I Wish They Knew

IN EPISODE 241: Leaders who see around corners have more than good vision - they have a plan. In Episode 241, Rita McGrath drops by to share ways leaders can better prepare for significantchanges in their industries. We discuss the importance of recognizing change signals ("inflection points"), creating early warning systems, and fostering a culture of bottom-up innovation. ABOUT RITA MCGRATH: Rit...

IN EPISODE 240: With more than 3 billion global gamers, gaming is no longer a novelty - it's a necessity. In Episode 240, Bastian Bergmann explores the serious business of games. We discuss how gaming has become a strategic tool for brands to engageconsumers, enhance learning experiences, and even support mental health and wellbeing. The future belongs to games, and you need to develop a strategy...

IN EPISODE 238: We're told that plastics are a threat to our health and environment, but does the science back that up? In Episode 238, Chris DeArmitt shares the misconceptions surrounding plastics and microplastics. He discusses the actual impact of microplastics, the science behind plastic usage, and why bans on plastic products may actually cause more harm than good. ABOUT CHRIS DEARMITT: Dr. C...

IN EPISODE 238: Dr. Christopher Phelps discusses the art and science of ethical persuasion, emphasizing the importance of understanding Cialdini's principles of influence. He highlights common mistakes people make in persuasion, such as failing to secure commitments and the significance of the order of information presented. We also explore the ethical implications of persuasion versus manipulatio...

IN EPISODE 237: In Episode 237, Richard Simon, author of Unplug, drops by to share his year-long journey of disconnecting from his smartphone. We discuss the motivation behind this drastic decision, the impact on his personal relationships, and practical strategies for others looking to reduce their smartphone dependency. ABOUT RICHARD SIMON: Richard Simon directs website strategy for Georgetown L...

IN EPISODE 236: Happiness isn't a pursuit - it's a practice. In Episode 236, Jennifer Moss explores the evolving landscape of work, emphasizing the importance of resilience, happiness, and meaningful experiences in the workplace. We discuss how organizations can foster a culture of well-being and engagement, the significance of building habits that promote happiness, and the need to rethink tradit...

IN EPISODE 235: Want to create more meaningful work? Focus on frequency, not intensity. In Episode 235, Tamara Myles shows how leaders can foster an environment that enhances employee engagement and satisfaction. We discuss the significance of everyday moments that contribute to a sense of meaning, the role of purpose in preventing burnout, and the necessity of psychological safety in the workplac...

IN EPISODE 234: The most important thing leaders aren't trained to manage is their reputation. In Episode 234, Charlotte Otter shows how leaders can build and maintain their reputations for personal and organizational success. She discusses ways to build trust and connection through storytelling, stresses the importance of aligning words and actions, and offers tips on how to repair a damaged repu...

IN EPISODE 215: Innovation needs more than a good idea - it requires great leadership. In Episode 215, Robyn Bolton unlocks the leadership playbook for designing, supporting and executing bold ideas. We discuss ways leaders can resist short-term pressures that work against innovation, how to de-risk and develop innovation at every stage, and how to manage innovation teams with more curiosity and c...

IN EPISODE 232: When it comes to feedback, what we show matters more than what we say. In this solo episode, I explore the visual side of feedback and how our "feedback face" tells a story that can change the entire meaning of our words. Good feedback is more like a map that shows others how to find their next steps.

IN EPISODE 231: Great leaders can help others find moments of meaning in any job, any day, if they know where to look. In Episode 231, Wes Adams explores ways that leaders can create meaningful work for every employee. We talk about the three drivers of meaning, discuss ideas that promote positive feedback across teams, and share ways that leaders can challenge and support others in their work. AB...

IN EPISODE 230: Flexible leaders don't change who they are, but they do adapt how they lead. In Episode 230, Kevin Eikenberry shares lessons in flexible leadership. We discuss the downside of personality tests, why being intentional is so critical to leadership success, and the necessity of staying true to one's values during volatile times. Good leadership never goes out of style, but good leader...

IN EPISODE 229: Making others feel like they matter is no small matter - and it doesn't require big gestures. In Episode 229, Zach Mercurio shows how leaders can help others experience greatersignificance at work. We discuss practical ways to notice, affirm and make people feel needed, how to ask questions that foster trust, and what organizations can do to create more supportive workplaces. ABOUT...

IN EPISODE 228: The best experiences don’t transact — they transform. In Episode 228, Ken Hughes shows how the best brands create "heart space" by making emotional connections with their customers. We explore the importance of non-traditional metrics in customer service, why brands should treat their employees as their "first customer," how to create memorable experiences that truly surprise and d...

IN EPISODE 227: Curiosity is more than just a way to learn from others - it's how we show others we care. In Episode 227, Ryan Hawk drops by to discuss ways to foster deeper conversations and connections at work and in life. We talk about the ingredients of a great conversation, how to get people to open up aboutthemselves, and how leaders can turn curiosity into a strategic workplace advantage. A...

IN EPISODE 226: If you want to build a culture, you need a culture architect. In Episode 226, Laura Hamill provides the blueprint for creating a culture built on lived values. We discuss the critical role leaders play in shaping culture, why culture building takes both head and heart, and how to tell if the culture is living up to purpose. ABOUT LAURA HAMILL: Laura Hamill, Ph. D., is an organizati...

IN EPISODE 225: Leadership is more than just a title - it's a choice. In Episode 225, Adam Galinsky demonstrates the inspiring or infuriating impact that leaders have on their teams. We discuss the outsize effect on a leader's behavior on others, the importance of sharing credit, and how organizations can cultivate more inspiring leaders. ABOUT ADAM GALINKSY: Adam Galinsky is a Vice Dean and profe...

IN EPISODE 224: When we understand the boundaries of failure, there is no limit to success. In Episode 224, Sheri Jacobs explores the importance of "taking more shots" to achieve transformational growth. We discuss how organizations can promote healthier norms around failure, why it pays to set boundaries for experimentation, and how leaders can overcome short-term pressures to make room for risk-...

IN EPISODE 223: Burnout doesn't have to be the price of ambition. In Episode 223, Bianca Best debunks the myths surrounding balance and productivity. She highlights the need for self-awareness in managing time and energy, how kind leadership fosters a healthier work environment, and ways that individuals can take ownership of their well-being. ABOUT BIANCA BEST: Bianca Best is a global executive,...

IN EPISODE 222: Good leaders give feedback to teams. Great leaders get teams to share feedback with each other. In Episode 222, Keith Ferrazzi describes the shift to "teamship," a team-oriented model that emphasizes team transformation. Keith shares practical techniques for fostering a culture of candor, the significance of humility in leadership, and the necessity of building strong relationships...

IN EPISODE 221: The best bosses are framers, not fixers - and they make everyone around them better. In Episode 221, Sabina Nawaz returns to the show to discuss ways to become a better boss. We discuss the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication in leadership; how to avoid common communication mistakes; and shifts that managers can make to build capacity in others. ABOUT...

IN EPISODE 220: Managing up isn't about making our boss's life easier - it's about taking control of our work experience. In Episode 220, Melody Wilding returns to discuss ways to create alignment with managers, how to set effective boundaries, tips for giving and receiving feedback, and how to navigate growth opportunities. ABOUT MELODY WILDING: Melody Wilding is an author, speaker and executive...

IN EPISIODE 219: When does an apology actually make things worse instead of right? In Episode 219, Shira Miller discuss the detrimental effects of "apology speak" in our personal and professional interactions. We discuss ways to communicate more effectively without undermining ourselves, how to transform apology speak into confident communication, and how to deal with people who rarely take accoun...

IN EPISODE 218: The most successful leaders know it's better to a learn-it-all than a know-it-all. In Episode 218, Damon Lembi drops by to explore what it take to create a culture of continuous learning. We discuss how leaders can normalize failure and spark innovation, how to develop greater learning agility, and what individuals can do to stay ahead of the learning curve. ABOUT DAMON LEMBI: Damo...

IN EPISODE 217: What if our biggest weakness turned out to be our greatest strength? In Episode 217, David Rendall makes the case for amplifying our defining features instead of toning them down. We discuss implications for the classroom and workplace, along with tips for leading people towards more fulfilling jobs and lives. ABOUT DAVID RENDALL: David Rendall has helped thousands of people embrac...