Leadership Jam Session

In this episode, I take you back to the middle of a conversation I had in 2023 around the intricacies of career development with distinguished guests, Mark Jarvis and Brian Reardon, who both hold leadership roles in learning and development.  This was a conversation full of insights for those navigating the complexities of building a rewarding career in today's dynamic corporate landscape. We tackle the often overlooked value of lateral moves, the critical importance of self-awareness, and the undeniable benefits of embracing flexibility in your career path. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring professional, this episode offers valuable lessons on personal growth, strategic career planning, and the art of seizing opportunities for development beyond the traditional climb up the corporate ladder. Key Takeaways: Embrace Lateral Moves: Encourage employees to consider lateral moves as opportunities for growth and learning, not as setbacks. Self-Awareness is Crucial: Promote self-assessment among team members to identify skills gaps and career aspirations. Value of Diverse Experiences: Highlight the importance of gaining a broad range of experiences to enhance versatility and adaptability in the workforce. Long-Term Perspective: Foster a culture that values long-term career planning and development over immediate upward mobility. Importance of Flexibility: Encourage flexibility in career paths to allow for unexpected opportunities and personal growth. Training and Development: Recognize the critical role of training and development roles in building foundational leadership skills. Personal Life Considerations: Acknowledge and support the integration of personal life considerations into career planning and decisions. Mentorship and Recognition: Actively seek and nurture potential in employees, recognizing talents and competencies that individuals may not see in themselves. Promote Skill Acquisition: Support initiatives for employees to acquire new skills that align with industry trends and organizational needs. Encourage Documentation of Achievements: Advocate for the use of tools like brag books or briefing documents to highlight accomplishments and skills relevant to career goals. 

In this episode, I sit down with Jovan Antunovic, an international business leader with over 25 years of experience across the specialty pharmaceutical, medical device, medical equipment, and diagnostics industries. Jovan brings a wealth of global insights, having led cross-functional teams in the US, Canada, Europe, and Japan. Jovan shares his guiding principles of honesty, transparency, and "walking the talk" in leadership, explaining their critical role in building trust and effective teams.Jovan recounts pivotal moments from his career, such as advocating for a valuable team member against initial directives and the integrative approach of incorporating cultural sensitivities into leadership. He also emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and adapting leadership styles to suit various cultural contexts.Rob and Jovan further discuss the value of international experience in accelerating personal and professional growth, and how these opportunities shape more adaptable and knowledgeable leaders.Key takeaways:Honesty and transparency are paramount in leadership, fostering trust and genuine communication.Adapting to cultural differences is crucial for effective global leadership.Mentorship and the ability to make and learn from mistakes are invaluable components of career growth.Engaging team members and involving them in decision-making processes enhances trust and productivity.International experience not only broadens personal perspectives but also enhances professional capabilities and adaptability.Understanding and addressing the needs of your team members leads to better engagement and improved organizational outcomes.For those considering international assignments, the support of family is vital, as their adaptation plays a critical role in overall success.Tune in for an insightful jam session on navigating the complexities of international leadership and cultivating a growth-centric mindset in challenging environments.Contact info:jovan@strat2tact.comhttps://strat2tact.com/

