Coaching for Leaders

Michael Bungay Stanier, an acclaimed author and founder of Box of Crayons, dives into the art of nurturing peer relationships. He emphasizes the importance of initiating authentic dialogues with thoughtful responses to five key questions. By framing these as ‘keystone conversations,’ he illustrates how they can transform workplace dynamics. Michael also discusses the power of vulnerability and preparation in building strong connections, urging leaders to cultivate meaningful conversations that foster collaboration and trust.

Susan Cain, renowned author of "Quiet" and "Bittersweet," dives into the often-overlooked realm of bittersweet leadership. She discusses the importance of embracing sorrow and longing as essential components of authentic leadership, challenging the emphasis on positivity. Cain shares insights from research on emotional expression through writing and emphasizes how empathy and self-compassion can transform leadership dynamics. By acknowledging a full spectrum of emotions, leaders can foster deeper connections and enhance team dynamics.

Tiffani Bova, a global customer growth and innovation evangelist at Salesforce and bestselling author, joins to discuss balancing employee and customer experiences. She highlights the threat posed by worker unhappiness and the need for leaders to own the employee experience. Tiffani shares insights on how technology can enhance both experiences, advocating for a collaborative approach to foster growth. Her compelling anecdotes reveal the interconnectedness of employee satisfaction and organizational success in today’s business landscape.

Seth Godin, an influential author of 21 bestsellers and founder of altMBA, shares insights on transforming ordinary meetings into significant conversations. He emphasizes that effective communication starts with confidence and permission, urging leaders to create a culture where dialogue thrives. Godin critiques traditional meeting styles as barriers to progress and advocates for 'page 19 thinking'—a collaborative approach to innovation. Listeners are encouraged to redefine their meeting dynamics, fostering relationships that lead to meaningful work.

Gladys McGarey, a 102-year-old practicing doctor and a pioneer in allopathic and holistic medicine, shares her wisdom. She emphasizes that all life needs movement, highlighting how 'stuckness' is just an illusion. Gladys encourages starting with small steps, likening progress to a flashlight revealing the path ahead. Her personal anecdotes illustrate the importance of social connections and self-expression in personal growth. Ultimately, she inspires listeners to embrace gradual change and seek out opportunities for improvement.

Jeremy Utley, Director of Executive Education at Stanford's d.school, dives into the world of brainstorming. He reveals that most leaders underestimate the sheer volume of ideas needed for innovation—2,000 to one! Discussing cognitive closure, he explains how familiar solutions can stifle creativity. Jeremy offers fresh tactics for effective brainstorming, emphasizing low-barrier prototyping and problem framing. By fostering collaborative environments and embracing failures, he suggests teams can turn brainstorming into a continuous journey of innovation.

Donald Miller, a New York Times bestselling author, shares his journey of growing his business from scratch to nearly $20 million. He emphasizes the importance of effective marketing, focusing on clear messaging over aesthetics. By positioning businesses as guides rather than heroes, leaders can connect better with customers' needs. He also highlights the essential role of profit for sustainability and offers practical insights for small businesses and nonprofits to thrive.

Brian Feroldi, a financial educator and author, shares his passion for simplifying finance and investment. He breaks down the essential components of an income statement, explaining how it reveals a company’s revenue, expenses, and profit. Listeners learn the significance of financial literacy for career growth and how to analyze key metrics like operating income. Feroldi also tackles the concepts of depreciation and amortization, making them accessible with relatable examples, empowering leaders to make informed financial decisions.

Kwame Christian, best-selling author and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute, shares his insights on using questions as powerful tools for influence. He emphasizes three key types of questions: rapport, information, and persuasion, highlighting the need for trust in conversations. The discussion delves into the importance of open-ended questions to uncover deeper issues and facilitate collaborative dialogue. Kwame also touches on the creation of Negotiable, an online community aimed at enhancing negotiation skills, emphasizing personal growth and effective communication.

Henry Cloud, a renowned leadership expert and clinical psychologist, discusses the nuances of rebuilding trust after betrayal. He identifies five crucial factors of trust: understanding, motive, ability, character, and track record. Cloud emphasizes that repairing trust starts with self-reflection and support networks. The conversation highlights that trust repair is messy and requires emotional regulation and forgiveness. Cloud's insights draw on personal experiences to illustrate how past influences decisions in the workplace, making trust a complex but vital component of leadership.