The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Podcast

Details Psychological safety is not a new term anymore, but it has matured into a foundational leadership capability, much like communication or trust no longer a “nice to have,” but a critical driver of collaboration, retention, and innovation. Drawing on Amy Edmondson’s groundbreaking research and Zenger Folkman’s data from 18,000 employees, they unpack the eight leadership behaviors that create a culture of safety—and share practical strategies leaders can apply right now to build trust, resolve conflict, and invite every voice to the table. Key Points Psychological safety is a business driver — it directly impacts retention, innovation, and willingness to give extra effort, not just workplace “niceness.” Leadership behaviors matter most — Zenger Folkman research on 18,000 employees shows eight specific behaviors strongly correlate with creating safe, respectful environments. Small improvements create big impact — leaders don’t need to master all eight behaviors; excelling in just three significantly boosts psychological safety scores. Vulnerability builds trust — when leaders admit mistakes, invite questions, and seek diverse perspectives, teams respond with greater openness and loyalty. Safety fuels adaptability — in a world of constant change, psychologically safe teams are more resilient, collaborative, and ready to tackle new challenges together. Webinar Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and join in a conversation about their latest research in leadership development. Find out more information and register here.The post Episode 172: Why Psychological Safety Matters More Than Ever first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Details Dr. Susan David is a founder and co-director of the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital of Harvard Medical School and an Instructor in Psychology at Harvard University. In this episode, Susan discusses her research on emotional agility and how to master challenges without getting derailed. Download the eBook of her full interview here. Guest Bio: Susan David, Ph.D. is one of the world’s leading management thinkers and an award-winning Harvard Medical School psychologist. Her #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, Emotional Agility based on the concept that Harvard Business Review heralded as a Management Idea of the Year and winner of the Thinkers50 Breakthrough Idea Award, describes the psychological skills critical to thriving in times of complexity and change. Susan’s TED Talk on the topic of emotional agility has been seen by more than 8 million people. She is a frequent contributor to the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and guest on national radio and television. She is on the faculty at Harvard Medical School and is a Co-founder of the Institute of Coaching (a Harvard Medical School/McLean affiliate). Susan lives outside of Boston with her family. Webinar Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman, and join in a conversation about the latest research in leadership development. Find out more information and register at https://zengerfolkman.com/webinar-registration/. Additional Resources: Emotional Agility– Explore the eBook with leadership insights from Susan David. Zenger Folkman’s Leadership eBooks– Enjoy our complimentary eBooks filled with groundbreaking research, compelling interviews, and practical solutions to everyday leadership issues. Music: Pleasant PicturesThe post Bonus Episode– Susan David, Emotional Agility first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Details In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the results of a massive leadership study — over 63,000 assessments — to answer one key question: What makes certain leaders truly unforgettable? We’ll explore the 10 specific behaviors that set the most exceptional leaders apart, backed by real-world examples from sports, business, and history. Whether you work in HR, organizational development, or leadership training, you’ll come away with insights you can use to identify, develop, and prepare leaders for their defining moments. Key Points Memorability in leadership comes from behaviors, not titles.Just like Denzel Clarke’s unforgettable catch, leaders are remembered for moments and actions that stand out — not for their job description. The top 10% of leaders consistently practice 10 standout behaviors.Based on 63,000 leadership assessments, these include fostering growth mindsets, inspiring energy, making decisive calls under pressure, and building trust through good judgment. Trust and authenticity are the foundation of influence.From Johnson & Johnson’s Tylenol recall to role-modeling values inside organizations, trust cements reputations far more than charisma. Focus and clarity multiply impact.Memorable leaders align their teams around a few high-priority goals — and have the discipline to eliminate distractions. Memorable leadership isn’t just about steady performance.It’s also about courage. Intel’s bold shift from memory chips to microprocessors shows how decisive moves can define legacies. Preparation shapes defining moments.Leaders don’t suddenly become courageous or visionary in a crisis — daily habits of clarity, trust, and growth prepare them for those big, unforgettable decisions. Webinar Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and join in a conversation about their latest research in leadership development. Find out more information and register here.The post Episode 171: Memorable Leadership—10 Behaviors That Make Leaders Unforgettable first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Jack Zenger, a leadership expert and co-founder of Zenger Folkman, dives into the balancing act of speed and quality in the workplace. He reveals insights from over 50,000 leaders, showcasing that top performers don’t choose between urgency and excellence. Zenger discusses five key behaviors that enable leaders to achieve dual performance and argues that while AI boosts productivity, it cannot replicate human judgment. He also highlights how task interruptions can undermine quality, emphasizing the need for focused, uninterrupted work.

Discover the secrets behind extraordinary teams with insights from Zenger Folkman's latest research. Learn about ten game-changing behaviors like empowered decision-making and strategic alignment that set high performers apart. Understand how simple pulse-check questions can assess team health. Small changes can lead to significant impacts—practical strategies are shared to promote cooperation, celebrate achievements, and enhance overall team dynamics. Get ready to transform your leadership approach and drive your teams to success!

Shanna Goodell, Head of Learning and Development at Druva, emphasizes that well-being is a leadership imperative and not just a perk. She discusses how personalizing wellness strategies fosters engagement and productivity. Shanna highlights the critical role of self-awareness for leaders and how employee resource groups like Druva's Women’s ERG tackle vital issues such as women's health. Ultimately, she illustrates how creating a supportive and inclusive culture directly impacts employee performance and satisfaction.

Details In this episode of The 90th Percentile, we sit down with Rose Christensen, Senior Learning & Development Leader at Wright Service Corp., to explore what it really takes to grow leaders across dispersed, specialized, and fast-growing teams. With over 6,000 employees spread across North America and roles ranging from field-based technicians to executives, Wright Service Corp. has had to rethink traditional leadership development models. Rose shares how they’ve scaled programs across levels, embraced hybrid flexibility, and met employees where they are—with mobile learning, tailored cohort programs, and a culture rooted in trust and business partnership. Key Points Flexibility Fuels OpportunityThe shift to remote and hybrid work enabled Wright Service Corp. to tap into a wider, more diverse talent pool—prioritizing skills over geography. Leadership Development Must Be LayeredOne-size-fits-all programs don’t work. Wright built tiered development pathways for first-level leaders, mid-level managers, and executives—scaling content to match job scope. Field-Based Teams Require Mobile, Bite-Sized LearningFor the 4,000+ employees working in the field, leadership development had to be accessible via mobile and delivered in shorter, more digestible sessions. Connection Still Matters in Hybrid ModelsHybrid learning experiences, culture clubs, and in-office events help foster belonging and reinforce organizational values—even across distances. Trust and Business Acumen are FoundationalRose emphasizes that strong relationships and a deep understanding of the business are essential for L&D to be seen as true strategic partners. Webinar Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and join in a conversation about their latest research in leadership development. Find out more information and register here.The post Episode 167: Flexible, Focused, and Future-Ready—L&D at Wright Service Corp. first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Mark Schaff, a seasoned leader in coaching and talent development, explores the intriguing intersection of AI and leadership. He discusses how AI can help managers feel more prepared and confident in coaching, providing structure without replacing the critical human element of trust and empathy. Mark highlights the effective FUEL model that complements AI tools, ensuring coaches can still foster meaningful connections. He also tackles concerns about privacy and the importance of balancing AI assistance with personal interaction in leadership development.

In this discussion, Paul Leboffe, a seasoned facilitator of team development, delves into the misconception that individual leaders alone drive performance. He argues that true growth stems from collective intelligence within teams. Paul highlights the dangers of 'being too nice,' which can undermine trust without anyone realizing it. With remote work becoming the norm, he emphasizes the urgent need for intentional support in diverse teams to bridge communication gaps. Tune in for fresh insights on integrating team development into leadership strategies.

Explore the revival of Control Graph Theory and its significance in modern leadership. Discover how the balance of influence vs. control impacts team engagement and performance. The discussion reveals the downsides of authoritarian leadership styles, especially in times of crisis. Real-world examples, like Amazon's management systems and Toyota's Andon cord, illustrate the power of shared influence. Learn practical strategies for leaders to foster a culture where employees feel valued and empowered, promoting innovation and reducing turnover.