Leading with Curiosity. A Podcast for Modern Leaders.

SummaryIn this episode, we sit down with CEO and stand-up comedian Greg Hold, who proves that the journey to success can be a road less travelled. Greg reveals how the courageous art of comedy has sharpened his professional edge, emphasizing the transformative power of clear communication and the strategic role of humour in the business world. He shares his insights on the discipline of his writing process, the crucial necessity of building a strong team, and the patience that is the backbone of great entrepreneurship. This conversation is a powerful reminder to believe fiercely in your own vision and to embrace perseverance—because, as Greg demonstrates, the challenges you face in business and on stage are simply opportunities for your greatest breakthrough.http://hold.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@StandUpCEOhttps://www.gregoryhold.com/calendar-comedy Keywordscomedy, business, confidence, humour, writing process, hiring, perseverance, entrepreneurship, communication, dual career, Greg Hold, The Stand Up CEOTakeawaysComedy has given me the confidence to deal with people.You can lose a room with a small mistake.Comedy is like working a different muscle.It's important to make room for comedy in life.I took about 18 classes over two years to practice comedy.Comedy shouldn't play a major role in business.A good sense of humour makes you more likeable.Authenticity is key when hiring.Believe in yourself, especially during tough times.You can retool and find your niche in business.Sound bites"Every joke has a victim.""It's important to hire well.""Believe in yourself."Chapters00:00 The Intersection of Comedy and Business03:15 The Journey of a Comedian06:35 Comedy's Role in Professional Life10:30 Crafting Comedy: The Writing Process12:49 The Correlation Between Work and Comedy13:37 Hiring for Success16:49 Patience and Perseverance in Business20:37 The Unique Challenges of Comedy23:00 Adapting to Market Needs24:31 Finding Your Niche

SummaryIn this conversation, Nate Leslie and T.Rowe Price's Chief Investment Officer, Sebastian Page, explore the intersection of youth sports and corporate leadership, focusing on the psychology of performance, stress management, and the importance of valuing the joy of mastery over outcomes. If you like this episode, check out related conversations in other episodes!Sebastien is the author of The Psychology of Leadership. They discuss how stress can impact performance, the role of positive psychology in enhancing engagement, and the necessity for leaders to instil meaning in their teams' work. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of feedback, tracking progress, and the responsibility of leaders to create an environment where individuals can thrive and find purpose in their roles.Keywordsleadership, psychology, positive psychology, mastery, engagement, stress management, performance, youth sports, business, coachingTakeawaysThe connection between youth sports and corporate leadership is stronger than you might think.Optimal performance requires a certain level of stress, not zero stress.Mastery orientation leads to better performance than ego orientation.Positive psychology focuses on what makes people thrive over time.Engagement in work is crucial for performance and satisfaction.Feedback and tracking progress can significantly enhance engagement.Finding meaning in work is essential for motivation and fulfillment.Leaders have a responsibility to help their teams find meaning in their work.Goal-induced blindness can negatively impact performance.Positive sports psychology can aid leaders in managing their responsibilities.Mastery vs. Ego: The Key to PerformanceSound bites"Praise the process, the effort, not just the outcome.""We have a crisis of engagement in America.""Goal-induced blindness can hinder performance."Chapters00:00 The Connection Between Youth Sports and Leadership02:54 Understanding Stress and Performance05:44 Mastery vs. Ego in Sports and Business09:02 The Role of Positive Psychology11:45 Engagement and Meaning in Work14:44 The Importance of Feedback and Progress Tracking17:53 Finding Meaning in Work20:48 The Leader's Responsibility in Creating Meaning23:50 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Psychology

