The Leadership Foundry Podcast

As we approach Thanksgiving this week, we're taking time to reflect on how to show gratitude to our teams in this special holiday edition of the podcast. Earlier this year, co-hosts Randy Hain and Brandon Smith had the opportunity to sit down with Chester Elton. He explained that the common thread for excellence of best-in-class companies is gratitude. Our team members want to be noticed and celebrated for making a difference. Listen in for ways to do just that as we take a look back on Episode 58. Watch the full show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RbI75hE0C40?feature=shared

Leaders and their organizations face various challenges as we enter the last few months of 2024. Hiring freezes and year-end goals coupled with an election year have turned the pressure up causing many leaders to enter "stress behaviors". To help us reset and position for a new year, co-hosts Brandon Smith and Randy Hain share their tips for navigating through uncertainty. Listen for insights on setting priorities, providing feedback, increasing workplace engagement and the ripple effect of showing gratitude.

We were honored to have Retired Lieutenant General, Ken Keen, as he joined host, Brandon Smith on a recent edition of The Leadership Foundry Podcast. During the conversation, Ken highlights what it means to be a leader in the Armed Forces, the importance of earning your title and the responsibility that accompanies it, which includes developing and leading others. He also highlights the newly launched Masters in Business for Veterans program at Emory University. Take a moment of reflection as we revisit Episode 62: "Three Components to Become a Leader of Leaders" on this special Veterans Day edition of the podcast.

As a leader, we have both the opportunity and the obligation to develop others within our organizations. But as deadlines loom and the days grow shorter, one-on-ones are often moved to the backburner or abandoned altogether, and time for personal reflection along with it. This is a costly mistake as co-hosts, Brandon Smith and Randy Hain, highlight on today's episode as they take a deep dive into Randy's new book, Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader. Listen in for ways to prep yourself and your team for a successful launch into 2025.

We're in a season of uncertainty. How do we answer our team's pressing questions when we don't have the answers? Brandon Smith offers four steps for leading through uncertainty on today's podcast. Listen to the end where he shares three things all leaders can do to maintain control of the ship, even when sailing into the unknown.

How can leaders use their time, talent and treasures long after leaving the C-suite? To help us answer this question, Dave Stockert joins Brandon on this week's podcast episode to highlight the transition from CEO to board member along with the markers of a good board member and board chair.

Anxiety levels are at an all-time high. Stress compounded by hybrid work environments, concerning health reports, and a weary world is something we can all relate to. Brandon sat down to talk with Licensed Counselor, Mazi Robinson, near the end of 2022, but both her insights and words of encouragement on how to flex our resiliency muscles are still very applicable today. She says: "The only thing that frees us from anxiety is doing the thing you are afraid to do." Listen in for ways leaders can get out of our "ruminating rooms" and take action.

Scott Doyne, a certified career coach and author of "Exploring the Midlife Career Crisis," shares his insights on navigating career transitions. He discusses the four essential stages: realize, explore, articulate, and activate. Doyne emphasizes the transformative power of personal stories and the Ikigai concept for uncovering new career paths. He also addresses procrastination, encouraging self-reflection on childhood inspirations. Mid-life is presented as a launching pad for renewed ambitions, challenging traditional notions of career endings.

The number one way to overcome fear? Do the thing you fear most! Cameron Richardson, Senior Vice President at Genuine Parts Company (NAPA) joined Brandon on Episode 15 of The Leadership Foundry Podcast. The two discussed self-awareness as a key to overcoming new leadership challenges. As a leader, self-awareness is your greatest ally. It helps you understand your strengths, acknowledge your challenges, and align your actions with your goals. Embrace this time for introspection and set a clear path forward as we prepare to enter the final quarter of the year.

Class is in session! Today, we're thrilled to have Atlanta Community Food Bank founder, Bill Bolling on the podcast. Bill gives us a master class on leadership beyond that of the nonprofit sector. He explains to achieve our goals, there are parts of the process we must decentralize and that requires trust. In his words, "The way to connect with individuals is to involve them in the work." Listen in as Bill shares highlights from his inspiring career and how we as leaders can shift the focus back to those we serve: our employees, our partners and our customers.