In today's dynamic and often unpredictable organizational landscape, the ability to build and sustain high-performing teams is crucial for any leader. High-performing teams are the backbone of successful organizations, driving innovation, productivity, and overall mission accomplishment. This episode delves into the essence of creating such teams by outlining eight proven strategies drawn from military leadership principles. These strategies include establishing a unified mission and vision, demonstrating strong leadership and ownership, building personal relationships, ensuring continuous communication and feedback, investing in training and development, fostering psychological safety, practicing adaptability, and recognizing contributions. Understanding and implementing these strategies can significantly enhance a leader's effectiveness, fostering an environment where teams not only meet but exceed their goals. In essence, this topic addresses the foundational elements that leaders must master to cultivate resilient, cohesive, and high-performing teams capable of thriving amidst change and challenges.

Timestamped Overview

[00:02:04] Establishing a Unified Mission and Vision

• Importance of understanding higher-level objectives
• Aligning local actions with overarching goals

[00:03:32] Demonstrating Strong Ownership and Leadership

• Concept of extreme ownership
• Praising in public, taking responsibility in private

[00:04:51] Building Personal Relationships and Understanding Team Members

• Knowing team members personally to enhance motivation and loyalty
• Leveraging personal knowledge for team benefit

[00:05:32] Ensuring Continuous Communication and Feedback

• The necessity of constant communication
• Closing the feedback loop

[00:06:55] Investing in Training and Development

• Continuous training as a cornerstone of military efficiency
• Formal and informal training methods

[00:08:45] Fostering Psychological Safety within Teams

• Encouraging open dialogue and questions
• Championing the concept of "challenger safety"

[00:09:25] Practicing Flexible Command and Adaptability

• Adapting to volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments
• Breaking rigid structures for efficiency

[00:10:36] Recognizing and Rewarding Contributions

• Different methods of recognition
• Importance of making team members feel valued

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://leaddontboss.com/305

Welcome to a deep dive into digital transformation and its profound impact on leadership. In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, mastering the complexities of digital transformation is imperative for leaders who aim to maintain a competitive edge and drive organizational excellence. This episode unpacks the essential strategies, frameworks, and tools necessary to navigate this dynamic landscape.

Digital transformation encompasses the shift from traditional processes to modern digital practices, requiring leaders to rethink and redesign their organizational structures and strategies. With the rise of artificial intelligence and the increasing prominence of data integration, leaders are now tasked with overseeing digital initiatives that can automate mundane tasks, resulting in a more innovative and efficient workforce.

We will explore the meticulous process of documenting and mapping organizational processes, which is crucial for clarity, transparency, and streamlined operations. By establishing a process center of excellence and leveraging frameworks like Lean Six Sigma and business capability models, leaders can identify and eliminate inefficiencies, ensuring robust and agile operations.

Risk management and enterprise architecture play pivotal roles in aligning IT environments with business needs, thereby mitigating complications and redundancies. Effective risk management provides detailed context essential for informed decision-making, especially in highly regulated industries.

Real-life examples, such as the transformation efforts within large supply depots and the cautionary tales of industry giants like Kodak and Nokia, underscore the importance of adaptability and foresight. Leaders must be willing to innovate, sometimes radically, to stay relevant and successful in the ever-evolving digital marketplace.

Join us as we delve into these critical elements of digital transformation, offering valuable insights and practical advice for leaders aiming to achieve peak performance and sustained growth in their organizations.

Timestamped Overview

• 03:51 Change drives innovation; leaders tap into the workforce.
• 08:18 Framework ensures precise accountability, ownership, and transformation.
• 12:54 Align architecture with business needs for efficiency.
• 15:40 Map processes to reduce redundancy using standard models.
• 20:02 Employee motivation: recognition, value, connection, competition, Nokia, Apple.
• 23:41 Execution and clarity are key to transformation.
• 27:44 Future AI trend: creating business virtual replicas.
• 28:28 AI-powered model optimizes business operations and metrics.
• 31:36 Commit to hard work and document processes.

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website: https://leaddontboss.com/304

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, leaders face an array of unexpected challenges that necessitate adaptability and resilience. The inevitability of change requires not only a readiness to pivot but also an ability to transform uncertainty into opportunities for growth. Navigating these dynamic situations involves leveraging personal and team strengths, maintaining transparency, and fostering a culture of accountability. Leadership isn't just about setting a direction—it's about embodying the conviction of a better future even when the path is unclear. Effective communication and decisive action are pivotal in guiding teams through uncertainty, ensuring that setbacks are viewed as valuable lessons rather than insurmountable barriers. Thoughtful engagement with mentors and role models, coupled with an understanding of core values, can also provide indispensable insights and direction. This podcast episode delves into the essence of overcoming unforeseen challenges, making impactful decisions, and cultivating a resilient mindset to lead with purpose and drive.

Meet Jason

Jason Shen is an accomplished entrepreneur, coach, and thought leader whose career exemplifies resilience and reinvention. His journey began with a failed business venture that collapsed in less than two years, draining his resilience rather than his finances. Discouraged, Jason left the Bay Area startup scene and embarked on a five-year whirlwind of career changes, marathons, a lawsuit, a TED talk, and setting two Guinness World Records. His second startup, aimed at improving tech hiring, also faced challenges, but this time he and his cofounder adapted by pivoting to the gaming industry. Their persistence led to the creation of successful new products and an eventual acquisition by Facebook (now Meta), where Jason led product teams and taught resilience to employees.

Through personal growth practices like meditation, journaling, and executive coaching, Jason redefined resilience as a set of skills to be practiced and improved. He shared his insights in publications like Fast Company, TechCrunch, and Vox, and developed The Resilience Rules framework in 2020. His work has helped founders address mental health challenges, managers escape relentless meeting schedules, and product teams regain momentum amidst change. As an executive coach, Jason now supports creative and tech leaders, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, in finding greater purpose and power in their work.

 For the complete show notes including a discount code for Jason's book, check out our website:

https://leaddontboss.com/295

Reports of scandals continue to rock both public and private sectors. Nearly one in four employees report witnessing unethical behavior in their workplace. Such actions leave long-lasting impressions internally across the organization and externally across the public at large — damaging not only any influence the bad actors have, but — often unwittingly — that of their teams. It’s time to rethink the adage “there’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’.” Actually, the “I” represents influence, which all team members must embrace if they want their team to excel. Some would go so far as to say that influence is the most important facet of one’s personal and professional life. The influence even small actions have will create a ripple effect. Knowing this, we become more consciously aware of the influence we wish to project, which helps us to become the best version of ourselves and, by association, leads to the success of our teams. 

Brian began his career as an accountant but did not enjoy public accounting. After a short term at a big 6 accounting firm, he started Business Accounting Solutions in 1988, which he later sold to Cornerstone Consulting Group. Recognizing the need many small businesses had for sound management advice, Brian went on to start Individual Advantages, LLC, which was later rebranded DBA IA Business Advisors in 2015, as a think tank to develop customized, yet affordable, management solutions driven by our focus on people, process, and technology.

Since 1988, Brian has helped over 18,000 business owners and managers on all seven continents (yes, Antarctica, too). Coming from companies of all sizes, he has helped them make decisions to help them grow personally and as an organization. He has a PhD in organizational psychology, a master’s degree in management information systems, a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and is a certified Six Sigma master black belt consultant.

 Topics

During this interview Brian and I discuss the following topics:

• Why he went to Antarticia 
• WHy leaders should be the “I” in the team
• Why being influential as a leader is important
• Why SMART Goals are not the end all
• Why understanding your role is crucial
• Delegate like a pro
• Why knowing your people is important to avoiding failures
• Strategies to find time to be better prepared as a leader
• Tactics to influence culture change in an organization
• How leaders can can slow down

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/205

Experts have long said that morning habits and routines are a pathway to achieving peak performance. If you study the great leaders of our time and those of before, a solid morning routine stands out as a common dominator. However, as of late the morning routine has been under attack from all forms of distractions and other things wanting to steal your limited time but more importantly your focus. 

The following are 8 morning habits for leaders to achieve peak performance by incorporating into their morning. 

Topics

The following are 8 habits which can kick start our day!

1. Avoiding the Phone
2. Exercise
3. Read
4. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
5. Journal
6. Plan Your Day
7. Practice Gratitude
8. Make Your Bed

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/204

Gordon Bennett is an author, entrepreneur, academic, educator, and speaker. He comes with two decades of military service as an army logistics officer and years as an entrepreneur. Over the years he has held a variety of positions from executive to Commandant of the Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre—the Canadian military’s national logistics training canter for all military logistics personnel.

He has been published in a wide variety of journals and the popular media on the topics of design thinking, innovation, creativity, logistics, and leadership. He was the lead author of the textbook, The Logistics Practitioner: Leadership and Fundamentals of Army Sustainment published by the University of Toronto Press and the French version by Université Laval. His most recent book Misfit Design Thinking: Using Design Thinking to Energize Innovation and Creativity highlights lessons learned and problem solving techniques from years of critical thinking and problem solving in a variety of situations. His next textbook is scheduled to be published in 2022.

Topics

During this interview Gord and I discuss the following topics:

• What design thinking is 
• How to execute Problem Discovery
• Why idea generation is important
• The structure of the design team and its importance
• How leaders can establish a safe culture within their design team
• The impacts a careerist can have on the design team and organization
• Advice for implementation and testing of solutions
• How to apply implementation and testing on non-physical solution
• Where leader fail in implementing the system

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/203

Cassa Grant is the creator of Wonderbrand™ and Wonderleader,™ the coaching programs that help you SHOW UP as the kind of leader you’d want to follow. She helps her clients communicate better, get more buy-in, and feel really great about how they’re spending time in their business. They become confident leaders with unstoppable influence, unbeatable stories, and powerful personal brands. 

 Her techniques mix brand and storytelling strategy, performance coaching, and subconscious mindset work to help transform her clients from who they THINK they are into who they REALLY are so they can make their mark on the world. Cassa is a certified NeuroLinguistic Programming practitioner, life, and business coach.

Topics

During this interview Cassa and I discuss the following topics:

• What an off beat leader is
• How off-beat leaders can “own” who they are
• How to bring your personality to front as a leader
• How to adjust being a leader of former peers
• How to open communication with a superior in a different location

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/202

A highly sought-after keynote speaker, educator and author, Gabrielle has worked with thousands of high-profile leaders from around the world and helped countless of Australia’s top 50 companies and multinationals to humanise their communications – Telstra, EY, Accenture, VISA, Australia Post, National Australia Bank, Amazon, Vodafone and the Obama Foundation to name drop a few. She holds a master’s degree in management and leadership from Swinburne University, an associate diploma in education and training from the University of Melbourne, and is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education in both the Art and Practice of Adaptive Leadership and Women and Power: Leadership in a New World.

Gabrielle is also the bestselling author of Real Communication: How to be you and lead true, a finalist in the Australian Business Leadership Book Awards for 2019. Her other published books include Stories for Work: The Essential Guide to Business Storytelling (2017), Storytelling for Job Interviews (2016), Ignite: Real Leadership, Real Talk, Real Results (2015) which reached the top five on Australia’s bestselling business books and Hooked: How Leaders Connect, Engage and Inspire with Storytelling (2013). Her latest title, Magnetic Stories: Connect with customers and engage employees with brand storytelling was published by Wiley in March 2021. 

Topics

During this interview Gabrielle and I discuss the following topics:

• What’s the problem with acronyms and slang in organizations
• How they lead to confusion in organizations
• When and how leaders should use acronyms, jargon, and slang
• How to get teams and organizations away from using these poor communication styles
• Whether or not speaking directly is to be avoided or not

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/201

200 Episodes! I can't believe I've gotten this far in my podcasting journey. Especially since most people "pod-fade" (i.e. stop producing) after 3 months or about 10 episodes. To reach 200 is definitely an accomplishment which I am proud of and plan doing more.

Topics

In this solo episode I talk about the three main lessons which podcasting has taught me in leadership:

• Never be complacent
• Trust but verify always
• Communicate how they need to hear

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/200

2021 is all but in the books! It's time to reflect on the past year and check out the top 15 episodes according to you the listeners!

Mentioned Episodes

Here they are in order of appearance:

• 150 - Jason Redman
• 153 - Michael Hamilton
• 155 - Matt Comand
• 158 - Cathy Bush & Tara Peters
• 160 - Dan Pontefract
• 163 - Heather Younger
• 164 - Tim Ringo
• 165 - Mike Sarraille & George Randle
• 170 - Susan Fenneman
• 173 - Andrew Freedman
• 176 - David Horsager
• 182 - Likky Lavji
• 185 - Peter Economy
• 189 - Marc Polymeropoulos
• 193 - Bob Nelson & Mario Tamayo

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/199

Sarah Wirth has over 20 years of experience in employee assessment, leadership development, sales executive coaching, and customer service. She began her career as a talent analyst for an international human resource firm, where she coached leaders in organizations ranging from small not-for-profits to Fortune 500 companies. When named chair of leadership consulting and a member of the senior operations team, she helped lead the organization to a 65% increase in revenues. In 2009, she joined a publicly-traded organization as the vice president of client service, increasing client contract retention by 36%. In 2011 Sarah came on board with the EcSell team as Vice President of Member Services, where she oversees member retention and all aspects of sales coaching, leadership and management research. Under Sarah’s leadership, EcSell Institute’s member retention has grown to over 94%. Sarah has a passion for leadership and its impact on the performance of teams. She takes an analytical approach to understanding the skills and talents of high-performing sales leaders and is constantly providing EcSell members with new methods for leading and coaching. Sarah has presented to executives from across the globe with organizations such as Mercedes Benz, Estee Lauder, Ritz Carlton, Cheesecake Factory and many more. Her expertise in coaching and leadership, combined with her fact based, common sense approach to their application make her a sought after presenter at any event. 

Topics

During this interview Sarah and I discuss the following topics:

• What makes an effective coach
• How to ensure you communicate effectively as a leader
• The 4 Growth Rings of personal and organizational development
• How to coach someone out of their comfort zone
• How to coach an individual to slow down
• How to prepare for a one-on-one conversation
• How to coach a team as a group 
• Common mistakes leaders make in coaching their members

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/198

The pandemic altered not only the way in which we work, but also the relationships we have with coworkers. Now more than ever, both leaders and their teams crave deeper connection and more authentic relationships. But how can organizations accomplish this lofty goal — particularly knowing that it will require a reset of how leaders and teams interact? Leaders and team members must embrace a new mindset. They need to acknowledge that the leader-team relationship is more than a one-way service-oriented arrangement. Both sides need support equally if the relationship and what they do together is to be successful. Creating a new paradigm of partnership is possible through the development of a workplace covenant — consisting of vital behavioral and attitudinal promises that both partners agree to hold themselves to as a matter of personal and professional integrity. This process enables essential dialogue and engagement, which in turn helps create and continuously improve empathy, respect, trust, alignment, and — ultimately — partnership.

Since 1998, Dr. Silver has been the principal of Silver Consulting, Inc., an independent consulting practice, where he has worked with such diverse clients as: Alcoa, Alfred State College, Alstom, American Red Cross, Bausch & Lomb, Bosch Security Systems, Canada Employment and Immigration Union (CEIU), Cannon Industries, Canterbury Woods Senior Living, Cape Cod Healthcare, Charter One Bank, Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, Genesee Regional Bank, Government of Jamaica, Harris RF Communications, Jewish Senior Life Nursing Home, Klein Steel, Manulife Financial, Ontario County Government, Pactiv Manufacturing, Rochester Catholic Diocese, Toshiba Business Solutions, Ultralife Batteries, University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), University of Rochester Medical Center, and Xerox Corporation, to name a few. His work has included consulting to senior management on such topics as cultural change, employee engagement, and customer loyalty; working with leadership teams to increase effectiveness and performance; providing clients such services as executive coaching, strategic planning, and organizational diagnosis; and teaching employees professional skills and strategies for workplace success.

Topics

During this interview Seth and I discuss the following topics:

• Why meaningful partnership is important in the first place
• How leaders can have the difficult conversation of figuring out how to establish a two-way communication stream
• How leaders can use the ERTAP model to level up their relationships
• The impacts of  poor alignment on the organization as a whole
• How organizations who value meaningful partnerships are able to weather crises better

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/197

While leadership can develop to an extent through common sense and good judgement, there are a multitude of skills that must be learned and practiced for one to truly become a competent, exceptional leader. In its earliest stages, it is easy for the aspiring leader or executive coach to create an agenda that builds leadership skills: Take the lead, collaborate, chart a course, follow up, and revise. Be confident but not aggressive. After the leader masters the basics, the agenda gradually becomes murky and hard to detect. 

 For more than twenty-five years, Rick Tirrell, Ph.D., has helped leaders and mentors build their skills in publicly traded companies, privately held firms, nonprofits, and government organizations. His mastery of the art and science of leadership gives the aspiring leader an actionable toolbox for developing effective leadership skills. His seminars convert leadership theory into useful and achievable steps that every leader and mentor can take. His experience comes from working with frontline supervisors as well as the corner office. In his own leadership, he has founded and led two companies himself. His Ph.D. is in Psychology, and he is the author of the groundbreaking 2009 book, “The Wisdom of Resilience Builders.”

 Topics

During this interview Rick and I discuss the following topics:

• The inspiration behind his book
• The different rites of passage a leader will travel through
• What it means to be “all in” as a leader
• How to create followers as a leader
• How to keep up with the changing needs of your employees
• How to become a leader of leaders

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/196

Navigating the complexities of a new leadership role can be both exhilarating and daunting. Whether stepping into a permanent position, overseeing a project team, or even joining as a member, understanding how to effectively transition and integrate with a new team is crucial. The initial steps you take can set the stage for your success and the overall well-being of the team. In this episode, we delve into the strategies and principles essential for leaders stepping into new roles. We explore why the first 90 days are pivotal, how to build trust and alleviate team anxiety, and how to gather valuable insights that inform future changes. By focusing on empathetic leadership, continuous learning, and strategic planning, new leaders can create a foundation for sustained success and high performance. This topic is vital for leaders at all levels, as the ability to smoothly transition into new roles can significantly impact the morale, productivity, and cohesion of the team and organization.

Timestamped Overview

• 04:23 New leader advises to do nothing initially.
• 08:53 New leaders should demonstrate humility and adaptability.
• 13:17 Predecessor handover process for understanding and direction.
• 16:49 Understand team, be empathetic, establish trust.
• 18:33 Aspiring to lead and improve organization's performance.
• 21:21 Listen, learn, identify, plan, lead, execute, communicate.
• 25:41 Support the podcast by sharing, subscribing, reviewing.

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://leaddontboss.com/294

Crafting a clear agenda and attending to people’s states of mind can lead to far more effective meetings and build a sense of resilience and trust.Most team members aren’t fully present at meetings — they’re still processing thoughts and feelings from the meetings before. Creating an agenda that gives employees room to reflect and close is a powerful way to ensure employees are more present.

 Lisa J. Koss is the co-founder and a partner at Ontos Global. She has 25 years’ experience in global leadership, team development, talent management, executive coaching and design and organizational change initiatives. Her proprietary coaching model has been taught in 9 different languages across the globe. Her clients include Kaiser Permanente, ITT, Xylem, British Petroleum, Honeywell, Hewlett Packard, General Electric, Ernst & Young, and many more. 

 Topics

During this interview Lisa and I discuss the following topics:

• How she got into developmental coaching
• How to start becoming a manager-coach
• The difference between mentoring and coaching
• How to be a more empathetic leader
• How to get your subordinates more interested in being coached

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/195

Communication is the skill which many leaders and even organizations struggle with. Communication is what makes or breaks teams in terms of achieving peak performance or not. Despite a complex issue, there are three different common mistakes which leaders make when it comes to communicating with their teams.

Topics

In this episode I discuss the following topics:

• Why communication is so important
• Three different common break-downs
• How to fix these problems and stop doing them now

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/194

As bleary-eyed workers return to “normal life” back at the office, many are questioning what their new work life will look like. Leaders now face a dilemma: How do we keep our people—and attract new talent? The answer, according to two acclaimed human resources and performance experts, is deceptively simple. Have more fun. Work” and “fun” have historically been considered polar opposites of each other. But a quick look under the hood of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work for in America list reveals an undeniable fact: 81% of surveyed employees say the best companies are all fun places to work. Deloitte has gone so far as to label the 2020s as “The Era of Workplace Fun.”

 BOB NELSON, PH.D., president of Nelson Motivation Inc., is the world’s leading authority on employee recognition and engagement. He’s worked with 80% of Fortune 500 companies, is a Senior Fellow for the Conference Board, a top thought leader for the Best Practice Institute, and was named a top-five management guru by Global Gurus. Fondly known as “Dr. Bob,” he has authored over 30 books on employee motivation and engagement, which have collectively sold over 5 million copies and been translated into more than 30 languages. 

 MARIO TAMAYO is a principal with Tamayo Group Inc., a no-nonsense consulting firm specializing in leadership and organizational performance. He has more than 30 years of experience in maximizing human performance, working with organizations such as Genentech, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Petco, General Dynamics, and the U.S. Men’s Olympic Volleyball team. 

 Topics

During this interview Bob, Mario, and I discuss the following topics:

• How work become boring in the first place
• The benefits of bringing more fun into the workplace
• How to incorporate fun into the culture of your company
• How the daily work can be more fun for your company
• How to celebrate success in a fun manner
• The difference between reinforcing performance and presence
• How to make your own work more fun

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/193

If you’re in a leadership role today, you surely didn’t get there by accident. You have vision. You’re confident. And you’re at the ready to offer support and lightning-quick responses. But if you don’t effectively communicate these qualities to your people, how will they know you embody them? Frankly, they won’t. Despite leaders giving themselves gold stars in communication, only 13% of U.S. employees say their leaders communicate well, according to Gallup research. And that’s a colossal problem: 93% of workers surveyed by the Brunswick Group report that “leadership that communicates directly and transparently” is what keeps them on the job, bested only by pay and the ability to move up. The most powerful tool you have as a leader—to inform, engage, and inspire—is your voice, says veteran leadership communications coach Joel Schwartzberg. Yet all too often, our words fall flat; we get caught in our head, fail to truly understand our audience, or simply flub the landing. But it’s our words and awareness of their impact that make the difference between simply managing teams and inspiring them to do their best work. 

 Joel Schwartzberg is a leadership communications coach whose clients include American Express, Blue Cross Blue Shield, State Farm Insurance, the Brennan Center for Justice, and Comedy Central. He is the senior director of strategic and executive communications for a major national nonprofit and previously held senior-level communication and editorial positions with Time Inc., PBS, and Nickelodeon. Schwartzberg’s articles on effective communication have appeared in Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and Toastmaster magazine, and he’s a sought-after business and communications podcast guest and conference speaker. He is the author of Get to the Point! Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter, which Seth Godin calls “a manifesto for giving talks that make a difference,” and The Language of Leadership: How to Engage and Inspire Your Team (Berrett-Koehler Publishers; July 13, 2021), which Kevin Eikenberry says “will make your communication more purposeful, meaningful, and inspirational.”

Topics

During this interview Joel and I discuss the following topics:

• Why communicating clearly and effectively is so important
• Where leaders make mistakes with their communication skills
• How to change your approach based on your audience
• How to appear more empathetic and authentic 
• How to effectively communicate in the virtual environment
• Advice on communicating in various situations

For the complete show notes, be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/192

The burden of command can place a huge kink in your leadership journey. It will affect every aspect of your life and not just your team. Furthermore, this is not just a military phenomenon but rather one for all leaders everywhere. Therefore, it's critical for all leaders to understand the burden of command and know how to overcome it.

Topics

During this episode I discuss:

• What the burden of command is
• The affects it has on leaders
• How to overcome the burden of command for all leaders

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/191

Today, our nation is like a ship being tossed in tumultuous seas. The winds and waves of change have divided and distanced our society, threatening to wash away the very principles our nation was founded upon. Now more than ever, our nation needs leaders with the moral courage to stand strong and steady—leaders capable of uniting people in support of a shared purpose by building the trust and respect necessary for organizations and their people to thrive.

 Admiral Sandy Stosz started out in the US Coast Guard as an ensign serving aboard polar icebreakers, conducting national security missions from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Her forty-year career was filled with leadership lessons gleaned while breaking ice and breaking glass as the first woman to command an icebreaker on the Great Lakes and to lead a US armed forces service academy. Along the way, Sandy served for 12 years at sea, commanding two ships, and led large Coast Guard organizations during times of crisis and complexity. She finished her career as the first woman assigned as Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, directing one of the Coast Guard’s largest enterprises. She has lectured widely on leadership, and has been featured on CSPAN and other media outlets. In 2012, Newsweek’s “The Daily Beast” named Sandy to their list of 150 Women who Shake the World.

Topics

During this interview Sandy and I discuss the following topics:

• What brought her to become a leader in the US Coast Guard
• How she broke out her shell and develop her leadership skills
• Some of her leadership challenges that she overcame in her career
• The great leadership success of her career
• Her thoughts on how to build cohesive teams
• Her advice for women leaders out there

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/190

Marc Polymeropoulos retired in June 2019 from the Senior Intelligence Service ranks at the CIA after a 26-year career in operational headquarters and field management assignments covering the Middle East, Europe, Eurasia, and counter terrorism. He served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and he is one of the CIA’s most decorated field officers. Marc is the recipient of the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the Intelligence Medal of Merit, and the Intelligence Commendation medal. His last position was overseeing the CIA's clandestine operations in Europe and Eurasia. He is a respected commentator on foreign policy and intelligence matters and is widely quoted in both the US and international media. 

Topics

During this interview Marc and I discuss the following topics:

• What drew him to the CIA
• Why he went into intelligence operations
• Lessons he learned from his first mentor
• How he was drawn to become a leader within the CIA
• How to face adversity and overcome it
• How to get a team refocused after a major setback
• How to remain calm in the face of adversity
• How to form peak performing teams

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/189

The importance of hiring the right people can’t be emphasized enough. However, too many organizations out there, simply hire people to “fill the holes” without actually thinking through the problem that they are trying to solve. What capabilities are required for the organization to move forward in the right direction, as well as processes which require human input need to be determined. But most importantly, how will the person actually fit into the organization’s culture and dynamics. 

Jennifer has developed her expertise in Talent Strategy & Leadership Professional Development over her exciting 20+ year career as an HR Professional. She’s led international teams across Greater China, Mexico, the U.K., and the U.S. to expand into new markets, managing franchise retailers, and developing key strategic partnerships – all while exceeding business objectives and financial results. The rapid growth of her consulting firm 304 Coaching has been largely due to Jennifer’s unconventional approach to building innovative workforce development solutions for companies who are facing breakthrough growth and accelerated hiring patterns. She is a sought-after business strategist, specializing in start-ups and large value-based organizations. She assists her clients in building talent strategies that complement their business strategies to ensure exponential growth.

Topics

During this interview Jen and I discuss the following topics:

• The current situation in the hiring domain
• How to keep the people who are already in the organization
• The best way to find and hire someone
• The components of an effective hiring strategy
• The importance of looking into failures during the interview process
• How to effectively onboard new employees
• How to deal with employees who are leaving the organization

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/187

Organizational alignment is not accidental. Leaders define their organization’s mission and vision and are responsible for creating the roadmaps to get there. Attaining alignment is dependent on the leader’s ability to inspire his or her followers to pursue a common purpose with energy and zeal. It’s up to the leaders to help employees see the vision clearly. Leaders need to develop their skills to include a variety of ways to communicate, encourage teamwork, and drive accountability. They need to set clear and ethical goals for themselves and others. And they need to give honest and timely feedback with the objective of enabling individuals to increase their own performance levels — not criticize or lay blame when plans fail. When leaders have done their work of alignment well, the organization runs like a well-oiled machine and there’s little need for the leader to be in the trenches. Instead, leaders remain accessible and allow the work to flow.  

Art serves as CEO of Orgametrics and works with clients across the country. Art has a long history with large corporations, with leadership stints at IBM, USWest (CenturyLink) and Medtronic. Art has also served as an Adjunct Professor with the Hamline University School of Business teaching their MBA candidates in Strategic Management.

Topics

During this interview Art and I discuss the following topics:

• How alignment will help leaders achieve peak performance
• How culture helps us achieve alignment
• The 9 pillars of cultural alignment
• Where organizations become misaligned most often 
• How messaging is communicated through aligned organizations
• Why humility is so important
• How to use empowerment effectively
• How to prioritize which areas to focus on when “fixing” an organization

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/186

Who hasn’t had to deal with a jerk at work? Whether it’s a toxic team member who loves nothing more than to suck the life and excitement out of her colleagues, the difficult coworker who isn’t happy unless the office is filled with mayhem and drama, or a bad boss who causes his employees to constantly dream of telling him to “Take this job and shove it!”, we’ve all had to deal with people on the job we would rather not.

Peter Economy is the bestselling author of Managing for Dummies (more than 600,000 copies sold globally), Wait, I'm the Boss?!? and is The Leadership Guy at Inc.com, which averages over 500,000 page views a month for his more than 1,500 columns published to date. He routinely works with C-level executives, executive coaches, and business consultants worldwide.

Topics

During this interview Peter and I discuss the following topics:

• The amount of drain jerks can have on the workplace
• The impacts of the “Credit Thief”
• Why micromanaging is so destructive
• How to find, hire, and retain talented workers
• How to figure out if you the leader are a jerk or not
• How to confront jerks at work

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/185

Welcome to an enlightening exploration of transformational leadership, a concept that holds the key to unlocking unparalleled growth and dynamism within any team or organization. Transformational leadership transcends traditional leadership models by prioritizing motivation, inspiration, and long-term development over mere transactional exchanges. This leadership style is characterized by its foundational pillars: inspirational motivation, idealized influence, individualized consideration, and intellectual stimulation.

Timestamped Overview​

• 00:00 Importance of Transformational Leadership in Managerial Skills
• 04:16 Bass expanded Burns' transformational leadership with 4 components.
• 09:27 Inspiring vision drives motivation and global impact.
• 11:51 Inspirational squadron leader stresses clear vision.
• 16:23 Encourage open communication, understanding, and connectivity.
• 17:37 Create safe space, recognize, celebrate, enable growth.
• 20:51 Leaders create intellectual stimulation to promote innovation.
• 25:55 Bookmark for future reference: Vision, integrity, and team trust.
• 28:18 Develop team potential, use various leadership styles.

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://leaddontboss.com/293

A highly sought-after keynote speaker, educator and author, Gabrielle has worked with thousands of high-profile leaders from around the world and helped countless of Australia’s top 50 companies and multinationals to humanise their communications - Telstra, EY, Accenture, VISA, Australia Post, National Australia Bank, Amazon, Vodafone and the Obama Foundation to name drop a few. She holds a master’s degree in management and leadership from Swinburne

University, an associate diploma in education and training from the University of Melbourne, and is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education in both the Art and Practice of Adaptive Leadership and Women and Power: Leadership in a New World.

Gabrielle is also the bestselling author of Real Communication: How to be you and lead true, a finalist in the Australian Business Leadership Book Awards for 2019. Her other published books include Stories for Work: The Essential Guide to Business Storytelling (2017), Storytelling for Job Interviews (2016), Ignite: Real Leadership, Real Talk, Real Results (2015) which reached the top five on Australia’s bestselling business books and Hooked: How Leaders Connect, Engage and Inspire with Storytelling (2013). Her latest title, Magnetic Stories: Connect with customers and engage employees with brand storytelling will be published by Wiley in March 2021. Telling magnetic stories is necessary in order to truly connect with your employees and your customers. 

Topics

During this interview Gabrielle and I discuss the following topics:

• Why stories are important
• When stories are best used
• How decide which stories to use 
• The winning formula for creating great stories
• How to become comfortable with storytelling
• The added benefits of sharing personal stories

For the complete shownotes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/184

It happens commonly in all organizations. You've been promoted. Congratulations! However, now you are no longer a peer with your subordinates, you are their supervisor. The relationship has changed, you are still the same person who you were earlier but they no longer see it that way. It's a tricky situation to navigate which if done wrong can result in a lack of respect and trust, and ultimately broken relationships.

However, it does not have to be that way. Former peers now subordinates and you can have a healthy relationship moving forward, it will just take a little bit of time and a whole lot of effort on your part.

Topics

During this episode I discuss the following topics:

• How to overcome impostor syndrome
• Setting expectations with friends who are now subordinates
• Dealing with former peers who wanted your position as well
• How to earn trust and respect of your team

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/183

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported an estimated 840,000 blind spot accidents occur in the United States each year, resulting in around 300 fatalities. If that is what occurs while driving an automobile, an activity which many of us do everyday, imagine what it is doing to your organization. Blind spots can sink an organization as fast as a car can get into an accident. It’s time to bring the death of those blindspots and your BS along with it. 

 A sought-after keynote speaker, Likky Lavji is passionate about helping others “break barriers” to unleash their human potential. In fact, his middle name, Madat, translates to ‘help’ and he channels this into providing value in every relationship he has – personal and professional. With over 25 years as a CEO of a top IT company, Likky’s extensive experience in executive leadership has given him a unique perspective that remains unchartered by leaders and organizations in understanding the layers beneath human behavior and how it impacts growth and productivity of an organization. He has been acknowledged by prominent organizations, including Telus Corporation, Lenovo Canada and Royal Bank of Canada for his ability to create mindset shift when it comes to commitment and powerful performance to achieve results.

Topics

During this interview Likky and I discuss the following topics:

• How BS will destroy your leadership
• Why trust is important in eliminating your blind spots
• The different Blind Spot types
• How to be aware of your blind spots
• How to start addressing your blind spots
• Lessons from his failures as a leader
• The best ways to build cohesion and loyalty in a team

For the complete show notes, be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/182

Most leaders don’t know what organisational culture is. They know it’s the defining factor in performance, but are unsure how to identify or change it, despite the profound impact it has on

every single aspect of the organisation. Culture is the rules of belonging. Change those rules and you’ll change your culture. Change your culture and you’ll change your results.

 Fiona Robertson is an expert in organisational culture, leadership and teamwork who holds an MBA from London Business School and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company

Directors (GAICD) and the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership. She is the former Head of Culture for the National Australia Bank, has worked in and consulted to dozens of blue-chip corporates and all levels of government in Australia, and coached numerous senior executives in large and small organizations. Other clients have included the Australian

Graduate School of Management (AGSM), ANZ Bank, NCR, Monash College, Swinburne University, RMIT Online and IBM. Fiona is now an independent culture change keynote speaker, facilitator and coach for senior executives.

Topics

During this interview Fiona and I discuss the following topics:

• How culture and belonging will help leaders achieve peak performance
• How to drive cultural change in using belonging principles
• How to connect a disconnect between cultural expectations and actions
• How leaders can engage their people to drive cultural change
• How to enable subordinates to bring forward ideas 
• How to manage the differences in interpretation

For the complete show notes, be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/181

If America were an NCAA basketball team, we’d be looking at a 0-32 season. Employees are missing crucial shots as job worries spike to levels we haven’t seen in years. Our co-workers and communities have split into politically polarized shirts vs. skins, and as a result, we’re fouling out and fumbling mission-critical assists. The answer, say authors Lynn Guerin and Jason Lavin, is to unify our teams like legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden did. Wooden wasn’t only a record-breaking coach who won 38 straight NCAA tournaments and 10 championships in 12 short years. He was a beloved mentor and teacher, and his lessons are more relevant today than ever.

 Lynn Guerin is CEO of The John R. Wooden Course and president and “Head Coach” of his family-owned coaching, training, and performance development firm, Guerin Marketing Services. For the past 20 years, he has had the unique privilege of partnering with legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden and the Wooden family. 

Topics

During this interview Lynn and I discuss the following topics:

• How the principles of his book will help leaders achieve peak performance
• What makes a great coach
• How leading by example is crucial to success
• Why being a teacher is important as a leader
• How to be humble to talk about your failures
• How to create a sustained peak performance

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/180

Feedback is a crucial took to ensure that your team and organization are on the right course. Like a plan flying from Toronto to London, UK, regular feedback is required to keep everyone on the right path. Yet so many leaders and organizations fail to either provide this crucial information or to do it in a manner which is beneficial. It's time to fix that!

Topics

During this episode I discuss the following topics:

• How feedback helps to achieve peak performance
• The different types of feedback
• What feedback should be
• What to avoid when giving feedback
• A framework when giving or accepting feedback

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/179

In many areas around the world, women still struggle to reach the same level as their male counterparts. Even in the western world, we just celebrated the election of the first female Vice President of the United States. Yet there is an ever increasing number of women in the workplace. It’s time for us as leaders to recognize this inequity and help women to reach the levels which they deserve. 

Mandy Cavanaugh’s passion for leadership, entrepreneurship, and helping people thrive has fueled her roles as CEO, consultant, and facilitator. Her businesses have spanned global lodging logistics, land development, manufacturing, corporate leadership seminars, and turnaround consulting. 

Mandy succeeds in highly competitive environments by connecting each of her team members to their best future self. She holds various coaching certifications and has conducted seminars on high performance, authentic success, conscious language, imagination activation, conflict resolution, corporate soul retrieval, CEO-ship for start-ups, sales, team building, and wealth wisdom for women.

Topics

During this interview Mandy and I discuss the following topics:

• Her thoughts on the first female US vice president being elected
• The importance of balancing masculine and feminine energy 
• How enable feminine perspective to come out from our people
• The inspiration behind her book 
• Leadership struggles that female leaders face
• How female leaders can use their famine energy and get taken seriously

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/178

Culture is the biggest topic in the world right now - and the number one determinant of organizational success - yet it’s often put in the ‘too hard to change’ basket. For too long leaders have applied lip service responses or quick-fix solutions to culture change that don't actually affect behaviour change or else provide any improvements to people’s working lives. This needs to change.

Workplace culture specialist and best-selling author Colin D Ellis provides a practical culture toolkit of 26 tried and tested ideas that you can put into practice right now, regardless of where people are based. It’s through these simple and actionable ideas that over time can transform the way that work gets done. From emails to book clubs and meetings to podcasts, Ellis shows readers how to take regular steps to build a fantastic work culture that everyone wants to be a part of.

Changing your culture doesn’t need to be hard, and Culture Hacks empowers you with the actions needed to transform your working day so that you’re fit for the future of work.

Author Colin D Ellis is an award-winning international speaker, best-selling author and renowned culture change expert who works with organizations around the world to help them transform the way they get things done. He draws on more than 30 years of public and private sector leadership experience in the UK, New Zealand and Australia.

Topics

During this interview Colin and I discuss the following topics:

• How you as a leader can “hack” your culture
• How meetings drain your culture
• Finding a way to trust in your team and culture
• Why failing will tighten your organization not divide it
• How hobbies can bring your team together
• Why starting a podcast will improve your culture
• How sports can build your culture

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/177

Trust isn’t something we typically think of as having an economic value. But scratch the surface behind the numbers appearing on any company’s balance sheet and trust — or a lack of it — appears everywhere. When trust increases, so do output, morale, retention, innovation and loyalty. Conversely, a lack of trust is a company’s single biggest expense.  At the core, problems are never about leadership, communication, sales, marketing or even finances. Every issue falls under one or more of the “8 Pillars of Trust.” These pillars correspond to eight specific traits that the most trusted leaders, brands and organizations have in common. The good news is that trust can be learned, practiced and profitable — with astonishing results. 

David Horsager, MA, CSP, CPAE, is the CEO of Trust Edge Leadership Institute, Trust Expert in Residence at High Point University, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Trust Edge. David has advised leaders and delivered life-changing presentations on six continents, with audiences ranging from FedEx, Toyota, MIT and global governments to the New York Yankees and the Department of Homeland Security. 

Topics

During this interview David and I discuss the following topics:

• How trust will help achieve peak performance
• How he developed the 8 pillars of trust
• Compassion, Character, (incentivize lack of character), competency, 
• How to “trust” your toxic supervisor
• How to become trustworthy if you believe you are not

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/176

Leadership and leaders can stagnate just like companies. From time to time we leaders must challenge ourselves in new ways to ensure that we are still growing as a leader and person. From 1 February 2021 and for 75 days straight I did just that. I and a group of 15 men took on Andy Frisella's "75 Hard Challenge." For a total of 75 days straight we had to:

• Drink no alcohol
• complete 2 x 45 minute workouts
• Follow a meal plan with no cheating
• Drink a US Gallon of water
• Read 10 pages of a self-improvement book
• Take a progress picture

To say that this was a challenge would be an understatement, after all it was not "75 EASY" but 75 Hard. In this episode I go through the lessons I learned through this journey.

Topics

During this episode I discuss the following topics:

• What 75 Hard is
• Why having a plan is crucial
• Impacts of decisions and actions
• Support a team is crucial
• Managing your own expectations
• Learning to fail gracefully

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/175

In today's dynamic and fast-paced world, leaders are often confronted with unexpected challenges and opportunities that can significantly impact their professional and personal lives. Navigating these transitions while maintaining peak performance across various domains of leadership—self, team, and organization—requires not only strategic planning but also adaptability and effective communication. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of managing major changes, such as job transitions, relocations, and balancing multiple responsibilities. Exploring practical insights and strategies, this discussion emphasizes the importance of prioritization, resilience, and seizing opportunities amidst challenges. Whether you're leading a large organization or managing a small team, understanding how to effectively maneuver through periods of transition is crucial for sustaining growth and achieving long-term success. Join us as we uncover essential lessons on leadership during times of change, offering a roadmap to help leaders thrive even in the most demanding situations.

Timestamped Overview​

• 00:00:01 – 00:00:39: Introduction and Mic Check - Scott begins the episode with a live mic check, setting the stage for his much-awaited return. It's a familiar and personal touch that instantly reconnects him with his audience.
• 00:00:39 – 00:01:37: Welcome and Podcast Mission - Scott welcomes all listeners back to the Peak Performance Leadership Podcast. He briefly touches upon the podcast's mission to help leaders excel in leading themselves, their teams, and their organizations, drawing from both his military experience and interactions with premier guests.
• 00:01:37 – 00:02:21: A Message from Your Chief Leadership Officer - Scott acknowledges his absence and admits to a leadership shortcoming: not communicating effectively about his break. He reassures his audience that his return is marked by exciting updates and improvements.
• 00:02:21 – 00:03:27: What's Transpired: Personal and Professional Changes - Scott reveals significant changes in his life, both on the personal and professional fronts. He explains how these changes have impacted his ability to produce content consistently.
• 00:03:27 – 00:06:04: Professional Updates: Job Change as Senior Canadian Army Officer - Scott dives into his job transition within the Canadian army, where he is now the commanding officer of Canada's largest supply depot. He shares the complexities of balancing two roles, one new and one previous, while also dealing with remote working challenges.
• 00:06:04 – 00:07:22: Personal Updates: Moving to a New House - Scott provides insights into his recent move to a newly built house. This move, though exciting, has been time-consuming and added another layer of complexity to his already busy schedule.
• 00:07:22 – 00:10:57: New Office Space and Long-Term Plans - Scott is thrilled to share details about his new office space dedicated to the podcast. He discusses how this new setup will provide more opportunities to focus on creating high-quality content without disturbing his family.
• 00:10:57 – 00:11:57: Upcoming Changes and Time Management - Scott talks about his forthcoming transition to working in Montreal full-time during the week, which will ironically provide him with more time to focus on the podcast and his community during evenings.
• 00:11:57 – 00:13:05: Expanded Content and Community Engagement Plans - Scott outlines his ambitious plans for expanding the Peak Performance Leadership Podcast. He reveals the potential for increasing the frequency of podcast episodes and adding more live video content to the Facebook group, along with enhancing the newsletter.
• 00:13:05 – 00:14:25: Priority of Quality Over Quantity - Scott reassures listeners that although there will be more content, he will maintain a strong focus on quality. Initial steps include restarting podcast interviews and repurposing live videos for audio listeners.

A year ago, business leaders around the world began grappling with the pandemic and its massive impact on the workplace, the economy, and people’s lives. Largely isolated and working from home, top executives were not only forced to quickly figure out how to adapt to keep their company running. They also had time to re-examine their standard practices and beliefs about doing business and leading others. Thanks to COVID-19, many leaders have embraced change, gained self-awareness, and become better leaders. What these leaders have learned about flexibility, resilience, empathy, collaboration, tackling inequity, and maximizing everyone’s potential can help other leaders shift and prepare—in matters of strategy, operations, and mindset—for the challenges and opportunities ahead.   

 Atholl Duncan is Chair of Black Isle Group, leadership performance development specialists, and an international executive coach. Certified by INSEAD, he also studied leadership at Harvard and Cranfield. A former journalist and television producer, he worked for BBC News for more than 20 years. Atholl is the Chairman of Black Isle Group. He was a senior executive with the BBC for many years; an Executive Director of ICAS; and a corporate affairs director for one of the UK’s largest utility companies. Atholl is currently Chair of the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation; Chair of UK Coaching; and a board member and former Chair of the British Horseracing Authority. He is an Insead Executive Coach with a leadership education from Harvard and Cranfield.

 Topics

During this interview Atholl and I discuss the following topics:

• Failures that businesses made during the beginning of lockdown
• How leaders got their businesses out of “the hole”
• 7 different themes from their research
• How senior leaders were able to remain resilient throughout the crisis
• How businesses have strengthened their teams throughout the crisis

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/174

Culture affects every aspect of your business, organization, and even yourself. Building a high-performing culture requires you as a leader to drive that vision on a daily basis. Understanding the components of a high performing culture, how to lead your team, and understanding what a high performing culture looks like will ensure success. 

Andrew Freedman is a lifelong advocate for maximizing human potential and creating positive change, personally and professionally. For over 25 years, he’s been a driving force in designing strategies that provide leaders a foundation to translate individual, team, and organizational talent into tangible business growth.

As Managing Partner of SHIFT Consulting, he’s helped countless companies across diverse industries flourish through vibrant company cultures and a high performance mindset. Additionally, through his work as an affiliate faculty member of the University of Baltimore, Andrew’s continued goal is to use his insatiable passion for human performance to inspire new generations of business leaders with the art and science of creating and executing successful, people-focused business strategies.

 Topics

During this interview Andrew and I discuss the following topics:

• Why a high-performing culture is so important 
• How leaders can make a “better way” for their employees
• Why starting with the end goal enables teams to achieve peak performance
• How to incorporate values to create a high performance culture
• How toxicity can degrade performance in an organization
• How to find employees to hire and integrate them into a high-performing culture

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/173

The importance of strategy cannot be understated. You organization is like a ship and its strategy is the rudder. With out the rudder, the ship will sail in circles and ultimately go nowhere. With a steady rudder (strategy) and an experience Captain (you the leader) your ship will get to its destination. Sure there'll be waves along the way, maybe a detour or two, but that is how you operate to achieve success.

Brad Chase has had a broad and extensive business career. He has advised leaders of businesses of many different sizes, from startups to Fortune 500 firms, and in many different kinds of markets, from mobile and education to enterprises and consumer services. Some of the companies he has worked with include GE, Telstra, VMware, Mozy (a subsidiary of EMC), Blucora, Sonos, Vizrea, and Crisply. He has also held leadership positions on the boards of many companies and nonprofit organizations, including Expedia, Ooyala, DreamBox, Brooks, Boys and Girls Clubs of King County, and The Nature Conservancy. As a public speaker, Brad has spoken about his particular theory on business strategy, Strategy First, to executives at large and small businesses, to incubators, at conferences, and to students at topflight MBA programs. Before consulting, board work, and speaking, Brad spent 14 years at Microsoft finishing his tenure as a Senior Vice President and Executive Officer managing a team of over 4,000. From April 1999 until mid-2002, Brad led MSN.com’s transformation from an unsuccessful internet service to the worldwide traffic and search leader. Under his leadership at MSN, search traffic, revenue, and internal team morale all more than doubled.

For complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/172

Age is often looked at as a sign of experience and competence. However, leadership is more complex than simply age. Younger leaders definitely face more complex challenges than their older counterparts. Additionally, the ability to form high-performing teams is challenged.

However, not all is bad. Younger leaders can bring their assets to move their organization forward. Like anything, there are simple tactics which can help you as a younger leader to excel.

Topics

During this episode I discuss the following topics:

• The immediate fear of being a younger leader
• 5 tips to be successful as a younger leader:
• Respect
• Listen
• Communicate
• Double-down
• Remember that you are a leader

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/171

Chaos can destroy the best of organizations. It can rifle through them with unprecedented speed and destruction. As leaders, we need to ensure that we eliminate chaos when it occurs. However, it is even more important to ensure that we get ahead and stop the chaos from even starting in the first place.

Susan Fennema is the Chaos Eradicating Officer (CEO) of Beyond the Chaos, a consultancy helping small business owners to simplify their operations and manage their projects so they can grow their businesses and get their lives back. With 30+ years of operations/project management experience in professional service industries, Susan is on a mission to improve American society exponentially. When not making multi-course dinners, she enjoys Texas A&M football games and Blackhawks hockey. She lives and works from her home in McKinney, Texas, with her husband, dog, and cat.

Topics

During this interview Susan and I discuss the following topics:

• The negative effects which Chaos has on an organization
• How the “fire fighter” mentality affects people
• The common causes for chaos
• How to establish a structure which enables vice cripples
• The importance of simplicity in eliminating Chaos
• How to deal with people who are causing chaos in your organization
• How delegation helps lessen chaos in organizations

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://leaddontboss.com/170

There’s no lack of good ideas in today’s business world, yet 50% of them are doomed to failure. Executives will often greenlight a strategic initiative based on a business case and financial analyses alone, with no idea whether their company has the ability to execute it successfully. But there’s a better way to make corporate decisions. Alex Castro has developed the ReM Score™, a data-driven measurement for determining a company’s execution capability (or readiness) for each strategic initiative it is considering. Using this groundbreaking approach, business leaders can effectively evaluate potential acquisitions, new product concepts, new market expansions, and back-office optimizations by separating ideas that will actually work for them from those that are great in theory alone, while continuously measuring a business’s adaptability to evolving strategies. You don’t get two or three chances to make a strategy work in our rapidly shifting business environment. Measure, Execute, Win will help your company proceed on initiatives with full confidence that they will deliver the results you want.

Topics

During this interview Alex and I discuss the following topics:

• How measuring will enable you to hit peak performance
• How organizations fail at executing on their great ideas
• What alignment is and how to ensure your organization is aligned
• How to analyze your organization to determine your shortcomings
• How to avoid analysis paralysis

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://leaddontboss.com/169

Change is hard for any organization. People are often adverse to change as they are comfortable in the ways which they live and work. However, in order to remain relevant and competitive in today’s world, change is essential. Therefore, as leaders it’s crucial that we lead the changes in our organizations the right way. 

Jennifer has developed her expertise in Talent Strategy & Leadership Professional Development over her exciting 20+ year career as an HR Professional. She’s led international teams across Greater China, Mexico, the U.K., and the U.S. to expand into new markets, managing franchise retailers, and developing key strategic partnerships - all while exceeding business objectives and financial results. The rapid growth of her consulting firm 304 Coaching has been largely due to Jennifer’s unconventional approach to building innovative workforce development solutions for companies who are facing breakthrough growth and accelerated hiring patterns. She is a sought-after business strategist, specializing in start-ups and large value-based organizations. She assists her clients in building talent strategies that complement their business strategies to ensure exponential growth.

Topics

During this interview Jen and I discuss the following topics:

• Why lead real change will help leaders hit peak performance
• Why decision agility is important to leaders
• The competencies required for future leaders
• How to create a culture of innovation by crushing fear
• Why being told what you want to hear will damage your organization
• How to decide between strategic and tactical priorities

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://leaddontboss.com/168

Employees have lots of reasons to resist change, from apathy to fear. However, many employers miss the biggest reason their workforce might balk at change: Not all ideas for change are good and productive! 2020 is the year that no one saw coming, rife with business challenges from the pandemic, fires, political unrest, and more. America’s vulnerability to overseas suppliers is a strong argument for manufacturing to return to the United States. However, this will present significant challenges, as American companies try to attain the level of productivity of countries such as, for example, Japan, which has learned to streamline production into smaller footprints. Change is necessary if American manufacturing is to succeed.

Michael Sanders, PhD, LSSBB, MBA, co-author of Quantum Lean: Taking Lean Systems to the Next Level , has worked in every phase of the supply chain, including as CEO and president of food, energy, distribution, and high-tech firms. He is the cofounder of the nonprofit organization BeehiveFund, which assists companies with production, scheduling, inventory control, and developing quality-management systems. He is sought for his expertise in negotiation, organizational psychology, Six Sigma, quality systems, and regulatory compliance. Michael has a PhD in Industrial Engineering and an MBA from Texas Tech University.

Topics

During this interview Michael and I discuss the following topics:

• How his book will help leaders to achieve peak performance
• How Quantum Lean can be found in Leading Yourself or Leading Your Team
• The difference between quality and luxury, and efficiency and effectiveness
• The importance of delegation in a Quantum Lean setting

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/167

Negotiation and conflict resolution are often looked at as the difficult conversations and actions which leaders need to take. These are often uncomfortable conversations to have with our coworkers and subordinates; however, they are absolutely essential in order to ensure that our organization is an effective one. Therefore, we need to get past the uncomfortness and get to the root of problems which we face on a daily basis. 

Author and speaker Kwame Christian is the Director of the American Negotiation Institute and a master of negotiation and conflict resolution. Christian has conducted workshops throughout North America and abroad, and is a highly sought after national keynote speaker. 

Host of the number one negotiation podcast in the world, Negotiate Anything, Christian is dedicated to empowering others through the art and science of negotiation and persuasion. Now downloaded nearly two million times, Negotiate Anything has a dedicated and growing following with listeners in more than 180 countries. 

Christian’s TEDx Dayton talk, Finding Confidence in Conflict, was ranked the most popular TEDx Talk on the topic of conflict in 2017, and has been viewed more than 150,000.* His best-selling Amazon Book, Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life has helped countless individuals overcome the fear, anxiety and emotion often associated with difficult conversations through a branded framework called Compassionate Curiosity.™ (*September, 2020)

 In addition to his role at ANI, Christian is a business lawyer at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP. He represents businesses in a broad scope of legal needs including contract negotiation, business formation, transactions, employment, and general business and legal counseling.

 Christian serves as an adjunct professor for Otterbein University’s MBA program, as well as The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law in its top-ranked dispute resolution program. 

Topics

During this interview Kwame and I discuss the following topics:

• What’s changed in negotiation and conflict resolution
• How leaders can get the pulse of the organization
• How to delegate with intentionality 
• How transparency can help conflict resolution
• How the negotiation space has changed
• How to be open-mind for the new world
• How to negotiate virtually
• The importance of self-negotiation

Be sure to check out our website for the full show notes:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/166

In our modern business landscape, the war for talent is more complex than ever. You need to attract and retain the best talent for your organization to win, but without the right strategy or mindset, you won’t be able to compete. If your revenue is declining, you’re losing market share to your competition, or your organizational health is deteriorating, it’s time to evolve how you approach this never-ending war. After all, your PEOPLE—not your product or service—are your strongest competitive advantage.

The Talent War explores how U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) assess, select, and develop their world-class talent. You’ll learn how to adopt a talent mindset, the single greatest weapon you can possess in the war for talent. When your organization reflects this mindset, you will hire, train, and develop the right people, and put them in the best positions to make decisions that allow you to retake the advantage and win the war.

Mike Sarraille is the CEO of EF Overwatch, an executive search and talent advisory firm, and leadership consultant with Echelon Front. He is a former Recon Marine and retired US Navy SEAL officer with twenty years of experience in Special Operations, including the elite Joint Special Operations Command.

George Randle is a Strategic Advisor to EF Overwatch, former US Army officer, and Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at Forcepoint, a human-centric cybersecurity company. George has more than two decades of experience in talent acquisition at Fortune 100 and Fortune 1000 firms.

Topics

During this interview Mike, George, and I discuss the following topics:

• How they entered into the HR realm
• How companies are currently losing the Talent War
• The attributes which Special Operations Forces look for in their candidates
• How companies can leverage the Special Operations Forces selection ideology for their selection process
• Who should be apart of the selection process
• How to get over a blow to your ego as a leader 
• How leaders can switch their hiring mindset from skills-based to talent-based

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/165

Creating a culture of psychological safety within a team is paramount to achieving peak performance in any organization. It establishes an environment where employees feel both secure and valued, empowering them to openly share ideas, admit mistakes, and challenge established norms—all in the name of continuous improvement and innovation. Such a culture nurtures the growth of trust and collaboration among team members and between leaders and their teams.

When psychological safety is absent, employees may become mere shells of their potential, merely fulfilling basic duties with minimal engagement. The loss of this vital aspect of team dynamics can lead to decreased productivity, stifled creativity, and ultimately, a higher turnover rate, as individuals seek workplaces that recognize and appreciate their contributions.

For leaders, fostering psychological safety isn't just about nurturing a positive work atmosphere—it's a strategic imperative. By encouraging open dialogue, listening actively, and acting on feedback, leaders can not only avert potential pitfalls but also tap into the collective intelligence of their teams. Such actions not only bolster morale but also drive better decision-making and enhance the organization's ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.

Therefore, understanding and cultivating psychological safety stands as a critical challenge for leaders aiming to elevate their team's performance and solidify the foundation for lasting success.

Time Stamped Overview

• [00:03:16] Challenges with Team Output and Input: Scott addresses a common struggle leaders face when their team's productivity and engagement are lacking.
• [00:05:28] Defining Psychological Safety: The episode breaks down what psychological safety is and why it's essential for a healthy and productive work environment.
• [00:07:05] The Four Stages of Psychological Safety: Scott revisits insights from a previous episode featuring Tim Clark to explain the four crucial stages of psychological safety.
• [00:08:27] Recognizing the Loss of Psychological Safety: Key indicators that reveal a team’s psychological safety may be compromised are discussed with practical examples.
• [00:13:05] Reestablishing Psychological Safety: Scott outlines the initial steps leaders must take to acknowledge the issue and begin rebuilding a psychologically safe atmosphere.
• [00:15:14] Listening and Learning from Your Team: Tips for creating a safe space for feedback and the importance of one-on-one conversations to foster psychological safety.

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website: https://leaddontboss.com/291

Productivity makes or breaks peak performance in ourselves, our teams, and our organizations. However, since the development of more and more “productivity” tools there’s been a steady decline in productivity. Simply put, we are getting overwhelmed with everything which “must” be done to be productive. Productivity is about simplifying the process and enabling people to work in their zone of genius and not zone of failure. 

Tim has over 30 years’ experience as an executive in the HR Consulting and HR Software industry. He has architected and led some of the largest and most successful HR IT and change programs in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

He began his career in Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) in 1990 where he was Managing Director, in Accenture’s Talent and Organization, Service Line. In 2006, he was recruited to IBM Global Business Services where he led IBM’s global Human Capital Management (HCM) consulting practice.

He was most recently Vice President of SAP SuccessFactors for Europe, Middle East and Africa. He led SuccessFactors’ HR Advisory teams across the region.

Additionally, he is on the Board and Non-Executive Director of Optunli, an HR solution providing a unique approach for strategic workforce planning. Tim is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD (FCIPD).

Topics

During this interview Tim and I discuss the following topics:

• New technology can transform the job of human resources professionals to the benefit of companies.
• Employees working in jobs that inspire and motivate them are more productive and effective.
• Trends in society, such an aging workforce and increasing gender parity, provide great opportunities for workforce development.
• Despite developments in technology and our increasing dependence on it, human capital will not be downgraded.

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/164

People will go the extra mile for leaders who show they are genuinely concerned not only with what employees can do, but also with who they are and can become. If your people know you care about them, they will move mountains. Therefore, as

Heather R. Younger is an experienced keynote speaker, two-time author, and the CEO and Founder of Employee Fanatix, a leading employee engagement, leadership development, and DEI consulting firm, where she is on a mission to help leaders understand the power they possess to ensure people feel valued at work. 

Known as The Employee WhispererTM, Heather harnesses humor, warmth, and an instant relatability to engage and uplift audiences and inspire them into action. 

Rooted in her belief that employees aren’t just numbers on the payroll but human beings with ideas that matter, Heather’s talks and workshops are dedicated to helping teams, leaders, and organizations shine by improving how they listen to, communicate with, and empower employees. 

Heather’s personal Why emerged as she sought to find meaning from her difficult experience growing up in the 1970s. As the only child of an interfaith and interracial marriage, both Heather and her Black father were shunned and excluded by extended family because of the color of their skin. While the sting of exclusion left Heather with a lot of questions growing up, it also led her to develop a high level of resilience and a deeply inspired commitment to advocate for anyone who has ever felt devalued. 

Today, she credits her capacity to navigate complex social dynamics and discuss identity in the workplace to those early experiences, and is dedicated to creating opportunities for organizational leaders, teams, and individuals to learn strategies for reframing adversity while empowering leaders to change their workplaces for the better. 

Topics

During this interview Heather and I discuss the following topics:

• What it means to be a caring leader
• Different aspects of caring leadership
• How leaders can employ caring leadership in their daily activities
• What they can do to start being a caring leader

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/163

Impostor syndrome is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud". Despite external evidence of their competence, those experiencing this phenomenon remain convinced that they are frauds, and do not deserve all they have achieved. Individuals with impostorism incorrectly attribute their success to luck, or interpret it as a result of deceiving others into thinking they are more intelligent than they perceive themselves to be. While early research focused on the prevalence among high-achieving women, impostor syndrome has been recognized to affect both men and women equally. Leaders are no different and can easily fall into the trap of impostor syndrome. 

Kris Kelso is a keynote speaker for leadership conferences, corporate events, universities, and has been both guest and host on television and radio programs. He is the author of “Overcoming The Impostor: Silence Your Inner Critic and Lead with Confidence“.

Trained and certified as an executive coach, Kris has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs, business owners, and their leadership teams. He is an advisor and instructor at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, is a Facilitator / Coach with The Alternative Board, and is a contributing writer for The Nashville Business Journal.

Topics

During this interview Kris and I discuss the following topics:

• What imposter syndrome is
• Has social media worsen the impact of imposter syndrome
• The impostor we wall have
• How damaging impostor syndrome is
• How important community is to silencing the imposter

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/162