Stacie Baird, Chief People Officer at Community Medical Services, offers insights on the intersection of self-care, resilience, and ethical AI to elevate the human experience.

She shares her professional journey to discovering her leadership purpose in addressing the opioid epidemic. She also shares the power of adversity in our personal lives to unlock our super powers and focus our contributions where it matter most.

Get practical tips for how you can self-regulate or co-regulate anytime, anywhere in the face of adversity. Lastly, explore simple ways you can begin to use AI for your own self-care as well as apply it ethically to enhance your team's resilience and impact.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Stacie Baird on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Stacie's newsletter: HX in an AI World series

Listen to the HX Podcast with Stacie Baird

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Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

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Key Takeaways:

• Adversity is often the source of our strengths.
• Resilience is navigating the long-term journey; not a quick "bounce-back."
• Your career is a portfolio; curate it wisely.
• Self-care includes pausing, speaking to yourself with love, and asking, "What do I need?"
• Co-regulation with others is what makes us human.

Lee is joined by Andrew Adeniyi, founder of AAA Solutions and author of The Circle of Leadership and The Building Blocks of Belonging, to share how leaders can build psychologically safe teams by aligning personal and company values.

Drawing from his own experiences with both healthy and toxic cultures, Andrew offers practical steps for transforming dysfunctional environments, especially those leaders inherit. His insights highlight the power of self-awareness and value-driven leadership in creating inclusive, high-performing workplaces.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn

Buy a Book or Schedule a Consult with Andrew

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Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

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Key Takeaways:

• Accessing both shared Company values and unique Personal values are important for creating a positive workplace culture.
• Leaders should be self-aware of their own values and authentic about current organizational realities.
• Changing a dysfunctional culture starts with understanding the purpose and vision of the organization.
• Honesty, vulnerability, and consistency are crucial in aligning actions with stated values.

Stephanie Clendenin, Director of the California Department of State Hospitals, joins Lee to share her journey from accounting to leading one of the nation’s largest forensic mental health systems.

With 34+ years in public service, she reflects on unifying siloed teams, navigating political sensitivities, and driving impact through strategic planning and shared goals. Stephanie’s story is a powerful example of people-first leadership in complex, high-stakes environments.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn

Learn more about California Department of State Hospitals

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

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Key Takeaways:

• Overcoming departmental silos for organizational unity
• Strategic planning amidst health care system evolution
• Navigating resistance to change in long-established organizations
• Balancing high-level strategy with detailed operational focus
• Shifting paradigms in mental health and justice involvement 

Sheriff Matt Clifford of Idaho’s largest law enforcement agency shares powerful leadership lessons from his 23-year career in public service. 

In this conversation with Lee, he explores how empowering teams, adapting to change, and building strong community relationships are key to maintaining public trust. From his start at Boise State to shaping safety policies in the Treasure Valley, Sheriff Clifford reflects on service culture, learning from mistakes, and leading with respect through adversity.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Matt Clifford on LinkedIn

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

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Key Takeaways:

• Cultivating a supportive internal culture amidst a growing community
• Embracing diverse community expectations in Ada County
• Navigating leadership challenges in adapting to shifting police cultures
• Balancing firmness and respect in correctional environment interactions

With a background of breaking down silos and fostering unity within professional services, Randie Dial discusses the transformative journey from a culture of isolated microcultures to one where collaboration reigns supreme.

Randie and Lee uncover the story behind CliftonLarsonAllen's (CLA) pivotal shift that led to securing a game-changing $4 billion client and sparked a shift towards a client-centered strategy. They delve into practical tactics like the "happy Friday email" for celebrating team wins and networking with a focus on giving rather than taking.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Randie on LinkedIn

Learn more about CLA

Check out Give and Take by Adam Grant

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Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

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Key Takeaways:

• Overcoming organizational silos for market success
• Cultivating unity through consistent team recognition
• The impact of mentorship on leadership development
• Rethinking networking for meaningful professional relationships
• Innovative strategies for attracting new talent to the accounting profession 

Tria Deibert, SVP of Culture and Team Member Well-being at Hackensack Meridian Health, brings a fresh perspective from her marketing roots to leading cultural transformation in a 35,000+ employee organization.

In her conversation with Lee, Tria highlights the power of appreciative inquiry, positive storytelling, and peer mentoring to strengthen leadership and equity. She also shares her return to academia and the innovative strategies she uses to foster authentic, people-first leadership.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Tria on LinkedIn

Learn more about Hackensack Meridian Health

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

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Key Takeaways:

• Navigating boundaries for creative leadership
• Fostering equity and capacity in leadership roles
• The transformative power of appreciative inquiry
• Reinventing organizational culture through storytelling
• Innovating well-being strategies in the workplace 

Kevin Gearheart, the president of Rehab Medical, demonstrates the potency of leader alignment and a growth mindset.

In this episode, he delves into the evolution of strategic planning and the disciplined execution that drove nearly 30% yearly growth over eight years alongside Lee. Addressing the complexities of infrastructure enhancement and the strategic gamble of product focus shifts, Kevin shares insights on constructing an environment of trust within the company and the pivotal role of structured communication. Together, they unravel the essence of a "micro speed, macro patience" approach in unfolding leadership and success.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn

Learn more about Rehab Medical

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

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Key Takeaways:

• Overcoming business growth challenges through shared values
• Structuring communication for effective decision-making
• Navigating complex sales leadership dynamics
• Importance of culture-strategy alignment for organizational success
• Meticulous planning for sustainable expansion in new markets

In this episode, Estrella Parker illuminates the importance of asking the right questions.

As the chief people officer at Cupertino Electric, her role extends far beyond the conventional boundaries, delving into the challenges of productivity, skilled labor shortages, and the digital revolution in construction.

Engaging in a thought-provoking dialogue with Lee, Estrella unveils her personal mantra of leadership as a service, the value of understanding problems in context to forge effective solutions, and the art of speaking the language of varied teams to build trust and rapport.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Estrella on LinkedIn

Learn more about Cupertino Electric

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

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Key Takeaways:

• Overcoming business growth challenges through shared values
• Structuring communication for effective decision-making
• Navigating complex sales leadership dynamics
• Importance of culture-strategy alignment for organizational success
• Meticulous planning for sustainable expansion in new markets

John Brown, COO of GEHA Health, shares his journey from engineering to executive leadership, shaped by a lattice-style career across diverse roles. 

Now serving nearly 2 million members, John joins Lee Scott to discuss the value of ditching rigid rulebooks in favor of a culture of innovation. He highlights the impact of unscripted conversations, authentic connection, and turning insight into action to drive meaningful results for both teams and customers.

Additional Resources:

Connect with John Brown on LinkedIn

Learn more about GEHA Health

Check out The Leadership Challenge

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

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Key Takeaways:

• Lattice versus ladder career approach
• Recognizing the needs of diverse customer types
• Simplifying HR policies to bolster leadership adaptability
• The dangers of lacking resilience

Jen Casimiro, a strategic leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), joins Lee to share how her passion for basketball shaped her leadership philosophy.

Jen breaks down how leading with values, staying authentic, and ensuring every voice is heard can transform workplace culture. Her insights offer a powerful blueprint for building inclusive teams that thrive on trust, empowerment, and shared purpose.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Jen Casimiro on LinkedIn

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

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In this episode, Lee explores how gratitude and goal-setting can unlock greater impact and fulfillment. Using real-life leadership examples, he highlights the power of comparing our current reality to an alternate “what if” to deepen perspective. Lee emphasizes grounding in gratitude and setting goals that inspire without overwhelming. 

Tune in to discover how these practices can elevate your leadership and influence.

Additional Resources:

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

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Key Takeaways: 

• Gratitude can change your state of mind
• Establish a tracking system for your goals
• Celebrate the success and setbacks of your journey

Adam Goodman leads with self-awareness and a commitment to growth, creating a culture rooted in trust and honest dialogue.

In this episode, he joins Lee to discuss generational leadership, recognizing untapped career potential, and confronting systemic racism in the workplace. With impact stretching from Phoenix to Albuquerque, Adam’s leadership journey offers powerful lessons for anyone seeking to lead with empathy, purpose, and accountability.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on the real challenges—and rewards—of people-first leadership.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Adam Goodman

Learn more about Goodmans

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Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

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Managing a distributed team sounds tough—until you hear how Matt Tait turned it into a competitive advantage for his business.

In this episode Lee sits down with Matt, CEO of Decimal—a fast-growing bookkeeping and accounting firm that’s taking “boring” and turning it into brilliance.

Matt’s journey is anything but ordinary: from a failed restaurant tech startup to scaling Decimal from a two-person operation to a team of 80 across four countries, he's learned firsthand how to lead with vulnerability, humility, and a dash of humor.

Learn what it really means to “fail forward,” and how that mindset can help to navigate a remote-first, people-first business.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn

Listen to Matt's Podcast - After the First Million

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

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Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Vulnerability and Failure: Matt highlights the importance of “failing forward” and embracing vulnerability to grow as a leader.
• Building Remote Culture: Creating intentional connection points and valuing transparency is crucial to success in a remote workforce.
• Scaling with a People-First Approach: Matt emphasizes that business success stems from building a team that genuinely cares about each other.

Lisa Sterling, Chief People Officer at Perceptyx, joins Lee to share her bold approach to leadership and her passion for using AI to drive transformation. 

In this episode, Lisa explores the value of embracing workplace friction, the impact of diverse teams, and how intelligent nudging can spark meaningful behavior change. She also unpacks how AI can elevate human creativity and connection at work.

Packed with insight and inspiration, Lisa’s journey offers practical lessons for leaders ready to challenge the status quo and lead with purpose.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn

Learn more about Perceptyx 

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

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Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Friction and Discomfort: To effect real change, we must embrace friction and discomfort in the workplace.
• The Power of Nudging: Rather than relying on training sessions or shouting matches, personalized nudging can be a powerful tool to align teams and drive improvement.
• AI and Unleashing Leaders: AI can enhance leadership and elevate us to more creative and humanistic aspects of work.

Andrea Herron is a bold, innovative leader who challenges the status quo to put people first. In this episode, she joins Lee to discuss the critical role of mental health in the workplace.

Andrea shares how leaders can break the stigma around mental illness, foster flexibility, and create supportive environments where everyone can thrive. With practical strategies and thoughtful insights, this conversation is a must-listen for leaders looking to lead with empathy, courage, and intention.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

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Key Takeaways:

• Create a Consistent and Flexible Environment: Consistency helps individuals know what to expect, reducing the need to be constantly on guard.
• Addressing Explosive Mental Health Events: Following up and initiating conversations about these events is crucial for creating a supportive and empathetic work environment.
• The Power of Genuine Concern: Supporting our team members through ups and downs, while respecting their privacy, fosters trust and builds strong working relationships.

James Christensen, CEO and President of Gateway Bank, joins Lee to share his unconventional journey into banking and how he’s reshaping the industry with a fresh, people-first approach.

In this episode, James talks about building a non-traditional bank rooted in creativity, openness, and bold visioning. He also opens up about his experience with burnout and the crucial lessons he learned about boundaries and work-life balance.

It’s a candid, inspiring conversation about redefining leadership and business success.

Additional Resources:

Connect with James on LinkedIn

Learn more about Gateway Bank

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

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Key Takeaways: 

• Foster Creativity: When brainstorming, throw away all boundaries and barriers.
• Embrace Work-Life Balance: Take care of yourself both physically and mentally, and be open to the idea that work-life balance is not only possible but essential.
• Build a Strong Team: Your team's strength is a reflection of your own. Prioritize their well-being, involve them in decision-making, and create a supportive environment.

Jen Arnold, CEO of Growth Signals, joins Lee to explore how leaders can foster well-being and trust in the workplace.

Drawing from her expertise and Gallup’s five dimensions of well-being, Jen shares actionable strategies for creating a thriving, people-centered culture. With a focus on leadership’s direct impact on team health and performance, this conversation offers practical tools and fresh inspiration for leaders ready to elevate their impact.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Jen on LinkedIn

Learn more about Growth Signals

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram

Key Takeaways: 

• An unleashed leader leans into untapped potential.
• Leaders have a significant impact on the well-being of their team members.
• Building trust is crucial for effective leadership.

John Crowder, Vice President of the Healthcare Vertical at Integrity Solutions, brings decades of experience working with top organizations to this insightful conversation with Lee.

He shares how leaders can shift from listening to respond to truly listening to understand—unlocking deeper insights, stronger relationships, and better outcomes. John also highlights the power of empathetic, consultative leadership and offers practical steps to boost team performance and create lasting impact within your organization.

Additional Resources:

Connect with John on LinkedIn

Learn more about Integrity Solutions

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram

Key Takeaways: 

• Information discovered is more powerful than information delivered
• Seek to understand before being understood
• Accountability and innovation allow individuals space to verbalize their ideas

In this episode, Lee unpacks the Six Fundamental Human Needs—certainty, variety, significance, connection, growth, and contribution—and how they shape our motivations and behaviors.

He explores how understanding these core drivers can help leaders communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, and inspire lasting engagement. With practical applications for leadership, coaching, and personal development, this episode offers a powerful framework for unlocking human potential.

Additional Resources:

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram

Key Takeaways:

1. The Six Fundamental Human Needs Model: Understanding which needs are most important to someone can help tailor communication and motivation strategies.
2. Customizing Communication: Recognizing and addressing these needs can lead to better engagement.
3. Healthy vs. Unhealthy Strategies: Leaders should not only identify the needs but also help individuals find healthier ways to fulfill them. 

Angelo Venditti, SVP at AMN Healthcare, is passionate about creating a work culture that brings joy to caregivers and leaders alike. From implementing a four-day work week to promoting innovative support strategies, Angelo focuses on helping his team thrive.

In this episode, he joins Lee Scott to discuss evolving labor market trends, how leaders can adapt, and the importance of showing up with empathy and agility in a rapidly changing world.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Angelo on LinkedIn

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram

Key Takeaways: 

• Value of People: The heart of any organization lies in its people.
• Shifting Leadership Behaviors: Leaders need to adapt their behaviors depending on the situation.
• Redefining Efficiency: Efficiency should not be solely based on speed and simplicity. 

Jen Bauer, SVP of Marketing and Culture at Miron Construction, joins Lee to share her people-first approach to building a thriving workplace.

With a deep passion for culture, Jen explores how embracing mistakes, valuing fresh perspectives from interns, and investing in early talent development can drive innovation and growth. She also unpacks the challenges of attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market—and how Miron is evolving to meet those demands.

It’s a candid conversation about shaping a culture where people and performance thrive together.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Jen on LinkedIn

Learn more about Miron Construction

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

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In this episode, Lee is joined by Michelle Mahaffey, EVP and Chief HR Officer at Community Health Network in Indianapolis. Michelle shares powerful insights on breaking the stigma around mental health and why it's essential for caregivers to also receive care. They explore the importance of accepting support, normalizing the need for help, and finding fulfillment through connection. The conversation also dives into burnout, resilience, and what it takes to build sustainable well-being—especially in the high-demand world of healthcare.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn

Learn more about Community Health Network

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

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Key Takeaways: 

• Leadership is a collective effort, not just top-down solutions.
• Building trust and credibility as a new leader.
• The power of active listening and understanding challenges.

In this episode, Lee sits down with Jason Lippert to discuss the power of leadership action plans and personal development in driving organizational success. Jason shares the story of his company’s cultural transformation, rooted in clearly defined core values and frontline leadership development. They explore how meaningful conversations and intentional investment in people can elevate engagement, shift culture, and boost performance across the board.

It’s a compelling look at what happens when leaders commit to growing themselves and their teams.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Jason Lippert on LinkedIn

Learn more about Lippert Components

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Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

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Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

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Key Takeaways: 

• There are consequences for NOT having meaningful conversations
• Assign accountability partners or groups for goal accountability
• Improved company culture = higher employee retention and less turnover

In this episode of Unleashing Leaders, Lee teams up with Skot Waldron, host of the Unlocked podcast, to dive into one of the most significant challenges leaders face: limiting beliefs.

These are often partial truths that have helped us succeed in the past but are now holding us back. Lee and Scott explore how these beliefs affect not only us as individual leaders but also the teams we guide.

Learn to identify limiting beliefs and how to help team members overcome it. Tune in for practical strategies to illuminate and elevate your leadership impact, and learn how to accelerate positive change by leveraging the talents within your teams.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Skot Waldron on LinkedIn

Listen to the original episode on the Unlocked podcast

Learn more about Skot and his work

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

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On our first episode of The Unleashing Leaders podcast, host Lee Scott is joined by Angela Marshalek, the Director of Training and Organizational Development for Bassett Mechanical.

 Angela shares her insights on style under stress and self-awareness, emphasizing the importance of identifying our triggers and managing our responses. Angela proposes mindfulness and resilience as a way to deal with challenging situations and suggests focusing on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past.

Listen in to learn how coaching and feedback are important for understanding employees' perspectives and creating customers for life.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Angela on LinkedIn

Learn more about Bassett Mechanical

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

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Key Takeaways:

• Identify patterns in your behavior that lead to stress or positive performance
• Avoid falling into complacency
• Practice gratitude to counteract negative thinking 

Leaders - are your teams wrestling with complex challenges? You are not alone. The Unleashing Leaders Podcast will empower you with stories and strategies from leaders facing similar situations.

Host Lee Scott, Founder and Chief Change Agent of Unleashing Leaders works with guests across industries to distill patterns and solutions for these challenges. Each episode provides practical steps to strengthen your team, clarify your vision, align your processes, and engage your people. 

Additional Resources:

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

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In this episode, host Lee Scott welcomes Darren Virassammy, co-founder of 34 Strong, TEDx speaker, and talented bass player.

Darren shares his personal journey of discovering lateral leadership through his home life and how this has shaped his approach to workplace dynamics.

Explore the concept of lateral leadership across organizations, industries, and business relationships, with practical tips on how to build strong, lasting partnerships.

Tune in for actionable advice on how to build trust, handle conflict, and become an "Unleashed Leader."

Additional Resources:

Connect with Darren on LinkedIn

Follow 34 Strong on LinkedIn

Listen to The Strengths Whisperer Podcast

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

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Key Takeaways:

• Focus on building relationships and connections before focusing on products and processes.
• Have regular check-in conversations to maintain and strengthen partnerships.
• Be a trusted partner for both external and internal collaborations. Building trust takes time and requires planting seeds and taking baby steps.
• Saying no and setting boundaries is important for personal and professional growth.
• Gratitude and self-awareness are key components of effective leadership.

Lee is joined by Bill Otterbeck, Deputy Director at California’s Department of Healthcare Services, to share how to lead large-scale transformations through integrative thinking and cross-functional collaboration. 

He explores the power of understanding diverse perspectives, aligning motivations, and fostering shared goals.

For Otterbeck, an unleashed leader builds other leaders—creating a culture rooted in communication, problem-solving, and collective purpose.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Bill Otterbeck on LinkedIn

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram

Key Takeaways:

• Integrative thinking involves considering multiple perspectives and connecting the dots across different areas of an organization.
• Collaboration and effective communication are essential for problem-solving and achieving shared goals.
• Understanding the motivations of others, both internally and externally, can help build strong relationships and alignment.
• An unleashed leader is someone who can build many leaders within their organization and foster a culture of collaboration and shared purpose. 

John Crowder, Vice President of the Healthcare Vertical at Integrity Solutions, brings decades of experience working with some of the world’s largest organizations to this insightful conversation with Lee Scott.

In this re-released episode, John shares how leaders can have a greater impact by shifting from listening to respond to truly listening to understand. He dives into the value of empathy, being consultative, and uncovering meaningful insights to enhance team performance.

Packed with actionable strategies, this episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to make a lasting, people-first impact.

Additional Resources:

Connect with John on LinkedIn

Learn more about Integrity Solutions

Listen to the original episode!

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram

Key Takeaways:

• Information discovered is more powerful than information delivered
• Seek to understand before being understood
• Accountability and innovation allow individuals space to verbalize their ideas

Michelle Cirocco, CEO of the Televerde Foundation and Chief Impact Officer at Televerde, shares her powerful journey from incarceration to executive leadership. 

In this conversation with Lee, she reveals her philosophy of empowering teams to lead like business owners and discusses how Televerde supports women in prison with job training and career opportunities. Michelle highlights the impact of these initiatives—low recidivism, high employment rates—and explores key themes like imposter syndrome, trust, and purpose-driven leadership.

Her story is a compelling example of using personal experience to drive meaningful societal change.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn

Learn more about Televerde 

Learn more about the Televerde Foundation

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

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Key Takeaways:

• Empowering team members to run their own "business"
• Supporting women in prison through job and training opportunities
• Overcoming personal adversity and imposter syndrome
• The power of meaningful professional connections and leadership evolution
• Balancing delegation and control in leadership roles

In this featured episode from the Gut + Science podcast, Lee joined host Nikki Lewallen Gregory to provide insights on leadership and personal growth. 

The discussion centers around identifying and nurturing people's potential and greatness through genuine curiosity, recognizing strengths, and positioning your team as the heroes of the narrative. The episode emphasizes the importance of exhibiting grace, curiosity, and empathy in relationships, focusing on what individuals value and require, and assisting them in achieving their goals.

Additional Resources:

Listen to the original episode!

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram

Key Takeaways:

• Cultivating curiosity is essential for identifying strengths and superpowers
• Challenging beliefs are necessary to find new ways to grow and overcome limitations
• Effective leaders listen actively and focus on the critical needs of their team members 

In this re-released episode, Lee welcomes Michelle Mahaffey, EVP and Chief HR Officer at Community Health Network in Indianapolis. Michelle highlights the importance of overcoming the stigma around mental health and the significance of caregivers being able to receive care themselves. They discuss the joy and fulfillment of allowing others to support you and the importance of normalizing the need for help and seeking support. The conversation then shifts to burnout, sustainability, and resilience, especially within the healthcare profession.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn

Listen to the original episode!

Learn more about Community Health Network

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram

Key Takeaways: 

• Leadership is a collective effort, not just top-down solutions.
• Building trust and credibility as a new leader.
• The power of active listening and understanding challenges.

In this episode, Lee continues the series on Vision by sharing a powerful tool to focus your teams - Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). OKRs are a tool for building the intermediate range of goals that connect your long-term vision to your short-term actions. OKRs are a way to concentrate your team's collective impact on the few most vital, relevant, shared, and time sensitive aspects of your business.

Lee briefly explains the history and then dives into the practical tips and tricks to make your Objectives clear, concise, and compelling. He helps leaders avoid getting stuck with the wording by giving specific syntax, sequence, and guidelines. He then describes the different kinds of Key Results, so you can quickly measure and assess your progress. He also provides tips for making these measurements helpful and at the right level.

Additional Resources:

Attend Unleashing Leaders University!

Learn more about Unleashing Leaders

Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook

Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram

Key Takeaways:

• OKRs focus your team's impact on the vital few shared priorities.
• OKRs are not everything your team is doing. Only 1-3ish per level of an organization.
• Objectives are clear, concise, compelling, and directional statements of a destination or outcome.
• Leaders often get stuck focusing on the task or solution. Ask, "Why would we want that?" or "Who would benefit if we did that?" to get closer to the outcome.
• Powerful objectives are a single sentence with strong action verbs, a specific aspect of the business, a desirable outcome/impact, and often the primary customer/beneficiary.
• Key Results are quantifiable, indicators of progress.
• Set your KR targets with the end in mind. Don't wimp out by waiting for a baseline.
• Refresh OKRs quarterly or so to assess and adapt to changing priorities.

In this episode, Lee picks up from the prior episode on seeing the trends in your business environment to seeing where you want to be. He summarizes the origins and value of a good mission/vision statement; and also the perils of how poorly and painfully it can be to create them. He provides an alternative approach to creating Rapid Organizational Unit Statements (affectionately referred to as ROUS in a nod to The Princess Bride). The ROUS technique is an engaging and collaborative method that helps teams quickly create clear, concise, and compelling missions. Lee outlines the criteria and a step-by-step process for engaging a group of leaders to create or update your overarching mission and vision. The episode concludes with a preview of the next topic: OKRs (Objectives and Key Results).

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Key Takeaways:

• Crafting mission and vision statements is essential for strategic planning.
• Avoid the traditional painful and time consuming "You're killing me, Smalls" approach.
• The ROUS technique allows for rapid creation of effective statements.
• Mission statements answer "Who are we and why are we here?" They should not focus on the services and activities (the what and how).
• Vision statements answer "Where do we want to be/Where are we going?"
• Good Mission/Visions focus on the destination and strive to be clear, concise, and compelling.
• Engaging the team and perhaps key suppliers or customers in the process fosters ownership and alignment.

Where there is no vision, the people perish." Sounds like an important skill for leaders! In this episode, Lee demystifies the critical leadership competency of Vision by breaking it down into specific behaviors and skills. He emphasizes the two aspects of being able to SEE and SHARE a compelling vision for the future, especially in a rapidly changing world. He introduces three practical tools for helping leaders do this. In part 1, he focuses on helping your team SEE the trends coming your way. He points out the limitation of traditional tools like SWOT analysis. Lee offers a more practical environmental scan method with logistical tips and facilitation tricks for leaders to engage their teams in meaningful discussions about the future.

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Key Takeaways:

• Specific tool for facilitating part 1 of a vision session with your team.
• Visionary leadership includes the ability to SEE and SHARE. Both matter.
• It's not the strongest who thrive; it is the most adaptive.
• Traditional SWOT analysis have several limitations.
• Alternative environmental scanning tools can provide a broader and more practical perspective.

Next episodes:

Part 2 - Creating or updating a Mission/Vision/Purpose statement - quickly and powerfully.

Part 3 - Bridging from here to there with focused Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).

Part 4 - Story telling to keep the vision vibrant and relevant.

Rob Catalano, Chief Engagement Officer at WorkTango, shares insights on how leaders can enhance employee engagement through simple, regular micro-doses of recognition and feedback. He discusses his career transition from what he thought was his dream job (customer experience marketing) and how that translated into his actual dream job (engaging employee experiences). Why is it that so many employees at recognizable brands are miserable? He recognized the need for leaders to create environments where employees can be raving fans just as we seek our customers to be raving fans. Rob offers practical tips for how to recognize employee contributions and deliver constructive feedback in a way that unleashes talent and uplifts workplace culture for overall organizational success. The discussion also highlights generational differences in feedback expectations, particularly with Gen Z employees. Catalano advocates for a culture of curiosity over blame, encouraging leaders to engage in meaningful conversations that foster growth and development.

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Key Takeaways:

• Positive employee sentiment is crucial for organizational success.
• Recognition is best when it is SMT - Specific, Meaningful, and Timely.
• Feedback doesn't have to take a lot of time, but you must make some time for it.
• Feedback is better in smaller, more frequent micro-doses.
• Focus recognition more on employee's contributions and competencies and less on longevity.

Ken Rusk, bestselling author of Blue-Collar Cash and founder of Rusk Industries, joins Lee to bust three major myths about scaling blue-collar businesses. First, he challenges the outdated view that trades aren’t a fulfilling career path. Next, he explores how both blue- and white-collar leaders often limit themselves by tying identity to individual skills, blocking the potential to scale. Finally, Ken flips the script on “motivating” employees—sharing how to inspire intrapreneurs and redefine goals as “timed paths to success.”

This episode is packed with practical insight and mindset shifts for people-first leaders!

Additional Resources:

Check out Ken's impactful course: The Path to a Successful Life

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Key Takeaways:

• There are many paths to abundance and fulfillment.
• Blue-collar work is often stigmatized but is highly valuable.
• Self-limiting beliefs can hinder entrepreneurial growth.
• True entrepreneurs create scalable systems and delegate tasks.
• Understanding your identity is crucial for growth.

In this conversation, Alain Hunkins discusses the integration of empathy and accountability in leadership. He emphasizes that leadership is a performing art, where behavior and connection are crucial. The discussion covers the importance of being present, the role of feedback, and how to navigate emotional responses in the workplace. Hunkins shares practical skills for demonstrating empathy and the significance of creating a culture of accountability. The conversation concludes with insights on the outcomes of effective leadership and the importance of reframing feedback as a sign of care.

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Key Takeaways:

• Leadership is a performing art that requires self-awareness.
• Empathy and accountability must be integrated, not balanced.
• Feedback is essential for growth and should be seen as a sign of care.
• Engaged employees lead to better business outcomes.
• Listening with purpose is a key skill for leaders.
• Creating a culture of accountability starts with clear expectations.
• Discomfort is a natural part of the learning process.
• Empathy requires time and presence in conversations.
• Feedback should be framed as a collaborative process.
• Leaders must help employees understand their role in the bigger picture.

In this episode of the Unleashing Leaders podcast, Lee and Erin Cox discuss the complexities of decision-making in leadership roles. Erin shares her career journey, the challenges she faced while navigating multiple job offers, and the decision-making process she utilized, known as the OOC EMR model. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clarity, confidence, and authenticity in making impactful career choices, as well as the significance of having supportive colleagues and a positive work environment.

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Key Takeaways:

• Leaders often face complex decisions that require careful consideration.
• The OOC EMR model helps in structuring decision-making processes.
• It's essential to identify desired outcomes before evaluating options.
• Mitigating risks can lead to more favorable decision outcomes.
• Authenticity in leadership fosters diversity and better problem-solving.
• Having supportive colleagues enhances job satisfaction and performance.
• Decision-making can be overwhelming, but clarity brings peace.
• Negotiating offers can lead to better outcomes in career decisions.
• Work-life balance is crucial for personal fulfillment.
• Reflecting on past experiences can guide future decisions.

In this conversation, Chris Rollins discusses the concept of Ripple Effect Leadership, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and connection in effective leadership. He shares his personal journey and how pivotal moments shaped his understanding of leadership. The discussion covers practical techniques for leaders to shift their mindsets from a siloed approach to a more inclusive and impactful ripple effect mindset. Chris highlights the significance of courage in leadership and provides actionable steps for creating a positive ripple effect within teams and organizations. 

Additional Resources:

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Key Takeaways:

• Good leadership is contagious and spreads beyond the individual.
• Vulnerability is essential for creating trust and connection.
• Leaders must recognize their ripple effect on others.
• Shifting from a siloed mindset to a ripple effect mindset is crucial.
• Courage in leadership means being willing to take risks and be vulnerable.
• Creating a safe environment fosters high-performing teams.
• Asking the right questions can lead to deeper understanding and connection.
• Every leader can be a catalyst for change in their organization.
• The impact of a leader's actions can resonate for years to come.
• Being fully self-expressed is key to unleashing one's leadership potential.

In this episode, Steve Sorenson, Senior Director of Learning and Culture at Johnsonville, shares how intentional language, accountability, and empowerment form the backbone of a thriving organizational culture. Drawing from his leadership journey, Steve explores how redefining roles through clear language can unlock personal growth and drive team alignment.

He unpacks Johnsonville’s unique cultural framework where self-leadership, coaching, and communication are more than buzzwords and highlights the strategies they use to foster engagement at every level. From creating psychological safety to encouraging self-advocacy and feedback loops, Steve reveals how culture isn’t just supported by HR, but built daily by every member of the organization. This episode is a guide for leaders who want to cultivate workplaces rooted in ownership, purpose, and trust.

Additional Resources:

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Key Takeaways:

• Johnsonville refers to its workforce as members, not employees.
• Words matter in defining organizational culture and relationships.
• High engagement scores reflect a strong organizational culture.
• Empowerment in decision-making is crucial for leadership development.
• Effective communication involves understanding interpretation, not just intention.

In this insightful conversation, Rosa Leal shares her inspiring journey from designing NASCAR alternators to leading commercial product strategy and customer experience at Rheem. With over 20 patents and a passion for innovation, Rosa reflects on how empathy, listening, and collaboration have shaped her leadership approach across engineering and product development.

She dives into the complexity of designing for layered customer ecosystems, the importance of staying ahead of regulatory shifts, and how her experience as an immigrant and non-native English speaker sharpened her ability to truly hear customer needs. Rosa also unpacks the role of product management in aligning internal teams, managing risk through stage-gate processes, and fostering a culture where ideas and challenges are welcomed. This episode is a blueprint for leaders who want to drive innovation without sacrificing humility or humanity.

Additional Resources:

Strategic Leader | Engineer | Patent Holder | Selected as one of the 2023 Top Women in HVAC and Engineered Systems's 2023 20 to Watch: Women in HVAC

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Key Takeaways:

• Innovation starts with truly listening to customers.
• Product strategy succeeds when cross-functional teams align early.
• Empathy, kindness, and clarity drive stronger leadership.
• Regulatory shifts are opportunities, not obstacles.
• Building trust enables open, risk-aware innovation.

In this empowering conversation, Janeen Dodson shares her remarkable 27-year journey in California state government, from a student assistant to Deputy Director at the Department of Housing and Community Development. With humility, grit, and deep operational insight, Janeen explores what it means to lead from any level — emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and relationship-building in complex systems.

She unpacks the challenges emerging leaders face when driving change without authority, the importance of understanding one’s sphere of control and influence, and how perceptual acuity and bravery go hand-in-hand when disrupting the status quo. Janeen also dives into the power of feedback, embracing discomfort, and how senior leaders can remove barriers to unleash their teams’ innovation.

Additional Resources:

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Key Takeaways:

• Janeen Dodson has over 27 years of experience in state government.
• Early experiences shape leadership perspectives and styles.
• Leadership is not dependent on a title; anyone can lead.
• Building relationships is crucial for emerging leaders.
• Understanding your sphere of control and influence is key to effective leadership.

In this engaging conversation, KL Shaw shares her unique career journey from selling cars to becoming a C-suite executive and ultimately a professional coach. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity, problem-solving, and networking in career advancement. KL discusses the significance of embracing risk and overcoming fear, as well as the critical skills of negotiation and relationship-building. The conversation also touches on interview preparation and the mindset needed for success. Ultimately, KL highlights that kindness and a genuine desire to help others unlock their potential are key hallmarks of successful leadership.

Additional Resources:

Connect with KL Shaw on LinkedIn

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Key Takeaways:

• Vulnerability can lead to powerful connections.
• Curiosity is essential for problem-solving and growth.
• Networking is crucial; 80% of jobs are found this way.
• Every day is an opportunity to interview for your next role.
• Embrace risk; you have time to rebuild if needed.

In this episode of the Unleashing Leaders podcast, Lee Scott and Ross Thornley delve into the concept of adaptability in leadership, particularly during chaotic times. Ross shares his journey into leadership and the development of the Adaptability Quotient (AQ), emphasizing the importance of psychological safety and resilience in organizations. They discuss the challenges leaders face in recognizing stress signals and the necessity of difficult conversations. The conversation also explores the resilience maturity model and the significance of self-reflection in enhancing adaptability. Ross highlights the future of coaching, the integration of AI, and the importance of compassion in leadership.

Ross Thornley is an Author & Keynote Speaker on Adaptability & The Future of Work. Serial Entrepreneur. Co-Founder of AQai - The World's Largest Community of Adaptability Certified Coaches. Host of DECODING AQ podcast.

Additional Resources:

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Key Takeaways:

• Adaptability is crucial for leaders in chaotic times.
• Psychological safety fosters better adaptability in teams.
• Recognizing stress signals is essential for personal and organizational health.
• Difficult conversations can lead to growth and understanding.
• The resilience maturity model helps leaders navigate challenges.

In this episode, Dr. Derek Bub shares some of the less glamorous realities of navigating turbulence and rebuilding leaders after setbacks. Dr. Bub shares his unconventional career journey, starting as a fraud investigator to becoming the superintendent of the West Ada School District, the largest K-12 educational district in Idaho. The conversation delves into the 'dark side' of leadership, which recognizes that often leaders are found and forged in the foundry of a crisis. It isn't pleasant in the moment. Maybe you are stuck cleaning up a mess that had nothing to do with you; or maybe you made a mistake that you are recovering from. But it is these setbacks that are the setups for growing as a leader.

Dr. Derek Bub outlines how to prepare for the inevitable setbacks, navigate them with grace, and then how to restore yourself or colleagues who might feel bruised by the gauntlet. He also highlights how to demonstrate compassion by listening to stakeholders and teammates, even when emotions run high and answers are unclear. And then following up after the fact to reflect and restore confidence, so leaders have the room to grow and learn.

Additional Resources:

Follow Dr. Derek Bub on Linkedin

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Key Takeaways:

• Leadership is not confined to titles; it can manifest at all levels.
• Leadership is not always glorious, but the 'setbacks" are "setups" for growth.
• Don't just seek to understand; show others that you understand them, even when there are disparate views.
• Surprises often come from small issues rather than big ones.
• Any change will generate "resistance"; don't avoid it, invite it!

In this conversation, Lee and Amy Bayer discuss the complexities of career breaks and re-entering the workforce, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by individuals who take time off for personal reasons such as parenting. Amy shares her personal journey in human resources, her experiences with leadership, and the importance of open communication between employees and employers. They explore the emotional aspects of transitioning back to work, the significance of self-discovery, and the need for patience and persistence in finding fulfilling career opportunities.

Additional Resources:

16+ Years in Hospitality Procurement | Supply Chain, Contracting, + Delivering Value to Clients: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybayer/

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Key Takeaways:

• Career breaks can be a source of pride and growth.
• Open conversations between leaders and employees are crucial.
• Self-discovery is key to finding fulfillment in work.
• It's important to recognize and address feelings of depression.
• The body keeps score of our emotional well-being.

Jeff Lindeman, Chief People, Culture & Capability Officer at WD-40, joins the podcast to unpack the dual challenge every modern leader faces leading themselves and leading through change. Through personal reflection, bold transparency, and a people-first mindset, Jeff reveals how introversion, vulnerability, and authenticity can become surprising superpowers in leadership. In this deep-dive conversation, Jeff and Lee examine how seemingly small moments, like asking for time off or handling disappointment, can become pivotal points of leadership. Jeff walks us through lessons learned from his early career, how he doubled performance by showing respect, and how WD-40 cultivates 94% employee engagement in a world where the average is just 23%. From embracing AI with curiosity instead of fear to fostering trust through shared accountability, Jeff shows us that unleashing leaders isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions and showing up with intentional presence.

Additional Resources:

Jeff is Chief People, Culture & Capability Officer at WD-40: linkedin.com/in/jglindeman

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Key Takeaways:

• Leadership is not about extroversion; it's about trust.
• Showing up authentically is crucial for effective leadership.
• Respecting employees leads to better engagement and productivity.
• Leadership is a team sport, not a solo act.
• Vulnerability in leadership fosters stronger relationships.

In this episode, Debra Squyres reveals the nuanced relationship between the customer experience and team member experience. She debunks several myths about what it means to be a customer focused organization, including "The customer is always right" or "You can either have happy employees or happy customers." The reality is that our employees are the ones that create the customer experience. Debra covers practical strategies for leaders to implement intentional, steady, regular doses of recognition practices that build trust within their teams and help them deliver amazing customer experiences. She also shares emerging technology that can help leaders build effective and timely peer-to-peer and leader-to-team member encouragement and feedback.

Additional Resources:

Chief Customer Officer at Bonusly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrasquyres/

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Key Takeaways:

- Exceptional customer experience is rooted in team member experience.
- Great leaders model the way for how they want the customers to feel by how they treat their team members.
- Building trust requires consistent recognition and feedback.
- Ways to help reluctant leaders genuinely and more regularly recognize employees.
- Recognition should be specific about behaviors and linked to outcomes.
- Recognition is not just for superlative performance.
- Understanding individual preferences is key to effective recognition.
- Public recognition can be powerful but must be balanced with personal comfort.

This episode marks the powerful conclusion to the Vision Series, where Lee Scott illuminates one of the most overlooked yet transformative tools in a leader’s arsenal, storytelling as a conduit for vision. This episode uncovers how the right words, shared with intention, can align teams, unlock motivation, and move organizations forward.

Lee breaks down three high-stakes leadership conversations, elevator pitches, delegation, and escalation, revealing how each becomes a pivotal moment to embody and activate your vision. Through real-world examples drawn from national leadership conferences and high-impact client engagements, he shares not just what to say, but how to say it in a way that resonates and creates movement.

Listeners will walk away with practical, field-tested frameworks: from designing elevator pitches that spark curiosity and connection, to delegating in a way that energizes ownership, to navigating escalations using the CORE model to advocate with clarity and courage. Lee challenges leaders not just to speak their vision but to live it out loud, transforming everyday conversations into catalysts for shared progress and collective purpose.

Additional Resources:

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Key Takeaways:

• Leaders must effectively communicate their vision through storytelling.
• Crafting an elevator pitch is essential for networking and engagement.
• Delegation should start with the 'why' to inspire action.
• Escalating issues requires a structured approach to ensure clarity.
• Visionary leadership transforms tasks into collaborative efforts.