Smart People Think Podcast

Meet Kevin Deasy, Fractional Director and Senior Management Consultant in IT Digital Transformation. To Kevin, leadership is the art of influencing and guiding a group toward a shared destination, standing in stark contrast to the "command and control" nature of managers. He believes true leaders don't need a title; instead, they rely on deep self-awareness and the wisdom to surround themselves with people more talented than they are. Kevin views communication as the ultimate “differentiator” in the age of AI, prioritizing the ability to listen and maintain respect even when opinions clash. Outside of the digital world, he finds balance and joy in Irish history, hot yoga, and the stress-relieving power of the sea. A quote that resonates with him: A leader is best when people barely know he exists. When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, the group will say they did it themselves – Lao Tzu.

Meet Manish Patel, CMO of SentryBay. Manish Patel leads with a strong vision, inspiring his teams through empathy and a shared sense of purpose. He believes leadership is rooted in trust, which is built by valuing and engaging individuals, empowering them to achieve collective goals. By celebrating small wins and embracing adaptability, Manish encourages innovation and resilience, equipping his teams to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. Manish deeply values empathy, integrity, and continuous growth. He continues to grow by updating his skills, staying ahead of trends, and participating in leadership development programs such as The Keep it Real™ Leadership program.

Meet Alyssa Nolte, CEO of TruVue and Principal Consultant for Ology. Alyssa Nolte believes trust is built through a series of actions and is a natural byproduct of consistent, trustworthy behavior. She emphasizes that trust must be earned. Passionate about teamwork and collective success, she believes it's crucial to see the team performing at their highest level rather than relying on one superstar. Alyssa understands the importance of everyone comprehending the "why" behind the team's vision, which helps them align their goals with that vision and be held accountable. She values empathy in leadership and stresses the importance of intentional human-to-human connections, making an effort to understand where others are coming from.

Meet Danielle Hughes, Chief Personality Officer for More Than Words Marketing, as she shares what inspires her to be a great leader. Danielle leads through action and inspires others to keep motivating themselves. She believes in the importance of capability, execution, and taking charge. Danielle’s core values rest on honesty, being a truth-teller, loyalty, and authenticity, emphasizing that delivery matters as much as the message. Danielle embodies a growth mindset, driven by curiosity and continuous learning, and finds joy in diverse interests.

Welcome Joel Greenwald, ESQ, the Founder and Managing Partner of Greenwald Doherty LLP Counsel for Employers. Joel underscores the significance of decisiveness, leading by example, and effective communication, even in the face of necessary pivots. Over 26 years in business, he's faced numerous challenges but his approach has remained consistent: listen to people, gather information, and invest in self-growth.

In this podcast episode, meet Brian Rowley, Chief Marketing Officer of BrightSign. Hear him talk about how Leaders must embrace empathy by revealing vulnerability, acknowledging the unseen, and including diverse perspectives. He emphasizes values like respect and fairness towards guiding a decision. He advises to focus on the controllable, give your 100%, and leave the rest to unfold gradually.

Leadership is driven by a visionary mindset! Meet Suhaiba Neill, Founder of The Full Circle. Suhaiba talks about how leaders are essential support systems, providing guidance to businesses, teams, employees, customers, and vendors. They inspire big dreams! Effective leaders prioritize security, honesty, and clarity for their employees and maintain consistency in their actions. Adaptability and Learning are the keys to avoiding being left behind.

FAIL FAST. Decide and keep moving forward. What an inspiring mantra! Hear Colonel Lisa M. Carroll, from the U.S. Air Force talk about how Leaders need to let go of their fear of failing and make decisions fast. To grow as a leader, you need to observe and learn, and provide honest feedback to your people. Inspire them to pursue excellence and appropriate behavior that will lead to overall growth.