Lead The People is your guide to unlocking your true potential as an authentic leader. Hosted by Dr. Matt Poepsel—The Godfather of Talent Optimization—this podcast dives deep into the art and science of what it takes to lead at the next level. With insightful conversations and practical strategies, each episode equips executives, strategic HR pros, and aspiring leaders with the tools it takes to boost performance, inspire teams, and drive meaningful impact. Whether exploring the latest workp ...
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Never waste a good opportunity to learn from a bad boss. Our guests and Subject Matter Experts share their stories about challenging, difficult, and even mean bosses that they have had through their careers. Hosts Sara Best and John Broer explore what happened, what made the relationship difficult, and even the role WE play in our Bosshole experiences. More importantly, we apply some of our insight and analysis around behavioral science and emotional intelligence so that we (and managers lis ...
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Creation is one of the most powerful forces in the universe for your life and career. In this podcast hosted by John Saunders (New Degree Press Author: The Optimizer) we feature interviews with authors from our community as well as industry experts, who share practical advice you can use to build your community, improve your writing and sell more books through hybrid publishing. The NDP Creator Community Podcast brings you insights and inspiration for first-time authors and creators.
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#120: Humanizing the Offboarding Process with Angel Cruzado
23:18
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23:18Angel Cruzado is the Founder & CEO of Respiris, a company on a mission to reinspire how we approach offboarding. Angel has spent his career in HR with startups, venture-backed companies, and publicly traded Fortune 500 companies. He understands transitions on a personal level, too, having built his own career from the ground up after being laid off…
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Join me on a transformative journey to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where the historic battlefield becomes a powerful classroom for modern leadership lessons. Stepping away from our usual format, this special episode takes you inside the Marco's Leadership Institute, where military history and contemporary leadership science converge in fascinating wa…
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#119: Untangling Your Brand: High-Impact Brand Advancement with Lyn Wineman
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26:55As KidGlov’s founder, president, and chief strategist, Lyn leads their diverse team of talented professionals to drive growth through strategic branding and marketing communications. She has been instrumental in promoting regional and national organizations such as Immanuel, Lincoln Community Foundation, HopeSpoke, St. Monica’s, Regency Shopping Ce…
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Reference Profile Series: The Controller Manager
21:10
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21:10Discover the fascinating world of Controller managers in this deep dive into one of the most precision-focused reference profiles. Making up 3.99% of the population, Controllers bring exceptional value through their commitment to accuracy, structure, and results, making them essential players in organizational success. Click HERE for a short video …
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#118: Reimagining the Modern Workplace with Stela Lupushor
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29:27Stela Lupushor is on a mission to humanize the workplace. She works with the Conference Board’s Fortune 500 corporations-members on rethinking their workplace strategies; leads Reframe.Work Inc. and consults on how to create inclusive workplaces through the use of technology, human-centered design, people analytics, and future-thinking; and founded…
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You Might Be a Bosshole® IF: You Spy on Your People
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12:05Reading employee emails? Surprise visits to "catch" them working? Our new episode breaks down why these surveillance tactics reveal more about your leadership gaps than employee performance. Listen for better alternatives. HERE ARE MORE RESOURCES FROM REAL GOOD VENTURES: Never miss a good opportunity to learn from a bad boss... Click HERE to get yo…
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#117: How Purpose-Driven Business Drives Growth with Marshall Lockton
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27:26Marshall is a Partner and majority owner of Knight Agency, a marketing firm that builds from inside out. They use storytelling to help companies connect people and strategy, driving performance. He acquired Knight through Meraki Investments, which he founded to invest in companies making a difference. He is also a shareholder of Lockton, the larges…
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You Might Be a Bosshole® IF: You Outsource the Tough Stuff
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10:36
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10:36Leadership requires courage, especially when facing difficult conversations. We've all witnessed leaders who eagerly claim credit for successes while mysteriously disappearing when tough news needs delivery. This avoidance creates a leadership vacuum that everyone notices but few dare mention - until now! Let's look at this trait that could reveal …
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#116: Transform Your Company by Building a Culture of Hiring with Daniel Chait
26:33
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26:33Daniel Chait is CEO and Co-founder of Greenhouse. As a technology entrepreneur in New York for over 22 years, Dan is a frequent speaker on the topics of recruiting and entrepreneurship. He has presented at numerous venues, including the General Assembly, the University of Michigan Center for Entrepreneurship, Launch Scale, DEMO Traction and the Wha…
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Reference Profile Series: The Captain Manager
19:56
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19:56Dive into the world of the Captain Reference Profile with hosts Sara Best and Karen Schulman as they unpack what makes this profile tick as a manager and a direct report. Captains are natural-born leaders characterized by high dominance, high extraversion, low patience, and low formality with a corporate cutback—a combination that creates problem-s…
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#115: How Conscious Leadership Transforms Business with Aileda Lindal
30:11
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30:11Aileda Lindal, widely recognized as "The Business Alchemist," is a conscious leader with over three decades of experience driving innovation and resilience across industries. From leading crisis management for New York City’s medical sector during the COVID-19 pandemic to consulting in aerospace, retail, and banking, her career showcases her strate…
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Reference Profile Series: The Persuader Manager
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24:07Dive into the fascinating world of the Persuader manager with John Broer and Karen Shulman as they unpack this dynamic Predictive Index Reference Profile. Persuaders – those risk-taking, socially poised team builders – bring a unique energy to leadership roles that can transform organizational culture when properly understood and leveraged. Click H…
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#114: Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Dr. David Goodman's First 100 Days as Dean of Woods College of Advancing Studies
31:56
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31:56David Goodman is Dean of the Woods College of Advancing Studies and Executive Director of the Center for Psychological Humanities and Ethics at Boston College. He also serves on the faculty of three departments: Formative Education, Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology, and Philosophy. Dr. Goodman currently serves as the Series Edi…
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Reference Profile Series: The Artisan Manager
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20:18
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20:18Disciplined, steady, productive, and dedicated – these four words perfectly capture the essence of the Artisan Reference Profile (formerly known as Craftsman). In this continuation of our PI Reference Profile series, we explore what makes Artisans tick and how to effectively work with or manage these technical specialists who represent approximatel…
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#113: Meaningful Work: How Leaders Can Build Purpose and Connection with Tamara Myles
29:31
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29:31Tamara Myles is an accomplished consultant, author, and international speaker with over two decades of experience helping leaders improve business performance. She is the author of The Secret to Peak Productivity, which introduced her proprietary Peak Productivity Pyramid framework. Tamara’s insights have been featured in leading publications such …
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Finding Waypoints with Col. Greg Gadson (Ret.) and Terese Schlachter
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37:47
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37:47Colonel Greg Gadson's life changed forever when an IED explosion in Iraq claimed both his legs in 2007. What followed wasn't just a story of physical recovery but a profound spiritual transformation that led him to discover a new purpose through extreme adversity. "Finding Waypoints: A Warrior's Journey Towards Peace and Purpose," written by Emmy A…
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#112: Scale Your Business Without Leaving Your People Behind with Amber Bardon
27:22
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27:22Amber Bardon is the Founder & powerhouse CEO of Parasol Alliance, a full-service managed technology provider that dominates the senior living industry. Under her leadership, Parasol Alliance has become a game-changer, consistently ranked among the Top 501 Managed IT Service Providers in the World for six consecutive years including an incredible #4…
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Dr. Matt Poepsel - HR Field Guide to the Future
40:49
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40:49The future of work is rapidly approaching, and organizations that prepare now will thrive while others struggle to adapt. In this forward-looking conversation with Dr. Matt Poepsel, known as "the Godfather of Talent Optimization," we dive deep into seven critical workforce trends reshaping our professional landscape by 2030. Click HERE for a copy o…
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#111: How Compassionate Leadership Breaks Down Silos for Better Patient Outcomes with Geoffrey Smith
26:28
26:28
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26:28Geoffrey leverages a diverse 25+ year career in Human Capital Management, specializing in employee engagement, leadership development, and culture change initiatives in the workplace. His journey has ranged from working for the corporate industry leader, to building his own entrepreneurial start-up from the ground up. Currently he supports innovati…
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You Might Be a Bosshole® IF: You Don't Overcome the Fear of Providing Critical Feedback
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14:01This episode explores the critical role of feedback in management, highlighting that avoiding difficult conversations can lead managers into The Bosshole® Zone. John and Karen discuss strategies for providing effective feedback, including establishing clear expectations, scripting difficult conversations, and the importance of regular communication…
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#110: Five Ways to Thrive in 2025 with Liz Corcoran
32:54
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32:54Liz Corcoran leads Impact Performance Group’s research and design team, providing custom leadership, sales, and service solutions that enable organizations to deepen client relationships and ignite employee engagement. Liz significantly impacts employee well-being and performance by applying expertise in emotional intelligence, appreciative inquiry…
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Gallup's 2024 Study of Workplace Engagement - "We Still Have Work to Do"
41:24
41:24
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41:24Can empathy and care in leadership truly transform the workplace? Join us as Sara, Karen, Hannah, and John unravel Gallup's most recent study of the American workplace and the steep decline in employee engagement in the U.S. And while the numbers may seem discouraging, the RGV team offers up some immediate and practical steps to reverse this trend.…
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#109: Navigating Big Company Culture with Anissa Zabriskie
29:22
29:22
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29:22Transformational Life Coach Anissa Zabriskie is an Amazon International Bestselling author, speaker, and certified career and business Coach. Anissa uses her experience working in Fortune 50 companies as a Human Resources Executive to bring encouragement, education and love to empower others to reinvent themselves and define their ultimate mission …
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Reference Profile Series: The Maverick Manager
28:32
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28:32Unlock the secrets of the Maverick mindset and transform your workplace dynamics with our fascinating exploration into the Maverick Reference Profile. Ever wondered what drives these innovative and independent thinkers to push boundaries and embrace challenges? Join us as we promise to unravel the core traits of the people who push the boundaries! …
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#108: Building an Authentic Company Culture with Amy Bayer
36:35
36:35
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36:35Amy Bayer is the Global Director of DE&I, Engagement, and Culture at Duck Creek Technologies. In this role, she leads strategic efforts to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace while promoting a culture of belonging. Amy’s experience spans nearly 20 years across multiple industries, including technology, publishing, manufacturing, an…
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Unlock the secrets of sustainable leadership with Lorri Slesh, a contributing author to "The Sixth Level: Capitalize on the Power of Women's Psychology for Sustainable Leadership." Discover how the often-overlooked psychological strengths of women can transform organizational dynamics. Lorri shares her expertise in fostering strategic growth and co…
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#107: A Cheerleader's Guide to Modern Leadership with Stefanie Adams
31:31
31:31
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31:31Stefanie Adams is a keynote speaker, training facilitator, adjunct university instructor, former elected official, wife, and mother; for those who know her best, she is "Cheerleader Stef", which personifies her personality and leadership style. She has over 20 years experience leading and training in corporate, non-profit, and government settings. …
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You Might Be a Bosshole® IF: You Fail to Recognize the Trends That Seriously Impact Engagement
5:09
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5:09Could you be unwittingly venturing into Bosshole® territory without even knowing it? Tune in to our latest series, "You Might Be a Boss Hole If," where I team up with my good friend and business partner, Sara Best, to explore the subtle yet significant behaviors that may be affecting your team's engagement. HERE ARE MORE RESOURCES FROM REAL GOOD VE…
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#106: From Complaints to Solutions: How to Develop Accountability with Traci Austin
28:10
28:10
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28:10Traci Austin, is a certified coach and HR professional with over two decades of experience bridging the gap between the C-suite and HR leaders in aligning the business strategy to the business results. She is focused on partnering with leaders at all levels to create fulfilling work. This is done by focusing on 4 levers of engagement: Fit to role, …
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Discover the secrets of navigating a multi-generational workforce in our latest episode of The Bosshole® Chronicles. We’re joined by Carey Williams, HR leader at Doyle HCM, who shares her insights on creating a cohesive work environment that bridges generational gaps. Click HERE for the Doyle HCM website Click HERE for Carey's LinkedIn profile Clic…
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#105: Finding Meaning and Purpose in Stakeholder Capitalism with Dr. Alise Cortez
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37:01
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37:01Dr. Alise Cortez is the Chief Ignition Officer at Gusto, Now!, a human and organizational transformation consultancy specializing in unleashing business results by igniting and growing high-performance teams passionate about delivering on the organizational mission. The resulting rewards? Higher engagement, performance, innovation, retention, custo…
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#104: Recognition Done Right with Debra Squyres
29:44
29:44
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29:44As Bonusly's Chief Customer Officer, Debra combines her passion for an exceptional customer experience with her drive to empower companies to connect, motivate, and engage their employees to build winning workplaces. Prior to Bonusly, Debra was the VP of CS at Beamery and the Chief Client Officer at Namely, to name a few. She has over 25 years of e…
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Neil Pretty - The Power of "Intellectual Friction"
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35:32Unlock the secrets of transformative leadership with Neil Pretty, CEO of Aristotle Performance, as he unravels the pivotal role of psychological safety in enhancing team dynamics and leadership development. Neil shares invaluable insights into how creating a safe space for dialogue and creativity can lead to unprecedented growth and collaboration. …
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#103: Social Impact through Startup Success with Civic Champs’ with Geng Wang
28:08
28:08
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28:08As CEO, Geng leads a team of passionate change leaders to deliver software for nonprofit organizations that empowers them and their volunteers to more easily serve their communities. Prior to Civic Champs, Geng co-founded and sold two companies which were both based in Pittsburgh! The first, RentJungle.com was an apartment search engine and the sec…
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#102: Delegate Like a True Leader with Tom Riggs
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35:20Tom Riggs is passionate about helping organizations unlock the power of people, leaders, and teams. With over 25 years of experience spanning HR, Operations, and Marketing, Tom’s unconventional career path from SVP of HR to COO and entrepreneurial CEO has given him a unique perspective on driving performance. Now, as CEO of MindWire, an Elite Predi…
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What if avoiding The Bosshole® Zone could transform your leadership approach in 2025? As we wrap up 2024, we're diving into essential strategies for managers and supervisors ready to step into the new year with renewed intent. As we prepare for a well-deserved break, let's reflect on the lessons from the past year and how those lessons shape the wa…
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#101: How to Be Happier at Work with Aoife O'Brien
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31:56Aoife O’Brien is the founder of Happier at Work, with the mission to solve the problem that 85% of employees are disengaged at work. Using her research-based Happier at Work framework, she partners with leaders to focus on: workplace culture; cultivating balance; and empowering leaders. Her work supports employees to thrive and to reach their full …
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Bill Gallagher - Scaling Up Your Leadership (Part 2)
23:15
23:15
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23:15Have you ever wondered why a stellar resume might not translate into success at your company? Join us in Part 2 of our discussion with Bill Gallagher as he illuminates this mystery through the "head, heart, and briefcase" framework, offering compelling narratives that reveal the struggles leaders face when talent doesn't mesh with organizational va…
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#100: Radical Leadership Techniques with Kim Scott
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39:20Kim Scott is the author of Radical Respect and Radical Candor and co-host of the Radical Candor Podcast. Kim was a CEO coach at Dropbox, Qualtrics, Twitter, and other tech companies. She was a faculty member at Apple University and before that led AdSense, YouTube, and DoubleClick teams at Google. In 2017, she co-founded Radical Candor, the company…
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Bill Gallagher - Scaling Up Your Leadership (Part 1)
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25:50Facing the prospect of losing everything, Bill Gallagher found strength in vulnerability. When his business teetered on the brink of collapse, it wasn't a strategy that pulled him through—it was opening up about his fears. Bill shares how a heartfelt conversation with his wife helped to light the path to resilience, teaching him that vulnerability …
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#BONUS: Finding Strength through Leadership Challenges with Dr. Douglas Scherer
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31:53
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31:53Douglas Scherer is a dedicated father, speaker, author, professor, and researcher. His personal journey through the challenges of overcoming chronic pain from surgery complications and managing a global outage team led him to discover the transformative power of combining mindfulness with strategic decision-making. He speaks to leaders on ways to i…
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Join us on this special Thanksgiving 2024 episode of The Bosshole® Chronicles as we promise you'll uncover the art of transforming interactions with challenging managers into invaluable growth opportunities. Related TBC Episodes: Is it a Bosshole® or a Tormentor? HERE ARE MORE RESOURCES FROM REAL GOOD VENTURES: Never miss a good opportunity to lear…
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#99: How to Lead from the Middle with Jeff Sigel
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34:02Jeff Sigel is an author, coach, and consultant who is passionate about creating better work environments and more fulfilling careers for middle managers everywhere. After over 20 years of corporate experience at Nabisco, The Hershey Company, grocery retailer Ahold, and the restaurant company Cracker Barrel, Jeff has shifted his focus to coaching mi…
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Reference Profile Series: The Specialist Manager
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27:02
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27:02Unlock the secrets behind the Specialist profile in our latest episode, featuring insights from Karen Shulman of Real Good Ventures. Specialists make up 7.48% of the population, yet their precision, respect for authority, and harmony-seeking collaboration make them a cornerstone in maintaining organizational accuracy. Join us as we dissect the dist…
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#98: Peering Into the Future with Jason Cochran
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27:09Jason Cochran brings a unique blend of business savvy and psychological insight to his work as a business consultant and organizational psychologist with humanworks8. Ranked among the top 10 global thought leaders in HR, culture, and the future of work by Thinkers360, Jason draws on his diverse background and experiences as a psychologist, speaker,…
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Reference Profile Series: The Guardian Manager
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26:45Uncover the secrets of the Guardian reference profile as Sara and John promise to expand how you understand this unique behavioral type. With Guardians comprising over 8% of the population, they bring a blend of unselfishness, approachability, and a remarkable attention to detail. The Guardian's "behavioral DNA" helps organizations from going off t…
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#97: How to Practice Imperfectionism with Oliver Burkeman
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31:59
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31:59Oliver Burkeman is the author of the New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller Four Thousand Weeks, about embracing limitation and finally getting round to what counts, along with The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking and Help! How to Become Slightly Happier and Get a Bit More Done. For many years he wrote a popular …
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Join me as I share a personal story from my first voting experience in 1984, which sparked a lifelong appreciation for civic engagement and respectful dialogue. As we face Election Day 2024, the heightened political climate underscores the importance of psychological safety and mutual respect in the workplace. Managers and supervisors, this episode…
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#96: HR Horror Stories (and How to Avoid Them) with Jackie Dube
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33:50Jackie Dube has over two decades of human resources and talent optimization experience. She has dedicated her career to the belief that the heart of any successful business lies in its people. Currently serving as the Chief People Officer at the Predictive Index, she applies a mix of analytical rigor and human centric strategy to build high-impact,…
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Reference Profile Series: The Strategist Manager
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30:44Strategist extraordinaire Karen Shulman joins us to unravel the unique attributes of the Strategist reference profile through the science of The Predictive Index. Karen offers a fascinating glimpse into the minds of those who are wired for innovation, analysis, and a relentless drive for results. Click HERE for a short video about the Strategist. C…
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