CEO on the Go

Leadership lessons can come from unexpected sources. Horses, with their millions of years of survival as sustainable communities, have much to teach us about effective leadership, especially in times of uncertainty.Gayle Lantz speaks with Melba Holliday, with Atlantic Leadership Group, an executive coach who combines her passion for horses with transformational leadership development. Melba shares insights from her unique approach of equine-facilitated leadership, where leaders learn valuable lessons through ground-based interactions with horses.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-Horses-Can-Teach-You-To-Lead-in-Uncertain-Times-with-Melba-Holliday

Imagine going a whole week without complaining. Sounds impossible? In this episode, Gayle Lantz shares her personal experiment of attempting just that - and why it's a game-changer for leaders.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/The-No-Complaint-Challenge-Transforming-Your-Leadership-Mindset

You've sparked enthusiasm in your team, but how do you keep that energy burning bright? In this episode, Gayle Lantz explores strategies for sustaining momentum after igniting leadership sparks.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Keeping-the-Fire-Alive--Sustaining-Momentum-in-Leadership

Around Independence Day it's a fitting time to ignite some leadership fireworks of your own. This special episode explores how you can spark meaningful connection, inspiration, and renewed energy to supercharge your second-half of the year performance.As Gayle Lantz explains, great leaders are like pilot lights – always ready to illuminate the path for others. But even pilot lights need an occasional re-ignition. If you're feeling a little burned out or stuck in a midyear rut, this episode offers a simple framework to reignite your leadership spark.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Let-the-Sparks-Fly-Midyear-Motivation-for-Leaders

Are you feeling stuck in a midyear slump, struggling to find motivation or a sense of progress? If so, you're not alone. Many leaders find themselves in this rut during midyear (and at other times of the year) for a number of reasons. However, Gayle Lantz offers a refreshing perspective: What if being stuck is actually a good thing?Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Embracing-Your-Stuckness--How-to-Make-the-Most-of-a-Midyear-Slump

Most businesses struggle to stand out and truly differentiate themselves in today's crowded and competitive landscape. They often rely too heavily on promoting their products or services, failing to realize that customers form connections based on an organization's culture and humanity.Gayle Lantz speaks with Ken Schmidt, a driving force behind Harley-Davidson's legendary turnaround and global dominance. Ken shifted the company's mindset from a product-first approach to one that prioritized creating memorable experiences and emotional connections with customers.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Lessons-from-Harley-Davidsons-Turnaround-The-Unconventional-Path-to-Dominating-Your-Market-with-Ken-Schmidt

Many employees across industries share a common frustration -- they wish they could "fix" their boss. While the leadership abilities of managers often leave room for improvement, the reality is that positive change requires effort and understanding from both parties.Gayle Lantz speaks with Molly McGrath, author of the Amazon top-ranked book "Fix My Boss: The Simple Plan to Cultivate Respect, Risk Courageous Conversations and Increase the Bottom Line." Molly is the founder and CEO of Hiring and Empowering Solutions, providing legal staffing and law firm development services.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Fix-My-Boss-and-Create-a-Positive-Work-Environment-with-Molly-McGrath

Many leaders and entrepreneurs find themselves trapped on the hamster wheel of burnout, sacrificing their well-being for the sake of growth and productivity. But what if there was a different path, one that allowed for sustainable success without compromising your health and relationships?Gayle Lantz speaks with Jadah Sellner, an author, business mentor, and the host of the Lead with Love podcast. Jadah is on a mission to help entrepreneurs and leaders embrace an "anti-hustle" approach, rejecting the notion that burnout is an inevitable part of building a thriving business.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Say-No-to-the-Hamster-Wheel-to-Build-Your-Business-with-Jadah-Sellner

Leading change is one of the biggest challenges for leaders today. In this episode, Gayle Lantz offers a coaching perspective on leading through change more effectively.Gayle underscores the need for clear communication, acknowledging small wins, and aligning teams around shared goals and roles. She encourages leaders to seek support when needed, engage their teams early in the process, and, most importantly, stay inspired themselves.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Keys-to-Leading-Your-Team-Through-Change--A-Coaching-Perspective

As organizations navigate an increasingly complex business landscape, leaders who can thrive in complexity are in high demand. Gayle Lantz speaks with Francesca Luthi, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Assurant, a leading global provider of risk management solutions.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Thriving-in-Complexity-Key-Insights-from-Assurants-COO-Francesca-Luthi

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode explores how leaders can positively influence and support the mental well-being of their teams and organizations.Studies show staggering levels of work-related stress negatively impacting employees' physical health and personal relationships. As a leader, you play a critical role in shaping an environment that prioritizes mental health.Gayle Lantz shares three key strategies to help you become an advocate and create a workplace that nurtures mental wellness.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Leading-with-Empathy-Prioritizing-Mental-Health-in-the-Workplace

Have you ever felt like you're making progress in life or work, yet something is holding you back? It's a paradoxical feeling of moving forward while being simultaneously stuck. In this insightful episode, Gayle Lantz shares a personal story that sparked valuable leadership lessons about navigating this dichotomy. Through an engaging metaphor, she uncovers the need for balance--when to push hard and when to rest--including counterintuitive ideas for achieving meaningful results.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Making-Progress-While-Feeling-Stuck--Navigating-Leaderships-Paradoxes

In this reflective episode, Gayle Lantz shares the top 10 lessons she's learned from her podcasting journey that can directly apply to your leadership and personal growth.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Celebrating-200-Episodes-A-Weekly-Voice-to-Make-Leading-a-Little-Easier

Authenticity is a powerful tool for leaders, but many struggle to fully embrace it. Gayle Lantz speaks with Erin Hatzikostas, former CEO turned "professional pot stirrer," who shares a unique perspective on the impact of authenticity in the workplace. She became the CEO of a 9-figure, $2 billion company at age 42.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Beyond-the-Surface-A-Fresh-Look-at-Authentic-Leadership-with-Erin-Hatzikostas

In this solo episode, Gayle Lantz tackles the common challenge of feeling stuck, tired, or disengaged at work. She believes that instead of conforming to what's "normal," leaders and professionals should strive to make their work “insanely interesting.” Gayle shares eight key aspects of leadership that can help cultivate more intrigue, authenticity, and impact in your work.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Breaking-the-Mold-Making-Your-Work-Insanely-Interesting

In today's rapidly evolving world, organizations need to be forward-looking and embrace change as a constant. Traditional methods like strategic planning alone are no longer sufficient to stay competitive. Foresight is an emerging discipline that empowers leaders to use multiple futures to drive critical decisions in the present.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Using-Foresight-to-Imagine-New-Futures-with-Dr-Gabriele-Rizzo

Change, uncertainty, and complexity are constants in today's business world. Leaders often find themselves navigating turbulent conditions, much like fighter pilots maneuvering through challenging airspace. Developing the right mindset and skills to lead effectively during these times is crucial for success.Gayle Lantz speaks with Brandon Williams, a former US Air Force F-15E fighter pilot, leadership speaker, and coach. Brandon draws from his decades of experience navigating complex situations to share insights on how leaders can harness the same tools used by fighter pilots to build high-performing, high-reliability teams.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-to-Fly-High-in-Turbulent-Times-with-Fighter-Pilot-Brandon-Williams

Many leaders, particularly women, have been conditioned to view power as a negative force associated with dominance, control, and giving away one's agency to others. This limiting perspective often creates an inner conflict, preventing individuals from fully embracing their innate power and leading with authenticity.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Redefining-Power--A-Call-to-Live-and-Lead-without-Apology-with-Kemi-Nekvapil

This episode continues Gayle Lantz’s conversation with Keith Demmings, Fortune 500 CEO of Assurant. They go deeper into the future vision and growth strategy for this global leader in risk management solutions. They also explore the importance of authentic leadership.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Leading-With-Authenticity-and-Purpose-with-Fortune-500-CEO-Keith-Demmings-of-Assurant-Part-2

Authentic leadership, clarity of purpose, and relentless client focus enable sustainable growth. Even in large, established organizations, transformation is imperative to serve changing customer needs.Gayle Lantz speaks with Keith Demmings, CEO of Assurant, a multi-billion dollar global risk management solutions provider.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Leading-Through-Continual-Transformation-with-Fortune-500-CEO-Keith-Demmings-of-Assurant-Part-1

True listening is a rare gift, and it can lead to deeper connection and understanding. Leaders often assume they know how to listen, when in reality they have room to grow.Gayle Lantz speaks with Oscar Trimboli, an expert on deep listening. Oscar challenges assumptions and offers insights to help leaders listen at a higher level.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/The-Power-of-Deep-Listening-with-Oscar-Trimboli

It’s Leap Day! What bold moves can you make this year? Big leaps require courage, but they also unlock potential. When we embrace the journey, trust ourselves, and dare to try, amazing things happen. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/10-Strategies-for-Making-Your-Next-Big-Leap

Have you ever felt like you’re butting heads repeatedly with someone else, without resolution, to the point of feeling frustrated and gridlocked? It’s a common challenge leaders face with colleagues and team members that can negatively impact productivity and wellbeing.In this episode, Gayle Lantz shares insights on how to deal with unresolved conflicts constructively based on her extensive leadership coaching experience. She covers ways to reset the dynamics and achieve better outcomes.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Staying-Cool-Under-Fire---Leadership-in-the-Face-of-Conflict

We all have an ego. It’s that sense of self-importance and identity that we carry with us. But when ego goes unchecked, it can hinder your growth and limit your effectiveness as a leader.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Ego-Check--Revealing-Blind-Spots-that-Hinder-Your-Leadership

Everyone needs and desires to feel appreciated for who they are and what they contribute. Yet many leaders don't understand how to show authentic appreciation in ways that truly resonate with team members.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/The-5-Languages-of-Appreciation-in-the-Workplace-with-Dr-Paul-White

How well do you nurture your creative spirit as a leader? Gayle Lantz interviews Jacob Nordby, who argues that creativity is a natural human gift, not reserved for the "creative types." However, we lose touch with this innate creativity over time. Rediscovering it takes intention and practice. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/The-Creative-Cure---Unlocking-Power-in-Your-Life-and-Work-with-Jacob-Nordby

We all have an inner critic. That nagging voice that casts doubt, kills your confidence and holds you back. As a leader, self-doubt can be especially dangerous. It not only limits your own potential but influences others as well.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Defeating-Self-Doubt-How-to-Silence-Your-Inner-Critic

If you lead people at work while also caring for an elderly parent or loved one who needs extra support, this episode is for you. More and more leaders are feeling the pressure of “being on call” in more ways than one.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/The-Caring-Leader-Juggling-Work-and-Aging-Parents

Early in the new year when people set fresh new goals and intentions, many admit they already feel stuck or behind. It's easy to think something is wrong and be hard on yourself. But, as Gayle Lantz explains, there's nothing wrong. You just need better perspective and a willingness to try a new approach. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Innovate-or-Stagnate-Choose-Your-Next-Experiment

Body language is an essential yet often overlooked leadership skill that conveys hidden meanings beyond spoken words. Mastering body language elevates leadership and makes communication more effective.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Body-Language--The-Secret-Language-of-Effective-Leadership-with-Greg-Williams

We all have a tendency to dwell on the past - replaying old stories, harboring regrets, fearing past mistakes will repeat. But overemphasizing the rearview mirror can undermine your confidence, energy and ability to lead effectively and live your best life.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Full-Speed-Ahead--Dont-Look-Back

The automotive industry is navigating massive shifts at incredible speed. Successfully steering through this transformation requires embracing reinvention as an ongoing process that becomes part of the organizational culture and DNA.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Driven-to-Innovate--Lessons-in-Reinvention-from-the-Automotive-Industry-with-Cathy-Fisher

“Growth Hacking” (now more commonly known as “Growth Science”) is an emerging discipline which is often misunderstood. Now is the time to boost your growth thinking.In this episode, Gayle Lantz interviews growth hacking expert Nader Sabry. They discuss how the principles of growth hacking apply across industries and company types, not just tech startups.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Growth-Thinking--The-Secret-to-Scaling-Your-Business-with-Nader-Sabry

We've all asked ourselves at some point whether we're on the "right path." But what if that question sets us up for frustration? Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-to-Choose-the-Right-Path-for-You-Now

Fraud is an ever-present threat to businesses, especially during the holiday season when there are more distractions. Unfortunately, fraud does not discriminate based on company size or longevity in business.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Sleighing-Fraud--Essential-Tips-for-Executives-During-the-Holiday-Season

We all face decisions about what to put on our plate and what to avoid in leadership and life. But are you making choices consciously or just going through the motions? In this thought-provoking episode, Gayle Lantz uses the metaphor of a leadership buffet to get you thinking differently about what you’re taking on and what you need to remove.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Strategic-Unloading-What-to-Take-Off-Your-Plate-at-the-Leadership-Buffet

We all have days when our inspiration tanks seem to be running on empty. But you may be closer to reigniting your team's passion than you think.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Mastering-the-Art-of-Acknowledgment---Making-Sure-Your-Team-is-Seen-and-Supported

Do you aspire to become an even better leader in the future? Growth-minded leaders do. Envisioning your future self can guide your leadership journey in profound ways. Your future self represents your goals, aspirations and the type of leader you hope to become. Visualizing this ideal future version of yourself is a powerful motivational tool. It helps you make better decisions today that serve your future self.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Unlocking-Your-Best-Future-Self---The-Hidden-Potential

Big decisions can feel overwhelming. With so many options, how do you choose what’s best? It’s time to check your decision filter. In this episode, Gayle Lantz shares a practical 3-step approach to filter your choices when facing major decisions. First, confirm your ultimate goal. Then determine the most critical factors influencing your decision. Finally, prioritize and weigh that criteria. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Making-Important-Decisions-Check-Your-Filter-First

The news has been heavy lately. Tragedies, fear and negativity are pervasive. As a leader, how do you stay focused and motivate your team when the weight of the world feels especially crushing?Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Leading-Lighter-When-the-World-Feels-Heavy

Communication differences and awkward conversations are inevitable in the workplace. Leaders must learn to navigate these situations in order to create an inclusive environment where employees feel heard and respected.Gayle Lantz speaks with communication consultant Deborah Boswell about how leaders can turn awkward communication into productive interactions.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/What-to-Do-When-Communication-Feels-Awkward-with-Deborah-Boswell

Sometimes in life, we need a reality check. Our views and expectations don't always match up with the facts. This is when it helps to "burst your own bubble" and see things as they really are.In this episode, Gayle Lantz explores why it's important for leaders to periodically re-examine their perspectives. She discusses personal and organizational "bubbles" that may need bursting when optimism blinds us to harsh truths.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Bursting-Your-Bubble-When-Its-Time-to-See-the-Truth

Leaders and writers have much in common. They must overcome doubts, fears and anxiety to make the impact they really want to make.Some worry about being criticized. They feel like they have imposter syndrome and can’t get the message just right.But there are ways to build confidence and clarity through simple writing practices.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Growing-Yourself-as-a-Leader-the-Write-Way

Sometimes even the small annoyances can get the best of you, especially when they don’t seem to go away. They are called “tolerations” and in some cases, you may not even be aware of them.When not addressed, they negatively impact your life and work–draining your mental and emotional energy.Gayle Lantz offers 5 steps to help leaders eliminate tolerations in their life or work.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Make-it-Stop-Eliminating-Tolerations-that-Hold-You-Back

Leaders have to deal with personal loss just like anyone else. When it happens, it can feel like their world is falling part, and there’s extra pressure to try to “hold it together.”But suppressing emotion and trying to do business as usual can be detrimental to themselves and other people in their life and work.Gayle Lantz shares her own recent personal experience, and offers guidance on what leaders can think and do when they experience tough times by practicing more self-kindness.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/The-Secret-to-Self-Kindness-When-Times-Are-Tough

There are many books, articles and advice on what it takes to win in business. And on what it takes to be a winning leader. It’s exciting to talk about winning.But the truth is leaders experience a lot of disappointment as well. They don’t talk about it as much, at least not openly.When they can’t shake disappointment, it negatively affects their work and life in general.So in this episode, Gayle Lantz shares five ways to ease disappointment and recover more quickly--whether you’re disappointed with yourself or someone or something else. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Dealing-with-Disappointment-The-Human-Side-of-Leadership

Human Resources (HR) has been thrust in the spotlight lately given the fast changing workplace, and organizations are working harder to take advantage of the full capabilities HR delivers.But there are still misconceptions about HR that prevent organizations from fully leveraging their HR talent.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Busting-HR-Myths-Leveraging-the-Power-of-HR-Today-with-Sloane-Drake

I hear a lot of people talking about how uninspired they feel at work lately. Maybe it’s the extreme heat of the summer or the natural lethargy that occurs when you need a vacation.But it could be something deeper. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Finding-New-Inspiration-to-Fuel-Your-Life-and-Work

Growth-minded leaders take risks and continue to push past their limits. That’s what it takes to lead on the leading edge. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Leading-Edge-Leadership-How-to-Win-Your-Own-Race

Even the most devoted leaders reach a point when they know something needs to change. They can’t stay on the same path in the same way. It seems more risky to continue in their current role knowing that something different is calling.But they don’t know how to go about the process to find their new best growth path.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Taking-the-Risk-to-Find-Your-New-Growth-Path