Shows
Success Secrets and StoriesBeyond the Title: The Real Reasons We Step Into LeadershipSend us a textLeadership isn't merely about a title or position – it's a deeply personal journey shaped by unique motivations and developed through structured experiences. When asked why they became leaders, most people reveal fascinating stories that blend practical considerations with deeper aspirations to create positive change.From our hosts' candid reflections, we discover how leadership journeys often begin unexpectedly. John initially pursued management as a reaction against poor treatment, seeking to create more respectful environments for maintenance and facilities staff who were unfairly labeled as "necessary evils." Meanwhile, Greg's sociology background led him to...2025-06-0626 min
Contractor GuysContractor Guys with special guest, Wayne Rhodes of Wayne Rhodes ConstructionGreg and Gary are joined by special guest—Wayne Rhodes of Wayne Rhodes Construction, general contractor and builder extraordinaire! Greg and Gary talk to Wayne about building, demolition, and the drama of building. You will laugh, cry, and roll your eyes as you listen to the Contractor Guys in this Halloween episode! This podcast is an archive from the radio show that originally aired October 31, 1996.How did you like the show? Send us a text! All conversations between the hosts and guests are meant to be lighthearted and entertaining as well as informative. Som...2025-06-0342 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesCulture Killers: The Hidden Cost of Difficult PeopleSend us a textDifficult and toxic employees can devastate workplace morale, crush productivity, and drive your best talent out the door. Join John and Greg's conversation as they explore the article: Dealing with Difficult Employees by Michelle McGovern, HR Morning, from March 2023, as she highlights the alarming reality that 70% of employees have quit jobs because of problematic colleagues, with research showing that toxic culture is ten times more likely to cause turnover than compensation issues.We break down five distinct types of difficult employees you've undoubtedly encountered: the blame-shifting colleague who refuses accountability, the e...2025-05-3024 minContractor GuysContractor Guys with special guest, Charley Robinson of Charley's InteriorsGreg and Gary are joined by special guest—Charley Robinson of Charley's Interiors, kitchen and bathroom remodel expert. Be informed and entertained as Greg and Gary interview Charley in their own special way. This podcast is an archive from the radio show that aired originally in 1997.How did you like the show? Send us a text! All conversations between the hosts and guests are meant to be lighthearted and entertaining as well as informative. Some information presented as fact may have changed since the time of recording. The Contractor Guys, KBET Radio, and any...2025-05-2739 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesLeading with Purpose: Transform Your Team and ResultsSend us a textWhat if the key to transformational leadership isn't having all the answers, but knowing how to ask the right questions? Join John and Greg as they discuss leadership insights with Patrick Farran, PhD and MBA. Patrick reveals the secrets that many executives miss when stepping into new roles or leading significant change initiatives.Drawing from decades of experience as a consultant, coach, and founder of Ad Lucem Group, Patrick shares powerful insights from his upcoming book, "The Intentional Executive." He challenges the myth that leaders must have all the answers, instead a...2025-05-2332 minContractor GuysContractor Guys with special guest, Mike "Mr. Rooter" Parker, PlumberThe Contractor Guys, Greg Powell and Gary "the caveman" Crovo are joined by a special guest—Mike Parker, a plumber with Mr. Rooter. In this episode, the Contractor Guys talk about clogged drains, garbage disposals, water heaters, and more. You won't look at plumbing needs in the same way after listening to this program.This podcast is an archive from the radio show that originally aired September 4, 1996.How did you like the show? Send us a text! All conversations between the hosts and guests are meant to be lighthearted and entertaining as well as...2025-05-2040 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesJob Hunting? Don't Just Dodge Bullets, Look for the Green FlagsSend us a textEver found yourself stuck in a workplace that just doesn't fit? The secret might not be in avoiding what's wrong, but in actively seeking what's right. This transformative episode John Wandolowski, and Greg Powell shifts the conversation from identifying workplace red flags to recognizing the green ones—those positive indicators that signal a truly exceptional organization.We dive deep into the three fundamental green flags every job seeker should prioritize. First, we explore how a robust culture strategy transcends buzzwords to create environments where values are lived, not just displayed. Looking at...2025-05-1621 minContractor GuysThe Contractor Guys talk Pizza!The Contractor Guys, Greg Powell and Gary "the caveman" Crovo talk about Pizza on National Pizza Day. In this episode, the Contractor Guys tell tales of weird construction jobs. They tell jokes, play eclectic music and just have fun. You will laugh out loud!This podcast is an archive from the radio show that originally aired February 9, 1997.How did you like the show? Send us a text! All conversations between the hosts and guests are meant to be lighthearted and entertaining as well as informative. Some information presented as fact may have changed...2025-05-1345 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesThe Leadership Shift: Learning to Lead Yourself FirstSend us a textIn this episode, John and Greg talk about what separates good leaders from truly transformational ones? The answer lies not in strategy, but in emotional intelligence—the leadership superpower hiding in plain sight.The article by Stuart Andrews, executive coach and author of "The Leadership Shift," presents a compelling case that mirrors the teachings of Dr. Durst's MBR program: you can't effectively lead others until you've mastered leading yourself. This inside-out approach to leadership starts with self-awareness and radiates outward through thoughtful communication, empathetic listening, and genuine team engagement.Th...2025-05-0922 minContractor GuysContractor Guys with special guest, with special guests, Dave Neal, ElectricianThe Contractor Guys, Greg Powell and Gary "the caveman" Crovo are joined by a special guest—Dave Neal who is an independent electrician. In this episode, the Contractor Guys talk about electricity, how it works and what do do if it goes down in the building. AND... shocking tips on wiring and when to replace breakers.This podcast is an archive from the radio show that originally aired September 25, 1996.How did you like the show? Send us a text! All conversations between the hosts and guests are meant to be lighthearted and entertaining as...2025-05-0642 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesInterview: Unlocking Workplace Culture, with Laurie ClarkeSend us a textWhat makes a workplace culture truly effective? According to organizational change expert Laurie Clarke, it's found at the critical intersection of talent and design—where people and systems align to create meaningful impact. Join John and Greg as they interview Laurie on her insights of management as a consult for executive leaders. Clarke brings powerful insights from her two decades working with global CEOs, revealing that supervisors and managers are the essential "glue" holding organizations together. These middle-level leaders face unique challenges, caught between executive directives and frontline realities that often see...2025-05-0235 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesInterview: How to Make a Difference, Not Just a Point...with Elizabeth BachmanSend us a textJoin our podcast with John and Greg as they interview Elisabeth Bachman. Elizabeth Bachman is THE go-to person for advanced-level training in Speaking, Presentation Skills, Career Development, and Leadership. With a lifetime spent perfecting the art of presenting, she helps high-level clients get the promotion/job/recognition they deserve — within an organization and within an industry. “Change the way you are perceived by changing the way you communicate.”Drawing from her unique career in directing more than 50operas around the world and founding her own company...2025-04-2542 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesMastering Resilience: The Essential Leadership Skill for 2025Send us a textForget every leadership trend you've heard about—2025 demands one skill above all others: Resilience. This captivating discussion between hosts John Wandolowski and Greg Powell delves deep into why resilience has become the cornerstone of effective leadership in today's volatile world.Drawing from Forbes Council member Gina Martin's powerful insights, we explore how resilience goes beyond merely enduring challenges to actually thriving because of them. Martin's own journey—arriving as an immigrant with just $300, a child in her arms, and limited English skills, then rising to lead teams of 600 people—exempl...2025-04-1827 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesWords That Build (Or Break) Trust: Communication EssentialsSend us a textWords shape our workplace environments, influencing employee morale, productivity, and relationships in profound ways. Effective leaders understand that conscious communication fosters psychological safety and inclusivity, creating spaces where people can express themselves openly without fear of judgment.• Words can perpetuate stereotypes or build inclusive environments• Using positive reinforcement and constructive feedback properly motivates teams• Recognition of achievements, even through simple "thank you" statements, significantly impacts morale• Active listening demonstrates respect and builds trust• Consistency in messaging reinforces reliability and credibility• Admitting mistakes openly demonstrates integrity and accountabili...2025-04-1126 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesBreaking the Cycle: Interview with Ted Santos on Love, Leadership, and DisruptionSend us a textIn this Success, Secrets, and Stories podcast, John and Greg are interviewing Ted Santos. What if the key to transforming both your leadership and relationships lies in understanding conflict at its root? Ted Santos, founder and CEO of Turnaround Investment Partners and author of "Here's Why You Can't Find Love," reveals the staggering $300 billion cost of divorce to corporate America's productivity and offers a revolutionary framework for addressing personal and professional challenges.Santos challenges conventional thinking with his provocative assertion that "love doesn't create a great relationship; love is a...2025-04-0338 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesThe Well-Being Revolution: Leadership That Changes LivesSend us a textLeadership transforms lives through wellbeing—this powerful concept forms the backbone of our exploration into how great leaders create environments where people thrive professionally and personally. When leaders prioritize employee wellbeing, the benefits ripple through organizations in measurable ways: higher engagement, increased creativity, improved productivity, and greater job satisfaction. But what exactly makes leadership so pivotal in creating these positive outcomes?We break down effective leadership into three essential components. First, fostering a supportive environment through open communication, reducing burnout, and creating genuine belonging. Second, boosting employee development through men...2025-03-2021 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesEthics Under Pressure when Rushing to JudgementSend us a textWhen faced with mounting pressure to make quick decisions, how do you ensure your ethics don't get left behind? This fascinating deep dive explores the neuroscience behind decision-making speed and ethical choices, revealing why our brains tend toward self-interest when we're rushed.Drawing from the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership's research, we unpack evidence showing that honesty requires both time and clarity. Through compelling examples like Jeff Bezos's "70% information rule" and the Marine Corps' decision-making framework, we discover practical strategies for maintaining moral standards in high-velocity environments.2025-03-1220 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesRealistic Optimism: Navigating Leadership ChallengesSend us a textCan optimism truly be a leader's superpower in our unpredictable VUCA world? Join us for an insightful conversation with leadership coach Kelly Frazier Cox as we uncover how realistic optimism can transform challenges into opportunities. Drawing on our own stories and experiences, Greg Powell and I, John Wandolowski, explore the power of saying "yes" to possibilities, even in the face of adversity. We unpack the concept of realistic optimism, where acknowledging difficulties goes hand in hand with believing in the potential for improvement, creating a proactive leadership style that fuels teams with hope...2025-03-0523 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesReimagining Responsibility: Redefine Personal and Professional ApproachSend us a textHave you ever wondered what truly defines responsible leadership and how it shapes our personal and professional lives? Join Greg Powell and me as we unravel the complexities of this essential quality, drawing inspiration from Dr. Michael Durst’s transformative teachings in "Being the Cause." By sharing stories from my journey—from the creation of my first book, "Building Your Leadership Toolbox," to my narrative-driven second book—we highlight the tools and insights that have guided our discussions. Learn about the pivotal role of communication tools like ProWritingTeam, Grammarly, and Copilot in refining our st...2025-02-2629 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesInfluence Beyond Traditional Definition of LeadershipSend us a textUnlock the secrets of true leadership influence and discover how to lead with respect and collaboration at the forefront. Drawing inspiration from Dale Carnegie's classic principles alongside modern insights from the Center for Creative Leadership, we promise insights that will transform your approach to shaping opinions and behaviors within your organization. Join us as we unpack the essence of influence through four crucial skills every leader should master: organizational intelligence, team promotion, trust-building, and leveraging networks. Learn how these skills empower leaders to navigate the complex waters of organizational politics, guide teams through...2025-02-1924 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesWelcoming Workplace - Breaking Hiring BarriersSend us a textCould shifting your focus from degrees to skills revolutionize your hiring process and boost your business's success? Join us for an eye-opening discussion with our HR expert, Greg, who unveils how modern hiring practices are evolving to meet industry demands. We promise you'll learn how to attract top talent by crafting clear job descriptions, minimizing biases through anonymized resumes, and empowering diverse interview panels. Discover the transformative potential of skills-based hiring and why it's becoming essential in today's technology-driven world.Our episode sheds light on real-world examples, from Goldman Sachs to...2025-02-1226 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesThe Empowerment Mindset - Think, Empower, Achieve!Send us a textUnlock the secrets of effective leadership and transform your decision-making skills with insights from industry giants like Jeff Bezos and Mary Barra. This episode promises to equip you with the critical thinking tools vital for navigating complex business landscapes and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability. We'll explore how leaders can evolve from rescuers to mentors, empowering their teams to take ownership of their decisions and build a foundation of trust that drives success.Discover the powerful dynamics of dual-system thinking and how it plays out in both sports and...2025-02-0627 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesHarnessing Emotional Intelligence for Leadership ExcellenceSend us a textUnlock the secrets to becoming a more effective leader by mastering emotional intelligence. Learn how to harness the power of self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills to transform your leadership style. Discover how emotional intelligence can be just as crucial as technical knowledge for managers and leaders striving for success. We break down these components and demonstrate their essential role in fostering a harmonious and productive work environment through vivid real-world examples and practical insights.Join us as we share the inspiring journey of Janet Carroll Miller, whose exceptional emotional...2025-01-2920 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesExploring Movie wisdom with MBR wisdom: The secret to life in one wordSend us a textThis episode explores the heart of love and responsibility, showcasing how these concepts drive fulfillment in both personal and professional realms. By connecting Curly's wisdom from "City Slickers" to modern leadership practices, we discuss the vital attributes of love and their impact on creating accountable and nurturing environments.• Exploring Curly’s wisdom about life and happiness • Defining love and its attributes • Drawing parallels between love and Management by Responsibility • Emphasizing work-life balance and mindfulness • Understanding the importance of supportive environments • Reflection on legacy and the impact of personal relatio...2025-01-2221 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesTransforming Leadership to Boost Team MoraleSend us a textUnlock the secrets to a motivated workforce and revolutionize your leadership approach with insights that can propel your company to new heights. Imagine a workplace brimming with enthusiasm, dedication, and a proactive attitude—where absenteeism and disengagement are relics of the past. Join us, John Wandolowski and Greg Powell, as we unpack the pivotal role of motivation in boosting employee engagement and productivity, drawing on expert insights from Greg Goodlife and Jennifer Post. We even use a classic moment from "Office Space" to illustrate the consequences of low motivation, making this episode both en...2025-01-0930 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesThe Power of Wellness Programs for Enhanced Productivity and RetentionSend us a textExplore the transformative power of employee wellness programs with Greg Powell and me, as we uncover why 83% of employees are ready to leave workplaces that neglect their well-being. Discover the key to unlocking superior productivity and retention by harnessing holistic wellness initiatives that address mental, physical, and emotional health. Drawing on Livia Martini's from Wellhub compelling insights, we examine how the corporate landscape is evolving in response to stress, inflation, and AI-related anxieties. Greg provides invaluable HR perspectives on bridging the gap between C-suite executives and employee mental health priorities, highlighting leadership's crucial...2025-01-0122 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesInnovative Approaches to Managing Time and TasksSend us a textUnlock the secrets of time management and transform the way you tackle both your professional and personal responsibilities. Tune in as we explore how prioritizing tasks, setting realistic deadlines, and identifying your most productive hours can dramatically increase your job satisfaction and efficiency. We shared the insights from Sophie Lee Reiter of Culture Amp article , while Greg takes us back in time with a historical perspective, spotlighting Benjamin Franklin's timeless advice on the art of preparation. We'll also discuss Hiram W. Smith's Franklin Day Planner and how his values-driven seminars laid the groundwork...2024-12-2525 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesCrafting Leadership Success with Intentional ActionsSend us a textUnlock the secrets of effective leadership with insights from the acclaimed executive coach, Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, as we unpack his renowned methodologies on behavioral change and external triggers. Journey with us through the concepts from John Wondolowski’s newly released audiobook, "Building Your Leadership Toolbox," and discover how Goldsmith’s book "Triggers" emphasizes the profound impact of understanding both positive and negative stimuli on personal and professional growth. We share a humorous anecdote on managing competitive instincts, shedding light on the importance of conscious decision-making and how it can shape better interpersonal relationships....2024-12-1820 minSuccess Secrets and StoriesElevating Leadership through Personal InsightSend us a textWhat if unraveling the nuances of your subconscious could revolutionize your approach to leadership? This episode promises to illuminate the transformative power of self-awareness, anchored by insights from Craig Dickerson's thought-provoking article in the Harvard Business Review. Join us as we navigate the ladder of inference, a groundbreaking model that reveals how personal biases and assumptions shape our interpretations and decisions. Just as physical fitness demands strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance, leadership fitness thrives on recognizing and challenging these subconscious biases. Through this journey of self-discovery, leaders can enhance their decision-making prowess and...2024-12-1123 min