The Mindset To Learn Podcast

“Listen, listen, listen… and then find new ways to listen in all directions.” ~Cassidy

In this energizing and insight-packed episode, Cassidy Browning shares what it truly means to lead with intention in a volatile, ever-changing world. From building trust through integrity and follow-through to creating “black box” spaces for experimentation and growth, Cassidy unpacks practical strategies that rehumanize the workplace. Her conductor metaphor reminds us that great leaders don’t make all the music; they coordinate and elevate the brilliance of others. If you’re navigating change, leading through uncertainty, or cultivating a mindset to learn, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to listen differently.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous environments)

The Leadership Challenge (Book) is a source of the three pillars of trust and the quote about fun and trust-building.

Metaphors & Practices Worth Noting

• Black Box Theater metaphor

• Conductor metaphor

• “First Pancake” / “Shitty First Draft” mindset

• “For the right now” language shift

• Strategically going rogue

• Rickrolling as a trust-building ritual

• Values-based storytelling & recognition

What do you get when you cross a military-trained marketer, a cooperative utility leader, and someone who casually drops wisdom like, “You can’t micromanage greatness?" You get Chris Todd.

In this episode, we discuss servant leadership, building trust by owning your mistakes, and why psychological safety is non-negotiable for a team that thrives. Chris also shares how releasing sheep under solar panels is part of their innovative, community-first approach (yes, you read that right).

If you’re leading a team, or want to, this episode is packed with stories, strategy, and the kind of practical wisdom you’ll want to quote in your next meeting.

“A great leader is someone whose impact is still felt even after they leave.” ~ Chris

Learning Loot.

Connect with Chris

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophermtodd/
• Northeasteren REMC website: https://nremc.com/

Resources:

• AAR (After Action Review) – Military-origin framework used for reflection:
  What was supposed to happen? What did happen? What went well? What didn’t?
• Agrovoltaics (aka “Voltaic”) – Combining solar panels with agriculture and grazing (referenced with sheep in solar fields)

Ever wonder what it really looks like to lead with empathy, strategy, and just the right amount of nerdy Comic Con flair? In this episode, we sit down with Yolanda Larner, Director of Ops, ATD chapter president, and all-around leadership rockstar, to talk about what separates a good leader from a great one.

In this podcast interview, she shares how she empowers introverts, navigates tough conversations with care, and builds self-directed teams that still make her feel needed. One of our favorite lines? "You’re a reflection of me, and I’m a reflection of you."

Give it a listen. I promise you’ll walk away inspired and ready to level up your leadership game.

“Trust is everything. When your team trusts you—and you trust them—that’s when leadership becomes partnership.”

~Yolanda

Connect with Yolanda:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolandalarner/

Email: [email protected]

Learning Loot ... Reach out to Yolanda to learn more about the frameworks and methods she mentioned in this episode:

• EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) – referenced as a team meeting framework used in her organization.
• Train-the-Trainer Bootcamp – referenced as a foundational learning experience.
• Epic, Cerner, Allscripts, Athena Health – electronic health record (EHR) platforms Yolanda trained on.
• ATD Courses – taken for management development and leadership skills.

Ever wonder what really separates a good leader from a great one? 💬 Spoiler: it’s not charisma, it’s character...and maybe the courage to embrace a little chaos.

If you're tired of leadership advice that feels more like a corporate checklist than real talk, this episode is for you. Gray McDowell shows up with refreshing honesty, story-driven wisdom, and a modern take on leadership that includes roundtables, radical candor, and even a nod to Ted Lasso. He’ll have you rethinking pressure ...“Pressure doesn’t make diamonds, it reveals whether you were pretending to be one”... and reimagining team dynamics before your next meeting. Whether you lead a team or aspire to, you’ll walk away with clarity, courage, and maybe even your own Excalibur. Trust me, this is one of those episodes you’ll want to take notes on and share with your favorite overworked manager.

Connect with Gray

LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/williamgraymcdowell1

Publication: Transforming Florida into the 'Smart State': HR's Role in Workforce Development and Economic Growth

Medium Publication: The American Meme: How Performativistic Politics Went Global

Shared Resources

📚 Books:

• Crafting the Corporate Camelot by Gray McDowell (Guest’s book) Coming Soon!

• The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

• High Conflict by Amanda Ripley

• The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

If you’ve ever thought performance management was just paperwork and annual reviews, think again. In this episode, Megan Humphries drops truth bombs and tools that every leader needs, like why delegation is a trust exercise and how one-on-ones can be your secret weapon. One of our favorite mic-drop moments? “When you delegate something, you’re saying, ‘I believe in you.’” Megan’s passion for people development shines through, and her practical, down-to-earth advice will have you rethinking how you lead, coach, and recognize your team. Seriously, grab a notebook or open your notes app, because you’ll want to steal a few of these gems.

🛠️ Learning Loot... A Treasure of Referenced Material

• SMART Goal Worksheet
• One-on-One Meeting Agenda Template
• Keep, Start, Stop Feedback Framework

Books

• The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard
• Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler

🤖 Connect with Megan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganlhumphries/

In this episode of The Mindset to Learn Podcast, Coach Darrell Andrews brings bold insights, heartfelt stories, and no-nonsense wisdom to the topic of post-pandemic leadership. With decades of experience coaching leaders and transforming cultures, Coach D unpacks why emotional intelligence, anchor values, and intentionality are more essential than ever in today’s workplace. He challenges outdated leadership models, shares transformational client stories, and offers actionable strategies for creating people-centered organizations that thrive. Get ready to rethink how you lead and be inspired to grow because, as Coach D reminds us, leadership is a process, not a position.

Connect with Coach D

• www.coachdspeaks.com

• www.selfcareempowered.com

• LinkedIn: Darrell "Coach D" Andrews

📣 Learning Loot... A Treasure of Referenced Material

Mindset: The Psychology of Success by Dr. Carol Dweck

What happens when a leader puts people before performance, and still delivers both? This episode with Michael Lawrence will make you think differently about leadership, growth, and what it means to show up for your team and yourself. From a kidney transplant to a global training strategy, Michael weaves wisdom, humor, and hard-earned lessons into every answer. One of my favorite lines? "Great leadership is a lagging trait." Come for the insights, stay for the heart.

Connect with Michael:

• CreativeAnswer – Michael’s consulting brand and website (www.creativanswer.com)

• LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/creativeanswer

• Email – [email protected]

• HRO Conference – San Diego, September (Michael is speaking)

You know that one person who walks into a room and instantly makes it better? That’s Lora Haines, and this episode captures her magic. From why you need to stop saying “my hands are tied” to how a simple Word doc can change your career, she’s dropping leadership gems left and right. If you’ve ever struggled to give feedback, lead with confidence, or want to be a better boss, this one’s a must-listen. Bonus: You’ll probably start journaling after this. I did.

Standout Resources

• Lora’s Website: www.lorahaines.com

• Lora’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorahaines/
• Gallup CliftonStrengths® Assessment
• Gallup Q12 Engagement Survey
• StrengthsFinder 34 Report

Standout Quotes from Lora

1. "Check in on the person before you check in on the work."

2. "Be liquid. Adapt when you can. What worked in January might not work in May."

3. "Every team wants to feel seen, heard, and trusted, because we’re all just wondering: Was that okay?"

What does great leadership look like on the frontlines, beyond metrics and buzzwords? In this episode, JD Dillon joins us for a heartfelt and hilarious deep dive into the real challenges faced by frontline managers and what it takes to lead with trust, empathy, and impact.

“The most meaningful leadership lessons don’t come from a course; they come from the people we work with, if we’re open to learning from them.” ~JD

From 3 AM shifts and crying coworkers to broken log flumes, JD shares the kind of leadership moments that don't show up in textbooks but shape careers. He also gives us a sneak peek at his new book, The Frontline Enablement Playbook, and offers insights every L&D pro needs to hear.

Connect with JD:

LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/jddillon

Website: learngeek.co

Email: [email protected]

Books:

• The Modern Learning Ecosystem by JD Dillon — https://jdwroteabook.com

• Upcoming: The Frontline Enablement Playbook — https://learngeek.co/frontlinebook/(also redirects from https://jdwroteanotherbook.com)

Websites:

• https://learngeek.co — JD’s professional blog and resources

“Great leadership is built on three things: relationships, alignment, and dependability.”

Ever wonder why some leaders are magnetic, and others are just... confusing? Heather Burright breaks it all down with clarity and care in this refreshingly honest episode on leadership. She shares her favorite tools for behavior change, stories from the nonprofit world, and a simple but powerful message: every small choice matters. Whether you lead a team, a classroom, or a conference room, you’ll walk away inspired to lead better, without needing to “have it all figured out.” (Spoiler: You don’t.)

“You can't design meaningful change without understanding the reality your people are living in.”

Resources Mentioned:

Websites/Platforms:

Heather's Podcast: Learning for Good