Coaching for Leaders

Latest Episodes:

491: How Leaders Build, with Guy Raz Sep 14, 2020

Show notes

Guy Raz: How I Built This Guy Raz is the creator and host of the popular podcasts How I Built This, Wisdom from the Top, and The Rewind on Spotify. He’s also the co-creator of the acclaimed podcasts TED Radio Hour and the children’s programs Wow in the World and Two Whats?! and a Wow!. He’s received the Edward R. Murrow Award, the Daniel Schorr Journalism Prize, the National Headliner Award, and many others. In 2017, Guy became the first person in the history of podcasting to have three shows in the top 20 on the Apple Podcast charts. He’s the author of the new book, How I Built This: The Unexpected Path to Success From the World’s Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs*. In this conversation, Guy and I discuss what he’s discovered from interviewing the world’s most successful entrepreneurs on How I Built This. We profile a few of the insightful stories that he’s captured in his new book and dispel some of the common myths. Plus, we explore how happiness and kindness play such an important role in building something new. Key Points Successful entrepreneurs are able to make the distinction between what is actually dangerous and what is just scary. We often think about entrepreneurs as solo leaders, but almost always there is a critical partner who complements their strengths. It is common for entrepreneurs to have a day job or other fallback plan as they start something new. Money is important, but it’s almost never the driving factor motivating entrepreneurs who have success in the long-run. Kindness takes leaders a long way when starting a business. Resources Mentioned How I Built This: The Unexpected Path to Success From the World’s Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs* by Guy Raz How I Built This podcast Book Notes Download my highlights from How I Built This in PDF format (free membership required). Related Episodes How to Be a Non-Conformist, with Adam Grant (episode 238) Ideas Worth Stealing From Top Entrepreneurs, with Dorie Clark (episode 318) How to Be a Happier Person, with Neil Pasricha (episode 334) Serve Others Through Marketing, with Seth Godin (episode 381) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.

490: Leadership Through Consistency, with Joseph Getuno Sep 07, 2020

Show notes

Joseph Getuno Joseph is a finance director based in Mauritius. He’s a longtime listener from the show and a member of the Coaching for Leaders Academy. In this conversation, Joseph and I discuss how he captures ideas from audio podcasts and motivates himself to implement what he’s discovered. We also highlight the value in establishing team guidelines, zeroing in on self-awareness, and the power of consistency. Plus, he highlights the work of key experts that have sharped his own leadership development. Key Points Listen to an audio podcast one time through. Then, review a second time at higher speed to capture the key ideas from the conversation. Insights and ideas are a starting point, but of little value without action. Find a way to support daily action in your development. Establishing team guidelines can change the entire dynamic of culture in the organization. Consistency isn’t a flashy word, but it’s a key factor in how much movement you’re able to create as a leader. Related Episodes How to Create Team Guidelines, with Susan Gerke (episode 192) How to Build Psychological Safety, with Amy Edmondson (episode 404) The Way to Be More Self-Aware, with Tasha Eurich (episode 442) The Value of Being Uncomfortable, with Neil Pasricha (episode 448) How to Motivate Leaders, with John Maxwell (episode 452) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.

489: Responding to an Acquisition, with Bonni Stachowiak Sep 07, 2020

Show notes

Bonni Stachowiak: Teaching in Higher Ed Bonni Stachowiak is the host of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast, a professor of business and management at Vanguard University, and my life partner. Prior to her academic career, Bonni was a human resources consultant and executive officer for a publicly traded company. She is the author of The Productive Online and Offline Professor: A Practical Guide*. Listener Questions Dustin asked us about how to handle going through a merger or acquisition. Melanie wondered what our biggest learning curve was when we were new managers. Taryn wanted to know the best ways to track goals and progress when doing internal coaching. Resources Mentioned Difficult Conversations by Seth Godin (Akimbo podcast) Productivity Tools by Bonni Stachowiak Monday.com OmniFocus Related Episodes The Path of Humble Leadership, with Edgar Schein and Peter Schein (episode 363) How to Build Psychological Safety, with Amy Edmondson (episode 404) Appeal to the Nobler Motive (Dave’s Journal) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.

488: Leadership Means You Go First, with Keith Ferrazzi Aug 31, 2020

Show notes

Keith Ferrazzi: Leading Without Authority Keith Ferrazzi is the founder and CEO of Ferrazzi Greenlight, a management consulting and team coaching company that works with many of the world’s biggest corporations. A graduate of Harvard Business School, Keith rose to become the youngest CMO of a Fortune 500 company during his career at Deloitte, and later became CMO of Starwood Hotels. Keith is a frequent contributor to Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fortune and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Who’s Got Your Back* and Never Eat Alone*. He’s the author of the new book, Leading Without Authority: How the New Power of Co-Elevation Can Break Down Silos, Transform Teams, and Reinvent Collaboration*. In this conversation, Keith and I discuss the importance of co-elevation in leadership. We also explore the six deadly sins that leaders should avoid — and discuss why it’s all on you, especially at the start. Key Points Six deadly excuses leaders should avoid: Ignorance: there’s no excuse to sit back and do nothing. Laziness: do not abdicate your responsibility to lead. Deference: beware hiding the truth just to defer to the organizational chart. Playing the victim: avoid running away or resigning to self-pity. Cowardice: if someone scares you, it’s probably an opportunity to grow. Indulgence: stop indulging resentments as they often hold back your career and limit personal and professional success. Resentment leaves us blind and powerless; it’s been compared to drinking poison and hoping the other person will die. Book Notes Download my highlights from Leading Without Authority in PDF format (free membership required). Related Episodes The Choice for Compassion, with Edith Eger (episode 336) How to Motivate Leaders, with John Maxwell (episode 452) How to Create Great Relationships, with Colleen Bordeaux (episode 455) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.

487: Saying Yes to Big Challenges, with Elizabeth Cousens Aug 24, 2020

Show notes

Elizabeth Cousens: UN Foundation Elizabeth is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Nations Foundation, leading the Foundation’s next generation of work to support the United Nations. She is a diplomat and thought leader who has worked on the frontlines of peace processes, played an influential role in UN policy innovations from peacebuilding to the Sustainable Development Goals, and helped build public-private partnerships to solve global challenges at scale. Before joining the Foundation, Elizabeth served for several years at the U.S. Mission to the UN in New York. She was Principal Policy Advisor and Counselor to the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations and later served as the U.S. Ambassador to the UN Economic and Social Council and Alternate Representative to the UN General Assembly. In this conversation, Elizabeth and I discuss the short and long term goals of the UN Foundation. In addition, we explore how Elizabeth’s team raised $200 million in the face of COVID-19, how she works with impatient optimists, and the importance of leading with kindness. Key Points The COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund has raised over $200 million for relief efforts. Leaders should work to lead with kindness in every sector. Many high-performing leaders are natural impatient optimists, always pushing for change. COVID-19 is front of mind for most of us, but we cannot let it override our organization’s strategic goals. Resources Mentioned COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO Elizabeth Cousens Has Raised Over $200 Million for the World Health Organization (Mostly) in Her Pajamas Related Episodes Leadership in the Midst of Chaos, with Jim Mattis (episode 440) How to be Diplomatic, with Susan Rice (episode 456) How Great Teams Find Purpose, with David Burkus (episode 481) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.

486: Three Stories to Tell During Uncertainty, with David Hutchens Aug 17, 2020

Show notes

David Hutchens: The Storytelling Leader David Hutchens help leaders find and tell their stories. Stephen M.R. Covey says, “David has the ability to convey key messages in a way that is both simple and profound.” He has taught the Storytelling Leader program all over the world at some of the most influential organizations — and he’s written many books, including most recently the Circle of the 9 Muses* and The Leadership Story Deck*. He is the co-creator with Susan Gerke of the GO Team program. In this conversation, David and I explore the importance of storytelling, especially during uncertain times. David teaches us the framework of the kinds of stories leaders can tell for continuity, novelty, and transition. Leaders can use one of all of these frameworks to help connect and inspire during difficult times. Key Points The continuity story highlights identity, values, and founding principles — things that will never change. Example: What’s a time we held our values, even though it came with a cost? The novelty story shows what is new and focuses attention on innovation and possibility. Example: What’s a time you saw something valuable that we don’t have here? But imagine if we did. The transition story dives in on change and learning — and illuminates a journey of shared progress. Examples: What’s a time you saw someone make a personally courageous decision to change? We tried something, it didn’t work, and we learned something valuable. Here’s a time we solved a tough problem. Resources Mentioned GO Team program Leadership Story Deck* by David Hutchens Circle of the 9 Muses: A Storytelling Field Guide for Innovators and Meaning Makers* by David Hutchens David’s email: David@DavidHutchens.com Related Episodes How Storytelling Helps You Lead, with Sandie Morgan (episode 51) The Four Critical Stories Leaders Need For Influence, with David Hutchens (episode 148) Practical Storytelling That Isn’t Awkward, with David Hutchens (episode 228) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.

485: What Effective Delegation Looks Like, with Michael Byrne Aug 15, 2020

Show notes

Michael Byrne: Silverman Shin & Byrne Michael is an attorney and partner at Silverman Shin & Byrne in New York, one of the largest minority owned law firms in the State of New York. Michael’s primary areas of focus include tort and commercial litigation defense. He serves clients in a broad range of matters, including attorney malpractice, personal injury torts, insurance, business formation, securities and cyber liability claims. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and of several committees. Michael is also a member of the Puerto Rican Bar Association and the Defense Research Institute. He provides legal advice to various civic associations and youth ice hockey organizations in Long Island. He’s also a member of the Coaching for Leaders Academy. Key Points Trying to do everything yourself in leadership is like mowing a lawn with a pair of scissors. A critical shift for leaders to make is “time of possession” in the conversation. Work to have the other party speaking more. The answers people give to my questions are the answers to their own questions. Delegating well means that more time emerges to support others with skill development. Making time to be present for people also allows you more time for deep work. Resources Mentioned Michael Byrne on LinkedIn Silverman Shin & Byrne Related Episodes These Coaching Questions Get Results, with Michael Bungay Stanier (episode 237) Effective Delegation of Authority, with Hassan Osman (episode 413) How to Ask Better Questions, with David Marquet (episode 454) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.

484: Where to Start on Subscriptions, with Robbie Kellman Baxter Aug 10, 2020

Show notes

Robbie Kellman Baxter: The Forever Transaction Robbie helps companies leverage subscription pricing, digital community and freemium to build deeper relationships with customers. She has been quoted on business issues in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Consumer Reports, and many others. She has created and starred in eight video courses in collaboration with LinkedIn Learning on business topics ranging from innovation to customer success and membership. She is the author of The Membership Economy*, a book that has been named a top 10 marketing book of all time by BookAuthority. She recently released her new book, The Forever Transaction: How to Build a Subscription Model So Compelling, Your Customers Will Never Want to Leave*. In this conversation, Robbie and I discuss the shift to subscriptions and memberships in many industries in recent years. We address implications for leaders who are considering strategy on making changes to how they do business — as well as some of the tactical steps. Finally, Robbie highlights some of the myths and best practices when beginning with subscriptions. Key Points There’s been a significant shift to memberships and subscriptions in recents years in many industries. It’s critical for organizations considering a move in this direction to create and articulate a forever promise. Be cautious about simply building existing products and services under a membership banner. It’s critical to speak to your best customer. Beware of treating members worse than strangers or taking advantage of your most loyal customers. Resources Mentioned Free downloads of Robbie’s keynote presentation slides, membership manifesto, and book chapter. Book Notes Download my highlights from The Forever Transaction in PDF format (free membership required). Related Episodes How to Start Seeing Around Corners, with Rita McGrath (episode 430) How to Build an Invincible Company, with Alex Osterwalder (episode 470) How to Pivot Quickly, with Steve Blank (episode 476) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.

483: How to Start in Leadership, with Bonni Stachowiak Aug 03, 2020

Show notes

Bonni Stachowiak: Teaching in Higher Ed Bonni Stachowiak is the host of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast, a professor of business and management at Vanguard University, and my life partner. Prior to her academic career, Bonni was a human resources consultant and executive officer for a publicly traded company. She is the author of The Productive Online and Offline Professor: A Practical Guide*. Listener Questions Kierstin asked for suggestions (books, individuals) for starting her leadership journey — and also how to navigate leading people who are older than her. Bridgette wondered if we had suggestions on funding priorities, vision, and bringing others into leadership roles. Michael asked our advice on handling confrontations between departments. Resources Mentioned The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations* by James Kouzes and Barry Posner How to Win Friends and Influence People* by Dale Carnegie The Empowered Manager: Positive Political Skills at Work* by Peter Block Personal History* by Katharine Graham The Post Related Episodes What Search Dogs Teach About Engagement, with Jan Frazee (episode 25) Seven Principles for Leading People Older Than You, with Bonni Stachowiak (episode 59) Your Permission to Screw Up, with Kristen Hadeed (episode 338) How to Deal with Opponents and Adversaries, with Peter Block (episode 328) How to Create Meaningful Gatherings, with Priya Parker (episode 395) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.

482: How to Sell Your Vision, with Michael Hyatt Jul 27, 2020

Show notes

Michael Hyatt: The Vision-Driven Leader Michael is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Michael Hyatt & Company. He has scaled multiple companies over the years, including a $250M publishing company with 700+ employees and his own leadership development company that has grown over 60% year over year for the past 4 years. Under his leadership, Michael Hyatt & Company has been featured in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America for three years in a row. He is also the author of several New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling books, including Platform*, Living Forward*, Your Best Year Ever*, and Free to Focus*. He enjoys The Double Win with his wife of 40+ years, five daughters, and nine grandchildren. He recently released his newest book: The Vision-Driven Leader: 10 Questions to Focus Your Efforts, Energize Your Team, and Scale Your Business*. In this conversation, Michael and I discuss where to start once you’ve created an initial vision. Michael invites us to engage those that don’t like change and take the time to listen. In addition, getting buy-in from your boss is essential — your vision should align with their goals and those of the organization. Key Points Start with your direct reports who don’t like change. Be quick to listen, slow to speak. Make the distinction between risky vs. stupid. Bosses don’t like surprises. You have to commit first. When I had a boss, I had a basic rule: Don’t take a swing unless I’m confident I’ll hit the ball. -Michael Hyatt Know your customer. Make sure the vision is helping your boss — and the organization — achieve their goals. Before you schedule a time to pitch your proposal, answer the question: how is my Vision Script going to help my boss achieve their goals? If you can’t answer that question, you’re not ready to make the pitch. -Michael Hyatt Anticipate the objections you’re likely to receive and be ready for them. Once you’ve got buy-in on a vision, stop. Don’t oversell it. When you’re starting to get tired of hearing yourself talk about the vision, that’s an indicator that you’re on the right track. Resources Mentioned Vision Driven Leader bonus resources Book Notes Download my highlights from The Vision-Driven Leader in PDF format (free membership required). Related Episodes How to Get Noticed in a Noisy World, with Michael Hyatt (episode 40) How to Create a Vivid Vision, with Cameron Herold (episode 345) Embrace a Just Cause, with Simon Sinek (episode 473) How to Create Your Personal Vision (free membership required) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.

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