Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

What if you could navigate even the most challenging conversations with calmness, clarity, and confidence? This in-depth conversation with David Wood explores just that, diving into how to communicate more effectively in high-stakes moments, whether at work or in life. David shares his unique approach to coaching and communication, combining emotional awareness with practical tools. His latest innovation, WhisperLead AI, helps leaders role-play difficult conversations, receive coaching prompts, and even get real-time support during live interactions. Our discussion goes beyond mechanics to emphasize authenticity and vulnerability as leadership strengths. David unpacks common pitfalls in conflict—like poor framing, making assumptions, or avoiding others’ perspectives—and offers techniques for building trust and achieving shared outcomes. Whether you're leading a team or seeking better communication in your personal life, this conversation delivers practical wisdom and fresh ideas you can start using immediately. David left behind a high-powered career as a Consulting Actuary for Ford, Sony Music, and Chanel—trading Park Avenue boardrooms for a mission to transform lives and businesses. He didn’t just start a coaching business; he built the world’s largest coaching business at the time, ranking #1 on Google for "life coaching", serving 150,000 coaches globally. But David’s story is about more than success—it’s about resilience. He’s survived a paraglider collapse and a fractured spine, battled anxiety and depression, and most recently, took on acting in Hollywood! Today, he helps leaders 4X their clarity AND productivity, and to love their life. You’ll discover: A powerful method for framing difficult conversations with positive intentWhy asking for the other person's perspective first can shift everythingHow AI tools like WhisperLead can coach you in real-timeThe link between vulnerability and stronger leadershipA practical model for brainstorming solutions collaborativelyCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

What happens when a mother and daughter build a business grounded in legacy, love, and leadership? June Perry-Stevens and Krystle Rogers share the powerful story of their mother-daughter business partnership, rooted in a family lineage that dates back to ancestors who were enslaved. Their bond is built on mutual respect, deep trust, and a shared commitment to community, excellence, and generational leadership. Their company, Best Ed Business, has evolved through intentional partnerships and a clear focus on delivering exceptional service, all while staying grounded in values passed down through generations. Together, June and Krystle model what it means to lead with integrity and love. Their conversation touches on honoring the past while building for the future, the importance of empowering women, and the role of relationship-building in business success. With a lineage of strength behind them and a heart for service, they demonstrate how legacy can be both a source of pride and a call to purpose. You’ll discover: The power of intergenerational leadership built on respect and trustWhy leading with love and service creates lasting customer relationshipsThe importance of appreciating differences and individual strengthsHow one family lives into a history of resilience and excellencePractical ways to empower women and uplift communities through businessCheck 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 mean to lead without fanfare or recognition? In this solo episode, I reflect on the life and legacy of my beloved mother, Doris Melancon—a woman whose quiet strength, unwavering love, and deep wisdom shaped generations. Though Doris never saw herself as a leader, her influence was undeniable and profound. I honor my mother’s legacy by highlighting the qualities that defined her: humility, generosity, patience, and a steadfast faith that guided her every action. Through personal stories and reflections, you’ll come to understand how true leadership can radiate from a calm, gentle presence—and how one person’s values can ripple out to impact the lives of many. 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: Why quiet leadership can have the most lasting impactHow humility and love become a powerful guiding forceWhat makes a person truly wise and deeply respectedThe strength behind patience and emotional steadinessHow one life of service can shape an entire family legacyCheck 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 the secret to success is giving more? In this episode, Meredith Bell speaks with Bob Burg, co-author of The Go-Giver, about why shifting your focus to consistently providing value leads to greater fulfillment and profitability. Bob explains the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success and how they apply to entrepreneurs, leaders, and teams. You'll come away inspired by Bob’s deep insights on value-based leadership, the true meaning of influence, and why receptivity is just as important as giving. Whether you're growing a business or leading a team, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and equip you with timeless, practical wisdom. The Go-Giver has sold well over a million copies and has been translated into 30 languages. Bob has created The Go-Giver Academy online learning portal featuring The Go-Giver® Success Vault, which includes all of his online courses and other business-building resources.  Bob is an advocate, supporter, and defender of the Free Enterprise system, believing that the amount of money one makes is directly proportional to how many people they serve. You’ll discover: The meaning of a “go-giver”Why giving value is more profitable than chasing moneyHow to lead with authenticity without using it as a crutchThe difference between genuine influence and manipulationHow being open to receiving fuels your ability to give moreCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Are your leadership habits helping you adapt…or holding you back? Kevin Eikenberry shares highlights from his new book, Flexible Leadership, and explores what it truly means to lead with confidence in uncertain times.  Using the powerful image of a tree, deeply rooted yet able to bend, Kevin offers a fresh take on how leaders can stay grounded in their values while adapting their approach. The discussion covers the essential elements of mindset, skillset, and habitset, and how each one shapes a leader’s ability to navigate complexity with clarity and purpose. This conversation brings practical wisdom and real-life application to the forefront. The concept of the “confidence-competence loop” offers a hopeful reminder that growth builds momentum. Whether you’re leading a team, managing change, or working on personal development, you’ll find actionable insights for growing stronger through flexibility. Kevin is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, a leadership and learning company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a team across the United States. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations and leaders from at least 53 countries become more effective.  You’ll discover: How to stay grounded in your values while adapting your approachThe power of “it depends” in shifting perspectiveWhat the confidence-competence loop means for leadersWhy resistance isn’t a problem—it’s an invitationHow to use questions to unlock better decisionsCheck 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 the only thing standing between you and stronger leadership is the way you see and lead yourself? In this conversation, Ben Albert shares how losing his job during the pandemic became the catalyst for his growth as an entrepreneur and podcaster.  We explore why self-leadership matters, especially when no one else is steering the ship, and how habits, relationships, and honest feedback can help you grow. Ben also explains how self-care, personal branding, and seeking out mentors can transform your impact on others and yourself. We also discuss overcoming fears, turning weaknesses into strengths, and the power of empathy and curiosity in personal development. Ben describes building a supportive community of growth-minded leaders and why genuine connections are the foundation of lasting success. Whether you’re looking to lead more effectively or become a better version of yourself, you’ll find practical ideas and inspiration in this episode. Ben hosts a network of 5 podcasts called “Real Business Connections,” ranked in the top 1% globally. He also runs a massively successful marketing firm, Balbert Marketing. Ben is on a mission to move the needle on one million lives, one conversation at a time.  You’ll discover: How self-leadership can empower you during times of uncertainty and change.The role of self-care in supporting both personal growth and your ability to lead others.Why personal branding matters and how to shape the way others perceive you.Practical ideas for overcoming fears and turning past weaknesses into strengths.The benefits of joining a growth-minded community for networking and ongoing development.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 the real secret to great leadership isn’t found in strategy or skill, but in the strength of your character? This conversation with Dane Deutsch explores how character forms the true foundation of leadership, shaped by his own family values, military service, and years of leading diverse teams.  Through stories from the Air Force and his own experience as a CEO, Dane reveals why caring for people and building trust matter more than any title or technique. His insights show that whether you’re coaching athletes, running a business, or guiding a community, authentic leadership always begins with character. Dane also introduces the “tricycle effect,” illustrating how qualities like trustworthiness, respect, and responsibility steer both personal and professional growth. From practical tools for self-coaching to the power of empathy and humility, you’ll come away inspired to strengthen your own character skills, build genuine connections, and lead with heart in every area of life. Dane was a Commander in the US Air Force and first applied character skills in the military. He’s the CEO of LMDC Academy, which stands for Leadership Management and Development in Character. Over the past 40 years, he’s coached and trained athletes, businesses, and teams. Dane owned a cybersecurity company and sold it in 2020. He’s also taught classes on cybersecurity at the university level. He and his wife own a gymnastics training center for pre-k to high school students, and character is the #1 skill they teach, followed by leadership, and then technical skills. Dane’s most recent book is titled "Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect: Coaching Character as the Foundation of Leadership."You’ll discover: Why character skills are the true foundation of great leadershipHow self-talk and body posture can help you manage anxiety and boost confidenceThe “tricycle effect” and how it can guide your personal and professional growthReal stories about empathy, humility, and the power of being coachablePractical ways to develop trust, respect, and authentic connections in any area of your lifeCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Coco Sellman, CEO of A Force for Good and author of 'A Force for Good,' empowers purpose-driven women founders. She delves into the importance of inner wisdom in leadership, emphasizing self-leadership and daily rituals for personal growth. Coco discusses how transformational leadership creates environments that foster empowerment and contribution. Her insights on 'highest and best use' encourage aligning actions with greater purpose. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she shares how leaders can drive positive change, even during challenging times.

Curious how LinkedIn can actually help you build real business relationships—not just rack up connections? In this episode, LinkedIn expert Bill McCormick shares his journey from traditional sales to becoming a trusted advisor on the platform. Bill reveals why authenticity, curiosity, and genuine engagement are the keys to standing out and building trust, whether you’re networking, recruiting, or growing your business. We dive into practical tips for optimizing your profile, engaging with others in a meaningful way, and using LinkedIn’s premium features (like Sales Navigator) to your advantage. Bill also shares his thoughts on AI and automation, and why the human touch still matters most. If you want to make LinkedIn work for you—without feeling salesy or inauthentic—this episode is packed with actionable advice you can use right away. Bill is the Founder of Digi-Sales, a Digital Selling training company, and Digi-Sales Academy, an online video training platform where he shares his passion for helping professionals leverage the power of LinkedIn. Bill first started using digital sales techniques after he and his wife, Sue, started their own promotional product business. By using social platforms, especially LinkedIn, they were able to build a very successful business. Bill then began to help other business owners, entrepreneurs and sales professionals learn how to use LinkedIn to increase sales.Bill has conducted training for companies worldwide and specializes in helping to ‘make LinkedIn Human’ - explaining the platform in easy-to-understand ways, and recently launched the All Selling Is Social Podcast. You’ll discover: How to create a value-driven LinkedIn profileThe right way to connect and engageWhy curiosity builds trust on LinkedInTips for using Sales Navigator effectivelyThe pitfalls of AI and automation on LinkedInCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

When you hear the word authenticity, you might think of it as being your true self around other people. Actually, it’s much more than that. In our conversation, Erin Hatzikostas shares her bold and refreshing perspective on authenticity in leadership and life.  As a former corporate CEO turned authenticity advocate, Erin opens up about her journey from a rocky start as an actuary to leading a company with a culture rooted in trust and connection. She introduces her HUMANS framework for authenticity, emphasizing the importance of humility, unexpectedness, and storytelling in building relationships and inspiring others. Erin’s unforgettable stories offer practical ways to embrace imperfection and lead with heart. Her insights on being unexpected in communication, taking risks, and cataloging imperfect moments will leave you feeling inspired to bring more of your true self into every interaction. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to lead authentically, connect deeply, and stand out by simply being real. Erin is the CEO and founder of b Authentic Inc, a global keynote speaker, and the author of two books, You Do You(ish) and The 50% Rule, the co-host of the podcast, b Cause Work Doesn’t Have to Suck, and coach-sultant. Her TEDx Talk was one of the Top 20 globally most viewed TEDx Talks released in 2021.   You’ll discover: How authenticity can transform leadership and build trustThe HUMANS framework: key elements of authentic connectionWhy embracing imperfection fosters deeper relationshipsThe “50% rule” for breaking free from conventional thinkingHow storytelling can elevate communication and problem-solving Check out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro