Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

Did you know that 40% of executives fail in their new roles within the first 18 months…and it’s rarely due to lack of technical skills? In this insightful conversation, you’ll hear from Navid Nazemian, an executive transition coach and author of Mastering Executive Transitions. He shares the real reasons leaders derail during role changes and what can be done to dramatically improve their odds of success. Navid describes the cultural, political, and interpersonal challenges that make or break new leaders. You’ll learn why transitions take far longer than the often-cited 90 days, and how his “Double Diamond Framework” helps executives cut derailment risk and accelerate productivity by more than half. Whether you’re moving into a new role or coaching others who are, this episode gives you a practical roadmap to make your next transition a true success. Navid has been ranked as the #1 Executive Coach for 3 years by CEO Today. He’s a leading authority on executive transitions and leadership impact. Navid is the author of the international bestseller Mastering Executive Transitions: The Definitive Guide. His focus is on supporting senior leaders as they transition into new roles, and he’s a trusted advisor to C-level leaders worldwide. He brings to his work 20 years of HR leadership across five countries and six industries.  You’ll discover: Why 40% of executives fail in new roles—and how to avoid itThe critical difference between executive coaching and transition coachingHow the Double Diamond Framework shortens time to impactThe five C’s every executive should master before day oneWhy pre-boarding is the secret weapon of successful leadersCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

What if young people learned to lead by tackling real-world problems instead of waiting for “someday”? In this inspiring conversation, you’ll meet Erin Lewellen, CEO of Tilting Futures, an organization that empowers youth around the globe to step into leadership through immersive, purpose-driven experiences. Erin shares how her own background—as a coach, educator, and social entrepreneur—shaped her belief that true learning happens through action, reflection, and collaboration.You’ll hear how Tilting Futures’ Take Action Lab program helps students engage with human rights or environmental issues through apprenticeships, academic learning, and community impact. Meredith and Erin explore how these hands-on opportunities give participants clarity about their purpose, confidence in their abilities, and the courage to take on global challenges. Erin also reveals how her team fosters healthy disagreement, emotional awareness, and curiosity—skills essential for every leader who wants to create positive change. Erin has been with an exceptional organization called Tilting Futures for 11 years, and she has served as CEO for the past 3 years. Before joining Tilting Futures, Erin was Vice President of School Partnerships for Revolution Foods and served as Bay Area Director for Playworks. For 20 years, she coached the Varsity Girls’ Basketball team at Emery High, and she’s an avid supporter of girls in sports. You’ll discover: How global immersion helps young people build resilience, empathy, and leadership skillsWhy “tilt moments” transform self-doubt into personal growth and confidenceHow to make education more relevant through experiential learningThe power of emotional intelligence and healthy disagreement in team dynamicsHow curiosity fuels innovation and learning from mistakesCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Have you ever wondered why so many well-designed strategies fail in execution? Tim Ohai reveals that the real problem isn’t poor planning, it’s poor decision-making. Drawing on decades of global experience, he shares how strategy is best understood as a series of decisions rather than as a static plan. You’ll learn how clarity at every handoff—from leadership to teams—determines whether people can actually deliver on what’s expected. You’ll also discover the human side of strategy. We explore how ego, fear, and unclear accountability derail even the best intentions—and what leaders can do to reverse it. Through engaging stories and practical insights, Tim explains how to replace confusion with empowerment, align decisions with outcomes, and approach leadership as stewardship rather than control. If you’re ready to transform how your organization thinks and acts, this episode will show you how to make clarity your greatest competitive advantage. Tim has spent decades helping leaders around the world uncover what’s getting in the way of their teams—and their own success—and then guiding them to take meaningful action. As a consultant, coach, author, and speaker, Tim combines business best practices with psychological insights to drive performance that’s both healthy and sustainable. He’s also the host of the How to NOT Execute Your Strategy Podcast, and we explored some key ideas from his upcoming book, The Zen of Strategic Execution. Why strategic execution fails even when plans look solid.How defining strategy as a series of decisions changes everything.The three universal drives that shape team behavior.Practical ways to reduce fear and ego in your culture.How stewardship leads to stronger alignment and engagement.Check out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Want a behind-the-scenes look at how real leaders make ethics practical on a day-to-day basis? In this conversation with Noreen Fierro at Principal Financial Group®, you’ll hear how, as Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, she builds trust by asking questions, owning mistakes, and keeping teams aligned to values, not just outcomes. You’ll also get an insider’s view of the rigorous Ethisphere “World’s Most Ethical Companies” application—what it takes, why cross-functional collaboration matters, and how to sustain momentum over months. You’ll come away with fresh, usable ideas: pausing unsustainable busywork, watching for stress signals, and turning misses into shared learning instead of blame. Plus, you’ll discover a mentoring approach grounded in humility, self-awareness, and long-term relationships that helps people grow with confidence.  Noreen is Senior Vice President and Enterprise Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at Principal Financial Group®. She joined Principal® in 2022. Her career spans 30 years in the financial services industry, both in-house in legal and compliance roles and as outside counsel. Prior to joining Principal in 2022, she was Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer at Guardian Life and before that held various senior-level positions at Prudential Financial. You’ll hear Noreen’s passion for strong leadership in our conversation, and she speaks often about it at industry events. You’ll discover: How vulnerability (and “I don’t know yet”) elevates leadership.A practical playbook for complex, months-long ethics initiatives. What to do after a miss: learn, don’t blame. Ways to protect your team’s capacity and values in real time.A mentoring style that blends humility, curiosity, and care.Check out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

What if you had to step into a CEO role at just 22, with no formal business training? That’s exactly what Thiago Da Costa did, and he quickly discovered that leadership is best learned on the job. In this episode, Thiago shares what it was like to build and grow a company that Autodesk later acquired, leading teams of up to 300 people and adapting to constant organizational change. He reflects on the lessons learned about authenticity, cultural alignment, and the compromises leaders must navigate to stay true to their values while driving results.You’ll also hear how Thiago is now leveraging AI to shape the future of work. From hiring and skill development to automating routine tasks, Thiago offers a fascinating look at how AI can enhance—not replace—human leadership. He shares practical insights about using AI for personalized guidance, preparing for tough conversations, and freeing leaders to focus on what matters most: engaging meaningfully with people. His vision of AI as a partner in leadership offers a compelling roadmap for today’s leaders who want to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. Thiago is a product visionary, an AI futurist, and a serial entrepreneur. He sold his first company to Autodesk and is now building the future of work with Datagrid, where he’s Founder and CEO. Datagrid is an AI platform that turns your company’s data into intelligent agents. These agents automate workflows, surface real-time insights, and supercharge decision-making. You’ll discover: The hard-earned lessons Thiago acquired as a first-time CEO at 22.Why aligning with an organization’s culture and DNA is essential.How AI agents are transforming routine business tasks.Ways AI can enhance communication and feedback for leaders.The future of hiring in an AI-driven workplace.Check out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

What if you realized you’re already creating every moment of your life—yourself, others, and the world around you? In this milestone 350th episode, I reflect on what it truly means to be a creator in all three areas. Drawing inspiration from master coaches Steve Hardison and Steve Chandler, I explore how daily intentions, conscious thoughts, and deliberate actions shape who we become and how we experience others. You’ll be inspired to see every encounter and circumstance as an opportunity to create something meaningful—with kindness, awareness, and purpose. I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. We’ve created online resources that help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills to build strong relationships and inspire others to perform at the highest level.  You’ll discover: How to consciously create the person you want to be each day.Why your thoughts and beliefs “create” how others show up for you.A powerful way to bring intention to every interaction.How to transform challenges by asking, “What do I want to create?”The liberating truth that you are already a powerful creator.Check out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

What does it take to lead with both speed and heart? Danielle Fette shares how her leadership in regenerative medicine is shaped by trust, courage, and a relentless focus on impact. She reveals why running a lean company allows for faster decisions, more agility, and better outcomes—and how these same principles apply to anyone leading a team or organization. You’ll hear how she built a culture that clears roadblocks quickly and puts people first, while staying laser-focused on purpose.  Danielle also opens up about the leadership skills that matter most: hiring for curiosity and energy, creating safe spaces for honest dialogue, and approaching tough conversations with empathy. She emphasizes the role of self-awareness, intuition, and listening deeply to guide decisions and strengthen relationships. Her story offers powerful lessons for every leader who wants to combine courage, clarity, and compassion to achieve meaningful results. Danielle is Co-founder and CEO of FetTech. She’s deeply passionate about transforming lives through groundbreaking advancements in regenerative medicine. She’s dedicated her career to developing innovative, FDA-cleared medical devices that empower the body to heal naturally—and to address some of the world’s most catastrophic injuries, diseases, and viruses. You’ll discover: How lean leadership accelerates decisions and outcomes.Practical ways leaders can hire for curiosity and energy.Why trust and transparency are vital to team success.How empathy transforms difficult leadership conversations.The role of self-awareness in effective leadership.Check out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

What’s the real difference between managing and leading? Mark Hinderliter, former C-suite executive, business owner, and consultant, explains how shifting from managing processes to inspiring people can transform both your leadership and your organization. Drawing from his book From Manager to Leader: 6 Practices that Accelerate Transformation and his own journey, he shares practical lessons on growing through mistakes and focusing on what matters most. You’ll also hear why trust is the foundation of strong teams and how leaders can show character, competence, connection, and consistency. Mark shares practical insights on balancing accountability with support, giving clear feedback, and creating clarity through active listening. His stories and strategies will help you reflect on your own leadership and take steps to strengthen both relationships and results. Mark is the creator of Diamond Quality Leadership©, a workshop designed to help managers lead today’s workforce. As a senior leader in the corporate arena, Mark has taught and coached hundreds of leaders at all levels in eight countries. In his own business, Mark has coached leaders from the Director level up to the CEO.  You’ll discover: The key distinction between managing tasks and leading peopleHow trust impacts culture, engagement, and performanceWhy accountability is a vital part of servant leadershipWays to improve clarity in giving feedback and instructionsSix practices that accelerate your growth as a leaderCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

What would change if you paused before reacting? In this conversation, you’ll discover how mindfulness can transform both your leadership and your daily life. Anita Barbero shares her journey from running a fitness business to leading wellness initiatives at ESPN, where she partnered with senior executives to embed wellbeing practices across the organization. She explains how listening deeply to employees and integrating mindfulness into corporate culture created lasting positive results for both individuals and the company. Anita also brings mindfulness down to earth with practical strategies leaders can use every day. From mindful eating to noticing tension in your body, she shows how small moments of awareness can make a big difference in resilience, compassion, and decision-making. You’ll hear how leaders can prevent burnout, foster empathy, and create supportive environments when wellbeing is prioritized. Anita is the CEO of Renew Your Health, where she helps companies like ESPN and Disney embed sustainable wellbeing into their culture. She creates tailored, high-impact programs that address stress, burnout, and disengagement and turn them into energy, resilience, and renewed purpose. This is a woman who is using her gifts to foster environments where leaders lead with empathy, teams perform with clarity, and health becomes the foundation of success. You’ll discover: Why mindfulness is different from meditation and easier to apply at work.How leaders can pause and respond instead of reacting under stress.Practical strategies for integrating wellbeing into your daily routine.The benefits of mindful eating and taking true breaks during the day.How embedding wellness into leadership training builds stronger cultures.Check out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

What does it look like when leadership is rooted in genuine care for people? In this conversation, you’ll hear how Peter Bissonnette’s experiences in a monastery and in the corporate world shaped a philosophy of service, humility, and trust. His journey shows that caring isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the foundation for lasting impact with employees and customers alike. With stories, Peter illustrates how leaders can bring humanity into business while still driving growth and innovation. From customer service initiatives that prioritize connection to employee engagement practices that value feedback, you’ll discover how an organization can thrive when its culture is built on compassion, humility, and treating people like family. Peter is the former president of Shaw Communications Inc., one of Canada’s leading telecommunications companies. With more than three decades of experience in the cable, internet, and media industries, Peter played a pivotal role in transforming how Canadians connect and communicate. Peter has recently published a very inspiring memoir, Count on Me: My Life, Lessons, and Legacy as Former President of Shaw Communications. Peter is not just an exceptional leader, he’s also a remarkable human being. You’re sure to be inspired by a man who experienced unbelievable adversity and trauma as a boy, then created a life that’s grounded in integrity, empathy, and trust. You’ll discover: Peter’s early life experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy.The values that run through Peter’s book, Count On Me.Why vulnerability and humility strengthen leadership impact.Practical ways Shaw Communications fosters customer loyalty and trust.How employee engagement and customer feedback transformed company culture.Check out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro