Unlock the secrets of effective leadership and communication with Michael Reddington, a certified forensic interviewer and president of Inquasive Incorporated. Through Michael's innovative discipline listening method, discover the intriguing overlap between leadership skills and interrogation techniques. You'll learn how strategic observation and communication can transform your approach to leadership, drawing parallels between the cognitive processes involved in confessions, sales commitments, and employee engagements. Michael sheds light on how job titles and perceived consequences influence honesty and information sharing within your organization.

This episode offers a treasure trove of communication strategies designed to foster open dialogue and trust. We tackle the complexities of control dynamics in conversations, offering solutions like "illustrate before you investigate" to navigate potential breakdowns. The importance of being perceived as an active listener is highlighted, alongside insights into managing expectations and perceptions. From initial interactions to employing storytelling as a tool for building credibility, we explore how these elements contribute to successful leadership and meaningful connections.

In our engaging discussion, Michael shares personal anecdotes and research-backed strategies that illustrate the power of disciplined listening in leadership. Learn how to build rapport, respect self-image, and encourage genuine interactions that lead to commitment rather than compliance. With a focus on strategic questioning, understanding emotional cues, and embracing a lack of control, this episode equips you with the tools to enhance your communication skills and inspire collaboration within your teams. Join us as we redefine what it means to listen and lead effectively.

Is your leadership strategy prepared for the demands of today’s multigenerational and AI-driven workplace? Join us as we promise a treasure trove of insights from leaders like Mary Jane Crocker of Bridgewater Bank and Tim Caron, a renowned business coach. We unpack the intricacies of leadership development and strategic talent management, sharing methodologies that have revolutionized communication and role alignment using tools like Culture Amp and the EOS model. Discover how HR's evolution into people operations can enhance both employee experience and retention.

Our conversation celebrates the power of generational diversity in leadership, focusing on not just managing but leveraging the strengths of a multigenerational workforce. Leaders such as Laura Moore from Marsh McLennan Agency offer their expertise on how emotional intelligence and change management can bridge generational gaps, especially in the age of COVID-19. We provide thoughtful strategies for fostering inclusivity, from mentorship programs that span different departments to redefining how we view potential and performance within diverse teams.

AI isn't just a buzzword; it's a game-changer, and we explore its role in leadership development with leaders including Brent Morris and Chris Ollendorf. See how AI enhances productivity, reshapes hiring and retention strategies, and challenges us to think bigger. Beyond tech, the episode delves into crafting a strong company culture—a fundamental pillar for retaining talent in a competitive market. As we pave the way for future leaders, we emphasize the importance of preparation, reflection, and staying anchored in core leadership principles. This episode is your guide to mastering the dynamic landscape of modern leadership.

We're excited to share highlights from our inaugural Allied Executives Trailblazer podcast, featuring Rick Nordvold and Molly Hiller of Growth Operators. This dynamic duo offered a wealth of insights on building and scaling a professional services firm.

Founded in 2010 by Rick as a solo venture, Growth Operators has grown into a thriving 65-person finance, accounting, and HR consulting firm serving the middle market. Rick and Molly shared vital lessons from their 14-year journey:

1. Bet the garden, not the farm: Rick started small but with a big vision, allowing the company to grow organically without taking on excessive risk.

2. Embrace the power of 1% daily improvement: Consistent minor enhancements compound dramatically over time. As Rick noted, "If you improve 1% every day for a year, you're 37 times better at the end."

3. Find the right leadership balance: Rick and Molly exemplify the visionary/integrator partnership. Rick generates big ideas and rallies the team, while Molly brings calm confidence and translates vision into execution.

4. Standardize for scalability: For Growth Operators' expansion, moving from customized approaches to standardized processes was crucial.

5. Create a "recurring revenue" model: Growth Operators have found a creative way to build ongoing client relationships in the consulting world by partnering with private equity firms.

6. Introduce junior talent strategically: Bringing in younger team members allowed for more cost-effective service delivery and created mentoring opportunities for senior staff.

7. Focus on your strengths: While experimenting with new service lines, Growth Operators ultimately found the most success by honing in on their core competencies.

8. Give visionaries space: Molly emphasized the importance of allowing creative leaders room to ideate while filtering ideas for practical implementation.

9. Invest in systems before drowning: Implementing a comprehensive ERP system ahead of explosive growth positioned the company for success.

10. Never stop learning: Rick and Molly emphasized their commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation.

The conversation highlighted the power of complementary leadership styles and the importance of balancing big-picture thinking with focused execution. As Rick aptly put it, "It's not the idea that creates value, it's the execution."

We're grateful to Rick and Molly for sharing their trailblazing story and providing valuable insights for fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations in future Allied Executives Trailblazer podcast episodes!

At the 2024 Business & Economic Outlook event hosted by Allied Executives, a panelist of experts joined moderator, John Palen, Allied Executives Founder and CEO, to discuss the strategies and best practices for maximizing the value of your business. The panelists included:

• Brett Larson, Minneapolis Division Chair at Messerli Kramer
• Travis Bezella, Partner, and Managing Director at Creative Planning LLC
• Kathy Hollenhorst, Allied Executive Peer Group Director 
• Taylor Moore, Partner at Carlson Private Capital Partners
• Colin Johnson, Managing Director at Wipfli Corporate Finance Advisors, LLC

In this episode, we’ve summarized the key strategies and tactics the panelists shared on how you can improve your value, prepare your company for a potential sale, and build out the attributes that potential buyers seek in the companies they wish to acquire.