Coaching for Leaders
Dave Stachowiak
Leaders aren’t born; they’re made. Many leaders reach points in their careers where what worked yesterday doesn’t work today. This Monday show helps leaders thrive at these key inflection points. Independently produced weekly since 2011, Dr. Dave Stachowiak shares insights from a decade of leading a global leadership academy, plus more than 15 years of leadership at Dale Carnegie. Bestselling authors, proven leaders, expert thinkers, and deep conversation have attracted 50 million downloads and over 300,000 followers. Join the FREE membership to search the entire leadership and management library by topic at CoachingforLeaders.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
83 snips
Feb 9, 2026 • 39min
769: How to Connect Better with Remote Colleagues, with Charles Duhigg
Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and author of Supercommunicators, shares how to connect in a remote-first world. He explains new rules for digital talk, the three kinds of conversations we juggle, why emotional and identity questions matter, and practical tactics for better virtual meetings and listening.
87 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 40min
768: Evolving from Business Partner to Value Creator, with JP Elliott
JP Elliott, a Talent and HR leader who’s worked at DICK’S Sporting Goods, McAfee, and Lenovo and hosts the Future of HR podcast. He talks about shifting from business partner to value creator. Think like a CEO with HR expertise. Design talent strategies for the future, reward outcomes not bureaucracy, and build a 3–5 year leadership pipeline tied to business priorities.
88 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 37min
767: Being Nice May Not Be Kind, with Graham Allcott
Graham Allcott, author and founder of Think Productive, explores kindness at work vs. mere niceness. He explains pairing truth with grace, balancing concern for others and self, and why clarity is itself an act of kindness. Practical ideas include measurable expectations, leader mantras, and inviting candid feedback to surface the hard truths.
125 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 39min
766: Using AI to Make Networking Easier, with Ruth Gotian
Ruth Gotian, a leading management thinker and author, shares insights on leveraging AI to enhance networking efforts. She discusses the shrinking networks post-pandemic and introduces the 90/9/1 rule for online engagement. Ruth emphasizes using AI for administrative tasks, such as preparing for conferences and optimizing LinkedIn profiles. She also advocates for curating content and organizing small gatherings to foster genuine connections. Ultimately, Ruth highlights that while AI can assist, authentic human relationships remain irreplaceable.
130 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 37min
765: How to See What’s Holding You Back, with Marty Dubin
Marty Dubin, a clinical psychologist and business coach, dives into how leaders often hinder their own progress due to identity blindspots. He discusses the critical mismatch between roles and identities that can trap many in outdated self-perceptions. Marty encourages leaders to reflect on their past activities and realign their motivations with new roles. Through practical examples, he illustrates how small, consistent changes can create significant shifts, guiding leaders to embody the identities that best suit their aspirations.
65 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 31min
764: Stop Solving Your Team’s Problems, with Elizabeth Lotardo
In this engaging discussion, Elizabeth Lotardo, a consultant and author focused on emotional engagement, shares insights on how leaders can stop the cycle of solving their team's problems. She highlights the pitfalls of over-helping, revealing that while it feels satisfying, it ultimately leads to disempowerment and burnout. Elizabeth introduces a five-question framework to encourage team independence, emphasizing the importance of listening and removing obstacles instead of providing direct solutions. Her transformative approach empowers teams to learn and grow.
54 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 39min
763: Leading with Poise When the Stakes are High, with Eileen Collins
In this captivating discussion, Eileen Collins, retired U.S. Air Force colonel and the first American woman to pilot a space shuttle, shares insights from her groundbreaking career. She reveals how early challenges built her resilience and how she coped with sudden fame. Eileen emphasizes the importance of focusing on the mission and preparing for high-pressure moments. She discusses balancing quick decision-making with consultative approaches and the critical role of family support during missions. A true pioneer, Eileen inspires the next generation in aviation and space.
57 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 37min
762: Show Up Better, Faster, with Claude Silver
In this engaging conversation, Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and author, dives into the importance of authenticity at work. She emphasizes how our internal 'songs' affect our mood and behaviors, urging listeners to confront harmful self-labels. Using her own journey as an example, Claude introduces the LIE framework to help individuals recognize and reframe limiting beliefs. She highlights the value of community and patience in evolving one's self-perception, encouraging everyone to envision a more empowered future self.
7 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 25min
Listener Survey Results
The latest listener survey reveals key struggles like team transitions and leadership challenges. Surprisingly, time management emerges as a blind spot for many. Feedback urges a balance of concise formats while maintaining depth. Excitingly, Dave introduces Focus 5, offering weekly actionable insights. Plus, a new AI tool is on the horizon to enhance content discoverability. The podcast celebrates impressive milestones while expressing gratitude to its growing community.
42 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 35min
761: Notice Disruption and Innovate Through It, with Steve Blank
Steve Blank, an adjunct professor and pioneer of the Lean Startup movement, shares his insights on recognizing and navigating disruption. He reflects on historical examples, like carriage makers transitioning to automobiles, emphasizing that visionary founders drive significant pivots rather than hired CEOs. Blank warns of structural disincentives that hinder businesses from innovating, urging mid-level managers to evaluate their companies' commitment to real innovation. He distinguishes between 'innovation theater' and genuine progress, advocating for measurable outcomes over superficial demos.
