Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

Imagine if there were a company that could consistently achieve an employee engagement score of 93 or 94? You don’t have to imagine it. That’s a reality at WD-40 Company. My guest Garry Ridge describes the elements he and his tribe have put in place and practice daily. You’ll be inspired by his passion and commitment to create a learning and empowering culture where every single person in the company thrives.Garry is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WD-40 Company. He now speaks and coaches with other CEOs to help them build positive cultures in their own organizations. Garry is also an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego where he teaches the principles and practices of corporate culture in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership program. In 2009 he co-authored Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy called ‘Don’t Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A with Ken Blanchard. In 2020 he wrote TRIBE CULTURE: How It Shaped WD-40 Company and in 2021 The UNEXPECTED LEARNING MOMENT. You’ll discover: What “accidental soul-sucking” CEOs do to undermine a positive work environmentWhy Garry refers to everyone at WD-40 as “tribe” instead of “team”The 4 pillars of the fearless tribe at WD-40The distinction Garry makes between empathy and egoWhy there are only “learning moments” and not failures or mistakes at WD-40Check 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 what’s involved in the path to being recognized as a thought leader? Denise Brosseau has provided the answer in her timeless book, Ready to Be a Thought Leader? And in our conversation, she reveals the key elements required to achieve that level of influence. Denise helps clients overcome a major obstacle in this journey—their reluctance to give themselves credit for their well-earned expertise. You’ll find out her approach to moving them past these self-imposed limitations. Denise is founder and CEO of Thought Leadership Lab, where she works with leaders and their teams to accelerate their journey from leader to thought leader. She founded the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, which is now Watermark, and co-founded Springboard, the prestigious women’s startup launchpad that has led to more than $10 billion in funding for women entrepreneurs.    You’ll discover: How Denise defines “thought leader”The essential steps for being recognized as a thought leaderIssues that hold people back from stepping into this roleThe importance of champions and allies—and the differences between these two groups of supportersWhy Denise has focused on helping women entrepreneurs get funding for their start-upsCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

How much attention do you pay to each moment as you experience it? My guest Achim Nowak shares four keys to becoming more mindful in the midst of a busy, full life so you create the best possible experience from every moment. In our conversation we explore four topics from his latest book, The Moment: A Practical Guide to Creating a Mindful Life in a Distracted World. This book is a rich resource of ideas and insights, and Achim is a superb storyteller.Achim is the Founder and President of Brilliant Best. In his work as an executive coach, he helps CEOs and C-Suite leaders around the world show up with relaxed authority and amplify their impact. He’s a TEDx speaker, the author of 3 books, and the host of an outstanding podcast, MY FOURTH ACT.  You’ll discover: How actors train to awaken their senses so they can be or do whatever’s needed in a given momentBenefits of developing and paying attention to “Prajna” or inner wisdomWhat you can do to create micro-moments of love throughout the dayIdeas for slowing down and making time stand stillWhy it’s important to build “unobligated time” into 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

Want to reduce the amount of drama and conflict in your life? My guest Nate Regier explains the drama triangle and the real causes of conflict…and why compassionate accountability is the solution to both. Nate’s unique perspective about conflict can help you approach differences with another person in a new, better way. He’s brilliant in creating models that foster positive relationships and workplaces…and then teaching clients how to use them to transform their organizations. You’ll find that his model for compassionate accountability has immediate application in your life.Nate is the CEO and founding owner of Next Element Consulting, a global leadership firm dedicated to bringing compassion into the workplace. He’s the author of three books, and this interview focused on his second book: Conflict without Casualties: A Field Guide for Leading with Compassionate Accountability. Nate hosts an excellent podcast called “On Compassion with Dr. Nate,” where he spotlights leaders committed to building positive cultures. You’ll discover: The dynamics between the 3 roles of Victim, Rescuer and PersecutorWhy Nate describes Rescuers as “non-consensual helpers”What Nate means when he says, “Compassion is not for the faint of heart”The 3 elements of the model (Open-Resourceful-Persistent-Order) and why the sequence is so importantThe distinction between boundaries, ultimatums and consequencesCheck 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 respond to unexpected and unwelcome events in your life? My guest Vanessa Broers has walked this path herself and helps her coaching clients navigate these situations successfully, too. In our conversation, Vanessa shares specific lessons she learned during her pregnancy and her first year of motherhood. You won’t want to miss this interview, where you’ll learn how to see that “life’s challenges are specifically designed for your success.” Vanessa is a life and performance coach and the host of a weekly live show on Facebook and YouTube called “Practical Magic.” She is the best copywriter, bar none, in describing her guest for an upcoming show…and her interviews are all excellent. Vanessa is the author of a book about her experience with motherhood called We Are One, which I’ve read and highly recommend. You’ll discover: The distinction Vanessa makes between “balance” and “integration” or “expansion”Insights Vanessa gained during her pregnancy and first year of motherhood as a result of deep personal development work she did during that timeThe experience that helped her discover how to take in the fullness of the present moment and not just one piece of itWhy Vanessa believes we’ve gotten “motherhood” all wrongWhat she means when she tells clients to “stop asking for love like an infant” Check out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

How can you tell stories that draw people in, enhance your credibility and don’t send the audience running? Ann Sheybani has the answer, and she shares her wisdom in great detail in this interview. Ann excels in helping speakers, coaches, and entrepreneurs write and publish books that attract their ideal clients and make them stand out from the rest. You will love her truth-telling, direct approach in describing what works…and what doesn’t.Ann is the Founder of Summit Press Publishers and The Influential Author. She’s also the author of How to Eat the Elephant: Build Your Book in Bite-Sized Steps. Ann received a Masters degree in Creative Writing and Literature from Harvard University and is a Book Yourself Solid Certified Coach.  She currently resides in rural Ireland with her husband and a former guest on my podcast, Walt Hampton. Ann and Walt together run Summit Success, a global business and personal development consultancy. You’ll discover: Why storytelling is such a critical component of a book or speechMistakes that authors and speakers often make around storiesThe kinds of stories you may be reluctant to tell…but will have strong persuasion powerHow one client almost lost a book deal because she was going to omit her most powerful storyCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Do you ever hesitate to speak up in a meeting or in a situation that you perceive to be risky? My guest Dr. Doreen Downing shares practical, valuable tips that can make those moments more comfortable and enjoyable for you. You’ll love Doreen’s approach to helping people identify their negative thoughts and beliefs that prevent them from feeling safe about speaking up. In conquering her own stage fright, she discovered being connected to your authentic self is the key to relaxed and confident speaking.Doreen is a Psychologist, Founder of the Essential Speaking Institute, and host of the podcast, Find Your Voice, Change Your Life. Her experience as a therapist helps her create a safe space for clients who want to get past the fears and doubts that have held them back from being their authentic selves. Doreen now specializes in the treatment of public speaking anxiety.  You’ll discover: How Doreen’s training as a psychologist helps her in her work with clientsThe fears that prevent people from offering their opinions and ideas in meetings or risky situationsHow to recognize when you’re being authentic so you speak with great confidenceWhy Doreen uses the word BE as the first word in each of her 7 stepsWhat’s required to BE Silent and quiet a busy mindCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Can you imagine having your arm torn off your body at age 7? That was the reality that my guest, Brian Bogert, faced at that tender age. You’ll be inspired and moved hearing Brian’s story of the accident, his recovery, and how he has used that experience to pursue the path he’s on now. His goal is to impact one BILLION people in the next 25 years, to help them see how to experience No Limits Living. Get out your pen and paper because Brian shares so much wisdom that you’ll want to capture these insights and tips to apply later.Brian is a passionate human behavior and performance coach, speaker, business strategist, top sales professional and philanthropic leader who believes in helping growth-minded individuals achieve the best version of themselves: meaning, their most authentic selves.You’ll discover: How to experience pain so you can move through it now and avoid suffering in the futureWays to increase your levels of awareness to realize when you’re operating in a “victim” mindsetQuestions you can ask others to help you identify blind spots…and the mindset you need to adopt before you askHow to take personal responsibility even if you find yourself being emotionally triggered by someone’s words or actionsThe advantages of approaching a situation from a neutral positionCheck 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 there were a way to create a workplace (and world!) where people genuinely respect those who aren’t like them? That’s the focus of Robin Rosenberg’s work. As CEO and Founder of Live in Their World, Robin combines her expertise as a clinical psychologist with her passion for using Virtual Reality for good. Join our conversation to learn about the programs she’s created to help all employees of a company become more sensitive to bias and its effects…and develop more respectful and productive ways to interact with each other.Robin is board certified in clinical psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Psychology. She has taught psychology classes at Harvard University and Lesley University and has written psychology textbooks. She’s also had psychotherapy and coaching practices in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City.You’ll discover: How Robin defines civility in the workplaceWhy she prefers the sequence of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity (EID) instead of DEI.The impact on workplace behavior when someone is able to experience virtually what another person goes through when being disrespectedThe challenges of remote and hybrid work environments…and how to overcome themCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Are you focusing every day exclusively on the systems and processes that will help you accelerate your business growth and get the results you want? If not, Crista Grasso has practical answers! She shares lessons learned from her own jewelry business that she brings to her work with clients. You’ll find out why she recommends a 90-day plan to help you achieve phenomenal results and achieve a Rich Fulfilled Life.Crista Grasso is a lean business consultant, creator of the Lean Out Method, the 90 Day Lean Out Planner, and host of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast.  She has been helping businesses achieve accelerated results and increased profitability for two decades through a combination of strategic planning and lean business practices. Crista, known as the "Business Optimizer," specializes in helping businesses identify the most important things they should focus on right now that will drive maximum value for their customers and maximum profits for their business.You’ll discover: How to eliminate waste in your business so you invest time in what gets you the best resultsThe 4 pillars for creating a lean businessWhy Crista created a Lean Out Planner with a 90-day focusHow she helps clients shift from their old, inefficient process to a more effective oneWhy it’s useful to listen for times when you say, “Yeah, but…”Check out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro