Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

What does it take to transform learning and development in a big pharmaceutical company? Johann Laville shares the three gaps that existed at Merck and what they’re doing to build a powerful learning culture. You’ll love hearing Johann’s passion and enthusiasm for all aspects of this undertaking…and you’ll gain important insights about what’s possible when everyone from the executive suite on down is committed to making the transformation a reality.Johann is the Chief Learning Officer in Global Learning & Development at Merck & Co., Inc. where he ensures that learning solutions and innovations are aligned with the company’s mission to save and improve lives. He has more than 20 years of experience leading large global teams with a focus on furthering business transformation as well as defining and launching innovative user experiences.   You’ll discover: The 3 gaps Merck is addressing in its “transformation of learning”What Johann and his team are doing to build a strong culture of learningHow Merck is resolving issues around the Journey of Leadership across all departmentsThe onboarding process in place for new hires to help them start their learning journey on Day 1Key leadership lessons that Johann has learned in his own journey 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 thoughts come to mind when you hear the word “networking”? If any of them are negative—or if you wish you could build a stronger network yourself—this episode is for you. My guest Frank Agin is a masterful networker, and he has invested decades in showing others how to do it right. You’ll hear valuable tips around making introductions, the benefits of being a Giver and not a Taker, and what to do at networking events.Frank is president of AmSpirit Business Connections, which empowers entrepreneurs, sales representatives, and professionals to become successful through networking. He hosts the Networking Rx Podcast that’s packed with insights and interviews related to better business relationships. Frank is also the author of several books, including Foundational Networking, which I highly recommend if you’re interested in learning from a true thought leader around the importance of building professional relationships.You’ll discover: What many people get wrong about networkingThe elements of foundational networkingWhy KNOW, LIKE and TRUST are the keys to building strong business relationshipsThe infinite power of making introductionsSteps you can take to become effective at networking events 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 do CEO peer advisory groups and high-performing teams in organizations have in common? Leo Bottary has worked closely with both, and he’s identified 5 Factors that are essential to their ultimate success. You’ll enjoy learning from his expertise combined with his passion to have a positive impact!Leo is the founder and managing partner of Peernovation, LLC. He’s a sought-after thought leader, keynote speaker, and workshop facilitator on leadership and maximizing the power of peers in the workplace. Leo is the author of three books, and we focused on his latest one, PEERNOVATION: What Peer Advisory Groups Can Teach Us about Building High-Performing Teams, in this conversation.You’ll discover: Why CEO peer advisory groups are so effectiveHow the principles from those groups apply to teams in today’s organizationsWhat’s behind Leo’s saying, “The Power of WE begins with ME”How the 5 Factors work together to create the right resultsThe importance of celebrating large and small wins as a teamCheck 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 invested in technology, only to find yourself frustrated when trying to learn how to use it? Tom Studdert and his team at ZoomInfo have created a new customer experience that ensures their success. Tom shares lots of nuggets you can apply to the onboarding of new clients and employees.Tom Studdert is the Vice President of Customer Onboarding & Education at ZoomInfo where he oversees the comprehensive onboarding program with a focus on early adoption of the ZoomInfo suite of products. Before joining ZoomInfo, Tom spent 20 years in Higher Education serving as an Assistant Dean of Student Development at Texas Christian University and a Director of New Student Orientation at the University of Southern California.You’ll discover: The strengths Tom brought from his experiences in higher education to his role at ZoomInfoHow Tom and his team build scaffolding into all customer education programsHow Customer Education differs from Customer Training and Customer ServiceWhat Tom and his team do to provide extraordinary experiences when onboarding new customersThe values that the CEO models and advocates for everyone in the companyCheck 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 could change the way you look at fear? Jacqueline Wales has a deep understanding of what’s behind fear…and the questions you can ask yourself to break through limiting beliefs and stories that may be causing you to play small in life. You’ll discover how to reframe your ideas about fear and failure so they serve you instead of hold you back. Jacqueline developed a fearless approach herself after enduring, and then breaking away from, a nightmarish family to establish new patterns and find peace. She is now an author, keynote speaker, and trusted advisor to successful, high-achieving women. And she is an unwavering champion for being fearless.  In this conversation we talk about key ideas and questions from her latest book, The Fearless Factor @ Work, which I highly recommend, especially if you’ve ever allowed your fears to get in the way of speaking up or taking courageous action. You’ll discover: How Jacqueline defines fear and more specifically, fear in the workplaceThe distinction Jacqueline makes between the stories we tell ourselves and the evidence for those beliefsWhat she does to help clients play big when they’re used to playing small and holding backSome of the messages that girls receive when growing up that don’t serve them as adultsThe importance of self-compassion and self-love when you’re working to make a changeCheck 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 you predict the future to be for a boy who was the son of a Black pimp father and a white single mother on welfare? If you answered “pretty bleak,” you would be wrong in the case of JeVon McCormick. JeVon took all the adversity he faced and turned it into a highly successful life and career. Today, JeVon is the CEO of Scribe Media, a multi-million-dollar publishing company that was recently ranked the #1 Top Company Culture in America by Entrepreneur Magazine. JeVon was recently named Best CEO in Austin, Texas. JeVon’s experiences shaped a mindset for modern leadership that now guides his service at Scribe Media and is captured in his book, Modern Leader. You are likely to re-evaluate of your ideas and even some of the words you use as you listen to this thought-provoking conversation.You’ll discover: The incident that made JeVon immune to criticism from othersWhy the old corporate playbook is obsoleteThe #1 behavior that modern leaders need to demonstrateWhat JeVon learned from his biggest mistake Words that JeVon dislikes and the alternatives he prefersCheck 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 been told, “You’re the best leader I’ve ever had”? Michelle Braden has. She lives and breathes every day the behaviors that both challenge and support the people on her team.In this gold nugget-filled conversation, you’ll hear about the journey that led Michelle to learn about, adopt, and apply the key leadership skills that bring out the best in others. Michelle is the Vice President of Global Talent Development at WEX, a leading provider of corporate payment solutions. She has more than 25 years of successful management experience in companies like TELUS International, SAP and Xerox. You’ll discover: Why Michelle Braden likes to describe herself as the Chief Learning EvangelistHow the Situational Leadership program became a turning point in Michelle’s careerWhat Michelle does to challenge team members and provide support at the same timeThe behavior that consistently trips up the senior leaders Michelle has coached in her roleHow application of The Fifth Agreement helps build critical thinking skillsCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

How do you create a leadership development program from scratch? Will Leahy explains how he did just that at GoDaddy as Senior Director of Learning and Talent. You’ll feel his unbridled enthusiasm for his work, and you’ll learn how he’s still refining that program after two years.Throughout Will’s career at companies like Virgin Orbit, Hulu, and LinkedIn, there’s a common thread that’s near and dear to my own heart. Will has a passion for developing strong leaders who help others thrive and realize their full potential. And in our conversation we talked about how he’s been doing that at GoDaddy.You’ll discover: Will’s purpose and how he gets to fulfill it at GoDaddyThe key question Will asked that helped him develop a powerful leadership development programThe story behind The Everyday Leaders Program titleWhy the program results in real changes in the way leaders leadHow Will utilizes the program’s Alumni Network to test new classes and get feedbackCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Did you know that Lean Six Sigma extends way beyond the world of manufacturing? Paul Stamper is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and he’s done a magnificent job bringing this process to the County of Ventura in California. You’ll enjoy Paul’s passion for this topic and the practical ways the principles are applied across all departments in the County. You’re sure to get ideas of how you can incorporate Lean Six Sigma into your own organization. Paul is the Deputy Executive Officer for the County of Ventura, California. He oversees multiple program areas including their continuous improvement program, called Service Excellence, which has documented over $40 million in savings. Paul leads Strategic Planning and Economic Vitality efforts to support the 850,000 residents and 22,000 businesses in the County. You’ll discover: What Lean Six Sigma means and what it looks like in actionThe natural strengths Paul brought with him when learning about Lean processesHow Ventura County has used the Service Excellence Program to improve services to its customersPositive changes that have occurred at all levels in the organization since adopting Lead Six SigmaWays that Paul has grown as a leader and what he’s learned from his experience in this roleCheck 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 it like to be bullied and abused as a kid, end up in jail for beating up someone, and later decide to create a Legendary Life Movement? That’s just a slice of Tommy Breedlove’s life.Tommy emerged from those early experiences stronger and determined to change his life. He went on to have a 20-year corporate career at one of the largest financial consulting firms in the world. And then…at the top of his career, Tommy experienced a transformational moment that inspired him to walk away from the corporate world and follow his true calling…to empower others to build and live Legendary Lives.Tommy is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best-Selling Author of the Book, Legendary. He’s also the Founder of the Legendary Life Movement… a movement that empowers driven people to be Pros in Leadership, Business, Mindset, & their Relationships. You’ll be inspired and motivated to take action as you hear him share specific steps you can take to build your own legendary life.You’ll discover: What the word Legendary means to Tommy…and why he chose itWhy self-leadership is the starting point for all personal developmentThe question one of Tommy’s mentors asked him that became an ah-ha moment in his life3 things you can do every day to build a practice of gratitude in your life3 actions you can start taking today to become legendary at work, no matter what your titleCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro