Leadership Development Archives

101: The Dismal Truth about University Student Leadership Programs

Most universities have a mission statement about developing student leaders. But very few result in graduates with the leadership skills needed for their first job. Find out why in this interview with Libby Gill. Libby and I discuss her new book, Leadership Reckoning: Can Higher Education Develop the Leaders We Need?, which she co-authored with Dr. Tom Kolditz, Director of the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University.

Libby is the former head of communications for Sony, Universal, and Turner Broadcasting. Today Libby is an executive coach, leadership expert, and award-winning author. She guides emerging and established leaders to clarify the next level of their work and life, then guides them to get there.

You’ll discover:

The disappointing discovery that caused Bill Doerr to establish the Doerr Institute for New Leaders
Why most university leadership programs for students don’t produce leaders
The First Principles of the Doerr Institute that are the basis of everything they do
How to measure the effectiveness of every aspect of a leadership program
Why graduates of the Doerr Institute are actively recruited by Chief Human Resource Officers

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Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

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Peer Coaching Made Simple

100: Become More Focused, Fearless and Highly Productive

Want to know how you can live your life so you have no regrets? That’s the end-game for my guest David Wood, Founder of Focus.ceo, for himself and for his clients. David works with business owners to help them double revenue, achieve more in less time, and be a more extraordinary human being in every area of their life. You’ll want to take lots of notes because David is a source of amazing insights and tips. Our rich conversation covered topics like how to hold space for another person, exercise more courage to have tough conversations, and structure you day so you get better results in half the time. He’s a very special human being having a deep impact with all who know him.

You’ll discover:

How David “holds space” for his clients who are dealing with a tough situation
Ideas for handling twice as much of what matters in half the time
Four things that keep us from being more productive
The benefits of working in sprints of 25 minutes instead of 60 or 90 minutes
How to move past your fears to have those difficult conversations

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Connect with David

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Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

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Peer Coaching Made Simple

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

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David’s Website

Focus.ceo

Free Gifts

Tough Conversations Podcast

David’s Book

Get Paid For Who You Are

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Be a guest on the Strong for Performance Podcast

099: Change Your Brain to Change Your Triggers

Do you sometimes get triggered by another person or a particular kind of situation? My wonderful guest Mary Simon is an expert on helping clients recognize their triggers and find ways to reduce the impact on their minds and bodies. Mary is a respected, trusted executive coach with 20 years of experience, and she’s coached leaders and teams in 17 different industries. She’s certified in brain science and neuroscience and is a former faculty member at The Wharton School of Business. In this fascinating conversation, Mary shares why reacting to triggers can be harmful to your health…and what you can do instead to reduce their impact.

You’ll discover:

Why Mary makes a distinction between brain science and neuroscience
How Mary helps clients become aware of words or events that trigger them
How to identify where in your body you become tense when you have a reaction to a situation
What you can do to respond to triggers in a way that serves you better
Why curiosity is the magic key for moving away from a trigger

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Connect with Mary

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Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

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Strong for Performance

Create a Coaching Culture with Learning & Development Programs That Stick

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Mary’s Website

MaryBSimon.com

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Be a guest on the Strong for Performance Podcast

098: Plastic Bank’s Extraordinary Leader: A Dedication to Becoming

What if you could let go of the doubts and fears that could hold you back from pursuing your big dream? This interview can rock your world! My guest David Katz is founder and CEO of Plastic Bank. He’s beyond inspiring to listen to, as he describes his journey to create and run this company. David didn’t get bogged down in questions about HOW he was going to make it all happen. He focused on becoming the person he needed and wanted to be. David shares insights about his decision to create a company that’s having an impact on thousands (soon to be millions) of lives around the globe. Your heart and mind are sure to be touched deeply as you absorb the wisdom of this very special man. Truly one of the most impactful interviews I’ve had the privilege of conducting. I’m guessing you’ll feel the same after watching or listening to our conversation.

You’ll discover:

The moment David realized he could create a company with Plastic Bank’s focus and mission
How David supports his team members, no matter where they are in their own personal development journey
Why it’s more effective to focus on who you are becoming in the world rather than what you are doing.
The importance of vulnerability and integrity in a leader’s influence
The positive impact Plastic Bank is having on individuals and communities around the globe

Watch the episode:

Connect with David

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Connect with Your Team

Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

Order from Amazon

Strong for Performance

Create a Coaching Culture with Learning & Development Programs That Stick

Order from Amazon

David’s Website

Plastic Bank

Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Be a guest on the Strong for Performance Podcast

097: Build a Positive Culture That Creates a Positive Spillover in the World

Why is it so important to have a positive culture in the workplace and eliminate any toxic elements? The ripple effects of both types of environments may surprise you. My guest JoAnna Brandi has a deep understanding of the dynamics and shares her expertise with great enthusiasm and clarity. You’ll love the specific actions she recommends leaders take to notice others’ strengths and express appreciation for them.

JoAnna has been in business since 1990 helping companies create happy, engaged, and productive employees who are dedicated to providing “Exquisite” Customer Care. She’s the author of several books, including 54 Ways to Stay Positive and two on customer loyalty. She is passionate about helping her clients activate the link between positivity and profitability, creating “great companies to work for and do business with.”

You’ll discover:

Why there’s now dis-connect between Engagement and Wellbeing since the pandemic…and what organizations need to know
Why having happy, engaged employees is a prerequisite for superb customer service
The characteristics and behaviors leaders can model to set up a positive culture
How a toxic work environment can impact domestic violence and school bullying
The scientific basis for a focus on employee well-being and happiness in the workplace