Episode Description:

In this episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Dr. Peggy Kendall, a seasoned communication scholar, Fulbright recipient, and professor at Bethel University. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Kendall delves into the evolving dynamics of trust and leadership in our increasingly remote and hybrid work environments.

Drawing insights from her forthcoming book, Trust at a Distance: 6 Strategies for Managing in the Remote Workplace, co-authored with David Horsager, Dr. Kendall shares practical strategies to foster genuine connections, redefine accountability, and build resilient teams—even when miles apart.(Penguin Random House)

Whether you're a leader navigating the challenges of remote management or someone seeking deeper connections in a digital workspace, this conversation offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

• The six foundational strategies from Trust at a Distance to enhance remote team management.
• How to cultivate psychological safety and trust without physical proximity.
• The pitfalls of "winging it" in virtual leadership and the importance of intentional communication.
• Techniques to measure productivity and engagement beyond traditional metrics.
• The role of empathy and understanding in building cohesive remote teams.(Amazon)

💬 Memorable Quotes:

“Trust isn't about proximity; it's about presence.”

“In the absence of hallway conversations, intentional check-ins become our new watercoolers.”

“Remote work challenges us to lead with clarity, consistency, and compassion.”

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Explore Dr. Peggy Kendall’s work: peggykendall.com
• Pre-order Trust at a Distance: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
• Connect with Dr. Kendall on LinkedIn: Peggy Kendall
• Read about her research on virtual workplaces: Bethel University News(Berrett-Koehler Publishers, LinkedIn, Bethel University)

🧭 Reflection Prompts:

• In what ways can I enhance trust within my remote or hybrid team?
• How do I currently measure team engagement, and what new metrics could provide deeper insights?
• What intentional practices can I adopt to replace spontaneous in-person interactions?

📣 Subscribe & Share:

If this episode resonated with you, consider subscribing to Mission Driven You on your preferred podcast platform. Share this episode with colleagues or friends navigating the remote work landscape—they'll appreciate the insights.

Remember, trust...

In this episode, Will Samson sits down with Alicia Parr, author of "People Energy Principles," to explore the transformative power of reframing leadership and organizational culture. Discover how Alicia's unique approach to harnessing people energy can propel growth and foster a more engaged, innovative workplace. From the art of reframing to the importance of aligning work with personal energy, this conversation offers valuable insights for leaders and entrepreneurs looking to create a more dynamic and fulfilling work environment.

Connect with Alicia:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciaparr/

https://performentor.com/

Most leaders are taught to solve problems. But what if your greatest breakthroughs come from creating them?

In this mind-stretching episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Ted Santos, the leadership disruptor behind the Disruptive Leadership Model. Ted works with CEOs, executives, and entrepreneurs to rewire how they think about chaos, trust, and transformation — challenging them to step into the unknown and engineer miracles on purpose.

Ted unpacks why the greatest leaders throughout history were master disruptors, why our “radio stations” — the default scripts playing in our heads — limit what we believe is possible, and how to build cultures where people thrive on tension instead of running from it.

He also shares powerful insights from his book, Here’s Why You Can’t Find Love, revealing how unresolved personal struggles quietly sabotage business results — and what it takes to break that cycle.

If you’re ready to think bigger, act bolder, and lead from a place of clarity and courage, this conversation is for you.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

• Why chaos, tension, and “creating problems” are the raw materials of real transformation
• How your brain develops new pathways when you choose disruption over comfort
• Why trust isn’t always what you need — and what you should replace it with instead
• How to confront the invisible “radio station” in your head and rewrite it
• What affectionate listening really means and how it can transform relationships — personal and professional
• The hidden cost of unresolved personal conflicts for leaders and their teams

💬 Quotes to Remember:

“Breakthroughs don’t happen by accident. They happen when you create problems on purpose.”

“When you keep solving the same problems over and over, you’re just repeating history.”

“Trust always travels with mistrust — that’s why your word matters more.”

“If you want a miracle, you have to step into chaos willingly.”

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 📘 Here’s Why You Can’t Find Love by Ted Santos — Available here (insert actual link if you have it)
• 🌐 Ted Santos on LinkedIn
• 💼 Learn more about Ted’s Disruptive Leadership work: Ted’s Website (insert website if you have one)

🧭 Reflection Prompts:

• Where in your life or business are you solving old problems instead of creating new ones?
• What “radio station” are you listening to in your head — and how is it limiting you?
• What breakthrough could emerge if you invited just a little more chaos on purpose?

📣 Subscribe + Share:

Loved this episode? Subscribe to Mission Driven You on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Share this conversation with a fellow leader ready to disrupt themselves — and leave a review to help others discover the show.

Mentioned in this episode:

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