The Step UP - Where Leaders, Talent Managers and Leadership Development pros find expert tips for Leadership excellence

Leadership expectations are rising faster than leader preparation. That's the tension at the center of this conversation with Justin Roscoe, VP of Learning and Organizational Development at California Credit Union. Justin makes a sharp case that organizations have been treating leadership development as an event when it needs to be an ecosystem, and the results of getting that wrong show up in turnover, disengagement, and leaders who are stuck managing the shift instead of leading the business.

Guest: Justin Roscoe is VP of Learning and Organizational Development at California Credit Union, where he leads training and development for approximately 530 employees. He also serves as VP of Certifications for the San Diego chapter of SHRM.

In this episode:

• 00:11:42 — What we're actually asking of leaders today, and how those expectations have outpaced development
• 00:15:41 — The shift from managing processes to leading the human behind the worker
• 00:16:59 — HR as a cost center: who's responsible for telling the value story?
• 00:22:50 — Why leaders stuck in shift-to-shift thinking never develop strategic vision
• 00:24:48 — The business owner mindset: spending 50% of your time on the business, not just in it
• 00:36:45 — "What got you here won't take you there" and why unlearning is the first job of a newly promoted leader
• 00:42:31 — EQ isn't a future skill, it's a current requirement; how AI raises the bar for human connection
• 00:50:57 — What to unlearn the moment you get promoted: the myth that leaders need all the answers

Resources mentioned:

• Peter Principle — the concept that people are promoted to their level of incompetence (search "Peter Principle Laurence Peter")
• "What Got You Here Won't Get You There" by Marshall Goldsmith (search for this)
• SHRM certification programs — SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP (shrm.org)

Links for today's show:

• Justin Roscoe on LinkedIn (flag for Kent to fill in)
• California Credit Union (add link if applicable)
• Kent Kniebel on LinkedIn
• The Promoted Leader Toolkit

Music for this podcast comes from a live recording of the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on pertnearsandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.

• Enjoyed the episode? Leave a rating and review wherever you listen — it helps more leaders find the show.

Leaders are busy running the business — but leading people is part of the business. So why does that so often fall through the cracks? Kent talks with Jill Gosnell, Corporate Training & Development Manager at Field Aerospace, about the real tension between what HR expects leaders to do and what leaders are actually equipped to handle.

Guest: Jill Gosnell has spent her career across corporate L&D, state government, global consulting — and a decade running her own bakery. That hands-on business experience shapes how she thinks about leadership development and the demands on leaders' time.

In this episode:

• 02:39 — Jill's career path: from data entry to bakery owner to L&D leader
• 07:41 — The HR vs. leader tension: who's really responsible for developing people?
• 09:29 — The bakery analogy: how do leaders prioritize when everything feels urgent?
• 13:32 — Why leaders hand difficult conversations back to HR — and what to do instead
• 15:22 — Clarity vs. micromanagement: what's the actual difference?
• 24:43 — Why telling your team you're working on your own leadership builds trust
• 32:02 — Advice for leaders pursuing a promotion
• 34:07 — Advice for newly promoted leaders: you don't have to know everything
• 36:07 — The case for specific, intentional employee recognition

Resources mentioned:

• Blanchard Situational Leadership
• Peanut Butter & Jelly Instructions video (search YouTube — you'll find it)

Links for today's show:

• Jill Gosnell on LinkedIn
• Kent Kniebel on LinkedIn
• The Promoted Leader Toolkit

Music for this podcast comes from a live recording of the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.

• Enjoyed the episode? Leave a rating and review wherever you listen — it helps more leaders find the show.

Steve Moss served as Chief Marketing Officer at Gilbey Canada, Pillsbury International, Nestle Ice Cream and Imation. Global brands are his sweet spot. Steve reversed Smirnoff declines in Canada and set the brand on a path for six consecutive years of growth. He authored the Pillsbury Company's first global brand manual, for the Green Giant brand. Steve introduced Häagen-Dazs to China, its largest market after the US. And he revitalized Drumstick, reversing years of volume declines and creating advertising adopted by Nestle ice cream businesses worldwide. Steve's success in building brands is matched by his passion for developing leaders. Over 50 of his reports have gone on to become VPs or Presidents. In 2017, he founded Executive Springboard, a mentoring business designed to onboard executives, develop leaders and re-engage valued talent. He has recruited a network of over 100 mentors, covering over twenty functions and twelve countries. Steve's board experience includes overseas JVs, start-ups and non-profit organizations.

Most newly promoted leaders assume their boss knows what they're supposed to be doing. That assumption gets a lot of people in trouble.

In this episode, Steve Moss and I talk about what it actually takes to stick the landing after a promotion. Steve has spent decades developing leaders at the highest levels of global business, and he brings a practitioner's perspective on what separates the leaders who thrive from the ones who quietly struggle.

We get into the concept of decision rights, specifically the "do, tell, ask" framework for understanding what you can act on independently, what your boss needs to know after the fact, and what requires explicit sign-off before you move. It sounds simple. Most promoted leaders have never thought about it clearly, and that gap creates friction with their boss from day one.

We also spend real time on executive presence, not as a style exercise, but as an authenticity challenge. The leaders who try to perform presence usually undermine themselves. The ones who figure out how to communicate their actual thinking in a way that lands at the executive level, those are the ones who build credibility fast.

Takeaways from this conversation:

• Clarifying decision rights with your boss in the first 30 days prevents the kind of misalignment that quietly derails transitions
• Executive presence is less about polish and more about knowing what you actually think and being able to say it clearly
• The shift from doing to strategizing is harder than it sounds, and most leaders underestimate how long it takes to rewire
• Navigating peer relationships after a promotion requires more intentionality than most leaders bring to it
• Coachability is not a soft skill. It is the mechanism by which promoted leaders course-correct before the window closes
• Listening more and talking less is not a communication tip. It is how you build the trust and credibility your new role requires

Links for today's show:

• Steve's LinkedIn Page
• Executive SpringBoard's Website
• Kent's LinkedIn Page
• https://kent.coach/playbook

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

DR. GARLAND VANCE believes every person deserves to work with a great leader, and every leader can be great. He has spent over 25 years helping organizations develop the leaders they need to succeed. He authored Gettin' (un)Busy, which Forbes named “one of the seven books everyone on your team should read” and 2020’s Best Business Book by the AuthorElite Awards.

DOROTHY WOOD VANCE has been helping leaders discover and maximize their unique talents and gifts for over 25 years, empowering good leaders to become great. With her husband, Garland, she cofounded AdVance Leadership, which is recognized as one of the Top 20 Leadership Development Companies in America. She and Garland live with their three children in Knoxville,Tennessee.

Unleashing your leadership for greater impact is the name of the game today, and we’ve got the dynamic duo, Dr. Garland Vance and Dorothy Wood Vance, in the house to lay down some serious wisdom from their book, "Unleashed Leadership." They dive into the seven key issues that can keep you from making the impact you crave as a leader. Trust me, if you’ve ever wondered where to start when challenges hit, this episode has the answers you need. We’re talking about practical strategies that’ll help you figure out your game plan and tackle those pesky roadblocks head-on. So kick back, grab a drink, and let’s get into how we can all step up our leadership game together!

Unleashing your leadership potential is a journey, and today’s chat takes us on a wild ride through the minds of Dr. Garland and Dorothy Wood Vance, the dynamic duo behind the book "Unleashed Leadership." They dive deep into the common challenges that new leaders face, especially those who’ve just been promoted. You know the drill: you get the title but not the toolkit, and suddenly you’re expected to lead like a pro. The Vances nail this experience by pinpointing seven core issues that leaders encounter, each starting with a 'C' — character, competence, capacity, clarity, community, culture, and consistency. They explain how recognizing these issues can help leaders tackle their challenges head-on rather than getting lost in the sea of self-help books or endless online articles that only lead to confusion. What’s refreshing is their approach to leadership character — it’s not just about being morally upright but having the guts to face tough conversations and decisions. They emphasize taking responsibility, and how doing so can transform a leader’s impact, both in the workplace and beyond. The conversation gets even more engaging as they touch on the importance of cultivating a strong sense of community and clarity within teams. If you’re a leader feeling overwhelmed, they share practical tips on how to carve out time for introspection and development — a crucial step in moving from a stressed-out manager to an empowered leader. They urge listeners to think about the relationships they build, not just the tasks they juggle. Delegating effectively and knowing when to step back are vital skills that lead to a thriving workplace culture. The episode is a treasure trove of insights that any leader, especially those stepping into new roles, should definitely tune into. In a nutshell, the episode really gets to the heart of what it means to lead effectively today. The Vances blend personal anecdotes with actionable advice, making this not just a conversation, but a masterclass in unleashing the leader within. So, if you’re ready to step up your game and lead with confidence and clarity, this is the episode you don’t want to miss. Grab a pen and take notes, because these insights are pure gold for anyone looking to make a real impact in their leadership journey.

Takeaways:

• Leaders often struggle with knowing where to start when facing challenges; our episode dives into defining seven core issues that can help them navigate these hurdles effectively.
• The importance of humility and responsibility in leadership is emphasized; true character is shown in how leaders handle tough conversations and decisions, not just in moral choices.
• To become more effective, leaders need to assess what skills they require at their new levels after promotion, often needing to let go of previous competencies that no longer serve them.
• Building strong relationships and understanding team dynamics is crucial; leaders should focus on what they can delegate to empower their teams while carving out time for their own development.
• We break down the 'Unleashed Leadership' framework into seven key issues, all starting with 'C' to help leaders identify and tackle their biggest obstacles to effectiveness.
• Leaders should shift their mindset from fear to excitement about their growth journey; embracing change is essential to becoming the leader their teams need.

Links for today's show:

• Dr. Garland Vance's Linked In Page
• AdVance Leadership's Website
• Unleashed Leadership Free AudioBook
• Kent's Linked In Page
• Promoted Leader Playbook

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

*Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com

Kari Loken is an expert in leadership and talent development, people and culture strategy, and organizational effectiveness. As a consultant, coach, and facilitator, she empowers leaders to thrive, navigate change, lead diverse teams, and build healthy, high-performing organizations. With over 15 years of global experience in learning and organizational development, Kari has delivered impactful leadership and strategy programs across Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America.

We're diving into the art of communication and why it’s a game-changer for building relationships and achieving results. In this episode, we chat with Kari Loken about how leaders can shift their mindset from simply sharing their thoughts to genuinely probing for understanding and feedback. It's all about asking the right questions like, "What am I missing?" or "How could I see this differently?" We're tackling the idea that leadership isn’t just about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about fostering a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their truths. We’ll also explore how avoiding tough conversations can actually create more problems than it solves, and how embracing those chats can strengthen bonds and trust in the workplace. So grab your headphones and get ready for some real talk on stepping up your leadership game!

When we kick off our conversation, we dive right into the nitty-gritty of effective leadership communication, with the ever-inspiring Kari Loken. Using her wealth of experience, Kari shares insights that hit home for anyone trying to navigate the tricky waters of workplace relationships. She emphasizes that the key to fostering better communication lies in the simple yet profound act of self-reflection. Asking ourselves questions like, 'What might I be missing?' or 'How might my experiences color my perspective?' opens the door to growth and understanding. Imagine a workplace where leaders routinely come in with the mindset that their view isn’t the only one; the shift would be monumental! Kari takes us on a journey through her own career, from a finance background to the vibrant world of leadership development. Her passion shines through as she reflects on the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. In her workshops, she reveals how many well-credentialed leaders often struggle with the human element of their roles. It's striking how someone can have all the accolades on paper yet falter in genuine connection. Kari's mission is clear: to equip leaders with practical tools that enhance both their professional and personal relationships. By the end of our chat, it becomes evident that the foundation of successful leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about the connections we forge and the conversations we have, especially the tough ones. We wrap up with some actionable takeaways that are easy to digest but hard to practice. One nugget of wisdom? Be fully present in conversations. In a world full of distractions, putting your phone away is a powerful signal of respect and engagement. Kari's infectious enthusiasm for fostering authentic communication leaves us energized and ready to tackle our own leadership challenges, ensuring that we all step up our game in the world of fierce conversations.

Takeaways:

• Self-reflection is key in leadership; asking ourselves why we see things a certain way can lead to significant personal growth.
• Understanding that our intentions may not match our impact helps us navigate relationships in a more constructive manner.
• Being present in conversations, free from distractions, significantly enhances communication and strengthens relationships.
• Effective leaders actively seek feedback, using it as a tool to foster growth and improve interactions with their teams.
• Leaders should recognize that avoiding tough conversations can damage relationships more than addressing the issues directly.
• Emotional intelligence is critical; understanding and adjusting to others' perspectives can lead to better results and collaboration.

Links for today's show:

• Kari's Linked In Page
• Fierce Inc's Website
• Kent's Linked In Page
• Promoted Leader Playbook

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

*Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com

Atiba de Souza is an author, entrepreneur, and relationship mentor who helps leaders break free from burnout and build teams that take ownership. He wrote The Delegation Trap: It’s Not Them, It’s You, a story-driven guide teaching leaders how to let go of every task and get results that shine. With 25+ years running gyms, bakeries, and food service companies and coaching National Championship youth football teams, he knows firsthand what it takes to turn average performance into excellence. His mission is simple: transform overwhelmed bosses into confident leaders of teams that thrive, even when they’re not in the room.

Today, we're diving deep into the art of delegation—yep, that magical skill that separates the good leaders from the great ones. Our guest, Atiba d'Souza, author of the book *The Delegation Trap*, brings some serious wisdom to the table about how to hand off tasks without losing your mind or your team's trust. It's all about creating a culture where mistakes are okay because, let's be real, failing is just part of the learning curve. Atiba shares some golden nuggets on how to ask the right questions and empower your team to think for themselves, rather than just handing them a checklist and saying, "Go do this." So, if you’re ready to level up your leadership game and learn how to delegate like a pro (and maybe even have some fun while you're at it), then you’re in for a treat!

Diving deep into the art of delegation, this episode features the sharp-witted Atiba d'Souza, author of 'The Delegation Trap'. We kick things off with some light banter about the trials and tribulations of leadership and how Atiba’s long journey through the world of business has shaped his perspective on effective delegation. As he recounts his early days in tech, where he was knee-deep in everything from wiring offices to building websites, it becomes clear that the lessons he's learned are all about mastering communication. Atiba emphasizes that communication is key not just in tech but in leading teams effectively, and it's a theme that resonates throughout the discussion. The heart of our chat revolves around delegation—the good, the bad, and the downright messy. Atiba shares his candid experiences with turnover in his teams, the mistakes he's made, and the 'delegation traps' that many leaders fall into, like the notion that they can do it all themselves faster. We dig into practical strategies, including the 'Case Method' he developed to help leaders teach their teams how to think rather than just giving answers. It’s all about empowering people to take ownership of their roles. By the end, listeners are left with actionable insights on how to shift from being the superhero in the office to being a guide who raises up others, promoting a culture of learning and collaboration. Trust me, you don’t want to miss Atiba's practical tips—they’re gold for anyone looking to step up their leadership game.

Takeaways:

1. Delegation is a crucial skill for leaders, enabling them to manage their teams effectively and avoid burnout.
2. Encouraging a culture of ownership among team members leads to better decision-making and a sense of responsibility.
3. Understanding that everyone struggles with delegation can help leaders realize they are not alone in their challenges.
4. Asking the right questions is key to effective leadership, helping teams find their own solutions and grow.
5. The importance of normalizing failure in delegation allows teams to learn and improve without fear of consequences.
6. Promoting individuals based solely on their skill set rather than their leadership potential can lead to inefficiencies and turnover.

Links for today's show:

1. Atiba's Linked In Page
2. The Delegation Trap Book
3. Kent's Linked In Page
4. Promoted Leader Playbook

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

*Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com

Anna Marie Samson is a people-focused leader, strategist, and culture builder with a passion for helping organizations grow without losing what makes them human.

With experience spanning learning and development, talent management, and organizational effectiveness, Anna Marie has spent her career designing systems that unlock performance, engagement, and joy at work.

With over two decades of shaping people strategy in fast-paced, growth-oriented environments such as Celanese, FedEx, and Wingstop, she brings experience leading global talent teams across manufacturing, retail, and hospitality sectors.

In her current role as Vice President of Learning, People, and Culture at Nothing Bundt Cakes she leads the creation of scalable HR infrastructure, enterprise learning strategy, leadership development systems, and culture initiatives, that supports 800 locations.

Anna Marie brings a unique combination of operational discipline and strategic foresight in helping teams scale, leaders grow, and cultures thrive through periods of change. Whether she’s building learning ecosystems, coaching leaders, or shaping company culture, Anna Marie brings clarity, warmth, and a bias toward action. Outside of work, she’s a mom of three, a connector, and a lifelong learner who believes that great leadership starts with curiosity, courage, and care.

We're diving deep into the art of leadership today, and let me tell you, the main takeaway is all about embracing mistakes as part of the journey. We're chatting with Anna Marie Samson, the VP of People for Nothing Bundt Cakes, and she’s got some golden nuggets of wisdom to share about how leaders can create a culture where it's okay to fail. The episode kicks off with a refreshing reminder that indecision can drain more time and resources than making the wrong call. We’ll talk about how giving your team the green light to experiment can supercharge their willingness to engage and innovate. Plus, we’ll unpack the power of transparency in leadership and how asking the right questions can elevate decision-making quality. So grab your favorite snack—maybe a bundt cake, if you can—and let’s get into some real talk about making leadership easier and more impactful!

Ever felt like the corporate world is a rollercoaster? Well, grab your seatbelt because we’re diving into the chaos of leadership in this episode! Kent Kniebel, your trusty host, chats with Anna Marie Samson, the VP of People at Nothing Bundt Cakes (yup, the yummy cake place!). They kick things off by discussing how indecision can cost organizations more than making the wrong call. Anna Marie shares some gold nuggets from her experience, emphasizing that leaders should encourage risk-taking and experimentation. It’s all about creating that safe space where teams can make mistakes, learn quickly, and bounce back like a rubber ball. You’ll get a peek into the evolution of HR as they navigate the complexities of leadership roles. The duo also highlights the importance of transparency in leadership—sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly to build trust and engagement within teams. So, if you’re looking to step up your leadership game and create a more invigorating environment for your crew, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Takeaways:

1. Effective leaders recognize that failure is part of the journey, encouraging teams to learn from mistakes.
2. Indecision can be more costly than making a wrong decision, so leaders should promote action.
3. Building strong relationships with team members drives engagement and ultimately improves performance.
4. Transparency in leadership fosters trust and empowers team members to contribute meaningfully to decisions.
5. Encouraging reflective practices in teams enhances their decision-making abilities and promotes growth.
6. HR should support leaders by aligning their efforts with organizational goals and prioritizing impactful initiatives.

Links for today's show:

1. Anna Marie's LinkedIn Page
2. Kent's Linked In Page
3. Promoted Leader Playbook

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

*Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com

Elena Agaragimova is a global talent development expert, speaker, and Co-Founder of Shiftwell.ai—a human-centered performance and wellbeing platform. With over 15 years of experience spanning higher education, corporate learning, and entrepreneurship, Elena helps individuals and organizations unlock growth through practical, neuroscience-backed strategies. She’s passionate about building high-performing, soul-centered workplaces and preparing the next generation for the future of work.

The future of leadership hinges on understanding how our nervous systems operate, especially for those in charge. We dive deep into the six essential elements that drive human performance: mindset, career, health, relationships, environment, and purpose. It's all about creating a vibe where leaders can thrive without burning out, because let’s be real, if you’re operating out of fear, you’re bound to blow things up at work. We chat with talent management expert Elena Agaragamova, who shares her insights on how organizations can cultivate a healthier work environment by checking in on these elements. So, whether you're leading a team or supporting someone who is, this episode is your roadmap to fostering a more engaged and productive workplace.

Kent Kniebel, your podcast host, opens the floor to a riveting discussion with Elena Agaragimova, a dynamo in talent management. The episode is a treasure trove for anyone wanting to level up their leadership game. We explore how the six elements that drive human performance—mindset, career, health, relationships, environment, and purpose—are crucial for creating a thriving workplace. Elena's experience transitioning from academia to corporate consulting is a testament to how understanding these elements can boost not just individual performance but also organizational culture. Elena emphasizes the importance of a leader’s mental state, noting that if you’re leading from a place of fear or burnout, it’s like trying to navigate a ship through a storm without a compass. The conversation flows into the practical side of things—how companies often treat wellness as an afterthought, tossing out yoga mats and Fitbits instead of fostering a culture of well-being. We even tackle the elephant in the room: the outdated approach to employee engagement that many companies are still clinging to. As we navigate through each element, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and think critically about the systems in place at their organizations. If you’ve ever felt like you’re on a hamster wheel at work, this episode is a must-listen. By the end, you’ll be itching to implement some of these insights and transform your workplace from the inside out!

Links for today's show:

1. Elena's Linked In Page
2. Elena's website
3. Shiftwell.ai
4. Kent's Linked In Page
5. Promoted Leader Playbook

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

*Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com

David Boelens is the Integrated Talent Development (ITD) lead for Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality at Raytheon, an RTX Company. The ITD mission is aimed at connecting people with questions to people with answers in a personal, scalable, and sustainable way.

Prior to working at Raytheon, David served in the United States Army as a Cavalry Officer. At Raytheon, he has held roles of increasing responsibility in Operations, Supply Chain, Digital Technologies, and Learning and Talent Development. David has a Bachelor’s degree in History from Texas A&M University, and a Masters in Supply Chain and Entrepreneurship from Texas Christian University.

Breaking down skills into bite-sized pieces is the name of the game in today’s chat! We’re diving into how hard skill training can actually teach us a thing or two about soft skills, and trust me, it’s pretty enlightening. Think of it like baking a cake: the more you practice and refine each step, the better your results get—whether you’re whipping up a dessert or mastering leadership skills. Our guest, David Bolens from Raytheon, shares some golden nuggets on how defining individual skills empowers growth, making you a more effective leader over time. So grab your apron, because by the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to mix both hard and soft skills into a recipe for success!

Diving headfirst into the sweet and savory world of skill development, we take on the age-old debate of soft skills versus hard skills. Picture this: baking a cake or whipping up some killer enchiladas. Sounds fun, right? But what if I told you that the secret to mastering these culinary delights lies in breaking down each task into bite-sized chunks? That's the essence of our conversation today! With guest David Bolens, the mastermind behind integrated talent development at Raytheon, we explore how dissecting tasks empowers everyone from interns to seasoned pros to elevate their game. David shares his journey from the army to the corporate world, revealing how his experiences shaped his view on skill acquisition. Forget about the traditional labels of 'hard' and 'soft' skills; we’ve got people skills, process skills, and tool skills to dive into! By embracing this fresh perspective, we can tackle everything from giving feedback to mastering complex processes with finesse. So whether you're a newbie or a seasoned leader, tune in to discover how breaking things down can lead to more delicious outcomes in your professional kitchen!

Takeaways:

1. Baking a cake or making enchiladas, it's all about breaking down tasks to achieve your goals, not the other way around, you feel me?
2. In learning and development, breaking skills down into individual parts empowers us to improve and master new things over time, like baking that perfect cake!
3. Soft skills and hard skills are like two sides of the same coin; understanding each can enhance the other and lead to better leadership outcomes.
4. We often overlook the importance of how soft skills can teach us nuances in hard skills, emphasizing adaptability and critical thinking in the workplace.

Links for today's show:

1. David's Linked In Page
2. Kent's Linked In Page
3. Promoted Leader Playbook

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

*Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com

As a certified executive coach, Organizational Development strategist, Impact Measurement & Learning expert, and founder of The Trusted Edge, Kasia Hatcher helps strong women and mission-driven organizations lead with clarity, grounded confidence, and measurable impact. Her 20+ years across 20+ countries includes coaching political appointees, senior foreign service officials, and leaders at Google, Deloitte, and the U.S. State Department. Her approach blends systems thinking, human-centered design, emotional intelligence, and a faith-rooted belief in the power of leading from the inside out.

Today, we're talking about scaling your business while building and/or maintaining your culture.

A good coach doesn’t just hand you a roadmap; they trust you’ve got the answers within and help you ask the right questions to bridge that pesky inside action gap. Today, we’re diving deep into the art of building and maintaining a kickass culture while scaling your business, especially for all you women founders out there. Our guest, the brilliant Kasha Hatcher, shares her journey from international development to coaching, where she emphasizes that creating a thriving workplace culture starts with intention and trust. We chat about the importance of slowing down to make those aligned decisions that can propel your growth without burning out. So, if you’re ready to step up your leadership game and cultivate a vibe that keeps your team engaged and thriving, you’re in for a treat!

Navigating the wild world of scaling a business can feel like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle, right? In this enlightening chat, we’re diving deep into the nitty-gritty of creating a solid company culture as you grow from a one-person show into a bustling team. Kasia Hatcher, our brilliant guest, shares her journey from international development to executive coaching, highlighting the importance of intentional culture-building from the get-go. She emphasizes that a good coach, much like her, won’t just hand you the answers on a silver platter; instead, they’ll help you dig deep into your own motivations and insights. We explore the trials and triumphs of women founders, the inner battles of perfectionism, and the necessity of trust—both in yourself and in your team. This isn’t just about managing people; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and connected to the mission, even as the ship sails into uncharted waters. So grab your headphones, kick back, and let’s unpack how to scale smartly and sustainably while keeping a vibrant culture alive. Trust me, you won’t want to miss these gems of wisdom!

Takeaways:

1. A great coach won't just hand you answers; they'll create space for you to find them yourself, which is pretty dope.
2. Trust is key in coaching—helping clients bridge the gap between insight and action is what it's all about.
3. When scaling a business, intentionally crafting your culture from day one is crucial for long-term success and team alignment.
4. Women founders often struggle with perfectionism and trusting others, which can hold back their business growth.
5. Creating a culture that promotes trust and shared understanding among team members leads to better collaboration and innovation.
6. Slowing down to make aligned decisions is way more effective than rushing through tasks—remember, quality over quantity!

Links for today's show:

1. Kasia's Linked In Page
2. https://www.thetrustededge.com/
3. Kent's Linked In Page
4. Promoted Leader Playbook

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

*Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com