The Leadership and Learning Podcast

Succession planning is a necessity for most organizations or businesses. However, in many cases plans are not created or if they are, they're not executed as they should be.  In this episode, host Randy Goruk talks about what succession planning is, why it is important and identifies the succession planning pitfalls you need to avoid to be successful.

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning podcast, host Randy Goruk has a conversation with Damian Mason, author of Do Business Better – Traits, Habits and Actions to Help You Succeed. There is no fluff here, it's all about how to Do Business Better. Learn about what vision is, why it's important for leaders to articulate - execute – update as appropriate. Learn about the value of advertising...

Have you ever experienced any of these awkward business communication situations? Not sure how to address a public figure? Listening to someone but not really hearing what they're saying? The proper way to leave a telephone message for someone. What to say in a handwritten note of appreciation? Being distracted while on an important phone call? Having no privacy in your cubicle? Not sure what your...

This episode, part 2 of 2, host Randy Goruk continues his conversation with former major league baseball player Bobby Scales about his leadership journey as a professional baseball player in the United States, in Japan then turning in his cleats for an Operations role with the Anaheim Angels. You'll learn the lessons he learned when he left baseball entirely for a job in the insurance industry … t...

This episode, part 1 of 2, host Randy Goruk has a conversation with former major league baseball player Bobby Scales about his leadership journey from high school through college.  You'll hear his stories of overcoming challenges, demonstrating humility, perseverance,  the importance of goal setting and being visionary, practicing empathy, developing resolve and work ethic.  Bobby also talks about...

In this episode, Randy Goruk replays a podcast interview of him by Michael S. Seaver. They talk about several leadership topics including key learning points along Randy's leadership journey. You'll learn; ·          Why leaders should never tolerate mediocrity. ·          The importance of creating a 5 – star environment. ·          How lessons from your youth shape you as a leader. ·          Ho...

Our world is full of cultural conflict and complexity causing great societal and institutional pain. Many people are well-intentioned but struggle to understand and embrace those different from themselves in a genuine manner. We can only lead people to the highest levels when we know them at the deepest levels and we cannot successfully lead people whom we are emotionally resisting. The author of...

In addition to being CEO of New South Construction Supply, Jim Sobeck has over 40 years of experience in the industry and shares much of it in his book, The Real Business 101 – Lessons from the Trenches.   In this conversation with host Randy Goruk about his book, Jim shares a number of leadership lessons for all levels of leaders. In this episode you will learn:  One of the most important things...

We are about to enter the Holiday Season where we have many reasons to celebrate. The celebration can be fun and enjoyable. If we're not careful, the celebration can be hard on our health. This episode features two nutritional experts who offer us a number of reasonable and practical tips on staying healthy throughout the Holiday season. In this episode learn: Techniques for reducing stress during...

If you believe an important role of a leader is to develop other leaders, you'll want to listen to this episode. In under seven minutes, host Randy Goruk shares three strategies for leaders to develop other leaders.  He describes the magic of inclusion, provides five suggestions for inspiring those with self-limiting beliefs and how to strengthen your weakest link.

Jim Davis, President and CEO of Barrons Enterprises, Inc. talks with host Randy Goruk about how 'spectacular companies' in the building material industry are typically led by a 'Visionary Leader'. Citing his personal leadership experiences Jim, compares different leader styles and describes what it takes to become a 'visionary leader'.    Jim's leadership story is quite incredible. His journey sta...

Kirk Grundahl, a professional engineer, the Executive Director of the Structural Building Components Association (SBCA) and the President of Qualtim, Inc., SBCA's contract management firm, shares insights into 'Making Relationships Work' with host Randy Goruk. In this conversation, Kirk:  Describes the three diverse types of business relationships he is challenged with. Describes the signs he look...

In this conversation Hardy shares: His leadership journey across Canada, in the United states, Germany, Belgium and the UK, where he had to adapt to different cultures, different languages, and building traditions. He has been successful in tackling a range of businesses; commodities to emerging technologies with varying value propositions. How various mentors were important and valuable along the...

Ron Schumacher, CEO of Arrow Building Center talks leadership with host Randy Goruk.  In this conversation Ron shares: The top leadership characteristics of sales managers. The top leadership characteristics of senior leaders. Overcoming the hurdles when transitioning to greater responsibility. His thoughts on the importance of formally planning your business to be better than 'good enough'. Techn...

John K Smith, CEO of Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company talks leadership with host Randy Goruk.   In this conversation, John shares his advice for anyone wanting to excel at providing leadership in any business.   Based on his own leadership journey, John offers ten practical pieces of advice that are essential to shaping your leadership career.   As an added bonus, there are a numbe...

Tom Corrick, CEO of Boise Cascade talks leadership with host Randy Goruk.  In this candid conversation Tom shares: What leadership is and what effective leaders do. The four habits that get in the way of providing exceptional leadership. The best leaders are intentional. The importance for leaders to have a diverse background. Three additional leadership tips every leader should follow to be succe...

The host of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, Randy Goruk provides a brief introduction and overview of this new professional development resource for the building material industry. He explains, who the podcast is intended for and what listeners can expect on future episodes.