Unconventional Leadership Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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Season 3, Episode 218

How to Build a High-Performing Team That Actually TRUSTS You (feat. Sweta Joshi & Mike Sipple Jr.)

Sweta Joshi shares a powerful perspective on feedback, inspired by her father’s wisdom. She discusses how shifting our mindset around feedback—seeing it as a belief in our potential rather than criticism—can transform personal and professional growth.

🔗 Links and Resources:

- Connect with Sweta Joshi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swetajoshi/

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Subscribe & Listen to more content here:

➡️ Web: https://www.talentmagnet.com/podcast

➡️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGtiiP79wCZ2ALPztpr-7XWMl7uQUFRvB

➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unconventional-leadership-podcast/id1378659047

➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4O6tNE9H2cuWba5Ovnum8C

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TIMECODES:

00:00 - Welcome to the Unconventional Leadership Podcast

00:38 - Introducing Sweta Joshi: HR Leader at RH AeroSystems

01:50 - The Power of Asking the Right Questions in Leadership

05:30 - Why Employee Engagement is More Than Just a Buzzword

10:45 - The #1 Leadership Skill Every Manager Needs in 2025

15:20 - How to Build a High-Performing Team From Day One

22:10 - Overcoming the Biggest Challenges in Leading People

30:35 - The Mindset Shift That Transforms Good Leaders into Great Ones

40:15 - The Secret to Retaining Top Talent in Today’s Market

45:10 - Final Advice from Sweta Joshi on Leadership Success

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Connect with the Mike Sipple, Jr!

LinkTree: ➡ https://www.linktr.ee/mikesipplejr

LinkedIn: ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesipplejr

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Connect with the Talent Magnet Institute!

YouTube: ➡ https://www.youtube.com/@talentmagnetinstitute

LinkedIn: ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentmagnetinstitute

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Connect with the Centennial on LinkedIn:

➡ https://www.linkedin.com/company/centennial-inc

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Produced by the Cincinnati Podcast Studio

Creating high-quality a DIY video podcast is complicated. Cincinnati Podcast Studio simplifies video podcast production so you can just show up and share your message, creating true fans while establishing your authority and building trust.

Are you in the Greater Cincinnati area and interested in starting your own podcast?

Book a Tour Today ➡ https://cincinnatipodcaststudio.com/tour

Learn more about the Cincinnati Podcast Studio: ➡ [https://cincinnatipodcaststudio.com](https://cincinnatipodcaststudio.com/)

Take the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quiz

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Season 3, Episode 217

Can Getting Outside Make You a Better Leader? (feat. Rhiannon Hoeweler & Mike Sipple Jr.)

Can stepping away from your desk — and into nature — actually make you a better leader?

In this episode, Rhiannon Hoeweler, VP of Strategic Impact at MadTree Brewing, shares how spending time outdoors fuels better leadership, clearer thinking, and stronger teams. We explore why MadTree prioritizes environmental stewardship, how they connect their people to purpose, and the unexpected ways nature enhances mental health, decision-making, and resilience.

If you’re a CEO, HR leader, founder, or consultant wondering how to lead better — maybe the answer isn’t in the boardroom. Maybe it’s on the trails.

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Links and Resources:

• Connect with Rhiannon Hoeweler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhiannon-hoeweler-4bb29a44/

• Learn more about MadTree Brewing: https://madtree.com

• Join Impact 100 Cincinnati: https://impact100.org

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Subscribe & Listen to more content here:

➡️ Web: https://www.talentmagnet.com/podcast

➡️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGtiiP79wCZ2ALPztpr-7XWMl7uQUFRvB

➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unconventional-leadership-podcast/id1378659047

➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4O6tNE9H2cuWba5Ovnum8C

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⏳ TIMECODES:

00:00 - Welcome and intro

00:44 - Rhiannon’s leadership journey and creating impact-driven roles

02:15 - How MadTree Brewing built a strategy for sustainability

05:48 - Turning community engagement into competitive advantage

10:53 - How hiring the right leaders fuels innovation

17:25 - Building a connected ecosystem of nonprofits and businesses

26:18 - The emotional side of leadership — navigating self-doubt and growth

38:03 - Why outdoor recreation, trails, and nature improve mental health

50:26 - Leadership, gratitude, and self-care practices that work

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Connect with Mike Sipple, Jr.!

LinkTree: ➡️ https://www.linktr.ee/mikesipplejr

LinkedIn: ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesipplejr

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Connect with the Talent Magnet Institute!

YouTube: ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/@talentmagnetinstitute

LinkedIn: ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentmagnetinstitute

================================

Connect with Centennial on LinkedIn:

➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/company/centennial-inc

================================

Produced by the Cincinnati Podcast Studio

Creating a high-quality DIY video podcast is complicated. Cincinnati Podcast Studio simplifies video podcast production so you can just show up and share your message, creating true fans while establishing your authority and building trust.

Are you in the Greater Cincinnati area and interested in starting your own podcast?

📍 Book a Tour Today: ➡️ https://cincinnatipodcaststudio.com/tour

Learn more about the Cincinnati Podcast Studio: ➡️ https://cincinnatipodcaststudio.com

Take the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quiz

https://www.talentmagnet.com/quiz

Season 3, Episode 208

Cards for Culture & Doing Something About the Burnout Spectrum (feat. Melanie Booher & Mike Sipple Jr.)

In this episode of The Unconventional Leadership Podcast, we dive deep into the transformative power of workplace culture with Melanie Booher. Are you creating an environment where your team thrives, or are unseen barriers holding them back?

We explore strategies to:

- Build intentional cultures that drive success.

- Overcome burnout and isolation in leadership.

- Unlock the untapped potential within your team.

Plus, hear about the groundbreaking "Cards for Culture" game that helps teams align their values and behaviors for lasting impact.

Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or someone passionate about creating better workplaces, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.

🔗 Links and Resources:

- Take the Self-Care Quiz: https://www.talentmagnet.com/quiz

- Learn more about Cards for Culture: https://www.cardsforculturegame.com

- Connect with Melanie Booher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-booher/

================================

Subscribe & Listen to more content here:

➡️ Web: https://www.talentmagnet.com/podcast

➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talentmagnetinstitute/

➡️ Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unconventional-leadership-podcast/id1378659047⁠

➡️ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4O6tNE9H2cuWba5Ovnum8C?si=pLSN3-cOScKinojh68xxOA⁠ 

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TIMECODES:

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:03:44 – Defining culture in the workplace

00:06:15 – Importance of intentionality in culture building

00:07:12 – The transformative power of "Cards for Culture"

00:10:03 – Creating a safe environment for debate

00:13:02 – Unlocking human potential with intentionality

00:35:00 – Isolation and burnout in leadership roles

00:37:11 – The value of mastermind groups

00:52:00 – Why being intentional isn’t unconventional

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Connect with the Melanie Booher!

LinkedIn: ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-booher/

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Connect with the Mike Sipple, Jr!

LinkTree: ➡ https://www.linktr.ee/mikesipplejr

LinkedIn: ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesipplejr

================================

Connect with the Talent Magnet Institute!

YouTube: ➡ https://www.youtube.com/@talentmagnetinstitute

LinkedIn: ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentmagnetinstitute

================================

Connect with the Centennial on LinkedIn:

➡ https://www.linkedin.com/company/centennial-inc

================================

🌐 https://www.talentmagnet.com

This week, guest host Don Frericks kicks off his Extraordinary Leader series.  Don is a Faculty Member of the Talent Magnet Institute and author of Best Boss Ever.  In this episode he interviews Keith Hawk, an accomplished sales executive, public speaker and co-author with Michael Boland of the book Get Real Selling. This conversation is a must for anyone who aspires to lead well and really cares about people-centered business practices.  Don and Keith review how Keith rose through the ranks of a large data management organization and what he feels contributed to his success at each level. (5:57) “I think it’s important to constantly develop ourselves, our strengths, our skill, work on our weaknesses, understand what we’re good at...and then when opportunity arises be the kind of person that people want to work with.” Keith Hawk (8:13) Keith shares his success tips about clarity and how that motivates people to do their best work. (10:21) Keith also shares the one element of communication that will earn you more respect than anything else you do. (12:12)  LISTEN NOW to find out what that is!  Don and Keith discuss myths about being a leader (15:41) and how to navigate (and learn from) bad leaders. (17:29) They also share a list of common denominators great leaders possess and how those aspects move business to greater heights.  He discusses details about these issues leaders face everyday:  The power of being optimistic as a leader. Hear how to be optimistic without being unrealistic. (18:39) His tried and true best practices for helping middle managers lead well. (27:45) What to communicate and how to do it effectively. (28:48) “It’s the duty of the leader to be in a good mood...I am in the optimism business.  It really is important for us always to see that there is another way to succeed.”  Keith Hawk (24:59) Keith shares his insight about leadership development and changing priorities in organizations in the new era of COVID-19, (36:02) as well as tips for leaders who want to continue their leadership journey even when budget cuts occur.  (42:54) You can follow Keith on Twitter @DKHawk30.  Stay tuned for the next Extraordinary Leaders Episode with Don Frericks!  #bestbossever #getrealselling #leadership #leadwell #talentmagnet

This week Mike talks with Alandes Powell, Vice President of Business Controls at Fifth Third Bank.  They discuss the key skills leaders need to manage people, and how to use these skills to transform business in the future.  Alandes is passionate about helping leaders understand that people from different parts of the business will have different perspectives.  She shares key ideas about:  How to ask the right questions to get the information you need to lead well (5:45) How to be okay with not having all the answers (8:10) Making mistakes and course-correcting as fast as possible (11:18) Alandes says that leaders must create an environment that encourages people to raise their hand when they see something that doesn’t fit the company’s core values.  This is true courage in leadership. “Leaders have to learn how to tell people what to do without telling them what to do, because we are all adults.  One way to do that is to be honest with people...about the decisions [you] are making and why [you] are making it.  Course correct when [you] do something wrong, but have the courage to do something.”  Alandes Powell (11:18) Alandes shares her mindset shifts every leader needs to consider to lead well in the future. (20:23) She calls leaders to action to build policies now that will guide their workforce to make sound, safe decisions about coming to work again. (26:29) LISTEN NOW to hear her suggestions on how to make it happen and what to consider.  In regards to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I), Alandes and Mike discuss how leaders can set a new precedence in their organizations while so much change is taking place.  For example, instead of cutting DE&I, think about how it can serve your organization on a broader scale.  In addition, leaders need to consider how their policies and structure line up with their core values.  Alandes give leaders permission to make mistakes, and course-correct if they realize they made some decisions that don’t line up with their values. (41:18) “We’re going to get some things wrong.  We’re not perfect.  Even in a boardroom we are not perfect.” (41:28)  When asked for any closing tips, Alandes says leaders need to acknowledge that  mid-level managers are the key to people-centered business. Educating them on how to be honest, transparent, uplifting, compassionate, and flexible will help everyone stay accountable to your organization’s overarching goals.  (43:26) Claim your free resource COVID-19 Return To Work Compass HERE!  #leadingwell #talentmagnet #progressnotperfection #wfh

This week Mike talks with Executive Coach Elaine Suess.  She is the President of Beyond Being, an Executive and Leadership Coaching practice.  Elaine shares her coaching tips regarding how to move forward after a crisis.   Elaine shares a tactical model she uses, DSRO, and how it gives leaders a process to work through complicated challenges and goals.  (2:50) Everyone is dealing with challenges right now.  Elaine shares her 2 biggest steps leaders can make towards Reset as well as pivots leaders need to make right now. (5:34) Speaking into courageous leadership, Elaine shares how to build confidence and trust in your teams. (9:55)  “The more vulnerable we are, the more vulnerable our people will be.  It gives them tacit permission to mirror our own behaviors.” (10:44) Elaine Suess What strengths do you need to tap into now?  Elaine shares her insights from working with top leaders who were ready to upskill.  Listen now for these tips:  What strengths do you need to tap into (11:24) How to create momentum with small wins (14:07) Tools for resetting, decision making, and upskilling (15:23) How to reframe uncomfortable conversations to create a healthier organization (21:04) Elaine shares her “virtuous cycle of learning” process, overcoming limiting beliefs, and how they have positively changed the performance of her clients. (17:03) “It doesn’t matter whether you’re the CEO or leading from the middle, it doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, everybody has limiting beliefs that keep them from being the best possible leader and human being that they want to be and can be.” (22:42) Elaine Suess Other practical advice Elaine shares with listeners:  What does it mean to lead as a coach? (25:21) How to create a higher degree of accountability across your organization (30:35) What is really holding people back from their best selves (42:51) Qualities of leaders who create team success (45:39) Mike and Elaine close this episode with a challenge to all leaders to ask themselves: “What is your focus toward the future regarding goals, mindset, and resiliency.  (50:50)   Listen NOW to this tactical and inspiring conversation!  #courageousleadership #talentmagnet #leadership #successinleadership

This week Mike kicks off an upcoming series with long-time mentor and Talent Magnet Institute Faculty member Don Frericks. Don recently published his book, Best Boss Ever: The 5 Steps To Rapidly Develop Yourself Into The Leader Everyone Wants To Follow.  Mike and Don begin this discussion with resources for leaders who’s organizations are wondering whether they should revise their leadership development initiatives.  (1:15) Don shares his insights about:  What qualities make some leaders irresistible to follow?  How are leaders most effectively developed?  What defines an extraordinary leader? (4:42) Listen NOW and SUBSCRIBE to get notifications about future episodes featuring Don’s interviews with top notch leaders from around the world. In this series with Don,  Hear leaders’ stories and the qualities that consistently show up to make them stand out as extraordinary What it takes to accelerate development What the future of leadership development looks like, especially in times of crisis and challenge. (7:31) Don also shares some practical tips from his book. (12:59)  See below for links to other episodes featuring Don, and SUBSCRIBE NOW so you don’t miss an episode!  Episode #22: What Makes Leaders Extraordinary with Don Frericks Episode 104: Character Traits of Enduring Leaders with Don Frericks #bestbossever #talentmagnet #leadership #extraordinaryleadership

This week’s episode is very timely to the national conversation at large, even though it was recorded on May 5, 2020, three weeks before the unrest surrounding the death of George Floyd.   Mike has an insightful conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) with Talent Magnet Institute Faculty member Priya Klocek and Eugene Partridge, Director of Procurement Operations for Paycor.  They discuss:  Acknowledgment of  privilege without guilt Definitions of Inclusion and Equity Using the advantage of a quickly changing environment to uplevel DE&I priorities This is another MUST episode for anyone who wants to lead well in relationships, work, community and life.  Listen NOW!  Mike, Eugene and Priya start the conversation by calling on organizational leaders to have conversations with their workforce so everyone can perform at their highest ability and feel supported. (6:39) Eugene shares his insights about the challenges that people face while working from home, for example, something as simple as a space to work like a home office. (8:43)  Priya reinforces his points by calling out the things many people have taken for granted. (11:07) She shares a story about a recent trip to the grocery store that had a profound effect on her awareness of privilege. (12:19) Listen to her story NOW! Mike asks Eugene and Priya how leaders can take the lessons from the current pandemic crisis, to create change and advance the betterment of all people. Priya says, “Stereotypes are being rewritten” (16:12) and urges leaders to be more aware about the assumptions that they make. (46:26)  Listen to her insights NOW!   “We are changing the narrative as we are moving forward...we’ve changed under stress, but as the stress starts to pull back, are we going to go back to the old things? Or, or are we going to truly stick with the new behavior, policies, procedures, to see the value they are bringing to the table.”  Priya Klocek (18:25) Eugene challenges leaders to become “change agents,” to commit to pulling the best out of their talent. He calls on them to consider their unconscious biases while recruiting, and take time to plan for more effective DE&I on all levels of business. (27:01, 42:18) “Thirty-three percent of hiring managers know if they are going to hire you within the first 90 seconds of the conversation.” Eugene Partridge (49:58) Eugene asks leaders to address how bias and the idea of “culture fit” is inadvertently homogenizing their workforce. He shares insight about the value diversity of thought brings to an organization. (51:04) Mike, Eugene and Priya ask, “How are you going to pivot” when DE&I becomes essential to all dimensions of the future of work?  Listen NOW! If you’d like to talk to Mike about how you can address DE&I thoughtfully, send him a message via Speakpipe!  Click here.  #talentmagnet #diversity #inclusion #equity #leadership #privilege

This week Mike and Julie Bauke, Talent Magnet Institute Faculty member and Chief Career Advisor of The Bauke Group, have an honest conversation about managing layoffs and furloughs.  They discuss  The do’s and dont’s of communication,  Best practices for long-term culture preservation, and  4 keys every leader needs to address when reducing their workforce.   This tactical discussion is a must for everyone who aspires to lead successfully in relationships, work, community, and life.   Mike and Julie begin with what NOT to do and voice concerns about how so many organizations are reacting to the pandemic crisis. They share their best practices on the healthy way to make quick, difficult decisions. (2:25)  Julie and Mike emphasize that leaders need to be aware of the long-term impact uncompassionate layoffs have on an organization, and how to look at workforce reduction strategically. (7:22) “What you do today will affect your brand as an employer for years to come. Period. End of story.”  Julie Bauke (7:41) Julie and Mike share their 4 keys to preserving your organization’s values and culture:  Communication planning and what NEVER to do when laying people off (9:23) “Everybody can handle handing out bonus checks, but where leadership really, really is impactful and long lasting is...in times of crisis.” Julie Bauke (15:47) Transparency and how to communicate after a less-than-ideal scenario (13:32) Listen NOW, then reach out to Mike via Speakpipe and get honest feedback before making your next move. Using your human resources: What is appropriate when asking for input from your workforce in the decision-making process (16:03) “Every time we can help our people know they are part of the solution and their voice is meaningful, and their opinion and thoughts matter, it makes [them] further gravitate to that organization.” Mike Sipple, Jr. (19:02) Mike and Julie share unique, low-cost ways to effectively communicate with furloughed employees, leverage PR and already existing resources. (19:58) Utilizing external advisors to develop unique solutions to reduce your workforce compassionately. (26:35) Julie says, “We have to be willing to reach out for help.  There’s nothing to be gained at this point by being stoic and ‘I can handle it,’ because all pieces of our world are shaking right now.” (28:22) Mike and Julie answer questions from the live broadcast and address subjects such as:  How do you prepare your workforce for bad news? (32:55) Maintaining morale before and after workforce reduction (39:55) Benefits of taking this time to reallocate people and energy to “parking lot” projects (42:51) Little things organizations are doing to express appreciation, help their people have fun and even laugh during meetings.  Listen NOW!  Click here to get your copy of the Talent Magnet Institute  COVID-19: Return To Work Compass  #leadership #talentmagnet #becomeatalentmagnet #culture #workforcereduction #layoffs

This is a special extra edition of the Talent Magnet Institute with a personal message from Mike Sipple Jr. about the importance of working towards anti-racism in our organizations, and some suggestions for how to do that work.