Michael D. Robinson is the Vice President of Healthcare for North America at VMware, a leading provider of multi-cloud services for all apps—enabling digital innovation with enterprise control. A tech industry veteran, Michael has driven hundreds of thousands in revenue, created billion-dollar business divisions, and supported scores of sales careers. He formerly served as the Vice President for US Health and Life Sciences at Microsoft, where he worked for over 14 years before joining Year...

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to build trust within a team? In this episode, I sit down with Keith Ferrazzi, who shares his extensive research on the multifaceted nature of trust and the innovative models he's developed to foster strong team dynamics. We dive into his concept of "CO Elevation," the importance of personal and professional relationships, and practical methods to enhance communication and candor in the workplace. Keith Ferrazzi is a renowned speaker and author whose...

 This week on The Rising Leader: ·     Vulnerability and feedback are crucial for creating high-functioning teams.·     Effective leadership starts with understanding both yourself and others.·     Emotional intelligence is key to managing feedback and reactions.·     The Enneagram helps identify prime motivations and fears, which shape interactions.·     Diverse personality types require tailored leadership approaches.·     Building trust involves understanding and empathy with those you...

 I realized I did not do my solo episode, and today is the deadline for me to upload it for the production team. When I started thinking about what the topic was going to be for today, I went through the workshop that I'm actuall...

 I’ve often said leadership is a complex blend of art and science, requiring consistent effort, self-awareness, and a deep understanding of the people you lead. In this episode of The Rising Leader, I sit down with Jen Dalton to explore the intricate dynamics of leadership, from effective communication and trust-building to developing a powerful leadership brand. We delve into the alignment of personal and organizational values, the vital role of empathy, and the evolving expectations of...

 You've probably been told to set boundaries to handle difficult people or situations. While it's common advice, it might just be holding you back from true growth in your leadership journey. In this episode, we're flipping that script.I'm Mark Silverman, and today's episode of The Rising Leader is all about why you should stop setting boundaries. Instead, I'm encouraging you to use those challenging interactions as opportunities to grow and become a calming influence. From dealing with an...

Ever wonder what it takes to transition from a highly successful real estate career to launching a thriving new venture? In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Green to explore the phases of experimentation, unexpected personal growth, and the courage required to redefine one's professional identity. We delve into how meaningful break periods, empathy in business, and strategic relationship management have played a pivotal role in his journey. Brandon Green, originally from Iowa, moved to...

You’ve probably come across the classic sales challenge: "Sell me this pen." Inspired by the movie Wolf of Wall Street, the challenge isn't about highlighting the pen's features but understanding the buyer's needs. This episode delves into this concept and its relevance to leadership, emphasizing how understanding and empathizing with your team can create better engagement and drive results. In this episode, I explore how the principle behind "Sell me this pen" translates into effective...

 Today's episode dives into a topic near and dear to my heart: having difficult conversations. If you've been following me for a while, you know that every conversation we avoid is a missed opportunity for leadership and growth. Tim Ferriss famously says, "Everything you want is on the other side of a difficult conversation," and today, we're exploring that idea in depth. Joining me are Gene and Amanda Hammett, who are experts in leadership development and executive team alignment. Together,...

 As the leader of an organization, communication is almost your entire job: how you show up, what you say in a situation, how much you communicate, and when you communicate are crucial factors to keep in mind as a leader. The better you understand the art of communication, the better leader you’re going to be. But for many of us, when we think about communicating at the workplace, we mostly think about business communication—work agreements, products, who’s responsible for what, and key...

 You’ve probably heard about the Enneagram and wondered how it can be more than just a personality test. In this episode, Trevor Timbeck and Steve Chandler reveal that an Enneagram type reflects one’s systems and behaviors rather than their core identity, which can be a transformative insight for leaders. We explore how systems, not personal willpower, shape behaviors and effectiveness, discussing practical applications and examples emphasizing systems' power in leadership and personal...

 We've all been there. The office is overwhelming, the to-do list is growing, and the distractions seem endless. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your productivity is to escape. Find a quiet place, put on your noise-canceling headphones, and dive into deep work. This episode is all about the power of focused work, how to create the perfect environment for productivity, and the surprising benefits of sometimes getting the hell out of the office. In today's episode, I discuss proven...

In today's episode of The Rising Leader, I have the pleasure of sitting down with my good friend, Kurt Greening. We dive into Kurt's impressive journey from being a young, successful individual contributor to becoming a seasoned sales leader. Kurt shares his insights on the bumps and learning curves in leadership, the significance of building relationships, and the balanced approach he's developed towards work and life. Plus, we delve into his recent experience working with Afghan refugees...

  You’ve probably felt the immense stress that comes with work and life in today’s incredibly complex world. We’re all searching for ways to effectively navigate this VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) landscap...

 In this episode, I dive into the importance of communication as the top skill you need to learn as you rise through an organization. Almost every conversation I have with my clients revolves around some form of communication—bei...

 In this episode, I'm excited to discuss leadership development and the importance of investing in your leaders. Joining me is Cameron Herold, an expert in entrepreneurship and leadership coaching. Cameron shares his insights on ...

 In this episode, I'm joined by Navid Nazemian, an expert in executive transitions and author of "Mastering Executive Transitions, the Definitive Guide." We dive deep into the challenges executives face when transitioning into new roles and the strategies they can employ to ensure success. With a staggering 40% failure rate within the first 18 months, it's clear that executive transitions require careful planning and support.Navid Nazemian brings a wealth of experience to the conversation,...

 Think about this: before you turn 40, your body tends to take care of you. After 40, things change—you need to start taking care of your body. That's the essence of this episode of The Rising Leader, where I, Mark Silverman, div...

Today, on The Rising Leader, we dive deep into the complex and often misunderstood topic of grief, particularly in the context of midlife. I recently experienced the loss of my mother, and my dear friend and coach, Diana Bonnici, highli...

Ever heard the saying, “You are the sum of the five people you hang around the most”? Today, I’m challenging that notion. You are not simply the product of your closest peers; you are more, you can be more, and as a leader, your role ex...

Have you ever felt weighed down by emotional baggage, unable to connect deeply with others or truly enjoy life's moments? Today, we dive into the importance of letting go of tension and lowering our armor to build genuine connections an...

 Today, I explore the nuanced yet critical differentiation between coping mechanisms and coping skills. With over 600 episodes under my belt, it was surprising to realize that I had never tackled this vital topic head-on. I discovered this gap while searching for resources to recommend, so today, we're filling it. We’ll discuss how coping mechanisms provide quick, often temporary relief while coping skills demand more effort but offer sustainable benefits. Make sure to download the worksheet...

Today on The Rising Leader, I sit down with Mike Harbor to discuss the evolving landscape of leadership, particularly in the context of retaining and inspiring talent in a post-Covid world. We delve into Mike's latest book, "Quit Losing...

Have you ever considered what it means to step out of your comfort zone? In today's episode, I delve into the often-quoted idea that "life starts outside your comfort zone" and explore what it truly means to leave behind what's familiar and embrace the unknown. I share personal anecdotes, including how I shifted my career and openly faced the fear of public judgment.“Throwing your hat in the ring for something that's uncomfortable and living up to it— that’s where growth happens.” - Mark...