston speaks candidly about her own experience with depletion and the realization that the most important relationship a leader has is with themselves. She introduces the idea of creating a connection cadence, a structured rhythm of intentional relationships and rituals that protect energy and strengthen teams. Dr. Laura's warmth and professional curiosity bring depth to a discussion that bridges leadership psychology, burnout prevention, hybrid work realities, and workplace culture. This episode invites leaders to rethink how they show up and cultivate workplaces that truly work for people rather than against them. “I really thought we were writing a book about how we can all be better at connecting with others. And what I learned is the most important who is you. And you're not going to be good at connecting with others unless you prioritize yourself and what you value first.” - Michelle Johnston About Michelle Johnston: Dr. Michelle K. Johnston is a passionate champion of connection-driven leadership. Recently featured on NBC News with Kate Snow, she is a best-selling author, top ten executive coach, podcast host, keynote speaker, and distinguished professor whose groundbreaking work is reshaping how leaders connect, communicate, and collaborate. Widely regarded as being at the forefront of the connection movement, Michelle has spent her career showing leaders how authentic relationships drive both engagement and results. She is the bestselling author of The Seismic Shift in You: Seven Necessary Shifts to Create Connection and Drive Results, her newest book coauthored with Dr. Marshall Goldsmith. This powerful guide offers a transformative roadmap for leaders to reconnect with their priorities so they can drive more meaningful results. Her first bestselling book, The Seismic Shift in Leadership: How to Thrive in a New Era of Connection—featured by Forbes four times—spotlights real-world leaders who embraced this shift and are seeing stronger teams and better outcomes because of it. Michelle serves as a distinguished professor of leadership at Loyola University New Orleans, holds a PhD in Communication from Louisiana State University, and brings decades of insight to her coaching and keynotes. She also hosts The Seismic Shift podcast, ranked in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, where she engages executives, authors, and thought leaders on the seismic shifts shaking up the way we work and the way we live. Resources: Website: MichelleKJohnston.com Michelle Johnston on LinkedIn YouTube: @TheSeismicShiftWithMichelle “The Seismic Shift In You” by Michelle K Johnston, PhD and Marshall Goldsmith, PhD Dr. Vivek Murthy Previous Where Work Meets Life™ episode with Michelle Johnston: Seismic Shifts in Leadership   “I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations:  Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send a textIn high-pressure environments, leaders are often forced into what feels like a binary choice: appease or confront.But what if both options are flawed?In this episode of Thinking 2 Think, M.A. Aponte breaks down one of the most dangerous traps in decision-making—false dichotomies under pressure—through the lens of appeasement vs aggression.Drawing from history, leadership psychology, and real-world decision frameworks, this episode explores how poor judgment in high-stakes moments leads to long-term consequences in business, education, and leadership.Inside this episode:The psychology behind appeasement and aggressionWhy leaders default to extremes under pressureHistorical examples of appeasement vs confrontationThe hidden cost of “short-term peace” decisionsA third-path framework for better decision-makingHow to maintain clarity when emotions and stakes are highIf you're a leader, educator, entrepreneur, or decision-maker navigating uncertainty, this episode will help you think more clearly when it matters most.We trace the full chain behind the Iran conflict from early oil concessions and Cold War pressure to the 1953 coup, the 1979 revolution, and the nuclear standoff driving today's war. We steel man both sides of the military-action argument and pull out the thinking errors that keep people certain, loud, and wrong.• the two common Iran origin stories and what each leaves out • the 1901 oil concession and why resource control shapes identity • WWII occupation, Soviet pressure, and why geography becomes destiny • the Tudeh Party as a case study in holding complexity • Mossadegh's nationalization and the competing claims about his rule • the 1953 coup as a convergence of interests not one motive • the Shah's dictatorship, SAVAK repression, and the path to 1979 • the embassy hostage crisis as first-order thinking with long costs • proxy wars, Iran-Contra, Flight 655, and the escalation feedback loop • the nuclear timeline from AMAD to the JCPOA to post-2018 breaches • steel manning the pro-strike case and the anti-strike case • four thinking failures: narrative manipulation, first-order thinking, sunk cost fallacy, confirmation bias • practical homework: question the starting point, steel man the other side, find your sunk cost Support the showJoin My Substack for more content: maaponte.substack.comConsulting/Advisory Services: MAAponte.com

What if the real issue is not your strategy, your schedule, or your workload, but your internal operating system?In this episode of Mindset Mastery Moments, Dr. Alisa Whyte sits down with executive and founder mentor Tracey Gazel, creator of Calm Clarity OS™, to unpack why high achievers, founders, and executives often look successful on paper while internally running on fumes.Together, they explore how overthinking, chronic pressure, poor sleep, and internal reactivity quietly sabotage leadership performance, decision-making, and wellbeing. Tracey shares how leaders can shift from mental clutter and control into calm clarity, grounded confidence, and sustainable success.This conversation dives into nervous system regulation, resilience, sleep cycles, mindset awareness, emotional steadiness, and what it really means to lead from peace instead of pressure.If you've been grinding, pushing, and performing while feeling overloaded inside, this episode is your invitation to rethink what leadership really requires.Calm is not passive. Calm is powerful. Clarity is leverage.

Most organizations take their best performer, hand them a title, and call it a promotion. What they don't tell that person is that everything that made them great at their job is now working against them. In this first installment of a two-part conversation, Jamie sits down with Matt Whitehead — Chief Ancillary Officer at Your Health — to explore one of the most overlooked transitions in healthcare leadership: the shift from being an exceptional doer to becoming a leader others will actually follow. In this episode: Why the moment Matt stepped into his first nursing home administrator role cracked the foundation of everything he thought he knew about leadership The dangerous myth that new leaders walk in as "instant experts" — and how that belief causes their teams to start managing them Why the dopamine hit of checking things off a to-do list disappears in leadership, and what you have to build to replace it How to delegate without losing your mind — and why being crystal clear on outcomes matters more than anything else Why conflict is never a problem to be eliminated — it's information to be used This episode is for every high-performer who has stepped into a leadership role and felt the ground shift beneath them. You're not alone — and it's not a flaw. It's the beginning. www.YourHealth.Org

How do leaders behave when pressure rises?In this episode, Piers Cross explores how stress reveals the underlying conditioning that shapes leadership behaviour.Drawing on leadership research and psychology, the conversation looks at how many leaders unconsciously revert to learned survival strategies under pressure — particularly those who grew up in highly structured or emotionally restrictive environments.When stress rises, leaders may shift into command-and-control behaviour, emotional suppression, or over-dominant communication. But research shows that emotional states are contagious. Anxiety, fear, and tension can spread through teams via subtle physiological signals.This episode explores:• how pressure reveals unconscious leadership patterns • the impact of childhood conditioning on leadership behaviour • why emotional suppression spreads stress through organisations • how emotional intelligence helps regulate pressure • practical strategies for developing calmer leadershipDrawing on insights from Daniel Goleman, Emma Seppälä, Nick Duffell, and Michael Bungay Stanier, this conversation explores how leaders can shift from reactive stress responses to emotionally intelligent leadership.Website: https://compassionateleadersglobal.comPodcast: An Evolving Man--- Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems. He also runs online men's groups for ex-boarders, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man. He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1 For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community Many blessings, Piers Cross http://piers-cross.com/

Send a textIn this episode, John challenges common approaches to workplace culture and engagement. Instead of focusing on perks, surveys, and branding efforts, he introduces Adler's triad: belonging, significance, and contribution.Key points include:Belonging as the foundation of psychological safety and discretionary effort.Significance as the link between daily tasks and meaningful impact.Contribution as the need for agency, ownership, and visible influence.The episode explains why culture is shaped primarily by front line supervisors and daily interactions rather than corporate initiatives. Leaders will learn practical ways to strengthen each element of the triad and why failing to meet these needs undermines even the best strategic plans.This conversation is designed for executives, senior leaders, and managers who want a clear, behavior based framework for improving workplace culture in a lasting way.

Piers Cross speaks with leadership coach and former professional footballer Matt Young about identity, emotional intelligence, and sustainable performance.After eight years in elite sport, Matt's career ended abruptly. Without football, he was forced to confront anxiety, self-doubt, and a deeper fear many high achievers recognise — not being good enough beneath the role. That painful period led him into the work he now does with executives, business owners, and performers.Together, Piers and Matt explore why high performers often rely on pressure and identity to cope, how the inner critic drives overachievement, and why lasting leadership starts with internal awareness rather than external control.The conversation also covers the drama triangle, emotional ownership, and the difference between mental toughness and emotional intelligence.This episode is particularly relevant for leaders who appear strong outwardly but feel unsettled inwardly — and want a healthier way to lead.Guest: Matt Young https://www.mattyounglc.com/--- Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems. He also runs online men's groups for ex-boarders, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man. He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1 For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community Many blessings, Piers Cross http://piers-cross.com/

In this episode, Piers Cross explores the psychological impact of a child's first night at boarding school and why it often becomes a lifelong emotional imprint.Drawing on accounts from Richard Branson, Sebastian Faulks, and Peter Sykes, we examine what happens when children are separated from their families at a young age. Many remember intense fear, others remember nothing at all — a sign of dissociation.Psychotherapist Joy Schaverien describes this moment as a “threshold experience.” It is not simple homesickness. It is a sudden loss of attachment figures, familiarity, identity, and safety.This episode discusses: • separation and attachment • dissociation in childhood • why some memories are vivid and others blank • adult relationship difficulties • emotional disconnection in high achieversMany adults who attended boarding school later become capable, resilient, and successful — yet struggle with intimacy, vulnerability, and feeling truly at home.Understanding the beginning helps explain the adult patterns.Website: https://compassionateleadersglobal.com Podcast: An Evolving Man--- Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems. He also runs online men's groups for ex-boarders, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man. He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1 For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community Many blessings, Piers Cross http://piers-cross.com/

Send a textClick Here for Free MasterclassWhy do high-performers spiral after one visible mistake?If you're competent, capable, and usually the one others rely on… a single mistake can feel disproportionate. Not because you're fragile - but because your nervous system interprets social evaluation as threat.In this episode, with Dr Amen Kaur we unpack:Why one public mistake can trigger shame, overthinking, and loss of confidenceThe neuroscience of social-evaluative threat (prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and status perception)Why high-achievers are more vulnerable to spiraling after mistakesThe hidden link between competence, identity, and fear of judgmentWhy trying to “think your way out” often makes it worseHow regulation - not self-criticism - restores clarity and decisive actionYou'll learn why your brain reacts so strongly to perceived status loss, why reassurance rarely fixes it, and how internal regulation is the foundation for confident leadership.This episode is for high-performers, founders, leaders, and capable women who are tired of losing momentum after one mistake and are ready to move forward without outsourcing their confidence.If this resonates, and you're looking for a space to stabilise this process long-term, there are deeper ways to work together.

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

Modern masculinity is stuck repeating ancient mistakes. By examining Achilles, Odysseus, and Beowulf, this episode breaks down three powerful warrior archetypes, and the predictable ways they fail. Rage, endurance, and legacy all matter, but none of them work alone. The real lesson is integration, restraint, and succession.00:00 – Why Being “Dangerous” Is Failing Men01:05 – Why Ancient Warrior Stories Still Matter03:10 – Achilles: Rage, Ego, and the Reactive Alpha09:40 – Why Rage Feels Powerful (and Why It Backfires)12:30 – Odysseus: Endurance, Strategy, and Restraint18:40 – Intelligence Without Humility Still Fails21:45 – Beowulf: Legacy, Duty, and the Succession Problem26:40 – The Warrior Sequence Most Men Miss29:30 – Strength, Endurance, and Legacy Explained32:00 – The Warrior Mindset Most Men Never ReachSend us a text

Send us a textLeadership comes with influence, clarity, and responsibility — but it also comes with a quieter, rarely discussed cost: loneliness.In this episode of Mindset Café, we break down The Loneliness Curve of Leadership — why, as your responsibility increases, relatability and emotional support often decrease. We explore how influence changes relationships, why clarity separates you from others, and why strong leaders are often assumed to need less support.This episode reframes leadership loneliness not as a flaw, but as a structural reality — and gives you practical ways to manage it without burning out or isolating yourself.Support the showThanks for listening & being part of the Mindset Cafe Community.----------------------------------------------Connect With Devan:https://www.devangonzalez.com/connect----------------------------------------------Follow On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/devan.gonzalez/https://www.instagram.com/mindsetcafepodcastLet me know what topics or questions you want covered so we can help you achieve your goals faster.

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

Send us a textMost leaders say they want top talent. So why do so few actually hire it?In this episode, we explore the uncomfortable psychology behind why many B and C level leaders struggle to bring A-players onto their teams. Not because of budget. Not because of timing. But because hiring exceptional people quietly threatens identity, status, and control.We break down the hidden mental blind spots that shape hiring decisions, drawing from validated psychological research on ego threat, social comparison, cognitive dissonance, and status preservation. You'll hear why “culture fit” is often a mask for insecurity, why safe hires feel smart in the moment, and how leadership identity quietly dictates who gets hired and who doesn't.If you've ever wondered why talented people get passed over, why average teams stay average, or why some leaders seem allergic to being challenged, this conversation will hit close to home.This episode isn't comfortable. But it is clarifying.And for leaders serious about building exceptional teams, it might change the way you hire forever.

How does Leadership Psychology, Martial Arts, and Creative Practice help high-achievers move from pressure to presence?Are you desiring to take your leadership potential to a higher level with a unique approach? This episode is for you!Paul is the creator of the GRACE Framework® and founder of GRACEWorks.After two decades in global consulting with PwC, Capgemini, and IBM, Paul now guides leaders and teams beyond performance to develop GRACE.Blending leadership psychology, martial arts, and creative practice, he helps high-achievers move from pressure to presence, creating resilience, clarity, and impact without burnout.  Connect with Paul:Website:  https://graceworkscollective.substack.com/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcrick/Email:  hello@theelevatepartnership.comLocation: UK (available globally online) CONNECT WITH DEBIDo you feel stuck?  Do you sense it's time for a change, but are unsure where to start or how to move forward? Schedule a clarity call!Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/debironca/free-clarity-callWebsite – https://www.debironca.comInstagram - @debironcaEmail – info@debironca.com Check out my online course!Your Story's Changing, Finding Purpose in Life's Transitionshttps://course.sequoiatransitioncoaching.com/8-week-programThe Family Letter by Debi Ronca – International Best Sellerhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SSJFXBD

The workplace is changing fast.From economic uncertainty to cultural shifts and the rise of AI, business leaders are operating in a constant state of pressure, and a troubling leadership style is on the rise.In this episode, I sit down with CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author Kate Lowry to unpack what fear-based leadership looks like and how to protect yourself from it.We explore:- Why fear-based leadership is on the rise- How to spot a fear-based leader before you sign on- Tactical “upward management” techniques that actually work- The psychology behind leaders who operate through shame, manipulation, and control- Gendered differences in how fear-based leaders show up at work- The critical skillsets you must develop to thrive in today's environmentIf you've ever felt gaslit, overworked, or subtly manipulated by someone in power, this episode is your blueprint for protection and empowerment. Listen now.“You are not powerless. You just need new tools for a new era of leadership.”—Kate Lowry is a CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author based in Silicon Valley. An expert in fear-based leaders, Kate developed her methodology growing up in a personal hierarchical family, then refined her approach in the elite worlds of start-ups, private equity, management consulting, and big tech at McKinsey, Meta, and Insight Partners. She is the author of Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders. In her free time, you can find her writing comedy and music and cuddling her service dog, Annie.Learn more and grab the book at:www.katelowry.comYou can also connect with her on:LinkedInFacebookInstagram

Why do we still fall for toxic leaders, and what does that say about how we see the world? A new study reveals how our worldview might shape the leaders we choose, and how happy we are at work. The lead author of the research Christine Nguyen joins us live from Columbia Business School, with leadership consultant Paul Littlejohn in studio. Then: “Summer shading” has been dubbed the worst dating trend of 2025. But could pressing pause on love during the heat of the season actually teach us something deeper about relationships? Relationship expert Nicola Beer weighs in. And finally, would you take a job that exposes you to the internet’s darkest content, daily? We go behind the scenes with a person who protects your feed. Hear the story of a content moderator from one of the world's biggest social media platforms, plus expert insight from Dr. Kirin Hillier and Prof. Talal Abdul Ghani Shaikh.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Your Mind's Dysfunctional Family (And How to Make peace with Them) with Britt FrankIn this episode of The WorkWell Podcast™, Jen Fisher speaks with Britt Frank, licensed neuropsychotherapist, keynote speaker, and author of "The Science of Stuck: Breaking Through Inertia to Find Your Path Forward" and "Align Your Mind: Tame Your Inner Critic and Make Peace with Your Shadow Using the Power of Parts Work." Britt's research-based approach combines neuroscience, trauma therapy, and humor to help people understand why they do what they do—and more importantly, how to change it.Episode Highlights:The difference between "gas pedal stuckness" (workaholism/burnout) and "brake pedal stuckness" (procrastination)How anxiety functions as your mind's "check engine light" signaling underlying problemsWhy there's no such thing as self-sabotage—and what's really happening insteadUnderstanding "parts work" and how your mind contains multiple inner voices and charactersHow to transform your inner critic from enemy to ally through dialogue, not silenceWhy asking "why" keeps you stuck while asking "how" and "what" creates momentumPractical strategies for leaders to recognize which "parts" of their team members are activatedThe difference between professional success and professional fulfillmentHow to shift from reactive parts brain to your "inner CEO" in workplace situations Quotable Moment:"All behaviors, even suboptimal ones, even bad ones, are doing a job and they're serving a function." - Britt FrankLyra Lens:In this segment, Dr. Joe Grasso, VP of Workforce Transformation at Lyra Health, explores how high achievers with their "foot always on the gas" can create (and reveal) systemic organizational problems. He discusses values-based working, moving from blame to curiosity when addressing performance issues, and how managers can shift from treating individual behavior problems to addressing systemic workplace challenges. Resources:This episode of The WorkWell Podcast™ is made possible by Lyra Health, a premier global workforce mental health solution. Learn more at Lyrahealth.com/workwell. 

Meet Your Mind's Dysfunctional Family (And How to Make peace with Them) with Britt FrankIn this episode of The WorkWell Podcast™, Jen Fisher speaks with Britt Frank, licensed neuropsychotherapist, keynote speaker, and author of "The Science of Stuck: Breaking Through Inertia to Find Your Path Forward" and "Align Your Mind: Tame Your Inner Critic and Make Peace with Your Shadow Using the Power of Parts Work." Britt's research-based approach combines neuroscience, trauma therapy, and humor to help people understand why they do what they do—and more importantly, how to change it.Episode Highlights:The difference between "gas pedal stuckness" (workaholism/burnout) and "brake pedal stuckness" (procrastination)How anxiety functions as your mind's "check engine light" signaling underlying problemsWhy there's no such thing as self-sabotage—and what's really happening insteadUnderstanding "parts work" and how your mind contains multiple inner voices and charactersHow to transform your inner critic from enemy to ally through dialogue, not silenceWhy asking "why" keeps you stuck while asking "how" and "what" creates momentumPractical strategies for leaders to recognize which "parts" of their team members are activatedThe difference between professional success and professional fulfillmentHow to shift from reactive parts brain to your "inner CEO" in workplace situations Quotable Moment:"All behaviors, even suboptimal ones, even bad ones, are doing a job and they're serving a function." - Britt FrankLyra Lens:In this segment, Dr. Joe Grasso, VP of Workforce Transformation at Lyra Health, explores how high achievers with their "foot always on the gas" can create (and reveal) systemic organizational problems. He discusses values-based working, moving from blame to curiosity when addressing performance issues, and how managers can shift from treating individual behavior problems to addressing systemic workplace challenges. Resources:This episode of The WorkWell Podcast™ is made possible by Lyra Health, a premier global workforce mental health solution. Learn more at Lyrahealth.com/workwell. 

How can lessons from sports and psychology transform the way we lead, especially when the pressure is on? Kevin is joined by Sebastien Page to explore how high-performance mindsets from sports apply to leadership. They discuss how goal-induced blindness, where an intense focus on achieving goals can obscure ethical or practical considerations, impacts leaders and organizations. Sebastien shares how strong relationships, not fame or fortune, are the most significant predictors of long-term happiness and fulfillment. The episode also highlights a few of the eighteen principles from the book, including: Don't Die on Everest – The dangers of goal-induced blindness. Think About Death – Why zooming out to the end of your life can sharpen your focus today. Listen For 00:00 Introduction: Leadership and Self-Awareness 01:03 Book Promo: Flexible Leadership 01:57 Guest Introduction: Sebastien Page 03:21 Opening Banter and Book Discussion Kickoff 03:54 Sebastien's Journey from Finance to Leadership Psychology 05:34 Key Insight: Sports Psychology Isn't About Winning 07:13 Federer's 54% Win Rate and the Power of Marginal Gains 08:04 Not a Book About Sports but About Resilience 09:19 Why Positive and Personality Psychology Matter 10:05 The Gummy Bear Story: Ethics vs. Goals 13:18 Positive Psychology's Key Finding: Relationships Matter Most 14:36 Goals, Leadership, and Broader Impact 17:17 Principle 1: Don't Die on Everest 20:19 How to Recognize and Avoid Goal-Induced Blindness 24:07 Principle 11: Think About Death 26:01 Stephen Covey's Influence and the Book Title Journey 27:21 Applying These Ideas to Your Team 28:24 Counterintuitive Leadership Lessons 29:59 Fun and Reading: Running and Billionaire Biographies 31:29 Where to Connect with Sebastien 32:13 Kevin's Final Question: Now What 32:55 Wrap-Up: Climbing Everest or Not Sébastien's Story: Sébastien Page is the author of The Psychology of Leadership: Timeless principles to improve your management of individuals, teams… and yourself! Head of Global Multi-Asset and Chief Investment Officer at T. Rowe Price. He has more than two decades of leadership experience and has done extensive research on positive, sports, and personality psychology. He currently oversees a team of investment professionals actively managing over $500 billion in Assets Under Management. He has also written two finance books: Beyond Diversification: What Every Investor Needs to Know, and the co-authored Factor Investing and Asset Allocation, and he has won six annual research-paper awards: two from The Financial Analysts Journal and four from The Journal of Portfolio Management. He appears regularly on CNBC and Bloomberg TV, and in 2022 was named a Top Voice in Finance by LinkedIn. He has been quoted extensively in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Barron's. Sébastien lives in Maryland with his wife and kids. This Episode is brought to you by... Flexible Leadership is every leader's guide to greater success in a world of increasing complexity and chaos.  Book Recommendations The Psychology of Leadership: Timeless principles to improve your management of individuals, teams… and yourself! by Sébastien Page Gambling Man: The Secret Story of the World's Greatest Disruptor, Masayoshi Son by Lionel Barber The Nvidia Way: Jensen Huang and the Making of a Tech Giant by Tae Kim Like this? Seeing Your Blind Spots with Marisa Murray Leading From the Inside Out with Errol Doebler Win the Inside Game with Steve Magness Join Our Community If you want to view our live podcast episodes, hear about new releases, or chat with others who enjoy this podcast join one of our communities below. Join the Facebook Group Join the LinkedIn Group   Leave a Review If you liked this conversation, we'd be thrilled if you'd let others know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Here's a quick guide for posting a review. Review on Apple: https://remarkablepodcast.com/itunes    Podcast Better! Sign up with Libsyn and get up to 2 months free! Use promo code: RLP  

Unlock your organization's full potential by discovering who the real drivers of success are. Veteran leadership consultant Dr. Luis Luarca sits down with Jason Rigby on The Self Aware Leader Podcast to reveal a truth many leaders miss: the power lies within your employees. Drawing from 25 years of experience, Dr. Luarca explains how shifting from control to empowerment leads to radical improvements in processes, innovation, and employee engagement. Hear compelling stories and gain practical strategies for leading with self-awareness, avoiding ego traps, and leveraging the invaluable insights of your team. If you want to build a resilient, innovative, and high-performing organization, this conversation on employee empowerment and humble leadership is a must-listen. Subscribe and listen to the full episode today! Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Learn more in Dr. Luis Luarca's book, "Do Employees Really Like Working Here?": https://www.amazon.com/Employees-Really-Like-Working-Here/dp/1678746614/ Visit Dr. Luis Luarca's official website: https://luisluarcaphd.com/ Connect with Dr. Luis Luarca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-luarca-phd-0133022b/ Keywords: Employee Empowerment, Leadership, Organizational Transformation, Self-Aware Leader, Leadership Psychology, Business Growth, Humble Leadership, Workplace Culture, Leadership Skills, Dr. Luis Luarca, Management Tips.

In this episode, Mark Ledlow and Dr. Rob McKenna, a psychology expert and leader of WiLD Leaders. They discuss leadership, trust, and development across generations. Dr. McKenna highlights the importance of clear metrics, inspired by his gaming experience, to motivate and manage the younger workforce. The conversation covers the necessity of trust in organizations, the impact of emotional maturity on leadership, and the challenge of managing cultural polarization. McKenna emphasizes the importance of intentional development and strategic goal-setting to foster a productive and harmonious workplace.Learn about all this and more in this episode of The Fearless Mindset Podcast.KEY TAKEAWAYSIntentional Leadership Development: Organizations must focus on developing leaders intentionally through measurable goals and systems.Trust and Measurement: Trust is foundational for organizational performance, revealed through consistent and transparent metrics.Conflict Management: Effective conflict management is crucial for innovation and team cohesion, requiring both clarity and empathy from leaders.Succession Planning: Preparing for succession should be part of a long-term leadership development strategy, rather than a desperate last-minute solution.Gaming Insights: Insights from gaming, such as metrics and motivation strategies, can be applied to organizational development to enhance performance.QUOTES"Trust is something we have to continue to work at day after day after day.""You can't make everybody happy without lying to somebody."Succession planning is leadership development after you've become desperate.""When trust is present, it's like a natural lubricant, but it takes maintenance."Get to know more about Dr. Rob McKenna through the link below.https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrobmckennaTo hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen to major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.

The social and political landscape is getting more complicated and divided—things like Trump, Gaza, climate change, and so-called wokeism are just a few examples. And all that tension is spilling into the workplace. With misinformation spreading fast, people stuck in their own online bubbles, and fading trust in traditional institutions, employees are showing up with all kinds of different—and often conflicting—opinions. For employers and HR teams, this growing divide makes it harder to keep things running smoothly and respectfully. It's tougher to encourage open, honest conversations, and disagreements can escalate quickly, leading to conflict, disengagement, or even people leaving. If it's not handled well, it can seriously mess with team dynamics, hurt productivity, and damage the overall culture. Joining Lucy on this week's episode to discuss these issues and to offer her insights is Edel Holliday-Quinn - the Chief Leadership Psychologist and founder of the Centre for Leadership Psychology. Edel shares her tips for encouraging ‘courageous conversations' that welcome diverse perspectives and balancing empathy with action.  Chapters (00:03) Navigating Workplace Polarization and Authenticity (14:24) Building Psychological Safety for Diversity (20:57) Navigating DEI Challenges in Organizations   Contact Edel https://www.linkedin.com/in/edel-quinn/ Disruptive HR Website: www.disruptivehr.com Join the Disruptive HR Club https://disruptivehr.com/welcome-to-the-future-of-hr/ Email: hello@disruptivehr.com

In this episode, Mark Ledlow and Dr. Rob McKenna, from the Seattle Metro area and the creator of the WiLD Trust Platform, talks about the vital role of trust and leader development. They discuss the often overlooked chemistry of trust, how to foster it within organizations, and the importance of making a deep investment in people while providing clear operational expectations. Dr. McKenna shares insights from his longitudinal studies on leadership and addresses common generational misconceptions regarding work ethic. This episode emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to organizational management by combining strong operational systems with genuine people investment.Learn about all this and more in this episode of The Fearless Mindset Podcast.KEY TAKEAWAYSTrust is the most crucial currency in both personal and professional relationships.Trust has a detailed chemistry, comprising integrity, ability, reliability, strength, and truthfulness.Generational differences may often be more attributed to life stages rather than inherent generational traits.Developing leadership capacity involves creating a nuanced developmental story for each individual.Clear operational and job expectations, combined with personal investment, are essential for building trust and effective leadership.QUOTES"Trust is the most important currency in the world. Without it, nothing happens.""Nobody wants to be gotten to do anything. Let's create a better invitation for them to be seen.""Trust is more like a dimmer switch. It's questioned more often than it's broken.""To build trust, we must clearly define job roles and performance expectations.""Leadership equals trust. It requires integrity, ability, reliability, strength, and truthfulness."Get to know more about Dr. Rob McKenna through the link below.https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrobmckenna/To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen to major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.

Segment 1: Interview with Forensic Psychologist Dr. Carol Lieberman – Imposter Syndrome and Kamala Harris Dr. Anthony Harper interviews forensic psychologist Dr. Carol Lieberman about the possibility of Vice President Kamala Harris experiencing imposter syndrome. They delve into the psychological effects this might have on her public demeanor and decision-making. Dr. Lieberman explains the signs of imposter syndrome, how it can manifest in high-pressure political roles, and what it means for leadership at the highest levels of government. Segment 2: Imposter Syndrome and the Fate of the Nation In this second segment, Dr. Harper and Dr. Lieberman explore the broader implications of imposter syndrome on the nation's future. They discuss how the mental state of key political figures could influence national stability and policy-making, raising questions about leadership, confidence, and public perception in critical moments for the United States. What does this mean for the fate of our country? Tune in to find out. Get free alerts at http://PrayInJesusName.org © 2024, Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt, PhD. Airs on NRB TV, Direct TV Ch.378, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, GoogleTV, Smart TV, iTunes and www.PrayInJesusName.org

David Greenspan, founder of BLUECASE, has a PhD in High-Performance Psychology. He specializes in empowering leaders and fast-moving organizations to build great companies and achieve exceptional results.Welcome you to Change Ready, an original series brought to you by Behind the Human & Malosi. A series where we do everything possible to future-proof your mind and thrive in an era of unprecedented change. ___How Prepared is Your Team for the Next Big Disruption? Future-proof your team with Malosiminds.com Get your copy of Personal Socrates: Better Questions, Better Life Connect with Marc >>> Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter Drop a review and let me know what resonates with you about the show!Thanks as always for listening and have the best day yet!*A special thanks to MONOS, our official travel partner for Behind the Human! Use MONOSBTH10 at check-out for savings on your next purchase. ✈️*Special props

Introduction:  Dr Laura McHale (PsyD, CPsychol) is a consulting leadership psychologist, executive coach and writer specialising in Leader Development, Team Psychology, Communication and Organisational Culture, Laura is the author of the acclaimed book: Neuroscience for Organisational Communication:  A Guide for Communicators and Leaders. Podcast episode Summary:  This podcast explores and explains the impact of communication in organisational life employing the lens of Neuroscience and Psychology of Communication.  Topics covered include Gaslighting, Absentee Leaders, The use of Pronouns, Weasel Words and Communication Practices that undermine employees. Laura sheds a light on a discipline that is often unspoken. Points made across this Episode:  o    Laura can you share a bit about how you got to where you are today? Laura is now a Psychologist and in her mid-forties she made a radical decision to go back to school and take a doctorate in Leadership Psychology. Prior to this move Laura was working in major international investment banks as a Corporate Communications Specialist. In 2010 Deutse Bank moved her to Hong Kong to head up internal communications for the Asia Pacific Region. Laura loved her career working with International Banks & she was really curious about human behaviour at work and wanted to go deeper and in particular understand the mysterious process we call Leadership. o    There were a number of reasons that prompted Laura to study Psychology including several transformative experiences with psychotherapy,  She was curious about the way we frame and talk about work and the psychological injury experienced at work. o    What inspired you to write your book? The book happened organically. As part of Laura's Doctorate she had a required course on the Neuroscience of Leadership. Laura was fascinated by the discipline and had a sense it would become a big part of her intellectual life as well as her career. She noticed that nobody was talking about organisational communication and neuroscience and Laura wanted to close the gap with her book. o    What are the salient messages housed in your book that explain Neuroscience and Psychology at work? There is a natural interest in behavioural science. It is often hard to make the link about how the science can impact a leaders presence or choices in communication. There is a fundamental tension between the promotion strategies employed by internal communication teams and the prevention strategies they employ. In promotion strategies communicators are very assertive about the companies value proposition, what it offers and its unique differentiator's. A prevention strategy often results in very cautions communications, judicious and a little bit like politicians the communications are somewhat evasive. Whilst understandable it can be a slippery slope and sets off all kinds of triggers with employees. The tension between promotion strategies, a desire to be open & transparent and prevention strategies can be tricky to navigate. It is often a schizoid perspective where communicators are trying to toggle two different strategies. o    The Psychology of communication is also important for another reason. It is a very difficult time for communication specialists. The scope of the role in the last five years has changed dramatically. Corporate affairs, ESG and Government affairs are rolled up into the typical role of a communications department. This is leading to increased stress. If you add AI, chat gpt and other generative models can pose an existential threat to these groups and teams. The changing nature of the role of communication professionals is also one of the reasons Laura wrote her book to help make sense of the changing landscape. o    The Neuroscience or physiology of behaviour is a bit different. Insights into neuroscience can shed light on how and why we are showing up at work. Understanding rewards and threat centres in the brain, knowing how we use pronouns and its impact on others is fascinating and can be leveraged to be more effective in our communications. o    How do leaders and internal communications understand the paradigm from which they are operating? Important to understand the paradigm you are speaking or when you are moving too quickly between the two. Employees smell spin from a mile off. Internally it can be tricky for executives to  over relying on prevention strategies in their communication. There are a lot of traps Leaders can walk into, sometimes unintentionally or at least unconsciously. Knowing about human needs can really help leaders be effective communicators. o    What are some of those traps that Leaders walk into, maybe unintentionally? Some of it is structural. Pronoun use for example. I and We pronouns can signal more or less personal involvement in any given situation. Pronoun use can also reveal the many assumptions a leader is living. It can also give potent signals about who is in or out or who has a legitimate stake in an organisations success or failure. For example there are two different kinds of We, the inclusive or exclusive We. Senior Executives are often confused about which We they are in and how they are communicating exclusion or inclusion. This sends messages to the brain to trigger threat responses whether we are part of the in group or out group. If in the in group we get a dose of dopamine from the brain & if in the out group we can experience significant amounts of pain. I pronouns are also very interesting, some are cultural, and a really high proportion of I pronoun use can trigger a threat response in the brain. There is also an assumption in organisations that communication needs to be sanitised. This can infantilise employees and does an injustice to the complexities operating in an organisation. o    What is your advice to executives and leaders who erroneously practice sanitising their communications. One of the biggest pieces of advice Laura gives is to speak the truth. Laura references The Loughran-McDonald sentiment analysis research to explain why telling the truth can be so instructive. The two financial researchers used sentiment analysis or the use of positive versus negative sentiment and modal or weasel words. The research showed the lengths that organisations go to obfuscate the truth or to describe adverse events. In fact many of the negative words were couched in positive words that the messages were almost impossible to work out. Curiously the negative words used were very weak words or weasels like impairment, disappointing which suggested something was bad but it was never clear. The companies using negative words more creatively had negative stock performances. The researchers noted that companies use of words in their corporate communications could be used as a smart investment strategy.  o    How do Leaders manage the responsibility they hold to use language appropriately and not Gaslight or cause unintentional emotions at work? Organisations are like people using all sorts of defence mechanism sometimes very elaborate ones to avoid difficult and painful emotions. It important to understand why we are using these words, weasel words. It is because of an environment that lacks psychological safety, where we are not allowed to fail, or ask a question that might be interpreted as stupid. Is it an environment where people get punished for taking risks. Laura does not wish to come across as the language police she also uses weak modals and weasels in her communications too, because they have a purposeful use to indicate uncertainty. None of us can speak in with absolute clarity all of the time. o    The link to absentee leadership is for Laura an interesting link. She imagines that weak leaders, or those who are unable to fulfil the core functions of Leadership, would employ weasel words quite a bit more than strong leaders. o    In 2022 Laura read a “cracker jack” of an article by Robert Hogan who mentioned this phenomenon called absentee Leadership. Laura was struck by the idea that absentee leadership is an epidemic that nobody had ever named but that most of us have experienced in one form or another. It speaks to the idea of people who occupy an authority position of leadership and fail to fulfil its core functions. Laura refers to those functions as giving direction, protection, role orientation, conflict resolution and setting and establishing and protecting group norms. The interesting thing about absentee leadership is how common it is. It is reported 7 times more than any other destructive leadership behaviour. Because it is so common and can feel so mild it can go unnoticed and is experienced as neglect. o    Gaslighting surfaces when someone is at the mercy of an absent leader they can be blamed or they blame themselves for their inability to cope with whatever is occurring. One of the things that inspired Laura to write this article for the psychologist was because of her many conversations with coaching clients. Many of her clients were  being given feedback that they were having trouble managing ambiguity. Managing ambiguity is becoming a core competency. The issue with managing ambiguity is that almost everyone struggles with it. Laura knows this from Neuroscience, it is a known stress trigger. This is a universal biological phenomenon albeit some people can handle ambiguity better than others. Laura wanted to highlight the subjects of Gaslighting, Absentee Leadership and emotions at work in her article in the Psychologist, to shift attention from blaming people for their lack of this competency as a  subjective fault to an understanding of the human needs within all of us and our need for Leadership support. o    The fundamental attribution error is yet another trap that Leaders and executives can fall into. o    What are some of the Villains of Communication, Threats and Triggers you would like to see squashed? The rapid communication of bad news. Communicating bad news badly. If bad news is not communicated in an open and transparent manner it can infantilise an audience. This tendency is really prominent in politics where there seems to be a tolerance for misinformation and it is seeping into the fabric of organisations too. Laura is not trying to malign all politicians but recognises that politicians regularly protect themselves against the loss of power and influence and often engage in this form of communication. This perpetuates cynicism and mistrust that Laura hopes we do not want to dial that up in our organisations. o    The Corporate Communications Reset Workshop is a  new workshop and is really the greatest hits from her book. Her workshop helps corporate communications professional access more joy at work by reclaiming their mo-jo and about being  more strategic in their work, whilst being cognisant of the changing landscape and being able to fend off some of the threats posed by Chat GPT and other generative language models. A lot of comms people are closeted behavioural scientists and this workshop gives them a taste or a lot  taste for Psychology and Neuroscience understanding. Included in her workshop is the methodology called Structural Dynamics, the building blocks for how we communicate and don't. o    Structural Dynamics is a methodology created by David Kantor. It is David Kantor's theory of interpersonal communication dynamics. It is a very interesting theory to describe the patterns that emerge when teams are together. There are a few different levels to this theory and the ones that are most often used to explain team dynamics and patterns are what David describes as the action mode, the operating system and the communication domain. The least discussed is the last one called the Childhood Story, work made infamous now by Dr Sarah Hill and her work. o    Structural Dynamics at its essence gives people a vocabulary to describe  what's happening in a room & a roadmap for how to change those patterns to develop a more balanced behavioural repertoire.   Resources  a)       Neuroscience for Organisational Communication: A Guide for Communicators and Leaders by Dr. Laura McHale. b)        www.conduitconsultants.com c)       The Loughran-McDonald Master Dictionary Sentiment  Words list d)       David Kantor www.kantorinstruments.com e)       Ronald Heifetz, one of the world's foremost authorities on Leadership https://hbr.org/2002/06/a-survival-guide-for-leaders f)        Sarah Hill and her book Where did you learn to behave like that? g)       Corporate gaslighting, absentee leaders and the emotions of work – 07 November 2023, The British Psychological Society. h)       Robert Hogan: https://www.hoganassessments.com/research-project/absentee-leadership/      

