Jim and his producer Katy take a break from interviewing guests to stop and reflect on what we’ve learned so far. Are there times when Jim thought he could have pushed harder? What are the types of questions Jim likes to ask to create deeper conversations and positive coaching outcomes?   

In this episode, Jim explores the need to stay engaged in our work and to finish strong as we begin to see the finish line. Jody and Jim discuss their experiences as older members of the workforce, and some of the challenges to being heard. How do organizations tap into the youthful energy of their employees, while also listening carefully to the wisdom of the elders? 

One of the most common questions I hear is, “what can I do when someone I depend on isn’t performing?” I explore this issue of accountability with JT, along with the need for structure and “real” conversations to create clarity in our organizations.   

Andrew is a decorated Iraq war veteran dealing with PTSD and its impacts on his personal and professional life. While having our conversation specifically about PTSD, we also talk about the nature of a leader’s relationship with co-workers, and the special responsibility we have to support one another and create safety and acceptance for those who carry heavy burdens of all kinds.   

In this episode, I have a wide-ranging conversation with a busy and successful tech executive. We talk about the importance of transparency, the challenges of returning to the workforce as a parent, and the changing nature of the tech industry. 

Maria's company: https://synd.io/

Chris is a person who has achieved significant success after hitting some roadblocks in mid-career. We explore the costs and implications of getting “stuck” and some of the ways we work through that. Chris provides a helpful model for all of us, but reminds us that the journey is never finished. 

Our guest Vicky is reeling from a bad work experience, and trying to find her footing after 27 years in tech. Listen as she processes what happened, tries to make sense of it, and gives serious consideration to what’s next. This episode also deals with that “middle” time of life when we may have to renew ourselves and take a different approach to our careers. 

Jim talks to Michael, who found himself elevated to the top position rather abruptly. We talk about his struggles to find himself in his new leadership role, to learn to trust his instincts, and his concerns about being the expert. We discuss the role of self-expression in leadership, and the folly of seeking perfection.

Path Forward: Real Conversations About Leadership invites you into unrehearsed conversations with people like you who are seeking to understand what it means to be a leader. In these conversations, Jim Hessler, the Founder of Path Forward Leadership and the author of Land On Your Feet, Not On Your Face, taps into his 4 decades of leadership experience to share perspectives and to challenge guests with provocative questions. The guests are real people who come to the dialog with humility, curiosity, and relatable challenges and perspectives.