August 01, 2024

Adapting Leadership Styles for Success with Mike Thorne

53 minutes

Episode Description:

Join me, Dr. Donna, and my insightful guest Mike Thorne as we explore the unique world of family-run enterprises and the nuances of leadership within these environments. Mike shares his extensive journey from his family's square dancing business to leading major corporations, emphasizing the importance of trust and psychological safety in fostering successful teams. Listen in as we discuss how understanding personal stories and genuinely engaging with employees can transform leadership practices from a traditional command-and-control approach to one that prioritizes people and their experiences.

In this episode, we address the complexities that arise in family businesses, especially during generational transitions. We'll uncover the generational conflicts between older members seeking recognition and younger members striving to modernize the business. Discover how personal origin stories can break down barriers and foster authentic communication, and learn about the role of emotional expression in family dynamics. Mike also shares insights on helping leaders reflect on their personal stories to develop a more humane and effective leadership style.

We also focus on building personal trust and community through peer advisory groups like Vistage, and how creating courageous spaces for sharing can lead to significant growth. Learn about the impact of personal authenticity in leadership and the importance of asking for help. Mike's real-life example of navigating a bankrupt family business with expert assistance underscores the value of professional guidance. Finally, we'll touch on adapting to uncertainty in the post-COVID world, and the importance of heart in leadership training, acknowledging the contributions of the younger generation.

Highlight Time Stamps:

(02:04 - 03:34) Journey of Family Business Involvement

(09:36 - 11:06) Empathy and Expertise in Understanding People

(20:00 - 21:27) Leadership and Self-Trust Impact

(24:02 - 24:49) The Power of Asking for Help

(26:02 - 27:47) Empowerment and Support in Family Business

(30:02 - 30:39) Support System for Personal Growth

(33:16 - 34:47) Rewiring Belief Systems in Neuroscience

(40:27 - 41:12) Find Your Niche and Keep Moving

(43:02 - 44:00) Leaders Seeking Guidance for Decision-Making

(49:25 - 50:45) Personal Growth and Taking Chances

Connect with Mike Thorne:

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbthorne/

Checkout Mike’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mikethorneleadership

Learn more about Mike Thorne’s Company:

Website: https://trustinside.co/

Order your copy on Mike’s book, Hustle With Heart: Unlocking Self-Worth Through Personal Trust Communities: https://a.co/d/0R0unR3

About Mike Thorne:

Transforming leaders into human beings. Over the last 20+ years I have been hired to lead & expand revenues/profits while building a trusted culture. These roles were as President or CEO of divisions sized from $35M to over $300M and leading teams of 25 to 150. These businesses had a strong manufacturing component to them and were part of larger complex organizations up to $1.5B and over 1000+ employees. Experienced with Private Equity, publicly held, and a $100M family owned business across Home Fragrance, Sports apparel and equipment, and Synthetic Turf businesses.

He now thrives on transforming leaders through peer advisory groups, to be purpose driven and understanding the power building psychological safety in your organization. Building the capacity to thrive and flourish despite the uncertainty. Married 33+ years to my best friend with 3 adult daughters, and an Ironman 70.3 finisher.

Connect with Dr. Donna:

LinkedIn | https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

Learn more about Dr. Donna’s Executive Coaching: