I Wish They Knew

High performers don’t thrive on hustle – they succeed with habits. In Episode 266, James Laughlin drops by to discuss the habits of high performers – and they’re accessible to everyone: How to visualize your goals for success How to sustain motivation over long periods of time How to build better habits of mind, body and spirit How to stay focused on “what’s now,” not just “what’s next” LINKS: Jam...

Defiance is a practice, not a personality - and it's something anyone can do. In Episode 265, Dr. Sunita Sah drops by to redefine defiance. We discuss why people avoid speaking up, the cost of staying silent, and how we can apply acts of "quiet defiance" in the workplace.

You can't lead others unless your first unblock yourself. In Episode 264, Muriel Wilkins explores the hidden beliefs that hold leaders back. We discuss ways to unblock your leadership potential, how to develop strong self-awareness, and how leaders should practice unblocking at every stage of their careers.

WD-40 created a company culture where people can make a contribution, learn something new, feel safe and protected, and go home happy. Do you wish that your company culture looked just like that? In Episode #263, who spent two decades as WD-40's CEO and chairman, explains why "learning moments" drive the culture, how leaders can balance candor with caring, and why ego is the #1 culture killer.

IN EPISODE 262: Leadership is uncomfortable. Finding your leader identity doesn't have to be. In Episode 262, Natalie Pickering  explains how leaders can develop their inside game and amplify their impact. We discuss how personal narratives influence leadership style, how to become more comfortable with discomfort, and how to take feedback with more grace. Good leaders operate from the inside out...

IN EPISODE 261: In this episode, Joe Hirsch speaks with Christian "Boo" Boucousis, a former fighter pilot and CEO of Afterburner, about the principles of flawless leadership. Boo shares insights on how the fighter pilot mindset can be applied to business, emphasizing the importance of having a clear destination, valuing mistakes as learning opportunities, and the necessity of debriefing to foster...

IN EPISODE 260: We have too many meetings and not enough clarity. In Episode 260, Rebecca Hinds is here to make meetings more intentional and effective. Using Rebecca's powerful meetings model, you'll learn what to cut, what to keep, and how to right-size your internal communications. From the rise of "digital twins" to measuring meeting ROI, this episode is packed with no-nonsense tips that will...

IN EPISODE 259: There's value in knowing our core values . In Episode 259, Robert Glazer returns to the show to explore how we should lead and live by core values.  We discuss how core values influence decision-making, the distinction between inner and outer work in identifying values, and whether values can evolve over time. If you want to make better life choices and navigate relationships effec...

IN EPISODE 258: Want to make a great first impression? Put the other person first. In Episode 258, Rebecca Okamato shows us how to make a lasting first impression in 20 words or less. We discuss why so many first impressions fail to impress, how to craft a clear and compelling message, and how to tune our nonverbal cues for success. Whether you're trying to stand out at work, land a new job, or di...

IN EPISODE 257: To be a super-performer, you don't need extraordinary effort - just ordinary habits. In Episode 257, George Pesansky explores ways individuals can optimize their everyday behavior and decisions to drive improvement throughout their organization. Whether it's listening to frontline workers, understanding the root causes of success, or creating a culture of continuous improvement, su...

IN EPISODE 256: In Episode 256, Kelli Thompson explores the cost of overestimating others and underestimating ourselves. We discuss ways to align decisions with values, how to stay grounded as a leader, why we should treat AI with white gloves, and the importance of mentorship. ABOUT KELLI THOMPSON: Kelli Thompson is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and executive coach who is on a mission...

IN EPISODE 255: What looks like “good fortune” is often the result of understanding — and leveraging — the hidden markets that govern access to opportunity. Judd Kessler is here to help us understand them. Whether it’s the algorithms behind dating apps, the psychology of lotteries and waitlists, or the structure of modern hiring, we can design our own luck — as long as we know the rules and are pr...

IN EPISODE 254: Can you collaborate with people you don't like, agree with, or trust? In Episode 254, Adam Kahane shows how it's possible to collaborate even when we can't pick our partners. We explore the limits of traditional collaboration and how "stretch collaboration" can allow us to better embrace conflict, experiment with solutions, and recognize our personal agency. ABOUT ADAM KAHANE: Adam...

IN EPISODE 253: The truth about high-achieving teams is that they engage in honest talk. In Episode 253, Steven Gaffney shows us how to get the unsaid said through more honest team communication. We discuss ways leaders can create stronger feedback cultures, why accountability measures often backfire, and how to screen for candidates who align with your values. ABOUT STEVEN GAFFNEY: Steven Gaffney...

In this solo episode, I share my complicated relationship with feedback - and why I'm now thankful it's a major part of my life. A Thanksgiving edition of things I wish you knew.

In this solo episode, I share the power of adopting the "silver rule" in our everyday feedback. Learn why having a to-don't list can help you improve your feedback message and delivery, and why "right sizing" and "bite sizing" feedback can produce stronger outcomes.

IN EPISODE 250: Are you looking to create the "new you"? In Episode 250, Nataly Kogan drops by to discuss her framework for personal reinvention. We talk about letting go of limiting beliefs, getting in tune with our passion and purpose, and uncovering the dimensions that bring us closer to who we want to be. ABOUT NATALY KOGAN: Nataly Kogan is a globally recognized expert in transformation and le...

IN EPISODE 249: Minimalism isn't about doing or having less - it's about doing the right things with more intention. In Episode 249, Shira Gill explores the importance of making intentional choices in our work and lives, emphasizing the impact of minimalism on personal growth and goal setting. We discuss the power of a having a clean space, how leaders can create a culture of prioritization and fo...

IN EPISODE 248: Some people manage by default. The good ones manage by design. In Episode 248, Ali Merchant highlights the ways "all in" managers stand out, especially when it comes to sharing feedback. We discuss practical strategies for improving feedback conversations and positive communication in the workplace. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned vet, there's a lot of useful tips here t...

IN EPISODE 247: There's nothing wrong with showing some emotion at work - as long as we do it right. In Episode 247, Claude Silver, the Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, talks about the importance of emotional expression in the workplace. We discuss why showing up authentically can lead to a more human and productive work environment. Claude introduces three pillars of emotional engagement: emotiona...

IN EPISODE 246: Humble leaders don't see themselves as better than others - they try to make others better. In Episode 246, former NATO commander Urs Koenig explores the beliefs and behaviors of radical humility and why humble leaders stand out with their approach. We cover lots of ground here, including how to lead relationally and focus on strategy, not tactics; how to build a leadership factory...

IN EPISODE 245: The best leaders bring out the best in others - something they do by choice, not chance. In Episode 245, Matt Tenney shares a systematic and scalable way to inspire greatness in your team. We discuss the three most important needs of employees; why frequent feedback is more effective than occasional surveys; and how to approach someone who doesn't seem inspired to grow. This episod...

IN EPISODE 244:If you want to lead others, start by managing yourself. In Episode 244, Margaret Andrews drops by to explore the practice of self-leadership. We discuss why a lack of self-understanding can derail our career, how to close the knowing-doing gap with feedback and coaching, and how to set and adapt to an organization's cultural beat. ABOUT MARGARET ANDREWS: Margaret C. Andrews is a sea...

IN EPISIDE 243: It's time to change the focus of how people feel at work to how they feel about work. In Episode 243, Mark C. Crowley drops by to discuss the importance of employee well-being in the workplace. We explore the limitations of traditional employee engagement strategies, the role of managers in fostering a supportive environment, the need for organizations to measure well-being effecti...

IN EPISODE 242: The only person who can control your career...is you. In Episode 242, former Barstool Sports CEO Erika Ayers Badan shares stone cold career advice to help you thrive at work. From listening more and talking less, to staying in "fail always" mode, to embracing feedback and change (even when it hurts), you'll learn powerful tips for getting ahead on your own terms. ABOUT ERIKA AYERS...