Lead the People

Malissa Clark is a Professor of industrial/organizational (I-O) psychology at the University of Georgia, where she has been on faculty since 2013. Currently, she serves as Head of the department of psychology and director of the Healthy Work Lab. Recently selected as a member of the 2024 Thinkers 50 Radar list and a finalist for the 2025 Thinkers50 Radar Award, Malissa is a recognized expert on the topics of workaholism, overwork, burnout, and employee well-being. Her first book, Never Not Working: Why the Always-On Culture Is Bad for Business and How to Fix It, was published in February 2024. Never Not Working has been recognized as one of the top management books of 2024, including being named one of Adam Grant’s 12 New Idea Books to Launch in 2024 and top 5 Porchlight Books Best Management and Workplace Culture Books of 2024. Key Takeaways: Workaholism is not the same as working long hours True workaholism stems from an uncontrollable internal drive Overworking often leads to burnout and reduced productivity Cultural norms can glamorize unhealthy work habits Leaders must model and support healthy boundaries From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Malissa Clark, Author, “Never Not Working” https://a.co/d/e5HSRpd Follow Malissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malissa-clark-phd/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

George Pesansky is a recognized leader in Operational Excellence, with a career spanning more than 30 years in performance optimization, executive coaching, and systematic improvement. He has trained and coached over 10,000 professionals across six continents and helped Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits alike drive measurable results. He is the founder of Capacity2Care, a nonprofit encouraging Superperformers to donate their talent—not just their time—to improve outcomes in their communities. Known for his clarity, candor, and hands-on approach, George is now bringing his best practices to readers everywhere with Superperformance. George is also a member of Forbes Coaches Council as well as Fast Company Executive Board. Key Takeaways: Superperformance grows from aligning vision, strategy, and action with the people doing the work The golden hour shows when performance peaks and how to extend it Zero loss is about sustaining ideal performance, not perfection Friction comes from communication gaps, variation, and rework Studying what goes right is as important as fixing what goes wrong From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: George Pesansky, President, MyBlendedLearning.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/deliberateimprovement/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

In this episode, Rachel Downey shares how leaders can move from being invisible to truly influential by owning and expressing their leadership brand. Drawing from her work across creative industries and executive teams, Rachel explains why brand is more than visuals, it’s about voice, values, and showing up with clarity. She breaks down the internal blocks that keep leaders from sharing their story, how content can scale trust, and why authenticity starts with knowing what you believe. Whether you’re leading a team or a movement, this conversation offers a practical look at building influence from the inside out. Key Takeaways: Your brand is how you show up whether you realize it or not. Clarity on values and voice is the foundation of influence. Leadership content isn’t about visibility, it’s about impact. Vulnerability and consistency build real trust with your audience. You can’t be influential if you’re afraid of being seen. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Rachel Elsts Downey, Founder & CEO, Share Your Genius: linkedin.com/in/rachelelstsdowney Follow Matt on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

In this episode, Elena Agaragimova explores the evolving relationship between employee engagement and performance. She challenges the idea that traditional engagement strategies are enough and makes the case for shifting toward unlocking human potential through personalization, curiosity, and strategic clarity. Elena shares how leaders can better align people with their strengths, create space for reflection, and build workplaces that support long-term growth. From outdated career ladders to the power of story, she offers fresh insights for any leader rethinking how to develop talent in today’s world of work. Key Takeaways: Engagement is no longer the end goal—human performance is. People want clarity, purpose, and to feel like they’re growing. Personalization is key to unlocking individual and team potential. Reflection and storytelling help people understand and own their path. Leaders must rethink outdated systems and create space for what matters. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Elena Agaragimova, Co-Founder: ShiftWell.ai website: http://www.shiftwell.ai Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

In this episode, leadership coach Lee Scott explores why so many managers avoid hard conversations and what to do about it. He shares how fear, unclear expectations, and lack of training often hold leaders back from saying what needs to be said. Lee offers practical tools for building the courage and clarity to step into uncomfortable conversations with confidence. From naming the gap between intention and impact to creating environments where feedback is safe and expected, this conversation is a candid look at the human side of leadership growth. Key Takeaways: Avoiding hard conversations is often rooted in fear and self-protection. Clarity of expectations is key to building healthy accountability. Managers need support and practice to develop relational courage. Feedback is most effective when it names both intent and impact. Psychological safety starts with leaders modeling honesty and curiosity. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Lee Scott, Founder & Chief Change Agent, Unleashing Leaders: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unleashingleaders/ Unleashing Leaders: http://www.unleashingleaders.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/Unleashingleaders Leadership Conversation Series (Course): https://unleashingleadersuniversity.com/leadership-conversations-series Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

In this episode, Jaime Nolan, CAE, shares her journey of transforming organizational culture, challenging outdated systems, and leading with authenticity during times of change. With deep experience in association leadership, Jaime opens up about the personal and professional work required to lead transformation from the inside out. She reflects on what it takes to build trust across diverse communities, how to unlearn old leadership habits, and why discomfort is often the path to growth. From navigating her own identity to rewriting the playbook with purpose, Jaime’s story offers a powerful look at change, inclusion, and resilience. Key Takeaways: Change starts with doing your own inner work before leading others. Trust is built slowly and requires showing up with consistency and care. Systems don’t transform until leaders are willing to be uncomfortable. Authenticity and vulnerability open the door to more inclusive leadership. Rewriting the playbook means questioning what we’ve always accepted as normal. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Jaime Nolan, CAE, CEO, National Speakers Association: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimenolan/ National Speakers Association: http://www.nsaspeaker.org Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

In this episode, Lissy Alden joins the show to unpack what mental fitness really means and how it applies to leadership. She shares how mindset impacts performance, what it looks like to shift from being hijacked by emotion to intentionally choosing your response, and why self-awareness is the key to change. Drawing from her experience supporting people leaders across industries, Lissy breaks down how reflection, mental reps, and practical tools can help interrupt old patterns and build new ones. Whether you’re feeling stuck or seeking clarity, this conversation offers simple and powerful insights for rewiring the way you think, lead, and relate. Key Takeaways: Mental fitness is the ability to notice, pause, and choose a different response Most people operate on autopilot and need reflection to shift out of it Your mindset directly affects how you lead, connect, and perform Simple tools practiced daily can rewire deeply ingrained patterns The goal isn’t perfection, it’s increasing self-awareness and agency From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Follow Lissy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lissy-alden/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

In this episode, executive coach and speaker Kelly Meerbott joins the show to explore how leaders can move from burnout and fragmentation to clarity, connection, and purpose. Drawing on her trauma-informed approach and deep experience with hundreds of C-suite leaders and military officers, Kelly offers a refreshing take on what it means to lead from within. She discusses how to dismantle outdated leadership conditioning, why emotional clarity fuels courage, and how storytelling can unlock influence and authenticity. From co-founder conflict to middle manager fatigue, Kelly reveals how self-trust, vulnerability, and even humor can rebuild leadership from the inside out. Key Takeaways: Leadership starts with clarity, courage, and compassion for yourself. Self-trust is the foundation for trusting and leading others. Storytelling is a must-have skill for influence and connection. Discomfort, silence, and failure are part of the leadership process. Your power lies in unlearning who you were told to be and remembering who you are. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Follow Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyameerbott/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

In this episode, CEO Andy Allaway of Empire Flippers joins the show to unpack his journey from corporate manager to leading a fully remote, high-growth global business. Andy shares lessons on navigating hyper-growth, building culture in a distributed team, and stepping into leadership during a time of transformation. He opens up about the challenges of succeeding a founder-led organization, the importance of hiring for cultural alignment, and what it really means to lead through downturns. From hiring missteps to rebuilding trust and clarity, Andy offers practical advice for managers leading through complexity, pressure, and change. Key Takeaways: You can’t scale culture without defining it clearly first. Growth hides cracks. Downturns reveal them. Trust is built through clarity, consistency, and communication, especially in remote teams. Wartime leadership demands decisiveness, not consensus. Belief in the mission is the foundation for change and resilience. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Follow Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyallaway Empire Flippers: http://www.empireflippers.com Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/ Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Aaron Wagner is the Founder of FromwithN and a leadership coach who helps middle managers lead with clarity and confidence. With over two decades of experience in founder-led companies, he's led teams, built leadership development programs, and has turned around underperforming divisions across the country. He's passionate about helping managers grow because he has been there and has lived it. He currently coaches middle managers one-on-one, on Instagram and through his email newsletter The Managers Minute. In this episode, he explores the power of high standards, how to separate identity from performance, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge your thinking. Aaron also opens up about how family shapes his priorities and why true leadership is about creating opportunity for others. Key Takeaways: Growth starts with getting radically honest with yourself. The right people will elevate your standards and mindset. Conviction comes from preparation and clarity. Leadership is about building others, not just businesses. Identity and performance are connected, but not the same. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Aaron Wagner, Founder, FromwithN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkwagner/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/