Love Lead Change

Summer Sparks: The Power of Values in Leadership

Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Chris Hirst

***Get your free copy of our Season 1 Souvenir Guide here*** - https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/llc-souvenir-guide-2025

In this episode of Summer Sparks, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith reflect on their journey through the series, discussing the transition from summer to autumn and the celebrations that come with it. They delve into leadership insights from Chris Hirst, CEO of Bespak, emphasizing the importance of open communication, transparency, and fostering a sense of belonging within teams. The conversation highlights the significance of organizational values and how they can be developed collaboratively to enhance engagement and performance. Practical tips for leaders to connect with their teams are also shared, culminating in a discussion about the simplicity and effectiveness of common sense in leadership practices.

Takeaways

• Open communication is essential for effective leadership.
• Creating a sense of belonging requires visibility and engagement.
• Values should be co-created to resonate with the entire organization.
• Real engagement involves asking for input, not just informing.
• Transparency fosters trust and open dialogue in teams.
• Leaders must manage their biases to connect with all team members.
• Values-based activities enhance organizational performance.
• Respect is a complex value that needs clear definitions.
• Common sense actions can lead to significant improvements in leadership.
• Engagement should be a structured and regular practice.

Sound Bites

"All ideas are welcome and honored."

"Respect is a complicated construct."

"Common sense is not commonplace."

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Reflections on Summer Sparks

05:06 - Transitioning Seasons: Autumn and Celebrations

09:50 - Leadership Insights from Chris Hurst

13:10 - The Importance of Organizational Values

20:44 - Practical Tips for Leadership Engagement

24:59 - Conclusion and Future Directions

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Connect with the Hosts and Guest:

Chris Hirst - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer Sparks: Embracing Leadership Vulnerability

Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Gary Keogh

***Get your free copy of our Season 1 Souvenir Guide here*** - https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/llc-souvenir-guide-2025

In this episode, Simon Phillips and Renee Smith reflect on their personal experiences and insights from their conversation with Gary Keogh, the former global brand director for Balvenie whiskey. They discuss the evolving nature of leadership, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives and the distinction between kindness and niceness in communication. The episode encourages leaders to embrace discomfort and prioritize empathy in their interactions, ultimately fostering a more supportive and effective team environment.

Takeaways

• No leader has all the answers.
• Diverse perspectives lead to better solutions.
• Kindness involves empathy and sometimes difficult feedback.
• Niceness can undermine trust and authenticity.
• Leaders must embrace discomfort in communication.
• Feedback is essential for growth and development.
• Trusting team members' experiences is crucial.
• The impact of our communication matters.
• Intentions must align with the desired impact.
• Sharing insights can inspire others.

Sound Bites

"No leader has all the answers."

"Lean into the discomfort."

"Our intent is pure."

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Personal Updates

04:15 - Leadership Insights from Gary Keough

11:21 - The Difference Between Kindness and Niceness

18:02 - Conclusion and Call to Action

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Connect with the Hosts and Guest:

Gary Keogh - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer Sparks: Embracing Authenticity in Leadership

Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Kate Blackburn

***Get your free copy of our Season 1 Souvenir Guide here*** - https://a-human-workplace.myflodesk.com/llc-souvenir-guide-2025

Listen to the full episode: [https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-change/episodes/leading-with-love-in-public-health]

In this episode of Summer Sparks, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith reflect on their summer memories and delve into the principles of loving leadership. They discuss the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and perspective in leadership roles, emphasizing that true leadership comes from being oneself rather than emulating others. The conversation highlights the significance of taking breaks and connecting with nature for mental well-being, culminating in a call to action for listeners to embrace these practices.

Takeaways

• Being yourself is crucial in leadership roles.
• Loving leadership should be authentically yours.
• Leadership isn't about wearing a mask or costume.
• Vulnerability fosters trust and connection in teams.
• Fresh air and perspective can change your mindset.
• Authenticity in leadership is sustainable and effective.
• Leaders should model vulnerability for their teams.
• Taking breaks can enhance mental clarity and well-being.
• Personal experiences shape our leadership styles.
• Engaging with nature can provide fresh insights.

Sound Bites

• "Be yourself as a loving leader."
• "Go outside, look at the horizon."
• "Get outside, get some fresh air."

Chapters

00:00 Summer Memories and Reflections

02:48 The Essence of Loving Leadership

06:05 Vulnerability in Leadership

08:57 The Importance of Perspective

11:57 Call to Action and Season Wrap-Up

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Connect with the Hosts:

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer Sparks: Leadership with Love: Managing Resources Wisely

Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Wil Johnson

Listen to the full episode: [https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-change/episodes/diversity-equity-and-inclusion]

In this episode of Summer Sparks, Simon Phillips and Renee Smith reflect on the transition from summer to autumn, sharing personal anecdotes and insights. They discuss the importance of managing limited resources with love, emphasizing the need for thoughtful questioning and creativity in leadership. The conversation shifts to the significance of authenticity in personal and professional settings, particularly in the context of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). They conclude with a call to action to promote love and respect in the face of societal challenges, encouraging listeners to stand against dehumanization and work towards a more inclusive future.

Takeaways

• The transition from summer to autumn brings a sense of renewal.
• Managing resources with love requires asking harder questions.
• Constraints can foster creativity and meaningful action.
• Authenticity is crucial in personal and professional settings.
• DEI efforts must be genuine and not just box-ticking.
• Respecting humanity is essential for effective teamwork.
• A small group of committed individuals can drive change.
• Tipping the planet from fear to love is a collective effort.
• Sharing insights and resources can inspire others.
• The importance of community and connection in challenging times.

Sound Bites

• "Be authentic. Be you."
• "Let's tip the planet from fear to love."
• "It just takes a preponderance of people."

Chapters

00:00 - Welcome and Reflections on Summer

05:27 - Managing Limited Resources with Love

10:14 - The Importance of Being Your Real Self

16:12 - The Future of DEI and Authenticity

23:17 - Tipping the Planet from Fear to Love

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Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:

Wil Johnson - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer Sparks: Leading with Compassion: The Key to Employee Well-Being

Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Jim Loter

Listen to the full episode: [https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-change/episodes/beyond-the-family-metaphor]

In this episode, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith reflect on the importance of compassionate leadership and connecting employees to their purpose. They share personal summer memories and discuss insights from Jim Loter about the impact of stress on employees and the necessity of prioritizing humanity in the workplace. The conversation emphasizes that caring for employees is not only morally right but also beneficial for organizational success. They also introduce team exercises aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of purpose within teams.

Takeaways

• A stressed out employee is not an asset.
• Leaders owe it to their employees to show up authentically.
• Investing in people leads to better outcomes.
• Caring for people is the right thing to do.
• Compassionate leadership can reduce workplace stress.
• Connecting purpose to work enhances employee engagement.
• Team exercises can reveal the ripple effect of work.
• Understanding the 'why' behind tasks fosters motivation.
• Creating a supportive culture can prevent burnout.
• Results and caring for people are interdependent.

Sound Bites

• "It's the right thing to do."
• "People remember those moments forever."
• "Map the ripple effect of their work."

Chapters

00:00 - Summer Memories and Reflections

03:37 - The Importance of Compassionate Leadership

09:54 - Connecting Purpose to Work

15:06 - Team Exercises for Purposeful Engagement

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Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:

Jim Loter - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer Sparks: The Power of Role Clarity in Teams

Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Tara C. Smith

Listen to the full episode: [https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-change/episodes/public-sector-leadership-transformed]

In this episode, Simon Phillips and Renee Smith reflect on their summer experiences and delve into key insights from their conversation with Tara C. Smith. They discuss the significance of role clarity in leadership, the importance of maintaining objectivity, and practical strategies for viewing situations from multiple perspectives. The conversation emphasizes how clarity and objectivity can enhance psychological safety and team dynamics, ultimately leading to more effective leadership.

Takeaways

• Role clarity is essential for effective leadership.
• Psychological safety is enhanced by clear roles.
• Objectivity helps leaders avoid taking things personally.
• Understanding multiple perspectives aids decision-making.
• Clarity prevents dysfunction within teams.
• Leaders should focus on their own roles and responsibilities.
• Taking things personally can hinder leadership effectiveness.
• A global view can improve interactions and decisions.
• Practicing perspective-taking can reveal new insights.
• Self-awareness is key to personal and professional growth.

Sound bites

"Let's start with role clarity."

"Take things with a pinch of salt."

"The world doesn't revolve around me."

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Summer Reflections

01:48 The Importance of Role Clarity

05:59 Objectivity in Leadership

12:04 Personal Growth and Perspective

14:01 Practical Tips for Leaders

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Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:

Tara Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer Sparks: The Power of Clarity in Leadership

Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Jim Conti

Listen to the full episode: [https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-change/episodes/the-heart-of-high-performance]

In this episode, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith reflect on their conversation with Jim Conti, focusing on themes of leadership, hiring practices, and the importance of building a supportive network. They discuss how clarity in communication and expectations can attract the right candidates, the value of external networking for personal growth, and the role of innovative thinking in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity and diversity in problem-solving, encouraging listeners to seek fresh perspectives and insights.

Takeaways

• Clarity in hiring practices attracts the right candidates.
• Authenticity in leadership fosters alignment within teams.
• Building a network of support enhances problem-solving capabilities.
• External peers provide valuable insights and perspectives.
• Diversity in hiring brings fresh ideas and solutions.
• Clear expectations empower candidates to make informed choices.
• Networking outside your industry can spark creativity.
• Honesty in communication is a loving leadership practice.
• Continuous reaffirmation of clarity is essential for organizations.
• Innovative thinking can be triggered by exploring new topics.

Sound Bites

"Honesty in hiring is a loving practice."

"Clarity guides decision-making in leadership."

"Building a network of support is invaluable."

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Family and Milestones

02:14 Hiring Practices and Loving Leadership

07:03 Building a Network of Support

12:38 Innovative Thinking and Fresh Perspectives

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Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:

Jim Conti - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer Sparks: Navigating Change with Compassion

Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Joanna Zak

Listen to the full episode: [https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-change/episodes/navigating-hard-times-with-heart]

In this episode of Summer Sparks, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith explore the themes of leadership, emotional intelligence, and the importance of being present in conversations. They discuss a clip from Joanna Zak about the significance of pausing and breathing during difficult discussions, especially in performance reviews. The conversation also delves into how leaders can communicate change with love and authenticity, emphasizing that true leadership involves facing challenges head-on rather than avoiding discomfort. The episode concludes with practical tips for listeners to reflect on their emotional responses in the workplace.

Takeaways

• Being present is crucial in leadership conversations.
• Pausing to breathe can transform difficult discussions.
• Communicating change with love fosters a supportive environment.
• Leaders must hold space for team emotions.
• Real love in leadership means facing tough conversations.
• Avoiding discomfort in leadership can damage trust.
• Emotional intelligence is key in team dynamics.
• Self-regulation tools can enhance workplace communication.
• Difficult news can be an opportunity for connection.
• Reflecting on emotional responses can improve leadership effectiveness.

Sound Bites

"We need to pause and breathe."

"Even when things feel hard, infuse love."

"Notice your response when emotions show up."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Summer Sparks

02:26 The Importance of Being Present

07:55 Communicating Change with Love

12:12 The Challenge of Loving Leadership

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Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:

Joanna Zak - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer Sparks: The Power of Honesty in Leadership

Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Tatiana Machado-Griffin

Listen to the full episode: [https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-change/episodes/building-trust-through-connection]

In this episode of Summer Sparks, Simon Phillips and Renée Smith explore the themes of honesty and appreciation in leadership. They reflect on personal experiences and insights gained from their conversation with Tatiana Machado-Griffin (author of Let's Connect As Humans), emphasizing the importance of aligning actions with words and the power of expressing gratitude. The discussion highlights how vulnerability and humility can foster a more collaborative and supportive work environment, ultimately leading to stronger relationships and personal growth.

Takeaways

• Honesty in leadership means aligning actions with beliefs.
• Vulnerability allows leaders to connect better with their teams.
• Saying 'I don't know' can be more powerful than pretending to have all the answers.
• Appreciation should be expressed beyond just performance recognition.
• Thanking individuals for their presence is more impactful than thanking them for tasks.
• Creating space for others to contribute enhances team dynamics.
• Leaders should avoid becoming bottlenecks by delegating effectively.
• Recognizing the value of thank yous can enhance workplace morale.
• Appreciation can be a powerful antidote to feelings of inadequacy.
• Listening to and absorbing gratitude builds stronger relationships.

Sound Bites

"Thank you for being you."

"It's a standing ovation, right?"

"Keep looking up."

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Summer Sparks

01:53 - Reflections on Recent Travels

03:17 - The Importance of Honesty in Leadership

08:02 - The Power of Vulnerability and Team Dynamics

10:19 - The Impact of Gratitude and Appreciation

16:02 - Recognizing and Absorbing Thank You's

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Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:

Tatiana Machado-Griffin - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer Sparks: The Art of Loving Leadership in Hard Moments

Hosts: Simon Phillips & Renée Smith discussing their conversation with Chris Conley

Listen to the full episode: [https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-change/episodes/revolutionizing-leadership]

Can you really let someone go with love? And how do you create a culture where people tell you the truth?

Simon and Renée dive into insights from Chris Conley, founder of Abundant Professional and former interim CEO of the Metropolitan Planning Council of Chicago, exploring two of leadership's toughest challenges.

Letting People Go with Love

Chris reframes the entire conversation: "I think about it as a person in a context that's not working. It's the situation that's not working." Instead of demonizing the employee ("they're not good enough"), he focuses on fit and context.

His approach? Build genuine relationships first - know about their granddaughter, their upcoming trip. When the difficult conversation comes, it's rooted in care: "You're an incredibly talented person, but this isn't the right place for those talents."

The result? His departing senior leader asked in amazement: "You would help me find a new role?" Because love doesn't end when employment does.

The GC Index Revelation

Simon shares a powerful example: A university team was performance-managing someone out of an admin role. But their GC Index revealed they were an "off the scale playmaker" - perfect for customer-facing work. One context change transformed a "poor performer" into a potential star.

The lesson? Good people in wrong contexts look like poor performers.

The Feedback Goldmine

Chris discovered something remarkable: When he responded to ALL feedback - criticism included - with "Great! Awesome! Thank you!" participation skyrocketed. His HR leader noticed: "No matter what anyone says, you're genuinely encouraging."

As Chris puts it: "If we're super dysfunctional and nobody's saying it, then you're just comfortably dysfunctional."

The E + R = O Formula

Simon's favorite coaching equation: Event + Response = Outcome. Want more feedback? Control your response. Be receptive, open, encouraging - and watch high-performing teams emerge.

The Thank You Challenge

Renée emphasizes priming the pump: Tell your team upfront that you want honest feedback. When they give it, your first words should be sincere thanks: "I know that might have been hard to share. You did the right thing."

Remember: You might be the first leader who's ever asked for their opinion.

Your Weekly Challenge

Practice saying "thank you" generously this week. And if you struggle accepting praise? Just say "thank you" instead of deflecting.

Bonus level: Try Peter Block's phrase - "Thank you, I like hearing that."

The Bottom Line

Love in leadership means seeing people as whole humans, not just their current performance. It's about creating contexts where people thrive and building cultures where truth-telling is celebrated.

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Connect with the Guest and the Hosts:

Chris Conley - LinkedIn Profile

Renée Smith - LinkedIn Profile

Simon Phillips - LinkedIn Profile

All Music composed by Adam Phillips

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.