The Marcel Podcast

By Marcel SchwantesBusiness Management

The Marcel Podcast episodes

August 28, 2025Garry Ridge: No B.S. Leadership Tips from the CEO of a Multibillion-Dollar Company
Episode recap:

This episode featured Garry Ridge, former CEO and Chairman of WD-40, who shared his personal journey and philosophy on creating safe, valued, and connected workplaces. As a true Servant Leader, Garry discussed the people-focused strategies that propelled WD-40 to have one of the highest employee retention rates in the world. Marcel and Garry covered topics such as leadership development, psychological safety, and the importance of building and maintaining a strong organizational culture through consistent effort and learning moments.

Guest Bio:
As CEO and Chairman of WD-40 Company for 25 years, Garry Ridge built one of the world’s most recognized brands by prioritizing trust, respect, and people-centric leadership. Now, as The Culture Coach, Garry helps leaders create workplaces where people feel valued and inspired. Through The Learning Moment, he partners with executives to build cultures of collaboration and purpose-driven performance. His latest book, USA Today's Best Seller, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It, reinforces his belief that great leadership is simple—but not easy. Known as The Dean of Dumbassery, Garry champions “learning moments,” encouraging leaders to turn mistakes into growth opportunities. His core philosophy: when people feel safe, valued, and connected, they do their best work—and go home happy, strengthening families, communities, and the world.

Timestamp

[00:03] Introduction of Garry Ridge
[04:40] Garry’s personal journey
[06:58] The meaning behind the book title
[10:07] Discovering servant leadership
[14:58] Handling resistance to culture change
[17:45] Creating psychological safety
[20:27] The four pillars of a fearless tribe
[23:38] The role of a leader
[27:21] A memorable story from Wall Street
[30:40] Protecting culture at all costs
[31:05] Why WD-40’s employee retention soared

Quotes
“The three most powerful words a leader can say are: I don’t know.”
“Fear is the opposite of safety. We don’t make mistakes, we have learning moments.”
“Care is not about ping pong tables. It’s about helping people become the best version of themselves.”
“A leader’s job is to coach, not to take the bat and hit the ball.”
“Life’s a gift. Don’t send it back unwrapped.”

Takeaways
Replace mistakes with “learning moments” to reduce fear and encourage innovation.
Build culture with care, candor, accountability, and responsibility not perks or slogans.
Protect your culture by removing toxins, even if they are high performers.
Lead as a coach: your job is to bring out the best in others, not to prove you’re the smartest.

Conclusion

This conversation with Garry Ridge proves that culture is not a soft, secondary issue, it is the hardest, most important work of leadership. From turning mistakes into learning moments to protecting culture from toxins, Garry’s insights highlight how leaders can build organizations where people thrive and results follow. Remember his parting words: life is a gift, don’t send it back unwrapped. If you want more stories and tools from Garry, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit thelearningmoment.net.

Website - http://www.thelearningmoment.net/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/
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41 min
August 21, 2025Marcel Schwantes: Five Practical Ways to Build More Courage
Episode recap:

Uncertainty is where true leadership is tested. In this episode, host Marcel Schwantes reveals why courage—not clarity—is the skill leaders need most today. You’ll learn five practical ways to build courage: reframe fear, grow confidence, take bold steps forward, lean on allies, and stay calm under pressure. With real stories from coaching sessions and powerful leadership examples, Marcel shows how you can stop waiting for certainty and start creating it—so you can inspire trust, lead with confidence, and drive transformation when it matters most.

To dig deeper into a strategy-based discussion about building up more courage in your or your team’s leadership, book your free, 30-minute discovery call with Marcel here:

https://calendly.com/marcelschwantes/discovery-call?month=2025-08

Bio:

Marcel Schwantes is a speaker, author, and acclaimed executive coach with a global following. Marcel delivers presentations, workshops, courses, and coaching programs about the human side of business and how cultures of care, connection, and belonging power companies to thrive and outperform the competition.

Quotes:
"Courageous leaders don't wait for clarity—they create it."
"Courage doesn't mean you're fearless. It means you move forward with the fear because there's something bigger at stake."
"Confidence isn't magic—you have to build it. And the way to build it is through building your competence, because competence leads to better confidence."

Takeaways:
Reframe your inner narrative during uncertainty by asking yourself what bigger opportunity or mission might be present.
Practice and role-play challenging scenarios to build real confidence and readiness for tough moments.
Take the next small step forward, even if you can’t see the whole path ahead.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Facing Uncertainty
01:02 The Importance of Courage in Leadership
02:14 Reframing Fear Through Story
03:38 Building Confidence Deliberately
05:52 Taking Action, Even Small Steps
07:04 Relying on Others for Support
08:21 Staying Calm Amidst Fear
09:46 Conclusion: Embracing Uncertainty

Conclusion:

Courage in leadership grows through practice, reflection, and a willingness to approach challenges with steady effort. It is not about the absence of fear, but about learning to move forward despite it by taking consistent, manageable steps. Leaders who remain composed and thoughtful in uncertain times are better able to guide their teams with clear direction. In doing so, they create trust and inspire others to stay committed, even when the path ahead is difficult.

Links/Resources:

The book: https://www.amazon.com/Humane-Leadership-Lead-Radical-Kick-Ass-ebook/dp/B0CWG3PTL4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2GGNRCK8IGE9Q&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MCvZounR42KoYlj36JrVeA.2nq6uw7LgXy_UsUHEJQmdFVO7jH4RVjNEKdZp75F-rk&dib_tag=se&keywords=ISBN+9781637427828&qid=1732028248&sprefix=isbn+9781637427828%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MarcelSchwantes1

Instagram: https://instagram.com/marcel.schwan
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12 min
August 15, 2025Danielle McGeough: How to Bridge the Gap Between Intention and Action
Episode recap:

Marcel featured Danielle McGeough, Ph.D, an award-winning professor and transformation strategist, who shared her personal journey and expertise in helping individuals achieve balance through her Rise Ritual method. The discussion explored causes and solutions for workplace burnout, the importance of personal rituals and mindfulness, and strategies for maintaining presence and intentionality in leadership, concluding with recommendations for listeners to create their own personal rituals.

Bio:

Danielle McGeough, Ph.D. is an award-winning professor, transformation strategist, and host of the top 1.5% podcast Plan Goal Plan. She helps high-performing women and teams bridge the gap between intention and action through her RISE Ritual Method. Danielle blends research, identity work, and intentional planning to help ambitious people feel bold at work and present at home.

Quotes:
"I help people and teams operate in alignment. I help them do it in a way that really connects them to their values and to their mission."
"If you are someone who feels like you are living on autopilot, more habits aren't going to help you, because habits are designed with the intention to eventually become unconscious."
"When individuals can operate from a space of well-being, the impact we can have on the collective is so much stronger—but the collective work has to happen."

Takeaways:
Reflect on whether you’re experiencing burnout, demoralization, or just feeling stuck, and name it clearly to better address it.
Start each day by asking yourself which three things would make you feel satisfied by the end of the day.
Design a short personal ritual that helps you shift into your desired state, using sensory cues like a cozy blanket or a candle.
Before meetings or stressful moments, pause for a deep breath and set an intention for how you want to show up.

Timestamps:
[00:00] Welcome and Introduction
[03:16] Introducing Danielle McGeough
[06:42] Helping People and Teams Work in Alignment
[15:26] Why Policy Decisions Shape Workplace Culture
[17:43] The RISE Ritual Method Explained
[20:10] Designing Rituals for Desired States
[22:52] Micro Rituals That Shift Your Daily Presence
[26:36] Rethinking the Myth of Work Life Balance
[34:51] Final Invitation to Create Your Own Ritual
[35:57] Where to Connect with Danielle

Conclusion:
Focus isn’t a fixed trait—it’s a skill that can be built with practice, even in a world full of distractions. People who achieve meaningful results often do so by creating clear systems that help them avoid busywork and stay centered on what matters most. Learning to say "no" to lesser tasks makes space for bigger, more important progress. And it doesn’t require massive effort—starting with just a minute each day can lead to lasting improvement. Small, steady actions often make the biggest difference.

Links/Resources:
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567778897663
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mcgeough-phd-b673334
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plangoalplan

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38 min
August 07, 2025Marcel Schwantes: Building a Culture of Shared Leadership
Episode recap:
Marcel explored the servant leadership principles and practices of shared leadership and decision. He presented a case study about former U.S. Navy Captain David Marquet's successful transformation of a submarine crew by shifting to a leader-leader model that empowered team members to make decisions. Marcel emphasized the importance of competence and clarity when sharing leadership, while challenging the audience to consider how they can empower others to lead and offered follow-up discussions.
To dig deeper into a strategy-based discussion about shared leadership, book your free, 30-minute discovery call with Marcel here:
https://calendly.com/marcelschwantes/discovery-call?month=2025-08

Bio:
Marcel Schwantes is a speaker, author, and acclaimed executive coach with a global following. Marcel delivers presentations, workshops, courses, and coaching programs about the human side of business and how cultures of care, connection, and belonging power companies to thrive and outperform the competition.

Quotes:
"Leaders sometimes push people like cattle, and a lot of companies still operate this way, right? But if you think about it, cattle have no say. They're herded in one direction, pushed to where the cattle rancher wants them to go. And honestly, that's not very empowering."
"When you share leadership, you're not losing control. You're actually multiplying it. You're creating leaders at every level, and when people feel ownership, engagement and performance will go through the roof for you."
"That's the power of releasing control—it turns employees into owners, and owners don't need to be driven. They lead themselves."
Key Takeaways:
Ask “What would you do?” instead of issuing commands to invite insight and autonomy.
Make your strategy meetings collaborative—let team members help shape direction.
Identify areas in your org chart where decision-making can move closer to frontline work.
Delegate leadership intentionally—challenge yourself to let one team member lead this week.
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] Welcome and Introduction
[02:22] Why Driving Results Isn’t Real Leadership
[04:12] Sharing Power with Intention
[06:40] Leading Without Pulling Rank
[08:19] How Pushing Authority Down Unlocks Performance
[10:41] Why Clarity Must Come Before Delegation
[12:03] 3 Ways to Start Sharing Leadership This Week
[13:39] Final Challenge: Step Back So Others Can Step Up
Conclusion:
True leadership isn’t about control—it’s about multiplying influence through trust. Empowering those closest to the work results in quicker decisions, stronger performance, and more engaged teams. Great leaders create clarity, offer support, and step aside so others can lead.
Resources:
Book: Humane Leadership
Substack
LinkedIn
X/Twitter
YouTube
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16 min
July 25, 2025Erik Qualman: How to Improve Focus and Productivity in a Digitally Connected World
Episode recap:
Whether you’re a programmer, mother, executive, teacher, or an entrepreneur, this episode is for you if ...
1. You feel like you need five more hours in your day.
2. You are being pulled in a million directions with no end in sight.
3. Your life is BUSY instead of BIG.
Erik Qualman, author of "The Focus Project," discussed strategies for improving focus and productivity in a digitally connected world. He shared insights from his personal focus experiment, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing big goals, developing focus as a habit, and implementing systems to maintain concentration. Qualman provided practical tips for enhancing focus, including the “20/20 Rule” for taking breaks, setting clear success metrics, and starting with small, manageable goals to build discipline and achieve significant results. Want to take control of your life and master self-management in the digital age? This is the episode for you from a global authority.
Bio:
Erik Qualman is a #1 Bestselling Author and Keynote Speaker who has performed in over 55 countries and reached 50 million people. He was voted the 2nd Most Likeable Author in the World behind Harry Potter's J.K. Rowling. He is the host of the popular Super U Podcast and his work has been used by the National Guard to NBCUniversal to NASA. He is the author of "The Focus Project."

Quotes:
"Focus is really hard, but it can be learned—it can become a habit."
"If it's not a hell yes, it's a hell no."
"Focus on big things, not busy ones. Life is very short, and most of us think we'll have more time tomorrow to do something—but attack your dream today, even if it's just for a minute. Don't hold it off for tomorrow."

Takeaways:
Start a one-minute daily focus ritual on your most important goal, whether it's writing a sentence, playing a guitar chord, or working on a passion project.
Audit your daily tasks and identify the single most impactful activity that, if done well, makes everything else easier or unnecessary.
Practice the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away, reducing eye strain and resetting mental focus.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Welcome and Introduction
[04:13] Introducing Erik Qualman
[05:21] Why Focus Might Matter More Than Hustle
[05:57] The Real Reason You Struggle to Stay Focused
[09:22] What Happened When Erik Focused for 30 Days
[13:31] Easy Focus Habits That Actually Work Daily
[18:57] How to Stay Sharp When Tech Steals Your Time
[21:29] What Leaders Can Do to Cut Noise and Prioritize
[23:10] Focus on Big Things, Not Busy Ones

Conclusion:
Focus isn’t a fixed trait—it’s a skill that can be built with practice, even in a world full of distractions. People who achieve meaningful results often do so by creating clear systems that help them avoid busywork and stay centered on what matters most. Learning to say "no" to lesser tasks makes space for bigger, more important progress. And it doesn’t require massive effort—starting with just a minute each day can lead to lasting improvement. Small, steady actions often make the biggest difference.

Links/Resources:
Website: http://www.equalman.com
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26 min
July 17, 2025Peter Bregman: Leading with Emotional Courage
Episode recap:
Peter Bregman joined Marcel on the podcast to discuss the themes of emotional courage and leadership in today’s society, exploring how these concepts apply to current challenges around empathy and fear. Peter and Marcel discussed the importance of acknowledging and understanding one’s own shadow side to prevent insidious behavior and damage. Peter shared his thoughts on the dangers of categorizing people with negative labels, which can lead to a loss of curiosity and closed-mindedness. He emphasized the value of wisdom, which resides in uncertainty, and the need for emotional courage to take action in the face of uncertainty. Peter also highlighted the importance of humility in seeing all sides of an issue and avoiding the tendency to write off others as evil. The conversation concluded with insights on leadership decision-making and personal growth, highlighting the value of service, learning, and taking risks in pursuit of emotional courage and wisdom.
Guest Bio:
Peter Bregman helps successful people become exceptional leaders and stellar human beings. Global Gurus have ranked him as one of the top 30 best Coaches in the world and one of the top 30 best leadership speakers/trainers in the world. He is the award-winning, best-selling author and contributor of 18 books, including Leading with Emotional Courage and most recently, You CAN Change Other People: The Four Steps to Help Your Colleagues, Employees—Even Family—Up Their Game.
Quotes:
“If you’re willing to feel everything—hurt, shame, anger, and passive aggressiveness—then you can do anything.”
“Clever is certain, but wise is actually uncertain. I’ve seen lots of people take action they feel is 100% for the good that turns out to be wrong."
"There’s nothing that projects strength more than vulnerability, and nothing that projects weakness more than projecting invulnerability.”
Takeaways:
Face one hard conversation you’ve been avoiding—commit to having it this week.
Ask for honest, forward-focused feedback from a colleague or team member.
Reflect on your leadership: Are you showing vulnerability and curiosity to your team?
Timestamps:
[00:00] Welcome and Introduction
[03:31] Introducing Peter Bregman
[06:12] Lessons from A Wild Leadership Workshop
[09:56] Why Feedback Triggers So Many Leaders
[13:38] Curiosity Is a Shortcut to Growth
[17:47] How to Give Feedback Without Conflict
[22:33] Make Feedback Forward Focused
[25:40] Seeing Yourself as the Enemy
[30:26] Why Division Makes Us Cruel
[40:51] How to Help People Actually Change
[42:32] Leading with Love Means Serving First
[44:28] One Lesson Every Leader Should Remember
Conclusion:
Emotional courage is the willingness to face discomfort to grow. Strong leaders stay open, ask questions, and prioritize learning over image. By leading with honesty and care, they build trust, stronger teams, and better results.
Links/Resources:
Website: https://bregmanpartners.com/
Book: https://bregmanpartners.com/books/leading-with-emotional-courage/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbregman/
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47 min
July 07, 2025Caroline Fleck: How Validation Will Transform Your Relationships
Episode recap:

This week’s guest is psychologist and author Dr. Caroline Fleck. Our conversation focused on the concept of validation as a leadership tool, exploring its importance in building connections, resolving conflicts, and fostering emotional well-being in both personal and professional settings. Dr. Fleck shared her experiences and insights on validation skills, emphasizing their transformative potential across various domains and their role in creating a culture of acceptance and belonging. The discussion also touched on how the adverse effects of technology will potentially affect empathy and communication. Marcel and his guest also touched on the importance of mindfulness and self-compassion in leadership and personal growth.

Bio:

Caroline Fleck, PhD, is a licensed psychologist, an adjunct clinical instructor at Stanford University, and a business consultant. She received her doctorate in psychology and neuroscience from Duke University and holds a BA in English and psychology from the University of Michigan. She is an expert in evidence-based treatments for individuals, couples, and parents, including DBT and cognitive behavioral therapy. She is renowned for her ability to help people make critical but challenging changes and is one of Silicon Valley’s most sought-after psychotherapists.

Quotes:
"Validation shows that you're there, you get it, and you care. It is a way of communicating mindfulness, understanding, and empathy, so another person feels accepted—so they feel seen and heard."
"The greatest gift that comes from knowing how to validate others is the opportunity to find meaning in suffering. "

Takeaways:
Pause before responding to someone's issue and ask: "Should I validate their experience or immediately try to solve the problem?"
Practice the two basic validation skills: attend to others by understanding their point, and copy their language/body language to build connection.

Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:26 The Power of Validation
03:33 Introducing Dr. Caroline Fleck
05:47 Dr. Fleck's Personal Journey
09:27 Understanding Validation
13:54 The Importance of Validation in the Workplace
20:48 Validation vs. Praise
26:27 Practical Validation Skills
28:34 The Importance of Dialogue in Today's Society
29:09 Effective Communication: Do You Want to Be Right or Effective?
30:37 Mindfulness Skills: Attending and Copying
33:30 The Power of Validation in Building Trust
36:25 Self-Compassion Through Validation
37:56 Techniques for Reducing Conflict in Collaborative Workplaces
42:05 The Impact of Technology on Empathy and Validation
45:52 Validation in Corporate Culture: Advice for CEOs
48:36 Speed Round: Personal Insights and Reflections
52:53 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Conclusion:
Validation is a simple but powerful way to strengthen trust and connection in both work and personal relationships. When we listen to understand rather than fix, we make space for honesty and closeness. This shift encourages better communication and helps people feel respected and safe. In a world that often moves too fast, taking time to truly hear someone can make all the difference. It’s a skill that builds stronger teams, deeper bonds, and more thoughtful conversations.

Links/Resources:
Website: https://www.drcarolinefleck.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drcarolinefleck
Link
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58 min
July 02, 2025GoDaddy’s Solution to Employee Engagement, in Partnership with Achievers
Episode recap:
Today’s show focused on workforce transformation and employee engagement, featuring lively discussions with Kristian Gaetano from Achievers and Janelle Jordan from GoDaddy. They explored the importance of recognition in driving employee engagement, the impact of AI-powered recognition tools on organizational culture, and strategies for creating inclusive work environments. The conversation covered personal leadership practices, successful recognition initiatives, and the transformative power of feedback in fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion.
Guest Bio:
As COO of Achievers, Kristian Gaetano leads all post-sales functions, ensuring customers receive exceptional experiences and long-term value. His focus is on delivering for customers, building a world-class team, and driving customer retention and growth
As Sr. Program Manager, Employee Experience, GoDaddy, Janelle Jordan is passionate about building positive workplace cultures. In her current role, she leads efforts to boost engagement, recognition, and diversity, including GoDaddy’s global recognition program, Everyday Champions (EDC), and its employee resource groups
Quotes:
“What gets recognized gets repeated... Recognition doesn’t just help us feel good—it actually helps employees feel and contribute more to their organization.” – Kristian Gaetano
“Feedback is a gift, and it's also a skill. It’s powerful for leaders and individual contributors to learn how to be better at giving and receiving feedback—both positive.” – Janelle Jordan

Key Takeaways:
Practice daily recognition—even a simple message can have a big impact.
Ask team members how they prefer to be recognized for more personalized appreciation.
Reflect on your leadership style to identify triggers and lead with empathy.
Make recognition more visible and meaningful within your team or organization.
Start tracking the business impact of recognition on engagement, retention, and performance.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Book Announcement
00:47 Welcome to the Love in Action Podcast
01:21 Today's Topic: Workforce Transformation
01:53 Meet the Guests: Kristian and Janelle
03:46 Janelle's Leadership Journey
05:44 Kristian's Leadership Journey
07:07 The Importance of Recognition
09:30 Empathy and Leadership
12:38 GoDaddy's Values and Recognition
14:43 Challenges Faced by Managers
20:46 Success Stories and Impact of Recognition
27:20 The Role of ERGs at GoDaddy
30:03 Leading with Humanity, Love, and Trust
32:32 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
35:23 Closing Remarks
Conclusion:
Recognition isn’t just about feeling good—it’s a driver of performance, engagement, and retention. When people feel seen and appreciated, they’re more motivated, productive, and likely to support their peers. Empathetic leadership and consistent, meaningful feedback create the kind of culture where people thrive. Treat people like people—not just roles—and lasting success will follow.
Resources:
Achievers on LinkedIn
Achievers Website
GoDaddy
GoDaddy Life Blog
GoDaddy Life on Instagram
Kristian Gaetano on LinkedIn
Janelle Jordan on LinkedIn

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38 min
June 26, 2025Marcel Schwantes: How to Lead, Live and Work in Congruence
Episode recap:

Marcel highlights a growing trend of executives seeking coaching to align inner beliefs with outer success. He outlines steps to achieve congruence and invites listeners to explore congruence coaching—focused on inner alignment and purposeful leadership. A free discovery call is available for those wanting to lead from their core values and integrate purpose into work and life.

Book your free, 15-minute discovery call here:
https://calendly.com/marcelschwantes/15-minute-discovery-call?preview_source=et_card&month=2025-06

Bio:

Marcel Schwantes is a speaker, author, and acclaimed executive coach with a global following. Marcel delivers presentations, workshops, courses, and coaching programs about the human side of business and how cultures of care, connection, and belonging power companies to thrive and outperform the competition.

Key Quotes
“Congruence is the experience of being deeply aligned, where your inner world—meaning your values, beliefs, deep emotions, and purpose—is in sync with your outer world.”
“Authentic leadership isn’t about oversharing or emotional dumping. It’s about integrity—so your words and actions match your intentions.”
“The most powerful leaders are not the loudest, the most exuberant, or the most polished—they are the most congruent.”

Takeaways
Audit your calendar: Remove tasks that don’t align with your top 3 priorities.
Daily check-in: “Are my choices moving me closer to or further from my true purpose?”
Set boundaries: Say no to requests that drain your energy.
Spend 15 minutes each morning reflecting on your core values and checking if your actions match those values.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to the Love in Action Podcast
00:40 Today's Topic: Self-Awareness and Limiting Beliefs
02:18 Understanding Congruence in Leadership
04:51 Steps to Achieve Congruence
08:55 Aligning Inner and Outer Worlds
13:09 The Importance of Congruence
15:37 Invitation to Congruence Coaching
18:19 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Conclusion

Real leadership begins when your actions reflect your inner values—not just external goals. It's not about image or performance, but showing up with honesty and clarity. Congruent leaders build trust that can’t be faked, prevent burnout, and lead with deeper meaning and lasting impact. Alignment is more than a buzzword—it’s your leadership foundation.

The book: Humane Leadership: Lead with Radical Love, Be a Kick-Ass Boss
Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MarcelSchwantes1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/
Schedule a free call
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19 min
June 20, 2025Tony Martignetti: Campfire Lessons for Leaders
Episode Recap:
Tony Martignetti, a popular leadership coach, author and podcaster extraordinaire, joined Marcel to talk about his leadership journey. Tony talked about his book "Campfire Lessons for Leaders," exploring leadership topics such as curiosity, creativity, finding your purpose and embracing emotional courage. Both guest and host shared their personal journeys transitioning from traditional careers to leadership development roles, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in effective leadership. The conversation covered the transformative power of storytelling, the challenges of breaking free from traditional career paths, and the intersection of art and business in leadership development.
Guest Bio:
Tony Martignetti is the founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Inspired Purpose Partners, a leadership development firm. Tony is a leadership advisor, best-selling author, podcast host, speaker, entrepreneur, idea generator, people connector, and a curious adventurer. Tony is the author of “Campfire Lessons for Leaders: How Uncovering Our Past Can Propel Us Forward.” He brings over 30 years of business and leadership experience and extreme curiosity to elevate leaders and equip them with the tools to navigate through change and unlock their true potential.
Quotes:
"If you're willing to feel everything, you can have anything."
"Leaders are shepherds for growth and the vision of the people around them, while also aligning them toward something bigger than they could achieve on their own."
"Curiosity is not just about the question—it's about listening to what happens when we ask the questions."
Takeaways:
Spend 30 minutes identifying the parts of yourself you’ve hidden in professional settings. How can you integrate them into your work?
Practice multi-dimensional curiosity: explore a completely unrelated field this month.
Ask three people in your circle what hidden potential they see in you.
Create a “focus and expansion” plan: brainstorm career experiments and test one within two weeks.
Reflect on a past experience and extract one lesson to support your current growth.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Book Announcement
00:47 Welcome to the Love in Action Podcast
01:22 Introducing Tony Martignetti
02:56 Tony's Journey from Art to Leadership
04:37 Finding Fulfillment in Leadership
08:46 Defining Leadership and Service
09:51 Campfire Lessons for Leaders
20:16 Embracing Emotional Courage with Peter Bregman
26:12 The Importance of Curiosity in Leadership
28:35 The Intersection of Art and Business
31:25 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
34:52 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
Conclusion:
Leadership is about more than skills—it’s about self-awareness, reflection, and the courage to show up fully. Growth often requires discomfort, but through curiosity, emotional honesty, and connection, leaders can inspire teams and create meaningful change. When leaders bring soul into business, they leave lasting impact.
Resources & Links:
Website: ipurposepartners.com
LinkedIn: Tony Martignetti
X: @TonyMartignett1
Instagram: @inspiredpurposecoach

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37 min