Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

How can you work through the inevitable pain that you experience in life…and emerge stronger and more powerful? Dr. Bridget Cooper knows a thing or two about that. She endured unthinkable physical, emotional and sexual abuse from infancy and throughout her teen years. She overcame incredible odds to become a powerful voice for living life fully, no matter what adversity you’ve had in your past. Dr. B is the bestselling author of six books including Little Landslides, which is her personal memoir of rising up through trauma. She’s created a proven process for being a Pain Rebel, empowering clients around the world to reclaim their power…and peace. Our conversation centered around this process, which she describes in her latest book, Pain Rebel: How We Take Our Power Back. You’ll discover: Why Dr. B refers to herself as a cage rattlerThe importance of eliminating “should” from your thoughts and wordsHow to identify and eliminate old “contracts” so you can enter into new, healthier ones The roles that Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors have in forming new contractsThe important distinction Dr. B makes between wounds and scarsCheck 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 purpose of business were to “uplift the experience of being alive on the planet?” My guest Blaine Bartlett proposes this definition after 30+ years of working with all kinds of organizations. Blaine makes the point that potential customers will want to buy from a company that takes this approach because they’ll feel good about themselves when they do. There are lots of thought-provoking moments in my conversation with this very remarkable human being.Blaine is President and CEO of Avatar Resources, Inc., a consulting firm he founded in 1987. He coaches and consults worldwide with leaders, executives, companies and governments. He’s also the Founder of the Institute for Compassionate Capitalism and a longtime member of the Transformational Leadership Council. Blaine is the author of 5 books, and we talked about his two latest ones: Compassionate Capitalism: A Journey to the Soul of Business and The Leadership Mindset Weekly.You’ll discover: What’s broken about capitalism and what Blaine sees as the solutionHow Blaine defines compassion in the context of businessA 3-word definition of leadership that’s right on targetHow the “reality distortion field” can help you accelerate achievement of your goalsWhat companies that adopt compassionate capitalism do differentlyCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Is it really possible to transform a company’s culture? Tom Willis not only knows it’s possible, he facilitates these kinds of changes on a regular basis. Tom’s experiences as a CEO and Superintendent of Cornerstone Education Group, as a consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers, and as an engineer with the Intel Corporation prepared him well for the work he does today. He’s committed to helping senior leaders become conscious of behaviors they can change that positively impact culture. You’ll love Tom’s passion for his work and the specific skills he brings to ensure real changes happen. Tom is the co-founder and Partner of Phoenix Performance Partners, a firm that works with school superintendents and CEOs to create cultures that foster the growth of each person and the organization as a whole. Tom is also the host of the Culture Eats Everything Podcast, where he interviews CEOs and Superintendents who’ve created positive cultures.You’ll discover: How Tom defines cultureWhat prevents many organizations from making changes to their existing cultureWhy Tom’s team avoids labels like “dysfunctional” when describing issues or behaviors that cause problems within an organizationThe types of up-front analysis tools Tom and his team use to identify the root cause issuesWhat’s required to create a high-performing, coaching cultureCheck 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 feeling stressed or in danger of burning out? My guest Janice Litvin shares valuable tips that can help you regain calmness, inner peace and joy. Janice has invested years in developing and applying unique strategies to her own life and to the lives of her clients. We discuss her stress management methodology, which is not only practical, it really works! You’ll love Janice’s passion for her work and the success stories she shares.Janice is on a mission to help leaders and teams banish burnout in their organizations. She does this through keynotes, workshops, and accountability groups. Janice wants to help as many people as possible take care of their physical and mental health, and that includes teaching them to manage stress to prevent burnout, to eat healthfully, and to fall in love with fitness. She’s the author of the Banish Burnout Toolkit, and we took a deep dive into her book during our conversation.You’ll discover: Where stress comes from…and how to recognize itWhy awareness is the first of the 6 tools Janice covers in her bookThe role that music plays in preventing burnoutWhat leaders can do to help workers avoid burnoutHow an accountability buddy contributes to well-beingCheck 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 find out how to act with more courage and connect with celebrities or other VIPs? Meet my guest, Laban Ditchburn. Laban has invited, and had as guests on his podcast, well-known authors and speakers like Les Brown, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. Laban’s lack of fear is well-earned. He’s one of those people who has truly seen and done it all, especially when it comes to addictions—from alcohol, sex, gambling, drugs, and negative self-talk. Laban now embodies the word, “transformation.”Today Laban is a motivational speaker, author…and the undisputed World’s Best Courage Coach. He’s passionate about health, well-being and personal growth. He uses his own experiences as fuel. Laban is the host of the Become Your Own Superhero Podcast and the author of a new book, Bet on You. You’re sure to be inspired and motivated by Laban’s story.You’ll discover: Why it’s important to surround yourself with people who support your best self and growthWhy Laban gave his podcast the name “Become Your Own Superhero”The encouragement Laban provides for those struggling with any kind of addictionHow he learned to create a healthy, loving romantic relationshipThe role forgiveness has played in Laban’s journey to emotional and physical healthCheck 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 worked for a very smart but very toxic boss? Dr. Katrina Burrus specializes in helping these kinds of leaders become more aware of their problem behaviors and adopt new ones that inspire people to perform at their best. You’ll love hearing about her style and approach, which focuses on strengths and strategies for building productive relationships…instead of weaknesses that need to be fixed or overcome.Katrina is the CEO and founder of Excellent Executive Coaching. She’s a keynote speaker and author of 3 books, including Managing Brilliant Jerks: How Organizations and Coaches Can Transform Difficult Leaders into Powerful Visionaries. She’s also the host of the Excellent Executive Coaching Podcast, which I highly recommend you subscribe to.You’ll discover: How Katrina defines “brilliant jerk”The difference between a brilliant jerk and a demanding leaderThe process Katrina uses to help a leader become aware of behaviors that are causing problems for othersThe impact on performance of those who work for a caustic boss vs a great leaderWhat Katrina does to ensure that new leaders succeedCheck 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 create a positive culture in a competitive sales environment? Vince Burruano shares answers to that question and more in this outstanding interview. Vince works with purpose and intention every day to provide opportunities for learning and development for each member of his sales team. He’s also been committed to his own growth, and he firmly believes that leaders need to be a model in this area for their teams. It was inspiring to hear Vince describe all the ways he fosters an open, honest and safe environment.  Vince is Vice President of Sales for the Commercial Division of JK Moving Services, the nation’s largest independent mover, based in Sterling, Virginia. As a leader, Vince promotes a culture that values trust, respect, and collaboration in order to foster continuous improvement. He’s the author of A Daily Dose of Sales Wisdom, a book that offers practical advice for sales professionals and leaders who want to excel. You’ll discover: The importance of scheduling regular 1-1 meetings with each team member…and what to cover in those conversationsHow Vince uses books with his team to help them make continuous improvementsWhat Vince and his team did to ensure the company thrived during COVIDThe strengths Vince has identified and enjoys most in millennial workersWhy mindset has been a key component in the success Vince has experienced since his early years in salesCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

What could you learn about another person if you paid attention to much more than the words they were saying? Steve Sims is a master at this. He designs and delivers unique experiences for his clients by listening to what they say they want and then asking questions to hear what they really need. The result is an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience and a raving fan for life.Steve has a unique talent for connecting with people’s passions, opening doors, and making things happen. He’s been running his luxury travel and lifestyle concierge firm, Bluefish, for more than twenty years. During that time, Steve has developed an exclusive reputation and impressive client list of the world’s rich and famous. Steve is the author of Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen and host of the podcast, The Art of Making Things Happen. You’ll discover: Why Steve made the decision to hang around with rich people…and how he did itHow Steve uses his listening skills to hear what a prospective client really needs, beyond the words they sayThe reason Steve asks WHY 3 times whenever someone gives him an answer…and how it leads to a powerful relationshipWhat holds people back from making big asks…and how to get past the hesitationThe reason Steve uses the word “discover” instead of “fail”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 to upgrade your mindset and learn to trust your intuition more? Kc Rossi shares powerful insights that will help you expand your thinking about what’s possible for you. Be ready to take notes because you’ll want to capture, remember, and apply a boatload of ideas from this powerful interview. Kc’s own experience as an entrepreneur for 30 years has prepared her for the work she does as a Business & Mindset Coach who helps high-achieving women entrepreneurs go from people-pleasing burned-out perfectionists to profitable powerhouses.A full-time entrepreneur since 1991, Kc has built 6 and 7+ figure businesses. She’s the Founder of The Soulprint Method®, a system that combines energy, mindset, and spirituality. She’s also the talented host of Women Developing Brilliance – the Spirit of Business Podcast, where she combines interviews with seasons entrepreneurs with her own rich solocasts. You’ll discover: How self-trust expands your intuitive capabilitiesWhy you need to expand your mindset instead of looking for “another stinking strategy”What you can do to have fun as you pursue ambitious goals and personal growthThe value of slowing down and giving your inner wisdom a chance to speak to youCheck 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 bullying, workplace culture and visionary leadership have in common? Meet Connie St. John. She is a woman on a mission to have a positive (and BIG) impact in each of these areas. You’ll discover what she’s doing to eliminate bullying in middle schools throughout the country. And you’ll get valuable insights about the importance of leaders paying attention to the “tone” in order to tell if they are creating a culture where people thrive. Connie’s stories and message are compelling and unforgettable!  Connie has more than 25 years of experience working with a wide variety of cultural influencers, including Fortune 50 companies, historic nonprofits, notable entertainment companies, churches and media moguls. She heads St. John Consulting Group, which specializes in team-building workshops and retreats, employee engagement, leadership development, executive coaching, and JEDI training (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion). Connie is also the president of No Weapon Productions, which specializes in change-your-life entertainment for film, television, stage productions, and live events.  You’ll discover: How Connie uses her balance between right- and left-brain thinking to help clients work more efficiently and with heartWhat “cultural influencer” organizations are and why Connie is uniquely qualified to serve themThe musical Connie has created for middle school students around the issue of bullyingThe approach Connie takes with executives to address workplace bulliesHow Connie uses jigsaw puzzles to teach leaders the importance of communicating their vision throughout the organizationCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro