Accelerate Your Performance

Have you ever felt a particular duty or aspect of your work was insignificant, small, or maybe even meaningless? No matter how small, every action has a ripple effect and contributes to the greater good for our organizations and teams. In this episode, our host Dr. Janet Pilcher shares a story that exemplifies this-- the humble beginnings that led to Kyle Johnston becoming the head athletic traine...

2020 has been the kind of year where we've all felt more stress and anxiety due to continuous change and uncertainty. As we turn our heads to 2021 now is a good time to reflect and self-assess. Has the stress we've understandably felt led us to be impatient with others? What kind of energy are we bringing home and to our workplaces? Do we drain energy from others, or do we energize other...

"When you shut down vulnerability you shut down opportunity"-- the words of Brene Brown challenge us to get honest with ourselves and self-reflect. What does vulnerable leadership look like? We know it involves opening up and being real, but how do we approach vulnerability in our organizations? In this episode, Janet shares characteristics of vulnerable leadership and practical tips for...

Great leaders are curious leaders.  Curiosity makes us more aware, opens our minds to new possibilities and solutions,  and leads to better communication between people and teams. In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher discusses why curiosity is critical in our workplaces and what we can do to increase our curiosity. This episode answers questions such as: How can curiosity transform our leadership? W...

On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best, let's rate ourselves for each statement: I make a difference on my team , I'm refreshing to work with , and I'm always willing to lend a hand . Now, how would your coworkers rate you? When it comes to relationships with colleagues, every interaction counts. In this episode, our host Dr. Janet Pilcher shares tips for managing good working r...

The end of a year is a great time to reflect. How far have we gone over the year? Did we hit our goals? If not, what kept us from achieving them? In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher describes a process that engages employees in reflective conversations to keep our organizations moving in the right direction. This episode answers questions such as: How can we give our team members a chance to meanin...

While the holidays are often times of joy, they can also be difficult times for some, and this year has sure brought challenges for all of us. With this in mind, let's consider how we can recognize the people in our lives and how we can effectively express our appreciation. In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher shares tips for practicing gratitude and creating an environment where people feel va...

Since March, we've all understandably felt more stressed at times. Research shows gratitude can help balance out the impacts of uncertainty on our wellbeing. In this episode, listen as Dr. Janet Pilcher shares ideas for how we can cultivate more gratitude on our teams after weathering a long year of living in a constant state of uncertainty. This episode answers questions such as: Why should...

When challenges seem numerous or even insurmountable, it's important we stay connected to our purpose and that we help our teams do the same. It is the fuel that will keep us going and infuses meaning into our work.  Having a sense of purpose calls us to growth and to step out of our comfort zones. Staying connected to our purpose is so vital, we've chosen it as the theme of this year&ap...

When humans are faced with change, we often deny, rationalize, and negotiate before we accept our newly found situation. Within our organizations, change can amplify stress and hinder productivity. Our goal as leaders is to build relationships and help individuals move through their anxiety. We do this by asking meaningful questions that connect our organization's standards of behavior to the...

Children who experience a strong early education are more likely to be successful in life.  This is why today's guests strive to support families and seek out innovation for children and early childhood education. In this episode, Rina Irwin,  CEO of Child Development Centers (CDC) in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Dr. Scott Cartwright, Director of Medical Services share about how they do things dif...

When we are faced with change we have an opportunity to respond with creative solutions. Today, our guest shares how her organization is inspired to navigate change by the vision: one team, one mission, one community. Superintendent of Hopkins County Schools , Deanna Ashby explains, "our mess has become our unified message together. " Listen as Deanna and our host discuss how this distri...

Building relationships with people is more important than ever as we shift to more virtual environments. Not only are relationships key, they also help us all get through obstacles and challenges. In this episode, we are joined by Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Chris Hartly , and Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Colby Smart, from Humboldt County Office of Education in Northern California.  Listen as...

To deliver exceptional service we need to embrace vulnerability and courage. When leaders model this behavior in organizations, employees are encouraged to take risks and know that it's okay to fail. Today, Jon Malone , Director and CEO of Northwestern Illinois Association discusses his organization's commitment to service and how vulnerability impacts trust and accountability on his tea...

Quint Studer has joined us as a guest on our podcast throughout 2020, sharing his stories and experiences from his career that we can learn and grow from. In this episode, we have collected highlights from these interviews and we revisit some of Quint's top tips and advice for leaders who want to be their best.  This episode answers questions such as: What is really getting in our way? How ca...

Is your workplace culture vibrant? Is it a place where people want to stay and work? Is it a place that attracts top talent? In this episode, Quint Studer is back to share more about his experience in education and healthcare, and his current focus -- communities. Listen as our host Dr. Janet Pilcher asks Quint about lessons learned in his work to make communities vibrant places to live work and p...

How did Quint advance his career from a High School Special Education Teacher to a Hospital President to a Founder and CEO? In this episode, we continue Quint Studer’s story from episode #122 and hear about one of his major life transitions-- a key moment when he took a risk and followed his heart. Listen as Quint and Janet discuss the part of his journey that fueled the creation for some of his g...

2020 has been a psychologically challenging year for leaders and employees across all organizations. At the same time, disruption can be our greatest innovator, and we've all learned important lessons from this year that will stick with us. In this episode, Ocean Springs School District Superintendent, Dr. Bonita Coleman and Janet discuss balancing the burden of keeping people safe with the r...

We all want to make a difference in our work. Whatever the path maybe that has brought us to this point in our careers, our experiences along the way are valuable and have shaped us into who we are. In this episode, we take a look at Quint Studer’s path—from his childhood to his journey in education and healthcare. Listen as our host Dr. Janet Pilcher asks Quint about his journey, stories about th...

How do we speak our truth, while deepening our connection with others? Executive leader coach and author, Terre Short joins us to discuss more mindful, communication that comes from the heart. In episode 120 Janet and Quint discussed Terre’s book The Words We Choose: Your Guide to How and Why Words Matter . Today, listen as Terre shares tools from her book focused on how we can elevate our communi...

Words help us get where we want to go. Our words can make others feel better, or worse. Our words can diffuse difficult situations, or escalate them. This is why effective communication is so vital in every workplace. In this episode, listen as Quint Studer and our host Dr. Janet Pilcher discuss what leaders should avoid when it comes to communicating, and examples of ways words can be used effect...

Hurricane Sally recently impacted our local area in Pensacola, leaving thousands with damage, flooding, and even the loss of an essential bridge between our communities. But what left the greatest impression on our host, Janet Pilcher was the small, yet powerful acts of thoughtfulness that emerged among the mess. Striking acts of thoughtfulness were not only seen within our team but across our cit...

How can our teams reach the goals we set out to accomplish? What does it mean for our teams to be successful? Using the right metrics to track progress and engaging in conversations to problem-solve are keys to helping us get there. In this episode, listen as our host Janet Pilcher discusses tools and tactics to help our teams reach our goals and be successful. This episode addresses questions, su...

When we think of micromanaging, we typically think of it as a negative thing. But the reality is, extra supervision and coaching are sometimes necessary before some individuals are ready to leave the nest. In today's episode, Quint Studer and Janet dive into the topic—discussing what micromanaging is, when it’s necessary, and how leaders can communicate effectively with employees who may need...

2020 has intensified the need for a partnership to exist between teachers and parents. While parents are appreciating the role of teacher now more than ever, today's guest explains, the role of learning coach has always belonged to parents. In today's episode, listen as Dr. Erica Karr and Janet discuss practical tips that will help leaders build parent confidence and support for students...