Episodes
In this insightful episode, Dina Denham Smith dives deep into the intricacies of leadership, creativity, and emotional intelligence in the modern workplace. She shares her journey from classroom to boardroom, offering a unique perspective on how her equestrian passion parallels her leadership philosophy. Through engaging anecdotes and expert advice, Dina reveals the transformative power of rest and mindfulness in unlocking creativity and enhancing decision-making. The conversation delves...
Published 05/01/24
In this enlightening episode, Jim Rembach interviews John Fisher, delving into the heart of leadership and the transformative power of embracing personal change for organizational success. Fisher, with his rich background in psychology and business coaching, shares invaluable insights into the journey from self-doubt to self-discovery, underscoring the critical role of personal growth in driving effective leadership and fostering a conducive environment for change. The conversation...
Published 04/03/24
In an inspiring exchange, Jeff Eschliman shares his journey from the idyllic landscapes of Fortuna, California, to becoming a visionary leader in the construction industry. His story, woven with the values instilled by his family and the wisdom gained from his military service, unfolds a compelling narrative on leadership, teamwork, and personal development. Eschliman delves into the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from early beginnings on construction sites to his transformative...
Published 03/06/24
In a riveting conversation with Joshua Freedman, a luminary in the emotional intelligence arena, listeners are treated to profound insights on how emotional intelligence shapes leadership, influences organizational culture, and catalyzes personal growth. Through the lens of the world's largest study on emotional intelligence, Freedman unpacks the critical role of emotional intelligence in enhancing workplace dynamics, fostering meaningful connections, and driving effective leadership. The...
Published 02/07/24
Diving into the heart of modern strategic planning, this special episode explores the challenges and opportunities in today's complex, VUCA environment. As we explore this landscape, we'll see why traditional strategic planning tools may no longer be sufficient in such a dynamic setting. This episode shines a light on the "UNLEASH method," a groundbreaking approach that navigates through the volatile marketplace. This method integrates neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and positive...
Published 01/10/24
Dive deep into the complexities of leadership with Adam Bryant on the Fast Leader Show! Discover the art of extracting every lesson from life's experiences, akin to wringing out a wet towel. Bryant unpacks the delicate balance leaders must strike between contradictory traits, shrewdly adapting to the uncertainty of our times. Learn why post-2020 leadership demands a keen ability to simplify complexity and ask pivotal questions in a world rife with volatility. Reflect with Bryant on the...
Published 12/06/23
In this episode of the Fast Leader Show, Dr. Laura McGuire shares her insights on a range of topics, from emotional intelligence and inclusion to stress management and leadership development. She emphasizes the importance of consent, trauma-informed care, and human connection in fostering a positive work environment. Dr. McGuire also discusses the need for accountability and responsibility in addressing others' needs, as well as the challenges of bridging the generational divide in...
Published 11/01/23
In this episode of the Fast Leader Show, Jim Rembach welcomes Nicole Kyle, an expert in the contact center industry since the 1990s. Nicole seeks to understand the current challenges in the industry and explores three seismic challenges facing contact centers. While skill development has been a focal point, Nicole emphasizes the importance of career development and how the majority of agents now view their role as a long-term commitment.  Nicole introduces a competency model for leaders...
Published 10/04/23
In this episode of the Fast Leader Show, Jim Rembach sits down with guest Tom Schmitt, CEO of a multi-billion dollar transportation company. Together, they dive into the valuable lessons learned from the past few years and how they can be applied in the business world. From the importance of flexibility and empathy to the role of ambition and passion, Tom shares insightful wisdom that can help listeners achieve re
Published 09/06/23
In this episode of the Fast Leader Show, we are joined by Oded Netzer, a Columbia Business School professor and Amazon Scholar. Oded, an expert in data-driven decision making, discusses common biases like overconfidence, availability, and confirmation bias that can hinder our use of data.  He introduces the powerful IWIC (I Wish I Knew) tool, which focuses on identifying key questions rather than complex statistical analysis. We delve into the concept of quantitative intuition, emphasizing...
Published 07/05/23
In this episode of the Fast Leader Show, we're excited to have Chuck Mollor – executive coach, consultant, and author of The Rise of the Agile Leader. Chuck shares various insights on the importance of leadership adaptability, understanding oneself, and teamwork in navigating complex challenges and change. He also discusses employee engagement, identifying cultural champions, and the need for leadership accountability.  Chuck emphasizes the relevance of having a strong company culture...
Published 06/07/23
As leaders, we must recognize the power of data-backed insights when implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Understanding the unique needs of our organizations is crucial, and we can't simply rely on what has worked for others. By conducting listening sessions, refining career planning, and offering mentorship programs, we can promote DEI without needing a Chief Diversity Officer or extensive content.   When it comes to leadership growth, introspection and humility...
Published 05/03/23
Resilience and leadership play vital roles in organizational success, with true leadership focusing on empowering others to be their best selves while pursuing a noble goal. In this episode, our guest Mike Watson delves into the habits and values that foster resilience in teams, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a culture of accountability and individual resilience. Drawing on examples from the sports world, Mike highlights the significance of fostering a sense of belonging,...
Published 04/05/23
In today's fast-paced and ultra-competitive world, being a good leader is more important than ever. But how do you become a better leader when the competition is fierce and the stakes are high? According to Lee J. Colan, author of Healthy Leadership: How to Thrive in the New World of Work, there are several key traits that great leaders possess. Here are a few tips to help you become a better leader: 1. Develop a clear vision: A good leader has a clear idea of what they want to achieve and...
Published 03/01/23
When companies don't foster open communication and establish regular, open conversations, they may experience inconsistency in customer experiences, decreased productivity, missed opportunities, low employee morale, and decreased customer satisfaction. These issues can negatively impact the success and growth of the business. In this episode, David Avrin stresses the importance of regular, open conversations among team members to ensure consistent engagement with customers. He suggests that...
Published 02/01/23
The importance of emotions in attracting and retaining top talent in the workplace cannot be overstated. According to research, employees are more likely to stay with a company that encourages and values positive emotions, such as gratitude, appreciation, and hope, and is more likely to attract them to the organization. Employee satisfaction can be improved as a result of these emotions, which can result in a positive work culture. The opposite effect can be achieved, however, when negative...
Published 01/04/23
Delivering great customer experiences is essential for any business that wants to be successful. In order to do so, it's important to focus on meeting and exceeding customer expectations, providing high-quality products and services, and building strong relationships with customers.  One way to deliver great customer experiences with less effort is to use technology and automation to streamline processes and improve efficiency. This can include using customer relationship management (CRM)...
Published 12/07/22
Persuasion and influence are essential skills for leaders to succeed in their professional lives. There is no doubt that every organization will face challenges, but with every challenge comes the opportunity to influence outcomes. When you need to win business, win support for a proposal, or persuade clients to sign a contract, it's your persuasive skills that will help you achieve your goals. But how can you master such a skill? What is at the heart of it? What does it take to acquire and...
Published 11/02/22
  https://bit.ly/3SCPMF3  YouTube Copy Every leader has a story to share - successes, failures, life lessons, and humps that they have to go through. Each story takes them to different turning points in their lives that ultimately define the history and legacy of their life. While the scope and the definition may vary, every leader wishes to go through the pathway of success and fulfillment. After all, who doesn’t want to live a life in such a manner? To those that may be starting out in...
Published 10/05/22
The topic of purpose is everywhere these days. People are talking about purpose. As passionate advocates, we’re delighted to see all the interest. Yet we’ve observed that many organizations are merely scratching the surface. They’re missing the full potential of the nature of purpose that can transform. In this episode, Dianne will discuss the content of her book, ADAPT. Assess - The journey starts and ends with external and internal assessment in an unending loop. Your ability to succeed...
Published 09/07/22
The capability to engage employees is one of the most vital components for business success, especially today when globally distributed workers are embracing multi-functional working structures. Through employee engagement, businesses are able to attract and retain more talent as well as increase corporate commitment to their goals. In this episode, Steve addresses job functions, job essence, and how to make core values a part of these functions so that they are sustained, evolving, and...
Published 08/03/22
Racial disparity is more than just a hot topic on social media. Employees constantly face threats of social injustice and racial inequality at work, and leaders need to understand that in order for their organization to thrive, they must bolster their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and provide a safe space for their employees to talk about race at work. In this episode, Kelly McDonald shares leadership insights on how to talk about race at work and what your organization can do to...
Published 07/06/22
2021 has been a rough year for most of us. The world is just coming out of a pandemic, and the majority of leaders are facing a new reality. There are new challenges to face and the things done before may no longer apply today. In this episode, shares some of the lessons he’s learned from various leaders in faith, athletics, business, and life. He hopes that these stories will help inspire and challenge you to become the better leaders that God has designed you to be in 2022 and the year beyond.
Published 06/01/22
Media consumption preferences have changed over the past few years. People want to consume information faster on their own terms. Traditional learning programs and long-form content is being replaced with quick, bite-sized information. With the next generation of leaders on the rise, equipping and enabling first-time leaders has become a challenge. The wisdom to lead is buried in the minds of experienced leaders. The knowledge is hidden in books and scientific papers. With first-time leaders...
Published 05/04/22