CEO on the Go

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

Almost 70% of C-suite executives say they are seriously considering quitting for their well-being. This is based on a new report from Deloitte and market research firm, Workplace Intelligence.The topic of workforce burnout continues to make headlines. Both workers and executives are affected, and they’re placing a higher priority on well-being.But there is a big gap in perception. Executives significantly overestimate how well employees are doing. And C-suite executives are struggling with burnout more than employees realize. Gayle Lantz shares her perspective on burnout, including why leaders and companies should pay attention to this issue.https://workmatters.com/Boss-Burnout-Making-Well-Being-a-Top-Priority

Once you get clear about what you really want to achieve in your business or life, it might be hard to know exactly where to start.But there are practical ways to accelerate progress that don’t require pushing so much.https://workmatters.com/Five-Practical-Ways-to-Accelerate-Progress

Your ability to prioritize is one of the most important keys to your success as a leader. Prioritizing well also helps you live your best life.But many people lose sight of priorities, or they don’t know how to determine what their priorities truly are in the first place.This is a timely episode for people who are rethinking goals or trying to respond well to change. Or for those people who simply feel overwhelmed.https://workmatters.com/How-to-Get-Your-Priorities-Straight

Many leaders feel the pressure to move more quickly. The pace seems faster. People are out and about, traveling more, going places.At the same time, stress is increasing with the great resignation, supply chain problems and employee mental health issues--anxiety, depression. Burnout is real, happening at all levels.So Gayle Lantz encourages leaders to do some kind of “midyear reset”–with their teams and themselves–not simply to make course corrections, but for their own personal well-being.She offers Midyear Reset questions for leaders to help them reflect, recommit or reprioritize their goals.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Time-for-Your-Mid-Year-Reset

In business, making a pitch can make or break your business. And many leaders struggle to deliver the perfect pitch when stakes are high.But it can be done, not simply with words, but by sharing more of who you are in the process.Gayle Lantz speaks with “The Killer Pitch Master,” Precious Williams.Precious shares valuable ideas to master any kind of pitch–whether you’re looking to win new clients, sell your ideas, attract funding or you’re just trying to explain what you do.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/A-Conversation-with-The-Killer-Pitch-Master-Precious-Williams

Most leaders want to grow their business. And many work too hard to make that happen.But purpose-driven leaders and entrepreneurs look beyond growth to consider the impact they want to make through their business. They want to make the world a better place. The good news is they don’t always have to work so hard in the process. Clear focus on priorities is keyFind the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Going-Beyond-Growth-to-Make-the-World-a-Better-Place-with-CEO-Chanie-Gluck

Celebrating big milestones is important in leadership and life. But celebration alone is not enough. Capturing lessons learned along the way benefits you and other people with whom you share your lessons.Gayle Lantz celebrates her 100th episode of CEO on the Go Podcast. So this episode captures her reflections on podcasting, gratitude to listeners and leadership lessons that can apply to anyone.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Celebrating-a-Big-Milestone

It’s time to reimagine marketing, especially in such a noisy world. Many leaders recognize the growing importance of communicating a clear message and making their organizations stand out.But they don’t know where to start when building their brand.Some try to figure it out themselves. Others outsource to professionals in the field.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Building-Your-Brand-to-Cut-Through-the-Noise

Sometimes even the most successful, accomplished executives don’t understand the race they’re running. They lose sight of where they are trying to go. Some are on the path to burnout.Yet they’re conditioned to keep running, even beyond a finish line… So they keep going.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/What-race-are-you-winning

It’s graduation season. Graduates throw their caps toward the sky to celebrate, but deep down many are anxious.They don’t really know what they’re reaching for in their lives.If you’re a recent graduate, you’re likely feeling pressure to have your career goal “figured out.” Where do you start? There’s a lot of advice out there.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Leadership-Advice-for-Recent-Graduates

One of the biggest challenges leaders face is managing conflict. It’s natural to think of conflict as a problem.But as author, Marlene Chism, explains, “Conflict is not the problem. Mismanagement is the real problem.”Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/From-Conflict-to-Courage-with-Marlene-Chism

As a leader, people come to you with problems. And problem solving can feel like a heavy weight.But it doesn’t have to--when you learn how to help generate positive thinking.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-to-Ask-Better-Questions-When-Theres-a-Problem

In your leadership role, you may lose sight about what’s happening around you, especially if you tend to insulate yourself or get caught up in the “busyness.”Or you may worry too much about your own performance or what people think about you.But leadership is ultimately about elevating others.It requires standing tall in your own way and keeping the focus on your team--through many ups and downs. The journey is much like an elevator ride.Find the full show notes at: https: //workmatters.com/Jazz-it-Up-Elevating-Your-Leadership-Performance

A lot of people are complaining about feeling exhausted. And there are many possible explanations.Some of the most common reasons include lack of sleep, “COVID brain” or working too many long hours.But the real reason may not be what you think. It has more to do with HOW you’re working.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/The-Real-Reason-You-May-Feel-Exhausted

Leaders who are serious about growing their business know they must grow themselves as well. It is a long journey filled with many rewards.But there will be twists and turns along the way.The journey requires a commitment to growth, being open to new experiences and continuous learning.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Investigating-the-Personal-Leadership-Journey-of-CEO-Kelly-Todd

No matter how hard you try to stay focused and productive during the day, chances are good that something will get in your way.Disruptions are to be expected and they can derail you…if you let them.But those leaders who understand how to minimize disruptions power through their day differently.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Dealing-with-Everyday-Disruptions

Many leaders are struggling to keep up with the fast pace of change. And they are being tapped to move into new positions without much notice.It is easy to feel unprepared, overwhelmed -- like you’re losing your grip.But those leaders who maintain a strong trust in themselves and their teams fare best.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Hold-on-Tight-When-You-Go-Fast

“The harder you work, the luckier you get.” At least that’s what some people think.But there are other ways to create your own luck that don’t have to be arduous.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-to-Create-Your-Own-Luck

Employee retention is a huge challenge for many organizations across different industries.Every month 3 to 4.5 million employees quit their job according to the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. One third of new employees quit after about 6 months.Many organizations are losing top talent. It looks like the trend will continue.Organizations are trying different approaches to address the issue and many solutions seem to be logical. But even the most logical, common, well-intended solutions often backfire--especially in the new work paradigm.Employees have more power than ever to move on and join organizations that offer better growth potential.Find the full show notes at: https: //workmatters.com/Five-Common-Employee-Retention-Mistakes-to-Avoid

There just never seems to be enough time to get everything done. And you may reach the end of a week without feeling like you’ve accomplished anything important.But the good news is you can get an hour back every day…when you think you can.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Get-Back-an-Hour-Every-Day-with-Les-Watson

Next-level business growth is exciting and filled with new challenges. But to achieve success at new levels of growth, CEOs must step into their roles differently.This episode offers leadership insights about successful business growth through the lens of a CEO who is preparing for new growth while making a positive impact in his business, his industry and the community.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Preparing-for-Next-Level-Growth-with-CEO-Jose-Ramon-Riestra

Strategic planning is changing. Gone are the days of complicated monolithic strategies that last for years. Organizations can no longer rely on models or approaches that originated decades ago in a different business environment.The idea that you should develop strategy every 3-5 years is outdated thinking. Yet many organizations are stuck in old ways for many reasons.Find the full show notes at: https: //workmatters.com/The-New-Empowered-Model-for-Strategy-with-Martyn-Drake

The future of work is not really in the future. It’s now.And with the accelerated pace of change, leaders face tough new challenges.But the future of work is not a problem to solve. It’s an opportunity to reimagine.Now is the time for CEOs to reframe the questions they’re asking--to influence how people are even thinking about the questions.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Reframing-the-Future-of-Work-Writing-the-Headlines-for-2022-with-Jeff-Schwartz

When you decide to challenge the status quo, you’re taking a stand for those you lead and serve. You’re making a commitment to do things differently--to be more disruptive and less disrupted.And you’re also issuing an invitation for other people who share the same mission to see new possibilities and to let go of what’s not working anymore. Your team must generate new ideas, processes or commitments to prepare your organization for the future--which is now.What got you here won’t get you where you want to go today.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Challenge-the-Status-Quo-Your-Leadership-Imperative

Many people easily fall into a January slump. The holidays have faded, the weather is gloomy and there’s a general melancholy that seems to be in the air.However, a slump can happen at any time.Leaders have extra pressure to get out a slump quickly when it happens. It’s their job to keep everyone else going and to be a positive influence.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Getting-Out-of-a-Slump

Now more than ever, organizations are at risk of losing talent unexpectedly, so building leadership bench strength is even more important.But while many organizations acknowledge the importance of developing leaders, many are falling short. Traditional leadership development approaches do not adequately prepare leaders for today’s unprecedented challenges (or those in the future).Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Build-Your-Leadership-Bench-Strength-Now

Being in a leadership role can be stressful under “normal” circumstances, but leading during COVID times is especially challenging.COVID is wearing out leaders in more ways than one. Many leaders struggle to make best decisions under difficult circumstances while putting extra pressure on themselves to get outcomes that may not be realistic considering pandemic concerns.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Reducing-Leadership-Stress-During-COVID-Times

Surveys show that over 20 million Americans plan to resign in the next two months. 23% of employed Americans plan to quit their job in the next 12 months. (New CareerArc/Harris Poll Study)Employee disengagement is high and employee burnout is in the news.But what’s really driving “The Great Resignation” isn’t necessarily employee dissatisfaction.Instead “The Great Resignation” reflects people’s desire to do more purposeful work that aligns with their values. They care about making a positive impact--doing work that matters.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Making-an-Impact-That-Can-Change-the-World-with-Martha-Krejci

“What’s next?” That’s a common question to think about at the end of the year. And many people fall into the trap of simply pursuing some variation of “more of the same.”But those who want to move forward in new ways must think differently. They realize that who they are and what they want now may be different compared to the past.The “pandemic experience” over the last couple of years has made a lot of people rethink what they truly want in their life and work.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-to-Pursue-Whats-Next-for-You-Now

It’s a busy time of year with a lot of expectations that you might put on yourself and that others may put on you. It can create a lot of stress.There is pressure to pursue perfection.But those who fare best during the holidays, as well as in business and life, accept imperfection.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Tis-the-Season-for-Imperfection

A lot of businesses claim they value relationships and treat people well, but few actually put it into practice--in every aspect of their business.Gayle Lantz speaks with Troy Haas, President and CEO of Brownell--a leading upscale travel firm based in Birmingham, Alabama.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Building-a-Business-and-Relationships-that-Matter-with-CEO-Troy-Haas

When you experience discomfort in situations that challenge you, you might be tempted to give up or back away. It feels like the easier path.But the uneasiness you feel can actually help you increase your potential for growth and learning…if you face it.The good news is you can move through the discomfort more easily when you rev up your determination instead--when you make your goal more important than any negative emotions you might experience.Find the full show notes at:https://workmatters.com/Turning-Discomfort-into-Determination

Traditional approaches to leadership are broken, and many leaders feel pushed to their limits.But exceptional leaders are going beyond their limits to achieve their fullest potential.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Going-Beyond-Your-Limits-with-Wylie-McGraw

Many high achieving leaders need to take a break, but find it hard to do so.During the Thanksgiving season, Gayle Lantz talks about how to take the break you really need.It starts by paying attention to how you even think about the idea of taking a break.She challenges the common view that many leaders have of themselves as the one to carry the heavy load or spin all the plates.Leaders can and must let go from time to time.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/How-to-Take-The-Break-You-Really-Need

Creating positive cultural change can seem like a long, complicated and arduous process.But it doesn’t have to be, especially when you have an entrepreneurial leader in place who makes creating positive cultural change a top priority. (Sometimes vision and strategy have to wait.)The process can be energizing, productive, and even fun when you engage a wide range of stakeholders in the right way. People build critical relationships in the process and generate exciting new possibilities for the future.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Creating-Positive-Cultural-Change-with-Dr.-Jim-Hill

As a leader, there is pressure to project a confident image to the world and prove external success.But the real work of a leader begins within--developing the mindset and beliefs that serve as a foundation for impactful leadership.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/The-Inside-Job-of-Leadership-with-Brenda-Bence