Bad Bosses, Great Leaders

Burnout is rising, layoffs are rolling through teams, and many people feel they can't push back. Rebecca Vickers talks with Eric Hodgdon, a former IT leader turned speaker and coach, about how to protect your time and yourself.Eric shares the loss of his daughter, Zoe, and how it changed his view of work and what matters most. He explains why many professionals are grieving an unlived life. He also offers practical tools:

• How to ease into boundaries, starting with small ones like not answering late-night messages.
• Why leading yourself comes before leading a team, and how protected time blocks help.
• The difference between micro and macro recovery, from daily resets to a real digital detox.
• Why human relationships beat AI-filtered job searches.
• How to build a parallel path of income alongside your job.

Find Eric on Instagram at @thegritguy. Message him "Clarity" to get his free High Performer Career Clarity Checklist.

This episode digs into the DISC styles in a way that feels honest, practical, and eye-opening. Jeff Sigel expands on the basic understanding of the DISC assessment to show each style reacts in a crisis and why some leaders rush toward action while others protect the peace. It is a simple example that reveals a lot about what drives us and what blinds us.

We talk about the moments when our instincts help us and the moments when they get in the way. You will hear how assumptions create stress, how agreements create clarity, and how small shifts in awareness can change the way you lead your team. If you want leadership to feel more intentional and less overwhelming, this conversation will give you clarity you can feel and use right away.

Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn

Visit Jeff's Website

Learn more about The Salt Perspective 

Purchase a copy of Jeff's Book: The Middle Matters

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In this engaging episode, Rebecca Vickers and Traci Austin delve into the heart of people-centric HR practices. 

They discuss the art of navigating workplace conflict and transforming complaints into constructive requests. With a focus on trust, clarity, and effective communication, Traci shares her insights on empowering teams and leaders to collaboratively address challenges, ultimately enhancing organizational dynamics and employee engagement. 

Tune in to discover how to foster a positive workplace culture through strategic people management.

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Traci Austin's Website

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Discover the transformative power of empathy and accountability in leadership with Doris Jackson Shazier, a renowned leadership coach and consultant. 

In this episode, Doris shares her unique approach to fostering these essential qualities within organizations. Learn how understanding one's purpose and legacy can enhance leadership effectiveness, and gain insights from Doris's personal journey as a mother and author. 

Explore the importance of engaging with frontline employees and creating a thriving environment through high morale and accountability.

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Doris Jackson-Shazier's Website

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In this enlightening episode, Rebecca sits down with Katherine Lazaruk to explore the transformative journey from living under limiting beliefs to embracing one's true self. 

Katherine shares her personal story of overcoming societal conditioning, the power of self-awareness, and the importance of connecting with our authentic selves. 

Tune in to discover how understanding our unique energies can lead to personal and professional empowerment. Join us for a conversation that challenges conventional norms and inspires a deeper connection with who we truly are.

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Katherine Lazaruk's Website

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Explore the essence of authentic leadership and the transformative power of genuine care in the workplace. 

In this episode with leadership expert, Scott Warren, we delve into his journey from the sports and entertainment industry to advocating for empathy and connection in the workplace and beyond.

Learn how aligning company values can enhance both employee and customer experiences, with insightful stories and practical advice on fostering a culture of care and authenticity.

Connect with Scott Warren on LinkedIn
Visit www.preachwhereyoureach.com

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Explore the journey of career development for women with Rosie Zilinskas, who shares her insights from over three decades in the insurance industry. 

Discover how intentional career navigation and self-advocacy can transform professional paths, and learn practical strategies to overcome common blockers like visibility and confidence. 

Rosie offers valuable advice on crafting a personal roadmap to leadership, emphasizing the importance of preparation and storytelling in showcasing one's value.

Connect with Rosie on LinkedIn
Visit nowomanleftbehind.com

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In this insightful episode of "Bad Boss's Great Leaders," leadership expert Jim Carlough explores the six pillars of effective leadership. From integrity to humor, Jim shares his journey and the lessons learned over decades of guiding others.

 Discover how compassion and empathy can transform your leadership style and why stability and transparency are crucial in today's ever-changing world. 

Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice that can elevate your leadership skills and inspire your team. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned leader who believes that great leaders are developed, not born.

Connect with Jim Carlough on LinkedIn
Visit www.jimcarlough.com

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What do the world’s top military leaders know about character, competence, and communication that the rest of us miss?

Tom Collins is a pediatric cardiologist, leadership researcher, and podcast host who interviewed 51 four-star generals and admirals to uncover the traits that make great leaders across any field. 

In this episode, Tom joins Rebecca to share his findings—spanning decades of military experience and billion-dollar responsibilities—and how he distilled it all into a practical leadership model built on four C’s: Character, Competence, Caring, and Communication.

Together, they discuss:

• Why “leading from the front” still matters
• The leadership archetypes we unconsciously default to (like the “grandmother”)
• Why “it’s not what you say, it’s what they hear” is essential wisdom
• The Dunning-Kruger effect in leadership—and why most of us aren’t as good as we think
• How science, story, and self-awareness can transform our leadership growth

Whether you’re in the military, medicine, or management, Tom’s research offers a fresh lens—and practical tools—for becoming the kind of leader people want to follow.

Learn more about Tom and his book
Check out Tom's Podcast on Science based Leadership

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What does a monk know about leadership?

A lot more than you'd think.

In this episode, Rebecca speaks with Madhu Das—former monk, speaker, and founder of the Conscious Success community—about what it means to lead from within. They explore the connection between suffering and self-discovery, the role of values in creating stability, and how conscious leaders regulate their nervous systems in high-stress environments.

Madhu shares stories from his journey—from reading the Bhagavad Gita at age 16 to shaving his head and joining a monastery at 18—and how those years of study gave him a deep understanding of the mind’s role in shaping our reality.

They discuss:

• Why “I’m just stressed” isn’t a leadership strategy
• How the breath helps you switch between calm and focused
• The danger of labels in the workplace—and what to do instead
• What the “Monk Mindset” method teaches about clarity and action
• How to lead with purpose without needing a pedestal

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by leadership, disconnected from your deeper why, or unsure how to create peace amidst pressure—this one’s for you.

Madhuri Pura Dasa's Website
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