321: Braving the Workplace and the Role of Belonging

321: Braving the Workplace and the Role of Belonging

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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317: Ethics As a Business Superpower

317: Ethics As a Business Superpower

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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312: Aligning the Dots to Accelerate Business Growth

312: Aligning the Dots to Accelerate Business Growth

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 5th axis that determines the execution of the other four

Watch the episode:

Connect with Philippe

  

Phillipe’s Resources

Website

Blue Dots Partners

Book

Aligning the Dots: The New Paradigm to Grow Any Business

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The Secret to Grow Any Business

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311: Former Amazon VP on Character and Leadership

311: Former Amazon VP on Character and Leadership

311: Former Amazon VP on Character and Leadership

Over the course of his career, Ethan Evans reviewed 10,000+ resumes, conducted over 2,500 interviews, and made more than 1,000 hires. He knows a thing or two about finding, onboarding, AND developing the right people.

In this high-energy conversation, Ethan shares the qualities he looked for and the aspects of character he believes are most important for leaders. You’ll find great value in reflecting on the lessons he learned from a big mistake he made at Amazon that got him in trouble with CEO Jeff Bezos.

Ethan is a former Vice President at Amazon. During his 15 years there, he helped invent many of the offerings that we take for granted today, like Prime Video, Amazon Video, and the Amazon App Store. Prior to Amazon, Ethan spent 12 years at 3 startups.

In September of 2020, Ethan retired from Amazon and made the decision to pay it forward. He devotes time teaching leaders to become true executives through courses he offers and free content he provides on LinkedIn and his website.

You’ll discover:

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  • What Ethan looks for when interviewing a candidate or considering someone for a promotion
  • The five steps in Ethan’s Magic Loop for managing up
  • What leaders can do to build trust quickly
  • A big mistake Ethan made at Amazon and the lessons he learned from it

Watch the episode:

 

Connect with Ethan

  

Ethan’s Website

Ethan Evans

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310: Moving Past Perfectionism

310: Moving Past Perfectionism

310: Moving Past Perfectionism

Have you ever taken on a project that you thought would be straightforward…and then discovered it wasn’t?

Sometimes that occurs because of the expectations we put on ourselves to perform at a certain level.

That’s what happened to me when I tried to record a headshot video.

In this solo episode I describe the situation, how I handled the setbacks, and what I learned from the experience that might be helpful for you, too.

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

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  • 3 insights that allowed me to relax and enjoy the process

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