Leading with Curiosity. A Podcast for Modern Leaders.

Building a $20B IT Infrastructure From Scratch | Michael Loechle

How do you build a winning IT strategy, scale a global organization, and lead high-performing teams without micromanaging?

In this episode of **Leading with Curiosity**, host Nate Leslie sits down with Michael Loechle, former CIO of Hitachi Energy and now an advisor to the Chief Digital and Security Officer at Hitachi Group in Japan.
Michael shares his experience building Hitachi Energy’s IT infrastructure from scratch following its separation from ABB. As the company grew from approximately $9 billion to $20 billion in revenue, he learned valuable lessons about strategic leadership, team development, trust, and scaling technology to meet business needs.
In this conversation, you'll discover why clear communication matters at every level of an organization, why curiosity helps identify high-potential leaders, and why successful executives must learn to trust specialists rather than try to master every detail themselves.

Michael also explains the importance of a “fit for purpose” strategy, the hidden costs of separating corporate services, and how leaders can navigate cultural differences in a global organization shaped by Japanese business values.

**WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:**
- How to build and communicate a clear business strategy and vision
- Why people matter more than processes in leadership
- How curiosity connects technology to business impact
- What it takes to build IT infrastructure from scratch
- Why “fit for purpose” beats unnecessary complexity
- How to lead experts without micromanaging
- Why trust, accountability, and regular communication matter
- How to navigate Japanese business culture, harmony, and long-term thinking
- Why developing people is one of the most important responsibilities of a leader

**CHAPTERS**
00:00 – Meet Michael Loechle and Hitachi Energy
01:42 – Building a Clear Strategy and Vision
03:29 – Why People Matter More Than Processes
04:46 – Identifying High-Potential Leaders
06:14 – Curiosity and Business Impact
07:00 – The “Fit for Purpose” Principle
09:22 – Why Hitachi Energy Built IT from Scratch
11:49 – Building Infrastructure During a Major Transformation
14:07 – The Hidden Costs of Corporate Separation
16:50 – Leading Through a Three-Year Transformation
18:54 – Building a Strong Team and Leveraging Strengths
20:41 – Why Leaders Cannot Be Experts in Everything
21:55 – Trusting Specialists Without Losing Alignment
22:39 – Handling Disappointment and Broken Trust
24:22 – Daily Check-Ins and Leadership Accountability
25:41 – Hiring the Right People
27:06 – Leading Across International Cultures
28:35 – Japanese Business Culture and Team Harmony
29:55 – Long-Term Thinking and Quality Standards
31:56 – Learning Patience and the Power of Listening
33:24 – Leading Across the Broader Hitachi Group
34:38 – The Value of Executive Coaching
37:27 – Michael’s Leadership Legacy

**ABOUT MICHAEL LOECHLE**
Michael Loechle is the former CIO of Hitachi Energy and currently advises the Chief Digital and Security Officer at Hitachi Group in Japan. His leadership experience includes building global IT capabilities, leading complex organizational transformations, and developing teams across international business environments.
**CONNECT WITH NATE LESLIE**
Website: https://www.nateleslie.ca
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelesliecec/
Leader Self-Assessment: https://www.nateleslie.ca/gift
Leading with Curiosity features conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and executive coaches who challenge traditional leadership thinking and explore new ways to build stronger teams and organizations.
Subscribe for more insights on leadership development, business strategy, organizational growth, and building high-performing teams.
#Leadership #ITStrategy #HitachiEnergy

Building Culture the NASA Way: 4 Leadership Lessons | Brady Pyle

How do you build and sustain a high-performing culture when the stakes are literally life and death?

In this episode of Leading with Curiosity, Nate Leslie sits down with Brady Pyle, author of "Building Culture the NASA Way," to explore what 30 years inside one of the world's most iconic agencies taught him about leadership, culture, and human potential.

Brady is the former Chief HR and Inclusion Officer at NASA and current Chief HR & Inclusion Officer at Space Center Houston. He breaks down the exact principles that helped transform NASA's employee engagement from under 70% to an astounding 85%.

The conversation explores how leaders can avoid the trap of the "hero leader" and instead build a genuine shared vision with their teams. Brady shares how NASA learned critical lessons from moments like the Challenger and Columbia accidents, shifted from organizational arrogance to continuous benchmarking, and navigated the transition from technical expert to coach-leader by asking powerful questions rather than simply providing answers.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• The NASA Leadership Framework: Navigate, Assess & Adapt, Strengthen Leadership, and Activate Inclusion & Innovation
• How pivotal historical moments defined NASA's decision-making culture
• The Mirror Principle: Understanding your personal core values vs. organizational values
• Moving past the "Not Invented Here" mindset through intentional external benchmarking
• Why technical leaders often stunt team growth and how asking questions empowers teams
• The hidden safety and innovation risks of hybrid and remote work environments
• Succession development: Growing the full talent pool rather than picking a select few

Whether you're leading a small team or managing an enterprise workforce, these aerospace-tested principles will help you build trust, accountability, and sustainable performance.

What is the biggest challenge your organization faces when building team culture: creating a shared vision or transitioning managers into coaches? Share your perspective in the comments.

📌 TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction: 30 Years of Culture at NASA
01:22 Core Values & The Leader’s Mirror
03:42 Stewarding Culture at Space Center Houston
05:53 Space Exploration and Inspiring Human Connection
07:48 The Trap of the Hero Leader & Building a Shared Vision
10:15 Space Center Houston’s Core Values
12:09 Aligning Personal Values with Organizational Mission
16:03 The Overview Effect: Moving to the Leadership Balcony
18:40 Getting on Mission During Hard Mandates (Saving 25%)
21:35 Ask Questions, Don’t Give Answers: The Coaching Shift
22:05 The NASA Framework: Navigate Defining Moments
25:32 Assess & Adapt: How NASA Reached 85% Engagement
28:30 Eliminating Organizational Arrogance Through Benchmarking
33:28 Strengthen Leadership: Succession Development vs. Planning
36:52 Activate Inclusion and Innovation
39:00 The Hidden Safety Risks of Hybrid Environments
41:05 Practical Takeaways from "Building Culture the NASA Way"
44:48 Closing — Leading with Curiosity

📩 BUSINESS CONTACT:
[email protected]

🔗 LINKS:
Website: nateleslie.ca
Get the Book "Building Culture the NASA Way": https://amzn.to/3QnGHUs
Brady Pyle: https://bradypyle.com

🎬 WATCH MORE FROM LEADING WITH CURIOSITY:
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6pIgTLKW0s
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AarKlM53kDw
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYzB_qttJpM
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu-Yt0YChhE
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBTMbIEZaRA

A Thought Worth Considering: The views shared in this conversation are intended to spark curiosity, reflection, and meaningful leadership discussions.

#Leadership #OrganizationalCulture #NASA #HighPerformanceTeams #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadingWithCuriosity #BradyPyle

How can leaders stay focused and find direction when AI, technology, and business are moving faster than ever?
In this episode of Leading with Curiosity, Nate Leslie sits down with Michael Earls, technology leader, enterprise strategist, and author of Finding Direction in the Age of AI, to explore what leadership looks like in a rapidly changing digital world.
Michael argues that the challenge isn't simply keeping up with the speed of innovation. It's knowing where you're actually trying to go.
The conversation explores how leaders and organizations can use AI without losing sight of strategy, culture, human connection, and purpose. Michael shares his experience navigating major technology shifts and explains why businesses need a clear “North Star” before adopting new technology.
They also discuss IT sprawl, AI adoption, digital distraction, workplace culture, employee connection, and the future of work. Rather than allowing technology to create more noise, leaders can use it to create space for clearer thinking, meaningful relationships, and better decisions.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why speed without direction can become noise
• How leaders can find clarity in the age of AI
• Why businesses need a “North Star” before adopting AI
• The risks of AI and technology sprawl across organizations
• How IT sprawl can create security and data challenges
• Why human connection still matters in a digital workplace
• How AI can help people become more human, not less
• Why workplace culture matters for employee retention
• How leaders can reduce digital distractions and information overload
• Why creating space for focused thinking improves productivity
• How walking and talking can strengthen leadership conversations
• Why leaders need to give people a reason to stay
Michael also shares insights from his book, Finding Direction in the Age of AI, including the idea that “speed without direction is noise.”
If you're interested in leadership in the age of AI, AI leadership, technology strategy, future of work, workplace culture, human connection, digital transformation, executive leadership, productivity, and organizational change, this conversation offers a practical perspective on navigating a world where technology is moving faster than ever.
What do you think leaders need most in the age of AI: more speed, better technology, or a clearer direction? Share your perspective in the comments.
📌 TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction: Leadership in the Age of AI
01:00 Michael Earls on Technology and Human Connection
02:29 AI, Business Strategy and Finding Your North Star
04:17 AI Adoption and the Risk of Technology Sprawl
05:09 What Is IT Sprawl?
08:35 The Human Element in a Digital World
09:43 AI and the Future of Work
11:22 Creating a Culture of Clarity and Care
15:15 Leadership, Employee Growth and Retention
16:35 Reducing Digital Noise and Distractions
17:52 Creating Space for Focus and Productivity
18:42 Leadership Coaching Through Walking and Talking
22:51 Speed Without Direction Is Noise
23:50 Final Thoughts from Michael Earls
23:58 Closing — Leading with Curiosity
📩 BUSINESS CONTACT
[email protected]
🔗 LINKS
Website: nateleslie.ca
🎬 WATCH MORE FROM LEADING WITH CURIOSITY
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AarKlM53kDw
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu-Yt0YChhE&t=4s
▶️https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBTMbIEZaRA
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe4xTJSfZuI
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qikbQY0YDhE
A Thought Worth Considering: The views shared in this conversation are intended to spark curiosity, reflection, and meaningful leadership discussions.
#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #TrustInLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #TeamLeadership #LeadershipCoaching #WorkplaceCulture #DifficultConversations #AppreciativeInquiry #Curiosity #TeamTrust #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadingWithCuriosity"

From Expert to Leader: The Violinist Trap Every Leader Must Avoid

Are you an expert who has become a leader—but still finds yourself trying to have all the answers? The transition from expert to leader can create a hidden “violinist trap”—one that can limit your impact if you don't learn to let go of doing everything yourself.

In this episode of Leading with Curiosity, Nate Leslie speaks with Frans Campher, executive coach, leadership strategist, and program director at Imperial College Business School, about what it really takes to evolve from expert to catalytic leader.

Frans uses a powerful orchestra conductor analogy to explain the leadership identity shift: instead of playing every instrument yourself, your role becomes creating the conditions for talented people to perform at their best.

The conversation explores leadership development, executive coaching, authentic leadership, strategic leadership, catalytic leadership, micromanagement, trust, employee development, decision-making, organizational culture, and leading in a disruptive world.

You'll learn why senior leaders don't need to have all the answers, why letting go of control can multiply leadership impact, and how leaders can create space for people to grow and take ownership of outcomes.

Frans also explains the difference between expert, achiever, and catalytic leadership, why leaders need an enterprise mindset as their responsibilities grow, and how authenticity, listening, curiosity, and identity shape leadership effectiveness.

The discussion also examines AI and leadership, including why human coaching, emotional awareness, and the ability to translate information into changed behavior remain important as AI becomes more capable.

Key Takeaways

• Why leaders get trapped in the expert mindset
• The shift from violinist to orchestra conductor
• Expert vs. Achiever vs. Catalytic leadership
• How to move from managing to leading
• Why senior leaders should stop micromanaging
• How trust creates ownership and stronger outcomes
• The role of listening and authentic leadership
• How leaders can develop the people around them
• Why leaders need an enterprise mindset
• Leadership development in an AI-driven world

Are you still playing the instruments—or are you ready to pick up the baton?


If you found this conversation valuable, like, subscribe, and share Leading with Curiosity.

📌 TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Why Leadership Development Matters Today
01:17 Leading With Presence and Curiosity
01:47 Common Leadership Misconceptions
02:02 Why Leaders Don't Need All the Answers
02:20 The Key to Authentic Leadership
02:54 The Violinist Trap Explained
03:46 From Expert to Orchestra Conductor
04:43 The Leadership Identity Shift
05:12 Creating Impact Through Leadership
06:11 From Managing to Leading
07:16 Expert, Achiever & Catalytic Leadership
08:45 How Catalytic Leaders Multiply Impact
10:00 Why Micromanagement Limits Leadership
10:51 Hiring Smart People and Setting Them Free
11:42 Inside-Out Leadership Development
13:15 The Power of Human Presence
14:23 Coaching Senior Leaders
16:55 Leaders Operating Below Their Potential
18:17 Ownership and Empowering Teams
20:12 Purpose in Leadership and Organizations
21:56 Fundamental Human Needs in Leadership
23:58 Why Leaders Must Own Their Development
25:36 Sharing Thinking in Decision-Making
26:23 Different Perspectives and Better Decisions
30:12 Designing Relevant Leadership Programs
31:48 Holding Steady Against Expert Ego
32:11 AI and the Future of Human Leadership
34:03 Behaving Your Way Into New Thinking

📩 BUSINESS CONTACT
[email protected]

🔗 LINKS
Website: nateleslie.ca
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelesliecec/



#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #CatalyticLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipTransformation #FutureOfLeadership #LeadingWithCuriosity

Letting go of control can be one of the most powerful ways for leaders to build trust.

Book

The Path of an Inspired Leader by Bruce Mayhew - ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/42kezUz⁠⁠

What actually makes people trust their leaders? It may have less to do with having all the answers—and more to do with transparency, curiosity, authenticity, and knowing when to let go of control.

In this episode of Leading with Curiosity, Nate Leslie sits down with Bruce Mayhew, author of The Path of an Inspired Leader, to explore practical approaches to building trust, stronger teams, and more authentic leadership.

Together, they discuss why transparency is essential to workplace trust, how authenticity can create psychological safety, and why leaders don't need to have all the answers to lead effectively. They also explore vision and values, Appreciative Inquiry, difficult conversations, and the difference between reacting and responding.

You'll learn about:

• How transparency strengthens workplace trust
• Why leaders don't need to have all the answers
• The connection between authenticity and trust
• How vision and values give teams direction
• How Appreciative Inquiry shifts attention toward solutions
• How curiosity can improve difficult workplace conversations
• Why leaders should respond rather than react
• Why letting go of ego and excessive control can create more trust

If you're interested in leadership development, team trust, workplace communication, authentic leadership, difficult conversations, and healthy team cultures, this conversation offers practical ideas you can apply in your own leadership.

What do you think leaders need to let go of to build more trust within a team? Share your thoughts in the comments.

If you found this conversation valuable, please share, follow, and rate the show to help more leaders discover Leading with Curiosity.

📌 TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction to Leading with Curiosity
00:21 Building Trust in Teams
01:47 Why Transparency Matters for Trust
03:08 Being Honest About Workplace Challenges
05:30 Authenticity and the Leadership “Armor”
08:50 Vision, Values and the Role of a Leader
11:01 Leading with Curiosity
12:18 Being in Service to Others Without Losing Your Priorities
16:05 The Story Behind The Path of an Inspired Leader
18:25 The Leadership Book as a Practical Playbook
20:08 What Is Appreciative Inquiry?
23:49 Reactive vs. Creative Leadership
24:34 React vs. Respond
25:32 How to Approach Difficult Conversations
29:30 What Leaders Need to Let Go Of
30:26 Where to Find Bruce Mayhew & His Book
31:26 Closing — Leading with Curiosity

📩 BUSINESS CONTACT
[email protected]

🔗 LINKS
Website: nateleslie.ca
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/nate-leslie-executive-coach
Facebook: facebook.com/natelesliecec
Twitter: twitter.com/natelesliecec
Instagram: instagram.com/natelesliecec

🎬 WATCH MORE FROM LEADING WITH CURIOSITY

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS7Xy-gJhUw&t=9s
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu-Yt0YChhE&t=10s
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AarKlM53kDw
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe4xTJSfZuI
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qikbQY0YDhE

#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #TrustInLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #TeamLeadership #LeadershipCoaching #WorkplaceCulture #DifficultConversations #AppreciativeInquiry #Curiosity #TeamTrust #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadingWithCuriosity

Ep. 68: Speak Spontaneously and Present with Impact | Frankie Kemp
Why do most corporate presentations feel robotic, and how can leaders speak so people actually listen?
In Episode 68 of Leading with Curiosity, host Nate Leslie sits down with Frankie Kemp—presentation expert, theater performer, and scriptwriter for the Eurovision Song Contest. Frankie specializes in helping senior leaders, technical teams, and entrepreneurs ditch the boring slides, overcome stage fright, and transform their communication from "vanilla" to "thriller."
In this conversation, Frankie reveals why over-relying on PowerPoint bullet points suppresses your natural personality. She introduces practical NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) techniques like "Anchoring" and the "Circle of Excellence" to help you summon instant confidence before a high-stakes pitch or presentation. You’ll also learn her simple 4-step framework for answering questions off-the-cuff and the non-verbal "Cats vs. Dogs" dynamic in executive leadership.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
• Why reading from slides makes presentations robotic and boring
• How to overcome stage fright and imposter syndrome when speaking
• The NLP "Anchoring" technique to trigger confidence on demand
• The 4-step framework to master spontaneous, off-the-cuff speaking
• Why weak words like "try" and "hope" undermine leadership authority
• "Cats vs. Dogs" leadership: When to build connection and when to stay reserved
• The single biggest presentation mistake: Leaving out the "Key Message"
• How to structure a business update in under 5 minutes
📌 TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction: Frankie Kemp & The Anti-Boring Presentation
01:12 The Worst Corporate Presentation Habits (Death by Slides)
02:40 Blanking on Stage: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
05:16 Surviving the Chaos of Eurovision Scriptwriting
07:31 The Walkout Song: Setting the Right Mindset & Energy
09:52 NLP & Anchoring: The "Circle of Excellence" for Instant Confidence
16:43 Roleplay, Adaptability, and Executive Presence
20:47 Spontaneous Speaking: The 4-Step Framework for Instant Updates
25:10 Weak Words to Avoid: Stop Saying "Try" and "Hope"
28:06 Cats vs. Dogs: Mastering Non-Verbal Leadership Dynamics
29:58 The Number 1 Rule of Presentations: Serving the Key Message
32:00 "Go With the Music": Improv in Leadership
32:34 Connect with Frankie Kemp & Final Takeaways
🔗 CONNECT WITH FRANKIE KEMP:
• Website: https://frankiekemp.com
• Book a Discovery Call: https://frankiekemp.com/contact
📩 CONNECT WITH NATE LESLIE:
• Website: https://nateleslie.ca
• Business Contact: [email protected]
🎬 WATCH MORE FROM LEADING WITH CURIOSITY:
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI-8GsIzdqo&t=445s
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AarKlM53kDw&t=114s
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AarKlM53kDw&t=114s
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPrgETwgfb8&t=45s
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu-Yt0YChhE&t=15s
A Thought Worth Considering: The views shared in this conversation are intended to spark curiosity, reflection, and meaningful leadership discussions.
#PublicSpeaking #PresentationSkills #LeadershipCommunication #ExecutivePresence #NLPAnchoring #FrankieKemp #LeadingWithCuriosity #SpontaneousSpeaking

What happens when a Wall Street CEO steps onto a stand-up comedy stage?

In this episode of Leading with Curiosity, host Nate Leslie sits down with Greg Hold, Founder and CEO of Hold Brothers Capital, to explore the surprising connection between business leadership and stand-up comedy.

With more than three decades in the finance industry and years of experience performing comedy, Greg shares how humor, confidence, persistence, and communication have shaped his professional and personal life. He reveals how the courageous art of comedy has sharpened his professional edge and emphasizes the strategic role of humor in the business world.

From managing a global business to refining jokes on stage, Greg explains why great leaders need to hire well, delegate effectively, embrace challenges, and focus on doing fewer things exceptionally well.

In this conversation, you'll discover:

• How stand-up comedy can improve confidence and communication

• What business leaders can learn from reading a room

• Why humor in the workplace requires care and judgment ("Every joke has a victim")

• How Greg develops and refines his comedy material

• Why hiring authentically and delegating are essential to business growth

• How to stay resilient and believe in yourself through difficult business cycles

Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, business owner, or aspiring comedian, this conversation offers a powerful reminder to believe fiercely in your own vision and to embrace perseverance.

📌 CHAPTERS:

00:00 The Intersection of Comedy and Business

01:13 Greg Hold: 30-Year Finance CEO & Comedian

04:18 The Joke Writing Process vs. Business Strategy

07:43 Should You Be Funny at Work? (The Risks of Office Comedy)

11:41 The Secret to Building a Global Team: Hire Slowly

14:38 Navigating Business Crises and Surviving the Lows

18:40 Evolution vs. Stubbornness in Entrepreneurship

21:09 Connect with Greg Hold

🔗 CONNECT WITH GREG HOLD:

• Business: http://hold.com

• Comedy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StandUpCEO

• Upcoming Shows: https://www.gregoryhold.com/calendar-comedy

📩 CONNECT WITH NATE LESLIE:

• Website: https://nateleslie.ca

• Business Contact: [email protected]

🎙️ ABOUT LEADING WITH CURIOSITY

Command and control leadership is dead. Nate Leslie interviews leaders, entrepreneurs, and executive coaches who challenge old paradigms and explore new approaches to leadership.

💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION

How has a passion outside of work helped you become better at what you do? Share your thoughts in the comments!

#Leadership #Entrepreneurship #StandUpComedy #BusinessLeadership #LeadingWithCuriosity #GregHold #CEOAdvice

Summary

In this conversation, CEO of Floyd Consulting Kate Volman (LinkedIn) and Nate Leslie (LinkedIn) discuss what it means to Certify a Dream Manager. They explore the common barriers people face when pursuing their dreams, and the impact this pursuit can have on leadership culture. They face the fear of judgment and self-doubt head on. They emphasize the importance of enjoying the process and learning from experiences rather than focusing solely on outcomes.

Kate is the CEO of a company she could once only dream of leading, author, and host of podcasts Create for No Reason, and Lead With Culture.

Books on Amazon:

• Do What You Love: A Guide to Living Your Creative Life Without Leaving Your Job by Kate Volman
• The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly

(Please consider shopping using these links to support this podcast)

Takeaways

• Many people hesitate to start due to fear.
• Caring about others' opinions can hinder progress.
• It's essential to enjoy the journey of creation.
• Learning and fun should be prioritized over success.
• Self-expression is crucial in creative moments.
• The process of creating is more important than the result.
• Overcoming fear can lead to personal growth.
• Engagement in activities can lead to unexpected joy.
• Embracing the journey can transform perspectives.

Sound bites

"so many people don't start things because of fear."

"So what you say you want to start a YouTube channel?"

"The journey is the thing."

Summary

In this conversation, Nate Leslie and T.Rowe Price's Chief Investment Officer, Sebastian Page, explore the intersection of youth sports and corporate leadership, focusing on the psychology of performance, stress management, and the importance of valuing the joy of mastery over outcomes.

If you like this episode, check out related conversations in other episodes!

Sebastien is the author of The Psychology of Leadership.

They discuss how stress can impact performance, the role of positive psychology in enhancing engagement, and the necessity for leaders to instil meaning in their teams' work. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of feedback, tracking progress, and the responsibility of leaders to create an environment where individuals can thrive and find purpose in their roles.

Keywords

leadership, psychology, positive psychology, mastery, engagement, stress management, performance, youth sports, business, coaching

Takeaways

• The connection between youth sports and corporate leadership is stronger than you might think.
• Optimal performance requires a certain level of stress, not zero stress.
• Mastery orientation leads to better performance than ego orientation.
• Positive psychology focuses on what makes people thrive over time.
• Engagement in work is crucial for performance and satisfaction.
• Feedback and tracking progress can significantly enhance engagement.
• Finding meaning in work is essential for motivation and fulfillment.
• Leaders have a responsibility to help their teams find meaning in their work.
• Goal-induced blindness can negatively impact performance.
• Positive sports psychology can aid leaders in managing their responsibilities.
• Mastery vs. Ego: The Key to Performance

Sound bites

"Praise the process, the effort, not just the outcome."

"We have a crisis of engagement in America."

"Goal-induced blindness can hinder performance."

Chapters

00:00 The Connection Between Youth Sports and Leadership

02:54 Understanding Stress and Performance

05:44 Mastery vs. Ego in Sports and Business

09:02 The Role of Positive Psychology

11:45 Engagement and Meaning in Work

14:44 The Importance of Feedback and Progress Tracking

17:53 Finding Meaning in Work

20:48 The Leader's Responsibility in Creating Meaning

23:50 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Psychology

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Nate Leslie and Nick Shelton explore the complexities of introversion and social anxiety. Nick shares his journey from struggling with social interactions to becoming a TEDx speaker (A Creative Solution to Social Anxiety) and author of "An Introvert’s Guide to World Domination". They discuss practical strategies for introverts to navigate social situations, the importance of shifting focus from oneself to the audience, and the power of observation. The conversation emphasizes the value of relationships and how understanding different personality types can enhance communication and connection.

Find Nick at connectedintrovert.com or LinkedIn

Keywords

introversion, social anxiety, public speaking, personal development, networking, TEDx talk, introvert strategies, confidence, relationships, self-improvement

Takeaways

• Nick Shelton's journey from social anxiety to public speaking is inspiring.
• The concept of a 'uniform' can help manage social anxiety.
• Introverts recharge by spending time alone after social interactions.
• Setting low expectations for social events can reduce pressure.
• Preparation and knowing the next step are crucial for introverts.
• Courage is doing something despite feeling scared.
• Shifting focus from self to audience enhances public speaking.
• Observation is a superpower of introverts in social settings.
• Creating space for introverts in conversations is essential.
• The quality of our life is determined by the quality of our relationships.

Sound bites

"Just show up. Just be in the room."

"It's not about me, it's about them."

Nick's Bio

Nick Shelton is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, international speaker, and former petroleum chemist who has reinvented himself more than once. After serving in the U.S. Air Force and building a decades-long career in the oil and gas industry, Nick retired early at 49, only to discover that freedom without purpose can feel like a slow collapse.

That crisis led him to rebuild his identity from the ground up, creating a six-phase framework that gave him back clarity, confidence, and direction. Today, he’s the creator of The Reset Button, a reinvention protocol for those navigating, major career shifts, or life transitions who find themselves asking: What’s next?

Nick is also the author of the best selling book An Introvert’s Guide to World Domination, where he helped thousands of quiet professionals thrive in a noisy world. His work has been featured on stages, in university classrooms, and in global podcasts.

Here are the links:

www.connectedintrovert.com

www.resettheman.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasleonshelton/

Book: https://geni.us/anintrovertsguide

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Introversion and Social Anxiety

03:07 Creative Solutions for Social Anxiety

05:50 Understanding Introversion and Energy Dynamics

08:56 Practical Tips for Introverts in Social Settings

11:46 The Journey of Writing and Speaking

14:56 Courage and Confidence in Public Speaking

17:49 Shifting Focus from Self to Audience

20:50 The Fluidity of Introversion and Extroversion

23:45 The Introvert's Superpower: Observation

26:38 Creating Space for Introverts in Conversations