Blake Cohen is a behavioral healthcare professional and consultant, focusing on organizational leadership and workplace cultures. Blake is currently pursuing a doctorate in Leadership Psychology at William James College in Boston, MA. Blake recently transitioned from a successful business to focus full time on improving the systems we live and work within via executive coaching, workplace trainings, and organizational consulting. Blake's passion-driven work aims to reframe the way behavioral health organizations are operating with the idea in mind that "if we takebetter care of our teams and employees through the use of authentic and compassionate leadership, they'll take better care of our clients or patients."  The Good Counsel Podcast is an exploration into the world of helping professionals from various disciplines and walks of life. The goal of the podcast is to discover the motivations and methodologies of these unique individuals in order to satisfy and arouse curiosity among members of the public who have an interest in this area of discussion. The intention of the Podcast is to incorporate a definition of ‘helping professional' that is diverse. Good Counsel Podcast interviewees will include Psychotherapists, Medical Professionals, Life Coaches, Interventionists, Spiritual Healers, Substance Use Disorder Treatment Professionals and Educators amongst others, in order to capture a broad range of disciplines. My hope is to increase awareness and reduce stigma among the general public around mental health issues, substance use disorders and related problems while exposing people to the abundance and variety of help that is available to them. © Copyright 2023, Produced by Eric Bricker; Theme music composed and performed by Eric Bricker.

Executive and Leadership expert Akua is celebrating a remarkable milestone of producing 100 podcast episodes of The Open Door Conversation Podcast.In this episode, Akua reflects on her journey of starting her podcast and how her vision has changed. With being 5 years in business, Akua shares the key lessons she learned professionally and personally. While taking a hiatus from social media, Akua looks forward to continuing her leadership framework and hosting People Before Strategy roundtables, providing a safe space for open conversations, which will be a great place for networking, and she will be answering questions.This episode is a testament to five years of growth, learning, and unwavering dedication.If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Highlights in this Episode:Akua is reflecting on the journey of starting her podcasting and how her vision has changed.Akua highlights the key lessons she learned both professionally and personally from producing 100 episodes andShe talks about navigating the challenges of running an online business.Looking ahead about what the goal is for the next phase of her podcast and her business Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Embracing change can be difficult and uncomfortable, but when it comes to the business world, it's a necessary skill for leaders. Executive and leadership coach Akua Nyame Mensah has recently gone through the rebranding process, and in this episode, she shares the importance of evolving and staying relevant as a business leader. If you don't think you need a brand, or you're thinking of rebranding yourself and/or your business, this episode is for you. Akua dives into the specific reasons she wanted to rebrand, including matching her current look, reflecting her image in the corporate world, and more explicitly presenting her offerings. Learn the importance of evolving in your personal and professional life, how to stay adaptable, and why investing in expert support can be a game changer when it comes to a rebrand. Highlights in this Episode:Learn the many reasons to consider a rebrand and why you might be overdue for one.Akua discusses personal challenges during her rebranding journey, including analysis paralysis, unrealistic timelines, and delegation hurdles. Get tips on how to overcome these and other challenges. Understand the benefits of rebranding, including improved brand positioning, enhanced visuals, a well-defined funnel, and alignment with marketing and content strategies.Akua acknowledges the pivotal role of leveraging experts in various aspects of her rebrand, from design and copywriting to strategy. Discover why you should consider your own rebranding opportunities, the importance of authenticity, and how to find genuine fulfillment in the process.If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review. Links Mentioned in This Episode: Free leadership assessment: https://www.akuanm.com/surveyWork with Akua: https://www.akuanm.com/work-with-meConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking 

Executive and leadership coaching, at its core, is about creating ease for you as a high-achieving leader. It's about supporting you in leveraging your innate personality so you can learn how to prioritize and maximize your time as well as the time of your team and stakeholders. In this episode, Akua talks about her coaching program and how one-on-one coaching can be transformational for leaders at any stage of their career. Learn how Akua helps clients become sustainably strategic, learn how to ask for help, and set boundaries so that they can build stronger teams and achieve personal and professional goals.If you're interested in hearing real-world examples of how Akua's coaching helps intentional leaders, listen in as she shares two case studies highlighting her coaching approach and methodology. Highlights in this Episode:Identify the difference between tactical and strategic leadership and how being strategic allows you to delegate so you can focus on the future.Akua talks about the types of leaders she supports, including leaders transitioning into new roles, emerging leaders, and first-time founders and executives.Learn about the three stages of leadership: thriving, buoyant, and transformative, and how leaders are constantly cycling through them as they evolve as leaders.Get real-world examples of the transformation 1:1 coaching provides as Akua shares case studies of leaders she's worked with, including one reluctant to have tough conversations and another who was building a new department and needed to gain more support from her team. If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Links Mentioned in This Episode: Ep 97: Your Guide to Next-Level LeadershipFree leadership assessment: https://www.akuanm.com/surveyRead more case studies: https://www.akuanm.com/casestudiesWork with Akua: https://www.akuanm.com/work-with-me Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

If you're a leader considering investing in executive coaching or advisory support, you cannot miss this episode. In it, executive and leadership coach Akua Nyame-Mensah dives into the world of coaching high-performing leaders, founders, and managers and what sets her apart from the rest.Get a clear understanding of the benefits of coaching and why Akua might be a great fit for you and your team. You'll learn about Akua's unique approach, and she even walks you through a recent case study in which she worked with 50 fellows from diverse backgrounds who were building start-up teams.Akua is unique in her extensive first-hand/diverse experience, from tiny start-ups to multinational companies. Her tailored solutions, commitment to your growth and success, project management approach, and direct communication style ensure clarity and progress toward your success as a leader.  Highlights in this Episode:Discover how Akua's ability to wear different hats adds value to clients while supporting your growth. Akua talks about her traditional training and certification as a coach and her impact as she's worked with instructional designers, facilitators, incredible coaches, and speakers.Explore the importance of tailored coaching and advising solutions to meet your unique needs and goals.Understand that leadership is a skill and an attitude and how coaching can help individuals evolve, make an impact, and build sustainable leadership habits and routines.If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Links Mentioned In This Episode: Women's Impact Alliance#IamRemarkableConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking  

