Tough Day Podcast

Explore the intersection of creativity and innovation as KVJ chats with Craig Russell, former leader at Walt Disney Imagineering. Known for delivering groundbreaking attractions like Shanghai Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean, Frozen-themed experiences, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Craig offers an insider’s perspective on crafting the seemingly impossible.Join us as Craig unpacks the messy yet rewarding process of creativity, the balance between bold ideas and business realities, and the magic of collaboration. He also shares leadership lessons from his time co-leading Imagineering and insights into fostering innovation in any workplace. Plus, we dive into his post-Disney journey, including advisory roles with creative companies like Meow Wolf. Whether you're a dreamer, a doer, or both, this episode is packed with inspiration for unleashing creativity under any constraint.In this episode, you will hear:Balancing risk, messiness, and brand alignment.Clear priorities: distinguishing between brand "deposits" and "withdrawals.How Imagineering integrates diverse teams for big betsStrategies for balancing innovation with practicality.Leadership transparency and prioritization’s role in fostering trust.How to get buy-in for bold ideas without watering them down.Managing creative frustrations under restrictive leadership.Learn more about Craig Russell | Walt Disney ImagineeringWebsite: https://sites.disney.com/waltdisneyimagineering/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-russell-36b73713/Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day   Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brace yourself for insights and laughs as KVJ and Alyene Schneidewind unpack the secrets to turning workplace woes into wins! In today’s episode, they dive into the art of building a performance-focused culture that thrives on honest feedback and continuous growth. Alyene shares her experiences as Chief Performance Officer, offering advice on navigating high-stakes projects, fostering accountability, and inspiring teams to aim higher. Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned leader, you’ll find practical tips to make even the toughest days at work a little smoother.In this episode, you will hear:How to build a feedback-driven, performance-oriented culture. Tips for leading high-stakes projects and keeping your team motivated. Strategies for fostering accountability and aligning teams with company goals. Alyene’s insights on handling tough feedback and using it for growth. Practical ways to define and operationalize core company values.The role of a Chief Performance Officer in shaping a resilient workplace. Learn more about Alyene SchneidewindWebsite: https://www.logicmonitor.com/  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alyenes   Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day   Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KVJ chats with Colin Calvert, attorney and partner at Fisher Phillips, about making employee handbooks surprisingly engaging. He offers practical tips on how organizations can transform their handbooks from dry rulebooks into resources that feel more relatable and human.Get ready for a surprisingly fun deep dive into… employee handbooks! In this episode of Tough Day, KVJ chats with Colin Calvert—an attorney and partner at Fisher Phillips, a top international labor and employment law firm. Colin, a labor law expert, believes handbooks don’t have to be dull. He shares stories, surprising handbook history, and practical tips for making these workplace “rule books” more human and a lot less boring.Tune in to learn why handbooks matter and how they can be more than just “office wallpaper.”In this episode, you will hear:Discover how handbooks went from bare-bones manuals to culture-setters for companies.Why digital, easy-to-navigate handbooks are the way forward.How to integrate your company’s real culture and values.Advocating handbooks that don’t read like “rulebooks” Hybrid work models and AI-use policies making employee handbooks more dynamic than ever.Learn more about Colin CalvertWebsite: https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/people/colin-p-calvert.html?tab=overviewLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-calvert-09a43628Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, KVJ welcomes Joe Lazer, Fractional Head of Content at A.Team and bestselling co-author of The Storytelling Edge, along with Kully Jaswal, a career and executive coach and founder of Ignition Coaching LLC. Joe shares insights on storytelling in the workplace, while Kully draws from her 15 years of business experience to offer advice on resilience, emotional intelligence, and leadership communication.   Effective communication at work can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be a mystery! In this episode of the Tough Day, KVJ is joined by storytelling expert Joe Lazer and leadership coach Kully Jaswal to break down the real reasons behind workplace miscommunication.They share personal stories, actionable advice, and explore the impact of remote work on effective collaboration. Joe reveals how crafting the right narrative can unite teams, while Kully offers strategies for navigating tough conversations and building trust.Whether you’re leading a team or just trying to survive your inbox, this episode is packed with tips to improve your workplace communication skills! In this episode, you will hear:Real-life stories of workplace communication gone wrong (and right). Joe’s insights on using storytelling to build stronger teams. Kully’s expert advice on handling tough conversations with emotional intelligence. The impact of remote work on team communication and collaboration. Strategies for giving and receiving feedback effectively. How to create connection and trust with your colleagues, even in virtual settings.Role of leadership in crafting a clear and compelling vision. Learn more about Joe Lazer:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joe-lazer-lazauskas-8b442026 Website: https://www.a.team/  Learn more about Kully Jaswal:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kully-jaswal Website: https://www.ignition-coaching.com/ Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day   Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Tough Day, KVJ interviews Lori Marcus, executive coach and board member, and Angelique Bellmer Krembs, advisor and board director, about the complexities of giving and receiving feedback. They share personal experiences, discussing both successful and uncomfortable feedback situations. They also cover how to build a culture of constructive feedback, address workplace biases, and improve communication strategies. Gain practical tips for navigating tough conversations and fostering professional growth.In this episode, you will hear: Overcoming the fear of giving difficult feedback. Real-life examples of feedback in high-pressure roles. The importance of specificity in feedback. How to balance positive and critical feedback. Strategies for managing feedback resistance. Gender differences in receiving and acting on feedback. Role of executive coaching in improving feedback skills. Tips for asking for and receiving feedback as a leader. Creating inclusive feedback rituals in teams.  Insights on managing upward feedback.Learn more about Lori Marcus    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/loritaubermarcus Book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Should-Smile-More-Dismantle/dp/1947951521  Learn more about Angelique Bellmer Krembs | A.Team  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/angeliquebellmerkrembs Website: https://www.a.team/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Should-Smile-More-Dismantle/dp/1947951521  Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day   Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel stuck at work, waiting for the next opportunity to drop into your lap? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! In this episode Tough Day, KVJ dives into the twists and turns of internal mobility (a.k.a. career chutes and ladders) with Michelle Stone, COO of Hawaii Employers Council, and Dr. Eric Solomon, a leadership expert who has spent nearly 30 years blending marketing, technology and psychology.They tackle everything from the benefits of taking on new roles within a company to how managers can encourage career growth. Whether you’re a sprinter aiming for that next promotion, an explorer testing out new paths, or a trooper keeping your head down, this episode’s got you covered.In this episode, you will hear:Defining the concept and why it’s more than just moving “up.”How to advocate for your own internal moves (without burning bridges).When and how to start the conversation about your next career move.Creating a supportive environment for employees to explore new roles.The Sprinter, The Trooper, and The Explorer—how to navigate your career based on your goals.How management styles can impact your team’s mobility and performance.Learn more about Michelle Stone:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-kim-stone-0409112/Website: https://www.hecouncil.org/index.phpLearn more about Dr. Eric Solomon:Website: https://www.thehumanos.co/Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day   Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Tough Day podcast, KVJ sits down with Lori Sherer, a partner at Bain & Company, and Wagner Denuzzo, author of "Leading to Succeed: Essential Skills for the New Workplace" to chat about strategies, myths, and real-life scenarios to help you tackle tricky work situations. Lori and Wagner open up about their personal journeys and offer practical advice for managing high-stress roles, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, psychological safety, and continuous learning in today’s workplace. They also share their insights on creating a supportive work environment and achieving balance in a competitive world.In this episode, you will hear:Concept of work-life harmonization versus traditional work-life balance. Creating psychological separation in a home workspace.Team norms and clear roles to mitigate after-hours work pressure.Setting boundaries and creating clear team norms to avoid burnoutAdapting to changing work environments and avoiding binary thinking.Issue of imposter syndrome, particularly among women in high-pressure rolesFlexibility in work environments and reciprocity in expectations and boundaries.Strategies for managing energy and authenticity in the workplace.Learn more about Lori Sherer | Bain & Company | Bain's Global Advanced Analytics PracticeLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lorishererWebsites: https://www.bain.com/ | https://www.bain.com/insights/consulting-services-insights/advanced-analytics-insights/ Learn more about Wagner Denuzzo | Leading to Succeed: Essential Skills for the New WorkplaceLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wagnerdenuzzo Book: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Succeed-Essential-Skills-Workplace/dp/1632261421 Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the secrets to exceptional leadership and management with Stefani Okamoto and Kyle Fiore from ServiceNow. Stefani and Kyle share transformative experiences that emphasize empowerment, trust and respect in leadership roles. Explore the evolution of managerial roles post-pandemic and learn practical strategies for fostering growth, building strong teams and navigating performance management. Dive into ServiceNow’s inclusive culture, underscoring the ways on how to overcome common managerial challenges with empathy and human connection.  In this episode, you will hear:The importance of empowerment, trust and respect in management. Contrasting empowering leadership with fear-based micromanagement. Role of managers post-COVID-19.How ServiceNow fosters an inclusive, people-centered culture.Practical strategies for handling team dynamics and promoting high performers.Navigating performance management and building strong managerial skills.Insights on fostering psychological safety, transparency and vulnerability.Significance of work-life balance and meaningful work in modern management. Strategies for breaking through the mid-manager glass ceiling.Real-world scenarios and advice for new managers.Learn more about Stefani Okamoto | ServiceNow LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stefani-okamoto-1376039 Website: https://www.servicenow.com/  Learn more about Kyle Fiore | ServiceNow  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kyle-fiore Website: https://www.servicenow.com/  Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day   Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover how to navigate workplace politics as KVJ welcomes Cie Nicholson, a Board Director at Selective Insurance and Katie Lacey, a Board Member at Designer Protein, in this episode of Tough Day podcast. Learn how to identify and tackle subtle gender biases while leveraging the power of politics as a tool for organizational growth. From their book, “You Should Smile More,” Cie and Katie share practical advice for women, leaders and allies, peppered with anecdotes from their early careers that underscore the importance of trust and credibility in the workplace. Uncover the often misunderstood world of workplace dynamics and the decisive role politics play in it. Cie and Katie also shed light on the necessity of understanding both official and unofficial channels for decision making.  In this episode, you will hear:Insights from Cie Nicholson and Katie Lacey on mastering workplace politics.  Practical advice from their book, “You Should Smile More.”Real-life examples highlighting the challenges women face. Role of mentorship and sponsorship.Tips on building meaningful relationships and trust in the workplace.Benefits of clear communication and authenticity in professional growth.Significance of fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented mindset.Advice on navigating hierarchical and competitive environments while staying true to personal values.Learn more about Cie Nicholson | Selective Insurance | The Band of Sisters | Smile MoreLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cienicholson Websites: https://www.selective.com/ | https://thebandofsisters.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Should-Smile-More-Dismantle/dp/1947951521 Learn more about Katie Lacey | Designer Protein | The Band of Sisters | Smile MoreLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wagnerdenuzzo Websites: https://designerwellness.com/ | https://thebandofsisters.com/  Book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Should-Smile-More-Dismantle/dp/1947951521 Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.