Leadership Launchpad - Helping Technical Managers with Leadership Development, Team Development, Management Development and Talent Development.

This episode is just a short programing note. The Making Better podcast is now the Leadership Launchpad. In an effort to align our efforts at Better Every Day Studios, we have decided to focus exclusively on improving technical leaders and helping them build better teams. We will be bringing on industry leaders, coaches, authors, and leadership experts to give you practical lessons you can put to use immediately. I hope you enjoy.

In this enlightening episode of Making Better, our guest Patrick MacKelvie delves into the intricacies of remote work and asynchronous communication. They discuss the importance of empowering teams, setting clear expectations, and fostering a culture of trust in a remote setting. Key topics include the challenges of communication in remote work, the significance of humility in leadership, and the strategic use of tools like Slack and Notion to enhance team collaboration. This conversation provides valuable insights for managers and team members navigating the evolving landscape of remote workspaces. Tune in to explore how leadership and technology intersect to shape successful remote teams. Make sure to follow our guest on social media: LinkedIn Profile link:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patmack/ X (Twitter) Profile link:: https://twitter.com/patrismo Want to learn more about what Better Every Day Studios is working on? Take part in one of our upcoming Leadership Skill Accelerator sessions. https://bettereverydaystudios.com/accelerator/

In this episode of Making Better, we are joined by Geoffrey Roche, North American Director of Workforce Development at Siemens and National Healthcare Practice Executive Advisor at Core Education PBC. Geoffrey delves into the critical challenges facing the healthcare industry, such as workforce shortages and the need for more robust apprenticeship programs. Key discussions highlight the importance of embedding empathy in healthcare leadership, the impact of work-life balance on employee retention, and innovative approaches to mentorship in healthcare. Listen as we explore how these strategies not only address current industry difficulties but also pave the way for more humane and effective healthcare environments. You can hear more from Geoffrey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreymroche/

Join us on Making Better for an insightful chat with Vanessa Alzate, CEO of Anchored Training. In Episode 070, Vanessa dives into the transformative power of TikTok-inspired training content. We explore how to captivate learners by repurposing traditional training into brief, impactful videos that mirror the engaging essence of social media trends. Vanessa shares practical case studies, addresses stakeholder resistance, and offers strategies for incrementally introducing innovative training methods. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to revitalize their educational approach and make learning resonate with modern audiences. Make sure to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-alzate/ Want more tips on effective training? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter, Making Better: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/newsletter Visit us at https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com

In this illuminating episode of Making Better, hosts Matt Gjertsen and Mark Fogel dive into the pivotal role of debriefing and feedback in shaping a productive corporate culture. They explore the necessity of separating individual performance from personal worth, and the significance of healthy conflict in learning from failures. Drawing on their military backgrounds, the duo emphasizes the high stakes of giving feedback and fostering a learning culture for continuous improvement. Tune in for a robust discussion on leading with empathy, improving team dynamics, and why taking smart risks in line with organizational values is crucial for success. Make sure to connect with Mark on LinkedIn and check out his TED Talk. https://www.linkedin.com/in/fogelmark/ https://www.ted.com/talks/mark_fogel_the_culture_of_a_fighter_squadron Want more tips on effective training? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter, Making Better: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/newsletter Visit us at https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com

Join us this episode for an insightful dialogue with focus expert Curt Steinhorst. As a strategist in workplace attention and productivity, Curt dissects the pitfalls of a distraction-ridden office environment and the counterproductive nature of constant interruptions. We delve into improving HR functions, redesigning company culture to value deep work over immediate response, and Curt's personal journey towards harnessing focus. Among the key strategies discussed are the restructuring of meetings, crafting interruption-free timeframes, and the leadership role in modeling focused communication. If you're aiming to navigate and thrive in a distraction-heavy world, this conversation offers a vital roadmap.

Dive into a compelling discussion with Heather Burright, founder of Skill Masters Market, in this week's episode of Making Better. Heather enlightens us with her experiences shifting from the national nonprofit space to becoming a consultant. We explore the importance of learning in nonprofits, the challenges of talent development, and the innovative use of competency models. With Heather's expertise, we learn how nonprofits manage to foster behavior change aligned with strategic goals despite limited resources. If you're intrigued by the intersection of talent growth and nonprofit evolution, this insightful dialogue is not to be missed. To hear more from Heather, make sure to check out her podcast, Learning for Good, as well as the links below. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-burright/ - Website: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/ Want more tips on effective training? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter, Making Better: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/newsletter Visit us at https://bettereverydaystudios.com/

Join us in this gripping episode of Making Better, featuring the intrepid Matt Kuta. From F-15 pilot to space company pioneer, Kuta delves into his transition to founding Voyager space, sharing invaluable lessons on decision-making, leadership, and the thrilling venture of constructing Starlab, a commercial successor to the International Space Station. Discover how his military and financial expertise fuse in the forging of a space industry titan and his vision of unifying humanity through the "overview effect." Eager to learn how to navigate the space industry's value chain and scale a business beyond its core technology? Buckle up for a journey into strategic risk-taking and the power of mentorship with host, Matt Gjertsen. 🚀💫 You can connect with Matt through: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattkuta/https://voyagerspace.com/ Recommendations from the show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQsgGCXdAlYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URY71UOEn4Uhttps://a.co/d/6jBcoLs Want more tips on effective training? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter, Making Better: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/newsletter Visit us at https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/

- In this engaging episode of Making Better, Matt Gjertsen sits down with the insightful Lauren Waldman, an expert with an impressive background in neuroscience from Harvard, Duke, and Johns Hopkins. They delve into the intricacies of learning design, the remarkable human brain, and the underutilized connection between neuroscience and professional development. Lauren shares her wisdom on the vital role of continuous learning, curiosity, and the power of attention in personal and professional growth. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that illuminates the invisible elements crucial to talent development and the awe-inspiring potential of the conscious mind. Make sure to check out the recommendations from this episode: - Joining Forces with Your Brain: https://www.learningpirate.com/joining-forces-with-your-brain - A Slight Change of Plans: https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/a-slight-change-of-plans - Learning How to Learn: https://amzn.to/3ULva16 You can connect with Lauren through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-waldman-learning-pirate-4666bab/ Want more tips on effective training? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter, Making Better: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/newsletter Visit us at https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com

Join us on Making Better as we sit down with Mendel Erlenwein, the CEO of Previva Health Group, who shares his transformative journey in healthcare leadership and talent development. In episode 064, Mendel discusses the delicate balance of responsibility and authority, the early challenges of hiring and learning from mistakes, and the significance of aligning individual strengths with organizational roles. We delve into the use of AI in enhancing the efficiency of care coordinators and explore the potential of AI co-pilots in healthcare. Mendel's entrepreneurial insights, alongside Matt's thought-provoking questions, provide valuable takeaways for anyone looking to improve their business perspective and talent strategy. You can connect with Mendel through: Website: https://soapnotes.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mendel-e/ Make sure to check out the book recommendations from the episode: How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: https://amzn.to/3SjFuL8 The Extended Mind: https://amzn.to/3OfjMX7 Want more tips on effective training? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter, Making Better: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/newsletter Visit us at https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com

Join us in an enlightening chat with Seyka and Brian Mejeur, co-founders of Ad Astra, focused on recruiting top talent for the space and clean tech sectors. We discuss the talent launch system and the unique challenges of hiring for specialized industries. They stress the importance of passion over resumes and tackling the disconnect between talent acquisition and development. Discover the value of mentorship, cultural fit, and the impact of strategic hiring on startups. Dive deep into work cultures, personal growth, and the profound influence of "Atomic Habits" on their professional journey. Don't miss these valuable insights on nurturing talent for innovation and success. Make sure to check out the book recommendations from the episode: Atomic Habits: https://amzn.to/4baPcrC You can connect with Seyka and Brian through: Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifernsutherland/ Seyka LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seyka/ Brian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-mejeur/ Want more tips on effective training? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter, Making Better: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/newsletter Visit us at https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com

In episode 062 of Making Better, we explore the intersection of learning and technology with the insightful Jennifer Sutherland from Trustwave. Jennifer shares her rich, varied journey in various industries and the value of diverse experiences in driving innovation. Host Matt Gjertsen and Jennifer discuss the critical role of human knowledge in nuanced situations and the importance of building strong connections in corporate learning environments. They also dive into the structures within learning and development teams, the continuous learning culture, and the power of curiosity. Tips on aligning L&D with business objectives and the impact of leadership in fostering learning round out a conversation full of valuable takeaways for any professional aiming to stay ahead of the curve. Make sure to check out the book recommendations from the episode: Daring Greatly: https://amzn.to/3vP8nqR Team of Teams https://amzn.to/3HyxhgU Want more tips on effective training? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter, Making Better: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/newsletter Visit us at https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com

Join us on this week's episode of Making Better as we sit down with the insightful Kathy Mandato. Kathy delves into the intricacies of HR and the significance of fostering a culture that's synced with your company’s mission. We discuss the transition from traditional perks to business-aligned benefits, considering the ever-evolving job market. You'll gain insights into the importance of data-driven HR initiatives and the skills needed to adapt and thrive in various corporate environments, from large entertainment to nimble tech companies. Get ready for a fascinating journey through the lens of an HR expert who understands the balance between nurturing high-performers and staying true to the company's core objectives. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more engaging discussions! You can connect with Kathy through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathymandato/ Make sure to check out this great book suggestion from the episode: Exponential Organizations 2.0: https://amzn.to/3OdOMa6 Want more tips on effective training? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter, Making Better: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/newsletter Visit us at https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com

In this compelling episode, Matt Gjertsen engages with the insightful Tonille Miller, author of "The Flourishing Effect" and Ext founder. They delve into diagnosing and tackling organizational challenges, beyond surface-level symptoms. Tonille unveils her intricate process of interviews and data analysis to unearth underlying issues for true change. They explore concepts like the new employee-employer social contract, the necessity of transparent dialogue, and the innovative ways of engaging today's workforce. Tune in for a deep dive into cultivating a workplace where both organizations and individuals can truly flourish. You can connect with Tonille through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonillemiller/ X: https://twitter.com/tonillemmiller Website: www.tonillemiller.com, www.experienceandtransformation.com Make sure to checkout these great suggestions from the episode: The Flourishing Effect: https://amzn.to/48CisWM Man’s Search for Meaning: https://amzn.to/3Hf0ltV Want more tips on effective training? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter, Making Better: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/newsletter Visit us at https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com

Join us on this week's episode of Making Better as we dive into an enlightening discussion with talent development expert Stephen Mostrom. With the recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank as a backdrop, Stephen shares valuable insights on the real risks of the corporate world and the hidden opportunities in entrepreneurship. Discover the importance of a 'develop daily' mindset and the power of adapting learning and development to fit the hectic lives of professionals. From starting a side hustle to transforming challenges into growth opportunities, Stephen's strategies for career evolution are not to be missed. Tune in for a conversation replete with practical advice for your professional journey and every day learning. Follow Stephen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smostrom/ Check out the Develop Daily Substack: https://developdaily.substack.com Make sure to take a look at Stephen’s book recommendations: Atomic Habits: https://amzn.to/3Rvtohv Decisive: https://amzn.to/3ND43RC Want more tips on effective training? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter, Making Better: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/newsletter Visit us at https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com

Join us on this week's episode of Making Better as we welcome Jill Schulman, an inspiring former Marine Corps officer and expert in applying positive psychology to leadership development. In our enlightening dialogue, we delve into the essential components of fostering a thriving workplace—asking for help, helping others, and nurturing positive connections. Jill shares her transition from the pharmaceutical industry to becoming an advocate for evidence-based mental fitness strategies. We discuss key distinctions between evidence-based positive psychology and non-scientific self-help, debunk myths surrounding the field, and explore its impactful role in driving organizational results. Tune in for an engaging talk that offers practical insights on implementing positive psychology for sustained peak performance and well-being. Follow Jill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-schulman-0295263/ Learn more about the Breakthrough Leadership Group: https://breakthroughleadershipgroup.com/ Check out Positivity by Barbaray Fredrickson: https://amzn.to/3v9QLWl Jill also mentioned the research that she did for her Master’s. You can take a look at her dissertation here: https://repository.upenn.edu/entities/publication/b6af4f5a-7a53-4398-83e4-e590114371b3 Want more tips on effective training? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter, Making Better: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/newsletter Visit us at https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com

Join us as we dive into an insightful dialogue with Rachel Lyons, executive director of Space for Humanity. With her inspiring transition from industrial to aerospace engineering, Rachel shares her deep-seated passion for space exploration and the transformative power it holds for humanity. We touch on the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in leadership, the personal growth necessary to truly resonate with and lead others, and the impact of space experiences on global perspectives and change. Rachel's journey and the pivotal role mentors played in her life underscore the significance of following one's North Star and the courage it takes to forge one's own path. Don't miss these enriching insights into self-leadership and the cognitive shifts that space exploration can catalyze in individuals and society at large. To learn more or connect with Rachel, visit her website www.rachellyons.com or info@rachellyons.com. Want more tips on effective training? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter, Making Better: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/newsletter Visit us at https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com

Join us on Making Better as host Matt Gjertsen sits down with Megan Galloway, a seasoned expert in learning and development. Megan shares her insights from transitioning HR strategies to the frontlines of fast-paced companies. We delve into the critical role of culture strategic planning in cultivating real behavioral change within organizations. Discover Megan's tactics for earning executive buy-in, the significance of aligning learning programs with company goals, and the importance of adaptability in today's dynamic business environments. Learn why Megan advocates for sharing ROI metrics, fostering relationships, and customizing training to fit each unique organization. Whether you're navigating a startup or steering a well-established team, this episode is a treasure trove of practical wisdom for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and exceptional leadership. Make sure to check out Megan’s book recommendation: Unreasonable Hospitality: https://amzn.to/47iIkpU Learn more about her on LinkedIn and through her website: https://www.everleaderconsulting.com/ Want more tips on effective training? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter, Making Better: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/newsletter Visit us at https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com

In this episode of the Making Better podcast, we talk with Ana Smith, the Chief Learning Officer of BrightFlare Performance Solutions. A veteran of companies like Microsoft, GE, and American Express, Ana specializes in helping senior leaders manage the human side of digital transformations. In this episode we talk about a wide range of subjects from career planning and resilience to the importance of leaders having a point of view on technological change. Check out some of the recommendations from this episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoVJKj8lcNQhttps://www.hubermanlab.com/podcasthttps://www.ted.com/talks/nigel_marsh_how_to_make_work_life_balance_work Learn more about Ana by visiting https://www.linkedin.com/in/anasmithtalentstrategist/https://brightflare.com/

In this episode, host Matt Gjertsen has a personal conversation about the motivation behind creating Better Everyday Studios and the Making Better podcast. He shares his optimism for the future of talent development and emphasizes the importance of continuously pushing the boundaries of individual, team, and organizational capabilities. Matt discusses his ambitious goals for the podcast in 2024, which include widening the scope of guests to appeal to a broader audience. Additionally, he outlines how Better Everyday Studios plans to focus on the talent launch system to drive business outcomes through enhanced employee training. Matt's realistic yet optimistic approach offers valuable insights for individuals and businesses seeking to make improvements in talent development and personal growth.