In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Calvin Lawrence—motivational speaker, leadership consultant, and author of the newly released book, The Happy Leader. Calvin brings over 40 years of experience in educational leadership and administration, offering a wealth of wisdom and heartfelt stories from his journey. We dive deep into the essential role that relationships, mindset, and authenticity play in effective leadership, as well as the power of choosing happiness—even during challenging times.

Calvin shares the inspiration behind The Happy Leader, emphasizing that “relationships matter” and exploring how mentorship, learning from failure, and busting through stereotypes have shaped his leadership philosophy. He discusses the importance of being an authentic leader, recounts lessons learned from his own missteps, and highlights practical ways to build trust and connection with your team. Calvin and I also talk candidly about the realities of leadership, including managing personal setbacks, balancing pressure, and the crucial practice of celebrating wins—big and small.

• Leadership starts with the quality of your relationships—getting to know your people, learning their names, and treating each individual uniquely.
• Authenticity is vital; people will see through “phony” leadership. Real influence comes from being yourself and building trust over time.
• Happiness is a choice, especially for leaders, and is often fueled by your intent to be a calming, inspiring presence for your team—even in times of chaos.
• Learning from failure is essential. Mistakes are opportunities for growth when leaders are willing to reflect and adjust.
• Breaking through stereotypes, both external and self-imposed, is critical for personal growth and for creating inclusive, empowered teams.
• Leaders should celebrate even the smallest wins, as recognition and genuine positivity help foster a culture of engagement, trust, and performance.
• Great leaders listen more than they speak and cultivate meaningful conversations—connection is at the heart of leadership.
• Trust is hard to build, easy to lose, and must be nurtured constantly in all relationships, both professionally and personally.

Join us for an inspiring, story-filled conversation that will leave you with practical strategies to cultivate happiness, authenticity, and stronger connections as a leader.

Pick up Calvin’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Leader-Relatable-stories-influence/dp/B0DWJXPLMP

In this episode, I sit down with Dre Baldwin, CEO and founder of Work on Your Game, former professional basketball player, and four-time TEDx speaker. Dre shares his unique journey from sitting on the bench in high school basketball to a nine-year international pro career, and how the lessons he learned on the court translated into his impactful work with leaders and entrepreneurs.

Author of the book, “Work on Your Game”, Dre dives into his signature “four pillars” framework—discipline, confidence, mental toughness, and personal initiative—explaining how these core elements of mindset underpin professional performance and success in any industry. We explore practical strategies for building mental toughness without risking burnout, the crucial importance of understanding and connecting with individual team members, and the realities of leadership challenges at all levels, from new managers to experienced mid-level leaders.

Dre offers candid stories about his own missteps—especially around hiring and team management—and provides actionable advice for navigating common leadership pitfalls. We also discuss the dynamics of leading diverse teams, including the nuanced differences between male and female leaders, and why the ability to truly listen and communicate effectively is the most valuable skill for leaders in the modern workplace.

• Leadership is deeply rooted in mindset, with discipline, confidence, mental toughness, and initiative serving as critical pillars for success.
• Effective leaders invest time upfront to understand their people, recognizing that each team member requires a unique approach to motivation and feedback.
• Communication is more than what you say—it’s about listening, understanding non-verbal cues, and making others feel heard and valued.
• New leaders should seek real-world experience and mentorship, learning not just the “what” but the “why” behind effective leadership practices.
• Navigating middle management requires mastery of upward and downward communication, and a clear understanding of the “game” you’re playing within your organization.
• The best leaders proactively build trust and show genuine care for their teams, which unlocks higher engagement and performance.
• Replacing or motivating unengaged employees often comes down to connecting with them personally and aligning on shared goals, rather than relying solely on authority.
• Communication and people skills will continue to grow in importance as automation and technology accelerate, making human connection a powerful differentiator for leaders.

Tune in for an episode packed with practical wisdom and real-world advice you can bring to your leadership journey today.

Pick up Dre’s book 

In this episode, I sit down with Rutherford Pascal, leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author of “The PID System: Preparation, Intentionality, and Differentiation.” Rutherford brings a wealth of leadership experience, having led teams of over 600 people and developed more than 70 leaders. He shares his proven framework for standing out and achieving transformative results—whether you’re looking to get promoted or become invaluable in your current role. 

Rutherford dives into the core elements of the PID system, emphasizing how leaders can leverage their unique strengths—their “zone of genius”—to add outsized value to their organization. He illustrates, through compelling real-life stories and practical examples, how mastering just one or two key skills can distinguish you in a sea of sameness, and how being intentional and prepared every day leads to consistent high performance. Rob and Rutherford also discuss the often-overlooked importance of valuing everyone in the organizational ecosystem, aggressive listening, and building a reputation for reliability and collaboration—both internally and with customers. 

• Lasting career success isn’t about reinventing the wheel, but intentionally doubling down on what you do best and aligning it with organizational needs. 
• Standing out requires consistent preparation, purposeful action, and meaningful differentiation—mastering your “zone of genius.” 
• Adding value isn’t just external; supporting internal team members and cross-functional partners helps elevate everyone’s performance. 
• Building a reputation for reliability, follow-through, and being “easy to work with” can have a massive impact on how you’re perceived and rewarded. 
• The most effective leaders genuinely listen, aggressively seek feedback, and deliberately value every contributor in the organization—not just their direct reports. 
• When facing difficult managers or environments, focusing on consistent, excellent performance and broadening your internal influence ensures your contributions don’t go unnoticed. 
• Leadership is about long-term, intentional investment in your growth and in those around you—separating those who simply do the job from those who build lasting, meaningful careers. 

Whether you’re an aspiring leader or an experienced manager, this episode offers actionable strategies to elevate your impact and get recognized for the value you bring to any organization. 

Check out Rutherford’s book here.

In this milestone 100th episode, the Leadership Jam Session turns the mic around as Executive Producer James Christie interviews the show’s usual host, Rob Fonte, founder of Sarto Leadership Group. Rob shares his candid leadership journey, revealing formative experiences—from his first intimidating management role to the biggest mistake he ever made—and the lessons that have defined his philosophy and approach. Rob and James also discuss the origins and evolution of the podcast, the power of learning from both great and not-so-great leaders, and announce the upcoming public launch of the Sarto Leadership Academy, designed to help leaders continue their personal and professional growth.

• Every leader has a unique story and something valuable to share; continuous learning is fundamental at every stage of leadership.
• Foundational leadership principles—such as building trust, listening, and reflecting on the basics—never go out of style, regardless of role or experience.
• Early mentors and personal influences, including family and courageous managers willing to take a chance, can have a profound impact on a leader’s career trajectory.
• Learning from mistakes (like accidentally emailing a team ranking to the entire team) can be transformative and lead to greater humility, caution, and personal growth.
• Supporting structures—both at work and at home—are crucial; leaders often rely on unseen partners in their journey.
• Bad leadership can teach as much as good leadership if you’re attentive and reflective.
• Leaders don’t have to have all the answers and should give themselves grace—seeking feedback, relying on others, and staying curious are strengths, not weaknesses.
• Continuous development is vital; initiatives like the Sarto Leadership Academy are designed to create community, provide real-world resources, and help leaders stay “off the rails” in the best way possible.

Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this episode is filled with honesty, humor, and hard-won wisdom—perfect for listeners seeking practical advice and inspiration to grow their own leadership journey.

nterested in learning more about the Sarto Leadership Academy? Click here to sign up for upcoming communications.

In this episode, I sit down with Larry Freedman, an accomplished leader with over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including nearly three decades in sales leadership. Larry shares the guiding principles behind his highly effective “success sequence”—a stepwise approach he developed for leading teams—and describes how building authentic, trusting relationships serves as the foundation for long-term results.

Through engaging stories and practical examples, Larry illustrates the importance of making personal connections with team members, including traveling to meet them face-to-face and intentionally getting to know them beyond their professional roles. He underscores the deliberate and organic process of relationship building, noting its critical role in shaping a positive team culture and enhancing performance. Larry also discusses the power of investing in team capabilities before focusing on driving results, stressing that sustainable success is rooted in trust, meaningful feedback, and discretionary effort.

• Building genuine, trust-based relationships is the crucial first step for new and established leaders alike.
• Intentionally investing time—such as visiting team members in person—sends a strong, positive message and lays the groundwork for effective leadership.
• Culture is shaped by how people feel about their work; leaders have significant power to influence and create a supportive environment regardless of broader organizational challenges.
• Enhancing capabilities and providing candid feedback is most impactful when rooted in strong relationships and trust.
• Focusing solely on results without investing in people and culture often leads to high turnover and unsustainable performance.
• Leaders should strive to “lead two levels down,” creating connections that reach deep into teams and leave a lasting legacy.
• Leaders rent—and don’t own—the title; it’s the positive impact and relationships you leave behind that truly matter.

Reach out to Larry to gain actionable strategies for building winning teams and creating lasting impact—one relationship at a time.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/inspire-impact

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with Cindy Fairless, a Sarto Master Facilitator, who passionately shares her extensive insights on the importance and value of mentors in career development. Cindy dives into how mentors can accelerate career growth by offering not just their expertise but also invaluable feedback, expanding your network, and pushing you to explore new opportunities outside your comfort zone. 

We also unpack some practical strategies for successfully finding and approaching a mentor, highlighting the need to identify individuals whose career paths and values align with your own aspirations. Cindy emphasizes the critical role of the mentee in driving the relationship, from setting clear goals to consistently engaging with their mentor. 

In addition, we touch upon the importance of having multiple mentors and how mentorship can foster a mutually beneficial dynamic, where both mentors and mentees grow from the experience. Through personal anecdotes, Cindy illustrates the rewarding nature of mentor-mentee relationships and how they can lead to unforeseen career trajectories and leadership opportunities. 

• Mentorship offers multifaceted benefits including the sharing of expertise, confidence building, and expanded networking opportunities. 
• Mentees must take the initiative in the relationship, from seeking out potential mentors to setting clear agendas and regularly communicating. 
• Constructive feedback from mentors is crucial for professional growth and should be actively sought and applied by mentees.  
• Finding the right mentor involves aligning career goals, values, and work habits, often requiring a thoughtful and strategic approach. 
• Effective mentorship can significantly influence career paths, opening doors to new opportunities and leadership roles. 
• Both formal and informal mentorships are valuable, and multiple mentors can provide diverse perspectives and guidance. 
• Mentorship is a two-way street, benefiting both the mentor and mentee and contributing to a culture of continuous learning and development.  

Listen in as Cindy offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice to help you harness the full potential of mentorship for your career development. 

For more details and to learn about Cindy's workshops or other workshops from the Sarto Leadership Group, please reach out to us: [email protected].

https://sartoleadershipgroup.com/services/

In this episode, I chat with Charis Sugden, MS, CCRP, Director of Clinical Research and Operations, who brings over 18 years of experience in clinical research, including 10 years in management. Charis shares her leadership journey, emphasizing the evolution of her guiding principles, which focus on building trust and respect, setting clear expectations, and empowering her team through coaching and support.

Throughout our discussion, Charis reveals the significance of empathy in leadership, recounting how her understanding and practice of empathy have deepened over time. She also delves into the challenges and strategies of adapting her leadership style to different personalities within her team, utilizing personality assessments like Insights to enhance communication and effectiveness.

• Leadership involves cultivating trust and respect, and clearly setting expectations for both team members and oneself.
• Empathy is vital in understanding team members’ diverse perspectives and motivating them effectively.
• Leaders should continuously stretch and adapt their style to fit the needs and strengths of their team members.
• Regular reflection and feedback are crucial for personal growth and team development.
• Effective communication and genuine connections within the team are key to a cohesive and motivated unit.
• Networking and building strategic support systems are essential for personal and professional growth.
• Sharing personal stories and vulnerabilities can accelerate trust-building and foster a supportive team environment.

Join us as Charis provides invaluable insights into her leadership journey and shares practical advice for both new and experienced managers.

In this episode, I take you back to the middle of a conversation I had in 2023 around the intricacies of career development with distinguished guests, Mark Jarvis and Brian Reardon, who both hold leadership roles in learning and development.  

This was a conversation full of insights for those navigating the complexities of building a rewarding career in today's dynamic corporate landscape. We tackle the often overlooked value of lateral moves, the critical importance of self-awareness, and the undeniable benefits of embracing flexibility in your career path. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring professional, this episode offers valuable lessons on personal growth, strategic career planning, and the art of seizing opportunities for development beyond the traditional climb up the corporate ladder. 

• Embrace Lateral Moves: Encourage employees to consider lateral moves as opportunities for growth and learning, not as setbacks. 
• Self-Awareness is Crucial: Promote self-assessment among team members to identify skills gaps and career aspirations. 
• Value of Diverse Experiences: Highlight the importance of gaining a broad range of experiences to enhance versatility and adaptability in the workforce. 
• Long-Term Perspective: Foster a culture that values long-term career planning and development over immediate upward mobility. 
• Importance of Flexibility: Encourage flexibility in career paths to allow for unexpected opportunities and personal growth. 
• Training and Development: Recognize the critical role of training and development roles in building foundational leadership skills. 
• Personal Life Considerations: Acknowledge and support the integration of personal life considerations into career planning and decisions. 
• Mentorship and Recognition: Actively seek and nurture potential in employees, recognizing talents and competencies that individuals may not see in themselves. 
• Promote Skill Acquisition: Support initiatives for employees to acquire new skills that align with industry trends and organizational needs. 
• Encourage Documentation of Achievements: Advocate for the use of tools like brag books or briefing documents to highlight accomplishments and skills relevant to career goals. 

In this episode, I sit with Melanie Lennear, a seasoned healthcare professional with 18 years of experience and a track record of managing an award-winning sales team. Melanie shares her guiding principles of leadership, emphasizing faith, family support, personal growth, and maintaining a growth mindset. Transitioning from a peer to a management role, Melanie discusses how transparency and vulnerability have been crucial in her leadership journey. 

• Effective leadership involves transparency, vulnerability, and a growth mindset, particularly during transitions from peer to manager roles. 
• Navigating difficult conversations with openness and respect can lead to significant personal growth and stronger team relationships. 
• Thorough preparation and the use of open-ended questions are essential for understanding different perspectives and facilitating effective dialogues. 
• Practicing the "stop, start, continue" exercise and welcoming team feedback promotes continuous improvement and mutual trust. 
• Maintaining separate channels for professional and personal communications can enhance focus and reduce distractions within a team. 
• Sharing personal experiences in conversations can help break down defensiveness and encourage positive changes. 
• Intent, timing, and awareness are crucial when engaging in critical conversations, ensuring that discussions are productive and empathetic.  

Melanie emphasizes the value of caring individuals and personal experiences in leadership, reiterating the importance of an open door policy for feedback and personal growth. Her methods and principles have not only led to her success but have also contributed to fostering high-performing, resilient teams. 

In this episode, I sit down with Jovan Antunovic, an international business leader with over 25 years of experience across the specialty pharmaceutical, medical device, medical equipment, and diagnostics industries. Jovan brings a wealth of global insights, having led cross-functional teams in the US, Canada, Europe, and Japan. Jovan shares his guiding principles of honesty, transparency, and "walking the talk" in leadership, explaining their critical role in building trust and effective teams.

Jovan recounts pivotal moments from his career, such as advocating for a valuable team member against initial directives and the integrative approach of incorporating cultural sensitivities into leadership. He also emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and adapting leadership styles to suit various cultural contexts.

Rob and Jovan further discuss the value of international experience in accelerating personal and professional growth, and how these opportunities shape more adaptable and knowledgeable leaders.

1. Honesty and transparency are paramount in leadership, fostering trust and genuine communication.
2. Adapting to cultural differences is crucial for effective global leadership.
3. Mentorship and the ability to make and learn from mistakes are invaluable components of career growth.
4. Engaging team members and involving them in decision-making processes enhances trust and productivity.
5. International experience not only broadens personal perspectives but also enhances professional capabilities and adaptability.
6. Understanding and addressing the needs of your team members leads to better engagement and improved organizational outcomes.
7. For those considering international assignments, the support of family is vital, as their adaptation plays a critical role in overall success.

Tune in for an insightful jam session on navigating the complexities of international leadership and cultivating a growth-centric mindset in challenging environments.

Contact info:

[email protected]

https://strat2tact.com/