The Good Leadership Podcast

Today, we are joined by Dr. Jim Kirkpatrick.Dr. Jim Kirkpatrick is the senior consultant for Kirkpatrick Partners. He is a visionary and an expert in training evaluation and the creator of the New World Kirkpatrick Model. Using his 15 years of experience in the corporate world, including eight years as a training manager, Jim trains and consults for corporate, government, military and humanitarian organizations around the world. He is passionate about assisting learning professionals in redefining themselves as strategic business partners to become a viable force in the workplace. Jim delivers lively keynote addresses and conducts workshops on topics including maximizing business results, creating powerful training and evaluation strategies, building and leveraging business partnerships and increasing the transfer of learning to on-the-job behaviors. Jim co-authored three books with his father, Don Kirkpatrick, who is credited with creating the Kirkpatrick Model. He also has written four books with Wendy Kirkpatrick, including Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Training Evaluation and Training on Trial. Jim and Wendy also served as the subject matter experts for the United States Office of Personnel Management’s Training Evaluation Field Guide: Demonstrating the Value of Training at Every Level.In this episode, we explore the significant changes and evolutions in training and learning and development over the past few decades.Key topics include:• The impact of AI• Learner preferences• Workplace trainingGain insights from Dr. Jim Kirkpatrick about the Kirkpatrick Model and how to understand targeted outcomes, reinforce critical behaviors, and apply effective evaluation methods so organizations can enhance their training programs for better performance and success.Dr. Jim Kirkpatrick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdonaldkirkpatrick/ -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/charlesagood/Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99Chapters:(00:00) Introduction (01:19) Evolution of Training and L&D(03:15) Challenges and Achievements in Demonstrating Training Value(06:28) Tool: Targeted Outcomes (Level 4)(13:02) Tool: Applying Training on the Job (Level 3)(21:38) Tool: Acquiring Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude (Level 2)(25:57) Tool: Measuring Training Satisfaction (Level 1)(28:02) Conclusion This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlesgood.substack.com

Today, we are joined by Dr. Wendy Wood.Dr. Wendy Wood is Provost Professor of Psychology and Business at the University of Southern California, where she teaches classes on behavior change. Given her research over the past 30 years, she is widely considered the world scientific expert on habit formation and change. She has published over 100 articles, and her research has been supported by Proctor & Gamble, National Science Foundation, the Templeton Foundation, and the Radcliffe Institute. She is the author of Good Habits, Bad Habits.Dr. Wood is a popular speaker at scientific conferences and with a broad range of professional groups. In 2018, she gave the inaugural address in Paris for the Sorbonne-INSEAD Distinguished Chair in Behavioral Science. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, Washington Post, on radio shows like Freakanomics, and in podcasts like the People’s Pharmacy.In this episode, Dr. Wendy Wood teaches us the science of habit formation and maintenance. The discussion covers the effectiveness of uncertain rewards in reinforcing behaviors, the significance of repetition, and how to leverage context to build and sustain habits. She also explains habit stacking, habit discontinuity, and the role of rituals. Finally, Dr. Wood emphasizes the critical role of environment in shaping our behaviors, advocating for a focus on creating supportive contexts over relying solely on willpower.Dr. Wendy Wood’s Website: https://dornsife.usc.edu/wendy-wood/-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/charlesagood/Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(03:53) Tool: The Power of Repetition in Habit Building(07:00) Techniques: Habit Stacking and Swapping(09:00) Tip: Leveraging Life Changes for New Habits(11:05) Tip: Stress and Its Impact on Habits(15:46) Tip: Rituals vs. Habits(19:13) Tool: Context and Environment in Habit Formation(22:13) Addiction vs. Habit(25:25) Conclusion This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlesgood.substack.com

Today, we are joined by Dr. Wendy Wood.Dr. Wendy Wood is Provost Professor of Psychology and Business at the University of Southern California, where she teaches classes on behavior change. Given her research over the past 30 years, she is widely considered the world scientific expert on habit formation and change. She has published over 100 articles, and her research has been supported by Proctor & Gamble, National Science Foundation, the Templeton Foundation, and the Radcliffe Institute. She is the author of Good Habits, Bad Habits.Dr. Wood is a popular speaker at scientific conferences and with a broad range of professional groups. In 2018, she gave the inaugural address in Paris for the Sorbonne-INSEAD Distinguished Chair in Behavioral Science. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, Washington Post, on radio shows like Freakanomics, and in podcasts like the People’s Pharmacy.In this episode, we cover the science behind our habits and how they influence our daily behaviors. Wendy highlights the significant role of the non-conscious brain and the habit part of our brain that drives much of what we do without our conscious awareness. We also explore the differences between habits and one-off decisions driven by willpower, the process of habit formation through repetition and rewards, and the concept of ideomotor action introduced by William James. This episode touches on the introspection illusion, the critical role of environmental context in shaping our habits, and practical strategies for forming and disrupting habits. Join us for this masterclass on habits!Dr. Wendy Wood’s Website: https://dornsife.usc.edu/wendy-wood/-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/charlesagood/Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(02:37) Tool: The Power of Habits vs. Willpower(06:38) Tool: The Role of Environment in Habit Formation(10:51) Tip: Defining and Recognizing Habits(12:11) Tip: The Introspection Illusion(14:43) Tip: Situational Control vs. Self Control(20:16) Tool: Context and Habit Formation(23:47) Tip: Debunking Habit Formation Myths(25:25) Technique: The Importance of Immediate Rewards(27:52) Conclusion This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlesgood.substack.com

Today, we are profiling the best-selling book Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger.In this episode, we cover how to unlock the power of virality with Jonah Berger’s STEPPS Framework.We break down each component—Social Currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public, Practical Value, and Stories—and provide practical tips and real-world examples to help you apply these principles to your personal brand or business. From the viral success of Blendtec's 'Will It Blend?' campaign to the clever use of triggers by KitKat, learn how to create content that not only captures attention but also spreads like wildfire.Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/?asc_source=01JCR4DNF23S2BA1WQ964D991W&tag=snx546-20-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/charlesagood/Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99Chapters:(00:00) Introduction to the STEPPS Framework(01:24) Social Currency: We Want to Look Good(03:38) Triggers: Keeping Your Brand Top of Mind(05:51) Emotions: The Fuel for Virality(07:15) Public: Visibility is Key(09:16) Practical Value: News You Can Use(11:43) Stories: The Power of Relatable Narratives(12:22) Conclusion This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlesgood.substack.com

Today, we are joined by Dr. Kathy Pearson and Dr. Gregg Pearson.Dr. Kathy Pearson, strategist, systems thinking expert, and decision-making authority, is President and Founder of Enterprise Learning Solutions. She is also an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics and has served as an adjunct Associate Professor in the Operations and Information Management Department at The Wharton School, both at the University of Pennsylvania. Kathy, an award-winning educator, collaborates with Executive Education groups and global organizations across industries like healthcare, finance, and technology, including clients such as Bank of America and Coca-Cola. She holds a BS in theoretical mathematics (Auburn University), an MS in Decision Sciences (Georgia State University), and a PhD in Industrial Engineering (Northwestern University).Dr. Gregg Pearson is a Partner at ELS and an Adjunct Professor of History at Lehigh University and La Salle University. He specializes in nineteenth-century American political history, twentieth-century American cultural history, military history, the history of technology, and business leadership. Gregg spent 16 years in the packaging industry, including as Northeast Region General Manager at Ball Corporation, overseeing $350M in revenue. He holds a PhD in History from Lehigh University, an MA from La Salle University, an MS in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University, and is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point.In this episode, we delve into the historical context of Abraham Lincoln's leadership during one of America's most tumultuous times. Key topics include:• Lincoln's assembly of a diverse cabinet• Lincoln's strategic decision-making process• The importance of diversity of thought and trust in leadershipWe also dive into how modern leaders can cultivate humility, leverage diverse perspectives, and build trust to make informed decisions and drive their organizations forward.Dr. Kathy Pearson and Dr. Gregg Pearson’s Website: https://www.elslearning.com/ -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/charlesagood/Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99Chapters:(00:00) Introduction (01:47) Historical Context(04:09) Lincoln's Leadership Challenges(05:33) Tool: Diversity of Thought in Leadership(07:56) Lincoln's Humility(11:08) Technique: Fort Sumter Crisis Strategy(13:34) Tip: Building Trust(16:21) Emancipation Proclamation Deliberations(20:34) Tip: Decision-Making in Leadership(24:42) Lincoln's Trust and Support(27:49) Lincoln's Legacy and Leadership Lessons(31:14) Conclusion This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlesgood.substack.com

Today, we are joined by Christine Comaford.For over 35 years leadership and culture coach, New York Times bestselling author, and serial entrepreneur Christine Comaford has helped organizations navigate growth and change. She specializes in applied neuroscience, which helps her clients achieve tremendous results in record time. During her diverse career she has consulted with over 700 of the Fortune 1000, 300 mid-sized enterprises, 2 White House administrations, and 8 billionaires. An entrepreneur who has built and sold five companies with an average ROI of 700 percent, she was a software engineer in the early days of Microsoft and Apple. Christine is a human behavior expert, a leadership columnist for Forbes.com, and the New York Times bestselling author of Power Your Tribe, SmartTribes and Rules for Renegades.In this episode, Christine Comaford unpacks the core components of successful team management, offering insights on maintaining accountability and leveraging true influence.Explore the impact of metaprograms on effective communication, the importance of addressing burnout for sustainable results, and the key strategies for initiating a 'Smart Tribe'.Learn about the six levels of change, from environment to core beliefs, and discover the four factors essential for creating high-performing teams.Understand the significance of learning organizations and how leaders can create legacies by fostering emotional engagement and innovation within their teams.Christine Comaford’s Website: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/ -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/charlesagood/Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(01:38) Technique: True Influence, Metaprograms and Leadership Challenges(08:37) Tip: Sustainable Results and Avoiding Burnout(11:20) Tip: Keys to Starting Your Smart Tribe(17:06) Tool: Overcoming Resistance to Change(19:40) Tool: Four Factors of Sustainable Tribes(24:03) Technique: Measuring ROI(25:13) Conclusion This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlesgood.substack.com

Today, we are joined by Christine Comaford.For over 35 years leadership and culture coach, New York Times bestselling author, and serial entrepreneur Christine Comaford has helped organizations navigate growth and change. She specializes in applied neuroscience, which helps her clients achieve tremendous results in record time. During her diverse career she has consulted with over 700 of the Fortune 1000, 300 mid-sized enterprises, 2 White House administrations, and 8 billionaires. An entrepreneur who has built and sold five companies with an average ROI of 700 percent, she was a software engineer in the early days of Microsoft and Apple. Christine is a human behavior expert, a leadership columnist for Forbes.com, and the New York Times bestselling author of Power Your Tribe, SmartTribes and Rules for Renegades.In this episode, we explore the concept of the 'Smart Tribe' and what sets high-performing teams apart in terms of mindset, behavior, and performance.Key topics include:• The difference between the smart state and the critter state• The neuroscience behind team performance• Practical strategies for leaders to cultivate safety, belonging, and mattering within their teamsWe also dive into essential accelerators like focus, clarity, and accountability, examining how they contribute to building brilliant, cohesive teams. Learn from Christine Comaford how to keep your team in an optimal state for innovation and growth—while avoiding the pitfalls of stress and reactivity.Christine Comaford’s Website: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/ -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/charlesagood/Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(01:24) Technique: Understanding Smart State vs. Critter State(02:25) Technique: Characteristics of a Smart Tribe(05:20) Tool: The Role of Neuroscience in Team Performance(09:12) Technique: Focus – The First Accelerator for Brilliant Teams(10:55) Tip: Staying Present and Real as a Leader(18:14) Tip: The Importance of Clarity in Leadership(24:55) Technique: Building Accountability in Teams(28:54) Conclusion This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlesgood.substack.com

Today, we are joined by Dr. Nicole Price.Dr. Nicole Price is the CEO of Lively Paradox, a professional training and coaching business based in the heart of the United States. A few years ago, Dr. Nicole would have been the last person to tell a leader to practice empathy. Today, her work brings empathy to boardrooms across the country and creates stronger, more sustainable companies. Kansas City, as the Heart of the nation, can be the spark of empathy for the rest of the country.In this episode, we continue to explore empathy and inclusive leadership.Dr. Price shares her journey from being known as the 'Nickinator' to becoming an empathetic leader. Key topics include:• The RDAC (Awareness, Reflection, Decision, Action, and Check) model for developing empathy in leadership• The importance of emotional and cognitive empathy• Building the empathy muscle for better personal and professional relationshipsWhether you're a seasoned leader or new to leadership, this episode offers invaluable insights and strategies to help you lead with empathy and authenticity.Dr. Nicole Price’s Website: https://drnicoleprice.com/Dr. Nicole Price’s Office Phone Number: ( 800) 914-9205-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/charlesagood/Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(01:49) Why Dr. Price was nicknamed “The Nickinator”(06:44) Tool: The RDAC Model: A Framework for Empathy(09:37) Tool: Empathy in Practice(25:57) Tool: The Three C's of Leading with Empathy(30:51) Conclusion This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlesgood.substack.com

Today, we are joined by Dr. Nicole Price.Dr. Nicole Price is the CEO of Lively Paradox, a professional training and coaching business based in the heart of the United States. A few years ago, Dr. Nicole would have been the last person to tell a leader to practice empathy. Today, her work brings empathy to boardrooms across the country and creates stronger, more sustainable companies. Kansas City, as the Heart of the nation, can be the spark of empathy for the rest of the country.In this episode, we explore the transformative journey of developing empathy, starting with a personal story of loss.Dr. Price shares the pivotal moment of their mother's death that sparked the growth of their empathy muscles. Through candid reflections, we learn about the challenges and misconceptions leaders face when integrating empathy into their decision-making processes. Key discussions include:• The differences between empathy and sympathy• The impact of ignoring emotional intelligence• The myths surrounding empathy in leadershipThe episode provides practical advice on overcoming biases, fostering trust, and enhancing organizational culture by leading with empathy.Dr. Nicole Price’s Website: https://drnicoleprice.com/Dr. Nicole Price’s Office Phone Number: ( 800) 914-9205-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/charlesagood/Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(02:45) Dr. Price’s Journey to Empathy(05:32) Tip: Empathy in Practice(07:35) Tip: Workplace Examples and Lessons(13:29) Tip: Types of Empathy(18:15) Tip: Empathy Myths and Traps(23:44) Tip: Judgment and Empathy in Organizations(25:58) Conclusion This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlesgood.substack.com

Today, we are joined by Rich Horwath.Rich Horwath is the founder and CEO of the Strategic Thinking Institute where he facilitates strategic thinking workshops for executive leadership teams to help them set strategic direction, create competitive advantage, and maximize their leadership performance. He is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of eight books on strategic thinking, including his newest book: STRATEGIC: The Skill to Set Direction, Create Advantage, and Achieve Executive Excellence and the first ever graphic novel on strategic thinking entitled, StrategyMan vs. The Anti-Strategy Squad. Rich is also the author of the popular Harvard Business Review article, "How to Become a Better Strategic Thinker," and has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX TV. He's been rated the #1 keynote speaker on strategic thinking at company and association events, including the SHRM National Strategy Conference. Rich is the creator of the proprietary Strategic Quotient (SQ) Assessment and host of the Strategic Minds podcast. Over the past 20 years, he has helped more than one million leaders around the world develop their strategic thinking and planning capabilities in pursuit of his vision to teach the world to be strategic.Rich’s Website :https://www.strategyskills.com/In this episode, we explore why leaders often fail due to a lack of focus, the importance of making strategic trade-offs, and how to create and sustain competitive advantage. Through exercises like target practice and the contextual radar, we discuss ways to sharpen core competencies and make informed trade-offs that align with business strategy. The episode features insights on non-traditional competitors, situational awareness, and the common pitfalls in leadership. The discussion also includes practical tools and techniques to enhance preparation, simplify strategic planning, and move beyond operational effectiveness.-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/charlesagood/Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(01:29) Technique: Target Practice for Clarity(03:21) Tip: Making Strategic Trade-Offs(06:54) Tip: Competitive Advantage(09:46) Technique: Differentiation(16:42) Tip: Situational Awareness and Preparation(26:51) Tip: Lessons from John Wooden(29:28) Conclusion This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlesgood.substack.com