Coaching for Leaders

Paul Akers, founder of FastCap and author of "2 Second Lean," shares his journey from master craftsman to Lean manufacturing advocate. He emphasizes the power of simplicity in enhancing workplace culture and productivity. Akers discusses how to tackle small annoyances for big improvements, introducing the concept of 'one-piece flow' and the revolutionary idea of starting with bathroom cleanliness to set organizational standards. His insights inspire listeners to embrace continuous improvement through a fun and effective approach.

Joel Pérez, an executive coach and author of *Dear White Leader*, shares his expertise on cultural humility in leadership. He emphasizes that true humility begins individually but must expand organizationally. Key discussions include maintaining high standards without perfectionism, the importance of inclusive conversations, and using criticism as a tool for growth rather than immediate response. Pérez advocates for a leadership style that fosters belonging, encourages open dialogue, and treats mistakes as valuable learning opportunities.

Donna Hicks, an Associate at Harvard's Weatherhead Center and former Deputy Director at PICAR, dives deep into the concept of dignity and its power in relationships and leadership. She discusses how dignity differs from respect, emphasizing that everyone has dignity, regardless of status. Vulnerability and empathy are highlighted as key tools for leaders to foster trust and connection. Hicks shares insights on how recognizing dignity can transform conflicts into meaningful dialogues, ultimately bringing out the best in people and humanity.

Melody Wilding, an executive coach for high-achievers and contributor to Harvard Business Review, shares insights on creating visibility for your work. She emphasizes that good work alone isn't enough; self-advocacy is crucial. Melody introduces the ‘story bank’ concept to help craft compelling narratives about achievements. She discusses the importance of communicating accomplishments and maintaining proactive relationships. It's all about ensuring your work is recognized while supporting the team's goals and enhancing overall visibility.

Rebecca Homkes, a high-growth strategy specialist and CEO, dives into navigating organizational survival mode amidst rising uncertainty. She challenges the misconception that uncertainty is solely detrimental and discusses the dangers of executive overconfidence in predictions. Homkes emphasizes the need to shift from rigid planning to adaptive strategies, encouraging leaders to ask critical questions that promote growth. She highlights the honesty often found in survival mode, which can lead to valuable learning opportunities and better decision-making.

Jess Britt, an experienced executive and nonprofit board chair, shares insights on transforming meetings from dreaded events into engaging collaborations. She emphasizes the importance of clear objectives to enhance participant engagement. Techniques such as warm-up questions, role-playing, and feedback methods like emoji polls are discussed to foster interaction. Britt also highlights the benefits of virtual meetings while stressing the need for open dialogue and respectful time management. Listeners are encouraged to implement simple strategies that lead to productive and enjoyable gatherings.

Margie Warrell, a best-selling author and leadership coach, dives into the essential nature of courage for leaders. She discusses how our intelligence can amplify fears, hindering growth, and warns against valuing the present at the expense of the future. Margie emphasizes confronting irrational fears and avoiding the pitfalls of overthinking. She encourages action despite uncertainty and shares personal stories highlighting that embracing vulnerability is key to true leadership. Her insights aim to inspire a courageous mindset in all aspects of life.

Ethan Kross, an award-winning professor at the University of Michigan and author of *Chatter* and *Shift*, dives into the nuances of managing emotions in leadership. He discusses how our responses to emotional triggers can shape our outcomes. Discover how music can help modulate feelings and the power of distancing language to gain perspective. Kross introduces strategies like time shifting, encouraging listeners to consider how they might feel about situations in the future, and emphasizes the importance of experimenting with tools tailored to individual needs.

Sandra Matz, a Columbia Business School professor and expert in psychological targeting, shares her insights on the power of algorithms in leadership. She discusses how psychological targeting can identify traits like personality and income while urging leaders to use this knowledge for good. Matz highlights the importance of ethical data practices, transparency, and innovative approaches to protect privacy. She also explores the role of AI in early mental health interventions, showing how technology can improve lives when used responsibly.

Join Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and conversation expert, as she shares insights from her book, *Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves*. Discover how preparing conversation topics can transform small talk into meaningful exchanges. Alison advocates for curiosity in social interactions and explains that the skillful management of topics is crucial for engaging dialogues. Learn how even the simplest conversations can lead to deeper connections, making you a more effective communicator.