Take Command: A Leadership Podcast

Join host for a discussion with Asheesh Advani, CEO of Junior Achievement, on topics like building self-confidence, leadership coaching, resilience, and the power of surrounding oneself with smart people. Asheesh shares insights from his journey and the importance of empowering others to succeed.

Retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, Robin Holdren, discusses lifelong learning, authenticity, and building credibility through respect in leadership. She shares her experiences in showing empathy during Desert Storm and helping others reach their goals at ABB.

Embark on a journey of real-life business insights and inspiring personal growth narratives. Welcome to Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast, where we seek to uncover what leadership means in today’s world. Hosted by Joe Hart, CEO of Dale Carnegie, we’ll be talking to diverse leaders across various industries to help unlock your potential for success. We’ll be sharing real-life insights into leadership—which in turn can help spark the next level of your growth as a leader.This isn't just a podcast, it's your gateway to a more confident, influential, and successful you. Because at Dale Carnegie, we believe in bringing out the best in you. Let the journey begin.  Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share. 

About the Guest:Meet Matt Norman, the president of Dale Carnegie, North Central US. Matt’s career started in technology, where he struggled with confidence, building relationships, and communication. Over time, and by following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather (both Dale Carnegie trainers), Matt learned to trade the comfort of solving tangible problems for a deeper understanding of the ambiguity of interpersonal relationships. His new book, Lead with Influence: A Proven Process to Lead Without Authority, helps people everywhere learn the importance of relationship-building and communicating ideas.What You Will Learn:Strategies for blasting through self-perceptions to dig into unique leadership powers.Behind-the-scenes insights into the crafting of Matt’s new business book.Lessons on “slowing down to speed up” when it comes to crafting effective partnerships.Stories of Matt’s leadership growth and how you can get there too.Join us for this insightful episode where you’ll learn how to be a leader without authority and how to gain buy-in through building quality interpersonal relationships. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Matt’s wisdom collected on his journey as leader of the largest North American operation in the Dale Carnegie network.Episodes Notes:Lead with Influence: A Proven Process to Lead Without Authority: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1722506822?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_2ANXW81GXVGANVP7ZW9Y_1 Lead with Influence Course: https://www.dalecarnegie.com/en/courses/6629Matt Norman's Blog: https://www.mattnorman.com/ Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share. 

About the Guest:Meet Suzanne Sutter Chesnutt, a dynamic leader with a rich corporate leadership, philanthropy, and organizational development background. Suzanne's illustrious career culminated in her role as the CEO of Things Remembered, overseeing a massive 650-store organization. Her journey is characterized by a deep commitment to leadership development and significant contributions to charitable endeavors, particularly with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since 2014, Suzanne has served as a Dale Carnegie Board Member.What You Will Learn:Effective leadership strategies from a former CEO of a multi-store organization.The role of social responsibility in business and its impact on organizational success.The transformative power of personal and organizational change.Charitable endeavors and leadership development insights from a Dale Carnegie Board Member.Join us for this enlightening event where you'll gain insights into effective leadership from a seasoned CEO. Discover the importance of social responsibility in business and the transformative power of personal and organizational change. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Suzanne's wealth of experience and wisdom.  Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share. 

About the Guests:Christina Dorr Drake & Rusty Drake are the co-founders of Willa’s Organic Oat Milk since 2020. The couple juggled launching their product while simultaneously navigating Christina's breast cancer diagnosis and facing the COVID-19 pandemic. This episode features Rusty, a former filmmaker & Dale Carnegie master trainer turned entrepreneur, and Christina, an advertiser, a resilient cancer survivor, a well-being enthusiast, and an entrepreneur. Together, they share their journey of self-care, entrepreneurship, resilience, and growth, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.What You Will Learn:Communication Skills in Entrepreneurship: Rusty, drawing from his Dale Carnegie training background and experience, emphasizes the critical role of clear, frequent, and honest communication in entrepreneurship. Discover how effective communication impacts negotiation, sales relationships, and team leadership in the day-to-day operations of a global brand.Relationship Building in Sales: Rusty delves into the heart of his approach to sales, highlighting the importance of relationships. As Head of Sales at Willas, Rusty uses his Dale Carnegie communication and sales skills to navigate various industries, mastering the unique "language" of different stakeholders. Learn how building connections and friendships is the key to success in diverse markets.Resilience and Personal Agency: Hear Christina's inspiring story of confronting breast cancer head-on. She shares her perspective on taking ownership of her treatment plan, maintaining agency in the face of a challenging diagnosis, and turning adversity into strength. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder to flip the script and find empowerment in difficult times.Self-Care Culture in Entrepreneurship: Both Rusty and Christina emphasize the importance of mental health, therapy, and coaching for themselves, their teams, and their business. They discuss their commitment to adding self-care sessions to busy work calendars. Discover how prioritizing mental and physical health contributes to a stronger foundation for both personal well-being and business success.Asking for Help and Empowering Teams: Starting a business is challenging and demanding. Rusty and Christina share the importance of asking questions and seeking mentorship and help. Learn about the value of hiring experts to complement your skills and foster a sense of empowerment within your team. They highlight the power of collaboration, delegating tasks, and the strength that comes from learning and problem-solving together.Summary of the Story:Amidst the challenges of a global pandemic and a personal health crisis, Christina Dorr Drake and Rusty Drake not only launched a successful product but also built a resilient business. From effective communication to relationship building, resilience, and prioritizing self-care, their journey offers a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs and a testament to the strength that can arise from facing adversity with determination and grace.Join us to learn how Christina & Rusty successfully navigate family entrepreneurship, from self-care to team synergy, and collective growth!  Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share. 

About the Guest:Niren Chaudhary is the CEO & Chairman of the Board of Panera Brands, one of the world's largest fast-casual restaurant companies. With prior roles as President of Krispy Kreme and 23 years at Yum! Brands, including the Global President of KFC, his leadership is unparalleled. Fluent in four languages, he supports DKMS, a leading non-profit with the world’s largest stem cell donor registry.What will You Learn:Chaudhary offers a leadership framework based on his experience with four core elements: courage, gratitude, generosity, and congruency.Courage: Focus on what you can control, not on external circumstances.Gratitude: Start each day with appreciation for what you have, rather than dwelling on losses.Generosity: Embrace a generous heart, seeking opportunities to serve others.Congruency: Align your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions to present a consistent version of yourself.Become self-aware of our strengths: Caution against overplaying strengths, which can become weaknesses. As a lover of people, Chaudhary acknowledges the potential pitfalls of trust and decision-making. To counterbalance, he encourages leaders to surround themselves with truth-tellers who provide honest feedback. As a lifelong learner, Chaudhary advises against excessive ideation without implementation. A strong leadership team helps maintain focus and holds leaders accountable.Chaudhary’s wisdom: "Don't solely develop competence; invest time in deepening your character, committing to your values and principles."Interview Summary:During the COVID-19 pandemic, Niren Chaudhary, Chairman of Panera Brands, discovered the profound privilege that comes with leadership. Quickly mobilizing his team, they prioritized the health and safety of both team members and customers. Recognizing the significance of clear and simple messaging, as well as the need for a calm demeanor, the company embraced the pandemic as an "unprecedented opportunity to get stronger and better."Chaudhary acknowledges that throughout his career managing hotels and holding key positions in renowned food brands, two defining moments in his personal life have shaped him profoundly: the loss of his eight-year-old and 18-year-old daughters. His older daughter Aisha's courageous response to a five-year life expectancy continues to inspire him. Aisha wrote a book, delivered TedTalks, and became the inspiration for movies like "The Sky is Pink" and "Black Sunshine."Join us and listen to Niren's leadership insights on leading with courage, gratitude, generosity, and congruency. Be self-aware to not overplay our strengths and present one version of ourselves.Show notes:Panera Brands"The Sky is Pink" "Black Sunshine Baby"  Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share. 

From transitioning from tennis to entrepreneurship to embracing fear and taking risks, this podcast explores Alvaro's journey from valedictorian to luxury real estate success. It delves into the power of passion, innovative business approaches, and the importance of consistent daily actions for personal growth. The guest shares insights on mindset, success, and seizing control for future achievements.

About the Guest:Chris Winton, from his early days in Memphis, initially struggled with his academic performance while juggling two jobs to support his family. However, an internship through the InRoads program at FedEx altered the trajectory of his life. This opportunity ultimately led him to become a key figure in both FedEx and Tesla, gaining profound insights from iconic CEOs Fred Smith and Elon Musk.What Will You Learn?Authenticity in Leadership: Winton emphasizes the importance of authenticity in interactions, particularly in job interviews and leadership roles, encouraging genuine conversations over scripted responses.Setting Personal Goals: Addressing the challenge of decision-making in a world of endless choices, Winton advises setting clear personal goals as the starting point for a successful career journey.Mentorship and Humility: Highlighting the significance of giving and receiving support, Winton shares a mentor's lesson about the metaphorical image of "He Ain’t Heavy," stressing the value of seeking knowledge and humility in leadership.Preparation and Passion: From his journey to the C-Suite, Winton advocates doing thorough homework and cultivating a deep passion for the work, emphasizing that success requires dedication and an unwavering commitment to learning.Story Summary:Chris Winton's journey from a teenager in Memphis to influential roles in major corporations like FedEx and Tesla showcases the transformative power of opportunities. His experiences underline the pivotal lessons learned from mentors and CEOs, shaping his beliefs about authenticity in leadership, setting goals, fostering mentorship, and the importance of preparation and passion in achieving success. Winton's insights reflect a blend of personal growth and professional development, emphasizing the essence of authenticity, goal-setting, mentorship, and dedication in carving one's path to success in both life and business.Join us to learn Chris’ insights on authentic leadership, setting goals, mentoring with humanity, and preparing with passion.Thought Leadership Segment:In today's 'Thought Leadership Spotlight' segment, Daren Howard, Managing Partner for Dale Carnegie Training Mid-South, guest underscores the importance of aligning with your leader's direction and recognizing the significance of servant leadership within your organization. Much like Chris Winton, our guest underscores that forging personal connections is the key to rallying people to your cause, with no limits to where they will follow. Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share. 

Who is Deena Ghazarian?Deena Ghazarian is a former retail executive at Macy's who has transitioned into a tech executive and is currently the CEO of Austere, an award-winning technology accessories company. She is also the co-founder of Chloe Nickie, a women's shoe business that provides higher-end brands at reasonable prices and donates a significant portion of its profits to support autism spectrum disordersWhat will you learn?1. The Value of Listening and Collaboration: Deena Ghazarian highlights the importance of actively listening to others before making significant decisions. Takeaway: Actively engaging in conversations and seeking input from others can lead to more informed and successful choices.2. Building a Strong Professional Network:  Deena emphasizes that her network has consistently led to career opportunities and advises against burning bridges. Takeaway: Nurturing and maintaining professional relationships can open doors to various opportunities and should be treated as an asset.3. Being a Servant Leader and Mentor: Deena promotes mentoring others regardless of their age or experience, fostering a culture of mentorship. Takeaway: Mentoring not only fulfills but also helps individuals become better leaders and peers, fostering personal and professional growth for both mentors and mentees.4. Embracing Leadership and Entrepreneurship: Deena's journey from fashion to technology leadership illustrates the transformative power of leadership and entrepreneurship. Takeaway: A willingness to adapt and seize opportunities, even in different industries, can lead to personal and professional growth, as well as the creation of innovative ventures.Story Summary:Deena Ghazarian's career journey took her from the fashion world as a retail executive at Macy's to becoming a tech executive and the CEO of Austere, a technology accessories company. She co-founded Chloe Nickie, a women's shoe business that supports autism spectrum disorders through its profits. Deena emphasizes the significance of listening to others, building a strong network, and being a mentor, regardless of age or experience, to achieve personal and professional growth. She encourages individuals to embrace the power of leadership and entrepreneurship.Join us and listen to Deena’s experience and insights about the importance of open communication, networking, mentorship, and adaptability in our career journey.Dale Carnegie Thought Leadership Segment:Melissa Marshall, President of Dale Carnegie North Dakota & Northwest Minnesota, embodies servant leadership and resilience, drawing inspiration from a profound Dale Carnegie quote: "Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all." Much like Deena, Melissa emphasizes that during difficult times, we can overcome adversity and positively influence both ourselves and those around us.  Adopt a positive mindset, accept adversity with confidence, and look for opportunities. Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.