The Leadership Podcast

Shawn Dawley, an executive and former combat pilot, dedicated 25 years to military service, visiting 80 countries across six continents. He holds a bachelor's degree in aeronautics and master's degrees in business, political science, and military studies. Overcoming a challenging childhood, he excelled in the Air Force, demonstrating that leadership potential can emerge from any background. Shawn champions the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and trust in both military and business leadership. He believes that corporate structures should not overshadow the human element of leadership and stresses the significance of investing in people, developing future leaders, and fostering a growth-oriented culture. As a speaker, Shawn has evolved from struggling with public speaking to offering insights on authenticity, emotional intelligence, and the neuroscience of decision-making. https://bit.ly/TLP-420 Key Takeaways [02:39] Shawn, a leadership speaker and coach, shared a story about his childhood which was difficult due to death and abandonment. Despite this, he enlisted in the Air Force at 17 and found success through hard work. He credits the Air Force for providing him with the opportunity to succeed and for shaping his leadership skills. One of the most important lessons he learned in the military is the importance of objective, critical thinking. This skill has been essential for his success in the corporate world and other aspects of his life. [08:24] Shawn discusses leadership in the military vs business world. He argues that despite some key differences, both require leading people. He emphasizes the importance of human connection and empathy in leadership, regardless of the field. Shawn also highlights the difference in leadership development between the military and business. The military actively trains leaders, while businesses often neglect this crucial aspect. Shawn believes investing in people is the most important responsibility of a leader, and that building a strong team ensures a smooth transition when leaders move on. [14:45] Shawn discusses his journey to becoming a successful public speaker. He emphasizes that public speaking is a skill that can be learned and improved through practice. He highlights the importance of preparation and spending quality time crafting a speech. Shawn also talks about building the business model around his public speaking career. He acknowledges the challenges of starting out and the importance of persistence. He credits mentors for helping him with the business aspects. [19:47] Shawn discusses a common problem leaders face: spending too much time on administrative tasks. He argues that leaders should delegate these tasks to free themselves up for strategic thinking. According to Shawn, the most important thing leaders should do is integrate. This involves looking across the entire organization and considering external factors like regulations and competition. Leaders need to be freed from administrative duties to focus on this crucial role. [24:20] Shawn argues that our brains are wired to feel before we think. This can be helpful in situations requiring a quick response, but it can also lead to emotional reactions in the workplace. Shawn suggests that leaders should acknowledge this neurological reality and focus on helping employees manage their emotions. He believes creating opportunities for employees to learn from their mistakes can be a valuable tool for growth. [31:52] Shawn discusses transitioning from military to civilian life. He argues that the key to a successful transition is avoiding comparisons to the previous role. Instead, one should focus on appreciating the new role for what it is and finding value in the new situation. Shawn also emphasizes the importance of emotional buy-in during transitions. Even if a transition plan seems logical on paper, people won't feel settled unless they trust the change and believe in its purpose. [35:34] Shawn argues that there are no new leadership principles. He encourages leaders to be human and acknowledge that they won't always have all the answers. Leaders should focus on having good intentions and acting in the best interests of those they lead. People will forgive mistakes as long as they see the effort and good attitude behind the decisions. [37:40] And remember: Inspiration exists but it has to find us working. - Pablo Picasso Quotable Quotes "Progress will never rest in the hand that has no head." "The gift of meritocracy allowed me to do some things, I would say as I left the military, went into the corporate world, spent time in academia, if there's one thing, and I don't think the military has a monopoly on it, but this absolute demand for objective, critical thinking that military operators require has served me well, because when you are, let's say, mission planning for a combat sortie, it is to your detriment to engage in the delusion of wishing things into existence that you want to be or wishing things away that you find unpleasant. And so you just have to just mercilessly try to dissect the battle space as it is and then develop courses of action that will fit into that environment." " Leadership is a very fundamental, primal human condition." "The mark of a true leader is that when he or she leaves, not only does the place continue to operate as under his or her command, I think if it does, even better. I think that there's some bit of legacy that you must still have to those folks." "Public speaking is a skill and like any skill, it is acquired and improved." "We are building a more and more complex society, which can, I think, incline us towards more and more technical solutions. And I think sometimes we get so busy keeping the trains running on time that we forget, okay, at the end of the day, how do I earn the trust of people that I am leading and influence them to do more than what they thought capable?" "There are, I think, some fundamental differences between leading, let's say, a military organization in combat versus being an executive responsible for profit and loss of a business unit or a company. There are some just fundamental characteristic differentials. But what I have found is that at the end of the day, behind that title, behind that role that the people entrusted to your care hold are people." "I would encourage leaders, as one who's still going through this myself, to give yourself license to be human. We often think now that I'm the leader, it's incumbent upon me to be the rock, to have all the answers. And that's a lot for a single human being to carry." Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Shawn Dawley Website | www.shawndawley.com Shawn Dawley LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/shawnmdawley Shawn Dawley Facebook | Shawn Dawley Shawn Dawley Instagram | @shawnmdawley Shawn Dawley YouTube | www.youtube.com/@shawnmdawley

Talmage Boston is a lawyer, historian, and the author of the captivating new book "How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons from Our Top Presidents." For the past 15 years, Talmage has balanced his legal career with a fervent passion for history. By dedicating his mornings to historical research before donning his lawyer hat, he has become an expert on the most influential figures in American history: the U.S. presidents. In his book, Talmage unveils the hidden traits that separate great presidents from the merely good. He explores the power of persuasion, the importance of self-awareness, and the art of targeting messages to the vast American middle ground. Discover surprising insights, such as which presidents excelled at one-on-one interactions and which ones captivated large crowds. https://bit.ly/TLP-419 Key Takeaways [03:36] Talmage discusses his lifelong passion for history and discusses his new book "How the Best Did It." The book examines leadership traits of eight US presidents and is aimed to be applicable in daily lives. Three key traits for successful presidents are persuasion, self-awareness, and targeting messages to the moderate majority. [12:01] We discuss the power of self-influence and share a compelling story about Stephen Ambrose and Dwight Eisenhower. [16:05] We discuss the role of crisis in shaping presidential legacies. While crises can provide opportunities for presidents to showcase their leadership, it's not a requirement for greatness. Theodore Roosevelt is an example of a highly regarded president who expanded the office's influence without facing a major crisis. We also explore how different presidents handled crisis. [22:05] We discuss the importance of acknowledging both the strengths and weaknesses of historical figures. Learning about the flaws of presidents like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan can help us understand their accomplishments in context. We also explore the role of first ladies in presidential history. Ronald Reagan's wife Nancy is highlighted as a unique case of a first lady who played a significant and influential role in her husband's presidency. [28:45] We e explore how great presidents restore optimism in America, vital for national confidence and progress. Leaders like Lincoln, FDR, Kennedy, and Reagan balanced ambitious goals with realistic actions, inspiring people to believe in a brighter future. We contrast this with presidents who struggled to instill confidence, underscoring the impact of leadership on national morale. [33:15] We reflect on the responsibility of leadership and the sacrifices necessary for politicians to serve effectively. Discussing insights from Sebastian Junger's book "Freedom," we highlight the reluctance of many capable individuals to enter politics despite their potential to lead. Guests like John Avalon and Nikki Haley, both seasoned in public service, exemplify the need for courageous leaders willing to navigate the challenges of misinformation and political scrutiny. Drawing on James Baker's metaphor of catching javelins for President Reagan, we emphasize the importance of a capable team to support and guide leaders through the complexities of national governance. [35:59] We delve into the search for common ground in a divided America. Reflecting on recent events like the eclipse and the unifying power of sports, Jim and I discuss what it will take to bridge our nation's divides. We explore ideas from leaders like Stan McChrystal who advocate for national service as a unifying force beyond politics. We ponder whether future leaders can rise above today's partisan rhetoric to focus on effective governance and genuine dialogue. [40:53] And remember, those who do not remember the past are contempt to repeat it. - George Santayana Quotable Quotes "They all had great self awareness, and that means they knew their strengths, and they knew their weaknesses. As for their strengths, they were always thinking in terms of ways that they could use them for the greater good. But with the self awareness to know their weaknesses, they would bring into their circle people who were strong in the areas where they were weak in order for that not to be a problem." "It's not absolutely necessary to have a crisis during your presidency to be considered great." "That's ultimately about either being optimistic or pessimistic. And you're right in that most of these greatest presidents made people feel like we had a president who knew what he was doing, who had a solid, sound direction for the country, both in the present and the future. And when people have confidence in their leadership, then they necessarily have confidence in their country and their future and so forth." "Government doesn't work when you're targeting your policies to please either the extreme right or the extreme left." "Those presidents who have not had that capacity to get people excited about their dreams make it more difficult to be an effective leader." "We just have to hope that our country can survive another four years of one of them having a second term, and then hopefully they'll both be put out to pasture forever." "People have got to accept the fact that where we are is not going to improve unless high-powered people decide to enter politics." "Certainly with so many inaccuracies being spewed forth on a daily basis by our media and by other people involved in politics who twist everything, whether it's true or untrue, with little regard for fact-checking, certainly makes everybody stop and pause." "You can't take on this kind of major national responsibility as president without surrounding yourself with really smart, capable people who can catch the javelins and who can keep you functioning and keep you positive." This is the book mentioned in our discussion with Talmage:: Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Talmage Boston LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/talmageboston Talmage Boston Twitter | @talmageboston

Todd Rose is the co-founder and CEO of Populace, and founder of the Laboratory for the Science of Individuality. Todd is also a bestselling author of "Collective Illusions," "Dark Horse," and "The End of Average." Todd explains how the abandonment of human distinctiveness during the industrial age has left a lasting impact on our potential and fulfillment. He emphasizes that true individuality is crucial for cultivating personal potential and living fulfilling lives. He explores the tension between individualism and collectivism, asserting that individuality should not be mistaken for selfishness. He then shifts to the challenges leaders face in balancing fairness and personalization. Todd highlights the importance of autonomy in realizing individuality and cautions against the authoritarian potential of individuality without autonomy. Todd expresses concerns about the potential for a divided education system where some students are trained as cogs in the machine while others are nurtured to develop their individuality and agency. Todd talks about his Dark Horse Project, which explores how people achieve fulfillment and excellence by following their unique paths. https://bit.ly/TLP-418 Key Takeaways [03:30] Todd discussed why individuality is central to his work and the importance of human distinctiveness and its impact on potential and fulfillment. He also compared standardization to personalization in various fields. [06:03] Todd emphasizes the impact of the Industrial Age on individuality, psychological drives for categorization versus self-expression, and a critique of Frederick Taylor's scientific management and its effects in relation to societal transformation, human identity, and labor efficiency during the industrial revolution. [07:28] He talks about the importance of personalizing leadership while maintaining fairness, the challenges of balancing individual needs with organizational goals, and the evolving expectations of employees in the workplace. [10:45] He discusses the transformation needed in education and workplace institutions, the shift from material abundance to psychological and spiritual fulfillment, and the role of leaders in navigating paradigm shifts and fostering individuality in the context of adapting to changing societal values and promoting holistic well-being in both educational and professional settings. [14:16] He shares the challenges of giving employees more autonomy while maintaining control, the comparison of bottom-up versus top-down approaches in leadership, and the importance of clear outcomes and flexible processes in modern workplaces in relation to fostering innovation, productivity, and employee satisfaction within organizational structures. [26:47] Todd gives an example of personalized health utilizing the glycemic index and machine learning. He also shares his personal experience with personalized nutrition, highlighting the potential of technology to scale personalization in various fields by leveraging data-driven approaches to optimize individual health outcomes and enhance personalized experiences across different domains. [35:32] He introduces his book "The Dark Horse project and book", emphasizing the transformation of individuality into fulfillment and excellence. He also shares his personal anecdotes, highlighting the impact of the Dark Horse mindset on Todd's family and their journey towards embracing uniqueness and achieving personal success. [41:57] Closing quote: Remember, "If a man is not faithful to his own individuality, he cannot be loyal to anything." - Claude McKay Quotable Quotes "The biggest mistake we've made in the industrial age is the abandonment of the appreciation for human distinctiveness." "Harnessing your individuality is a pretty central element to really leading a fulfilling life." "The flaw with the industrial age is that in the past, it was sort of intuitive that we were categorized in the same way that we thought it was intuitive that the earth was flat." "Whereas like a Frederick Taylor, we led to a very paternalistic society that we've lived in for quite a while, which is in some ways antithetical to liberal democracies." "The biggest driver of a sense of meaning is pursuing a goal freely chosen." "It's very hard to transform institutions that are captured." "Innovation in terms of being left behind is really important." "We can get scale through personalization." "Individuality is a fact, and it's really important." "If a man is not faithful to his own individuality, he cannot be loyal to anything." - Claude McKay These are the books mentioned in our discussion with Todd Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Todd Rose LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/todd-rose Todd Rose Website | www.toddrose.com Todd Rose Twitter | @ltoddrose

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. https://bit.ly/TLP-417 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 | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Valia Glytsis LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/valia-glytsis Valia Glytsis Instagram | www.instagram.com/paradoxofleadership Valia Glytsis Website | www.leadwithvalia.com

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. https://bit.ly/TLP-415 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 | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com

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. https://bit.ly/TLP-412 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 | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Christiana Smith Shi LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/nickjain Nick Jain Website | www.ideascale.com

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. https://bit.ly/TLP-411 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 | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Jim Peters LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/jim-peters Citizen Engineers Website | www.citizen-engineers.com