In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad interviews Radhika Dutt, author of 'Radical Product Thinking' and the forthcoming book 'Escaping the Performance Trap.' Dutt challenges the conventional wisdom of goal-setting in performance management, arguing that tools like OKRs and KPIs often backfire.

Instead, she introduces an alternative framework focused on detailed vision statements, puzzle setting, and puzzle solving, which encourages continuous learning and adaptation. The conversation explores the history of goal-setting, its limitations in complex environments, and practical steps for implementing Dutt's approach.

Author of Radical Product Thinking, a speaker and entrepreneur, Radhika Dutt has participated in 5 acquisitions, 2 of which were companies she founded. She's an advisor on Product Thinking to the Monetary Authority of Singapore. She's also an MIT grad with SB and M.Eng in EECS, and speaks nine languages.

01:12 Challenging Traditional Management

03:38 The History and Problems with Goal Setting

07:25 Alternative Approaches to Alignment

14:56 Implementing Puzzle Setting and Solving

20:30 Overcoming Resistance to Change

26:23 Lightning Round and Conclusion

In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad converses with Jen Mueller, a seasoned sports broadcaster, leadership coach, and host of Talk Sporty to Me.

Jen shares her unique experiences of interviewing athletes while cooking, and how these interactions reveal vulnerability and human connection. The discussion delves into critical leadership communication strategies, emphasizing the importance of timely, clear, and meaningful feedback.

Jen draws parallels between leadership in sports and business, highlighting the role of clear objectives and the nuances of giving accurate praise and constructive feedback. She also provides actionable advice on preparing for and handling challenging conversations, the significance of learning from setbacks, and fostering a resilient team culture.

Jen Mueller is a business communication expert and the founder of Talk Sporty to Me, where she helps companies level up their communication skills with actionable strategies inspired by her 25-year career as a sports broadcaster.

An Emmy-award-winning producer, Jen is in her 16th season as the Seattle Seahawks sideline radio reporter and has spent 18 years with the Seattle Mariners on ROOT SPORTS. She’s known for building strong relationships, delivering meaningful content in short bursts, and expertly handling post-game interviews (while dodging Gatorade baths!).

01:11 The Power of Vulnerability in Cooking Interviews

01:57 Leadership Communication: A Daily Discipline

03:30 The Importance of Clear Objectives in High-Stress Situations

05:26 The Dangers of False Praise and Generic Feedback

09:08 Setting Clear Expectations and Accountability

16:00 Handling Difficult Conversations with Empathy

18:54 Learning from Setbacks and Building Resilience

21:51 Common Pitfalls in Leadership Feedback

24:40 Lightning Round: Quick Insights with Jen Mueller

Check out Jen's impactful and entertaining work here:

https://www.youtube.com/@TalkSportyToMe

https://www.instagram.com/TalkSportytoMe/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmuellertalksporty/

In this episode of 'Leading Human,' host Chad Prevost welcomes Scott Allen, a seasoned leadership development strategist, certified emotional intelligence coach, and Enneagram teacher. Scott delves into his book, 'The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence,' which correlates the nine Enneagram types to core EQ skills, offering a pathway to radical self-awareness. The conversation explores Scott's insights on how integrating the Enneagram with emotional intelligence can lead to profound personal and professional growth, highlighting the importance of self-awareness in leadership. Chad and Scott also share personal anecdotes and practical advice for embracing emotional awareness to enhance decision-making, relationships, and stress management.

00:00 Introduction to Scott Allender

00:06 Scott Allen's Background and Achievements

01:41 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

05:00 Scott's Journey with Emotional Intelligence and the Enneagram

06:28 Understanding Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence

07:51 Personal Insights and Enneagram Types

13:17 Integrating Emotions, Body, and Mind

16:25 Coaching Leaders on Emotional Intelligence

21:04 Exploring EQ Buckets and Self-Perception

23:45 Emotional Repression and Anger

25:36 Discovering the Enneagram

26:11 Understanding Envy and Healing

27:05 The Complexity of Type Four

29:45 Practical Applications of the Enneagram

31:48 Challenges and Benefits of Enneagram Awareness

33:46 Path to Genuine Transformation

40:52 Integrating Head, Heart, and Body

43:35 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode of Leading Human, Chad sits down with EQ-research pioneer Joshua Freedman.

Who’s our guest?

• Joshua Freedman — co-founder & CEO of Six Seconds, the world’s largest emotional-intelligence network.

Why listen?

• Led EQ programs in 50+ countries and helped seed regional teams now serving 7 million+ learners.
• Author of 5 books and creator of 6 validated EQ assessments that turn “soft skills” into hard data.
• Partnered with brands like FedEx, U.S. Navy, HSBC, Intel, Amazon, and the UN to produce measurable gains in the people-side of performance.
• Co-architect of the POP-UP Festival with UNICEF World Children’s Day—free EQ activities for kids worldwide.

Origin story highlights

• First discovered EQ as a teacher/administrator at Nueva School (later profiled by Daniel Goleman).
• Serial entrepreneur—once a licensed building contractor—and former theater stage manager/tech director.

Big idea

• Emotions are data, not baggage. When people realize they have agency over that data, freedom, authenticity, and purpose ignite.
• Expected takeaways

1. A simple framework to measure and grow EQ.
2. How compassionate wisdom boosts both well-being and bottom-line results.
3. Practical tips for weaving EQ into teams, kids’ programs, and your own daily choices.

🎧 Tune in to learn how mastering emotions can transform performance—and why, for Joshua, inspiring “compassionate wisdom” is more than a mission statement; it’s a measurable practice.

In the final episode of the Leading Human series about Enneagram type communication dynamics in the workplace, we explore the interactions between Types 8 and 9. The episode delves into the synergies of these neighboring body types, highlighting how their partnership can merge strength with diplomacy and balance leadership with harmony. It also discusses potential conflicts arising from their differing paces and decision-making styles, offering practical strategies for nines to voice their needs and for eights to practice patience. The episode aims to enhance emotional intelligence, promote psychological safety, and provide actionable insights for effective communication and teamwork.

00:00 Introduction and Series Overview

03:15 Understanding Type 8 and Type 9 Dynamics

03:37 Synergies Between Type 8 and Type 9

07:03 Potential Conflicts and Resolutions

10:35 Effective Communication Strategies

16:10 Balanced Leadership and Conclusion

In this episode of Leading Human, we conclude our series on Enneagram type-to-type communication dynamics in the workplace by focusing on the interaction between Type Seven and Type Nine. We explore how these types can create a harmonious working relationship, highlighting their strengths and synergies as well as the challenges they might face. Practical communication tips are offered to help tailor strategies to building trust, achieving higher emotional intelligence, and ensuring psychological safety. Specific advice includes setting clear deadlines, involving both types in decision-making, proactive communication, and leveraging each other's strengths for optimal team performance. The episode emphasizes the importance of trust and provides insights into handling potential conflicts for a productive and pleasant workplace.

00:00 Introduction to Enneagram Type Communication

03:08 Understanding Type Seven and Type Nine Dynamics

03:15 Strengths and Synergies of Type Seven and Type Nine

06:29 Challenges in Type Seven and Type Nine Interactions

10:25 Strategies for Effective Communication

14:42 Conclusion and Further Resources

In this episode of 'Leading Human,' the focus is on understanding the communication dynamics between Enneagram Type 7 and Type 8 in the workplace. Broadcasting from Common House in downtown Chattanooga, the episode explores the high-octane interaction between these energetic types. It covers their strengths, such as Type 8's assertiveness blending with Type 7's creativity, and synergies like their shared love of independence. The episode also delves into potential conflicts, addressing issues like control versus freedom and different emotional responses. Practical tips are offered on managing these dynamics effectively, emphasizing the importance of open, respectful communication and leveraging each type's unique strengths. The discussion aims to help listeners improve team collaboration, conflict resolution, and leadership aligned with emotional intelligence and psychological safety.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

02:08 Understanding Enneagram Types

04:02 Type 7 and Type 8 Dynamics

05:24 Synergies and Strengths

07:28 Potential Conflicts and Challenges

11:48 Strategies for Effective Communication

14:19 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode of Leading Human, we delve into the Enneagram type-to-type communication dynamics, focusing on how Type Nine and Type Six interact in the workplace. We explore the synergies between these types, emphasizing how their complementary styles can create a stable and secure environment. The discussion covers potential conflicts, including decisiveness issues and energy mismatches, and offers practical strategies to mitigate these challenges. Listeners are encouraged to implement frameworks and communication techniques to enhance trust and efficiency within their teams. The episode also calls for listener feedback to share their effective team communication practices.

00:00 Introduction to Enneagram Type Dynamics

01:22 Building Trust in Teams

03:16 Synergies Between Type Nine and Type Six

08:05 Challenges in Type Nine and Type Six Interactions

11:11 Strategies to Mitigate Friction

16:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of Leading Human, the focus is on the communication dynamics between Enneagram Types 6 and 8 in the workplace. Hosts discuss how these two types, known for their loyalty and concern for security, can form a powerful team when trust is established. The episode delves into the natural synergies, potential conflicts, and practical strategies for building and maintaining trust between Type 6 and Type 8 individuals. It highlights the complementary strengths of each type and offers tips for fostering effective collaboration, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance workplace relationships using the Enneagram framework.

00:00 Introduction to Enneagram Type Communication

01:18 Understanding Type 8 and Type 6 Dynamics

02:19 Synergies Between Type 8 and Type 6

04:56 Communication Styles and Trust Building

07:38 Potential Conflicts and Misunderstandings

12:07 Strategies for Building Trust and Effective Collaboration

17:08 Conclusion and Additional Resources

In this episode of 'Leading Human in the Workplace,' we dive deep into the communication dynamics between Enneagram types 6 and 7. These 'head types' each manage fear and anxiety in different yet complementary ways—type 6 with caution and planning, and type 7 with optimism and exploration. Despite their differences, this pairing can create a balanced and dynamic partnership rooted in mutual trust, empathy, and support. The episode offers practical strategies to blend the strengths of both types, enhancing emotional intelligence and psychological safety within the workplace.

00:00 Introduction and Series Overview

01:34 Type 6 and Type 7 Dynamics

02:09 Complementary Strengths

05:29 Potential Frictions

07:56 Building Trust and Effective Communication

08:28 Practical Strategies for Collaboration

10:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts