The Good Leadership Podcast

Today, we are joined by Dr. Jake Sotiriadis.Dr. Jake Sotiriadis is a strategic foresight expert and former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer who spent 21 years serving in the American intelligence community. As a leading voice in strategic foresight and scenario planning, Dr. Sotiriadis helps leaders navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world through anticipatory thinking and evidence-based decision-making frameworks. His unique background combining military intelligence, national security expertise, and academic rigor in strategic foresight makes him exceptionally qualified to guide organizations through the challenges of our rapidly evolving global landscape.In this conversation, we explore how leaders can future-proof their teams for constant disruption and create cultures that embrace innovation without sacrificing operational stability. Dr. Sotiriadis reveals why traditional strategic education often fails to produce better outcomes and how AI can eliminate inefficiencies while making work more meaningful for employees.Key topics include: • Building futures literacy and anticipatory capacity across entire organizations • Identifying and nurturing team members who excel at forward-thinking and challenging status quo • Creating cultures that balance innovation with operational stability and psychological safety • How AI eliminates "BS jobs" and bureaucratic overhead to make work more meaningful • Why humility is essential for leadership in uncertain, technology-driven environments • The disconnect between strategic education and real-world outcomes in organizations •Using scenario-based learning to overcome cognitive biases and analogical thinking traps •Developing an anticipatory mindset through the critical question "and then what?"Whether you're looking to build more adaptive teams, eliminate organizational inefficiencies, or develop better strategic thinking capabilities, Dr. Sotiriadis provides actionable frameworks for thriving in our rapidly changing world while maintaining human creativity and contextual understanding.Dr. Jake Sotiriadis's Upcoming Book: https://jakesotiriadis.com/#book-Website and live online programs: http://ims-online.com Blog: https://blog.ims-online.com/ Podcast: https://ims-online.com/podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesgood/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99Chapters: (01:00) Tool: Future-Proofing Teams Through Futures Literacy Development (04:00) Technique: Identifying Forward-Thinking Team Members (06:00) Tip: Creating Innovation Culture While Maintaining Stability (12:00) Tool: How AI Eliminates Inefficient "BS Jobs" (16:00) Technique: Ensuring Employee Value During Automation (18:00) Tip: Humility as Essential Leadership Skill Under Uncertainty (20:00) Tool: Why Traditional Strategic Education Fails (24:00) Technique: Using Scenario-Based Learning to Overcome Biases (27:00) Tip: Developing Anticipatory Mindset Through "And Then What?"#CharlesGood #JakeSotiriadis #TheGoodLeadershipPodcast #FuturesLiteracy #TeamDevelopment #AITransformation #StrategicEducation #AnticipatorThinking #InnovationCulture #LeadershipHumility #OrganizationalEfficiency #ScenarioBasedLearning #CognitiveBias #DigitalTransformation #WorkforceEvolution #StrategicMindset #AIAutomation #PsychologicalSafety #ChangeManagement #FutureOfWork

Today, we are joined by Dr. Jake Sotiriadis.Dr. Jake Sotiriadis is a leading global authority in strategic foresight, geopolitics, national security, and tech futures, with a distinguished career advising prime ministers, generals, diplomats, and CEOs. An industry leader and Executive Director of Global Foresight and Strategy at Phaedrus Engineering, Jake helps his clients navigate complex global challenges and capitalize on emerging trends. In addition to his industry role, Jake is a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Geostrategy Initiative and a foreign policy advisor on contract to the U.S. State Department, where he trains U.S. diplomats to navigate the complexities of global geopolitics.In this compelling conversation, we explore how leaders can prepare for what Dr. Sotiriadis calls the "poly crisis" era—a time when technological disruptions, geopolitical conflicts, and economic uncertainties intersect in unprecedented ways. Key topics include:Understanding poly crisis and why interconnected global challenges demand new thinking approachesBuilding a cognitive operating system for human-AI collaboration without losing creativityThe critical role of context and sensemaking in an age of information overloadStrategic foresight as developing anticipatory thinking rather than predicting the futureHow AI enhances scenario planning through faster data analysis and narrative generationWhy multiple future scenarios are superior to single-vision planningThe transformation of management consulting through human-machine teamingUsing compelling narratives to make complex future scenarios accessible to decision-makersWhether you're navigating technological disruption, preparing for geopolitical uncertainty, or building more resilient organizational strategies, Dr. Sotiriadis provides frameworks for thinking systematically about the future while maintaining human creativity and contextual understanding.-Website and live online programs: http://ims-online.com Blog: https://blog.ims-online.com/ Podcast: https://ims-online.com/podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesgood/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99 Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(01:05) Tool: Understanding Poly Crisis and Interconnected Global Challenges(03:35) Technique: Building a Cognitive Operating System for AI Collaboration(06:45) Tip: Balancing Human Creativity with AI Enhancement(12:05) Tool: Strategic Foresight as Anticipatory Decision-Making Framework(17:15) Technique: Using AI to Accelerate Scenario Planning Processes(21:30) Tip: Creating Multiple Future Scenarios vs Single-Vision Planning(24:45) Tool: Narrative Building for Complex Strategic Communication(27:20) Technique: Transforming Strategic Foresight into Actionable Strategy(28:01) Conclusion#CharlesGood #JakeSotiriadis #TheGoodLeadershipPodcast #StrategicForesight #ScenarioPlanning #ArtificialIntelligence #HumanMachineTeaming #PolyCrisis #CognitiveOperatingSystem #FutureStrategy #GeopoliticalStrategy #TechnologicalDisruption #IntelligenceAnalysis #StrategicPlanning #DecisionMaking #NationalSecurity #BusinessStrategy #ForesightMethods #AIStrategy #StrategicNarratives

Today, we are joined by Dr. Daniel Willingham.Daniel T. Willingham is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia, known for his work applying cognitive psychology to K-16 education. He earned his B.A. from Duke University and his Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from Harvard University. Initially, his research focused on the brain basis of learning and memory, but he later shifted his focus to the practical applications of cognitive science in education. He is the author of several books, including Why Don't Students Like School?, When Can You Trust the Experts?, and The Reading Mind.In this fascinating conversation, we explore the science behind effective learning and memory. Dr. Willingham reveals why most adults never update their learning strategies from school, the dangerous myths that persist about memory and learning styles, and the evidence-based techniques that actually work.Key topics include:Why adults rarely update their learning approachesDebunking persistent myths about memory, learning styles, and "brain training"The illusion of knowing and why familiarity doesn't equal true understandingWhy rereading, highlighting, and copying notes are ineffectiveThe power of retrieval practice Spacing effects versus cramming When and how to use mnemonic devices like memory palaces effectivelyThe fundamental principle of matching study methods to desired outcomesWhether you're a lifelong learner, educator, or leader looking to enhance your own learning capabilities, Dr. Willingham's research-backed insights will transform how you approach acquiring and retaining new knowledge.Dr. Daniel Willingham's Books: "Why Don't Students Like School?" https://www.amazon.com/Why-Dont-Students-Like-School/dp/1119715660 "Outsmart Your Brain" https://www.amazon.com/Outsmart-Your-Brain-Learning-Hard/dp/1982167173 -Website and live online programs: http://ims-online.com Blog: https://blog.ims-online.com/ Podcast: https://ims-online.com/podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesgood/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99 Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(01:15) Tool: Dr. Willingham's Journey from Neuroscience to Education(04:25) Technique: Why Adults Don't Update Their Learning Software(05:35) Tip: Overcoming Learning Overconfidence and Illusion of Knowing(09:10) Tool: Debunking Learning Styles and Common Memory Myths(11:25) Technique: Thinking About Meaning vs Mindless Repetition(14:45) Tip: Why Retrieval Practice Reigns Supreme for Learning(16:00) Tool: The Power of Overlearning and Spacing Effects(20:25) Technique: When and How to Use Mnemonic Devices Effectively(24:15) Tip: Matching Study Methods to Learning Outcomes(25:00) Conclusion#CharlesGood #DanielWillingham #TheGoodLeadershipPodcast #CognitiveScience #LearningScience #MemoryResearch #EducationalPsychology #EvidenceBasedLearning #LearningMyths #RetrievalPractice #SpacingEffect #MemoryPalace #AdultLearning #EffectiveLearning #ScienceOfLearning #LearningStrategies #MemoryTechniques #CognitivePsychology #LifelongLearning #LearningMethods

Today, we are joined by Peter Bregman.Peter helps successful people become exceptional leaders and stellar human beings. He blends his deep expertise in business, leadership and people, to deliver quantifiable results such as Turnarounds, Revenue/Stock Growth, Executive Team Development, and Personal Development. Peter is recognized as the #1 executive coach in the world by Leading Global Coaches. He coaches C-Level executives in many of the world’s premier organizations, including Allianz, Twilio, Electronic Arts, CBS, Mars, Pearson, Citi, Charity Navigator, United Media, FEI, and many others.Peter is ranked as a Top 30 thought leader by Thinkers 50 Radar and selected as one of the Top 8 thought leaders in leadership. He is ranked by Global Guru’s as one of the top 30 best Coaches in the world and one of the top 30 best leadership speakers/trainers in the world. He is the award-winning, best selling author and contributor of 18 books, including most recently, You CAN Change Other People: The Four Steps to Help Your Colleagues, Employees—Even Family—Up Their Game. He also wrote Leading with Emotional Courage: How to Have Hard Conversations, Create Accountability, and Inspire Action on Your Most Important Work. His book, 18 Minutes: Find Your Focus, Master Distraction, and Get the Right Things Done, was a Wall Street Journal bestseller, winner of the Gold medal from the Axiom Business Book awards, named the best business book of the year by NPR, and selected by Publisher’s Weekly and the New York Post as a top ten business book. He is also the author of Four Seconds: All the Time You Need to Replace Counter-Productive Habits with Ones That Really Work, a New York Post “Top Pick for Your Career” in 2015, and Point B: A Short Guide to Leading a Big Change.In this powerful conversation, we explore what emotional courage really means and why it's the secret sauce of effective leadership. Peter reveals how most of our leadership challenges stem not from lack of knowledge, skills, time, or opportunity, but from our unwillingness to feel the emotions that certain actions might trigger. Key topics include:Why emotional courage is the willingness to feel The four essential traits of powerful leadershipHow self-compassion serves as the foundation for authentic confidence The importance of owning your shadow side rather than projecting it onto othersLearning to practice irrelevancy without losing influence or impactThe metaphor of "holding the baby" when you feel powerless in challenging situationsHow to bring devotion to your workThe critical difference between expressing emotions and containing themWhether you're avoiding difficult conversations, struggling with vulnerability in leadership, or looking to deepen your emotional intelligence, Peter's insights provide a roadmap for building the emotional courage that transforms both leaders and organizations.Peter Bregman's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Emotional-Courage-Conversations-Accountability/dp/1119505690 Bregman Partners Website: https://bregmanpartners.com/ -Website and live online programs: http://ims-online.com Blog: https://blog.ims-online.com/ Podcast: https://ims-online.com/podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesgood/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99 Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(01:25) Tool: Defining Emotional Courage as Willingness to Feel(05:40) Technique: Building Emotional Courage Through Daily Practice(09:05) Tip: The Four Essential Leadership Traits Framework(12:30) Tool: Self-Compassion as Foundation for Confidence(15:10) Technique: Owning Your Shadow Side Instead of Projecting(23:05) Tip: Practicing Irrelevancy Without Losing Influence(27:30) Tool: The "Holding the Baby" Metaphor for Connection(32:05) Technique: Bringing Raw Engagement and Devotion to Work(37:30) Tip: Containing vs Expressing Emotions for Strategic Choice(39:28) Conclusion

Today, we unpack the book "Make It Stick" by Peter Brown, Henry Roediger, and Mark McDaniel.In this book profile, we explore the science-backed strategies that transform how we learn and retain information effectively. Charles breaks down the counterintuitive research that reveals why our most common study methods don't work and what actually does. From debunking the fluency illusion to mastering retrieval practice, the episode uncovers evidence-based techniques used by top performers across business, sports, and entertainment to make learning truly stick.Key topics include:The fluency illusion - why feeling smart during learning doesn't mean you've actually mastered the materialRetrieval practice - how pulling information from memory strengthens long-term retention and transfer abilitiesSpacing and interleaving - why breaking up learning sessions and mixing topics creates more durable knowledgeThe power of reflection and learning from mistakes - how processing experiences deepens understanding and builds resilienceCalibration and avoiding overconfidence - keeping your self-assessment honest through feedback and practice testingLearn from Charles's breakdown how to implement a practical learning routine that incorporates these research-proven strategies. Discover why embracing difficulty and mistakes accelerates growth, and gain actionable techniques for leading teams through effective training and development. Transform your approach to learning from passive absorption to active, spaced, and reflective practice that builds expertise over time.Make It Stick Book: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Stick-Science-Successful-Learning/dp/0674729013 -Website and live online programs: http://ims-online.com Blog: https://blog.ims-online.com/ Podcast: https://ims-online.com/podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesgood/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99 Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(01:05) Tip: The Fluency Illusion - Why Easy Doesn't Equal Learned(02:51) Technique: Retrieval Practice - CrossFit for Your Brain(04:40) Tool: Spacing and Interleaving - Smart Learning Timing(07:03) Tip: The Power of Reflection in Learning(08:26) Technique: Learning from Mistakes as Fuel for Growth(10:48) Tip: Calibration - Keeping Confidence in Check(12:15) Tool: A Practical Learning Framework(13:30) Tip: Adopting a Growth Mindset for Continuous Learning(14:47) ConclusionKeywords: Charles Good, The Good Leadership Podcast, IMS, IMS Online, Make It Stick, learning science, retrieval practice, spacing effect, interleaving, fluency illusion, cognitive psychology, educational research, skill development, training effectiveness, learning retention, deliberate practice, growth mindset, team development, professional learning, evidence-based learning

Today, we continue our conversation with Elizabeth Lotardo.Elizabeth Lotardo is a consultant, writer, and training creator who helps organizations drive emotional engagement. Her new book, Leading Yourself, is about creating meaning, joy, and opportunities at work, even if your job isn’t perfect. You’ll learn how to find more meaning in your role, quiet fear or anxiety about the future, and create opportunities that enable you to do your best work. At McLeod & More Inc, I'm the VP of Client Services, working with clients like Salesforce, DraftKings, Hilton, and numerous Berkshire Hathaway organizations. She’s designed programs for senior leaders, frontline managers, and entry-level teammates that enable everyone to create more purpose-driven work experiences. She is also the co-author of Selling with Noble Purpose and writes for Harvard Business Review.In this second part of our conversation, we dive deeper into the practical application of self-leadership principles. Elizabeth reveals how to strike the balance between taking responsibility without over-apologizing, the critical importance of managing energy alongside time, and why sometimes "phoning it in" is actually a strategic choice. Key topics include:How to take responsibility for failures without diminishing your confidence through over-apologizingPractical strategies for managing energy drivers and sappers in your daily workWhy "phoning it in" strategically helps high achievers avoid burnout and maintain focusThe shift from servant leadership to purpose-driven leadership in modern workplacesImplementing Amazon's "disagree and commit" principle for better team dynamicsA three-part framework for effective feedback: timing, strength, and scopeCoach K's "next play" philosophy for moving forward after success or failureBreaking cycles of negativity and workplace burnout through controllable actionsWhether you're struggling with perfectionism, managing a demanding workload, or looking to build stronger workplace relationships, Elizabeth's insights provide actionable strategies for leading yourself more effectively while creating positive impact for your team and organization.Elizabeth’s Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethlotardo/ Elizabeth’s Website:https://www.elizabethlotardo.com/ Elizabeth's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Yourself-Meaning-Opportunities-Already/dp/1394238703 -Website and live online programs: http://ims-online.com Blog: https://blog.ims-online.com/ Podcast: https://ims-online.com/podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesgood/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99 Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(01:25) Tip: Taking Responsibility Without Over-Apologizing(03:00) Tool: Managing Energy Drivers and Sappers Effectively(05:25) Technique: Strategic "Phoning It In" for High Achievers(08:30) Tip: Becoming Invaluable Instead of Indispensable(10:30) Tool: Purpose-Driven vs Servant Leadership Models(12:50) Technique: Implementing "Disagree and Commit" Principles(16:05) Tip: Three-Part Feedback Framework: Timing, Strength, Scope(19:40) Tool: Coach K's "Next Play" Philosophy(22:25) Technique: Setting Clear Expectations as New Leaders(24:40) Tip: Breaking Negativity Cycles Through Controllable Actions(27:39) Conclusion#CharlesGood #ElizabethLotardo #TheGoodLeadershipPodcast #SelfLeadership #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #EnergyManagement #WorkplaceBurnout #FeedbackSkills #ExpectationSetting #PurposeDrivenLeadership #WorkplaceResilience #LeadershipMindset #PerformanceOptimization #WorkLifeBalance #TeamCollaboration #NextPlayMindset #ResponsibilityOwnership #StrategicFocus

Today, we continue our conversation with Ayelet Fishbach.Ayelet Fishbach studies social psychology, management and consumer behavior. She is the past president of the Society for the Science of Motivation and the International Social Cognition Network, and the best-selling author of GET IT DONE: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation.  Fishbach is an expert on motivation and decision making. Her groundbreaking research on human motivation has won the Society of Experimental Social Psychology's Best Dissertation Award and Career Trajectory Award, and the Fulbright Educational Foundation Award. She further received the Provost's Teaching Award from the University of Chicago. Fishbach’s research has been published in many journals, including Nature, Psychological Review, Psychological Science, Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, Journal of Marketing Research, and the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Her research is regularly featured in the media, including the New York Times, Financial Times, WSJ, CNN, and NPR.In this second part of our conversation, we dive deeper into the practical strategies for sustaining motivation when the initial excitement fades. Ayelet reveals how to boost intrinsic motivation, navigate the vulnerable middle stage of goal pursuit, and overcome the common challenges that derail our best intentions.Key topics include:Three strategies for boosting intrinsic motivationWhen to persist with goals versus when to let them goThe motivation challenge of the middle stage and solutions for staying engagedHow to monitor progress effectively using "half full" versus "half empty" approachesStrengthening identity and values to resist temptation in crucial momentsThe psychology of sharing goals publicly and when to keep them privateEffective self-talk techniques using distancing language for better self-regulationWhy follow-through is challenging and strategies for bridging intention-action gapsWhether you're struggling to maintain momentum on important projects, trying to build sustainable habits, or helping your team stay motivated through challenging periods, Ayelet's research-backed insights provide proven methods for turning motivation science into lasting behavioral change.Ayelet Fishbach’s Website: https://www.ayeletfishbach.com/ Ayelet Fishbach's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Get-Done-Surprising-Lessons-Motivation/dp/0316538345 -Website and live online programs: http://ims-online.com Blog: https://blog.ims-online.com/ Podcast: https://ims-online.com/podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesgood/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99 Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(01:20) Tool: Three Strategies for Boosting Intrinsic Motivation(05:00) Technique: When to Persist vs When to Let Goals Go(08:25) Tip: Navigating the Vulnerable Middle Stage of Goals(11:15) Tool: Half Full vs Half Empty Progress Monitoring(14:30) Technique: Strengthening Identity to Resist Temptation(19:20) Tip: The Psychology of Sharing Goals Publicly(22:45) Tool: Effective Self-Talk Using Distancing Language(24:25) Technique: Bridging the Intention-Action Gap(27:25) Tip: Combining Multiple Goals for Better Follow-Through(28:34) Conclusion#CharlesGood #AyeletFishbach #TheGoodLeadershipPodcast #MotivationScience #BehavioralScience #GetItDone #IntrinsicMotivation #GoalPersistence #MiddleStageMotivation #ProgressMonitoring #TemptationResistance #SelfTalk #IntentionActionGap #GoalSupport #BehavioralChange #HabitFormation #SelfRegulation #MotivationResearch #HumanBehavior #PerformanceOptimization

Today, we are joined by Ayelet Fishbach.Ayelet Fishbach studies social psychology, management and consumer behavior. She is the past president of the Society for the Science of Motivation and the International Social Cognition Network, and the best-selling author of GET IT DONE: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation. Fishbach is an expert on motivation and decision making. Her groundbreaking research on human motivation has won the Society of Experimental Social Psychology's Best Dissertation Award and Career Trajectory Award, and the Fulbright Educational Foundation Award. She further received the Provost's Teaching Award from the University of Chicago.Fishbach’s research has been published in many journals, including Nature, Psychological Review, Psychological Science, Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, Journal of Marketing Research, and the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Her research is regularly featured in the media, including the New York Times, Financial Times, WSJ, CNN, and NPR.In this episode, we