Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders

Jevon Wooden shares his personal transformation—from a jail cell at 17 to becoming a leadership consultant and military veteran. This episode explores how life's hardest moments shape emotional intelligence, and why self-awareness is the first step toward empathetic leadership. Summary: Mike and Jevon explore how early life challenges shaped Jevon's leadership philosophy. They unpack what it means...

What happens when leaders are promoted for technical skills but never taught how to lead people? Jevon and Mike dig into this common gap—and how to close it. Part 2 focuses on organizational culture, psychological safety, cultural agility, and building buy-in that actually works. Summary: Jevon shares his experiences working across cultures—from tech teams to Saudi Arabia—and unpacks how feedback,...

Frankie Berkoben joins Mike Lejeune to explore how her path from climate science to coaching unfolded. She opens up about navigating a "career wobble," discovering she had ADHD, and how that transformed her understanding of leadership, systems thinking, and the way people show up at work. Summary This episode explores the intersection of neurodiversity and leadership. Frankie shares how her ADHD d...

In Part 2, Mike and Frankie explore the deeper layers of effective leadership—from creating psychological safety to clarifying priorities and building trust through communication. The conversation shifts toward emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and how leaders can adapt to support diverse thinkers. Summary Frankie breaks down the role of processing styles, verbal communication, and emotional...

Mike and Stephen dive deeper into what makes a team consistently excel. They explore why humility is such a powerful trait in a leader and how staying curious can unlock new ideas from your team. Stephen shares how genuine listening – not just hearing words – builds trust and uncovers issues leaders might otherwise miss. The discussion shifts to the art of asking great questions. Stephen explains...

In Part 1 of Mike Lejeune's interview with Stephen Gaffney on Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders, they delve into what it takes to build a consistently high-achieving team. Stephen emphasizes that trust and honest communication are essential for great teamwork.  He and Mike discuss how leaders can create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing concerns and real feedback—without f...

Introduction In Part 2, Aneace Haddad dives into leading teams in chaotic times. Learn how to ditch the "addiction to certainty" and build a C-suite that thrives in ambiguity. Summary Aneace reveals why even seasoned leaders struggle with uncertainty in teams – and how to foster collective resilience. He shares practical steps to shift from "closing the deal" to staying open, using neuroscience an...

Introduction Join Mike Lejeune and global leadership expert Aneace Haddad as they explore how midlife challenges can unlock unexpected leadership strengths. Aneace shares his journey from tech CEO to executive coach, revealing why midlife's turbulence is a catalyst for growth. Summary Aneace discusses the "perfect storm" of midlife – a time when leaders often face burnout, identity shifts, and the...

Introduction: Welcome back! In Part 2 of our conversation with Ernesto Gomez, we dive deeper into the practical aspects of fostering engaged, purpose-driven teams. Ernesto expands on his framework introduced in Part 1, focusing on the three crucial dimensions that unlock potential: talent density, culture, and mindset. Learn actionable strategies to cultivate these areas within your own organizati...

Introduction: Ever wonder why even the most talented teams sometimes underperform? In this episode of Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders, we kick off a fascinating two-part conversation with Ernesto Gomez, a seasoned leader who served as the CHRO of a major global corporation. Ernesto shares his unique perspective on unlocking team potential, drawing from his experience leading a massive workforce...

In this second part of "Reset Before You Lead:  Emotional Awareness in High-Stakes Environments", Mike Lejeune and Andrea Wanerstrand continue their discussion on leadership, emotional intelligence, and building effective teams. They delve into the nuances of productive versus destructive tension, the power of kindness over niceness, and the importance of clarity in communication. Andrea shares in...

In this captivating first part of "Reset Before You Lead:  Emotional Awareness in High-Stakes Environments" ,Mike Lejeune welcomes Andrea Wanerstrand, founder and CEO of A3 Culture Lab. Andrea brings a wealth of experience from global giants like T-Mobile and Microsoft, where she led global performance management. Today, she focuses on cultivating human-centric cultures, emphasizing authenticity,...

In this second part of my conversation with Dr. Sarah Glova, we dive deeper into leadership, entrepreneurship, and the hidden power of intentionality. Sarah shares insights from her journey as an entrepreneur, educator, and consultant, offering a fresh take on how leaders can inspire action without overwhelming their teams. From finding the right spark in people to the simple yet powerful act of a...

In this episode of  Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders , I'm joined by Dr. Sarah Glova—educator, consultant, and expert communicator. As a faculty member at Duke University and North Carolina State, Sarah works with some of the brightest technical minds, helping them harness one of the most underrated skills in leadership: clear, effective communication. We dive deep into what separates high achiev...

In a world where digital isolation is at an all-time high, how can you build authentic relationships that truly stand out? In this episode, I continue my conversation with  Scott Grates , bestselling author of  Referrals Done Right , to uncover the  power of human connection in a disconnected world. Topics Covered: The rise of loneliness and its impact on modern business relationships Why influenc...

How do you stand out in a saturated, digitally dominated world? In this episode, I sit down with  Scott Grates , TEDx speaker and USA Today bestselling author of  Referrals Done Right , to uncover the power of relationships, consistency, and creating memorable customer experiences. Topics Covered: The challenge of standing out in today's digital world The  Purple Cow  and  Blue Ocean Strategy  app...

What does it take to truly lead? In this second part of our powerful conversation, we explore how great leaders build trust, cultivate meaningful relationships, and create cultures where people feel valued and empowered. Marnie shares insights on balancing work and life, the importance of patience in leadership, and how prioritization fuels both personal and professional success. We also dive into...

In this episode of  Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders , we explore the power of leadership that prioritizes culture, training, and strategic hiring. Our guest, Marnie Byford, shares insights on how to build a strong, mission-driven team, the importance of hiring for attitude over skills, and why slowing down can be the key to long-term success. Meet Our Podcast Guest: Marnie Byford This week, we'r...

In Part 2 of this conversation with Tim Silk, discover how the  4 Cs —clarity, curiosity, connection, and confidence—can help you navigate uncertainty, inspire your team, and lead with impact. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for leaders ready to elevate their influence and effectiveness. What You'll Learn: Clarity as a Superpower: Why defining what truly matters is e...

In this episode of  Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders , Mike Lejeune connects with Tim Silk, founder of Acacia Days, to explore leadership principles that endure through uncertainty. Together, they delve into self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the power of soft skills to build resilient teams and lasting legacies. Discover how curiosity, reflection, and engagement can transform not only w...

In this episode of Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders , Mike Lejeune welcomes Larry Long Jr., president of the National Speakers Association Carolina's chapter and author of  Jolt: Get Zapped Into Intentionality . Together, they explore how intentionality, emotional intelligence, and a people-first mindset drive productivity and engagement in today's workplace. Larry shares his journey from overcom...

In this episode, Mike Lejeune chats with Larry Long Jr., diving deep into the challenges and strategies leaders face when transitioning from individual contributors to influential managers. Together, they discuss the importance of seeing situations from others' perspectives, asking thoughtful questions, and leading with intentionality. Along the way, they share personal stories of resilience, acco...

In this episode, Mike Lejeune and Dustin Norwood discuss the evolving role of leadership in modern organizations, emphasizing the importance of empathy and meaningful engagement. Dustin shares insights into how leaders can connect employees' roles to the organization's mission, fostering a sense of purpose. They explore the importance of micro-credentialing in professional development, addressing...

In this episode, Mike Lejeune speaks with Dustin Norwood about the transformative power of employee development and engagement. They explore why investing in development is the number one tool leaders have to retain and engage talent. Dustin shares his journey from education in Japan to his leadership role at the American Staffing Association (ASA), offering insights into how companies can priorit...

In this episode, Mike Lejeune interviews Alejo Orvananos, a Gen Z professional working in the tech startup space. Alejo shares insights into his generation's approach to work, leadership, and the growing value of experiences over material possessions. As an entrepreneur working with BarBoards, Alejo explores how artificial intelligence is shaping the bar and restaurant industry. Key Topics Covered...