Coaching for Leaders

Ty Wiggins, the global lead at Russell Reynolds Associates and author of *The New CEO*, shares his expertise on helping CEOs succeed in their first 12-18 months. He emphasizes that new leaders often see more but hear less, urging them to connect with middle managers and frontline employees for a clearer perspective. Wiggins challenges the conventional wisdom of the first 90 days as a success metric, advocating for initial easy wins while gaining context. He also discusses the importance of addressing organizational pain points to foster momentum and engagement.

Ruth Gotian, Chief Learning Officer and an expert in mentorship, shares her insights on effective mentoring. She emphasizes that great mentors blend coaching and sponsorship with a focus on celebrating mentee successes. Informal mentoring often yields better results, and opening your network is essential for a mentee's growth. The discussion introduces the idea of the 'sophisticated barbarian,' promoting deep, challenging dialogues. Documentation of mentoring journeys can help track progress and enhance learning, showcasing the transformative power of mentoring relationships.

David Novak, co-founder of Yum! Brands and leadership expert, shares his insights on innovative leadership. He emphasizes the power of pattern thinking—combining unrelated ideas to create greater value. Curiosity and active learning are key themes; Novak advocates for exploring diverse experiences to uncover unexpected insights. The conversation also touches on successful branding strategies, like the rise of Cool Ranch Doritos, illustrating how creativity and integration from various disciplines can lead to groundbreaking business success.

Listeners explore strategies for breaking free from the busy cycle and achieving meaningful productivity. The discussion includes navigating tricky workplace gossip and the importance of relationships for career advancement. Practical tips on setting boundaries and managing interruptions are shared, alongside insights on aligning career choices with personal aspirations. The value of positive politics and effective communication is emphasized, providing listeners with tools to enhance their professional lives.

In this conversation with Matt Abrahams, an educator at Stanford and communication consultant, listeners learn how to master Q&A sessions. Matt emphasizes viewing questions as dialogues rather than dodging attacks. He introduces the ADD framework for responses—Answer, Detail, Describe value. Listeners discover how setting boundaries boosts credibility and how to start conversations with provocative, self-posed questions. Plus, he shares tips to end discussions powerfully, enhancing confidence and audience connection.

Michael Bungay Stanier, author of the best-selling "The Coaching Habit" and founder of Box of Crayons, shares insights on becoming a more effective leader through coaching. He emphasizes the importance of caring for others while allowing them the freedom to own their outcomes. Michael advises against asking "why" questions to keep conversations safe and productive. He highlights the power of silence in discussions and the significance of body language when listening. Tune in for transformative techniques to enhance your coaching skills!

In this discussion, Jeff Wetzler, Co-CEO of Transcend and author of *Ask*, shares insights from his 25+ years in business and education. He highlights the barriers to open conversations in workplaces, revealing that many team members feel uncomfortable speaking up. By suggesting that leaders create a welcoming environment, adjust timing and medium, and clarify intentions, Jeff illustrates how to foster resilience and enhance communication. Personal anecdotes complement his strategies for encouraging candid dialogue on difficult topics.

Elaine Lin Hering is a skilled facilitator and writer dedicated to enhancing communication and conflict management. In this conversation, she emphasizes the importance of 'unlearning silence' to foster open dialogue in leadership. Hering discusses how personal motivations can empower individuals to voice their thoughts, and she provides practical strategies for leaders to bridge different perspectives. Her insights reveal that embracing resistance can spark meaningful change, while awareness of societal influences is essential for promoting effective communication.

Sohee Jun, a leadership coach for female executives and authors of 'The Aligned Mindset,' discusses the challenges that high-achieving women face in the workplace. She emphasizes the importance of providing context and support, particularly when navigating fears and building confidence. Sohee highlights the need for open discussions about financial literacy and salary transparency, advocating for a holistic approach to compensation. Additionally, she explores work-life balance, encouraging a flexible mindset to prioritize both career and personal commitments.

Michael McQueen is a bestselling author and international keynote speaker renowned for his expertise in navigating change. In this lively discussion, he unpacks the complexities of influencing entrenched beliefs, emphasizing the importance of addressing the instinctive mind first. Michael highlights the pivotal role of listening and asks transformative questions that encourage open dialogue. He also discusses overcoming the fear of loss in persuasion, presenting change as a growth opportunity while preserving existing beliefs. Prepare to shift your perspective!