Shows
Speak Up. Show Up. Lead. Podcast: The Resilience Leadership Podcast with JJ HardyReinvention Without Losing Your Edge: Leadership, Alignment & Personal Growth in MotionReinvention isn’t about becoming someone new — it’s about becoming who you were always meant to be, with precision.In this powerful episode of Speak Up. Show Up. Lead., JJ Hardy and Chris Pienkowski dive into the real mechanics of reinvention — how to evolve without losing your edge, your mission, or your momentum.You’ll learn:Why alignment is the missing piece in most transitionsHow to plan, organize, and execute change without chaosThe trut...
2026-02-0231 min
Speak Up. Show Up. Lead. Podcast: The Resilience Leadership Podcast with JJ HardyInsanity vs Reinvention: Speak Up. Show Up. Lead.In this episode of "Speak Up, Show Up, Lead," hosts JJ Hardy and Chris Pienkowski delve into the theme of reinvention, particularly in the context of leadership and personal growth. They discuss the concept of 'insanity versus reinvention,' emphasizing the importance of intentionality in setting and achieving goals. The conversation highlights the pitfalls of traditional New Year's resolutions and the need for a structured approach to personal development, using tools like the wellness wheel to assess various aspects of life, including emotional, occupational, and physical well-being.JJ and Chris also explore the significance of having a...
2026-01-1736 minSpeak Up. Show Up. Lead. Podcast: The Resilience Leadership Podcast with JJ HardyIntentional Leadership for 2026: Goal Setting, Self-Ownership & the VOICES FrameworkAs we head into 2026, are you leading with intention—or just going through the motions?In this episode, JJ Hardy and Chris Pienkowski break down what intentional leadership really looks like and why self-ownership, self-reflection, and goal setting are non-negotiable if you want real growth in your life and leadership. Whether you’re building a business, leading a team, or just trying to become a better version of yourself, this conversation will help you reset your direction with clarity.You’ll learn how to:Stop r...
2026-01-0532 minSpeak Up. Show Up. Lead. Podcast: The Resilience Leadership Podcast with JJ HardyReclaiming Your Identity: Mindfulness and LeadershipIn this conversation, JJ Hardy and Chris Pienkowski discuss the importance of reclaiming one's identity, recognizing when one has drifted from their true self, and the role of mindfulness in self-reflection. They emphasize the significance of intentional growth, overcoming fear, and the necessity of self-leadership in both personal and professional contexts. The discussion also touches on the evolving nature of identity and the importance of taking ownership of one's actions and thoughts.Takeaways:It's common to drift from your identity over time.Self-leadership is crucial before leading others.Mindfulness can help in personal...
2025-12-2030 minSpeak Up. Show Up. Lead. Podcast: The Resilience Leadership Podcast with JJ HardyBalancing Influence and Identity: Leadership Without Losing YourselfJoin JJ Hardy and Chris Pienkowski as they explore the delicate balance between influence and identity in leadership roles. Discover how to maintain your personal identity while adapting to professional environments, manage ego effectively, and strengthen your leadership influence through authenticity. This episode offers insights into the challenges of maintaining authenticity and the importance of continuous learning in leadership. #Leadership #Influence #Authenticity
2025-12-0635 minSpeak Up. Show Up. Lead. Podcast: The Resilience Leadership Podcast with JJ HardyWho You Are When No One’s Watching: The Truth About Your Leadership IdentityYour real leadership identity isn’t what you show in meetings — it’s what you do when the room goes quiet. In today’s Leadership LIVE episode, JJ Hardy and Chris Pienkowski dig into the habits, values, and unseen choices that define who you truly are as a leader. No fluff. No filters. Just raw leadership truth you can use today.What you do when no one’s watching is your real leadership resume.In this powerful episode of Speak Up. Show Up. Lead., JJ Hardy and Chris Pienkowski break down one of the most important—...
2025-11-2229 minSpeak Up. Show Up. Lead. Podcast: The Resilience Leadership Podcast with JJ HardyStaying Grounded in Unpopular Decisions (w/ Chris Pienkowski)Leaders aren’t paid to keep everyone happy—they’re trusted to do what’s right for the mission, the people, and the long game. In this Leadership LIVE, JJ Hardy and Chris Pienkowski break down how to stand firm on values, communicate tough calls, avoid the consensus trap, and build a support system so you don’t burn out when decisions get lonely.Timestamps are approximate to help you jump to key moments.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome + why this topic matters (and JJ’s book reminder)01:15 – Fall check-in: routi...
2025-10-2732 min
Realms UnknownWorld Book Day special - part 1Support Realms Unknown by becoming a Team Bugle subscriber. We offer extra shows, merch and warm fluffy feelings. Info: www.thebuglepodcast.com/donate Hosts Alice Fraser and Chris Skinner bring you two child-friendly World Book Day (UK) episodes of Realms Unknown this week, focusing on children's books from 0-10 years old.The second episode, looking at books for older children, will be out on Thursday 6 March!In the regular news section, they touch on Doctor Who and Pokémon Go while detouring down memory lane, recalling He-Man, Thundercats and The Trap Doo...
2025-03-0545 min
Straight Talking LeadershipLeading Guardians of the Community with Ashlee Cervantes ThomasThis week’s episode of Straight Talking Leadership “My Journey” with special guest Ashlee Cervantes Thomas, CEO of Guardian Protection Force and Guardian Secure Solutions.
Learn about Ashlee’s formula that drives her leadership philosophy of do what you’re passionate about and success will come.
Other topics we cover include:
How being street smart impacts your ability to lead effectively
The best leaders are the best observers
Having defined pillars to guide how your team operates
Ongoing training continually raises the performance of your team
Why lead...
2024-10-231h 05Straight Talking LeadershipA Human-Centered Approach to Leadership with JL HeatherThis week’s episode of Straight Talking Leadership “My Journey” with special guest JL Heather, leadership and organizational dynamics expert.
Learn about JL’s formula that drives his leadership philosophy of cultivating a human-centered approach with a solid lean and agile mindset.
Other topics we cover include:
What really inspires people to lead at their highest level
The levels of burnout felt by leaders
The impact of work on mental health
Balancing setting stretch goals vs unrealistic goals
Why vulnerability is important for leaders to embrace
2024-09-2751 minStraight Talking LeadershipRewire Your Brain for High Performance with Dr. Robb KellyThis week’s episode of Straight Talking Leadership “My Journey” with special guest Dr. Robb Kelly, world renowned Psychologist and Neuroscientist.
Learn about Dr. Robb’s formula that drives his leadership philosophy of authenticity and caring for others makes you a great leader.
Other topics we cover include:
The overwhelming power of a smile
Overcoming tragedy and using it to be a stronger person
The power of the truth of mind over matter
The impact of fathers, both good and bad, on the development of children
Why le...
2024-09-131h 05
The Drop In CEOChris Pienkowski: Transform Performance Reviews with Leadership DevelopmentIn this episode Chris Pienkowski, a seasoned leadership coach who focuses on developing high-impact leaders, shares his career journey, starting from Boy Scouts to leading company turnarounds and now focusing on leadership development. Listen in as Deb and Chris discuss empowering others, performance review improvements, and the principles of high-impact leadership. They have an insightful conversation about the essence of leadership, the importance of regular feedback, and the criticality of two-way service conversations. Chris also highlights his content on leadership development through his podcast and social media platforms. Episode Highlights: 02:20 From Boy Scouts to...
2024-08-2631 minStraight Talking LeadershipDecisiveness in Leadership with JJ HardyDecisiveness is a critical attribute for effective leadership, with profound implications for organizational success and team dynamics. By fostering decisiveness, leaders can guide their organizations toward greater success and resilience, empowering their teams and driving meaningful progress.
Join me and JJ Hardy for another Leadership Live discussion on the importance of decisiveness while we dive into the art and science of making effective decisions.
In this session, we’ll share:
✅ Proven strategies for making confident decisions.
✅ Techniques to overcome decision-making paralysis.
✅ Insights into the impact of decisiveness on team performan...
2024-08-2331 minStraight Talking LeadershipWork Ethic and Achieving Your Dreams with Jamie TilkeThis week’s episode of Straight Talking Leadership “My Journey” with special guest Jamie Tilke, retired US Army Green Beret and real estate entrepreneur.
Learn about Jamie’s formula that drives his leadership philosophy of communicate, reflect, do better, be better,
Other topics we cover include:
How the right relationships can change your life
Using creativity and unconventional approaches to achieving goals
Not letting personal circumstances dictate what is possible
The importance of passing along knowledge to our children
How effective communication is more about how you...
2024-08-161h 03Straight Talking LeadershipConfidence in Leadership with J HardyConfidence is not just an asset but a necessity for impactful leadership. Whether you're leading a team, driving innovation, or navigating challenges, confidence empowers you to make decisive moves, inspire others, and achieve outstanding results. We will delve into practical strategies for building and maintaining confidence, overcoming self-doubt, and fostering a confident culture within your organization.
Join me and JJ Hardy for another Leadership Live discussion on the pivotal role of confidence.
Key Points That We’ll Cover:
1. The Foundation of Confident Leadership: Understanding the core principles that underpin confidence in leadership roles.
2. Building Personal Confidence: Techniques and practices to...
2024-08-0932 minStraight Talking LeadershipThe Power of Enneagram and the Platinum Rule with Will StavrosThis week’s episode of Straight Talking Leadership “My Journey” featuring special guest Will Stavros, Enneagram expert and trial attorney.
Learn about Will’s formula that drives his leadership philosophy of understanding what you are projecting onto a situation and make accommodations for how it affects others and the overall outcome.
Other topics we cover include:
Applying the Platinum Rule to leadership - Treat people the way they want to be treated
The influence of personality types on leadership styles
Why leaders need to understand the styles of others and adjust how they communicate for effe...
2024-08-0248 minStraight Talking LeadershipListen and Ask the Right Questions with David DaleyThis week’s episode of Straight Talking Leadership “My Journey” is available with special guest David Daley, from construction to financial planning.
Learn about David’s formula that drives her leadership philosophy of empowering people towards a better end result as a teacher and a guide.
Other topics we cover include:
Leadership principles are the same regardless of industry
Take care of your people and they will take care of you
How cockiness can lead to mistakes
Encouraging everyone to contribute their ideas for greater buy-in
The im...
2024-07-1251 min
Career WanderlustLeadership Secrets Unveiled: Chris Pienkowski’s Insights for High-Impact Influence and the Attributes of Top Leaders (What To Do and What To Avoid)Unlock the secrets of high-impact leadership with Chris Pienkowski, a seasoned entrepreneur and leadership development expert. In this eye-opening episode, Chris shares transformative insights on building confidence, developing emotional intelligence, and creating a winning mindset that can revolutionize your career trajectory. Are you ready to elevate your leadership game and drive unprecedented success in your organization? Guest Bio:Chris Pienkowski is the Founder and President of Straight Arrow Coaching, a leadership development firm focused on small and mid-sized growing American companies. With over 25 years of experience, Chris has started and run four companies, l...
2024-07-1132 minStraight Talking LeadershipMastering Delegation with JJ HardyIn the fast-paced world of leadership, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we need to do it all ourselves. 🤯 But here's the game-changer: DELEGATION. 🌐
Join me and JJ Hardy for a conversation about how delegation helps you to elevate your leadership ability and empower your team.
🌱 Nurturing Growth:
As leaders, our role is to foster a culture of growth and development. Delegating tasks not only empowers your team but also provides them with opportunities to learn, adapt, and thrive. 🚀
💡 Unlocking Collective Brilliance:
Every team member brings unique strength...
2024-07-0532 minStraight Talking LeadershipLean Into The Challenge with Charmien FugelsangMy special guest this week on Straight Talking Leadership “My Journey” is Charmien Fugelsang, Chief People Officer of nTop, the advanced engineering design software that’s bringing additive manufacturing to mainstream production.
Learn about Charmien’s formula that drives her leadership philosophy of being humble and taking full responsibility for what is going on around you.
Other topics we cover include:
The importance of laughter in leadership
How influence happens through small actions
Leading up to make your boss's life easier
Getting things done is not a matter of your title or pay grade
Why self...
2024-06-2850 minStraight Talking LeadershipGauging Trends for Future Growth with Kristi StrawThis week’s episode of Straight Talking Leadership “My Journey” is available with special guest Kristi Straw, Futurist, Rebel, and Unicorn Leader.
Learn about Kristi’s formula that drives her leadership philosophy of being hands-on, emotionally intelligent, relatable, empathetic, and transformative.
Breaking through barriers as a female in a male-dominated industry
The importance of Emotional Intelligence in leadership
Embracing the term “Bossy” and seeing it as a way to describe leadership traits
How compassion and understanding drives relationships
Why high performers embrace accountability
Meeting people where they a...
2024-06-211h 02Straight Talking LeadershipDeciding How and When to Lead with Valerie FuquaThis week’s episode of Straight Talking Leadership “My Journey” is available with special guest Valerie Fuqua, Author, Artist, and Renaissance Woman.
Learn about Valerie’s formula that drives her leadership philosophy of “if everyone comes out in one piece, it was a good day”.
Other topics we cover include:
Deciding how and when to step up to lead
It doesn’t require a formal title to lead
How ToastMasters helps speakers at all levels
Awesome leaders must care about the people they lead
Be genuine and be...
2024-06-0748 minStraight Talking LeadershipMegan Bowen - People Success = Customer Success = Company SuccessThis week’s episode of Straight Talking Leadership “My Journey” is available with special guest Megan Bowen, COO of Refine Labs.
Learn about Megan’s formula that drives her leadership philosophy that “People Success = Customer Success = Company Success”.
Other topics we cover include:
Advice that would be given to your 20-year-old self.
Being willing to take a step back in order to take two steps forward.
Advocating for yourself and creating opportunities.
The importance of having the backs of your people.
Why leaders need to be helping others reach their full potential.
The role that emotiona...
2024-05-3134 min
Social Skills Mastery182. The Intersection of High Impact Leadership and People Skills with Chris Pienkowski What is the most important self-presentation skill, and who should pay for your coaching? Today's guest is Chris Pienkowski. He is the Founder and President of Straight Arrow Coaching, a leadership development firm focused on working with small and mid-sized growing American companies. Chris has more than 25 years of experience working with and leading companies ranging from startups to publicly traded corporations. Throughout his career, he has started and run four companies, led turnarounds of regional and national companies, led business coaching and leadership development programs in companies of all sizes, and coached small business owners through...
2024-05-2536 minStraight Talking LeadershipLisa Thimmesch - Work to live, don't live to workThis week’s episode of Straight Talking Leadership “My Journey” is available with special guest Lisa Thimmesch, Manufacturing and Quality Assurance Leader.
Learn about Lisa’s formula that drives her leadership philosophy of never asking others to do something you are not willing to do yourself.
Other topics we cover include:
How relationships and personal connections are foundational to leadership effectiveness
Appreciating your team and supporting them as the experts they are
Learning from the experience of others who have been in your seat before
Focusing on working...
2024-05-2457 minStraight Talking LeadershipEmotional Intelligence with JJ HardyIn today's rapidly evolving business landscape, possessing technical skills alone is no longer sufficient for effective leadership. Emotional Intelligence, often hailed as the cornerstone of exceptional leadership, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong relationships, driving innovation, and achieving sustainable success.
This week’s episode is designed for forward-thinking professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs who aspire to harness the full potential of Emotional Intelligence in their leadership journey.
Here's what you can expect:
1️. Understanding Emotional Intelligence: Explore the fundamental principles of Emotional Intelligence and its profound impact on leadership effectiveness. Learn how EQ encompasses self...
2024-05-1534 minStraight Talking LeadershipKyle Hogan - Vision, Trust, and ResiliencyThis week’s episode of Straight Talking Leadership “My Journey” is available with special guest Kyle Hogan, U.S. Army Colonel and Crossfit enthusiast.
Learn about Kyle’s formula that drives his leadership philosophy of vision, trust, and resiliency.
Other topics we cover include:
How fitness and athletics are directly related to leadership
The influence of family on young people
The importance of character in leadership effectiveness
How learning from others is so meaningful in your personal growth
Being connected with and making time for your peo...
2024-05-1055 minStraight Talking LeadershipCharacteristics of High Performing TeamsWe have all been on different teams throughout our lives, whether they are in sports, in business or as volunteers. We also know that not all teams perform the same.
High performing teams have certain characteristics that set them apart from average / mediocre teams and low performing teams. On today’s episode, Chris discusses one of those characteristics.
One thing that characterizes high performing teams is that they review every action in an effort to continuously learn and improve. These teams set very clear and measurable goals with defined outcomes for success and standards for ac...
2024-05-0315 minStraight Talking LeadershipSonny Roche: Purpose, persistence and disciplineThis week’s episode of Straight Talking Leadership “My Journey” is available with special guest Sonny Roche, Jiu Jitsu athlete and entrepreneur.
Learn about Sonny’s formula that drives his leadership philosophy of going for it to pursue your dreams while having patience for long-term results.
Other topics we cover include:
The importance of empathy as a leader.
Having purpose, persistence and discipline to achieve goals.
How being skillful and knowledgeable increases your ability to lead others.
Getting out of your comfort zone to achieve goals.
Why you...
2024-04-2654 minStraight Talking LeadershipHigh Impact LeadershipAll challenges in business and in life, whether they are opportunities to grow or issues holding you back, can be addressed through leadership. Unfortunately, a lack of good leadership can have a negative ripple effect throughout the entire company.
High Impact Leadership is a framework and approach to consistently delivering exceptional results. This methodology creates a mindset where people are driven by ongoing development of themselves and others, continuous improvement toward achieving goals, and working with others to advance the greater good of their organizations.
High Impact Leaders are genuine and aut...
2024-04-1710 minStraight Talking LeadershipServant Leadership with JJ HardyDiscover the transformative power of servant leadership in our latest episode! Chris and JJ explore how this leadership style prioritizes employee growth, well-being, and empowerment, creating an engaging environment for all. Learn how servant leadership differs from traditional approaches, as it places employees at the forefront, driving organizational success through their commitment and engagement. Join us as we delve into the benefits of fostering trust, accountability, growth, and action in the workplace through servant leadership.
If you want to take your leadership skills to the next level, visit Straight Arrow Coaching to learn about our approach to d...
2024-04-1633 minStraight Talking LeadershipPlan to Win the YearIf you want to move your business forward, you need to have annual and quarterly goals that are specific and measurable. Without goals and a plan to achieve them, you will wonder throughout the year never knowing how much progress has been made or how close you are to accomplishing something meaningful.
For annual goals, I suggest setting between 3 - 5. These are big picture and should be written with the S.M.A.R.T. framework in mind.
Once your annual goals are defined, you can break them down into smaller goals for each quarter. Your quarterly goals, or...
2024-04-0910 minStraight Talking LeadershipStraight Talking Leadership Re-IntroductionStraight Talking Leadership began as a YouTube channel in March 2021 and has continued to evolve. The latest evolution is making the show available in audio format as a podcast. This episode is a re-introduction of Straight Talking Leadership and setting expectations for future episodes.
2024-04-0406 min
Warrior Vetrepreneur PodcastChris and JJ Prioritize and Take Action
Victory Leaders Lounge Podcast: Prioritize and Take Action
Host: JJ HardyCo-Host: Chris Pienkowski
In this dynamic episode of the Victory Leaders Lounge Podcast, hosts JJ Hardy and Chris Pienkowski delve into the essential leadership skill of prioritization and action-taking. As leaders in a fast-paced world, understanding how to effectively prioritize tasks and initiatives is crucial for driving team success and achieving organizational goals.
Episode Highlights:
The Essence of Prioritization: JJ and Chris open the discussion by exploring what it means to prioritize effectively as a leader, emphasizing the difference between...
2024-02-2633 minSpeak Up. Show Up. Lead. Podcast: The Resilience Leadership Podcast with JJ HardyChris and JJ Prioritize and Take Action
Victory Leaders Lounge Podcast: Prioritize and Take Action
Host: JJ HardyCo-Host: Chris Pienkowski
In this dynamic episode of the Victory Leaders Lounge Podcast, hosts JJ Hardy and Chris Pienkowski delve into the essential leadership skill of prioritization and action-taking. As leaders in a fast-paced world, understanding how to effectively prioritize tasks and initiatives is crucial for driving team success and achieving organizational goals.
Episode Highlights:
The Essence of Prioritization: JJ and Chris open the discussion by exploring what it means to prioritize effectively as a leader, emphasizing the difference between...
2024-02-2633 min
The Illustration Department PodcastEd VereGiuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, author, and visual literacy advocate, Ed Vere about growing up with Jan Michał Pieńkowski—and the life-lessons Jan imparted upon him; why it is so important to teach visual literacy to teachers; why “supposed to” should not be part of any creative process; and more.To learn more about Ed, visit edvere.com.To learn more about The Power of Pictures, visit clpe.org.uk/books/power-of-pictures/about.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Jan Michał Pieńkowski, Quentin Blake, Chris Haughton, Viviane Schwarz, and Benji Davies
I...
2022-09-0649 min
Results Leader.FMArm Bars, Fatherhood and Corporate Turnarounds with Chris PienkowskiIf you’re listening to this, you’re already a leader. You’ve learned valuable skills that brought you to where you are now. But if you’re looking to take your business to the next level, more of the same won’t get you there. Lessons from outside your area of expertise, however, lead to exponential growth. Today’s guest is leadership coach and speaker, Chris Pienkowski. He reveals how to take concepts from outside of business and use them to grow your business. In this episode, you’ll discover how to take your busine...
2022-07-2218 min
Cerebral Women Art Talks PodcastChris WattsEp.113 features Chris Watts, an interdisciplinary artist working primarily in painting and installation. Within his work, he seeks to revise, interrogate, and re-examine social and personal narratives. This re-examination is not to simply supplement a new narrative, but to create a project of disruption.
Watts attended graduate studies at Yale School of Art, New Haven, CT, after attending the College of Arts and Architecture, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, and the Academy of Fine Arts and Design, Wroclaw, PL.
The artist has held various artist residencies, among them the Marek Maria Pienkowski Foundation, Chelm, PL; McColl Center for Art +...
2022-06-2922 min
Front RowKit Harington, Chris Riddell on Jan Pieńkowski, Jamal Edwards, SurrealismGame of Thrones star Kit Harington and director Max Webster discuss their new production of Henry V, and why they chose to make Henry a more complex character than the usual patriotic hero.Jan Pieńkowski, who has died aged 85, was a brilliant illustrator of children’s books, including the Meg and Mog series. He was born in Poland and his family fled the Nazis, an experience, along with the fairy tales of Eastern Europe, that influenced his work. Chris Riddell, the former Children's Laureate, pays tribute to Pieńkowski. Radio 2 and 1Xtra presenter Trevor Nels...
2022-02-2142 min
Solutions From The HuddleSFTH - Chris Pienkowski - 115SFTH - Chris Pienkowski - 115 by Collaborative Solutions Group
2021-08-0936 min