The countdown to a new year is on! As we prepare to enter 2025, we’re taking a look back at some leadership lessons learned over the years. From 360 interviews to managing stress and beyond, Brandon Smith and Randy Hain break down the “bad behaviors” stress can bring out of team members and how to help.

“Ti voglio bene” = “I want your good." Podcast guest Andreas Widmer challenges leaders to have the courage to ask: “What is the “end” you want for your team?” We’re taking some time away from the mics this week, but hope you enjoy this special holiday edition of The Leadership Foundry Podcast. Co-hosts Brandon Smith and Randy Hain talk with Andreas about the leader's responsibility to the team, flourishing in life and business and one thing to do to become a better leader as we revisit Episode 48. 

How can leaders use their time, talent and treasures long after leaving the C-suite? To help us answer this question, Dave Stockert joins Brandon on this week's podcast episode to highlight the transition from CEO to board member along with the markers of a good board member and board chair. 

Anxiety levels are at an all-time high. Stress compounded by hybrid work environments, concerning health reports, and a weary world is something we can all relate to. Brandon sat down to talk with Licensed Counselor, Mazi Robinson, near the end of 2022, but both her insights and words of encouragement on how to flex our resiliency muscles are still very applicable today. She says: “The only thing that frees us from anxiety is doing the thing you are afraid to do.” Listen in for ways leaders can get out of our "ruminating rooms" and take action.

Are you feeling the career itch? Whether you're ready to make a change, up for a new challenge within your current organization or if you're simply curious as to the available options, today's guest is here to help us navigate the four stages of a career transition. Author and certified career coach, Scott Doyne, joins host Brandon Smith to help us answer: "What do you want to try next?" 

The number one way to overcome fear? Do the thing you fear most! Cameron Richardson, Senior Vice President at Genuine Parts Company (NAPA) joined Brandon on Episode 15 of The Leadership Foundry Podcast. The two discussed self-awareness as a key to overcoming new leadership challenges. As a leader, self-awareness is your greatest ally. It helps you understand your strengths, acknowledge your challenges, and align your actions with your goals. Embrace this time for introspection and set a clear path forward as we prepare to enter the final quarter of the year.

Class is in session! Today, we're thrilled to have Atlanta Community Food Bank founder, Bill Bolling on the podcast. Bill gives us a master class on leadership beyond that of the nonprofit sector. He explains to achieve our goals, there are parts of the process we must decentralize and that requires trust. In his words, "The way to connect with individuals is to involve them in the work." Listen in as Bill shares highlights from his inspiring career and how we as leaders can shift the focus back to those we serve: our employees, our partners and our customers. 

For the first time in history, six different generations comprise the workforce. Today on the podcast, Randy and Brandon are joined by Dr. Tim Elmore. Tim is an expert in this space and offers practical ways leaders can engage with various generations, welcome their differences and practice reverse mentorship so all parties learn and grow. 

Patience at the right time can get the right result. Not everything should go through the “decision microwave”! Today on The Leadership Foundry Podcast, Brandon Smith and Randy Hain examine what causes our lack of time (which feeds impatience) and how we as leaders can be more mindful to slow down. As Randy states in the opening lines: Your goal as a leader should be to make patience your superpower.

Feelings of anxiety, loneliness and burnout are reaching record-high numbers among leaders and CEOs. According to Businessolver’s 2024 State of Workplace Empathy report, 55% of CEOs have experienced a mental health issue. This is up 24 points from previous reports. On today’s Leadership Foundry Podcast, Rob Volpe returns to help us take a closer look at these numbers. We discuss the challenges leaders and CEOs face, the unique pressures placed on the C-suite and how we can effectively model empathy for our organizations while still maintaining the position of a capable, competent leader.

We all have a desire to find meaningful and purposeful work. Leaders have both the opportunity and obligation to connect with their teams. Senior executives play an important role in how their people feel about their jobs. On today's show, Brandon and Randy discuss how leaders can increase engagement by asking the right questions and fostering psychological safety. 

During one of our first podcasts, Brandon Smith was joined by Papa John’s Vice President of Enterprise Strategy and Transformation, Rob Pepper. Rob’s conversation points highlight executive presence and influencing change, two topics we’ve been focused on in recent weeks. Take a listen to this re-release as Rob shares his knowledge on affecting change through influence, when EQ matters more than IQ, and how to do more of what motivates your people so you can impact your organization at both the total and individual team member level.

What would it look like if you were 20% braver in 2025? Inspired by the previous podcast conversation with co-host Randy Hain and a recent client engagement, Brandon Smith challenges leaders with this question as we approach a new year. 

As a leader, navigating change isn’t always easy and for many, it feels like we’ve been navigating great change for the last several years. So today on The Leadership Foundry Podcast, we’re revisiting our conversation with Leslie Nydick, The Conflict Strategist. Leslie shares how to navigate friction and foster discussion when issues arise in the workplace. 

A key trait of those leaders who best represent executive presence is their ability to be inspiring and courageous. As we continue our focus on how we “show up” as leaders, let’s look back at our conversation with Tiffany Willis, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations with Starbucks. In this episode, Tiffany spoke with co-host Brandon Smith on resiliency and how to nurture courage within the individual team members we lead each day.

Last week on the podcast, Leadership Foundry co-founder and podcast co-host, Brandon Smith, brought us back to basics, detailing the two key functions of all leaders and executives: drive focus and alignment. As a perfect follow-up, we’re revisiting our episode on how to build and maintain executive presence. Fellow co-founder, Randy Hain, joins Brandon for this conversation. Listen in! 

We live in a messy, noisy world where everything is urgent all of the time. Today on the podcast, co-host Brandon Smith takes leaders back to basics as he reminds us of the two key actions all leaders should be doing right now: driving focus and alignment. 

"Is this person a narcissist... how can I tell?" This question has been posed to co-host, Brandon Smith, several times recently in his work with leaders. Today, Brandon breaks down the five signs you're working with a narcissist and shares survival tactics for navigating this type of office relationship. 

As we approach the July 4th holiday, we're honored to welcome back Retired Lieutenant General, Ken Keen, to the podcast. In today's discussion, he and Brandon highlight the newly launched Masters in Business for Veterans program at Emory University. Ken also breaks down the three components to leadership development and examines the difference between character and competence. 

Here at the Leadership Foundry, we’re all about giving you tips and tools to help you run effective teams and accomplish goals. Today, we’re revisiting our conversation with Holly Bellmund, President of GLC Minerals. Listen in as Holly shares two key ingredients for making a successful leadership transition. 

In this episode, co-host and Leadership Foundry co-founder, Brandon Smith, examines new data on what researchers call "invisible work." But doing things outside our job descriptions are those actions that most often get us noticed and promoted. Listen in as we discuss from both the junior and senior-level viewpoints. 

Accountability plays a big role when it comes to teamwork, ranging from tough conversations to achieving results. So today on the Leadership Foundry Podcast, we’re examining the 3 C’s of Accountability: Clarity, Communication and Candor.

Your messaging around culture is missing the mark. On today’s new release of the Leadership Foundry Podcast, Brandon Smith challenges leaders to refocus on culture (the right way) with his three-year checkup protocol.

As we reflect on 2024, Brandon and Randy examine the need for inspiration. Where does inspiration come from? How can we be more inspiring to others as leaders? Get ready to "breathe new life into" a new year as our co-founders offer tips for how to do this effectively and with excitement.

Watch the full show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW41Pa6HCJQ

As the perfect follow-up to our episode last week on expressing gratitude with guest Chester Elton - we’re revisiting our conversation with Andreas Widmer. In this episode, Andreas chats with Brandon and Randy on how doing good, from our employees to our customers, can lead to prosperity – both, monetarily and culturally in the workplace.

What makes for an "all-in" culture... those top-performing teams that are the foundation of world-class organizations? It all comes down to showing gratitude. Today on the podcast, Brandon and Randy are joined by bestselling author, Chester Elton, as he shares three rituals you can put into practice today to make your workplace healthier.

With advancements in technology and the growing popularity of the hybrid workforce, our natural workplace boundaries have evaporated. In this episode, Brandon and Randy explain ways to set personal boundaries and how we can honor those boundaries set by coworkers. 

In the final installment of our “Refocus” series on The Leadership Foundry Podcast, we’re revisiting Brandon's episode with “The Modern CEO” Rohit Verma as he highlights the preparation path to CEO. Listen in as he delves into his remarkable career journey, his experiences in steering a global enterprise across 70 diverse countries, and his insights on empowering your team. 

As we continue our “Refocus” series on The Leadership Foundry Podcast, we get this great reminder from guest, Ken Keen: Learn how to manage your time and say “no”. When we overload ourselves (and our calendars) we’re not able to fully show up and give our best selves to that project or initiative, thus rendering us less effective. If this feels like you, listen in. 

We’re officially into Q2 of 2024! We received a lot of feedback from our recent newsletter with a highlight of Brandon and Randy sharing their tips for setting priorities. We wanted to take a deeper dive and revisit this episode in its entirety on today’s podcast. What are real priorities vs aspirational priorities? Where are you spending your time? It all comes down to action. Listen in! 

The concept of complexity vs. simplicity sparked many podcast conversations and questions from listeners! We’re revisiting this episode with Frank Blake, former Chairman and CEO of The Home Depot. As the seasons change, so do organizations and leadership styles. Listen in for Frank’s timely and insightful tips on leading change and why the best leaders “pull complexity up and push simplicity down.” 

Don’t be fooled! This fun clip is from a pilot reel Brandon recorded 10 years ago! But - these stories are real challenges in the workplace today. Take a listen. If this sounds like one of your direct reports, our mission remains to same: take your leaders and your organization to the next level. Learn more at MyLeadershipFoundry.com 

Continuing our Women In Leadership highlights in honor of Women's History Month, we’re revisiting our episode with Agnes Scott College President, Leocadia Zak. President Zak discusses the importance of relationships and how to make innovation a cultural way of living. Listen to her story and you’ll hear why Agnes Scott College has ranked #1 in innovation for six consecutive years. 

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting some amazing female leaders we’ve had the pleasure of interviewing on the Leadership Foundry Podcast! Crumbl Cookies COO, Graciela Chadwick, joined Brandon to talk franchising, fostering connection with our team members and balancing relationships with results. Hear her full story in this podcast replay.  

’Tis the season of gratitude and giving! We’re revisiting Episode 33 of The Leadership Foundry Podcast as we examine the unique challenges nonprofit leaders face. Cal Morgan, President and CEO of the Atlanta Humane Society, shares his insight on collaboration, communication and highlighting the mission. 

Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday! Don’t forget to show some love to your favorite nonprofits!

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9R_MGszbHeo 

"This is an act of courageous leadership." If you want to deepen any type of relationship, you can't do it without vulnerability. Yet, this can be scary. As leaders, it requires courage to let down our defenses and ask for support. In today's podcast, Brandon and Randy explore strategies for embracing vulnerability in the workplace effectively.

Tobias Hoffmeister has had the unique experience of being a global leader, working in many different countries. Today, he is President and CEO of MHP Americas, a Porsche Company. He and Brandon's conversation centers around the dynamic of running a country unit and maintaining the relationship with the home office, along with the essential competencies of global leaders today.

You've heard us talk a lot about the importance of curiosity. Today, we dive into how. From questions to ask and ways to hone your active listening skills, co-host, Brandon Smith, walks leaders through how to maximize this workplace superpower.

As a leader, are you looking to drive innovation and foster the entrepreneurial culture inside your organization? Today's guest, Louis K. Gump, has literally written the book on how to effectively implement an intrapreneurship program. Drawing from firsthand experience, Louis offers valuable insights on talent acquisition, monitoring metrics to track progress and more.

Today on the podcast, Brandon and Randy take to the mic to discuss a topic that has garnered numerous questions: how to lead young professionals in the workplace. They tackle a range of issues, from quiet quitting to the impact of social media, and explore the contributions of seasoned leaders and parents in shaping the professional journey of the younger generation. Throughout the discussion, they provide actionable tips that current leaders can implement today to make a positive impact on the leaders of tomorrow.

Today on the podcast, we're examining an often under-represented practice: setting and leading with company values. To help us along this journey, co-hosts Brandon and Randy, are joined by Doran Oancia, President and CEO of Chemex Global. Listen in as Doran shares how to select, promote and hire with company values.

Today's team members want to feel connected to the work they are doing. If company processes and goals don't feel personal, it could prove difficult to get everyone on board. Wills Moore, CEO of Agilitas Human Resources Consulting, joins Brandon on the podcast to help leaders gear up for success in 2024 by sharing best practices for your performance management process.

Class is in session! Today on the podcast, Brandon Smith offers a new perspective on setting annual goals. Step back in time with us as we look at 2024 through the lens of a college student, focusing on your overall GPA to grade success.

Co-hosts Brandon Smith and Randy Hain welcome Andreas Widmer on today's show for an insightful conversation about the entrepreneurial mindset. Andreas Widmer is an author, speaker and the founder and director of the Art & Carlyse Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship at The Catholic University of America’s Busch School of Business. Our overall theme centers around how doing good, from our employees to our customers, can lead to prosperity - both, monetarily and culturally in the workplace. 

If you’ve caught recent episodes of the Leadership Foundry Podcast, you’ve likely picked up on a common theme: complexity vs. simplicity. Frank Blake, former chairman and CEO of The Home Depot noted that the best leaders “pull complexity up and push simplicity down.” Graciela Chadwick, COO of Crumbl Cookies, explained the balance between relationships and results, highlighting that any repeatable process must be clear and concise. On today’s episode, co-host Brandon Smith takes a deep dive into these concepts and shares some additional ways you as a leader can implement them. 

As we approach Thanksgiving this week, we’re taking time to reflect on how to show gratitude to our teams in this special holiday edition of the podcast. Earlier this year, co-hosts Randy Hain and Brandon Smith had the opportunity to sit down with Chester Elton. He explained that the common thread for excellence of best-in-class companies is gratitude. Our team members want to be noticed and celebrated for making a difference. Listen in for ways to do just that as we take a look back on Episode 58.

Watch the full show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RbI75hE0C40?feature=shared

Among tasks and teams, leaders have an overall essential balance that must be maintained and that balance comes in the form of relationships vs. results. How can leaders achieve this balance? Crumbl Cookies COO, Graciela Chadwick, shares from her extensive experience working with franchisees on this edition of the podcast. Listen in for two key factors crucial for leaders in fostering connections within their teams.

We’ve got another treat for you “from the vault” for this week’s episode of the Leadership Foundry Podcast! This one features Brandon's daughter, Abby Smith. Recorded just a few short years ago, their conversation centers around generational communication in the workplace. Bridging the gap between generations isn't just a nicety; it's a necessity. Collaboration among different age groups fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas, knowledge sharing, and innovation. Listen in for Brandon and Abby's tips which still ring true today! 

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes “from the vault”! Get into the attitude of gratitude with hosts, Brandon Smith and Randy Hain as we examine RAPKG: Random Acts of Praise, Kindness and Gratitude. Listen in for ways leaders can communicate thankfulness in the workplace… and at home. 

We’re excited to welcome former The Home Depot, Chairman and CEO, Frank Blake, on this episode of the podcast. Frank reminds us: As CEO - you’re at the bottom and not at the top. Listen to this insightful conversation as he shares why (and how) the best leaders “pull complexity up and push simplicity down.”