

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

77 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 35min
751: Leadership Through Our Common Humanity, with Neil Ghosh
Neil Ghosh, a seasoned executive with over 30 years in diverse sectors, shares his insights on leadership through our common humanity. He emphasizes the importance of learning from everyone, regardless of differences in age or ideology. Ghosh highlights the power of empathy, mentioning lessons from the Dalai Lama about compassion. He advocates for quiet generosity and peer mentoring, noting how small actions can lead to significant change. With examples like the friendship between Ginsburg and Scalia, he underscores the value of respectful disagreement and unity in leadership.

261 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 39min
750: Six Questions Every Leader Should Ask Themselves, with Margaret Andrews
In this engaging discussion, Margaret Andrews, a seasoned executive and author of 'Manage Yourself to Lead Others,' dives into the essence of effective leadership through self-understanding. She shares six pivotal questions that can transform how leaders view themselves, touching on the influence of personal experiences, defining success, core values, and emotional awareness. Margaret emphasizes that true leadership is about adaptability and recognizing the strengths of team members, highlighting that interpersonal skills are key to impactful leadership.

138 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 37min
749: How to Balance Positive and Constructive Feedback, with Mark Crowley
Mark Crowley, a leading voice in workplace leadership and author of "Lead from the Heart," shares insights on balancing positive and constructive feedback in the workplace. He discusses the ideal 4:1 positivity ratio—four positive interactions for every critical comment. The conversation delves into the shift towards prioritizing employee well-being in a post-COVID world, moving beyond mere engagement metrics. Crowley emphasizes the importance of fostering strong relationships through authentic, supportive communication that encourages both growth and morale.

106 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 38min
748: What Really Matters for Team Success, with Colin Fisher
Colin Fisher, an Associate Professor at UCL and author of "The Collective Edge," dives into the hidden dynamics of team success. He reveals that a staggering 60% of effectiveness comes from team structure, while 30% hinges on the launch. Coaching? Just 10%! Colin emphasizes the importance of clear goals and well-defined roles in fostering collaboration. He also highlights how genuine diversity goes beyond demographics, advocating for varied skills to spark innovation. Get ready to rethink how you build and lead teams!

137 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 29min
747: How to Get Out of a Rut, with Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Anne-Laure Le Cunff, an award-winning neuroscientist and founder of Ness Labs, dives into the art of breaking free from life's ruts. She challenges traditional goal-setting, highlighting how 'tiny experiments' can spark transformation. Discover the power of focusing on outputs over outcomes, and learn how small shifts can lead to significant growth. With practical tools like the 'Plus Minus Next' method, she emphasizes the importance of internal indicators of success, fostering joy and adaptability in personal and professional life.

125 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 39min
746: How to Make Small Talk with Executives, with Lorraine K. Lee
Lorraine K. Lee, a LinkedIn Top Voice and author of Unforgettable Presence, shares her insights on mastering small talk with executives. She emphasizes that small talk is crucial for building deeper relationships and highlights the importance of preparation. Lorraine offers practical tips like threading conversations for balance and approaching discussions with curiosity. She also discusses overcoming the challenges introverts face in networking and shares strategies to make meaningful connections, making small talk manageable and even enjoyable.

64 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 39min
745: How Music Can Help Us Lead, with Mort Sherman
In this engaging discussion, Mort Sherman, a retired leader from the American Association of School Administrators and author of Resonant Minds, reveals the surprising ways music can enhance leadership. He shares insights on using music to set a positive tone in the workplace, boost team morale, and foster emotional connections. From creating team playlists to leveling up meetings with mindful music, Mort illustrates how intentional sound choices can transform organizational culture and build community. Tune in for a harmonious blend of leadership and melody!

107 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 40min
744: Where Being Selfish is Better, with Jenny Wood
Jenny Wood, author of *Wild Courage* and former Google executive, shares valuable insights on leadership and self-advocacy. She redefines selfishness, suggesting it can empower leaders while benefitting their teams. Guilt is a common pitfall, but focusing on meaningful work over busywork is essential. Jenny emphasizes self-care in the workplace, the importance of saying no, and prioritizing personal fulfillment over financial goals. Her journey encourages listeners to embrace self-leadership and make strategic career choices.

55 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 37min
743: How to Teach Your Expertise to Others, with Roger Kneebone
Roger Kneebone, director of the Imperial College Centre for Engagement and Simulation Science, dives into the challenges experts face when transitioning to teaching. He discusses the importance of recognizing one’s expertise and the art of focused instruction. Kneebone emphasizes that effective teaching is about more than skills—it's about the context of why those skills matter. He also explores Vygotsky's zone of proximal development, highlighting how tailored challenges can facilitate growth for both leaders and learners alike.

67 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 37min
742: The Problem Leaders Have With Authenticity, with Sabina Nawaz
Sabina Nawaz, an executive coach with a wealth of experience advising C-level leaders at major corporations, discusses the complex nature of authenticity in leadership. She highlights how using authenticity as a shield can hinder growth and the importance of calibrating actions rather than justifying behaviors with phrases like 'yeah, but.' Sabina emphasizes that authenticity is dynamic, not static, urging leaders to experiment with small changes in behavior. Her insights challenge common misconceptions, showcasing that true leadership requires reflection and adaptation.


