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 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowWhy Great Leaders Never Stop Learning with Alex PorterWhat does it take to stay at the top of your game as a leader—year after year? In this episode, we sit down with Alex Porter, CEO of Location3, a digital ad agency specializing in franchise marketing. With 25 years in the industry, Alex shares how he stays innovative, the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way, and why self-awareness is key to long-term success.We dive into the importance of balancing optimism with realism, why great leaders surround themselves with different perspectives, and how structured systems like EOS can help companies scale. But as much as l...2025-02-2720 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowHarnessing Data-Driven LeadershipIs your organization truly data-driven, or just data-drowning? Dive into the world of modern business intelligence as we explore how leaders can harness the power of data to make smarter decisions. From building company-wide data literacy to navigating the AI revolution, learn the essential steps to transform your organization into a data powerhouse.In this episode, we discuss the following:1. Importance of data literacy for leadership across all departments.2. Evolution and significance of data in business decision-making.3. The impact of AI on data interpretation.CONNECT WITH SUSIE:https://www...2024-10-1013 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowBuilding Trust Through TransparencyEver wonder why some leaders inspire unwavering loyalty while others struggle to gain trust? Dive into the world of executive leadership as we uncover the power of transparency, ethical decision-making, and consistency. From Whole Foods' open approach to Johnson & Johnson's dedication to ethics, discover how top companies build trust from the ground up. Whether you're leading a team of 50 or 50,000, this episode delivers actionable insights to transform your leadership style and create a culture of trust that resonates throughout your organization. In this episode, we discuss the following:1. The importance of transparency in leadership.2024-10-0313 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowMastering Executive Communication with Amy BellCan you imagine transforming your communication style to significantly boost your influence and effectiveness as a leader? Today we promise a masterclass in executive communication strategies with our guest, Amy Bell, a veteran executive from the media industry. Amy sheds light on the importance of being concise and clear, teaching us that saying less can indeed mean more. Together, we uncover how executives can refine their messaging by cutting through the noise and focusing on what truly matters to their audience.In this episode, we discuss the following:1. The importance of brevity and clarity...2024-09-2624 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowInvisible to Indispensable: Workplace RecognitionFeeling invisible at work and unsure how to get the recognition you deserve? In this episode, we explore the journey from being overlooked to becoming indispensable. We share our tips on how to stand out, gain influence, and advocate for yourself in the workplace. Learn how to secure a seat at the table, leverage your network, and turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. Tune in for a 15-minute power session that will help you transform your visibility and impact at work!In this episode, we discuss the following:1. Standing out and being seen in...2024-09-1914 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowMoving from Boss to Coach - Have You?Could shifting from a commanding boss to an empathetic coach be the key to unlocking your team's potential? In this episode we dive into the critical transition executives must make from commanding to coaching. Discover why this shift is crucial for your leadership success, learn practical tips to foster a culture of continuous learning, and find out how mentorship can transform your approach. Don't miss this essential guide to elevating your leadership game and multiplying your impact!In this episode, we discuss the following:1. The challenging transition from being a "boss" to becoming a "...2024-09-1215 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowHandling Challenging (or Toxic) PeersEver felt stuck dealing with a toxic peer? In this episode we dive into the reality that, as a senior leader, managing difficult colleagues isn't just a nuisance—it's your responsibility. Discover three strategies to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and team cohesion. Whether you're new in your role or just ready to make a change, we're here to offer our advice on how to navigate and elevate the performance of your entire team.In this episode, we discuss the following:1. Why managing challenging peers is part of your role as a le...2024-09-0517 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowElevate Your Job Search with Andrew VeederUnlock the secrets to standing out in the crowded job market with insights from Andrew Veeder of TEKsystems! Discover actionable strategies for tailoring your resume to specific roles, leveraging AI for a competitive edge, and maintaining a cohesive, compelling narrative that captures employers' attention. Andrew shares his tips on staying proactive in your career, even if you're currently satisfied with your job. This episode is essential listening for anyone aiming to enhance their job search approach and secure their next big opportunity.In this episode, we discuss the following:1. The challenges executives face in...2024-08-2917 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowKeeping Your Best People During Market VolatilityHow can you keep your best employees happy and engaged when the market is in turmoil? Discover the secrets to fostering a thriving workforce even amidst layoffs and volatility. We promise to equip you with actionable strategies to create a culture of psychological safety and ensure your team feels secure and motivated. We delve into long-term investments in employee engagement, covering vital aspects like consistent communication, anonymous feedback mechanisms, and the importance of regular one-on-one meetings. In this episode, we discuss the following:1. Current job market situation, including layoffs and ongoing hiring.2. Creating...2024-08-2217 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowJobless Grad? Strategies for Landing that First JobFreshly minted diploma in hand, now what? Navigating the job market as a recent graduate can feel daunting, but we're here to offer a roadmap to get you from college to career. We share our tips on building a powerful professional network, crafting a compelling personal brand, and leveraging micro-credentials to stand out from the crowd. Whether you're a new grad or supporting a loved one through this transition, tune in for the guidance you need to jumpstart your professional journey on the right foot.In this episode, we discuss the following:1. The importance...2024-08-1519 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowAvoid Losing Your Top TalentFeeling like your top performers might be eyeing the exit? In this episode, we dive into the crucial world of talent retention. We explore why keeping your star players happy isn't just good for morale – it's a serious money-saver too. Learn three simple yet powerful strategies to keep your senior leaders engaged, motivated, and firmly on your team. Plus, we'll show you why those one-on-ones you keep putting off might just be the key to unlocking your team's full potential. Tune in for some practical wisdom that could transform your leadership game!In this episode, we di...2024-08-0816 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowLevel up Your Virtual Presence with Tracy PhillipsCan your virtual presence make or break your executive success? Tracy Phillips, an expert in online presence and video production quality, joins us today to uncover essential strategies to elevate your executive presence in virtual settings. This episode promises to transform the way you present yourself on screen, from mastering eye contact and using professional virtual backgrounds to practicing and recording your presentations for self-improvement. Discover why even seasoned executives often miss the mark in virtual settings and how you can stand out with small but impactful changes.In this episode, we discuss the following:2024-08-0126 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowPresentations That Create ImpactAre you making these common mistakes in your presentations? This episode explores the gap between content preparation and impactful delivery, emphasizing the need for effective storytelling. We’ll share our best tips to ensure your presentations resonate, including maintaining eye contact, harnessing the power of pauses, and practicing until perfection. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative with clear heroes and villains and avoid over-focusing on details as we draw parallels to wedding versus marriage preparation.In this episode, we discuss the following:1. Key strategies for delivering effective presentations.2. Importance of pr...2024-07-2516 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowEnhancing Leadership Through StorytellingDid you know a well-told narrative can transform your influence, motivate your team, and create alignment? Today we explore the skill required to make your stories resonate deeply with your audience. Discover how to craft compelling narratives that are relatable and understandable to your audience. We'll discuss the importance of embedding storytelling in your company's DNA, using real-world examples from successful business leaders. Find out how simple, everyday anecdotes can be powerful tools for communication in meetings and leadership situations. Whether you're leading a project or shaping company culture, these storytelling techniques can help you connect with...2024-07-1813 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowNavigating Time Off After a LayoffEver wondered how to maintain your professional relevance after a layoff? Join us as we unpack the two diverging paths senior executives often face: the choice between taking much-needed time off and diving straight back into the job market. We promise actionable insights to help you strike that delicate balance between relaxation and staying active. Learn how to keep your momentum going, maintain visibility, and navigate the often lengthy process of landing your next role.In this episode, we discuss the following:1. Dealing with layoffs and career transitions.2. Tips for managing...2024-07-1116 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowDoes Your Professional Brand Need a Refresh?Can you afford to let your career stagnate? In this episode, we reveal the secrets to evolving your professional brand and staying relevant in a rapidly shifting landscape. From embracing new technologies like AI to seamlessly transitioning from in-office to remote work, we unpack the strategies that keep you agile and ahead of the curve. Learn how to continuously reassess your approach to leadership and avoid the pitfalls of complacency, even if you've been in your role for years. We'll share actionable tips for refreshing your brand with a forward-thinking vision that aligns with today's dynamic environment.2024-07-0416 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowUncovering the Unspoken Issues Threatening Your TeamIs your team missing deadlines or experiencing high turnover? Discover the hidden signs and unspoken issues that might be holding your organization back. In this episode, we delve into the critical topic of "elephants in the room" within organizations. We explore why creating a culture of transparency and trust is indispensable for team effectiveness and long-term success.Leadership and culture go hand-in-hand, and this episode underscores the necessity for leaders to foster an environment of candor. We discuss the power of 360-degree feedback in helping leaders understand their actual impact on teams, stressing that addressing individual issues...2024-06-2715 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowFostering Transparent Communication with Rob ReynoldsRob Reynolds, CIO at Congruex, joins us in this episode to reveal the secrets of fostering transparent and unfiltered communication within teams. You'll discover how feedback and open dialogue are not mere buzzwords but essential tools for confronting issues directly and building unwavering trust. Learn how active listening can revolutionize team dynamics and drive organizational success. Inspired by Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, we explore how self-awareness in leadership, through self-reflection, empathy, and accountability, can reshape the way leaders navigate their responsibilities. In this episode, we discuss the following:1. Importance of...2024-06-2019 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowNegotiating Is Unlikely to Jeopardize Your Job OfferAre you ready to transform your job negotiation skills and secure the best possible offer with confidence? In this episode, we debunk common myths and empower you with advanced executive negotiation strategies. Discover why negotiating doesn’t jeopardize your chances of landing the job and how understanding the roles of recruiters and potential bosses can give you a critical advantage.We guide you through the multi-step process of job negotiations, helping you strategically advance each conversation. Explore the wide range of negotiable elements beyond salary—remote work options, vacation time, sign-on bonuses—and learn how to effectively priori...2024-06-1315 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowWhen to Leverage HR for a Thriving WorkplaceWhat if your HR department could be your organization's secret weapon for success? This episode shatters common misconceptions about Human Resources, revealing how HR can transition from being seen as a policing entity to a strategic partner. We dive into educating teams on the proper ways and times to engage HR effectively, and how encouraging employees to resolve conflicts independently can foster personal growth and maturity.Transform your workplace dynamics with our deep dive into leadership and conflict resolution. We discuss how to empower employees to navigate conflicts on their own and identify the crucial moments when...2024-06-0616 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowTech Triumphs and Home Run Strategies with Mike BushJoin us on a journey through the intersection of leadership, technology, and baseball with Mike Bush, Head of Technology for the Colorado Rockies. Discover how Mike's passion for the game and tech expertise has guided him from accounting to managing a lean, dynamic tech team in the major leagues. In this discussion, we dive into the challenges and triumphs of overseeing the Rockies' vast tech landscape, the exhilaration of opening day, and the rigorous demands that come with ensuring Coors Field and all related facilities run without a hitch. In this episode, we discuss the following:2024-05-3025 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowShould I Stay or Should I Go?Ever find yourself humming The Clash's “Should I Stay or Should I Go” while thinking about your career future? Join us as we tackle the common dilemma of deciding whether to stay in your current job or pursue new opportunities. We'll share tips on staying objective during these critical moments and avoiding the scarcity mindset that can cloud your judgment.We'll also reveal strategies to protect yourself from unexpected job layoffs and poor performance reviews. Our conversation is filled with practical advice on regularly assessing your career to ensure you're making strategic moves rather than being swept alon...2024-05-2315 minQuick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders GrowTools to Master High-Stakes SituationsDo you ever find yourself on the edge of your seat before a high-stakes meeting, heart racing with a mix of fear and anticipation? Let us be your guides through the maze of executive anxiety, as we share our personal battles and triumphs in harnessing this energy for success. Together, we'll explore the transformative power of redefining anxiety as excitement, providing you with practical strategies to turn your nervousness into your greatest ally. Dive deep into the phenomenon of imposter syndrome and discover how to wield your passion as your compass, steering through leadership challenges with newfound confidence and...2024-05-1612 min