Notes From the Window Seat

By Marty PearsonSociety & Culture Business Philosophy Places & Travel Management

Notes From the Window Seat episodes

March 09Sink or Swim Is Not an Onboarding Strategy
Sink or Swim Is Not an Onboarding Strategy
This week, I added a new team member. She has four legs, the sweetest face, and she’s scared of her own shadow. Because of her fear, she’s been in the shelter for a while. No one wanted to put in the time it would take to help her adjust.
Working with her this week made me think…
How many companies treat their new hires the same way?
In this episode, we explore why “sink or swim” is not onboarding — and why expecting performance without structure is a leadership failure.
In This Episode We Cover:
The 4 Parts of Effective Onboarding:
Acclimation
Expectations
Training & Patience
Support & Tools
Why production cannot come before orientation
The cost of unclear expectations
The difference between exposure and training
Why most performance problems are actually onboarding failures
The hard questions leaders need to ask themselves
Reflection Questions:
Do you have a documented onboarding plan — or just a checklist?
Have you defined 30, 60, and 90-day expectations?
Is training structured — or random exposure?
Do you check in consistently during the first 90 days?
When someone struggles, do you blame the person — or evaluate the system?
Onboarding isn’t paperwork. It’s leadership.
If this episode resonated with you, share it with another leader who needs to hear it. Until next week — Lead with confidence. Focus on your people. Let’s build a better business.

Want more like this? Get your copy of my latest book:
What Training My Dog Taught Me About Leadership – Practical leadership lessons, reflection prompts, and real-world insights—delivered in a relatable and engaging format. Get your copy of my book here:
https://www.lftconsult.com/leadership-book

Learn more about the window seat here: TRAVEL | Visual Escape
Follow us on Instagram @windowseat2a
12 min
March 02Is Your Business About More than Profits?
If your business disappeared tomorrow… would anyone notice — other than your accountant?
In this episode, we explore what it truly means to run a business that stands for more than revenue. Profit matters. It keeps the lights on. It fuels growth. But it cannot be the only thing your organization represents.
We break down the three layers of business impact:
Internal Impact — how your daily leadership affects your people
External Impact — how your business shows up in your community
Cultural Impact — what your company teaches people about work
You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how your business is shaping lives — intentionally or not.
In This Episode
Why profit is fuel — not the mission
The hidden ways leadership behavior creates impact
How businesses shape culture beyond their walls
The difference between performative values and lived values

Reflection Questions
If someone described your company culture honestly — would you like what they say?
What does your business stand for beyond revenue?
Who is better because your business exists?
If your company disappeared tomorrow — what would truly be lost?

Resources If you’re ready to build a principled, people-first business, explore our Mindful Leader Experience.
Leadership training isn't only for the C Suite. All members of your team can benefit from training. My Mindful Leader Experience can be tailored to any group. Everyone benefits from learning self-awareness, how to communicate better, time management skills, and goal setting skills. Learn more about the program:
https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

What Training My Dog Taught Me About Leadership – Practical leadership lessons, reflection prompts, and real-world insights—delivered in a relatable and engaging format. Get your copy of my book here:
https://www.lftconsult.com/leadership-book

Learn more about the window seat here: TRAVEL | Visual Escape
Follow us on Instagram @windowseat2a
9 min
February 23Why Are You Having the Same Performance Conversation Over and Over?
If you’re having the same performance conversation with an employee every few months… and nothing is changing… this episode is for you.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: If you keep repeating yourself, the conversation probably wasn’t finished the first time.
Too often, managers:
Hint instead of clarify
Vent instead of coach
Assume instead of define
Get frustrated instead of structured
In this episode, I break down:
Why vague conversations lead to repeated frustration
The real reason employees may not know they’re underperforming
The 5 things every performance conversation must include
Why documentation isn’t about discipline — it’s about clarity
How to stop managing by emotion and start leading with structure
Reflection Questions:
Have I clearly defined expectations in writing?
Have I set measurable timelines?
Have I followed up before frustration returned?
Or am I recycling the same vague conversation?
If you want behavior to change, your conversation needs clarity, accountability, and follow-up.
Until next week — lead with confidence, focus on your people, and let’s build a better business.

Leadership training isn't only for the C Suite. All members of your team can benefit from training. My Mindful Leader Experience can be tailored to any group. Everyone benefits from learning self-awareness, how to communicate better, time management skills, and goal setting skills. Learn more about the program:
https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

What Training My Dog Taught Me About Leadership – Practical leadership lessons, reflection prompts, and real-world insights—delivered in a relatable and engaging format. Get your copy of my book here:
https://www.lftconsult.com/leadership-book

Learn more about the window seat here: TRAVEL | Visual Escape
Follow us on Instagram @windowseat2a
10 min
February 16Meetings: Productive Conversation or Weekly Complaint Session?
Meetings: Productive Conversation or Weekly Complaint Session?
Love them or hate them — meetings are part of running a business.
But here’s the real question: Are your meetings moving work forward… or just moving time forward?
In this episode we break down why so many meetings feel unproductive — and what leaders can do differently.
Meetings are not neutral. They either build clarity and culture — or erode them.
In This Episode You’ll Learn:
Why structure matters more than personality in meetings
How to open a meeting with clarity (without overcomplicating it)
Why meetings should be run more like board meetings
When to push for a decision — and when to table an item
How to stop meetings from turning into complaint sessions
The five behaviors leaders should recognize to increase engagement
Remember: What gets recognized by the leader gets amplified by the team.
Reflection Questions
Do your meetings begin with a clear agenda and defined outcomes?
Do you allow endless discussion — or move toward decisions?
Are you rewarding agreement — or rewarding thoughtful challenge?
Do your meetings build culture… or drain it?

Leadership training isn't only for the C Suite. All members of your team can benefit from training. My Mindful Leader Experience can be tailored to any group. Everyone benefits from learning self-awareness, how to communicate better, time management skills, and goal setting skills. Learn more about the program:
https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

What Training My Dog Taught Me About Leadership – Practical leadership lessons, reflection prompts, and real-world insights—delivered in a relatable and engaging format. Get your copy of my book here:
https://www.lftconsult.com/leadership-book

Learn more about the window seat here: TRAVEL | Visual Escape
Follow us on Instagram @windowseat2a
14 min
February 09It's Only A Few Minutes...What's the Big Deal!
What difference does a few minutes make?”
It’s a question many employees ask — and one that quietly frustrates leaders more than they often admit.
In this episode, we unpack why lateness isn’t really about the clock. It’s about what behavior communicates, how small patterns erode trust, and why leaders react so strongly when expectations feel ignored.
Whether you’re the one who runs a few minutes late — or the one managing someone who does — this conversation is for you.
In this episode, we cover:
What repeated lateness communicates (even if it’s unintentional)
Why leaders get “bent out of shape” over a few minutes
The difference between clock-watching and commitment
How unclear flexibility creates resentment
A simple, respectful framework for leaders to address lateness
How to problem-solve when there is a legitimate reason
Reflection Questions:
Employees - Would I be okay if everyone followed the same standard I do?
Leaders - What small issue am I avoiding that’s quietly becoming a bigger one?

Leadership training isn't only for the C Suite. All members of your team can benefit from training. My Mindful Leader Experience can be tailored to any group. Everyone benefits from learning self-awareness, how to communicate better, time management skills, and goal setting skills. Learn more about the program:
https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

What Training My Dog Taught Me About Leadership – Practical leadership lessons, reflection prompts, and real-world insights—delivered in a relatable and engaging format. Get your copy of my book here:
https://www.lftconsult.com/leadership-book

Learn more about the window seat here: TRAVEL | Visual Escape
Follow us on Instagram @windowseat2a
12 min
February 02One Bad Apple: The Cost of Keeping the Wrong Person
One Bad Apple: The Cost of Keeping the Wrong Person
We’ve all seen it. The top performer who treats coworkers poorly. The employee who causes constant tension but never faces consequences. The person who’s “too valuable” to hold accountable.
In this episode, we tackle a leadership issue many avoid — the real cost of keeping the wrong person for too long. While leaders may justify the behavior in the name of results, the hidden damage shows up in trust, morale, turnover, and culture.
This conversation is honest, reflective, and necessary — especially for leaders who want to build healthy, sustainable teams.
In this episode, we explore:
What actually qualifies as a “bad apple” (and what doesn’t)
Why leaders tolerate toxic behavior longer than they should
The hidden costs leaders rarely calculate
How keeping one person can quietly drive away many others
What real leadership looks like when standards matter
Reflection Questions: What behaviors are being tolerated on your team right now? Who might be paying the price for that tolerance? Where have standards become suggestions? What message does your leadership send when behavior goes unaddressed?
Resources Mentioned:
The Mindful Leader Experience – leadership development for leaders who want clarity, confidence, and consistency - https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader
What Training My Dog Taught Me About Leadership – leadership lessons taught in a fun and practical way- https://www.lftconsult.com/leadership-book

Learn more about the window seat here: TRAVEL | Visual Escape
Follow us on Instagram @windowseat2a
10 min
January 26Agency at Work: Speaking Up, Listening, and Acting Like an Adult
Agency is one of the most overlooked—and misunderstood—skills in the workplace.
In this episode, we explore what agency at work really means and why so many people were never taught how adult communication is supposed to work in professional settings.
This conversation is for both employees and leaders:
Employees who don’t know how to speak up when something feels off
Leaders who want honest feedback but struggle to receive it well
Organizations relying on HR to manage issues that should start with a conversation
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
What agency at work actually means (and what it doesn’t)
Why emailing HR shouldn’t be the first step for hurt feelings
How employees can speak up respectfully and professionally
Why leaders must learn to receive feedback without defensiveness
The difference between discomfort and misconduct
When HR should be involved—and when it shouldn’t
How agency builds trust, confidence, and stronger teams

Agency is a skill, not a personality trait Avoiding hard conversations stalls growth—for everyone. Psychological safety includes honest communication, not avoidance. Leaders set the tone for whether feedback is safe or risky. HR supports the process—it doesn’t replace adult conversations.
Reflection Questions For Employees: When something feels uncomfortable at work, do I avoid the conversation or address it respectfully? Am I expecting someone else to handle situations I could address myself?
For Leaders: How do I react when I receive feedback I don’t agree with? Have I made it genuinely safe for people to speak up. What signals am I sending when someone brings me something uncomfortable?

Resources Mentioned 📘 What Training My Dog Taught Me About Leadership Practical leadership lessons, reflection prompts, and real-world insights—delivered in a relatable and engaging format.
Get your copy of my book here: Amazon.com: What Training My Dog Taught Me About Leadership: 52 Practical Lessons in Patience, Clarity, and Leading with Confidence: 9781955533478: Pearson, Marty: Books

Learn more about the window seat here: TRAVEL | Visual Escape
Follow us on Instagram @windowseat2a
11 min
January 19Creating Productive Multi-Generational Workplaces
Today’s workplaces often include four—or even five—generations working side by side. While that diversity can be a powerful strength, it can also become a source of frustration when differences are misunderstood or poorly led.
In this episode, we explore the myths and strengths of different generations at work and challenge leaders to rethink how they approach generational differences. Instead of treating those differences as problems to manage, we’ll talk about how to see them as opportunities to lead better.
This conversation isn’t about labels or stereotypes. It’s about clarity, communication, and leadership responsibility.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why generational conflict is rarely about age—and often about leadership gaps
How stereotypes quietly erode trust and engagement
The strengths different generations bring (and how leaders miss them)
Where friction really comes from: expectations, communication, and avoidance
Practical ways leaders can bridge generational gaps without lowering standards
Reflection Question: Are generational differences on your team being treated as problems—or opportunities?

If you are looking to develop yours or your team's leadership skills - check out my Mindful Leader Experience. Use this link to learn more and book your spot. https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

If you are looking for the perfect book for 2026 - I am excited to announce my latest book is now available: What Training My Dog Taught Me About Leadership. Learn more and get your copy here: https://www.lftconsult.com/leadership-book

Learn more about the window seat here: TRAVEL | Visual Escape
Follow us on Instagram @windowseat2a
11 min
January 12Leadership - The Role No One Is Prepared For!
Managers are exhausted — and it’s not because they don’t care or aren’t capable.
In this episode, we talk about why middle managers are burning out faster than anyone else, what overwhelm really looks like in leadership roles, and the hidden cost of promoting people without giving them the support they need to lead.
If you’ve noticed frustration, disengagement, or inconsistency showing up in your management team — this conversation will feel uncomfortably familiar.
In this episode, we cover:
Why middle managers feel stuck between leadership and employees
How overwhelm often gets mislabeled as “bad leadership”
The myth that managers should “already know how to lead”
Why emotional labor is draining managers faster than ever
What real leadership support actually looks like (and what it doesn’t)

Reflection Question: If your managers are overwhelmed, what are you expecting them to handle that they’ve never been trained for?
Leadership doesn’t improve overnight — it improves with intention, reflection, and support.
If you’re looking for a practical leadership training experience for your managers and team leaders, you can learn more about The Mindful Leader experience here:
https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

Learn more about the window seat here: TRAVEL | Visual Escape
Follow us on Instagram @windowseat2a
11 min
January 05Life Doesn't Check Your Calendar to See If You're Busy
Life doesn’t usually ask permission before it changes. It doesn’t check your calendar. And it definitely doesn’t care what’s going on at work.
In this episode, I share a personal story about caregiving and how an unexpected life transition reshaped daily routines, capacity, and mental load. From there, the conversation expands into what these moments mean for leadership, company culture, and the way we support people at work.
This isn’t an episode about having all the answers. It’s an honest reflection on what really happens when life shows up — and how leaders can respond with clarity, humanity, and intention.
In this episode, we talk about:
How life transitions quietly change our energy, focus, and capacity
Why mental load doesn’t disappear when we sit down at our desks
The difference between privacy and silence as a leader
How shifting life seasons change what people value at work
Why time off becomes a treasured benefit in certain stages of life
How rigid workplaces lose good people — not over money, but inflexibility
Whether company policies actually allow for real life to happen
What policies communicate about culture, safety, and trust
Why people remember how they were treated during difficult seasons
How leadership becomes more sustainable when we acknowledge reality
This episode is for business owners, leaders, and HR professionals who want to build workplaces that don’t just look good on paper — but actually support people through real life.
Reflection Question: Are your expectations, policies, and leadership practices designed for the season of life your people are actually in.

Ways to work with us:
1:1 Executive Coaching - https://www.lftconsult.com/coaching
The Mindful Leader Experience - https://www.lftconsult.com/themindfulleader

Learn more about the window seat here: TRAVEL | Visual Escape
Follow us on Instagram @windowseat2a
14 min

About Notes From the Window Seat

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Life is full of extraordinary moments hiding inside ordinary days—if we're willing to slow down and notice them.

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Notes From the Window Seat

Notes From the Window Seat episodes

About Notes From the Window Seat