Be Worth* Following

"If you're honest with people, they can trust you."

Purdue University's all-time winningest coach Gene Keady never over-complicates his leadership philosophy. He sticks to the basics - be honest, treat people right, and work hard.

Last year we featured a two-part March Madness miniseries on Be Worth* Following, and we're taking the opportunity to throwback to the first episode. In it, Coach Keady shared why the work that's done on the court is more than just about a game, it's about life. As you listen, you'll learn what traits inspire others to follow you, whether you're in a boardroom or a locker room.

Once you've finished this episode, we encourage you to check out part two of the series, a conversation on building a championship culture with Mark Edwards.

Additional Resources:

• Defensive Alertness plaque: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OfvHG1mV096_XaDSl8dEhHdc4gZCjBd_/view?usp=sharing

Michael Goebel, CEO at Parker Adventist Hospital, believes in the power of high trust and transparency to create a successful organization.

Michael has led several businesses in the healthcare industry through extremely challenging times, including bringing a company back from the brink of bankruptcy and weathering the storm of the pandemic. In this episode, Michael discusses why no matter the circumstances, he always chooses transparency. He has found that approach is the most effective means of building not just trust but respect. Listen in to learn about the foundational actions required to earn the respect of your team and hear how to then tap into the motivation that lives inside of them.

Jonathan Reynolds, CEO of Titus Talent Strategies, has generosity as one of his personal core values. This means generosity in giving back to the community and to his team members. He knows enabling his people to have a positive impact on others creates a feeling of connectedness that motivates them to grow.

Jonathan has spent most of his career setting ambitious goals and pushing on the gas pedal until he reaches them. That 'no-brakes' approach, however, comes at a price, and one he's starting to realize is far too high.

In this episode, Jonathan reflects on the importance of leaders investing in their own inner world. Listen in as he explores the paradox of striving to make an impact through his company while struggling to care for his own well-being in the process.

Additional Resources:

• Get your copy of Jonathan's book, Right Seat, Right People
• Check out Traction by Gino Wickman
• Check out Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald

Dave Lovell grew up listening to early leadership gurus' tapes and was exposed to success, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, he's started, bought, and sold over 40 businesses, and while he's now in what he calls the last third of his life, he has no plans to slow down.

In this episode, Dave shares how his lack of leadership guidance when he was young inspires him to invest in younger generations, pouring into them his knowledge and experience. Listen in to learn why instead of assuming you have to retire and stop working, Dave encourages you to reprioritize and reengage with people around you so you can continue to live out your purpose. Along the way, you'll also hear about Dave's mentorship of our host, Tim Spiker, and what it takes to truly care about someone enough to be able to have necessary, tough conversations.

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about Ikigai
• Check out Dave's Podcast, One Good Idea

"Do you want to actually be CEO or do you just want the title?"

When Tim Leman first took over as CEO of Gibson he felt stuck because he couldn't seem to gain the trust of his managers. That simple question, posed to him by his predecessor, helped him realize the true problem. He hadn't taken the time to build relationships with all of his people.

In this episode, Tim shares examples of how he cultivates connections with others by having conversations other leaders avoid and sharing parts of his life people can relate to. Listen in to hear about the importance of clear, meaningful communication and how to balance the work side of being in charge with the human side.

Additional Resources:

• Get your copy of Tim's book rEvolution

"Let the values guide you."

It's a timeless piece of advice from Andrew Larson. Which is why we are rereleasing this episode almost exactly one year after its initial launch. Andrew, CEO of Gustave A. Larson Company, an HVAC wholesaler, inherited both the company and their values from his father. Every day Andrew puts in the work to make sure each and every person in the organization lives out those core values. After all, it's easy to follow once you know the direction to go.

In this episode, listen to hear how clear-cut values keep everyone on the same page and how sticking to them has led Andrew and the company to see record profits as well.

Additional Resources:

• Andrew's Father's letter to the company
• How to be A Great Boss: https://www.eosworldwide.com/how-to-be-a-great-boss-book
• Leadership and Self Deception: https://arbingerinstitute.com/Landing/LeadershipAndSelfDeception.html
• The Culture Index

Vision, belief, and hope. Greg Muccio, Head of Talent Acquisition at Southwest Airlines, roots his leadership approach in these three key words.

In this episode, Greg shares how he falls back on them to overcome challenges. He starts by casting a vision that includes how each employee contributes to its success. Then he intentionally recognizes employees as they work toward shared goals. In times of difficulty, it's practices like these that offer hope to those who need it. Listen in to learn how Greg provides inspiration and support and hear the story of a leader who did the same for him.

"Who are you as a person, where do you want to go, and how can I help you get there?"

Randie Dial, Managing Principal at CliftonLarsonAllen, asks these three questions of every person who joins his team. Randie chooses to focus on what he can do for his people over what they can do for the organization because in the end, a trusting culture isn't built on what they can do for him.

In this episode, Randie shares how this approach lays a foundation of trust, which, in turn, creates teams that are more engaged and invested in the overall success of the company. Listen in to learn how he takes caring from concept to culture. Along the way, you'll also hear about what Randie calls "the alumni path," a revolutionary business concept you don't want to miss.

"You can't say, 'People matter,' if you don't find out why they matter." Steve Browne, Chief People Officer at Larosa's Pizzeria, lives up to his title by taking a people-first approach to his job. He knows genuinely caring about employees and building relationships with team members creates opportunities for development and innovation. In this episode, Steve discusses how he's pushing the needle forward at Larosa's. He starts by seeing people through a strength-based lens and making space for emotional decompression with a practice he calls "dumping your buckets." Listen in for more on using collaboration to move organizations forward and to hear Steve pull the rug out from under some HR stereotypes. Additional Resources: Check out Frederick Herzberg's Motivation-Hygiene Theory Learn more about SHRM

Exceptional leaders maintain their excellence by continually investing in their own development and the development of those they lead.

Frank Kelly III, CEO of Kelly Benefits, knows everything rises and falls on leadership, which is why he's committed to investing his time, money, and energy into his people. In this episode, Frank talks about the inner workings of the leadership academy in his organization and the tools they use to make it work. He also explains why he and his senior leadership team spend a significant amount of time working to grow both personally and professionally. As you listen, you'll learn how those efforts allow them to achieve a level of excellence that sets their company apart.