Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

What would happen if leaders focused on helping each member of their team create a new way of thinking about themselves and others? David Katz has developed a way of thinking where he sees everything that happens as a gift, including the death of his daughter five years ago. This extraordinary man shares what he’s learned over the past 3 years about himself, life, and his work since his first appearance on this podcast (Episode #98). You’ll want to take notes as David talks about how leaders can be vulnerable with others, how to create real freedom in your life, and what you can do to help others feel seen. Listen to this conversation more than once if you’d like to extract the full value. It’s packed with treasures! David is the founder and CEO of Plastic Bank. It’s a remarkable company comprised of a global network of micro-recycling markets. This ecosystem empowers the poor to transcend poverty by collecting and trading plastic waste as a currency. Their global partners include IBM, Shell Energy, SC Johnson, and Aldi. You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

As humans, we’re hardwired to resist change and seek certainty. But that leaves us ill-equipped to thrive in our rapidly changing world. Adam Markel has studied and researched resilience throughout his career. In this conversation, you’ll learn how to become “change-proof,” the title of his latest book, Change Proof: Leveraging the Power of Uncertainty to Build Long-Term Resilience. This beautifully written book has compelling stories that will grab your attention from the very first page. Listen to the wisdom Adam shares in this one-hour interview, and then get a copy of his book so you can explore this powerful treatment of resilience further. Adam is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and workplace expert. He’s also the CEO of More Love Media and host of The Change Proof podcast. He’s a sought-after business culture catalyst who inspires, empowers, and guides organizations and individuals to create sustainable, high-performance strategies. You’ll discover: beforeCheck out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

What if you could design and implement a comprehensive program for developing leaders? That’s the opportunity Brian Wallace had when he joined Wintrust Financial Corporation as Chief Learning Officer. He describes the company’s commitment to the development of every person and the investment it’s made in a physical structure to support those training programs. Brian describes his journey as a leader and what he learned from those he reported to. His experience as an internal executive coach for 200 leaders at a regional bank shaped his thinking about the content to include in leadership development programs. He also shares adjustments he made in his first 90 days at Wintrust compared to the actions he took in other companies where he was hired to transform learning and development. You’ll get valuable take-aways from every aspect of this conversation! As a senior executive in the financial services industry for more than 18 years, Brian’s responsibilities have included executive coaching, leadership development, sales training, and sales enablement. At HSBC Brian was awarded the coveted President Award, given annually to only one individual per business that demonstrated the true character of the company and its core values. You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Imagine how you’d feel if someone recognized your true potential—beyond what you thought was possible—and guided you to grow into it. That’s what Caroline Hughes does with each client she coaches. She meets them where they are, gets clarity about where they want to go, and that destination becomes her place to stand for them. You will be inspired as you listen to Caroline describe her process, and you’ll see how you can do this for each person on your team. Caroline is the Founder and CEO of Conscious Leadership Development, based in Ireland. She became a global director at the age of 39 and held senior executive positions across a range of sectors, delivering large-scale transformation. Caroline now works with highly talented senior executives to create compelling visions for their teams and increase their impact and outcomes. Caroline takes a powerful stand at the intersection of leadership and personal development. She believes that organizations are rich academies in which we learn all the skills and capabilities we need to be powerful leaders and human beings. You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

What would it be like to work for a CEO who aspires to be the best example of working together? You’ll hear from someone who IS that CEO in this very special conversation with Darcy Verhun, CEO of Canada Diagnostic Centres (CDC). Darcy sets that intention every day as he works to build a culture of connecting with the team and customers. Canada Diagnostic Centres (CDC) is an independent healthcare company specializing in radiology and imaging. Before joining CDC, Darcy was the President of FYidoctors, at the time one of North America's fastest-growing companies. He has also held senior leadership roles at Ernst & Young, Grant Thornton, and Cap Gemini. Darcy’s leadership is based on being a lifelong learner and passionate coach who lives his life with gratitude. He’s used his leadership strengths to create enterprise value through scale and growth. He’s the author of The Freedom of Constraints: Turn Obstacles into Opportunity, written with Marshall Goldsmith and other members of Marshall’s group of 100 Coaches. Darcy was a founding Director of The Calgary Homeless Foundation, and today he serves as a Director of HomeSpace Society, a non-profit focused on eliminating homelessness. You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

We don’t often hear the word LOVE used when describing the workplace. That’s about to change in this conversation with Jeff Ma and Chris Pitre, as we discuss their Wall Street Journal best-selling book, Love As a Business Strategy. Written with two other senior leaders at Softway, the four authors identified six core pillars as a result of their journey to create a positive culture in their own company. Each chapter begins with a compelling story about one of the authors and what that individual learned. It’s truly a guidebook for developing the values and related behaviors that empower people to thrive. Chris and Jeff are both senior leaders at Softway. Chris is Vice President, supporting sales, delivery, HR, and other back office operations. Jeff is Director of Project Management and Quality. Together, they are co-founders of Culture+, a company with a mission to bring humanity back to the workplace. They teach companies how to create a positive culture based on the pillars described in their book. You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

No matter what leadership role you have, what you and your team do on a daily basis affects your customers, either directly or indirectly. Do you have systems in place for tracking and managing both the customer experience as well as your employees’ experiences? If you don’t, you’re in for a treat because our guest Michael Hinshaw is an expert in the area of customer experience, also known by the letters CX. Michael is the Founder and President of customer experience consultancy McorpCX, and he’s recognized on more than a dozen lists of "Top Global CX Influencers." He has consulted for and advised executives at companies such as Intel, Microsoft, Biogen, Roche, Best Buy, and lululemon. Michael is the co-author of the best-selling book Smart Customers, Stupid Companies: Why Only Intelligent Companies Will Thrive, and How to Be One of Them. His new book is Experience Rules! The Experience Operating System (XOS) and 8 Keys to Enable It, co-authored with Diane Magers. This conversation covered only a few of the 8 keys, so you’re encouraged to pick up a copy of his latest book to learn about the others. You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Have you considered how powerful your thoughts are in determining the way you see and respond to the world? Be prepared to expand your mind as you listen to the insights and unforgettable stories that Michael Neill shares in this conversation. You will not view stress, pressure, and overwhelm in the same way, and you’ll understand why the most powerful thing you can do is learn to be yourself. Michael is an internationally renowned transformative teacher, author, broadcaster, and speaker. He’s described as having the unique ability to “blend the sacred with the profane.” The inside-out understanding at the heart of his work challenges the cultural mythology that stress, pressure, and other symptoms of “seriousness” are a necessary part of adaptation and growth in business or indeed any area of life. Michael has authored six best-selling books including two of Meredith’s favorite books, The Inside Out Revolution and Creating the Impossible. He’s also the host of one of her must-listen podcasts, Caffeine for the Soul (each episode is just 6-9 minutes of wisdom from Michael). You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

You can’t predict which career and life experiences will serve you in the future. Yet each one can prepare you for your next adventure if you become skillful in handling change. Terry Yoffe gives a masterclass in describing events from her early years and from her various jobs that helped prepare her to be an extraordinarily effective coach with her clients. Terry Yoffe is an Executive, Business and Career Coach. She has been coaching for over 20 years, after many years in both corporate and entrepreneurial roles. She brings an impressive breadth and depth of knowledge to her coaching and specializes in global business relations, which is critical to her work with international clients. Terry helps her clients maximize their talents and achieve their full potential. She employs a two-step process: having the client clarify their goals and then developing a focused strategic plan. Terry is also the host of the Extraordinary Work Podcast: Conversations about Creating Change. You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or leader of a team, you’ll benefit from the life wisdom that Gary Polk shares in this special conversation. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the value of failure or losses. Gary also explains why he’s a big believer in the triple bottom line, which includes “People, Planet, Profit.” Gary is a Black businessman, CEO, business consultant, university professor and author. For decades, he’s been passionate about entrepreneurs…and why they succeed or fail. His initial book, Why Entrepreneurs Fail (to Win), is widely used as a textbook in college entrepreneurship programs. He’s also written books with similar titles specifically for Black and Brown Entrepreneurs and for Women Entrepreneurs. Gary is committed to helping these leaders learn what they need to know so they can be as successful as possible. Gary is focused on the triple bottom line, “People, Planet, Profit,” and believes these 3 elements align to drive success for everyone involved. He’s a proponent of social entrepreneurship and launched the Polk Institute Foundation in January of 2021. You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Many mergers and acquisitions are dismal failures, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Find out how Sikko Zoer created buy-in and achieved a positive transformation when combining two very different divisions after an acquisition. So many of the actions Sikko took can be used by leaders on a daily basis. Sikko has more than 15 years of experience in Healthcare and MedTech at Medtronic. He’s got a strong history of being a dependable executive leader who is driven by challenge, undeterred by obstacles, and committed to excellence in multiple areas, including operations, supply chain planning & optimization, logistics, IT, and marketing. These days Sikko is involved in several businesses. He offers Strategic Advice, Consulting, Coaching, Mentorship, and Interim Management through his own companies, Qwinn Consultancy and Supply Chain Companions. Sikko also serves as a Senior Advisor with The Boston Consulting Group. Sikko loves bringing new insights and providing directions that make companies and their people successful and proud. He does this in a positive, optimistic, open, and respectful way, as you’ll learn in this conversation. You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Often leaders struggle with the best way to develop members of the younger generation entering the workforce. You’ll get great ideas and practical tips for Ariana Tadler in this high-energy conversation. Helping young adults create a successful career is a deep passion project for Ariana, based on her experience as an attorney, business owner, mentor, and mother. You’ll want to take notes because Ariana drops lots of gems that can guide you in strengthening your relationship with the younger members of your team. Her vulnerability, openness, and curiosity as a leader have helped her build a strong team in her own firm. Ariana is the founding partner of Tadler Law LLP, a women-owned boutique law firm that offers an array of litigation and legal counseling services. Ariana is one of the leading women litigators in the country. She has 30 years’ experience advocating for consumers and investors against corporate fraud and abuse. Ariana is recognized as one of the nation’s leading authorities on electronic discovery. She pioneered the establishment of an e-Discovery Practice group within a plaintiffs’ firm structure 20 years ago. She’s also a professional and keynote speaker. You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Want to get some practical tips for being an effective leader and hear some unforgettable stories at the same time? This conversation with Ron Reich is a must-listen! Ron draws from his own experiences in the corporate world and from his 30 years of training and development and consulting experience. You’ll come away with new ideas for handling situations that are within your control—and for those outside your control. Ron’s background is broad based, having worked for some major organizations such as Toshiba, The Chubb Corporation, and Organon Pharmaceuticals. The majority of his work through these years has focused on leadership and management development, along with corporate training and organizational development. Ron is passionate about the work he does and makes the workshops as interactive as possible. His only request is for participants to arrive ready to participate and have some fun along the way. For my listeners, I know you’re going to have fun listening to our conversation, and you’ll get some valuable take-aways along the way. You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

What comes to mind when you hear the word SWAGGER? If it has a negative connotation for you, prepare to be persuaded differently! Jennifer Mrozek Sukalo has created a powerful acronym that we explore in this lively conversation, based on her new book, Claim Your SWAGGER: Stop Surviving and Start Thriving. You are sure to want to take notes as we discuss important concepts like self-worth, self-limiting beliefs, and gratitude. Jennifer is an exceptional guide in the realm of leadership and personal development. She’s focused on empowering individuals to unleash their potential by reshaping the way they think, act, and behave. Jennifer has more than thirty years’ experience working with individuals, cancer survivors, leaders, and multinational Fortune 500 companies. Her influence has positively impacted more than 50,000 leaders in 18 countries across the globe. With a science-based educational foundation in behavioral change and a wealth of practical knowledge, Jennifer excels at helping people learn to harness their mental power and use what they already have to foster positive life changes, transforming themselves and the world around them. You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

A lot of emphasis is placed on leadership behaviors, but it all starts within. What must a leader do to master Self? In this value-packed conversation with Craig Dowden, you’ll learn about the 7 areas included in his best-selling book, A Time to Lead: Mastering Your Self… So You Can Master Your World. Craig unpacks what leaders can do in each of these areas to prepare themselves to be more effective in their roles. Craig is a highly respected executive coach with the Forbes Coaches Council as well as an award-winning speaker who delivers interactive, evidence-based workshops that translate the science of leadership, team, and organizational excellence into everyday practice. His podcast, Do Good to Lead Well, which is based on the title of his first bestseller, is rated in the top 0.5% of podcasts in the world. Each week, Craig speaks with top CEOs, fellow bestselling authors, and global thought leaders to share their experience and expertise with his audience. Craig has been a regular contributor to, and featured expert in, top-tier leadership and business publications including Forbes, Fast Company, the Financial Post, the Huffington Post, Financial Times, the Globe and Mail, and Psychology Today. You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Do you remember Neo’s choice of the blue pill or the red pill in the movie, The Matrix? Angela Cusack explores this choice in the context of leaders and their ability to decide on the level of integrity they want to have with themselves and with others. It all hinges on the desire to break through illusions that keep us safe and do the work to become more self-aware through deep reflection. In this important conversation, Angela shares key concepts from her book, Discover The Matrix, Integrity: The True Mark of Leadership. She shares her own journey, as well as some of her clients, in discovering how to “explore the space between.” Angela is the founder of Igniting Success and she’s often called a company’s secret weapon – she works with C-suite execs & what she does is so transformative that it impacts the entire organization. She’s a Master Certified Coach and has provided mentor coaching and supervision for coaches over the past 15 years to help them prepare for certification as PCC or MCC. You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

What’s the difference between a Learn-It-All leader and a Know-It-All Leader? That’s just one of many questions Damon Lembi answers in this value-packed conversation. Damon is an excellent example of a leader who’s been focused on his own growth and equally committed to helping members of his team become the best versions of themselves. For nearly three decades as CEO, Damon has led his company, Learnit, through the ever-changing landscape of Learning and Development, gaining insight into what works, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competition. Coming to business from a career in baseball, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective on leadership and training to his informal mentoring of executives. He’s distilled those hard-won insights into his bestselling book, The Learn-It-All Leader—Mindset, Traits, and Tools. You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

What’s the evidence that women face unique hurdles in advancing to executive leadership roles? Jennifer McCollum shares the data based on 25+ years of research conducted by Linkage. The facts are real. In this conversation, we focus on the actions women can take to overcome these hurdles – and what men can do to be effective allies and executive sponsors. You will love Jennifer’s passion for this topic and her transparency in describing some of her own experiences. Jennifer is the former CEO of Linkage, a SHRM company, where she oversaw the strategic direction and global operations of this leadership development firm. Linkage’s mission is to “Change the Face of Leadership” and over the past 35 years the company has been dedicated to improving leadership effectiveness and equity in hundreds of organizations globally. Jennifer has 20 years of experience building and leading businesses in the leadership space. She’s a highly sought-after consultant and speaker, with deep expertise in Inclusive Leadership and Advancing Women Leaders. She’s a member of Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches and the author of the new book, In Her Own Voice: A Woman’s Rise to CEO: Overcoming Hurdles to Change the Face of Leadership. Highly recommended for women and men alike! You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

What does it take to make the transition from being a star athlete in college to a successful business owner? Meet Chase Dalton, CEO of Silicon Signs, who did just that. Chase is an extraordinary leader who lives daily the focus of this podcast, to Grow Strong Leaders, by developing himself and his people. You are sure to be moved by the stories he shares from his business and from his life. In college Chase was an outstanding athlete. He's a three-time All-American in track and field and once held the title of Junior National Champion in the decathlon. You’ll find out which strengths transferred nicely to the challenges of starting and running a company. Chase leads a team 20 to create signs for brick-and-mortar businesses in all 50 states. You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro

Do you know of a leader who worked with the same team of people for 12 years? Russel Lolacher achieved that feat. In this interview, Russel reveals exactly what he did to create the environment that caused every person to want to stay and give their best effort. You’ll learn valuable strategies that you can implement immediately with your own team. Russel is an international speaker and the founder and host of Relationships at Work Podcast. It’s the leadership guide to creating a workplace we love. On his show, Russel digs into timely and relevant topics with global experts on how to be better leaders and create healthy workplace cultures. He’s held successful leadership and communication roles for almost 25 years, retaining one team for almost 12 years. Russel’s work and expertise in building employee and customer trust has been recognized on international stages and in multiple publications. He’s been named 4 times as a Top Thought Leader by the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI). You’ll discover: Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn Follow Meredith on Twitter Download the free ebook Listen Like a Pro