The Leadership Podcast

As the CEO of Imagine Think, Nora Herting helps expand the definition of creativity in the business world. As the author of the best-selling book, "Draw Your Big Idea," Nora has inspired thousands to think visually to access their own creativity. Nora breaks down the myth that drawing is only for the creatives, and showcases real examples of how leaders can add another dimension to their ideas (and execution effectiveness) through simple doodles. Listen in to unlock and inspire others in new ways beyond the written word! Key Takeaways [3:15] Nora shares insight about visual leadership. [5:00] Paintings have been a form of communication for thousands of years. [7:10] When we use our brain, we don't just use the right brain or the left brain hemispheres while doing a task, we use the entire brain. [9:10] If you or your team is stuck somewhere, try drawing a picture! [9:15] Nora explains how leaders can empower their staff to embrace their artistic side more effectively. [14:45] Jim shares an example of how powerful visuals are in a presentation to bring home the core message. [20:10] An important skill to have is to patiently wait for people to finish and to know when they've finished their point. [21:55] Nora shares the difference between having a liberal arts degree vs. an MBA. [25:35] Instead of looking within your industry and what the competition is doing, look elsewhere. Look at politics, cultural events, or other industries not related to you for inspiration. [28:05] Creatives and implementers tend to clash with one another, but Jim talks about the book Loonshots and how you can blend these two groups together for collaboration. [34:10] Nora offers resources on the types of visual tools leaders and teams can use. [35:55] Jim and Jan admit that their handwriting is horrible. It's hard to multitask when talking and writing. [37:00] If you have terrible handwriting, Nora offers a quick tip on how to fix this. [39:45] Listener challenge: Ask your team to draw out the description of their role and what they do every day. Quotable Quotes "If you're stuck on a problem, try solving that problem visually." "We are wired to think in pictures and we've been doing it as a species for so long." "The business world has a real fascination with creativity, but it mystifies business leaders." "Artists are looking outside for inspiration all the time. They're not just looking at what people in their field are doing but they're pulling things from all over, like science, politics, and cultural events." Resources Mentioned Sponsored by: Darley.com Imagethink.net Nora on Linkedin Nora on Instagram Grab Nora's book, Draw Your Big Idea: The Ultimate Creativity Tool for Turning Thoughts Into Action and Dreams Into Reality Think About 4u Conference Theartofvision.com Loonshots: How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That Win Wars, Cure Diseases, and Transform Industries, by Safi Bahcall Jamboard.google.com

Peter Docker is the co-author of the book, Find Your Why, and formerly a founding Igniter at Simon Sinek Inc. He draws on his 25-year career in the Royal Air Force, and over 14 years spent partnering with businesses around the world to inspire them to lead. Peter teaches people how to navigate the challenge of leadership. His latest book, Leading from the Jumpseat, delivers the message that leadership is about lifting people up, and giving them the space they need to lead! Key Takeaways [2:15] Peter reveals an interesting fact about him when he was at the age of 42. [3:35] Peter tells the story behind the Jumpseat Leader when he was still flying with the Royal Air Force. [7:34] As a leader, handing over control is inevitable at some stage. Leading from the jumpseat is a mindset and approach which helps us to lead intentionally in that perspective. [10:20] Peter talks about the four parts of his book through metaphors of flying: Learning To Fly, Flying, Teaching Others To Fly, and Leading From The Jumpseat. [11:30] These stages are not meant to be a single progression. We can be at different stages in different aspects of our life. [15:25] It takes a lot of time to teach and develop people. Peter shares more analogies on how leaders can better manage in order to delegate. [16:25] Delegation is not abdication of responsibility. It only frees up space for leaders to focus on most things that only they have authority over. [17:30] In the short term, the pace will be slow but in the long term, delegating will allow your team to accelerate much more quickly. [22:20] Peter also shares his insights on how to teach followership as a leader. [23:15] Individualism and teamwork are not mutually exclusive. Peter explains why he thinks so. [28:40] As leaders, we can create opportunities for people to have a choice which is very important for their engagement. [29:50] Context vs. content. Peter tells a story about a young woman named Louise who challenged herself to climb the Island Peak of Nepal to illustrate why context is vital. [34:50] Learning and being kind to ourselves is very important in leadership. The willingness to get up every morning to do a little bit better goes a long way. [36:45] Exploring what is really important to us releases enormous energy once we are able to connect to it. Peter tells another story with his wife being involved in an accident as an example. [42:20] The promise we make to ourselves is actually about other people. Peter explains why it is so. [43:26] Peter shares his experience in the Iraq war back in 2003 to give more context in regards to the promise we keep for ourselves towards others. [45:00] Making a promise to yourself is more powerful when it is in service to others. [47:25] Listener challenge: Learn to lead when you don't know the answer. Quotable Quotes "We all eventually give out control. And it's about preparing our people so they can take the lead when the time is right." "We're right back down at the bottom again, trying to figure out how to fly. But that's the wonderful thing about it because it gives us the opportunity to maintain our humility to continue to learn and embrace the unknown." "Delegation is not abdication and also it is not an excuse for micromanagement." "We want to be involved in things; it's nice to be able to handle stuff and get stuff done. But every time we take on more things, the slower our team's progress becomes." "If we are always the guy who has the answer, we become the constriction in the pipe." "As a leader, what we can do is to shift the context so that people see what they are struggling against and see it instead as an opportunity to be taken on. And that then gives them the chance to really push themselves." Resources Mentioned Sponsored by: Darley.com Leadingfromthejumpseat.com Peter on Linkedin Peter on Twitter Peter on Instagram Grab Peter's books, Leading From The Jumpseat: How to Create Extraordinary Opportunities by Handing Over Control and Find Your Why: A Practical Guide for Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team

Scott Shute was the Head of Mindfulness and Compassion Programs at LinkedIn, and specializes in combining the practicalities of leading in the modern business world with the wisdom of ancient traditions to help individuals and companies be leaders in conscious business. He is also the author of "The Full Body Yes," that shows how to find a meaningful life, and meaningful work. Scott brings his years of expertise in mental well-being to share how leaders can better support their staff when so many people are currently disengaged. Key Takeaways [3:50] Companies that have fully transferred into the information age, like LinkedIn, have no hard assets. Their only asset of value is their people. [6:15] Jobs aren't fun. Leaders need to think about different ways on how to design a job that's engaging. [6:20] Scott shares his definition of compassion and how it works in a business setting. [7:45] If you only focus on shareholder interests, you are less profitable. However, if you focus on providing value for employees and customers, you perform better than the S&P 500. [9:00] If you treat all of your employees the same, then guess what, they'll look for a more engaging boss that cares. [10:50] You often hear, "bring your whole self to work" but no one wants to hear about your messy divorce every day at work. Scott explores what this phrase really means. [13:25] Scott realizes that most of the classes he took in university were useless for the real world. [13:55] Our well-being used to be taboo to talk about, but now the dialogue has opened up because of what we're going through as a collective. [21:15] When you want truth as much as you want air to breathe, then that's when you'll find it. [27:20] Scott talks about the concept of Ikigai and how it can be used as a good filter to determine whether you're on the right path. [32:50] Every tough situation we go through only builds self-awareness and compassion for other people. [37:50] A good exercise is to keep asking yourself why. Why do you want what you currently want? Why, why, why? You'll often discover that you just want to be fulfilled and achieve happiness. [39:55] With everything happening "now" or in an instant, Scott shares how leaders can help train their team to practice delayed gratification. [42:00] Listener challenge: Take a moment to say I love you to yourself. Quotable Quotes "Fifty-six percent of Americans are currently actively looking for their next role. My belief is that that 56% will find leaders that do invest in them." "To be a great leader, you have to be a student of the game. You watch great leaders and listen to podcasts, and have a growth mindset." "Why are you being so upset? I realized it was because I was so invested and attached to the outcome." "It starts with self-compassion. It starts with the idea that you love yourself." Resources Mentioned Sponsored by: Darley.com Scottshute.com Scott on LinkedIn Grab Scott's book, The Full body Yes

Dr. Bob Nelson is one of the world's leading authority on employee recognition, motivation, and engagement. He has personally coached Marshall Goldsmith - ranked as the world's #1 executive coach. Listen in as Bob shares how to make work fun again, and discusses how to hire better, how to make people feel valued, and how to retain workers in an increasingly competitive market. Key Takeaways [5:10] People do better when they're recognized for their good work. However, managers have a horrible time giving recognition to their employees. [7:55] You need five good praises to make up for every one negative action. [10:10] Companies will spend millions of dollars on how to get better at recognition, but won't ask the employee directly what makes them feel valued. [11:00] No one feels special about going to the holiday party. That is not a good way to recognize the individual employee. [12:30] How companies treat their employees when they've made a mistake is a great indication of whether they are good at recognizing the good work the employee has done or not. [14:55] People don't want to go back to work because they're burnt out and the health risks far outweigh the financial reward. [16:20] People are convinced that employees aren't coming back to work because they're on unemployment benefits. Actually, that isn't true. Dr. Bob expands on this. [18:00] Fun has to be part of the mix at work. However, a foosball table in the hall is not what Dr. Bob means by making work fun. [19:20] The worst thing you can do is to assume you know what's important to your employees without asking them. [21:335] Dr. Bob worked closely with NASA recently and he shares what NASA does differently and why it's ranked one of the best places to work within the federal government. [28:10] Motivation is a moving target. It's hard to measure and it's very specific to the individual. [33:35] Companies want people back in the office for the collaboration and culture, but as work colleagues become reunited in person once again, nothing has changed to facilitate that more effectively. [35:05] Listener challenge: Don't be fooled. These things sound easy, but it takes consistent and conscious effort to implement. [36:45] Dr. Bob has a special gift for you! Quotable Quotes "Recognition makes people feel special. The stuff companies are doing isn't making people feel excited and special about what they personally did." "Leaders are way too quick to blame things on money." "Get out of your own way. It's not what you think is important. It's what your employees think is. Have that conversation." "It's getting out of your own skin to value the other person. If you do that as a leader, by serving them, they will serve you." "Fun is frivolous… unless you want to attract and keep good employees." Resources Mentioned Sponsored by: Darley.com Drbobnelson.com Low-Cost Ideas — Article by Dr. Bob Dr. Bob on LinkedIn Grab Dr. Bob's book, Work Made Fun Gets Done!: Easy Ways to Boost Energy, Morale, and Results Marshall Goldsmith Peter Drucker Dan Pink

Ron Carucci has a 30-year track record of helping organizations adopt strategies that lead to accelerated growth, and designing programs to execute those strategies. He is also a two-time TED speaker and the best-selling author of eight books. His recently released book is "To Be Honest: Lead with the Power of Truth, Justice and Purpose," which was selected by Bloomberg Businessweek as one of 2021's Best Books. Based on a 15 year longitudinal study of more than 3,200 leaders, Ron wanted to know what earns and keeps the trust of others, and what loses it. Ron also talks about why more than 50% of leaders fail within their first 18 months of appointment, and shares the four differentiating capabilities that set successful leaders apart. If you are facing a challenge of spearheading a daunting transformation of any kind, this episode will resonate. Key Takeaways [2:10] Outside of his public bio, Ron talks about why he collects antique doorknobs. [5:40] Ron tells the stories of the leaders we want to be like and share what it means to be honest. [7:30] What people look for in a leader are truth, justice, and purpose. [8:50] Ron shares results from their research on how to predict someone's behavior or response in a certain situation: Justice and consistency. [10:35] Not all workers are created equal. Ron shares how leaders can create a just environment. [11:40] Treating everyone the same way will make you fair. [14:16] Accountability systems are trust-based and dignifying to the contributor when the leader recognizes that the contribution and the contributor are fused. [16:14] Power is oftentimes misunderstood and misused. [18:45] A sense of agency will help us focus on the right things. [19:35] You can only disappoint people at a rate they can absorb. [20:40] Information is no longer a source of power because it is ubiquitous. Ron shares how the interpretation of information can be a source of power, instead. [23:25] The job of a leader is making sure their employees don't ask the two questions: Do I matter and do I fit in. [26:20] Ron alo talks about the difference between core values and values that are operative and how leaders can coach their employees to be a better fit. [29:20] Shedding our paradigms of leadership helps develop better leaders. [32:00] Ron shares advice for leaders on how to allow their employees to be a better version of themselves. [36:40] Giving your employees grace and the chance to learn sets them up for success. [40:10] Ron shares his insights on transformational change from a leadership perspective in order to scale. [42:40] As we move into 2022, Ron urges leaders to reflect on how their values can positively impact employees. Quotable Quotes "There are 7.3 billion doors in the world through which love, joy, and hope can pass in and you're one of them." "Truth; you have to say the right thing. Justice; you have to do the right thing. And Purpose; you have to say and do the right thing for the right reason." "If you want to be a just leader, you have to actually be somebody who is an activist looking to uproot injustices and right them." "Accountability is about a mutually beneficial relationship between a leader and a follower." "Your weaknesses are your greatest source of credibility." Resources Mentioned Sponsored by: Darley.com Navalent.com Ron on LinkedIn Grab Ron's books, Rising to Power: The Journey of Exceptional Executives and To Be Honest: Lead with the Power of Truth, Justice and Purpose

David Mead realized business school was contributing to the poor leadership styles he's endured throughout much of his early career. After partnering with Simon Sinek and co-authoring, Find Your Why, David has presented his ideas on how to help people be inspired to go to work and feel safe while doing it, to over 150 organizations across five continents. David shares his thoughts on the great resignation, the three traits of a leader worth following, and the tools leaders need to build better company culture. Key Takeaways [4:40] Leadership hasn't really changed in thousands of years. [5:30] David defines the difference between management and leadership. [6:55] The key is to tap into people and discover the personality quirks that they keep buried. Good leaders help people "drop their act" and be themselves. [7:50] David explores the right balance between being transparent and open and being too casual and buddy-buddy with everyone. Ultimately, leaders have a standard to set. [10:10] The pandemic has made a lot of people question their different personas and the roles they play at work and in life. [13:00] David shares how the pandemic changed his motivations and also shares some of his biggest takeaways of what he learned about himself. [16:00] Accountability really works best when there's trust. [18:50] David is against firing people based on their performance alone. He expands on why. [22:45] David recently did a poll on LinkedIn asking people what their organization was doing to retain talent. Listen for what surprised him. [27:25] David breaks down the types of tools that are available to leaders who are looking to improve company culture. [31:00] There are three main traits in a leader that people will follow through and through, no matter what company he or she is leading at the time. They are honest, humble, and human. [34:15] Good leaders have empathy. They can relate to someone in a way that doesn't trigger their fight-or-flight response. [39:05] People put up walls when they feel like their reputation, status, or their "core" selves are threatened. [40:10] Listener challenge: We all have influence with people. Whether we want to be or not, we have the potential to be a leader. Quotable Quotes "If you're not willing to be human and you're not willing to open yourself, you're going to struggle." "High-performers often get promoted, no matter if they have a toxic effect on the culture." "We undervalue effort. If someone is giving the best they have, it might be they're not in a role that's best suited to them." "We look at the problem we think we have and we often see the symptoms to the problem, so we throw solutions at the symptoms." Resources Mentioned Sponsored by: Darley.com Davidjmead.com David on LinkedIn Find Your Why: A Practical Guide for Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team, by Simon Sinek, David Mead, and Peter Docker

Marcel Daane is a renowned neuroscience and leadership researcher exploring the link between physical and mental wellness and their impact on leadership and performance capacity in individuals, teams, and organizations. Marcel talks about leadership energy, the three pillars of wisdom, and why physically fit leaders work 20% less than their non-fit counterparts. Marcel is considered one of the world's authorities in mind-body leadership, and the author of "Five Energies of Horrible Bosses and How Not To Become One." He believes we need to constantly challenge the paradigm of normal management practices to keep evolving. Key Takeaways [2:45] Marcel grew up in a household that was in political exile because his mother was a political activist from South Africa. [4:30] Marcel's peers wanted bicycles for Christmas and Marcel, because of his upbringing, just wanted world peace. It was very hard to fit in. [5:50] Marcel defines what mind/body leadership is. [8:25] Marcel has three pillars of wisdom that he's observed great leaders living by: 1) Knowing. 2) Feeling. 3) Sensing. [11:00] Marcel shares the subtle difference between the feeling vs. sensing pillars. [16:15] Physically fit leaders work 20% less than their non-fit counterparts. Marcel explains why. [20:20] Marcel dives into the importance of keeping a high level of energy around others and the science behind the vibrations in our cells. [22:50] Your negative leadership vibrations can actually affect your employee's future children! [25:40] Leaders must be aware of the type of energy they're bringing into a room. [29:15] We as people can lie, but the human body cannot. It is very clear how a leader is showing up in a conference room or meeting. [32:15] You might feel like you bring positive energy into the room, but that energy could be interpreted by other people as aggressive, fearful, and more. [35:55] Marcel shares how he discovered this field and what led him down this path of managing and maintaining positive energy. [39:15] When you understand yourself, your energy is going in the right place. [40:15] Listener challenge: Expand your thinking into the three pillars of wisdom. Allow yourself to feel. Don't just live in the "knowing" headspace. Quotable Quotes "The three pillars of wisdom are: knowing, feeling, and sensing. If you take leaders, great leaders intuitively apply those three things." "Energy affects the people around us." "Energy travels at the speed of light. We can connect energetically with each other despite being in different geographical locations." "At the end of the day, we are all energy. When we connect with that energy, it becomes a much easier conversation with everybody [in the room]." Resources Mentioned Sponsored by: Darley.com Marceldaane.com Headstrongperformance.net Marcel on LinkedIn & @MarcelDaane on Twitter

Lynn Catalano is a Speaker, Toxic Workplace Coach, and Corporate Trainer. She achieved her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, cum laude, at Boston University and continued her education at the University of Buffalo Law School. She speaks to groups of all sizes to share experiences about great leaders and toxic bosses, and she helps people rise above the chaos. Lynn also discusses her upcoming book, Wrecking Ball Relationships: How to Identify, Live With, or Leave the Narcissist in Your Life. Key Takeaways [2:25] It all started when Lynn's mother died and she had to deal with a narcissistic father. [4:45] Lynn expands on whether narcissists are born or bred, and if we have any influence on it. [7:00] Toxic bosses and leaders are narcissists, which then manifest into a toxic workplace. [8:30] A toxic workplace impacts the organization negatively. Lynn shares examples of these negative outcomes both from a company and employee standpoint. [9:55] Everyone should be held accountable for their behavior but, unlike the financial aspect of a company, nobody audits the culture. [11:45] Having self-awareness helps check the level of toxicity one can bring to any relationship. However, narcissists don't ask themselves if they are narcissistic. [13:15] Lynn shares her recommendation on how to help an individual gain self-awareness. [14:40] Lynn explains what nunchi is and its importance. [18:30] Learn how to be a nunchi master as Lynn shares four steps in achieving this and how to avoid biases in "reading the room." [20:30] Leading with empathy and reflective listening helps build valuable relationships and understand what people are going through. [24:10] There are two steps in reflective listening. Lynn shares what they are. [27:35] Reflective listening is about understanding the other person and having a meaningful engagement with them. [28:40] Lynn talks about how employees can help change company culture. However, dealing with a toxic CEO can be very difficult. [29:55] At the end of the day, an employee should do what is best for themselves. Time is a valuable currency, and we should be smart about how we want to spend it. [35:10] Lynn shares best practices from organizations she has worked with before and how others can bring them into theirs to avoid a toxic work environment. [39:20] The pandemic was a shared experience so it allows a different level of empathy. [40:25] Listener challenge: Be more human, be patient with one another, and watch Ted Lasso. Quotable Quotes "Emotional neglect plus overindulgence equals the breeding of a narcissist." "We've modeled our democracy through checks and balances and organizations need that too. That's why we have external auditors to audit our finances but not the culture." "Nunchi is the art of understanding what people are thinking and feeling." "The great Greek philosopher, Epictetus, told us that we have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak." "Invest in your employees because happy employees make happy customers." Resources Mentioned Sponsored by: Darley.com Lynncatalano.com Lynn on LinkedIn & Lynn on Instagram Nunchi Ted Lasso

April Rinne is the author of Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change. Listen in as April shares the eight powerful mindset shifts that enable leaders to thrive in a time of unprecedented change and uncertainty. April Rinne is a "change navigator," speaker, investor, and adventurer whose work and travels in more than 100 countries have given her a front-row seat to a world in flux. She is one of the 50 leading female futurists in the world, a Harvard Law School graduate, a Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum, and a Fulbright Scholar.. Key Takeaways The eight flux superpowers: Run slower See what's invisible Get lost Start with trust Know your "enough" Create your portfolio career Be all the more human (and serve other humans) Let go of the future. [4:25] April shares why leaders should run slower. [5:10] Things are rapidly changing, and yet, it is also likely to never again be this slow. [6:10] If we're trying to run faster all the time, your quality of life will naturally suffer. [11:00] When we're always after more, it will feel like we will never have enough. [11:35] When you know you're enough, you immediately see abundance around you. [12:50] After working in more than 50 countries, April has seen that every culture struggles with change. [14:00] April talks about micro-loans and how "unbankable" entrepreneurs get their funding in developing countries. [18:40] The most important superpower to have is trust. [24:00] The future of work and the great resignation didn't just happen because of the pandemic. [29:30] People want to be seen as whole humans. [32:25] April shares the number one leadership skill leaders need to have today. [34:55] Consumerism marketing is designed for people to never feel like they are enough. [37:05] April talks about how leaders can develop more openness in their approach. [40:00] April's book has gone global and leaders are realizing that it's not just helpful for their organization, but for their children, too. [42:10] Listener Challenge: Use flux and its eight superpowers in a way that works best for you. Quotable Quotes "The pace of change has never been as fast as it's been today and yet, it is likely to never again be this slow." "Many organizations are on a crash course if they just keep pushing talent harder and harder. You're going to get talent to leave." "If you don't like change, you're going to really hate extinction." "We live in this culture and society in which more is almost inherently deemed better, and that's just not the case." Resources Mentioned Sponsored by: Darley.com Aprilrinne.com April on LinkedIn and @aprilrinne on Twitter Grab April's book, Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change

Alan Beaulieu is one of the world's most informed and insightful economists, with a remarkable track record of providing accurate financial forecasts. He's also an exceptionally gifted speaker and his keynotes and seminars have helped thousands of business owners and executives capitalize on emerging trends. Get ready for the future and listen in as Alan shares his insights on inflation, supply chain issues, and how to prepare for 2030. Key Takeaways [2:20] First guest on the show to have a Ph.D. in Leadership. [5:05] Where the economy is headed in 2022. [6:15] Supply chain issues. [7:00] Being proactive is important, but you don't want to be proactive at the wrong time. Do not overbuy because you're worried about supply chain issues. [10:05] When leaders say, "I think." or "I feel," people have the right to be skeptical. You have to prove it and you do that with data, math, and indicators. [12:35] Reshoring trends. [16:35] Alan's perspective on world stability. [19:10] Why the U.S. should solidify the supply chain. If China decides to unify completely, it could be bad for world trade. [20:15] Low-skilled labor and immigrant workers. [21:35] The world is desperate for labor, and it's not all lower-end. Construction, transportation and others require real skills. [26:20] Alan breaks down inflation. [30:45] We will see abnormal inflation rates around the second half of this decade. The first half will still be "seemingly okay." [35:15] Alan shares his thoughts on how leaders can open their minds to the things they don't know that they should know. [38:15] Leaders who show humanity and really listen are the real change-makers. [41:30] Alan explains the mindset shift leaders need to have if they want to create real longevity in their companies. [43:00] Alan offers advice on how individuals can future-proof their finances. [45:20] Listener challenge: You don't need to guess the numbers. Knowing is power. Quotable Quotes Leaders who show humanity and really listen are the real change-makers. "It's not hard to show people, but it's sometimes hard to lead people." Current constraints are temporary and painful, but temporary. Avoid panic buying. Opening up the borders, and tripling the amount of legal [foreign] workers won't solve the [labor shortage]." "The certainty is uncertainty." Resources Mentioned Sponsored by: Darley.com ITReconomics.com Articles by Alan: "Unmasking the Future" & "Reshoring — The Forgotten Trend" Alan on LinkedIn Grab Alan's book, Prosperity in The Age of Decline: How to Lead Your Business and Preserve Wealth Through the Coming Business Cycles BCG.com — Manufacturing Costs Zeihan.com