Talent Magnet Institute Podcast

This week Mike talks with Alandes Powell, Vice President of Business Controls at Fifth Third Bank.  They discuss the key skills leaders need to manage people, and how to use these skills to transform business in the future.  Alandes is passionate about helping leaders understand that people from different parts of the business will have different perspectives.  She shares key ideas about:  How to ask the right questions to get the information you need to lead well (5:45) How to be okay with not having all the answers (8:10) Making mistakes and course-correcting as fast as possible (11:18) Alandes says that leaders must create an environment that encourages people to raise their hand when they see something that doesn’t fit the company’s core values.  This is true courage in leadership. “Leaders have to learn how to tell people what to do without telling them what to do, because we are all adults.  One way to do that is to be honest with people...about the decisions [you] are making and why [you] are ma

This week Mike talks with Executive Coach Elaine Suess.  She is the President of Beyond Being, an Executive and Leadership Coaching practice.  Elaine shares her coaching tips regarding how to move forward after a crisis.   Elaine shares a tactical model she uses, DSRO, and how it gives leaders a process to work through complicated challenges and goals.  (2:50) Everyone is dealing with challenges right now.  Elaine shares her 2 biggest steps leaders can make towards Reset as well as pivots leaders need to make right now. (5:34) Speaking into courageous leadership, Elaine shares how to build confidence and trust in your teams. (9:55)  “The more vulnerable we are, the more vulnerable our people will be.  It gives them tacit permission to mirror our own behaviors.” (10:44) Elaine Suess What strengths do you need to tap into now?  Elaine shares her insights from working with top leaders who were ready to upskill.  Listen now for these tips:  What strengths do you need to tap into (11:24) How to create momen

This week Mike kicks off an upcoming series with long-time mentor and Talent Magnet Institute Faculty member Don Frericks. Don recently published his book, Best Boss Ever: The 5 Steps To Rapidly Develop Yourself Into The Leader Everyone Wants To Follow.  Mike and Don begin this discussion with resources for leaders who’s organizations are wondering whether they should revise their leadership development initiatives.  (1:15) Don shares his insights about:  What qualities make some leaders irresistible to follow?  How are leaders most effectively developed?  What defines an extraordinary leader? (4:42) Listen NOW and SUBSCRIBE to get notifications about future episodes featuring Don’s interviews with top notch leaders from around the world. In this series with Don,  Hear leaders’ stories and the qualities that consistently show up to make them stand out as extraordinary What it takes to accelerate development What the future of leadership development looks like, especially in times of crisis and chal

This week’s episode is very timely to the national conversation at large, even though it was recorded on May 5, 2020, three weeks before the unrest surrounding the death of George Floyd.   Mike has an insightful conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) with Talent Magnet Institute Faculty member Priya Klocek and Eugene Partridge, Director of Procurement Operations for Paycor.  They discuss:  Acknowledgment of  privilege without guilt Definitions of Inclusion and Equity Using the advantage of a quickly changing environment to uplevel DE&I priorities This is another MUST episode for anyone who wants to lead well in relationships, work, community and life.  Listen NOW!  Mike, Eugene and Priya start the conversation by calling on organizational leaders to have conversations with their workforce so everyone can perform at their highest ability and feel supported. (6:39) Eugene shares his insights about the challenges that people face while working from home, for example, something

This week Mike and Julie Bauke, Talent Magnet Institute Faculty member and Chief Career Advisor of The Bauke Group, have an honest conversation about managing layoffs and furloughs.  They discuss  The do’s and dont’s of communication,  Best practices for long-term culture preservation, and  4 keys every leader needs to address when reducing their workforce.   This tactical discussion is a must for everyone who aspires to lead successfully in relationships, work, community, and life.   Mike and Julie begin with what NOT to do and voice concerns about how so many organizations are reacting to the pandemic crisis. They share their best practices on the healthy way to make quick, difficult decisions. (2:25)  Julie and Mike emphasize that leaders need to be aware of the long-term impact uncompassionate layoffs have on an organization, and how to look at workforce reduction strategically. (7:22) “What you do today will affect your brand as an employer for years to come. Period. End of story.”  Julie Bauke (

This is a special extra edition of the Talent Magnet Institute with a personal message from Mike Sipple Jr. about the importance of working towards anti-racism in our organizations, and some suggestions for how to do that work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Mike discusses real life communication issues of leaders all over the world and their impact on business with Becky Scheeler, Executive Vice President at Centennial, Inc. Becky imparts a lot of wisdom in this episode, so be sure to listen NOW!  Early on, Becky says: “leaders really need to communicate in a very clear, concise way,” always keeping the end goal in mind.  (3:03)  She implores leaders to ask, “What do I want my audience to walk away from this [conversation] with?” (4:07) She shares the DO’s of communication (3:27), and the DON’Ts, too. (6:53) Mike and Becky both understand the pressures and mindset of leaders well, and know that they have to be working many months and years in the future, beyond where their managers may be.  Becky offers highly effective communication tactics leaders can do to take to keep the vision and help everyone in the organization moving in the same direction. (15:39) Other nuggets of wisdom include:  Why questions are a leader’s most powerful tool (21:31)

This week Mike invites two local leaders to discuss the importance of early childhood education and childcare in talent retention and the talent lifecycle.  This conversation includes tactical concepts for leaders.  Shannon Starkey-Taylor is the CEO of Learning Grove (formerly Children, Inc., which recently merged with Cincinnati Early Learning Centers, Inc.) and Jordan Huizenga is the Vice President of Development.  Learn about what your organization can do to help non-profits in innovative ways. It’s not always about writing a check. (9:00)  Mike explains how the ripple effect of the ever-changing manufacturing landscape affects talent needs, and its direct association with childcare accessibility.  (17:39) “Now is when your core values and culture shows up.”  Mike Sipple, Jr. (19:03) In their discussion about what kids need right now, Shannon offers 5 tips for parents working from home, the value of teachers right now, as well as how and why to incorporate that connection in a virtual world. (19:58) The

This week Mike discusses mindset strategies with Executive Coach and author Paul Heagen.  They discuss:  How to find middle ground between optimism and pessimism (2:09)  Taking advantage of unique opportunities for self-reflection (10:04) Re-defining your leadership legacy (23:33) Listen NOW for inspiration about how the pandemic can reshape your perspective as a leader! Paul shares his insight about embracing the downshift in work.  He says, “Embrace silence and quiet...when you are comfortable in the quiet you are comfortable with yourself.” (9:29)  He admits many of his clients have a difficult time being still, but he shares the unique benefits this simple practice offers, especially to leaders.   Paul and Mike discuss the key, heart-centered aspects every leader should embrace independent of what is going on around them. (13:59) “The best way for somebody to be a great leader is first to be a better person.”  Paul Heagen (15:11) Paul also shares a very effective technique he uses to help leaders

This week, Mike talks to Mike Glen, Vice President of Business Development for The Lindner Center For Hope, about what leaders can do to transform the conversation regarding mental health.  Hear how and why Mike G. left the construction industry to pursue mental health education and advocacy. (2:57) Mike G. shares specific key points leaders can do to eliminate the stigma of mental health and why it makes good business sense, such as:  What a long-term communication plan looks like (6:23) The importance of being proactive (13:02) Examples of how “Start The Conversation” initiative has changed organizations (14:45) Mike G. helps listeners understand the complicated role mental health plays in insurance claims on the employer end, as well as culture barriers on the employee side. (24:08)  For example:  Mike G. shows how proactive investments in programs that bring mental health out of the shadows pay in the long run. (25:46) An example of a hospitalization due to a broken leg versus a manic episode has

This week Mike discusses risk management with Jonathan Theders, CEO of RiskSOURCE Clark-Theders, an independent insurance agency specializing in helping businesses.   Mike and Jonathan discuss the myriad of issues so many businesses and leaders are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Some key touch points they discuss in detail are: Keeping employees safe and compliant as states reopen, or as essential businesses (7:01) Employee privacy policies and procedures regarding employees who get sick and controlling spread (13:15) Developing a crisis plan (16:59) Maintaining culture in a virtual world (19:10) “Culture is still made up of the thousands of interactions you have each day.” (23:05) Mike and Jonathan share their best practices for:  Controlling overwhelm (28:30) Minimizing risk related to worker’s comp (29:55) Inspiring creative, outside-the-box thought and staying optimistic “Remain informed but don’t obsess.” (39:19) Find out which XM station keeps Jonathan upbeat (39:32), and how he an

This week Mike discusses how we view and react to change with Talent Magnet Institute Faculty member and the “Master of Organizational Development” Michael Glenn.  This short but jam-packed episode inspires any leader to change the way they think about change.  They jump right in with a deep discussion about change and transition with an experiment. (1:58) Mike G. shares how we can move through change physically and emotionally. He emphasizes two factors to remember to get through transitions successfully. (3:15) A key in today’s business landscape is how effectively leaders communicate change. Mike G. shares:  His insights as a consultant and expert in helping organizations through effective change, A story that transformed the way he views organizational change, and A format for communicating a compelling case for change. (9:06) Mike G. shows us how the process can fall apart or come together with one simple question. (13:12) LISTEN NOW to find out what that is!  They close by sharing another nug

This week Mike continues his discussions with Talent Magnet Institute faculty members, drawing on their areas of expertise to answer pressing concerns of leaders around the globe.  Erin Bledsoe defines her “sweet spot” as “the intersection where strategy and talent meet.”  Their conversation is tactical and insightful.  Be sure to take notes while you listen!  Erin shares many insights and practical suggestions about communicating with teams and  prioritizing business initiatives, including:  2 essential elements an organization has to have to drive their business forward (1:50) 3 things businesses need to do right now in order to thrive (3:42) Tips for leaders on communicating priorities (10:44)  Erin also shares Key factors for success when reacting in crisis-mode (13:55) Unique and effective resources for team engagement and culture preservation The nuances of communicating with remote workers and front-line workers differently to create empowerment for everyone (20:46) Communication tips for le

This week Mike discusses leadership with one of his long-time mentors and advisors, Don Frericks, founder of Don Frericks Leadership Coaching.  In this inspiring discussion they share key take-aways for every leader at every level of an organization.   They share insights about  Key character elements of people who rise to the surface during difficult times  The importance of a communication plan  How to convey empathy and sustain trust, especially during a crisis. Don says that every leader should be asking themselves one key question--find out what it is by listening to this inspiring conversation! (4:05) LISTEN NOW Mike imparts practical tips for business leaders who are making tough decisions about their talent.  He and Don discuss:  What factors to consider when making tough talent decisions (6:03) How to show empathy when you are struggling with your own uncertainty (6:03) Valuable leadership communication tactics that will convey confidence even if you don’t know what the future will bring.

This week Mike discusses more leadership issues in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic with Leadership Strategist Andy Foerster.  Andy is President of Leadership Energy Engagement, LLC and a Talent Magnet Institute Faculty Member.   Andy and Mike share unique and truly inspiring lessons for leaders that Andy gained from his tenure in the Navy, as well as corporate life. Find out who is Andy Foerster and what makes him uniquely qualified to excel during high stress and change. (1:17) Mike asks Andy to share the lessons he learned in the Navy as a submarine engineer, such as:  6 features every leader needs to display right now (3:20, 13:56) How to treat people with integrity when tough decisions need to be made (5:45) Lessons Andy learned on a submarine about how to get along with people you work and live with 24/7 (7:34) “Assume good intent (on the part of others) and be kind.”  Andy Foerster (28:37) Andy emphasizes that leaders need to take advantage of the “pause” in business, and see it as a huge opp

This week Mike breaks down the key components to being a great leader in the times of great change that we are facing today.  He shares:  The 3 things you as a leader need to consider in order to relate to your people and inspire them (5:09) How to stay centered and find the courage to step forward when you are uncertain of the future (7:10) Creating workplaces and households that are collaborative problem-solving machines (12:22) Mike is so passionate about helping you, the listeners and clients he serves. He has created a place where you can ask questions, reach out for suggestions, and just connect:  https://speakpipe.com/talentmagnet Mike also shares with you 2 simple steps to do this week to take advantage of changing times and keep your organization strong. (16:51) Join Mike for 2 Deeper Dive Webinars this week! Wednesday March 25th and Friday March 27th at 10 am  Register NOW: TalentMagnetInstitute.com/Webinar #talentmagnet #becomingatalentmagnet #leadership #courageousleadershp #servantleader

This week Mike and Christine Lewis share their thoughts and observations about leadership and changes to everyday life during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020.  They discuss: Key take-aways for unprecedented times (5:11) What does everyday bravery look like? What does leadership on every level look like? What we CAN do right now in times of restriction What Mike does to work thru ambiguity (6:37) The art of compartmentalization (9:35) Mike and Christine share candid comments about these unusual times and how the Talent Magnet Institute Podcast is working to help you lead better right now.  (11:36)  Mike shares:  Inspiring suggestions and tips for you to implement to lead compassionately in uncertainty. (14:40) Two key points about creating camaraderie and loyalty in your organization (20:20) “Leadership is an opportunity to listen.  It is an opportunity to encourage. It’s an opportunity to help and serve especially during times like these.” (23:49)  Mike Sipple Jr.  We encourage you to share y

Your host, Mike Sipple Jr. takes this momentous occasion of the 100th episode to reflect on purpose, impact, and to share aspirations for the future.  Mike shares: What to expect from the Talent Magnet Institute in the next 100 episodes (5:20) More engagement with you, our listeners, (6:52) Our goal to get your most relevant questions answered by future guests (7:33) Mike dives into the bigger vision of Talent Magnet Institute, sharing the 7 key areas of Leadership thought. (8:10) LISTEN NOW to find out what are those key factors!  “Get people to fully believe and understand and acknowledge where they see themselves...by them helping us achieve as employers. [When] you make that alignment, this will help you stop having to reimplement things…[and] eliminate frustration.” Mike Sipple Jr. (9:25)  Knowing that our listeners are intelligent leaders who love to constantly learn, Mike shares what topics will have deep dives that greatly affect your organization’s success and create a magnetic momentum.  (10

This week Mike talks to two esteemed guests. The first, Dr. Marianne Lewis, is the Dean and Professor of Management at the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business. In the studio with Mike is Jack Fitzgerald the Founder of the Warren Bennis Leadership Experience and a graduate student at the University of Cincinnati.  Today, they discuss the upcoming Warren Bennis Leadership Experience event being held at the University of Cincinnati on April 1, and leadership from a personal point of view. Jack shares how a punishment from his father for getting home late one night during high school transformed his future. (1:37) Mike, Dean Lewis, and Jack talk about  Generating new leaders and when the leadership pipeline really begins (it is probably not what you think!). (6:21) The link between Warren Bennis, UC, and Starbucks coffee (10:55) Leaving a legacy through leadership and how each of us can identify our own legacy (17:15) Listen NOW to learn more about becoming a better leader.  “The point i

This week Mike talks to Dr. Dan Snively, Founder of Lion’s Lead, a provider of leadership assessment tools and analytics.  Mike and Dan discuss:  Building sustained trust in leadership (3:32) Behaviors that facilitate great leadership (4:55) The details that matter in self-awareness (7:25) LISTEN NOW!  Dan describes self-awareness assessment keys that every leader should consider:  Thinking of self-awareness like the cockpit of an airplane (8:02)  How to get the biggest value from the results from assessments (8:35)  The 4 most important questions to ask for maximum personal growth through self-awareness. (10:42) Dan shares examples of leaders taking their skills and their organizations to the next level through the power of insight with the right tools. (12:41) Dan and Mike warn listeners of the dangers when assessments are used the wrong way (16:42) as well as:  Factors that can detract from or elevate your potential personally and organizationally (18:21) Knowing someone’s “grit” factor as a