In this episode, I have a dynamic conversation with Dr. Robert DeFinis, exploring various aspects of leadership, generational dynamics, and the unique qualities of Generation X (Gen X) leaders. Dr. DeFinis, who has worked with children, athletes, coaches, leaders, and organizations for over 20 years has a diversified background with extensive experience in education, leadership, law enforcement, and behavioral analysis. We get into his book, Gen Exceptional, How the Unique Traits of Generation X Can Transform Leadership.&nbsp;The discussion begins with Dr. DeFinis sharing insights into Gen X leadership; highlighting the adaptability of Gen Xers to change and addressing stereotypes about Millennials.We also delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by Generation Z. Dr. DeFinis discusses the digital native status of Gen Z and suggests addressing gaps in their entry into the workforce. The conversation concludes with advice for leaders, urging Gen Xers to lean in, practice kindness, and cultivate talent across generations. Throughout the episode the key takeaways are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, autonomy, and bridging generational gaps for effective leadership in the ever-evolving corporate landscape.Key TakeawaysGen X·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;the forgotten generation, holds a unique position bridging baby boomers and millennials in leadership.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;can play a crucial role in facilitating the transition of leadership from boomers to the emerging generations, bringing a balanced approach to work dynamics.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;autonomy and adaptability are defining traits of Gen X, shaped by their experience as the latchkey generation.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;can play a crucial role in facilitating the transition of leadership from boomers to the emerging generations, bringing a balanced approach to work dynamics.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;the importance of work-life balance is highlighted, with Gen X understanding and emphasizing personal responsibility in achieving this balance.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gen X bridges the gap between baby boomers and millennials, offering valuable adaptability and autonomy in leadership.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gen X leadership style emphasizes hiring and retaining talented individuals while allowing them the autonomy to excel.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gen X's potential Achilles heel lies in skepticism and reluctance to engage actively, hindering representation in leadership roles.Millennials·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;loyalty may manifest differently, with conscious decision-making based on environmental and social impact; leaders should recognize and appreciate these differences.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;may benefit from space and opportunities for independent decision-making, counteracting the effects of helicopter parenting.Generation Z·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They are the digital natives, and leaders need to address gaps in their entry into the workforce.Contact:Book: https://www.amazon.com/Gen-eXceptional-Unique-Generation-Transform-Leadership/dp/B0CNJDDCZ9/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?crid=1Q0YTOXDDX1ME&amp;keywords=Dr.+robert+definis&amp;qid=1705968653&amp;sprefix=dr.+robert+definis%2Caps%2C111&amp;sr=8-1-fkmr1<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertdefinis?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BufHdOHnvTHO5DqqqDQG0rg%3D%3D"...

In episode 90 of the Leadership Jam Session Podcast, I sit with Jonathan Cinelli, a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. Jonathan is the host of the People First Then Construction podcast and is also the author of Kick Your Ego Aside and Put People First. He shares his leadership journey and transformation after adopting a people-centric approach as well as the importance of coaching, self-improvement, and setting clear boundaries and expectations.The interview touches on topics such as avoiding burnout, effective communication, and the power of curiosity in leadership. Jonathan highlights the role of coaching in changing his perspective and improving team dynamics, advocating for a more intentional and empathetic leadership style.Key TakeawaysPeople-Centric Approach:Lead with a people-centric approach to bring about positive transformation in team dynamics and overall successUnderstand that employees genuinely care and empowering them with information leads to successCoaching for Leadership Growth:Embrace coaching as a tool for personal and professional developmentAsk thought-provoking questions that lead to insights and encourage a culture of continuous learningSetting Boundaries and Expectations:Establish clear boundaries for focused communication and avoid distractions that disrupt workflowCommunicate expectations openly, allowing team members to contribute autonomously and take responsibilityAvoiding Burnout:Recognize that avoiding burnout requires personalized approaches, considering individual uniquenessPrioritize boundaries and expectations, fostering a healthy work-life balanceLeadership Evolution:Acknowledge the transformative power of intentional leadership, emphasizing personal growth and being the best version of oneselfApproach leadership with curiosity, consistently seeking to understand and improve interpersonal dynamicsContact:Book: Kick Your Ego Aside and Put People First &nbsp;Podcast: People First Then ConstructionLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cinelli-pmp-acc-103b841ba

In this episode, I sit with Dr. Yvonne Bleam, Senior Director of Training and Development at Geron Corporation and author of "A to Z of being the best leader you can be, leading through the alphabet," discusses the importance of teaching leadership concepts to children. Yvonne emphasizes that adults have a responsibility to raise tomorrow's leaders and that her book is a valuable tool for this purpose.The book introduces leadership concepts in an easy-to-understand A to Z format, with colorful illustrations and relatable characters. Yvonne highlights the significance of teaching children about bravery, courage, and empathy. She also shares how these concepts can benefit adults by reinforcing positive behaviors and encouraging emotional intelligence.Link to book: A to Z of being the best leader you can be, leading through the alphabetKey Takeaways:Teaching leadership concepts to children from a young age can shape them into better leaders in the future.Embrace the concept of bravery and have the courage to stand up and make the right choices in both personal and professional life.Leadership is about influence, and teaching children how their behavior and decisions can influence others is crucial.Use Yvonne's book as a tool to encourage children and adults to develop emotional intelligence and social skills.Encourage risk-taking and learning from failure, as it's essential for personal and professional growth.Model positive leadership behaviors for children to learn from, as actions speak louder than words.Recognize that leadership skills, such as bravery and vulnerability, apply to both parenting and corporate leadership.Never stop learning and improving as a leader, as even experienced leaders can benefit from revisiting essential concepts.Explore the book "Leadership and Self-Deception" by the Arbinger Group as a valuable resource for personal and professional growth.Encourage team members to take risks, be courageous, and leverage each other's strengths to collectively succeed.

In today's fast paced and ever evolving world, the success of any organization hinges on the skills and expertise of its employees. But how can organizations ensure that their workforce is equipped with the right knowledge and abilities to thrive in a highly competitive landscape?That's where training and coaching come into play. Joining me today are two exceptional guests who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of learning and development and sales leadership. Mark Jarvis and Brian Reardon both hold Director of Commercial Training and Development roles in their respective organizations, and have guided numerous individuals towards reaching their professional goals while fostering a culture of continuous growth and improvement, accountability, and trust.&nbsp;Together, they shed light on the value of training employees and the art of distinguishing when coaching or training is the ideal solution.KEY TAKEAWAYSAs a leader, it’s your job to coach, teach, guide, and pull through what the training team has developedThe training team is not responsible for the execution, i.e., what happens in front of customers. That’s the responsibility of the front-line leader – it’s a coaching issue&nbsp;Through coaching, the identification of behaviors, gaps in skills or capabilities are surfaced. Then the training team can be called in for help with skills and capabilities training to enact change in behaviorsAlignment between and across relevant stakeholders is paramount and be sure to identify and align on behaviors that are needing changeTraining solutions should not be “one and done”. They should be a journey that takes place over time with pre, event, and post-event activities for learning sustainmentIf you want better training solutions, involve the leaders early on and include a coaching element. Front-line leader pull through is the key to any successful training journey

For many of my clients, I create and facilitate what's called an Emerging Leaders program. It's designed to prepare emerging leaders for their first management positions. Participants learn and apply foundational leadership skills throughout a multi-phased experiential journey.At the core of the program is the use of internal managers to serve as coaches and mentors. These are seasoned leaders, hand selected by the organization to help coach their assigned participant throughout the entire duration of the program.As a two-part recording, joining me today are Scott Dumler, Josh Key, Brian Fagan, and Elizabeth Martin, who went through my program as participants and are now leading people. You'll get to hear leadership development from a learner's perspective, and what a participant is going through during their leadership development journey, their ‘aha’ moments, etc.In the next episode, you'll hear from the coaches who helped shepherd the participants to gain their perspective on mentoring these emerging leaders during the program.KEY TAKEAWAYSAdapt to different styles when communicating. The same conversation with two different people has a dramatic impact if you’re not meeting their style and what they’re looking to get from the conversationUtilize your peer set and other leaders to gather insight and advice. No one person as all the answersIt’s ok to say, “I don’t know”. You can always figure out how to get the best answers for your peopleConsider developing people by giving them exposure to other teams, functions; people who are not in the same role. This makes the practice of leadership the common denominatorSelf-awareness is key