
Leading Beyond Any Title
Leading Beyond Any Title - from the Corporate Training team at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) brings you quick lessons and conversations about timely and topical leadership challenges. You'll leave with 1 BIG IDEA, 2 Applied Strategies, and 3 Questions to consider that can help enhance your leadership that very day.
Latest episodes

Jun 9, 2025 • 41min
Leading Beyond Any Title – Motivation and High Performance
Most leaders assume motivation is about perks, promotions, or paychecks. But science tells a different story. The most engaged and high-performing teams are driven by something deeper, autonomy, purpose, and mastery. What if you could unlock the real motivators that fuel long-term success? Explore topics such as: The neuroscience of motivation: What drives people to excel? The difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation—and why it matters. How to create an environment where people feel energized, engaged, and empowered. Practical ways to boost motivation without relying on financial incentives. If you want to create a culture where people show up excited to do their best work, this session will give you the insights and tools to make it happen. Follow SAIT Corporate Training on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/saitcorporatetraining/?viewAsMember=true Connect directly with Jennie and Craig on LinkedIn: Jennie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniengilbert/ Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craighess/ Have burning questions about leadership that you'd like us to address? Email them to leadership.questions@sait.ca and let your voice be heard.

May 26, 2025 • 40min
Leading Beyond Any Title – Leadership Blind Spots
Even the best leaders have blind spots—behaviors, habits, or biases that go unnoticed but significantly impact team dynamics and decision-making. The challenge? You can’t fix what you don’t see. What if you could bring these blind spots into focus? By increasing self-awareness and seeking constructive feedback, leaders can proactively identify and address gaps that may be limiting their effectiveness. Explore topics such as: How to recognize common leadership blind spots and their impact on teams. The role of feedback and self-reflection in uncovering hidden challenges. Strategies for fostering a culture where blind spots are openly discussed and addressed. Real-world examples of leaders who successfully transformed their approach. Whether you're an experienced leader or just stepping into a leadership role, this session will help you uncover what’s holding you back—and provide actionable strategies to overcome it. Follow SAIT Corporate Training on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/saitcorporatetraining/?viewAsMember=true Connect directly with Jennie and Craig on LinkedIn: Jennie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniengilbert/ Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craighess/ Have burning questions about leadership that you'd like us to address? Email them to leadership.questions@sait.ca and let your voice be heard.

May 15, 2025 • 40min
Leading Beyond Any Title – Mastering Difficult Conversations
Difficult conversations are inevitable—but they don’t have to be painful. Whether it’s giving tough feedback, addressing underperformance, or navigating sensitive issues, the way you handle these moments defines your leadership. What if, instead of avoiding them, you could turn these conversations into opportunities for trust, growth, and alignment? Explore topics such as: Why difficult conversations go wrong—and how to get them right. Frameworks for delivering feedback with clarity and empathy. Managing emotional reactions (your own and others’) to keep conversations productive. How to navigate resistance, defensiveness, and high-stakes situations. This conversation will equip you with practical tools to transform tension into constructive dialogue—so you can lead with confidence, even in the toughest conversations. Follow SAIT Corporate Training on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/saitcorporatetraining/?viewAsMember=true Connect directly with Jennie and Craig on LinkedIn: Jennie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniengilbert/ Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craighess/ Have burning questions about leadership that you'd like us to address? Email them to leadership.questions@sait.ca and let your voice be heard.

Apr 14, 2025 • 47min
Leading Beyond Any Title – Mastering Leadership of Remote and Hybrid Teams
Years after the initial push to return to in-person work, leaders are still navigating the complexities of managing remote and hybrid teams. Success in this new landscape isn’t accidental—it’s the result of intentional leadership and carefully designed environments that drive productivity, collaboration, and autonomy. In this conversation we dive into actionable strategies to help leaders empower their teams and unlock higher performance levels, tackling key questions, such as:How do you maintain strong communication and connection without falling into micromanagement? What strategies build trust when physical interactions are limited? How can leaders foster genuine engagement and accountability in hybrid settings? Is effective collaboration possible without being in the same room? Follow SAIT Corporate Training on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/saitcorporatetraining/?viewAsMember=true Connect directly with Jennie and Craig on LinkedIn: Jennie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniengilbert/ Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craighess/ Have burning questions about leadership that you'd like us to address? Email them to leadership.questions@sait.ca and let your voice be heard.

Mar 17, 2025 • 45min
Leading Beyond Any Title: 1:1s Redefined: Leadership Conversations that Elevate Performance
As a leader, your 1:1 time with your team members might be the most meaningful conversations you have all week. These moments offer a unique opportunity to truly see, hear, and value your people. Yet, too often, 1:1 meetings are treated as just another calendar event—easily moved, postponed, or overlooked. What if we reimagined these conversations as a cornerstone of leadership? Done right, 1:1s can be a powerful tool to deepen trust, unlock potential, and drive both engagement and performance. They’re not just about updates or checking the box; they’re about fostering connection, clarity, and collaboration. Explore topics such as: The true purpose of 1:1s: Moving from transactional to transformational. Optimal frequency and structure: How often should they happen, and what makes them impactful? Creating value through preparation: Why agendas matter—and when they don’t. Active listening and meaningful dialogue: Techniques to truly hear what’s being said (and what isn’t). Addressing challenges: How to navigate common barriers like awkward silences, difficult feedback, or misaligned expectations. Whether you’re looking to reinvigorate stale 1:1s or want to set a strong foundation for new team dynamics, this session will give you actionable strategies and fresh perspectives to elevate your conversations.Follow SAIT Corporate Training on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/saitcorporatetraining/?viewAsMember=true Connect directly with Jennie and Craig on LinkedIn: Jennie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniengilbert/ Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craighess/ Have burning questions about leadership that you'd like us to address? Email them to leadership.questions@sait.ca and let your voice be heard.

Mar 5, 2025 • 44min
Leading Beyond Any Title – Reimagining Feedback
For too long, feedback has carried a negative connotation, often feeling uncomfortable despite our best efforts to reframe it as a "gift." We’ve all encountered feedback delivered ineffectively—whether through blunt honesty, passive-aggressive comments, or indirect hints. These methods don’t work. It's time to leave behind the old ways of yelling, telling, and selling. In this discussion w explore how to redefine feedback and create an environment where it truly elevates both the giver and receiver. Learn how to foster open, constructive conversations that drive growth and strengthen relationships. https://www.linkedin.com/smart-links/AQG7XMwlMdUl2w Follow SAIT Corporate Training on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/saitcorporatetraining/?viewAsMember=true Connect directly with Jennie and Craig on LinkedIn: Jennie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniengilbert/ Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craighess/ Have burning questions about leadership that you'd like us to address? Email them to leadership.questions@sait.ca and let your voice be heard.

Mar 3, 2025 • 45min
Leading Beyond Any Title – Power of Self Awareness
Self-reflection isn’t just a buzzword in leadership circles—it’s the foundation of true effectiveness in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure workplace. Leaders who pause to reflect gain more than just clarity; they build self-awareness, make smarter decisions, and inspire trust and confidence in their teams. The ripple effect? Stronger teams, healthier organizations, and more sustainable success. The challenge for most Leaders is how do you move beyond surface-level introspection to establish a meaningful, results-driven self-reflection practice? How can you prioritize deep reflection without adding to your already overwhelming to-do list? In this conversation, join Craig and Jennie as they unpack: The “Why” of Self-Reflection: Why this skill is quickly becoming a non-negotiable for effective leadership. Practical Techniques: Easy-to-implement strategies to weave reflection into your daily routine without sacrificing productivity. Transformative Impacts: How a consistent reflection habit can elevate your leadership, enhance team dynamics, and prepare you to tackle challenges with resilience and confidence. Expect real-world examples, actionable insights, and an engaging dialogue that will leave you energized and empowered to act. Whether you’re a seasoned leader looking for a fresh perspective or an aspiring leader seeking to lay a strong foundation, this session is your opportunity to pause with purpose, reflect deeply, and lead with clarity. LinkedIn Follow SAIT Corporate Training on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/saitcorporatetraining/?viewAsMember=true Connect directly with Jennie and Craig on LinkedIn: Jennie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniengilbert/ Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craighess/ Have burning questions about leadership that you'd like us to address? Email them to leadership.questions@sait.ca and let your voice be heard.

Feb 18, 2025 • 55min
Leading Beyond Any Title - AI for Leaders
Follow SAIT Corporate Training on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/saitcorporatetraining/?viewAsMember=true Connect directly with Jennie and Craig on LinkedIn: Jennie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniengilbert/ Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craighess/ Have burning questions about leadership that you'd like us to address? Email them to leadership.questions@sait.ca and let your voice be heard.

Feb 3, 2025 • 47min
Leading Beyond Any Title – Leader Wellbeing
As the new year begins, it’s a perfect time to reflect on how you can better care for yourself. A leader can’t give their best if they’re running on empty, and the stress of modern environments is only becoming more pervasive. We invite you to join us for a powerful webinar designed to equip leaders with practical strategies to thrive. Learn how to set healthy boundaries, manage your energy, build resilience, and lead authentically. Discover ways to prioritize what matters, integrate work and life, and avoid burnout. Don’t miss the opportunity to invest in your well-being and boost your leadership performance. https://www.linkedin.com/smart-links/AQHdwlphfwjUyg Follow SAIT Corporate Training on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/saitcorporatetraining/?viewAsMember=true Connect directly with Jennie and Craig on LinkedIn: Jennie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniengilbert/ Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craighess/ Have burning questions about leadership that you'd like us to address? Email them to leadership.questions@sait.ca and let your voice be heard.

Dec 30, 2024 • 40min
Leading Beyond Any Title – 2024: A Year of Leadership Conversations
Reflecting on a transformative year, the hosts dive into essential leadership themes like goal setting, feedback, and engagement. They discuss how to foster psychological safety and the significance of recognizing neurodiversity in teams. Trust-building and the use of strategic intelligence are emphasized as crucial for success. Listeners are encouraged to engage in constructive communication, focusing on private dialogues over public confrontations. As the year wraps up, there's a heartfelt gratitude for audience participation and a look ahead to 2025's leadership challenges.