Episodes

  • Emotionally Charged Leadership: Insights by Dina Denham-Smith from PwC to Private Practice

    Emotionally Charged Leadership: Insights by Dina Denham-Smith from PwC to Private Practice
    Feb 9 2025
    Get ready to uncover the secrets of emotionally intelligent leadership with our esteemed guest, Dina Denham-Smith. With a career that spans over 25 years and includes contributions to Forbes and Harvard Business Review, Dina brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our conversation. From her unique upbringing on a Connecticut boarding school campus to her academic accomplishments and influential work as an executive coach, Dina's journey is a tapestry of personal and professional growth. She shares how pivotal life events, such as the loss of her father and the premature birth of her daughter, have shaped her perspective on leadership and the crucial role of empathy in today's business environment. Emotionally charged leadership takes center stage as we explore the consequences of emotional suppression in the workplace. Dina shares practical strategies from her upcoming book, "Emotionally Charged: How to Lead in the New World of Work," including the transformative "three N's" framework: Notice, Name, and Need. These insights are particularly relevant in a post-pandemic world, where the demand for emotional intelligence has never been higher. Leaders are challenged to embrace emotions as valuable data and cultivate environments where team members feel seen and heard, driving better decision-making and fostering healthier workplace dynamics. Navigating the complexities of a diverse workforce requires a nuanced understanding of leadership styles and challenges, including gender bias. Through our conversation, Dina highlights the additional emotional labor often shouldered by women and people of color, and the importance of aligning personal values with company policies. As traditional leadership models face scrutiny, the discussion emphasizes the need for flexibility, such as hybrid work arrangements, and the creation of positive team environments. This episode is a must-listen for those grappling with the evolving expectations of leaders in a world that values authenticity and emotional resilience.
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    57 mins
  • Revolutionizing Hiring: Insights from Dr. Deborah Kerr on Data-Driven Job Matching

    Revolutionizing Hiring: Insights from Dr. Deborah Kerr on Data-Driven Job Matching
    Jan 26 2025
    Discover the future of hiring as we welcome Dr. Deborah Kerr, co-founder and president of Affintus, whose revolutionary approach to job matching promises to transform the way organizations identify top talent. Dr. Kerr, with her rich academic background and experience in public policy and organizational performance, sheds light on how predictive data can outshine traditional resumes and interviews, providing a more reliable method of finding the perfect candidate. Her diverse journey, from upstate New York to the beaches of South Delaware, is a testament to her commitment to innovation and excellence. Join us as Dr. Kerr shares her insights into the complexities of talent acquisition, emphasizing the crucial role of accurate data and structured processes over outdated hiring practices. With a career spanning academia, the Texas legislature, and the nonprofit sector, she reveals the common pitfalls organizations face and the importance of evidence-based management in overcoming them. Her personal passions, from weightlifting to sourdough baking, offer a glimpse into the life of a woman dedicated to both professional and personal growth. Our conversation takes a deeper look at the significance of mutual due diligence, cultural fit, and effective interviewing techniques. We explore the challenges of change management within HR departments and the necessity of using scientific data to support hiring decisions. The episode concludes with a nod to the origins of Affintus and the critical balance between intuition and analysis in achieving hiring success. Whether you're an employer or a job seeker, Dr. Kerr’s insights provide a roadmap for navigating the modern landscape of job matching.
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    59 mins
  • Embracing the Unexpected: Career Resilience, Wellness, and Leadership with Jeri Hawthorne

    Embracing the Unexpected: Career Resilience, Wellness, and Leadership with Jeri Hawthorne
    Nov 12 2024
    Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for AFLAC, Jeri Hawthorne, joins us to share her incredible journey from Southeast Ohio to Georgia and beyond. Jeri opens up about the serendipitous twists and turns that took her from studying in West Virginia and England to enriching experiences in Denmark with Nova Nordisk. Her passion for cross-cultural training and international HR is infectious, and her stories reveal how embracing the unexpected can lead to a fulfilling career path. Whether it's her educational pursuits or professional triumphs, Jeri's journey is full of lessons on leadership and personal growth.As we savor the rich flavors of France and Tokyo, we also tackle a sobering issue—stress and burnout in today's fast-paced world. With constant negative media, economic hardships, and the pressure to maintain a picture-perfect life on social media, maintaining mental wellness has become a Herculean task for many. We delve into how these pressures impact not just personal well-being but also financial stability, making it crucial to find balance in both work and personal life. Through this discussion, we aim to shed light on the complexities of modern-day stressors and their pervasive effects.Our focus on wellness and resilience extends to the workplace as well. By spotlighting employee wellness initiatives, we share how our company, in collaboration with Corporate Chaplains of America, fosters a supportive environment for emotional, physical, and financial health. From executive coaching to resilience training, we emphasize creating a culture where authenticity and vulnerability in leadership are valued. This is not just a conversation—it's a call to action for embracing challenges, fostering a caring atmosphere, and leveraging resources that can enhance your professional journey. Whether you're a leader or just starting your career, these insights are sure to resonate and inspire.
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    50 mins
  • Career Club Live - Ellen Taaffe

    Career Club Live - Ellen Taaffe
    Oct 31 2024
    Step into the world of leadership and personal development with Ellen Taaffe, celebrated author and clinical professor at the Kellogg School of Management. Ellen pulls back the curtain on her journey from sales at Quaker Oats to her influential roles at PepsiCo and Whirlpool, sharing the wisdom she’s gathered along the way. Her latest book, "The Mirrored Door," serves as a guide for women seeking to shatter career barriers and embrace their full potential. Ellen's insights into brand strategy and leadership development are anchored in her rich experiences, making for a compelling conversation that is as enlightening as it is inspiring. Ellen takes us on a candid exploration of the internal roadblocks that often hinder career progression. From battling negative self-talk to confronting imposter syndrome and perfectionism, she shares strategies to overcome these challenges. Her personal anecdotes shine a light on the impact of early life messages and the common pitfalls of self-doubt. By fostering a protagonist mindset, Ellen encourages us to take risks and seize new opportunities, reminding us that the road to success is paved with courage and confidence. Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of career success and avoiding its hidden perils. Ellen discusses the importance of setting boundaries, embracing personal growth, and leveraging one's strengths without succumbing to their downsides. Through her experiences, we learn about the delicate balance between being a supportive team member and ensuring personal development. Ellen’s message of empowerment and readiness resonates throughout the episode, urging listeners to trust in their capabilities and take bold steps toward their career aspirations. Tune in to discover how conviction, curiosity, and courage can transform your professional journey.
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    46 mins
  • Career Club Live - Julie Cooper

    Career Club Live - Julie Cooper
    Oct 31 2024
    Dr. Julie Cooper, president of Trauma-Free World, joins us for a transformative conversation that promises to reshape how you view leadership and organizational success. Dr. Cooper's unique trajectory from biochemistry to trauma-informed care offers a profound understanding of how trauma influences behaviors and emotions. She shares personal anecdotes from her journey in child welfare and fostering, illustrating how trauma-based leadership can equip individuals and leaders with the tools to navigate tough times with empathy and effectiveness.Our discussion highlights the often-overlooked impact of trauma in the workplace and the crucial role of leadership in cultivating healthier environments. Drawing from Dr. Cooper's experiences in Back-to-Back Ministries, we explore how trauma affects employee focus and productivity. Leaders can learn compelling strategies to foster psychological safety, turning mistakes into learning opportunities and encouraging open communication. With practical illustrations from international settings, we delve into power dynamics and cultural considerations for implementing these principles globally.Empowering voices within an organization means addressing power distance and promoting engagement, and Dr. Cooper provides actionable insights into achieving this. We examine how Trauma-Free World strives to build trauma-informed cultures through resources like the "Trauma-Informed Leadership" course, offering consulting and coaching to support tailored organizational needs. Dr. Cooper's insights are a valuable guide for leaders eager to support vulnerable populations and foster inclusive, resilient communities. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on creating lasting change in your leadership approach.
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    50 mins
  • Building Resilient Leadership with Nathan Tanner: From Job Rejection to Ironman Triumph

    Building Resilient Leadership with Nathan Tanner: From Job Rejection to Ironman Triumph
    Oct 1 2024
    How do you cultivate leadership that lasts? Join us as Nathan Tanner, an executive coach with a rich career spanning Lehman Brothers, LinkedIn, and DoorDash, reveals his secrets to becoming "The Unconquerable Leader." You'll learn about the vital dynamics between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation and walk away with practical strategies to keep your drive intact for the long haul. Nathan also shares his journey, from his roots in Anaheim, California, to his passion for triathlons, blending personal anecdotes with professional wisdom. Ever faced job rejection and struggled to keep a positive mindset? Nathan's got you covered. In this episode, he unveils how to reframe your mental approach with daily goal reminders and the powerful concept of Misogi—taking on one hard challenge every year to build resilience. He recounts his experience completing an Ironman triathlon and how it reshaped his perspective on everyday challenges. Additionally, Nathan discusses the importance of feedback, leveraging frameworks like Radical Candor and SBI to provide constructive criticism effectively. But that's not all. Nathan delves into creating a Leadership Operating Manual, a tool that can fundamentally transform how you lead and communicate within your team. From breathing exercises to the benefits of walking, discover simple yet profound methods to enhance your mental well-being. As we wrap up, you'll get actionable tips on documenting your progress and maintaining consistency, all aimed at helping you achieve long-term success. Connect with Nathan Tanner and uncover the invaluable lessons from his book, "The Unconquerable Leader," by visiting NathanTanner.net or reaching out to him on LinkedIn.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Mastering Job Interviews with Sam Owens: Tips, Techniques, and Transformative Strategies

    Mastering Job Interviews with Sam Owens: Tips, Techniques, and Transformative Strategies
    Sep 26 2024
    Can mastering job interviews really be the key to unlocking your dream career? Join us on Career Club Live as we welcome Sam Owens, founder of Sam's Career Talk and the current CMO of Freezing Point, the makers of Frazzle. Sam takes us through his remarkable career journey from ConAgra Foods to White Wave Foods and Danone, and onto smaller companies like Cali'flour Foods. Along the way, Sam shares invaluable lessons learned, shedding light on the strategic decisions that shaped his path. We also discuss his latest book, "I Hate Job Interviews," a must-read for anyone looking to conquer the often intimidating interview process.Want to know the secrets behind acing job interviews? Sam Owens reveals them all, drawing from his experience of writing and publishing his book, which eventually caught the attention of HarperCollins. From obtaining inside information about companies to crafting powerful stories, Sam breaks down the essential principles of excelling in interviews. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and practice, explaining how these skills can be learned and perfected just like any other. With practical advice and insights, Sam's narrative promises to transform how you approach job interviews.Ever wondered how to handle those curveball questions in interviews? Sam Owens has got you covered. He walks us through crafting "power stories" using the SPAR method (Situation, Problem, Action, Result) and shares strategies for tackling unconventional and potentially illegal questions with poise and diplomacy. We also explore techniques for soliciting feedback during interviews to uncover potential objections and refine your pitch. This episode is packed with actionable advice and encouragement for job seekers facing today's challenging market, making it an essential listen for anyone looking to boost their interview game.
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    54 mins
  • Empathetic Leadership and Future Workforce Strategies: Insights from Wagner Denuzzo

    Empathetic Leadership and Future Workforce Strategies: Insights from Wagner Denuzzo
    Sep 24 2024
    How do you conquer the corporate world while staying true to your emotional and empathetic self? Visionary leader Wagner Denuzzo, who transitioned from social work in Brazil to influential roles in major U.S. companies like IBM and Prudential Financial, shares his remarkable journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. Discover how Wagner's personal evolution shaped his unique approach to leadership development and emotional intelligence, and gain invaluable insights from his latest book, "Leading to Succeed: Essential Skills for the New Workplace."Our conversation uncovers the often-overlooked facets of leadership—empathy, self-acceptance, and the balance between personal involvement and professional detachment. Wagner shares his strategies for overcoming societal challenges and conditioned beliefs, shedding light on the importance of clarity and understanding one's values. Learn how fostering a non-judgmental and authentic environment can elevate your team's performance and create a high-performing, empowered workforce. Wagner emphasizes the need for senior leaders to engage without emotional attachment, advocating for continuous learning and self-confidence as keys to effective leadership.We also dissect the evolving dynamics of the modern workforce, highlighting the significance of building future talent strategies amidst technological advancements and shifting workplace demands. Wagner provides actionable advice on developing managerial capabilities, fostering self-managed teams, and promoting transparency in financial operations to drive accountability and innovation. If you're looking to understand how to create a sustainable talent management blueprint while navigating the complexities of distributed workforces and generational expectations, this episode is a must-listen. Join us and transform the way you think about leadership and the future of work.
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    53 mins