

The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Podcast
Zenger Folkman Leadership
Using over 1.5 million assessments from leaders across the world, renowned psychometrician Joe Folkman and leadership legend Jack Zenger are here to settle the debates and let the data speak for itself. Each week they analyze different leadership traits, trends, and what it really takes to get to the 90th percentile. These short episodes feature compelling stories, research, and actions that leaders can take to improve. To learn more visit https://zengerfolkman.com/podcast/.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 25, 2025 • 22min
Episode 167: Flexible, Focused, and Future-Ready—L&D at Wright Service Corp.
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 … Continued
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5 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 22min
Episode 166: Can AI Be Your Coach? The Promise and Peril of AI in Leadership Development
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.

Jun 10, 2025 • 22min
Episode 165: Stop Training Leaders Alone—The Case for Team 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.

6 snips
May 21, 2025 • 16min
Episode 164: Control vs. Influence—What Today’s Leader’s Get Wrong
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.

May 14, 2025 • 15min
Episode 89: Employee Recognition– Improving the Substance and Delivery
Details There’s a need to greatly increase the frequency and the quality of the recognition they give to their colleagues. That means recognition for people who report to them, their peers, and, yes, even their boss. The reality is that people in every direction in your organization need recognition. While the “great resignation” may have … Continued
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May 7, 2025 • 22min
Episode 163: Staying the Course—Why Core Leadership Skills Still Matter
Join Bard Parnell, Senior Manager of Learning and Development at Mesa Labs, as he dives into the essence of effective leadership amidst constant change. He highlights the importance of sticking to foundational skills rather than chasing fleeting trends. Bard emphasizes that true development is a continuous process, not just training. He discusses how clarity and alignment can empower leaders to earn trust during disruptions and shares insights on the value of reflection and cultivating a learning culture for lasting impact.

Apr 30, 2025 • 22min
Episode 162: Building Resilient Leaders: Lessons from Core & Main
Details In this episode, we’re diving into resilience—a critical skill for today’s leaders—with Evelyn Swanson, Vice President of Learning and Organizational Development at Core & Main. As a leading distributor of water, sewer, storm drain, and fire protection products, Core & Main has declared this year the “Year of the Resilient Leader.” Evelyn shares valuable … Continued
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4 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 18min
Episode 161: Then and Now—How the Pandemic Boosted Leadership Effectiveness
Joe Folkman, a renowned psychometrician from Zenger Folkman, reveals surprising data on leadership during the pandemic. Contrary to expectations, leadership effectiveness soared globally, with significant boosts in competencies like learning agility. Leaders demonstrated enhanced adaptability and communication, earning higher levels of trust through transparent decision-making. Joe discusses how this crisis transformed leadership styles, making leaders more responsive to their teams’ needs and better equipped for future challenges.

4 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 28min
Episode 160: Using Neuroscience to Make Feedback Work with David Rock
David Rock, co-founder of the NeuroLeadership Institute, dives into the neuroscience behind feedback in the workplace. He reveals how giving and receiving feedback can trigger stress responses and explains the difference between authoritarian and servant leadership styles. Rock emphasizes the need for leaders to invite feedback to foster growth. He also discusses the importance of creating a supportive environment that encourages open communication and highlights the transformative potential of neuroleadership in improving feedback systems.

Mar 26, 2025 • 17min
Episode 159: Is One Leadership Style Better Than Others?
Details In this episode, we’ll explore four distinct leadership styles—the Expert, the Connector, the Driver, and the Strategist—and reveal surprising findings about which approach yields the best results. We’ll also connect Joe’s research to Daniel Goleman’s six leadership styles featured in last year’s popular Harvard Business Review article, giving you practical insights on how to … Continued
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