In this episode, Andy talks with Faisal Hoque, author of Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI. Faisal brings a unique blend of deep philosophical insight, entrepreneurial experience, and technological expertise to the conversation. They explore how leaders can navigate the fast-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence while staying grounded in what makes us human.

The discussion explores how to think about AI not just as a tool or collaborator, but as a mirror that reflects our biases and decisions. Faisal introduces the OPEN and CARE frameworks as practical ways to innovate while managing risk, making this conversation highly actionable for project managers and leaders. From detaching from digital noise to preparing the next generation for an AI-shaped world, Faisal offers a thoughtful roadmap for embracing technology without losing our agency.

If you're looking for insights on how to thrive in the age of AI with both optimism and responsibility, this episode is for you!

• “You can be optimistic, but you can also mitigate risk at the same time. One doesn't really work without the other.”
• “Catastrophizing is not doomism, but it's really a risk management practice.”
• "AI is not just a tool or collaborator, it's a mirror."
• “Don't outsource your agency. It's easy to let AI nudge your decisions without even realizing it.”
• “Just like you don't put a 10-year-old in a car to drive... technology can do a lot of good, but it can also be disastrous.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:33 Start of Interview
• 02:00 What From Your Background Shaped Your Thinking?
• 03:54 How Philosophy and Systems Thinking Intersect
• 06:00 Introducing the OPEN and CARE Frameworks
• 06:55 What Is the Human Role in an AI World?
• 09:43 How AI Can Subtly Influence Our Choices
• 11:40 Sci-Fi's Influence on AI Perception
• 15:07 What Is an AI Persona and How Do You Use Them?
• 18:13 Why AI Is Also a Mirror of Us
• 22:33 Introducing the OPEN Framework for Individuals
• 25:33 How Emotional Intelligence Applies to AI Partnership
• 27:02 The Role of Catastrophizing in Risk Management
• 28:58 The Value of Detaching and Devoting
• 32:03 How We Can Prepare Our Kids for an AI World
• 35:31 End of Interview
• 36:00 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 40:33 Outtakes

You can learn more about Faisal and his work at FaisalHoque.com.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 460 with Dr. Joe Sutherland about AI, Data, and Decision Making
• Episode 454 with Dr. Christie Smith about how AI is changing leadership
• Episode 437 with Nada Sanders on her book Humachine (Human + Machine)

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Business Acumen

Topics: AI, Leadership, Risk Management, Innovation, Digital Transformation, Emotional Intelligence, Strategic Thinking, Project Management, Decision Making, Organizational Change, Technology Ethics, Future of Work

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy welcomes Dr. Margie Warrell, bestselling author and global leadership expert, to talk about her latest book, The Courage Gap: 5 Steps to Braver Action. Drawing from her deeply personal experiences and decades of coaching and research, Margie shares how courage isn't about eliminating fear—it's about regulating it and acting anyway.

Margie and Andy explore the hidden ways fear shapes our decisions at work and at home, how overachievers can unknowingly be held back by fear, and why rescripting the stories we tell ourselves is essential to growth. You'll learn about the “courage muscle,” the power of embodiment, and practical steps to face difficult conversations and bold decisions. Whether you're leading a team, managing a project, or navigating life transitions, Margie offers encouragement and tools to help you close your own courage gap.

If you're looking for insights on facing fears, speaking up, and leading with greater confidence, this episode is for you!

• “Courage is not the absence of fear—it’s learning how to regulate it and act anyway.”
• “The smarter we think we are, the more cunningly our fear hides in the background.”
• “We reject ourselves before anyone else has the chance—because we don't ask.”
• “What we focus on expands. Fear thrives when we focus on what we don’t want.”
• “Stand guard at the doorway of your language—your stories shape your reality.”
• “We need to parent—and lead—from purpose, not from fear.”
• “Every conversation is improv—and that’s what makes it feel risky.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:55 Start of Interview
• 02:06 How Did Your Upbringing Inspire Your Courage Work?
• 05:12 Did You Write This Book Because It Was Easy for You?
• 07:24 Should We Try to Get Rid of Fear?
• 09:15 How Do Smart People Hide Their Fear?
• 13:13 What Was That Story About the First Lady?
• 16:00 What Does Courage Look Like in Daily Life?
• 17:58 How Do You Focus on What You Want Instead of What You Fear?
• 21:40 How Can a Manager Use This to Give Feedback?
• 23:50 How Do You Apply These Ideas as a Parent?
• 25:49 How Do You Stop Fear-Casting and Catastrophizing?
• 28:20 What’s a Personal Story You Had to Rescript?
• 32:40 What’s the Role of Language in Shaping Our Stories?
• 35:00 How Do You Prepare to Speak with Confidence?
• 39:16 What Reps Did You Put In to Build Courage?
• 42:20 What Role Has Failure Played in Building Courage?
• 44:34 How Do You Help Kids Build Courage?
• 46:34 End of Interview
• 47:09 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 52:53 Outtakes

You can learn more about Margie and her work at MargieWarrell.com.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 440 with Kelli Thompson about closing the confidence gap.
• Episode 173 with Sarah Robb O’Hagan about why playing it safe is holding you back.
• Episode 142 with Amy Cuddy about her book Presence—confidently rise to your most daunting tasks.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Courage, Fear, Confidence, Difficult Conversations, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Communication, Personal Growth, Parenting, Vulnerability, Risk Management, Decision Making, Project Management

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Imagefilm 034 by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy welcomes Dr. Patricia Grabarek, co-author of Leading for Wellness: How to Create a Team Culture Where Everyone Thrives. Patricia is an industrial-organizational psychologist and co-founder of Workr Beeing. She brings her expertise in workplace wellness, leadership behavior, and employee engagement to this timely conversation about how leaders can improve not just productivity, but people’s lives.

They explore the surprising truth that employee wellness isn’t about perks like step challenges or mindfulness apps--it’s about leadership. Patricia shares the difference between Generator leaders and Extinguisher leaders, how “Struggle Statements” foster psychological safety, and the simple yet powerful behaviors that make a lasting impact on your team’s wellbeing. From practical strategies for setting boundaries to powerful recovery practices, this conversation offers a playbook for leaders who want to create sustainable performance through human-centered leadership.

If you’re looking for insights on how to lead with empathy while driving results, this episode is for you!

• “What we learned is that people think about wellness holistically. It's very individual.”
• “You can’t yoga your way out of a toxic work environment.”
• “Most leaders don’t wake up and think, 'I'm going to extinguish my team today.' It happens slowly and unconsciously.”
• “I don't think anyone's waking up and being like, I wanna make work suck for everybody around me today!”
• “Leaders are people. They fail at things. They're not always doing well. And when you have this ideal leader, that's the persona you're putting on, then your employees don't trust you.”
• “Your behavior as a leader is the most powerful wellness intervention you can offer.”
• “When leaders share their struggles, it creates a ripple effect of trust.”
• “If you want your team to respect boundaries, you have to model them first.”
• “Employees don’t leave jobs—they leave leaders who extinguish them.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:59 Start of Interview
• 02:11 What is Wellness?
• 04:05 Generators vs. Extinguishers
• 07:30 When Someone is an Inconsistent Extinguisher
• 08:57 What are Struggle Statements?
• 12:50 Recognizing Burnout and Its Signs
• 15:51 Strategies for Post-Work Recovery
• 18:12 The Role of Control With Stress
• 19:57 An Example of Someone Transforming How They Lead for Wellness
• 22:11 Organizational Wellness: What's Not Working?
• 23:53 Authenticity and Role Modeling in Leadership
• 26:20 Balancing Work and Life: Integrators vs. Segmenters
• 27:06 Fostering Wellness at Home
• 27:51 End of Interview
• 28:20 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 34:35 Outtakes

You can learn more about Patricia and her work at WorkrBeeing.com/book.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 448 with Marie-Helene Pelletier about her book The Resilience Plan.
• Episode 398 with Dr. Neha Sangwan about her book on burnout.
• Episode 324 with Jim Harter from Gallup about building resilient cultures.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Leadership, Employee Wellness, Psychological Safety, Burnout, Team Culture, Vulnerability, Work-Life Balance, Authenticity, Empathy, Boundaries, Recovery, Organizational Health

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy talks with Dr. Joe Sutherland, co-author of the new book Analytics the Right Way: A Business Leader's Guide to Putting Data to Productive Use. Joe is a leader in AI policy and practice, serving as the founding director of the Emory Center for AI Learning and lead principal investigator for the U.S. AI Safety Institute Consortium.

Andy and Joe explore what it really takes to make better decisions in a world drowning in data and exploding with AI hype. They discuss the myths of data collection, how randomized controlled trials and causal inference impact decision quality, and Joe’s “two magic questions” that help project managers stay focused on outcomes. They also dive into recent AI breakthroughs like DeepSeek, and why executives may be paralyzed when it comes to implementing AI strategy.

If you're looking for insights on how to use data and AI more effectively to support leadership and project decision-making, this episode is for you!

• “What are we trying to achieve? And how would we know if we achieved it?”
• “Sometimes we’re measuring success by handing out coupons to people who already had the product in their cart.”
• “AI doesn’t replace decision-making—it demands better decisions from us.”
• “Causality is important for really big decisions because you want to know with a level of certainty that if I make this choice, this outcome is going to happen.”
• “Too often, we make decisions based on bad causal inference and wonder why the outcomes don’t match our expectations.”
• “The ladder of evidence helps you decide how much certainty you need before making a decision—and how much it’ll cost to climb higher.”
• “The truth is, we’re not ready for human-out-of-the-loop AI—we’re barely asking the right questions yet.”
• “Leadership isn’t about replacing people with AI. It’s about using AI to make your people more productive and happier.”
• “We're starting to see some evidence that when you use large language models in education, test scores go up in excess of 60%.”
• “This may be the first time the kids feel more behind than the parents when it comes to a new technology.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:00 Start of Interview
• 02:09 What Are Some Myths About Data?
• 03:49 What Is the Potential Outcomes Framework?
• 08:50 What Are Counterfactuals?
• 13:00 How Do You Personally Evaluate Causality?
• 18:22 What Are the Two Magic Questions for Projects?
• 20:45 What's Getting Traction From the Book?
• 24:26 What Can We Learn From DeepSeek's Disruption?
• 27:30 Human In or Out of the AI Loop?
• 30:41 How Joe Uses AI Personally and Professionally
• 33:33 What Is the Future of Agentic AI?
• 35:37 Will AI Replace Jobs?
• 37:18 How Can Parents Prepare Kids for the AI Future?
• 41:19 End of Interview
• 41:46 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 45:07 Outtakes

You can learn more about Joe and his book at AnalyticsTRW.com.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 381 with Jim Loehr about how to make wiser decisions.
• Episode 372 with Annie Duke on knowing when to quit.
• Episode 437 with Nada Sanders about future-prepping your career in the age of AI.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Leadership, Decision Making, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Project Management, Strategic Thinking, Causal Inference, Agile, AI Ethics, AI in Education, Machine Learning, Career Development, Future of Work

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Ignotus by Agnese Valmaggia License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy interviews Adrian Kelly, author of The Success Complex: Ancient wisdom, the building blocks of life and your path to sustained success. Drawing from history, behavioral science, and personal stories, Adrian offers a compelling redefinition of what it means to succeed. From his humble academic beginnings to building international ventures, Adrian brings a unique perspective on resilience, motivation, and identity.

They discuss why IQ may be overrated and how something Adrian calls the “Point Guard Quotient” might better predict success. The conversation dives into increasing your luck, avoiding de-motivation, managing identity through career changes, and maintaining balance in a high-achievement world. They also explore practical lessons from the Challenger disaster and how small changes in communication can shape results.

If you’re looking for insights on redefining success, building motivation, and leading with awareness and impact, this episode is for you!

• “We overestimate talent and underestimate persistence.”
• “Opportunity doesn’t waste time with the unprepared.”
• “People want to help people who help themselves.”
• “You don’t fall off a cliff overnight—you drift one day at a time.”
• “Avoiding de-motivation is often more important than sustaining motivation.”
• “Sometimes the drawback isn’t a setback—it’s a setup for a better path.”
• “Nobody traps us quite like we trap ourselves.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:07 Start of Interview
• 01:18 What from your early life shaped your view of success?
• 07:12 How much does IQ influence success and what’s the 'Point Guard Quotient'?
• 11:52 What can we learn about success from the Challenger disaster?
• 14:03 What do you mean by avoiding de-motivation to sustain motivation?
• 18:57 What do you mean by a tangled identity and how has that affected you?
• 27:05 Is it possible to increase your luck? If so, how?
• 30:41 How do biases and communication styles affect our opportunities?
• 33:48 How can we balance the drive to succeed with well-being?
• 39:34 Why is autonomy and attention so important for success?
• 43:39 As parents, how can we prepare our children for success?
• 47:00 End of Interview
• 47:30 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 53:49 Outtakes

You can learn more about Adrian and his work at AskMore.ie.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 458 with Elizabeth Lotardo about finding joy and meaning in your current job.
• Episode 402 with Eduardo Briceño about developing a growth mindset.
• Episode 283 with Tom Rath about success, meaning, and legacy.
• Episode 261 with David Epstein about his book Range and embracing diverse career paths.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Leadership, Project Management, Motivation, Identity, Career Transitions, Communication, Decision Making, Bias, Wellbeing, Autonomy, Attention, Personal Growth, Success

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Energetic Drive Indie Rock by WinnieTheMoog License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy welcomes Elizabeth Lotardo, author of Leading Yourself: Find More Joy, Meaning, and Opportunities in the Job You Already Have. Drawing on insights from her book, Elizabeth shares a practical and empowering framework for navigating the everyday challenges that can drain energy and joy from our work lives--things like imperfect bosses, lethargic coworkers, and overwhelming workloads.

The conversation explores how we often start a role with excitement, only to find ourselves disengaged over time--and what we can do about it. You’ll learn the key differences between purpose and passion, how to counteract unhelpful workplace narratives, and what it looks like to reclaim agency in frustrating situations. Whether it’s dealing with difficult stakeholders, receiving feedback, or rethinking your career path, Elizabeth offers tangible strategies for finding value and fulfillment in the job you already have.

If you're looking for ways to lead yourself better, rediscover meaning in your work, and take more ownership of your day-to-day experience, this episode is for you!

• “Purpose has a drastically more significant impact on how we feel about the work than passion does.”
• “If you're not waking up super hyped about something, that's OK!”
• “You're always in control of your own response--even in soul-sucking meetings.”
• “This is my chance. It's a mindset shift to reframe interruptions and annoyances into opportunities.”
• “Sometimes all you need is 15 seconds of insane courage.”
• “When we default to negative assumptions at work, we dig ourselves into ruts that are hard to escape.”
• “Just give your brain a moment to articulate: What if it went awesome?”
• “Being invaluable means having great value in a variety of situations--not being stuck as the only one who can do a specific task.”
• “You are never powerless. That's a sentiment I hope stays with my son.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:24 Start of Interview
• 02:34 What Sucks the Joy Out of Our Jobs?
• 03:49 The Difference Between Purpose and Passion
• 05:34 Coaching People to Understand Their Purpose
• 08:08 What Is a Ripple Effect or Impact Map?
• 09:23 Workplace Lies and Breaking Out of Mental Ruts
• 12:17 How Elizabeth Deals With Feeling Trapped in a Rut
• 13:26 Balancing Risk and Opportunity
• 15:43 The Power of 15 Seconds of Courage
• 16:47 Reframing Challenges with “This Is My Chance”
• 19:21 Handling Difficult Meetings and Draining People
• 22:59 The Indispensable vs. Invaluable Mindset
• 24:48 How Our Identity Gets Entangled With Our Job
• 25:58 What Feedback Taught Elizabeth About Growth
• 29:19 Lessons About Identity and Self-Worth at Work
• 30:39 Helping Kids Learn They’re Never Powerless
• 32:52 End of Interview
• 33:20 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 38:52 Outtakes

You can learn more about Elizabeth and her work at ElizabethLotardo.com.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 437 with Nada Sanders about future prepping your career in the age of AI.
• Episode 318 with Jon Stepper about his book Working Out Loud.
• Episode 213 with Christopher Avery about his book The Responsibility Process.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Leadership, Self-Leadership, Motivation, Purpose, Passion, Agency, Feedback, Mindset, Career Development, Meaning at Work, Workplace Culture, Decision-Making, Project Management

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Imagefilm 034 by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy talks with Andrew Brodsky about his new book, Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication. The discussion covers key topics, such as the impact of typos, the use of emojis and exclamation points, and the importance of timely responses.

Andrew highlights the pros and cons of different communication mediums, offering evidence-based recommendations on when to use email versus meetings, and the benefits of cameras on or off during virtual meetings. Practical advice is given on mimicking language to build trust, improving small talk to enhance virtual hallway interactions, and preparing younger generations for successful virtual communication.

If you're looking for insights on how to lead and more effectively when you're not face-to-face, this episode is for you!

• “Regardless of whether you work from home, the office, hybrid, anywhere in between, we're now all virtual communicators.”
• “When you're writing an email, try to read the message in the opposite tone you intended.”
• “The shorter meetings are and the fewer participants there are, the more engaging they are.”
• “If it's a new relationship and you're trying to build trust, you're probably going to want your camera on.”
• “Sometimes a 30-second text can build more team cohesion than a full hour of meeting time."
• “We assume the recipient wants a response a lot quicker than they do.”
• “Typos in angry emails made the person seem angrier, and in happy emails made them seem happier.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:39 Start of Interview
• 01:56 Andrew's Personal Story and Research
• 03:16 Defining Virtual Communication
• 04:53 The P of Ping: Perspective Taking
• 08:15 In-Person vs. Virtual Communication
• 11:14 Meeting Dynamics and Camera Use
• 16:09 Email Urgency and Response Expectations
• 21:34 Impact of Typos in Virtual Communication
• 22:58 Understanding Typos and Ambiguity in Virtual Communication
• 24:42 Using AI and Tools for Effective Communication
• 25:47 The Rise of Voice Notes and Their Impact
• 27:40 Emojis, Exclamation Points, and Language Mimicry
• 30:04 Bringing Small Talk into Virtual Interactions
• 32:48 Preparing Kids for Virtual Communication
• 35:13 End of Interview
• 35:40 Andy's Comments After the Interview
• 41:42 Outtakes

You can learn more about Andrew and his book at ABrodsky.com.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 407 with Ben Guttman about his book Simply Put. It's an intriguing book on how to design clear messages.
• Episode 332 with Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel about their book on virtual teams.
• Episode 237 with Nick Morgan about his book on virtual communication.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Virtual Communication, Email Etiquette, Remote Work, Leadership, Team Cohesion, Productivity, Small Talk, Emotional Intelligence, AI Tools, Generational Differences

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: The Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this discussion, Andy welcomes back Kevin Eikenberry to talk about his new book Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence. They discuss how leadership complexity increases with career progression and how Kevin’s book offers practical guidance on managing ambiguity. The conversation delves into the concept of flexible leadership, the impact of uncertainty versus fear, the importance of context in decision-making, and why organizations should be seen as both machines and organisms. They also touch on the significance of rituals and handling paradoxes in leadership.

If you're looking for insights on how to lead and deliver despite uncertainty and ambiguity, this episode is for you!

• “Leadership in many ways hasn't changed for centuries.”
• “Fear has an endpoint... Anxiety has no end. And that's such a bigger challenge for us.”
• “We should be thinking pilot, not policy.”
• “Are organizations more like machines or more like organisms? Well, both are true.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:54 Start of Interview
• 00:24 What HASN'T Changed With Leadership
• 04:00 What Does Kevin NOT Mean by 'Flexible' Leadership?
• 06:19 Understanding Uncertainty and Fear
• 08:25 The Sense-Making Framework
• 12:58 Organizations: Machines or Organisms?
• 15:50 System One vs. System Two Thinking
• 18:29 Autopilot vs. Deliberate Decision Making
• 18:51 Understanding Flexors: Compliance vs. Commitment
• 19:11 The Flexor Concept in Leadership
• 22:53 Habits vs. Rituals: Navigating Uncertainty
• 25:49 Parenting and Leadership: Building Confidence
• 28:20 End of Interview
• 28:39 Andy's Comments After the Interview
• 33:13 Outtakes

You can learn more about Kevin and his book at KevinEikenberry.com/Flexible-Leadership.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 54 with Roger L. Martin about his book The Opposable Mind
• Episode 47 with Henry Mintzberg about his book on why management is what we think it is.
• Episodes 360 and 455 with Janet Polach about her books to help us avoid mistakes as we grow as leaders.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Leadership, Project Management, Uncertainty, Fear, Organizational Behavior, Leadership Styles, Habits, Rituals, Ambiguity

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy interviews Janet Polach, author of The Strategic Leader's Mindset: Unlocking the Keys to Success They discuss the struggles that come with the journey of transitioning from tactical to strategic roles. Janet shares insights from her book on how to develop a strategic mindset, work through people, and stay authentic.

The conversation covers key challenges in leadership, such as delegation, decision-making under ambiguity, and the importance of authentic communication. Janet highlights the benefits of structured thinking time and the potential pitfalls of empowerment. The episode provides practical advice for new and experienced leaders aiming to move from day-to-day management to higher-level strategic thinking.

Whether you're already at a higher level of leadership or want to prepare so you're ready for it, this episode is for you!

• “What I've discovered in coaching executive leaders is that it's about how do you think about things differently? How do you think more broadly? How do you take more risks? How do you lean into ambiguity?”
• “Surround yourself with people who are more courageous, who are more comfortable in ambiguity. You, as a leader, don’t have to be the perfectly all-knowing, courageous, ambiguous kind of leader.”
• “Set a timeline for the decision... after all, especially at the executive level, we always want more information. But there’s a diminishing return because you’ll lose the opportunity of time. So maybe by Friday you have three options; by the following Friday, you decide.”
• “How would we make this worse? So together... everybody has fun with this.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:03 Start of Interview
• 02:57 What Stays the Same As Your Grow in Leadership? What Changes?
• 05:54 What It Means To Think Strategically
• 11:08 The Value of International Exposure
• 13:47 Empowering Others and Delegation
• 17:31 Handling Difficult Team Members
• 21:38 Understanding Employee Termination Fears
• 22:39 Decision Making Amidst Ambiguity
• 24:36 Techniques for Facilitating Meetings
• 26:43 Strategic Leader Success Stories
• 28:27 End of Interview
• 28:54 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 32:48 Outtakes

You can learn more about Janet, her work, and her coaching services at JanetPolach.com/coaching.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 360 for my first interview with Janet about mistakes new managers make.
• Episode 391 with Adam Bryant about making the leap to a new level of leadership.
• Episode 320 with Greg Githins about how to think strategically.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Leadership, Project Management, Strategic Mindset, Management, Empowerment, Decision Making, Authenticity, Culture, Coaching, Trust, Ambiguity

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: On Point by Steven O'Brien License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Synthemania by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy interviews Dr. Christie Smith, a visionary leader and author, about her new book Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts Are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership. They discuss the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence and automation on various industries and how leaders can prepare for these changes. Christie shares insights on the unique challenges of modern leadership, as well as the importance of human-powered approaches. She emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptability, especially in a world increasingly reliant on technology. The conversation also touches on the concept of the Power Paradox, safeguarding connection in distributed work environments, and practical advice for parents on preparing their children for future work challenges.

Wondering how to lead and deliver in this time of significant disruption? This episode is for you!

• “Leadership isn’t always comfortable. In fact, it can be really hard… it does mean speaking out.”
• “What’s unique about this time is the confluence of many things that leaders are having to face. It’s led to a war for skills instead of a war for talent.”
• “This isn’t soft work... we’re going to be in an economic crisis because leaders are not in tune to the humans that are in their organizations.”
• “100% of them said they knew they needed to do something... yet only 25% were even thinking of doing something about it.”
• “The issue isn’t that AI is taking over. The issue is AI must, as a regulator, have human intelligence.”
• “We need to move from emotional intelligence to emotional maturity.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:51 Start Of Interview
• 02:00 Christie's Background And Early Influences
• 04:45 The Unique Challenges Of Modern Leadership
• 06:27 The Concept Of The Unicorn Job
• 07:53 Defining Human Powered Leadership
• 11:05 The Role Of AI In The Future Of Work
• 15:50 The Importance Of Connection In The Workplace
• 19:44 Adversity And Innovation: Lessons From History
• 23:19 Strategies For Building Team Connection
• 26:02 Building Engagement Through Simple Actions
• 26:53 The Importance Of Personal Check-Ins
• 27:12 Adapting Leadership Styles For Better Connection
• 29:12 Understanding The Power Paradox
• 31:44 Cultivating Insatiable Curiosity
• 34:08 Preparing Kids For The Future Workplace
• 37:17 End Of Interview
• 37:39 Andy Comments After The Interview
• 41:21 Outtakes

You can learn more about Christie and her work at ChristieSmith.phd/.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 437 with Nada Sanders about her book The Humachine.
• Episode 382 with Hal Hershfield about balancing the now and the future.
• Episode 329 with Deborah Westphal about preparing your career and your team for the future.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: AI, Automation, Technology, Leadership, Organizational Culture, Engagement, Remote Teams, Future Of Work, Emotional Intelligence, Workplace Culture, Team Connection, Continuous Learning

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license