Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders

In this captivating first part of "Reset Before You Lead: Emotional Awareness in High-Stakes Environments",Mike Lejeune welcomes Andrea Wanerstrand, founder and CEO of A3 Culture Lab. Andrea brings a wealth of experience from global giants like T-Mobile and Microsoft, where she led global performance management. Today, she focuses on cultivating human-centric cultures, emphasizing authenticity, autonomy, and accountability. Mike and Andrea dive into the concept of "what worries you masters you," exploring how fear and uncertainty impact leadership and team dynamics. They discuss the importance of emotional awareness, intentional leadership, and the power of authenticity in building trust and driving performance. Andrea shares her insights on managing energy, setting clear expectations, and the impact of a leader's emotional state on their team. This episode is a must-listen for leaders seeking to create a more human and effective workplace. Show Notes: Connect with Andrea: linkedin.com/in/andreawanerstrand/

In this second part of my conversation with Dr. Sarah Glova, we dive deeper into leadership, entrepreneurship, and the hidden power of intentionality. Sarah shares insights from her journey as an entrepreneur, educator, and consultant, offering a fresh take on how leaders can inspire action without overwhelming their teams. From finding the right spark in people to the simple yet powerful act of asking the right questions, this episode will leave you rethinking how to engage, lead, and connect. Summary: We explore what it truly means to empower others, whether you're leading a boardroom or building a business from scratch. Sarah discusses the importance of "fanning the flame"—nurturing the sparks in others rather than trying to ignite them yourself. We also tackle the entrepreneurial mindset, overcoming procrastination, and why action (even imperfect action) is the real key to success. Highlights & Key Takeaways: Fan the Flame, Don’t Light the SparkIntentional LeadershipEntrepreneurial TruthsThe Power of One PageAction Over Possibility Next Steps for Listeners:

In this episode of Strategies for Tomorrow’s Leaders, I’m joined by Dr. Sarah Glova—educator, consultant, and expert communicator. As a faculty member at Duke University and North Carolina State, Sarah works with some of the brightest technical minds, helping them harness one of the most underrated skills in leadership: clear, effective communication. We dive deep into what separates high achievers from the rest and why intentionality and active listening are game-changers for personal and professional growth. Summary: We explore why technical skills can only take you so far without the ability to communicate effectively. Dr. Glova shares her journey working with global brands and teaching top-tier students, emphasizing the power of intentionality, clarity, and curiosity. This conversation will reshape how you think about leadership, goal-setting, and, most importantly, how you connect with those around you. Highlights & Key Takeaways: Communication as a Career Catalyst.The Power of Intentionality.Active Listening:The Secret to Empowerment.Leadership’s Clarity Crisis.Building Community for Success. Next Steps for Listeners:

In a world where digital isolation is at an all-time high, how can you build authentic relationships that truly stand out? In this episode, I continue my conversation with Scott Grates, bestselling author of Referrals Done Right, to uncover the power of human connection in a disconnected world. Topics Covered: seen and valuedask better questionssolving real problemsearncontrarian approachfewer, deeper relationshipsleverage social media to create valuePodcasting & content creation as a referral toolLove Living Local 315referrals aren’t just about askingconsistently providing value to connectors Want to connect with Scott? Visit scottgrates.com or find him on LinkedIn. Just don’t spam his inbox! :)

How do you stand out in a saturated, digitally dominated world? In this episode, I sit down with Scott Grates, TEDx speaker and USA Today bestselling author of Referrals Done Right, to uncover the power of relationships, consistency, and creating memorable customer experiences. Topics Covered: Purple CowBlue Ocean Strategy Resources Mentioned: Referrals Done RightPurple CowBlue Ocean Strategy Want to connect with Scott? Visit scottgrates.com or find him on LinkedIn (but no spam, please!).

What does it take to truly lead? In this second part of our powerful conversation, we explore how great leaders build trust, cultivate meaningful relationships, and create cultures where people feel valued and empowered. Marnie shares insights on balancing work and life, the importance of patience in leadership, and how prioritization fuels both personal and professional success. We also dive into why face-to-face connection still matters in a digital world and what leaders can do to create lasting impact. If you’re a leader looking to refine your approach, build a stronger team, or simply be reminded of the deeper purpose behind what you do, this episode is for you. Meet Our Podcast Guest: Marnie Byford This week, we’re joined by Marnie [Last Name], COO of Supreme Staffing, a national leader in talent solutions. With 17+ years in staffing and recruiting, Marnie specializes in strategic growth, operations, and team development. Her expertise in healthcare administration and education brings unique insight into workforce challenges and solutions. Show notes: 01:17 – The difference between finding time for what you want vs. what you have to do 03:18 – The key to effective delegation: Training the next generation of leaders 04:30 – Why patience is a leader’s greatest tool 05:50 – The importance of face-to-face conversations in leadership 07:22 – How communication and listening skills impact leadership success 09:10 – The power of a strong workplace culture and what it really means 10:00 – Why investing in employees signals trust and commitment 11:20 – What leaders get wrong when making assumptions about their team 12:35 – The connection between slowing down and making better decisions 14:10 – The importance of servant leadership and putting people first Key Takeaways: finding timemaking timeprioritization and delegationslow leadershipservant leadershipcreate trust and build a culture of familyunmatched value in leadership A Thought to Leave You With: "A leader’s greatest responsibility isn’t just to grow the business—it’s to grow the people. Trust, patience, and intentionality make all the difference." Ways to Connect & Learn More: LinkedIn: Marnie Byford Email: mbyford@sstaffing.com

In this episode of Strategies for Tomorrow’s Leaders, we explore the power of leadership that prioritizes culture, training, and strategic hiring. Our guest, Marnie Byford, shares insights on how to build a strong, mission-driven team, the importance of hiring for attitude over skills, and why slowing down can be the key to long-term success. Meet Our Podcast Guest: Marnie Byford This week, we’re joined by Marnie [Last Name], COO of Supreme Staffing, a national leader in talent solutions. With 17+ years in staffing and recruiting, Marnie specializes in strategic growth, operations, and team development. Her expertise in healthcare administration and education brings unique insight into workforce challenges and solutions. Tune in for a conversation on leadership, talent strategy, and building high-performing teams! Key Takeaways: Show notes: 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest background 00:29 – The importance of hiring right and what most companies get wrong 01:07 – How our guest started in staffing and what led to their leadership journey 02:42 – The hiring philosophy: Attitude over skills 03:53 – Inside the interview process: How to assess hunger and motivation in candidates 04:59 – The unique assessment process: Placing candidates in real work scenarios 07:01 – Why every leader should understand frontline operations before managing people 07:53 – The role of onboarding in long-term retention and success 09:22 – What clients do wrong in their hiring process (and how to fix it) 10:30 – The consequences of rushed interviews and why slowing down is key 11:29 – The biggest hiring mistakes companies make 12:46 – The impact of culture fit vs. culture add in hiring 14:33 – How investing in employee growth leads to better retention Ways to Connect & Learn More: LinkedIn: Marnie Byford Email: mbyford@sstaffing.com

In Part 2 of this conversation with Tim Silk, discover how the 4 Cs—clarity, curiosity, connection, and confidence—can help you navigate uncertainty, inspire your team, and lead with impact. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for leaders ready to elevate their influence and effectiveness. What You’ll Learn: Clarity as a Superpower:The Curiosity Advantage:Authentic Connection:Confidence Rooted in Humility:Time Ownership: Practical Applications:

In this episode of Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders, Mike Lejeune connects with Tim Silk, founder of Acacia Days, to explore leadership principles that endure through uncertainty. Together, they delve into self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the power of soft skills to build resilient teams and lasting legacies. Discover how curiosity, reflection, and engagement can transform not only workplaces but also the leaders steering them. Topics discussed Connect with Tim Silk

In this episode, Mike Lejeune chats with Larry Long Jr., diving deep into the challenges and strategies leaders face when transitioning from individual contributors to influential managers. Together, they discuss the importance of seeing situations from others' perspectives, asking thoughtful questions, and leading with intentionality. Along the way, they share personal stories of resilience, accountability, and the power of investing in people for long-term success. Key Topics Covered: Seeing Beyond Your Perspective: Barriers to Effective Leadership: Personal Accountability and Change: Leadership Transition Challenges: The Role of Clarity in Leadership: Navigating Team Dynamics: This episode is a masterclass in leadership, offering actionable insights for anyone looking to elevate their management style and create high-performing, engaged teams. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just stepping into a leadership role, the lessons shared will inspire and equip you to lead with clarity, intentionality, and empathy. Connect with Us: Mike Lejeune:WebsitePodcastLarry Long Jr.:LinkedIn Subscribe, rate, and review to stay updated on more leadership strategies and stories!

In this episode of Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders, Mike Lejeune welcomes Larry Long Jr., president of the National Speakers Association Carolina’s chapter and author of Jolt: Get Zapped Into Intentionality. Together, they explore how intentionality, emotional intelligence, and a people-first mindset drive productivity and engagement in today’s workplace. Larry shares his journey from overcoming personal challenges to becoming a top sales influencer and motivational speaker. With practical insights for leaders and actionable strategies for growth, this conversation sets the stage for creating high-performing teams. Highlights: Don’t miss the next part of this conversation where Larry and Mike dive even deeper into actionable strategies for leading with impact. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with fellow leaders looking to ignite productivity and build meaningful connections. Follow Larry Long Jr.: 🌐 Visit Larry’s website: LarryLongJr.com 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/longjr7/ Stay tuned for Part 2! 🚀

In this episode, Mike Lejeune and Dustin Norwood discuss the evolving role of leadership in modern organizations, emphasizing the importance of empathy and meaningful engagement. Dustin shares insights into how leaders can connect employees' roles to the organization's mission, fostering a sense of purpose. They explore the importance of micro-credentialing in professional development, addressing its relevance in bridging skill gaps and enhancing employee growth. The conversation delves into practical strategies for leaders to adopt a consultative mindset, leveraging empathy to build trust and genuine connections within their teams. Key topics covered: The Role of Purpose in Leadership Empathy as a Key Leadership Tool The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership From Training to Development: Shifting the Focus Micro-Credentialing: A Modern Solution Creating a Culture of Continuous Learning Contact Information: Connect with Dustin Norwood for more information about the ASA’s ProStacks program or for leadership development insights: dnorwood@americanstaffing.net https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustindnorwood/ Visit the American Staffing Association website for additional resources on employee development and leadership training: https://americanstaffing.net/asa-events/

In this episode, Mike Lejeune speaks with Dustin Norwood about the transformative power of employee development and engagement. They explore why investing in development is the number one tool leaders have to retain and engage talent. Dustin shares his journey from education in Japan to his leadership role at the American Staffing Association (ASA), offering insights into how companies can prioritize meaningful employee development. They also discuss the changing landscape of leadership, emphasizing the need for leaders to foster environments where employees find purpose and meaning in their work. What was covered: The Importance of Employee Development Dustin’s Journey and Expertise The Challenge of Prioritizing Development Adapting to Technological Change with Empathy Servant Leadership and the Shift from Transactional Models Micro-Learning and Connectivism Creating Purpose in the Workplace Contact Information: Connect with Dustin Norwood for more information on ASA’s development programs and micro-credentialing opportunities: dnorwood@americanstaffing.net https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustindnorwood/ Visit the American Staffing Association website for additional resources on employee development and leadership training: https://americanstaffing.net/asa-events/

In this episode, Mike Lejeune interviews Alejo Orvananos, a Gen Z professional working in the tech startup space. Alejo shares insights into his generation's approach to work, leadership, and the growing value of experiences over material possessions. As an entrepreneur working with BarBoards, Alejo explores how artificial intelligence is shaping the bar and restaurant industry. Key Topics Covered: Understanding the ‘experience economy’ and its impact on Gen Z's values Alejo's career journey from UT Austin to working with a tech startup The role of leadership in connecting with younger generations The importance of effective communication and emotional intelligence The challenges and opportunities in the tech startup world How AI is transforming customer experiences in hospitality Show Notes: [00:06:00] - The Shift in Values [00:11:00] - Leadership Through the Lens of Gen Z [00:15:45] - The Role of Technology in Building Connections [00:20:30] - Navigating the Startup World [00:25:10] - The Experience Economy Explained [00:30:00] - Emotional Intelligence in Leadership [00:35:00] - Looking Ahead: The Future of Work and Leadership Connect with Alejo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejoorvananos/ #Podcast #Leadership #GenZ #TechInnovation #ExperienceEconomy

In this powerful episode, Mike Lejeune sits down with Russell Harvey, the renowned Resilience Coach, to delve into the profound connection between emotional intelligence and resilience. Show notes: Introduction (00:00 - 00:04) Mike introduces Russell Harvey and the core theme: resilience through emotional intelligence. Self-Talk and Resilience (00:04 - 00:10) The impact of self-talk on resilience and practical tips to reframe negative thinking. Reframing Challenges (00:10 - 00:18) Russell’s story of overcoming setbacks and moving from a victim mentality to proactive resilience. Leading in a VUCA World (00:18 - 00:25) How VUCA Prime (Vision, Understanding, Clarity, Agility) can help you lead in uncertain times. Emotional Intelligence in Leadership (00:25 - 00:34) The role of self-awareness and empathy in fostering resilient teams and effective leadership. Toxic Positivity vs. Real Optimism (00:34 - 00:42) How to balance honest challenges with grounded optimism to inspire real resilience. The Resilience Wheel (00:42 - 00:50) Russell’s Resilience Wheel and how to leverage your strengths for personal and professional growth. Takeaways (00:50 - 01:00) Final thoughts: Reflect on your own resilience and start integrating emotional intelligence into your leadership. Feeling inspired? Reach out to Russell and share how you're building resilience in your own life. Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russelltheresiliencecoach/

What if resilience wasn’t just about bouncing back, but springing forward with new insights? In this episode of Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders, Mike Lejeune talks with UK-based resilience coach Russell Harvey to explore how leaders can turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Curious about how adaptability, reflection, and purpose fuel resilience? Tune in to discover practical ways to thrive in an ever-changing world. Show Notes: [01:11] What Is Resilience, Really? Resilience isn’t just about pushing through hard times. Mike introduces it as the key to overcoming obstacles and driving professional success. What if resilience was more than just “bouncing back”—how could that change the way you lead? [01:32] Meet Russell Harvey Get to know Russell Harvey, a resilience coach on a mission to positively impact 100,000 people. With 74,000 lives already touched, hear how Russell’s journey has shaped his passion for resilience and leadership. [04:11] Redefining Resilience: “Springing Forward with Learning” Russell shares his fresh perspective on resilience. Rather than simply returning to a previous state, true resilience means learning from challenges and growing stronger. How can you adopt this mindset in your personal and professional life? [06:09] Surviving vs. Thriving in Unpredictable Times What’s the difference between just surviving and truly thriving? Russell explains how resilience enables leaders to not just cope with change but excel in a fast-moving world. Are you thriving in today’s unpredictability? [11:31] The Power of Reflection Reflection isn’t just about looking back—it's about learning and growing. Mike and Russell discuss how stepping outside your comfort zone and making time for reflection can accelerate your leadership growth. [16:40] Introducing The Resilience Wheel Russell walks us through his Resilience Wheel, which includes seven essential components like adaptability, confidence, and purpose. How strong are these elements in your own leadership? Learn how to assess and develop them. [18:06] Building Resilience Through Adaptability and Learning How can leaders build resilience? Russell shares tips on cultivating curiosity and staying adaptable to make learning a lifelong habit. How open are you to change, and what can you do to embrace it more fully? [20:50] Purpose vs. Meaning: Key to Resilience Russell distinguishes between purpose (your reason for being) and meaning (the story you tell yourself). Both are crucial for resilience, but how do they shape your ability to grow from adversity? [24:15] Final Takeaway: Spring Forward with Learning Resilience isn’t about going back to who you were before. Russell leaves us with a powerful message: use challenges as a springboard to become even stronger. What will you take forward from your challenges? Actionable Insights: Connect with Russell Harvey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russelltheresiliencecoach/ #LeadershipGrowth #ResilienceMatters #ResilienceCoach #LeadershipDevelopment #Adaptability #GrowthMindset #ThriveNotSurvive #LeadershipTools #PurposeDrivenLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #ContinuousImprovement #ShareTheKnowledge

🎙️ Part 2 of the podcast with Robin Mee is now live! Dive deeper into Robin's valuable insights as she shares more about leading in the staffing industry, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and advocating for diversity and inclusion. Don't miss this episode filled with actionable takeaways and inspiration! Show notes: 01:50 Continuous Learning and Development 09:00 Resilience and Leaning Forward with Learning 14:00 Challenges and Opportunities in the Staffing Industry 19:40 Advocating for Diversity and Inclusion 22:20 The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship Connect with Robin: linkedin.com/in/robinmee/ Visit Mee Derby's website: meederby.com #Podcast #StaffingIndustry #Leadership #ContinuousLearning #Resilience #DiversityAndInclusion #WomenInLeadership #Mentorship #CareerDevelopment #RemoteWork #Inspiration

In this episode of "Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders," Mike Lejeune speaks with Graham Wilson on "Building Authentic and Resilient Leaders." They discuss the essence of leadership in today’s unpredictable world, highlighting the importance of self-confidence, psychological safety, and genuine connection with teams. Drawing from his military and business experience, Graham shares insights on how leaders can elevate both themselves and those they lead, emphasizing the critical roles of empathy, authenticity, and adaptability in guiding through challenges. Show notes: 02:05 Graham on creating a high-performance environment and the motivational impact of small progress. 04:15 Looking ahead: What leaders need to cultivate in themselves and their teams to navigate the future. 12:15 Balancing results with relationships: The essential role of soft skills in long-term success. 17:00 Leading through connection: How empathy and emotional intelligence build trust and inspire teams. 20:15 The cost of disengagement and the impact of making every team member feel valued. Connect with Graham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leadershipwizard/ #Leadership #HighPerformance #FutureOfWork #SoftSkills #Empathy #EmotionalIntelligence #TeamBuilding #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipJourney #TrustBuilding #GrahamWilson #MikeLejeune #Podcast

In this episode, Mike Lejeune sits down with Robin Mee, the CEO of Mee Derby, an award-winning executive search staffing firm. With over 35 years of experience in the staffing industry, Robin shares her insights on leading a remote workforce, fostering a community of trust and collaboration, and the importance of continuous learning and development. She also discusses her advocacy for women in leadership and the challenges and opportunities in the staffing industry today. Whether you're a leader navigating the complexities of remote work or someone interested in the evolution of the staffing industry, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiration. Show notes: 01:30 Robin's background and extensive experience in the staffing industry 03:10 The Shift to Remote Work 7:15 Leadership Adjustments in a Remote Environment 10:25 Building a Community of Trust and Communication 13:10 Driving Results Through Communication and Relationships 18:20 Managing a Remote Workforce: The Importance of Sharing and Trust 25:05 Supporting Senior Staff in Challenging Times Connect with Robin: linkedin.com/in/robinmee/ Visit Mee Derby's website: meederby.com #StaffingIndustry #RemoteWorkforce #Trust #Collaboration #Learning #Development #WomenInLeadership #Leadership #RemoteWork #Inspiration #Communication #Relationships #SeniorStaff

In this episode of "Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders," Mike Lejeune speaks with Graham Wilson on "Building Authentic and Resilient Leaders." They discuss the essence of leadership in today’s unpredictable world, highlighting the importance of self-confidence, psychological safety, and genuine connection with teams. Drawing from his military and business experience, Graham shares insights on how leaders can elevate both themselves and those they lead, emphasizing the critical roles of empathy, authenticity, and adaptability in guiding through challenges. Show notes: 02:05 Graham on creating a high-performance environment and the motivational impact of small progress. 04:15 Looking ahead: What leaders need to cultivate in themselves and their teams to navigate the future. 12:15 Balancing results with relationships: The essential role of soft skills in long-term success. 17:00 Leading through connection: How empathy and emotional intelligence build trust and inspire teams. 20:15 The cost of disengagement and the impact of making every team member feel valued. Connect with Graham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leadershipwizard/ #Leadership #HighPerformance #FutureOfWork #SoftSkills #Empathy #EmotionalIntelligence #TeamBuilding #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipJourney #TrustBuilding #GrahamWilson #MikeLejeune #Podcast