Therapist Mandy is a highly accomplished professional, serving as the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of Mosaic Counseling Group. With expertise in psychology, behavioral science, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence, she is driven to make the best even better.Throughout her illustrious career, Therapist Mandy has achieved significant milestones. As an executive coach, therapist, speaker, author, and mental health expert, she has worked with hundreds of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her influence extends to major corporate companies and podcasts worldwide, as well as platforms like Apple, BET, Revolt, and MTV, along with various non-profits.Therapist Mandy's impact reaches even further, as she has educated influential leaders, including Mayors and Governors, on leadership psychology, emotional intelligence (EQ), and mental wellness.Armed with a Bachelor's degree in psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical Counseling, Therapist Mandy is a certified executive coach, licensed therapist, and an EMDR Clinician. Her unwavering passion is to help people break free from their limitations, which led her to co-found Mosaic Counseling Group as a clinical director.Therapist Mandy is open to covering any topics that would be impactful to your audience, reflecting her commitment to making a positive difference in people's lives.To connect with Therapist Mandy or learn more about her services, guests can visit her website at www.TherapistMandy.com. She also offers a free consultation and assessment to those seeking her expert guidance."

Executive and Leadership expert Akua is wrapping up her mini-series on expectation setting and goal setting in the workplace. In this episode, you'll also learn about the different resources that Akua has on the subject of expectation setting, including valuable blog posts and podcast episodes where you can just dip your toe or dive head first into the deep well of insights on expectation setting. As a leader or manager, it is important to set realistic and achievable goals and to provide the resources and support that others need to meet them. Perhaps most importantly, leaders must remember to provide feedback and to continuously communicate their expectations so all team members can be on the same page.Highlights in this episode: Remember, there is nothing more demotivating for team members than being given an unrealistic KPI or expectation. We don't have to like everything we do. Don't give in to toxic positivity. Be real about your feelings.When setting expectations for yourself, realize things are not always going to be perfect, and sometimes you'll need to ask for help. You and your team need to take breaks and vacations so they rejuvenate and come back motivated and excited to hit their goals.Creating time and space to provide timely feedback, and to reflect and give yourself feedback, is critical. If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Links Mentioned In This EpisodeEp 71:  Learn Akua's 3-step frameworkEp 93: The Final Step to Leadership Success: Setting Expectations Ep. 94: A Leader's Guide To Setting ExpectationsEp 95: 3 Overlooked Secrets for Setting Effective ExpectationsBlog Post: We Are Never 100% Happy or Excited to Do Our JobsBlog Post: The Top Six Limiting Beliefs That Sabotage Successful DelegationBlog Post: 4 Reasons You Won't (and Can't) Take a VacationBlog Post: Let's Give Better Feedback Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Want to improve on goal-setting or expectation-setting? This episode is for conscious leaders who want to enhance their approach to goal setting and create a positive and productive environment for themselves and their team. Expanding on her third pillar of leadership, expectation setting/goal setting, host Akua builds on themes from episode 93. She unveils the three overlooked aspects of goal setting, including the "when" or timing of the goal, who is responsible for the goal, and the definition of success. Learn the eight themes to reflect on as a leader as well as themes to reflect on when it comes to working with others! Highlights in this episode: Learn to set clear and achievable expectations that will help you and your team succeed. Utilize the R.A.C.I. framework to clarify roles and responsibilities so everyone knows their responsibilities. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page.Communicate expectations clearly and consistently. Make sure that everyone understands the expectations.Learn the importance of being open to feedback and adjust expectations as needed. If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Links Mentioned In This EpisodeEp 20: Check in With Your Goals Ep 28: #AskAkua//Goal Setting TricksEp 71:  Learn Akua's 3-step frameworkEp 93: The Final Step to Leadership Success: Setting Expectations Blog: Three things leaders get wrong about expectation setting Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

In this episode, Akua explores the third pillar in her three-step leadership framework: setting expectations (sometimes referred to as goals setting, OKRs, or KPIs). Akua uses her own experience as a case study to illustrate the importance of setting expectations for yourself, and she highlights the impact of expectations on personal and professional growth.Whether you're a solopreneur, team leader, or aspiring achiever, this episode will empower you to set clear and realistic expectations for yourself, be consistent, find the right support, and ensure that your projects align with your ultimate vision. Highlights in this episode: Explore the distinction between working "on" your business versus working "in" your business and the significance of time management and capacity. Delve into the mindset of a practical thinker and an abundant thinker and how these different perspectives shape expectation-setting and decision-making.Learn the art of breaking down projects into achievable tasks to avoid demotivation and burnout, and don't be afraid to invest in helping to conquer projects outside your wheelhouse.Discover the three often-overlooked elements of expectation setting: timing, responsibility, and defining success.If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 28: #AskAkua//Goal Setting TricksEp 71:  Learn Akua's 3-step frameworkEp 93: The Final Step to Leadership Success: Setting Expectations Blog: Three things leaders get wrong about expectation settingConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking 

This is the first in a mini-series of episodes that will be based on the final step in Akua's three-step leadership framework: setting expectations. Whether you call it expectation setting, goal setting, or utilizing frameworks like KPIs or OKRs, these episodes will transform the way you approach expectation-setting and communication.Leaders and managers will learn the significance of expectations and their impact on leadership and how to set achievable and realistic goals for their team. Importantly, leaders will also learn the crucial step of communicating expectations to their team, which will cultivate a positive work environment and foster growth and success.Akua also talks about how expectations help with setting boundaries, building more efficient processes, and facilitating ongoing evaluation and adaptation. Setting expectations ensures your team is equipped to succeed, and when employees know what is expected of them, they're more engaged and productive.  If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Highlights in this episode:Learn the difference between explicit expectations (specific targets) and implicit expectations (things we've come to expect, assumptions based on bias or stereotypes).Akua outlines four key elements to consider in relation to expectations: what you want, what you want from others, what they want, and what they want from you. It's hard to overstate the significance of explicitly communicating expectations to increase employee engagement, productivity, and satisfaction.Understand the role of expectations in establishing professional boundaries, setting goals, and fostering growth and direction.Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 71:  Learn Akua's 3-step frameworkConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking 

