Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

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

What’s required to create relationships that are personally and financially rewarding? My guest Tyler Wagner has answers because connecting people is his superpower. A college drop-out and a door-to-door salesman, Tyler did not follow the typical path to a successful career. Since an early age, he’s known how to make friends and strategic introductions. It took him a while to figure out how to build a business around that, and today he has an incredible network of people who love helping him succeed. In our conversation, he shares ideas that you can adopt for your own business or career. Tyler is the Head Honcho at Authors Unite where he and his team help authors with all aspects of book writing, publishing and promotion—and that includes getting on best-seller lists of publications like the Wall Street Journal and USA Today. He’s also host of The Tyler Wagner Show, where I’ve been a guest, and he’s recorded almost 2,000 episodes.You’ll discover: What Tyler’s experience with door-to-door sales taught him about businessA key question to ask yourself up-front so you avoid taking “No” as a personal rejectionHow to use curiosity to learn, grow, and create strong relationshipsWhy Tyler thinks in terms of complementing and not competing with related vendorsMistakes to avoid if you’re considering writing a book or publishing one you’ve already writtenCheck 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 for women to thrive in the corporate world? After spending decades trying to figure out the answers, my guest Helen Appleby came to realize that men had advantages that women didn’t. So she formulated her own set of rules that she now shares through her book, podcast, coaching and programs for women. In this interview, Helen shares specific, practical tips based on her experiences. My male listeners will benefit from our entire conversation and in particular the ideas she shares at the end on how men can support women in the workplace.Helen is an expert in women’s leadership. She’s navigated her own path to success in corporate life, which included running a billion-dollar global business and living and working in six countries. Helen now provides coaching and training to other women leaders. She wrote her book The Unwritten Rules of Women’s Leadership to help women step into their power, write their own rules and succeed in their career. She’s also the host of The Unwritten Rules Podcast, where she interviews women about their journeys and lessons learned in the corporate world.          You’ll discover: Why the advice Helen’s father gave her was both encouraging and unhelpfulThe difference between visible and invisible work—and why invisible work is not enoughHelen’s recommendation for making your work more visible without coming across as self-promotionalThe roles of Mentors and Sponsors in helping you advance your career3 things men can do to support the women they work withCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

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