Shows
Step WiseMike Mears: Leadership, Human Nature, and the CIAWhat do spies, scientists, and great bosses have in common? Mike Mears, former CIA Chief of Human Capital and founder of the CIA Leadership Academy, joins Foster Mobley on Step Wise for a fascinating, story-filled conversation on what really makes people tick. With experience ranging from the military to General Electric to government intelligence, Mike shares actionable insights drawn from behavioral science, human nature, and decades of leadership work. He also unpacks the ideas behind his new book, Certainty: How Great Bosses Can Change Minds and Drive Innovation. You’ll leave this conversation with tools—and a mindset—that could...2025-05-0739 min
Step WiseJeff Immelt: What It Takes to PersevereJeff Immelt, former CEO of GE and author of Hot Seat: What I Learned Leading a Great American Company, joins Foster for a wide-ranging conversation on modern leadership, generational change, and the power of perseverance. Jeff reflects on his years at the helm of GE, his transition into teaching and mentoring, and the values that shaped him through triumph and failure. From leading through economic crises to investing in leadership development and tackling digital transformation, Jeff doesn’t shy away from the lessons that leadership can only teach the hard way. If you’re a leader, founder, or simply some...2025-04-3036 min
Step WiseDr. Foster Mobley: Leadership, Authenticity, and Lessons from Season OneAfter interviewing some of the most insightful leaders across industries, it’s time to turn the mic around. In this special episode of Step Wise, host Dr. Foster Mobley takes center stage as Jana Devan interviews him on the key lessons, themes, and personal takeaways from the first season.Foster reflects on conversations with top executives and leadership thinkers, including Janet Foutty, Valorie Kondos Field, Kent Thiry, and Paul Viviano, about how leadership is evolving to be more human-centered, purpose-driven, and deeply connected to well-being. He also shares his own philosophy on leadership, coaching, and why the re...2025-02-2638 min
Step WiseJen Fisher: Business' Evolution to Greater (and Deeper) HumanityIn this insightful episode of Step Wise, Foster Mobley sits down with Jen Fisher, a trailblazer in workplace well-being and human sustainability. As Deloitte’s first Chief Wellbeing Officer and now its Human Sustainability Leader, Jen shares her inspiring journey, from creating a groundbreaking role to becoming a voice for the evolving future of work.Together, they dive into:🌱 How organizations can prioritize human sustainability, including well-being, equity, and purpose.🌍 The impact of workplace culture and leadership behaviors on employee wellness.💡 Why leaders must embrace vulnerability and empathy to meet the demands of today’s workforce.2024-12-0431 min
Step WiseErin Rocchio: Understanding the Real Pressures on Today's LeadersJoin Foster Mobley in a compelling conversation with Erin Rocchio, a managing partner at Evolution and founder of Wholeness at Work. Together, they dive into the evolving demands on leaders in today’s high-pressure environments, tackling issues like burnout, the integration of personal and professional well-being, and the shifting dynamics of leadership. Erin shares insights into how societal pressures are reshaping workplaces, the need for conscious and relational leadership, and the critical importance of personal development for leaders.Discover transformative ideas about authenticity, resilience, and integrity in leadership, as well as practical strategies to build trust, foster cu...2024-11-2735 min
Step WiseAnthony Stephan: Leading Business Performance with the 3 A's - Attention, Awareness and AcceptanceIn this episode of Step Wise, Dr. Foster Mobley sits down with Anthony Stephan, Chief Learning Officer for Deloitte U.S., for a thought-provoking conversation on leadership, learning, and the future of workforce development. Anthony shares his inspiring journey at Deloitte, where he leads a talented team dedicated to advancing the skills of 173,000 professionals to stay ahead in an ever-changing marketplace.In this episode, we discuss: requirements for upscaling talent in response to environmental challengeshow a world-class professional services organization educates and develops peoplehow he views Deloitte's responsibility to use a "yes and" strategy t...2024-11-2029 min
Step WiseSachin Jain: Insights from a Visionary Change AgentIn this episode of Step Wise, Dr. Foster Mobley sits down with Dr. Sachin Jain, president and CEO of Scan, to discuss navigating leadership challenges in today’s turbulent healthcare landscape. Dr. Jain, a Harvard-trained physician with vast experience in both public and private sectors, offers insights into leading through crisis, fostering transparency, and balancing authenticity with performance demands. The conversation dives into the importance of authenticity, the delicate art of setting boundaries, and the vital role of psychological safety. Dr. Jain’s reflections on truth-telling, vulnerability, and clarity are essential listening for leaders at all levels.the chal...2024-11-1332 min
Step WiseJoe Mello Part II: Inside Secrets on People Selection and DevelopmentJoin Foster Mobley in an exceptional second conversation with Joe Mello, renowned leadership architect behind DaVita’s transformation. In this deep dive, Joe unpacks the essence of authentic leadership. From honing decision-making and discernment to creating ‘leadership bandwidth’ by empowering others, Joe shares actionable insights on asking the right questions and fostering genuine growth within teams. Foster and Joe also explore purpose, core values, and the art of meaningful alignment. Tune in to discover transformative leadership principles that foster high-impact, resilient organizations.In this episode you will find:the importance of metrics for everythingthe difference between a "tal...2024-11-0623 min
Step WiseJoe Mello: A Master Operator Speaks on Human Capital and Performance FocusIn this powerful episode of Step Wise, host Dr. Foster Mobley sits down with Joe Mello, a transformational leader and the driving force behind DaVita’s remarkable turnaround. Joe shares insights from his decades-long career in healthcare, his work on influential boards, and his passion for developing leadership talent. From navigating organizational challenges in turbulent environments to fostering authenticity and alignment in teams, Joe’s experience and wisdom are invaluable. Tune in to discover his strategies for problem-solving, enhancing workplace culture, and helping leaders excel amidst today’s challenges.addressing today's organizational challenges with alignment on business goalsthe power...2024-10-3021 min
Step WisePaul Viviano: Sustaining a Culture of Trust, Consistency, and Follow-ThroughToday's guest is Paul Vivano, CEO and president of Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and board chair of Loyola Marymount University. In fact, he's been in CEO positions since the tender age of 26 and has served for profit and not for profit health care institutions and those for plus decades. He's a brilliant leader with lots of incredible insight to share.In this episode we discuss: - The changes in the nature of leading in the past several decades- The challenges of the healthcare industry- Characteristics of successful leaders- I...2024-10-2326 min
Step WiseJanet Foutty: Earning Workforce Loyalty Through Humanity and AuthenticityVery few people know what it's like to run a $6 billion-plus consulting business, and fewer still know what it takes to be the board chair for the largest professional services firm in the world. My next guest does. She's Janet Foutty. Recently retired from her role as chairperson of Deloitte, Janet is incredibly bright, she's thoughtful and well-spoken and has important insights for creating a productive and inclusive culture in these times of workforces demanding greater voice, flexibility, autonomy, and meaningful work.In this episode we talk about: How authenticity, and the needs for it, h...2024-10-1625 min
Step WiseValorie Kondos Field: Leadership as a Performance ArtValorie Kondos Field, known as Miss Val, is a world-renowned gymnastics coach (with no gymnastics experience). Her journey from dance to coaching collegiate athletes and Olympians is astounding. In this episode we talk about her career, her leadership values, her mentorship with the legendary John Wooden, and even her journey with breast cancer. In this episode you will find:The vantage and behaviors of today's student-athletesHow drastically the "playing field" has changed in college athleticsHow her growth in wisdom occurredHow her journey involved learning to let go and trust othersFollow Miss Val on I...2024-10-0928 min
Step WiseKent Thiry: Creating a Wildly Innovative Performance CultureIn this episode, iconic business leader Kent Thiry shares his night into creating an innovative performance culture. He talks about citizenship in the workforce to help all engage.In this episode, Kent and I discuss:Intentional creation of culture at DaVitaRelationship between culture and performanceHow "citizenship" differs from employmentHow companies can build citizenship internally and serve their external communitiesHow he uses metrics to hold himself accountableLearn more about Foster at fostermobleymt.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn at Foster Mobley.www.instagram.com/fostermobleyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in...2024-10-0229 min
Step WiseBill George: The Way Forward Is Through ValuesIt is fitting that the first episode of Step Wise is a conversation with Bill George. Bill is the former chair and CEO of Medtronic, an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School, the Author of True North and eight other leadership books, and a thought leader in authentic leading.He is committed to compassionate leadership and tells his story in this interview.Along with many insightful stories, Bill and I discuss:Values as our "true north" to orient us during turbulent timesChallenges of external tumult on human needs of the workforceHis own journey...2024-09-2527 min
The Athletes PodcastDevan McConnell - High Performance Director for the Arizona Coyotes - Episode #217Send us a textEpisode #217 features Devan McConnell, the High-Performance Director for the Arizona Coyotes. From his earlier days working with Mike Boyle to developing his High Performance Model at UMASS, to being a leading expert in high-performance sports, Devan shares invaluable insights and advice for athletes of all levels.Explore the intricate world of athletic development and the crucial role of passion in sports, guided by Devan's remarkable journey. Gain insights into the delicate balance between specialization and holistic approaches, as well as the progressive use of sports science in shaping modern athletes.2024-03-0749 min