By Nicole Jansen, Leadership Coach | Business Mentor | Change Maker
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The podcast currently has 800 episodes available.
How Can Play Revolutionize Your Workplace?
In this engaging episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Kristi Herold, founder and CEO of JAM Group and author of It Pays to Play: How Play Improves Business Culture, to explore how integrating fun and play into the workplace can drastically improve culture, productivity and profitability.
Kristi shares her inspiring journey, starting with organizing social events in high school to creating a vibrant company specializing in adult recreational sports leagues and corporate events. With her commitment to fostering fun and connection, Kristi reveals actionable strategies and real-life examples of how play can lead to happier employees, stronger teams, and ultimately, better business outcomes.
Ranked in 2020 Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women and a leader of a global company that has connected millions of people through play, producing and delivering over 4,000 playful corporate events in over 30 countries, Kristi offers a fresh perspective as a businesswoman who understands both the importance of valuing your team and driving business performance.
What We Discuss in this Episode
Favorite Quotes
Employee Engagement: “People remember the fun moments, not the boardroom meetings.”
Diverse Activities: “Fun should always be optional—offer diverse activities to cater to different interests."
Leadership and Fun: “Leaders should champion play to drive engagement and productivity, showing it through their own participation.”
Episode Resources
Get the LEADERS OF TRANSFORMATION community PLAYING with this Special Offer:
10 recommendations on how to integrate PLAY at work with Kristi’s free PLAYbook. PLUS 25% off a JAM event with your team: https://www.kristiherold.com/lot25/
Book: It Pays to Play: How Play Improves Business Culture
Website: www.jamgroup.com
Episode Show Notes and Additional Resources:
https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/leadership/513-it-pays-to-play-revolutionizing-workplace-culture-through-play-with-kristi-herold/
Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com
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What if sharing your personal story could transform people’s lives and your business?
In this week’s episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Bill Blankschaen, founder and Chief Story Architect of StoryBuilders. StoryBuilders helps make the world a better place by creating compelling books and learning experiences that turn ideas into greater impact, influence, and income.
As a New York Times bestselling writer, Bill and his team collaborate with influential figures such as John C. Maxwell, Lewis Howes, Michael Hyatt, Stu McLaren, and leaders from various fields, including business, politics, entertainment, and faith.
Join Nicole and Bill as they explore the art of effective storytelling in business, from defining your brand narrative to conquering the fear of niche marketing. Bill’s method emphasizes clarity and authenticity, ensuring messages deeply resonate with audiences. Listen in as they highlight inspiring examples of successful projects, revealing how your story can become a powerful tool for growth and connection.
What We Discuss in this Episode
Podcast Highlights
0:00 - Using storytelling to transform business.
6:01 - Inspire action beyond storytelling.
9:29 - Create attention-grabbing book titles.
15:57 – Build high trust, supportive relationships.
21:21 - Identify core and secondary audiences.
24:46 - Become known for something.
28:35 - Clarify brand story before monetizing.
36:05 - Your unique story matters.
37:16 – Find your passion, tell your story.
Favorite Quotes
"Every individual’s story has the potential to profoundly impact their business and personal branding."
"Clarity in storytelling is essential to reduce friction and ensure your message resonates."
"Building high-trust relationships with clients is key to successful storytelling and business growth."
Episode Show Notes and Resources: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/business/512-reaching-others-with-your-story-with-bill-blankschaen
Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com
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How can you make your message clearer and more impactful? In this episode, host Nicole Jansen speaks with Ben Guttmann, author and marketing expert, to break down the essentials of clear communication. They explore the 5 keys to effective messaging, including how simplicity, empathy, and focus impact your ability to connect with your intended audience.
Ben shares lessons from his career, moving beyond flashy taglines to emphasize the importance of everyday communication. Through practical examples and actionable tips, they reveal how clear messaging can enhance leadership and inspire teams. This episode also covers balancing features and benefits, AI's role in communication, and making your message resonate in a noisy world.
What We Discuss in This Episode
Podcast Highlights
0:00 – Introduction
1:18 - Why clear communication matters in leadership.
3:45 - The importance of understanding your audience.
6:12 - The power of simple, relatable messages.
9:20 - Why benefits resonate more than features.
13:05 - Real-world advice for better communication.
16:42 - The role of AI in crafting your message.
20:21 - Enhancing message coherence.
23:30 - Practical ways to explain complex concepts.
27:14 - How empathy improves your connection.
30:22 - Using feedback to sharpen your message.
Favorite Quotes
Empathy in Messaging: "Empathy is not just understanding your audience, it’s making them feel understood through simplicity."
Benefits vs. Features: “It’s not about the toothpaste’s mint flavor; it’s about the fresh breath and confidence it gives.”
AI in Communication: “AI can help, but it can’t replace the insight and empathy that make messages truly resonate.”
Episode Show Notes and Resources: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/business/511-crafting-messages-that-connect-with-ben-guttmann/
Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com
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What is the key to thriving in the 21st-century workplace?
In this transformative episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Catherine Allen, co-founder and chief impact officer of AO People Partners and co-author of Conscious, Capable, and Ready to Contribute. Catherine brings a profound understanding of the pivotal role people skills play in the workplace in the age of technological growth. Together, Nicole and Catherine delve into the essential nature of human skills, the intrinsic value of people, and the overarching impact on business imperatives and contribution to society.
Through their insightful conversation, they shed light on developing people's skills within business settings, emphasizing the necessity of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and active listening. This episode is a call to action for leaders to prioritize and model these skills to create a harmonious, productive, and sustainable work environment, underscoring the connection between individual growth and societal benefit.
What We Discuss in this Episode
Podcast Highlights
0:00 – Emphasizing the importance of people development for leaders.
4:47 – How the marketplace impacts everyone.
8:08 - Leadership development transforms individuals and organizational culture.
10:03 - Developing people skills that are crucial for success.
16:08 - Commitment yields workplace success.
19:11 - Success in leadership development is tied to senior leaders.
21:27 - Leadership example and model for change.
27:02 - Investing in human capabilities is crucial today.
29:08 - Assess team's skills, focus on core habits.
Favorite Quotes
"Developing human capabilities is not just a business imperative but a higher purpose in the 21st century."
"Scaling a business is fundamentally about people working well together and developing the capacity to handle higher volumes."
"The biggest difference in whether a leadership development program will be effective and actually sustainable or sticky is really one thing. It boils down to one thing in my experience, the level of engagement and commitment of the senior most leaders."
Episode Show Notes and Resources:
https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/leadership/510-the-power-of-people-skills-with-catherine-allen
Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com
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What do you need to know about data privacy and generative AI?
In this informative episode we explore the dynamic world of data privacy and generative AI with Amruta Moktali, Chief Product Officer at Skyflow - the world’s first and only data privacy vault delivered as an API.
Amruta’s impressive career trajectory spans leading roles at industry giants like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Cleo, culminating in her current position where she champions data privacy solutions. Listen as she shares invaluable insights on the importance of safeguarding original data, the impact of generative AI, and the growing presence of women in technology.
Join us as Amruta unpacks the intricacies of data privacy vaults, offers strategies to manage data responsibly, and discusses the challenges unique to remote work environments. Whether you’re a business leader, tech enthusiast, or advocate for diversity in the workplace, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and actionable advice.
What We Discuss in This Episode
Podcast Highlights
0:00 – How Amruta found her passion in data privacy.
5:32 - Protecting your data in the context of generative AI.
8:14 - Privacy policies, consent, and the originality of data.
11:29 - Challenges of maintaining control over shared data.
14:55 - Skyflow's solution for securing sensitive data.
19:22 - Diversity and inclusion's impact on tech innovation.
23:17 - Ensuring equitable training data for AI models.
27:06 - Proactive measures to prevent data breaches.
30:45 - Encouraging diverse talent in tech.
Favorite Quotes
On Data Security: “Privacy policies and regulations are not just boxes to tick—they’re about safeguarding the originality and integrity of data.”
On Diversity in Tech: “It’s not enough to have a seat at the table; genuine inclusion means actively listening and valuing diverse perspectives.”
On Proactive Measures: “The repercussions of a data breach are far-reaching; investing in proactive security measures is crucial for protecting both reputation and trust.”
Episode Show Notes and Resources: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/business/509-data-privacy-ai-and-women-in-tech-with-amruta-moktali/
Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com
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What does purpose-driven leadership look like in the interior design world?
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Blima Ehrentreu, a creative visionary and interior design trailblazer with locations in Toronto, New York, and Miami. Driven by a mission of designing with purpose and creating a better world, Blima shares her journey from childhood curiosity to becoming a leader in the industry. Host Nicole Jansen, herself a former Torontonian, leads an engaging discussion about purposeful business practices, tips for women leaders in the construction industry, and innovative design solutions with social impact.
Join us as Blima shares the challenges and opportunities she faced in launching her interior design business and expanding to three locations, how they weathered the pandemic, and how they have used their platform to further their purpose and social responsibility in the community.
What We Discuss in this Episode
Podcast Highlights
0:00 – Discovering a career in design.
5:19 - Expanding business from Toronto to New York.
7:34 - Designers take responsibility for mistakes, lessons learned.
12:15 - Diversity, inclusivity, and thoughtful design in spaces.
14:51 – Meeting frequency and valuing everyone's input.
17:06 - Designing with purpose to create a better world.
20:11 - Community involvement, global impact.
25:58 - Embracing technology, offering mentorship, and opportunities.
Favorite Quotes
"Challenges are opportunities for growth. Every constraint pushes us to be more innovative."
"Diversity within the team brings richer, more creative solutions."
"Designing with purpose means not only making a space beautiful but ensuring it serves and uplifts the community."
Episode Show Notes and Resources
https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/leadership/508-interior-design-for-a-better-world-with-blima-ehrentreu
Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com
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What if you could command a room and be recognized as a leader regardless of your title or position?
In this engaging episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Dr. Alexa Chilcutt, a certified executive coach and faculty lead for the Executive Business Communication certificate and co-lead for the Academy of Women in Leadership programs at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Together, they explore the 10 characteristics of executive presence and discuss how you can grow your confidence and be acknowledged as a leader.
Dr. Chilcutt, with her extensive experience in executive education and corporate training, emphasizes the importance of perception, authenticity, and values in leadership. She brings to light crucial insights from her research showing that perceived executive presence significantly impacts career advancement, with staggering statistics indicating it as a critical factor in professional growth.
Join Nicole and Alexa as they dissect the essential characteristics of executive presence, discuss practical steps to enhance your leadership potential, and address the unique challenges faced by women in climbing the corporate ladder. This episode is packed with actionable advice, personal anecdotes, and expert guidance to help you showcase your leadership qualities effectively.
What We Discuss in this Episode
Podcast Highlights
0:00 - Introduction to executive presence and leadership.
6:16 - 10 characteristics of executive presence.
9:33 - Executive education and nonverbal communication.
13:04 – Crucial aspect in commanding a room.
15:50 – The unique challenges women face in growing their executive presence.
17:52 - Shifting perceptions and leadership through strategic language.
21:15 - Intentionality, strengths, and assertiveness in women.
26:36 - Empathy and authority as powerful leadership traits.
30:01 - The importance of relevance and influential presentations.
31:01 – Alexa’s forum for executive presence.
34:20 – Wrap up
Favorite Quotes
"Think about the impact that nonverbal communication has. Your body language and tone of voice are crucial in building trust and rapport." - Dr. Alexa Chilcutt
“Out of 400 surveyed, 89% believed that a high level of perceived executive presence absolutely contributed to their career advancement.” - Dr. Alexa Chilcutt
Episode Resources and Show Notes: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/leadership/507-mastering-your-executive-presence-with-dr-alexa-chilcutt
Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com
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How can we discern the true character of our leaders and make informed choices for the future of our nation?
In this thought-provoking episode, we engage in a candid discussion with Gautam Mukunda, a former Harvard Business School professor, author, and expert on leadership and decision-making. As the U.S. presidential election approaches, Gautam shares his insights on the complexities of choosing a leader and the far-reaching consequences of our collective decision.
Drawing from his extensive research and his latest book, "Picking Presidents," Gautam delves into the intricacies of the leader selection process, the role of character in leadership, and the potential pitfalls of relying on entrenched elites. He challenges conventional wisdom and encourages listeners to look beyond superficial factors when evaluating candidates.
Join us for this timely and essential conversation as we explore the profound impact of leadership on our society and the critical importance of making informed, rational decisions in the face of emotionally charged political climates. Gain valuable insights into the key qualities to look for in a leader and learn how to navigate the complexities of the electoral process with discernment and wisdom.
** Note from the Host **
This conversation was not intended to argue which candidate is better but rather to focus on the factors to consider when choosing who you will vote for. Therefore, rather than engage in a debate, I chose to keep the conversation on topic. In doing so, I hope you find this conversation unique and insightful as you consider the type of leader this country needs right now and who best fits that profile. God bless America.
Key Takeaways
Chapter Timestamps
0:00 - When leaders really matter
5:23 - How authority reveals true character
11:47 - Emotional voting and the consequences of poor leadership
18:09 - The role of elites in American society and aligning incentives
24:36 - Avoiding disastrous candidates and the impact of leadership on followers
30:11 - The leader selection paradox and the risks of unfiltered leaders
35:44 - Managing the complexity of the federal government
40:28 - The importance of rational decision-making in leadership selection
46:02 - Wrap-up and final thoughts on picking presidents
Favorite Quotes
The Nature of Power: "Most people, when they gain power, become worse people because they no longer have to pretend to be someone they're not." - Gautam Mukunda
The Role of Emotion in Voting: "Voting is not a rational act. It is an emotional act. And I would urge people to think about the emotions that a leader inspires in them." - Gautam Mukunda
The Influence of Leadership on Others: "The character of a leader shapes the character of everyone around them. It is an unbelievable privilege to be a leader because you get to make the people around you better." - Gautam Mukunda
Episode Resources and Show Notes: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/leadership/506-choosing-the-next-president-with-gautam-mukunda/
Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com
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How can you create a value-driven organization that transforms the world?
In this enlightening episode, we dive deep with Lee Benson, a renowned value creation expert, CEO of Execute to Win, and author of "Your Most Important Number." With over 30 years of business experience, Lee shares his unique insights on the power of holistic value creation and how it can revolutionize organizations and their impact on the world.
Join Nicole Jansen and Lee Benson as they explore the lack of intentionality in organizations and the critical importance of creating value not just in the marketplace, but in the world at large. Through personal anecdotes, including a transformative experience with Jack Welch, Lee emphasizes the need to operationalize abstract concepts like culture and value creation to drive genuine transformation.
Discover the three essential elements of holistic value creation—material, emotional energy, and spiritual value—and learn how to cultivate them in your organization. Gain practical strategies for fostering a culture of engagement, wellness, and connectedness that goes beyond mere surveys and lip service.
In this episode, you'll also learn about Lee's groundbreaking approach to teaching children about holistic value creation and financial literacy through his book "Value Creation Kid," and the "Dinner Table" method for families.
Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or simply someone passionate about making a positive impact, this episode will inspire you to rethink your approach to value creation and provide you with the tools to transform your organization and the world around you.
10 Key Takeaways
Favorite Quotes
"If you want transformation, you've got to operationalize the concepts. It's not enough just to talk about them." - Lee Benson
"Emotional energy is the most important commodity that a leader has. If you're not generating emotional energy in the people around you, you're not leading." - Lee Benson
Episode Resources and Show Notes: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/leadership/505-identifying-your-most-important-number-with-lee-benson
Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com
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What if your business could achieve extraordinary media coverage through the power of press releases? In this business-building episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Mickie Kennedy, the insightful founder of eReleases, to explore the lucrative world of press releases. Mickie is a trailblazer in the PR industry, with a unique approach that combines strategic storytelling and data-driven insights, enabling small businesses, startups and authors to capture significant media attention, improve their SEO rankings, and drive sales.
Throughout the conversation, Mickie shares expert tips on how to create impactful press releases, from leveraging survey data to crafting compelling narratives. Discover the strategies behind his successful PR campaigns and learn how you can implement these techniques to make your business stand out in the media landscape.
What We Discuss in This Episode
Podcast Highlights
0:00 – An introduction to press releases.
03:24 – The power of press releases in gaining media attention.
06:15 – Using surveys to create compelling press releases.
10:45 – Essential elements of a successful press release.
14:13 – How strategic press releases boost SEO rankings.
17:35 – Building a comprehensive PR campaign with eReleases.
21:21 – Real-world success stories from effective press releases.
27:08 – Incorporating storytelling to captivate media and audience.
30:40 – The contrarian approach: Differentiating in the media.
34:15 – Tips and advice for implementing press release strategies.
Favorite Quotes
On the Power of Press Releases: “A highly targeted and data-driven press release can drive remarkable media coverage, bringing valuable credibility and visibility to your business.”
On Storytelling in PR: “Using compelling narratives and addressing industry challenges can make your press releases resonate more deeply with journalists and their audiences.”
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Mickie Kennedy as we explore the essential strategies behind effective press releases, the role of storytelling, and how to strategically gain media attention to elevate your business.
Episode Resources and Show Notes: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/business/504-elevate-your-pr-with-e-releases-with-mickie-kennedy
Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com
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