The Leadership Foundry Podcast

Today on the podcast, we're examining an often under-represented practice: setting and leading with company values. To help us along this journey, co-hosts Brandon and Randy, are joined by Doran Oancia, President and CEO of Chemex Global. Listen in as Doran shares how to select, promote and hire with company values.

Today's team members want to feel connected to the work they are doing. If company processes and goals don't feel personal, it could prove difficult to get everyone on board. Wills Moore, CEO of Agilitas Human Resources Consulting, joins Brandon on the podcast to help leaders gear up for success in 2024 by sharing best practices for your performance management process.

Class is in session! Today on the podcast, Brandon Smith offers a new perspective on setting annual goals. Step back in time with us as we look at 2024 through the lens of a college student, focusing on your overall GPA to grade success.

Co-hosts Brandon Smith and Randy Hain welcome Andreas Widmer on today's show for an insightful conversation about the entrepreneurial mindset. Andreas Widmer is an author, speaker and the founder and director of the Art & Carlyse Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship at The Catholic University of America's Busch School of Business. Our overall theme centers around how doing good, from our employees to our customers, can lead to prosperity - both, monetarily and culturally in the workplace.

If you've caught recent episodes of the Leadership Foundry Podcast, you've likely picked up on a common theme: complexity vs. simplicity. Frank Blake, former chairman and CEO of The Home Depot noted that the best leaders "pull complexity up and push simplicity down." Graciela Chadwick, COO of Crumbl Cookies, explained the balance between relationships and results, highlighting that any repeatable process must be clear and concise. On today's episode, co-host Brandon Smith takes a deep dive into these concepts and shares some additional ways you as a leader can implement them.

Among tasks and teams, leaders have an overall essential balance that must be maintained and that balance comes in the form of relationships vs. results. How can leaders achieve this balance? Crumbl Cookies COO, Graciela Chadwick, shares from her extensive experience working with franchisees on this edition of the podcast. Listen in for two key factors crucial for leaders in fostering connections within their teams.

We've got another treat for you "from the vault" for this week's episode of the Leadership Foundry Podcast! This one features Brandon's daughter, Abby Smith. Recorded just a few short years ago, their conversation centers around generational communication in the workplace. Bridging the gap between generations isn't just a nicety; it's a necessity. Collaboration among different age groups fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas, knowledge sharing, and innovation. Listen in for Brandon and Abby's tips which still ring true today!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes "from the vault"! Get into the attitude of gratitude with hosts, Brandon Smith and Randy Hain as we examine RAPKG: Random Acts of Praise, Kindness and Gratitude. Listen in for ways leaders can communicate thankfulness in the workplace… and at home.

We're excited to welcome former The Home Depot, Chairman and CEO, Frank Blake, on this episode of the podcast. Frank reminds us: As CEO - you're at the bottom and not at the top. Listen to this insightful conversation as he shares why (and how) the best leaders "pull complexity up and push simplicity down."

There's a lot happening around the world and tensions are high. In this "Leadership Challenges" episode, Brandon addresses the key components of effective communication and highlights what leaders should be mindful of when navigating emotions and driving focus in their roles.