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  • Episode Summary

    In this episode of the Bad Meetings Podcast, host Erika McKellar welcomes leadership coach and speaker Malcolm Larry. With over 25 years of experience, Malcolm shares his insights into leadership, the art of managing change, and how to build high-functioning teams. Malcolm emphasizes the importance of managing both control and influence in leadership, alongside tools like neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) to enhance communication. The conversation explores how even awkward or difficult meetings can provide valuable lessons for personal and professional growth.

    Episode Notes

    Host: Erika McKellar - Host and Conflict Resolution Expert
    Guest: Malcolm Larry - Leadership Coach and Speaker, Master Practitioner of NLP

    In this episode, Erika and Malcolm dive into the critical differences between management and leadership, focusing on practical techniques for enhancing team dynamics, handling challenging meetings, and driving meaningful change within organizations. Malcolm introduces the concept of "Hustle and Serve," helping leaders understand when to focus on tasks and when to focus on people. He also shares how neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) can help decode communication patterns and improve connection in team settings.

    They discuss Malcolm’s early experiences as a young leader, including the hard lessons learned in his first leadership role, and how those experiences shaped his career. Whether you're new to leadership or a seasoned manager, this episode offers actionable strategies to elevate your management skills and approach to team engagement.

    Key Time Stamps

    Malcolm’s Background and Early Leadership Journey: 02:10Hustle vs. Serve – Balancing Leadership and Management: 09:30Understanding Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) in Leadership: 14:45Practical Tips for New Leaders: 22:50Dealing with Challenging Meetings and Difficult Team Dynamics: 30:15Final Thoughts on Leadership Growth and Mistakes: 45:20

    Notable Quotes

    "Control and influence are two different things. To be a great leader, you need to understand how to be in control without being controlling." – Malcolm Larry"Leaders need to be both task-focused and people-focused, constantly balancing between hustle and serve." – Malcolm Larry

    Connect with Malcolm Larry

    LinkedIn: Malcolm LarryWebsite: BravePD

    Feedback & Contact

    If you have a bad meeting story to share or want to get in touch, reach out to Erika on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

    Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings.Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedInFollow our YouTube channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings. 

  • Host: Erika McKellar, Conflict Resolution ExpertGuest: Genna Kane-Gryziec, Talent Acquisition and Executive Coaching Expert

    In this episode, Genna recounts an unsettling experience where she was unexpectedly called into a meeting that questioned her work performance without prior warning or clear evidence. The conversation unfolds to explore the detrimental effects of such mismanaged meetings on employee trust and morale. Genna and Erika discuss strategies for effective leadership, including the importance of preparing for feedback sessions, fostering open communication, and maintaining empathy. They emphasize the necessity of treating employees with respect and transparency, ensuring that meetings become opportunities for growth rather than sources of stress.

    Key Time Stamps:Introduction: 00:04Genna’s Professional Journey: 02:01The Bad Meeting Experience: 06:41The Importance of Empathy in Leadership: 18:23Cultural Impact of Poor Leadership: 23:07Core Values in Management: 27:43Conclusion and Final Thoughts: 34:55Notable Quotes"You have to think before you react. It is a very important skill to learn. And trust me, I have reacted before thinking things through." - Genna Kane-Gryziec"People want authenticity, and so if the situation were flipped, I would have thought about the feedback, I would have collected all the FACTS, and then I would reach out." - Genna Kane-GryziecTools and ResourcesDifficult Conversations: Recommended by Erika as a must-read for navigating tough discussions in the workplace.Empathy in Leadership: Genna emphasizes the importance of empathy, suggesting that leaders must consistently practice thoughtfulness and compassion when managing teams.The Role of Vulnerability: Genna and Erika agree that embracing vulnerability can lead to stronger, more authentic professional relationships.

    Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings.Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedInFollow our YouTube channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings. 

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  • Host: Erika McKellar, Host and Conflict Resolution Seeker
    Guest: Jason Loomis, the Chief Information Security Officer for Freshworks

    In this episode of Bad Meetings Podcast, host Erika McKellar is joined by Jason Loomis, the Chief Information Security Officer for Freshworks, they delve into the intricacies of transforming these meetings into effective decision-making sessions.

    Jason shares his extensive experience in the tech and cybersecurity sectors, tracing his career from financial controlling to leading cybersecurity efforts at prominent companies like JustFab and MindBody. Now at Freshworks, a global SaaS business solutions provider, Jason discusses the challenges of managing a large number of people in meetings and emphasizes the importance of leadership skills, teamwork, and conflict resolution in making sound decisions.

    The episode covers innovative diagnostic tools that treat organizations like living organisms, underscoring the need for regular check-ins and continuous feedback to maintain organizational health. Jason also highlights the concept of time boxing to manage large meetings efficiently and shares practical strategies like pre-meeting preparation and rotating leadership roles to ensure more productive discussions. Erika and Jason offer actionable insights and tips for listeners to enhance their meeting culture, emphasizing the critical role of diverse perspectives and cognitive conflict in achieving better outcomes.

    Key Time Stamps:

    Introduction: 00:04Jason's Background and Journey: 02:29Innovative Diagnostic Tools: 09:35The Importance of Regular Check-Ins: 11:52Experiences as a Serial Entrepreneur: 13:49Handling Long-Term Stress and Challenges: 27:08Identity in Business: 36:29Fun Facts and Personal Insights: 40:46

    Notable Quotes

    "I'm a big believer in the more people that are involved in the decision-making process, it's going to be a challenge, but the more involved, the more buy-in you're going to get, and the better the decision will be. You don't necessarily have to have just three experts in the room." - Jason Loomis.

    Tools and Resources

    Risk Register:A tool used to keep track of all the cybersecurity risks within an organization. Jason describes how the risk register helps prioritize and manage these risks effectively by documenting them and reviewing them quarterly.

    Time Boxing: A strategy where specific time limits are set for discussing each topic. Jason uses a timer to enforce these limits, ensuring that the meeting stays on track and all topics are covered within the allocated time.

    AI Integration in Meetings: Discussed as a future potential tool, AI could help provide real-time summaries and answer questions during meetings, aiding in decision-making processes by determining when there is sufficient information to proceed.

    Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings.Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedInFollow our YouTube channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings. 

  • Host: Erika McKellar, Host and Conflict Resolution Seeker
    Guest: Dr. Elena Emma, Crisis Coach, Entrepreneur, and Educator

    In this episode, Erika McKellar welcomes Dr. Elena Emma, a crisis coach, entrepreneur, and educator, to discuss the pervasive issue of unproductive meetings, with over 55 million held daily and up to 70% deemed ineffective. Elena shares her journey from financial controlling to coaching, emphasizing her apprenticeship approach to entrepreneurial education. They delve into innovative diagnostic tools that view organizations as living organisms, using methods like the vital sign test and human body scan to assess organizational health. The conversation highlights the importance of regular check-ins and continuous feedback over traditional annual surveys, stressing the need for ongoing evaluation to maintain organizational well-being.

    Elena's experiences as a serial entrepreneur provide valuable insights into the addictive nature and inherent risks of entrepreneurship, as well as the lessons learned from multiple business ventures. She recounts a dramatic pre-meeting incident to illustrate resilience and decision-making in the face of unexpected challenges. The discussion covers strategies for handling long-term stress, the importance of adaptability, and maintaining authenticity in business. Elena also touches on the metaphorical significance of rainbows, symbolizing the multifaceted nature of identity and the beauty of embracing diverse aspects of oneself.

    Key Time Stamps:

    Introduction: 00:04Elena's Background and Journey: 02:29Innovative Diagnostic Tools: 09:35The Importance of Regular Check-Ins: 11:52Experiences as a Serial Entrepreneur: 13:49

    Notable Quotes

    "Meetings are a skill. Communication is a skill. And working together, those are things that are not just, you're not just born with those things. You have to work on them just like anything else." - Erika McKellar

    "You need to set the example of how willing you are to change and adapt to a changing environment that might require that you change your habits or ways of working." - Dr. Elena Emma

    Resources Mentioned

    Diagnostic Tool:[OCS Diagnostics](http://ocsdiagnostics.com)
    Dr. Elena Emma's TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB_gn9a6dn4

    Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings.Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedInFollow our YouTube channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings. 

  • Host: Erika McKellar, Host and Conflict Resolution Seeker
    Guest: Satu Ahlman, Executive Advisor and Founder of Saga Performance

    In this episode, Erika and Satu tackle the "meeting crisis," highlighting the staggering statistic that over 55 million meetings occur daily, with up to 70% deemed unproductive. They share their personal experiences with meeting mishaps and emphasize the importance of understanding the purpose behind meetings. The conversation delves into why executive teams exist, stressing the need to define the value and objectives of bringing team members together. They discuss recognizing individual strengths and weaknesses and advocate for rotational leadership in meetings to challenge comfort zones and encourage diverse perspectives.

    The episode also covers strategies for building trust and fostering communication within teams. Erika and Satu underscore the importance of feedback and open dialogue in creating a collaborative environment. They differentiate between operational, strategic, and creative meetings, stressing the importance of preparation and clear agendas tailored to the objectives of each meeting. The episode concludes with actionable advice: teams should book meetings to discuss their meeting culture and goals, and individuals should always clarify the purpose of meetings to ensure they are productive and focused.

    Key Time Stamps

    Meeting Crisis: 00:04Why Do Executive Teams Exist?: 13:45Understanding Team Dynamics: 16:02Building Trust and Communication: 30:19Types of Meetings: 32:41

    Fun Facts & Personal Insights

    (04:21) Satu's Morning Routine: Wakes up at 5 AM, enjoys oatmeal, coffee, CrossFit, and walking her dog.
    Emphasizes the importance of routine for productivity and well-being.

    (06:43) Erika shares a vulnerable story about how she met Satu during a challenging period in her career, highlighting the importance of professional support and mentorship.

    Notable Quotes

    "Meetings are a skill. Communication is a skill. And working together, those are things that are not just, you're not just born with those things. You have to work on them just like anything else." - Erika McKellar

    "You need to set the example of how willing you are to change and adapt to a changing environment that might require that you change your habits or ways of working." - Satu Oman

    Resources

    Saga Performance: SagaPerformance.com
    Book Recommendation: "The Art of Gathering" by Priya Parker
    Further reading: Your Scarcest Resource Harvard Business Review

    Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings.Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedInFollow our YouTube channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings.