Shows
Teams That SwearHow to Run a Senior Leadership Team Reset That Actually WorksIf you lead a senior team, you’ll know this moment. You come back into the year or hit a pressure point mid-stream, and something feels off. People are busy but not connected. Priorities feel fuzzy. Conversations take more effort than theyshould. And everyone quietly hopes things will magically settle.They won’t. Senior teams don’t reset by accident. They reset by design.In this episode I break down:Why most kickoff and strategy days feel good but change almost nothingThe four moves that shift a senior team from misaligned to connectedHow to reset...
2026-02-1809 min
Teams That SwearHow to Create Progress When Capable Teams StallA performance psychologist reveals why experienced teams stop improving and what helps them adapt.Capable teams don’t stall because people stop caring or trying.More often, they stall because the way the work is set up no longer helps people learn or adapt.In the second part of my discussion with Jeff Simons on Teams That Swear, a performance scientist who has spent decades in elite sport and high-pressure environments, to unpack what leaders can actually change when effort is already there but progress is not.We get into:Wh...
2026-02-0455 minTeams That SwearHow Senior Leaders Set the First Real 30 Days of the YearThe start of the year is meant to feel fresh. But if you’re a senior leader, January often feels like you’re driving two speeds at once. Half your team is still away, the work is piling up, and the pressure from above is already building.In this episode, I unpack why so many leaders hit February already worn down, and what the smartest leaders do differently in the first thirty days.You’ll walk away with practical moves you can use right now, including how to:Set clarity early so you’re not drag...
2026-01-2108 min
Teams That SwearHow Leaders Misread Learning and Why It Costs Them TimeIf you’ve ever walked out of a team meeting feeling clear and confident your team is on board, only to find yourself having the same conversation again three months later, this episode of Teams That Swear will feel uncomfortably familiar.In Part One of a two-part conversation on the Teams That Swear podcast, I sat down with Jeff Simons, an applied performance scientist and kinesiology professor whose work focuses on how humans actually learn and develop skill in elite sport and high-performance environments. Jeff understands a little about performance. He’s worked closely with...
2026-01-0744 minTeams That SwearHow to Reclaim Time as a LeaderIf every decision, approval and escalation still flows through you, even though your team is smart, capable and experienced, this episode is for you. In my latest Teams That Swear podcast, I unpack what happens when leaders let go the right way, drawing on David Marquet’s Turn the Ship Around. Marquet transformed the worst-performing submarine in the US Navy into the best bythrowing out command-and-control and teaching his people to take ownership. Listen in and you’ll walk away with: Simple language shifts that turn compliance into ownership.A method...
2025-12-1014 min
Teams That SwearThe Tone Starts With You: Lucy Liu’s Jenna North on Leadership That LastsIf you think leadership means speaking first, staying tough, and being the expert in your area, this Teams That Swear episode, featuring Lucy Liu’s head chef Jenna North, might challenge that.In our latest conversation with non-corporate leaders, I sat down with the Head Chef of one of Melbourne’s busiest kitchens.She leads a team of 20+ chefs, taking a non-Gordon Ramsay approach to cursing, without posturing, and without losing her presence when the pressure’s on.Instead of leading from the front, she leads from the middle.We u...
2025-11-261h 03Teams That SwearWhen team dynamics go sideways: Four moves every leader should takeYou might not have caused the dysfunction, but you're responsible for shifting it. Your team reflects what you allow, what you reinforce, and what you let slide.If your leadership team feels a little off, if there are too many side conversations in chats or in the meeting after the meeting, or the conversations that need to be had aren’t happening… this episode might be exactly what you need.It's short, sharp and it might make you uncomfortable. And that’s the point. Because if your team dynamics are off, it's not just about your t...
2025-11-1206 min
Teams That SwearCirque du Soleil’s Lee McDermott: Leadership When the Spotlight’s OffWhat leaders can learn when you or your teams aren’t at their best.Cirque du Soleil head coach Lee McDermott has rebuilt more than high-performing teams, he’s rebuilt himself.He’s won gold medals, led global performers at Cirque du Soleil, and knows what it’s like to be stuck between what’s expected and what you actually have the energy to give.When he took over a team at Cirque that had stopped talking to each other, he didn’t rush in with strategy. He played music. Broke the group into small ci...
2025-10-291h 00Teams That SwearTwo Moments That Changed How I Lead ForeverEver had a moment that completely changed how you lead?In this episode of Teams That Swear, I share two of mine.One came from a trip to Cameroon.The other? A piece of brutal feedback I never saw coming.Here’s what I unpack:Why discomfort is often the best teacherWhat leading in Cameroon taught me about perspectiveThe difference between feedback that helps and feedback that hurtsWhy some leadership teams feel stuck and how to shift thatHow one CEO stopped carrying the whole team and got them to carry each otherThese mo...
2025-10-1507 min
Catholic Daily DriveCatholic Daily Drive: October 7th, 2025Intro to the day: “The rosary is the scourge of the devil.” –Pope Adrian VIToday is Tuesday, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. We are praying for Michael McCabe, and the faculty, staff, and families of St. Mary's High School in Westfield, MA.In the Gospel, Jesus meets with Mary and MarthaGospel: Luke 10:38-42Saint of the Day: Our Lady of the Rosary Marian prayer for the day: MemorareReme...
2025-10-0706 min
Teams That SwearPat Howard on Cricket's Ball-Tampering Fallout: A Masterclass in Hard ConversationsLeadership sounds easy when it’s written in a book. It’s very different when you’re sitting across from someone whose career or livelihood is about to change.Pat Howard has been in that chair more than once.At Cricket Australia, he was the one who had to tell Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft what sanctions they faced after the ball-tampering scandal. At MSL Solutions, in his very first week as CEO, he had to let 60 people go to keep the business alive.These weren’t just hard conversations, they were mom...
2025-10-011h 09Teams That SwearThe Myth of BurnoutAre you burnt out, or are you just buried?In the latest episode of Teams That Swear, I talk about something I’m seeing in almost every conversation with senior leaders right now.They’re not disengaged. They still care deeply about their teams and the work. But they are buried. Buried in meetings, buried in emails that start with “Can you just...”, and buried inwork that no longer needs them.Burnout is real. And if you’re there, please take it seriously. But for many leaders, the issue isn’t burnout. It’s busyness. It...
2025-09-1706 min
Teams That SwearYou Don’t Need to Perform Your Leadership: How Lizzy Geremia earns trust, avoids noise, and leads without faking it.If you think confidence means being louder, you need to meet Lizzy Geremia.She leads over 100 people across brand, communications, and the Breakthrough Innovation Group innovation at Reece Group, one of Australia’s biggest suppliers in trade, plumbing and bathroom products.In our latest Teams That Swear episode, we sat down for a proper, honest conversation about what leadership looks likewhen you stop performing - in the sense of pretending to be someone you are not - and start leading in a way that actually works for you.Here’s what we unpacked:How...
2025-09-0352 minTeams That SwearThe #1 Mindset Trap for Leaders and How to Escape It.What’s something you avoided for way too long, but once you finally tackled it, it changed everything?For me, it was reading Mindset by Carol Dweck.I’d referenced it, nodded along in conversations, even quoted it. But I hadn’t actually read it.Now I have and it’s reshaped how I think about leadership, learning, and what it really takes to build teams that swear byeach other, not about each other.In this episode of the Teams That Swear podcast, I unpack:Why mindset drives more than motivati...
2025-08-2008 min
Teams That SwearHe flew into war zones. What he learned applies to your team.When your team’s flying into Afghanistan in a C-130, trust isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s non-negotiable. That’s what struck me during my latest Lunch with Adrian the Canadian episode on the Teams That Swear podcast with Ben Villalobos. Ben’s a former Royal Canadian Air Force pilot and now leads in corporate aviation. And while his stories are gripping (yes, there’s tear gas, rocket launchers, and pressure), what stuck with me most wasn’t the drama, it was the discipline. Ben leads with focus, fairness, and a feedback rhythm that puts most corporate...
2025-08-061h 14Teams That SwearThe Winter Slump is Real. Here’s How to Snap Out of It.Winter’s here. Motivation’s down. Now what?1 in 3 Aussies admit to lower motivation during the colder months. Andit’s not just them, teams feel it too.In this episode of Teams That Swear, I talk about: Why winter impacts team performance (and what the stats say) The role of short-term wins in lifting energyWhat actually works to reset motivation. hint: it’s not holiday photosAnd how your team can find focus when the vibe’s offIf you lead people, this is the season to be intentional. Because even when it’s dark a...
2025-07-2307 min
Teams That SwearFrom Homicide to Headline Acts: Kerry Gassner on Leading When the Stakes Are HighKerry Gassner doesn’t just lead teams, he’s led them through some of the most intense environments you can imagine. From working homicide cases to running operationsat one of Australia’s busiest stadiums, his story is as unexpected as it is powerful.In our latest Teams That Swear podcast, I sat down with Kerry for a raw, honest conversation about leadership, pressure, and the moments that define both. What stood out? His belief in the power of people and the lessons he’s learned about empathy, ego, and trust in high-stakes settings.Here’s a taste of...
2025-07-0253 min
Teams That SwearBelinda Clark AO on balance, leadership and experimentsShe was asked to lead Cricket Australia’s high performance team… right after the sandpaper scandal.No prep. No playbook. Just 50 bruised staff and a moment to step up.Belinda Clark AO and I unpacked what it really takes to lead when the pressure is on and what still matters in leadership today.In our Lunch with Adrian the Canadian chat, she shared:How to lead without relying on your titleWhy “balance” has nothing to do with hoursWhat style works with tod...
2025-05-3052 minTeams That SwearSetting goals can suck. This could be better.What if setting goals didn’t have to feel so… painful? In this episode, I’m sharing a smarter, lighter way to approach the year ahead by ditching rigid targets and focusing on what I call "areas of focus" instead. I’ll take you through personal stories, real wins, and practical tips that show how this simple mindset shift can lead to meaningful success, without the pressure.
2025-04-1606 minTeams That SwearWhat is the recipe for managing a crisis?Why do teams thrive in crisis moments, and how can you bottle that magic for everyday success? This episode uncovers the recipe for team effectiveness, with lessons from real-world crises and actionable steps to create that same energy, clarity, and focus—without the drama.
2025-04-1611 minTeams That SwearIs Returning to the Workplace the Right Call?Is hybrid work really working? I’m exploring the tough questions leaders face about balancing flexibility with connection and why bold decisions are needed now more than ever. Curious about what’s next for the future of work? This is one episode you won’t want to miss.
2025-04-1609 minTeams That SwearWhich "#1" leadership teams can focus on to win moreIs your leadership team truly winning together? This episode dives into why prioritising Team 1; the leadership team, over Team 2 is the key to alignment, trust, and long-term success. Tune in to hear how one team transformed their dynamics and boosted engagement by over 36% with intentional collaboration and focus.
2025-04-1612 minTeams That SwearFour questions to help lift your team out of the weedsWhat does it take for a leadership team to truly lift their game? Hear the story of Shannon, a C-Suite exec navigating the fine line between strategic focus and empowering future leaders, while challenging his team to think bigger. If you’re ready to get your team out of the weeds and working smarter together, this episode is your next move.
2025-04-1607 minTeams That SwearCould there be something you are missing in the team?Is your team truly thriving, or could there be somethingyou’re missing? In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked dynamics that can make or break a team. Through the story of a leader who reignited team morale, we uncover the warning signs of cultural misalignment and how stress and competing priorities can impact teamwork. You’ll learn actionable strategies to improve collaboration; whether you’re a leader sensing something’s off or a team member noticing cracks in the foundation.
2025-04-1615 min
Business EssentialsHow to build high performing teamsAn honest open workplace is the first step to ensuring your team can work together at their optimum. Hidden issues fester, eventually leading to mistrust and a strained working environment. So how can you build trust and connection among your team, and what can you do if conflict occurs? Leadership team performance specialist Adrian Baillargeon shares insights from his book, ‘Teams That Swear: by each other, not about each other’. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcartel.com.au+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2024-08-2010 min
Business EssentialsIs it okay to swear at work?Swearing is becoming more commonplace in the media, in social circles and at work. It’s not necessarily a bad thing – in fact, Adrian Baillargeon reckons it can be good for you and your team. Adrian is a leadership team performance specialist and author of ‘Teams That Swear: By each other, not about each other’. Swearing can be cathartic and it can build connection within the team. But Adrian errs on the side of caution: if you get it wrong, the consequences can be devastating. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartelsoundcar...
2024-07-2209 min
The Puro Wrestling AcademyPURO #08: (1957) NWA Champ Lou Thesz, Bobo Brazil, Hiro Matsuda, Weekly TV, More!The Puro Wrestling Academy w/Dan Ginnetty returns with a special "summer school" session of the program, covering 1957 in Japan! We talk Hiro Matsuda's disdain for Rikidozan and his drive to "make it" in the business, Weekly TV begins, and NWA World Champion Lou Thesz comes to Japan to defend against Rikidozan. Plus, Bobo Brazil, Adrian Baillargeon, the Junior Title changes hands, the mystery of "Black Jimmy" is solved, & so much more!Available everywhere your Podcast Streaming needs are met.Please Subscribe to our Patreon to help pay the bills, https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopia
2024-07-171h 41Catholic Daily DriveCatholic Daily Drive: January 9, 2024Introduction: Venerable Bede
Gospel: Mk. 1: 21-28
Saint of the Day: St. Adrian of Canterbury
Marian Prayer: Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me....
2024-01-0805 min
The Thought FollowerE10: What finding your purpose feels like with Adrian Baillargeon, leadership team performance specialistAdrian Baillargeon, a leadership team performance specialist, discusses his book "Teams that Swear by Each Other" and the importance of trust and authenticity in teams.
He shares his journey of finding his calling and offers advice on optimising performance energy. Adrian emphasises the power of thought leadership in expanding thinking and inspiring action. He also provides tips for public speaking and highlights the significance of non-negotiables in daily routines.
The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of family time and the importance of trusting the process in finding one's calling.
Get...
2023-11-2146 min
The Future of LeadershipSinking teams, swearing and safety with Adrian BaillargeonMy guest this week is team performance expert and author Adrian Baillargeon who shares his fascinating journey from corporate work in Saskatoon, Canada, to becoming an independent consultant in Australia via Major League Baseball in Africa! We delve into the importance of creating a sense of belonging within a team, the impact of poor leadership decisions, and how to turn around a sinking team. Exploring the concept of teams that 'swear by each other, not about each other', and Adrian's book of the same name, we discuss how teams can create a sense of trust and authenticity, al...
2023-09-2651 min
Business EssentialsHow to build high performing teamsAn honest open workplace is the first step to ensuring your team can work together at their optimum. Hidden issues fester, eventually leading to mistrust and a strained working environment. So how can you build trust and connection among your team, and what can you do if conflict occurs? Leadership team performance specialist Adrian Baillargeon shares insights from his book, ‘Teams That Swear: by each other, not about each other’. Reference: If you’d like a free digital copy of his book, ‘Teams That Swear’, go to teamsthatswear, choose the digital version of the book and type i...
2023-08-2011 min
Limitless Leaders™ Podcast47. The Art and Science of Maximising the Potential of Teams That SwearAdrian Baillargeon, the author of “Teams that Swear,” is a leadership team performance expert with expertise in team dynamics and workplace culture. His work explores the impact of language on team cohesion and performance, offering valuable insights into how swearing and communication patterns influence teams.
Baillargeon is a respected thought leader through his research, publications, and consulting, inspiring organizations to optimize their teams' effectiveness and foster a more productive and harmonious workplace.
Key Take Aways:
Leading teams effectively requires understanding what drives each team member and aligning their goals with the team's vision. A su...
2023-08-0448 min
Team Guru PodcastEpisode 198 | Develop a Rock-Solid Team Culture | Adrian BaillargeonThe old models of team development, that we’ve been relying on for decades, have become outdated and unsuited to the challenges of the modern workplace.
We need something new. Something that is fit for the time in which we live..
My guest in this episode is author, speaker, executive coach and team development expert Adrain Baillargeon.
Adrain is passionate about developing effective and harmonious teams. He has recently published a book: Teams That Swear: By each other, not about each other.
He’s developed his own handy team development matrix.
And he’s here to tell us all about it.
GET...
2023-07-3134 min
Business EssentialsIs it okay to swear at work?Swearing is becoming more commonplace in the media, in social circles and at work. It’s not necessarily a bad thing – in fact, Adrian Baillargeon reckons it can be good for you and your team. Adrian is a leadership team performance specialist and author of ‘Teams That Swear: By each other, not about each other’. Swearing can be cathartic and it can build connection within the team. But Adrian errs on the side of caution: if you get it wrong, the consequences can be devastating. Reference: For a free digital copy of ‘Teams That Swear’, go to this l...
2023-07-2309 min
The Politics of Everything188: The Politics of Swearing - Adrian BaillargeonAdrian Baillargeon has over 20 years of corporate experience across Canada, Africa and Australia and has worked extensively in marketing, sales, strategy and joint venture management. As a Speaker, Leadership Team Performance Expert, Executive Coach, Adrian has been involved with transformations, mergers, downsizing, expansion and has received state, national and global awards.His latest book is called ‘Teams that Swear’ and that captured my attention immediately. Scientifically speaking, a penchant for profanity doesn't seem to be such a bad thing. Studies have shown that swearing relieves stress, dulls the sensation of pain, fosters camaraderie among peers, and is link...
2023-07-1924 min
Flying SoloHow to unlock your team's high performance potentialAs a small business owner, you may feel out of your depth when it comes to leading a team, but as we all know – teamwork makes the dream work!On this episode of Flying Solo, team performance expert and author of Teams That Swear By Each Other, Not At Each Other, Adrian Baillargeon, delves into the art and science of high-performing teams and explores how to build a strong and cohesive team that is aligned to the success of your business.Tune in for practical advice on the challenges of leadership for small business owners, ti...
2023-07-1332 min
The Dynamic Leader PodcastEpisode #146. Interview with Adrian Baillargeon on teams that swear🎙️🎙️PODCAST - Episode #146. Interview with Adrian Baillargeon on teams that swear🎙️🎙️
In this conversation Shelley asks Adrian, ‘why’ he thinks swearing is such a big deal. They explore the rules and societal expectations around swearing and whether they’re still relevant in 2023.
Adrian shares the positive benefits that can come with swearing, saying that it makes you stronger and can increase your pain threshold. Shelley add’s that it feels like a great stress release and should improve wellbeing if it’s used in the right way.
They talk about the appropriateness of swearing in the workplace and t...
2023-06-2841 min
Inspiring Great Leaders PodcastInspiring Great Leaders Podcast #186 Adrian Baillargeon Teams That Swear
Teams That Swear
On this episode of the Inspiring Great Leaders Podcast, Craig Johns speaks with Adrian Baillargeon about Teams That Swear, creating belongingness in a team, and the importance of connection and clarity in organisations.
We also dive deeper into psychological safety in organisations, bringing a diverse group of people together and implementing better feedback loops.
Adrian Baillargeon – Teams That Swear
Adrian Baillargeon is a Level III IECL-accredited Executive Coach, international speaker, and the author of the book, “Teams That Swear”. He has a track record of working with industry giants...
2023-05-171h 05
A Server's JourneyTeams That Swear With Adrian BaillargeonDespite working together in human societies for millennia, why is it still so hard to move together in the same direction? In Teams that Swear, Adrian Baillargeon breaks down the art and science of maximizing the potential of teams. Ideal for current and aspiring managers, or team members who want to make a difference, Teams that Swear can help create teams that swear by each other - and not about each other. A Server's Journey Links:Subscribe | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Support the ShowAdrian Baillargeon Links:Website | Teams th...
2021-01-2039 min
The Sunday Lunch Project Manager#41 a Foul Mouthed Saturday Brunch with Adrian BaillargeonToday I talk to Adrian Baillargeon about Teams That Swear, his new book in which he shares:
How swearing can be a good thing for teams
The latest research into what makes higher-performing teams
How to create those higher-performing teams by focussing on just two things
Insights into four types of teams and what you can do to avoid sinking, spinning and self-serving teams - and create one that shines.
Adrian is passionate about making meaningful progress. he helps organisations take on the biggest challenges they face by harnessing the power of their people. I help "do together better".
With o...
2020-12-121h 08
SalesandMedia.com - Sponsorship | Sales | MediaEP 10 – Talking Commercial Sponsorships: A Sponsorship Workshop Facilitator's POV with Adrian BaillargeonCommercial sponsorships have many sides, depending which way you look. Leading Sponsorship Facilitator, Adrian Baillargeon (www.adrianbaillargeon.com) offers his perspective during the time of COVID-19
2020-09-0200 min