This week, leadership and executive coach Akua Nyame Menasah wraps up her series of episodes dedicated to engagement, the second step in her three-step leadership framework. This is a helpful roundup and summary of six of her past episodes on engagement. Leadership is a habit, a routine that you need to cultivate intentionally. Being self-aware is the first step, then you must decide how to engage with your team. Be inspired and learn how to gain confidence and credibility, how to tell powerful stories that inspire, and so much more when you listen in!Enjoy the main points of each episode and then deep-dive into the episodes you need right now! If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Highlights in this episode:Akua gives the highlights of six episodes that help leaders practice engagement.Learn the importance of self-regulation in leadership.Discover strategies to maximize productivity, like when to have a meeting and how to make it engaging for your team.Learn about how Akua's relationship to networking has evolved over time and how yours can too!Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 71:  Learn Akua's 3-step frameworkEp 84:  Engagement Starts with Self-Regulation and ManagementEp 85:  Demystifying Executive Presence with Kelly Lynn AdamsEp 86:  GROW Your Leadership by Asking Powerful QuestionsEp 88:  Storytelling for EngagementEp 89:  Network Internally FirstEp 91:  Mastering Meetings: Secrets to Engaging and Efficient FacilitationConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Ever been in a meeting that feels like a waste of time? Of course, you have. That's because many leaders and organizations don't know how to effectively facilitate a meeting that engages team members. In this episode, you'll hear portions of a recent training Akua gave on how to be an effective moderator and facilitator. Learn about the three basic types of meetings (and which one isn't really a "meeting") and why a well-moderated meeting actually begins well before the meeting starts. After listening, you'll be well on your way to leading the most effective, efficient, and productive meetings possible so that all your team members will feel like their time is valued and well-spent!If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review. Highlights in this episode:Find out what a good facilitator or moderator does, including making sure there's an agenda, creating psychological safety, listening, and more.Learn the five P's of facilitation: purpose, planning, process, participation, and pursuit. It takes good communication skills, active listening, and flexibility to effectively facilitate a meeting. Akua guides listeners through some exercises that will help your team members engage and communicate in meetings. Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 71 - Learn Akua's 3-step frameworkEp 78: Being the Message & Communication Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Creating a high-performing team that is also human and inclusive is possible! Listen as Akua talks with organization transformation expert Joris Merks-Benjamin about how to balance high-performance standards with inclusivity and humanness in the workplace. Formerly Head of Google Digital Academy, Joris became one of the highest-scoring managers of all time. After 12 years with Google, Joris has recently gone freelance and developed the Managing Without Power program. He is an award-winning author of several books, his newest being “Managing Without Power.”In this episode, Akua and Joris talk about the importance of trust, empathy, and communication and how to create a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Learn why the best teams are based on trust and psychological safety and how leaders don't need the power to be effective, but they need to empower their team.If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Highlights in this episode: Joris talks about his pivot from a marketing space to learning and development and how he created his own opportunity.Learn about how instructional design gets adults to learn by doing, leading to actual behavioral change. Joris talks about how, in a large company, balancing the performance elements and human elements is the only way to get a genuinely high-performance organization.The two discuss inclusion and diversity, Joris being raised by a lesbian couple, and how intentionality is essential in order to measure progress and enact DEI on a large scale. Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 71 - Learn Akua's 3-step frameworkBook: Think and Grow Digital: What the Net Generation Needs to Know to Survive and Thrive in Any OrganizationBook: Online Brand Identity: The Ultimate Guide to Designing Your (Digital) Branding StrategyBook: Intergratie Van Schizofrene Online- en Offline Marketing  (Dutch)Book: Managing Without Power (Dutch) Connect with Joris Merks-Benjaminsen:Website: www.managingwithoutpower.comLinkedIn: @Joris Merks-Benjaminsen Twitter: @jorismerksConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Networking can elicit groans and dread from even the savviest of business leaders. If you dislike networking or feel like you're bad at it, or if you believe you don't NEED to do it, this episode is for you. Akua starts with why networking is important and gives four important things to work on to become better at building connections in business and in life.Learn why reframing your thinking and becoming self-aware about your beliefs around networking can help you build more authentic relationships. Plus, Akua gives some amazing resources (linked below) where you can find additional information to up your networking game. Remember that networking is about building connections and engaging with others, and if done well, it can better your reputation, increase visibility, and create a stronger network.If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Highlights in this episode: Akua talks about her evolving relationship with networking and how she went from feeling uncomfortable to actually enjoying the process. There are three types of professional networking: operational networking, personal networking, and strategic networking. Learn about the four critical elements for effective networking: focusing on learning, identifying common interests, thinking broadly about what you can offer, and finding a higher purpose.Find out how many connections you need for peak networking - more isn't always better!Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 71 - Learn Akua's 3-step frameworkEp 63 - How to Become a Master Networker with Karen Jaw Madson Ep 43: #Ask Akua // For Reluctant Networkers Inc. Africa Article - How I Changed My Narrative on Networking Harvard Business Review: Learn to love networkingLinkedIn Audio Event: Sponsorship and Networking for Career GrowthConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Today, Akua talks about leveraging storytelling to connect and engage with your stakeholders, whether they're clients, team members, employees, or investors. Engaging with your team is one of the most important things you can do in your role as a leader. Telling stories can be a powerful tool in your engagement toolbox, helping to inspire, build rapport and align and reach goals with your team. Learn the three basic purposes for telling a story, tips on how to incorporate stories into your daily life, and how to know where and when to tell a story.If you're not a natural storyteller, don't use stories in the workplace, or never thought about stories as a means of engagement, you'll want to check out this episode. Highlights in this episode:Learn how stories can help align your team's goals, inspire, and build instant rapport with your team.When deciding on a story, think about your audience, how you want them to feel, and what you want them to know.Keep your stories memorable and relevant.Using storytelling is a great way to set the tone for a meeting or a retreat, and Akua talks about how she can support you in choosing and telling an engaging story.Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 71: Learn Akua's 3-step frameworkEp 78: Being the Message and CommunicationArticle: Storytelling Can Make or Break Your LeadershipArticle: What Is Leadership Storytelling, Anyway?Article: The Science of Storytelling: What Listening to a Story Does to Our Brains Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

In This Episode . . . We are featuring the amazing Danielle Henry, the Senior PM / OD Consultant at Great Dane 921 LLC. We're taking on the topic of Cultural EQ, a topic that's been dominating boardroom conversations in the workplace: emotional intelligence in ourselves and the people on our teams. Danielle doesn't hold back as she tells us all about what we think we know, what we don't, and how to bridge the gap between the two. Meet Danielle Henry: Danielle Antoinette Henry has a demonstrated history of working in the management consulting industry for-profit and nonprofit entities with a focus on social impact digital marketing, branding, web development, and operations. Currently, Danielle is a Senior Manager, Client Partnerships for Sarankco Creative Studio. She is the Founder and CEO of Great Dane 921 Consulting, LLC, a consultancy firm focused on developing solutions that are based upon the foundation of empathetic understanding and the need for more compassion and transparency at work. She has conducted professional development training for nonprofits such as WestHab (NY), Youth Shelter Program of Westchester (NY), Junior League of Orange County, NY, and The Rooted Collaborative conferences centered on topics such as leadership development, cultural intelligence, DEI, effective communication strategies, team building, and conflict management and resolution. She has also conducted a diversity dialogue series for the town of Warwick, NY as a diversity facilitator for We the People Warwick. Danielle is a third-year doctoral student in the Organization and Leadership Psychology program with a concentration in the Neuroscience of Leadership at William James College. She obtained her MPA in Public and Non-Profit Management and Policy with a specialization in General Finance from the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University and BA in American Politics from the College of Arts and Science at New York University. She holds a certificate in project leadership from the Cornell University – School of Engineering and is a Certified Scrum Master from the Scrum Alliance. She was a 2021-2022 Opportunity Hub (OHUB) South by Southwest student fellow. In addition, she is a Registered Parliamentarian under the National Association of Parliamentarians, and is an arbitrator for FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority). With public service in her heart, Danielle has been an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and is the Immediate Past President of the Westchester Alumnae Chapter serving Westchester County, NY. She is also the Past President and sustainer member of the Junior League of Orange County, NY. A born and bred New Yorker, in her spare time, you can find Danielle doing monthly cultural outings to museums, gardens, or immersive exhibits with her Fur, Floral, Culture, and Cocktails crew around NYC, doing Reiki as a certified Reiki Practitioner, roller skating at her local skating rink, or as a podcast co-host for the Empress High Council whose focus is on self-care and entrepreneurship. Episode Highlights: (6:42) It's all in the Q; (12:57) DEI has been lacking CQ; (21:15) How do leaders weave in CQ?; (22:25) Organization Development Levels; (36:05) Steps toward CQ; Connect with Danielle: LinkedIn: @danielleahenry Instagram: @greatdanedannie Episode Resources: Reinventing Organizations by Frederic Laloux (