The Intentional Leaders Podcast: Helping ambitious leaders gain clarity, communicate with confidence, and lead with intention.

Ever wondered what it takes to stay committed to one organization for over three decades? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Corey Chambas, CEO of First Business Bank, as he uncovers the secrets behind his impressive 30-year tenure. Corey shares his thoughts on the dynamic environment and the unique camaraderie at the bank that have kept him engaged and loyal. Get to know the personal side of Corey as he discusses his hobbies, particularly collecting aged beers, and how these passions fuel his leadership.

Unlock the secrets of fostering a culture of innovation and growth as we dive into the importance of embracing change within an organization. Corey emphasizes the power of psychological safety and honest communication in encouraging risk-taking and learning from failures. Discover how First Business Bank creates opportunities for employee growth and attracts top talent by maintaining a balance between successful initiatives and lessons learned from those that don’t work. This chapter is filled with actionable insights for anyone looking to drive innovation and improve overall performance in their organization.

Corey also reveals the core values that define First Business Bank's culture and how they align with the principles from "The Ideal Team Player." Explore the traits of humble, hungry and smart that are crucial for recruitment, coaching, and performance management. Hear Corey’s heartfelt reflections on the importance of servant leadership and the distinction between wanting to "be" a manager versus wanting to "do" the job. With over 30 years of dedication, Corey’s insights offer a profound look at the collective effort needed to maintain a positive workplace culture where actions truly speak louder than words. Tune in for a deep dive into leadership, organizational values, and the keys to sustained success.

Find Corey here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreychambas/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Have you ever wondered why we feel the emotions we do and how we can harness them for personal and professional growth? This week, we sit down with Charles M. Jones, a leading emotion scientist and the visionary behind the Jones Theory of Emotion and Emotional Decoding. Charles shares a compelling story about a near-miss accident in the Alps that sparked his lifelong quest to understand and decode human emotions. His insights into the naturalness of flow states, the impact of developmental trauma, and the ways emotions arise in response to external events are nothing short of groundbreaking.

We delve into the concept of emotional victimhood and the critical importance of taking ownership of our emotions and needs. Charles outlines strategies for identifying and fulfilling subconscious needs, which are crucial for emotional self-sufficiency and personal growth. This discussion provides practical tools for developing an evolving emotional "operating system" that can transform how we navigate life's challenges, fostering growth and resilience.

Leaders, take note: emotional responsibility isn't just a personal development tool; it's a game-changer for workplace culture and leadership effectiveness. Charles emphasizes how empathetic leadership can revolutionize team dynamics by fostering environments where tough conversations lead to increased accountability and innovation. By understanding and addressing the underlying needs behind emotions, leaders can enhance their competencies and drive better organizational outcomes. Tune in for an episode rich with scientific insights and practical strategies for mastering emotional intelligence.

Find Charles here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesmj/
And his website here: https://www.charlesmjones.com/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Ever wonder how maintaining a beginner's mindset can transform your leadership journey? In this episode, we promise you'll learn how embracing openness, curiosity, and a lack of preconceptions can not only enrich your professional growth but also strengthen your leadership abilities.  Sharing my personal experiences from the Association for Talent Development conference, we highlight the incredible value of humility, creativity, and innovation that comes from starting fresh.

Taking deliberate steps to practice a beginner's mindset, especially when you're accustomed to showcasing your expertise, can be challenging but immensely rewarding. Encouraging this mindset within your teams, particularly among newer members, can foster a dynamic and innovative environment. This episode delves into how a beginner's mindset promotes resilience and adaptability, allowing us to see failures as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. Don't miss this episode on cultivating a mindset that can lead to significant transformation in your career and leadership approach.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Can understanding your strengths and values unlock your true potential? Join us as we welcome Sarah Viana, founder of Deliberately You, who transitioned from a successful HR career to a fulfilling journey in coaching. Sarah shares how her early experiences in a supportive organization sparked her passion for people development, ultimately leading her to immerse herself in a coaching community.

Discover the intriguing dynamics between strengths and values through the Values in Action (VIA) Inventory. Sarah provides personal insights and practical examples, revealing how strengths like kindness can reflect deeply held values.  Learn about habit stacking as a method to develop lesser strengths by leveraging more dominant ones, and how balancing honesty with social intelligence can enhance effective and empathetic communication.

Maximizing leadership potential often hinges on meaningful connections and effective management of time and energy.  The role of trust in leadership, aligning individual growth with organizational needs, and the necessity of difficult conversations are explored in depth. Sarah also highlights the importance of authenticity, presence, and intentionality in fostering impactful relationships, advocating for a life lived deliberately and with purpose.

Find Sarah here:  Sarah (Walsh) Viana, ACC | LinkedIn

Home - Deliberately You

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

When the weight of a career in anesthesiology pushed Dr. Hibba Khaled to her breaking point, she didn't just bounce back; she reinvented herself as a beacon of hope for those suffocating under the burden of burnout. Join us for a discussion with Dr. Khaled, co-founder of Embers and a burnout recovery specialist, as she shares her transformative journey and the lessons she learned along the way. From her hands-on experience in Uganda to her scholarly pursuits at Harvard, Dr. Khaled's path is a lesson in turning personal struggle into a lifeline for others.

Dr. Khaled's story is more than just a narrative; it's a roadmap for navigating career transitions with purpose and integrity. Her candid reflection on the tough choices that have shaped her life, including the decision to walk away from a coveted position, offers a rare glimpse into the heart of someone who has courageously defied convention, and the expectations of others.

This episode provides a glimpse at the mechanics of burnout and the possibility of crafting a fulfilling life. Dr. Khaled breaks down the factors contributing to our burnout epidemic—misaligned values, toxic work environments, and the perpetual push for perfection. But more than that, she discusses the tools to reclaim our sense of self, emphasizing the role of mindfulness, grounding techniques, and finding our joy.

Find Hiba here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hiba-khaled/
And her business here: https://www.emberscc.com/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Ever wondered how some leaders seem to effortlessly inspire and guide with clarity? Unlock the secrets to maintaining your cool under pressure with our dive into psychiatrist Daniel Siegel's window of tolerance concept.  Our discussion zeroes in on the sweet spot of composure—the zone where we're neither overwhelmed nor disengaged—and why it's crucial for leaders and individuals alike to operate within this range.

This episode will reveal how the brain's incredible plasticity can be harnessed to expand your window of tolerance and build emotional resilience.  As we dissect the role of the prefrontal cortex in managing stress and maintaining cognitive function, you'll come to understand how your own stress responses can either serve or hinder you in high-stakes situations, particularly in the aftermath of shared traumas like the pandemic.

If you're looking to enhance your ability to face pressures with grace and inspire those around you, tune in for insights that could reshape your response to stress forever.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Anita Cobb's story is one of remarkable transformation, and in our latest episode, this pioneering leader from Mead & Hunt brings you a narrative that's as empowering as it is enlightening. From her evolution in finance to becoming a champion of diversity and inclusion in the aviation sector, Anita exemplifies what it means to turn adversity into opportunity. Her candid conversation with us illuminates the importance of a people-first approach in the realms of architecture, engineering, and construction, and how it leads to more inclusive design and technology advancements.

Anita's resilience is also a beacon for anyone navigating personal tribulations. Her openness in discussing her struggles with substance abuse and domestic violence adds a layer of depth to her advocacy for transparency and collaboration in the workplace. This episode is not just about overcoming challenges but also about the power of supportive networks and the courage to be vulnerable, which Anita believes can transform workplace culture and foster personal growth.

As our conversation with Anita draws to a close, she reflects on the inner pillars that keep her steadfast—the 'verticals'.  Anita's journey inspires a call to authenticity, gratitude, and intentional leadership, proving that every one of us has the potential to be an unstoppable force for change. If Anita's story resonates with you, join us in this episode for a deep connection with one of aviation equity's most inspiring figures.

Find Anita here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-cobb-mba/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Krystal Westfahl, the President of the Minocqua Visitors Bureau, takes us through the scenic routes of her career journey. Her story, as diverse as the Northwoods she champions, reveals how a degree in natural resources and a formative interaction with WWII veterans charted her course towards nonprofit leadership.  Krystal's narrative is a refreshing reminder that embracing every turn with joy and authenticity can lead to a fulfilling life's work, deeply rooted in community service.

She divulges the intricate balance of being an authentic leader, the psychology behind effective communication, and the courage it takes to show up as one's true self, blue hair, cowboy boots and all. Our conversation with Krystal is a masterclass in community-focused leadership, highlighting the dance between authenticity and the strategic cultivation of trust.

As you explore this episode, expect to be transported to the heart of Wisconsin, where the charm of supper clubs and the allure of outdoor adventure come together into a  tapestry of tourism and community. Krystal illustrates that serving one's community is a hands-on affair, rooted in a genuine love for the place you call home. Through her eyes, we learn the grace of servant leadership, and the undeniable joy that springs from creating positive experiences for ourselves and others. Join us for an episode that's as much about discovering the essence of Wisconsin as it is about uncovering the heart of true leadership.

Find Krystal here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystalwestfahl/

And discover the Minocqua Area: https://www.minocqua.org/

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

Discover the surprising truth about self-awareness and its profound impact on leadership effectiveness as we unravel the disconnect between perception and reality. In this episode, we shed light on the critical role introspection and conscious change play in enhancing our leadership qualities. We've all heard that self-awareness is key, but how many of us truly understand the depth of our own consciousness? This episode promises to expose the surprising statistics from Harvard Research Group that reveal just how few people are as self-aware as they think they are. As we navigate through the intricate maze of our subconscious minds, we learn how this hidden pilot shapes our decisions, relationships, and everyday actions, often without our conscious recognition.

Self-awareness is more than about recognizing our strengths and weaknesses; it's about committing to the challenging task of aligning our innermost identities and purposes with our daily lives. Learn how mindfulness, soliciting feedback, and journaling can open doors to a heightened sense of self, and why carving out time for these practices is essential for anyone, especially leaders, seeking personal and professional growth. Join us as we explore the intricacies of empathy, communication, and the myriad ways in which self-awareness influences our capacity to lead and connect with others. And don't forget to peruse my blog for more in-depth discussions and resources on this transformative topic.

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.

When Justine Beauregard, a powerhouse in sales coaching, shares her entrepreneurial journey from youth, it's not just a conversation—it's a lesson in creating a legacy. Justine's narrative, steeped in the entrepreneurial spirit passed down from her family, echoes the resilience required to leap into business ownership and the crucial role of self-evaluation, accountability, and goal-setting in steering a venture to victory.
 
 This episode is your invitation to redefine what growth means to you, to consider how every choice and action contributes to the legacy you're actively constructing. Your personal and professional brand.
 
 The art of personal branding and the evolution of leadership aren't just buzzwords—they're chapters in the playbook of professionals aiming for their peak and purpose. In our conversation, we explore how to carve out a compelling presence without forgoing authenticity, and we tackle the challenge of crafting sales messages that strike a chord with various stakeholders. Embrace the wisdom shared in this episode, and chart your own course toward creating a legacy that's as memorable as it is meaningful.

Find Justine here:
Sell in Ways You Actually Enjoy | Justine Beauregard
Justine's Podcast
[email protected]
LinkedIn

Questions? Episode Requests? Send us a message!

Ambitious leaders know that real leadership goes far beyond titles—it’s about developing the clarity and mindset to guide others with confidence. In this podcast, you’ll explore what today’s leaders truly need, from navigating everyday problem solving to handling tough moments of workplace conflict with steadiness and respect. Episodes dive into setting healthy workplace boundaries, strengthening workplace collaboration, and building the emotional intelligence and emotional agility that make leadership sustainable. Whether you’re managing a growing team or refining your voice as a decision-maker, you’ll find insights that help you cultivate a resilient growth mindset and elevate your impact.