On today's episode, we're diving deep into a topic that's dear to my heart - networking. After losing a job I held for nearly a decade, I had to start from scratch and it was during this challenging phase that I realized the immense power of networking. To discuss this further, we have on board the insightful Greg Rochet, a successful business executive and a self-proclaimed introverted networker. We talk about everything from building meaningful connections to nurturing relationships and...

What happens when a leader unveils their vulnerability? Does it weaken their status or lead to a more profound connection with their team? These intriguing questions are the foundation of our discussion with Jacob Morgan, a trained futurist and renowned authority on the future of work, leadership, and employee experience. We navigate through the complexities of leading with vulnerability, drawing from Jacob's extensive research, real-world examples, and insights from his latest book, 'Lead...

Get ready for a conversation that might just change your life. Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Dr. Tanvi Gautam, a renowned leadership development expert who's here to shift your perspective on leadership. In our chat, we'll dissect the core of leadership, providing you with practical strategies to boost your influence and legacy. As we navigate a world rocked by global disruption, Dr. Gautam highlights how leadership is evolving and why it's critical to adopt new tools and resources. This...

Ever been in front of a crowd with your heart racing, palms sweating, and mind in overdrive? Yep, I've been there too. That's why today, I'm excited to take you on a backstage journey into the fascinating world of public speaking. And who better to guide us than Adriana Baer, a stellar coach who equips leaders with powerful speaking skills, drawing from her rich theater background. Adriana opens up about how her theatrical past not only helped her face her own fears but also how it serves as...

Today, we have a truly fascinating guest: Rob Lawless. Rob is on a mission to meet 10,000 people and he's spending one hour with each one of them. You heard it right! The tales from his journey are truly inspiring and filled with insights that you don't want to miss. Rob has managed to catch the attention of big names like The Kelly Clarkson Show and has even delivered speeches across the globe. Through this mission, he has underlined the remarkable power of human connection. As we dive...

Join me and my BFF, Laurie Ruettimann, as we discuss the topic of how generative AI tools can aid in content creation. We share our personal experiences with these tools and how they are saving us precious time and adding immense value to our work. Listen in as we unpack the different user types of AI: creators who leverage it for automation and editors who utilize AI to refine existing work. Next, Laurie and I explore the potential of AI in personal and professional communication. We...

A career change is a huge thing that a lot of people are dealing with right now, whether they feel stuck in their current job or they just want to do something different that they enjoy. But how do you position yourself for the job that you want?  As an employee, you've got to figure out how to get noticed to move your career ahead and make sure you're getting the interactions and relationships that you need. That being said, this is a two-way street. Leaders also need to figure out how to...

I’ve had the best job in the world for over 10 years now - where I have the privilege of speaking on stages and in training rooms to groups of leaders around the world about how to increase their influence, focus strategically, and make a positive impact at work and in life. When I stepped out on my own in 2010 to start my business, I had a little bit of experience, a healthy dose of confidence, and a whole lot of hope that I could build the relationships, and create impactful presentations...

Discover the power of creative problem-solving! In today’s episode, we’re bringing in an expert in creative problem-solving and creating cultures of innovation. Ellia Harris works with managers, business owners, and their teams to get them out of habitual thinking, so they can find creative solutions that they couldn’t see before.  The creator of Light Bulb Thinking™, Ellia has over a decade’s experience in organizational training. Her own experience as a manager seeking a creative approach...

Meet Shahzia Nourali, the exceptional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practitioner, who with her dynamic voice, is changing the narrative around workplace authority and equity. In our enlightening conversation, she shares her inspiring journey from a place of isolation in her first leadership role, to becoming a passionate advocate for equity within the utilities industry and beyond. Her unique insights are shaped by her experiences as a woman of color, a child of immigrants, and an HR...

Get ready to reshape your HR practices with our insightful guest, Noah Warder. Noah, a vastly experienced HR strategist, brings a fresh perspective to the table, advocating for a culture that stimulates open dialogue and forethought. He shares his wisdom on how to balance daily tasks and strategic initiatives while also debunking the misconception that effective people practices need to be intricate or costly. Tackling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Noah emphasizes the vital role of...

Have you ever found yourself frustrated with corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives? I certainly have, and that's why I invited Zach Nunn to join us today. Zach, the founder, and CEO of Living Corporate, - a diversity, equity, and inclusion digital media network that centers and amplifies black and brown professionals in the workplace through narrative storytelling. Zach has been on quite the journey - from HR manager at Target to launching Living Corporate - and today, he's...

Seldom do we come across a story as astonishing and inspiring as that of our guest Khalilah Olokunola, who transformed a troubled past into a beacon of hope and empowerment. Khalilah's journey from the streets of Brooklyn to a prison cell, and eventually to the boardrooms of the corporate world, is a testament to her unwavering resilience and determination.  Khalilah is an extraordinary human, HR executive, community leader, and now business owner - for the 6th time - and the story of her...

Today, I’m sharing a conversation with you that I had recently with Shari Simpson, who is the Senior Manager of Thought Leadership at Paylocity on the HR Mixtape podcast, which she hosts.  I asked Shari if I could also share the conversation with you because I thought she asked some great questions about the challenges and opportunities that HR leaders are facing in a world where work and employee expectations have changed forever.  We discussed how technology and artificial intelligence...

Ever thought of poetry as a tool for revolutionizing our thought process and sparking creativity? Well, our esteemed guest, Arend Boersema, a human resources leader, hip-hop enthusiast, spoken word poet, and writer, helps us unravel this unique concept. He passionately talks about how his journey in writing, particularly during the trying times of the pandemic, became an emotional outlet that eventually led to the creation of his book "Poetry at the Heart of Business." Arend’s rich global...

Today on the podcast, I’m chatting with Derik Clark, a human resources leader and recently retired Army counterintelligence agent who has a passion for teaching others about the power of nonverbal communication.  Derik is a US Army veteran with 22 years of service, who specialized in counterintelligence investigations and intelligence informant operations.  Through those responsibilities, he became a subject matter expert in body language assessments and high-stakes interviewing in...

On today’s podcast, I’ll be chatting with Claire Bahn, the CEO and Founder of Claire Bahn Group, a strategic marketing communications and branding agency.  For over 15 years, Claire has been helping leading businesses, high-achieving CEOs, executives, investors, and founders to maximize their authority and influence in order to accelerate business growth, gain recognition and increase opportunities.  In our conversation today, we dive into the concept of personal branding, why it’s...

On today’s podcast, I’ll be chatting with Cory Carlson, an executive coach and speaker, who helps leaders win both at home and at work.  With over 20 years of corporate experience, including managing large teams and holding executive positions, Cory understands the challenges and pressures that many leaders face firsthand. In our conversation today, he shares his personal journey of self-discovery as a leader, from battling with imposter syndrome to finding a better way to lead. He also...

What does it take to unlock your true confidence and become the best version of yourself? The answer may lie in your personal style. Our guest Melanie Lippman, an image coach and personal branding expert, shares her journey from the luxury fashion industry to empowering women leaders by defining their unique style. We dive into the power of developing a positive mindset about our bodies and finding the clothes that work best for us. Melanie reveals how fashion can be a combination of math...

Discover how to conquer your fears and unlock your true potential in our latest episode of the Impact Makers podcast, where we welcome back Dr. Todd Dewett to discuss his fifth book, "Dancing with Monsters: A Tale About Leadership, Success, and Overcoming Fears." Todd reveals how this captivating fable addresses the daily struggles we all face, especially millennials and Gen Z, in dealing with anxieties, fears, and a lack of confidence. Get ready to explore the book's memorable characters and...

Imagine receiving a breast cancer diagnosis just nine days after losing your job - this was the reality for our guest, Nicole Roberts, an HR executive who faced these challenges in December 2022. In this truly inspiring episode, Nicole shares her journey of conquering cancer and navigating the financial difficulties that came with it. Not only did she manage her family's living expenses and medical care, but she also started her own HR consulting and coaching business, People Solutions...

Leadership is not just about the title or how many people you have under you. Many great leaders are fueled by their WHY. And so, it’s important, as leaders, to discover our WHY to ensure effective leadership. I’m excited to share a conversation with you today with someone who really understands what it means for leaders to create an impact at work and in life!   Sonya Shelton is the Founder of Executive Leadership Consulting. She’s passionate about partnering with leaders and high achievers...

Although social media has changed and evolved over the last couple of decades, it’s still a valuable place to be –  to learn from, connect with others, establish your credibility, build your personal brand or business brand, and grow your career.  While there are tons of places we can hang out online these days, many of which offer limited value for our work pursuits, there’s no doubt that LinkedIn – the “professional” social network that’s been around since 2002 – is still a place where you...

Social media has become one of the major culprits of overwhelm for many of us. What used to be a great platform for connection, building personal relationships, and building your brand has now sucked a chunk of time out of us. And it has led us down this path where communication is made less civil, and sometimes, even hurtful.  Today, let’s walk down the social media memory lane to see how these platforms have evolved over the years. As you seek to continue to build your brand or grow your...