Leadership Secrets

Artificial Intelligence is transforming leadership—but not in the way many assume. In this episode, we explore how AI can free leaders from repetitive tasks, uncover insights hidden in data, and improve communication, while also recognizing where technology stops and human judgment begins. Barry highlights a key truth: AI may be an incredible assistant, but it will never replace the relationships,...

Dr. Karen Koepp explores the intricacies of thought leadership. Dr. Koepp highlights the role of thought leadership in shaping narratives, building trust, and influencing decision-makers. They discuss the challenges of measuring its impact, especially in advocacy, and emphasize the importance of qualitative indicators like engagement and resonance. They also touch on the use of AI and storytelling...

In this episode of Talkin' Politics, host Barry Moline and political expert Michael Nolan analyze the recent Democratic and Republican National Conventions, the Trump and Harris campaigns, and their implications for the upcoming elections. They compare the contrasting atmospheres of the conventions and discuss key issues like abortion rights and campaign strategies. Michael highlights the signific...

Bill Schwandt of the South San Joaquin Irrigation District shares his journey from a small town in North Dakota to becoming a leader in public water and power. He discusses his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes, strategic planning, and effective communication. Schwandt also highlights the unique advantages of his dyslexia in strategic thinking. The convers...

In this episode of Talkin' Politics on the Leadership Secrets Podcast, Michael Nolan, a Washington lobbyist and political maven, talks about President Joe Biden's decision to step down and its impact on his legacy and the Democratic Party. Barry and Michael discuss Biden's leadership qualities, the anointing of Kamala Harris as the presidential candidate, and the impact of Tim Walz, the governor o...

Randy Howard, the general manager of the Northern California Power Agency shares his journey from an electrical engineering background and Air Force experience to leading roles at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and NCPA. He discusses the evolution of his leadership style, focusing on service and adapting to industry changes. Randy reflects on his career transition to NCPA, his perso...

Mike Webster, former Executive Director of SCPPA, shares his career journey and leadership lessons. Starting as a mechanical engineer, Mike learned the importance of listening, collaboration, and creative problem-solving in various roles, from air quality director to retail and wholesale marketing. He emphasizes collaboration in the utility business and the leader's responsibility to define and fo...

Glenn Steiger, Executive Consultant for the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority recounts his ascent from an engineering director to CEO of various utilities, emphasizing respect for all, articulating ambitions, and embracing change. He shares anecdotes, including a lesson learned during a strike, and stresses the importance of people skills, listening, and collaborative change management. Glenn also d...

Rob Grantham, General Manager of Rancho California Water District. Grantham shares his leadership philosophy, shaped by mentors and a commitment to positive impact. He discusses the weighty responsibilities of a CEO, including public health and safety, and the importance of maintaining composure. Grantham's non-linear career path and his approach to embracing opportunities are highlighted. The epi...

Listen in to a great interview with Dawn Roth Lindell, General Manager of Burbank Water & Power. Dawn shares her journey to becoming CEO, and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. She's an innovative leader who likes to try out new ideas before implementing them. She believes we must innovate to stay relevant and competitive.

Listen to a great interview with Nico Procos. He describes his journey to becoming General Manager of Alameda Municipal Power, and the lessons he's learned along the way. 

Listen in to a great conversation with Michelle Reimers, General Manager of the Turlock Irrigation District. Michelle shares her journey to become the CEO, and the importance of communicating with employees and the community. 

Listen in to a great conversation with Beth Hassett, CEO of WEAVE. Beth shares her journey to become the CEO, and how her priority has always been being open, engaging with others, and showing up as her whole self.

Judi Hays is the CEO of Judi Hays, Inc. She serves clients globally, helping individuals and companies elevate their brand, expand their network and engage their most powerful relationships on LinkedIn. Here’s some of what we discussed:  LinkedIn is a great way to highlight your business. You want to be helpful. A few ideas for posts include providing a news roundup, becoming a go-to source for th...

Lou Bernardi is the Chief Benefit Optimization Officer for BritePath, an employee benefits agent for companies with healthcare plans. They help employees optimize their benefits. Lou is passionate about his work and loves helping people learn about the true cost of healthcare so they can make wise decisions about their medical care. Our conversation was filled with great ideas and learnings about...

Joe Carbone is CEO of Eastward Partners, an executive search and human capital consultancy. Our conversation was full of great leadership ideas. Here’s what we discussed: Connecting with your customers is key. Understand their needs and focus on fulfilling them. Leadership is a privilege. Bring your true self every day. His leadership philosophy is to always put the team above the individual. Joe...

Listen in to a great interview with Brock Long, former FEMA Administrator, and currently the Executive Chairman of Hagerty Consulting. Hagerty helps public and private sector partners prepare for and recover from disasters. Brock describes his fascinating road toward leadership, where at age 32 he became the Director of Emergency Management for the State of Alabama. How? By knowing his trade, havi...

Listen in to a great interview with Dan Beans, Electric Utility Director for the City of Roseville. Dan describes his winding road toward leadership, which included years working at a gas station, doing pottery, studying poetry, and then finally, getting his degree in physics and engineering. The road led to the City of Redding Electric Utility, and today to his role as Electric Utility Director f...

The great, accidental lesson Jared learned in his college summer job about the high value of being authentic. How he takes time for himself every morning to exercise, and shuts off his phone each evening to spend time with his family.  He puts confidence in his colleagues to make decisions. He doesn’t worry about making wrong decisions; he makes decisions and moves on. If it’s not right, the next...

She has incredible drive and persistence, and her leadership philosophy centers around hard work.  Her favorite quote is from President Calvin Coolidge, “Nothing in the world takes the place of persistence. Nothing.” Her advice to growing leaders is to be confident and know who you are.  When it comes to strategic direction, it’s vital to get people on the same page. Before making tough decisions...

People need to make life plans, so keep sacred the trust they put in you As a child she loved watching the nightly business report She was into screen writing and theatre, and always knew she wanted to have an impact Here leadership philosophy is people-centric. She models the behavior she wants to see and considers herself a benevolent leader.  Employees need key skills of patience, accountabilit...

The journey to become CEO and the big lessons learned along the way.  The “Awesome Responsibility of a leader. When he felt like he became a leader, and the transition to leadership.  Leadership philosophy. Skills for today’s employees to be successful, and develop as leaders. The value of setting a strategic direction. A “Rookie Moment” when he learned a big lesson from a mistake. The process for...

Here's what we discussed: • The journey to become CEO and the big lessons learned along the way.   • The “Awesome Responsibility of a leader. • When he felt like he became a leader, and the transition to leadership. • Leadership philosophy. • Skills for today’s employees to be successful, and develop as leaders. • The value of setting a strategic direction. • A “Rookie Moment” when he learned a bi...

Listen in to a great interview with Henry Martinez, General Manager of the Imperial Irrigation District. Henry describes his journey from a space-loving child, which inspired him to learn engineering, to seeking opportunities that provided increasing responsibility. He had a moment of clarity when his supervisor gave him some wise advice, which helped him understand the role of a leader. Henry dis...

Michelle Bertolino is the Electric Utility Director for the City of Roseville Electric Utility. She didn't always know that she wanted to be a leader, but pursued career options that put her in the position to move to the next level as opportunities presented themselves. As Michelle excelled, those leadership positions opened up, and she was recognized to move up the ladder. The road wasn't always...