explore the fascinating science behind what truly drives human motivation and why so many of our common approaches to goal setting actually work against us. Ayelet reveals the three critical traps that undermine our motivation from the start: focusing on means rather than ends, being too concrete in our goal setting, and framing goals as things to avoid rather than pursue.Key topics include:The Baron von Münchhausen story and the impossibility of self-motivation through willpower aloneThe three goal-setting traps that sabotage motivation: means-focused goals, overly concrete targets, and avoidance framingWhy fantasizing about success actually reduces the likelihood of achieving your goalsWhy 10,000 steps became a global phenomenonHow incentives can backfireUncertain incentives and why mystery bonuses motivate more than fixed rewardsHow to make goals more emotionally engagingWhether you're leading a team, pursuing personal goals, or trying to understand what truly motivates human behavior, Ayelet's research-backed insights provide a roadmap for creating sustainable motivation that leads to real results.Ayelet Fishbach's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Get-Done-Surprising-Lessons-Motivation/dp/0316538345 -Website and live online programs: http://ims-online.comBlog: https://blog.ims-online.com/Podcast: https://ims-online.com/podcasts/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesgood/Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(01:10) Tool: Understanding the Baron von Münchhausen Metaphor for Self-Motivation(02:25) Technique: Avoiding the Three Goal-Setting Traps That Undermine Motivation(06:25) Tip: Why Approach Goals Work Better Than Avoidance Goals(07:50) Tool: Learning About Motivation from Graduate School and Early Career Challenges(10:05) Technique: Why Fantasizing About Success Reduces Action and What Works Instead(12:00) Tip: The Power of Numbers in Goal Setting and the 10,000 Steps Phenomenon(15:20) Tool: Understanding When Incentives Help and When They Backfire(18:45) Technique: The Cobra Effect and How Poor Incentive Design Creates Unintended Consequences(20:10) Tip: Why Uncertain Incentives Are More Motivating Than Fixed Rewards(22:30) Tool: Why Excitement Predicts Persistence Better Than Importance(24:45) Technique: Making Goals More Emotionally Engaging for Sustainable Motivation(25:50) Conclusion#CharlesGood #AyeletFishbach #TheGoodLeadershipPodcast #MotivationScience #BehavioralScience #GoalSetting #GetItDone #SelfMotivation #IncentiveDesign #GoalPersistence #BehavioralChange #MotivationResearch #IntrinsicMotivation #ExtrinsicMotivation #GoalPsychology #PerformanceMotivation #HumanBehavior #OrganizationalBehavior #LeadershipMotivation #BehavioralEconomics

Today, we are joined by Josh Allan Dykstra.Josh Allan Dykstra is the world's foremost practitioner on the Future Of Work and Human Energy™, helping audiences create the future they want to work in by reimagining the way organizations and people interact. He has served a client list of companies that collectively employ over a million people. Josh is the founder and CEO of The Work Revolution, and his articles and ideas have been featured by Fast Company, Forbes, The Huffington Post, and Business Insider. He holds an MBA in Executive Leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his latest book, Igniting the Invisible Tribe: Designing An Organization That Doesn't Suck, is available on Amazon and Audible.In this episode, we explore Josh's groundbreaking concept of the "invisible tribe"—those people who crave purpose, connection, and creativity in their work and won't settle for purely transactional environments.Key topics include:The concept of the invisible tribe and how organizations can ignite intrinsic motivationWhy treating humans like machines is fundamentally flawed The misalignment between short-term financial pressures and long-term people investmentsHow to help employees operate "at their best" more frequently Moving from army-style hierarchies to orchestra-style collaboration and harmonyTransitioning from old-world scientist thinking to new-world artist mindsetsWhy organizations need to shift from pyramid structures to bridge structuresThe importance of rest and recovery in creating sustainable high performanceWhether you're leading a team, transforming an organization, or simply trying to create more meaningful work experiences, Josh's insights provide a roadmap for building workplaces that honor human potential while delivering exceptional results.Josh Allan Dykstra's Book: www.amazon.com/Igniting-Invisible-Tribe-Designing-Organization/dp/0985832614 -Website and live online programs: http://ims-online.com Blog: https://blog.ims-online.com/ Podcast: https://ims-online.com/podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesgood/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99 Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(01:25) Tool: Understanding the Invisible Tribe Concept and Intrinsic Motivation(04:25) Technique: Recognizing the Catalyst for Creating Better Work Experiences(07:15) Tip: Moving Beyond the Machine Metaphor to Interconnected Thinking(10:25) Tool: Why Being Connected and Human Creates Competitive Advantage(13:55) Technique: Using "When Were You Last at Your Best?" as a Leadership Framework(17:25) Tip: Creating More Orchestras and Fewer Armies in Organizations(21:40) Tool: Transitioning from Old-World Scientist to New-World Artist Mindset(25:20) Technique: Shifting from Pyramid to Bridge Organizational Structures(28:45) Tip: Building Pathways for People to Do What Brings Them Energy(29:09) Conclusion#CharlesGood #JoshAllanDykstra #TheGoodLeadershipPodcast #InvisibleTribe #FutureOfWork #OrganizationalTransformation #HumanCenteredLeadership #WorkplaceInnovation #IntrinsicMotivation #SystemsThinking #QuantumLeadership #OrchestralLeadership #ArtistMindset #BridgeOrganizations #WorkplaceHumanity #OrganizationalDesign #PeopleFirst #WorkplacePurpose #LeadershipMetaphors #ModernWorkplace

Today, we are joined by Chris Littlefield.Christopher Littlefield is an International and TEDx Speaker, an Expert in Employee Appreciation, Workplace Culture and the founder of [Beyond Thank You](http://www.beyondthankyou.com/). He has trained thousands of leaders, across six continents, on how to understand what their people want and need to be at their best. His clients include Accenture, Boston Medical, Lebanese Postal Service, MIT Sloan School of Management, Reserve Bank of Australia, Salesforce, the U.S. Army, the United Nations, and more.  His work has been featured in New York, Inc, Mindful, and British Psychologies Magazines, and profiled in Harvard Business Review. Chris is a regular contributor to [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherlittlefield/?sh=532bbc1e7924) and [Harvard Business Review](https://hbr.org/2019/10/how-to-give-and-receive-compliments-at-work) and the author of the bestselling book, [75+Team Building Activities for Remote Teams.]In this episode, we explore how silence in the workplace doesn't mean satisfaction and why many leaders are blindsided when their top performers leave. Chris reveals the subtle signs of disengagement that leaders often miss and provides practical frameworks for conducting "stay conversations" that keep valuable employees engaged long before they consider leaving.Key topics include:Why top performers often don't voice concerns and how this creates leadership blind spotsThe three early warning signs of employee disengagementHow to conduct effective "stay conversations" at key career triggers and milestonesStrategies for shifting from seeing difficult conversations as risks to viewing them as strategic advantagesThe art of giving and receiving compliments in professional settings without discomfortChris's inverted pyramid framework: appreciating, acknowledging, recognizing, rewarding, and awardingHow recognition differs in remote and hybrid work environmentsUsing reflective recognition and positive probing to uncover what employees truly want to be recognized forWhether you're struggling with employee retention, looking to improve team engagement, or wanting to build a more appreciative workplace culture, Chris's insights provide practical tools for transforming everyday interactions into powerful relationship-building moments.Chris Littlefield's Company: https://beyondthankyou.com/ Chris Littlefield’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-littlefield/ -Website and live online programs: http://ims-online.com Blog: https://blog.ims-online.com/ Podcast: https://ims-online.com/podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesgood/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99 Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(01:15) Tool: Understanding How Conflict Resolution Led to Recognition Expertise(03:15) Technique: Recognizing the Three Early Warning Signs of Disengagement(06:35) Tip: Conducting Stay Conversations at Key Career Triggers(10:55) Tool: Shifting from Risk Mindset to Strategic Advantage in Difficult Conversations(14:25) Technique: Creating a Workplace Culture Where Appreciation is Openly Embraced(18:00) Tip: Avoiding Recognition Pitfalls Like Butter Them Up and Sandwich Feedback(20:25) Tool: The Inverted Pyramid Framework for Recognition and Appreciation(23:50) Technique: Adapting Recognition Strategies for Remote and Hybrid Teams(26:45) Tip: Using Reflective Recognition and Positive Probing to Uncover Hidden Contributions(27:58) Conclusion#CharlesGood #ChrisLittlefield #TheGoodLeadershipPodcast #WorkplaceRecognition #EmployeeEngagement #StayConversations #WorkplaceAppreciation #EmployeeRetention #RemoteTeamRecognition #ConflictPrevention #LeadershipCommunication #TeamEngagement #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeFeedback #PositiveWorkplace #RecognitionStrategy #AppreciationCulture #HybridWorkplace #EmployeeExperience #LeadershipDevelopment