The courage to say "I don't know" might be the most powerful leadership trait in today's rapidly changing world. Through reflections on conversations with five remarkable guests, this episode explores what authentic leadership truly means in 2023 and beyond. Randy Lyman introduces us to the often-overlooked "third element" of success – the emotional and spiritual dimensions that complement our intellectual achievements. When leaders prioritize connection by asking "How are YOU going?" rather than just "How's the project going?", they create space for their teams to bring their whole selves to work. As Teddy Roosevelt wisely noted, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." From Doug Zarkin, we learn that your internal culture inevitably becomes your external brand. The consistency between stated values and lived behaviors builds the trust that fuels brand loyalty. Jonathan Stutz reveals how belonging doesn't happen by chance but through intentional leadership where psychological safety is protected. His message resonates universally – we've all felt excluded at some point, and it feels terrible. People deserve workplaces where they feel seen, heard, and valued. Bill Zujewski offers crucial insights on leading through perpetual change, emphasizing that agility combines clarity, curiosity, and communication. His advice to normalize saying "I don't know yet, but let's figure it out together" transforms uncertainty from a weakness into a strength. Kelli Lester confronts the politicization of DEI, reframing inclusion not as a trend but as fundamental leadership responsibility. Across all conversations, certain themes emerge clearly: we need a return to authenticity over performative leadership, a recommitment to inclusion because it's right (not because it's trendy), and the balance of moving quickly without leaving people behind. The African proverb reminds us: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." The world doesn't need more bosses – it needs more human leaders who create environments where everyone can contribute their best. What might change if you approached leadership with more curiosity, kindness, Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1704997/open_sms) Support the show (https://paypal.me/theleadershipproject) ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link (https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/AABS6mINckNfJfXjZEaOymg0zSdlShz83fk?src=global9) Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

Have you ever been absolutely certain something happened a certain way—only to be proven wrong? As leaders, this isn’t just a personal quirk—it’s a leadership risk. In this episode of The Leadership Project, Mick Spiers explores the fallibility of memory and how it impacts your ability to lead effectively. Drawing from real-life stories and the groundbreaking research of psychologist Elizabeth Loftus, we reveal why memory isn’t a perfect playback, but a reconstruction—often flawed, biased, and shaped by emotion. 🧠 What if the conflict you’re holding onto never actually happened the way you think it did? 🗣️ What if your team isn’t reacting to you, but to the stories you’ve built around them? ✍️ What can leaders do to avoid making decisions based on faulty recall? You'll walk away with: Practical tips to build shared memory and avoid bias Tools for decision-making based on evidence, not assumption Insights on how to lead with more humility and curiosity We also unveil a new video series—where we answer your real-life leadership dilemmas, submitted anonymously or with your name. Stay tuned, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments: Have you ever realized your memory was completely wrong? ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction – The Fallibility of Memory 00:37 The Nature of Memory 01:06 A Personal Story of False Memory 02:05 Implications for Leadership 02:49 Practical Steps for Leaders 03:11 Exciting Channel Update 03:50 Engagement and Upcoming Topic ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform – new episodes every week! 📝 Leave a comment below and join the conversation. 🔔 Learn more about our mission and explore our tools & resources: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 Get your copy of "You're a Leader, Now What?" by Mick Spiers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV 📧 Want a signed copy? Email: sei@mickspiers.com 🎙 Thinking of starting your own podcast? Buzzsprout is what we use — get a $20 credit here: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 🧩 Tools We Recommend: • Jotform (easy forms): https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz • Dropbox (get more space): https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/AABS6mINckNfJfXjZEaOymg0zSdlShz83fk • Wise (global transfers): https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 #Leadership #MemoryAndReality #FalseMemories #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #DecisionMaking #CognitiveBias #MickSpiers #TheLeadershipProject

It's easy to overlook privilege, but asking, "How can I be a voice for the voiceless?" can change everything. Real change happens when you connect with those who can create change. A powerful lesson learned in coaching leaders. #leadershipgoals #VoiceForTheVoiceless #ChangeMakers #LeadershipMatters #MakingADifference #RealChange

Ever wondered why sometimes people act in ways that seem completely irrational? Even as leaders, our actions can sometimes surprise us. 🤔 Studying psychology can unlock insights into human behavior, challenging assumptions and revealing the neural activity driving us. 📚 Dive into the astonishing hypothesis that our minds are shaped by what our brains do. Join Mick Spiers on a journey to deeper understanding with his new podcast episode. Let’s learn how empathy and the science behind behavior can transform leadership. #Leadership #Psychology #HumanBehavior #Empathy #neuroscience ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434

We like to believe we see the world objectively — but what if your brain is quietly deceiving you? In this episode, Mick Spiers dives into the fascinating world of cognitive bias and reveals how your brain filters reality in ways that can seriously impact your leadership. Through powerful examples like inattentional blindness and confirmation bias, we explore how leaders often miss what’s right in front of them — and what you can do to see more clearly. 🧠 Why do we overlook obvious signs? 👀 How do our brains shortcut decisions? ⚠️ What assumptions are silently shaping your leadership? This video is part of an ongoing series where Mick shares lessons from psychology and neuroscience, applying them to leadership, decision-making, and how we show up for others. 💬 Drop a comment below: Have you ever missed something that was hiding in plain sight? What did it teach you? 🔔 In the next video, we’ll go even deeper and explore the unconscious mind — and how it drives more of your leadership than you think. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction – Your Brain’s Deceptive Reality 00:55 How the Brain Interprets the World 01:45 Inattentional Blindness: The Invisible Gorilla Study 02:46 The Danger of Mental Shortcuts 03:24 Confirmation Bias in Leadership 04:10 What This Means for Leaders 05:16 Conclusion + What’s Coming Next ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform — a new episode drops every week! 📝 Share your thoughts in the comments. We love hearing your reflections and experiences. 🔗 Join our mission to empower leaders: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📘 You're a Leader, Now What? Get Mick Spiers' bestselling book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV 📦 Want a signed copy? Email sei@mickspiers.com and we’ll organise it for you. 🎙 Thinking of starting a podcast? Buzzsprout makes it easy — and this link gives both of us a $20 credit: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 🧩 Tools We Use & Recommend: → Jotform (Create forms easily): https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz → Dropbox (Get extra storage): [Insert Dropbox referral link here] → Wise (For international transfers): https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 #leadershipinspiration #CognitiveBias #DecisionMaking #Psychology #LeadershipDevelopment #TheLeadershipProject

The backlash against DEI has left many leaders unsure of how to champion inclusion in a politically charged environment. Kelli Lester, co-founder of Onyx Rising and seasoned diversity practitioner, brings clarity with a grounded, practical approach to creating workplaces where everyone truly belongs. Her journey began with a recruitment project that opened her eyes to deeper issues in workplace culture, revealing that representation without intentional inclusion often leads to high turnover among diverse talent. Kelli’s philosophy evolved from advocating solely for underrepresented voices to engaging those in positions of power to drive lasting change. “Being a voice for the voiceless was my early mantra,” she shares, “but I realized that for real change to happen, I needed to spend more time with those in the majority.” Her seven behaviors of inclusive leadership—ranging from self-awareness and psychological safety to managing inclusively—offer a concrete framework for leaders seeking to move beyond performative gestures toward real cultural transformation. In our conversation, Kelli also highlights the importance of understanding generational diversity in today’s multigenerational workforce. She encourages leaders to ask human-centered questions like, “What does a good day look like for you?”—underscoring that inclusive leadership means seeing the whole person, not just their demographics. With practical tools and powerful insights, this dialogue is a must for anyone ready to build teams where diverse talent can thrive and lead. 🌐 Connect with Kelli: • Website: https://www.onyx2rise.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-lester-2302b9/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onyx2rise/ Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1704997/open_sms) Support the show (https://paypal.me/theleadershipproject) ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link (https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/AABS6mINckNfJfXjZEaOymg0zSdlShz83fk?src=global9) Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

🚨 Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about creating a space where others feel heard, trusted, and empowered. 🎙️ In our latest episode of The Leadership Project podcast, award-winning brand strategist and former CMO of Pearl Vision, Doug Zarkin, flips the script on what leadership really looks like—and why your brand’s emotional connection is just as important as your product or service. 💡 Doug shares his game-changing leadership framework: The 3 A’s → Authority, Autonomy, and Accountability. When people are trusted to make decisions (authority), given the space to do it their way (autonomy), and take ownership of outcomes (accountability)—that’s when the magic happens. ✨ Here’s what you’ll walk away with: ✅ Why branding is a leadership responsibility, not just a marketing function ✅ How to build “sticky brands” that earn high trust and high passion ✅ What it means to “think human” and lead with emotional connection ✅ How to create a culture where people do the right thing—even when no one’s watching This one’s a masterclass in conscious leadership and brand loyalty. It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. 👇 What do you do to inspire accountability and ownership in your team? #TheLeadershipProject #LeadershipPodcast #BrandLeadership #DougZarkin #AuthorityAutonomyAccountability #LeadershipDevelopment #StickyBrands #ThinkHuman #EmotionalConnection #LearnTogetherLeadTogether

What if your greatest leadership asset wasn't your product or service, but the emotional connection people feel towards your brand? In this thought-provoking episode, award-winning brand strategist Doug Zarkin challenges the idea that branding is just a marketing function. Instead, he positions it as a vital leadership responsibility—one that shapes how people engage with your organization at every level. Doug, former chief marketing officer for Pearl Vision and author of Get Your Brand Out of the Friend Zone, introduces the idea of “sticky brands”—those that earn both high passion and high trust. He connects this directly to leadership, explaining that people are drawn to brands and leaders they believe in. Just like customers choose brands they trust and love, employees stay loyal to leaders who value and inspire them. Leadership and branding, Doug argues, are reflections of the same human principles. He also offers practical insights on building teams, hiring for passion, and embracing the “three A’s” of Authority, Autonomy, and Accountability. Through powerful sports analogies and his concept of “thinking human,” Doug reminds us that creating emotional connections—with customers and team members alike—is the key to lasting impact. Whether you're leading a large organization or a small team, this episode offers a roadmap for turning brand loyalty into leadership success. 🌐 Connect with Doug: • Website: https://www.dougzarkin.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougzarkin/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dougzarkin/ 📚 You can purchase Doug's book on Amazon: • Moving Your Brand Out of the Friend Zone: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKD7F4S4/ Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1704997/open_sms) Support the show (https://paypal.me/theleadershipproject) ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link (https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/AABS6mINckNfJfXjZEaOymg0zSdlShz83fk?src=global9) Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

What if the secret to creating a truly inclusive workplace wasn't found in grand policies or mission statements, but in the small, intentional actions leaders take every single day? In this episode, we’re joined by Jonathan Stutz, M.A., President of Global Diversity Partners and co-author of The Daily Practices of Inclusive Leaders, to explore how simple, consistent behaviours can reshape organisational culture. Jonathan introduces the concept of "dropping inclusive pebbles"—micro actions that, over time, build environments where people feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued. Drawing on his personal experiences growing up in Atlanta during the civil rights movement, Jonathan shares a deeply personal and professional perspective on why inclusion must precede diversity. He compares inclusive workplaces to welcoming homes rather than “leaky buckets” where diverse talent slips away. Through practical strategies like hosting meaningful one-on-ones, using the "pause button" to interrupt bias in meetings, and applying the “platinum rule,” he gives leaders at every level clear, actionable tools to foster connection and safety. Jonathan’s core message is simple but powerful: inclusive leadership is leadership. These aren’t side practices—they’re essential for building teams that perform, innovate, and stay engaged. In today’s diverse world, the ability to cultivate belonging is no longer optional. Ready to lead with greater impact? Listen now and start creating your own ripple effect at inclusivepebbles.com. Follow The Leadership Project for more insights. 🌐 Connect with Jonathan: Website: https://lnkd.in/geNqEdwS https://lnkd.in/g2mHNAd2 LinkedIn: Jonathan Stutz, M.A.

What if the secret to creating a truly inclusive workplace wasn't found in grand policies or mission statements, but in the small, intentional actions leaders take every single day? In this episode, we’re joined by Jonathan Stutz, President of Global Diversity Partners and co-author of The Daily Practices of Inclusive Leaders, to explore how simple, consistent behaviors can reshape organizational culture. Jonathan introduces the concept of "dropping inclusive pebbles"—micro actions that, over time, build environments where people feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued. Drawing from his personal experiences growing up in Atlanta during the civil rights movement, Jonathan shares a deeply personal and professional perspective on why inclusion must come before diversity. He compares inclusive workplaces to welcoming homes rather than “leaky buckets” where diverse talent slips away. Through practical strategies like hosting meaningful one-on-ones, using the "pause button" to interrupt bias in meetings, and applying the “platinum rule,” he gives leaders at every level clear, actionable tools to foster connection and safety. Jonathan’s core message is simple but powerful: inclusive leadership is leadership. These aren’t side practices—they’re essential for building teams that perform, innovate, and stay engaged. In today’s diverse world, the ability to cultivate belonging is no longer optional. Ready to lead with greater impact? Listen now and start creating your own ripple effect at inclusivepebbles.com (https://inclusivepebbles.com/) . 🌐 Connect with Jonathan: • Website: https://globaldiversitypartners.net/ https://inclusivepebbles.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jstutz/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonnylovestorun/ 📚 You can purchase Jonathan's book on Amazon: • Daily Practices of Inclusive Leaders: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1523006412/ Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1704997/open_sms) Support the show (https://paypal.me/theleadershipproject) ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link (https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/AABS6mINckNfJfXjZEaOymg0zSdlShz83fk?src=global9) Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

Are you living or just existing? This powerful question anchors our conversation with Bill Zujewski, former tech executive and founder of Good Life. What began as a simple year-end spreadsheet became a transformative tool for intentional living. Bill introduces the HELP GROW framework: Health, Environment, Leisure, Purpose, Growth, Relationships, Occupation, and Wealth as a personal scorecard that helps us evaluate how aligned we are with what truly matters. In a world where we often race through life on autopilot, this framework offers a mirror rather than a rigid formula, helping us recognize both where we're thriving and where we're off track. The conversation also challenges conventional success metrics. Drawing from an 80-year Harvard study, Bill emphasizes that strong relationships, not wealth or geography, are the greatest predictors of health, happiness, and longevity, sometimes equating to an extra decade of healthy life. As host Mick Spiers walks through his own self-assessment, we see the power of small shifts in creating meaningful change. Whether you're a leader hoping to foster well-being in your team or someone seeking more purpose in your personal life, this episode delivers both inspiration and practical steps. Start by reflecting on your own life score. You might just find the clarity and motivation to take that next step toward the life you truly want. 🌐 Connect with Bill: • Website: https://www.goodliife.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billzujewski/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zujewskibill/ 📚 You can purchase Bill's book on Amazon: • What’s Your Life Score: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT6DXXMC/ Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1704997/open_sms) Support the show (https://paypal.me/theleadershipproject) ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link (https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/AABS6mINckNfJfXjZEaOymg0zSdlShz83fk?src=global9) Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

Are your surface achievements leaving you unfulfilled? Dive into the enriching conversation between Mick Spiers and Randy Lyman to discover how unlocking the 'third element' can enhance your leadership journey. Randy shares profound insights on how true success stems from emotional awareness and connectivity, not just logical actions. Could tackling emotional wounds be the key to reaching new heights in your personal and professional life? #leadershipdevelopment #podcast #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth

What does success really mean when you've checked all the boxes but still feel empty inside? Randy Lyman's journey from physicist and multi-millionaire entrepreneur to emotional intelligence advocate challenges everything we think we know about leadership. Despite achieving multiple patents, thriving businesses, and academic accolades, Randy opens up about the profound emptiness he felt—until he discovered what he calls “the third element,” the missing link between intellect, effort, and emotional awareness. This insight transformed his personal fulfillment and completely redefined how he leads. In our conversation, Randy shares how unprocessed emotions silently shape team dynamics and decision-making. Leaders who suppress their feelings, he explains, often create environments where their teams instinctively protect themselves rather than collaborate openly. “The moment I walk into that room,” Randy says, “people feel what I’m feeling.” His leadership shifted when he began prioritizing emotional transparency, embracing practices like journaling and carving out generous time for genuine, emotionally honest conversations with his team. Most powerfully, Randy highlights three human needs that go beyond a paycheck: to be seen as a unique individual, to contribute meaningfully, and to belong. When leaders meet these needs with emotional intelligence, people show up fully—engaged, committed, and authentic. Ready to discover your own third element? Tune in and explore how integrating emotional awareness into your leadership could be the missing key to meaningful success. 🌐 Connect with Randy: • Website: https://iamrandylyman.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamrandylyman/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrandylyman/ 📚 You can purchase Randy's book on Amazon: • The Third Element: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZD5HWWN/ Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1704997/open_sms) Support the show (https://paypal.me/theleadershipproject) ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link (https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/AABS6mINckNfJfXjZEaOymg0zSdlShz83fk?src=global9) Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

Leadership demands constant evolution in our rapidly changing world. Are you asking the right questions as a leader? Are you creating an environment where people can adapt, belong and thrive amid uncertainty? This solo episode distills the most powerful insights from four exceptional leaders featured on the podcast during June, blended with reflections on leadership in today's complex landscape. Kumar Parakala revealed how the pace of technological change is exponential - "the world is changing faster than ever before, but slower than it ever will again." His guidance on embracing AI to augment rather than replace human capabilities offers a powerful framework for technological leadership. Drawing an intriguing parallel between leadership and ChatGPT, both respond best to better questions. Like a skilled prompt engineer, great leaders know that quality questions yield quality answers. Jones Loflin challenged us to stop being "busy for busy's sake," reframing productivity as energy management rather than time management. Creating intentional space between commitments allows creativity to flourish. Dave MacDonald's wisdom on hiring for character over skills resonates deeply: "Resumes show what people have done; character shows what they'll do when no one's watching." This prompted the confronting question: If your workplace were a democracy, would you be re-elected as leader? Your team votes daily through their engagement and trust. Michael Lopez transformed our understanding of change management, explaining that people resist change not from stubbornness but from fear of loss. His concept of letting people "hold the pen" by co-architecting change creates ownership instead of resistance. During these times of global uncertainty, creating environments of safety and belonging for multicultural teams has never been more crucial. Subscribe to the Leadership Project on your preferred platform and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube for weekly content designed to help you become the leader you wish you always had. Next episode features Randy Lyman exploring emotional awareness in leadership. Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1704997/open_sms) Support the show (https://paypal.me/theleadershipproject) ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link (https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/AABS6mINckNfJfXjZEaOymg0zSdlShz83fk?src=global9) Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

Learn how to foster a culture of change within your company, emphasizing that mistakes are key to neuroplasticity and adaptation. We explore setting reasonable goals beyond ROI to empower teams for amazing achievements. Change is good! Adapt! #changemanagement #Neuroplasticity #Leadership #CompanyCulture #EmployeeEmpowerment #Innovation #BusinessGrowth #Adaptability #MistakesAreGood #Teamwork

Why do most transformation efforts fail, even when people are deeply committed? In this thought-provoking episode of The Leadership Project, Michael Lopez, transformation coach and author of Change, unpacks the science behind why change is so hard and what we’ve been getting wrong all along. With over 20 years of experience helping organizations navigate complex change, Lopez challenges the conventional, rational-only approach and introduces six brain-based strategies to make change stick, both personally and systemically. Rather than focusing on willpower or generic frameworks, Lopez dives into the biology of transformation. He explains how the brain and body respond to change as a perceived threat, which often sabotages even our best intentions. Using real-world examples, including a remarkable case where a failing nuclear plant climbed from the bottom 10 percent to top 10 percent performance in just a year, he reveals how aligning change efforts with our neurobiology unlocks lasting results. His framework begins with understanding what's really going on, fostering individual ownership, and building a movement rather than enforcing compliance. The episode also flips popular beliefs on stress and failure. Lopez makes a compelling case that stress, when properly framed, is not the enemy but a key ingredient for growth. He unpacks how challenge strengthens the anterior mid-cingulate cortex, the part of the brain that helps us overcome difficulty. From building new habits to transforming entire teams, you’ll walk away with a practical, science-backed blueprint to navigate change effectively and sustainably. Whether you're leading others or leading yourself, this is a must-listen. 🌐 Connect with Michael: • Website: https://www.michaeljlopez.coach/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-lopez9/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljlopez9/ 📚 You can purchase Michael's book on Amazon: • CHANGE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/195501874X/ Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1704997/open_sms) Support the show (https://paypal.me/theleadershipproject) ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link (https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/AABS6mINckNfJfXjZEaOymg0zSdlShz83fk?src=global9) Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...