People First! with Morag Barrett

We’re excited to welcome Suzie Bishop, Vice President of Product Development at the Center for Leadership Studies and member of the Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches community. In this episode, Suzie shares how the timeless model of Situational Leadership is being reimagined for today's workplace—and why trust, adaptability, and honest feedback loops are essential for thriving teams.

From her early mentors to her current work co-authoring two major leadership books (yes, two!), Suzie brings clarity, humility, and real-world wisdom to the conversation.

🔑 4 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:

02:00 — Opening Doors and Paying It Forward
Suzie reflects on two people who shaped her leadership journey.

06:00 — Leadership Is Task-Based, Not One-Size-Fits-All
Situational Leadership teaches leaders to flex their style depending on the specific task at hand and the individual’s readiness. Suzie explains the model with clarity, emphasizing how behaviors—not job titles—drive performance success.

13:00 — Why Situational Leadership Still Matters (50 Years On)
Suzie shares how the model has stood the test of time because it’s simple, behavioral, and rooted in human connection. Its relevance today is even stronger as organizations grapple with change, disengagement, and the demand for more personalized leadership.

21:00 — Coaching vs. Managing: What Power Looks Like in Practice
Suzie explores how the same leadership model functions differently in executive coaching versus management—highlighting key nuances in trust, expertise, and legitimate power.

💡 This Episode Is for:
Leaders, coaches, HR professionals, and anyone looking to lead with greater self-awareness, relationship savvy, and adaptability in times of change.

🔗 Where to Learn More:

• Suzie Bishop on LinkedIn
• Situational.com
• Center for Leadership Studies updates on LinkedIn

We’re thrilled to welcome back Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company and author of Any Dumb Ass Can Do It. Known for his bold authenticity and signature Aussie wisdom, Garry dives into how embracing “dumbassery” is actually the key to unlocking great leadership, building cultures of belonging, and sending people home happy.

With stories ranging from riding a horse in a suit of armor through Times Square to redefining what it means to coach a team, this episode is packed with insight, heart, and humor.

🔑 4 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:

02:18 — Vulnerability in Action: Yes, Garry really rode a horse through Times Square. But more importantly, he explains how showing up authentically—even making a spectacle of yourself—can build connection and trust within your team.

06:37 — Dumb Assery as a Superpower: Why the phrase “I don’t know” is one of the most powerful leadership tools—and how embracing your inner “dumb ass” can unlock collective brilliance.

08:52 — From Mistakes to Learning Moments: WD-40’s culture pivoted when they replaced the word “failure” with “learning moments”—creating psychological safety and sparking innovation company-wide.

12:49 — From Boss to Coach: What happens when you ditch the word “manager” and start coaching your people to play their best game? Garry shares how that mindset changed everything at WD-40.

💡 This Episode Is for:

Leaders, HR professionals, and anyone looking to lead with more empathy, humility, and results.

🔗 Where to Learn More:

• Take the Dumb Assery Quiz and get your free leadership playbook at: www.thelearningmoment.net
• Join Garry’s “School of Dumb Assery” on LinkedIn
• And check out his best-selling book: Any Dumb Ass Can Do It

In this episode of the People First Podcast, we sit down with executive coach Dina Denham Smith to explore the power of emotional agility in leadership. Dina shares how leaders can navigate change with confidence, break free from stress patterns, and foster genuine emotional awareness at work. From managing toxic positivity to understanding the mind-body connection, this conversation is filled with actionable insights to help leaders cultivate resilience and authenticity.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

07:45 – Navigating change with confidence by recognizing and addressing your emotions.
12:30 – The DARE framework: A practical tool for breaking free from the stress spiral.
18:10 – The impact of hiding, suppressing, and faking emotions at work, and how to handle toxic positivity.
23:50 – The connection between emotions and bodily sensations, and how awareness can help manage emotions effectively.

Connect with Dina Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dina-denham-smith

And... don’t forget to check out our book! You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available now! This book is a heartfelt guide for leaders looking to build deep, meaningful relationships at work, which are the cornerstone of personal and professional success.

Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

This week on People First, we’re joined by Dr. Joey Faucette, a culture architect, certified executive coach, and best-selling author of Work Positive in a Negative World: Team Edition. Dr. Joey helps organizations shift from a toxic “Kevin Culture” to a positive work culture that fuels engagement, productivity, and profits. His insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Fox Business News, and Entrepreneur Media, and he hosts the Work Positive Podcast.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 03:00 From Pediatric Dreams to Culture Transformation: How Dr. Joey’s early fascination with medicine evolved into a passion for helping organizations create thriving workplaces.
• 07:00 What Is a Work-Positive Culture?: Dr. Joey breaks down the five essential practices that help companies grow people and profits.
• 10:00 The Power of Mindset: How our thoughts shape our workplace experiences and why leaders must actively guide their teams toward a positive outlook.
• 14:00 The Role of Relationships in Workplace Culture: Why choosing the right people to collaborate with has a direct impact on success.
• 18:00 Small Hinges Swing Big Doors: Dr. Joey explains how small, intentional actions can lead to massive shifts in culture, innovation, and productivity.
• 22:00 The Secret to Belonging at Work: How leaders can foster an environment where employees feel valued, connected, and empowered to do their best work.

This episode is filled with practical strategies and deep insights for leaders and teams looking to transform their workplace culture. Dr. Joey’s wisdom will challenge the way you think about work and inspire you to take action.

Where to Find Dr. Joey Faucette and Learn More:

Visit www.workpositive.today to explore Dr. Joey’s resources, courses, and books.
Connect with him on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjoeyfaucette/
Follow Work Positive on Instagram: @workpositive.today
Watch insights on YouTube: @workpositive7529

And... don’t forget to check out our book! You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available now! This book is a heartfelt guide for leaders looking to build deep, meaningful relationships at work, which are the cornerstone of personal and professional success.

Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

This week on People First, we welcome Dave MacDonald, Owner and President of Better Together Group. Built on Zig Ziglar’s philosophy—"If you help enough other people get what they want, you will get what you want"—Better Together Group helps businesses increase productivity and profitability by hiring the right people while ensuring job candidates can feed their families and fulfill their ambitions.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 02:00 From Maple Syrup to People-First Leadership: How managing his family’s farm in Canada shaped Dave’s passion for hiring and team-building.
• 05:00 Creating a Relationship-First Culture: Dave shares how businesses can shift from transactional leadership to a people-first mindset.
• 08:00 Transparency in Leadership: Why showing vulnerability at work fosters trust and stronger teams.
• 12:00 Hiring for Culture Fit: Dave explains why character and values matter just as much—if not more—than skills in the hiring process.
• 15:00 Healthy Turnover: How leaders can embrace employee transitions, support their career growth, and maintain strong alumni relationships.
• 21:00 Work That Feeds Families: The mission behind Better Together Group and how Dave’s journey fuels his drive to help blue-collar workers find fulfilling jobs.

This episode is packed with wisdom for leaders, business owners, and HR professionals looking to build stronger teams and create a culture where people thrive.

Where to Find Dave MacDonald and Learn More:

Visit BetterTogetherGroup.com for insights on hiring and workforce development.

Listen to Dave’s podcast, X2Z, where he and his daughter, Hannah, discuss leadership, hiring, and workplace culture: XtoZ.org

And... don’t forget to check out our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) The hardcover is available now! This book is a heartfelt guide for leaders looking to build deep, meaningful relationships at work, which are the cornerstone of personal and professional success.

Get your copy here:

https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

This week on People First, we welcome Mindy Honcoop, a seasoned people leader, HR advisor, and the founder of Agile in HR. With over 24 years of experience optimizing organizational success, Mindy helps leaders align culture with revenue strategy through advising, workshops, and speaking engagements. 

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 02:00 The Power of Possibility: Mindy shares how she helps people shift from “I can’t” to “I can” and why that fuels her passion for leadership and HR.
• 07:00 The Unexpected Journey: How a hiring manager took a chance on Mindy, pulling her from the “do not hire” bin and setting her on a leadership path.
• 10:00 Culture Meets Revenue: Mindy explains why organizations must connect people strategy with business success and how HR leaders can drive that change.
• 14:00 Trust and Turnover: The hidden costs of a disengaged workforce and how fostering a culture of trust leads to better retention and customer success.
• 20:00 Making One-on-Ones Meaningful: Mindy shares how leaders can transform one-on-one meetings into a tool for engagement, accountability, and business impact.
• 23:00 Entrepreneurial Lessons: From corporate HR to running her own business, Mindy reveals what she’s learned about leadership, risk-taking, and growth.
• This episode is packed with insights for HR professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs looking to build stronger workplace cultures while driving business success.

Where to Find Mindy Honcoop and Learn More:

Visit www.agileinhr.com and www.mindyhoncoop.com for resources on aligning culture with revenue.
Connect with Mindy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mindyhoncoop/

This week on People First, we welcome Stephen George, a seasoned voice actor, audio professional, and broadcast producer with more than a decade of experience in the field. As a key member of Twin Flames Studios, Stephen has helped countless authors bring their words to life through expertly produced audiobooks. His mission? To guide authors through the recording process, ensuring their message is heard authentically and powerfully.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 04:00 The Art of Storytelling: Insights from Stephen’s experience in journalism and broadcast production on how to craft and deliver compelling stories.
• 06:00 The Audiobook Process: What authors should know before stepping into the recording booth, including the importance of preparation and reading their work aloud.
• 10:00 The Power of Deep Listening: Stephen explains how he listens beyond the words—catching background noise, pacing, and breathing patterns to enhance an audiobook’s quality.
• 19:00 Practical Listening Tips: Stephen offers valuable insights for leaders on how to cultivate deep, intentional listening in their work and daily interactions.

This episode is a must-listen for authors, leaders, and anyone looking to refine their communication and storytelling skills. Stephen’s expertise and passion for helping others shine through in every aspect of his work.

Where to Find Stephen George and Learn More About Twin Flames Studios:

Visit www.TwinFlamesStudios.com to explore their audiobook production services. Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn or follow him on Instagram at @StephenGeorgeVO for insights into voice work and audiobook production.

This week on People First, we’re thrilled to welcome back Robert Glazer, founder and chairman of Acceleration Partners, a global leader in partnership marketing, and a best-selling author. Robert’s new book, Rethinking Two Weeks Notice: Changing the Way Employees Leave Companies for the Better, reimagines how professional relationships can end with dignity, mutual respect, and better outcomes for all parties.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 02:00 The Inspiration Behind the Book: Robert shares how his frustration with traditional two-week notice practices inspired him to rethink professional transitions and create the Career Engagement Program.
• 05:00 Why Endings Matter: Robert discusses the psychology of endings and how the final impression of a work relationship disproportionately impacts our overall memories of it.
• 10:00 Honest Conversations: Learn how transparent and open discussions between employees and employers can improve outcomes, from internal transitions to amicable departures.
• 18:00 The Four Principles of Open Transition: Robert outlines the essential components of an effective transition program, including psychological safety, mutual respect, and open communication.
• 24:00 The Alumni Advantage: Discover how organizations can create a culture where employees feel comfortable returning and contributing with fresh perspectives and new skills.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone interested in transforming the way organizations approach employee departures. Robert’s insights provide a roadmap for creating win-win scenarios that leave lasting positive impressions.

Where to Find Robert Glazer and Learn More:

Visit www.robertglazer.com to explore Robert’s books, including Rethinking Two Weeks Notice, subscribe to his Friday Forward newsletter, and discover other valuable resources. You can also read the first three chapters of his latest book for free on his Substack.

Be sure to check out Robert’s Friday Forward newsletter for practical tips and reflections on work and life, and follow him on LinkedIn for regular updates on his work.

And... don’t forget to check out our book!

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!). This book is a heartfelt guide for leaders looking to build deep, meaningful relationships at work, which are the cornerstone of personal and professional success.

Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/3NrQulV

This week on People First, we’re thrilled to welcome Heather Younger back to the show! Heather is the CEO of Employee Fanatix, a TEDx speaker, a three-time best-selling author, and a LinkedIn Learning course partner. Her latest book, The Art of Self Leadership: Discover the Power Within You and Learn to Lead Yourself, is a guide to uncovering your intrinsic worth, embracing self-leadership, and showing up as the best version of yourself.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 04:00 Finding Your Golden Core: Heather shares her powerful concept of unveiling your intrinsic brilliance and how self-leadership begins with embracing your worth.
• 08:00 Overcoming Self-Doubt: Learn how to challenge imposter syndrome and reclaim your inner confidence, with Heather’s own journey as a prime example.
• 10:00 Understanding Fear: Heather discusses the role fear plays in holding us back and how to use it as a tool for growth.
• 16:00 Prioritizing Self-Care: Heather explains how small, intentional acts, like staying hydrated and moving regularly, can significantly impact your well-being and leadership capacity.
• 21:00 Relationships and Influence: Heather reflects on the importance of building intentional relationships, creating safe spaces, and embracing feedback for personal and professional growth.

In this inspiring episode, Heather shows us how self-leadership is the foundation of all leadership. Her message? You are good enough simply because you exist. From actionable strategies to profound insights, this conversation will empower you to take charge of your journey.

Find Heather on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherryounger/ and on her website https://heatheryounger.com/

This week on People First, we welcome Nathalie Sabourin and Ron Cheshire, co-authors of the groundbreaking book Co-Development Action Learning for Business. Drawing from decades of leadership and coaching expertise, Nathalie and Ron share how their CAL (Co-Development Action Learning) methodology is transforming the way leaders and teams innovate, solve problems, and collaborate in an ever-changing business environment.

Here are some key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• 02:00 From Dreams to Global Impact: Nathalie’s journey from aspiring to work in Japan to becoming an expert in leadership development and co-creation.
• 05:00 Coaching Roots: Ron reflects on how his early experiences as a skating coach laid the foundation for his passion for mentoring and team development.
• 10:00 Why CAL Matters: Learn how the CAL methodology fosters innovation, psychological safety, and teamwork, and why it’s more critical than ever in today’s complex business environment.
• 14:00 The Seven Steps of CAL: Ron and Nathalie break down the structured process behind CAL, highlighting how it balances deep problem exploration with actionable solutions.
• 21:00 Real-Life Applications: From overwhelmed leaders to community support during the pandemic, Nathalie and Ron share stories of how CAL has driven transformation and learning.

This episode dives deep into how CAL offers a practical, scalable approach for teams to foster collaboration, accelerate projects, and create cultures of continuous learning. Whether you’re a coach, team leader, or organizational change agent, Nathalie and Ron’s insights will leave you inspired to try something new.

Learn more about Nathalie Sabourin and Ron Cheshire.