Coaching for Leaders

Ashley Brundage, Founder of Empowering Differences, shares her inspiring journey of transitioning and thriving in the workplace as a transgender woman. She discusses the importance of language and pronouns in fostering inclusivity, offering practical tips for leaders to support diverse identities. The conversation highlights the need for allyship, particularly around gender identity, and addresses challenges like restroom accessibility for trans individuals. Brundage's insights empower leaders to create a more inclusive and accepting workplace culture.

Carey Nieuwhof, a bestselling leadership author and CEO, dives into the challenges we face with energy-draining relationships. He highlights how many leaders give too much time to people who aren't benefiting from the interaction. Carey emphasizes the necessity of having candid conversations to streamline connections and encourages listeners to proactively spend time with the right people. He also shares valuable insights on managing relationships for personal well-being and professional success, all while combating burnout in leadership!

Connson Locke, a seasoned educator and consultant from the London School of Economics, dives into the art of speaking up. She shares research-backed strategies for managing negative emotions and fostering a growth mindset. Locke emphasizes the importance of deliberate practice and reframing power dynamics in conversations. Personal stories illustrate her journey to confident self-expression, including navigating wedding planning. Finally, she discusses the balance between pleasure and purpose in our free time, urging listeners to engage in purposeful activities for personal growth.

Christy Wright, a bestselling author and personal growth expert, dives into the art of prioritization. She talks about moving from feelings of failure to achieving real success through clear priorities. Christy emphasizes the difference between fixed and flexible priorities, offering practical tips for organizing time by seasons, weeks, and days. She also challenges traditional notions of balance, promoting resilience and authenticity in the face of life’s chaos. This engaging conversation empowers listeners to embrace their personal definitions of success.

Johnny Taylor, Jr., President and CEO of SHRM and author of "Reset," dives into the pressing issue of uncovering overlooked talent in today’s job market. He discusses the challenges organizations face in talent acquisition and emphasizes the moral and business imperatives of diverse hiring. Notably, Johnny highlights the value of older workers, veterans, and other historically marginalized groups, advocating for inclusive practices that can lead to long-term success. His insights inspire leaders to prioritize cultural transformation and recognize untapped potential.

Dave Williams, a remarkable astronaut and former Director of Space & Life Sciences at NASA, shares captivating leadership insights from NASA's storied history. He emphasizes the power of introspection and the importance of communication, where speaking up and listening are key to success. Williams highlights how collaboration evolved through challenges like the Apollo missions and stresses building effective teams under pressure. His experiences underline the shift from heroic leadership to a more inclusive approach that champions teamwork.

Kwame Marfo, a director at Genentech, shares his inspiring journey from Ghana to the Bay Area, influenced by the legacy of his father. He highlights the significance of aligning personal values with career decisions, underscoring that clarity about one’s 'why' can transform professional fulfillment. Kwame emphasizes the power of curiosity in building authentic connections and reflects on the importance of diverse leadership experiences. Through journaling, he gains insights that guide his path toward impactful healthcare initiatives.

Scott Anthony Barlow, host of Happen to Your Career and a close friend of Dave Stachowiak, celebrates a decade of impactful leadership learning. They discuss the podcast's impressive evolution from a side project into a thriving platform. Dave shares insights on the importance of quality conversations and the growth pains of transitioning his passion into a business. He emphasizes the necessity of behavior change for personal development and reflects on his journey from Dale Carnegie to becoming a recognized leader in coaching.

Juliet Funt, a renowned keynote speaker and founder of The Juliet Funt Group, advocates for leaders to reclaim creativity by minimizing busywork. She reveals how overused strengths like perfectionism can morph into risks such as overload and frenzy. Juliet shares four pivotal questions to help leaders create space for mindfulness and productivity. The conversation delves into embracing 'white space' to foster innovation, the importance of transforming workplace culture post-pandemic, and practical strategies for navigating information overload.

In this engaging conversation, Edgar Schein, Professor Emeritus at MIT, and Peter Schein, COO of the Organizational Culture and Leadership Institute, delve into the art of building trusting relationships at work. They explore the importance of 'Humble Inquiry' in transitioning from transactional interactions to deeper, trust-based connections. The duo shares insights on navigating honest feedback and enhancing communication, emphasizing the need for openness and curiosity. They advocate for a dynamic, interactive approach to conversations to foster authentic connections in professional settings.