Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

What difference does it make to work with a skilled coach? Observe first-hand the life changing impact business owner Joe Perrone has experienced by working with expert coach Walt Hampton. This is truly an inspiring conversation with two people who are committed to making a real difference in the world! Walt Hampton is Founder & Chairman of Summit Success International, a global personal and professional development firm. He’s a best-selling author, business coach, management consultant, leadership trainer, and motivational speaker. Joe Perrone is a small business owner who runs 2 businesses, New England Collision and Astro Auto Repair. What’s remarkable about Joe is that he’s truly learned to work ON his business, not IN it, so now he has time to be a coach himself. He works with other business owners to help them fine time and avoid or recover from burnout.You’ll discover: Criteria to use when choosing someone to coach youWhat coaches should consider when looking for their ideal clientThe 3 core questions that haunt clients…and what Walt does to help them work through these to do the work they’re meant to do.How addressing those questions helped Joe make significant changesKey reasons why working with a coach can help you grow faster and easierCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Most universities have a mission statement about developing student leaders. But very few result in graduates with the leadership skills needed for their first job. Find out why in this interview with Libby Gill. Libby and I discuss her new book, Leadership Reckoning: Can Higher Education Develop the Leaders We Need?, which she co-authored with Dr. Tom Kolditz, Director of the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University.Libby is the former head of communications for Sony, Universal, and Turner Broadcasting. Today Libby is an executive coach, leadership expert, and award-winning author. She guides emerging and established leaders to clarify the next level of their work and life, then guides them to get there.You’ll discover: The disappointing discovery that caused Bill Doerr to establish the Doerr Institute for New LeadersWhy most university leadership programs for students don’t produce leadersThe First Principles of the Doerr Institute that are the basis of everything they doHow to measure the effectiveness of every aspect of a leadership programWhy graduates of the Doerr Institute are actively recruited by Chief Human Resource Officers Check out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

DescriptionWant to know how you can live your life so you have no regrets? That’s the end-game for my guest David Wood, Founder of Focus.ceo, for himself and for his clients. David works with business owners to help them double revenue, achieve more in less time, and be a more extraordinary human being in every area of their life. You’ll want to take lots of notes because David is a source of amazing insights and tips. Our rich conversation covered topics like how to hold space for another person, exercise more courage to have tough conversations, and structure you day so you get better results in half the time. He’s a very special human being having a deep impact with all who know him.You’ll discover: How David “holds space” for his clients who are dealing with a tough situationIdeas for handling twice as much of what matters in half the timeFour things that keep us from being more productiveThe benefits of working in sprints of 25 minutes instead of 60 or 90 minutesHow to move past your fears to have those difficult conversationsCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Do you sometimes get triggered by another person or a particular kind of situation? My wonderful guest Mary Simon is an expert on helping clients recognize their triggers and find ways to reduce the impact on their minds and bodies. Mary is a respected, trusted executive coach with 20 years of experience, and she’s coached leaders and teams in 17 different industries. She’s certified in brain science and neuroscience and is a former faculty member at The Wharton School of Business. In this fascinating conversation, Mary shares why reacting to triggers can be harmful to your health…and what you can do instead to reduce their impact. You’ll discover: Why Mary makes a distinction between brain science and neuroscienceHow Mary helps clients become aware of words or events that trigger themHow to identify where in your body you become tense when you have a reaction to a situationWhat you can do to respond to triggers in a way that serves you betterWhy curiosity is the magic key for moving away from a triggerCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What if you could let go of the doubts and fears that could hold you back from pursuing your big dream? This interview can rock your world! My guest David Katz is founder and CEO of Plastic Bank. He’s beyond inspiring to listen to, as he describes his journey to create and run this company. David didn’t get bogged down in questions about HOW he was going to make it all happen. He focused on becoming the person he needed and wanted to be. David shares insights about his decision to create a company that’s having an impact on thousands (soon to be millions) of lives around the globe. Your heart and mind are sure to be touched deeply as you absorb the wisdom of this very special man. Truly one of the most impactful interviews I’ve had the privilege of conducting. I’m guessing you’ll feel the same after watching or listening to our conversation.  You’ll discover: The moment David realized he could create a company with Plastic Bank’s focus and missionHow David supports his team members, no matter where they are in their own personal development journeyWhy it’s more effective to focus on who you are becoming in the world rather than what you are doing.The importance of vulnerability and integrity in a leader’s influenceThe positive impact Plastic Bank is having on individuals and communities around the globeCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Why is it so important to have a positive culture in the workplace and eliminate any toxic elements? The ripple effects of both types of environments may surprise you. My guest JoAnna Brandi has a deep understanding of the dynamics and shares her expertise with great enthusiasm and clarity. You’ll love the specific actions she recommends leaders take to notice others’ strengths and express appreciation for them.JoAnna has been in business since 1990 helping companies create happy, engaged, and productive employees who are dedicated to providing “Exquisite” Customer Care. She’s the author of several books, including 54 Ways to Stay Positive and two on customer loyalty. She is passionate about helping her clients activate the link between positivity and profitability, creating “great companies to work for and do business with.”  You’ll discover: Why there’s now dis-connect between Engagement and Wellbeing since the pandemic…and what organizations need to knowWhy having happy, engaged employees is a prerequisite for superb customer serviceThe characteristics and behaviors leaders can model to set up a positive cultureHow a toxic work environment can impact domestic violence and school bullyingThe scientific basis for a focus on employee well-being and happiness in the workplaceCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are hot topics these days, and rightly so. Do you know all the facets involved in addressing each of these in the workplace? If not, catch this important interview with my guest, Sarah Tabet. She shares behaviors we might unconsciously engaged in that could be perceived as a micro-aggression by the other person.Sarah is Global Human Resources Director at Schneider Electric in Dubai and a business partner to senior leaders in the area of Diversity and Inclusion. Sarah has more than a decade of multi-national experience in the human resources field. She’s passionate about D&I and has even written a book to raise awareness and introduce strategies: Inclusion Starts with U: A Call to Spread a Culture of Inclusion to All Diversities.You’ll discover: Events that created Sarah’s passion for these topicsThe distinction between Diversity and InclusionNegative consequences for not addressing their importance and relevance at workThe three elements that are essential for building a diverse, inclusive cultureFactors that influence compensation and opportunities for advancement for womenCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Kon is the Founder and CEO of Fresh Biz Solutions, a Human Capital Management consulting group that provides performance improvement and training solutions. He helps organizations develop their people, improve business results, and reap the benefits of a comprehensive Talent Management strategy. He’s also committed to developing future leaders by applying the same principles to the coaching of young soccer players in local, state and Olympic development programs. You’ll discover: The 7 keys that can help you navigate through any crisisHow leaders can use these keys with their teams to improve performance and achieve the desired resultsThe Leadership Paradox – how to take seemingly contradictory items and blend them successfully (e.g., empathy and tough love)What Kon does to teach these concepts to the youth athletes he coaches Check out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Do your beliefs about what’s possible for you ever hold you back? If so, my interview with Dr. Lisa Walker is a must-listen. You’ll love hearing her passion and stories as she describes her own breakthroughs and the ways she helps clients with theirs. Lisa is a Psychologist and Leadership Development Expert as well as an ICF Master Certified Coach, and a Columbia University Certified Executive Coach. She’s also an advanced level Mediator and Facilitator, helping leaders navigate crucial conversations. Lisa has worked on large-scale leadership initiatives for clients in over 30 countries. She has a knack for coaching executives to achieve positive, measurable change in their leadership behaviors while delivering on business results and nurturing and growing their people. Her clients include Dell, Amazon, Target and IBM. You’ll discover: How Lisa applies her background as a psychologist to coaching leadersThe top challenges leaders are facing right now…and what Lisa says and does to help them achieve breakthroughsSuccess stories of clients who’ve abandoned their limiting beliefs to embrace their true potentialThe life-altering lessons Lisa learned when she successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in AfricaCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

DescriptionIf you’re working long hours in your business and find it hard to take time off, my interview with Tom Perrone is a must-listen. Tom’s been in the financial planning business since 1970, and he’s passionate about helping small business owners learn how to create a company that grows revenue and profits and also allows them to take lots of time off. Tom is the host of the Building and Protecting Your Business Worth Podcast. In our conversation, we dive into his excellent book for business owners, Unlocking Your Business’ DNA: Cracking the Code to a Better Business, Bigger Profits and More Time on the Beach! You’ll discover: What Tom means by Business DNA and how it applies to youWhy it’s critical to block time to work ON your business and not just IN itHow Tom is able to work fewer hours/week than most business owners and still grow his business and incomeOne big thing you must do to build your company’s valueWhy you need to think about “exit planning” as soon as you start your businessCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn