Meredith Bell | Growing Stronger Leaders and Teams

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

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Strong for Performance

Create a Coaching Culture with Learning & Development Programs That Stick

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Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

David’s Website

Plastic Bank

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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

Watch the episode:

Connect with JoAnna

Also listen on…

YouTube

Apple Podcasts

STITCHER

Spotify

GOOGLE PODCASTS

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

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

JoAnna’s Websites

ReturnOnHappiness.com

PositiveEnergizer.com

JoAnna’s Book

54 Ways to Stay Positive in a Changing, Challenging and Sometimes Negative World

Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Be a guest on the Strong for Performance Podcast

096: How to Build a Diverse and Inclusive Culture

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are hot topics these days, and rightly so. Do you know all the facets involved in addressing each of these in the workplace? If not, catch this important interview with my guest, Sarah Tabet. She shares behaviors we might unconsciously engaged in that could be perceived as a micro-aggression by the other person.

Sarah is Global Human Resources Director at Schneider Electric in Dubai and a business partner to senior leaders in the area of Diversity and Inclusion. Sarah has more than a decade of multi-national experience in the human resources field. She’s passionate about D&I and has even written a book to raise awareness and introduce strategies: Inclusion Starts with U: A Call to Spread a Culture of Inclusion to All Diversities.

You’ll discover:

Events that created Sarah’s passion for these topics
The distinction between Diversity and Inclusion
Negative consequences for not addressing their importance and relevance at work
The three elements that are essential for building a diverse, inclusive culture
Factors that influence compensation and opportunities for advancement for women

Watch the episode:

Connect with Sarah

Also listen on…

YouTube

Apple Podcasts

STITCHER

Spotify

GOOGLE PODCASTS

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

Facebook

Sarah’s Website

SarahTabet.com

Sarah’s Book

Inclusion Starts with U: A Call to Spread a Culture of Inclusion to All Diversities

Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Be a guest on the Strong for Performance Podcast

095: Life Skills for the Soccer Field and the Boardroom

What does it take for leaders to deal successfully with a crisis like COVID-19? My guest Kon Apostolopoulos literally wrote the book on how to do that! Kon co-authored and published in 2020 7 Keys to Navigating a Crisis: A Practical Guide for Emotionally Dealing with Pandemics & Other Disasters, to provide a clear roadmap. The material is a valuable reference whenever you’re experiencing a difficult situation.

Kon is the Founder and CEO of Fresh Biz Solutions, a Human Capital Management consulting group that provides performance improvement and training solutions. He helps organizations develop their people, improve business results, and reap the benefits of a comprehensive Talent Management strategy. He’s also committed to developing future leaders by applying the same principles to the coaching of young soccer players in local, state and Olympic development programs.

You’ll discover:

The 7 keys that can help you navigate through any crisis
How leaders can use these keys with their teams to improve performance and achieve the desired results
The Leadership Paradox – how to take seemingly contradictory items and blend them successfully (e.g., empathy and tough love)
What Kon does to teach these concepts to the youth athletes he coaches

Watch the episode:

Connect with Kon

Also listen on…

YouTube

Apple Podcasts

STITCHER

Spotify

GOOGLE PODCASTS

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

Facebook

Twitter

Kon’s Website

Fresh Biz Solutions

Kon’s Book

7 Keys to Navigating a Crisis: A Practical Guide for Emotionally Dealing with Pandemics & Other Disasters

Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Be a guest on the Strong for Performance Podcast

094: Leading Beyond Your Limits

Do your beliefs about what’s possible for you ever hold you back? If so, my interview with Dr. Lisa Walker is a must-listen. You’ll love hearing her passion and stories as she describes her own breakthroughs and the ways she helps clients with theirs. Lisa is a Psychologist and Leadership Development Expert as well as an ICF Master Certified Coach, and a Columbia University Certified Executive Coach. She’s also an advanced level Mediator and Facilitator, helping leaders navigate crucial conversations.

Lisa has worked on large-scale leadership initiatives for clients in over 30 countries. She has a knack for coaching executives to achieve positive, measurable change in their leadership behaviors while delivering on business results and nurturing and growing their people. Her clients include Dell, Amazon, Target and IBM.

You’ll discover:

How Lisa applies her background as a psychologist to coaching leaders
The top challenges leaders are facing right now…and what Lisa says and does to help them achieve breakthroughs
Success stories of clients who’ve abandoned their limiting beliefs to embrace their true potential
The life-altering lessons Lisa learned when she successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa