character skills Archives

323: Developing a Strong Work Ethic That Lasts

Have you ever wondered how your childhood experiences shaped your work ethic today? In this solo episode, I share personal stories about growing up in a household where chores, responsibility, and initiative were non-negotiable—and how those lessons have carried over into my adult life. I reflect on how these early habits built the foundation for a strong work ethic that continues to influence my life.

But this isn’t just about childhood—it’s about leadership too. I explore how leaders can help their teams develop character skills like accountability, initiative, and effort through intentional assignments and coaching. Whether you’re a parent instilling values in your kids or a leader shaping your team’s culture, this episode is packed with actionable insights to strengthen character at every stage of life.

I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. Our online resources help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills to build strong relationships and inspire others to perform at the highest level.

You’ll discover:

How childhood chores build a lifelong work ethic
The connection between character and leadership success
Ways to instill responsibility in kids and teams
Practical steps to strengthen accountability skills
Resources for developing character in yourself and others

Watch the episode:

Connect with Meredith

Meredith’s Resources

Website

Grow Strong Leaders

Books

Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

Grow Strong Character

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289: Why Strong Character Matters

284: You Can Grow Strong Character

Listen to the GSL Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on iheartradio

Connect with Your Team

Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

Order from Amazon

Peer Coaching Made Simple

How to Do the 6 Things That Matter Most When Helping Someone Improve a Skill

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322: Being Your Own Authority

Have you ever felt like certain patterns in your life keep repeating, no matter how much you try to change? Rich Habets shares the concept of “scripts”—deeply ingrained, unconscious behaviors shaped by past experiences that influence how we see ourselves and interact with the world. By recognizing and rewriting these scripts, we can break free from limiting beliefs and create more empowering, fulfilling experiences in both our personal and professional lives.

We also explore the power of conscious choice—how shifting from “getting from” to “bringing to” transforms the way we approach relationships, work, and everyday moments. Rich’s stories from his new book, Being Your Own Authority, illustrate how mindfulness and self-awareness allow us to step into our own authority. If you’re ready to embrace self-discovery, cultivate trust, and align your actions with your values, this episode will leave you inspired to take the next step on your journey.

Rich is a former executive turned coach and strategist who has spent over 25 years working with leaders, founders, and organizations worldwide. Rich has helped thousands of individuals and businesses break free from limiting patterns and create powerful transformations. He specializes in leadership, mindset shifts, and game-changing strategies that help individuals and organizations solve intractable problems by being fully themselves and dismantling the stories that have held them back.

You’ll discover:

How unconscious “scripts” shape your decisions and how to identify them
The transformative power of shifting from “getting from” to “bringing to” in everything you do
Why self-awareness and mindfulness are essential for personal growth
Why taking a stand for your values builds trust and authenticity
Practical ways to step into your personal power and create new possibilities

Watch the episode:

Connect with Rich

Rich’s Resources

Website

Richard Habets

Book

Being Your Own Authority

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228: Start Within to Change Your World

Leader-team communication and character skills

Grow Strong Character

Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.

Order from Amazon

Connect with Your Team

Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.,
and Meredith M. Bell

Order from Amazon

Peer Coaching Made Simple

Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.,
and Meredith M. Bell

Order from Amazon

321: Braving the Workplace and the Role of Belonging

In this powerful episode, Dr. Beth Kaplan returns to discuss her groundbreaking book, Braving the Workplace: Belonging at the Breaking Point. She opens with her personal journey through workplace trauma. Beth reveals the critical distinction between inclusion and belonging—explaining that while others determine inclusion, belonging is an internal decision that requires staying true to yourself without compromising your values.

You’ll be moved by Beth’s compelling message about the dangers of self-sacrifice in toxic work environments and the crucial role managers play in fostering genuine belonging. She offers practical strategies for recognizing workplace trauma, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritizing self-care before company loyalty. Whether you’re struggling in a challenging workplace or leading a team and want to create a culture of authentic belonging, this episode offers specific strategies you can start using today.

Beth is a visionary thought leader, researcher, and keynote speaker who has redefined how we look at belonging and how to be our best selves. She works with companies to enhance employee engagement and retention while significantly lowering turnover costs. Beth is currently pioneering a groundbreaking belonging tool with the University of Pennsylvania, designed to measure belonging and predict the propensity to thrive.

You’ll discover:

Why belonging is an internal decision rather than something granted by others
The warning signs of workplace trauma
How managers can become the number one factor in creating environments where people truly belong through empathy and “stay interviews”
Practical strategies for setting boundaries and prioritizing your wellbeing without sacrificing your authentic self for a job
The dangerous impact of using “family” language in workplace settings

Watch the episode:

Connect with Dr. Beth Kaplan

Dr. Beth Kaplan’s Resources

Website

Dr. Beth Kaplan

Book page

Book

Braving the Workplace: Belonging at the Breaking Point

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181: A Strong Sense of Belonging at Work

Grow Strong Character

Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.

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Connect with Your Team

Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.,
and Meredith M. Bell

Order from Amazon

Peer Coaching Made Simple

Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.,
and Meredith M. Bell

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317: Ethics As a Business Superpower

In this eye-opening episode, we’re joined by Erica Salmon Byrne, a leading expert in business ethics and compliance. Erica shares her fascinating journey from litigation attorney to becoming a key figure in shaping ethical business practices worldwide at Ethisphere. We dive deep into the upcoming announcement of the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies, exploring what sets these organizations apart and why ethical behavior is not just good for society, but also for the bottom line.

Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a large corporation, this episode offers practical advice on how to integrate ethics into your daily operations and long-term strategy. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the foremost experts in the field and discover how your organization can join the ranks of the world’s most ethical companies.

Erica is Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Chair of Ethisphere. Previously serving as CEO, she’s now responsible for ensuring continuous and strong growth for the company while maintaining the key principle that good businesses do better. She’s also the Chair of their Business Ethics Leadership Alliance, which serves ethics and compliance practitioners around the globe.

You’ll discover:

The link between ethical practices and financial performance
Why effective leadership skills are crucial in maintaining a strong, compliant company culture
The importance of defining and communicating your organization’s “why” to all stakeholders
The criteria Ethisphere uses to select winners for the World’s Most Ethical Companies award
How to integrate ethics into your daily operations and long-term strategy

Watch the episode:

Connect with Erica

Erica’s Resources

Website

Ethisphere

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011: The Tale of Two Cultures

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312: Aligning the Dots to Accelerate Business Growth

What causes companies to experience rapid top-line revenue growth? Philippe Bouissou, PhD, provides the answer in this impactful conversation. His framework is brilliantly simple. Identify the four possible areas of misalignment between the company and the customer, then make changes to create alignment.

Philippe outlines the four areas and provides concrete examples of each. He also describes one of the world’s most successful companies that excels in aligning all four.

Philippe has been in Silicon Valley for 33 years. He launched and scaled Apple’s eCommerce business from zero to $350 million, working closely with Steve Jobs. Since leaving Apple, he’s had success as a CEO, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist, and he’s served on the board of 23 companies. He is a growth expert, a TEDx speaker with over one million views, and the author of the bestseller book Aligning the Dots.

Today, Philippe is Managing Partner at Blue Dots Partners LLC, a Palo Alto-based advisory firm he founded. The firm is dedicated to solving one problem: helping companies grow faster.

If you’re responsible for any part of top-line revenue growth in your company, this episode is a must-listen. And you’ll want to pick up a copy of Aligning the Dots, too!

You’ll discover

Why Philippe said Steve Jobs was the best leader he ever worked with
Key lessons Philippe has learned in his leadership journey
The one question he asks CEOs about their business (and it’s not, “What do you do?”)
The four axes of alignment required to grow a business
Why there’s a 5^th axis that determines the execution of the other four

Watch the episode:

Connect with Philippe

Phillipe’s Resources

Connect with Your Team

Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

Order from Amazon

Peer Coaching Made Simple

How to Do the 6 Things That Matter Most When Helping Someone Improve a Skill

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« Older Entries

323: Developing a Strong Work Ethic That Lasts

You’ll discover:

Watch the episode:

Connect with Meredith

Meredith’s Resources

Website

Books

Related Podcast Episodes

Connect with Your Team

Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

Peer Coaching Made Simple

How to Do the 6 Things That Matter Most When Helping Someone Improve a Skill

322: Being Your Own Authority

You’ll discover:

Watch the episode:

Connect with Rich

Rich’s Resources

Website

Book

Related Podcast Episodes

Grow Strong Character

321: Braving the Workplace and the Role of Belonging

You’ll discover:

Watch the episode:

Connect with Dr. Beth Kaplan

Dr. Beth Kaplan’s Resources

Website

Book

Related Podcast Episodes

Grow Strong Character

317: Ethics As a Business Superpower

You’ll discover:

Watch the episode:

Connect with Erica

Erica’s Resources

Website

Related Podcast Episodes

Connect with Your Team

Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

Peer Coaching Made Simple

How to Do the 6 Things That Matter Most When Helping Someone Improve a Skill

312: Aligning the Dots to Accelerate Business Growth

You’ll discover

Watch the episode:

Connect with Philippe

Phillipe’s Resources

Website

Book

TED Talk

Connect with Your Team

Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

Peer Coaching Made Simple

How to Do the 6 Things That Matter Most When Helping Someone Improve a Skill

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