Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

Meredith Bell

In the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast, host Meredith Bell interviews business leaders who are committed to their own growth and the development of their people. read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

292: From Winning Athlete to Thriving Entrepreneur
Sep 3 2024
292: From Winning Athlete to Thriving Entrepreneur
If you’ve ever gone through a major transition from one career path to another that’s totally unfamiliar, you may have felt disoriented and unsure of your identity. That often happens to college and professional athletes when they leave the sport that’s been a central part of their identity.  This episode’s guest, Jay Dixon, specializes in helping these athletes discover how they can transfer the skills they already have to the business world. You’re going to hear ideas that you can apply to your own role as a leader. Jay is an expert at the intersection of sports and business. He was a student-athlete at the University of Nevada, where he played football. Since then, he’s cofounded three companies and consulted or participated in more than 50 transactions. After these experiences, Jay started an elite accelerator for athletes called SuccessCoach.com. It blends the mindset strategies of elite CEOs and an actionable playbook to transition their athletic talents into thriving business ventures. He’s the author of a new book, After the Game: Bridging the Gap from Winning Athlete to Thriving Entrepreneur. It’s an excellent book for anyone in business.You’ll discover: Jay’s personal journey from athlete to entrepreneurThe unique strengths athletes have that serve them well in the business worldWhy a growth mindset is the first piece in the 10 mindset elements that Jay teachesTips for optimizing your time and energyThe distinction between expectations vs agreementsCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro
291: A CEO’s Vision for Creating Healthier Communities
Aug 27 2024
291: A CEO’s Vision for Creating Healthier Communities
Did you know that two communities only 5 miles apart can have a 20-year difference in life expectancy? That’s a reality in the United States, and Dr. Jean Accius is committed to changing that drastically so everyone has the same opportunity for a longer, healthier life. This topic is just one of many we explored in this deep, meaningful conversation with an exceptional CEO and human being. You’ll be fascinated with Jean’s journey and the compelling stories he shares that illustrate his brilliance as a leader. Jean came to the United States as an immigrant from Haiti when he was four. Today, he is the President and CEO of CHC: Creating Healthier Communities. Before that, he spent more than 15 years at AARP, the nation’s largest nonprofit, where his most recent position was Senior Vice President of International Affairs and Global Thought Leadership.  Throughout his career, Jean has focused on addressing barriers to health and health equity and creating solutions that ensure people have longer lives with more time to learn, earn, and be with their loved ones. You’ll discover: Jean’s experiences in his leadership journey that shaped his approach todayThe distinctions Jean makes between drive vs driven and success vs significanceHow leaders can step back to allow others to step upEffective ways to get buy-in for a project or a visionThe importance of understanding Interdependence in getting things doneCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro
290: Leadership Lessons from a Lifetime in Public Health Service
Aug 20 2024
290: Leadership Lessons from a Lifetime in Public Health Service
How did Dr. Antonia (Toni) Novello become the first woman and the first Hispanic to hold the position of U.S. Surgeon General in 1990? Hers is an inspiring story and compelling read as described in her book with Jill Tietjen, Duty Calls: Lessons Learned from an Unexpected Life of Service. In this conversation, we discuss Toni’s career path to that position as well as her role during 9/11 as the New York State Commissioner of the Department of Health. Toni and Jill are both highly accomplished women, extraordinary leaders, and trailblazers in their respective fields, so it was a real honor to have them as guests. Toni was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a B.S. and an M.D. She completed her residency and internship in pediatrics at the University of Michigan and a fellowship in pediatric and adult nephrology at the University of Michigan and Georgetown University. Also, she received a Master’s and a Doctor of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.  In 1990, Toni was sworn in as the 14th Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service and became the first woman and the first Hispanic to hold this position. From 1999 to 2007, she was the New York State Commissioner of the Department of Health and served in this position during 9/11.  Jill S. Tietjen, PE, is an author, international speaker, and electrical engineer. After more than forty-five years in the electric utility industry, her professional focus is now on women’s advocacy worldwide. Her fifteen books include the bestselling and award-winning Her Story: A Timeline of the Women Who Changed America and Hollywood: Her Story, An Illustrated History of Women and the Movies. She has been inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame and the Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame and has been elected to the National Academy of Construction. You’ll discover: How Toni and Jill met and decided to collaborate on writing this memoirWhat Toni learned from her mother in her early years that influenced her throughout her lifeThe experience that taught Toni to under-promise and over-deliverWhy loyalty is a core value of Toni’s and how it served her in her various rolesHow always being prepared opened doors for Toni’s next positionCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro
288: Inspiring Others to Achieve Their Potential
Aug 6 2024
288: Inspiring Others to Achieve Their Potential
One of the most important skills a leader can develop is the ability to help others expand their vision of themselves. Ilias Simpson has been practicing this skill for decades; and in this conversation, he gives a masterclass on how to do it effectively. You’ll be mesmerized by the stories he tells to illustrate what he does, and you’ll learn ways to build a culture where people perform at high levels and feel valued at the same time. Ilias is a highly accomplished leader who transforms companies into profitable growth engines through operational excellence, lean improvements, and instilling a culture of success. With a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ilias ensures that employees at all levels feel heard, valued, and supported.  Previously, Ilias served as President of Modivcare Mobility, President and CEO of Radial Inc., CEO of PaLo Na, and Senior Director of Operations at Ryder System, Inc. Ilias graduated with a Master of Business Administration from the University of Dayton and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of North Texas. Additionally, Ilias is a decorated veteran of the United States Air Force. You’ll discover: How Ilias built trust and credibility at the age of 18 when he was put in a leadership position in the militaryThe experiences from his youth and from sports that shaped his leadership styleWhat Ilias does to help others expand their vision of themselvesWhy Learning Agility is a crucial skill to develop for success in businessThe benefits of having diversity of thinking on a teamCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro
287: Helping Others Explore Their Growth Edges
Jul 30 2024
287: Helping Others Explore Their Growth Edges
Are you helping each person on your team identify areas where they could level up? Dan Kent is a master of meeting people “where they’re at” and then listening for ways they can build on their strengths to become even more effective. In this rich and immensely practical conversation, you’ll learn specific questions you can use in conversations to discover more about another person’s capabilities and aspirations. One of Dan’s superpowers is his ability to not only SEE the strengths in others but also articulate them. In this conversation, you’ll learn more about how he does that with his clients. Meredith experienced Dan’s magic first-hand when she was a guest on his podcast, Clearing Obstacles. His introduction beautifully captured her essence and who she aspires to be in the world. You can listen to that conversation HERE.Dan is the founder and owner of Best Self Coaching, a business coaching company that strengthens and grows businesses by developing the humans involved in them. He’s affectionately known as the “loving butt-kicker” they often need in their lives.  Dan’s method is a natural extension of his affinity for working both sides of the brain. He has degrees in both Accounting and Theatre Arts, almost thirty years in business ownership, and over a decade in Coaching and Consulting. That balanced approach combining left brain and right brain has served him and his clients well. You’ll discover: What Dan does to “meet clients where they’re at”The 3 Pillars Dan uses with every client he works withHow he discovers the growth edges where a client needs to focus their development effortsWhy everything starts with self-awareness for a leaderTips for finding out what your people want most from youCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro
286: Heal from Your Past and Master Your Destiny
Jul 23 2024
286: Heal from Your Past and Master Your Destiny
Some personal development programs focus on digging into your past to uncover what might be holding you back. Others emphasize getting over your past and focusing exclusively on your future. In this conversation Moustafa Hamwi makes a compelling argument for giving attention to both. He shares practical tips from his book, SLINGSHOT: The Practical Guide to Becoming a Master of Your Destiny, Not a Victim of Your History, that you can begin implementing immediately.Moustafa is a bestselling author, international speaker, and mindset coach. His background spans diverse disciplines—from executive coaching, hypnotherapy, yoga, and meditation to adventure sports and nature healing.  Moustafa’s unique lifestyle as an executive nomad has him traversing the globe, often spending months living out of a campervan, immersing himself in diverse cultures, and forging a deep connection with nature.  His quest for self-discovery leads him to learning and meditation centers worldwide, exploring the intricacies of mind, body, and soul. He’s globally recognized as a foremost expert and thought leader in reigniting passion within organizations and teams. You’ll discover: The story behind the book and what’s unique about Moustafa’s methodologyWhy it’s important to go through your past and not try to get over itHow to rewrite your story so it serves you and doesn’t limit youWhy courage, humility, and discipline are critical elements of effective leadershipTips for mastering your mindset so it frees you to master your destinyCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro
282: Creating the Conditions That Allow Others to Be Creative and Thrive
Jun 25 2024
282: Creating the Conditions That Allow Others to Be Creative and Thrive
It’s not easy to make the transition from high-performing individual contributor to manager in an advertising agency (or in any industry, for that matter). TJ Bennett knows that first-hand because he was promoted to leadership roles with no advance preparation…and no training once he was in the position. In this episode, TJ shares lessons he learned along the way and the three primary areas he helps his coaching clients with.  TJ is the creative who helps creatives get creative with their career. Often beclad in cat-themed and/or Snoopy gear, TJ is pretty easy to spot in a crowd. Once you find him, you’ll discover that his love for felines and cartoon beagles is matched by a mildly unhealthy obsession with making work not suck. He spends his days listening intently to clients, helping them uncover insights that spark life-altering possibilities.  And he spends his nights dreaming of the same thing, except everyone is dressed like clowns and he forgot to wear pants for some reason. Rest assured he will never show up to a session sans trousers and will always show up with a fresh perspective that makes you think about work a little differently. TJ is the Founder of The Pudding Factory, where he serves as coach, creative problem solver, and writer. He’s the host of an excellent podcast, Desuckify Work. You’ll discover: How leaders can create themselves in order to help others be creativeWhat agency is and ways to develop itActions leaders can take to help their team members become autonomousWays to create accountability up, across, and downThe importance of values and purpose in helping people find meaning in their workCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro
281: How to Become “Perfectly Flawsome”
Jun 18 2024
281: How to Become “Perfectly Flawsome”
Have you ever thought of yourself as a perfectionist, or do you know someone who is? In this episode, you’ll learn a new term—and a way of being—that will give you a new sense of freedom. Michele Molitor has been helping her clients achieve greater joy and satisfaction in their lives for more than 20 years, and you’re going to love what she has to share as we discuss key ideas from her book, I Am Perfectly Flawsome: How Embracing Imperfection Makes Us Better. Michele Molitor, CPCC, PCC, CCHt, is a force for positive change in today’s challenging mental health landscape. As a master coach, hypnotherapist, speaker, and author, she has dedicated her career to helping others activate positive change in their lives, both personally and professionally.  As CEO of Nectar Consulting, Inc., Michele’s expertise focuses on empowering professionals to overcome anxiety, self-doubt, and the stress that often saturates modern work environments. Her approach is practical: to bring dignity into our communications that foster emotional well-being through genuine acceptance, belonging, and meaningful connection – with ourselves and others.  Clients affectionately dubbed her “The Mind Detective,” not just for her intuitive insights, but for her unique Rapid Rewiring™ approach that effectively combines the science of positive psychology and neuroscience with the healing powers of somatic and mindfulness practices. The results? Tangible improvements that make a real, lasting difference in people’s lives. You’ll discover: The differences between toxic perfectionism and striving for excellenceHow Michele has evolved from her own perfectionistic tendenciesWhy an effort to do everything right takes a toll on your mental, emotional, and physical healthThe benefits of embracing your flawsomenessWhat parents and leaders can do to help others when they fall short in their effortsCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro
280: How Xperigo Built an Award-Winning, High-Performance Culture
Jun 11 2024
280: How Xperigo Built an Award-Winning, High-Performance Culture
It’s not easy to create a strong, positive culture, and it’s even more challenging to sustain it for 10 years. That’s exactly what Dan Turner and his team have done at Xperigo. And instead of resting on this accomplishment, Dan continues to raise the bar for himself and for his company. Dan has been President and CEO at Xperigo since 2019. He’s also served as COO and Vice President of Business Development. Since joining the company in 2014, Dan has been instrumental in establishing Xperigo as a leading provider of customer experience management solutions to the automotive sector in North America.  With his people-first philosophy, Dan has placed significant emphasis on cultivating a high-performance culture at Xperigo, which has resulted in the company being the 3-time consecutive winner of the prestigious award, Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures™. Before joining Xperigo, Dan held senior leadership positions in both sales and client services at other large companies, where he managed strategic relationships with Fortune 500 companies like Apple, General Motors, and Netflix. He successfully secured over 500 million dollars in new business over his 12-year sales career. You’ll discover: Dan’s journey from tow truck driver to CEOThe qualities Dan learned from high school that have served him well as a leaderHow Xperigo’s values are used throughout the year by every leader and employeeWhy “Life Is Better Here” is the tagline used to attract job candidatesWays that Dan and his team used the results of the engagement survey to enhance the company cultureCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro
279: Why Leaders Must Be Accountable, Awake, and Aware
Jun 4 2024
279: Why Leaders Must Be Accountable, Awake, and Aware
Do you have a daily mindfulness practice? If you don’t—or you’re not even sure what that is—you’ll find out from guest Pamela Stambaugh why such a practice is an essential part of your day. In this valuable conversation, Pamela explains why focusing on who you are being (BE) needs to precede the actions you take (DO) and the results you want to achieve (HAVE). You’ll learn how to practice 3 As—Accountable, Awake, and Aware—and how they impact your ability to lead and influence others. Pamela is the President and Founder of Accountability Pays Inc., a certified woman-owned business. She has an MBA and is an ICF-certified executive coach. Recently, Pamela has begun to create products based on what she’s learned from coaching senior leaders and their teams for more than 25 years.  She’s worked with clients from diverse industries, including construction, medical devices, financial services, and manufacturing. Her clients have included companies like GE Healthcare, Abbott, and the San Diego Convention Center Corporation. Pamela maintains her mindfulness by participating in personal transformation courses provided by Landmark Education and maintaining spiritual and athletic practices. You’ll discover: The Be Do Have model and how mindfulness fits inPamela’s daily mindfulness practicesVarious ways that Being impacts your effectiveness as a leaderWhat’s required to be both a trustworthy and a trusting leaderWhy leaders need to be trustworthy and trustingCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro
276: Develop a Mindfulness Practice Using The Lovetuner
May 14 2024
276: Develop a Mindfulness Practice Using The Lovetuner
This episode is different from any other because the guest, Sigmar Berg, is someone who invented a product that has enhanced the lives of 1000s of people around the world. You’ll find this conversation thought-provoking and enlightening. You’re encouraged to slow down your mind, shift away from what you need to DO, and focus on being fully present to what Sigmar shares in this deeply meaningful conversation. Sigmar is an entrepreneur, architect, and designer. He has dedicated his life to fostering wellness and balance, and his mission is to bring healing and love to the world. His most exciting venture, the Lovetuner, brings the ancient art of sound healing to today’s world through an easily accessible mindfulness tool.  Thanks to the commercial success of Lovetuner®, Sigmar established the Lovetuner® Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes wellness and healing. He’s also the author of The Lovetuner® Book: ONE JOURNEY, which tells the story of his spiritual awakening. You’ll discover: The journey that led Sigmar to create the LovetunerWhy breath work is critical to overcoming the fight or flight responseHow leaders can benefit from developing mindfulnessWhat the 528Hz frequency meansWhat heart coherence means and why it’s important to our wellbeingCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro
275: How Leaders Create Creators at Plastic Bank
May 7 2024
275: How Leaders Create Creators at Plastic Bank
What would happen if leaders focused on helping each member of their team create a new way of thinking about themselves and others? David Katz has developed a way of thinking where he sees everything that happens as a gift, including the death of his daughter five years ago. This extraordinary man shares what he’s learned over the past 3 years about himself, life, and his work since his first appearance on this podcast (Episode #98). You’ll want to take notes as David talks about how leaders can be vulnerable with others, how to create real freedom in your life, and what you can do to help others feel seen. Listen to this conversation more than once if you’d like to extract the full value. It’s packed with treasures! David is the founder and CEO of Plastic Bank. It’s a remarkable company comprised of a global network of micro-recycling markets. This ecosystem empowers the poor to transcend poverty by collecting and trading plastic waste as a currency. Their global partners include IBM, Shell Energy, SC Johnson, and Aldi. You’ll discover: Why David sees plastic trash as gold and diamondsThe power of your thinking in changing your lifeHow David creates an environment of vulnerability and safetyWhat you can do to help others feel seenPowerful questions David asks candidates to determine if they’ll be a good fit at Plastic BankCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro
274: Change Proof: How to Build Long-term Resilience
Apr 30 2024
274: Change Proof: How to Build Long-term Resilience
As humans, we’re hardwired to resist change and seek certainty. But that leaves us ill-equipped to thrive in our rapidly changing world. Adam Markel has studied and researched resilience throughout his career. In this conversation, you’ll learn how to become “change-proof,” the title of his latest book, Change Proof: Leveraging the Power of Uncertainty to Build Long-Term Resilience. This beautifully written book has compelling stories that will grab your attention from the very first page. Listen to the wisdom Adam shares in this one-hour interview, and then get a copy of his book so you can explore this powerful treatment of resilience further. Adam is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and workplace expert. He’s also the CEO of More Love Media and host of The Change Proof podcast. He’s a sought-after business culture catalyst who inspires, empowers, and guides organizations and individuals to create sustainable, high-performance strategies. You’ll discover: How Adam’s 7 years of experience as a beach lifeguard shaped the principles he teaches todayThe three essential steps to take before responding to something unexpectedWhat Adam’s resilience assessment reveals about your resilience in four areas of lifeWhy taking time for Recovery is important before it becomes criticalHow to dispute irrational beliefsCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro