The Leadership Podcast

In this episode, Valia Glytsis, founder and CEO of The Paradox of Leadership and author of "Unraveling Ambition," shares her journey of understanding leadership. Valia highlights the importance of aligning personal values with actions, questioning fear-based versus truth-based ambition, and emphasizing inner work and generational shifts in leadership. She explores the intersection of trust, spirituality, and leadership, advocating for listening without an agenda and embracing uncertainty. Valia emphasizes the role of ambition in adding value and suggests regularly questioning habits and perspectives for personal growth and alignment with one's true self.     Key Takeaways [03:20] Valia shares that before having kids, she and her partner enjoyed testing luxury hotels worldwide, blending their love for leadership and luxury. Reflecting on her journey to understand leadership, she realized it's about how one shows up, not just a job title. This led her to "unravel" inherited habits and beliefs, like untangling knots. Valia also questioned her ambition, understanding that constant striving for more didn't bring happiness. By exploring these ideas, she gained a deeper understanding of herself and leadership, merging these insights into her personal and professional life. [06:55] She shares how her Greek heritage imposed societal expectations, shaping her behavior to be a "good girl," daughter, and friend. Valia realized much of this was inherited rather than chosen, creating a complex knot of expectations. This led her to question what we inherit versus who we truly are. She believes true freedom comes from aligning personal values with actions, based on self-defined values rather than imposed ones. By unraveling inherited patterns and living according to her own values, she feels on the path to freedom. [09:32] Valia notes that fear-based ambition is about meeting external expectations, like taking care of family, while truth-based ambition is driven by a desire to make an impact or express creativity. She believes true leadership starts from within, with self-awareness and alignment with personal values. Without this inner work, external leadership is superficial. Valia also sees a generational shift in leadership, with modern leaders focusing more on alignment and collaboration rather than just reaching agreements. [16:12] She explains that judgment and curiosity can't coexist. When you become curious, judgment fades. Similarly, fear can be eased by focusing on gratitude and asking what you’re learning from the situation. Fear often leads to outward attacks, but curiosity dissolves judgment, creating space for collaboration. She recommends asking, "What am I missing here?" to stay humble, curious, and centered, which helps reduce negative reactions. [17:43] Valia shares that a key idea from her book is moving from always trying to understand everything to embracing trust. In her personal journey, she faced many things she couldn't fully understand, like family issues and health scares. This led her to see trust as essential, especially in leadership. Trust involves moving from the head to the heart, letting go of the need to rationalize everything, and believing there's a bigger purpose. This mix of trust and humility allows for a deeper, more holistic experience. [21:17] She emphasizes the importance of slowing down to listen without an agenda, which makes people feel truly seen and heard. She reflects on her book's evolution, noting that the original manuscript felt irrelevant after the COVID-19 pandemic and becoming a mother. This led her to rewrite it with a new perspective, keeping some elements while adding more relevant content. The title "Unraveling Ambition" emerged as a reflection of her experiences and the changing world around her. [22:53] Valia talks about the difference between managing and leading. Managing involves control and organization, while leadership is more about embracing uncertainty and trusting the process. She likens it to a scavenger hunt, where each experience leads to the next, revealing new insights. For her, spirituality and leadership intersect in the realm of uncertainty and trust. Valia enjoys leadership more when there's freedom and trust instead of strict control. She also discusses how people usually only change when they're extremely happy or in a lot of pain. Tracking your energy levels can help guide you towards joy and away from the comfort zone. [25:20] She believes ambition feels good when it adds value and makes things better. If ambition comes from habit, it can be tiring and lead to burnout. Since becoming a parent, her ambitions have changed, but she hasn't lost them. Setting boundaries and taking care of herself helps her energy spread to other areas of her life. She sees a connection between ambition, spirituality, trust, and leadership. Sometimes ambition comes from a spark within, leading to exciting journeys of exploration and growth. [28:15] Valia suggests taking time to question habits, perspectives, and preferences to see if they truly belong to you. By approaching these aspects with curiosity and asking if they're really yours, you can choose what's best for you. She believes doing this regularly can lead to personal growth and alignment with your true self. [29:19] And remember, character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and success achieved. -Helen Keller.   Quotable Quotes "Leadership has nothing to do with the role or the job or the company. It's just how you show up." "Happiness doesn't necessarily live on the other side of ambition." "When you can match your values with your actions, you're on the path to freedom." "Leadership starts from the inside. If you're not true and aligned, the outside is just a facade." "Looking for alignment creates something together, while agreement feels more like one wins, one loses." "Curiosity neutralizes judgment. It diffuses fear and opens up a co-creative space." "What am I missing here? What am I not seeing? These questions bring you back to center, fostering humility and curiosity." "What if trust were a language? Drop into trust rather than always intellectually needing to understand." "Slowing down to speed up allows us to listen without agenda, fostering real curiosity." "Life's experiences are like a scavenger hunt, each clue leading us to the next, embracing spirituality in leadership." "Change often stems from extreme joy or extreme pain. Tracking our energy helps navigate towards growth." "Ambition in service leads to a sense of purity and fulfillment, while habitual ambition can lead to exhaustion." "Unraveling what we take for granted in ourselves fosters personal growth and authenticity." "Embrace the spark within and be willing to reevaluate habits and beliefs with curiosity."   This is the book mentioned in our discussion with Valia:   Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | Sponsored by | Rafti Advisors. LLC | Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | Valia Glytsis LinkedIn | Valia Glytsis Instagram | Valia Glytsis Website |

Communication expert Matt Abrahams discusses leadership communication, emphasizing audience-tailored clarity, empathy, and curiosity. He advocates for personal authenticity, team support, and continuous improvement through feedback. Drawing on martial arts and personal anecdotes, he encourages adapting to contexts and honing delivery skills.

In this episode, Jim and Jan explore the importance of saying "no" in the workplace. They highlight how setting clear boundaries and aligning decisions with both personal and organizational values can help leaders manage their time and workload more effectively. Empowering lower-level employees to say "no" can also reduce friction and enhance organizational efficiency. Additionally, they discuss how balancing commitments and making mindful choices contributes to improved focus, productivity, and long-term success.     Key Takeaways   [01:28] Jim talked about his company name, Rafti Advisors, which connects to his Greek heritage. Rafti is a town in Greece where his father was born and had to leave due to war. Jan added that he grew up in a small village in Ireland and he and Jim made mistakes when they were young. They agreed these experiences helped them grow. They emphasized the importance of giving grace to people making mistakes today, especially since cameras are everywhere now. Mistakes have consequences, but they help people learn and improve.   [03:38] Jim and Jan discuss the impact of hearing "no" and how it influences personal and professional experiences. Jim highlights the emotional weight of "no" and how it can vary based on context, such as a child asking for permission versus avoiding obligations. Jan adds that hearing "no" plays differently in personal decisions and organizational settings. In companies, there can be friction between front-line and support staff due to different priorities, with support staff often focused on risk avoidance. This can lead to frequent use of "no." Both agree that "no" can have a strong influence on decision-making in many areas of life and work.   [06:15] Jim and Jan discuss the importance of saying "no" in organizations to manage resources and maintain focus. Jim emphasizes that leaders need to decide when to say "no" to prevent lower-level employees from becoming a "no department." Jan shares insights from executive coaching, highlighting the need to influence decisions and find ways to navigate challenges. Both agree that knowing when and what to say "yes" helps clarify when to say "no." They reference baseball player Ted Williams' advice on focusing on pitches you can hit, illustrating the importance of clear decision-making.   [10:33] Jim and Jan talk about setting boundaries and managing time at work. Jim mentions a Wall Street Journal article about saying no by setting limits and using outside commitments as excuses. He shares a story about someone working too much and missing time with family. Jan adds that excessive meetings and admin tasks make it difficult to manage time. They agree that poor meeting management and unclear agendas waste time. They also note that changes in the job market have shifted power to employees, leading to new workplace dynamics.   [18:06] Jim visits an old workplace and sees most of it demolished. Reflecting on the past, he emphasizes the importance of relationships and leaders helping people find purpose and grow. This focus on relationships is key for good leadership. Jan agrees, noting that leaders must advocate for their team and say "no" when necessary. Being a good leader isn't just about being nice; it's also about setting boundaries and supporting the team's needs for growth and development.   [22:01] Jim and Jan discuss how it's important to tell people "not yet" instead of just saying "no" if the timing isn't right. They suggest providing context and explaining when an idea might be possible in the future. Jan shares how he manages networking requests by declining politely due to his busy schedule. He explains his need to focus on current commitments and projects and wonders how others perceive this approach.   [24:15] Jim and Jan discuss how receiving a polite decline, such as someone being too busy, shows the person is organized and knows their priorities. They agree this approach is respectable, even if some might see it as distant. Jan says being able to say "no" is about knowing what you value and prioritizing tasks. Saying "yes" to the right things and "no" to others helps manage time. Jim adds that prioritizing tasks doesn't mean other things are unimportant; it just means focusing on what is most urgent.   [24:15] Jim and Jan emphasize the importance of making decisions at the right time, comparing it to picking ripe fruit. They stress the need to align with others and consider the best timing. They reference Dan Pink's book on timing and mention people have more control over their time and responses than they might think. They thank their sponsor, Darley, for its support. They stress the importance of knowing your values and where to focus your time for effective priority management. Careers consist of many short chapters that require adaptability.   [28:30] Jim and Jan discuss the importance of saying "no" to stay focused and productive. Jim explains that saying "no" doesn't mean missing out but helps prioritize tasks and control time. He shares a story about two authors at a billionaire's party, highlighting the value of knowing what is "enough" in life. Jan agrees and stresses the importance of knowing what you truly value to make decisions about when to say "yes" or "no." They acknowledge the challenge of wanting to say "yes" but note that understanding your priorities can help navigate these situations. They reference authors Kurt Vonnegut and Joseph Heller, discussing the importance of seeing the world differently. Overall, they agree that the topic of saying "no" is ongoing and relevant to everyone.   [32:40] And remember, our life is the sum total of all the decisions we make every day, and those decisions are determined by our priorities. -Myles Munroe   Quotable Quotes "All those mistakes and dumb things we did when we were younger got us to where we are today."   "We need to provide grace and patience to those who are currently being 'knuckleheads' as we were once there ourselves."   "It's harder for people to do stupid things now because there's a camera everywhere. Grace and understanding are more important than ever."   "No can be a powerful and emotional word, understood by everyone."   "Making decisions with a pros-and-cons matrix can be limiting. Instead, consider your core values and priorities."   "Leaders face decisions with moral, ethical, and legal implications. These aren't black-and-white choices but shades of gray."   "Support staff often play a crucial role in mitigating risk and may seem like they're always saying 'no' because they’re focused on avoiding mistakes."   "Setting boundaries is essential for managing your time and energy effectively."   "You don't have to say yes to everything; learn to prioritize what truly matters."   "Meetings should have a clear purpose and agenda; otherwise, they're just a waste of time."   "Empowering people means giving them the freedom to make decisions without excessive buy-in."   "A great leader helps people find purpose and meaning in their work."   "The best way to grow an organization is by growing and developing people."   "A good boss advocates for their team and provides them with the resources they need."   "Saying no is a powerful tool for maintaining focus and protecting your time."   "Sometimes we need to say 'not yet' instead of 'no' for good ideas for better timing."   "Time is the most precious thing; where you spend it matters."   "Knowing your values helps you say yes to the right things and no to the wrong things."   "Saying no can lead to being more productive and achieving more."   "When you know what you value, you can prioritize your time effectively."   "The power of no comes from understanding your goals and being able to say no when necessary."   "Knowing what you value can lead to a healthier work-life balance and increased productivity."   Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | Sponsored by | Rafti Advisors. LLC | Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC |

Tatiana Kolovou shares insights on maintaining social media balance, Greek cuisine, and personal growth. She discusses effective communication strategies, inclusive leadership practices, emotional intelligence, and the value of feedback. Tatiana advocates for stepping out of comfort zones, balancing life, and kindness towards others.

Kelly Byrnes, consultant from Voyage Consulting Group, shares insights on leadership and career growth. She highlights the impact of leaders on their teams and the importance of cultivating trust. Kelly advocates for avoiding burnout by staying emotionally attuned and integrating leadership development into daily routines. She emphasizes the role of kindness and respect in workplace success and the alignment of personal aspirations with true happiness. Kelly provides practical tips for personal growth, such as visualizing the ideal day and living in accordance with values for fulfillment.

In this episode, Nick Jain, CEO of IdeaScale, discusses the value of humility, emphasizing that great ideas can originate from anyone at any level. He outlines the idea generation process, highlighting the importance of keeping it simple and inclusive. Nick touches on the role of software in decision-making, recognizing its benefits and the dangers of its misuse. Using practical examples, he explains how effectively implementing customer feedback and maintaining organizational flexibility while adhering to core values are crucial. Additionally, Nick champions inclusivity in generating ideas, advocating for a systematic approach that complements organizational objectives.       Key Takeaways   [02:26] Nick shares that he is active on LinkedIn and has a less active Twitter account, where one can find personal photos including those of themselves, their spouse, and pets. He also shares his primary hobbies, which involve home repairs and his pursuit of becoming a semi-professional poker player. Nick explains the limited utility of card counting in the game compared to blackjack, highlighting the challenges of counting cards in modern casinos with multiple decks.    [04:01] Nick explains that to make the most of everyone's ideas, leaders need to let go of their ego and be open to using simple tools like paper or technology. He emphasizes that good ideas can come from anyone, not just the boss. From his own experience, Nick shares how he's learned from feedback on his own ideas, even when they didn't work out. He also considers whether leaders struggle because they're afraid of losing control or because they're too proud to admit others might have better ideas.    [7:10] Nick explains how ideas actually get done. First, someone throws out an idea. Then, everyone chimes in to vote on which ones they like best. Next, Nick, who knows his stuff, helps pick out the winners. And when they start making those ideas happen, if something doesn't quite click, they tweak it until it does. That's how they make sure only the cream of the crop becomes reality.   [09:43] Nick explains that their software helps people make smart decisions about ideas by considering factors like ROI and costs. But he admits that even with good systems, bad actors can sometimes cause problems. He says it's impossible to be perfect, but the goal is to keep mistakes low. For small groups, simple tools like idea boxes work fine, but for big organizations, high-tech solutions are needed. Nick also compares their platform to social media, where seeing others' ideas succeed encourages more participation.   [14:29] Nick shares an example involving a major fast food chain that sought ideas from their global customer base through Ideascale to develop new menu items. They received thousands of ideas, vetted them with in-house experts, and successfully launched new menu items based on customer suggestions. When asked whether this signaled a shift in the business strategy, Nick suggests it was more about adding tactical menu items rather than fundamentally changing the business. He explains that while most customers use Ideascale for tactical problem-solving, some also employ it for strategic decision-making and business plan changes.    [18:46] Nick reflects on the organization's approach to absorbing feedback from customers, employees, and constituents. While they actively listen to input from all levels, he admits they're not perfect in translating feedback into actionable change without becoming overly reactive. Nick then shifts to discussing the feedback he received when taking over as CEO, acknowledging the need to adjust his leadership style while also staying true to his vision for the organization. He shares the company's journey of adopting a business-oriented approach to running a software business, which initially faced resistance but ultimately proved successful, leading to growth and profitability.    [23:07] Nick highlights the importance of balancing the goals of buyers with the engagement of end-users in their software development. He stresses the necessity of inclusivity in idea generation, even if it means sifting through impractical suggestions. Nick advocates for a structured approach, defining clear goals and incorporating staging questions to filter ideas based on organizational objectives.   [25:44] Nick discusses the flexibility of their software in managing ideas within organizations, allowing different approaches from conception to execution. He personally advocates for inclusivity, encouraging participation from all members. While AI seeding of ideas hasn't gained much traction, they've successfully implemented AI to improve idea communication, particularly for those who struggle with writing or language barriers.   [31:08] Nick outlines two key evolutions in our industry. Firstly, there's a shift from just innovation to a broader engagement ecosystem, incorporating employee feedback to enhance engagement and retention. Secondly, the technology now spans the entire idea lifecycle, from conception to implementation, including whiteboarding and project management integration. Regarding AI, while I've delved into its algorithms, I wish I had known easier learning methods.   [32:49] Nick reflects on leadership diversity, highlighting his own mathematically oriented style compared to his predecessors. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing different leadership strengths for success. Regarding engagement, he underscores the significance of creating an environment where individuals feel empowered to share their ideas, often missed in hierarchical and bureaucratic organizations. As for the British term "maths," Nick speculates it may stem from the idea that mathematics encompasses multiple disciplines, hence the pluralization.   [36:38] And remember, for good ideas and true innovation, you need human interaction, conflict, argument, debate. - Margaret Heffernan   Quotable Quotes   "Any organization or leader striving to tap into their team's collective intelligence, must be ready to release their ego."   "Acknowledging the brilliance beyond the corner office is crucial for organizational growth."   "Even my own campaigns sometimes falter, teaching me the value of humility in leadership."   "Turning ideas into reality requires multiple essential steps."   "In some respects, perfection is unattainable; however, minimizing errors aligns with organizational objectives."   "Open the floodgates to ideas – diverse, varied, and sometimes contradictory.”   “True innovation emerges when we embrace both the diversity of people and ideas in our crowdsourcing efforts."   “It's about striking a delicate balance between what the paying customer wants and what truly excites and engages the end-users."   "Feedback is a journey of adaptation.”   "Open the floodgates, let everything come in. There will be good ideas, there will be bad ideas, some will be from diverse people, some will be from non-diverse people. Let everything come in, and good ideas will flow to the top."   "If you can't quantify or define it, then you can't measure it and stick to a framework."   "Foster a culture of idea sharing and collaborative iteration."   "It's really important for organizations to realize that there's bright people with great ideas around the organization.”   Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | Sponsored by | Rafti Advisors. LLC | Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | Christiana Smith Shi LinkedIn | Nick Jain Website |

In this episode, Jim Peters, co-founder and president of Citizen Engineers, shares his leadership experiences and how he leverages AI tools like AssemblyAI and Myaskai to learn from nearly 400 leaders. He recounts how bike trips with his kids imparted valuable leadership lessons. Amid personal challenges, including his wife’s diagnosis and his job loss, Jim stresses the significance of downtime and resilience. He applies these insights to his business, emphasizing work-life balance and compassionate leadership. Jim advocates for continuous learning and living a life filled with meaning and compassion in the workplace.     Key Takeaways   [02:26] Jim shares that he remembers taking his kids, aged six and eight, on annual bike tours around Washington and Oregon for nearly a decade. These trips, lasting one to two weeks, were full of adventure. One of his standout memories is climbing to Anthony Lakes, where he and his wife let the boys decide if they wanted to push on to the top of the mountain. The boys were enthusiastic, teaching Jim valuable lessons about setting direction, pace, and keeping the experience fun.   [07:02] Jim values taking time off and encourages others to do the same. He treasures memories with his family and has taken three sabbaticals during his career. Jim also learns a lot from podcasts featuring nearly 400 leaders. He mentions that these podcasts help him grow as a leader and improve his emotional intelligence and management skills.   [9:07] Jim shares that he listens to podcasts to learn from experienced leaders and improve his skills. In 2021, he faced a personal challenge when his wife was diagnosed with stage four cancer. This taught him to focus on what he could control, choose gratitude, and live a meaningful life. He took a sabbatical in 2022 to spend time with his wife and reflect on his values. After returning to work, Jim was unexpectedly terminated, which taught him resilience and helped him understand others' experiences. Now, he enjoys his work with his business partner and finds joy in helping others.   [16:00] In 2023, Jim had extra time and used it to dive deeper into podcasts about leadership. He made a list of questions he wanted answers to, like how to measure effective leadership and manage difficult conversations. Jim found taking notes while listening challenging, so he used an AI tool called AssemblyAI to convert podcasts to text. This allowed him to listen faster and copy relevant information. He listened to two podcasts daily, using the AI tool to support his research and learning.   [21:59] Jim mentions that his goal was to become a better leader and human by capturing insights from podcasts. He collected detailed notes and summaries from nearly 400 leaders and wanted to use them to improve himself. Instead of manually going through all the data, Jim decided to use an AI tool called My askAI, which let him upload his data and ask it questions. This AI tool gave him access to responses based solely on the podcast insights he provided, helping him quickly find answers and insights from the podcasts without having to remember which specific episode they came from.   [25:45] Jim uses an AI tool called My askAI to explore his podcast notes and ask questions about leadership. He asks about topics like effective leadership, managing conversations, and tips for new leaders. The tool pulls responses from the nearly 400 leaders he studied. The tool combines podcast texts into documents and sometimes provides shorter answers, but Jim can request longer or simpler explanations. Though not perfect, Jim values the tool's speed and variety of insights. It helps him improve his questioning skills.   [29:30] Jim shares using AI tools. He uses them to research leadership insights from podcasts and in his new business, Citizen Engineers, which he started in 2023. He and his business partner prioritize work-life balance and use AI tools to speed up tasks like writing policies and answering business questions. Jim uses AI tools like ChatGPT, My askAI, and Photoshop for different tasks in his business. He tests various tools and shares his findings on his blog. He mentions that he sees AI as a partner in his work and continues to explore how it can help his business.   [32:42] Jim shares insights from 400 podcasts that shaped his business, emphasizing the importance of putting humans at the center of work. He learned from guests like Donato Tramuto and Dr. Ciela Hartanov that compassion and care for employees are key. Jim noticed that guests often focus on business goals without stressing compassion for employees. As an engineer, Jim initially didn't focus on compassion, but now values it as essential. In his business, Citizen Engineers, compassion is a core value. They aim to create a workplace that supports employees while still running a successful business.   [34:48] Jim initially used AI tools to improve himself as a leader, but he decided to share the benefits with others. He hopes the tool helps people revisit useful insights from podcasts. In his business, Citizen Engineers, Jim focuses on helping others grow in their careers and become compassionate leaders. The company emphasizes compassionate leadership in transportation, believing it's key to delivering positive results for communities and clients.   [37:29] And remember, by three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.- Confucius   Quotable Quotes   "Leadership lessons from biking with young kids: set direction, pace, and tone while keeping it fun."   "We involved our kids in decision-making during bike tours, and it led to unforgettable adventures."   "Traveling with our kids taught us the importance of pacing ourselves and embracing each moment."   "Taking time off for family and sabbaticals is crucial for building lasting memories and personal growth."   "The podcast's interviews with nearly 400 leaders have provided me with invaluable insights on leadership and emotional intelligence."   "Going through personal challenges has taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of focusing on what I can control."   "My wife's cancer diagnosis led us to live a 'wide' life focused on giving back and embracing joy."   "Using AI tools helped me explore the podcast's insights more efficiently, allowing me to learn from 400 leaders and apply their lessons."   "Commitment to continuous improvement and a desire to become a better human and leader has driven me to research and capture the wisdom of great leaders."   "AI-assisted research provided me with the ability to ask questions and receive insights from 400 different leaders."   "I did all this work selfishly to become a better leader, and now I'm sharing it to help others find the insights they need to grow as leaders."   "AI is a partner, not an overlord. I'm using it to speed up processes and free up time for deeper, more meaningful work."   "Compassion is at the center of work, and it's our top value at Citizen Engineers."   "Let’s bring compassion to the workplace and help others, continually learn, and challenge ourselves to live a wide life."   "Great leadership is about setting clear values, embracing change, and prioritizing human-centered approaches."   "Finding grace for others, just as we find it for AI's growing capabilities, is part of compassionate leadership."   Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | Sponsored by | Rafti Advisors. LLC | Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | Jim Peters LinkedIn | Citizen Engineers Website |

In this episode, Christiana Smith Shi, former Nike President of Consumer Direct and author of "Career Forward Strategies from Women Who've Made It," shares insights from her book on adopting a long-term mindset for career planning, rather than focusing solely on short-term objectives. She addresses the specific hurdles younger women encounter at the start of their careers and underscores the need to tackle these challenges to foster gender equality in leadership roles. Christiana differentiates between "fake it till you make it" and impostor syndrome, highlighting the need for confidence alongside acknowledging areas for growth. She offers actionable guidance on job applications, encouraging women to overcome self-doubt and rethink qualifications, and discusses strategies for negotiating salaries and benefits to help close the gender pay gap through evidence-based negotiation.   Key Takeaways   [0:19] Christiana shares a surprising aspect of her background – her proficiency in Swedish folk dancing. She talks about her latest book, "Career Forward: Strategies from Women Who've Made It," emphasizing a forward-thinking mindset for long-term career planning. Christiana discusses challenges faced by younger women entering the workforce and shares a real-life success story.    [08:27] Jan recounts a scenario of career overwhelm, leading to Christiana to talk about the concept of "turning into the skid" for career resilience. Christiana stresses facing challenges, conducting self-assessment, and making informed decisions. She also shares practical advice including time management and navigating the balance between high standards and avoiding perfectionism.    [13:47] Christiana distinguishes "fake it till you make it" as a confidence-boosting tool for new situations, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and skill development. Christiana discourages the use of impostor syndrome, inviting a rejection of the negative label and embracing learning curves.    [16:01] Christiana addresses the hesitation women often feel in job applications. Advising a shift in perspective, she encourages a broader interpretation of qualifications. Christiana emphasizes understanding hiring executives' perspectives and reframing qualifications to showcase applicable skills.    [19:15] Christiana discusses challenges individuals, especially women, face when seeking a raise. Christiana emphasizes a fact-based approach, advocating for documentation of expanded responsibilities and benchmarking compensation. She highlights the importance of timing, considering the company's context, and the need for allies to affirm contributions.    [25:41] Christiana recounts a defining career moment during partner election at a consulting firm. Faced with work-life balance challenges, the firm encouraged her to propose a solution, resulting in the creation of a successful part-time program. Christiana underscores the impact of assumptions on decision-making, urging individuals to turn assertions into questions and seek feedback from trusted networks to maintain a strategic orientation.   [32:20] Christiana reflects on her distinguished career, highlighting key lessons: taking responsibility and adapting recognition. She shares a pivotal moment of learning to own mistakes and acknowledges leaders who take responsibility for their teams. Transitioning from professional services to industry, she emphasizes the changing currency of recognition and adapting leadership styles to acknowledge efforts across diverse teams. Christiana encourages the value of research, meaningful feedback, and the ability to act on feedback for career growth.   [37:45] Christiana challenged listeners, particularly women in early or middle careers, to set their career GPS. She encourages individuals to define their impact, identify preferred skills, values, culture, and people. The challenge is to commit to deliberate actions each year, moving towards those career goals.   [39:16] And remember, A wise woman wishes to be no one's enemy. A wise woman refuses to be anyone's victim. - Maya Angelou   Quotable Quotes   "Your job is not your career."   "Your career is a journey; think about managing toward that goal as you move ahead."   "Steer into the skid because then you regain control of the car. It's counterintuitive, and it isn't your first instinct, but it is the only way to regain control of the car."   "You're there for a reason, that the people who put you in that position did not make a mistake."   "Fake it till you make it if you need to, but back that up with a plan to fill in the gap so that you get comfortable quickly doing what you're supposed to do."   "Impostor syndrome is a negative downward spiral. It is actually labeling yourself as not belonging where you are, as not being qualified to do what it is that you're there to do."   "For women, there is this reluctance to appear toot your own horn. All those things. And I can't tell you how many times I've said to women, "You are nowhere near being self-promotional. You need allies. You need sponsors. You need mentors. And those people, when you're not in the room, can also be the ones that are making sure that a light gets shown on your accomplishments."   "Having a little bit of a ratification coming in from others is also super helpful."   "I value leaders who take responsibility. If you screw up, you move on to the next thing and the reward is you're getting more money, you're getting promoted, you're moving on."   "Learning that the currency of recognition had changed and adapting my style so that I acknowledged effort, impact, and results across a much bigger population of employees than I had ever dealt with."   "Take responsibility for things; you're also taking responsibility for fixing them. That way you're not going to leave or abandon or dump the team that screwed up."   “Hold yourself accountable every year to thinking about specific actions that you want to commit to yourself that you will take over the next year to continue to move yourself toward that career goal."   Here are the books mentioned in this episode     Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | Sponsored by | Rafti Advisors. LLC | Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | Christiana Smith Shi LinkedIn |

In this episode, Rick Tocquigny, a distinguished mentor, founder, and the voice behind the “Success Made to Last” podcast, as well as an accomplished author and Pulitzer Prize finalist, delves into the profound realization that serving others holds greater significance than mere personal success. This insight became particularly poignant following the loss of close family members. Rick places high value on asking meaningful questions and sharing narratives of resilience. He underscores the critical role of passing down life lessons to preserve family histories, drawing on examples like his mother's experiences during World War II. Furthermore, Rick highlights the imperative for startup leaders to align their actions with their core values from the outset, ensuring cohesion and adherence to these principles, especially in financially challenging times. He also sheds light on the importance of collaboration and strategic planning in the early stages of a startup, asserting that while monetary concerns are paramount initially, the synergy of a united team is equally crucial for success.   Key Takeaways:   [04:52] Rick shares that he started caring more about helping others after losing some important people in his life. He realized that making a real difference is more important than just being successful. Helping others and leaving a good impact became his main goal, even if it's not noticed by everyone. Rick also believes that it's all about making the world a better place, no matter what happens.   [11:11] He mentions that he appreciates a thought-provoking question and discusses the significance of curiosity and deep questioning. Rick also highlights that he finds inspiration in stories like "My Side of the Mountain" that explore survival and self-discovery. Drawing from their time at Procter & Gamble, he stresses the importance of asking insightful questions to uncover meaningful stories.    [16:22] Rick explains that his project of sharing life lessons began after losing his parents in 2003 and 2005. He realized the importance of preserving family stories, like their mom's experience in World War II, which inspired him to encourage others to do the same. While some veterans might be hesitant due to PTSD, Rick urges people to record stories for future generations, even if it means ensuring accuracy by gathering facts.    [19:16] He shares a touching story from his book about a teacher in Arkansas who rearranged her classroom, leaving her students confused. Eventually, she revealed that the desks and chairs were provided by veterans. This gesture was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans for the freedom enjoyed every day. Rick then emphasizes the importance of honoring and remembering the contributions of veterans and their families.   [23:54] Rick explains that if an organization's core values don't align with its strategic direction, they won't contribute to success. He also mentions the importance of integrating core values into daily operations and decision-making processes. Without this integration, core values can seem superficial and meaningless. Furthermore, if employees don't believe in the core values, they won't influence behavior or contribute to the strategy.    [26:40] He reflects on leadership in startup environments, emphasizing the importance of aligning core values from the beginning. Rick stresses the need for leaders to exemplify collaboration and alignment with core values, especially in startup scenarios where resources may be limited. He suggests that podcasts should focus on speaking to entrepreneurs starting their own businesses rather than Fortune 500 executives, as these individuals are navigating the real-world challenges of building a company from the ground up. Rick also highlights the significance of strategy and culture in shaping the success of a startup, noting that while culture is important, practical concerns like making payroll take precedence in the early stages of business development.   [32:48] Rick expresses gratitude for his mentors who have influenced his understanding of success and significance. He mentions Preston Paddon, known for his role in negotiating the NFL contract with Fox, who taught them the importance of resilience and rolling with rejection. Finally, Rick highlights Frank Blake, former CEO of Home Depot, who shared a valuable lesson about aligning personal interests, skills, and market demand to guide career choices. He also emphasizes the significance of considering passion, proficiency, and market demand in career decisions.   [31:20] He talks about how everyone feels lonely sometimes and wishes for deeper connections with others. Rick mentions that despite success, many people feel something is missing or have regrets about not spending enough time with loved ones. He also notes that everyone has their own struggles and imperfections, and some people spend a lot of time trying to be perfect in their careers, without success. He says that societal pressures, like those seen on LinkedIn, can add to feelings of inadequacy. Rick then suggests being more understanding of others' struggles instead of expecting perfection.   [33:05] Rick reflects on the misconception that retirees simply party a lot, suggesting instead that they often uphold traditional family values, faith, and patriotism. He shares a personal regret about moving away from their parents to pursue a career opportunity with PepsiCo, realizing in hindsight that they sacrificed valuable time with their young children and missed out on the support of his parents. Rick expresses regret for prioritizing career ambition over family connections, and wishes he had made a different choice.   [35:17] He encourages others to prioritize listening and collaboration in their relationships, following the ratio of two ears to one mouth. Rick emphasizes the importance of embracing collaboration to maximize everyone's skills, echoing advice from their mentor. He advocates for approaching life with a mindset of "spontaneous structure," balancing structure with spontaneity to engage in meaningful conversations and experiences. Rick also urges people to seize opportunities, even if it means taking risks or facing challenges, and to prioritize making a positive impact on both themselves and others.   [46:17] Closing Quote: Remember, a human being would certainly not grow to be 70 or 80 years old if this longevity had no meaning for the species. The afternoon of human life must also have a significance of its own and cannot be merely a pitiful appendage to life's morning. -Carl Jung   Quotable Quotes: "Success is commonly associated with reaching a high level of wealth and often status, a self-centered role."   "Significance is about making a positive difference, leaving a legacy, and contributing to the betterment of society."   "Don't expect anybody to say thank you to you."   "It's about giving back without anybody noticing and just feeling good about it and doing something for somebody else."   "Giving your time and effort to others actually has a positive physical effect on you."   "Everybody can get more when they give."   "The audience is the hero."   "You just have to get to that wisdom within a person or their personal experience."   "Take the time to ask these people before they're gone about their stories."   "Record history in a fun and factual manner."   "Keep the history of your families going."   "Get as many of the facts in as possible."   "Walk the talk yourself first as a collaborator and a person who leads alignment."   "We are all broken people, and we are all on this personal journey and odyssey."   "Some people wander through life like the mountain lion by your house who doesn't know exactly where he's going, but he needs his next meal."   "People need people and they need friends."   "Take more time for friends and family; less time for work."   "Everybody is a sinner, so no one's perfect."   "Approach any relationship as a collaboration and how you can get the best out of everyone's skill set."   "Roll with it, have more fun, laugh more, and consider structuring your life under this kind of new way of doing things."   “You got one life to live. Go live it and have fun and go make a difference for yourself, but make a difference for others first."   These are the books mentioned in our discussion with Rick:     Resources Mentioned: The Leadership Podcast | Sponsored by | Rafti Advisors. LLC | Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | Rick Tocquigny LinkedIn | Success Made to Last Website | Robert Hargrove Website | Success Made to Last Instagram | Success Made to Last Twitter |

Robert Hargrove, the mind behind Masterful Coaching and a leader at the Harvard Leadership Project, delves into his coaching origins, advocating for a goal-centric approach that drives significant outcomes while redefining success. He highlights how, despite the challenges posed by organizational structures, there's a universal aspiration among individuals to thrive and impact positively. Robert underscores the critical role of authenticity and self-assurance when engaging with top executives, urging his audience to ambitiously envision beyond the usual limits. Further, he points out that the core of effective coaching lies in compassion and earnest support for both personal and professional development.     Key Takeaways:   [04:59] Robert shares the transition of his journey, recalling his early days organizing leadership weekends, driven by a passion to foster leadership skills. These became the foundation of his work in personal transformation seminars, leading to opportunities to implement similar programs in corporate settings, catalyzing cultural shifts and visionary leadership within organizations.   [9:16] He talks about coaching and how it's changed over time. He believes coaching is about helping people achieve big goals, not just getting better at what they already do. Robert thinks coaching should focus on winning and getting results, like in sports, rather than just learning skills. In the end, he is still passionate about coaching as a way to help people reach their dreams and make big things happen.   [15:23] Throughout his career, Robert shares that he has noticed a big change in what counts as success in business. It used to be all about making quick money for investors or climbing the corporate ladder. But with his approach to coaching, he's trying to change that. Inspired by thinkers like James McGregor Burns, Robert sees coaching as a way to lift people's goals and motivations, especially those in power like CEOs. His aim is to help them connect with their highest values and ideals, making a real impact in their lives.    [16:45] In his coaching practice, Robert considers the question of what "winning" means to individuals and businesses. While he believes in letting people define success for themselves, he also emphasizes the importance of elevating their understanding of what constitutes true success. He engages in dialogue with others, encouraging them to share their perspectives on this matter.    [19:14] He shares that the key to fulfillment for many seems to lie in discovering their passion, becoming a leader in their field, and making a meaningful impact on the world or within the organization. Robert also mentions that people inherently desire to excel and make a difference, but often encounter obstacles within organizational hierarchies and bureaucracies. Over his years of coaching, he has observed that many individuals express frustration with their bosses as a significant challenge. This highlights the importance of leadership coaching as a means to address such issues and empower individuals to unlock their full potential.   [22:57] Robert recounts working with a dynamic leader passionate about sustainability, but who lost confidence and became overly deferential upon promotion to CEO in a larger division. Despite coaching efforts, the leader chooses security over personal growth, prioritizing approval from higher-ups and conforming to corporate hierarchy.   [25:20] He shares his current focus on working with influential figures, including political leaders and celebrities, using their coaching skills for high leverage. Robert expresses a desire to collaborate with others, including the listener, to coach individuals on their list of influential people, aiming to expand it further and potentially advertise his services. He also introduces a new program called "Create a Legendary Company," which aims to help CEOs and entrepreneurs build companies that positively impact lives and generate significant revenue. Robert outlines seven business drivers for achieving exponential growth and emphasizes the importance of adopting a "TEN X MINDSET" for substantial improvement.    [30:09] Robert shares insights on executive presence, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and confidence in interactions with high-ranking individuals. He stresses the need for normalcy in conversations and appearance, highlighting that executives should approach discussions with CEOs or other leaders just as they would with family members. Additionally, he suggests that starting one's own business can instill a sense of confidence and swagger, contributing to executive presence.    [34:21] He encourages listeners to dare to dream beyond conventional boundaries, urging them to embrace the limitless potential of their imaginations. Robert emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, noting that many individuals struggle to articulate their aspirations. He also highlights the essence of coaching as rooted in kindness and a genuine desire to help others. Regardless of financial compensation, he expresses a deep-seated love for assisting people in their personal and professional growth.    [35:39] Closing Quote: Remember, intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death. -Albert Einstein.   Quotable Quotes: "Better leaders, better world."   "I want to help people become the leaders that the world needs."   "Life's journey involved understanding the interplay of nature, nurture, and the transformative power of self-reflection."   "Leaders develop by leading people to actually make something happen that wasn't supposed to happen, making vision reality."   "The ultimate statement of your consciousness as a leader is your ability to produce extraordinary, intangible results."   "Coaching is about going for an impossible dream."   "The coach is usually someone who carries himself with a lot of dignity, a little bit of swagger, and interacts with people with toughness and compassion."   "Coaching is really about elevating people's aspirations and motivations."   "Capitalism needs to be an agent of social change."   "Three P's: purpose, people, and profit."   "Becoming a leader in their field to lead their field."   "Life is politics, and we can't divorce ourselves from it."   "Grow your leadership and your business simultaneously."   "If you're connected to higher vision and values, you will radiate moral authority."   "Conduct yourself with leadership maturity.”   "Respond rather than react under stress and pressure."   "Dare to dream beyond the wildest possible of your imagination."   "The basis of coaching is kindness.”   "Remember to always encourage and support others in their dreams and goals."   This is the book mentioned in our discussion with Robert:     Resources Mentioned: The Leadership Podcast | Sponsored by | Rafti Advisors. LLC | Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | Robert Hargrove LinkedIn | Robert Hargrove Website | Robert Hargrove Website | Masterful Coaching Instagram |