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

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The Step UP - Where Leaders, Talent Managers and Leadership Development pros find expert tips for Leadership excellence

Kent Kniebel

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/8d. Total Eps: 57

About the Podcast The Step Up brings together experts who help leaders elevate their impact. Each 45-minute episode features conversations with thought leaders, practitioners, and innovators who are changing how we think about leadership development and helping leaders step up their game. Why This Podcast Exists Throughout my career—from my time at organizations like Korn Ferry, Cargill, General Mills, and Buffalo Wild Wings to my current work as an independent leadership consultant—I've witnessed firsthand how leaders struggle during moments of change and transition and when learning higher-level skills. Work never slows down, and leaders often find themselves trying to grow while in the thick of daily demands. The Step Up is designed to provide practical wisdom and actionable strategies that busy leaders can implement immediately to enhance their effectiveness. What to Expect Each episode follows a two-part format: Part One: Leadership Journeys We explore our guest's background, expertise, and unique perspective on leadership development. You'll hear authentic stories about their experiences supporting leaders and the insights they've gained along the way. Part Two: Actionable Strategies Our guests share three specific, practical tools or approaches that you can apply to your leadership right away. We dig into each one, discussing how to implement it effectively in your unique context. Your Host Kent Kniebel brings over 20 years of experience in leadership development, talent management, and DEI consulting to each conversation. Drawing on his background in corporate HR roles and external consulting work, Kent guides discussions that bridge theory and practice, focusing on what really works in today's leadership landscape. Connect with Kent Have questions about the podcast or want to continue the conversation? Connect with Kent on LinkedIn or visit Kniebel Leadership Advisory to learn more about his work supporting leaders during critical transitions.

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Apple Podcasts

🇬🇧 Great Britain - management
22/08/2026
#69
🇬🇧 Great Britain - management
13/06/2026
#96
🇺🇸 USA - management
16/05/2025
#87
🇺🇸 USA - management
15/05/2025
#58
🇺🇸 USA - management
14/05/2025
#87
🇺🇸 USA - management
12/05/2025
#96
🇺🇸 USA - management
11/05/2025
#82
🇺🇸 USA - management
10/05/2025
#58

Spotify

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https://kent.coach/playbook
31 shares
https://PertNeaerSandstone.com
25 shares
https://www.fynngentle.com
21 shares

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentkniebel/
54 shares
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollyconlinpeterson/
2 shares
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottjeffreymiller/
1 share

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Score global : 63%

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Push and Love: Nick Tasler on Leadership Growth through Change

Episode 4

Thursday, May 8, 2025 • Duration 35:47

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:

**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.**

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Scaling Leadership Development: Bri Flynn on Building Better Managers At Scale

Episode 3

Thursday, May 8, 2025 • Duration 41:02

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.

Coachability: Kevin Wilde on How to Keep Growing After the Big Promotion

Episode 2

Thursday, May 8, 2025 • Duration 44:50

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.

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.

Bringing the Heat: Kendall Harrell on How to Make Work Work for Everyone

Episode 1

Thursday, May 8, 2025 • Duration 46:42

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:

Resilience Isn't About Being Bulletproof, It's About Becoming

Episode 47

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 • Duration 55:25

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"

From Engineer to Executive: Learning People Skills the Hard Way

Episode 46

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 • Duration 28:22

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

The Power of Reflective Questions: Coaching Your Team to Better Decisions w/ Anna Marie Sampson

Episode 37

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 • Duration 45:40

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!

The Six Secrets to Human Performance: Unlocking Your Team's Potential w/ Elena Agaragimova

Episode 36

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 • Duration 45:28

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!

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: The Ultimate Showdown w/ David Boelens

Episode 35

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 • Duration 44:27

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!

Scaling with Soul: Building a Culture that Thrives w/ Kasia Hatcher

Episode 34

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 • Duration 46:03

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!

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

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

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other84

LinkedIn54

Amazon10

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other84

LinkedIn54

Amazon10