Strong Leaders Serve with Teri Schmidt
Episodes
200. Best of Strong Leaders Serve
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate our 200th (!) episode, we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations from the last 100 episodes. Connect on LinkedIn: https...
199. Going beneath Authenticity, Autonomy & Accountability with Andrea Wanerstrand
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered what truly sets great leaders apart in today’s fast-paced workplaces? In this episode, I talked with Andrea Wanerstrand, whos...
198. Rethinking Imposter Syndrome
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you’re broken or unqualified.It often means your world has grown faster than your sense of self. In this epi...
197. Two Simple Practices to Build Real Psychological Safety with Jade Garratt
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does psychological safety really mean beneath the buzzword? In this episode, Jade Garratt, co-founder of Psych Safety and colleague of past guest...
196. Transparency under pressure: leading with stability
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it really mean to be transparent as a leader, especially when you can’t share everything or when you don’t agree with the direction of c...
195. What Leaders Can Learn from Sports Reporting with Jen Mueller
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve all heard the advice to “be an effective communicator.” But what does that really mean beyond the buzzword? In this episode, veteran sport...
194. Empower, Don't Abandon
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Empowerment sounds good on paper, but in the workplace it often falls short.Especially in leadership stretch moments, like promotions and novel, high-...
193. From Chaos to Calm: Agility that Inspires Hope
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Agility is one of today’s favorite leadership buzzwords, but too often it gets reduced to simply moving faster. In this episode, we go beneath the ...
192. Beyond Recognition: The Power of Mattering at Work with Zach Mercurio
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if true recognition at work wasn’t about awards or bonuses, but about helping people feel they genuinely matter every single day? In this epis...
191. Stop Avoiding It: The Hidden Cost of Skipping Hard Conversations
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Avoiding difficult conversations, or softening them so much they lose their meaning, can damage trust, confuse your team, and hurt your credibility. I...
190. Making Work Meaningful to Motivate Your Team with Tamara Myles and Wes Adams
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to a new season of Strong Leaders Serve—where we’re going beneath the buzzwords. This season, we’re moving past surface-level leadership...
189. Managing Up and Across
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Struggling to get buy-in from senior leaders—or move things forward across departments when you have no formal authority? This episode is for you. W...
188. Leading through Change & Uncertainty
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling like your team is exhausted by constant change? You're not alone. In this episode of the Strong Leader Serve podcast, we delve into stra...
187. The Delegation Dilemma
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why is delegation so difficult—even when we know it’s essential to leadership? In this episode, we explore the hidden emotional and cognitive bar...
186. From Avoidance to Impact: Rethinking Difficult Conversations
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the leadership skill most of us avoid: difficult conversations. You'll learn the mindset shifts that help you move f...
185. Shifting Feedback from Threat to Growth
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever received feedback that felt like a personal attack, even when you knew it shouldn’t be? In this episode, Teri Schmidt shares a vulner...
184. Leading with Cultural Humility with Dr. Joel Pérez
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if leadership wasn’t about having the right answers, but about asking better questions? In this episode, Dr. Joel Pérez shares how cultural hu...
183. Inefficiency by Design: Creating Impact & Ownership with Luke Mickelson
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to leadership, efficiency isn’t always the goal—especially if it means leaving people out of the process. In this episode, CNN Hero...
182. Efficiency vs. Resilience with Tom Geraghty
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder if squeezing every ounce of efficiency from your team could actually leave you vulnerable when the unexpected strikes? In this episode, T...
181. When Leaders Can’t Turn Off: Breaking the Cycle of Constant Doing
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a leader who wants to rest—but finds yourself reaching for one more task instead? In this episode, we explore why high-achieving, compass...
180. Leading Through the Tension: Creating High-Performing Diverse Teams with Henrik Bresman
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Building a diverse team doesn't automatically lead to better performance — and without the right environment, it can even create new challeng...
179. The Hidden Anxiety of Managing Up
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever held back from asking a question or saying "no" because you were afraid it might insinuate that your boss isn’t competent, c...
178. Embracing Authority as a Compassionate, Driven Leader?
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If we're not in leadership for the title, how do we effectively face the challenges that come with transitioning into and through different level...
177. Redefining Accountability
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if holding someone accountable is one of the most caring things you can do as a leader?Listen for practical tips to shift accountability from con...
176. Building Trusting Relationships at Work with Deborah Ancona
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you sometimes struggle to build trusting relationships in your workplace, especially with the distance of remote and hybrid work? You're not...
175. Leading Remote Teams: Compassion with Results
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you finding it tough to lead remote teams with both compassion and efficiency? In this episode of Strong Leaders Serve, Teri Schmidt dives into th...
174. Teams in Transition with Henrik Bresman
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to discover the secrets behind successful team dynamics in a world where traditional structures are rapidly evolving? In this episode o...
173. Balancing Compassion and Results in Leadership
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel torn between being a compassionate leader and driving business results? You’re not alone. Listen as we unveil the CARE model—a pract...
172. Is Your Brain Blocking your Leadership Growth? with Ursula Pottinga
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel stuck in your efforts to make positive changes in your leadership? Your brain's drive to save energy may be to blame. Join Teri S...
Season Kickoff: Walking the tightrope as a compassionate, driven leader
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Leading in a way that meets the demands for fast results at the same time as you develop those around you is not easy. In this episode, host Teri Sch...
170. A short exercise to get you ready for 2025
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you someone who always has the best intentions of reflecting before starting a new year, but often gets stuck in the holiday/end-of-year busy-ness...
169. The Power of Contemplative Leadership with Patrick Boland
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how you can lead with both strength and compassion in an unpredictable world? In one of Teri's favorite conversations of the podcas...
A leadership tip for your Thanksgiving meal (AND a chance to win a free, award-winning book!)
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you're in the US, Happy Thanksgiving! I am grateful for you!We want to hear from you AND we'll reward you for it. Listen for the deta...
168. Thriving Leaders, Thriving Business with Cheryl Fields Tyler
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Supporting people leaders isn't just a nice-to-have; it's an economic imperative for thriving teams and successful organizations. On this e...
167. Why Leaders Need Community: Teri in the Hotseat
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leadership can be isolating...but it doesn't need to be.In this behind-the-scenes episode of Strong Leaders Serve, Teri shares her top piece of a...
166. Empathetic Leadership in a Global Workforce with Tammy Klotz
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how to lead a globally distributed team with empathy and grace?In this episode of Strong Leaders Serve, Teri Schmidt chats with Tammy Kl...
165. Women Leaders Helping Men Thrive: Insights from Moe Carrick
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For women to achieve workplace equity, men's wellbeing is important.Curious about how women leaders can help men thrive at work? In today’s ep...
164. The Business Benefits of Spiritual Intelligence with Yosi Amram
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Skeptical about how spiritual intelligence can really benefit business? In this episode of Strong Leaders Serve, Teri Schmidt chats with Yosi Amram a...
The Power of Endurance in Leadership
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When was the last time you intentionally chose to push through discomfort to achieve a meaningful goal? If you're thinking, "Isn’t that p...
163. Leadership Lessons Learned from Ultralight Backpacking with Glen Van Peski
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel the urge to simplify your life and leadership while still achieving impactful outcomes?Our guest today, Glen Van Peski, founder of Gossame...
162. Little Changes, Big Gains: Accelerating Team Decisions & Personal Fulfillment with Jason Silver
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you get frustrated by how slowly decisions are made at work? Our guest today has a solution for this AND practical insights from his newly release...
161. Navigating the Empathy Dilemma with Maria Ross
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you sometimes feel like the empathy at work pendulum has swung too far in one direction? Like people are starting to take advantage of caring lead...
Leading Your Team to be a Force for Good
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Something a little different this week: We're sharing an episode of the Thrive in the Workplace and Become a Force for Good podcast in which Te...
160. The Efficiency of Humble Leadership with Urs Koenig
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have a natural affinity for humble leadership but worry that it is less efficient than command and control? This week Teri Schmidt chats with U...
159. Focused leadership in a world of frenzy
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever found leadership lessons in the most unexpected places?In this episode, I share an eye-opening experience from a simple visit to an ice cream sho...
158. Trusting Intuition and Embracing Strengths with Danielle Fette
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by Danielle Fette, the innovative founder behind Fettech, a forward-thinking healthcare business specializing in regene...
157. The Courage to Listen: Embracing Tough Feedback
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On our last episode, Brigadier General AnnMarie Anthony shared that one of the keys to her success as a leader was listening to feedback from those wh...
156. The Courage to Learn & Lead with Brigadier General AnnMarie Anthony
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What does it mean to you to be a courageous leader? A model of courageous leadership in action, Brigadier General Anne Marie Anthony, director of the...
155. Two tips for leading in remote workplaces
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you navigating the complexities of leading a remote team? In this episode, we explore the unique challenges and opportunities of remote leadershi...
154. How to Disagree Respectfully Even During an Election Year with Justin Jones-Fosu
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In an election year, discussions can get heated. But how do we maintain respect? In our new episode with Justin Jones-Fosu, explore strategies for e...
See you in April!
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're taking a brief pause but join us back here in April for some excellent guests and content that we can't wait to share with you!Connect...
153. Are you a D.I.N.O. (delegator in name only)?
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What makes delegation one of the most challenging skills for new (and, if we're honest, experienced) leaders? Why are we, as leaders, so relucta...
152. What do you need to stop doing in your leadership?
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What deserves a "why" in your leadership today?In this episode of Strong Leaders Serve, host Teri Schmidt explores the concept of intention ...
My Birthday Request for You (and a preview of our next season)
17 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's my birthday! Will you help me with one of my wishes?It only will take 30 seconds and would mean a lot to me.Just click on the link below a...
151. Team Leadership Lessons from a Climate Startup with Breene Murphy
03 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
At Strong Leaders Serve we seek out and celebrate leaders who are making a positive impact through their work and leadership style. In today's ep...
150. Others-Focused Leadership with Vera Quinn
27 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features Vera Quinn, the CEO of Cydcor, who shares her journey from a door-to-door salesperson to running the company. Vera provides valu...
149. Leadership Decision-Making in Uncertain Times with Olena Petrosyuk
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Decision-making is one of the most difficult jobs of a leader, especially in uncertain times. In this episode, our guest, Olena Petrosyuk, shares her...
148. Boosting Team Performance: Reducing Cognitive Load through Psychological Safety with Tom Geraghty
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that when there is psychological safety on a team, it actually can reduce our cognitive load, making it easier to solve problems and inno...
147. Leading with Intention & Courage with Catherine Bell
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we get ready to begin a new year, are you wondering how you can you can lead with more intention and courage? Our guest, Catherine Bell, is a thou...
146. Leading with Curiosity to Transform Conflict with Sarah Noll Wilson
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you experience conflict in your workplace or home?Then this episode's for you. (So basically, it's for everyone).We talk with leadershi...
145. Getting Past "Us vs. Them" in Our Quest for Justice with Dr. Amanda Aminata Kemp
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When working to make our workplaces more compassionate and just, it's easy to give into the temptation to utilize the "us vs. them" par...
144. Rethinking Work and Advancing Gender Equality with Dr. Tara Schwegler
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that women represent over 52% of the professional workforce, but they only occupy 24% of C-Suite roles and only 10% of Fortune 500 comp...
143. Ethical Leadership in Action with Dr. Bev Kracher
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Business ethics is one of the most important, yet least talked about elements of leadership.That's one reason we're kicking of our series hi...
142. Leading Positive Change from Right Where You Are with Alex Budak
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's rapidly changing world, according to our guest, Alex Budak, we have two choices:We can bury our heads in the sand and ignore the cha...
141. Leading Through Performance Issues with Jill Shroyer
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you want to lead in a way that creates a more compassionate and just workplace, you can't avoid holding people accountable.As leaders, we like...
140. Making Meetings Meaningful with Mamie Kanfer Stewart
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have any meetings on your calendar this week that you're pretty sure will be a waste of time?You're not alone.In the last of our seri...
139. Maximizing Peer Relationships as a Leader
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had that coworker who is really difficult to work with? Or maybe there's another leader who seems to have a completely different p...
138. Is Your "Servant Leadership" Causing Your Team to Burn Out?
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You care about your team and you want to serve them. But in an attempt to lessen their struggles, are your actions actually contributing to their bu...
137. The Most Important Collaboration Skill for Work & Life
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If I told you there was 1 collaboration skill that I think could transform culture and significantly reduce stress in our teams, homes, and communitie...
136. Making Feedback Easier
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Giving and receiving feedback (especially when it's constructive) is HARD.In this episode we dig into why it's so hard and discuss helpful t...
Something a little different this week to get you ready for Q4
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Can you believe it's almost Q4?Are you struggling to create connections with your team in hybrid or remote environments?Are you planning Q4/end-o...
135. From Authority to Influence: Why "Because I Said So" Doesn't Work in Leadership
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Getting people to do what you want is hard work.You'd think that some positional authority would make it easier right? As a manager, shouldn&ap...
134. Don't Plan a Teambuilding Event Unless...
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why do so many teambuilding events fail to deliver real business impact?We explore that question in this episode and provide three steps that you can ...
133. Changemaker in Action: Overcoming Roadblocks & Making a Global Impact with Andrea Feigl
23 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been told no for an opportunity that you knew was perfect for you? What did you do? Our guest today, Andrea Feigl, the CEO and foun...
132. Reset Your Leadership
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you love a fresh start?As many of us in the northern hemisphere begin a new school year, we have a great opportunity to reflect on and reset our le...
131. Unlocking Cross-Cultural Collaboration with Nataly Kelly
09 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you:Lead a team that with team members from different countries? OrAre you building a business with a global presence? OrDo you lead a team with ...
130. Transforming Workplace Conflict with Bonnie Artman Fox
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you try to avoid conflict at all costs?Even though that may feel easier in the moment, you're likely depriving yourself and your team of incre...
129. How to Serve as a Leader Without Burning Out
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You want to focus on serving others in your leadership. But is it even possible in these economic times? In this episode we dig into what it mea...
128. Empowering Women Leaders to Thrive with Jane Miller
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
"When you make work better for women, you make things better for everyone -- men, children, your company, our economy and the world." -Jan...
127. Driving Business Success Through People-First Leadership with Brent Pohlman
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Who has time for reflection in today's economy? Isn't the best mode of working these days to put your head down and don't look up unt...
Announcement: Summer Break!
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Happy 1st day of summer! Coming to you today with a quick announcement.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-m-schmidt/Get 1-on-1 le...
126. The Powerful Principles of Latino Leadership that All Leaders Need with Dr. Juana Bordas
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation with Dr. Juana Bordas is full of joy, hope, history, and practical leadership wisdom critical for our VUCA (volatile, uncertain, com...
125. Embracing Full-Spectrum Leadership to Succeed in a Changing World with Nina Simons
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What 3 words would you use to describe a leader whom you admire? A leader who you know can succeed in our VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, & ...
124. How to Handle Layoffs When You're the One Left
31 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Has your organization been affected by layoffs? If not, I bet you know someone who is part of an organization that has been affected.Not many talk a...
123. Leading with EQ to Address Inequities & Become True Allies with Farah Harris
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful discussion with repeat guest, Farah Harris, we delve into the realms of emotional intelligence, leadership, and privilege. Join us as...
122. Empower Your Team: Maruxa Murphy's Secrets to High Performing, Values-Driven Communities
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You cannot do it alone. As a driven leader who has likely experienced a great deal of success in your professional and personal life, you may be tem...
121. Changemakers in Action: Gender Equity & Reconciliation International with Ariana Blossom & Jorge Rico
12 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to be inspired? Welcome to one of our bonus episodes about changemakers in action!Today's episode features Ariana Blossom and Jorge Rico ...
120. How to Show Your Team You Care Even When Budgets Are Slashed
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You want your team to know how much you value them…but there's no money for recognition dinners.You want your team to feel connected to each ot...
119. Unraveling Team Trust Issues: A New Leader's Guide to Success
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You've just landed your dream leadership job and can't wait to build a team of trust and innovation. But what happens when you discover your...
118. Together Women Rise: Communities Creating Change with Barb Collins and Beverley Francis-Gibson
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world - it's the only thing that ever has." - Marga...
117. Your First Step to a Career of Impact
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did you get into leadership because you wanted to make an impact?But between all the demands on your time, you may be wondering if that's even po...
116. Combating Loneliness for Women Leaders: Strategies to Thrive at Work
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling lonely can be a real problem in the workplace, especially for women, as they climb the corporate ladder. In fact, a recent study found that 5...
115. HR Tips for New Leaders with Sara Skowronski
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As a new leader, learning about Human Resources (HR) policies might not be the task that you're most motivated to do. But it's critically ...
114. Unleashing the Power of Women Supporting Women in Leadership
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel lonely in your leadership?Do you wish you had a community of women to support you through the highs and lows of leadership?We've g...
113. Building Networks & Relationships: Unlocking LinkedIn's Potential with Louise Brogan
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Leadership doesn't have to be lonely. And no, LinkedIn isn't just for those times you're searching for a job. LinkedIn is one of th...
112. From Peer to Leader: Navigating the Transition
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There are few transitions more awkward and challenging than becoming the leader of your former team. However, with the power of self-awareness, clea...
111. Leading through a Crisis with Jaime Beckel
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What's your first reaction to a crisis? Is it to fight (take action right away) or to freeze (try to ignore it)?As a leader, neither is a good ...
110. Women Leaders Changing the World with Belinda Clemmensen
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When Belinda Clemmensen discovers the business case for female leadership, she embarks on a journey to empower and support women to lead the change th...
109. Rethinking Leadership with Carol Sanford: Rediscovering Our Ability to Think for Ourselves
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Discover a new way of leadership that is:Not about delegation, but about building capability Not about moving people toward externally-defined object...
108. Handling Conflict with Confidence with Carol Bowser, JD
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Leaders, stop avoiding conflict and learn to transform it into growth.In this episode with Carol Bowser, you will learn:How and why should leaders pre...