Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

Why is it so important to have a positive culture in the workplace and eliminate any toxic elements? The ripple effects of both types of environments may surprise you. My guest JoAnna Brandi has a deep understanding of the dynamics and shares her expertise with great enthusiasm and clarity. You’ll love the specific actions she recommends leaders take to notice others’ strengths and express appreciation for them.JoAnna has been in business since 1990 helping companies create happy, engaged, and productive employees who are dedicated to providing “Exquisite” Customer Care. She’s the author of several books, including 54 Ways to Stay Positive and two on customer loyalty. She is passionate about helping her clients activate the link between positivity and profitability, creating “great companies to work for and do business with.”  You’ll discover: Why there’s now dis-connect between Engagement and Wellbeing since the pandemic…and what organizations need to knowWhy having happy, engaged employees is a prerequisite for superb customer serviceThe characteristics and behaviors leaders can model to set up a positive cultureHow a toxic work environment can impact domestic violence and school bullyingThe scientific basis for a focus on employee well-being and happiness in the workplaceCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are hot topics these days, and rightly so. Do you know all the facets involved in addressing each of these in the workplace? If not, catch this important interview with my guest, Sarah Tabet. She shares behaviors we might unconsciously engaged in that could be perceived as a micro-aggression by the other person.Sarah is Global Human Resources Director at Schneider Electric in Dubai and a business partner to senior leaders in the area of Diversity and Inclusion. Sarah has more than a decade of multi-national experience in the human resources field. She’s passionate about D&I and has even written a book to raise awareness and introduce strategies: Inclusion Starts with U: A Call to Spread a Culture of Inclusion to All Diversities.You’ll discover: Events that created Sarah’s passion for these topicsThe distinction between Diversity and InclusionNegative consequences for not addressing their importance and relevance at workThe three elements that are essential for building a diverse, inclusive cultureFactors that influence compensation and opportunities for advancement for womenCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Kon is the Founder and CEO of Fresh Biz Solutions, a Human Capital Management consulting group that provides performance improvement and training solutions. He helps organizations develop their people, improve business results, and reap the benefits of a comprehensive Talent Management strategy. He’s also committed to developing future leaders by applying the same principles to the coaching of young soccer players in local, state and Olympic development programs. You’ll discover: The 7 keys that can help you navigate through any crisisHow leaders can use these keys with their teams to improve performance and achieve the desired resultsThe Leadership Paradox – how to take seemingly contradictory items and blend them successfully (e.g., empathy and tough love)What Kon does to teach these concepts to the youth athletes he coaches Check out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Do your beliefs about what’s possible for you ever hold you back? If so, my interview with Dr. Lisa Walker is a must-listen. You’ll love hearing her passion and stories as she describes her own breakthroughs and the ways she helps clients with theirs. Lisa is a Psychologist and Leadership Development Expert as well as an ICF Master Certified Coach, and a Columbia University Certified Executive Coach. She’s also an advanced level Mediator and Facilitator, helping leaders navigate crucial conversations. Lisa has worked on large-scale leadership initiatives for clients in over 30 countries. She has a knack for coaching executives to achieve positive, measurable change in their leadership behaviors while delivering on business results and nurturing and growing their people. Her clients include Dell, Amazon, Target and IBM. You’ll discover: How Lisa applies her background as a psychologist to coaching leadersThe top challenges leaders are facing right now…and what Lisa says and does to help them achieve breakthroughsSuccess stories of clients who’ve abandoned their limiting beliefs to embrace their true potentialThe life-altering lessons Lisa learned when she successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in AfricaCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

DescriptionIf you’re working long hours in your business and find it hard to take time off, my interview with Tom Perrone is a must-listen. Tom’s been in the financial planning business since 1970, and he’s passionate about helping small business owners learn how to create a company that grows revenue and profits and also allows them to take lots of time off. Tom is the host of the Building and Protecting Your Business Worth Podcast. In our conversation, we dive into his excellent book for business owners, Unlocking Your Business’ DNA: Cracking the Code to a Better Business, Bigger Profits and More Time on the Beach! You’ll discover: What Tom means by Business DNA and how it applies to youWhy it’s critical to block time to work ON your business and not just IN itHow Tom is able to work fewer hours/week than most business owners and still grow his business and incomeOne big thing you must do to build your company’s valueWhy you need to think about “exit planning” as soon as you start your businessCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Does the idea of creating a vision for your life or company seem daunting or vague? My guest Dr. Oleg Konovalov brings vision into a practical, executable concept. Oleg is a global thought leader, author, business educator and consultant with over 25 years of experience operating businesses and consulting with Fortune 500 companies internationally. He’s been named as “the da Vinci of Visionary Leadership” by many leading authorities as he helps companies create and executive their vision. In this conversation we talk about key elements of his latest book, The Vision Code, that you can apply in your own business and life.You’ll discover: The difference between communicating a vision and sharing a visionWhy it’s important to set aside ego when you want to inspire others to buy into your visionWhat gets in the way of executing a visionWhat leaders can do to keep people engaged in pursuing a visionHow having a vision helped Oleg get through a tough timeCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

DescriptionWould you like to get your name and services “out there” in a bigger way? In this interview, my guest Julie Livingston share specific strategies for doing that. She lays out an excellent plan for turning your LinkedIn profile into a landing page. Julie is president of WantLeverage Communications, a marketing communications agency based in New York City. She's an expert at helping “under the radar” companies break through the noise to capture the attention of their target audiences and increase their visibility. You’ll discover: What brand visibility is, and why it’s critical in business todayHow to update your LinkedIn profile to position you positively with potential clientsWhy you should identify the 3-5 key messages you want others to know about you and your servicesThe importance of embedding keywords in all your online contentCheck 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 struggle with marketing your business? Catch this interview with guest Gabe Arnold. He’s the Founder & CEO of Business Marketing Engine, and he knows a thing or two about marketing. Gabe is known as a serial problem-solver, and with his 22 years of experience in professional writing, computer technology and marketing management, it’s a title that fits him well. In our conversation he shares big-picture concepts as well as tactics you can incorporate into your own marketing strategy. And what I loved most is that he wraps them all in a desire to bring more kindness, love and respect to business relationships.You’ll discover: How to become more comfortable marketing your servicesElements of a successful “omni-marketing” strategyWays to build your referral network so you leverage your marketing through influencers in your nicheWhat Destinations, Content and Traffic mean and why they’re essential to your business successWhy kindness is a cornerstone of all of Gabe’s business relationshipsCheck 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 get insights about creating your Dream Business so you can live your Dream Lifestyle? My guest Jim Palmer has done just that. Jim and his wife sold their home of 30 years to embark on a four-year (so far!) adventure on their boat, Floating Home. And he manages all his businesses from there. Jim also shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, revealing successes and setbacks in his various businesses. You’ll enjoy Jim’s positive energy, truth-telling and personal stories! You’ll discover: Why imposter syndrome is so common and how to get past itThe value of making decisions quicklyWays to create strong bonds with clients so they stay with you and refer you to othersThe most important elements that Jim credits for his success (and they’re NOT credentials or formal education)Check 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 taken time to discover the real reasons for negative beliefs you hold about yourself…or others? Listen closely to this interview with Chris Salem, who explains how to discover the root cause of issues you experience in life. He shares his own journey out of co-dependency to interdependency. Chris is CEO of CRS Group Holdings, working with companies to create a thriving culture starting with a growth mindset foundation. He’s the author of the international best seller Master Your Inner Critic: Resolve the Root Cause and Create Prosperity, and host of the weekly radio show, Sustainable Success. Chris is also CEO and Co-Founder of Empowering Fathers in Action, a non-profit dedicated to building strong father-son relationships.You’ll discover: Two tools you can use to identify what’s behind any unhappiness or dissatisfaction you may be feeling about your life Why a growth mindset is critical to your happiness and successWhat you can do to detach from the outcome while still expecting a positive resultHow to become a trusted advisor with potential clientsCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro