Talent Magnet Institute Podcast

Gayle Lantz is the Founder of WorkMatters, Inc. and the host of her own podcast “CEO on the Go.” A leadership expert, an author and speaker, she’s using her skills and talents to help CEOs and executives shape corporate culture and inspire change. Mike Sipple Jr. welcomes her to this week’s episode of the Talent Magnet Institute Podcast; they’re talking about strategic planning, organizational culture, making the work environment inclusive, and empowering employees. They’re also discussing some of the barriers workers may have to overcome. Organizations need to be as competitive, cutting edge, and forward-thinking as they can. Engaging employees and creating an environment that inspires and generates more productivity is key. [02:02] It's important for leaders to encourage employees to talk more and flesh out their ideas. Showing acknowledgment for their contribution inspires employees - even those who may be a bit more reluctant - to share and creates greater trust and respect. [12:15] Leaders should foc

Daniel Wachter, Chief Commercial Officer at Chromatic Technologies, hosts this week’s episode of the Talent Magnet Institute Podcast. His guest is Francois Lopez-Ferrer. Francois is the Assistant Conductor at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. A son of a conductor, he’s carrying on in his father’s footsteps. Through his work directing musical orchestras over the years in both Europe and in the United States, he’s been able to observe how the psychology of conducting works across cultures.  Here are some key points from their interesting conversation: Each conductor has their own strong point: you’re never going to find two conductors who have the exact talents or techniques. People have different personalities, and it’s important to find the right balance, as the human aspect is as important - sometimes more important - than the musical aspect. [2:49] A good conductor is a motivator. “You need to take your team out of their comfort zone to make them excel, but not over-challenge them, because it then becom

If you have ever wondered if you should do an organizational assessment or how to incorporate them, you need to listen to this conversation.  This week Mike talks with Dr. Megan Leasher, Chief Solution Strategist with Talent Plus.  They discuss the ins and outs of assessments, 360’s, and personal development.  Mike and Megan talk in detail about feedback, personal development and where assessments fit into your people strategy.  They begin with explaining what is “IO” and how to use it to maximize your organization’s potential. (3:40) A big question people have on both sides of the desk is, “Should assessments be part of the hiring process?” Mike and Megan share the key points every leader should consider, like:  What assessments work best? When should they be administered? What do they tell you? How do you use them? (5:41) Mike and Megan discuss how the right assessments can help you align your organization’s business strategy and talent strategy.  Listen to their tips on how to create the bridge as

This week, guest Host Don Frericks continues his Extraordinary Leader Series, speaking with experienced executive leader Tom Ogburn. Listen to them unpack what it takes to create results-driven teams in this very tactical conversation.  Tom shares three tips on how to intentionally create great teams and what the leader’s role is in that process. (4:25)  Why is it ineffective to keep everyone on the team happy? Don and Tom discuss this managerial trap and how to avoid it. (6:35)   Tom shares his philosophy of Talent, Inspiration, and Process (TIP). Listen to him explain how these three things have shaped his success as a leader. (7:47)  The true driver of leadership is business success. Listen to Tom break down his formula for excellent delivery and sustainable culture. (19:08) Tom reflects on what he has learned over the years and what he would change. Listen to him do a deep dive on how regular reflection shapes one’s leadership with small, consistent effort. (23:43) Their conversation closes with Don

This week Mike speaks with Laurie Ruettimann, who just published her book “Betting On You.” Laurie was a Human Resources professional for many years before transitioning out of corporate America to pursue her own brand and podcast, Punk Rock HR. Listen now to this timely discussion about a healthy leadership mindset.   Mike and Laurie start this conversation by discussing leadership commitments. They share the moments they realized they needed to shift how they think about work. (3:23) Laurie gives listeners permission to be a “slacker.” Find out what she means and how to still achieve success. (5:41) One of the prime directives of the Talent Magnet Institute is helping leaders succeed in relationships, work, community, and life. Mike and Laurie unpack this idea in more detail and what Laurie means when she uses the phrase “arrival fallacy.” (10:35)   Listen to Laurie share her mindset shift story. She says, “You fix work by fixing yourself.” Hear her unpack ideas about “slackerism” and the “anti-hustle.”

This week Mike kicks off another special series with his long-time friend and mentor Daniel Wachter, Chief Commercial Officer of Chromatic Technologies, Inc. This series will provide another level of wisdom about leadership, using performing and visual arts to understand what it takes to be a great leader.  Listen now to Daniel’s brilliant analogy of leading an organization and the conductor-composer-orchestra relationship. (6:05) Daniel will interview composers from around the world to talk about what it takes to lead a large group of specialists to create a beautiful product-the performance. In his series, some of the topics he will discuss are:  Breaking silos Rehearsing Keys to listening Limitations Taking risks Making mistakes (8:25) Daniel also shares the story of how a single experience with visual art transformed his leadership approach. This is another example of the revelations that Daniel will share in his new series. (22:00) Leadership is a conceptual topic that can be described as phil

This week we have a special bonus episode in partnership with the Leadership Council for Non-Profits in preparation for their conference on March 4th, 2021. Mike gives a glimpse of what leaders can expect as he talks to their keynote speaker, Vanessa Mason, Research Director for Institute for the Future.  Mike and Vanessa dive into the subject of belonging, and how it affects our wellbeing and productivity at work. Vanessa shares 3 key forces that are influencing belonging in our society. (2:58) Vanessa shares her method to create optimistic change and find opportunities to create more belonging, especially in a remote atmosphere. (9:03) Listen NOW as Vanessa shares her story about her interactive newsletter, Future of Belonging, and the work her community is doing to:  Change historical workplace norms that don’t work; Identify opportunities for belonging; Improve equity in all aspects of work. (13:45) Mike and Vanessa call listeners to action to: Recognize that your organization can change quickly;

This week, Mike talks to Angie Redmon, President of Strive HR and a strategist for organizations who want to pursue best workplace awards. Even if you never thought about applying for an award like this, listen in, because Mike and Angie provide some great tips about strategy alignment and the importance of processing employee feedback. Angie dives in about how to apply for a “Best Place To Work” award and what it takes to receive that honor.  She shares three insights on what you need to do first. (2:29) When organizations pursue culture improvement, it is key to gather feedback from their workforce.  Angie discusses what to look for and how to put a team together to move forward in the most efficient way. (7:30) What happens when you get feedback that is hard to swallow? Angie gives leaders direction on next steps. Listen now for her detailed plan of action. (12:17)  It’s practical to limit your initiatives to one or two things.  Angie shares her insight and expertise about the consequences of not picki

This week, guest host Don Frericks is back to continue his conversations with extraordinary leaders from around the world. Today, he talks to Anna Grome, Principal Consultant at Tier 1 Performance Solutions. Their conversation provides key lessons for aspiring and experienced leaders.   Listen and learn as Don dissects the stand-out qualities to Anna’s leadership that facilitates high performance from her team. (5:37)   Hear how she builds a safe space for push back, and how she peels away the layers to find out what is really going on. (8:31)  How Anna reacted to her 360 review is a lesson in leadership we can all learn from. Listen to Anna and Don share: Key indicators of her success as a leader (13:59) Their take-aways from good and bad leaders (15:51) Wise reflection about what they would have done differently (20:04) Feedback is a crucial component to leading well, but it can be hard for most people to receive. Listen NOW to Anna’s tips on:  How to welcome feedback (22:59) How to provide a spac

This week Mike connects with trusted friend and advisor Mehmet Yuksek, President of Reily Foods.  Their conversation is a MUST for leaders at all levels.  Listen now to hear them unpack what leaders should be doing in order to achieve real success and innovation in their organizations.   Mehmet shares many valuable quotes in this episode.  He starts by sharing this sage advice: “People will only buy-in when (leaders) emulate what they want to see in everyone else.” 2:54 Mike and Mehmet talk about what it takes to create a healthy space for conflict and how it can transform your organization. (6:25) We have heard of the Golden Rule, but what is the Platinum Rule?  Listen to Mike share how this one thing has been a game-changer for his leadership path. (10:39) How do you know what you don’t know?  Listen to Mehmet’s leadership story, and why figuring out what you don’t know is critical for success as a CEO. (16:56) Mike and Mehmet dissect the complex topic of strategy and employee buy-in.  They discuss: 

This week Mike dives deep into the subject of authenticity with Rachel Druckenmiller, Founder and CEO of Unmuted.  Rachel is a facilitator, speaker, and award-winning health promotion professional.  Listen to Mike and Rachel discuss the profound effect of unmuting our voices to create a thriving work and home life.  Rachel begins by defining “whole self” and how we can be authentic in a professional environment. (3:52)  Then, she tells us why we should be asking ourselves two questions every day.  Listen NOW! (6:53) Rachel challenges listeners to ask teams the question, “When have you been at your best in the past?”  Find out how this question can increase ROI and engagement. (10:10) What does “leading with curiosity” mean?  Rachel and Mike break it down and offer tips to incorporate it into your mindset every day. (15:25) Mike revisits a conversation about the “invisible backpack,” and he and Rachel discuss the impact it has on how people work. (17:08)  Mike and Rachel dive deep into their insights abou

This week Mike continues his discussions on mindset with Luna Malbroux, Director of Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at Soul Bird Consulting. Their discussion dives deep into key points leaders need to address to be successful in the “new normal” of 2021.  Luna helps teams and leaders adopt a mindset of “helping humans be more human.” (2:55) Mike and Luna unpack the new work-from-home atmosphere, and what leaders need to do to get real engagement. (5:51)  They share tips on how to gauge:  How culture affects who speaks up during meetings, Trust and safety issues, and If certain groups are underrepresented in conversations. (9:12) Luna nails down how life traumas affect everyone, how they shape people, and why leaders need to shift their mindsets about how they engage.  (12:58) Mike and Luna share tips on how to get people to be brutally honest about how they feel about work. (15:27) Mike discusses the difficulties some leaders face with accepting other people’s truths.  Listen to Mike unpack this mindse

This week Mike talks to Dr. Kimberly Luse, President of Strategic Ethical Solutions, who is the best-selling author of the books “Circling The Drain” and “Losing Your Job Without Losing Your Mind”. She also serves as a faculty member for the Talent Magnet Institute. They discuss practical solutions and benefits to approaching conflict, creating an environment that fosters trust, and having honest, difficult conversations.   Listen NOW!  Mike and Kimberly dive into the subject of “Trauma-Informed Care,” why leaders need to understand this concept, and how to practice it every day. (2:21) Mike shares his own insights relating these concepts to the work setting. (6:29) Kimberly shares effective techniques to:  Reprogram your negative thought patterns; (10:46)  How to create a psychologically safe workplace; (12:13) How to work through conflicts and misunderstandings. (20:29) Mike and Kimberly unpack the impact of how an organization leads and communicates about what trauma means for people and how it af

Start 2021 with the right mindset! Mike kicks off the new year with a profound discussion about balancing excellence in work and life with Scott Eblin, Founder of the Eblin Group and author of Overworked and Overwhelmed: The Mindfulness Alternative.   Scott shares his story about getting a medical diagnosis that forced him to re-evaluate how he worked. (2:51) Scott and Mike discuss the tool Life GPS and how it can help you find your work/life sweet spot. (9:30) Hear what 3 things Mike does to refresh, and how he uses the Life GPS tool.  Click here to get your Life GPS tool. Scott explains: How grilling out for Mike is a high leverage task.  Listen now to hear his perspective.  (18:15) Thought distortions that are driving executives to overwhelm.  Get solutions to stop the cycle, feel better and be more effective. (21:42) The “balcony perspective” and why leaders forget that this is their greatest asset. (24:08) Scott says, “If you are the leader, you control the weather.  However you show up as a le

Mike ends the year with a conversation that calls on all leaders to change the way they view their organizations’ involvement with their community.  This conversation with Dan Calonge, Head of Learning and Development for Cincinnati Bell, will inspire you to connect more meaningfully in 2021.   Mike and Dan start their discussion with some basics about how Dan got involved at Cincinnati Bell.  He shares his fascinating experience as a son of immigrants, which inspired him to expand his role in the community.  (1:56)  Dan shares:  How leading an Employee Resource Group (ERG) lead to a meaningful connection with co-workers,  What the group gained by reaching out to the community,  The massive impact that has occurred as a result of a simple outreach project. (8:09) Listen NOW to hear how Dan:  Approached the Executive Team at Cincinnati Bell to fill a serious gap in learning for children in need during the epidemic. (13:00) Connected with the community to raise close to $1 million to fund the project f

This week Mike invites Chelsea Brinkley into the studio to share her expert tips on making remote work fun and effective. Chelsea is a Remote Work Coach. She helps entrepreneurs and business leaders optimize their systems to connect to their teams and clients in a virtual world.  Listen to Chelsea share:  Her story about how and why she chose to work remotely. (2:36)  Tried-and-true tools that will help you optimize email management and workflow. (5:17) What she did to create meaningful digital connections. (12:28) How to combat loneliness, isolation, and even have fun while working remotely. (17:48) In order to build solid connections, Chelsea says be intentional about it. Listen now for suggestions on how to take virtual relationships to the next level. (33:51)  Share your post-pandemic travel dreams and tools you have been using to work efficiently. Click here to leave Mike a personal message.   Claim your free resource for better email management from Chelsea here.  Claim your free resource for

This week, Mike continues his profound conversations about creating community with Chuck Mingo, Teaching Pastor at Crossroads Community Church, and Founder and CEO of Undivided.  Mike and Chuck begin their discussion with many inspiring sentiments about 2020, such as:  Unusual stories of courage that Chuck has personally witnessed this year; (5:29) Deep emotional insights Mike has gained from having conversations with friends who are leaders of color, as well as from white leaders who felt a new awareness about the daily struggle of their black employees; (7:42) The inspiration for Chuck’s vision for the program and podcast Undivided. (9:05)  Mike and Chuck dive deeper into the phrase “valued, heard, and understood.”  What does it mean, and what value does it have for businesses beyond 2020? Listen NOW to find out. (17:20) Chuck shares:  Data about the impact of diversity on revenue generation; (19:57) The value of getting 360 degrees of perspective; (21:31) How to recognize whether you are on track

This week Mike discusses community impact with Barbara Hauser, Senior Community Relations Manager for Procter & Gamble.  Community engagement must move beyond the walls (or network) of your business.  Listen now to learn why community engagement is a key ingredient in your organizational recipe for success.   Community engagement is a key part of P&G’s global strategy and success. Barbara explains: Why their role in the community is key to their success; (2:17) What their engagement looks like in vastly different parts of the world; and How they find the pulse of the community and respond to it. (5:57) Procter and Gamble takes engagement and community very seriously.  Barbara shares her views as an employee about a campaign series that was created after the social unrest in May 2020. (11:15) Barbara also shares several other community projects with which P&G partners.  Listen now to hear why transforming community is vital to business. (13:20) Mike and Barbara share personal stories about

This week Mike has an engaging discussion about using space, physically and digitally, to promote well-being and success in your organization with Kelly Kolar.  Kelly is the President and Founder of Kolar Design and the Kolar Experience Institute.  She is also a Talent Magnet Institute Faculty member.  The pandemic forced most organizations to work remote, which has created an opportunity to reevaluate how they use their physical spaces.  Kelly shares key points to consider when deciding:   Whether you should let go of your physical space. (2:33) How and why to “repurpose” it, and how this decision will affect your culture. (4:41) If 100 percent digital is the best choice for your organization, given the data she has collected about how people are feeling right now.  (7:34) The Kolar Experience Institute has collected data and created resources for leaders to get a pulse on where their organizations are in order to make good business decisions for 2021.  LIsten to Kelly and Mike discuss why these issue

This week Mike talks to Tracie Sponenberg, Chief People Officer with The Granite Group, Leader of Disrupt HR-New Hampshire and cofounder of HR Rebooted. They discuss the key elements of people-centered culture. Listen to this lesson-packed episode now! Many people Tracie has encountered say people-centered business is a no-brainer. Is it? Listen to Tracie share about the consequences of the widespread lack of this key element to success. (2:22) Tracie shares details about her career journey that are key learning points. Hear about Her relationship with one CEO who understood the power of mentorship and focusing of people. (4:45) She says it was a hard journey inward and shares some of her learnings.  Her experiences replacing people who were terminated, and what she did to turn things around. (11:29) Being bold and challenging your CEO on people issues. (14:15) Tracie shares about an engagement contest her organization entered in the middle of the pandemic, how they fared, and how future talent is usin