Leadership: The Secret Sauce

In this episode of Leadership: The Secret Sauce, we sit down with Marcus Dudley—a leader, coach, and innovator who is helping organizations navigate the intersection of people, technology, and change. Marcus shares why his secret sauce is built on adaptability and innovation—and why leaders can no longer afford to simply “manage what already exists.” For him, true leadership is about vision: seein...

We’ve reached the final stage in our Coaching Culture series—the Organic Coaching Culture. At this point, coaching isn’t a program, an initiative, or a box to check. It’s the predominant management style of the organization. Leaders, supervisors, and employees at every level embrace coaching conversations as the way to work, lead, and develop others. We unpack: Why organic coaching cultures are of...

We’re back with Episode 4 of our Coaching Culture series, where we explore the five models of coaching cultures and what leaders can learn from them. In this episode, we dive into the Centralized with Organizational Competence model. At this stage, coaching is no longer a side program—it becomes integrated with HR processes, leadership development, and organizational strategy. Internal coaching ca...

We’re back with the third installment of our Coaching Culture series, where we’re exploring the five models of coaching cultures that organizations use—and what leaders can learn from them. In this episode, we dive into the Decentralized with Organizational Standards model. At this stage, organizations begin to establish consistent qualification requirements for coaches—such as certifications or s...

We’re back with Episode 2 in our Coaching Culture series! In this series, we’re exploring the five different models of coaching cultures that show up in organizations—how they work, where they get stuck, and what leaders can learn from them. In this episode, we dive into the Decentralized Model. In this stage, each business unit or division selects its own coaches and vendors. HR may provide some...

We’re launching a brand-new series on Coaching Culture! Over the next several episodes, we’ll explore the five different models of coaching cultures that show up in organizations—how they work, where they fall short, and what leaders can learn from them. In this first episode, we dive into the Ad-hoc / Startup model—the earliest stage of a coaching culture. It’s often described as the “Wild West,”...

In this episode of Leadership: The Secret Sauce, we sit down with the high-energy, high-integrity Jeffrey Klubeck—coach, speaker, author, and unapologetically jovial—to explore what truly fuels transformation. Jeff shares his three-ingredient secret sauce: engagement, motivation, and accountability—plus how he uses humor and vulnerability to break through resistance and ego defense. From his Integ...

In this brand new episode of Leadership: The Secret Sauce, we sit down with master coach, author, and metaphor enthusiast Lyssa DeHart for a layered, meaningful conversation about what it really takes to do deep coaching work. From the Pacific Northwest to the ICF global stage, Lyssa opens up about her non-linear path to becoming a coach — and why the secret to transformation might just lie in you...

In this episode of Leadership: The Secret Sauce, we sit down with executive coach and former British Army officer Ben Morton for a raw, thoughtful conversation about leadership, insecurity, and showing up with courage. Ben brings the kind of wisdom you only get from living it — from leading soldiers into combat, to coaching executives through high-stakes moments. With candor and humility, he share...

In this Season 3 review of Leadership: The Secret Sauce, we flip the script — and invite Allie Dodson back to take the host seat. Allie joins Matt and Dave for a wide-ranging reflection on what made this season different, what stuck, and what’s still stirring. From the courage to say the hard thing, to redefining what a coaching culture really looks like, this conversation is full of lived wisdom...

In this episode of Leadership: The Secret Sauce, we sit down with executive coach, author, and founder of Blue Horizon Solutions, Shelli Hendricks, for a conversation that’s full of honesty, metaphor, and sharp insight. Shelli shares how a lifetime of playing catcher shaped her unique leadership style—seeing the whole field, calling the plays, and helping others shine. Whether she’s working with s...

In this episode of Leadership: The Secret Sauce, we sit down with executive coach, retreat facilitator, and recovering “doing addict” Renee Dineen for a conversation that’s as honest as it is necessary. Renee shares the story behind her dramatic pivot from global executive to transformational guide—starting with the moment her body broke down and forced her to ask herself the same questions she’d...

In this episode of Leadership: The Secret Sauce, we sit down with internal coach, educator, and leadership whisperer Jennifer Riley for a deeply honest conversation about the real work behind growth. Jennifer opens up about what it takes to help leaders get out of their own way—from the limiting beliefs they’ve carried for years, to the internal narratives that keep them from owning their power. W...

Join hosts Dave Lipsky and Matt Dodson on Leadership: The Secret Sauce as they sit down with executive coach, podcast host, and author Helen Wada for a powerful conversation on bridging commercial success with deeply human-centered leadership. With a career spanning corporate finance, consulting, and coaching, Helen brings a unique lens to leadership development: combining commercial acumen with t...

Join hosts Dave Lipsky and Matt Dodson on Leadership: The Secret Sauce as they sit down with executive coach, bestselling author, and leadership expert Jeff Wolf for a bold and energizing conversation on what truly drives transformation at the highest levels of leadership. Drawing from decades of experience coaching CEOs and senior leaders, Jeff shares how simplicity, deep listening, and accountab...

Join hosts Dave Lipsky and Matt Dodson on Leadership: The Secret Sauce as they sit down with professional coach, author, and Sparkus co-founder Özlem Sarioglu for a fascinating conversation on scaling coaching, simplifying complexity, and building deeply human-centered coaching cultures. Drawing from her journey as an entrepreneur and digital coaching pioneer, Özlem shares how simplifying the comp...

Join hosts Dave Lipsky and Matt Dodson on Leadership: The Secret Sauce as they sit down with executive coach Don Eash for a candid, thoughtful conversation on what it truly means to coach without an agenda. Drawing from decades of experience in leadership development, Don shares why suspending judgment, being fully present, and meeting people exactly where they are isn’t just a mindset—it’s a powe...

Join hosts Dave Lipsky and Matt Dodson for an insightful conversation on Leadership: The Secret Sauce with veteran coach Mark Veary, as he unveils the secret sauce behind his impactful coaching approach. With nearly four decades in learning and development and an unconventional start in nursing, Mark shares why true transformation lies in coaching beyond behaviors and results, diving deep into the...

Join us for a thoughtful and energizing conversation with executive coach and author Jude Sclater, as she reveals the secret sauce behind her coaching practice. With a background in audit and L&D at Deloitte and now the founder of Think With Jude, she shares how she helps managers simplify complexity, lead with clarity, and coach their teams with confidence. Jude opens up about her journey from au...

Join us for an insightful episode as Dave and Matt talk with executive coach Nick Dewar from the UK, as he shares his secret sauce. Nick shares his insights from his experience leading sales teams at Microsoft, Amazon, and Samsung, revealing his unique approach to creating high-performing cultures. If you are interested in unlocking the potential of your team and fostering a collaborative environm...

In this episode of Leadership: The Secret Sauce, coaching expert Jo Wright shares her insights on how coaching can transform workplace culture and leadership effectiveness. She discusses the power of trust-based leadership, why coaching isn’t just for professional coaches, and how conversations—not commands—drive real change. Jo explores the shift from transactional management to transformational...

In this episode of Leadership: The Secret Sauce, executive coach Steve Goodman shares his unique approach to leadership transformation. He discusses his “two-wheel to four-wheel drive” analogy, helping leaders unlock their full potential by integrating self-awareness, authenticity, and deeper emotional intelligence. Steve explores the balance between performance and authenticity, the power of vuln...

In this special episode, we sit down with Amy Wright and Linda Dausend to explore the transformative power of a coaching culture in the workplace. Amy and Linda share their journey of embedding a coaching mindset into leadership, turning traditional management into an approach that fosters growth, feedback, and self-awareness. They discuss how their organization moved from a top-down leadership st...

In this special recap episode of Leadership The Secret Sauce, hosts Dave Lipsky and Matt Dodson reflect on the impactful moments from Season 2. Joined by Matt's wife, Allie Dodson, they delve into the conversations that have inspired both coaches and non-coaches alike. They explore key themes such as guiding young individuals in choosing careers that align with their passions and the significance...

In this episode, we sit down with seasoned coach Helen Dann. Helen shares her personal journey of self-awareness and development as a coach, shedding light on her initial drive to help others and how she uncovered that her motives were rooted in a "rescuer syndrome" stemming from her childhood. This realization came during a virtual training session in 2020, leading her to dig deeper into her own...