In this episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, Andrea interviews Dr. Don Egle, Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications at Letourneau University and the Founder and CEO of the Kyer Group, a brand and leadership coaching company. With over 25 years of C-suite experience, Dr. Egle discusses the importance of preparation, clarity, and authenticity in crisis communications, and how empathy and slowing down can make a significant difference. Dr. Egle also delves into his dissertation on joyful leadership, explaining how joy, seen as a deep-rooted mindset and choice, impacts leadership and organizational success. Additionally, Dr. Egle emphasizes the intersection of brand and leadership, advocating for a clear and authentic promise. He offers insights on how Letourneau University navigates the evolving landscape of higher education by staying true to its mission and creating distinct value for its students.

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/donegle/
X | @DonEgle

Scott Trumpolt, founder of Trumpolt Compensation Design Solutions, shares insights on compensation planning, HR leadership, and rewards strategies in this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast. With over 30 years of expertise and a global perspective, Scott discusses the importance of aligning compensation with organizational success, the need for transparency in pay structures, and how career development is linked to compensation. He also touches on the significance of employee engagement, the evolving role of HR, and the impact of emerging trends like artificial intelligence and minimum wage increases. Listeners will gain valuable advice on how employees can advocate for their compensation and how companies can better utilize HR as a strategic partner.

Trumpolt Compensation Design Solutions (TCDS) Website

Scott Trumpolt on LinkedIn

Andrea welcomes Mr. Eric Seacrest, former CEO of a newspaper company, to the Voice of Influence podcast. After selling the family newspaper business, Eric transitioned to a rewarding career as the executive director of Mid Nebraska Community Foundation in 2001. Throughout the episode, Eric shares his experiences from leading a family newspaper business for generations to spearheading philanthropic initiatives. He talks about his deep-rooted passion for community, the importance of giving everyone a voice, handling conflicts in community projects, navigating industry changes, and the evolving landscape of media and charitable giving. Eric emphasizes the significance of showing up, making a difference, and the joy derived from contributing positively to society. The episode is a heartfelt exploration of how one man's journey of impact can inspire others to find their voice and contribute to their communities.

Andrea Wenburg from Voice of Influence discusses the impact of others on your decision-making process. She emphasizes the importance of listening, reflecting, and acknowledging the influence of others' words on your thoughts and actions. Wenburg explores the value of validating others' perspectives, even if you do not ultimately agree with their suggestions, and highlights how this validation can encourage future sharing and diverse viewpoints. She underscores that embracing others' input is a gift that strengthens communication and fosters mutual respect.

In this episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, Andrea interviews Mike Picard, the Executive Director and Head Coach for Envy Volleyball Club. Mike shares his journey from being a volleyball parent to establishing a successful non-profit volleyball club. He discusses his coaching philosophy focused on building confidence and strength in young players, the rapid growth of Envy Volleyball Club, and the impact of creating a positive and supportive community for young athletes. Mike also highlights the importance of passion and investment in making a lasting influence. Mike Picard is a Navy veteran, holds an MBA, and is the owner of American Structures Company. He was named USA Volleyball Youth Coach of the Year in 2022.

In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, Andrea Wenburg interviews Samantha Pesek, a 2008 Olympic silver medalist and NBC women's gymnastics analyst for the 2024 Olympics. Samantha shares her journey from a young gymnast motivated by her athlete parents and a competitive household to achieving her Olympic dreams. She discusses the intense mental and physical challenges of gymnastics, the importance of confidence, and her transition into sports broadcasting. Samantha also talks about founding Beam Queen Bootcamp to empower young gymnasts and the critical role of parents in nurturing their children's aspirations. This episode explores themes of resilience, mental health, confidence building, and the power of positive self-talk.

Respect is the foundation of effective leadership, strong organizational culture, and employee well-being. But what does respect truly mean, and how can leaders create an environment where employees feel valued and empowered?

In this episode, Andrea interviews Kristie Rogers, Assistant Professor of Management at Marquette University and researcher on respect and identity at work. Kristie shares insights from her groundbreaking research, including her work with Televerde—a company employing incarcerated women in Arizona—to explore how respect impacts performance, retention, and personal growth.

Join Andrea and Kristie for a deep dive into the concepts of owed respect (respect granted to all employees) and earned respect (respect based on individual contributions), and discover actionable ways to foster respect in any organization.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Kristie's Path to Researching Respect: How her experience in sports broadcasting and her curiosity about workplace dynamics inspired her journey.
• The Importance of Respect: Why respect is the #1 desire among employees—and why so many people feel they aren’t receiving it.
• Owed vs. Earned Respect: A simple framework for understanding and balancing these two forms of respect.
• Lessons from Televerde: How respect transformed the lives of incarcerated women, reduced recidivism, and improved workplace outcomes.
• Practical Applications: How leaders can recognize their own blind spots and cultivate respect to boost employee engagement and performance.
• Respect and Voice: The connection between respect and an employee’s willingness to speak up and contribute ideas.

Episode Links:

• Harvard Business Review Article: Do Your Employees Feel Respected? by Kristie Rogers
• Learn More About Televerde: Televerde Website
• Episode Transcript: Available at voiceofinfluence.net/336

In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, Andrea shares an inspiring in-person interview with Alice Atemo, the founder of Overcoming Faith Schools in Western Kenya. The episode provides an in-depth look at Alice's story, her humanitarian efforts to rescue and educate vulnerable children, and the challenges and triumphs faced along the way. Andrea and Alice discuss how the school started, its growth over the years, and its current needs, including the push for a medical van and further support for the children. Listeners are encouraged to get involved by visiting tucklets.org to support this noble cause.