Love in Action

Episode recap This episode is brought to you by Peak Performers, a nonprofit staffing agency that champions professionals with disabilities. Learn more at www.peakperformers.org If you’ve ever wondered what shaped Ken Blanchard into one of the most trusted leadership voices of our time, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look. I sat down with Martha Lawrence—Ken’s longtime friend, collaborator, and biographer—and what unfolded was a rich mix of humor, history, and heart. In her new book, “Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads,” Martha reveal the real Ken. She walks through her own journey as well—how a post-9/11 turning point led her to Blanchard’s organization and eventually to writing the definitive biography that captures his wisdom, quirks, and quiet resilience. Bio A former editor at Simon & Schuster and Harcourt, Martha C. Lawrence has shaped the voices of some of the world’s most successful thought leaders. As executive editor at Blanchard, she has collaborated with Ken Blanchard for more than 20 years. Her editing credits include multimillion-copy bestsellers and #1 New York Times titles. Lawrence is passionate about leadership, storytelling, and capturing legacies that matter. She is the author “Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads.” Quotes: I knew I could not have worked alongside a human being who not only was so innovative and intelligent and heart-centered, but who lived the same things he's teaching. If one of the takeaways from the book is that you don't have to be perfect to be successful. You want to lift people—you want to catch them doing things right. Takeaways: True leadership is based on humility, trust, and the authentic desire to lift others up. Setbacks and personal challenges can become sources of strength and inspiration. Servant leadership means supporting your team from the bottom up, not ruling from the top. The best leaders are those who make others feel valued and recognized for their contributions. Lifelong learning and collaboration can fuel both personal and organizational growth. Timestamps: 0:00:00 — Sponsor Message & Podcast Welcome 0:01:30 — Marcel introduces Ken Blanchard's influence and today’s theme 0:02:30 — Introducing guest Martha C. Lawrence and her background 0:05:00 — Martha shares her story and career path 0:07:30 — Martha discusses overcoming personal adversity 0:10:54 — How Martha began working with Ken Blanchard 0:12:54 — Inspiration to write Ken’s biography 0:16:09 — Ken’s connections and meeting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 0:19:33 — How Ken’s parents shaped his leadership values 0:21:21 — The inverted pyramid and servant leadership explained 0:23:13 — Ken’s mentors, co-authors, and learning philosophy 0:25:07 — Ken’s personal and professional setbacks 0:27:38 — Ken’s humor and breaking the rules 0:31:26 — The evolution of Ken’s servant leadership philosophy 0:33:39 — "The One Minute Manager"—origins and impact 0:35:54 — Are the principles of "The One Minute Manager" still relevant? 0:37:51 — Research and surprises from Ken's archives 0:39:57 — Including love in leadership and chapter discussion 0:42:42 — What readers can gain from the book; catching people doing things right 0:45:08 — Distinguishing between care and love in leadership 0:47:39 — Speed Round: What makes Martha smile, her inspirations, and hopes 0:53:33 — The big takeaway: Leadership is love 0:54:25 — Where to find Martha and Ken’s resources online 0:55:01 — Closing gratitude and episode wrap-up Conclusion: The stories shared in this episode remind us that genuine leadership is shaped by humility, resilience, and compassion. Ken Blanchard’s journey proves that success is rooted as much in character as in achievement. Martha’s perspective brings to life the transformative effect of working alongside a true role model. Their e

Don’t forget Marcel’s special offer to join his Substack community. Subscribe here: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/subscribe Episode recap: This episode explores a quiet but powerful turning point many high-achieving leaders face in midlife, when success no longer feels fulfilling. It names the real issue—not burnout, but misalignment between a leader’s outer accomplishments and inner values—and reframes it as a necessary recalibration rather than a crisis. Through reflection, values realignment, and intentional listening, leaders can reconnect with meaning, purpose, and a more authentic way of leading and living. Bio: Marcel Schwantes is a speaker, author, and acclaimed executive coach with a global following. Recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the Top 50 Leadership and Management Experts in 2025, Marcel’s thought leadership reaches millions each month through global media like Inc., Time, Fast Company, Business Insider, and Forbes. Marcel delivers presentations, workshops, courses, and coaching programs about the human side of business and how cultures of care, connection, and belonging power companies to thrive and outperform the competition. Quotes: True fulfillment begins when you pause to listen to your inner voice, not just your outer achievements. The greatest crisis we face in midlife is not failure but living a life out of alignment with who we truly are. Success without meaning will always leave you feeling restless and incomplete. When you dare to revisit your core values, you rediscover the energy and purpose that fuel your next chapter. Your next breakthrough starts when you ask what decision moves you closer to who you are becoming. Takeaways: External accomplishments alone cannot bring lasting fulfillment without inner alignment. Regular stillness and reflection are essential to connect with your true values and desires. Midlife is not a crisis, but a powerful opportunity for recalibration and growth. Simple daily questions and journaling can reveal the real story of who you are now. Realigning your life with your authentic self opens the door to deeper joy, meaning, and impact. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction & The Hidden Question Behind Success 00:01:40 Success Achieved, Emptiness Remains 00:03:20 The Disconnect of “Going Through the Motions.” 00:05:00 Decades of Momentum & Inner Tiredness 00:06:40 Playing a Character & Seeking Deeper Meaning 00:08:20 Facing Burnout & The Concept of Misalignment 00:10:00 Rediscovering Values and Building Self-Awareness 00:11:40 Time to Pivot: Steps for Realignment 00:13:20 Grounding Yourself with Daily Questions 00:15:00 Journaling Exercise, Reflections & Outro Conclusion: True fulfillment starts when you stop chasing more and start tuning into what matters most within. The path to congruence is not about abandoning your achievements but about aligning them with your deepest values and desires. Remember, the discomfort you feel is really an invitation that serves as a wake-up call to a richer, more meaningful season of life. By embracing stillness, revisiting your core values, and asking powerful questions, you can chart a new course that feels genuinely right for you. Your next chapter is waiting, so are you ready to write it with purpose and passion? Links/Resources: Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MarcelSchwantes1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/

Episode recap Vanessa Druskat, social and organizational psychologist and author of The Emotionally Intelligent Team, joined the Love In Action podcast to unpack what truly separates average teams from exceptional ones. Her decades of research reveal that it’s not brilliance at the top or superstar individual contributors that drive sustained performance. The real differentiator is a team’s emotional ecosystem—the shared norms, routines, and habits that create trust, belonging, and collaborative energy. By shaping the everyday habits discussed, leaders can create a culture where people feel safe, energized, and committed—conditions that ultimately drive exceptional performance. Bio Vanessa Druskat is an associate professor at the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire. As an internationally recognized leadership and team performance expert, Vanessa Druskat advises leaders and teams at over a dozen Fortune 500 and Fortune Global 500 companies. She is the recipient of multiple research and teaching awards. She is the author of The Emotionally Intelligent Team. Quotes: “We spend a lot of time trying to hire the best people or fix people, but we don’t spend enough time asking the collective what it needs to work better together.” “To experience belongingness, a person must feel seen, known, understood, and supported by the entire team. We are wired to perform at our best under these conditions.” “Leaders have the power to change their teams’ cultures and add practices that respect members’ universal human need to belong.” Takeaways: Emotionally intelligent teams thrive by creating routines that build trust, psychological safety, and belonging. Successful collaboration is driven by helping team members succeed, improving constantly, and seeking new ideas. Understanding teammates’ unique strengths and personalities is key to engagement and high performance. Addressing unacceptable behavior with caring, actionable feedback strengthens team dynamics. Leaders should assess team needs regularly and set collective norms to foster a culture of continuous improvement. Timestamps: 0:00:02 Introduction & Episode Overview 0:02:40 Guest Welcome & Background 0:05:32 Motivations for Studying Teams 0:07:10 Defining Team Emotional Intelligence 0:10:40 Team Norms & Three Core Buckets 0:15:33 Helping One Another Succeed 0:16:37 Understanding Team Members 0:18:55 Demonstrating Caring 0:23:15 Addressing Unacceptable Behavior 0:29:43 Measuring Team Success 0:32:11 Groupthink & Decision Making 0:33:29 Speed Round: Personal Insights 0:36:26 Hopes for 2026 0:37:53 Leadership, Love, and Final Advice 0:40:53 Connecting with Vanessa Druskat 0:41:41 Closing Remarks Conclusion: As we wrap up this episode, remember that extraordinary teams aren’t built by perfect individuals—they’re powered by collective trust, curiosity, and care. Let today be your reminder to reach out, understand, and uplift those around you. When we lead with empathy and foster true connection, the results speak for themselves. Here’s to building teams where every voice matters, and collaboration leads the way. Links/Resources: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-druskat/ Website - https://www.vanessadruskat.com/ Team EI Survey – https://www.vanessadruskat.com/survey Book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1647824877?tag=bk00010a-20&th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true University of New Hampshire - https://paulcollege.unh.edu/person/vanessa-druskat

Episode Recap This week on the podcast, I sat down with Dr. Jaime Goff — executive coach, therapist, and author of The Secure Leader. Our conversation goes deep into something many leaders feel but rarely explore: how our early attachment patterns quietly follow us into the workplace. Dr. Jaime breaks attachment theory down into something extremely practical for leaders. At the core are two questions we all carry: Am I worthy of connection? Can I trust others to show up for me? Our answers tend to show up at work in three ways. One of those ways is that of a “secure leader”: Grounded, steady, and empowering — the hallmark of modern servant leadership. Leaders who do the inner work of a Secure Leader create workplaces where people can flourish. Guest Bio Dr. Jaime Goff is the founder of The Empathic Leader, LLC, where she specializes in helping leaders unlock their full potential through executive coaching, insightful workshops, and thought-provoking keynotes. Jaime holds a PhD in Couple and Family Therapy from Michigan State University and a graduate certificate in executive coaching from Southern Methodist University Quotes: “We are not prisoners to our previous patterns, because we all have the power to become more secure.” “Your leadership is shaped long before you ever enter a leadership role.” “To love others well as a leader, you first have to believe you are worthy of love yourself.” “Emotional regulation is the first step toward showing up as a secure and present leader.” “All behavior makes sense in context, especially when you understand your story.” Takeaways: “We are not prisoners to our previous patterns, because we all have the power to become more secure.” “Your leadership is shaped long before you ever enter a leadership role.” “To love others well as a leader, you first have to believe you are worthy of love yourself.” “Emotional regulation is the first step toward showing up as a secure and present leader.” “All behavior makes sense in context, especially when you understand your story.” Timestamps: 00:02 Intro and podcast milestones 05:12 Meet Dr. Jaime Goff and her personal story 07:21 The “latchkey kid” upbringing and over-independence 10:55 Why she wrote The Secure Leader 13:26 Attachment theory explained 15:21 How unworthiness shapes controlling or approval-seeking leadership 18:50 Jaime’s aha moment as a young leader 21:34 Gaining awareness and deconstructing your story 24:07 Avoidant, anxious, and secure leadership styles 28:44 Trauma, triggers, and past patterns repeating at work 32:18 The cost of skipping inner work 37:49 First steps to becoming a secure leader 40:06 Where to take the Secure Leader style scan 41:37 Speed round 45:52 Jaime’s hope for more secure leadership 48:31 Leading with love and building self-worth 50:56 Final takeaway on moving slow to move fast 52:57 How to connect with Dr. Jaime Goff Conclusion: As we close this inspiring conversation, remember that real leadership begins within. When you commit to self-discovery, you build the foundation to lead others with empathy, purpose, and resilience. Growth is a lifelong journey where each step forward helps you make a positive impact on those around you. Lead with clarity, nurture meaningful connections, and watch your influence create ripples of transformation in your team and beyond. Links/Resources: Website (take the assessment)- https://drjaimegoff.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjaimegoff/ Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Secure-Leader-Discover-Leadership-Story/dp/B0FBZ39H8Y/ Email Dr. Goff: jaime@drjaimegoff.com

Today’s episode is made possible by TerraSlate. TerraSlate Waterproof Paper is waterproof, rip-proof, and recyclable — no more laminating sheets, and no more wasted paper. TerraSlate prints through any standard laser printer and can be written on with a regular ballpoint pen. Powered by 100% renewable energy and recently named a Denver Broncos Small Business Partner, TerraSlate combines durability with sustainability. From ocean dives to mountain summits, it’s trusted by the NFL, the U.S. military, and Michelin-starred restaurants to perform when nothing else does. If your work matters, make it last. Visit TerraSlate.com and make your ideas indestructible. Episode Recap: In this Love in Action episode, Marcel sits down with neuroscientist and author Dr. Paul Zak to unpack what truly makes us happy—and how love, connection, and neuroscience intersect to create thriving workplaces and healthier lives. Drawing on research from The Little Book of Happiness and his company, Immersion Neuroscience, Zak reveals how happiness isn’t just a feeling—it’s a measurable state shaped by our relationships, daily choices, and leadership behaviors. Bio: Paul Zak is a distinguished university professor at Claremont Graduate University. His research has taken him from the Pentagon to Fortune 50 boardrooms to the rainforest of Papua New Guinea. He is ranked among the top 0.3 percent of most cited scientists, with over 200 published research articles. His lab and company, Immersion Neuroscience, help people live longer, happier, and healthier lives. Quotes: "Vulnerability is one of the best ways to build bonds with people, whether in your family, your circle of friends, or your professional team and organization. Vulnerability teaches them that you are approachable and that you need others to help you develop answers and embrace feedback." "The more you go in an organization, the more people you lead, the more you become a role model. You're also visible as a role model to people you do not interact with daily, both inside and outside your organization." "If the map differs from the terrain, go with the terrain. This means assessing the situation in real time, getting inputs from every team member on that special assignment, and making a new plan, which hopefully is a winning plan." Takeaways: ·Reflect on Your Leadership Style: Take 10 minutes to write down how you respond to mistakes and feedback. Are you open to vulnerability, or do you default to defensiveness? Identify one behavior you can adjust to build trust with your team. · Build Genuine Connections: Schedule one conversation this week with a team member to learn their personal or professional story. Ask questions that show you care about their perspective and challenges. ·Challenge Long-Held Beliefs: Identify one assumption you rely on when making decisions. Ask yourself, “What if this isn’t true?” and explore how adapting your approach could improve outcomes. Practice “Fearless Learning”: Pick a recent setback and outline what went wrong without assigning blame. Write down one concrete action to improve your approach next time. Create a Commitment Plan: Draft a one-page outline with three areas to focus on: how you’ll lead yourself, lead your team, and lead your organization. Revisit it regularly to stay aligned with your goals. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction & Why Happiness Matters [04:00] The Science Behind Social Connection [08:00] Redefining Happiness for Introverts [10:00] The 45 Cardinal Virtues Explained [12:00] The Six App and Measuring Key Moments [17:00] How the Brain Creates Happiness [19:00] Longevity and Social Bonds [20:00] Love vs. Fear in Leadership [24:00] Oxytocin, Trust, and Connection [30:00] Healing Division Through Empathy [33:00] Emotional Fitness and Therapy [36:00] Building Happy, Sustainable Organizations [38:00] Personal Lessons & Reflections [44:00] Leading with Love and Practical Kindness [45:00] Final Takeaways &

Today’s episode is made possible by TerraSlate. TerraSlate Waterproof Paper is waterproof, rip-proof, and recyclable — no more laminating sheets, and no more wasted paper. TerraSlate prints through any standard laser printer and can be written on with a regular ballpoint pen. Powered by 100% renewable energy and recently named a Denver Broncos Small Business Partner, TerraSlate combines durability with sustainability. From ocean dives to mountain summits, it’s trusted by the NFL, the U.S. military, and Michelin-starred restaurants to perform when nothing else does. If your work matters, make it last. Visit TerraSlate.com and make your ideas indestructible. Episode recap: In this Love in Action podcast episode, guest Ed Frauenheim discusses the concept of "confined masculinity"—the traditional view that men must be stoic, dominant, and self-reliant—which often leads to emotional suppression, poor relationships, and health issues. Ed shares his personal experiences, including a mild heart attack and a cancer diagnosis, as moments that forced him to reevaluate his own masculinity. He and co-author Ed Adams propose "liberating masculinity" as an alternative—one that embraces compassion, emotional expression, connection, and vulnerability. Their book, Reinventing Masculinity, outlines how this new model can lead to better well-being, stronger relationships, and more effective leadership. The conversation emphasizes that healthy masculinity is about balance—integrating both traditionally “masculine” and “feminine” traits. It’s not about rejecting strength, but expanding what strength means. Guest Bio: Ed Frauenheim is a soulful storyteller, a writer, speaker, and consultant who has focused on workplace, technology, and culture matters for more than 25 years. His stories have been featured in USA Today, Harvard Business Review, and Fortune. Ed spent six years as director of content at Great Place to Work, the global consultancy that produces the annual Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list. His co-written book, Reinventing Masculinity, outlines the way to better well-being, stronger relationships, and more effective leadership. Quotes “Winning isn’t everything.” “We’re told to be tough all the time. The truth is, we need to be tough and tender.” “Clear courage today is emotional: naming pain, asking for help, and saying ‘I love you, man.’” “Curiosity turns know-it-alls into learn-it-alls.” “Liberating masculinity lets a man truly love—in every sense of the word.” Takeaways Name the trap. Confined masculinity prizes stoicism, domination, and lone-wolf myths; it shortens lives and weakens teams. Practice the Five C’s. Curiosity: Ask more, assume less. Compassion: Start with self-kindness; pain is human, not a personal failure. Connection: Men need men—find healthy brotherhood (walk-and-talks, groups, circles). Courage: Include emotional and moral courage (own privilege, apologize, seek help). Commitment: Build weekly habits (journaling, check-ins) so change sticks. + Contemplation (BONUS): Prayer/meditation to return to your best self. Lead with both/and. Tough-minded on standards; tender-hearted with people. Model vulnerability. Leaders who share struggles (mental health, setbacks) unlock trust and performance. Redesign rewards. Promote for humility, empathy, and learning—not just charisma and conquest. Timestamps [00:00] Marcel’s intro + why masculinity matters now [04:00] Ed’s story: success on paper, struggle inside [07:00] Health wake-ups: heart attack, cancer—and choosing help [09:30] Defining confined masculinity (stoic, self-made, self-sacrificing) [13:30] How we got here: history, culture, and alternatives [18:00] The antidote: liberating masculinity & the Five C’s [22:00] Self-compassion vs. self-pity; Kristen Neff’s insights [27:00] Connection without shame: men’s groups that work [31:00] “Tough & tender” leadership in action (ski industry exam

Episode recap: In this episode, Marcel sits down with Wes Adams and Tamara Myles, co-authors of A Meaningful Work, to explore what truly makes work meaningful in the age of AI. Drawing from positive psychology and organizational research, they unpack how leaders can move beyond removing obstacles and instead foster environments of high well-being, challenge, contribution, and connection. They highlight the role of positive, timely feedback in reinforcing meaningful contributions and sho...