Bad Meetings Podcast

Season 1, Episode 9: Leadership is Not Enough with Dr. James Chitwood 

In the season finale of Bad Meetings, host Erika McKellar sits down with Dr. James Chitwood, leadership expert and author of Leadership is Not Enough, for a masterclass on transforming bad meetings into powerful opportunities for engagement and connection.  

Together, they explore the 50-50 meeting structure, how communication shapes organizational culture, and practical ways to create psychological safety in teams. Dr. Chitwood shares candid stories of meeting failures, lessons learned, and actionable strategies to elevate leadership and team dynamics.  

If you're ready to lead better, communicate effectively, and build a culture of trust, this is the episode you can't miss.

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 Key Takeaways  

• The 50-50 Meeting Structure: Balance data-driven discussions with relational, qualitative dialogue.  
• Communication is Everything: Clear, intentional communication fosters a positive organizational culture.  
• Preparation = Engagement: Thoughtful planning makes meetings more productive and keeps employees motivated.  
• Don’t Skip Internal Communication: It’s a vital yet underutilized tool for employee connection and morale.  
• Train Smart: Ensure training is led by experienced practitioners who bring credibility and insight.  
• Soft Skills Matter: Develop empathy, active listening, and vulnerability to become a more effective leader.  
• Onboarding is Ongoing: Reintroduce roles, processes, and expectations whenever teams or goals shift.  
• More Than Money: True employee engagement comes from meaningful work, not just compensation.  
• Psychological Safety: Cultivate an environment where employees feel secure to share ideas and concerns.  
• Vulnerability Builds Trust: Authenticity in leadership paves the way for open communication and stronger teams.  

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 Episode Breakdown  

• 00:00 – Introduction: Season Finale!  
• 01:54 – Meet Dr. James Chitwood  
• 04:12 – Bad Meeting Moments: Lessons from Failure  
• 08:25 – The 50-50 Meeting Structure: What It Is & Why It Works  
• 12:11 – Preparation as the Foundation for Effective Meetings  
• 15:28 – The Overlooked Power of Internal Communication  
• 19:54 – Training Done Right: From the Frontlines to Leadership  
• 23:45 – Why Soft Skills Are Non-Negotiable for Leaders  
• 27:31 – Onboarding & Re-Onboarding in a Changing Workplace  
• 30:52 – Motivation Beyond Paychecks: Engaging Your Team  
• 35:31 – Psychological Safety: Creating Space for Honest Conversations  
• 39:09 – The TRACK Model: Building a Culture of Performance  
• 41:57 – Vulnerability as a Superpower in Leadership  

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Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review to support the podcast. Season 2 is coming soon!  

• Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings.
• Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow our YouTube channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings. 

Host: Erika McKellar, Host and Conflict Resolution Seeker
Guest: Safwan Al Turk, Business Leader and Wellness Advocate

In this episode, Safwan Al Turk discusses the cultural challenges he faced during high-level meetings in multinational companies and how his ego sometimes got in the way of productive engagement. Safwan shares how important it is to prepare for not only the content but also the cultural expectations in meetings, and how self-awareness is key to adjusting your approach.

Safwan also emphasizes the importance of mental fitness—how self-awareness, stress management, and resilience are critical for personal and professional success. He provides practical advice on how to improve mental fitness, drawing from his experiences as a mountaineer and wellness advocate. The conversation covers how mental and physical challenges outside of work can influence better decision-making and leadership in the boardroom. 

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Key time stamps:

Introduction: 00:00

Safwan's Background and Story Setup: 02:13

Cultural Differences in High-Level Meetings: 04:38

Overconfidence and Ego in Meetings: 07:06

How to Prepare for Cultural Nuances in Meetings: 09:21

Mental Fitness and Self-Awareness: 13:51

Wellness and Business Strategy Intersection: 18:32

Mountaineering and Mental Fitness: 34:02

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Notable quotes

"It's really important when you work in a diverse environment to understand how meetings are usually conducted. Don’t just rely on your previous experiences." - Safwan Al Turk

"Self-awareness is a journey, not a destination. We evolve with age, environment, and experiences." - Safwan Al Turk

"Being able to own up to your mistakes in meetings can be more powerful than knowing the right answer." - Erika McKellar

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Tools and resources

Mental Fitness at work: Learn how to develop resilience and awareness to perform at your best.

Cultural Intelligence: Resources on how to navigate cultural differences in professional environments.

Safwan’s consulting website

Conscious baboon wellness app

• Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings.
• Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow our YouTube channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings. 

• Guest:  Johan Grönstedt, VP of Howie Technologies, Author of Execution Revolution
• Host:  Erika McKellar, Host and Conflict Resolution Seeker

In this episode, Erika welcomes Johan Gransted to discuss his new book, The Execution Revolution: Quick Cure for Slow Strategy. and the critical importance of clarity and focus in executing corporate strategy. Together, we unpack how leadership teams often fail by having too many priorities, how emotional biases affect decision-making, and why data-driven approaches help improve execution. Johan shares real-life examples from his consulting career, including how companies with over 50 “number one priorities” fail to deliver on any of them.

We discuss how bad meetings—often born from unclear priorities—can cripple organizations, leading to confusion and a lack of accountability. Johan provides practical advice on simplifying decision-making processes and aligning leadership on most important goals (MIGs), creating a significant organizational impact. This episode offers tips for anyone in leadership looking to refine strategy execution and improve meeting efficiency. Thanks for listening! 

👊 Erika Mckellar

Key Time Stamps:

• Introduction: 00:04
• Johan's Background: 02:15
• Why Strategy Execution Fails: 10:50
• The Problem with Bad Meetings: 14:20
• How to Identify and Focus on Critical Goals: 20:10
• Using Data to Remove Emotional Bias: 25:35
• Final Thoughts and Future of Execution: 35:10

Notable Quotes:

“Having 51 number one priorities is just another way of saying you have none. It’s about focusing on the most important goals and committing to them.”

“Data takes the emotion out of decision-making. When you have the right information, you can move forward with clarity and conviction.”

Tools and Resources:

• Howee Technologies
• The Execution Revolution by Johan Gransted: Available on Amazon
• Data-Driven Strategy Tools: Learn more about using analytics to enhance decision-making with this overview.

Whether you're leading a team or trying to improve your company's meeting culture, this episode provides valuable insights into simplifying strategies, improving focus, and ensuring your meetings are effective and productive.

• Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings.
• Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow our YouTube channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings. 

Host: Erika McKellar, Host and Conflict Resolution Specialist  

Guest: Amanda Reill, ICF-Certified Coach and Executive Ghostwriter

In this episode of the Bad Meetings podcast, Erika McKellar is joined by Amanda Riell, who shares her journey from ministry to becoming a coach and ghostwriter, while reflecting on her experience working with a narcissistic leader. The episode offers insights into how to identify toxic behavior in leadership, the emotional burden of narcissistic bosses, and practical advice for setting boundaries and protecting your mental health. Amanda also explains the importance of having a care plan for long-term healing.

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Key Time Stamps:

Introduction: 00:04  

Amanda’s Career Journey: 03:10  

Identifying Narcissistic Leaders: 09:45  

Setting Boundaries and Protecting Your Energy: 19:32  

Rebuilding After Toxic Leadership: 32:14  

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Notable Quotes:

“Narcissists behave predictably once you know the playbook. It’s not about beating them at their game; it’s about getting off the board entirely.” Amanda Real

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Tools and Resources:

[The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists](https://www.amazon.com/Wizard-Oz-Other-Narcissists-Relationships/dp/0972072837): A recommended book for understanding narcissistic behavior in relationships and work.

[Boundaries by Henry Cloud](https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-When-Take-Control-Your/dp/0310247454): A classic guide to understanding and setting personal boundaries.

[Amanda Reill Coaching](https://amandarealcoaching.com): Learn more about Amanda’s coaching services and connect with her.

• Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings.
• Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow our YouTube channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings. 

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Bad Meetings Podcast, host Erika McKellar welcomes leadership coach and speaker Malcolm Larri. With over 25 years of experience, Malcolm shares his insights into leadership, the art of managing change, and how to build high-functioning teams. Malcolm emphasizes the importance of managing both control and influence in leadership, alongside tools like neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) to enhance communication. The conversation explores how even awkward or difficult meetings can provide valuable lessons for personal and professional growth.

Episode Notes

Host: Erika McKellar - Host and Conflict Resolution Expert
Guest: Malcolm Larri - Leadership Coach and Speaker, Master Practitioner of NLP

In this episode, Erika and Malcolm dive into the critical differences between management and leadership, focusing on practical techniques for enhancing team dynamics, handling challenging meetings, and driving meaningful change within organizations. Malcolm introduces the concept of "Hustle and Serve," helping leaders understand when to focus on tasks and when to focus on people. He also shares how neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) can help decode communication patterns and improve connection in team settings.

They discuss Malcolm’s early experiences as a young leader, including the hard lessons learned in his first leadership role, and how those experiences shaped his career. Whether you're new to leadership or a seasoned manager, this episode offers actionable strategies to elevate your management skills and approach to team engagement.

Key Time Stamps

• Malcolm’s Background and Early Leadership Journey: 02:10
• Hustle vs. Serve – Balancing Leadership and Management: 09:30
• Understanding Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) in Leadership: 14:45
• Practical Tips for New Leaders: 22:50
• Dealing with Challenging Meetings and Difficult Team Dynamics: 30:15
• Final Thoughts on Leadership Growth and Mistakes: 45:20

Notable Quotes

• "Control and influence are two different things. To be a great leader, you need to understand how to be in control without being controlling." – Malcolm Larri
• "Leaders need to be both task-focused and people-focused, constantly balancing between hustle and serve." – Malcolm Larri

Connect with Malcolm Larri

• LinkedIn: Malcolm Larri
• Website: BravePD

Feedback & Contact

If you have a bad meeting story to share or want to get in touch, reach out to Erika on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

• Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings.
• Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow our YouTube channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings. 

• Host: Erika McKellar, Conflict Resolution Expert
• Guest: Genna Kane-Gryziec, Talent Acquisition and Executive Coaching Expert

In this episode, Genna recounts an unsettling experience where she was unexpectedly called into a meeting that questioned her work performance without prior warning or clear evidence. The conversation unfolds to explore the detrimental effects of such mismanaged meetings on employee trust and morale. Genna and Erika discuss strategies for effective leadership, including the importance of preparing for feedback sessions, fostering open communication, and maintaining empathy. They emphasize the necessity of treating employees with respect and transparency, ensuring that meetings become opportunities for growth rather than sources of stress.

• Introduction: 00:04
• Genna’s Professional Journey: 02:01
• The Bad Meeting Experience: 06:41
• The Importance of Empathy in Leadership: 18:23
• Cultural Impact of Poor Leadership: 23:07
• Core Values in Management: 27:43
• Conclusion and Final Thoughts: 34:55

• "You have to think before you react. It is a very important skill to learn. And trust me, I have reacted before thinking things through." - Genna Kane-Gryziec
• "People want authenticity, and so if the situation were flipped, I would have thought about the feedback, I would have collected all the FACTS, and then I would reach out." - Genna Kane-Gryziec

• Difficult Conversations: Recommended by Erika as a must-read for navigating tough discussions in the workplace.
• Empathy in Leadership: Genna emphasizes the importance of empathy, suggesting that leaders must consistently practice thoughtfulness and compassion when managing teams.
• The Role of Vulnerability: Genna and Erika agree that embracing vulnerability can lead to stronger, more authentic professional relationships.

• Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings.
• Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow our YouTube channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings. 

Host: Erika McKellar, Host and Conflict Resolution Seeker 
Guest: Jason Loomis, the Chief Information Security Officer for Freshworks

In this episode of Bad Meetings Podcast, host Erika McKellar is joined by Jason Loomis, the Chief Information Security Officer for Freshworks, they delve into the intricacies of transforming these meetings into effective decision-making sessions.

Jason shares his extensive experience in the tech and cybersecurity sectors, tracing his career from financial controlling to leading cybersecurity efforts at prominent companies like JustFab and MindBody. Now at Freshworks, a global SaaS business solutions provider, Jason discusses the challenges of managing a large number of people in meetings and emphasizes the importance of leadership skills, teamwork, and conflict resolution in making sound decisions.

The episode covers innovative diagnostic tools that treat organizations like living organisms, underscoring the need for regular check-ins and continuous feedback to maintain organizational health. Jason also highlights the concept of time boxing to manage large meetings efficiently and shares practical strategies like pre-meeting preparation and rotating leadership roles to ensure more productive discussions. Erika and Jason offer actionable insights and tips for listeners to enhance their meeting culture, emphasizing the critical role of diverse perspectives and cognitive conflict in achieving better outcomes.

Key Time Stamps:

• Introduction: 00:04
• Jason's Background and Journey: 02:29
• Innovative Diagnostic Tools: 09:35
• The Importance of Regular Check-Ins: 11:52
• Experiences as a Serial Entrepreneur: 13:49
• Handling Long-Term Stress and Challenges: 27:08
• Identity in Business: 36:29
• Fun Facts and Personal Insights: 40:46

Notable Quotes

"I'm a big believer in the more people that are involved in the decision-making process, it's going to be a challenge, but the more involved, the more buy-in you're going to get, and the better the decision will be. You don't necessarily have to have just three experts in the room." - Jason Loomis.

Tools and Resources

Risk Register:A tool used to keep track of all the cybersecurity risks within an organization. Jason describes how the risk register helps prioritize and manage these risks effectively by documenting them and reviewing them quarterly.

Time Boxing: A strategy where specific time limits are set for discussing each topic. Jason uses a timer to enforce these limits, ensuring that the meeting stays on track and all topics are covered within the allocated time.

AI Integration in Meetings: Discussed as a future potential tool, AI could help provide real-time summaries and answer questions during meetings, aiding in decision-making processes by determining when there is sufficient information to proceed.

• Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings.
• Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow our YouTube channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings. 

Host: Erika McKellar, Host and Conflict Resolution Seeker 
Guest: Dr. Elena Emma, Crisis Coach, Entrepreneur, and Educator

In this episode, Erika McKellar welcomes Dr. Elena Emma, a crisis coach, entrepreneur, and educator, to discuss the pervasive issue of unproductive meetings, with over 55 million held daily and up to 70% deemed ineffective. Elena shares her journey from financial controlling to coaching, emphasizing her apprenticeship approach to entrepreneurial education. They delve into innovative diagnostic tools that view organizations as living organisms, using methods like the vital sign test and human body scan to assess organizational health. The conversation highlights the importance of regular check-ins and continuous feedback over traditional annual surveys, stressing the need for ongoing evaluation to maintain organizational well-being.

Elena's experiences as a serial entrepreneur provide valuable insights into the addictive nature and inherent risks of entrepreneurship, as well as the lessons learned from multiple business ventures. She recounts a dramatic pre-meeting incident to illustrate resilience and decision-making in the face of unexpected challenges. The discussion covers strategies for handling long-term stress, the importance of adaptability, and maintaining authenticity in business. Elena also touches on the metaphorical significance of rainbows, symbolizing the multifaceted nature of identity and the beauty of embracing diverse aspects of oneself.

Key Time Stamps:

• Introduction: 00:04
• Elena's Background and Journey: 02:29
• Innovative Diagnostic Tools: 09:35
• The Importance of Regular Check-Ins: 11:52
• Experiences as a Serial Entrepreneur: 13:49

Notable Quotes

"Meetings are a skill. Communication is a skill. And working together, those are things that are not just, you're not just born with those things. You have to work on them just like anything else." - Erika McKellar

"You need to set the example of how willing you are to change and adapt to a changing environment that might require that you change your habits or ways of working." - Dr. Elena Emma

Resources Mentioned

Diagnostic Tool:[OCS Diagnostics](http://ocsdiagnostics.com) 
Dr. Elena Emma's TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB_gn9a6dn4

• Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings.
• Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow our YouTube channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings. 

Host: Erika McKellar, Host and Conflict Resolution Seeker 
Guest: Satu Ahlman, Executive Advisor and Founder of Saga Performance

In this episode, Erika and Satu tackle the "meeting crisis," highlighting the staggering statistic that over 55 million meetings occur daily, with up to 70% deemed unproductive. They share their personal experiences with meeting mishaps and emphasize the importance of understanding the purpose behind meetings. The conversation delves into why executive teams exist, stressing the need to define the value and objectives of bringing team members together. They discuss recognizing individual strengths and weaknesses and advocate for rotational leadership in meetings to challenge comfort zones and encourage diverse perspectives.

The episode also covers strategies for building trust and fostering communication within teams. Erika and Satu underscore the importance of feedback and open dialogue in creating a collaborative environment. They differentiate between operational, strategic, and creative meetings, stressing the importance of preparation and clear agendas tailored to the objectives of each meeting. The episode concludes with actionable advice: teams should book meetings to discuss their meeting culture and goals, and individuals should always clarify the purpose of meetings to ensure they are productive and focused.

Key Time Stamps

• Meeting Crisis: 00:04
• Why Do Executive Teams Exist?: 13:45
• Understanding Team Dynamics: 16:02
• Building Trust and Communication: 30:19
• Types of Meetings: 32:41

Fun Facts & Personal Insights

(04:21) Satu's Morning Routine: Wakes up at 5 AM, enjoys oatmeal, coffee, CrossFit, and walking her dog.
Emphasizes the importance of routine for productivity and well-being.

(06:43) Erika shares a vulnerable story about how she met Satu during a challenging period in her career, highlighting the importance of professional support and mentorship.

Notable Quotes

"Meetings are a skill. Communication is a skill. And working together, those are things that are not just, you're not just born with those things. You have to work on them just like anything else." - Erika McKellar

"You need to set the example of how willing you are to change and adapt to a changing environment that might require that you change your habits or ways of working." - Satu Oman

Resources

Saga Performance: SagaPerformance.com
Book Recommendation: "The Art of Gathering" by Priya Parker
Further reading: Your Scarcest Resource Harvard Business Review

• Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings.
• Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow our YouTube channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings.