These days there's a lot of focus on organizational culture in terms of its ability to attract and retain employees in today's shrinking labour market. Naturally, any discussion of an organization's culture also includes an examination of its values, which serve to articulate what that culture looks like in action.And yet, despite this growing focus on organizational culture and values, we continue to see example after example of companies outwardly claiming their organization stands for one thing, but then being caught doing the exact opposite. So how can leaders not only adopt but promote organizational values that impact every decision, choice and behaviour made in the workplace, as opposed to simply being these lofty ideals we simply pay lip service to? That's the focus of this episode and my conversation with brand and change management expert, Mory Fontanez.Mory Fontanez is the founder and CEO of the Eight 22 Group, a consulting firm that describes their focus as being around value-based transformation. Using her expertise in reputation and change management, Mory has worked with several Fortune 500 companies including Hewlett Packard, Mars, Inc, Royal Dutch Shell, AstraZeneca, J.P. Morgan Chase and GE. Prior to founding her own consultancy firm, Mory served as Managing Director of Global Client Strategy at Edelman where she worked with clients to help develop strategies to achieve their reputational, cultural and marketing objectives.Over the course of this episode, Mory and I discuss:Why an organization's values might not be as clearly understood as leaders might think and what to do about it.How to transform your values from being merely inspirational to actionable ones that become touch points in how your organization operates.How to avoid that issue seen in many organizations where they claim certain organizational values only to be caught violating the very behaviours they claim to be driven by.How leaders can co-create organizational values with employees to ensure these values connect and resonate with what matters to employees.How creating values focused around purpose-driven work can help foster greater diversity and inclusion, something that's known to drive innovation and overall growth.How to balance using organizational values as being cardinal points that direct the way we act and behave against giving room for people to experiment, fail, and learn to help the organization stretch, evolve, and grow.Don’t forget you can now stream all episodes from my show, and find the show notes for past episodes, as well as find links to listen to my show on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and more on the brand new Leadership Biz Cafe podcast page on my website.Finally, I’d appreciate it if you could subscribe, rate, and comment about my show on your preferred podcasting streaming platform to help continue to support this show.https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YKuZM9VuaFmurq5zvWtdz?si=b15ac5db68194ad0Noteworthy links:Do Your Organization’s Values Reflect What It Stands For? What We Get Wrong About Authenticity In Leadership 3 Steps To Create An Organizational Vision That Energizes Employees What Happened To Trust And Integrity In Today’s Organizations? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One thing you’ve probably noticed is how I love to draw inspiration and insight into how we can improve the way we lead from the most unexpected places. And I can’t think of a more unexpected place to find an example that can illustrate a valuable lesson on leadership than sharing the story about one comedian’s big break and the powerful lesson it reveals about it takes to succeed at leadership.Now I’m not going to give away the punchline here (see what I did there?), but let me just say that this comedian has appeared on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, as well as the internationally renowned comedy festival, Just For Laughs, held every summer here in Montreal, Canada. And for this comedian, none of these career moments were what he sees as being his big break.I share this and more in this latest episode of my podcast feature, Leadership Espresso Shot. Just a quick reminder, with the Leadership Espresso Shot feature, I’ll select a specific idea around leadership and share with you insights and tools to improve the way you lead going forward.These are typically the kinds of lessons and actionable advice I share with leaders who attend my keynotes or corporate training sessions, which is why I’m excited to now have a new platform to share these with my podcast audience as well.And don’t forget you can now stream all episodes from my show, and find the show notes for past episodes, as well as find links to listen to my show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and other streaming platforms on the brand new Leadership Biz Cafe podcast page on my website.Finally, I’d appreciate it if you could subscribe, rate, and comment about my show on your preferred podcasting streaming platform to help continue to support this show.And with that, please do check out this latest episode. Trust me when I say, the lessons this comedian’s story helps to illustrate will really help you better appreciate the value you bring as a leader to your organization, something the best leaders out there consistently recognize and focus on in how they lead those around them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to leadership, many of us have developed habits or strategies that have served us well in not only achieving our organization's goals, but driving future growth and success. But is it possible that at times the conventional wisdom we've come to rely on about our leadership might actually impede or even derail our efforts going forward? That's the focus of my conversation with leadership development expert and author, Sara Canaday.Sara is, like myself, a leadership speaker and author, and after more than 20 years working in the corporate world, she now runs her own firm Sara Canaday and Associates. Sara has been featured in a number of media outlets, including Forbes, The Huffington Post, Psychology Today, and CNBC. She has also authored her second book called “Leadership Unchained: Defy Conventional Wisdom For Breakthrough Performance.”Some of the topics Sara and I discuss over the course of our conversation include:A simple measure that will help you overcome the bias for action and provide greater clarity for your employees.Why we need to not only rely on experts, but on “outsiders” to help bring greater cognitive diversity to our decision making.A proven strategy Pixar uses that helps leaders to break free from perceptual biases to not only improve decision-making, but foster greater collaboration and sense of belonging amongst employees.What leaders can learn from Nokia's decline about the importance of “soft intelligence” to help better understand and navigate today'sever-changing business landscape.As I mentioned in this episode, I’m delighted to announce that my podcast “Leadership Biz Cafe” is now available for streaming on Spotify, in addition to Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, PlayerFM, and several other podcast streaming platforms.Also, you can now stream all episodes from my show, and find the show notes for past episodes, as well as find links for listen to my show on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and more on the brand new Leadership Biz Cafe podcast page on my website.Finally, I’d appreciate it if you could subscribe, rate, and comment about my show on your preferred podcasting streaming platform to help continue to support this show.https://open.spotify.com/episode/5p12RkNcH0yH5rkQvHyMDy?si=5924d25b85bf4d09Noteworthy Links: Buy Sara Canaday's book on Amazon (or Amazon.ca for Canadian readers) Check out these articles that build on what’s discussed in the show:3 Easy Steps To Energize Collaboration And Drive Success 4 Steps To Becoming More Inquisitive As Leaders 6 Steps To Strengthen Team Cohesion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some of you may not know this, but I've been writing this blog for over 10 years now, which of course, means that you end up covering a lot of different topics and ideas around leadership. But what it also means is that after a point, you get the urge to shake things up and try something new.It's with this in mind that I'm pleased to share this latest episode of my leadership podcast, “Leadership Biz Cafe” where I inaugurate this brand new feature, Leadership Espresso Shot.With the Leadership Espresso Shot feature, I'll select a specific idea around leadership and share with you insights and tools to improve the way you lead going forward. Normally, these are the kinds of lessons and actionable advice I share with audience members that attend my keynotes or corporate training sessions, which is why I'm excited to now have a new platform to share these with my podcast audience as well.Now if you've had the chance to hear one of my keynotes or corporate training sessions, you probably remember how I love to share stories from which I pull out actionable steps that leaders can start using today. Given how this is the first installment of Leadership Espresso Shot on my podcast, I figure what better way to kickstart this than to share one of these stories, specifically one that will help you learn how to create a compelling organizational vision to energize your employees.Over the course of this episode, you'll learn about:The 4 key elements President Kennedy employed in his famous “We choose to go to the Moon” speech to rally people around his ambitious vision, and one overlooked element behind his famous declaration that was key to igniting a nation's ambition to make his vision a reality.The surprising revelation a manufacturing company about their organizational vision that helped them transform a disengaged workforce with high turnover to a highly motivated employee base that boosted the company's profit margin.What researchers have found as the real character trait that identifies top performers and how this can help leaders communicate a vision that motivates employees to bring their best efforts to an organization's vision. I'm very excited about this new feature and I can't wait to share even more of my leadership insights through my leadership podcast.And don't forget you can now stream all episodes from my show, and find the show notes for past episodes, as well as find links to listen to my show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and other streaming platforms on the brand new Leadership Biz Cafe podcast page on my website.Finally, I’d appreciate it if you could subscribe, rate, and comment about my show on your preferred podcasting streaming platform to help continue to support this show.https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ssLzflg4Cid6FOLyCtS0E?si=7198acc113864052 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's been a number of studies that have illustrated the challenges and obstacles women face that men don't in trying to move into leadership positions. But are there actions and behaviours women are doing that are also impeding their ability to grow into effective leaders? That's the focus of the fascinating conversation I have with my guest in this latest episode of my podcast, “Leadership Biz Cafe”.Sally Helgesen is a pioneer researcher, speaker, and consultant on women’s styles of leadership and the unique contributions they make to the workplace. She focuses on honing women’s leadership styles, creating inclusive company cultures, and equipping men in senior positions to fully engage women’s talents and potential. Her work has been featured in Fortune, The New York Times, Fast Company, and Business Week.Sally has served as a consultant for the United Nations, where her pioneering studies on inclusive leadership and the increasing power of individuals was the basis for the creation of a group of “Centers of Experimentation” that administer leadership programs in developing countries. Along with Marshall Goldsmith, she co-authored the book “How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job”.Although the book's key audience might be women, there's some powerful insights that will without question help male leaders and colleagues better understand what we need to do to help women truly succeed in the workplace and with it, tap into the full potential and talent of everyone we lead today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

These days it seems like we're seeing more and more high profile leaders being caught taking actions that clearly are meant more to serve themselves and their interests, rather than those they have the responsibility to lead and how they can help their employees, or their citizens, achieve success and prosperity under their leadership. So how do we as everyday leaders ensure we're serving our employees over ourselves, especially in light of the growing war for talent in the face of increasing employee shortages? It's through that lens that I have a thoughtful and uplifting conversation with my colleague and friend, James Strock.James Strock is an award-winning leadership author, entrepreneur, and speaker. He's also a former senior public official, having served as the founding Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency, and as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the US Environmental Protection Agency. He is the author of several books, including his latest “Serve to Lead 2.0 – 21st Century Leadership Manual”, which is the focus of our discussion.Over the course of thisepisode, James and I discuss what it takes for leaders to effectivelylead today's organization's including:4 questions leaders should ask themselves to ensure they can be successful in leading their organization in today's ever-changing environment. A real world example of how we can apply to scientific mind to experiment and test and use failures and setbacks to give How managers can serve their team members by not only through empowering them, but by giving them greater accountability. Why developing a stronger focus on who we should be serving through our leadership can actually make us more resilient to failure. Why the key to effective communication revolves around our efforts to truly make people feel heard and understood. As I mentioned in this episode, I'm delighted to announce that my podcast “Leadership Biz Cafe” is now available for streaming on Spotify, in addition to Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and several other podcast streaming platforms.Also, you can now stream all episodes from my show, and find the show notes for past episodes, as well as find links for listen to my show on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and other streaming platforms on the brand new Leadership Biz Cafe podcast page on my website.Finally, although Ihave some new developments in store for my podcast, I'd appreciate itif you could subscribe, rate, and comment about my show on yourpreferred podcasting streaming platform to help continue to supportthis show.https://open.spotify.com/episode/3prZX3jOAcjIPJ7W1I0T24?si=9e10a2ed0f0845a5Noteworthy Links:Buy James Strock's book “Serve to Lead 2.0” on Amazon (or Amazon.ca for Canadian listeners) Check out these articles that build on what's discussed in the show:What One Successful Leader Learned About Optimism From FailureHow Failure Taught Me To Become A Better ListenerHow Can We Learn To Value Failure? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thanks to today's digital technology, we have so many different platforms and communication channels that make it easier to collaborate and connect with people outside of our office walls. But is that same technology making our workplaces feel less human? That's the question I examine in this episode of Leadership Biz Cafe with my guest, Dan Schawbel.Dan is a New York Times bestselling author of two career books, “Promote Yourself” and “Me 2.0”. He is also partner and research director at Future Workplace and founder of both Millennial Branding and WorkplaceTrends.com. Through his companies, he’s conducted dozens of research studies, working with major brands like Microsoft, Virgin, IBM, Coca Cola and Oracle.His latest book is “Back to Human: How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation”, which points out while digital technologies and platforms may allow us to be more connected to our work, it's also causing us to be less connected to the people with work with, and consequently, more lonely in our workplaces.Over the course of this episode, Dan and I talk about:An alarming trend in today's workplaces that leaders need to start paying attention to if they want to avoid growing attrition rates in their organization.How leaders can help their employees find a sense of fulfillment at work, for the benefit of both their employees and the organization's bottom line.How to effectively promote and encourage shared learning in your organization by understanding this critical aspect to how people learn.How to ensure our regular use of digital technologies is not reducing the levels of empathy found in our workplace.I’d appreciate it if you could help support future episodes of this leadership podcast by taking a moment to rate my show on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.https://open.spotify.com/episode/7zkJkLgRULklOhod0ZfP9H?si=9834fa4a475f40d1Noteworthy links:Buy Dan Schawbel's book “Back To Human” on Amazon (or Amazon.ca for Canadian listeners).Check out these articles that build on what's discussed in the show:3 Key Steps To Finding Purpose In What You DoAre You Helping Employees Find Purpose In What They Do?How To Delegate Purpose In Your Organization3 Powerful Benefits That Come From Empathy In LeadershipA Timely Reminder Of The Power Of Empathy In Leadership Watch my TEDx talk on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While there's little question that organizations need to be more responsive change, the real question today's leaders need to address is are they at ease with taking risks, and more importantly, are the risks they're taking the right ones? This question lies at the heart of my conversation with my guest Doug Sundheim in this latest episode of my leadership podcast, “Leadership Biz Cafe”.Doug is the president of the The Sundheim Group, a consulting agency that focuses on strategy execution and team development and whose clients include Time Warner, SAP, International Baccalaureate Organization, and Morgan Stanley.In addition to being a regular contributor to the Harvard Business Review, Doug is the author the book, “Taking Smart Risks, How Sharp Leaders Win When Stakes Are High”.Over the course of this episode, Doug and I discuss his approach to smart risk-taking, including:What organizations often get wrong with the “innovate or die” approach in terms of what they should be focusing on as the risk they should be taking.How finding something worth finding for, seeing the future now, and acting and learning fast form the foundation for smart risk-taking.The 3 D's that lead us to find what we're willing to fight for and be willing to take a risk on.Why scheduling time in our day for creative thinking can help us be smarter about the risks we choose to take.What are smart failures and why are they important in terms of taking smart risks that drive future growth.I’d appreciate it if you could help support future episodes of this leadership podcast by taking a moment to rate my show on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or your preferred streaming platform.https://open.spotify.com/episode/06lJCR6haI4ysxz5wCyMPH?si=89e861b4e5b347fdNoteworthy links:Buy Doug Sundheim's book “Taking Smart Risks” on Amazon (or Amazon.ca for Canadian readers).Learn more about Doug’s work at The Sundheim Group.Watch my TEDx talk on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's face it, all of us want to be inspired at work. So why do studies show that over 70% of us feel uninspired about the work we do? And more importantly, what can we do about it? Those questions serve as the focus of this engaging, insightful, and at times humorous conversation with former Proctor&Gamble executive, Scott Mautz.Scott is the CEO of Profound Performance – a keynote, workshop, coaching, and online training company that helps you “Work, Lead, & Live Fulfilled”. Scott is also a former Procter & Gamble executive who ran several of the company’s largest multi-billion dollar businesses.In addition to writing a weekly column for Inc. Magazine on employee engagement and workplace culture, Scott is the author of two books, his latest being “Find the Fire: Ignite Your Inspiration and Make Work Exciting Again”, which serves as the focus of our conversation.Over the course of the episode, Scott and I discuss a number of ideas and insights from various studies that demonstrate how we can be inspired at work and thrive, including:The one question we should be asking ourselves to truly be inspired at work.How to reframe your fear of failure so that it no longer prevents you from embracing change.How we can overcome our fear of change by finding our anchor.Why only 15% of the criticism we receive is useful in terms of inspiring us to push ourselves to do and be better (and why it's our brains fault that criticism in general is so painful to hear).3 key insights into how we can to fuel enduring learning and growth in our work and personal lives.A simple trick proven by research that can help anyone discover opportunities for learning and growth that will fuel your inspiration.How we can be inspired by an uninspiring boss.I’d appreciate it if you could help your support help support future episodes of this leadership podcast by taking a moment to rate my show on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or your preferred streaming platform.https://open.spotify.com/episode/7KtqgbUYpjgfJS3jHCSlDa?si=15475526f7414523Noteworthy links:Buy Scott Mautz’s book “Find the Fire” on Amazon (or Amazon.ca for Canadian readers).Learn more about Scott’s work (and get a copy of his free workbook gift) at ScottMautz.com.Read my article we discuss during the show “The One Thing Exceptional Leaders Never Forget”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would you do if your role as a leader lead to the accidental death of one of your employees? It's a scenario that, thankfully, most of us might never have to consider. And yet, for one leader, this was exactly a situation they faced in their career, and what might have been a career-ending moment turned into one that helped this leader to learn how we can achieve extraordinary outcomes simply by caring for those we lead.The leader in question is Cort Dial, who is also the guest in this episode of my leadership podcast, “Leadership Biz Cafe”. Cort is a former manager and executive who now serves as President of Cort Dial Consulting, where he has worked with executives from Chevron, Intel, U.S. Borax, Disney and Apple.Cort is also the author of the book, “Heretics to Heroes: A Memoir on Modern Leadership”, which was recognized by The Globe and Mail as the #1 Business book of 2016 and was awarded the Gold Non-Fiction Award, and serves as the focus of this episode.Over the course of conversation, Cort and I discuss many aspects around leadership, including:Why organizational safety should be viewed as an opportunity to produce extraordinary performance.A powerful story that reveals the true nature of accountability within a team or organization and what it means for today's leaders.Learn why safety is more than just compliance, but an opportunity to play a “big game” that will allow you to inspire the best from those you lead.3 simple questions that leaders can use to encourage their employees to embrace change inside their organization.An important lesson on the real nature of choice and how we can live the lives we want and are meant to live.I’d appreciate it if you could help your support help support future episodes of this leadership podcast by taking a moment to rate my show on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or your preferred streaming platform.https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ADdRpcOw9lDnMoZanaHN8?si=f51c386fe6ed4c9cNoteworthy links:Buy Cort Dial’s book “Heretics to Heroes” on Amazon (or Amazon.ca for Canadian readers).Learn more about Cort’s work at CortDial.com.Watch my TEDx talk on YouTube.Buy “An Open Life” by Joseph Campbell on Amazon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.