Elevate with Robert Glazer

Corey Thomas, CEO and Chairman of Rapid7, shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to leading a top cybersecurity firm. He discusses the importance of ambition and resilience, highlighting how early failures shaped his leadership style. Corey emphasizes the value of constructive feedback and the complexities of building a strong company culture. He also reflects on the significance of hiring the right candidates and the intricate balance of leadership, advocating for humility and adaptability as essential traits for success.

Dave Whorton, a seasoned tech investor and founder of the Tugboat Institute, shares insights from a two-decade career in Silicon Valley. He discusses the shift from typical growth strategies to a focus on sustainable, 'evergreen' companies. Whorton recounts pivotal moments that shaped his approach, including his early experiences with Netscape and lessons on talent hiring. He addresses economic challenges, the balance between profitability and growth, and the transformative potential of AI in business, all while emphasizing values and long-term success.

This conversation highlights the growing rarity and value of consistently showing up, both personally and professionally. The hosts emphasize that reliability builds credibility and fosters deeper relationships. They discuss the impact of attendance on group dynamics, stressing the need for accountability in professional settings. The podcast also tackles generational differences in views on commitment, especially in the wake of societal shifts from the pandemic. Ultimately, it encourages a disciplined approach to honoring commitments, even during tough times.

Elon Musk's recent shift away from DOGE highlights the critical need for leadership focus amidst business challenges. The discussion delves into Tesla's sharp earnings decline and examines the pitfalls of linking a founder's brand too closely with their company. As Musk's distractions come under scrutiny, it raises questions about accountability and the future of Tesla. The podcast also explores the contrasting leadership styles within the tech industry, emphasizing the vital connection between a leader's vision and organizational success.

Patrick Lencioni, co-founder of The Table Group and a leadership expert, shares his insights on the critical role of values in effective leadership. He discusses how leaders can navigate sociopolitical issues while aligning company culture with core values. Lencioni emphasizes the importance of honest communication and the balance between diversity and unified identity within organizations. He also touches on the challenges of maintaining inclusivity in a polarized society, advocating for thoughtful engagement and respect for differing beliefs.

The discussion centers on the intriguing concept of 'playing up,' where one seeks environments filled with more skilled individuals to foster growth. The hosts share insights on embracing discomfort as a vital part of personal development. They draw parallels between sports like tennis and pickleball, illustrating the benefits of challenging oneself against skilled opponents. The conversation also delves into effective communication strategies, balancing critique with collaboration, and nurturing relationships that inspire success.

Keith Ferrazzi, Chairman of Ferrazzi Greenlight and bestselling author, delves into the evolving concept of leadership. He advocates for 'teamship' over traditional leadership, emphasizing collective success. They explore strategies for enhancing collaboration and psychological safety within teams, critiquing conventional video conferencing methods. Ferrazzi discusses the importance of relationships in professional growth, as well as the transformative power of peer feedback. Personal anecdotes highlight how teamwork fosters belonging and fulfillment, making it superior to isolated efforts.

Sara Hardwick, Community Relationship Strategist at Giftology, dives into the transformative power of thoughtful gifting. With a background in building relationship-driven communities, she shares insights on how personalized gifts can enhance business ties and foster genuine connections. The discussion emphasizes the shift from transactional approaches to long-term relationships, highlighting the importance of strategic gifting and nurturing trust. Listeners learn how investing in meaningful gestures can amplify referrals and build a supportive network.

On a new episode of Weekend Conversations on the Elevate Podcast, host Robert Glazer and producer Mick Sloan discuss how leaders tend to have a massive impact on other people in small moments--treating someone with respect in an interaction, showing humility, and modeling values. Robert and Mick dig into how leaders should prioritize staying humble as they raise their status and why you should always treat people with authenticity and respect, no matter what your status.Special Thanks to the Sponsors of the Elevate Podcast Found: Try Found for FREE at Found.com/elevate Shopify: Sign up for your $1/month trial period at shopify.com/elevate Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job’s visibility at Indeed.com/elevate NPM Tech Unheard Podcast: Tune into Tech Unheard from Arm and NPM—wherever you get your podcasts. Northwest Registered Agent: Don’t wait—protect your privacy, build your brand, and set up your business in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/elevate today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Caroline Leaf, a neurobiologist and bestselling author, dives into the intricate connections between the mind, brain, and body. She discusses resilience in leadership and parenting, offering evidence-based strategies for mental well-being. The power of neuroplasticity is highlighted, showing how we can reshape our brain functions through thought management. Dr. Leaf also critiques modern parenting approaches, advocating for an understanding of children's behavior and fostering resilience for healthier minds.