

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

29 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 12min
Embracing Both Technology and People, with Elham Bidar
Elham Bidar, a cardiothoracic surgeon and head of surgery in Maastricht, shares his insights on merging technology with people in healthcare leadership. He discusses the behavioral challenges leaders face and the importance of teamwork. Elham highlights the role of emotional intelligence and genuine care, coining the term 'unreasonable hospitality' to enhance colleague interactions and patient support. He stresses the transformation leaders undergo through self-discovery and practical application of skills, emphasizing the need to look beyond technical abilities.

106 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 29min
747: How to Get Out of a Rut, with Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Anne-Laure Le Cunff, an award-winning neuroscientist and founder of Ness Labs, dives into the art of breaking free from life's ruts. She challenges traditional goal-setting, highlighting how 'tiny experiments' can spark transformation. Discover the power of focusing on outputs over outcomes, and learn how small shifts can lead to significant growth. With practical tools like the 'Plus Minus Next' method, she emphasizes the importance of internal indicators of success, fostering joy and adaptability in personal and professional life.

42 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 18min
Stop What’s Holding You Back, with Anna Bellini
Anna Bellini, R&D director in Denmark and a Coaching for Leaders Academy alum, shares her inspiring journey navigating leadership across Italy, Sweden, and Denmark. She discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in managing workplace relationships and how constructive feedback aids growth. Anna highlights using personal stories to build trust within diverse teams and emphasizes stopping unproductive behaviors to facilitate effective leadership. Her insights reflect a deep understanding of collaboration as a means to foster personal and professional development.

124 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 39min
746: How to Make Small Talk with Executives, with Lorraine K. Lee
Lorraine K. Lee, a LinkedIn Top Voice and author of Unforgettable Presence, shares her insights on mastering small talk with executives. She emphasizes that small talk is crucial for building deeper relationships and highlights the importance of preparation. Lorraine offers practical tips like threading conversations for balance and approaching discussions with curiosity. She also discusses overcoming the challenges introverts face in networking and shares strategies to make meaningful connections, making small talk manageable and even enjoyable.

61 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 21min
Building Team Visibility, with Mel Rivera
In this discussion, Mel Rivera, a senior manager specializing in digital experience, shares her journey of enhancing team visibility amid corporate change. She highlights the importance of personal growth and community support during career transitions. Mel also delves into the use of storytelling as a leadership tool to align team objectives with broader goals. She emphasizes accountability's positive impact in leadership, advocating for shared responsibility among peers to achieve success.

64 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!

51 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.

80 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.

54 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.

66 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.