Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast PeopleFirst! with Morag Barrett

What does leadership look like when the situation is unclear, emotions are high, and everyone is waiting for you to make the next move?

In this episode of People First!, I’m joined by Lt. General (Ret.) Karen Gibson, a leader who has guided teams through war zones, national emergencies, hurricanes, cybersecurity crises, and the aftermath of January 6 - experiences most of us hope will never appear on our calendars.

Karen is living proof that no amount of technology or process ever replaces the fundamentals: clarity, steadiness, humanity, and the courage to act before you have the full picture.

We explore:
 • The moment she realized leadership is always a human endeavor
• Why timing and triage matter more than certainty
• What most leaders get wrong about communication in crisis
• The emotional toll teams experience after a major event
• The practical skills leaders can build before the next “front-page moment” hits

Her stories are gripping. Her lessons are generous. And her message is one every leader in today’s unpredictable world needs to hear.

In this episode of People First!, Morag Barrett talks with Preston Poore—executive coach, author, and former Coca-Cola leader—about his new book, How Is Greater Than What: The Simple Formula for Success in Leadership.

They discuss why how you lead matters more than what you accomplish, the role of identity and integrity in effective leadership, and how to stay grounded in a world shaped by technology and AI.

In this episode, you'll learn:

1. Why “start with who” might matter more than “start with why”
2. The link between integrity, trust, and authentic leadership
3. Lessons from Preston’s 30-year corporate career
4. How faith, values, and self-awareness shape long-term success

Perfect for leaders, managers, and professionals seeking practical insights on character, connection, and culture in the modern workplace.

Learn More:

https://prestonpoore.com/

In this People First! episode, I sit down with my dear friend and fellow connection-evangelist Dr. Michelle K. Johnston — top executive coach, business professor, bestselling author, and now the voice behind The Seismic Shift in You.

We dig into the uncomfortable truth:
We’re more digitally connected than at any time in human history…
…and yet more lonely, isolated, anxious, and burnt out than ever before.

Michelle calls it a “crisis of disconnection” — one backed by global research, neuroscience, and the devastating health data shared by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy.

In this episode we explore:

• Why connection is a biological need — as essential as food and water
• How hybrid work, AI, and phone addiction are accelerating a global loneliness epidemic
• The seven seismic shifts leaders must make — starting with shifting from what to who
• Why productivity without connection creates emptiness (Michelle’s newest mic-drop quote)
• How the calendar has become the biggest predictor of well-being
• The difference between communication and true connection
• Why leaders must intentionally design moments — not just meetings
• The wake-up call Michelle experienced when her daughter came home and said, “Mom, I haven’t seen you.”

If you’re feeling stretched thin, disconnected, or suspicious that the “new normal” doesn’t feel normal at all… this episode will give you grounding and a path forward.

Learn more:
michellekjohnston.com
The Seismic Shift in You now available everywhere books are sold.

In this People First! conversation, I sit down with Mark C. Crowley — visionary leader, bestselling author, and longtime advocate for human-centered leadership — to unpack the big idea behind his new book, The Power of Employee Wellbeing. Mark spent 25+ years leading in financial services, disproving the myth that performance comes from pressure, control, and fear. His data-backed approach shows the opposite: people thrive when leaders care about them as human beings, not just producers. And wellbeing — not engagement — is the real lever. His personal story sets the stage: early trauma, an unexpected mentor who offered belonging, and a career built on giving others the support he never had .

In this episode, he breaks down why wellbeing drives performance, why engagement surveys failed, and what leaders must do now.

⭐ What we cover:

• The emotional roots of human motivation — and why “thinking” has far less to do with performance than we assume
• Why engagement scores didn’t budge for a decade, despite billions spent on them
• The simple, actionable wellbeing questions that uncover what actually improves performance
• The #1 driver of wellbeing — belonging — and why people quit teams, not companies
• How fear shuts down trust, innovation, and contribution
• What leaders get wrong about caring (“love your people” is not soft — it’s science)
• How to ask for honest feedback when your employees want to tell you you’re great (even when you aren’t)
• Why every leader must answer the question: Do your people feel they matter here?

Mark’s message is blunt but hopeful: wellbeing is not a perk — it’s a performance strategy.
And you don’t need a company-wide initiative to start changing outcomes. You can start today.

📗 Learn more about Mark:
Website: markccrowley.com
LinkedIn: Mark C. Crowley
Books: The Power of Employee Wellbeing and Lead from the Heart

Most of us were taught to “check emotions at the door.”
Turns out… your nervous system never got that memo.

In this week’s People First! episode, I sit down with Andrea Wanerstrand, a leadership strategist and founder of A3 Culture Lab, who helps leaders shift from burnout to bold influence.

We talk about:
 💭 The three brains you bring to every conversation
⚡ Why awareness isn’t enough — and what to do with it
💬 How to show up with intention, even on the tough days

Andrea’s insights blend neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and practical leadership wisdom in a way that makes you stop and think about how you feel at work — and how others feel around you.

🎙️ Tune in to hear how to reset your mindset, regulate your energy, and lead with authenticity.

Learn more about Andrea:
Website: https://a3culturelab.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawanerstrand/

This week, Morag welcomes back Alaina Love—CEO of Purpose Linked Consulting, co-author of The Purpose Linked Organization, and author of the inspiring new book Permission to Be You. A former scientist and global HR executive turned leadership coach, Alaina blends psychology, purpose research, and personal storytelling to guide leaders and individuals toward lives of alignment, meaning, and authenticity.

In this conversation, Alaina opens up about the decade-long journey of writing her new book, the courage it took to tell deeply personal stories, and the practical framework she developed—the Ten Passion Archetypes—that helps us understand what truly drives us.

🔑 4 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:

02:30 — Permission Starts with You
After ten years and a few false starts, Alaina realized she needed to stop writing the book others expected—and instead write the one she was meant to create. The result? A deeply personal and universal guide to living a flourishing life.

06:00 — Purpose Is Personal, Not Prescribed
Building on her earlier work The Purpose Linked Organization, Alaina turns inward—helping readers discover their unique passions and how they can navigate life’s pivotal moments with greater self-understanding and resilience.

14:00 — Discovering Your Passion Archetypes
From the Creator and Connector to the Healer, Transformer, and Builder, Alaina introduces ten archetypes that shape our motivations and strengths. Understanding your top three, she says, helps you find your flow—and your right environment for thriving.

19:00 — Nothing to Fix, Only to Embrace
Unlike many personality tools, Alaina’s model isn’t about deficits—it’s about self-acceptance. “Your passions are your passions,” she says. “They’re your natural colors. You don’t need to fix who you are—just understand and honor it.”

💡 This Episode Is for:

Leaders, professionals, and anyone ready to stop living by others’ scripts and start leading—and living—from their authentic purpose and passions.

🔗 Where to Learn More:

• Permission to Be You — Available now in print, ebook, and audiobook
• PermissionToBeYouBook.com — Free toolkit and self-reflection resources
• ThePurposeLink.com — Alaina’s corporate consulting and leadership development work
• Connect with Alaina Love on LinkedIn

In this special two-for-one episode, Morag welcomes back Dr. Jeffrey Hull—Executive Director at the Institute of Coaching, Harvard Medical School Affiliate—and leadership scientist and coach Margaret Moore, co-founder of the Institute of Coaching and CEO of Wellcoaches Corporation. Together, they unpack their new book, The Science of Leadership: Nine Ways to Expand Your Impact, a groundbreaking synthesis of 50 years of research distilled into nine evidence-based capacities every leader can grow.

Blending neuroscience, behavioral science, and coaching wisdom, Jeffrey and Margaret reveal how to lead consciously, connect deeply, and transform not only your team but yourself.

🔑 4 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:

05:30 — Why Nine? The Map of Modern Leadership
After analyzing over 15,000 research papers, Jeffrey and Margaret identified nine interconnected capacities—from consciousness and authenticity to compassion and transformation—that together form a holistic framework for lifelong leadership growth.

10:45 — The Roots of Leadership: Self Before System
Leadership starts within. The first three capacities—Conscious, Authentic, and Agile Leadership—build the foundation for everything else by developing awareness, aligning values, and cultivating flexibility in thought, emotion, and action.

14:30 — From Self to Others: Relational, Positive & Compassionate Leadership
Great leaders create connection and safety. Jeffrey and Margaret explore how empathy evolves into compassion—an active care for others and the systems they inhabit—and why true influence begins with resonance, not control.

18:40 — The Power of Shared, Servant, and Transformational Leadership
The final three capacities challenge hierarchy and ego. Sharing leadership, serving others, and pursuing transformation require humility, courage, and an ever-evolving mindset. As Margaret says, “Transformation isn’t finding yourself—it’s expanding yourself.”

💡 This Episode Is for:
Leaders at every level—from emerging managers to seasoned executives—who want to integrate science-backed practices with self-awareness, compassion, and purpose to elevate their leadership impact.

🔗 Where to Learn More:

• The Science of Leadership: Nine Ways to Expand Your Impact — Available now
• InstituteofCoaching.org — Research, tools, and certification programs
• Connect with Dr. Jeffrey Hull and Margaret Moore on LinkedIn

This week, Morag sits down with Margaret Andrews—executive educator, Harvard instructor, founder of The MYLO Center, and author of Manage Yourself to Lead Others. Drawing from her years teaching leadership and working with organizations like Amazon, Wayfair, Walmart, and the United Nations, Margaret offers powerful lessons on self-awareness, trust, and emotional intelligence as the true cornerstones of effective leadership.

With personal candor, Margaret shares how one difficult piece of feedback became the catalyst for her research, her Harvard course, and ultimately her book—reminding us that the best leaders are always managing themselves first.

🔑 4 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:

03:00 — Trust Is Built in Nanoseconds
Trust isn’t earned in years—it’s built (and broken) in moments. Margaret explains why “do what you say, say what you do” remains the ultimate leadership rule.

07:00 — Self-Awareness Starts with Honesty
A painful but pivotal career moment taught Margaret that understanding herself was the first step to leading others. Awareness of how we impact people—and curiosity about how they experience us—is where leadership transformation begins.

13:00 — Aggressive Self-Rescue: Bouncing Back from Setbacks
Borrowing from white-water rafting safety lessons, Margaret shares her philosophy of “aggressive self-rescue” for career challenges: pause, process, then act intentionally.

16:00 — Emotions Aren’t Soft—They’re Strategic
Emotional intelligence, or “relationship skills,” isn’t optional. Margaret emphasizes that reading the room, owning your emotional state, and recognizing others’ cues are what distinguish leaders people actually want to follow.

💡 This Episode Is for:
Emerging and experienced leaders ready to deepen self-awareness, build trust faster, recover from career missteps, and lead with humanity in hybrid workplaces.

🔗 Where to Learn More:

• Manage Yourself to Lead Others — Available now
• MargaretAndrews.com — Resources and leadership insights
• Connect with Margaret C. Andrews on LinkedIn

We’re excited to welcome back David Cohen—globally recognized thought leader, executive coach, and author of Selecting the Best: Fostering a Workforce Driven by Values for Lasting Success. With over 30 years of experience advising leaders and organizations on five continents, David brings a clear message: skills may get you hired, but values determine whether you (and your organization) thrive.

From his early consulting days to his latest book, David explains why authentic values alignment—not just technical expertise—is the key to building resilient, high-performing teams.

🔑 4 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:

03:00 — Relationships Drive Everything
David shares how a single relationship—built over 30 years ago—opened doors, sustained his career, and underscores why lasting success is built on trust, respect, and connection.

08:00 — Hire for Values, Not Just Skills
Knowledge and skills are teachable, but values-driven behavior determines whether someone will fit, flourish, and stay. Hiring without considering values is one of the fastest paths to disengagement and turnover.

12:00 — The Integrity Trap
Why “integrity” isn’t really a value—it’s the sum total of living your values. When organizations plaster it on walls but don’t live it, cynicism and distrust follow.

17:00 — How to Ask Better Interview Questions
David explains why ambiguous, behavioral questions (“Tell me about a time…”) reveal far more than canned Q&A—and how silence can be a powerful tool in uncovering authentic stories.

💡 This Episode Is for:

Leaders, recruiters, HR professionals, and job seekers who want to understand how values shape hiring, retention, and long-term success.

🔗 Where to Learn More:

• Selecting the Best — Available now on Amazon
• SAGltd.com
   — David’s consulting firm
• Connect with David Cohen (David S. Cohen) on LinkedIn

This week, Morag is joined by Dr. Rosie Ward—CEO of Salveo Partners, award-winning author and podcast host, and fierce advocate for rehumanizing workplaces. Rosie’s new book, Future Proofing Leadership: Navigating Change and Disruption to Thrive in an Uncertain World, explores how to upgrade our “faulty programs,” break free from self-protective patterns, and lead with courage and connection.

With humor, candor, and science-backed insights, Rosie reveals why embracing our messy humanity is the key to thriving in times of disruption.

🔑 4 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:

04:00 — We’re Wired for Connection, Yet More Disconnected Than Ever

Despite being biologically hardwired for relationships, technology, faulty programming, and disruption have left us lonelier than ever. Rosie explains why feeling seen and heard is as essential as food and water.

10:30 — Faulty Programs That Hold Us Back

From the Overachiever to the Martyr, Perfectionist, People Pleaser, and more—Rosie unpacks the seven faulty programs that sabotage us and how to start upgrading them.

18:00 — Inner Game vs. Outer Game

Why training alone doesn’t stick unless we first update our “inner operating system.” Self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and narrative rewiring are the foundations for lasting leadership change.

24:00 — The 3x3x3 Challenge to Build Connection

A simple daily practice: take three minutes to reach out to three people for three months. This small act of showing up for others strengthens relationships and boosts wellbeing.

💡 This Episode Is for:

Leaders, change agents, and anyone tired of hustling and “doing it all” who wants to show up authentically, break free of head trash, and rehumanize work and life.

🔗 Where to Learn More:

• SalveoPartners.com — Rosie’s company site with resources and white papers
• DrRosieWard.com — blog, podcast, and book info
• Connect with Dr. Rosie Ward on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube

This week, Morag is joined by Jonathan Stutz—President of Global Diversity Partners, Inc., former leader at Amazon, Microsoft, and Zulily, and co-author (with Eddie Pate) of Daily Practices of Inclusive Leaders: A Guide to Building a Culture of Belonging.

With over 25 years of experience in leadership, Jonathan shares how inclusion is not a “program” but a daily practice—and why creating cultures of belonging is both a moral imperative and a business advantage.

🔑 4 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:

02:00 — Relationships Are the Legacy That Lasts
Jonathan reflects on how mentors, colleagues, and friendships are the true markers of success—long after projects and titles are forgotten.

06:00 — Inclusion Before Diversity
Using the “home” metaphor, Jonathan explains why focusing on inclusion first ensures that diverse hires don’t walk out the back door—and how belonging fuels retention and performance.

13:00 — Dropping Pebbles to Create Ripples
Inclusive leadership doesn’t require grand gestures. Jonathan shares how small, daily actions—like stopping interruptions in meetings or pressing “pause” on microaggressions—create ripples that shift culture over time.

20:00 — From Gap Analysis to Real Change
Why throwing programs at the wall isn’t enough. Jonathan outlines how assessing culture, listening to marginalized voices, and cutting data by intersectionality lead to meaningful strategies for equity and belonging.

💡 This Episode Is for:

Leaders, HR professionals, and changemakers who want to move beyond well-intentioned diversity statements and instead create tangible, lasting cultures of belonging.

🔗 Where to Learn More:

• Daily Practices of Inclusive Leaders by Jonathan Stutz & Eddie Pate
• InclusivePebbles.com — resources, videos, and tools
• GlobalDiversityPartners.net — Jonathan’s consulting practice
• Connect with Jonathan Stutz on LinkedIn

In this episode of People First, Morag is joined by Meredith Waters—high-performance coach, transformational strategist, and founder of Thriving at Water’s Edge. With over two decades in high-stakes global leadership, including post-conflict zones and climate-vulnerable regions, Meredith has developed the Resilient Ambition Framework to help individuals and mission-driven teams move through disruption with clarity, adaptability, and purpose.

From the concept of “ambition disruption” to embracing intentional “fallow periods,” Meredith shares practical tools for reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth.

🔑 4 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:

03:00 — The Power of Lifting Others Up

Meredith reflects on the military-inspired mindset of training others to do your job—and how removing competition builds stronger teams, deeper trust, and mutual success.

07:30 — What Is Ambition Disruption?

Learn how career ceilings, missed promotions, personal loss, or major industry changes can trigger “life quakes”—and why recognizing them is the first step toward intentional growth.

10:00 — Embracing the Fallow Period

Meredith explains how to use transitional periods to rest, reassess, and explore new goals. This pause isn’t inactivity—it’s purposeful cultivation of what comes next.

16:30 — Evolving Forward vs. Bouncing Back

Through her Resilient Ambition Framework, Meredith outlines how to gain clarity, build emotional resilience, and realign ambitions—so you don’t just return to “business as usual” but adapt for a more fulfilling path.

💡 This Episode Is for:

Leaders, changemakers, and high performers navigating disruption who want to turn uncertainty into a launchpad for intentional, sustainable growth.

🔗 Where to Learn More:

• Thriving at Water’s Edge
• Connect with Meredith Waters on LinkedIn
• Follow Thriving at Water’s Edge on Facebook and LinkedIn

This week, we welcome award-winning global learning executive and author Jeanine Mathó to People First. Jeanine shares her deeply personal journey from the height of corporate success through burnout and loss — only to emerge with a powerful new vision for what lasting success can truly look and feel like.

In this conversation, Jeanine introduces her new book Live Your Opus: Reclaim Your Energy, Redefine Success, and Create a Life That Truly Matters, written for high-achieving professionals who may look successful on the outside, but feel misaligned or depleted within.

🔑 4 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:

03:45 — Burnout Is Not a Weakness
After hitting a personal wall following the sudden loss of her mother and relentless corporate demands, Jeanine reframes burnout as a moment of awakening—not failure—and explains how we can learn from it before hitting the edge.

08:40 — High Achievement ≠ High Performance
What separates Olympic athletes from overworked professionals? Energy management. Jeanine explains why working harder doesn’t always lead to better results—and how to build recovery, alignment, and endurance into your ambition.

13:00 — Your Energy Is Your Power
Jeanine introduces the Opus 8 Energy System and the three anchoring pillars: Stability, Alignment, and Endurance. These are not abstract ideas, but practical pathways to lead from a place of vitality and intention.

21:00 — You Are Your Greatest Work
Forget the titles and accolades. Jeanine urges us to reclaim authorship of our stories, own our voices, and treat our lives as the most meaningful masterpiece we’ll ever create—our opus.

💡 This Episode Is for:
Leaders, founders, executives, and ambitious professionals feeling the toll of success and wondering: “Is this it?” If you’re ready to shift from depletion to purpose, this conversation is your call to action.

🔗 Where to Learn More:

• Live Your Opus — Available Fall 2025
• Connect with Jeanine Matho on LinkedIn
• Stay tuned for pre-order links and updates through Jeanine’s professional channels

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Bobbi Wegner—psychologist, Harvard lecturer, and founder of GROOPS—to People First!. With her unique blend of clinical and organizational psychology, Bobbi shares how leaders can evolve from taskmasters to team coaches by leveraging simple psychological tools that drive connection, performance, and well-being.

In a world where workplace disconnection is at an all-time high, Bobbi’s insights are a timely reminder that relationships are not just a “nice to have”—they’re a business imperative.

🔑 4 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:

03:00 — The Power of One Person

Dr. Lee, Bobbi’s college professor, sparked a lifelong journey into health psychology and human connection. This reminder: small encouragements can have ripple effects that last decades.

07:45 — What GROOOPS Gets Right About Work

Bobbi explains how her company, GROOPS, equips psychologists to support leaders in real-time with scalable, low-cost coaching—anchored in human connection and real science.

10:00 — Cohesion = Connection + Performance

Why psychological safety and team cohesion matter more than ever. Bobbi shares stats and strategies proving that relational health isn’t just about morale—it’s directly tied to profit, retention, and innovation.

14:00 — Coaching > Commanding

Using the ORS framework from motivational interviewing, leaders can build trust and autonomy by asking better questions, affirming effort, and reflecting back understanding—without adding more to their plate.

💡 This Episode Is for:

Team leaders, HR professionals, educators, and forward-thinking executives who want to stop managing tasks and start cultivating thriving cultures.

🔗 Where to Learn More:

• joinGROOPS.com — Bobbi’s company offering psychology-driven coaching at scale
• DrBobbiWegner.com
• Harvard Graduate School of Education & Extension School Programs
• Connect with Bobbi on LinkedIn

This week, Morag sits down with Sabina Nawaz—executive coach, former Microsoft executive, and author of You Are the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be and Others Need. Sabina brings a sharp, compassionate lens to the messy reality of leadership—especially how pressure, not power, causes even the best bosses to behave badly.

From lessons learned in Microsoft’s high-stakes executive suites to real-world tools for becoming a better boss (without burning out), Sabina shares insight with warmth, clarity, and actionable wisdom.

🔑 4 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:

02:58 — The Generosity Effect: Channel Your Inner Jane

Sabina honors her former colleague Jane, whose abundant generosity left a permanent mark on her leadership style—and reminds us all to show up with presence and practical kindness, even across silos.

05:30 — It’s Not Power That Corrupts—It’s Pressure

Sabina breaks down how even well-meaning leaders shift into bad boss behaviors when pressure spikes—and why being self-aware, especially about tone and body language, is crucial as you gain more influence.

11:00 — When Good Bosses Go Rogue

In a raw story of her own, Sabina recalls the jarring moment she learned her team feared her after returning from parental leave—and how unchecked pressure warped her leadership. Her turnaround offers a candid playbook for course-correcting with humility.

17:00 — Micro-Habits, Major Change

Forget the silver bullet. Sabina advocates starting small—like being the third to speak in a meeting or shutting your laptop five minutes earlier. These micro-habits can compound into powerful shifts in behavior, perception, and trust.

💡 This Episode Is for:

Leaders in transition, newly promoted managers, and high performers who want to grow their leadership without losing themselves—or their teams—in the process.

🔗 Where to Learn More:

• SabinaNawaz.com – Book resources, tools, and Sabina’s newsletter PressureProof
• You Are the Boss — Available wherever books are sold
• Connect with Sabina on LinkedIn

We’re excited to welcome Suzie Bishop, Vice President of Product Development at the Center for Leadership Studies and member of the Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches community. In this episode, Suzie shares how the timeless model of Situational Leadership is being reimagined for today's workplace—and why trust, adaptability, and honest feedback loops are essential for thriving teams.

From her early mentors to her current work co-authoring two major leadership books (yes, two!), Suzie brings clarity, humility, and real-world wisdom to the conversation.

🔑 4 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:

02:00 — Opening Doors and Paying It Forward
Suzie reflects on two people who shaped her leadership journey.

06:00 — Leadership Is Task-Based, Not One-Size-Fits-All
Situational Leadership teaches leaders to flex their style depending on the specific task at hand and the individual’s readiness. Suzie explains the model with clarity, emphasizing how behaviors—not job titles—drive performance success.

13:00 — Why Situational Leadership Still Matters (50 Years On)
Suzie shares how the model has stood the test of time because it’s simple, behavioral, and rooted in human connection. Its relevance today is even stronger as organizations grapple with change, disengagement, and the demand for more personalized leadership.

21:00 — Coaching vs. Managing: What Power Looks Like in Practice
Suzie explores how the same leadership model functions differently in executive coaching versus management—highlighting key nuances in trust, expertise, and legitimate power.

💡 This Episode Is for:
Leaders, coaches, HR professionals, and anyone looking to lead with greater self-awareness, relationship savvy, and adaptability in times of change.

🔗 Where to Learn More:

• Suzie Bishop on LinkedIn
• Situational.com
• Center for Leadership Studies updates on LinkedIn

We’re thrilled to welcome back Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company and author of Any Dumb Ass Can Do It. Known for his bold authenticity and signature Aussie wisdom, Garry dives into how embracing “dumbassery” is actually the key to unlocking great leadership, building cultures of belonging, and sending people home happy.

With stories ranging from riding a horse in a suit of armor through Times Square to redefining what it means to coach a team, this episode is packed with insight, heart, and humor.

🔑 4 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:

02:18 — Vulnerability in Action: Yes, Garry really rode a horse through Times Square. But more importantly, he explains how showing up authentically—even making a spectacle of yourself—can build connection and trust within your team.

06:37 — Dumb Assery as a Superpower: Why the phrase “I don’t know” is one of the most powerful leadership tools—and how embracing your inner “dumb ass” can unlock collective brilliance.

08:52 — From Mistakes to Learning Moments: WD-40’s culture pivoted when they replaced the word “failure” with “learning moments”—creating psychological safety and sparking innovation company-wide.

12:49 — From Boss to Coach: What happens when you ditch the word “manager” and start coaching your people to play their best game? Garry shares how that mindset changed everything at WD-40.

💡 This Episode Is for:

Leaders, HR professionals, and anyone looking to lead with more empathy, humility, and results.

🔗 Where to Learn More:

• Take the Dumb Assery Quiz and get your free leadership playbook at: www.thelearningmoment.net
• Join Garry’s “School of Dumb Assery” on LinkedIn
• And check out his best-selling book: Any Dumb Ass Can Do It

In this episode of the People First Podcast, we sit down with executive coach Dina Denham Smith to explore the power of emotional agility in leadership. Dina shares how leaders can navigate change with confidence, break free from stress patterns, and foster genuine emotional awareness at work. From managing toxic positivity to understanding the mind-body connection, this conversation is filled with actionable insights to help leaders cultivate resilience and authenticity.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

07:45 – Navigating change with confidence by recognizing and addressing your emotions.
12:30 – The DARE framework: A practical tool for breaking free from the stress spiral.
18:10 – The impact of hiding, suppressing, and faking emotions at work, and how to handle toxic positivity.
23:50 – The connection between emotions and bodily sensations, and how awareness can help manage emotions effectively.

Connect with Dina Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dina-denham-smith

And... don’t forget to check out our book! You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available now! This book is a heartfelt guide for leaders looking to build deep, meaningful relationships at work, which are the cornerstone of personal and professional success.

Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

This week on People First, we’re joined by Dr. Joey Faucette, a culture architect, certified executive coach, and best-selling author of Work Positive in a Negative World: Team Edition. Dr. Joey helps organizations shift from a toxic “Kevin Culture” to a positive work culture that fuels engagement, productivity, and profits. His insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Fox Business News, and Entrepreneur Media, and he hosts the Work Positive Podcast.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 03:00 From Pediatric Dreams to Culture Transformation: How Dr. Joey’s early fascination with medicine evolved into a passion for helping organizations create thriving workplaces.
• 07:00 What Is a Work-Positive Culture?: Dr. Joey breaks down the five essential practices that help companies grow people and profits.
• 10:00 The Power of Mindset: How our thoughts shape our workplace experiences and why leaders must actively guide their teams toward a positive outlook.
• 14:00 The Role of Relationships in Workplace Culture: Why choosing the right people to collaborate with has a direct impact on success.
• 18:00 Small Hinges Swing Big Doors: Dr. Joey explains how small, intentional actions can lead to massive shifts in culture, innovation, and productivity.
• 22:00 The Secret to Belonging at Work: How leaders can foster an environment where employees feel valued, connected, and empowered to do their best work.

This episode is filled with practical strategies and deep insights for leaders and teams looking to transform their workplace culture. Dr. Joey’s wisdom will challenge the way you think about work and inspire you to take action.

Where to Find Dr. Joey Faucette and Learn More:

Visit www.workpositive.today to explore Dr. Joey’s resources, courses, and books.
Connect with him on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjoeyfaucette/
Follow Work Positive on Instagram: @workpositive.today
Watch insights on YouTube: @workpositive7529

And... don’t forget to check out our book! You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available now! This book is a heartfelt guide for leaders looking to build deep, meaningful relationships at work, which are the cornerstone of personal and professional success.

Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

This week on People First, we welcome Dave MacDonald, Owner and President of Better Together Group. Built on Zig Ziglar’s philosophy—"If you help enough other people get what they want, you will get what you want"—Better Together Group helps businesses increase productivity and profitability by hiring the right people while ensuring job candidates can feed their families and fulfill their ambitions.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 02:00 From Maple Syrup to People-First Leadership: How managing his family’s farm in Canada shaped Dave’s passion for hiring and team-building.
• 05:00 Creating a Relationship-First Culture: Dave shares how businesses can shift from transactional leadership to a people-first mindset.
• 08:00 Transparency in Leadership: Why showing vulnerability at work fosters trust and stronger teams.
• 12:00 Hiring for Culture Fit: Dave explains why character and values matter just as much—if not more—than skills in the hiring process.
• 15:00 Healthy Turnover: How leaders can embrace employee transitions, support their career growth, and maintain strong alumni relationships.
• 21:00 Work That Feeds Families: The mission behind Better Together Group and how Dave’s journey fuels his drive to help blue-collar workers find fulfilling jobs.

This episode is packed with wisdom for leaders, business owners, and HR professionals looking to build stronger teams and create a culture where people thrive.

Where to Find Dave MacDonald and Learn More:

Visit BetterTogetherGroup.com for insights on hiring and workforce development.

Listen to Dave’s podcast, X2Z, where he and his daughter, Hannah, discuss leadership, hiring, and workplace culture: XtoZ.org

And... don’t forget to check out our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available now! This book is a heartfelt guide for leaders looking to build deep, meaningful relationships at work, which are the cornerstone of personal and professional success.

Get your copy here:

https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

This week on People First, we welcome Mindy Honcoop, a seasoned people leader, HR advisor, and the founder of Agile in HR. With over 24 years of experience optimizing organizational success, Mindy helps leaders align culture with revenue strategy through advising, workshops, and speaking engagements. 

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 02:00 The Power of Possibility: Mindy shares how she helps people shift from “I can’t” to “I can” and why that fuels her passion for leadership and HR.
• 07:00 The Unexpected Journey: How a hiring manager took a chance on Mindy, pulling her from the “do not hire” bin and setting her on a leadership path.
• 10:00 Culture Meets Revenue: Mindy explains why organizations must connect people strategy with business success and how HR leaders can drive that change.
• 14:00 Trust and Turnover: The hidden costs of a disengaged workforce and how fostering a culture of trust leads to better retention and customer success.
• 20:00 Making One-on-Ones Meaningful: Mindy shares how leaders can transform one-on-one meetings into a tool for engagement, accountability, and business impact.
• 23:00 Entrepreneurial Lessons: From corporate HR to running her own business, Mindy reveals what she’s learned about leadership, risk-taking, and growth.
• This episode is packed with insights for HR professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs looking to build stronger workplace cultures while driving business success.

Where to Find Mindy Honcoop and Learn More:

Visit www.agileinhr.com and www.mindyhoncoop.com for resources on aligning culture with revenue.
Connect with Mindy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mindyhoncoop/

This week on People First, we welcome Stephen George, a seasoned voice actor, audio professional, and broadcast producer with more than a decade of experience in the field. As a key member of Twin Flames Studios, Stephen has helped countless authors bring their words to life through expertly produced audiobooks. His mission? To guide authors through the recording process, ensuring their message is heard authentically and powerfully.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 04:00 The Art of Storytelling: Insights from Stephen’s experience in journalism and broadcast production on how to craft and deliver compelling stories.
• 06:00 The Audiobook Process: What authors should know before stepping into the recording booth, including the importance of preparation and reading their work aloud.
• 10:00 The Power of Deep Listening: Stephen explains how he listens beyond the words—catching background noise, pacing, and breathing patterns to enhance an audiobook’s quality.
• 19:00 Practical Listening Tips: Stephen offers valuable insights for leaders on how to cultivate deep, intentional listening in their work and daily interactions.

This episode is a must-listen for authors, leaders, and anyone looking to refine their communication and storytelling skills. Stephen’s expertise and passion for helping others shine through in every aspect of his work.

Where to Find Stephen George and Learn More About Twin Flames Studios:

Visit www.TwinFlamesStudios.com to explore their audiobook production services. Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn or follow him on Instagram at @StephenGeorgeVO for insights into voice work and audiobook production.

This week on People First, we’re thrilled to welcome back Robert Glazer, founder and chairman of Acceleration Partners, a global leader in partnership marketing, and a best-selling author. Robert’s new book, Rethinking Two Weeks Notice: Changing the Way Employees Leave Companies for the Better, reimagines how professional relationships can end with dignity, mutual respect, and better outcomes for all parties.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 02:00 The Inspiration Behind the Book: Robert shares how his frustration with traditional two-week notice practices inspired him to rethink professional transitions and create the Career Engagement Program.
• 05:00 Why Endings Matter: Robert discusses the psychology of endings and how the final impression of a work relationship disproportionately impacts our overall memories of it.
• 10:00 Honest Conversations: Learn how transparent and open discussions between employees and employers can improve outcomes, from internal transitions to amicable departures.
• 18:00 The Four Principles of Open Transition: Robert outlines the essential components of an effective transition program, including psychological safety, mutual respect, and open communication.
• 24:00 The Alumni Advantage: Discover how organizations can create a culture where employees feel comfortable returning and contributing with fresh perspectives and new skills.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone interested in transforming the way organizations approach employee departures. Robert’s insights provide a roadmap for creating win-win scenarios that leave lasting positive impressions.

Where to Find Robert Glazer and Learn More:

Visit www.robertglazer.com to explore Robert’s books, including Rethinking Two Weeks Notice, subscribe to his Friday Forward newsletter, and discover other valuable resources. You can also read the first three chapters of his latest book for free on his Substack.

Be sure to check out Robert’s Friday Forward newsletter for practical tips and reflections on work and life, and follow him on LinkedIn for regular updates on his work.

And... don’t forget to check out our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!). This book is a heartfelt guide for leaders looking to build deep, meaningful relationships at work, which are the cornerstone of personal and professional success.

Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

This week on People First, we’re thrilled to welcome Heather Younger back to the show! Heather is the CEO of Employee Fanatix, a TEDx speaker, a three-time best-selling author, and a LinkedIn Learning course partner. Her latest book, The Art of Self Leadership: Discover the Power Within You and Learn to Lead Yourself, is a guide to uncovering your intrinsic worth, embracing self-leadership, and showing up as the best version of yourself.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 04:00 Finding Your Golden Core: Heather shares her powerful concept of unveiling your intrinsic brilliance and how self-leadership begins with embracing your worth.
• 08:00 Overcoming Self-Doubt: Learn how to challenge imposter syndrome and reclaim your inner confidence, with Heather’s own journey as a prime example.
• 10:00 Understanding Fear: Heather discusses the role fear plays in holding us back and how to use it as a tool for growth.
• 16:00 Prioritizing Self-Care: Heather explains how small, intentional acts, like staying hydrated and moving regularly, can significantly impact your well-being and leadership capacity.
• 21:00 Relationships and Influence: Heather reflects on the importance of building intentional relationships, creating safe spaces, and embracing feedback for personal and professional growth.

In this inspiring episode, Heather shows us how self-leadership is the foundation of all leadership. Her message? You are good enough simply because you exist. From actionable strategies to profound insights, this conversation will empower you to take charge of your journey.

Find Heather on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherryounger/ and on her website https://heatheryounger.com/

This week on People First, we welcome Nathalie Sabourin and Ron Cheshire, co-authors of the groundbreaking book Co-Development Action Learning for Business. Drawing from decades of leadership and coaching expertise, Nathalie and Ron share how their CAL (Co-Development Action Learning) methodology is transforming the way leaders and teams innovate, solve problems, and collaborate in an ever-changing business environment.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 02:00 From Dreams to Global Impact: Nathalie’s journey from aspiring to work in Japan to becoming an expert in leadership development and co-creation.
• 05:00 Coaching Roots: Ron reflects on how his early experiences as a skating coach laid the foundation for his passion for mentoring and team development.
• 10:00 Why CAL Matters: Learn how the CAL methodology fosters innovation, psychological safety, and teamwork, and why it’s more critical than ever in today’s complex business environment.
• 14:00 The Seven Steps of CAL: Ron and Nathalie break down the structured process behind CAL, highlighting how it balances deep problem exploration with actionable solutions.
• 21:00 Real-Life Applications: From overwhelmed leaders to community support during the pandemic, Nathalie and Ron share stories of how CAL has driven transformation and learning.

This episode dives deep into how CAL offers a practical, scalable approach for teams to foster collaboration, accelerate projects, and create cultures of continuous learning. Whether you’re a coach, team leader, or organizational change agent, Nathalie and Ron’s insights will leave you inspired to try something new.

Learn more about Nathalie Sabourin and Ron Cheshire.

This week on People First, we’re joined by Julie Winkle Giulioni, a workplace growth champion and best-selling author. Julie helps leaders and organizations unlock talent and potential through meaningful career development. Her latest work, Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go: Career Conversations Organizations Need and Employees Still Want (now in its third edition), redefines how managers can support their teams in today’s fast-changing workplace.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

-03:00 From Elevator Operator Dreams to Career Champion: Julie shares her unconventional childhood aspirations and how they influenced her focus on career development.
-06:00 Beyond the Ladder: Julie explains why traditional career ladders are evolving and how opportunities within roles can offer transformative growth.
-12:00 Psychological Safety and Development: The critical role psychological safety plays in fostering meaningful development relationships in the workplace.
- 13:00 Developing at a Distance: Strategies for leaders to support the growth of remote and hybrid employees and avoid proximity bias.
-16:00 Human vs. AI: Julie underscores the enduring importance of human interaction in career conversations, even in an increasingly AI-driven world.

This episode offers a fresh perspective on career development, exploring how short, frequent, and intentional conversations can transform organizations. Julie’s insights challenge conventional approaches and inspire leaders to embrace development as an everyday practice.

This week on People First, we sit down with Jonathan Bennett, an advisor and executive coach specializing in helping purpose-driven leaders navigate their toughest challenges. With career-spanning roles as a CEO, board member, and founder, Jonathan brings a wealth of experience in social purpose, governance, strategy, and communications. His unique ability to listen deeply and craft breakthrough solutions makes him a trusted partner for leaders seeking clarity and impact.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 02:00 From Storyteller to Executive Coach: Jonathan shares his journey from childhood dreams of becoming a writer to a career in corporate leadership and coaching.
• 06:00 The Entrepreneurial Leap: Lessons learned from founding and growing a successful consulting firm, including navigating the highs and lows of business ownership.
• 10:00 The Power of Vulnerability: Why isolation at the top is common among leaders and how building trusted relationships can break through the barriers of loneliness.
• 16:00 Beyond the Surface: Jonathan explains how listening deeply and identifying the "story beneath the story" helps leaders uncover the real challenges they face.
• 21:00 Relationships at the Core: Jonathan highlights the vital role relationships play in scaling businesses, building trust, and sustaining personal and professional success.

This episode is an insightful exploration of leadership, resilience, and the profound impact of relationships on success. Jonathan’s wisdom offers actionable strategies for leaders to reconnect with their purpose and navigate the complexities of leading with authenticity.

This week on People First, we welcome Mary Ostafi, executive coach, speaker, and author of Coming into Consciousness: Living with Purpose, Loving with Passion, and Leading with Presence. Mary’s journey spans architecture, sustainability, and leadership, guiding people toward intentional lives rooted in authenticity and alignment. Her mission is to help individuals embrace conscious leadership for transformational growth, combining her systems approach with compassion and creativity.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 03:00 From Architecture to Coaching: Mary reflects on her early career, where designing meaningful spaces inspired her transition to helping people design lives they love.
• 07:00 A Journey of Reinvention: Mary shares her own career pivots and how leaders can embrace transitions with courage and clarity.
• 10:00 The Inspiration Behind the Book: Discover how Coming into Consciousness was born out of Mary’s personal reflections on purpose, passion, and presence.
• 15:00 Signals and Intuition: Mary encourages readers to notice the “signals” life sends and trust their intuition as a guide for fulfilling choices.
• 21:00 Relationships as a Mirror: Mary discusses the powerful role of relationships in self-growth and why cultivating a strong relationship with oneself is essential.

This episode offers powerful insights into intentional living, self-awareness, and the courage to lead with presence. Mary’s wisdom and approach to conscious living will inspire you to live with purpose and be unapologetically yourself.

And... don’t forget to check out our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available now! We've put our hearts into this exciting new book; we're sharing the insights of our research and experience as authors, best friends at work, and our leadership development programs around the world. You, Me, We is a book for leaders who want to improve― at leading, yes, but also at their lives. How so? By building deep, long-lasting relationships that set everybody up for success.

Get your copy here:

https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

This week on People First, we’re joined by Mary Olson-Menzel, the founder and CEO of MVP Executive Development. With over 30 years of leadership experience across industries like media, tech, and healthcare, Mary is an expert in helping individuals and organizations unlock their potential. She’s also a member of the Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches and the author of What Lights You Up? Illuminate Your Path and Take the Next Big Step in Your Career.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

1. 02:00 Mary’s Journey: From aspiring movie star to Olympic figure skater, Mary shares the twists and turns of her career journey and the lessons she learned along the way.
2. 08:00 The Pivot Point: Mary talks about the inspiration behind her book and how she developed a methodology to help people find joy and fulfillment in their careers.
3. 17:00 The Power of Networking: Mary provides tips on how to build a meaningful network, no matter where you are in your career, and why relationships are key to career success.
4. 21:00 The Journey of Writing a Book: Mary opens up about the challenges and rewards of bringing What Lights You Up? to life and how she hopes to inspire readers to pursue their passions.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to reignite their passion for their work or make a career pivot. Mary’s insights on finding what truly lights you up will leave you inspired and ready to take the next big step.

And... don’t forget to check out our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available now! We've put our hearts into this exciting new book; we're sharing the insights of our research and experience as authors, best friends at work, and our leadership development programs around the world. You, Me, We is a book for leaders who want to improve― at leading, yes, but also at their lives. How so? By building deep, long-lasting relationships that set everybody up for success.

Get your copy here:
https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

This week on People First, we welcome Lee Itzhaki, a seasoned professional with over 25 years in the high-tech industry. Lee has transitioned from product management and business development to a new passion—helping people forge stronger workplace relationships. As the founder of Loops, a groundbreaking platform, Lee aims to transform how we connect and collaborate at work, blending technology with the human element.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 05:00 The Manager Learning Curve: Lee reflects on his early struggles as a manager and how understanding the importance of relationships and engagement transformed his leadership approach.
• 08:00 Why Relationships Matter: Lee explains how workplace relationships, especially with direct managers, are crucial to employee retention and productivity.
• 13:00 Loops: The Relationship-Enhancing Tool: Discover how Loops helps teams maintain meaningful connections through reminders and personalized data, enhancing trust and collaboration.
• 16:00 Transitioning from Big Tech to Entrepreneurship: Lee discusses the challenges of launching a new platform and the critical role relationships played in his journey.

Seeking to enhance workplace relationships and foster a more engaged, productive team environment? Listen to this episode now!

And... don’t forget to check out our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available to preorder now! We've put our hearts into this exciting new book; we're sharing the insights of our research and experience as authors, best friends at work, and our leadership development programs around the world. You, Me, We is a book for leaders who want to improve― at leading, yes, but also at their lives. How so? By building deep, long-lasting relationships that set everybody up for success.

Get your copy here:

https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

This week on SkyeTeam’s People First, we sit down with the incredible Caroline Stokes, author of Elephants Before Unicorns and an expert on leadership development, technology, and sustainability. Caroline supports technology leaders in addressing relational and strategic challenges for organizational, societal, and environmental impact.

In this episode, Caroline discusses her journey from Singapore to a global career helping leaders embrace emotionally intelligent strategies and navigate the fast-paced world of technology, leadership, and sustainability.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 05:00 Early Career Reflections: Caroline shares stories from her childhood in Singapore and how a passion for travel shaped her ambitions.
• 08:00 Elephants Before Unicorns: The inspiration behind Caroline's book and why addressing the "elephants in the room" is critical before organizations can foster innovation and growth.
• 12:00 Onboarding Done Right: Caroline highlights the importance of structured 30-60-90 day plans for new hires and how organizations can set their teams up for long-term success.
• 23:00 Climate Change and Leadership: Caroline delves into how leaders must prepare for the impact of climate change on business and society, encouraging forward-thinking strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.

Dive in for a thought-provoking discussion on leadership, sustainability, and creating positive change in today’s world. Caroline’s insights will leave you rethinking how you lead and how we can all work together for a better future.

And...be sure to grab our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available to preorder now! We've put our hearts into this exciting new book; we're sharing the insights of our research and experience as authors, best friends at work, and our leadership development programs around the world. You, Me, We is a book for leaders who want to improve― at leading, yes, but also at their lives. How so? By building deep, long-lasting relationships that set everybody up for success.

Get your copy here:

https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

Get in touch with Caroline Stokes:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ocarolinestokes/

X: https://x.com/oCarolineStokes

In this episode of SkyeTeam's People First, we have a compelling conversation with Russel Lolacher, an international speaker and the founder and host of the podcast Relationships at Work. With nearly 25 years of experience in leadership and communication, Russell shares his deep insights into building meaningful relationships within organizations.

Here are some key takeaways you won't want to miss:

• 03:00 Presentations vs. Reporting: Russel emphasizes the importance of viewing presentations as performances, where you are the star, not the slide deck.
• 06:00 The Pivot to Internal Relationships: The moment Russel realized the importance of focusing on employee relationships just as much as customer service.
• 10:00 Culture vs. Bad Bosses: Russel challenges the idea that people leave jobs because of bad bosses alone, diving into the broader impact of organizational culture.
• 14:00 The Three Pillars of Leadership: Russel outlines his leadership philosophy, highlighting self-awareness, situational awareness, and communication as the keys to great leadership.
• 28:00 Trust in the Workplace: A deep dive into how trust is often misunderstood in organizations and its critical role in building healthy relationships.

In this series, we explore the people side of successful business and careers. We all have a story to share, a leadership journey we are experiencing. We'll be interviewing authors, business leaders, thought leaders, and people like you to uncover the latest ideas, resources, and tools to help you become more effective at work - and in life. As it turns out, the secret is cultivating winning relationships. Business is personal, and relationships matter!

And...be sure to grab our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available to preorder now! We've put our hearts into this exciting new book; we're sharing the insights of our research and experience as authors, best friends at work, and our leadership development programs around the world. You, Me, We is a book for leaders who want to improve― at leading, yes, but also at their lives. How so? By building deep, long-lasting relationships that set everybody up for success.

Get your copy here:

https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

Russel Lolacher Social Media Info

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellolacher/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relationshipsatwork/

This week on SkyeTeam's People First, we sit down with HR veteran Vanessa Patrick, Associate Dean for Research, Executive Director of Doctoral Programs (PhD and DBA), Professor of Marketing, and lead faculty member of the Executive Women in Leadership Program at the Bauer School of Business at the University of Houston.

In her new book, The Power of Saying No, Vanessa delves into the new science of saying no and introduces the ground-breaking concept of “empowered refusal”—a proven framework for saying no that puts you in charge of your life — and reveals some surprising secrets about the power of the word no.

Here are some key takeaways you won't want to miss:

• 04:16 The Pivot Point: Vanessa discusses the pivotal moment when she decided to pursue a career outside of medicine.
• 13:00 Power Dynamics: the challenges of saying no to peers vs. power.
• 20:30 Vanessa highlights the gender-specific biases that can influence how the "no" is perceived.

In this series, we explore the people side of successful business and careers. We all have a story to share, a leadership journey we are experiencing. We'll be interviewing authors, business leaders, thought leaders, and people like you to uncover the latest ideas, resources, and tools to help you become more effective at work - and in life. As it turns out, the secret is cultivating winning relationships. Business is personal, and relationships matter!

And...be sure to grab our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available to preorder now! We've put our hearts into this exciting new book; we're sharing the insights of our research and experience as authors, best friends at work, and our leadership development programs around the world. You, Me, We is a book for leaders who want to improve― at leading, yes, but also at their lives. How so? By building deep, long-lasting relationships that set everybody up for success.

Get your copy here:

https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

Additional information

Venessa Patrick’s LinkedIn profile is  https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessapatrick23/

• @vanpat23 (Instagram/Facebook)
• @vpatrick23 (twitter)

This week on SkyeTeam's People First, we sit down with HR veteran Joan Hobdin, founder of jdhInsights, LLC. With over 25 years shaping HR strategies across global organizations, Joan is a master at tailoring coaching to individual needs. Her focus on awareness, purpose, intent, and action has driven countless successes.

Joan's new book, The Leader’s Guide to Mastering Feedback, is the focus of our conversation. We delve into creating a feedback-friendly environment, navigating tough conversations with empathy, and delivering the right feedback at the right time.

Here are some key takeaways you won't want to miss:

• 07:53 The Power of Playful Feedback: Discover how genuine connection and care can transform feedback into a positive experience.
• 18:00 Feedback vs. Ghosting: Learn why open communication trumps avoidance.
• 20:00 Joan's Top Tip: Get practical advice to kickstart your feedback journey.

In this series, we explore the people side of successful business and careers. We all have a story to share, a leadership journey we are experiencing. We'll be interviewing authors, business leaders, thought leaders, and people like you to uncover the latest ideas, resources, and tools to help you become more effective at work - and in life. As it turns out, the secret is cultivating winning relationships. Business is personal, and relationships matter!

And...be sure to grab our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available to preorder now! We've put our hearts into this exciting new book; we're sharing the insights of our research and experience as authors, best friends at work, and our leadership development programs around the world. You, Me, We is a book for leaders who want to improve― at leading, yes, but also at their lives. How so? By building deep, long-lasting relationships that set everybody up for success.

Get your copy here:
https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

Connect with Joan Hobdin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joan-joni-hibdon/

Welcome to SkyeTeam's People First! This week, we're joined by two exceptional leaders: Paul Savardi, Chairman and CEO of Insperity, and Dr. Eli Jones. In their new book,  Making Differences Work, they combine their extensive experience to provide a powerful roadmap for building a company culture that drives extraordinary results.

Their concept of Commonality, Equality, and Cohesion expands on the core principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). It offers a practical framework for leaders tackling the challenges of creating a truly unified and inclusive work environment.

Here are some key takeaways you won't want to miss:

• 11:30 Unlocking the Secrets of Insperity's Culture: What makes Insperity's company culture unique and successful?
• 18:55 The Art of Course Correction: How to identify and address situations where your vision doesn't align with reality?
• 23:18 Evolving DEI Language: Discover how certain DEI terminology has lost its impact over time.
• 25:37 Investing in a culture of connection and belonging: What's in it for me?" This applies to individual employees, teams, and the entire organization.

In this series, we explore the people side of successful business and careers. We all have a story to share, a leadership journey we are experiencing. We'll be interviewing authors, business leaders, thought leaders, and people like you to uncover the latest ideas, resources, and tools to help you become more effective at work - and in life. As it turns out, the secret is cultivating winning relationships. Business is personal, and relationships matter!

And...be sure to grab our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available to preorder now! We've put our hearts into this exciting new book; we're sharing the insights of our research and experience as authors, best friends at work, and our leadership development programs around the world. You, Me, We is a book for leaders who want to improve― at leading, yes, but also at their lives. How so? By building deep, long-lasting relationships that set everybody up for success.

Get your copy here:

https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

Connect with Paul and Eli:

Paul Savardi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-sarvadi/

Dr. Eli Jones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-jones-4ba95125/

This week, we're joined by Dr. Jennifer Nash, a leadership consultant and executive advisor who helps leaders and organizations prioritize people to power performance. Dr. Nash advocates for a radical shift in leadership thinking and practice in her new book Be Human, Lead Human, How to Connect People and Performance. With only 12% of employees expressing confidence in their leaders, Nash identifies the need for leadership that fosters trust, creates connection, and drives performance.

Episode Chapters:

1:50 - What did you want to be when you grew up, Jennifer?

06:55 - Asking questions, even when the answers aren't readily apparent.

14:20 - Conquering the fear of silence in conversations; shifting your locust-of-attention.

20:17 - "Be Human, Lead Human" approach, outlining how leaders can integrate a more human-centered.

27:17 - Beyond the toolbox: limitations of traditional leadership tools.

In this series, we explore the people side of successful business and careers. We all have a story to share, a leadership journey we are experiencing. We'll be interviewing authors, business leaders, thought leaders, and people like you to uncover the latest ideas, resources, and tools to help you become more effective at work - and in life. As it turns out, the secret is cultivating winning relationships. Business is personal, and relationships matter!

And...be sure to grab our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available to preorder now! We've put our hearts into this exciting new book; we're sharing the insights of our research and experience as authors, best friends at work, and our leadership development programs around the world. You, Me, We is a book for leaders who want to improve― at leading, yes, but also at their lives. How so? By building deep, long-lasting relationships that set everybody up for success.

Get your copy here:
https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

This week, we welcome Scott Mautz, an expert in mental strength, peak performance, change, employee engagement, and leadership. In his book, The Mentally Strong Leader, Scott discusses how to regulate emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to achieve exceptional outcomes.

Scott describes mentally strong leaders as a calm presence amid chaos, exercising self-discipline and endurance to thrive under adversity. They excel across six essential leadership tests linked to exceptional achievement.

Episode Chapters:

1:50 - Scott's journey and passion for discovery.
3:13 - Mental strength is managing yourself internally to lead externally.
10:40 - Exploring various forms of confidence.
17:47 - Mental strength in leadership tests.
24:10 - Special gift for listeners.

Listener Gift: https://scottmautz.com/mentallystronggift/

Scott offers a free, 60-page Companion Workbook, including:

- A 50-question Mental Strength Self-Assessment
- Templates for key exercises from the book
- Note-taking space for each chapter
- Prompt questions to enhance your reading experience.

And...be sure to grab our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available to preorder now! We've put our hearts into this exciting new book; we're sharing the insights of our research and experience as authors, best friends at work, and our leadership development programs around the world. You, Me, We is a book for leaders who want to improve― at leading, yes, but also at their lives. How so? By building deep, long-lasting relationships that set everybody up for success.

Get your copy here:

https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

This week, Morag interviews Jeffrey Shaw, a leading voice for self-employed business champions! Jeffrey is a bestselling author (LINGO and The Self-Employed Life: Business and Personal Development Strategies That Create Sustainable Success), a TEDx speaker, and a guiding light for entrepreneurs.

Drawing from his own journey, Jeffrey shares business and personal development strategies to help you, the self-employed and small business owner, take control even when things feel out of your grip.

Episode Highlights

07:23 - Overcoming Fear: Learn how to weigh the benefits against the fear of taking action.
16:00 - Breaking Through Your Barriers: Discover ways to stop self-sabotage and move forward.
26:34 - The Power of Clarity: Learn why clarity is an iterative process and how to achieve it.
30:30 - The Relationship Advantage: Explore how strong connections fuel success.

Bonus!  Get free brand messaging help from Jeffrey! Fill out the application on brandmessagereview.com, and Jeffrey will personally review your website (subject to application conditions).

And... Be sure to grab our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available to preorder now! We've put our hearts into this exciting new book; we're sharing the insights of our research and experience as authors, best friends at work, and our leadership development programs around the world. You, Me, We, is a book for leaders who want to improve― at leading, yes, but also at their lives. How so? By building deep, long-lasting relationships that set everybody up for success.

Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

This week on People First!, Morag chats with Moustafa Hamwi, a bestselling author who's an expert in a wide range of fields, from executive coaching to yoga and adventure sports.

They delve deep into the world of the "passionpreneur," exploring how passion + purpose unleashes the entrepreneurial spirit of a true leader, why so many people struggle to find their spark, why passion and skill go hand-in-hand, and how you can discover what truly ignites your fire.

Episode Chapters:

04:30 - Why do so many people struggle to find their spark?

10:14 - The importance of aligning passion with skill for success.

15:20 - Identifying and overcoming hidden obstacles that block passion and purpose 

23:00 - A powerful approach to self-discovery: taking a step back, healing, and launching yourself forward.

27:30 - Dealing with the fear of negative consequences that hold us back.

Bonus Content for all Listeners...

Moustafa offers free copies of his books and other resources on his website to help you overcome challenges. Go to moustafa.com/slingshot and use the code PEOPLE to download your bonus pack! Enjoy reading...

And...be sure to grab our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available now! We've put our hearts into this exciting new book; we're sharing the insights of our research and experience as authors, best friends at work, and our leadership development programs around the world. You, Me, We, is a book for leaders who want to improve― at leading, yes, but also at their lives. How so? By building deep, long-lasting relationships that set everybody up for success.

Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

Tired of unproductive meetings?  This week, we're joined by Steven Rogelberg, a leading expert on meeting effectiveness from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Steven shares research-backed strategies to transform your meetings from time-wasters to efficient, engaging, and inclusive experiences for everyone. While achieving meeting nirvana might be a stretch, Steven will show you how to leverage science to make your meetings significantly better.

Episode Chapters:

06:55 - In meetings so much, why is it that they suck?
12:20 - Rebooting 1:1s at work: how to tie 1:1s to values
18:17 - Core questions approach in 1:1s
23:24 - 1:1s are tools for genuine connections

And... be sure to grab our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available now! We've put our hearts into this exciting new book; we're sharing the insights of our research and experience as authors, best friends at work, and our leadership development programs around the world. You, Me, We is a book for leaders who want to improve― at leading, yes, but also at their lives. How so? By building deep, long-lasting relationships that set everybody up for success.

Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

This week, Morag and Jennifer McCollum, CEO of Linkage, a SHRM company, discuss her career journey, research, and her book In Her Own Voice: A Woman's Rise to CEO: Overcoming Hurdles to Change the Face of Leadership.

Episode Chapters:

5:28 - Why this book; why now?
10:20 - Understanding clear roles people play in leadership
16:59 - How the inner critic shows up for women
20:12 - Biases and limiting beliefs
23:50 - Getting humble to say I need help

Welcome to SkyeTeam's People First! In this series, we explore the people side of successful business and careers. We all have a story to share, a leadership journey that we are experiencing. We'll be interviewing authors, business leaders, thought leaders, and people like you to uncover the latest ideas, resources, and tools to help you become more effective at work - and in life. As it turns out, the secret is cultivating winning relationships. Business is personal, and relationships matter!

And...be sure to grab our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available now! We've put our hearts into this exciting new book; we're sharing the insights of our research and experience as authors, best friends at work, and our leadership development programs around the world. You, Me, We is a book for leaders who want to improve―at leading, yes, but also at their lives. How so? By building deep, long-lasting relationships that set everybody up for success.

Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

This week, Morag, Scott Osman, and Jacquelyn E. Lane from the 100 Coaches Agency discuss guiding ideals that can propel a leader’s impact far beyond themselves.

Episode Chapters:

6:28 - Jacquelyn's Realization: Everything is About People
9:13 - Leadership is Collaboration
13:02 - Inspiration Behind Becoming Coachable
16:30 - Being Open to Change, Taking Actions
21:23 - The Correct Answer is Always Thank You!
29:45 - Conclusion and Wrap

Welcome to SkyeTeam's People First! In this series, we explore the people side of successful business and careers. We all have a story to share, a leadership journey that we are experiencing. We'll be interviewing authors, business leaders, thought leaders, and people like you to uncover the latest ideas, resources, and tools to help you become more effective at work - and in life. As it turns out, the secret is cultivating winning relationships. Business is personal, and relationships matter!

And...be sure to grab our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) Hardcover is available now! We've put our hearts into this exciting new book, we're sharing the insights of our research and experience as authors, best friends at work, and our leadership development programs around the world. You, Me, We is a book for leaders who want to improve―at leading, yes, but also at their lives. How so? By building deep, long-lasting relationships that set everybody up for success.

Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

This week, Morag and Atif Rafiq discuss how teams can collaborate and lead innovation!

Episode Chapters:
0:00 - Show Open
1:30 - Growing Up
2:36 - Career Arc
5:39 - Role of Relationships
8:50 - Decision Sprint Book Discussion
13:49 - Common Pitfalls
16:13 - Clarifying the Problem
17:36 - The Role of AI
24:26 - Conclusion and Wrap

Welcome to SkyeTeam's People First! In this series, we explore the people side of successful business and careers. We all have a story to share, a leadership journey that we are experiencing.

We'll be interviewing authors, business leaders, thought leaders, and people like you to uncover the latest ideas, resources, and tools to help you become more effective at work - and in life. As it turns out, the secret is cultivating winning relationships. Business is personal, and relationships matter!

Show Info:
Website: https://www.decisionsprint.com/
Website: https://www.ritual.work/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atif1/

And...be sure to grab our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) is available now! We've put our hearts into this exciting new book, we're sharing the insights of our research and experience as authors, best friends at work, and our leadership development programs around the world. You, Me, We is a book for leaders who want to improve―at leading, yes, but also at their lives. How so? By building deep, long-lasting relationships that set everybody up for success.

This week, Morag and Jim Collison from the Gallup Organization discuss leading with your strengths, and leveraging the CliftonStrengths profile.

Episode Chapters:
0:00 - Show Open
1:50 - Growing Up
3:35 - How Relationships Matter
5:09 - Advice for Connection
9:25 - Adults Don't Change A Whole Lot
12:39 - WTF is Woo?
18:00 - Leveraging CliftonStrengths to Help Others
26:30 - One Life
26:59 - Conclusion and Wrap

Welcome to SkyeTeam's People First! In this series, we explore the people side of successful business and careers. We all have a story to share, a leadership journey that we are experiencing.

We'll be interviewing authors, business leaders, thought leaders, and people like you to uncover the latest ideas, resources, and tools to help you become more effective at work - and in life. As it turns out, the secret is cultivating winning relationships. Business is personal, and relationships matter!

And...be sure to grab our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available now! We've put our hearts into this exciting new book, we're sharing the insights of our research and experience as authors, best friends at work, and our leadership development programs around the world. You, Me, We is a book for leaders who want to improve―at leading, yes, but also at their lives. How so? By building deep, long-lasting relationships that set everybody up for success.

Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

Kay is founder and CEO of KAY Diversity & Performance B.V., a global company committed to embedding diversity of talent into the transformational purpose of companies so as to unleash more creativity, more innovation, more growth, more engagement and better financial outcomes. 

Kay's roots are in South Africa where she worked with companies to transform their business hand-in-hand with the transformation that was occurring politically and socially during the post-apartheid period. Kay was Executive Director and Partner in Accenture for 25 years, leading the Health and Life Sciences Industry Line in Europe and Africa and Latin America. Within Accenture, Kay was for many years responsible for the Diversity and Inclusion Practice in The Netherlands, and assumed multiple leadership development roles within Accenture, including being one of the Sponsoring Partners for the Global Leadership Development Program, Chairing the Diversity Forum, Participating in the Unconscious Bias Task Force and acting as mentor and coach and sponsor for rising talent. 

Kay's new book, Leading Diversity with Purpose and Inclusion, provides powerful insights into D&I. D&I is not about legal compliance or HR box-ticking, in fact every organization needs a diversity and inclusion strategy to achieve peak performance and sustainability. #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter and the ballooning consequences of Covid-19 to minorities have made it even more necessary to plan a concrete D&I agenda. 

Whether you’re a leader, HR practitioner, sponsor of a D&I initiative, or an employee who wants to see your organization benefit from more inclusivity, Kay explains the strategic case for diversity and can share practical steps for locking in diversity gains and closing key performance gaps.

Mark Herschberg is the author of The Career Toolkit: Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You and creator of the Brain Bump app. From tracking criminals and terrorists on the dark web to creating marketplaces and new authentication systems, Mark has spent his career launching and developing new ventures at startups and Fortune 500s and in academia, with over a dozen patents to his name. 

He helped to start the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program, dubbed MIT’s “career success accelerator,” where he teaches annually. At MIT, he received a B.S. in physics, a B.S. in electrical engineering & computer science, and a M.Eng. in electrical engineering & computer science, focusing on cryptography. At Harvard Business School, Mark helped create a platform used to teach finance at prominent business schools. He also works with many non-profits, currently serving on the board of Plant A Million Corals. 

He was one of the top-ranked ballroom dancers in the country and now lives in New York City, where he is known for his social gatherings, including his annual Halloween party, as well as his diverse cufflink collection.

https://www.thecareertoolkitbook.com
https://www.thecareertoolkitbook.com/resources

Dr. Kumar is an expert in International Business Strategy and Cross-Cultural Management. Originally from India, Dr. Kumar has lived and worked in the United States, U.K., Denmark, France, Finland, Netherlands, and New Zealand. 

Through personal experience and academic study, he has developed a deep appreciation and awareness of the importance of the cross-cultural dimension and how it impacts strategy formulation and implementation.

Dr. Kumar has a Ph.D. degree in International Business from New York University, an MBA from Rutgers University, and a Masters degree in Economics from the University of Delhi. Dr. Kumar is author of International Negotiations in China and India published by Macmillan in 2011. He also coauthored Doing Business in India which was published by Macmillan in 2005. 

During his academic career he has published numerous research papers in academic journals. Dr. Kumar is also a certified Global Dexterity Trainer and is currently appearing on Leadership Podcasts as a guest where he highlights the importance of managing the cultural dimension for global companies. He also leads training programs for companies engaged in global business.

Join me and Dr. Gary Crotaz, Chief Engagement Officer of KultraLab, a behavioural science and technology organization that accelerates your strategy by igniting the spark that empowers your workforce. 

An executive and mindset coach specialized in strengths-centered leadership and change, my 5* rated book 'The IDEA Mindset' is a self-reflective coaching journey to help the reader figure out what they want from work, and how to get it, in six weeks. I also host 'The Unlock Moment' podcast, in which I interview people who have achieved great things or brought about significant change in their life, and we dig into a flash of remarkable clarity when they figured out the path ahead. Find out more at theunlockmoment.com. And I'm a co-host of The Coacharium, a pocket-sized podcast for leaders who coach. Find out more at coacharium.com.

In Roberts own words:

When I was 5 years old, I visited Radio Flyer for the first time and fell in love with this company and what it means to people. My grandpa, a poor Italian immigrant created the first wagon in his Chicago garage in 1917. Today, Radio Flyer is an iconic brand that holds a special place in people's hearts because it instantly transports them to a happy time — to the best parts of childhood. I work with a wonderful group of "FUNomenal Flyers" whose mission is to bring smiles to kids of all ages and create warm memories that last a lifetime. Company sales have grown by over 10X as a result of our focus on building a creative, committed & caring team. Radio Flyer has received numerous awards as a top workplace including 11 times on Fortune Magazine's Best Places to Work list. The product line has expanded beyond the famous Little Red Wagon to include tricycles, scooters, ride-ons, Tesla kids' vehicles, and our newest line-up of Flyer electric bikes & scooters for adults.

Dr. Jennie Byrne lives to connect the dots between people and ideas in new and unexpected ways. She is a clinical translator between segments of our complex health system - clinicians, finance, operations, data, technology, research. Clients have called her a triple threat because: 

1) Clinical Experience - nearly two decades of clinical experience as an MD/PhD 
2) Entrepreneur - I’ve founded and grown a clinical organization through the entire life cycle of inception to exit 
3) C-level Leadership - led teams to create and innovate clinical programs as a C-level leader 

She is the author of Work Smart: Use Your Brain and Behavior to Master the Future of Work 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRR6QPM1