The Step UP - Where Leaders, Talent Managers and Leadership Development pros find expert tips for Leadership excellence – Details, episodes & analysis

Nick Tasler is an organizational psychologist and a #1 best-selling author.  Nick has helped hundreds of thousands of leaders around the world transform seasons of change into periods of unprecedented growth at the world’s most respected organizations.

Change is like the wild card in our lives, and if you’re looking to turn that chaos into a stepping stone for success, you’re in the right place! In today’s chat, we dive deep into how discomfort and disruption can actually be the launchpad for growth and major achievements. Our guest, Nick Tassler, lays it down real, sharing how the seeds of our greatest victories often sprout during times of change that we’re not too keen on. It’s not about weathering the storm but embracing it, recognizing that the shifts we face can be the very catalysts for new skills and fresh perspectives. So, whether you’re a leader trying to navigate your crew through rocky waters or just looking to make sense of the whirlwind around you, this episode’s packed with insights that could change your game. Buckle up as we journey through the ups and downs of change management, the art of decision-making, and how to turn those pesky transitions into opportunities for a year of wonders!

Change is like that unexpected party crasher at a chill gathering; it shows up uninvited and shifts the whole vibe. Our latest chat digs deep into this notion of embracing change and how it can actually be a catalyst for those big wins in life and work that we all strive for. We kick things off with Nick Tassler, a real pro in the field of organizational psychology, who shares his journey and insights into how change isn’t just something to survive but something that can lead to our greatest achievements. It’s like that time you tried a new taco truck and ended up finding your new favorite food—uncomfortable at first, but totally worth it.

We explore how the seeds of success often sprout during those uncomfortable periods filled with uncertainty. Nick emphasizes that it’s about shifting our mindset to see change not as a hurdle but as a stepping stone. He talks about this universal truth: often, our best moments come from the chaos around us. So, the next time life throws a curveball, instead of dodging it, why not take a swing? There’s a whole world of opportunity hiding in those messy moments, and this episode is all about unlocking that potential.

Toward the end, we dive into some practical takeaways, encouraging leaders to infuse their teams with a mix of ‘push’ and ‘love’ to navigate change effectively. This episode is a reminder that while change can feel daunting, it’s also a chance to discover new strengths and perspectives. So grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s explore how you can turn the tides of change in your favor—because who doesn’t want a Year of Wonders?

Takeaways:

• Change often feels uncomfortable and chaotic, but it's usually where growth begins.
• Great achievements often sprout from periods of uncertainty and disruption in our lives.
• Instead of fearing change, we should embrace it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
• The real magic happens not just in making the first decision, but in adjusting as we go along.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Nick Tasler on Linked In
• https://www.nicktasler.com/
• Your Year of Wonder's - Book
• Kent Kniebel on Linked In
• Https://kent.coach

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

Bri Flynn is an experienced HR and Talent executive with broad experience in human capital management, executive coaching, and operational leadership.

With more than two decades of experience leading Human Resources teams and Talent Development programs in both privately held and Fortune 500 companies, her strengths lie in designing workplace solutions that balance strategy, empathy, and impact to help individuals and organizations thrive.

Today's episode: Scaling leadership development is the name of the game today, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride! In this episode, we dive deep into how managing leaders can feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle, with many folks out there feeling like they’re drowning under the weight of two and a half jobs. My guest, Bri Flynn, and I chat about the importance of integrating leadership training into the everyday hustle, making it as seamless as slipping on your favorite pair of sneakers. We talk about the magic of blending traditional training with coaching and real-time support, all while keeping it simple and relevant to what people actually do. So grab your headphones and get ready for some golden nuggets on how to empower those leaders without adding to their already overflowing plates!

Navigating the turbulent waters of leadership development is no small feat, and Bri Flynn's insights shed light on how to scale these initiatives effectively. Many managers are currently feeling the heat, often overloaded with responsibilities that hinder their ability to lead effectively. Bri makes a compelling case for embedding leadership development into the daily workflow, emphasizing that it should not feel like an additional chore but rather a natural part of their leadership journey.

We kick off the discussion by unpacking the transition from individual contributor to leader, a shift that can feel like jumping into the deep end without a life raft. Bri stresses the importance of setting clear expectations early on, focusing on compliance, core competencies, and cultural values. These foundational elements are essential for building leaders who are not just effective in their roles but also contribute positively to the organizational culture.

As our chat progresses, we delve into the nuances of scaling leadership development across different levels of an organization. Bri advocates for a hybrid learning approach, combining asynchronous modules with real-life applications and peer coaching. This model supports continuous learning and accountability among leaders, fostering a collaborative environment where they can share challenges and successes. By the end of our conversation, it’s clear that the road to effective leadership development is paved with simplicity, empathy, and a strategic focus on aligning training with business goals.

Takeaways:

• In today's fast-paced work environment, many leaders are juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, leaving them overwhelmed.
• Effective leadership development should integrate seamlessly into the daily workflow to avoid adding extra stress to busy managers.
• Building a strong foundation with early managers is crucial for developing future leaders and ensuring a healthy workplace culture.
• Coaching should be seen as a strategic investment, offering leaders a space to reflect and grow without the pressure of daily tasks.
• Utilizing AI tools can enhance leadership development by offering real-time support and insights to managers as they navigate their roles.
• Engaging in transparent conversations about potential and succession planning fosters trust and encourages employees to pursue growth opportunities.

Links:

• Bri Flynn on Linked In
• Bri's Website
• Co-Intelligence book by Ethan Mollick
• Kent's Linked In Page
• https://kent.coach

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

Today’s guest is someone who’s made a career out of helping leaders not just level up—but stay coachable while they do it.

Kevin Wilde is an executive leadership fellow at the University of Minnesota and a lifelong student of what makes leadership stick. He brings over three decades of experience from the front lines of leadership development, including senior roles at General Electric and as the Chief Learning Officer at General Mills. He is also author of the award winning book, “Coachability: The Leadership Superpower”.

These days, Kevin splits his time between teaching Executive MBA students, advising top companies on talent strategy, and researching one of the most overlooked leadership superpowers: coachability.

He’s been recognized with awards like Chief Learning Officer of the Year and named #1 in global leadership development by multiple publications—but what really sets Kevin apart is his curiosity, humility, and ability to make leadership learning both practical and human.

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Let’s dive into the juicy bits of this chat about the importance of coachability for leaders, especially those who have just snagged a promotion. We kick things off by tackling that oh-so-common mindset that creeps in once you get a shiny new title: “I’ve arrived.” Spoiler alert: that kind of thinking can seriously hold you back. We explore why leaders often hesitate to ask for feedback and how that can lead to a downward spiral in their growth. Our guest, Kevin Wilde, shares some gems on how being open to input is not just a “nice-to-have” but a total game changer for engagement and performance. Plus, we dish out practical tips to help you stay in that learning zone and keep your leadership game strong. So grab a comfy seat and get ready for some insightful banter that could just change the way you lead!

Climbing the corporate ladder is like trying to juggle flaming torches—exciting, but one wrong move and it can all come crashing down! In our latest chat with Kevin Wilde, we unpack the critical concept of coachability for leaders. He’s got some serious street cred, with years at companies like General Electric and General Mills, and he’s here to remind us that just because you’ve got a title, it doesn’t mean you’ve got it all figured out. The conversation kicks off with Kevin’s take on the common misconception that comes with promotions—‘I’ve arrived!’ But, as he points out, that’s often when the learning should ramp up, not slow down.

We explore the research behind why many leaders stop seeking feedback and how this can lead to a disconnect with their teams. It turns out that being coachable isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for maintaining engagement and building solid relationships. Kevin shares his insights on how leaders can stay in their ‘learning zone’ by actively seeking feedback and reflecting on their growth. Plus, he offers up actionable tips for fostering a culture that encourages curiosity and openness. So, if you’re looking to elevate your leadership game, this episode is packed with practical advice and a few laughs along the way. Tune in for a refreshing take on what it means to be a leader who’s not just in it for the title, but genuinely invested in growth!

Takeaways:

• Stepping up in leadership doesn't mean you've arrived; it's a continuous learning journey, dude.
• Promotions can lead to a lack of curiosity; don't let confidence blind you from feedback.
• Coachability is a superpower for leaders; it enhances performance and engagement across teams.
• Asking for feedback is crucial, but it requires a mindset shift to be open and humble.
• Engaging in after-action reviews can help foster a learning culture in teams, boosting everyone's growth.
• To build your coachability, seek input actively and practice reflective habits consistently, my friend.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Kevin Wilde on Linked In
• thecoachableleader.com
• Coachability: The Leadership Superpower - Book
• Kent Kniebel on Linked In
• kent.coach

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

Kendall Harrell is a Minneapolis-based C-level HR leader with extensive experience across various industries. In his more than twenty years in human resources, he has helped organizations build, refine, and execute integrated talent strategies…and work in a good laugh from time to time.

 An anchoring value of his is to “bring others along”. It informs the way he leads and how he inspires other leaders to do the same. He cares deeply about the success of others and responsibility leadership teams have to take care of the business by taking care of the people. 

Today's chat is all about shaking things up in the workplace because let’s be real—it's high time we start rethinking how we do things! We're diving headfirst into the future of work, where traditional norms are being tossed out the window, and I’m here for it. Our guest, Kendall Harrell, brings some serious insights from his years of experience in HR, highlighting how those comfy, old-school practices might just be holding us back. He argues that a little discomfort could spark innovation and growth, and you know what? I couldn't agree more! So, buckle up as we explore how leaders can step up, embrace change, and actually listen to what their teams want, all while keeping it real and fun.

Takeaways:

• This episode dives into how traditional work culture norms are being challenged, especially in the US, which could lead to exciting changes.
• The importance of discomfort in the workplace is emphasized, as it can lead to growth and necessary re-evaluations of business practices.
• Leaders are encouraged to listen to their employees and adapt to their needs, ensuring a balanced employer-employee relationship.
• The discussion highlights the potential for positive change in work environments, driven by employee engagement and community building.
• Kendall shares his journey from fitness to HR, illustrating that career paths can be unpredictable but rewarding when pursued with passion.
• The impact of recent social movements on workplace policies, focusing on transparency and employee rights, is explored as crucial for future work dynamics.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Kendall's Linked In Page
• Kent's Linked In Page
• https://kent.coach

Buckle up, folks! We’re on a wild ride through the shifting sands of the work landscape, and guess what? Kendall Harrell is our trusty guide. In this chat, we grapple with some big ideas like the need for discomfort in a world where comfort has been the norm for too long. Kendall breaks down how traditional workplace expectations, like always being in the office and keeping quiet about pay, are being challenged—and honestly, it’s about time! We’re tackling the tough stuff here, from unions on the rise to the need for leaders to actively listen to their teams. The episode shines a light on the importance of allowing employees to voice their needs and frustrations, because if we’re not careful, we could see social movements popping up in response to workplace inequities. So, whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or supporting someone who is, this episode is jam-packed with insights that'll help you understand how to thrive in the new era of work. It's not just about making it through the day; it’s about making a real impact and pushing for change.

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

Most of us were taught that resilience means gritting your teeth and pushing through. Leadership advisor Angus Nelson challenges that idea head-on — and what he offers instead is both more practical and more human. In this conversation, Kent and Angus explore why a dysregulated nervous system is the most expensive bottleneck in any business, and what leaders can actually do about it.

Guest: Angus Nelson is the author of Neuro Resilient Leader and founder of Evolve Leadership — he helps high-performing leaders install what he calls Leadership Stability through his C³ Protocol: Clarity, Capacity, and Composure.

In this episode:

• [00:00] — Why resilience is about becoming, not pressing through
• [02:26] — Angus's origin story: losing $72K, hitting rock bottom, and finding a new path
• [06:45] — Redefining resilience: from white-knuckling to absorbing life's lessons
• [09:31] — Why you can't outwork the pace of AI and market velocity
• [13:18] — The C³ Protocol: Clarity, Capacity, and Composure unpacked
• [25:54] — Leadership stability as infrastructure: how a dysregulated leader creates a dysregulated team
• [29:45] — Practical tools: breathwork, EFT tapping, visualization, meditation, and rewriting your narrative
• [37:58] — Certainty addiction: why waiting to feel confident is a trap
• [45:03] — Humanity as competitive advantage in an AI-driven world

Resources mentioned:

• Neuro Resilient Leader by Angus Nelson — freebook.vip (free copy + 10-day experience at time of recording)
• C³ Protocol (Clarity, Capacity, Composure) — Angus's leadership framework
• EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) — search "EFT tapping" for tutorials
• Box breathing / breathwork — widely covered on YouTube and in wellness resources
• Jack Dorsey's memo on middle management and player-coach leadership — search "Jack Dorsey middle management memo"

Links for today's show:

• Angus Nelson on LinkedIn
• angusnelson.com
• Neuro Resilient Leader — freebook.vip
• Kent Kniebel on LinkedIn
• The Promoted Leader Toolkit

Music for this podcast comes from a live recording of the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on pertnearsandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.

• Enjoyed the episode? Leave a rating and review wherever you listen — it helps more leaders find the show.

What happens when your technical brilliance gets you promoted — and then becomes your biggest liability? Frank Sherwood spent his early career as a high-performing engineer who needed "finishing school" to survive leadership. In this conversation, Frank traces his career from aerospace engineering at Rosemount to managing a 500-site global real estate portfolio to joining CBRE — and what each transition demanded of him as a leader.

Guest: Frank Sherwood is First Vice President at CBRE, with a 20+ year career in corporate real estate spanning leadership roles at JLL, Staubach, Cushman & Wakefield, and CRESA, including managing real estate portfolios across 75 countries.

In this episode:

• 0:00 — Cold open: Frank's mentor on delivering hard messages with grace
• 3:25 — How Frank went from entry-level engineer to engineering manager almost overnight at Rosemount Aerospace
• 4:31 — The performance review that sent him to "finishing school" — and why people skills became the priority
• 6:30 — Crossing to the service provider side: why Frank called his old vendor to apologize
• 10:27 — Why hiring to your weak side (not your strength) leads to better leadership
• 12:35 — Building cross-functional alliances: lessons from Roger Staubach on client service and peer relationships
• 16:27 — Practical advice for leaders new to a role: ask questions before making decisions
• 25:17 — How to position yourself for promotion: anticipate your boss's needs before they ask
• 27:11 — Frank's core leadership belief: dignity, fairness, and respect for everyone

Resources mentioned:

• What Got You Here Won't Get You There — Marshall Goldsmith (referenced by Kent) — amazon.com search
• How to Win Friends and Influence People — Dale Carnegie (Frank references the Carnegie principle on helping others get what they want) — amazon.com search
• Harvard Business Review — hbr.org
• The Economist — economist.com
• Roger Staubach / The Staubach Company — now part of JLL (search "Roger Staubach commercial real estate")
• Vern Heath, founder of Rosemount Aerospace (historical reference)
• CBRE — cbre.com

Links for today's show:

• Frank Sherwood on LinkedIn
• Kent Kniebel on LinkedIn
• The Promoted Leader Toolkit

Music for this podcast comes from a live recording of the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on pertnearsandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.

• Enjoyed the episode? Leave a rating and review wherever you listen — it helps more leaders find the show.

Anna Marie Samson is a people-focused leader, strategist, and culture builder with a passion for helping organizations grow without losing what makes them human.

With experience spanning learning and development, talent management, and organizational effectiveness, Anna Marie has spent her career designing systems that unlock performance, engagement, and joy at work.

With over two decades of shaping people strategy in fast-paced, growth-oriented environments such as Celanese, FedEx, and Wingstop, she brings experience leading global talent teams across manufacturing, retail, and hospitality sectors.

In her current role as Vice President of Learning, People, and Culture at Nothing Bundt Cakes she leads the creation of scalable HR infrastructure, enterprise learning strategy, leadership development systems, and culture initiatives, that supports 800 locations.

Anna Marie brings a unique combination of operational discipline and strategic foresight in helping teams scale, leaders grow, and cultures thrive through periods of change. Whether she’s building learning ecosystems, coaching leaders, or shaping company culture, Anna Marie brings clarity, warmth, and a bias toward action. Outside of work, she’s a mom of three, a connector, and a lifelong learner who believes that great leadership starts with curiosity, courage, and care.

We're diving deep into the art of leadership today, and let me tell you, the main takeaway is all about embracing mistakes as part of the journey. We're chatting with Anna Marie Samson, the VP of People for Nothing Bundt Cakes, and she’s got some golden nuggets of wisdom to share about how leaders can create a culture where it's okay to fail. The episode kicks off with a refreshing reminder that indecision can drain more time and resources than making the wrong call. We’ll talk about how giving your team the green light to experiment can supercharge their willingness to engage and innovate. Plus, we’ll unpack the power of transparency in leadership and how asking the right questions can elevate decision-making quality. So grab your favorite snack—maybe a bundt cake, if you can—and let’s get into some real talk about making leadership easier and more impactful!

Ever felt like the corporate world is a rollercoaster? Well, grab your seatbelt because we’re diving into the chaos of leadership in this episode! Kent Kniebel, your trusty host, chats with Anna Marie Samson, the VP of People at Nothing Bundt Cakes (yup, the yummy cake place!). They kick things off by discussing how indecision can cost organizations more than making the wrong call. Anna Marie shares some gold nuggets from her experience, emphasizing that leaders should encourage risk-taking and experimentation. It’s all about creating that safe space where teams can make mistakes, learn quickly, and bounce back like a rubber ball. You’ll get a peek into the evolution of HR as they navigate the complexities of leadership roles. The duo also highlights the importance of transparency in leadership—sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly to build trust and engagement within teams. So, if you’re looking to step up your leadership game and create a more invigorating environment for your crew, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Takeaways:

1. Effective leaders recognize that failure is part of the journey, encouraging teams to learn from mistakes.
2. Indecision can be more costly than making a wrong decision, so leaders should promote action.
3. Building strong relationships with team members drives engagement and ultimately improves performance.
4. Transparency in leadership fosters trust and empowers team members to contribute meaningfully to decisions.
5. Encouraging reflective practices in teams enhances their decision-making abilities and promotes growth.
6. HR should support leaders by aligning their efforts with organizational goals and prioritizing impactful initiatives.

Links for today's show:

1. Anna Marie's LinkedIn Page
2. Kent's Linked In Page
3. Promoted Leader Playbook

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

*Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com

Elena Agaragimova is a global talent development expert, speaker, and Co-Founder of Shiftwell.ai—a human-centered performance and wellbeing platform. With over 15 years of experience spanning higher education, corporate learning, and entrepreneurship, Elena helps individuals and organizations unlock growth through practical, neuroscience-backed strategies. She’s passionate about building high-performing, soul-centered workplaces and preparing the next generation for the future of work.

The future of leadership hinges on understanding how our nervous systems operate, especially for those in charge. We dive deep into the six essential elements that drive human performance: mindset, career, health, relationships, environment, and purpose. It's all about creating a vibe where leaders can thrive without burning out, because let’s be real, if you’re operating out of fear, you’re bound to blow things up at work. We chat with talent management expert Elena Agaragamova, who shares her insights on how organizations can cultivate a healthier work environment by checking in on these elements. So, whether you're leading a team or supporting someone who is, this episode is your roadmap to fostering a more engaged and productive workplace.

Kent Kniebel, your podcast host, opens the floor to a riveting discussion with Elena Agaragimova, a dynamo in talent management. The episode is a treasure trove for anyone wanting to level up their leadership game. We explore how the six elements that drive human performance—mindset, career, health, relationships, environment, and purpose—are crucial for creating a thriving workplace. Elena's experience transitioning from academia to corporate consulting is a testament to how understanding these elements can boost not just individual performance but also organizational culture. Elena emphasizes the importance of a leader’s mental state, noting that if you’re leading from a place of fear or burnout, it’s like trying to navigate a ship through a storm without a compass. The conversation flows into the practical side of things—how companies often treat wellness as an afterthought, tossing out yoga mats and Fitbits instead of fostering a culture of well-being. We even tackle the elephant in the room: the outdated approach to employee engagement that many companies are still clinging to. As we navigate through each element, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and think critically about the systems in place at their organizations. If you’ve ever felt like you’re on a hamster wheel at work, this episode is a must-listen. By the end, you’ll be itching to implement some of these insights and transform your workplace from the inside out!

Links for today's show:

1. Elena's Linked In Page
2. Elena's website
3. Shiftwell.ai
4. Kent's Linked In Page
5. Promoted Leader Playbook

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

*Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com

David Boelens is the Integrated Talent Development (ITD) lead for Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality at Raytheon, an RTX Company. The ITD mission is aimed at connecting people with questions to people with answers in a personal, scalable, and sustainable way.

Prior to working at Raytheon, David served in the United States Army as a Cavalry Officer. At Raytheon, he has held roles of increasing responsibility in Operations, Supply Chain, Digital Technologies, and Learning and Talent Development. David has a Bachelor’s degree in History from Texas A&M University, and a Masters in Supply Chain and Entrepreneurship from Texas Christian University.

Breaking down skills into bite-sized pieces is the name of the game in today’s chat! We’re diving into how hard skill training can actually teach us a thing or two about soft skills, and trust me, it’s pretty enlightening. Think of it like baking a cake: the more you practice and refine each step, the better your results get—whether you’re whipping up a dessert or mastering leadership skills. Our guest, David Bolens from Raytheon, shares some golden nuggets on how defining individual skills empowers growth, making you a more effective leader over time. So grab your apron, because by the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to mix both hard and soft skills into a recipe for success!

Diving headfirst into the sweet and savory world of skill development, we take on the age-old debate of soft skills versus hard skills. Picture this: baking a cake or whipping up some killer enchiladas. Sounds fun, right? But what if I told you that the secret to mastering these culinary delights lies in breaking down each task into bite-sized chunks? That's the essence of our conversation today! With guest David Bolens, the mastermind behind integrated talent development at Raytheon, we explore how dissecting tasks empowers everyone from interns to seasoned pros to elevate their game. David shares his journey from the army to the corporate world, revealing how his experiences shaped his view on skill acquisition. Forget about the traditional labels of 'hard' and 'soft' skills; we’ve got people skills, process skills, and tool skills to dive into! By embracing this fresh perspective, we can tackle everything from giving feedback to mastering complex processes with finesse. So whether you're a newbie or a seasoned leader, tune in to discover how breaking things down can lead to more delicious outcomes in your professional kitchen!

Takeaways:

1. Baking a cake or making enchiladas, it's all about breaking down tasks to achieve your goals, not the other way around, you feel me?
2. In learning and development, breaking skills down into individual parts empowers us to improve and master new things over time, like baking that perfect cake!
3. Soft skills and hard skills are like two sides of the same coin; understanding each can enhance the other and lead to better leadership outcomes.
4. We often overlook the importance of how soft skills can teach us nuances in hard skills, emphasizing adaptability and critical thinking in the workplace.

Links for today's show:

1. David's Linked In Page
2. Kent's Linked In Page
3. Promoted Leader Playbook

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

*Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com

As a certified executive coach, Organizational Development strategist, Impact Measurement & Learning expert, and founder of The Trusted Edge, Kasia Hatcher helps strong women and mission-driven organizations lead with clarity, grounded confidence, and measurable impact. Her 20+ years across 20+ countries includes coaching political appointees, senior foreign service officials, and leaders at Google, Deloitte, and the U.S. State Department. Her approach blends systems thinking, human-centered design, emotional intelligence, and a faith-rooted belief in the power of leading from the inside out.

Today, we're talking about scaling your business while building and/or maintaining your culture.

A good coach doesn’t just hand you a roadmap; they trust you’ve got the answers within and help you ask the right questions to bridge that pesky inside action gap. Today, we’re diving deep into the art of building and maintaining a kickass culture while scaling your business, especially for all you women founders out there. Our guest, the brilliant Kasha Hatcher, shares her journey from international development to coaching, where she emphasizes that creating a thriving workplace culture starts with intention and trust. We chat about the importance of slowing down to make those aligned decisions that can propel your growth without burning out. So, if you’re ready to step up your leadership game and cultivate a vibe that keeps your team engaged and thriving, you’re in for a treat!

Navigating the wild world of scaling a business can feel like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle, right? In this enlightening chat, we’re diving deep into the nitty-gritty of creating a solid company culture as you grow from a one-person show into a bustling team. Kasia Hatcher, our brilliant guest, shares her journey from international development to executive coaching, highlighting the importance of intentional culture-building from the get-go. She emphasizes that a good coach, much like her, won’t just hand you the answers on a silver platter; instead, they’ll help you dig deep into your own motivations and insights. We explore the trials and triumphs of women founders, the inner battles of perfectionism, and the necessity of trust—both in yourself and in your team. This isn’t just about managing people; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and connected to the mission, even as the ship sails into uncharted waters. So grab your headphones, kick back, and let’s unpack how to scale smartly and sustainably while keeping a vibrant culture alive. Trust me, you won’t want to miss these gems of wisdom!

Takeaways:

1. A great coach won't just hand you answers; they'll create space for you to find them yourself, which is pretty dope.
2. Trust is key in coaching—helping clients bridge the gap between insight and action is what it's all about.
3. When scaling a business, intentionally crafting your culture from day one is crucial for long-term success and team alignment.
4. Women founders often struggle with perfectionism and trusting others, which can hold back their business growth.
5. Creating a culture that promotes trust and shared understanding among team members leads to better collaboration and innovation.
6. Slowing down to make aligned decisions is way more effective than rushing through tasks—remember, quality over quantity!

Links for today's show:

1. Kasia's Linked In Page
2. https://www.thetrustededge.com/
3. Kent's Linked In Page
4. Promoted Leader Playbook

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

*Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com