Greatness Podcast

How can we have productive conversations with no visual cues? And, what does that tell us about how to thrive amid the big crisis-driven move to virtual communication?  Mickey Connolly, Founder and Chairman of Conversant, joined the Greatness podcast to talk about one of the foundational tools of the organization, the “conversation meter”. When used, this powerful tool elevates our conversations to a place of finding mutual purposes that drives productivity, collaboration, innovation and success. With many of us facing more virtual conversations, I think you will like the simple, powerful questions that drive conversations towards authenticity and trust.

Does your organization have a soul? Bill Boyar, Founding Shareholder of BoyarMiller, joined the Greatness podcast to discuss why he left one law firm, which “had no soul”, to found another firm where growing and making money was the outcome, not the purpose. Bill shares some of the tough decisions he and his partners have faced over the years, and how they continue to focus upon consistently behaving in a way that aligns with their values - with each other, their clients, even opposing attorneys. It’s a great story of how to build transparency, curiosity, and ultimately success through the power of authentic conversations.

What could be more interesting that 30 minutes on the phone with acclaimed Harvard professor, consultant and author Michael Beer? Not much and he has offered just that during this Greatness podcast. In his latest book, Fit to Compete, Mike states that most strategic failures spring from an organization’s inability to have honest conversations. It was one of the most important factors in my decision to join Conversant. The underpinnings of our strategic advisement hinge on this critical ability – how to build transparent cultures with systems of human connectedness that unleash brilliance. Mike has many sound tips for any leader interested in achieving transparency and alignment within their organization.

How do you effectively engage a system of stakeholders for an extraordinary outcome? How do you create a “system of human connectedness” versus “disjointed simultaneous monologues”? Anne Murray Allen of Conversant joined the Greatness Podcast to discuss how The Nature Conservancy took a systems approach in addressing water quality on the Mississippi River. Key to their success was framing the issue in a manner that united the various stakeholders along the river to build community and co-create innovative solutions that met their unique needs. This is a great story of success in changing the way people accomplish work and creating a system of learning to achieve a “moon shot”

Thirty years ago this man, Ron Erps, had the courage to put a 27-year-old woman in charge of an 800 person manufacturing operation in a failing company that was given 12 months to turn it around or face closure. This leadership opportunity early in my career had a profound impact upon me and shaped my thinking on a number of topics – leadership, leading change, listening, and empowering a community of hundreds of people to drive success. I’m so thankful I was able to visit with Ron and his wife Janet in 2018 as he sadly passed away last year. I’ll never forget his mentorship and faith in me. Thank you, Mickey Connolly, for interviewing me for the Greatness podcast so that I could share this story. I think there are a few relevant tips in here for leaders in today’s turbulent business environment.

Does your organization understand it’s role in bringing value to society?  Are you exhibiting purpose-driven leadership? And is your organization focused upon a holistic approach to health and wellbeing? The Greatness podcast welcomed Dr. Amanda Rischbieth, business leader and visiting scientist at Harvard, to talk about these critical questions. The 2019 US Business Roundtable statement sent a clear message that business plays a critical role in the wellbeing of society, and Amanda discusses how investment strategies are shifting to recognize this need.

How do you effectively bring the right 40 stakeholders together to collectively represent the interests of thousands of employees to avoid a seemingly unavoidable strike? How do you get the “system” in the conversation when your organization is facing seemingly insurmountable challenges? Conversant Chairman and Founder Mickey Connolly shares an incredible case study that is relevant in today’s turbulent business environment. Enjoy! 

Society is in a deep and vigorous discussion on the right trade-off between health and economy.. .. to many that is a shocking idea. Research into mental health in the workplace suggests that this trade-off is a reality of work, in fact “62% of managers have had to put the interests of their organization above staff wellbeing either sometimes, regularly or every day” ..  now that is shocking ..  It contributes to stress, anxiety, declining productivity and increasing business cost.!   Evelyn has been exploring this paradigm and researching the foundations of healthy workplaces in a way that makes long term economic sense.  Maybe it’s not a trade off after all?

Many of you are facing difficult decisions about balancing the success of your business long term with the immediate needs of your people. Conversant Chairman and Founder, Mickey Connolly, discusses a timely case study where an organization handles the challenge of a plant closing with grace and respect for their employees. 

Great leaders seek information from nontraditional sources. Track cyclist Anna Meares, the only Australian to medal individually in four consecutive Olympics, generously shares her insights on achieving sustained greatness as our guest on the Greatness podcast. From embracing change and controlling the controllable, to overcoming the adversity of a broken neck, Anna's lessons are remarkable and apply to us all.