CEO on the Go

81% of employees at companies ranked as “great” describe their work environment as fun. And fun contributes to employee happiness.So leaders who focus on fun stand a greater chance of creating a positive impact. Research suggests that fun at work is a good thing, impacting engagement, creativity and purpose. Fun at work can help increase employee retention and reduce turnover.Gayle Lantz argues that work should be fun. She shares seven ideas to help leaders create more fun in their life and work.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Finding-More-Fun-in-Your-Life-and-Work

When organizations face extreme challenges that threaten their business, it’s easy to blame market conditions, the environment, or the competition…especially if you’re the CEO.But it’s rare to find a CEO who realizes that they personally could be much of the problem.This episode captures the story of an exceptional CEO who has done the introspective work necessary to transform himself as a leader and the organization–a journey that took the business from the brink of disaster to thriving success.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Love-as-a-Business-Strategy-with-Mohammad-Anwar--Frank-Danna

Creating leadership equity is a business and moral imperative. Many organizations aspire to create leadership equity and cultures of belonging. Some are making good progress, but others are falling short.Gayle Lantz speaks with Lenetra King, founder and CEO of Watch Me EXCEL ®, a leadership development firm that works in a pioneering way with organizations to deeply engage, promote, and retain exceptional leaders, especially those from underrepresented populations.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Leadership-Equity-A-Business-and-Moral-Imperative-with-Lenetra-King

With so much focus on organizational reinvention, it’s natural for leaders to be rethinking their own roles and what’s possible in the future. But many don’t know where to start.Gayle Lantz shares key ideas and questions for leaders who want to reinvent themselves.Now is the time given the speed of change, growing business demands and evolving needs of people in the workplace.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Reinventing-Yourself-as-a-Leader-for-the-Future

Studies show the many benefits of positive thinking and it’s not just a matter of viewing the world through rose colored glasses. Maintaining a positive state of mind is especially important for leaders who are under a lot of stress. But developing a positive mindset can be difficult to put into practice.Gayle Lantz offers perspective on what leaders can do to create and maintain a more positive mindset by practicing the power of positive expectation every day.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Practicing-the-Power-of-Positive-Expectation-Every-Day

May is Mental Health Awareness month. This year’s theme is: “Look Around, Look Within.” Gayle Lantz shares important findings and insights on mental health as it relates to leaders.Managers are feeling significant pressure in their roles. Gayle offers ideas and actions to help you maintain your own mental health in your management role and promote mental health in your organization. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Prioritizing-Your-Mental-Health-Look-Around-Look-Within

Stress at work is common. 94% of workers report feeling stress at work.63% of U.S. workers report they’re ready to quit their job to avoid work-related stress. Around 33% of people report feeling extreme stress. (Source: American Institute of Stress)Gayle talks about different kinds of stress that individuals experience and offers a diagnostic tool for leaders who want to identify the greatest sources of stress in themselves and/or their organizations.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Identifying-the-Real-Cause-of-Organizational-Stress

At times you’re so close to reaching your goal that you can almost reach out and touch it, yet there’s something that prevents you from getting it.You probably think you know what’s getting in your way. But there are invisible barriers that could be keeping you from reaching your goal (or at least impeding your progress). They may be harder to detect.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Breaking-Through-the-Invisible-Barriers-that-Hold-You-Back

CEOs, founders, entrepreneurs and leaders in general are under more pressure than ever to do more faster. As the pace of change accelerates, leaders must make quicker decisions to drive desired outcomes.Gayle Lantz speaks with Shegun Otulana, Founder and CEO of Harmony Venture Labs (HVL). With an impressive track record of building successful businesses, Shegun now helps other startups make sure they are heading in the right direction. He shares lessons learned that apply to any leader who wants to build a successful business and make a positive impact in their community and beyond. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Do-More-Faster-with-CEO-Shegun-Otulana

A lot of leaders struggle to get their teams to take initiative and assume ownership. They feel like they have to light a fire under them. But there are better ways to help the team take charge that don’t require force.Gayle Lantz offers ideas on what leaders can do to help their team members be more proactive and take initiative in their work.As Gayle explains, you can’t just “tell them.” You need to create the right conditions/culture for people to feel comfortable. And recognize that some people show initiative naturally compared to others, so different approaches are required.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-to-Get-Your-Team-Members-to-Take-Initiative-Without-Lighting-a-Fire

Psychological safety is a topic that has gained popularity over the past few years. More organizations aspire to create cultures that are psychologically safe. The topic is sensitive and complex. A psychologically safe culture ultimately contributes to greater productivity and the bottom line. It helps employees open communication and build greater trust. Psychological safety impacts team performance and organizational performance by creating a space where people feel like they are included and belong.Many leaders are making psychological safety a high priority while others believe it is being used inappropriately.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Exploring-Psychological-Safety-with-Maura-Barclay

Leaders can easily do a lot of firefighting on the job, responding to the crisis of the day or getting stuck in the weeds.In some cases, they feel like they have no choice. They are frustrated unable to do the work that really matters. They want to make a bigger impact.But they struggle to make it happen.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Asking-Smart-Questions-to-Expand-Your-Leadership-Impact

Dealing with change is overwhelming, and leaders are under extreme pressure to help their teams “get through it.”But the best leaders are helping their teams thrive in chaos, not simply survive. They understand change is happening quickly. Disruption will continue. Uncertainty is the norm. One out of three public companies will cease to exist in their current form over the next five years--a rate six times higher than forty years ago. The need to reinvent has never been greater--for organizations and individuals. Leaders must develop the mindset and skillset to thrive in chaos.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-to-Thrive-in-Chaos-with-Nadya-Zhexembayeva

Leaders who want to achieve the extraordinary do things out of the ordinary. It requires taking risks and following your instincts.Gayle Lantz shares leadership lessons inspired by her son’s recent experience running the Rome Marathon. It was a completely new experience based on his impulse to explore somewhere amazing he had never been with people he had never met. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Running-in-Rome-and-Out-of-the-Ordinary

The average CEO has 37 meetings per week (Source: Zippia). 72% of their time is spent in meetings. It can be overwhelming.CEOs are not alone. Employees at all levels feel overwhelmed by the number of meetings they attend. And many meetings are not effective…or even needed.Virtual meetings can be especially challenging when you don’t know how to engage people who may already feel Zoom fatigue.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Break-Out-of-Boredom-in-Virtual-Meetings-with-Robbie-Samuels

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it gives life to you and your business.Studies show that people who are curious are more successful in their leadership roles and deal with stress more effectively.Inspired by her curious parents, Gayle Lantz shares why curiosity is important and offers ideas for leaders who want to cultivate curiosity in themselves and others. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Cultivating-Curiosity-Key-to-Growing-Your-Business-and-Yourself

Leaders have a lot of serious concerns, and they don’t share them publicly. The issues vary widely, but their concerns typically have a common element: people.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Addressing-the-Secret-Concerns-of-a-Leader

Executives who have been in management for a long time have read a lot of leadership books, attended management training programs and studied management theories.But what they are finding is that a lot of what they have learned doesn’t really work.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Debunking-Management-Myths-with-Don-Schmincke

Is busyness putting you on the path to burnout? As Henry David Thoreau said: “It’s not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: ‘What are we busy about?’” Many CEOs feel like they have to be working 24/7. It’s frustrating to get through the day and wonder what you’ve really accomplished. Gayle Lantz explores the topic of busyness as it relates to CEOs and those they lead. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-to-Stop-the-Busyness-That-Leads-to-Burnout

When you are not moving quickly enough toward your goal or you’re dealing with people who are stressing you, it’s frustrating and easy to lose patience. But you can’t afford to do that as a leader. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/What-to-Do-When-You-Lose-Patience

How do you feel about change? If you’re like a lot of people, you might dread it. Or resist it. Or be exhausted from it.But as a leader, you’ve got to anticipate change and even create it. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-to-Develop-Your-Change-Mindset-to-Win

Almost any executive has to deal with extremely stressful issues and it’s easy to ruminate about fears, concerns or frustrations.But ruminating is unproductive and personally exhausting. Leaders who know how to stop ruminating and focus on what really matters grow themselves and their business more easily.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-To-Stop-Ruminating-About-Your-Problem

The adverse effects of complacency in the workplace are serious, especially in the OSH community. And often leaders believe they must push employees to try harder or care more to overcome complacency and get better results.But that approach creates the opposite effect.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-to-Manage-Complacency-to-Get-Best-Business-Results-with-Sharon-Lipinski

The average tenure for leaders in C-Suite executive roles is 4.9 years according to a Korn Ferry report. The average age for CEO’s in the U.S. is age 59.But regardless of your age or leadership experience, it is time for you to get serious about taking charge of your career and doing what you need to do to thrive in the “gig economy.”Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Getting-Ready-for-Your-Next-Gig

The New Year is a time of year when many leaders feel pressure to start strong and get their teams fired up.But the truth is many leaders feel stalled out, unmotivated or melancholy themselves.Feeling down is not uncommon just after the holidays. And it is tough to get back on track after extended time off.Gayle Lantz offers insights for leaders who want to start (or restart) strong and keep momentum going throughout the year.She talks about the importance of building personal strength to help leaders start the New Year, a new project or new role with the extra energy they need.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-to-Restart-Strong-When-You-Feel-Stalled

As you start the new year, it’s a good time to reflect on what you’ve learned from your failures and successes.It’s even better when you can benefit by understanding lessons learned from an organization like NASA. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/NASA-Leadership-Lessons-Learned-with-Mike-Ciannilli

As you think about the New Year, you’ve probably set some new goals or big dreams about what you want to accomplish. But to be most successful, you’ll need to let go of some things first.Gayle Lantz offers leaders a “Top 10 List of Things to Let Go Of” to help them prepare for the year ahead. Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Let-It-Go-Top-10-List-for-Leaders

If you’re ready to reinvent your life or work, now may be your time. With the New Year ahead, a lot of people are thinking about their life, work, relationships, what really matters to them. Whether you are seeking some kind of change, transformation or reinvention, this episode will prompt your thinking and help you accelerate your progress.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-to-Reinvent-Your-Life-and-Work

Supply chain has been in the news a lot lately. Our economy depends on supply chain, and it’s a vital part of every business.Clearly there are a lot of supply chain challenges and inefficiencies that are tough to tackle.But leaders have opportunity to bring about needed change when they understand and apply the 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-to-Find-the-Hidden-Money-in-Supply-Chain

Well-being is a hot topic today, especially given high stress on the job and daily pressures in life. It’s easy to jump to conclusions about what keeps people from having the well-being they desire.But research shows that the real problem may not be what people think.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/The-Surprising-Truth-About-Well-Being-at-Work

The healthcare industry is facing many serious challenges, and healthcare executives are under tremendous pressure making critical decisions that impact people in their organizations and patients served.The issues are complex and difficult to navigate: staff shortages, patient experience, technology, cybersecurity, operational efficiency, budget constraints, DEI, employee burnout, etc.But the best leaders remain optimistic. They continue their own learning to face the changing future. It takes courageous leadership. Gayle Lantz interviews Dr. Katherine Meese to debrief highlights from the 40th National Symposium for Healthcare Executives hosted at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and share key insights.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Courageous-Leadership-in-Healthcare

If you'd like to feel happier, increase your resilience, strengthen your relationships, boost your immunity, or improve overall health and wellbeing, there’s something important and simple you can do: Practice gratitude.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Feel-Happier-and-Healthier---Your-Gratitude-Practice

Leaders often feel like they are running a marathon. Even if they are not running physically, their minds are running all the time.They feel pressure to take the lead--to move fast and keep going even when they feel exhausted and conditions are difficult.But if leaders can see their role differently, they can lead more effectively.Gayle Lantz shares her recent experience at the New York City Marathon, drawing leadership analogies and insights.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/NYC-Marathon-Moments-That-Matter

No matter how well you work your plan, there’s always a chance that something will derail you.When that happens, you may want to scream. But you can deal with the situation more calmly and easily when you choose how you respond.Gayle Lantz shares a personal story about a recent challenging experience in Rome, Italy that caught her by surprise and interrupted her travel plans.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/What-To-Do-When-Your-Plans-Go-Awry

Many executives are dealing with staffing challenges, leadership changes, financial/budget issues, sensitive team dynamics and corporate politics. At the same time, many are battling personal and employee burnout.Sometimes the problems you face seem insurmountable. But creating more laughter in your workplace can help make a positive impact. And you don’t have to be a standup comedian to master the skill.During heavy times, leaders can bring more lightness by strategically using humor.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/The-ROI-of-LOL-with-June-Cline

The leadership journey can be a tough climb for sure. Sometimes you feel like you’re stuck in a spiral not getting where you want to go.But it can be an inspired journey that takes you to places you’ve never imagined when you commit to taking one step at a time and getting out of your comfort zone.This episode was inspired by Gayle Lantz’s recent trip to the Adriatic Coast in Europe. It features reflections on her Florence, Italy Duomo climb, one of the most memorable highlights.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Making-Your-Tough-Climb-to-the-Top-a-Little-Easier

Good leadership doesn’t have to be complicated. Many leaders think there’s an ideal model they should strive to fit. And some organizations create elaborate leadership models that make some leaders doubt their ability to lead effectively.But the best leaders create their own model based on who they are. They leverage their natural strengths and talent.This episode covers:The essence of good leadership – based on three key ideasWhy even those without “leadership training” can learn how to lead wellThe ultimate leadership goalLINKS:Working From Home Assessment (Free) Gift Idea for Your Team: Leadership Journal: A Must Have Goal-Setting Guide for Leaders Related episodes: Overcoming Overwhelm

Whether you’re trying to grow your business…or simply survive, you must think differently and take a leap of faith into the unknown.Many leaders are trying to predict what will happen, but the reality is there is so much uncertainty. It’s frustrating and exhausting.Leaders are feeling pressure to figure things out. But trying harder isn’t always the best approach.This episode covers:Why how you think about uncertainty is criticalObstacles that limit new possibilities during uncertaintyFive ways to help you make the most of uncertaintyWhat you can count onLINKS:Take the Bull by the Horns Riding the Emotional Rollercoaster

The speed at which you’re having to make difficult decisions is accelerating. With so much change, you’ve got to be ready to shift direction and adapt quickly.Decision-making in today’s environment is a heavy weight on top leaders. And there’s a lot at stake.But you can apply smart thinking and actions to help you make decisions with more ease, clarity and confidence.This episode covers:Fundamental questions to help guide your decision-makingTypes of decision-making processes to avoidTips and tools to help you make your best decisionsLINKS:Are You Overcomplicating?

It doesn’t matter how well you’re working your plan and hitting your goals if something unexpected happens that seriously threatens your physical or mental health.And it often does, especially given the stress that’s associated with executive roles. Even if you have not been personally impacted by some kind of serious illness or disease, you probably know people in your organization who have been.The experience can be devasting, but it doesn’t have to be when you know how to help yourself or others in a compassionate way.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Helping-Yourself-and-Others-Through-Adversity-with-Marcia-Donziger

Leaders are expected to make smart decisions and take action under pressure. Many try to do what seems rational. They take motivated action--doing whatever they need to do to achieve deadlines and achieve their goals.But sometimes leaders need to get out of their heads and listen to their own intuition. It takes inspired action. Gayle Lantz talks about inspired action and why it is important for leaders to practice.https://workmatters.com/Taking-Inspired-Action-to-Expand-Your-Potential

Nick Saban is known as college football’s greatest coach ever. And many coaches aspire to achieve his success. They want to know his leadership secrets.But many business leaders are curious as well. So Gayle Lantz speaks with John Talty, author of The Leadership Secrets of Nick Saban: How Alabama’s Coach Became the Greatest Ever.They discuss Saban’s leadership practices, mindset and motivation, what he does to create a winning culture.John distills leadership lessons in sports that translate well to the business world. Listeners will be inspired to put ideas into practice to win at their own game.This episode is relevant for leaders in business, whether or not they follow football…and even if they cheer for another team.https://workmatters.com/The-Leadership-Secrets-of-Nick-Saban-with-John-Talty

Organizations are operating in a new paradigm. And leaders at the top are under extreme pressure to help their teams perform well in a fast changing environment. Some executives are stuck in “old school” approaches to leadership that fall short.But the most effective executives are making decisions differently and working smarter to leverage their talent.https://workmatters.com/Executive-Leadership-What-It-Really-Takes-to-Lead-in-the-New-Paradigm-with-Ron-Price

When it comes to getting what you really want, you’ve got to ask outrageously! Asking outrageously is imperative to negotiate successfully and influence effectively in a leadership role. And there are many benefits to doing it like building better business relationships, improving sales and communicating more effectively. https://workmatters.com/Ask-Outrageously-The-Secret-to-Getting-What-You-Really-Want-with-Linda-Swindling

Engaging and developing young leaders is one of the smartest actions organizations can take.And the good news is young leaders are eager to learn and grow.But how leaders develop differs depending on who they are, what they care about and how they like to learn.Gayle Lantz offers six ideas to help organizations that want to engage and develop young talent.https://workmatters.com/How-to-Engage-and-Develop-Young-Leaders

Many organizations are losing top leaders (or preparing to lose leaders) who are often baby boomers or those who have had years of experience. So it’s critical for organizations to identify young leaders who can lead in the future.But where do you start?https://workmatters.com/How-to-Identify-Young-Leaders-in-the-Workplace

Every leader wants to get the best out of their people. And employees want to make a rich contribution at work without burning out.But it’s a real challenge if you don’t know how to design work experiences that meet the unique needs of employees in the new paradigm.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Create-Your-Own-Happy-Space-for-Productivity-with-Clare-Kumar

When you’re trying to lead game-changing growth, it’s easy to hit roadblocks and wonder, “Why can’t we make faster progress?”But when leaders understand there are three “Growth Igniter Paradoxes” at play, their organizations become less vulnerable to disruption. They can increase their impact and accelerate new growth.https://workmatters.com/Igniting-Game-Changing-Growth-with-Pam-Harper--Scott-Harper

If you want to create more time, reduce errors and scale your business, following the right systems helps you do that. And it might seem like an overwhelming process to create systems that work.But creating the right systems does not have to be time-consuming, difficult or complicated.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Smart-Ways-to-Systematize-Your-Business-with-David-Jenyns

Leaders have to ask a lot of questions. And under pressure, they may not ask the best questions.But the words you choose and language you use have a significant effect on how you influence the conversation and other people. https://workmatters.com/Asking-the-Important-Questions