Unlabeled Leadership

I invite guests to share personal stories about acts of leadership that help shape their lives. In Episode 141, Keith E. Smith talks about his transformational journey and how he strengthened his leadership. He talks about how his company was initially affected by COVID but then how his people made a difference in the medical community. Keith then advises us about prioritizations.

Prologue

Keith E. Smith, CEO of Vonco Products, a leading medical device contract manufacturing and consumer flexible packaging producer, has made some recent life-balancing changes that opened him to lead more through connection than strategy. His company has a powerful core value: “We care more: About each other; About our customers; About patients and consumers.”

01:08 Part 1: Intelligence and Knowledge May Be Necessary but Not Sufficient

Keith describes his journey about how he transformed his life at and outside of work.

08:23 Part 2: We Care More

When COVID started, Keith talks about how his company was initially affected. He then explains how the people at Vonco rose to the occasion to make a difference by filling gaps in medical supplies.

13:47 Part 3: Flip It

Keith advises us to change how we prioritize and rethink what’s important.

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Robynne Orr is the opening voice narrator. To learn more about her amazing storytelling capabilities, visit Robynne’s website, R.ORR.

⁠Transcript through Otter (expect some inaccuracies)

Episode links

Keith’s LinkedIn Profile and website

His company’s website

Two of Keith’s articles:

   Unlocking The Potential of Having It All: Part I – The Path of Force

   Unlocking The Potential to Having It All: Part II, The Path of Power

Gary DePaul’s website

Gary's books:

   What the Heck Is Leadership and Why Should I Care?

   Nine Practices of 21st Century Leadership (Second Edition)

   The 2022 HRBP Report (free formats available)

Lead on!

I invite guests to share personal stories about acts of leadership that help shape their lives. In Episode 140, Mike Watson explains something his father said that helped him as a branch manager. He then shares a story about a CEO candidate who didn’t get the job and what happened next. Finally, Mike shares three ways to strengthen how we lead.

Prologue

If you are in the greater Vancouver area, look for Mike. He gets leadership and curates his knowledge and experiences in his new book, Rise Up: Leadership Habits for Turbulent Times. Mike has a strategic planning process that draws the best from executive teams.

01:34 Part 1: Not Telling How

Mike talks about his experience as a first-time branch manager. He explains something that his father said to him.

08:11 Part 2: Rigorous Boot Camp Exercise

In this story, Mike explains how a candidate for a CEO position didn’t get the job and why. It is a fantastic story of determination to change for the better.

18:14 Part 3: Help Them to Be at Their Best

Mike advises us on how we can be more effective at leadership. He shares three things you can begin doing immediately.

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Robynne Orr is the opening voice narrator. To learn more about her amazing storytelling capabilities, visit Robynne’s website, R.ORR.

⁠Transcript through Otter (expect some inaccuracies)

Episode links

Mike’s LinkedIn Profile, Twitter

Ignite Management LinkedIn company profile, website, YouTube, Twitter

Mike’s book, Rise Up

Adam Grant’s book, Think Again

Gary DePaul’s website

Gary's books:

   What the Heck Is Leadership and Why Should I Care?

   Nine Practices of 21st Century Leadership (Second Edition)

   The 2022 HRBP Report (free formats available)

Lead on!

I invite guests to share personal stories about acts of leadership that help shape their lives. In Episode 139, Katherine McCord shares an insightful comment made by her father that helped how she lives her life. She then describes a high performer who started working for her that didn’t start by performing well. She explains what her spouse did to improve the employee’s performance. Katherine ends by advising how we can lead more effectively.

Prologue

Katherine is the President of the recruiting and consulting organization Titan Management, and the inventor of the anti-bias Applicant Tracking System, Titan ATS

02:06 Part 1: Resilience and Determination

08:52 Part 2: Bouncing on A Ball

15:28 Part 3: Inclusiveness, Learning, and Firing

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Robynne Orr is the opening voice narrator. To learn more about her amazing storytelling capabilities, visit Robynne’s website, R.ORR.

⁠Transcript through Otter (expect some inaccuracies)

Episode links

Katherine’s LinkedIn Profile, website, Facebook

Podcast, Career Launch Live

Two of Katherine’s articles:

   Recovering the Personal Touch in Recruiting

   Neurodiversity in the Workplace

James C. Hunter’s book, The Servant

Gary DePaul’s website

Gary's books:

   What the Heck Is Leadership and Why Should I Care?

   Nine Practices of 21st Century Leadership

   ⁠⁠The 2022 HRBP Report

Lead on!

Episode 138 is a bonus episode that continues the Episode 137 discussion about DEI and cultural management. Ed Muzio describes Iterative Management, the challenge to adapt when things change, and welcoming conflict.

Prologue

Ed Muzio is an engineer who evolved his practice to management consulting. Whether at the c-suite or frontline, Ed helps teams learn to adapt and think systemically and iteratively. Ed has authored three books, including Iterate, now available as an audiobook. Ed also wrote the forward to the Nine Practices of 21st Century Leadership book.

00:58 Part 1: Performance and Iterative Management

Ed describes Iterative Management and the challenge to adapt when circumstances change.

05:54 Part 2: Small Changes Can Make A Difference

Ed advises us to acknowledge and handle conflict.

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How You Can Support the Show

To support the show, make a $0.99 donation. Your support reduces production expenses. https://anchor.fm/unlabeled-leadership/support

Robynne Orr is the opening voice narrator. To learn more about her amazing storytelling capabilities, visit Robynne’s website, R.ORR.

No transcript available (future enhancement)

Episode links

Ed’s LinkedIn Profile, website, Twitter, Facebook, video library

Referenced whitepaper, Plant Your DE&I Initiative in a Greenfield, Not a Minefield

Ed’s books

   Iterate

   Make Work Great

   Four Secrets to Liking Your Work

Ed’s previous podcast episodes

   137 Ed Muzio, Culture, DEI, and Systemic Thinking

   109 Ed Muzio Demystifies Culture

   033: Ed Muzio Upgrades Managerial Teams

Neel Doshi and Lindsay McGreager’s book, Primed to Perform

Edith Eva Eger conflict quotation (#37. A Couple that Doesn’t have fights, don’t have intimacy either)

Background Music

You can find all the musical tracks at Envato Elements.

00:14 Theme music: Uplift Corporate Inspire by OlexandrIgnatov

00:41 Women's Day by GentleJammers

05:36 Corporate Uplifting by Alex_MakeMusic

10:59 Fun and Flirty by BrownHouseMedia

Lead on!

I invite guests to share personal stories about acts of leadership that help shape their lives. In Episode 137, Ed Muzio explains why the DEI mission is challenging. He defines environmental receptivity and behavioral flexibility as the terms relate to DEI. Finally, he talks about where to begin with DEI and cultural management.

Prologue

Ed Muzio is an engineer who evolved his practice to management consulting. Whether at the c-suite or frontline, Ed helps teams learn to adapt and think systemically and iteratively.

03:08 Part 1: The Organizational Immune System

12:46 Part 2: Environmental Receptivity and Behavioral Flexibility

18:28 Part 3: What Should Your Organization Do?

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Robynne Orr is the opening voice narrator. To learn more about her amazing storytelling capabilities, visit Robynne’s website, R.ORR.

⁠Transcript through Otter (expect some inaccuracies)

Episode links

Ed’s LinkedIn Profile, website, Twitter, Facebook, video library

Referenced whitepaper, Plant Your DE&I Initiative in a Greenfield, Not a Minefield

Ed’s books

  Iterate

  Make Work Great

  Four Secrets to Liking Your Work

Ed’s previous podcast episodes

  109 Ed Muzio Demystifies Culture

  033: Ed Muzio Upgrades Managerial Teams

For definitions of DEI, listen to Episode 023: Simma Lieberman Elevates Culture with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A report with DEIB definitions, 2020-2023 Workforce Strategy: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, UCI

Lead on!

I invite guests to share personal stories about acts of leadership that help shape their lives. In Episode 136, Mike Thorne shares his story about his own development. He illustrates how to work with employees to support them in their career development. He then recommends a book and advises us on how we can strengthen how we lead.

Prologue

Having served as the CEO of a Synthetic Turf company, President of Russell Athletic Team division, and President of Yankee Candle, Mike has had to read numerous P&L sheets. From his experience in these roles, Mike explains that the most critical P&L is not Profit & Loss but people & listening. Currently, Mike is a Vistage Chair, where he facilitates for small/midsize business owners and coaches subject-matter experts in under 5 employee companies.

01:21 Part 1: Letting Go of the 1000 Pound Weight on Your Shoulders

13:48 Part 2: Tell Me Your Story

18:35 Part 3: It’s Brady Time

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Robynne Orr is the opening voice narrator. To learn more about her amazing storytelling capabilities, visit Robynne’s website, R.ORR.

⁠Transcript through Otter (expect some inaccuracies)

Episode links

Mike’s LinkedIn Profile, website,

Workbook, How to Build Your Own Personal Trust Community

Toastmasters International

Episode 026: Peter Popovich Explains Emotional Intelligence

Ryan Holiday’s book, The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations for Clarity, Effectiveness, and Serenity

Gary DePaul’s website

Gary's books:

   What the Heck Is Leadership and Why Should I Care?

   Nine Practices of 21st Century Leadership

   ⁠⁠The 2022 HRBP Report

Lead on!

I invite guests to share personal stories about acts of leadership that help shape their lives. In Episode 135, Don Kirkey and Ajay Pangarkar discuss the leadership of President Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy.

Prologue

Don and Ajay have appeared on previous episodes (see links below).

02:26 Part 1: Lead by Example

07:15 Part 2: The Courage to Do What’s Right

17:47 Part 3: Relatability

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Robynne Orr is the opening voice narrator. To learn more about her amazing storytelling capabilities, visit Robynne’s website, R.ORR.

⁠Transcript through Otter (expect some inaccuracies)

Episode links

Don’s LinkedIn Profile, bio

Related episodes

003, Ajay Pangarkar and The Responsibility to Shine

029, Don Kirkey Connects with Others

032, Don Kirkey Puts Others First

038, Ajay Pangarkar Persuades Professionals to Give Up Control

041, Don Kirkey and Ajay Pangarkar Encourage Growth

095, Kim Campbell Gets to the Heart of Leadership

James C. Collin’s book, Good to Great

Darkest Hour movie, Churchill’s Triumphant Speech

We Shall Never Surrender Speech

Gary DePaul’s website

Gary’s books:

   ⁠What the Heck Is Leadership and Why Should I Care?⁠

   ⁠Nine Practices of 21st Century Leadership⁠

   ⁠⁠The 2022 HRBP Report

Lead on!

I invite guests to share personal stories about acts of leadership that help shape their lives. In Episode 134, Richard Medcalf describes what someone said to inspire him to pursue an executive coaching career, shares a story about a new CHRO who he coached, and advises how to overcome our biggest bottleneck that holds us back.

Prologue

Richard Medcalf describes himself as “what you get if you were to put a McKinsey consultant, a slightly unorthodox pastor, and Freddie Mercury into a blender.” Richard is an executive coach & leadership consultant to founders, CEOs, and their leadership teams. He is bi-national English/French, lives near Paris, is happily married, and is the proud father of two. Richard is a licensed lay minister in the Anglican Church. He has an insatiable love for spicy food and the electric guitar.

01:30 Part 1: Mastermind with Freddie Mercury

06:44 Part 2: Stuck in the Inbox

13:14 Part 3: Find Your Biggest Bottleneck

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Robynne Orr is the opening voice narrator. To learn more about her amazing storytelling capabilities, visit Robynne’s website, R.ORR.

⁠Transcript through Otter (expect some inaccuracies)

Episode links

Richard’s LinkedIn Profile, website, Twitter

Richard’s show, The Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast

Select articles:

   Exponential Leadership Principles

   New CEO onboarding The ultimate guide

Freddie Mercury

L. David Marquet

Gary DePaul’s website

Gary’s books:

   What the Heck Is Leadership and Why Should I Care?

   Nine Practices of 21st Century Leadership

   ⁠⁠The 2022 HRBP Report

Lead on!

Episode 133 is a one-off episode that doesn’t follow the standard format. The story that you will hear is about Catalina, a rescued kitten. In the narrative, Gary DePaul shares two insights that can help you strengthen your leadership capabilities and help the people you work with feel more appreciated, understood, and cared for.

While the episode features the audio recording, you can access the video link below.

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Robynne Orr is the opening voice narrator. To learn more about her amazing storytelling capabilities, visit Robynne’s website, R.ORR.

⁠Transcript through Otter (expect some inaccuracies)

Episode links

Video, Catalina: A Leadership Story

Episode 132: Mike Bassett and Life Lessons from The Ditch

Gary DePaul’s website

Gary’s books:

   ⁠What the Heck Is Leadership and Why Should I Care?⁠

   ⁠Nine Practices of 21st Century Leadership⁠

   ⁠⁠The 2022 HRBP Report

Lead on!

I invite guests to share personal stories about acts of leadership that help shape their lives. In Episode 100, Mike Bassett shares how his father influenced him, explains his almost career-ending experience, and shares three lessons from the ditch. He then advises us on how we can lead more effectively.

Prologue

How might someone describe Mike’s character? Hard-working, ambitious, and kind.

For more than 34 years, Mike has practiced civil trial law. He established a well-built law firm, the Bassett Firm. Before that, he experienced a dark period in his life, which reminds us that we are one left turn from being in The Ditch. Mike’s astonishing personal and professional struggles have tested him repeatedly. In Mike’s book, you’ll learn his story that illustrates his character and resiliency. As an attorney, Mike has embraced the hard path of grace and believes in second chances as much as he believes in honesty to his clients.

02:03 Part 1: Do It Right!

05:20 Part 2: In Dark Moments

14:15 Part 3: Teachings and Advice from the Bottom of the Muddy, Craggy Ditch

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Robynne Orr is the opening voice narrator. To learn more about her amazing storytelling capabilities, visit Robynne’s website, R.ORR.

⁠Transcript through Otter (expect some inaccuracies)

Episode links

Mike’s LinkedIn Profile, law firm website, the firm’s blog

Mike’s podcast, Legal Grounds | Conversations on Life, Leadership & Law

Mike’s book, The Man in the Ditch

About Malcolm Muggeridge

About Cornel West and the quotable quote

About St. Francis of Assisi and how a quotation reflects his teachings

About Herb Kelleher

Gary DePaul’s website⁠

Gary’s books:

   ⁠What the Heck Is Leadership and Why Should I Care?⁠

   ⁠Nine Practices of 21st Century Leadership⁠

   ⁠⁠The 2022 HRBP Report

Lead on!