Peak Performance Leadership

Unless you’ve been living on another planet, the past few years have shown that we’re in a time of unimagined and unrelenting change—and we’re not very good at it. According to McKinsey & Company, an alarming 70% of all change initiatives fail, largely because we’re biologically hardwired to return to what’s worked for us before. But to create the future we hope for (and cope with the here and now), we need to embrace the very thing we’re wired to avoid, says one author-expert-thought leader. 

Erika Andersen is the founding partner of Proteus, a coaching, consulting, and training firm that focuses on leader readiness. Over the past 30 years, Erika has developed a reputation for creating approaches to learning and business-building that are tailored to her clients’ challenges, goals, and culture. She and her colleagues at Proteus focus uniquely on helping leaders at all levels get ready and stay ready to meet whatever the future might bring.

Much of her recent work has focused on organizational visioning and strategy, executive coaching, and management and leadership development. In these capacities, she serves as a consultant and advisor to the CEOs and top executives of several corporations, including Spotify, Amazon, Revolt TV and Media, Charter/Spectrum, and the Yale School of Public Health. She also shares her insights about managing people and creating successful businesses by speaking to corporations, non-profit groups and national associations

Topics

During this interview Erika and I discuss the following topics:

• Where leaders fail leading change
• The three things that people want to know during a period of change
• How leaders can foster change from the inside
• The 4 levers of change
• Her 5 step model for change management

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/214

J. Jeffrey Spahn is a researcher, executive educator, entrepreneur, executive coach, storyteller and speaker. With over 20 years of experience Jeff continues to design a unique and powerful leadership practice for leaders, executives, teams and organizations. The Leading Leaders Practice is a practical approach to leadership in the 21st Century and is designed to enable leaders to mold complexity and ambiguity into innovation and performance.

Disciplines and insights from business and philosophy, arts and athletics, science and spirituality enliven this practice. A degree in business from the University of Michigan and a doctorate from the University of Chicago ground his practice in sound scholarship. After more than twelve years of executive leadership Mr. Spahn taught business graduate students and conducted research on the purpose of business. During this investigation he engaged many of the top executives in the United States.

In response to a publisher’s request Jeff is currently writing a book entitled The Magic of Mutual Leadership: How to Lead and Follow Simultaneously for Exponential Results. His most recent published article by the same title can be found in Developing Leaders Magazine by clicking here

Other published articles include “Leading Leaders: The Art of Peak Performance”, Velocity, vol.4, No.2, 2nd Quarter 2002, “The Leading of Leaders in the Boardroom”, Directors & Boards, Winter 2003 edition, “Honest Boardroom Communication”, Director’s Monthly, November 2002 “A New Capitalist Manifesto?: Re-imagining Business in the 21st Century” Virtual Strategist Spring 2004, “Transforming (Not Overcoming) Objections’, Advisor Perspectives, November 2011, “3 Steps to Empathic Active Listening”, FPA’s Practice Management Solution., March/April 2012.

Board memberships include The Chicago Moving Company, a modern dance enterprise, SCUPE, a nonprofit dedicated to developing urban leaders and the University of Michigan Ross School of Business Alumni Club of Chicago.

Topics

During this interview Jeff and I discuss the following topics:

• What does “We the Leader” mean
• How to determine the best common purpose for an organization
• How to get team members onboard with the common purpose
• Curious conviction - what it is and how to establish it
• Why you “bring a piece” and not “the whole”
• How to establish a team where ego is released
• How to de escalate conflict as it arises

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/213

In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, the concept of leadership is often clouded with misconceptions and outdated beliefs. Understanding and debunking these myths is crucial for anyone aspiring to be an effective leader. This topic is of paramount importance because it helps leaders to discern between what is genuinely valuable advice and what might be potentially harmful or misguided notions. By identifying and addressing these myths, leaders can cultivate more authentic, empathetic, and effective leadership styles that resonate across their personal, team, and organizational domains. This focus on the reality versus the myths of leadership aids in building resilient and adaptive leaders who can navigate the complexities of modern organizational dynamics with confidence and clarity.

Timestamped Overview​

1. [00:02:04] Myth 1: You Can't Make Mistakes - Scott explains why making mistakes is not the end of the world and how they can contribute to trust-building and team cohesion.
2. [00:05:13] Myth 2: You Need to Know It All - A deep dive into why leaders don't need to have all the answers but should instead focus on asking the right questions.
3. [00:08:22] Myth 3: You Can't Change Decisions - The flexibility in decision-making and why reacting to new information is crucial for effective leadership.
4. [00:10:35] Myth 4: Leadership Is Glorious - Exploring the less glamorous aspects of leadership and why the real glory lies in the success and well-being of your team.
5. [00:13:22] Myth 5: You Need to Be a Hard Ass - Why being overly demanding isn't effective in the long run and how adaptability in leadership styles is key.
6. [00:15:37] Myth 6: Experience Is the End-All, Be-All - Scott demystifies the notion that experience is the sole foundation of good leadership and highlights the importance of skills and attributes.
7. [00:19:41] Myth 7: You Can't Show Uncertainty - How showing humility and conviction, even in uncertain times, can build stronger trust and respect among team members.
8. [00:22:12] Myth 8: Leadership Has to Be Lonely - While leadership can be isolating, it doesn't have to be. Building a tribe of supportive peers can make a huge difference.

For more information check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/212

In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving professional landscape, effective leadership is more critical than ever. The ability to lead a high-performing team not only hinges on technical skills but, more importantly, on one's capacity to inspire, coordinate, and build meaningful relationships. Leadership transcends the act of merely managing; it involves understanding the intricate dynamics of information flow, enabling team members to shine in their areas of expertise, and fostering a culture where learning and growth are prioritized.

Additionally, the essence of building robust professional networks cannot be overstated. It's not just about amassing connections but cultivating relationships that are meaningful and mutually beneficial. Networking, when done right, becomes a pivotal tool for leaders, contributing to both personal growth and organizational success.

In tandem with networking, today’s leaders must also navigate the complexities of talent acquisition and retention. The shifting expectations of the modern workforce—amplified by profound movements like the Great Resignation—demand that organizations place equal weight on cultural alignment, mission, and values as they do on financial incentives. Effective hiring practices, underscored by a strategic and marketing-savvy approach, can significantly improve the buy-in from potential talent.

Moreover, the importance of conflict resolution and team upskilling cannot be overlooked. Leaders must address conflicts promptly to prevent escalation and maintain a healthy, productive work environment. Continuous skill development through practical, interactive learning ensures that teams remain agile and capable of meeting ever-changing challenges.

In essence, modern leadership is a multifaceted endeavor that requires a delicate balance of empathy, strategic thinking, and relentless pursuit of personal and team growth. Understanding and implementing these principles makes a leader not just effective but transformational in guiding their organizations toward peak performance.

Topics

During this interview Mark and I discuss the following topics:

• [04:30] Mark’s Leadership Approach - Mark describes his team-oriented role as CTO, emphasizing member expertise and information flow.
• [08:15] Leadership Philosophy - Scott shares his leadership philosophy centered around prioritizing, delegating, inspiring, and decision-making.
• [11:50] Upside-down Org Chart Concept - Mark illustrates the importance of non-managers who execute actual work, while managers coordinate.
• [18:00] Network Building - Discussion on the significance of meaningful, quality relationships over superficial networking contacts.
• [23:40] Podcasting as a Networking Tool - Scott highlights podcasting for building professional networks and shares his experiences.
• [27:15] Mark’s Networking Strategy - Organic networking in natural settings and leveraging past interactions for relationship building.
• [32:50] Effective Interviewing Techniques - Importance of training in conducting interviews and the concept of selling job roles to candidates.
• [38:10] Changing Workforce Dynamics - Adjusting to new workforce values; prioritizing mission, cultural fit, and growth opportunities alongside financial benefits.
• [42:00] Addressing Workplace Conflicts - Immediate addressing of conflicts, comparative analogy with geopolitical conflicts.
• [47:30] Qualities of Great Leaders - Characteristics of a great leader: continuous growth, caring for the team, achievable goals.
• [50:45] Upskilling Teams - Practical learning strategies, peer learning groups, and using diverse content to enhance real-world applications.

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/211

Welcome to an invigorating exploration of leadership through the lens of purpose-driven action and mindset evolution. In today's rapidly changing world, leaders face unprecedented challenges that demand more than just traditional management skills. This episode delves into the fundamental aspects of effective leadership: establishing a clear direction and purpose, adapting to modern workforce dynamics, and evolving sales strategies to foster meaningful interactions.

At the core of this discussion is the power of living with purpose. Leaders who align their daily actions with a well-defined purpose are more likely to make impactful decisions, engage their teams, and drive organizational success. Moving beyond the conventional top-down, task-focused approach, this episode advocates for a leadership style that prioritizes quality over quantity, ensuring each interaction is significant and goal-oriented.

Among the key takeaways are the importance of self-reflection, the necessity of adapting leadership styles to meet contemporary needs, and the critical role of neuroscience in creating psychologically safe environments. Through compelling real-world examples, this episode highlights how purpose-driven leadership not only mitigates burnout but also paves the way for achieving remarkable outcomes.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders seeking to refine their strategies, inspire their teams, and lead with intention in an era marked by profound transformation. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tools that will help you navigate the complexities of modern leadership with clarity and purpose.

 As a child who overcame the daunting challenge of a speech impediment, Ron has made it his life’s mission to empower employees, executives and entrepreneurs all over the world and transform their lives by removing life limiting belief systems. For 36+ years, Ron Karr has excelled at sales and leadership positions, for which he is recognized as the leading "Sales Success Expert" and has appeared as a guest on national TV including FOX , Bloomberg, C-Suite Network and others. He is an in-Demand Global Keynote Speaker, and Highly Acclaimed Author of Lead, Sell, or Get Out of the Way. For his extensive client list of leading organizations, he has helped clients including: AGFA, YPO, Hertz, UPS, United Natural Foods, and Marriott Hotels produce over a billion dollars in incremental revenues. When you seek solutions to remove barriers, position your products/services more powerfully and achieve bigger results in less time, Ron Karr will enthusiastically motivate and train your organization to achieve and exceed sales goals. 

Topics

During this interview Ron and I discuss the following topics:

• How to find the right mindset in the first place
• How leaders can be driven with purpose vice tasks
• How leaders can get past their limiting beliefs
• The neuroscience behind conversations 
• How to create an environment for psychological safety

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/210

Christine Whitecross is a Canadian retired lieutenant-general. A graduate of Queen's University and the Royal Military College of Canada, she has served in Germany, Bosnia, and Afghanistan. Whitecross has twice been named one of Canada's 100 most-powerful women. She was commandant of the NATO Defense College in Rome. She has been made a commander of the Order of Military Merit, received the Meritorious Service Medal (United States) for service in Afghanistan and the Canadian Meritorious Service Medal for her role as secretary-general of the International Military Sports Council.] Whitecross was the first female three-star general to be appointed in the CAF.

Whitecross has held several high-level staff posts including as Director of the Infrastructure and Environment Corporate Service, Chief of Staff for the Assistant Deputy Minister, Joint Engineer of Canada Command, Executive Assistant to the Chief of the Air Staff, and Chief Military Engineer of the Canadian Armed Forces. In Bosnia, she was head of logistics and manpower for the engineer contingent of UNPROFOR and was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications with ISAF in Afghanistan. Whitecross has commanded 1 Construction Engineer Unit and was deputy commander of Canadian Operational Support Command.

 In February 2015 Whitecross became head of a team tasked with responding to allegations of sexual misconduct in the CAF. She was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general on 26 May 2015, becoming the most senior female Canadian military engineer. Whitecross was appointed commander of Military Personnel Command in June 2015.[4] In summer 2017 she became commandant of the NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy, being elected by representatives of the 28 NATO member states. She is the first woman and the third Canadian to hold the position. Whitecross retired from the military in December 2020.

 Topics

During this interview Christine and I discuss the following topics:

• What drew her to military life and becoming a leader
• Her experiences as a brand new officer
• How to get pass coworkers who were difficult to work with
• How to stick to the moral high-ground
• How she handled members of other cultures
• How to get a team to achieve peak performance
• How she felt when she was promoted to Lieutenant-General
• Lessons learned about culture change in organizations

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/209

Leaders across the world and all industries find themselves in a very similar situation - employee shortages due to the "Great Resignation." The Great Resignation is the ongoing phenomenon where large numbers of employees have been leaving their jobs in search of other opportunities or life changes. But why is this happening in the first place and how can leaders mitigate it to protect their organizations. That is what we are investigating today. 

Why the Great Resignation?

When the Global COVID-19 pandemic struck the world, it caused a large number of people to either be laid off from their job, furloughed, or forced to work from home. This was coupled with the ever increasing "This Great Resignation is due to employees rethinking what work means to them in a post-pandemic world." NPR explains that this “Great Resignation” is due to employees reevaluating what work means to them, how they are valued by employers, and how they spend the majority of their time.

Topics

In this solo episode I talk about the following topics:

• What the Great Resignation is
• Why psychological Safety is important
• How to establish connection with your team
• Why workplace wellbeing is important
• How to address burnout

Check out our new Leader Growth Mastermind and start enhancing your leadership skills today!

https://movingforwardleadership.com/mastermind

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/208

There are some people who always need to be right. In their minds there is always a winner and there is always a loser. Deep down, very few of us like these people. And yet, we often work for them, we work with them, and if we’re honest, we may even be one of them.

 Hamish Thomson is a CEO, board and startup adviser, consultant, speaker and investor. A New Zealander from birth, he has been a successful CEO/Regional President and Global Brand head for Mars Incorporated (UK, Australia and Chicago), a senior marketing and sales lead for Reebok International (England and the Netherlands) and a fresh-faced account executive in the London advertising scene. He is a non-executive director of OzHelp (one of Australia’s leading mental health and suicide prevention foundations) and currently resides in in Sydney with his wife and three children.

 Topics

During this interview Hamish and I discuss the following topics:

• Why leaders don’t have to have all the answers
• How to manage constant dissatisfaction as leader
• How drains and radiators affect your organization
• How bad bosses are actually great bosses
• Why you need to show your authentic self all the time

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/207

The hybrid workforce is here to stay. As the impact of COVID-19 lingers, it’s clear that the way we work has changed forever. Whilst some of us will return to the office, the flexibility of remote working is too enticing for many employees to give up. However, a hybrid workforce comes with its own unique challenges that leaders must prepare for.

Colin Ellis is a renowned culture change expert with 30-plus years of helping transform organizations around the world. Whether it's the way that projects are delivered, how teams work together or how to change the DNA of an organization He provides practical information on how to make change easy. He uses case studies, experience and plenty of humour to keep people engaged and laughing! 

Topics

During this interview Colin and I discuss the following topics:

• Why hybrid work actually enables peak performance
• How work is something we do and not where we are
• How leaders can create culture of peak performance in a hybrid environment
• How to develop a hybrid work plan to
• Keeping organizational synergy while having a split organization
• Mistakes to avoid when having hybrid team
• How to maximize technology for hybrid

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/206

Reports of scandals continue to rock both public and private sectors. Nearly one in four employees report witnessing unethical behavior in their workplace. Such actions leave long-lasting impressions internally across the organization and externally across the public at large — damaging not only any influence the bad actors have, but — often unwittingly — that of their teams. It’s time to rethink the adage “there’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’.” Actually, the “I” represents influence, which all team members must embrace if they want their team to excel. Some would go so far as to say that influence is the most important facet of one’s personal and professional life. The influence even small actions have will create a ripple effect. Knowing this, we become more consciously aware of the influence we wish to project, which helps us to become the best version of ourselves and, by association, leads to the success of our teams. 

Brian began his career as an accountant but did not enjoy public accounting. After a short term at a big 6 accounting firm, he started Business Accounting Solutions in 1988, which he later sold to Cornerstone Consulting Group. Recognizing the need many small businesses had for sound management advice, Brian went on to start Individual Advantages, LLC, which was later rebranded DBA IA Business Advisors in 2015, as a think tank to develop customized, yet affordable, management solutions driven by our focus on people, process, and technology.

Since 1988, Brian has helped over 18,000 business owners and managers on all seven continents (yes, Antarctica, too). Coming from companies of all sizes, he has helped them make decisions to help them grow personally and as an organization. He has a PhD in organizational psychology, a master’s degree in management information systems, a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and is a certified Six Sigma master black belt consultant.

 Topics

During this interview Brian and I discuss the following topics:

• Why he went to Antarticia 
• WHy leaders should be the “I” in the team
• Why being influential as a leader is important
• Why SMART Goals are not the end all
• Why understanding your role is crucial
• Delegate like a pro
• Why knowing your people is important to avoiding failures
• Strategies to find time to be better prepared as a leader
• Tactics to influence culture change in an organization
• How leaders can can slow down

For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website:

https://movingforwardleadership.com/205