Shows
Quick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowIs AI Making Your Team Anxious? What Leaders Should and Shouldn’t DoAI is everywhere, but not everyone is excited. In this episode, we explore the growing anxiety employees feel about AI and what leaders can do when they don’t have all the answers. Susie and James unpack new survey data, generational differences in AI concerns, and the deeper fear many employees have: What’s my value if AI can do my job faster?Rather than offering silver-bullet solutions, this episode returns to foundational leadership principles of transparency, upskilling, empathy and reconsiders how they apply in a time of rapid change and uncertainty.Key Takeaways from...2025-06-0513 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowThe Time Gap Between Speaking and Being Heard in LeadershipYou said it clearly, so why isn’t your team acting on it? In this episode, Susie and James dig into a subtle but critical leadership challenge: the time gap between when something is said and when it’s truly heard, understood, and internalized.From the "percolation effect" to the myth that silence means clarity, they explore why leaders often misjudge the impact of their communication—and what to do instead. Whether you're introducing a new strategy, shifting culture, or giving feedback, this conversation will help you lead with more patience, clarity, and presence.Key Ta...2025-05-2911 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowLeading from the Middle: Influence, Motivation, and Managing UpMiddle managers are often the most overlooked—and overloaded—leaders in an organization. Caught between executive pressure and team expectations, they’re expected to influence without authority, stay motivated under stress, and manage up, down, and sideways. So how do you actually thrive in the middle?In this episode, Susie and James shine a light on the unique challenges and potential of the middle layer. They explore how this group quietly drives results, holds critical relationships, and often shapes culture more than anyone else. With stories, research, and tactical advice, this conversation will shift the way you think...2025-05-2210 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowCan You Lead a Team Without Knowing Their Job?Should leaders be able to do their team's work—or is that missing the point entirely? In this episode, Susie and James unpack a question that comes up more often than you'd think: what’s the role of expertise in leadership, and where does it get in the way?From executives who feel pressure to know every detail, to newly promoted managers who struggle to let go of their old job, this conversation explores the emotional and practical tension of leading people whose work you can’t (and maybe shouldn’t) do. They also share real examples of what...2025-05-1509 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowIs Your Team Sending You Silent Signals?Not all feedback is spoken—and often, the most important signals from your team are the ones they don’t say out loud. In this episode, Susie and James explore what it means to recognize and respond to the subtle cues that indicate misalignment, anxiety, or disengagement.From meetings that lead to more meetings, to team members repeating questions or avoiding decisions, these quiet behaviors often reveal deeper issues with leadership, clarity, or trust. Susie shares real-world examples from coaching sessions, while James offers insights into how leaders can sharpen their awareness and adjust before small cracks beco...2025-05-0810 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowReigniting Motivation in Disengaged VPs and Middle ManagersWhen motivation fades in the middle layers of leadership, the ripple effect can stall an entire organization. In this episode, Susie and James unpack why VPs and middle managers often feel stuck—and what leaders can do to reignite energy, ownership, and engagement at this critical level.They explore strategies like reframing roles, creating "mini CEO" opportunities, and introducing shadow boards to give rising leaders more ownership and visibility. Whether you're managing this layer or sitting in it yourself, this conversation will challenge you to rethink motivation as an active, shared responsibility—not just a feeling....2025-05-0111 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowShould You Roll Out the Red Carpet—Again? The Truth About Rehiring Former ExecutivesBringing back a former executive can feel like a safe bet, after all, they know the business, the people, the playbook. But is it really the right move? In this episode, Susie and James explore the complicated reality of rehiring former leaders. From muscle memory and cultural fit to chemistry shifts and new expectations, it’s never as simple as picking up where you left off.They also share personal stories of being asked to return, the risks of assuming someone will “slide right back in,” and why companies (and returning employees) must be intentional about how they r...2025-04-2411 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowDo Leaders Still Need to Be Technical? with Angie CullenAs technology evolves at lightning speed, executive leaders are facing a tough question: just how technical do you need to be? In this episode, Susie and James sit down with award-winning coach and former engineer Angie Cullen to unpack the growing tension between technical expertise and people leadership—especially for those leading in tech-first or tech-enabled companies.Together, they explore why some engineers struggle with the transition to leadership, how companies can support growth on both technical and human tracks, and why the real challenge of the future may have more to do with people than platforms. Wh...2025-04-1720 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowLet AI Make You a Better LeaderLeadership is a human skill—but what if AI could help you sharpen it? In this episode, Susie and James explore how leaders can use AI not to replace their instincts, but to strengthen them. From analyzing your communication patterns to crafting better questions for your team, AI can be a powerful tool for improving awareness, curiosity, and connection.They walk through three key principles of strong leadership—listening more than you talk, asking open-ended questions, and swapping "why" for "what"—and show how AI can help you put them into practice. If you’ve ever wondered how to u...2025-04-1012 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowThe AI Turf War: Who Really Owns It at the Top?As AI becomes central to business strategy, a new kind of leadership tension is emerging: everyone wants to “own” it. But should anyone? In this episode, Susie and James dig into the growing turf war at the executive level—where AI sits, who leads it, and how companies should be thinking about cross-functional ownership.From C-suite power plays to the pitfalls of territorial thinking, they unpack why AI is more like a superhighway than a department—and why every leader needs their own lane. Whether you're navigating internal politics or shaping your organization's AI strategy, this conversation will hel...2025-04-0312 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowIs a 3AM Wake-Up the Secret to Great Leadership?We’ve all heard the stories: the most successful leaders wake up at 3AM, journal, cold plunge, and run six miles before sunrise. But… is that actually what makes them great? In this episode, we challenge the myth of the “perfect morning routine” and ask what really supports strong leadership.Susie and James explore the small, intentional habits that shape their mornings—and why the best routine might be the one that works for you. From breaking the email-first habit to choosing when (and how) to move your body, this is a refreshing, honest conversation about how to start y...2025-03-2712 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowFinding the Evidence of Your InfluenceHow do you know if you actually have influence—or if people are just following orders? Influence isn’t just about authority or making decisions; it’s about trust, relationships, and how others engage with you. But too often, leaders assume they have influence without looking for real evidence.In this episode, we explore what true influence looks like and how to measure it. Susie shares a personal story of winning over a skeptical audience, while James reflects on how leaders can build credibility beyond their titles. We also discuss the importance of listening, vulnerability, and creating an env...2025-03-2013 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowThe Feedback TrapWe all know that feedback is essential for growth—but why is it so tricky to get right? Whether you're giving it or receiving it, emotions, biases, and communication breakdowns can turn a simple critique into a full-blown misunderstanding.In this episode, Susie shares a recent experience where feedback didn’t land as intended and how it spiraled into something much bigger. We dive into the challenges leaders face when delivering tough feedback, why timing and emotional state matter, and how to make sure your message is actually heard. If you've ever struggled with feedback—on either side o...2025-03-0614 min
How to Get What You WantLeaders with Leverage TrailerDoes the word “negotiate” make you shudder? Would you rather accept what you’re given rather than negotiate for what you really want? Believe it or not, there is a world out there where you ask for what you want in your career and get it, even while walking out with every party that's part of the negotiation happy. It's time to be your own advocate. Welcome to Leaders with Leverage. I’m your host and Negotiation Guru, Susie Tomenchok, and together, we’re going to explore the tools and techniques that YOU can use to seize the initiat...2024-04-3001 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowWinning Strategies for Compensation Negotiations with Jacob WarwickBuckle up as we get into the fine print of negotiations with our guest, Jacob Warwick, a celebrated coach to seven-figure earners and executives. Jacob gives us a fascinating peak behind the curtain, revealing the common blunders people make during negotiations, such as oversharing on LinkedIn. He offers counterintuitive advice on how to use this platform effectively. The secret, it appears, is less information rather than more!Switching gears, we delve into the psychological aspect of negotiations, the potency of assertiveness, and the art of Radical Candor. Jacob shares the power of being assertive without crossing over...2023-09-2819 minHow to Get What You WantAmplifying your voice with Kelly DillonDo you ever feel like your voice is unheard in meetings or social settings because you're an introvert? This episode features a heart-to-heart with Kelly Dillon, a strategist at Remax, to explore the art of building influence as an introvert. Kelly generously shares her journey of cultivating meaningful relationships one-on-one and gaining confidence in larger groups. She dives into her personal strategies, like challenging herself to be the first to speak up in meetings and ensuring her voice commands attention when she does.But it doesn't stop there. This episode also explores the pivotal role of mentors...2023-09-2617 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowThe Art of Situational Awareness in EmailEver sent an email and immediately regretted it? You're not alone. We've all been there. But in the executive realm, a poorly thought-out email can lead to major misunderstandings, unexpected meetings, and even damage professional relationships. Today, we're going to dive into this vital but often overlooked issue, armed with personal stories and professional insights.Throughout this episode, we'll share our best practices and tips to help you master email etiquette. From knowing when an email thread needs to transition into a meeting to managing the distribution list effectively - we've got you covered. We'll discuss how...2023-09-2112 minHow to Get What You WantWhat’s on the other side of imposter syndrome with Maika LeibbrandtWhat if the imposter syndrome you've been battling isn't a curse, but an opportunity? The intriguing idea is what Maika Leibbrandt, an executive coach with a passion for abundance and service, and I dissect in our enlightening chat. Maika unveils a fresh perspective on imposter syndrome, suggesting it's not a condition to be "suffered", but rather a chance to dig deeper and bridge the gap between self-doubt and self-belief.Maika and I delve into the delicate balancing act of coaching others while also pinpointing your unique skillset. We share insights on how focusing on serving others instead...2023-09-1936 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowEffective Multigenerational Strategies for Executive LeadersAre you adapting your leadership and communication style to the ever-changing corporate landscape? Join us to discover the importance of self-reflection, continuous learning, and fine-tuning your communication skills to ensure success in today's fast-paced environments. Through the story of 'Mylan', a seasoned leader trying to evolve his communication style, we shine a light on strategies that help executives thrive in the modern workplace scenario.We move on to discuss how different communication styles and leadership strategies can influence success in rapidly changing settings. Learn the power of asking questions and how it can leave a lasting impression...2023-09-1415 minHow to Get What You WantObservations from seasoned executive leaders with Jacob Warwick & James CappsEver wondered how to build real influence within your team? How to make transparency and trust a reality rather than just buzzwords? Today I'm joined by Jacob Warwick and James Capps to embark on a mission to illuminate the often-overlooked aspects of leadership, delving into the art of effective communication and the power of authenticity. Navigating the challenges of leadership, we dissected the role of cascading information in building trust and highlighted the importance of replication in communication. We also peeled back the layers of the complexities of the organizational middle ground, a space often neglected despite...2023-09-1230 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowLeadership Lessons with Mike FontaineAre you ready to be captivated by the thrilling journey of Mike Fontaine, CEO of Lucid Point, as he transitioned from being an Air Force Academy graduate and F-15 pilot to a tech entrepreneur? This episode offers you a great chance to extract some vital leadership insights from Mike's vast reservoir of experiences. We discuss his incredible journey and how his military experience, love for learning, and entrepreneurial spirit have been instrumental in his success in the tech industry. Mike reveals how his unique approach to leadership, which he refers to as 'servant leadership', has been shaped by his...2023-09-0727 minHow to Get What You WantElevate your communication impactWhat if you could transform your communication skills into a powerful tool for effective leadership? Get ready to step into a fresh perspective on communication as we delve into a fascinating chat I had with one of my clients. We explore the magic of questions and how they can be leveraged to understand others better, make them feel heard and valued, and build stronger relationships.In this episode, I invite you to learn about the art of structuring thoughts and messages to grab attention, convey your ideas clearly, and successfully elicit responses. Understanding the role of a...2023-09-0513 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowUnleashing Potential through Smart DelegationAre you ready to transform your approach to delegation and, in turn, elevate your leadership skills? Join us as we reveal the transformative power of effective delegation, far beyond just assigning tasks. We promise you that by the end of this episode, you'll understand delegation as an art form that nurtures growth within your team and expands your leadership. We'll share our thoughts on common delegation mistakes, like mindlessly dumping tasks without considering the prowess of your team.Imagine not just providing tasks, but opportunities for growth. Delegation, as we discuss today, is an opportunity to develop...2023-08-3118 minHow to Get What You WantChanging your orientationWhat if there was a way to amplify your presence at work, leaving you feeling less underutilized and more influential? In this episode, we'll navigate the art of internal advocacy - exploring how to increase exposure and leverage positivity in your self-representation, regardless of your personality type. It’s not just about boardrooms and contracts, negotiation is an everyday tool, and I'm here to give you a masterclass.Negotiation isn’t about manipulation, it's about understanding and meeting needs. Our journey heads into the heart of everyday negotiations, exploring techniques to surge your confidence and dissolve fear. So...2023-08-2916 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowNavigating Crucial ConversationsEver wonder why some leaders seem to navigate difficult conversations with ease while others stumble? This episode will demystify the art of managing challenging workplace discussions. Today we unpack the complexities of these dialogues, highlighting the importance of context, rapport, and regular one-on-one meetings. We also delve into the under-discussed role of personal baggage, emphasizing how crucial practice is for proficiency.Our chat doesn't stop there. We offer practical tips on how to craft meaningful, constructive conversations, and we also introduce you to the 'difficult sandwich', a strategy to deliver tough feedback while minimizing the impact. It's...2023-08-2418 minHow to Get What You WantThe shift to online bids with Kevin GilbertEver wondered what it's like to be an auctioneer? Join us for a fascinating chat with Kevin Gilbert, a seasoned auctioneer from the UK, and discover the many layers of the auctioning world. From working auctions for cars and livestock to navigating the realms of real estate, Kev shares his diverse experiences and insights, starting from his early days with his antique-dealer father to his now pivotal role in his current firm. We delve into the shift from in-room to online auctions, that happened after the pandemic, which has exponentially increased the potential buyer base. Kev also...2023-08-2236 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowBurning Out or Burning Bright?Are you a leader running on empty? We've all been there - working long hours, battling exhaustion, and feeling the pressure mount as we strive to lead our teams to success. But what if, in the pursuit of leadership excellence, we've overlooked a crucial player - ourselves? Tune in today as we shed light on the often-ignored issue of executive burnout and how we, as leaders, can recognize the signs in ourselves. Building on insights from a recent senior executive mastermind session and the latest research, we delve into the surprising reality that companies have minimal impact o...2023-08-1714 minHow to Get What You WantSkills do great leaders need to acquireImagine having the power to influence, motivate, and inspire those around you. What if I told you these aren’t traits you’re born with, but skills you can learn and refine? Together with our guest, Micah, we'll guide you on this profound journey of self-discovery and growth, exploring the importance of strategic thinking, self-awareness, humility, and the knack of giving feedback. This episode will equip you with the tools to take your leadership capabilities to the next level.We share our thoughts on how to promote a culture of understanding and grace in the workplace, where peop...2023-08-1533 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowHow to Shape Your Work to Fit Your LifeImagine reshaping your current job role to better align with your passions and strengths. Sound too good to be true? Not if you master the art of job crafting! It's an executive's secret weapon for finding fulfillment and overcoming overwhelm in their roles. If you've ever felt that your strengths and passions are under-utilized, this episode is your call to action.Tune in as we unpack the concept of job crafting. We share insights from a discussion with a client—an executive who’s rethinking her relationships and future. We guide you through three key steps in the...2023-08-1012 minHow to Get What You WantTurning difficult conversations into growth opportunitiesAre you ready to crack the code on mastering tough dialogues? Let's dive deep into the aspects that often make a conversation difficult - relationships, emotions, timing, and most importantly, our own assumptions. Guided by insights from the book Difficult Conversations, we unravel how we often end up in a battle over intentions and how a slight shift in our approach can greatly enhance the outcome of these discussions.Today we emphasize the importance of framing these conversations with care and understanding, ensuring they don't escalate into fights. Moreover, as leaders, we have a crucial role to...2023-08-0819 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowUnleashing Your Full Potential After a PromotionEver wonder how to reinvent yourself after a promotion? In this episode, we aim to help you navigate that exact question. We're peeling back the layers on the often overwhelming experience of transitioning into a new role, specifically for executives. Using a real-life scenario from a coaching client as our guiding example, we delve deep into the process of establishing your authority and setting expectations in your new role.As we unravel the complexities of this transition, we'll also be equipping you with actionable tools to maintain boundaries, professionalism, and manage the imposter syndrome that often accompanies...2023-08-0313 minHow to Get What You WantAre you staying on the back of the elephant as a leader?Ever wondered how leadership and negotiation go hand in hand? Today we explore this intriguing correlation. This episode will empower you as we scale the ladder of influence from being an individual contributor to managing a team to overseeing an entire landscape as an executive. Our deep dive into leadership will leave you with a novel perspective on your role, whether you are guiding your team from the helm or assisting from the ground.But we're not done yet! This episode is set to leave you equipped with the knowledge you need to navigate personal and professional...2023-08-0115 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowUnderstanding the Differences Between Coaching, Mentoring, and SponsorshipEver wondered why some professionals seem to advance in their careers more quickly and seamlessly? The secret could be a solid trifecta of a mentor, coach, and sponsor. Join us as we break down the distinct roles each of these figures play in an executive's growth. Discover why it's critical to have not only a mentor and a sponsor, but also an external coach who is trained to deliver unbiased, tough feedback and promote growth with efficient techniques.Moving beyond the conventional advice, we also address the art of feedback in our conversation. We expose the intricacies...2023-07-2712 minHow to Get What You WantNegotiation skills from parenting and the military with Jim CollisonEver thought about how lessons from parenting and military experience can shape your leadership skills? Or how asking the right questions and giving the right advice can have a lasting impact on someone's life? That's what we're uncovering in this enlightening episode with my dear friend, Jim Collison. We journey through Jim's personal experiences, unraveling the complexities of leadership and its remarkable parallels to parenting and the military.We push the boundaries of conventional leadership norms, exploring the power of vulnerability, and the importance of understanding our strengths and weaknesses. We also touch on the immense value...2023-07-2539 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowThe Power Tools of LeadershipReady to challenge the conventional wisdom about leadership power? Join us as we peel back the layers of hierarchical power and redefine it as a set of tools at your disposal. Tools that you can utilize to effectively influence your team and organization. We explore the key aspects of power in leadership, presenting you with three effective methods to wield this newfound tool: collaboration, delegation, and nurturing relationships.Further into the conversation, we delve into the potency of collaboration, servitude in leadership, and inclusivity. We underscore the significance of these surprisingly powerful tools in amplifying both personal...2023-07-2012 minHow to Get What You WantSkillfully navigate high-stake situationsAwkward conversations, nerve-wracking meetings, or anxiety-inducing negotiations? We've all been there. In this enlightening episode, I spill the beans on skillfully navigating these high-stake situations. Discover the power of understanding your personal 'stake', and how naming these instances as 'high stakes' or 'low stakes' can foster clarity and intention in your approach. Uncover the secrets behind my CLA framework and how it can empower you to handle these potentially overwhelming scenarios with grace and confidence.This episode will change how you view your daily conversations - from the coffee shop to the boardroom. I'll share with you...2023-07-1810 min