OwlCast: The Leadership & Coaching Podcast

Are you a 'fixer?' If your immediate response to a problem is to deliver a solution, you might be robbing your team of their greatest growth opportunity. On this episode of Owlcast, Dr. David Morelli and William Oakley discuss why your value isn't wrapped up in being the problem-solver. They explore the connection between struggle and growth, the hidden dopamine hit managers receive when fixing pr...

Are you just 'doing your job' or are you charting your own course? In today's busy world, simply working hard isn't enough—your reputation matters. Join Dr. David Morelli, William Oakley, and special guest, author and speaker Andy Storch, as they dive into his new book, Own Your Brand, Own Your Career. Learn why building an authentic personal brand is a crucial act of taking ownership of your life...

Are you using the right conversation style at the right time? What if the secret to better conversations at work, at home, and everywhere in between, was hiding in plain sight? Join David Morelli and William Oakley on Owlcast as they break down their seven RESPECT stylesof communication. They reveal how these styles—like the notes of a major scale—are already present in every interaction you have,...

Are you tired of sitting through 45-minute meetings that could have been an email? Do you struggle to get to the point when you speak? This episode of OWLCAST tackles the biggest communication problem in work and relationships: talking too much . Hosts David Morelli and William Oakley reveal the psychological core of rambling and give you actionable strategies—including the powerful P.R.E.P. metho...

Do your attempts at communication sometimes fall flat, leaving you and others frustrated? It's likely due to the hidden costs of Misrespected communication. In this episode, hosts David Morelli and William Oakley dive into how overusing, underusing, or misusing the 7 core Respect Styles —like being an exhausting "rah-rah" Rallier or an unapproachable Confidant—creates communication problems at wor...

Tired of the cringe and discomfort that comes with self-promotion, asking for a raise, or tackling your annual performance review? Hosts David Morelli and William Oakley dive deep into the often-awkward process of self-evaluation and advocacy. This isn't just about tactics; it starts with a foundational look at self-worth and the "unwinnable game" of seeking external validation. They introduce the...

Are you tired of being the only problem-solver on your team? In this episode of Owlcast, Air Force veteran and leadership expert Leon Thomas joins hosts David Morelli and William Oakley to share his proven strategies for tackling complex problem-solving and empowering your team to find solutions without you. Learn the key questions to ask, how to filter out "false flag" issues, and the critical mi...

Feeling drained by your work culture? Learn how to stop just surviving and start thriving! This episode of Owlcast dives into how you can become a Catalyst for Good in your organization using the 7 Respect Styles . Join hosts David Morelli and William Oakley as they walk through a framework for having a positive, change-making impact in the workplace. They argue that many people are drained by the...

In a world defined by polarization, AI disruption, and a growing mental health crisis, where does the coaching profession stand? The industry is at a critical crossroads, and its future depends on how it responds to these profound challenges. In this pivotal episode, hosts David Morelli and William Oakley sit down with Magdalena Mook, CEO of the International Coaching Federation, for an essential...

Are you tired of being told you "should" lead a certain way? Do you feel boxed in by performance reviews and leadership models that don't fit your style or situation? In this episode, Hosts David Morelli and William Oakley are joined by Tricia Naddaff, a 40-year veteran in the world of leadership assessment and research, for a deep dive into the complexities of effective leadership. Tricia argues...

Ever left a meeting feeling like you just wasted an hour of your life? Tired of conversations that go in circles, ideas that get shot down, and agendas that get completely derailed? What if you—even as a participant—had the power to fix it? In this episode, hosts David Morelli and William Oakley tackle one of the most common workplace frustrations: dysfunctional meetings. They break down why teams...

Is AI a threat to our humanity, or is it the ultimate tool for unlocking our potential? In this episode of Owlcast, host David Morelli and co-host William Oakley are joined by Tim Harrison, an executive coach and AI innovator who sits at the nexus of technology and personal development. Tim shares his inspiring journey from a D1 athlete facing an identity crisis to a pioneering executive coach who...

Ever feel like you read a book or attend a workshop and forget everything the next day? You're not alone. In this episode of OWLCAST, host David Morelli talks with Charles Good, President of the Institute for Management Studies, about the science behind effective learning. They dive into why our outdated "cramming" habits from school don't work in the workplace and reveal the smarter strategies fo...

Ever feel like your company is constantly trying to do everything and please everyone? In this episode of OWLCAST, host David Morelli sits down with Dr. Ken Matos, an expert in organizational psychology and data analytics, to discuss intelligent trade-offs . They'll explore how leaders can move beyond outdated assumptions and "corporate gaslighting" to build a culture of clarity and purpose. Dr. M...

What if the secret to your own career success was… making your manager wildly successful? It’s not our first impulse, especially when the relationship is strained. But what could you accomplish if you were both fully committed to helping each other win? In this episode of Owlcast, hosts David Morelli and William Oakley dive into the counterintuitive but powerful strategy of proactively helping you...

Ever feel like you're stuck in the weeds, too busy with daily tasks to think about the big picture? In this episode of Owlcast, we dive into the world of strategic thinking amidst execution pressure. Join host David Morelli and co-host William Oakley as they speak with Mary Rapaport, founder of The Strategic Playground. Mary shares her unique approach to "democratizing strategic thinking," showing...

We’ve all heard them, we’ve probably used them, but no one likes them! In this episode, David Morelli and William Oakley provide a sharp and humorous look at the world of corporate jargon. Listen as they “circle back" on the most common business buzzwords and phrases, discussing not only their origins and how many are used incorrectly, but also the possible psychological reasons behind their use....

Story Power: Driving Compelling Narratives in Business and Life with G. Riley Mills Emmy Award–winning writer and producer G. Riley Mills has taught leaders worldwide how to use storytelling to engage audiences, inspire action, and shape organizational culture. In this episode, we break down exactly how to make your stories unforgettable. Packed with real-world examples and practical tools, this c...

Episode 60: Prioritization Paradox – D.E.I. is dead. Now what? If you’ve heard the whispers – or shouts – that DEI is on its last breath, you’re not alone. But what if this moment is actually our greatest opportunity? In today's episode, David Morelli and William Oakley sit down with Eloiza Domingo, a powerful voice in the DEI space, to discuss navigating the current challenges and opportunities i...

In this thought-provoking episode of OwlCast, David Morelli sits down with Julie Winkle Giulioni, renowned author of Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go and Promotions Are So Yesterday, to explore a powerful reframe of career development. Together, they unpack why traditional promotion-focused growth models often fall short, and how organizations can better engage and retain talent by honoring the mul...

In this special transition episode, David Morelli welcomes new cohost William Oakley to OwlCast and celebrates Alexandria Ravencroft’s remarkable contributions as she steps back to focus on new adventures. William shares his unconventional journey, from mascot instructor to internal coaching leader at Allstate, and how a passion for people and growth shaped every pivot along the way. Alexandria re...

Why is leadership development still treated as a “nice to have” instead of a strategic necessity? In this energizing episode, David Morelli and Alexandria Ravencroft sit down with executive coach, speaker, and author Tina Robinson to explore the real ROI of investing in leaders. Tina shares her personal journey—from editing healthcare manuals to founding WorkJoy—and the hard-won lessons that inspi...

Why does everything feel urgent, and how do you know what truly deserves your attention? In this episode, David Morelli and Alexandria Ravencroft dive into the prioritization paradox—the conflict between long-term goals and the relentless pull of immediate demands. They explore how urgency culture hijacks our focus, why some tasks feel more important than they are, and what it really takes to brea...

Words can heal, harm, or halt progress altogether, and in moments of conflict, the right phrase can change everything. In this episode of OwlCast, David Morelli and Alexandria Ravencroft sit down with leadership expert Karin Hurt to explore the language that fosters resolution instead of resistance.  Together, they reflect on the power of intentional communication and why resolving conflict isn’t...

Sometimes the most significant toll we pay is the one we hide behind a smile. In this episode of OwlCast, David Morelli and Alexandria Ravencroft explore the emotional labor of maintaining a positive front,especially in leadership, service roles, and workplaces that reward performance over authenticity.  Together, they dive into the true cost of constantly self-regulating, masking discomfort, and...