Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

What if the only thing standing between you and stronger leadership is the way you see and lead yourself? In this conversation, Ben Albert shares how losing his job during the pandemic became the catalyst for his growth as an entrepreneur and podcaster.  We explore why self-leadership matters, especially when no one else is steering the ship, and how habits, relationships, and honest feedback can help you grow. Ben also explains how self-care, personal branding, and seeking out mentors can transform your impact on others and yourself. We also discuss overcoming fears, turning weaknesses into strengths, and the power of empathy and curiosity in personal development. Ben describes building a supportive community of growth-minded leaders and why genuine connections are the foundation of lasting success. Whether you’re looking to lead more effectively or become a better version of yourself, you’ll find practical ideas and inspiration in this episode. Ben hosts a network of 5 podcasts called “Real Business Connections,” ranked in the top 1% globally. He also runs a massively successful marketing firm, Balbert Marketing. Ben is on a mission to move the needle on one million lives, one conversation at a time.  You’ll discover: How self-leadership can empower you during times of uncertainty and change.The role of self-care in supporting both personal growth and your ability to lead others.Why personal branding matters and how to shape the way others perceive you.Practical ideas for overcoming fears and turning past weaknesses into strengths.The benefits of joining a growth-minded community for networking and ongoing development.Check out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What if the real secret to great leadership isn’t found in strategy or skill, but in the strength of your character? This conversation with Dane Deutsch explores how character forms the true foundation of leadership, shaped by his own family values, military service, and years of leading diverse teams.  Through stories from the Air Force and his own experience as a CEO, Dane reveals why caring for people and building trust matter more than any title or technique. His insights show that whether you’re coaching athletes, running a business, or guiding a community, authentic leadership always begins with character. Dane also introduces the “tricycle effect,” illustrating how qualities like trustworthiness, respect, and responsibility steer both personal and professional growth. From practical tools for self-coaching to the power of empathy and humility, you’ll come away inspired to strengthen your own character skills, build genuine connections, and lead with heart in every area of life. Dane was a Commander in the US Air Force and first applied character skills in the military. He’s the CEO of LMDC Academy, which stands for Leadership Management and Development in Character. Over the past 40 years, he’s coached and trained athletes, businesses, and teams. Dane owned a cybersecurity company and sold it in 2020. He’s also taught classes on cybersecurity at the university level. He and his wife own a gymnastics training center for pre-k to high school students, and character is the #1 skill they teach, followed by leadership, and then technical skills. Dane’s most recent book is titled "Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect: Coaching Character as the Foundation of Leadership."You’ll discover: Why character skills are the true foundation of great leadershipHow self-talk and body posture can help you manage anxiety and boost confidenceThe “tricycle effect” and how it can guide your personal and professional growthReal stories about empathy, humility, and the power of being coachablePractical ways to develop trust, respect, and authentic connections in any area of your lifeCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Coco Sellman, CEO of A Force for Good and author of 'A Force for Good,' empowers purpose-driven women founders. She delves into the importance of inner wisdom in leadership, emphasizing self-leadership and daily rituals for personal growth. Coco discusses how transformational leadership creates environments that foster empowerment and contribution. Her insights on 'highest and best use' encourage aligning actions with greater purpose. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she shares how leaders can drive positive change, even during challenging times.

Curious how LinkedIn can actually help you build real business relationships—not just rack up connections? In this episode, LinkedIn expert Bill McCormick shares his journey from traditional sales to becoming a trusted advisor on the platform. Bill reveals why authenticity, curiosity, and genuine engagement are the keys to standing out and building trust, whether you’re networking, recruiting, or growing your business. We dive into practical tips for optimizing your profile, engaging with others in a meaningful way, and using LinkedIn’s premium features (like Sales Navigator) to your advantage. Bill also shares his thoughts on AI and automation, and why the human touch still matters most. If you want to make LinkedIn work for you—without feeling salesy or inauthentic—this episode is packed with actionable advice you can use right away. Bill is the Founder of Digi-Sales, a Digital Selling training company, and Digi-Sales Academy, an online video training platform where he shares his passion for helping professionals leverage the power of LinkedIn. Bill first started using digital sales techniques after he and his wife, Sue, started their own promotional product business. By using social platforms, especially LinkedIn, they were able to build a very successful business. Bill then began to help other business owners, entrepreneurs and sales professionals learn how to use LinkedIn to increase sales.Bill has conducted training for companies worldwide and specializes in helping to ‘make LinkedIn Human’ - explaining the platform in easy-to-understand ways, and recently launched the All Selling Is Social Podcast. You’ll discover: How to create a value-driven LinkedIn profileThe right way to connect and engageWhy curiosity builds trust on LinkedInTips for using Sales Navigator effectivelyThe pitfalls of AI and automation on LinkedInCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

When you hear the word authenticity, you might think of it as being your true self around other people. Actually, it’s much more than that. In our conversation, Erin Hatzikostas shares her bold and refreshing perspective on authenticity in leadership and life.  As a former corporate CEO turned authenticity advocate, Erin opens up about her journey from a rocky start as an actuary to leading a company with a culture rooted in trust and connection. She introduces her HUMANS framework for authenticity, emphasizing the importance of humility, unexpectedness, and storytelling in building relationships and inspiring others. Erin’s unforgettable stories offer practical ways to embrace imperfection and lead with heart. Her insights on being unexpected in communication, taking risks, and cataloging imperfect moments will leave you feeling inspired to bring more of your true self into every interaction. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to lead authentically, connect deeply, and stand out by simply being real. Erin is the CEO and founder of b Authentic Inc, a global keynote speaker, and the author of two books, You Do You(ish) and The 50% Rule, the co-host of the podcast, b Cause Work Doesn’t Have to Suck, and coach-sultant. Her TEDx Talk was one of the Top 20 globally most viewed TEDx Talks released in 2021.   You’ll discover: How authenticity can transform leadership and build trustThe HUMANS framework: key elements of authentic connectionWhy embracing imperfection fosters deeper relationshipsThe “50% rule” for breaking free from conventional thinkingHow storytelling can elevate communication and problem-solving Check out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

How can leaders use AI to unlock new levels of strategic thinking and team collaboration? Meredith sits down with Geoff Woods, author of The AI Driven Leader, to explore how AI is transforming leadership and decision-making. Geoff shares his personal journey from fear of AI to embracing it as a powerful tool for growth, offering practical examples of how leaders can use AI to tackle challenges like restructuring debt or addressing toxic workplace dynamics. Geoff also dives into actionable strategies for empowering teams, including three essential questions every leader should ask to better understand their team’s strengths and needs. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or aspiring leader, this episode will inspire you to rethink your approach to leadership in the age of AI and equip you with tools to harness technology as a thought partner—not a replacement—for human judgment and creativity. Geoff is not only the #1 bestselling author of The AI-Driven Leader, he’s also the host of the AI-Driven Leader podcast and Founder of AI Leadership. He’s created The AI-Driven Leadership Collective™, a network of executives collaborating to harness AI to build better businesses and better lives.  You’ll discover: How AI enhances strategic decision-makingWhat you can do to prompt AI to ask you thought-provoking questionsPractical ways to use AI as a thought partnerStrategies for overcoming fear of new technologyThe CRIT framework for effective AI communicationCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your workload, unsure how to delegate effectively, or hesitant about bringing new people onto your team? Erin Bradley shares her powerful journey from burnout and anxiety to finding true freedom and fulfillment in her work. She opens up about the common leadership fears around hiring, delegating, and trusting others, and how shifting her mindset changed everything. Whether you're leading a team or stepping into a new role at your company, you'll find practical insights in Erin's approach to leadership. She reveals three essential questions every leader should ask their team members and explains how genuine curiosity, service-oriented leadership, and thoughtful delegation can transform your workplace culture. If you're ready to scale your impact without sacrificing your well-being (or sanity!), this episode is a must-listen. As a mortgage lender, Erin learned the hard way just how difficult entrepreneurship and sales success can be. From flat broke to six figures and burnout, Erin has been through it all. She quickly discovered that the stress of being overwhelmed is no less painful than financial stress.  After redesigning her business to support her dream life, Erin has been on a mission to teach others to do the same. She is a dynamic speaker and trainer, host of the real estate podcast Pursuing Freedom, and author of an outstanding book Pursuing Freedom. She’s created a community for realtors and lenders called the Pursuing Freedom Collective. You’ll discover: How curiosity transforms leadership conversations3 key questions to ask your teamHow to overcome fear and take actionWays to scale impact without burnoutWhy service-oriented leadership boosts team performanceCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

What if your introverted nature wasn't a limitation but a powerful strength in leadership? Dr. Nicole Bryan shares her personal journey as an introverted leader, debunking common misunderstandings and myths about introversion and highlighting its unique strengths. She emphasizes that introversion is not about being shy but about deriving energy from internal sources, which can be a powerful asset in leadership roles. Nicole's insights offer a fresh perspective on how introverts can thrive in professional settings. She also provides practical advice on how introverts can effectively navigate networking and professional challenges without compromising their natural strengths. Whether you're an introverted leader seeking growth or a manager looking to foster a more inclusive team culture, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies to help you succeed. Nicole is a certified leadership career coach, organizational consultant, and psychotherapist. She’s spent over 25 years helping introverted women define their own success, lead with confidence, expertly navigate company politics, and secure their executive seat to maximize their income, influence, and impact. She founded TheChangeDoc, LLC, for ambitious women looking to leave a legacy through their leadership. Nicole's programs integrate psychology, key business principles, organizational behavior, and decades of real-world experience as a corporate executive to empower introverted women to make a difference, lead bolder, and create positive change for themselves, their teams, and the world. You’ll discover: Common myths about introversionStrategies for introverts to excel in networkingThe importance of valuing diverse communication stylesHow to create inclusive environments for introvertsPractical tools for understanding team dynamicsCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Have you ever wondered how your childhood experiences shaped your work ethic today? In this solo episode, I share personal stories about growing up in a household where chores, responsibility, and initiative were non-negotiable—and how those lessons have carried over into my adult life. I reflect on how these early habits built the foundation for a strong work ethic that continues to influence my life. But this isn’t just about childhood—it’s about leadership too. I explore how leaders can help their teams develop character skills like accountability, initiative, and effort through intentional assignments and coaching. Whether you’re a parent instilling values in your kids or a leader shaping your team’s culture, this episode is packed with actionable insights to strengthen character at every stage of life. I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. Our online resources help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills to build strong relationships and inspire others to perform at the highest level.  You’ll discover: How childhood chores build lifelong work ethicThe connection between character and leadership successWays to instill responsibility in kids and teamsPractical steps to strengthen accountability skillsResources for developing character in yourself and othersCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Have you ever felt like certain patterns in your life keep repeating, no matter how much you try to change? Rich Habets shares the concept of “scripts”—deeply ingrained, unconscious behaviors shaped by past experiences that influence how we see ourselves and interact with the world. By recognizing and rewriting these scripts, we can break free from limiting beliefs and create more empowering, fulfilling experiences in both our personal and professional lives. We also explore the power of conscious choice—how shifting from “getting from” to “bringing to” transforms the way we approach relationships, work, and everyday moments. Rich’s stories from his new book, Being Your Own Authority, illustrate how mindfulness and self-awareness allow us to step into our own authority. If you’re ready to embrace self-discovery, cultivate trust, and align your actions with your values, this episode will leave you inspired to take the next step on your journey. Rich is a former executive turned coach and strategist who has spent over 25 years working with leaders, founders, and organizations worldwide. Rich has helped thousands of individuals and businesses break free from limiting patterns and create powerful transformations. He specializes in leadership, mindset shifts, and game-changing strategies that help individuals and organizations solve intractable problems by being fully themselves and dismantling the stories that have held them back. You’ll discover: How unconscious "scripts" shape your decisions and how to identify themThe transformative power of shifting from "getting from" to "bringing to" in everything you doWhy self-awareness and mindfulness are essential for personal growthWhy taking a stand for your values builds trust and authenticityPractical ways to step into your personal power and create new possibilitiesCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn