What if the feedback you’re most hesitant to receive is actually a gift? In this solo episode, I share what 360-degree feedback really is—and what it is not—drawing on more than 30 years of experience helping leaders use feedback as a tool for growth rather than judgment. I explain how 360 feedback works, why it must always be developmental, and how it helps people see both their strengths and their blind spots through the eyes of others.

I also share a personal story about 360 feedback I once received that surprised me—and ultimately helped me become a better leader. When we take the time to reflect on the data, share it openly, and make a genuine commitment to change, that’s where the real power of this kind of feedback lives. Used well, it builds trust, strengthens relationships, and supports meaningful, lasting growth.

Since 1994, my company, Grow Strong Leaders, has helped organizations use 360-degree feedback to support leadership development—not performance ratings or termination decisions. If you’re curious about using this technology in a way that truly supports growth, connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out through growstrongleaders.com.

You’ll discover:

• Why 360 feedback should always be developmental, not punitive
• How honest input from others reveals blind spots and strengths
• The importance of sharing your feedback and your intentions
• Why commitment—not data—is where real change begins
• How 360s build trust when used with humility and care

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

Related Podcast Episodes

Leader-Team Communication

360 Resources

What if you realized you’re already creating every moment of your life—yourself, others, and the world around you? In this milestone 350th episode, I reflect on what it truly means to be a creator in all three areas. Drawing inspiration from master coaches Steve Hardison and Steve Chandler, I explore how daily intentions, conscious thoughts, and deliberate actions shape who we become and how we experience others. You’ll be inspired to see every encounter and circumstance as an opportunity to create something meaningful—with kindness, awareness, and purpose.

You’ll discover:

• How to consciously create the person you want to be each day.
• Why your thoughts and beliefs “create” how others show up for you.
• A powerful way to bring intention to every interaction.
• How to transform challenges by asking, “What do I want to create?”
• The liberating truth that you are already a powerful creator.

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

Related Podcast Episodes

122: Making the Most of Your Moments

What do you do when one person’s behavior is quietly eroding the trust and teamwork of your group—and no one wants to speak up? In this episode, I share a true story from my own leadership journey where I faced that exact challenge. You’ll hear how I guided four frustrated team members through a structured, respectful process to share their concerns directly with a colleague—and how that meeting became one of the most transformative moments of my career.

You’ll discover the simple 4-step feedback model we used, why it’s so effective in preventing defensiveness, and how it can turn even the most difficult conversations into opportunities for connection. You’ll also hear an unexpected twist that shifted the entire dynamic in the room and led to deeper trust, openness, and collaboration than the team had ever experienced before.

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. ​

You’ll discover:

• Why waiting too long to address an issue can backfire
• A 4-step framework for giving feedback with clarity and care
• How to prepare people so emotions don’t derail the message
• The surprising moment that turned confrontation into connection

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

Related Podcast Episodes

176: How Michelin’s ICARE Model Creates Open Communication

What does it mean to lead without fanfare or recognition? In this solo episode, I reflect on the life and legacy of my beloved mother, Doris Melancon—a woman whose quiet strength, unwavering love, and deep wisdom shaped generations. Though Doris never saw herself as a leader, her influence was undeniable and profound.

I honor my mother’s legacy by highlighting the qualities that defined her: humility, generosity, patience, and a steadfast faith that guided her every action. Through personal stories and reflections, you’ll come to understand how true leadership can radiate from a calm, gentle presence—and how one person’s values can ripple out to impact the lives of many.

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.

You’ll discover:

• Why quiet leadership can have the most lasting impact
• How humility and love become a powerful guiding force
• What makes a person truly wise and deeply respected
• The strength behind patience and emotional steadiness
• How one life of service can shape an entire family legacy

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

Related Podcast Episodes

315: The Lens You Choose Shapes Your Life

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

Related Podcast Episodes

289: Why Strong Character Matters

284: You Can Grow Strong Character

Have you ever noticed how two people can experience the same event but walk away with entirely different perspectives?

In this episode, I share a striking contrast between two individuals on a birdwatching trip.

Their reactions caused me to reflect on how our attitudes shape our experiences and the energy we bring to those around us.

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.

You’ll discover:

• How your words and reactions influence those around you
• The key mindset shift that leads to greater joy and connection
• How to become more intentional about the perspective you bring to every situation
• A simple yet powerful way to enhance your leadership and relationships

Watch the episode:

Connect with Meredith

Meredith’s Resources

Website

Grow Strong Leaders

Books

Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

Peer Coaching Made Simple

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.

You’ll discover:

• The challenge I was given in a LinkedIn course
• How I define perfectionism
• Why I struggled initially to complete this assignment
• What slowing down and reflecting helped me realize
• 3 insights that allowed me to relax and enjoy the process

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

Twelve years ago, when my father died, the funeral director made a statement to my mother, my sister, and me that I’ve never forgotten.

In this solo episode, I share what he said and how it applied to my father. I also describe seven ways Dad lived that have had a lasting impact on all of us who knew him.

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.

You’ll discover:

• Why my father never made one enemy throughout his entire life
• How a strong work ethic drove everything he did
• What Dad did to build trust instantly
• The 3 words of sage advice Dad passed on to everyone in the family
• Questions you can ask yourself as you reflect on your life and how you want to be remembered

Watch the episode:

Connect with Meredith

Meredith’s Resources

Website

Grow Strong Leaders 

Books

Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

Peer Coaching Made Simple

Immigrants to the United States are not always welcomed with open arms, but that doesn’t stop them from pursuing their dreams. Cynthia Torres arrived in the U.S. from Colombia when she was 25, and she’s a beautiful example of someone who started a business and is having a very positive impact on the people in her community. You’ll be inspired by her story and her accomplishments.

Cynthia Torres is a Colombian American who has resided for over 25 years in Oxnard, California, west of Los Angeles. She’s a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and is leaving an indelible mark in service to its vibrant and dynamic Latinx population. Her professional journey is nothing short of remarkable.

Cynthia is the founder and CEO of the local for-profit business, New Dawn Counseling & Consulting. She also recently assumed the Executive Director position of a thirty-year-old nonprofit organization called City Impact, Inc.

You’ll discover:

• What brought Cynthia to the U.S. from Columbia when she was 25 years old
• Important lessons Cynthia has learned as a leader of two organizations
• How she’s incorporated the teachings of compassionate communication into the culture of New Dawn
• The startling statistic about Latinas in the C-suite in US companies
• What Cynthia recommends to young Hispanic women about overcoming barriers they face

Watch the episode:

Connect with Cynthia

Cynthia’s Website

New Dawn Counseling & Consulting

There’s been a lot of controversy post-pandemic between companies and employees about returning to the physical workspace. This episode’s guest, Wayne Turmel, is uniquely qualified to discuss this topic.

Wayne was my guest on episode 77 in the fall of 2020 when we were dealing with the early months of COVID-19, and most people were working remotely. In that conversation, we discussed the book he and his co-author, Kevin Eikenberry, published PRE-COVID. It was called The Long-Distance Leader and focused on leading remote teams, so they were ahead of their time.

They’ve recently released the second edition of The Long-Distance Leader, subtitled Revised Rules for Remarkable Remote and Hybrid Leadership. In his interview here, we discussed key ideas from the updated book.

Wayne Turmel has been writing about developing communication and leadership skills for nearly 30 years. He’s also taught and consulted at Fortune 500 companies and startups around the world. For 18 years, he’s focused on the growing need to communicate effectively in remote and virtual environments.

In addition to his writing, Wayne is a sought-after speaker at business and leadership conferences and events. He’s the author of 15 books and a frequent guest at events such as ATD’s International Conference and Exposition and the European Digital Learning Expo. He’s also the host of the Long Distance Worklife Podcast. Marshall Goldsmith calls him “One of the most unique voices in leadership today.”

You’ll discover:

• What happened after the first edition of the book that caused Wayne and Kevin to conclude they needed to update it
• What Wayne means when he uses the word HYBRID and how it differs from the commonly understood meaning
• The importance of factoring in TIME as part of a hybrid work schedule
• The 3C model that needs to be considered when an organization wants to define its culture
• Three reasons why young people want in-person time at the office

Watch the episode:

Connect with Wayne

Wayne’s Resources

Website

Kevin Eikenberry

Podcasts

Wayne’s podcast, The Long Distance Worklife

Kevin’s podcast, The Remarkable Leadership Podcast

Book

The Long-Distance Leader, Second Edition: Revised Rules for Remarkable Remote and Hybrid Leadership