Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

274: Change Proof: How to Build Long-term Resilience

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As humans, we’re hardwired to resist change and seek certainty. But that leaves us ill-equipped to thrive in our rapidly changing world. Adam Markel...

273: A Real Commitment to Invest in People Development

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What if you could design and implement a comprehensive program for developing leaders? That’s the opportunity Brian Wallace had when he joined Wintr...

272: Taking a Stand for the Possibility in Others

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine how you’d feel if someone recognized your true potential—beyond what you thought was possible—and guided you to grow into it. That’s w...

271: Creating a Positive Culture through Connections

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What would it be like to work for a CEO who aspires to be the best example of working together? You’ll hear from someone who IS that CEO in this ver...

270: Love As a Business Strategy

29 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We don’t often hear the word LOVE used when describing the workplace. That’s about to change in this conversation with Jeff Ma and Chris Pitre, as...

269: Experience Rules with Your Customers and Your Employees

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

No matter what leadership role you have, what you and your team do on a daily basis affects your customers, either directly or indirectly. Do you have...

268: The Power of Thought in Creating Our World

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you considered how powerful your thoughts are in determining the way you see and respond to the world? Be prepared to expand your mind as you lis...

267: Becoming a Master of Change

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You can’t predict which career and life experiences will serve you in the future. Yet each one can prepare you for your next adventure if you become...

266: Why Failing Is a Part of Winning

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or leader of a team, you’ll benefit from the life wisdom that Gary Polk shares in this special conversation. You’...

265: Leading through Major Changes

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many mergers and acquisitions are dismal failures, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Find out how Sikko Zoer created buy-in and achieved a positiv...

264: Leading Young Adults and Junior Professionals

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Often leaders struggle with the best way to develop members of the younger generation entering the workforce. You’ll get great ideas and practical t...

263: Tips for Creating Agreements and Psychological Safety

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Want to get some practical tips for being an effective leader and hear some unforgettable stories at the same time? This conversation with Ron Reich i...

262: Claim Your SWAGGER and Thrive

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What comes to mind when you hear the word SWAGGER? If it has a negative connotation for you, prepare to be persuaded differently! Jennifer Mrozek Suka...

261: A Time to Lead: Mastering Your Self

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A lot of emphasis is placed on leadership behaviors, but it all starts within. What must a leader do to master Self? In this value-packed conversation...

260: Discover the Matrix with Integrity

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you remember Neo’s choice of the blue pill or the red pill in the movie, The Matrix? Angela Cusack explores this choice in the context of leaders...

259: Lessons from a Learn-It-All Leader

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the difference between a Learn-It-All leader and a Know-It-All Leader? That’s just one of many questions Damon Lembi answers in this value-...

258: Overcoming Hurdles to Change the Face of Leadership

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the evidence that women face unique hurdles in advancing to executive leadership roles? Jennifer McCollum shares the data based on 25+ years ...

257: How the CEO of Silicon Signs Lives His Purpose Every Day

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to make the transition from being a star athlete in college to a successful  business owner? Meet Chase Dalton, CEO of Silicon Sign...

256: A Leader’s Impact on Culture and the Employee Journey

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know of a leader who worked with the same team of people for 12 years? Russel Lolacher achieved that feat. In this interview, Russel reveals ex...

255: The Importance of Growing Your People

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark is the CEO of Northeast Sequoia Private Client Group, a national financial planning and wealth management firm. He is passionate about empowering...

254: What Dr. Mark Goulston Is Dying to Tell You

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How would you respond if you learned you had an illness that is likely to shorten your life? My guest Dr. Mark Goulston got that news, and it was a ma...

253: Maximize the Power of LinkedIn

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If someone took a look at your LinkedIn profile and your activity on that platform, what impression would they have? In case your answer involves any ...

252: How to Help Transitioning Leaders Succeed

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What causes so many leaders to fail when they are transitioning to a senior leadership role? Robert Witherspoon reveals important reasons, based on hi...

251: Leadership Practices of Successful Start-ups

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What do the best founders do when leading others to fulfill the company’s mission? You’ll find out in this valuable conversation with Raja Skoglan...

250: What It Takes to Improve High-Impact Communication Skills

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate Episode #250, Meredith invited her business partner of 32 years, Dr. Denny Coates, to be her guest and discuss insights they’ve acquire...

249: Developing a Champion’s Mind

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You may think that success requires striving and pushing hard. Dr. Jeff Spencer dispels that notion and presents an alternate approach that results in...

248: How to Become Unflappable

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that stress is actually something we create in our own minds? It’s true! And Dr. Bridget Cooper shares specific Stress Busters that can...

247: Becoming Coachable As a Leader

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to be someone who can benefit from coaching? Jacquelyn Lane and Scott Osman share the qualities that are essential to make the most ...

246: Why Curiosity Is a Superpower

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Would you consider yourself a CURIOUS person? I hope your answer is YES. In this interview with Dr. Michele D’Amico, you’re going to learn some of...

245: The 7 Secrets of Influence

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What comes to mind when you hear the word INFLUENCE? Think about people who have influenced you in the past – and what it was about their approach t...

244: How to Create an Inclusive Work Environment

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you were dealing with personal challenges, such as a special needs child or being caretaker of an aging parent, would you feel comfortable sharing ...

243: How a Leader Can Use TIME to Have Impact

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Being voted a “Best Place to Work” doesn’t happen by accident. Aaron Wilmot shares what’s he learned about creating the kind of culture where ...

242: How to Achieve Rapid Transformation

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When you think of change management, do you imagine a process that takes months or years? Think again. Angela Priest is an extraordinarily skilled fac...

241: PwC’s Trust Leadership Institute

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is it possible to create a high-trust environment and achieve ambitious business outcomes at the same time? J.C. Lapierre describes how professional s...

240: Focus on Serving, Not Competing

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Which leadership skills and strengths are important for entrepreneurs in order to build a successful business? Geoffrey Kent shares the ones he needed...

239: How Villyge Is Growing Empathic Leaders

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most important strengths of an effective leader is empathy. But where do leaders learn this skill when they often feel driven by KPIs and R...

238: How to Live Life in Crescendo

11 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, was working on another book before he died in 2012? The book is...

237: Avoid Leadership Derailers and Common Traps of Living

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In your role as a leader and in other areas of your life, what kinds of habits have prevented you from being as effective as you’d like to be? My gu...

236: Overcoming Obstacles for Black Women’s Advancement to the C-suite

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Black women are under-represented in the C-suite. That’s a reality that Dr. Mechelle Roberthon has seen first-hand, and she’s on a mission to turn...

235: A Leader’s #1 Priority Every Week

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you faithfully hold weekly 1-1 meetings with each member of your team? Jeremy Barr explains why this is the most important thing you can do as a le...

234: Practicing The Collaborative Way

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What would happen if everyone in an organization adopted a collaborative approach to working together? Lloyd Fickett has facilitated such transformati...

233: Use Compassionate Accountability to Build Connection and Get Results

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do the words “Compassion” and “Accountability” seem like opposites to you? My guest Dr. Nate Regier views them as such an important pairing th...

232: How One Amazon Leader Mentors and Coaches Others

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

DescriptionHow do you help people feel valued in a huge organization like Amazon? Omar Halabieh shares what he does on an ongoing basis to connect wit...

231: Dr. Octopus Talks Nonlinear Thinking

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you consider yourself a nonlinear thinker…or do you know someone who is? Perry Knoppert, aka Dr. Octopus, shares important insights that all of u...

230: Trust & Inspire: Unleash Greatness in Others

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Command & Control approach to leadership is obsolete, and there’s a powerful replacement for it: Trust & Inspire. Steven M. R. Covey is ...

229: I’m Here: Touching Lives with Compassionate Communication

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As a college freshman, Marcus Engel was blinded and nearly killed after being struck by a drunk driver. Through hundreds of hours of reconstructive su...

228: How HRCI is Elevating the Human Resources Profession Worldwide

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What if Human Resources served as a critical business partner, where the team functioned as a revenue center? Amy Dufrane describes examples of compan...

228: Start Within to Change Your World

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you expend energy trying to make others wrong so you can be right? Rich Habets is a master of facilitating powerful discussions 1-1 and with teams ...

226: Building Trust and Accomplishing the Seemingly Impossible

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is there something you’d love to have but think it’s impossible for you to achieve? Listen to this inspiring conversation with Kimberly Wiefling, ...

225: TechSmith’s Innovative Approach to Asynchronous Meetings

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A big complaint in most companies is the amount of time wasted in meetings. If that’s been your experience, too, this episode is a must-listen. Amy ...

224: Turning High Achievers into Trusted Leaders

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When high achievers get promoted, they actually need to learn to be leaders in four different areas: Up, Across, Team and Self. Mark J. Silverman desc...

223: How Baker Donelson Has Created an Inclusive Culture

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A positive culture where people feel valued and empowered doesn’t happen by accident. Tim Lupinacci, CEO and Chair at Baker Donelson, has been inten...

222: Connecting Remote Teams with Responsibility and Accountability

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you hire, onboard and get the best results in a virtual workplace? Dr. Ronald Beach knows it takes a combination of communication skills, setti...

221: Wisdom from The Ultimate Joy Goddess

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever struggle to find joy in your life? My guest Cordelia Gaffar is a master of guiding clients to discover the joy within, and that’s why sh...

220: Over, Under, Around, and Through Obstacles

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

DescriptionWant some inspiration and practical tips for surmounting obstacles in your life? You’ll get both from Jill Tietjen, who shares stories ab...

219: Flipping the Org Chart Upside Down at Ethico

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what would happen if an org chart were flipped, so it was an upside-down triangle? Meet Nick Gallo. He and his brother Giovanni...

218: A CEO’s Impact on a Young Leader

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had a boss who challenged you because they saw your long-term potential? Geoffrey Roche was lucky enough to work for a CEO who led him t...

217: How to Serve the Neurodiverse People in Your World

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know someone who struggles at work or at home because of neurodiversity or executive functioning challenges? If so, you’re going to find this...

216: Design a Long-Distance Team for Everyone’s Success

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Many companies are struggling with how to structure work, and some are requiring everyone to return to the physical building. Yet remote and hybrid te...

215: A Model of Servant Leadership at Slack

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In a challenging sales environment, it can be tough for leaders to stay positive—and to keep their team members seeing possibilities, too. Reggie Ma...

214: Life Is Short, Choose Wisely

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It can be devastating to lose a close family member to a disease like cancer. Carrie Verrocchio talks about the inspiration she received to use her tr...

213: How to Hire Amazing Employees

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever made a hiring mistake? If you’d had guidance from Jeannette Seibly, you might have avoided that costly error. Jeannette is an expert o...

212: How to Get the Most Out of Coaching

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you working with a coach or have you considered hiring one? There are things you can do to maximize the experience, and my guest Karen Davis has l...

211: How Wix.com Uses Data to Show ROI on Learning Programs

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How does a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry translate into the corporate world of Learning and Development? Dr. Eli Bendet-Taicher brings that experience—...

210: Creating a Positive Impact on the Future of Work

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine if you could aggregate your collective experiences throughout your career into the ideal job. That’s what Dr. Denise Caleb has been able to ...

209: Why Paying Attention Is the Start Point of Emotional Intelligence

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What’s required for a person with technical expertise to develop Emotional Intelligence (EI)? Susan Schwartz provides excellent insights and example...

208: Tips for Remarkable Speaking

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever get nervous when you need to speak in public, whether your audience is one person or a large group of 100 or 1,000? You’re not alone! Sh...

207: Building Trust at Penn State Health

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever gone on a Listening Tour? That’s what Hillary Miller did in her first 3 months at Penn State Health in her role as Chief Learning Offi...

206: Lead from the Heart and Love Your People

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Does “lead from the heart” imply touchy-feely or weakness? Not according to Mark C. Crowley, who used this approach successfully throughout his 25...

205: The Do-Be Approach for Business Owners & Leaders

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How can we reconcile the different (and often conflicting) perspectives that employers and employees have? You’ll get important insights in the live...

204: How Leaders Inspire, Connect, and Achieve at Ball Corporation

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What happens if you refer to new initiatives in scientific terms like “experiment” and “test”? That’s exactly what Mark Kaestner, Ed.D., doe...

203: UofM Global’s LIFE Program: A Superb Benefit for FedEx Employees

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a major university partners with a huge corporation to offer a program that helps employees earn college degrees? You get University...

202: UC Berkeley’s Focus on People and Culture

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What’s wrong with the term, Human Resources? In this enlightening conversation, Eugene Whitlock explains why he prefers People and Culture. He also ...

201: WM’s Award-winning Program for Front-Line Leaders

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In many organizations, those who supervise individual contributors are often neglected when it comes to development opportunities. Not at WM. Phil Rho...

200: How Moderna Attracts and Develops Top Talent

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know of a company that’s created 12 powerful mindsets that are used daily by all employees? You do now, because Moderna is that company. And ...

199: FLIPD Coaching – Leadership Development That Sticks

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to create leadership training programs that result in real behavior change? Billy Martin has the answer because he’s done this suc...

198: Redfin’s Commitment to Creating a Coaching Culture

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do you help leaders take on the role of “coach” in addition to their other responsibilities? Arin Bryan is making that happen at Redfin with e...

197: Hunting Discomfort No Matter What

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you committed to achieving what you want in life #NoMatterWhat? Sterling Hawkins is on a mission to help more people do just that. In his intervie...

196: How Merck Is Building a Culture of Learning

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to transform learning and development in a big pharmaceutical company? Johann Laville shares the three gaps that existed at Merck an...

195: Become the Person You Want to Network With

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What thoughts come to mind when you hear the word “networking”? If any of them are negative—or if you wish you could build a stronger network yo...

194: How PEERNOVATION Builds High-Performing Teams

01 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What do CEO peer advisory groups and high-performing teams in organizations have in common? Leo Bottary has worked closely with both, and he’s ident...

193: ZoomInfo’s Extraordinary Approach to Customer Onboarding & Education

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever invested in technology, only to find yourself frustrated when trying to learn how to use it? Tom Studdert and his team at ZoomInfo have ...

192: The Fearless Factor at Work

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What if you could change the way you look at fear? Jacqueline Wales has a deep understanding of what’s behind fear…and the questions you can ask y...

191: Creating a Culture of Welcome

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What would you predict the future to be for a boy who was the son of a Black pimp father and a white single mother on welfare? If you answered “pret...

190: Stop Being the Answer-Person for Your Team

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever been told, “You’re the best leader I’ve ever had”? Michelle Braden has. She lives and breathes every day the behaviors that both...

189: The Best Leaders Are Wildly Self-Aware at GoDaddy

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do you create a leadership development program from scratch? Will Leahy explains how he did just that at GoDaddy as Senior Director of Learning an...

188: How a Local Government Created Service Excellence through Lean Six Sigma

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that Lean Six Sigma extends way beyond the world of manufacturing? Paul Stamper is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and he’s done a ...

187: How to Live a Legendary Life

04 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What’s it like to be bullied and abused as a kid, end up in jail for beating up someone, and later decide to create a Legendary Life Movement? That’...

186: Leading from The Presidential Principles

30 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What leaders in your life have had the greatest impact on your thinking and behavior? Anton Gunn can name five different U.S. Presidents who’ve pers...

185: From College Professor to Developer of Leaders

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What’s it like to discover your true calling? Laura Coons, Ph.D., began her career teaching at the college level and then transitioned to the corpor...

184: How We Show Up Changes Everything

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What’s it like to hire, coach and fire based on your company’s Purpose, Values, and Mission? Clate Mask knows the answer because that’s exactly...

183: Living the Law of Giving and Receiving

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is there really a LAW of Giving and Receiving? Indeed there is, and Cynthia Kersey describes exactly how it’s worked in her own life…and how it ca...

182: Use Ethical Hacking to Get into College or Land Your Dream Job

16 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What can you do to stand out among 100s of applicants for college or a job? Anthony Berryhill shares brilliant insights for making sure your applicati...

181: A Strong Sense of Belonging at Work

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine if your manager said this to you at your annual performance review: “I just don’t think you belong here.” Dr. Beth Kaplan heard those wo...

180: A Leader Who Checks His Ego at the Door

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does it look like when you “Put People First?” My guest Mark McNally describes what how it works in his company, and it starts with listening...

179: The Role of Wellbeing in a Thriving Culture

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What can an organization do to make sure Wellbeing is an integral part of the culture and not a stand-alone program? Mari Ryan describes exactly what ...

178: Leadership Is Not about Position or Title

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to become a truly effective leader, one people want to follow? Pat Lattore has thought deeply about this question and has been invol...

177: The Importance of Letting Go for a Leader

23 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Would you have the courage to make the necessary changes if you realized your company or team was no longer working the way you’d hoped? Jonathan Ke...

176: How Michelin’s ICARE Model Creates Open Communication

19 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How does a company with 100,000+ employees worldwide create a culture that everyone buys into…and more importantly, lives by? Marie-France Lechasseu...

175: FedEx: A Company Preparing Its People for the Future

16 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What if a company prepared upcoming leaders for their new roles and set them up for success on Day 1? That’s just one of many ways FedEx takes care ...