Talent Magnet Institute Podcast

Connect & ask your leadership question here: https://www.talentmagnet.com/contactusTake the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quiz: https://www.talentmagnet.com/quizSeason 3, Episode 246Why Do Leaders Need to Think More Like Conductors? (feat. Daniel Wachter & Mike Sipple Jr.)What can business leaders learn from a conductor leading an orchestra?In this episode of the Unconventional Leadership Podcast, Mike Sipple Jr. sits down with Daniel Wachter, President & CEO of the Colorado Symphony, to explore one of the most compelling leadership analogies you will hear: why leading a team is often less about doing the work yourself and more about creating alignment, context, trust, and performance across talented people.Daniel shares how watching a conductor changed the way he thought about leadership, communication, and team performance. Together, Mike and Daniel unpack what leaders often get wrong about vision, why teams need more than a strategy on paper, how freedom of action is built through alignment, and wha

Connect & ask your leadership question here: https://www.talentmagnet.com/contactusTake the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quiz: https://www.talentmagnet.com/quizSeason 3, Episode 245Succession Planning for Business Owners: How to Prepare Years Before a Transition (feat. Brent Rippe & Mike Sipple Jr.)What happens when a founder, owner, or key executive is no longer in the seat?In this episode of the Unconventional Leadership Podcast, Mike Sipple Jr. sits down with investment banker, business executive, business owner, and long-time strategist Brent Rippe to unpack a leadership challenge too many organizations delay for too long: succession planning.This conversation goes far beyond selling a company. Mike and Brent explore how leaders can think about long-term business strategy, stakeholder alignment, leadership bench strength, and value optimization years before a transition ever happens. They discuss why many founders keep succession too close to the vest, how uncertainty creates risk for employees and bu

Connect & ask your leadership question here: https://www.talentmagnet.com/contactusTake the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quiz: https://www.talentmagnet.com/quizSeason 3, Episode 244Why Is Leadership So Hard Right Now? How Great Leaders Build Healthy Teams (feat. Nancy Spivey, David Noe, & Mike Sipple Jr.)Leadership is more complex than ever. Between burnout, employee experience, AI, mental health, and the pressure to build a strong culture, leaders are navigating challenges that do not come with simple answers. In this episode, Nancy Spivey, David Noe, and Mike Sipple Jr. unpack what business leaders, HR professionals, and people managers are seeing right now when it comes to leadership, team culture, talent, and the future of work.They explore why great leadership still comes back to people, how empathy and trust shape healthier teams, and what organizations need to think about as technology continues to change the workplace. If you care about leadership development, employee retention, workplace culture

Connect & ask your leadership question here: https://www.talentmagnet.com/contactusTake the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quiz: https://www.talentmagnet.com/quizSeason 3, Episode 243Are You Keeping the Wrong “Top Performer” on Your Team? (feat. John Spence, Michael Ragsdale & Mike Sipple Jr.)High performance doesn’t excuse misalignment. In this episode, Mike sits down with John Spence and Michael Ragsdale for an honest conversation about what great leaders do when a “star performer” creates friction, violates values, or pulls the culture off course.You’ll hear why values alignment is the real unlock for scaling a healthy business, how leadership decisions carry “more at stake” than most founders realize (families, livelihoods, and trust), and why the second time building a business often looks completely different than the first.

Connect & ask your leadership question here: https://www.talentmagnet.com/contactusSeason 3, Episode 242Why This CEO Pays 100% of Employee Healthcare Costs? (feat. Bob Heil & Mike Sipple Jr.)In a business arena where most companies struggle with retention, what if the secret to loyalty is radical generosity? In this episode I sit down with Bob Heil, Executive Director of Strategic Relationships and Community Engagement at KLH Engineers, Executive Director of LaunchNKY Center for Civic Leadership, and past Board Chair of BENKY, NKY Chamber, OneNKY Alliance, amongst others. Bob reveals why his company, KLH Engineers, pays 100% of medical insurance for employees and their families—a benefit less than 1% of companies offer.Bob and Mike discuss the power of "Unconventional Leadership" by challenging existing paradigms in business, education, and government. From the "hand on the shoulder" mentorship moments that define careers to the "Creative Tension" required to drive innova

Connect & ask your leadership question here: https://www.talentmagnet.com/contactusSignup for Relentless 2800: https://www.relentless2800.comSeason 3, Episode 241Why Great Leaders Start With Sleep, Not Strategy (feat. Jessica Morris AND JONBOB Willis)What if the biggest limiter of your leadership effectiveness isn’t skill, strategy, or experience—but exhaustion?In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Mike Sipple Jr. is joined by Jessica Morris, executive health coach and wellness expert, and JONBOB Willis, creative entrepreneur and community builder, to unpack what holistic leadership really looks like in practice. From sleep deprivation and burnout to margin, community, and purpose-driven creativity, this episode reframes leadership through the lens of well-being.The group explores why sleep is the cornerstone of peak performance, how leaders unknowingly model burnout for their teams, and why psychological safety begins with asking better questions—like “What’s feeling heavy right now?” instead o

Season 3, Episode 240How do you stay relevant in the 2026 leadership shift? (feat. Jennifer McClure, Steve Browne, James Biro, & Mike Sipple Jr.)By the end of 2026, the world will look completely different due to massive change and AI integration. Mike and his guests discuss how to stay agile and current in a rapidly evolving market. Explore how to retool your approach to meet the changing expectations of the modern workforce and maintain your thought leadership.

What separates leaders people trust from leaders people tolerate?In this episode of The Unconventional Leadership Podcast, Mike Sipple Jr. is joined by Dr. Jeni Al Bahrani (Miami University), and student leaders/Teaching Assistants CJ DeBra and Sarah Bosse to unpack what “trusted advisor” leadership looks like in real life—especially when you’re leading peers, giving feedback, and trying to create a culture where people can learn without fear.You’ll hear practical leadership lessons for managers, HR leaders, and anyone trying to build a high-trust team:- How to give actionable feedback without damaging relationships- Why “microfailures” can build confidence and resilience- What it looks like to lead yourself first (before you lead others)- How to manage up and communicate with clarityIf you care about team culture, employee experience, and developing leaders who can handle tough conversations… this one’s for you.

Connect & ask your leadership question here: Take the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quiz: Season 3, Episode 238Family Business Secrets Nobody Talks About (feat. Jonathan Theders & Mike Sipple Jr.)How do we build something meaningful—and know when it’s time to let go? In this episode of The Unconventional Leadership Podcast, we explore the tension between legacy and innovation, and why resisting change could leave your business behind. If you're navigating succession, stewardship, or strategic pivots, this one’s for you.

Connect & ask your leadership question here: Take the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quiz: https://www.talentmagnet.com/quizSeason 3, Episode 237How Do Leaders Turn Adversity Into Legacy? (feat. Doug Olberding & Lily Parke with Mike Sipple Jr.)In this inspiring episode of the Unconventional Leadership Podcast, Doug Olberding (CEO of Pig Works) and Lily Parke (Beechwood High School Intern, D1 commit, UK cross-country/track) join Mike Sipple Jr. to share stories of leadership, resilience, and community. From the impact of the Flying Pig Marathon on Cincinnati’s economy and culture, to Lily’s perspective as a young athlete, to overcoming personal adversity and creating legacy, this conversation highlights how unconventional leaders listen, adapt, and turn challenges into opportunities. If you’re passionate about leadership, team building, or leading with purpose in HR, human resources, and beyond—this is a must-listen.

Connect & ask your leadership question here: https://www.talentmagnet.com/contactusTake the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quiz: https://www.talentmagnet.com/quizSeason 3, Episode 236Can Unreasonable Hospitality Save Your Culture? (feat. Lee Crume & Mike Sipple Jr.)Welcome to another transformational episode of the Unconventional Leadership Podcast. In this one, Lee Crume, CEO of BE NKY, shares how Unreasonable Hospitality reshaped employee experience, innovation, and team culture in Northern Kentucky. We go deep on building an ecosystem mindset, cultivating staff voice, and designing a community‑centric strategy to attract high‑impact investment and support regional growth.What you'll learn:• How to turn hospitality lessons into leadership culture • Why “hire slow, fire fast” is more than a phrase • Transforming client and candidate touchpoints through purpose‑driven process • Designing a five‑star client experience from parking lot greetings to plant tours • The philosophy of making your leadership *o

Connect & ask your leadership question here: https://www.talentmagnet.com/contactusTake the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quiz: https://www.talentmagnet.com/quizSeason 3, Episode 235What If You Just Went For It? (feat. Emma Adkisson & Mike Sipple Jr.)Emma Adkisson shares the powerful story behind becoming CEO of a 45-year-old architecture firm...and the growth that came with it. From honoring the legacy of a dying founder to reshaping workplace culture, Emma breaks down what it means to lead with courage, clarity, and creativity. If you've ever doubted your ability to lead differently, this episode is your permission slip.

Connect & ask your leadership question here: https://www.talentmagnet.com/contactusTake the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quiz: https://www.talentmagnet.com/quizSeason 3, Episode 234THIS Is What Leaders Are Dealing With | ROUNDTABLEIn this faculty roundtable, Mike Sipple Jr. sits down with Talent Magnet Institute team members Melanie Booher, Megan Leasher, and Leighann Rechtin to unpack the single skill that separates thriving teams from stagnant ones: authentic communication. Discover practical tactics to turn meetings into meaningful dialogue, build psychological safety, and help every voice be heard. If you lead HR, manage people, or simply want to show up better at work, this episode is your playbook.

Connect & ask your leadership question here: https://www.talentmagnet.com/contactusTake the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quiz: https://www.talentmagnet.com/quizSeason 3, Episode 233How this B2B CEO Uses His Podcast to Grow a Movement (feat. Josh Lewis from the Cincinnati Podcast Studio)This crossover episode from Grow Your Podcast flips the script: Josh Lewis (Cincinnati Podcast Studio) interviews Unconventional Leadership host Mike Sipple Jr. about how a scrappy audio show became a global leadership movement. Why did it start? What’s changed? And what has he learned about leading with uncomfortable authenticity on the mic and in real life?What You’ll Learn• Origin Story: The coffee-conversation advice from mentor Dr. Janet Reid that set the tone for unscripted, human leadership dialogue.• Audio → Video Leap: Why seeing faces matters for emotional connection, and how LinkedIn + YouTube video expanded global reach.• Brand Reboot: Moving from Talent Magnet Institute to Unconventional Leadership—and why making t

Take the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quizhttps://www.talentmagnet.com/quizSeason 3, Episode 232Is Burnout Inevitable in Leadership? (feat. Leighann Rechtin & Mike Sipple Jr.)Leighann Rechtin, TMI Senior Faculty, joins Mike Sipple Jr. to discuss sustainable leadership, emotional wellness, and redefining success for today’s professionals. From high-stakes boardrooms to personal boundaries, this episode explores how to lead with intention without sacrificing your well-being.

Take the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quiz: https://www.talentmagnet.com/quizSeason 3, Episode 231This Failed Retiree Shares the Secret to Successful BusinessesFeeling stuck at a growth ceiling? Certified EOS® Implementer Kevin Rains explains why **removing** complexity—NOT adding more—unlocks explosive business growth. He shares how he scaled from 2 to 5 auto‑body shops, why a 2‑page strategic plan outperforms a 40‑pager, and the mindset shifts leaders need to avoid burnout and build legacy.Connect with Kevin Rains:- Kevin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinrains- EOS - https://www.eosworldwide.com- Dappled Light Retreats: https://www.dappledlightadventures.com- KidStrong: https://crestviewhills.kidstrong.com- One17: https://one17foundation.com

Take the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quizhttps://www.talentmagnet.com/quizSeason 3, Episode 230Can a Failed Kidney Spark Purpose‑Driven Leadership? (feat. Tim Hanner & Mike Sipple Jr.)Former superintendent and social‑impact entrepreneur Tim Hanner—Mike’s very first podcast guest—returns to the upgraded studio for a full‑circle conversation. In the opening moments he reminds Mike how, back in 2018, he actually interviewed the host! From that flipped‑mic memory we jump into timeless lessons on patience, gratitude, and leading whole humans at work. Discover how slowing down, building trust, and letting others shine can accelerate student‑to‑career pipelines, board engagement, and employee retention.We unpack:• Using "start slow to go big" as a scaling strategy• Turning student voice into workforce‑ready pipelines• Balancing bold vision with self‑care after a kidney transplant• Practical ways to embed empathy, gratitude, and feedback loops in any teamIf you lead people, or hope to, this conversation wi

Take the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quiz: https://www.talentmagnet.com/quizSeason 3, Episode 229Are You Leading with Strength or Just Managing Weakness?In this insightful episode, Mike Sipple Jr. is joined by Dr. Laura Canter to discuss what it means to lead with emotional intelligence, character strengths, and radical candor. They unpack why most companies unintentionally manage to people's weaknesses instead of fostering their strengths—and how flipping that script can transform productivity and workplace culture.Laura explores how to walk the talk with authenticity, and what it looks like to build a proactive—not reactive—culture of leadership and development. She also shares powerful stories and tools from positive psychology that leaders can use to better understand themselves and support their teams in real, lasting ways.If you’ve ever wondered how to lead your team in a way that unlocks human potential, this conversation is for you.

Take the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quizhttps://www.talentmagnet.com/quizConnect with us: https://www.talentmagnet.com/contactusSeason 3, Episode 228The Real Reason You Feel Burned Out! (feat. Luke Dooley & Mike Sipple Jr.)What happens when high-performing leaders feel like they’re drowning—but don’t know who to tell? In this powerful episode, Luke Dooley and Mike Sipple Jr. explore how isolation, burnout, and unspoken pressure are affecting business owners, entrepreneurs, and HR leaders alike. From the raw truth about mental health to tactical strategies for building community and sustainable leadership, this is a call to lead with self-awareness, vulnerability, and intention. Whether you’re navigating growth, grieving a personal loss, or simply wondering, “How is peace even possible?”, this conversation is for you.**MENTAL HEALTH DISCLAIMER**While the Unconventional Leadership Podcast and Talent Magnet Institute explore topics related to mental health and well-being, our content is for educational and ins

Take the FREE Self-Care Inventory Quizhttps://www.talentmagnet.com/quizContact Us! https://www.talentmagnet.com/contactusSeason 3, Episode 227Is HR Ready for the AI Takeover? (feat. Kristie Dierig & Mike Sipple Jr.)Stop treating HR like a back-office cost center and start running it like the innovation engine your company needs. In this episode of the Unconventional Leadership Podcast, Talent Magnet Institute senior faculty member Kristie Dierig joins host Mike Sipple Jr. to unpack:How AI, automation, and chatbots are quietly reshaping recruiting, performance reviews, and L&D right now.The two-pronged strategy every manager can use to decide what to automate, delegate, or kill—and where the human touch still wins.Why 40 % fewer HR pros reach the C-suite (and how to buck the trend).Building an “always-learning” culture without burning out: micro-learning, peer masterminds, and practical experiments that deliver fast ROI.Real-world case studies that saved one company $1.8 million by eliminating email bu