The Leadwell Podcast

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by an endless list of tasks, unsure which to tackle first? In this episode of the Lead Well podcast, I share a personal experience with an executive team that was drowning in too many responsibilities. We'll talk about the vital practice of pruning less critical activities to focus on what truly matters, guided by insights from Henry Cloud's book, "Necessary Endings." I'll als...

What happens when feedback is given but ignored? Discover the consequences of inaction and the power of active listening in this thought-provoking episode of the Leadwell podcast. Drawing from real-life scenarios like NPS surveys and employee evaluations, we explore the frustration that arises when feedback isn't acted upon and how it can lead to dissatisfaction and distrust. Referencing Corey Shearer's insightful book &q...

Do you find yourself constantly saying "sorry" even when it’s unnecessary? This episode of the Leadwell Podcast tackles the delicate balance between apologizing and assertiveness in the workplace. Join us as we discuss how the habitual overuse of apologies can chip away at your credibility and self-worth. Drawing on expert insights from psychotherapist Beverly Engel and supporting data from various surveys, we shed light ...

How do you build a leadership style that goes beyond the paycheck and truly inspires your team? Megan Billnoske, president-elect for the National Speaker Association in Houston, joins us to share her transformative journey from the high-stakes world of international oil and gas to becoming a sought-after consultant, trainer, and coach. Megan opens up about the ethical dilemmas she faced early in her career, demonstrating why trust ...

Have you ever considered that no matter how hard you try, one-third of people will always support you, another third will oppose you, and the remaining third can be swayed? In this episode, we dive deep into the "Law of Thirds" communication framework with John Carroll, Executive Director of City Leadership in Memphis. Drawing from his extensive experience, including lobbying for a governor, John shares his insights on ho...

Ever wondered how prioritizing self-care can transform your leadership style? Join us on the Leadwell Podcast as we sit down with Kevin Goodnight, a seasoned expert in sales and multifamily businesses who has shifted focus to support dads through his initiative, Dad Voted. Kevin candidly shares his journey from high-stress environments to adopting a "selfish before servant" mindset, demonstrating how morning routines, phy...

Unlock the secrets to leading with kindness and accountability as we catch up with Kenneth Rose, President and CEO of UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook. After 16 years, Kenneth returns to share his remarkable journey from Grand Rapids to Chicago, emphasizing the critical role of genuine care in high-pressure environments like healthcare. Discover how establishing a people-centered culture, grounded in clear mission stateme...

What if there was a way to communicate your organization's vision so effectively that it transformed the way your team sees and achieves its goals? Join us as Stephen Smith, founder and lead strategist at Aerable, shares his innovative seven-ingredient process for strategic communication. Stephen uses a unique agricultural analogy to explain how cultivating ideas in a fertile environment can yield remarkable results. You'...

Discover how you can transform your leadership approach by building strong networks with insights from David Gow, the visionary founder and chairman of Gow Media. David shares his inspiring journey, detailing how overcoming personal challenges like introversion and actively seeking help has led to the creation of genuine relationships and successful collaborations. Learn how community connections and partnerships have been a corner...

Discover the truth about trust within your organization and how it might be holding you back. Our guest, Cory Scheer, founder and CEO of TrustCentric Consulting, joins us to share groundbreaking insights from his book "Closing the Trust Gap." He reveals the jarring reality that 51% of frontline employees do not trust their leaders and the profound impact this has on operational efficiency, employee retention, productivity...

Unlock the transformative powers of leadership awareness with the incredible insights of Talybra Hollins from Allen Austin. This episode guarantees to equip you with a deeper understanding of how self-awareness in leadership roles not only shapes you but also the individuals you guide. Talybra reveals the potent influence leaders wield, and the necessity of nurturing this power to cultivate environments where growth is not just a g...

Have you ever considered how the patchwork of your identity can shape your prowess as a leader? Nicole Schultz, a vanguard in the world of assurance and risk management, joins us to share her rich insights. Together, we unveil how the threads of age, gender, and ethnicity have colored her leadership experience, providing a tapestry of lessons on inclusivity and risk management. Nicole's unique viewpoint invites us to peer into...

Unlock the synergy between personal mastery and professional triumph as we share time with Steve Mellor, a seasoned high-performance coach and former Olympic swim coach. Steve artfully navigates us through the essentiality of personal growth as the bedrock of your professional achievements. Drawing from a rich coaching background, he explains why brushing up against personal boundaries can cause discomfort, yet is a crucial step to...

Imagine carving a path that leaves a trail of inspiration for others to follow. That's the essence of leadership that endures, a theme we unpack with Josh Parnell, a leadership coach with an extraordinary journey from film school to the Air Force. Together, we explore the nuanced art of crafting a legacy, emphasizing adaptability and intention in decision-making. Our conversation reveals how the trials and triumphs of Josh&apo...

Step into the world of exceptional company culture with Bruce, the CEO and founder of DBD Group - a team of national consulting connoisseurs who operate without borders. In a candid conversation, Bruce unveils the core axioms that fuel their leadership and action-oriented ethos. You'll discover how a philosophy centered around trust and culture thrives in a remote work environment, providing vital insights for leaders managing...

Feeling the heat of burnout as your calendar flips to another year? You're far from alone, and this enlightening conversation with Juan Alvarado, a Gallup-certified strengths coach and military veteran, is here to offer you a fresh perspective on how to manage and mitigate the stresses of work life.

With Juan's deep well of knowledge, we tackle the burnout beast, emphasizing the critical role of intentional self...

How do you see conflict?

For me, Jon, until 10 years ago I saw conflict as

... something to avoid
... a sign that you were angry (or a jerk)
... the thing that people with bad relationships did

I know, not a super helpful approach (I share my learnings and more here)

My guest, Michelle Thompson, reframed how I see conflict - and will for you too.

She helped me see conflict is

Have you ever wondered what it takes to carve out your niche in leadership? Join me as I sit down with Jacob Robinson, the dynamic CEO making waves in the amusement park industry. Together, we unearth the nuances of being a 'zero to one' leader—those rare visionaries who breathe life into ideas and create teams that push boundaries. Jacob's journey from service sector CEO to theme park entrepreneur delves into the im...

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, where one path leads to the ordinary and the other to exceptional? This week's Leadwell podcast guest, Walter Nussbaum, shares his inspiring journey from the former to the latter—how a disciplined mentor and an epiphany over dinner at Bullwinkle Steakhouse set him on a course toward outstanding leadership and personal growth. We delve into those life-altering 'fork in the road...