What if the workplace friction you face daily isn’t just “how things are” but something you can change? In this eye-opening conversation, Margaret Graziano—bestselling author of Ignite Culture—shares how most dysfunction at work is created, not inevitable. Drawing from decades of experience and research in neuroscience and organizational development, Margie empowers us to stop pointing fingers and start looking within. Science shows that 75% of employees experience high stress, much of it due to interpersonal conflict. When triggered, our brain’s executive function shuts down, leading to poor decisions. Margie introduces a powerful formula—Performance = Potential - Interference—revealing that removing emotional and relational blockers is just as important as building skills or talent. This episode delivers practical tools like the SCULPT method to shift from reaction to response and strategies for team alignment. Whether you're a leader or team member, Margie’s insights offer a roadmap to building healthy, high-performing cultures—starting with one powerful question: What role am I playing in the problems I see? 🌐 Connect with Margaret: • Website: https://www.keenalignment.com/ & https://www.margaretgraziano.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretgraziano/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magigrazi/ • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@magigrazi/ 📚 You can purchase 's book on Amazon: • Ignite Culture: https://www.amazon.com/dp/164704619X/ 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 ...

In this insightful episode of The Leadership Project, we're joined by the esteemed Lynn Daniel, CEO of the Daniel Group. Dive deep with us as we explore the secrets behind creating a resilient organization with impressively low turnover rates. Lynn shares the invaluable lessons learned throughout his career, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture where employees feel comfortable taking ownership, making mistakes, and sharing their ideas—no matter how unconventional they may seem. **Key takeaways:** - Encouraging Responsibility: Empower your team to take initiative and trust their capabilities. - Embracing Mistakes: Understand that errors are part of the journey and crucial for growth. - Valuing Ideas: Create an open environment where all suggestions are heard and considered. Join hosts Mick Spiers and Lynn Daniel for a discussion filled with actionable insights on leadership, culture, and the true impact of listening to and supporting your team. **Subscribe** for more leadership tips and business insights!

In this powerful video of The Leadership Project, host Mick Spiers dives deep into the psychology of leadership to uncover what truly influences human thought, emotion, and action. 🔍 Backed by over 12 years of psychological exploration, Mick shares insights from formal studies at Yale and compelling conversations with global experts. This isn’t just theory—it’s about applying science to how we lead, communicate, and inspire. 🚧 Discover the jaw-dropping case of Phineas Gage—the man who survived a brain injury that reshaped our understanding of personality and decision-making. 💡 Inspired by Nobel Laureate Francis Crick’s hypothesis on neural activity and behavior, this episode will challenge your assumptions and elevate your leadership practice. 🧠 Understand the mind. Lead with intention. If you're ready to explore the links between memory, emotion, motivation, identity, and influence—this video is your starting point. 👇 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: The Quest for Understanding Human Behavior 00:58 The Journey Begins: Formalizing the Study of Psychology 01:37 Case Study: The Astonishing Story of Phineas Gage 02:21 The Brain-Behavior Connection: Insights for Leaders 03:33 Applying Psychology to Leadership and Life 04:18 Join the Journey: Subscribe and Engage 04:33 Teaser for Next Video: Perception vs. Reality 🎯 Subscribe and be part of the movement to redefine leadership. #Leadership #Psychology #EmotionalIntelligence #Neuroscience #LeadershipDevelopment #PhineasGage #MickSpiers #TheLeadershipProject

What if the secret to exceptional customer experience isn't found in customer-facing strategies at all, but in how you treat your own team? This powerful question frames our exploration with Lynn Daniel, CEO of The Daniel Group, who has achieved something remarkable in an industry known for turnover: a team that not only stays but thrives. "If you're not listening to your people, they'll find the exit, just like customers do." Lynn's wisdom cuts straight to the heart of effective leadership. While companies obsess over customer feedback, they often neglect using those same listening skills with their employees. Lynn's managers are trained listeners who approach team members with genuine curiosity and support. When someone faces personal challenges, even something as serious as cancer, they aren't sidelined—they're supported. This creates the foundation of loyalty that translates directly to customer experience. Lynn's approach to hiring illuminates another crucial insight: "You can't just hire for skills; you have to hire for culture fit." He seeks collaborators who align with the mission and bring positive energy to the team. For Lynn, culture isn't an abstract concept or a poster on a wall; it's the lived experience of how people treat each other daily. This extends to his leadership style, captured in his philosophy: "If I have to manage your time, you shouldn't be working here." This trust-based approach fosters ownership, empowerment, and ultimately, results. When employees feel properly enabled and trusted, they take initiative without being asked. What small change could you make today to build a workplace where people choose to stay because they feel seen, supported, and inspired? When you lead with purpose and empathy, people don't just remember—they stay. Subscribe to The Leadership Project for more insights on creating cultures where both employees and customers experience true loyalty and connection. 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 ...

The secret to building customer loyalty might be hiding in plain sight—within your own team. In this fascinating conversation with Lynn Daniel, founder and CEO of The Daniel Group, we uncover the powerful connection between remarkable customer experiences and dedicated employees who stay for decades. Lynn's story begins with a resourceful decision in the early 2000s to create a remote work environment long before it became mainstream. What started as a financial necessity evolved into a strategic advantage, revealing that when people are trusted rather than monitored, they respond with loyalty and exceptional performance. Through authentic stories and practical wisdom, Lynn shares how genuine empathy, cultural alignment, and respectful leadership have created an environment where people genuinely want to stay. The conversation explores several game-changing approaches to leadership, including "episodic coaching" that replaces ineffective annual reviews with immediate, context-rich feedback. Lynn's refreshing philosophy—"I'm far more interested in having you beg forgiveness than ask permission"—demonstrates how empowerment and trust become the bedrock of organizational resilience. His three-part mission of having fun, making money, and creating positive impact for clients provides a simple but powerful framework for meaningful work. Whether you're struggling with high turnover or simply want to create a more engaged workplace, Lynn's insights reveal that the fundamental human desires to feel seen, heard, and valued lie at the heart of both employee loyalty and customer satisfaction. The leadership principles shared go beyond theory—they've been tested through economic ups and downs, proving that values-driven leadership isn't just compassionate, it's competitively advantageous. 🌐 Connect with Lynn: • Website: https://www.thedanielgroup.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedanielgroup/ • Email: LynnDaniel@thedanielgroup.com 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 drives people to perform at their highest level? Contrary to popular belief, it's rarely money or status. During this thought-provoking solo episode, I reflect on my transformative conversation with Dan Johnson, who built a non-profit organization with over 10,000 dedicated volunteers. His powerful insight? When you lead with genuine humility and humanity, people will walk through fire for you. At the heart of true motivation lie three fundamental pillars: purpose, ownership, and mastery. Purpose goes beyond lofty organizational visions to connect daily tasks with meaningful outcomes. Ownership transforms people from passive task-completers into active co-creators who drive results. Mastery addresses our innate desire for growth and skill development in areas that matter. Yet beneath these pillars runs something even more profound – our deeply human need to feel seen, heard, valued, and connected to something larger than ourselves. As leaders, we have the privilege of satisfying these needs through simple but powerful daily actions: giving the gift of purpose through context and meaning, presence through undivided attention, trust through empowerment, and growth through development opportunities. This approach aligns perfectly with established psychological frameworks like William Glasser's Choice Theory and Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, confirming that true leadership isn't about control but connection. When we prioritize people before processes, purpose before policies, and meaning before metrics, we don't just get good work – we inspire extraordinary performance. What gift will you give your people today? Subscribe to the Leadership Project on YouTube and follow us on social media as we continue our journey to learn together and lead together. 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 ...

And you need to make sure everyone in your organization understands that. They may join because they like you, but they won’t stay because of that. They stay for purpose. For vision. For the legacy they’re building with you. In this episode of The Leadership Project, Dan Johnson shares how purpose became the cornerstone of his leadership. From his political roots to leading a nonprofit that mobilized 10,000 volunteers, Dan unpacks what it really takes to inspire people and create lasting impact. Whether you're in the nonprofit world or a corporate space, the principles apply: ✔ Clarity of purpose ✔ Ownership and buy-in ✔ Mastery that drives excellence Don’t miss this transformative conversation on how to lead with legacy in mind.

What if your workplace was a democracy—and your team had the power to vote on your leadership? In light of recent elections in Australia, Canada, Singapore, and the Philippines, this video challenges you to reflect: Would you get re-elected as leader? We dive into: ✅ What people really look for in a leader ✅ Whether your team feels heard, seen, and represented ✅ If your values and actions truly align ✅ And whether you're delivering on your promises This isn’t just a thought experiment. It’s a wake-up call. So ask yourself… if you wouldn’t get re-elected today, what will you do to fix that? #WorkplaceDemocracy #TeamCulture #Election

What motivates people to give their best effort without financial incentives? This was the central theme of a compelling conversation with Dan Johnson, a nonprofit coach who has galvanized over 10,000 volunteers. Dan’s story begins with a moment of disillusionment during political meetings, where he recognized a lack of genuine problem-solving. Realizing he was "in the wrong room," he made the bold decision to redirect his organization toward meaningful impact, even at the cost of losing most of its funding. Surprisingly, his core team remained, proving that shared purpose can outweigh financial security. Dan attributes this loyalty and growth to what he calls the "volunteer paycheck"—a trio of intrinsic motivators: purpose, ownership, and mastery. Purpose keeps people grounded during tough times, ownership fosters empowerment and initiative, and mastery ensures personal growth and skill development. By moving away from top-down leadership and embracing a model of “radical ownership,” Dan saw his volunteer numbers surge from 60 to over 10,000 in just two years, underscoring the power of mission-driven leadership. These principles extend far beyond the nonprofit world. Whether in corporate settings or community projects, people stay committed when they believe in the mission, feel a sense of agency, and see themselves growing. Dan’s insight—that “clarity of purpose attracts the right people and repels the wrong ones”—is a guiding truth for any leader. Authenticity and distributed leadership, it turns out, can drive extraordinary commitment—no paycheck required. 🌐 Connect with Dan: • Website: https://nextlevelnonprofits.us/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trainerdan/ 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 ...

Ever wondered if your team's greatest strength could also be its biggest weakness? When expertise becomes tunnel vision, even the most talented teams can miss what matters most. Drawing from my enlightening conversation with Professor Henrik Bresman of INSEAD, co-author of "X-Teams," this episode explores a counterintuitive truth: truly exceptional teams aren't defined by their internal cohesion alone, but by their courage to look outward. While most organizations celebrate alignment and efficient execution, Bresman's research reveals that external focus, deep listening, and genuine co-creation with stakeholders create the real competitive edge. We dive into the "inward trap" that ensnares even the most brilliant teams, keeping them locked in internal debates while customers feel forgotten. You'll discover why presenting fully-baked solutions often backfires, transforming what should be partnerships into mere transactions. Through practical examples and actionable strategies, I'll walk you through the mindset shift from being expertise-driven to connection-focused. The most powerful moment comes when we realize that listening itself is transformative. I share personal experiences where simply creating space for customers to express frustrations—even when those truths were uncomfortable—completely turned around soured relationships. That's because people don't just want solutions; they want to feel heard, valued, and involved in creating their future. Ready to build an X-Team that leads rather than merely executes? This episode offers immediate steps you can take to audit your team's orientation, schedule genuine listening sessions with stakeholders, and move from problem-focused thinking to possibility-centered creation. Your expertise matters, but your ability to connect might matter even more. Subscribe to The Leadership Project for more insights that challenge conventional wisdom and transform how you lead. How might your team's effectiveness change if you spent as much energy looking outward as you do looking inward? 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 ...

In today’s video, we dive into the psychology behind why we’re more divided than ever before. Whether you like Donald Trump or not, the focus here isn’t about political alignment—it's about understanding the psychological forces at play. We’ll discuss confirmation bias, projection bias, and algorithmic bias, exploring how these cognitive patterns and social media algorithms have created deep divides in society. From family disputes to global protests, what’s happening in our world today goes beyond politics. We’ve become stuck in echo chambers, only seeking information that validates what we already believe. This video uncovers how these biases affect our thinking, and more importantly, how we can break free from them. Let's open the conversation, question our own beliefs, and learn how to foster critical thinking and empathy in these divisive times. 00:00 Introduction: The Psychology of Division 00:15 Welcome to The Leadership Project Live 01:13 Understanding Confirmation Bias 02:04 Projection Bias: Seeing Our Own Shadows 03:11 Algorithmic Bias: The Social Media Trap 06:00 The Impact of Echo Chambers 07:33 Trump's Influence and Crowd Manipulation 08:47 Solutions: Breaking Free from Bias 10:05 Conclusion: Embracing Cognitive Empathy If you're ready to challenge the status quo and become part of the solution, hit the like button, subscribe to @theleadershipproject, and drop a comment with your thoughts. We want to hear how you're tackling division and what solutions you're exploring. #ConfirmationBias #ProjectionBias #AlgorithmicBias

We guide you on how to effectively organize and interpret information, empowering you to make better decisions. Discover the fascinating process of deriving meaning from data and enhancing your decision-making skills! #DecisionMaking #InformationAnalysis #DataDriven #BetterChoices #Empowerment #CriticalThinking #OrganizeYourThoughts #KnowledgeIsPower #MindfulDecisions #SmartChoices

How well does your team understand its external landscape? 🌐 In the latest episode of The Leadership Project, Professor Henrik Bresman from INSEAD highlights the critical shift from the internal to the external world. In a dialogue with Mick Spiers, Henrik explains why teams today need to excel in sensemaking, ambassadorship, and task coordination within their external environments to succeed. Embrace the concept of 'X teams' and discover how aligning with the outside world is more crucial than ever. #ExternalFocus #TeamDynamics #LeadershipInsights #OrganizationalSuccess

Discover how embracing diverse cultures and teamwork transformed my perspective on work over a decade-long career. It's not just about data—it's about connection and collaboration that makes our experiences richer and more meaningful. #GlobalWork #CulturalDiversity #Teamwork #CareerJourney #WorkLifeBalance #HumanConnection #CrossCulturalExperience #Collaboration #ProfessionalGrowth #Inspiration

Truly innovative teams distinguish themselves not by what happens within their team rooms, but by how actively they engage with the world outside. In a powerful conversation, Professor Henrik Bresman of INSEAD draws from his decades of research and his book X-Teams: How to Build Teams that Lead, Innovate and Succeed to challenge traditional ideas of high-performing teams. He emphasizes that while internal alignment is important, it is no longer enough in today's fast-changing environment. Instead, teams must first reach outward—connecting with knowledge, power, and work structures—before turning inward. Bresman explains that many leaders resist this "external-first" approach because of outdated mental models and a fear of disrupting internal harmony. Ironically, prioritizing short-term comfort by avoiding external feedback undermines long-term success and real team cohesion. The teams that succeed practice key activities like sensemaking, ambassadorship, and task coordination, constantly cycling through phases of exploration, experimentation, and exportation to remain dynamic and relevant. This conversation redefines leadership for an uncertain world, where pretending to have all the answers breeds false security and true innovation comes from admitting what we don't know. Bresman's insights offer practical guidance for leaders at all levels, showing how to build teams that not only adapt to change but actively drive it. Listeners are encouraged to explore more of his work at xleadco and join a growing movement to rethink how teams can lead and innovate in complex environments. 🌐 Connect with Henrik: • Website: http://www.bresman.com/ https://www.xlead.co/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrikbresman/ 📚 You can purchase 's book on Amazon: • X-Teams, Revised and Updated: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1647824761/ 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 ...

To unlock the best ideas, fostering a safe environment for open communication is crucial. We discuss the importance of encouraging challenges and creative thinking in meetings to drive innovation and success. Let's break down barriers for a better brainstorming experience! #Innovation #BusinessGrowth #CreativeThinking #TeamWork #SafeEnvironment #Brainstorming #Leadership #OpenCommunication #Motivation #Empowerment