Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

What if you could change the way you look at fear? Jacqueline Wales has a deep understanding of what’s behind fear…and the questions you can ask yourself to break through limiting beliefs and stories that may be causing you to play small in life. You’ll discover how to reframe your ideas about fear and failure so they serve you instead of hold you back. Jacqueline developed a fearless approach herself after enduring, and then breaking away from, a nightmarish family to establish new patterns and find peace. She is now an author, keynote speaker, and trusted advisor to successful, high-achieving women. And she is an unwavering champion for being fearless.  In this conversation we talk about key ideas and questions from her latest book, The Fearless Factor @ Work, which I highly recommend, especially if you’ve ever allowed your fears to get in the way of speaking up or taking courageous action. You’ll discover: How Jacqueline defines fear and more specifically, fear in the workplaceThe distinction Jacqueline makes between the stories we tell ourselves and the evidence for those beliefsWhat she does to help clients play big when they’re used to playing small and holding backSome of the messages that girls receive when growing up that don’t serve them as adultsThe importance of self-compassion and self-love when you’re working to make a changeCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What would you predict the future to be for a boy who was the son of a Black pimp father and a white single mother on welfare? If you answered “pretty bleak,” you would be wrong in the case of JeVon McCormick. JeVon took all the adversity he faced and turned it into a highly successful life and career. Today, JeVon is the CEO of Scribe Media, a multi-million-dollar publishing company that was recently ranked the #1 Top Company Culture in America by Entrepreneur Magazine. JeVon was recently named Best CEO in Austin, Texas. JeVon’s experiences shaped a mindset for modern leadership that now guides his service at Scribe Media and is captured in his book, Modern Leader. You are likely to re-evaluate of your ideas and even some of the words you use as you listen to this thought-provoking conversation.You’ll discover: The incident that made JeVon immune to criticism from othersWhy the old corporate playbook is obsoleteThe #1 behavior that modern leaders need to demonstrateWhat JeVon learned from his biggest mistake Words that JeVon dislikes and the alternatives he prefersCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Have you ever been told, “You’re the best leader I’ve ever had”? Michelle Braden has. She lives and breathes every day the behaviors that both challenge and support the people on her team.In this gold nugget-filled conversation, you’ll hear about the journey that led Michelle to learn about, adopt, and apply the key leadership skills that bring out the best in others. Michelle is the Vice President of Global Talent Development at WEX, a leading provider of corporate payment solutions. She has more than 25 years of successful management experience in companies like TELUS International, SAP and Xerox. You’ll discover: Why Michelle Braden likes to describe herself as the Chief Learning EvangelistHow the Situational Leadership program became a turning point in Michelle’s careerWhat Michelle does to challenge team members and provide support at the same timeThe behavior that consistently trips up the senior leaders Michelle has coached in her roleHow application of The Fifth Agreement helps build critical thinking skillsCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

How do you create a leadership development program from scratch? Will Leahy explains how he did just that at GoDaddy as Senior Director of Learning and Talent. You’ll feel his unbridled enthusiasm for his work, and you’ll learn how he’s still refining that program after two years.Throughout Will’s career at companies like Virgin Orbit, Hulu, and LinkedIn, there’s a common thread that’s near and dear to my own heart. Will has a passion for developing strong leaders who help others thrive and realize their full potential. And in our conversation we talked about how he’s been doing that at GoDaddy.You’ll discover: Will’s purpose and how he gets to fulfill it at GoDaddyThe key question Will asked that helped him develop a powerful leadership development programThe story behind The Everyday Leaders Program titleWhy the program results in real changes in the way leaders leadHow Will utilizes the program’s Alumni Network to test new classes and get feedbackCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Did you know that Lean Six Sigma extends way beyond the world of manufacturing? Paul Stamper is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and he’s done a magnificent job bringing this process to the County of Ventura in California. You’ll enjoy Paul’s passion for this topic and the practical ways the principles are applied across all departments in the County. You’re sure to get ideas of how you can incorporate Lean Six Sigma into your own organization. Paul is the Deputy Executive Officer for the County of Ventura, California. He oversees multiple program areas including their continuous improvement program, called Service Excellence, which has documented over $40 million in savings. Paul leads Strategic Planning and Economic Vitality efforts to support the 850,000 residents and 22,000 businesses in the County. You’ll discover: What Lean Six Sigma means and what it looks like in actionThe natural strengths Paul brought with him when learning about Lean processesHow Ventura County has used the Service Excellence Program to improve services to its customersPositive changes that have occurred at all levels in the organization since adopting Lead Six SigmaWays that Paul has grown as a leader and what he’s learned from his experience in this roleCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What’s it like to be bullied and abused as a kid, end up in jail for beating up someone, and later decide to create a Legendary Life Movement? That’s just a slice of Tommy Breedlove’s life.Tommy emerged from those early experiences stronger and determined to change his life. He went on to have a 20-year corporate career at one of the largest financial consulting firms in the world. And then…at the top of his career, Tommy experienced a transformational moment that inspired him to walk away from the corporate world and follow his true calling…to empower others to build and live Legendary Lives.Tommy is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best-Selling Author of the Book, Legendary. He’s also the Founder of the Legendary Life Movement… a movement that empowers driven people to be Pros in Leadership, Business, Mindset, & their Relationships. You’ll be inspired and motivated to take action as you hear him share specific steps you can take to build your own legendary life.You’ll discover: What the word Legendary means to Tommy…and why he chose itWhy self-leadership is the starting point for all personal developmentThe question one of Tommy’s mentors asked him that became an ah-ha moment in his life3 things you can do every day to build a practice of gratitude in your life3 actions you can start taking today to become legendary at work, no matter what your titleCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What leaders in your life have had the greatest impact on your thinking and behavior? Anton Gunn can name five different U.S. Presidents who’ve personally influenced him.These interactions form the basis of the seven principles in his bestselling book, The Presidential Principles. Anton served as a senior advisor for healthcare in the Obama Administration, and that President inspired him to find more ways to be of service to others. Anton is the CEO of 937 Strategy Group, a consulting firm focused on helping leaders build diverse, high-performing teams, and world-class workplace culture. Anton was recently named one of the Ten Most Influential Minority Executives in Healthcare by Fierce Healthcare, and he’s the world’s leading expert on Socially Conscious Leadership.You’ll discover: The two leadership lessons Anton learned from his first boss that transformed his lifeHow Anton redirected his life purpose after the death of his brother What he discovered about the U.S. healthcare system that motivated him to become an advocate for changeHow Anton became a senior advisor to President Barack ObamaThe one Presidential Principle that serves as that foundation of all the othersCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What’s it like to discover your true calling? Laura Coons, Ph.D., began her career teaching at the college level and then transitioned to the corporate world…and that’s where she found true joy. Laura bubbles over with enthusiasm when talking about her work, and you’ll hear that in our conversation. Laura is the Senior Director of Learning at Frontdoor, a company that’s on a mission to make home ownership simple. Throughout her career there’s been the thread of servant leadership. She’s truly passionate about her role as a leader and committed to the development of future leaders.You’ll discover: Why Laura made the transition from higher education to the corporate worldThe adjustments she needed to make to be successful in that new environmentThe most important aspect of a leader’s role with members of their teamThree pillars that are the foundation for a strong, effective leaderHow Laura has grown as a leader over the yearsCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What’s it like to hire, coach and fire based on your company’s Purpose, Values, and Mission? Clate Mask knows the answer because that’s exactly what he and his team at Keap are doing every day at Keap. And they’ve built a positive culture where everyone takes ownership and personal responsibility for their actions. Clate is the co-founder and CEO of Keap (formerly Infusionsoft), with the mission of simplifying growth for millions of small businesses worldwide. Clate’s passion for small business success stems from his personal experience taking his software company from a struggling startup to an eight-time Inc. 500/5000 winner. He’s received numerous awards over the years, including Business Leader of the Year from the Arizona Technology Council, and he was a finalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Clate is also the co-author of the New York Times bestseller Conquer the Chaos: How to Grow a Successful Small Business Without Going Crazy, a must-read for every business owner. You’ll discover: What Clate learned from his coach Steve Hardison about how to show up for important conversationsThe importance of hiring people who are eager to grow as individuals and be owners of their livesWhy Caring is the #1 core value at KeapThe questions you’ll want to answer if you’re committed to creating a positive cultureSome of the most important lessons Clate has learned as a leaderCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Is there really a LAW of Giving and Receiving? Indeed there is, and Cynthia Kersey describes exactly how it’s worked in her own life…and how it can work in yours.Cynthia shares the research and benefits around the power of giving. You’ll love the way she and her team live this every day at The Unstoppable Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to ensuring that every child on the planet has access to the life-long gift of education. Cynthia embodies her message, and she’s integrated giving and contribution into her life and business for more than two decades. The Unstoppable Foundation has provided a daily education to over 100,000 children, and it also provides access to life-saving services such as clean water, health care, nutritious food, and income generation training to parents. The Foundation’s work has impacted the lives of more than 500,000 men, women, and children in Kenya alone!You’ll discover: What Cynthia learned about the power of giving after publishing her two booksHow to leave the impression of increase with everyone you encounterWhat a culture with the spirit of service and giving looks likeTwo questions you can ask yourself to develop the mindset of givingWhy individuals and organizations alike have been enthusiastic donors to The Honor Foundation since Day 1Check out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn