Robert Adams

A Student of Leadership - Real Leaders. Real Growth. One Table.

Business EN ↓ 73 episodes

Welcome to A Student of Leadership , the podcast for leaders who believe growth is never finished. I'm Robert Adams. Behavioral leadership coach. Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coach. Thirty years in food distribution, multi-unit operations, and leadership development. Ranked #6 in the United States for Leadership Coaching on LinkedIn by Favikon. Each episode delivers one idea, one story, and one question worth sitting with. Built for leaders who are actually in the work. Not theorizing about it. The food industry is where leadership gets tested every single day. On the floor. In the...

Author

Robert Adams

Category

Business

Latest episode

Jul 7, 2026

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Episodes

Episode 47 - Psychological Safety 13.01.2026

In this episode, Robert Adams discusses the concept of psychological safety in leadership and its impact on team dynamics. He shares insights on creating an environment where honesty and transparency are valued, and how leaders can foster psychological safety within their teams. The episode concludes with a reminder of the upcoming topics and resources for further leadership development. Takeaways...

Episode 46 - Energy Management 06.01.2026

In this episode, Robert Adams discusses the importance of energy over time in leadership. He emphasizes the need to manage emotional energy and provides a leadership challenge to replenish energy through consistent habits. Additionally, he shares ways to practice leadership throughout the week. Takeaways Energy over time Managing emotional energy Chapters 00:00 The Energy Game

Episode 45 - Leading Through Complexity 30.12.2025

In this episode, Robert Adams discusses the concept of leading through complexity and the importance of absorbing pressure as a leader. He shares a real-life story of calm leadership in a high-stakes situation and emphasizes the role of leaders in absorbing pressure and choosing clarity over emotion. The episode concludes with an invitation to stay connected beyond the podcast and a preview of the...

Episode 44 - Leading with Purpose 23.12.2025

In this episode, Robert Adams discusses the profound impact of purpose in leadership. He emphasizes that purpose is not just a tagline but the driving force behind decisions, relationships, and overall impact. Through the story of chef Jose Andres and his humanitarian efforts, Adams illustrates how purpose can transform leadership from a heavy burden into a meaningful journey. He challenges listen...

Episode 43 - Feedback Culture 16.12.2025

In this episode, Robert Adams discusses the importance of fostering a feedback culture within teams. He emphasizes that feedback should be viewed as a tool for growth rather than a source of fear. Through the example of Jessica Alba's leadership during a crisis, he illustrates how transparency and open communication can rebuild trust and encourage honest feedback. The conversation encourages leade...

Episode 42 - Adaptability - Staying Steady with Change 09.12.2025

In this episode, Robert Adams discusses the importance of fostering a feedback culture within teams. He emphasizes that feedback should be viewed as a tool for growth rather than a source of fear. Through the example of Jessica Alba's leadership during a crisis, he illustrates how transparency and open communication can rebuild trust and encourage honest feedback. The conversation encourages leade...

Episode 41 - Next Gen Talent 02.12.2025

In this conversation, Robert Adams discusses the importance of empowering the next generation through leadership that fosters belief and accountability. He highlights the concept of shared accountability practiced by Ben & Jerry's, where every team member is encouraged to contribute ideas and take responsibility, regardless of their title. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of...

Episode 40 - Trust & Culture 26.11.2025

In this conversation, Robert Adams discusses the innovative approach taken by Panera Bread to improve communication within their organization through the implementation of listening circles. These circles foster open dialogue between frontline employees and leadership, allowing for genuine feedback and collaboration without the constraints of traditional corporate meetings. Takeaways Panera Bread...

Episode 39 - Wellness & Burnout Prevention 18.11.2025

In this conversation, Robert Adams delves into the often-overlooked topic of burnout, particularly in the food service industry. He emphasizes the difference between corporate burnout and the human experience of exhaustion that creeps in slowly. Adams discusses the importance of passion in food service and how it can lead to burnout without proper rest. He advocates for leaders to take proactive m...

Episode 38 — Sustainable Leadership Practices in Foodservice 11.11.2025

In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the concept of sustainable leadership, emphasizing the importance of long-term thinking and decision-making that benefits not just immediate results but also future outcomes. He shares insights from Sweetgreen's approach to sustainability and encourages leaders to model responsible behavior, connect their teams to a greater purpose, and recognize integrity in d...

Episode 37 — Inclusive Leadership in Foodservice 04.11.2025

In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the significance of inclusive leadership in fostering a strong workplace culture, particularly in the food service industry. He emphasizes that leadership is not just about authority but about making every team member feel valued and heard. Through practical examples and actionable steps, he illustrates how inclusive practices can enhance team engagement and pe...

Episode 36 - Building Resilient Teams in Foodservice 28.10.2025

In this episode of A Student of Leadership, Rob Adams discusses the importance of building resilient teams in the food service industry. He highlights the case of Chipotle, which faced a significant crisis in 2015, and how their leadership responded by focusing on recovery and trust-building rather than panic. Adams emphasizes that resilience is a leadership behavior that can be cultivated through...

Episode 35 - Digital Leadership in Food service 21.10.2025

In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the critical role of leadership in the digital transformation of the food industry. He emphasizes that technology alone does not drive change; rather, it is the connection and purpose that leaders instill in their teams that fosters successful adoption of new tools. Using Chick-fil-A as a case study, he illustrates how a people-first approach can lead to greate...

Episode 34 - My Leadership Journey 14.10.2025

Summary In this episode of A Student of Leadership, Rob Adams shares his journey from a culinary background to becoming a leader in the food service industry. He emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and a people-first mentality in leadership. Rob discusses the challenges he faced and the lessons learned, highlighting the significance of building trust and resilience within team...

Summer Episode - Break Message 06.09.2025

Summer Break - Message

Episode 33 - Leadership Habits 05.08.2025

In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the importance of habits in leadership, emphasizing that great leaders are defined not by their charisma or intelligence, but by their consistent behaviors. He introduces the concept of the habit loop and shares actionable strategies for developing effective leadership habits, including the significance of tiny wins and daily reflections. The episode concludes...

Episode 32 - Leadership Strengths 29.07.2025

In this episode of 'A Student of Leadership', Rob Adams emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses in leadership. He shares the story of Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, who successfully built a culture of strength-based leadership. The episode outlines practical strategies for leaders to identify and leverage the strengths of their team members, ultimately leading...

Episode 31 - Leadership Potential 22.07.2025

In this episode of 'A Student of Leadership', Rob Adams discusses the importance of recognizing and nurturing potential in team members. He emphasizes the role of belief in fostering growth and innovation, using Satya Nadella's leadership at Microsoft as a key example. The episode outlines practical steps for leaders to help their teams realize their potential, including identifying quiet achiever...

Episode 30 - Leadership Development 15.07.2025

In this episode, Rob Adams emphasizes the critical role of people development in effective leadership. He discusses how great leaders prioritize the growth of their team members, sharing insights from Rosalind Brewer's leadership journey. The conversation highlights actionable strategies for fostering development, such as creating learning moments and providing real-time feedback. Ultimately, Adam...

Episode 29 - Leadership Feedback 08.07.2025

In this episode of A Student of Leadership, Rob Adams discusses the critical role of feedback in leadership. He emphasizes that feedback should be constructive and aimed at helping individuals grow rather than pointing out flaws. Using Pixar's Brain Trust as an example, he illustrates how a culture of open and honest feedback can lead to greater creativity and success. Adams provides practical str...

Episode 28 - Leadership Sponsorship 01.07.2025

In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the critical role of sponsorship in leadership, emphasizing its transformative power compared to traditional mentoring. He shares insights on how sponsorship can significantly impact career advancement, particularly for underrepresented groups. The conversation includes actionable steps for leaders to become effective sponsors, highlighting the importance of ad...

Episode 27 - Leadership Mentoring 24.06.2025

In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the transformative power of mentoring in leadership. He shares a poignant story about a cafeteria worker, Denise, who mentored a struggling student, Maria, helping her realize her potential and achieve her dream of becoming a nurse. The conversation emphasizes that mentoring is about investing in others, building confidence, and fostering relationships rather t...

Episode 26 - Leadership Coaching 21.06.2025

In this micro-podcast, Rob Adams discusses the transformative power of coaching in leadership. He emphasizes that coaching is not about fixing people but unlocking their potential and fostering growth. Through the story of Coach Taylor and Eli, he illustrates how trust and presence can lead to significant change. Adams distinguishes coaching from managing, highlighting the importance of intentiona...

Episode 25 - Leadership Decisiveness 10.06.2025

In this episode of the Micro Podcast, Rob Adams discusses the critical leadership habit of decisiveness. He emphasizes that effective leaders do not wait for perfect clarity but take timely and confident action, even in uncertain situations. Through a real-life story of a school principal who made a bold decision during a storm, Rob illustrates the importance of decisiveness in leadership. He also...

Episode 24 - Leadership Collaboration 05.06.2025

In this episode of the Student of Leadership Micro Podcast, Rob Adams discusses the essential habit of collaboration, emphasizing its role in multiplying talent, building trust, and achieving extraordinary outcomes. He shares a compelling story about the Miracle on the Hudson to illustrate the power of teamwork under pressure. The conversation delves into the difference between real collaboration...

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