Episodes

  • “You can’t build trust without relatability and authenticity—when your team knows you’re genuine, trust naturally follows.”

    In this episode, Craig Anderson sits down with Kyle McDowell, author of Begin With We and founder of Kyle McDowell Inc., to discuss his evolution as a leader and the principles that have shaped his leadership philosophy. Kyle shares how his transformative journey led to the creation of his “10 We’s”—a set of principles designed to foster trust, authenticity, and collaboration within teams.

    Reflecting on the highs and lows of his corporate career, Kyle opens up about the mistakes that shaped his leadership style, the challenges of stepping away from the corporate world, and the lessons he learned about relatability and building a culture of excellence.

    After You Listen:

    Connect with Kyle McDowell on LinkedIn

    Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

    Subscribe to Craig’s "The Evolving Leader" newsletter


    Key Takeaways:

    Earn trust by leading with authenticity and relatability

    Inspire teams by removing barriers and empowering them to excel

    Foster a culture of excellence through shared principles and accountability

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:10) Leadership lightning round

    (07:30) Lessons from leadership mistakes

    (13:40) The power of self-reflection in leadership

    (18:15) The “10 We’s” and their impact on team culture

    (23:10) Overcoming skepticism and earning trust

    (30:00) Balancing empathy and accountability as a leader

    (37:00) Advice for new and experienced leaders alike

  • “You can’t lead an organization unless you have people coming alongside you to accomplish that task.”

    In this episode, Craig Anderson sits down with Christiana Thornton, CEO of Granite Edvance, to talk about her evolution as a leader and the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership philosophy. Christiana reflects on her journey, from stepping into her first major leadership role to assembling a high-performing team that drives organizational success. She shares the challenges of navigating isolation as a new leader, balancing people-pleasing tendencies with the need for decisiveness, and learning to trust and delegate effectively.

    After You Listen:

    Connect with Christiana Thornton on LinkedIn

    Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

    Subscribe to Craig’s "The Evolving Leader" newsletter


    Key Takeaways:

    Build trust with your team by fostering confidence and collaboration to unlock greater potential

    Lead with confidence by making tough decisions and acting decisively, even when it’s unpopular

    Delegate effectively and empower others by leveraging your team’s strengths to achieve more together

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:10) Leadership lightning round

    (07:01) The power of trust in leadership

    (10:16) Overcoming isolation as a new leader

    (13:30) Lessons in delegation and collaboration

    (17:45) Balancing ambition with boundaries

    (22:20) Building aligned teams for long-term success

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  • “You're setting the direction. But how you get from Point A to Point B is really up to that person.”

    In this episode, Craig Anderson sits down with Chrystal Struben, President and CEO at AYS Inc, to share her journey as a leader navigating the complexities of nonprofit organizations. Chrystal reflects on her experience following a 34-year founder, sharing how she developed her unique leadership style while building trust and driving organizational growth.

    Chrystal shares the challenges of balancing compassion with accountability and emphasizes the importance of clear communication and empowering teams. With her leadership philosophy, “Be the compass, not the map,” and inspiration from thought leaders like Gino Wickman, she offers practical insights on building trust, managing change, and communicating vision effectively.

    After You Listen:

    Connect with Chrystal Struben on LinkedIn

    Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

    Subscribe to Craig’s "The Evolving Leader" newsletter


    Key Takeaways:

    Set the big vision for your team. Guide, and don’t micromanage

    Embrace structure. Consistency builds trust and clarity, reduces chaos, and aids in smoother operations

    Learn from mentors. Their insights can provide invaluable support and perspective on your leadership journey

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:36) Lightning round with leadership insights

    (07:13) Be the compass, not the map

    (08:28) Building structure to guide your team

    (12:39) Why vision must come first in leadership

    (16:04) Balancing compassion with leadership authority

    (19:51) Leading in mission-driven organizations

  • “If you have discipline around your actions, discipline around your, your, your schedule, you're gonna, you're gonna find success.”

    After an unbalanced start to his professional life, Patricio Daneri, Managing Director of Energy Harness Corporation, discovered the power of empathy and discipline, transforming his team and ultimately developing a successful business empire. Now he has a keen eye for unlocking potential in others and helping them surpass their own expectations.

    In this episode, Patricio shares his story of moving to the United States from Argentina at 16 and how he brings this unique cultural understanding and dedication to his work now. Listen in to hear how Patricio came to understand the importance of self-awareness and nurturing individual strengths and what you can do to become an advocate for discipline and empathy within your team.

    After You Listen:

    Check out “Good to Great” by Jim Collins

    Get your copy of “Rocket Fuel” by Gino Wickman

    Connect with Patricio on LinkedIn

    Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

    Subscribe to Craig’s "The Evolving Leader" newsletter

    Key Takeaways:

    Focus on your empathy and discipline skills to drive successful business management

    Research the benefits of data analytics for optimizing energy management

    Don’t take work home with you, business isn’t personal


    Things to listen for:
    (00:00) Intro
    (00:22) Lightning round
    (07:57) Patricio’s first leadership role
    (14:52) Balancing work and personal life
    (23:38) How to balance visionary and integrator roles
    (24:42) Patricio’s advice for his younger self
    (28:10) Craig’s takeaways

  • “Leaders are meant to serve. It's not an ego trip. It's how you serve your team.”

    When Kyle Lacy, now CMO of Jellyfish, took on his first leadership role, it was all about him and his performance. But over time, he's learned to check his ego at the door and focus on pouring into his people instead to achieve more success than he ever thought possible.

    In this episode, Kyle shares his insights on investing in team members' career growth, managing stress, and understanding how to effectively lead and motivate people. Listen in for a deeper understanding of what servant leadership looks like and how to put it into practice.

    After You Listen:

    Check out “Do Better Work by Max Yoder” and “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie”

    Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

    Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

    Subscribe to Craig’s "The Evolving Leader" newsletter

    Key Takeaways:

    Take the ego out of leadership and focus on serving your teams

    Work to understand how your team members work best and what motivates them

    Go big picture: to best support your people think about their careers, not just their daily tasks


    Things to listen for:
    (00:00) Intro
    (02:35) Lightning round with Kyle
    (05:30) Mentoring your team for their career growth
    (12:04) Understanding the weight of leadership
    (15:55) Navigating constant change without getting burnt out
    (18:23) Kyle’s advice for his younger self
    (19:07) Craig’s takeaways

  • “A true challenge in leadership is learning when to step back and let others find their own path from A to Z.”

    In this episode of Executive Evolution, Craig Anderson talks with Adam Hayes, owner of Hayes Group Marketing, about the journey of leading and scaling a small business. Adam shares how he transitioned from a hands-on approach to a visionary role, focusing on empowering his team through trust, clear communication, and structured systems.

    Drawing on over 20 years of experience, Adam emphasizes the importance of balancing guidance with autonomy, building a solid organizational framework, and using regular check-ins to maintain alignment with the company’s vision.

    After You Listen:

    Connect with Adam on LinkedIn Check out Hayes Group Marketing Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Subscribe to Craig’s "The Evolving Leader" newsletter Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

    Key Takeaways:

    Define a clear vision. Make sure your team understands it, so they can align their actions with your business goals Encourage team ownership. Let them be part of the solution, which drives engagement and accountability Learn to balance empathy with tough conversations. Compassionate leadership fosters trust and better outcomes

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:01) Leadership influences and favorite books

    (06:29) First experiences in leadership and early lessons

    (09:18) Balancing guidance and independence

    (12:35) The importance of structured communication

    (17:30) Scaling a small business with a vision-driven approach

    (20:01) Goals for the future and stepping into a full-time visionary role

  • "A really powerful lesson is knowing that it is okay to admit when you've made a mistake. That shows people that your ego isn’t getting in the way of you showing up as a good human.”

    In this episode of Executive Evolution, Craig Anderson sits down with Susan Baroncini-Moe, Executive Coach and CEO at Baroncini-Moe Executive Coaching, about leadership grounded in empathy, self-awareness, and authenticity. Susan shares the importance of vulnerability in building team trust and explains why candid feedback, rather than anonymous reviews, strengthens teams.

    Susan reflects on her early career managing her father’s medical practice and shares the leadership lessons she learned firsthand through these experiences. She also advises fostering a safe, open culture that promotes honesty, growth, and authenticity, which is essential for today’s executives.


    After You Listen:

    Get your copy of Fierce Leadership by Susan Scott Connect with Susan Baroncini-Moe on LinkedIn Check out Baroncini-Moe Executive Coaching Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Subscribe to Craig’s "The Evolving Leader" newsletter Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations


    Key Takeaways:

    Develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness to inspire authentic connections Build a legacy of integrity and growth through honest, open communication Approach difficult conversations with empathy and listening first

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:26) Lightning round

    (17:46) Mastering self-awareness

    (18:29) Evolving leadership philosophy

    (19:00) The power of vulnerability

    (20:01) Handling mistakes with grace

    (20:52) The weight of leadership

    (27:30) The role of a coach

    (31:31) The pitfalls of Performance Improvement Plans

  • "Instead of protecting their feelings for them, I’ve learned that it’s their job to protect their feelings. It’s my job to give them the truth, and you can do it in an empathic way.”

    In this episode, Craig Anderson speaks with Peter Dunn, CEO of Your Money Line, about the leadership lessons that come from embracing empathy and self-awareness. Peter recounts his early experiences where he focused on achieving his personal goals, only to realize that true leadership means helping others grow. He shares how this shift in perspective transformed his approach and led to better team outcomes.



    After You Listen:

    Get your copy of Give and Take by Adam Grant

    Connect with Peter Dunn on LinkedIn

    Check out Your Money Line

    Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

    Subscribe to Craig’s "The Evolving Leader" newsletter

    Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations


    Key Takeaways:

    Leadership is about providing resources and removing obstacles to help your team succeed Empathy in communication, especially during difficult conversations, is crucial for effective leadership Nurturing potential in team members who may not see it in themselves promotes internal growth and leadership development

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:32) Lightning round with Peter Dunn

    (04:05) Setting up a “talent bomb”

    (11:09) How self-awareness shapes leadership growth

    (15:35) Leadership is a privilege

    (16:37) The power of empathy in leadership

    (21:57) Maturity means being comfortable with difficult conversations

  • "Leadership is about more than directing, it's about inspiring your team and guiding them towards a shared goal.”

    In this episode of Executive Evolution, Craig Anderson interviews his son, Daniel Anderson, discussing various aspects of leadership experienced throughout Daniel’s naval career.

    Daniel reflects on his initial leadership role as a Combat Electronics and Main Propulsion Division Officer upon joining the Navy. He shares his insights into the balance between hands-on leadership and administrative duties, the evolution of his leadership strategies, and the application of the "good dude" theory of leadership.

    After You Listen:

    Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

    Key Takeaways:

    Identify individual motivations to inspire and effectively lead your team Delegate tasks according to team strengths to maintain efficiency Trust your team but verify their work to ensure accountability and foster growth

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) Intro
    (02:10) Lightning round
    (05:55) Navigating team dynamics in the Navy
    (08:16) How to balance leadership and learning
    (14:43) Lessons on delegation and micromanagement
    (19:45) The ‘good dude’ theory in leadership
    (22:50) How to improve time management in leadership

  • "Make sure your intent and the impact are aligned, right? Because even if it's not necessarily a positive situation, if you do your job well, then it should be articulated objectively and with the right tone and outcome.”

    In this episode of Executive Evolution, Craig Anderson chats with Caroline Abeleda, Co-Founder of Exploradoor. Caroline discusses why treating your team with dignity is essential, even in difficult situations like layoffs. She explains how embracing vulnerability helped her address the challenges of transitioning from peer to leader and how this openness fostered trust within her team. Caroline also talks about the realities of leading a company that’s always in growth mode, and where time management and resource allocation play a crucial role.


    After You Listen:

    Get your copy of Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek Connect with Caroline on LinkedIn Check out Exploradoor
    Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations


    Key Takeaways:

    Show your team honesty in one-on-one conversations to build trust and strengthen relationships. Ensure your leadership actions match your business goals to achieve desired outcomes Handle tough decisions with compassion, preserving the dignity of your team members

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) The lightning round

    (07:22) Defining leadership beyond the title

    (10:38) Becoming a leader among your peers

    (15:07) Challenges of leading a company that’s always in growth mode

    (19:13) The Importance of self-awareness in leadership

  • “Leadership is getting in the trenches with those you serve and leading by example.”

    In this episode of Executive Evolution, Craig Anderson chats with Cassie Mecklenburg, Executive Director of Sheltering Wings, about how emotional intelligence and empathy play a big role in leadership.

    Cassie shares her story, starting from her leadership roles in college all the way to running a successful non-profit, and how she leads at Sheltering Wings today. She talks about how she balances big-picture thinking with the day-to-day stuff, and why having a team with different strengths makes all the difference.

    After You Listen:

    Connect with Cassie on LinkedIn Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

    Key Takeaways:

    Practice empathy by understanding your team’s challenges Surround yourself with diverse perspectives to enrich decision-making Lead by example by getting in the trenches and showing you're willing to do the hard work alongside them

    Things to listen for:

    (00:37) The importance of emotional intelligence

    (01:54) How to navigate tough topics with people-first leadership

    (03:49) Knowing when to compromise or stand firm

    (15:03) The importance of curiosity in leadership

    (17:31) From daily tasks to community-focused leadership

    (20:07) How to be a coach and not just a problem solver

    (24:25) Why leaders should build friendships with their teams

  • "Be confident in yourself to pour into other people what they need.”

    In this episode, our host, Craig Anderson, is joined by Steve Rupp, a seasoned real estate coach and passionate leader. Steve shares how managing from a place of confidence and generosity can break the negative cycle of threatened leadership and drive real team success.

    Listen in as Steve recounts his journey from his first leadership role as a Boy Scout patrol leader to his impactful career in real estate coaching. He discusses the critical lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the importance of building trust and improving communication through creative team-building exercises.

    You'll also hear about the transformative power of mentorship and effective delegation. Steve offers actionable insights on how young leaders can motivate their teams from within and the art of asking the right questions to inspire self-reliance and ongoing improvement.

    After You Listen:

    Get your copy of Leadership Promises for Every Day by John Maxwell

    Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

    Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

    Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations


    Key Takeaways:

    Be confident and provide your team with the right tools—don't feel threatened. It’s essential for positive leadership.

    Stay positive and maintain confidence for your team, even during challenging times. Positivity is contagious.

    Embrace the power of questioning. Encourage self-discovery instead of providing all the answers.

    Things to listen for:

    (00:00) The lightning round

    (02:23) Defining leadership

    (07:09) Leadership lessons from the Boy Scouts

    (11:07) Challenges of young leadership

    (15:19) Scarcity vs. contribution in leadership

    (17:45) The importance of creativity in leadership

    (23:31) The role of curiosity in effective leadership

    (27:14) Steve’s advice to his younger self

  • "Leadership isn't just about steering the ship. It's about making sure every crew member knows they're on the right journey.”

    In this episode of Executive Evolution, our host Craig Anderson sits down with Evan Huck, CEO of UserEvidence, to discuss the highs and lows of leading through uncertainty, building a thriving remote culture, and inspiring a mission-driven team.

    Join us to discover how Evan leads with empathy and insight, even when facing the hard truths of executive life.


    After You Listen:

    Get your copy of Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman by Yvon Chouinard

    Connect with Evan on LinkedIn

    Check out UserEvidence

    Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

    Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations


    Key Takeaways:

    Sharing your company's story openly fosters trust and keeps your team motivated, especially during tough times

    Documenting priorities and progress helps everyone to be aligned and focused

    Curiosity and humility: these qualities drive growth and problem-solving within the company

    Things to listen for:

    01:22 Evan's Leadership Journey

    01:52 Lightning Round: Leadership book

    03:48 Leadership Influence

    08:23 Defining Leadership

    10:31 Early Leadership Roles

    16:30 Lessons in Leadership

    22:56 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

  • "Leadership is about more than making decisions. It's about being curious, courageous, and continuously learning from those around you."

    In this episode of Executive Evolution, host Craig Anderson welcomes Dr. Jackie Freiberg, co-founder of Epic Work, Epic Life, to discuss building brave leaders who embrace risks and seek better ways to lead.

    Jackie shares invaluable insights on creating a support network, addressing problems quickly, and surrounding yourself with advisors who challenge your decisions. She emphasizes the transformational power of asking questions and avoiding "I know" statements, drawing on her rich experience with iconic leaders. Tune in and learn about practical wisdom from a seasoned leadership expert.


    After You Listen:

    Get your copy of Nuts!: Southwest Airlines’ Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn
    Check out Epic Work, Epic Life
    Connect with Craig on LinkedIn
    Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations


    Key Takeaways:

    Emerging leaders must cultivate a mindset of curiosity and courage to ask questions and seek better ways of doing things

    It's important for leaders to build a strong support system of trusted advisors and to develop superior public speaking skills

    Effective leadership requires avoiding toxic work environments and fostering an atmosphere of feedback, empathy, and grace

    Things to listen for:
    02:14 Lightning Round with Jackie
    02:21 Discussing Leadership Books
    05:22 Leadership Crushes
    10:26 Defining Leadership
    12:50 Challenges for New Leaders
    18:03 Dealing with Bad Bosses
    21:50 Key Lessons for Successful CEOs
    28:35 Final Advice for New Leaders
    33:12 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

  • "True leadership isn't just about making decisions. It's about being authentic, serving your team, and building real connections.”

    In this episode of Executive Evolution, host Craig Anderson sits down with Matt Tait, CEO of Decimal, to have a conversation about the transformative power of authentic leadership.

    Matt shares how transparency and authenticity have steered him through challenging times, including scaling a company and navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic. He

    also jumps into the importance of leading with core values, managing both up and down within your organization, and the necessity of self-care for sustainable leadership while opening up about his reliance on family support, executive coaching, and peer groups.

    After You Listen:

    Get your copy of The Great CEO Within by Matt Mochary

    Get your copy of I'm Proud of You: Life Lessons from My Friend Fred Rogers

    Connect with Matt on LinkedIn

    Follow Matt’s podcast, After the First Million

    Check out Decimal

    Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

    Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

    Key Takeaways:

    Position your office to engage with your team. Align furniture for eye contact and spontaneous conversations to build relationships Embrace transparency. Openly share challenges and plans to gain trust and validate your team’s feelings Stay healthy for better leadership. Prioritize daily workouts, even if it means waking up early for "me" time

    Things to listen for:

    [02:05] Lightning round with Matt

    [19:34] Advice Matt would give to his younger self

    [21:23] Craigs takeaways

  • "Leadership isn't just about making decisions and giving orders. It's about building resilience, mental strength, and guiding your team through adversity.” In this episode of Executive Evolution, host Craig Anderson sits down with leadership speaker and author, Scott Mautz, to discuss the essentials of becoming a mentally strong leader. Join us as Scott shares invaluable insights from his extensive research and new book, The Mentally Strong Leader. You’ll learn how to stop chasing approval, start chasing authenticity, and develop the mental strength you need to lead effectively. Tune in to learn practical tools for building resilience, making smart decisions, and maintaining a positive presence.

    After You Listen:

    Get your copy of Good to Great by Jim Collins

    Connect with Scott on LinkedIn

    Get Scott’s book, The Mentally Strong Leader

    Check out Scott’s website

    Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

    Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

    Key Takeaways:

    Quit chasing approval and embrace your authenticity and trust you were chosen for a reason Build mental strength by regulating emotions, thoughts, and behaviors even in tough situations Prepare for difficult conversations by imagining sitting next to the person, not across

    Things to listen for:

    [02:40] Lightning round with Scott

    [06:55] The importance of mental strength in leadership

    [11:12] The balance between confidence and vulnerability

    [21:31] Advice Scott would give to his younger self

    [24:08] Craigs takeaways

  • Leadership isn't just about telling people what to do. It's about inspiring them to achieve their full potential and creating a sense of belonging and trust within your team.

    In this episode of Executive Evolution, our host, Craig Anderson, is joined by Grant Calder, CEO and founder of Flyt Coaching. Grant discusses the importance of emotional connections in the workplace, how they strengthen business success, and the transformative power of asking the right questions.

    Discover why building close relationships with your team matters and how coaching can lead to success.

    After You Listen:

    Get your copy of Coaching for Performance by John Whitmore

    Connect with Grant on LinkedIn

    Check out Flyt Coaching

    Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

    Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

    Key Takeaways:

    Building emotional connections with employees and colleagues is crucial for business success Leaders should embrace diverse communication styles and personalities within their teams to enhance decision-making Consistently showing care, support, and presence for team members can foster loyalty and a sense of belonging

    Things to listen for:

    [01:33] Lightning round with Grant

    [11:57] Leaders empower others

    [15:04] Everything gets done through people

    [21:02] Establish a sense of trust and safety in your leader

    [23:36] Every leader is different, and that’s okay

    [29:16] Advice Grant would give to his younger self

    [34:23] Craigs takeaways

  • Leadership often requires stepping out of your comfort zone. And once you do this, you’ll find growth.

    In this episode of Executive Evolution, our host Craig Anderson is joined by Jason Barnaby, Founder and President of Fire Starters Inc., to dive deep into a candid conversation that peels back layers of personal and professional growth, focusing on the role of discomfort in leadership.

    Join us as Jason discusses his most challenging leadership moments and why he believes being uncomfortable is not just inevitable but essential for growth.

    After You Listen:

    Get your copy of Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin

    Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

    Check out Fire Starters Inc.

    Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

    Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

    Key Takeaways:

    Prioritize mental health and seek help early to prevent burnout and maintain leadership effectiveness Foster collaboration by valuing team input and allow collective ideas to shape big initiatives Admit when you're unsure and encourage your team to do the same

    Things to listen for:

    [02:15] Lightning round with Jason

    [06:14] Embrace discomfort for personal and business growth

    [18:36] Disc profiles impact leadership

    [21:20] Exceed expectations, learn, adapt, become subject

    [24:11] Assess sales meetings and hold one-on-ones for accountability

    [27:59] Mental health and well-being matters

    [29:14] Checking in on others is important

    [37:31] Advice Jason would give to his younger self

    [40:18] Craigs takeaways

  • "Leadership isn't just about directing people on what to do. It's about inspiring them to see what they could achieve and helping them unlock that potential.”

    In this episode of Executive Evolution, our host Craig Anderson is joined by Chad Schultenover, GM and COO at Meridian Hills Country Club, to share the critical importance of mentorship, strategic patience, and emotional intelligence in successful leadership.

    Join us as Chad shares how leadership roles require not only understanding organizational culture but also effective communication, relationship building, and the ability to inspire and empower others.

    After You Listen:

    Get your copy of Leading Change by John P. Kotter

    Connect with Chad on LinkedIn

    Check out Meridian Hills Country Club

    Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

    Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

    Key Takeaways:

    Whether you're climbing the leadership ladder or already at the top, find a mentor to provide you with guidance and a different perspective that is crucial for personal and professional growth Understand your team's and stakeholders' needs to help craft more inclusive and effective strategies Embrace change and strategic patience for gradual and accepted improvements without alienating the team

    Things to listen for:

    [02:03] Lightning round with Chad

    [07:48] Leadership means recognizing potential in others

    [11:53] Mentorship, promotion, and transition in leadership roles is key

    [18:55] New leaders should cautiously implement changes

    [24:03] Emotional intelligence increases hospitality

    [22:11] Advice Chad would give to his younger self

    [24:00] Craigs takeaways

  • Your team’s truest potential comes to life when you cultivate an environment of emotional safety.

    In this episode of Executive Evolution, our host Craig Anderson is joined by Steven Gaffney, President and CEO of Steven Gaffney Company, to share invaluable insights into the heart of effective leadership. Steven shares how creating a culture where communication thrives can prevent the debilitating build-up of issues within your business and offers powerful personal anecdotes, highlighting how speaking up and addressing the unsaid not only alleviates stress but also strengthens teams.

    Join us as Steven shares his masterclass for those looking to improve their leadership skills and drive meaningful change.

    After You Listen:

    Get your copy of Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip & Dan Heath

    Connect with Steven on LinkedIn

    Check out Steven Gaffney Company

    Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

    Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

    Key Takeaways:

    Cultivate an emotionally safe environment to foster open communication and address problems before they escalate Encourage leaders to elicit unfiltered feedback and make accountable decisions without primarily seeking consensus Mentor and coach future leaders to promote leadership development and drive continuous innovation within the organization

    Things to listen for:

    [02:09] Lightning round with Steven

    [07:25] Mood's have an impact on productivity and interaction

    [12:17] Communication and problem-solving are crucial for success

    [14:00] Seek help and support during tough times

    [19:55] Seek input, but be accountable for your final decision

    [23:56] Be open, stay alert, reassess and adapt

    [27:37] What advice Steven would give to her younger self

    [30:18] Craigs takeaways