

Coaching for Leaders
Dave Stachowiak
Leaders aren’t born, they’re made. This Monday show helps you discover leadership wisdom through insightful conversations. Independently produced weekly since 2011, Dr. Dave Stachowiak brings perspective from a thriving, global leadership academy, plus more than 15 years of leadership at Dale Carnegie. Bestselling authors, expert researchers, deep conversation, and regular dialogue with listeners have attracted 40 million downloads and over 250K followers on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Activate your FREE membership to access the entire leadership and management library at CoachingforLeaders.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

28 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 39min
745: How Music Can Help Us Lead, with Mort Sherman
In this engaging discussion, Mort Sherman, a retired leader from the American Association of School Administrators and author of Resonant Minds, reveals the surprising ways music can enhance leadership. He shares insights on using music to set a positive tone in the workplace, boost team morale, and foster emotional connections. From creating team playlists to leveling up meetings with mindful music, Mort illustrates how intentional sound choices can transform organizational culture and build community. Tune in for a harmonious blend of leadership and melody!

22 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 16min
The Power of Starting Small, with Erann Lincoln
In this discussion, Erann Lincoln, an engineering leader in the aviation industry and graduate of the Coaching for Leaders Academy, shares her journey of building strong team relationships. She emphasizes the importance of starting small to foster trust and communication. Erann highlights how regular feedback can enhance leadership skills and the critical role of accountability in personal growth. Additionally, she advocates for using diverse coaching tools to create impactful, lasting changes in team dynamics.

59 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 40min
744: Where Being Selfish is Better, with Jenny Wood
Jenny Wood, author of *Wild Courage* and former Google executive, shares valuable insights on leadership and self-advocacy. She redefines selfishness, suggesting it can empower leaders while benefitting their teams. Guilt is a common pitfall, but focusing on meaningful work over busywork is essential. Jenny emphasizes self-care in the workplace, the importance of saying no, and prioritizing personal fulfillment over financial goals. Her journey encourages listeners to embrace self-leadership and make strategic career choices.

55 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 37min
743: How to Teach Your Expertise to Others, with Roger Kneebone
Roger Kneebone, director of the Imperial College Centre for Engagement and Simulation Science, dives into the challenges experts face when transitioning to teaching. He discusses the importance of recognizing one’s expertise and the art of focused instruction. Kneebone emphasizes that effective teaching is about more than skills—it's about the context of why those skills matter. He also explores Vygotsky's zone of proximal development, highlighting how tailored challenges can facilitate growth for both leaders and learners alike.

68 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 37min
742: The Problem Leaders Have With Authenticity, with Sabina Nawaz
Sabina Nawaz, an executive coach with a wealth of experience advising C-level leaders at major corporations, discusses the complex nature of authenticity in leadership. She highlights how using authenticity as a shield can hinder growth and the importance of calibrating actions rather than justifying behaviors with phrases like 'yeah, but.' Sabina emphasizes that authenticity is dynamic, not static, urging leaders to experiment with small changes in behavior. Her insights challenge common misconceptions, showcasing that true leadership requires reflection and adaptation.

71 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 38min
741: Getting Better at Transparency, with Minda Harts
Minda Harts, a bestselling author and workplace consultant, dives into the pivotal role of transparency in leadership. She challenges the notion that shielding employees from tough news is beneficial, advocating for open communication instead. Minda emphasizes the need for clarity, even about unknowns, and the impact of timely information on trust. She shares personal insights on how transparency fosters stronger relationships and team morale, urging leaders to be proactive and authentic in their communication strategies.

180 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 39min
740: How to Lead Organizational Change, with Michael Bungay Stanier
Michael Bungay Stanier, best-selling author and host of Change Signal, shares vital insights on leading organizational change. He emphasizes that change can be messy and advocates for understanding the emotional realities involved. Michael discusses the importance of engaging team members rather than imposing compliance, suggesting that strategy should be a living conversation filled with experimentation. Drawing inspiration from Emily Dickinson, he highlights the importance of gradual truth-telling in the process of transformation.

81 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 39min
739: What Leaders Should Learn from Taylor Swift, with Kevin Evers
Kevin Evers, Senior Editor at Harvard Business Review and author of "There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift," dives deep into Taylor Swift's impactful strategies. He highlights how Swift consistently meets her fans' emotional needs, showcasing the importance of understanding the 'job to be done.' Evers discusses her bold transition from country to pop, exemplifying risk-taking in her career. He also explores the concept of anti-fragility, demonstrating how challenges have fueled her growth and resilience.

81 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 40min
738: How to Partner Well with AI, with Faisal Hoque
Faisal Hoque, an award-winning entrepreneur and founder of SHADOKA, shares insights from his latest book, 'Transcend.' He emphasizes the importance of partnering with AI, highlighting that effective collaboration requires improved questioning skills and an openness to learning. Hoque encourages adopting a beginner's mindset to embrace uncertainty and discover possibilities. He discusses the interplay of emotional intelligence and AI, stressing that navigating its landscape involves empathy and creativity, ultimately transforming leadership and enhancing engagement.

65 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 40min
737: How to Fundraise for Leaders Who Never Wanted to Fundraise, with Alice Ferris
Alice Ferris, Founding Partner of GoalBusters, brings over 30 years of fundraising experience to the conversation. She discusses the unexpected role of fundraising in leadership, debunking the myth that it’s just about asking for money. Alice emphasizes the importance of relationship-building and transparent communication with donors, especially during challenging times. She also shares strategies for setting effective fundraising goals and the necessity of personal connections in successful fundraising efforts.