What if the secret to transforming organizational performance lies not in complex strategies or endless metrics but in how leaders see themselves? What if the first step to driving change starts with the courage to look inward and embrace a new perspective?

Welcome to The Leadership Code podcast, where we challenge conventional wisdom and explore the strategies that empower leaders to inspire excellence. I’m your host, [Your Name], and today we’re diving into “Ways Leaders Drive Organizational Performance” with an extraordinary guest who knows exactly how to turn insight into impact.

Dr. Laura Gallaher is a national best-selling author, organizational psychologist, and cultural transformation expert who brings a unique blend of radical self-acceptance and humor to her work. From helping NASA rebuild its culture after the Columbia accident to leading groundbreaking change at Disney and inspiring transformation at Yahoo, Dr. Laura has a proven track record of reshaping how organizations and leaders thrive.

In this episode, we’ll uncover the three powerful ways leaders can elevate organizational performance—starting with themselves. 

By 2025, millennials are projected to become the largest segment of the global workforce, comprising over 75% of employees, according to Pew Research Center. This generational shift presents both opportunities and challenges for organizations seeking to inspire effective leadership in a rapidly evolving and divided world.

In this episode, Fred sits down with Susan Inouye, a leadership expert and advocate for Sawubona Leadership. Derived from the Zulu greeting meaning "I see you," Sawubona Leadership emphasizes authentic connection, empathy, and empowerment—principles that resonate deeply with millennials seeking purpose-driven careers and inclusive workplaces.

Key questions explored during this engaging discussion include:

Susan shares her mission to spread the principles of Sawubona to leaders at all levels, providing actionable insights to help organizations cultivate leaders who can drive collaboration, innovation, and unity.

Listeners can learn more about Susan and her work at www.susaninouye.com/theleadershipcode.

In this episode of The Leadership Code, we’re joined by Andrea Wanerstrand, an accomplished executive coach and expert in emotional intelligence and leadership development. Together, we explore the vital role emotions play in the workplace and how leaders and teams can navigate them to create healthier, more productive environments.

Andrea shares her insights on why emotional intelligence is a must-have skill in today’s dynamic workplace and offers practical strategies for managing emotions during high-pressure situations. She also discusses the challenges leaders face when addressing emotionally charged conflicts and how to foster a culture of empathy and resilience.

We unpack several thought-provoking questions, including:

Tune in for a rich conversation that will leave you inspired to approach workplace emotions with greater understanding and intention!

In this episode of The Leadership Code, we’re joined by Laurie Clarke, a seasoned organizational strategist with over 20 years of experience transforming businesses by empowering teams and driving sustainable change. Together, we explore the compelling intersection of innovation and empathy, unpacking how leaders can balance the drive for cutting-edge solutions with the need to stay connected to their teams and stakeholders.

Laurie shares her insights on why empathy is often undervalued in fast-paced, innovation-driven environments and provides actionable strategies for embedding empathy into decision-making processes. We dive into questions such as: How can leaders foster psychologically safe environments where innovation thrives? What can organizations learn from leaders who successfully balance creativity with compassion? And how can empathy help prevent burnout while driving change?

This thought-provoking conversation offers practical takeaways for leaders looking to harness both innovation and empathy to create resilient, human-centered organizations. Tune in to discover how balancing these two forces can drive lasting success and transformation.

In this episode of The Leadership Code podcast, we explore the vital role of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) in leadership and global teamwork. CQ refers to your ability to understand and adapt to cultural differences—a skill that has become indispensable in today’s diverse and interconnected world. Unlike IQ or EQ (emotional intelligence), CQ focuses specifically on how well you navigate and thrive in culturally varied settings.

Join me as I speak with Terence Clarke about the transformative impact of cultural intelligence on leadership. We discuss how leaders with high CQ foster trust, collaboration, and innovation by valuing diverse perspectives and guiding teams toward shared goals. Without CQ, leaders risk misunderstandings, damaged relationships, and missed opportunities. But with it, they can empower teams to succeed in even the most complex cultural environments.

Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with practical advice to elevate your leadership in today’s global workplace.

As leaders, we’re often tasked with balancing the human side of leadership—showing compassion and understanding—with the need to drive results and maintain high performance. But what if these two seemingly opposing goals aren’t actually in conflict? What if, instead, they can work hand in hand to create stronger, more cohesive, and high-performing teams?

In this episode, my guest, Tiffany Houser, unpacks how leaders can cultivate empathy as a cornerstone of their leadership style, while fostering an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. She discusses practical strategies, and the tangible benefits of leading with empathy and inclusion—not just for the people on your team, but for the overall success of your organization.

Did you know? According to Gallup's 2023 State of the Global Workplace report, only 23% of employees worldwide are engaged at work. This disengagement isn’t just a morale issue—it’s a global crisis, costing the global economy an estimated $8.8 trillion annually in lost productivity.

In this episode of The Leadership Code, we unpack why poor employee engagement is fundamentally a leadership problem.

My guest, Dr. Roger Gerard, sheds light on the critical role leaders play in fostering engagement and offers actionable insights for turning disengaged teams into thriving, high-performing ones.

We tackle some compelling questions, including:

This episode is packed with strategies for leaders at all levels, from understanding the psychology of engagement to implementing practical solutions that inspire teams to thrive.

In this episode of The Leadership Code podcast, we’re joined by Tony Martignetti, a trusted leadership advisor and the author of Climbing the Right Mountain: Navigating the Journey of Your Best Self. Together, we delve into The 6Cs of Grounded Leadership, a framework that equips leaders to remain steady and impactful in the face of chaos.

Tony guides us through the six foundational principles:

In this episode of The Leadership Code, we dive into the critical topic of managing job stress with Dr. Janna Koretz, a clinical psychologist and the founder of Azimuth, a therapy practice specializing in the mental health challenges faced by professionals in high-pressure careers like law, finance, consulting, and technology.

Dr. Koretz brings over a decade of experience helping leaders and professionals navigate the unique demands of these industries, making her a valuable guide in the realm of workplace mental health.

Key Topics Discussed:

To learn more about her work, visit https://azimuthpsych.com

Emotional intelligence isn’t just a personal skill; it’s a powerful asset that shapes entire cultures, fuels resilience, and boosts productivity across teams. In this episode, we’ll uncover the secrets that make these organizations thrive. Whether you’re a leader, team member, or just passionate about creating positive workplace environments, there’s something here for you. 

With me to discuss this topic is Roberta Fernandez, a pioneering expert in facilitating organizational change and fostering positive, cooperative cultures. Roberta’s work focuses on helping organizations elevate their internal dynamics, addressing issues like customer service, employee engagement, retention, and communication. With her extensive background in cognitive transformation, emotional intelligence, and systems thinking, she empowers leaders to create environments where collaboration thrives.

Roberta's past clients form a diverse portfolio, including Kemps, Sam's Club, Target, Optum, Pentair, governments, academic institutions, and private small businesses.