Quick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders Grow

Rethinking Hierarchy with the "First Team" Leadership Approach

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if your loyalty shouldn't lie with your direct reports, but with your peers? In this episode, we dive into the “First Team” leadership a...

Balancing AI Adoption with Human Connection

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AI can help us move faster, work smarter, and even prep for a one-on-one. But what happens when we start using it as a substitute for human connection...

Why Introverts Make Powerful Leaders

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re taught to celebrate the loudest voice in the room. But what if the most effective leaders are the ones who say less and listen more?In this co...

The Paradox of Likable Leadership

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Can you be a good leader and still want to be liked? Or does that instinct hold you back? In this episode, we dig into the tension between being likab...

Why Your Mid-Level Leaders Are Your AI Champions

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Think Gen Z is leading the charge on AI? Not so fast. It turns out your middle managers might be the ones best positioned to drive real change.In this...

Building Workplace Civility in Polarized Times

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You know that person who always interrupts or hijacks the meeting? Most teams do. And when no one addresses it, everyone loses.In this episode, we tal...

Managing Outcomes, Not Activity

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The old school nine-to-five doesn’t fit today’s work, or today’s workers. Still, so many leaders fall back on time as a stand-in for productivit...

Empowering Middle Managers for Long-Term Success

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Middle managers are overworked, overlooked, and often under-supported. Yet they’re the glue holding organizations together—and right now, many of ...

Beyond the AI Layoff Headlines: Keep Teams Focused When Fear Takes Hold

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AI is changing the game—and it’s got people on edge. From high-profile layoffs to execs declaring they won’t hire devs again, there’s a new ki...

Is AI Making Your Team Anxious? What Leaders Should and Shouldn’t Do

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AI is everywhere, but not everyone is excited. In this episode, we explore the growing anxiety employees feel about AI and what leaders can do when th...

The Time Gap Between Speaking and Being Heard in Leadership

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You said it clearly, so why isn’t your team acting on it? In this episode, Susie and James dig into a subtle but critical leadership challenge: the ...

Leading from the Middle: Influence, Motivation, and Managing Up

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Middle managers are often the most overlooked—and overloaded—leaders in an organization. Caught between executive pressure and team expectations, ...

Can You Lead a Team Without Knowing Their Job?

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Should leaders be able to do their team's work—or is that missing the point entirely? In this episode, Susie and James unpack a question that c...

Is Your Team Sending You Silent Signals?

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Not all feedback is spoken—and often, the most important signals from your team are the ones they don’t say out loud. In this episode, Susie and J...

Reigniting Motivation in Disengaged VPs and Middle Managers

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When motivation fades in the middle layers of leadership, the ripple effect can stall an entire organization. In this episode, Susie and James unpack ...

Should You Roll Out the Red Carpet—Again? The Truth About Rehiring Former Executives

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bringing back a former executive can feel like a safe bet, after all, they know the business, the people, the playbook. But is it really the right mov...

Do Leaders Still Need to Be Technical? with Angie Cullen

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As technology evolves at lightning speed, executive leaders are facing a tough question: just how technical do you need to be? In this episode, Susie ...

Let AI Make You a Better Leader

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Leadership is a human skill—but what if AI could help you sharpen it? In this episode, Susie and James explore how leaders can use AI not to replace...

The AI Turf War: Who Really Owns It at the Top?

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As AI becomes central to business strategy, a new kind of leadership tension is emerging: everyone wants to “own” it. But should anyone? In this e...

Is a 3AM Wake-Up the Secret to Great Leadership?

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve all heard the stories: the most successful leaders wake up at 3AM, journal, cold plunge, and run six miles before sunrise. But… is that actu...

Finding the Evidence of Your Influence

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do you know if you actually have influence—or if people are just following orders? Influence isn’t just about authority or making decisions; i...

How to Get Hired When AI Does the Screening

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AI is changing the hiring process, from screening resumes to influencing how interviews are conducted—but what does that really mean for job seekers...

The Feedback Trap

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We all know that feedback is essential for growth—but why is it so tricky to get right? Whether you're giving it or receiving it, emotions, bia...

Why Great Leaders Never Stop Learning with Alex Porter

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to stay at the top of your game as a leader—year after year? In this episode, we sit down with Alex Porter, CEO of Location3, a di...

Can You Cultivate Innovation in Your Team?

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Innovation is something every company says they want, but what does it actually look like in practice? Leaders push for creativity and fresh thinking,...

Are we Better Together?

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is it time to return to the office, or have we mastered remote work? In this episode, we take a fresh look at the return-to-office debate and why more...

Getting Past the First 90 Days

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The first 90 days of a new role are full of energy, excitement, and big plans—but what happens when the honeymoon phase ends? In this episode, we ex...

Recognizing and Addressing Unspoken Team Dynamics

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Not all team dynamics are loud and obvious—some of the most important signals are the quietest. In this episode, we dive into the subtle, unspoken c...

We did it! Looking Back on 100 Episodes

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Can you believe it? We’ve hit 100 episodes! In this milestone episode, we take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, the lessons we’ve lear...

Leadership DNA: Finding Your Authentic Style

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do great leaders find their authentic voice? In this episode, we break down what it means to develop a leadership style that feels genuine and eff...

Silencing Your Inner Critic and Stepping Into Leadership

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel like you don’t belong at the table? In this episode, we explore how imposter syndrome can hold you back and share our tips to quiet...

Creating Connections That Matter

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What’s your relationship with networking? In this episode, we challenge the traditional idea of networking as just collecting business cards and exp...

Storytelling and Listening: Skills Every Executive Needs

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What makes a great leader truly impactful? In this episode, we explore how storytelling can turn dry data into narratives that resonate and inspire ac...

Why Grit and Vulnerability Matter in Leadership with Steve Foster

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What truly defines a great leader? In this episode, we sit down with Steve Foster to uncover his incredible journey from a challenging childhood to a ...

Conflict to Collaboration: The Art of Resolution

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever walked into a meeting feeling like you’re gearing up for battle? In this episode, we’re breaking down what it takes to turn workplace tension...

Time Mastery: The New Rules of Productivity

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is your calendar running your life? Join us as we challenge the grind and explore new ways to master your time in a world demanding 'more with le...

The Goal Matrix: Setting Targets That Transform

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever feel like you’re stuck in the grind of daily tasks and can’t focus on the bigger picture? In this episode, we unravel the secrets of setting ...

Is AI Going to Take your Job? with Amanda Moriuchi

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is AI coming for your job? In this episode we sit down with Amanda Moriuchi, CEO of Appit Ventures, to explore this pressing question. She shares her ...

Interviews: How to Make Strong Connection

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Interviews aren’t just about answering questions—they’re about making connections. In this episode, we dive into the key elements of successful ...

Rethinking Soft Skills in the Age of AI

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are soft skills still essential in a world dominated by AI? In this episode, we dive into the art of open-minded leadership, exploring techniques to c...

Layoff Costs: Could They Last Two Years?

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that the effects of layoffs can ripple through an organization for more than two years? In this episode, we explore how downsizing impact...

What Psychedelics and AI Have in Common with Dr Melissa

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Can cutting-edge technology and ancient medicines actually share common ground in business leadership? Dr. Melissa, a trauma therapist specializing in...

How to Make Bold Moves Without Falling Flat

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you hesitant to take risks in your leadership role? Learn how to confidently make bold moves without falling flat. In this episode, we explore pra...

Harnessing Data-Driven Leadership

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is your organization truly data-driven, or just data-drowning? Dive into the world of modern business intelligence as we explore how leaders can harne...

Building Trust Through Transparency

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder why some leaders inspire unwavering loyalty while others struggle to gain trust? Dive into the world of executive leadership as we uncover...

Mastering Executive Communication with Amy Bell

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Can you imagine transforming your communication style to significantly boost your influence and effectiveness as a leader? Today we promise a mastercl...

Invisible to Indispensable: Workplace Recognition

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling invisible at work and unsure how to get the recognition you deserve? In this episode, we explore the journey from being overlooked to becoming...

Moving from Boss to Coach - Have You?

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Could shifting from a commanding boss to an empathetic coach be the key to unlocking your team's potential? In this episode we dive into the crit...

Handling Challenging (or Toxic) Peers

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever felt stuck dealing with a toxic peer? In this episode we dive into the reality that, as a senior leader, managing difficult colleagues isn't...

Elevate Your Job Search with Andrew Veeder

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unlock the secrets to standing out in the crowded job market with insights from Andrew Veeder of TEKsystems! Discover actionable strategies for tailor...

Keeping Your Best People During Market Volatility

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How can you keep your best employees happy and engaged when the market is in turmoil? Discover the secrets to fostering a thriving workforce even amid...

Jobless Grad? Strategies for Landing that First Job

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Freshly minted diploma in hand, now what? Navigating the job market as a recent graduate can feel daunting, but we're here to offer a roadmap to ...

Avoid Losing Your Top Talent

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling like your top performers might be eyeing the exit? In this episode, we dive into the crucial world of talent retention. We explore why keeping...

Level up Your Virtual Presence with Tracy Phillips

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Can your virtual presence make or break your executive success? Tracy Phillips, an expert in online presence and video production quality, joins us to...

Presentations That Create Impact

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you making these common mistakes in your presentations? This episode explores the gap between content preparation and impactful delivery, emphasiz...

Enhancing Leadership Through Storytelling

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know a well-told narrative can transform your influence, motivate your team, and create alignment? Today we explore the skill required to make...

Navigating Time Off After a Layoff

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how to maintain your professional relevance after a layoff? Join us as we unpack the two diverging paths senior executives often face: t...

Does Your Professional Brand Need a Refresh?

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Can you afford to let your career stagnate? In this episode, we reveal the secrets to evolving your professional brand and staying relevant in a rapid...

Uncovering the Unspoken Issues Threatening Your Team

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is your team missing deadlines or experiencing high turnover? Discover the hidden signs and unspoken issues that might be holding your organization ba...

Fostering Transparent Communication with Rob Reynolds

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rob Reynolds, CIO at Congruex, joins us in this episode to reveal the secrets of fostering transparent and unfiltered communication within teams. You&...

Negotiating Is Unlikely to Jeopardize Your Job Offer

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to transform your job negotiation skills and secure the best possible offer with confidence? In this episode, we debunk common myths and...

When to Leverage HR for a Thriving Workplace

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What if your HR department could be your organization's secret weapon for success? This episode shatters common misconceptions about Human Resour...

Tech Triumphs and Home Run Strategies with Mike Bush

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us on a journey through the intersection of leadership, technology, and baseball with Mike Bush, Head of Technology for the Colorado Rockies. Dis...

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever find yourself humming The Clash's “Should I Stay or Should I Go” while thinking about your career future? Join us as we tackle the commo...

Tools to Master High-Stakes Situations

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever find yourself on the edge of your seat before a high-stakes meeting, heart racing with a mix of fear and anticipation? Let us be your guid...

Transformative Leadership with Dev Ashish

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unlock the secrets of transformative leadership with Dev Ashish, an innovative and progressive C-suite leader with extensive experience in Healthcare ...

Mastering The Art of Saying No

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Embark on a journey to dissect the art of saying 'no' with intention and clarity. Let's uncover the subtle intricacies of communication...

Avoiding Group Think

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Uncover the hidden forces shaping your decisions as a leader, as we delve into cognitive biases. Expect to arm yourself with the knowledge to identify...

Strategic Leadership and Recognition with Diego Silva

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how to tap into the hidden potential of your team? Diego Silva, Chief Information Officer at Gates Corporation, joins us to share his ex...

Making Mistakes Work for You

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how true leaders emerge from the chaos of a crisis? Get ready to uncover the secrets behind transforming high-stakes pressures into step...

Leading the Digital Charge with Blockchain Mastery

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unlock the potential of blockchain and step into the future of leadership with our illuminating chat that goes beyond the Bitcoin buzz. Today, we tack...

Demystifying Data Science with Dr. Hisham Talukder

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unlock the secrets of data science's transformative role in business with our guest expert, Dr. Hisham Talukder. In this episode, we dissect how ...

Psychedelics and Their Place in Executive Development

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Could unlocking the full potential of your mind be as simple as tapping into the psychedelic experience? Join us as we discuss the burgeoning curiosit...

Taming the Dragons That Hinder Brilliance

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever found yourself at a boardroom table, staring down the barrel of an inflated ego threatening to derail your meeting—maybe even your bus...

How Secret Side Hustles Fuel Executive Brilliance (and Sanity)

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered if your passion project could actually enhance your professional prowess? Join us as we unpack the transformative power of side...

Metaverse Management 101

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Embark on a journey through the virtual corridors of the metaverse, we'll unveil its mystifying layers and practical uses for today's execut...

Harnessing Diversity in Leadership Teams

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered why some companies thrive with innovation while others stagnate? The secret might just lie in the diversity of their leadership teams. J...

Crisis Hacks from Firefighters, Farmers, and Fashion Icons

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how a firefighter, a farmer, and a fashion icon could radically change the way you lead? Get ready to revolutionize your management styl...

Harnessing Skip-Level Meetings for Greater Collaboration

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unlock the secrets to fostering open communication and trust within your organization as we dissect the intricate world of skip-level meetings. We pro...

Strategies for Inspiring Your Disillusioned Team

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As leaders, how do you align your team's purpose with the company's mission in a way that not only resonates with employees but also drives ...

3 Must-Avoid Traps for Sustained Career Success

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As we ascend the corporate ladder, the dynamics of workplace relationships and responsibilities undergo a seismic shift. In this episode, we'll d...

Unlocking Career Advancement

18 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Stepping up the corporate ladder involves more than a fancy new title; it's a metamorphosis of your professional identity. Join us, as we unravel...

Tips for Managing High Performers who Overestimate Their Abilities

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever encountered a direct report whose self-assessment could rival a mirror's reflection in distortion? Join us in this insightful episode to tac...

3 Strategies for Managing Employees Craving Validation

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever find yourself yearning for a nod of approval after a big presentation or meeting? You're not alone. On today's episode, we open up abou...

Tactics for Working with Difficult Leaders

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Navigating the maze of corporate leadership? We've got you covered with our latest chat on wrangling with the complexities of managing difficult ...

Key Strategies for Unlocking Positive Input

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Curious about why your leadership skills might not be reaching their full potential? Could it be due to a shortfall in feedback or perhaps challenges ...

3 Critical Moves to Make Post-Layoff

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a leader grappling with the challenge of layoffs? Let us guide you today through this demanding journey. We promise to provide you with a comp...

Three Horrible Ways to Manage Up

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how to excel in your work relationships with key stakeholders and superiors? We're revealing the secret: it's all about the ar...

Leadership Lessons from Stand-up Comedian Stephanie McHugh - Part Two

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you curious about the secret sauce that transforms a group of people into an unstoppable team? Stand-up comedian Stephanie McHugh joins us again t...

Balancing Innovation and Stability [Back to Basics Part 4]

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to unlock the secret to leading teams that both innovate and stay grounded? Today we decode this intricate balance that many leaders struggle to...

Leading with Inclusivity [Back to Basics Part 3]

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder how to wield the power of diversity and inclusivity for an unbeatable competitive edge? In this episode, we delve into the heart of leader...

Communication Strategies to Increase Influence and Impact [Back to Basics Part 2]

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ever felt like you're either saying too much or too little in meetings? Struggling to strike the perfect balance of communication in the boardroo...

Listening to Understand [Back to Basics Part 1]

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how the right questions can literally turn the tide of a conversation? Well, buckle up as we promise to transform you into a communicati...

Leadership Lessons From Stand-up Comedian Stephanie McHugh - Part One

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ever found yourself in a tense situation and wished you knew how to lighten the mood? Laughter may just be the leadership tool you've been search...

3 Daily Rituals of Successful Leaders with Todd Porch

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Get a glimpse into the life of Todd Porch, the president of Strategus, in our latest Quick Take podcast episode. Todd's journey from toiling in t...

The Art of Advocating for Yourself

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ever felt invisible in the corporate sphere, despite your best attempts at getting noticed? Welcome to the club! In this enlightening conversation, we...

Knowing When to Move on From Your Boss

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ever felt stuck in your current role or wondered if it's time to part ways with your boss? Trust us, you're not alone. We take on this tough...

Winning Strategies for Compensation Negotiations with Jacob Warwick

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Buckle up as we get into the fine print of negotiations with our guest, Jacob Warwick, a celebrated coach to seven-figure earners and executives. Jaco...

The Art of Situational Awareness in Email

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ever sent an email and immediately regretted it? You're not alone. We've all been there. But in the executive realm, a poorly thought-out em...

Effective Multigenerational Strategies for Executive Leaders

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you adapting your leadership and communication style to the ever-changing corporate landscape? Join us to discover the importance of self-reflecti...