SummaryIn this conversation, Joe Bockerstette discusses his book 'Red Cloud Road' and the concept of 'Red Clouds'—the obstacles that prevent organizations from achieving their goals. He explains the Paragon methodology used in his consulting firm, Business Enterprise Mapping, to identify and address these issues. The discussion covers the importance of standardizing processes, engaging employees in improvement efforts, and making it easier for teams to do the right thing. Joe emphasizes the role of leadership in facilitating change and the value of experienced consultants in optimizing workflows.Buy the Book:Red Cloud Road: How Strategic Process Management Drives Competitive AdvantageConnect with Joe BockerstetteLinkedInwww.businessmapping.com KeywordsRed Clouds, Strategic Process Management, Paragon Methodology, Quick Wins, Workflow Optimization, Leadership, Change Management, Employee Engagement, Standardization, Business ProcessesTakeawaysRed clouds are obstacles preventing organizations from achieving their goals.The Paragon methodology helps organizations identify and address workflow issues.50% of red clouds can be resolved as quick wins by frontline employees.Standardizing processes can lead to greater efficiency and scalability.Engaging employees in process improvement fosters a culture of ownership.Leadership plays a crucial role in facilitating change management.Making it easy to do the right thing is essential for organizational success.Inadequate data collection often leads to workflow challenges.Experienced consultants can help organizations redesign processes for better results.The ideal consultant balances detail orientation with strategic awareness.Sound Bites"50% of all Red Clouds are quick wins.""It's about making it easy to do the right thing."Chapters00:00 Understanding Red Clouds and Strategic Process Management02:59 The Paragon Methodology and Quick Wins05:44 Identifying and Addressing Systemic Issues08:57 Standardizing Processes for Efficiency11:52 Engaging Employees in Process Improvement15:04 Leadership and Change Management17:54 Making It Easy to Do the Right Thing20:48 The Role of Consultants in Workflow Optimization

SummaryIn this conversation, Jamie Schwartzman, a branding expert, discusses the intricate relationship between leadership and brand consistency. He emphasizes that branding goes beyond visual elements and is deeply rooted in organizational culture and leadership. Schwartzman outlines his four-step IDEA method for branding: Ignite, Distill, Energize, and Activate, and shares insights on the importance of experiential learning in branding. He also highlights the significance of understanding customer personas and the duality of digital and analog experiences in today's branding landscape.Connect with Jamie: linkedin.com/in/jamieschwartzman/ Keywordsbranding, leadership, brand consistency, customer personas, IDEA method, experiential learning, brand identity, marketing, corporate branding, organizational cultureSound Bites"Brand is about communicating meaning.""Brand is about internal unity purposes.""The power of great hair is a superpower."TakeawaysBrand consistency is about culture consistency driven by leadership.Branding is a way to communicate meaning and value.Internal unity is essential for effective branding post-acquisition.Experiential learning enhances brand understanding and retention.The digital age increases the need for offline experiences.Brands play a crucial role in self-image and identity.Customer personas should focus on psychographics, not just demographics.Research and data are vital in the branding process.The IDEA method consists of Ignite, Distill, Energize, and Activate phases.Branding requires collaboration and consensus among stakeholders.

SummaryIn this conversation, Marc Nudelberg discusses the importance of embracing failure as a vital part of personal and professional growth. He shares insights from his coaching experience, emphasizing the 24-hour rule for processing emotions after wins or losses. Marc introduces a four-step process to overcome failure: feel it, review it, plan it, and try again. He connects these principles to sales training, highlighting the significance of consistency and emotional resilience in achieving success.Get Marc Nudelberg's book Family, Football, and Failure on Amazon. Connect with Marc Nudelberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcnudelberg/Connect with Nate Leslie:https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelesliecec/Keywordsfailure, growth, coaching, sales training, 24-hour rule, resilience, confidence, process, emotional intelligence, leadershipSound Bites"Don't skip the 24 hours.""Control the controlables.""It's a consistency game."TakeawaysFailure is critical for growth.Success can hide the areas needing improvement.The 24-hour rule helps process emotions effectively.Courage, confidence, and resilience are developed through adversity.Honest reflection is crucial after setbacks.Creating a plan helps avoid repeating mistakes.Sales training involves dealing with rejection and failure.Consistency in outreach is more important than volume.Emotional intelligence is key in leadership and sales.Building relationships is essential for success.Chapters00:00 Embracing Failure as a Growth Opportunity03:12 The 24-Hour Rule: Moving Forward After Setbacks06:14 Building Confidence Through Courage and Resilience09:04 The Four-Step Process to Overcoming Failure11:53 Lessons from Sports Applied to Sales Training17:46 The Importance of Consistency in Sales23:50 Letting Go of Outcomes for Success27:59 LWC Riverside outro Generic.mp4

SummaryBC's 2024 Premier's Award for Leadership Recipient, Cliff Chapman, shares his journey from a young crew leader in the BC Wildfire Service to his current role as Director of Operations. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on people rather than just performance, highlighting the need for emotional support and mental health awareness in leadership. The discussion also covers the cultural changes within the organization, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and the impact of Executive Coaching with Nate on personal and professional development. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the significance of relationships and shared experiences in fostering a positive work environment.Take Nate's free High-Performance Index Leader Self Assessment: www.nateleslie.ca/giftKeywordsleadership, personal growth, emotional support, coaching, team dynamics, cultural change, vulnerability, mental health, wildfire service, human experienceTakeawaysLeadership is about people, not just hazards.Emotional support is crucial for team members.Cultural change requires addressing underlying issues.Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and connection.Coaching can significantly impact leadership development.Building relationships is essential for team dynamics.Navigating challenges requires open communication.Two perspectives can coexist in any situation.Mental health awareness is vital in high-stress environments.Creating a supportive workplace benefits everyone.Sound Bites"It's not about the hazard, it's about people.""Change can happen at all levels.""Two things can be true at once."Chapters00:00 The Journey of Leadership in Wildfire Management02:09 Evolving Perspectives on Crew Leadership04:58 The Shift from Adrenaline to Human Connection07:49 Catalyst Moments: Personal Experiences Shaping Leadership10:22 Cultural Transformation in BC Wildfire Service12:59 Removing Barriers: The Role of Leadership15:16 The Importance of Psychological Safety in Teams18:14 Recognition and Growth: Awards and Coaching Influence24:15 The Importance of Coaching Relationships27:03 Navigating Professional Development31:28 Facilitating Team Dynamics34:54 The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership37:57 Embracing Complexity in Human Experience41:46 LWC Riverside outro Generic.mp4

SummaryIn this episode, Nate Leslie explores the concept of high performance culture, defining its key elements and discussing how to cultivate it within organizations. He emphasizes the importance of connection, clarity, and accountability, while also addressing the human experience and its impact on performance. The episode concludes with actionable insights and an invitation for listeners to engage further with the content.Get your ⁠FREE Leader Self Assessment⁠ here. Keywordshigh performance culture, organizational culture, team dynamics, leadership, psychological safety, values, performance measurement, feedback, accountability, employee engagementSound Bites"Culture is what you feel.""You are the weather.""Clarity is key."TakeawaysHigh performance culture is about achieving goals while ensuring a positive human experience.Connection among team members is fundamental to culture.Values must be clear and actionable to guide behavior.Psychological safety allows individuals to perform effectively.Meaning in work enhances engagement and satisfaction.Feedback should be specific, timely, and low in judgment.Accountability is crucial for team performance.Clarity in expectations leads to better outcomes.Cultivating a high performance culture requires structured approaches.Tangible actions can improve organizational culture.Chapters00:00 Introduction to High Performance Culture02:28 Defining Culture and High Performance07:10 Cultivating High Performance Culture11:38 Measuring Human Experience in Culture17:22 Elements of High Performance Culture21:01 Conclusion and Call to Action

"In this process our team in Italy invented a tool that would have taken 18 months in our traditional model. They did it in 2-3 months. It makes it easy for the patients to keep the two vials and the two syringes, hold them in a little tool that is produced by a 3D printing in the end. It's called froggy because it has a little bit the face of a frog." "The traditional way of management stems from industrial revolution, right? It was all about doing a process in steps and having people work in that process hand in hand so it always passes on, but you needed to define very precisely what each individual was contributing to." "Leadership is needed. Even though you say the decisions are made on the lowest possible level and that's the operating teams really. But you need leadership. You need less than before, but you need leadership." Take my ⁠⁠High-Performance Leader Self Assessment⁠⁠ for FREE. Connect with Nate on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn Summary Lars discusses the transformation in leadership style at Bayer, focusing on dynamic shared ownership and its impact on innovation and people. The traditional hierarchical decision-making process in large companies can be slow, so Bayer implemented a new operating model where decision-making sits with operational teams called front runner teams. These teams have more flexibility and autonomy, allowing for faster decision-making. Lars shares an example of a team in Italy that invented a tool to make injections easier for hemophiliac patients, which was brought to market in just two and a half to three months. This new approach challenges the traditional command and control leadership style and emphasizes the importance of outcomes, authenticity, and trust. Takeaways Bayer implemented dynamic shared ownership as a new operating model to speed up decision-making and innovation. Front runner teams have more autonomy and flexibility to make decisions without going through layers of management. A team in Italy invented a tool to make injections easier for hemophiliac patients, which was brought to market in just two and a half to three months. The new leadership style challenges the traditional command and control approach and emphasizes outcomes, authenticity, and trust. Keywords dynamic shared ownership, leadership transformation, innovation, decision-making, autonomy, front runner teams, faster decision-making, hierarchy, traditional management, ownership, outcomes, authenticity, trust

Take my High-Performance Leader Self Assessment for FREE Connect with Nate on ⁠LinkedIn Get Loreta's Free Brand Presence Checklist at www.loreta.today Hey listeners welcome to leading with curiosity today is exciting We have Loretta Tarozaita, former TV journalist and news anchor from Lithuania, who has taken so much of that experience into a completely new career, and we were just exploring offline how we have a lot in common. My life as a former professional athlete now doing something completely different, but bringing with us all those experiences and then both in businesses and service to other people. We're going to use me as a case study again today, which I'm very selfishly glad that we're doing because I'm going to learn a lot, but I really feel like for the listeners it's going to help you really see here and feel the work that Loretta does around brand and executive presence. Introductions and background Loreta shared her journey from TV journalist in Lithuania to business storyteller. Nate assessed his company's brand and executive presence and scored lower than expected due to a gap between marketing and core values. Assessing brand and executive presence Loreta analyzed Nate's scores, finding the brand presence in an "emergency stage" while executive presence was higher. Nate confirmed answering more from personal experience than representing his camp. Opportunities in storytelling and video content Loreta saw the potential to humanize the brand through athletes' stories from recruitment to graduation, captured organically. Nate's alumni could film testimonials strengthening community and values over marketing hype. Building community through shared experiences Nate aims to shift from one-person recruitment to alumni-empowering friends to attend. Loreta advised sharing families' experiences through social media to drive retention and recruitment through shared joy. Expanding reach through media relationships Loreta suggested contributing articles globally to spread unique stories and validate leadership. Nate wondered how a part-time team could achieve this; Loreta proposed alumni and niche sports media relationships for local and international influence. Next steps in humanizing the narrative Loreta encouraged focusing on social platforms to better integrate messaging and storytelling. Nate gained clarity that simplifying communication through a human lens could evolve the brand with existing resources instead of additional workload.

Take our FREE Leader Self-Assessment Connect with Nate on LinkedIn Today, we have a truly remarkable guest who has navigated through various facets of leadership, from military to the boardrooms of global corporations. Joining us is Peter Forsberg, a seasoned leader with an extensive 33-year career, spanning roles in the Army Reserves, Sales and Marketing in IT and Tech, Training and Development, Consulting, and key leadership positions in Human Resources. Peter’s journey begins at the age of 20, taking command of a platoon in the Army Reserves. This early experience laid the foundation for their views and approach to leadership, becoming the cradle of their current leadership style. The lessons learned in the disciplined and dynamic environment of the Armed Forces have undoubtedly shaped our guest's ability to lead in diverse settings. After the military, our guest transitioned into the fast-paced world of Sales and Marketing in IT and Tech, where the skills honed in the military found new applications. From there, they delved into Training and Development, offering insights into the importance of continuous learning and adapting in an ever-evolving landscape. Host: Moving into the realm of Consulting, our guest leveraged their multifaceted background to assist organizations in optimizing their performance. The ability to understand and navigate complex challenges became a hallmark of their leadership. The journey then takes a significant turn into the realm of Human Resources. Our guest served as the Head of Global HR at AB Enzymes, overseeing a workforce of 400, owned by AB Foods, a British organization with a workforce of 135,000. Through these roles, our guest gained invaluable experience in managing large and diverse teams on a global scale. The global journey doesn't stop there. Our guest also held key HR positions at Astra Zeneca, where they led in a workforce of 70,000. And, notably, at Nokia, a company he still regards as one of the best he’s worked for. The experiences gained in these roles undoubtedly contribute to the rich tapestry of leadership lessons that our guest brings to the table. It's not just about the big corporations; our guest has also been involved with Small and Medium Enterprises, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in more intimate organizational settings. Join us for this insightful and inspiring episode of "Leading with Curiosity" as we unravel the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of our distinguished guest. Stay tuned for a deep dive into the world of leadership and the wisdom gained from a remarkable 33-year career.

Get my free High-Performance Leader Self Assessment at nateleslie.ca/gift. At the heart of today's episode is the role that executive and career coaching can play in career transitions. Professionals may start out loving what they do and one day woke up realizing, they just don't love it anymore. Randi Roberts, 30-year corporate career, now ICF certified coach working with people at points in their career where they're ready to make changes. It was a fascinating conversation. Listen to the end of the episode or click here to find resources for free on Randi's website if you are someone thinking that you just don't love what you're doing anymore. There's a career satisfaction survey, a diagnostic that she's developed, as well as the Right Time Guide. What is it the right time for? Is it time for a change or is it time to dig in to the root of the issues that you're currently having to solve them to get back to loving what do? And I want to remind listeners of a new feature. If you are listening on Spotify, you can head to the episode to answer a listener question.I want to engage with listeners there. And if there's a leader out there wondering how you're doing as a leader, you're happy with what you're doing and career transition is not not top of mind right now. But you want to know how you're performing as a leader. I would love to give you some of my time at wwwnateleslie.ca/gift where you can take the high performance index free leader self-assessment. I will personally debrief your report with you. Give you 30 minutes of my time to help you make sense of that report to identify where you're crushing it and where some areas for opportunity or areas of development may be for you as a leader. This is Randi Roberts, host of The Fulfilling Career, Happy Life Podcast, and www.RandiRobertscoaching.com. Enjoy.

"So anyway, the planes couldn't fly, so I'm stuck in New Delhi. Right? I'm in the lobby and suddenly the elevator doors open. And who comes out? Is the Dalai Lama!" www.nateleslie.ca www.sophiemclean.com/the-power-of-awakening-course Join me and Sophie McLean in October! "So anyway, the planes couldn't fly, so I'm stuck in New Delhi. Right? I happened to be stuck in the same hotel in the Dalai Lama, which I didn't know. So I'm in the lobby and suddenly the elevator doors open. And who comes out? Is the Dalai Lama? So, then there is, I don't know, 15 or 20 people that run to bow and reverse him and greet him and all that. So I thought, okay, I had just got to spend 2 weeks with him right?I'm not going to be greedy. I went on some steps and I was higher than the people so I could look at him from a higher point. And he left the lobby and on the way out, Nathan. He suddenly stops, turned towards me with an extraordinary intentionality.And our eyes lock. I don't know how long it lasted because time disappeared, everybody disappeared, everything disappeared...." Nate and Sophie discussed the concept of awakening and sleepwalking, with Sophie explaining that awakening brings intensity and responsibility, while sleepwalking offers a sense of dullness and less vulnerability. Sophie also shared her personal experience of experiencing the flow of creation and how it influenced her decision to move to a place near the Mediterranean Sea. - Nate and Sophie discussed Sophie's book, "Awakening Sleepwalkers," which she wrote to share her 35 years of experience in understanding what it means to be a human being. They also explored the idea of breaking free from personal limitations and the motivation behind taking risks for personal growth and awakening. - Nate and Sophie discuss the importance of using low moments as fuel for personal growth and wisdom. They also emphasize the value of storytelling and the broader experiences in life that contribute to one's wisdom and richness of life. - Sophie and Nate discussed the dangers of advanced technology surpassing humanity and the need for awakening and love in order to prevent a future filled with violence and conflict. Sophie also shared her experience of working with the Dalai Lama and attending a conference on caring and peace. - Sophie and Nate discussed how a profound encounter with the Dalai Lama in New Delhi transformed Sophie's life and deepened her understanding of the power of silence. Sophie shared how this experience influenced her work in teaching others to embrace silence and connect with their inner selves. -