The Leadership Foundry Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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