The Remarkable Leadership Podcast

Have you ever felt like you're constantly putting out fires at work instead of making progress? Kevin welcomes Don Kieffer and Nelson Repenning to discuss why so many workplace processes feel frustrating and ineffective, and what leaders can do about it. Drawing on decades of experience in operations and organizational design, Don and Nelson reveal why quick-fix workarounds backfire, how firefight...

Too often, we measure our days by how much we get done —instead of by how much we contribute . In this episode, I'm sharing an idea that's stuck with me since a conversation years ago with Lisa O'Dell. She asked a simple but powerful question: Are you thinking about the clock or your contribution? That question changed how I think about productivity, focus, and leadership. It's not about racing th...

What if everything you believe about workplace wellness is only part of the story? In this episode, Kevin welcomes Dr. Katina Sawyer and Dr. Patricia Grabarek to discuss the real drivers of well-being at work and the critical role leaders play in shaping thriving environments. Drawing on their research, Katina and Patricia challenge the overreliance on surface-level wellness programs and demonstra...

What's the most important thing you need to achieve your goals? It isn't the target—it's your why. In this episode, I share a story about The Biggest Loser (yes, the reality show!) and how I could often predict who would win before the competition even began. The secret? It all came down to their reasons—their why. Whether your goals are personal or professional, the same truth applies: the cleare...

Leave a Review If you liked this conversation, we'd be thrilled if you'd let others know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts.  Here's a quick guide  for posting a review. Review on Apple: https://remarkablepodcast.com/itunes   What if, instead of giving your team answers, you asked the right questions and listened? In this episode, Kevin sits down with Luciana Núñez to discuss how coaching can b...

Over the years, I've learned that feedback conversations often fail before they even begin — and I've made my fair share of mistakes too. But in this episode, I'm sharing what I believe is the biggest secret to giving feedback that actually works. Whether you're a leader, a coach, or just want to help someone grow — the key is not in what you say first, but in what you ask. In this video, I'll wal...

How do you uncover what you can't see, especially when it's holding you back as a leader? Kevin talks with clinical psychologist and executive coach Marty Dubin about one of the most critical yet often overlooked leadership capabilities: self-awareness. Marty shares his comprehensive six-part model for self-awareness, providing leaders with a practical framework for deeper self-understanding. Kevi...

Resistance to change isn't your enemy — it's energy. In this episode of Remarkable TV , I share why resistance is actually a good sign that people care, and how leaders can use that energy to create positive momentum. We'll cover: Why resistance is natural — even in changes we choose ourselves What most leaders get wrong when facing pushback How to acknowledge and value resistance (without giving...

Is love in the workplace a strategy? In this episode, Kevin is joined by leadership expert and business strategist Kelly Winegarden Hall to discuss what "love at work" really means. Kelly challenges traditional workplace norms and makes a compelling case for reintroducing love as a leadership value. She explains why seeing employees as adults and treating them with compassion and trust leads to gr...

Do you ever find yourself thinking about something you want to start—but not actually starting? You're not alone. In this episode of Remarkable TV, I'm sharing five practical ways to move from thinking to doing. Whether it's a new project, a goal, or a dream that's been sitting on your list too long, these steps will help you light the fuse and take that first step forward. If you want to get more...

Have you ever felt like leading change is more confusing than it should be? In this episode, Kevin welcomes Jeff DeGraff to discuss the complex art of change. Jeff shares why traditional change efforts often stall and how paradoxes can serve as a source of innovation and energy. Together, Kevin and Jeff discuss ideas such as launching change from the edges of an organization, the distinction betwe...

DISC assessments are powerful tools for understanding human behavior—but only when they're used correctly. Too often, I see people misuse DISC by labeling others, stereotyping roles, or treating it as a final verdict instead of a helpful indicator. In this episode of Remarkable TV, I'll share: ✅ Why DISC is a model of behavior, not a definition of people ✅ How DISC shows natural tendencies—not s...

What's one way I can compete with yesterday's version of me today? In this episode, Kevin welcomes Jake Thompson for a practical conversation on building influence from the inside out. They discuss how leading yourself first sets an example for others and highlight the difference between managing tasks and leading people. Jake offers actionable strategies for improvement, like the "Start, Stop, Co...

Who are you learning from? The people you listen to, spend time with, and follow online are shaping your growth as a leader and as a person. In this episode, Kevin Eikenberry challenges you to reflect on your current sources of learning and shares five practical ways to upgrade your influences. From choosing new lunch companions to exploring different books and podcasts, Kevin shows how intentiona...

What do you need to run your life successfully? In this episode, Kevin talks with Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld about how leaders can master both the "inner game" and the "outer game" of leadership. Klaus explains why sustainable success starts with managing your energy—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—and how purpose acts like a laser to focus that energy on what matters most. He also dis...

Is leadership really about you? The answer is both yes and no . In this episode of Remarkable TV, Kevin Eikenberry explores the tension between personal leadership growth and the ultimate purpose of leadership: achieving outcomes with and through others . You'll discover: Why leadership is about outcomes, not ego How your behaviors and self-awareness shape your team's success The critical balance...

What if mastering the art of asking questions could turn you into an unstoppable leader? In this episode, Kevin chats with Dave Reynolds about how powerful questions can unlock deeper thinking, foster ownership, and promote growth in individuals and organizations. Dave shares insights on building a coaching culture where curiosity sparks conversations in every direction—up, down, and across. He ex...

Does the seasoning make the meal? In this episode of Remarkable TV, Kevin Eikenberry takes us into the kitchen to explore how small changes can transform good into great — both in cooking and in leadership. Discover why one small, intentional improvement can have a big impact on your effectiveness as a leader. Just like seasoning, leadership skills don't need to be added in overwhelming amounts —...

What happens when you realize you matter? In this episode, Kevin talks with Zach Mercurio about the often-overlooked human need to feel important and how leaders at all levels can foster this through everyday interactions. Zach explains how his early research with custodial staff showed that small, intentional moments—like being seen, acknowledged, and validated—are the building blocks of meaning...

Conflict is often seen as something to avoid—but what if it could actually fuel growth ? In this episode, Kevin Eikenberry explores how leaders can reframe conflict as a source of creativity, perspective, and stronger communication. Discover how to: See conflict as a driver of creativity Use conflict to explore perspectives Clarify expectations and prevent future misunderstandings Lead your team t...

What does it mean to build a workplace culture that people want to join? In this episode, Kevin talks with Jennifer Moss about this important leadership question. They discuss the societal shift in how we view work, the psychological idea of mortality salience, and how these concepts are influencing employee expectations today. Jennifer also shares the basic elements of a strong work culture: insp...

Getting buy-in sounds great—but it's not the end goal. It's just the beginning. In this episode, Kevin Eikenberry explains why buy-in alone isn't enough to drive results and how leaders can bridge the gap between agreement and action. Discover the three leadership actions that move your team from "I'm in" to actual implementation. In this episode, you'll learn: Why buy-in is a low bar What the rea...

How can leaders navigate the messy middle of management, especially when it comes to delivering difficult news without damaging relationships or morale? In this episode, Kevin talks with Mahesh Guruswamy about the real-world challenges leaders face when communicating unwelcome information, from missed deadlines to ethical violations. Mahesh shares a thoughtful approach to raising the temperature o...

Are you an expert who's stopped being curious? In this episode of Remarkable TV, Kevin Eikenberry explores the idea of the curious expert—a rare but powerful combination of knowledge and curiosity. You'll discover why expertise alone isn't enough in today's fast-changing world, and why curiosity is the key to staying relevant, adaptable, and effective as a leader. Kevin shares how to balance what...

Do you realize how much greatness lies within you? In this episode, Kevin talks with Dave Durand about the mindset and virtues necessary for leading others effectively and ethically in today's complex world. Dave describes the concept of giants, those we lead who have incredible potential, and stresses that leading them involves creating an environment that promotes autonomy, impact, and growth. H...