Talent Magnet Institute Podcast

This week Mike invites Lars Schmidt into the booth to discuss what Lars describes as “progressive” HR. Lars is the host of the podcast “Redefining HR” and Founder of Amplify, an executive search and consulting firm. Lars has also been a regular contributor for Fast Company, and is excited about the release of his first book, “Redefining HR.”  Listen NOW as Lars shares the mindset of “progressive” HR, what HR leaders need to shift in order to get a seat at the table, and maximize their impact in an organization. (1:46) Lars shares:   Key skills that HR leaders need in modern HR roles. Listen NOW to see if you are up to speed. (6:09) Crucial questions you need to ask your leadership team before hiring a CHRO to help you shift to a modern-day HR philosophy. (8:09) Find out about Lars’ vision to “illuminate modern people practices” and how his writing gig for Fast Company evolved into the podcast and his forthcoming book, “Redesigning HR.” (10:46) Lars has revolutionized HR learning and innovation by creat

This week Mike has another inspiring conversation with Moira Weir, President and CEO of United Way of Cincinnati.  They share pivotal takeaways for leaders who like to think outside-the-box when meeting their clients’ needs. Listen NOW!  Moira shares her experiences while starting a new leadership position, just as the pandemic shut everything down.  Hear how she led her organization to Pivot while staying true to her organization’s core values (1:50) Stay focused on strategy while dealing with a changing landscape (6:09) and,  Serve their clients’ changing needs in unique and creative ways. (10:25) Mike and Moira discuss the power of leveraging your network to help your community. They share the ways something as simple as this can help others gain access to things many of us take for granted.  They also discuss the tangible and intangible payoffs of getting involved in the community. (23:31) Moira shares examples of how her organization Was able to change quickly to continue engagement  Created f

This week Mike hosts Joey Price, CEO of Jumpstart HR, Host of “Business Life and Coffee” Podcast, and Host of the “Winning at Work” series.  They discuss Joey’s key take-aways from interviewing leaders from all over the world, and helping work environments optimize communication and culture.  Mike asks Joey what do leaders need to be focusing on at this moment? Joey details 4 pillars that are key to winning at work. (2:01) Then, they discuss how to tactically use these pillars to create an effective culture.  Listen NOW to their deep insights. (11:10) Joey tells us about his experiences with leaders in creating meaningful, effective cultures, and the unintentional roadblocks that stunt progress in the workplace. (12:46) He shares the concept of “work friction,” how it affects ROI, and tactical tips for leaders to eliminate it. (16:00, 40:42) He says it is crucial to remember that, “The disconnect is...the mix up in communication of what you think you are projecting and what the person is actually hearing.”

This week Mike takes a deeper dive about inclusion and equity with Eddie Koen, President and CEO of the Urban League of Southwestern Ohio.  In this discussion, they talk honestly about subjects many leaders may find difficult to approach.  Listen now to this thought-provoking discussion.  Get a historical perspective of thriving Black communities and the importance of investing into the community as a Black leader. (5:18) Eddie shares 3 key learnings for leaders of all colors to contribute to change and impact. (8:36)  Eddie says, “Economics is a powerful accelerant to social change,” citing how economics played a large part in the State of Mississippi removing the Confederate flag. (11:10) Mike and Eddie discuss a program that they have collaborated on called Leadership Pathways.  Listen to how their two organizations are working to move talented, emerging leaders of color into key positions in order to change the landscape of leadership and inclusion.  Mike challenges you to ask yourself: What can you

This week, Mike discusses the power of inclusion with Chris Faust, President and CEO at Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.  Listen to this inspiring conversation and hear practical ideas about fostering loyalty and purpose with inclusion.  Listen NOW!  Chris shares:  How his organization incorporates technology to help visually impaired and blind employees work alongside seeing peers and how it creates a unique culture of inclusion. (5:08) What they are doing for the community-at-large, and how they are helping organizations hire people with visual disabilities. (9:09) The benefits of hiring people with disabilities and how to address equity and inclusion issues. (11:09) Mike and Chris discuss the power of engagement and what Chris is doing in his organization to foster empowerment and trust. (15:45)  Listen now to hear tips from Chris for overcoming implicit bias that is inherent in all organizations. (23:26) Chris says when people learn to work together, side-by-side, they don’t

This week, Don Frericks brings us the wisdom of another extraordinary leader, interviewing Matt Shank.  Matt is the President of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges. He and Don discuss foundational leadership development traits, and what emerging and seasoned leaders need to do to stay relevant throughout their careers.  Matt has a career that is focused in the academic arena.  Hear how he shares his insights about staying relevant in a rapidly changing environment.  (4:13) Matt shares his experiences that have shaped his leadership journey, such as:  His three-pronged approach to leading well. (11:10) Tips on how to build a community with trust, faith, and commitment. (11:35) The three critical skills that every leader needs to consider before starting a development program. (13:25)  What is “servant leadership” really? (19:26) He says, “If you treat people with dignity irrespective of what they can do for you, ultimately they’re going to do great things for either you or your organizat

This week’s episode is another archive that has incredible relevance to today’s business climate.  In the studio with Mike is Shakila Ahmad, President and Chair of the Board of the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati.  They discuss many ideas and opportunities available to unite people through similarities, rather than categorize people through differences.  Listen to Shakila share about:  Why she left corporate life to engage as a leader in her community (5:31) How to identify leaders for your community and the importance of engagement (8:04) Mike and Shakila discuss:  Cultural competency and leveraging talent with cultural engagement (12:33) Including community engagement in your business plan (16:45) Understanding the true meaning of “Team Chemistry” (19:28) Shakila shares her passion about educating people with the Islamic Center’s program called “Know Your Neighbor” and how leaders can use this model to create a better culture. (20:15)  Listen NOW!  Mike and Shakila ask: What message about d

This week we are reviving a previous episode (Episode #19) that is relevant in today’s climate.  Hear Mike’s incredible, tactical conversation with Dr. Janet Reid, on diversity, equity and inclusion.  Dr. Janet Reid is a faculty member of the Talent Magnet Institute, and the founder of BRBS World, a private global management consulting consortium located in Cincinnati, that works with companies to develop and keep world-class leaders who value diversity and inclusion.  Listen now for a fresh perspective from a veteran of DE&I. Dr. Reid shares insights on:   Defining diversity as differences and similarities, and broadening our view to include thinking and problem solving styles. (5:06) The difference between diversity and inclusion-they are two different things. (5:49) How to optimize talent and how it has changed. (6:24) Mike approaches the elephant in the room and asks, “Why should leaders care about this?” Listen now for Dr. Reid’s candid answer. (7:51) Mike and Dr. Reid discuss the hard core re

This week Mike talks with fellow Leadership Cincinnati alumnus Tysonn Betts, Vice President of Design for Global Family Care at Procter & Gamble. Listen in as they discuss tips on effective listening and how to develop respect and trust.  They discuss:  The value of courageous conversations; (2:55) Tips on how to hear what is NOT being said; (3:36) The difference between defining and delivering on obvious needs versus delivering on the void that has not yet been filled. (7:18) Tysonn shares his perspective on diversity issues and “being the only one in the room.”  He shares how he leverages his unique perspective, and encourages listeners to embrace theirs. (11:24) He also shares HOW to communicate it in a way that is helpful and goal-focused, versus criticizing and confrontational. (13:07) He also shares examples about how to be sensitive to those who may not want to share their stories. (16:05)  Tysonnn and Mike discuss what P&G did to help their organization stay focused during a very distra

This week, guest host Don Frericks takes the mic again to bring you extraordinary leaders from around the world. In this episode, he and Georg Schmundt-Thomas have an insightful conversation about intentional leadership, and provide many touchpoints for aspiring leaders. Listen now to get inspired and learn:  The organic elements of being a leader (9:51)  How rock climbing relates to leadership (10:08) How to be results-oriented without being “competitive” (16:09).  Hear how Georg got “body slammed” with some feedback, what he took away from it, and the 70-20-10 Rule. (25:10)   For aspiring leaders, learn from Georg as he describes:   The keys to what accelerated his success (27:54)  How to get ahead in a fast-paced world (41:32) How working for a bad boss can help you become an extraordinary leader (35:17). Don and Georg close their tactical and inspiring conversation with Georg’s three keys to the mindset of a leader, and why they are crucial to your success. (48:31)  Ask a question or share a

Mike revisits an old friend this week, Jim Mason, CEO of Beech Acres Parenting Center to discuss work, parenting success, and being a better leader. Parenting tips and leadership tips abound in this episode.  If you are committed to serving your internal and external customers well (and raising great kids), this is a conversation you should listen to and take notes.  Jim shares the story of Beech Acres, their mission, and how they help families raise great kids on a deeper level than most programs. Then, Jim provides key tips on how to go from being a reactive parent to being an empowering parent, with the Natural Strength Parenting method.  (1:49) Hear how Beech Acres has worked to support schools, kids, and families by using technology and effective listening. (11:45)  Jim shares how he worked with his leadership team to  set up a decision-making system during COVID-19 for his organization so that they stayed true to their mission, their commitment to their staff and clients, as well as keep their sight

This week Mike talks with Amy Waninger, CEO of Lead At Any Level and author of several books including, “Network Beyond Bias: Making Diversity A Competitive Advantage For Your Career.” They discuss the importance of diversifying the people with whom you associate, and share tips for how to build “critical connections.”  Hear Amy’s story about how she leaped from computer science to diversity and inclusion, and why it has become such a driving force for her. (1:56)  Amy shares tips for expanding your network intentionally:  She says, look at your Linked In connections and ask yourself, is there a pattern here? (20:12) She challenges listeners to ask how intentional they are about with whom they connect. (6:29)  She asks, “Who is missing from your network?” “Your heart can’t be in the right place if you never move your feet...It doesn’t matter what you feel.  It matters what you do with what you feel.” Amy Waninger (8:27) Amy and Mike discuss the key reasons why diversifying your network gives you a com

This week’s episode features the next installment of The Extraordinary Leader Series with Talent Magnet Institute faculty member Don Frericks.  In addition to being a successful executive leadership coach, Don is the author of the new book Best Boss Ever! In this episode, Don speaks with Josh White, a talent and organizational development executive in Indianapolis. Don and Josh take their leadership discussion deep and provide several tips for leaders at all levels. There are so many great nuggets of wisdom in this episode.  Listen to Don and Josh discuss:  How to incorporate authenticity while still following corporate guidelines. (8:35) Tips for how to work on leadership development when corporate sponsorship is not available. (11:42) How and when to ask for feedback, especially when your culture doesn’t support it. (12:22)  Josh also provides tons of tips on how to be an intentional listener, especially for smart leaders. (16:33) He says, “People want to be heard...as a leader you have to create tha

If you are committed to being a better ally for equality, don’t place the burden of your education on your black friends. We have a very special guest, Torin Ellis, who counsels on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and BELONGING (DEIB) day in and day out. He has provided very insightful tips for leaders to take actions in the continued conversation about race. Remember, even the most well-meaning “what can I do” to employees of color can be mentally exhausting and emotionally taxing for them. Take the initiative. Do the work. Listen now. “Do you want to get in and do something different that develops talent, inspires talent, and shows them that we are going to pour into them and help them to grow in our organization; make our organization attractive? How are we going to build an ecosystem that’s beautiful?” (14:40)   This week Mike talks with Torin Ellis, Principal at The Torin Ellis Brand in Baltimore, Maryland. They discuss equity and the importance of employers making a declaration, reallocating and holding pe

This week, Mike has another MUST LISTEN conversation.  In this episode, Mike talks with Chris Halter, Talent Magnet Institute faculty member and organizational psychologist, and Tim Beatty, President of Bullen Ultrasonics. They do a deep dive about real-life culture transformation and the elements at the heart of managing change.   Here are some highlights:  Tim and Chris share what is required from leaders while navigating through “black swan” events. Tim shares his story of how he came to Bullen. He says, “Culture is like the soil...Success of the crop is directly related to the fertileness of the soil.”  Chris shares his professional insight about communication and listening.  He says, “Two monologues don’t make a dialogue,” and shares tips on how to listen more thoughtfully. Mike, Chris and Tim discuss the role of love and fear in business. How does love fit into business? They offer deep insight into  The power of asking questions, and truly listening, (7:30) Creating a “psychologically safe” wo

The Extraordinary Leader Series with Talent Magnet Institute faculty member Don Frericks continues.  Don is the author of the new book Best Boss Ever! This week, Don interviews Tier 1 CEO and co-founder Greg Harmeyer.  They discuss the complex aspects of great workplace culture, the crucial role leaders take in creating and maintaining it, and what it takes to lead successfully in today’s environment.  This tactical conversation is a must for leaders who want to improve their impact.   Don and Greg share the key ingredients leaders need to access to create an engaged workforce.    The incredible power of communication, transparency, and consistency of a message (6:54) How C-Suite leaders can support mid-level leaders to communicate a consistent message (8:32) The definition of “vulnerability-based trust” and how to build it organically (15:59) “To me, [culture] comes down to how we treat each other, how we behave and how we act.”  Greg Harmeyer (4:24) Don and Greg discuss their experiences with leaders

In this episode, Jules Breslin, new Leadership Engagement Director for the Talent Magnet Institute, interview’s TMI’s CEO and Co-Founder, Mike Sipple Jr., and they discuss an exciting membership opportunity for leaders who are ready to transform their impact as a leader.  Mike and Jules discuss: Why the Talent Magnet Institute incorporates a holistic approach to professional development (5:32) What makes the Talent Magnet Institute different than other leadership consultant firms (6:22) Why it’s even more important that leaders invest now,  during a pandemic, when budgets for support are being cut. (10:17)  “Time is your scarcest resource...What if you had a platform that catered to your time...your efficiency... your productivity, and your leadership?”   Mike Sipple, Jr. (11:39) Mike and Jules discuss how the TMI approach to leadership development allows leaders to make the impact they desire now.  Mike says the Talent Magnet Institute membership is for, “Leaders who are ‘woke.’” (15:59) Listen Now!

This week, Mike invites his dad, Mike Sipple Sr. into the studio to give you perspective of the Talent Magnet Institute’s mission in helping leaders lead well in relationships, work, community and life.  Where did this come from?  Listen now to hear the story.   Mike Sr. shares how the catastrophic event of 9/11 shaped Centennial’s vision for serving their search clients better, and how that has transformed 20 years later into what we now know as the Talent Magnet Institute, with Mike Jr. as Chief Executive. (1:40) “Our R&D comes from an organization that serves organizations, that listens to organizations and serves people, most importantly.” Mike Sipple Jr. (13:16)  Mike Sr. shares his pivotal experiences and lessons learned with leaders through the years who have had an impact on his own leadership style. (10:09, 19:37) “We all influence others in our lives.” Mike Sipple Sr. (21:55)  Mike Jr. shares what he has learned over the years in this work and why he is so passionate about helping leaders l

This week Mike discusses leadership strategy with Talent Magnet Institute Board Member and investor Daniel Wachter.  Daniel shares his unique perspectives on leadership from the viewpoint of leading during a merger.  Mergers can be sticky territory for leaders.  Daniel’s conversation with Mike sheds light on the challenges and solutions that can be applied during times of change. They also discuss how these lessons are relevant to many situations leaders face today.  Daniel tells us his best practices for maneuvering through transition that mergers naturally possess, such as:  Navigating international regulations (1:56) How to stay focused on growth during a merger (4:10) Communicating change and merging two competing cultures into one (8:30) Daniel tells Mike what he feels are a leader’s core responsibilities, especially during change. (10:44)  LISTEN NOW for key strategies that lead to success in times of change. Mike and Daniel discuss the value that the Talent Magnet Institute has provided for hi

This week, guest host Don Frericks kicks off his Extraordinary Leader series.  Don is a Faculty Member of the Talent Magnet Institute and author of Best Boss Ever.  In this episode he interviews Keith Hawk, an accomplished sales executive, public speaker and co-author with Michael Boland of the book Get Real Selling. This conversation is a must for anyone who aspires to lead well and really cares about people-centered business practices.  Don and Keith review how Keith rose through the ranks of a large data management organization and what he feels contributed to his success at each level. (5:57) “I think it’s important to constantly develop ourselves, our strengths, our skill, work on our weaknesses, understand what we’re good at...and then when opportunity arises be the kind of person that people want to work with.” Keith Hawk (8:13) Keith shares his success tips about clarity and how that motivates people to do their best work. (10:21) Keith also shares the one element of communication that will earn y