Episodes

  • Coaching vs. Consulting: Choose Wisely or Pay Twice with Jeff Geier

    Coaching vs. Consulting: Choose Wisely or Pay Twice with Jeff Geier
    Aug 13 2025
    Coaching or Consulting: How Smart Leaders Choose the Right Help (And Stop Wasting Money) Tired of hiring the wrong type of professional help and watching your budget disappear faster than donuts in a breakroom? This episode cuts through the confusion between coaching and consulting with the precision of a surgeon and the wit of your favorite comedian. Our leadership team breaks down when you need someone to hand you the answer versus when you need someone to help you find it yourself. Think of it as the difference between getting a fish and learning to fish – except with more laughs and significantly less risk of getting wet. What You'll Discover: Problem Solving vs. People Building: Why consultants are like expensive chalk marks (you'll love this story) and coaches are like personal trainers for your leadership muscles The Dandelion Dilemma: A brilliant analogy that'll change how you think about quick fixes versus lasting solutions – spoiler alert: it involves yard work and regret Checkbook Choices: When it's smart to throw money at a problem and when you're just buying yourself a temporary band-aid The Real Cost Factor: Why consultants cost more upfront but coaches deliver long-term ROI that compounds like interest (the good kind) The Bottom Line: Stop playing expensive guessing games with your professional development budget. Whether you need someone to solve your problem or help you become the person who can solve it yourself, this episode gives you the framework to choose wisely. Tune In For: ✅The $10,000 chalk mark story that perfectly illustrates consultant value ✅Why hiring a consultant might be robbing you of crucial growth opportunities ✅How to know if you need answers handed to you or pulled out of you ✅The muscle-building metaphor that makes everything click ✅Real talk about when each approach makes financial sense Ready to stop throwing money at symptoms and start investing in solutions? Your future self (and your budget) will thank you.
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    20 mins
  • The Engagement Epidemic: Why Your Paycheck Isn't Enough with Geoff McLachlan

    The Engagement Epidemic: Why Your Paycheck Isn't Enough with Geoff McLachlan
    Aug 6 2025
    The Engagement Epidemic: Why Your Paycheck Isn't Enough to Keep People Caring Think handing out paychecks automatically creates engaged employees? Think again! The Usual Suspects are back to shatter another leadership myth that's costing organizations big time. With only 31% of employees actually engaged at work (thanks, Gallup!), it's time to face the uncomfortable truth: your people might be physically present but mentally checked out. The Real Talk on Real Engagement Myth-Busting Moment: Just because someone shows up and collects a paycheck doesn't mean they're invested in your mission. In fact, nearly 20% are actively working against you - ouch! The Relationship Revolution: Our panel discovered that the most engaging workplaces aren't about the work itself - they're about the people around you. From bosses who pour into your potential to leaders who create environments where engagement can actually flourish, it's all about human connection. The Coaching Corner: Stop trying to force motivation and start hiring motivated people. Then create the conditions where they can choose to be fully present and invested. The Bottom Line Engagement isn't something you do TO people - it's something you create space FOR people to choose. The difference between a paycheck-collector and a passionate contributor? Leadership that sees potential, builds relationships, and treats work as a calling, not just a job. Tune in for: ✅The brutal truth about why most employees are mentally checked out ✅How to spot and nurture those "almost engaged" team members ✅Real strategies for creating environments where people WANT to be invested ✅When to stay in a toxic situation vs. when to run for the hills ✅The secret to hiring people who are already wired to care Ready to stop settling for warm bodies and start building a team that actually gives a damn? This episode is your wake-up call.
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    24 mins
  • Priority vs. Priorities: The Leadership Game-Changer They Never Taught You With Geoff McLachlan

    Priority vs. Priorities: The Leadership Game-Changer They Never Taught You With Geoff McLachlan
    Jul 30 2025
    Priority vs. Priorities - Cut Through the Chaos The One Thing That Will Transform Your Leadership (Spoiler: It's Actually Singular) Ever wonder why you feel busier than a one-legged cat in a sandbox, even when you're supposedly "organized"? The Usual Suspects are back with a reality check that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about getting things done. Spoiler alert: You've been doing priorities all wrong. The Great Busyness Myth Gets Busted We kick things off with a retired principal's confession that'll hit every overachiever right in the feels. Turns out, retirement doesn't mean more time for yourself—it just means everyone else thinks your calendar is their personal playground. Sound familiar? Our hosts dive deep into why we mistake motion for progress and how the cult of busyness is actually making us less effective. The Etymology Bomb That Changes Everything Here's a mind-bender: The word "priority" was singular for 500 years until the Industrial Revolution messed it all up. That's right—priority, not priorities. You can't have five first places in a race, so why do we try to juggle five "top" priorities? The hosts break down how this linguistic shift reflects our modern chaos and why getting back to singular focus is your secret weapon. From Multitasking Hero to Single-Focus Champion Forget the multitasking badge of honor—science proves you're actually terrible at it. When you split focus between two tasks, you lose 25-50% effectiveness on the first one. Our panelists share battle-tested strategies for identifying your lead domino, the one thing that'll topple the rest and actually move the needle. Real-World Priority Systems That Actually Work Get ready for tactical gold. From the Eisenhower Matrix to the A-B-C calendar system, our leadership veterans share the exact frameworks they use to cut through the noise. Plus, why delegation isn't about dumping tasks—it's about strategic multiplication of your impact. The Bottom Line You're not struggling because you have too much to do. You're struggling because you're trying to do everything at once. The most successful leaders don't manage more priorities—they ruthlessly focus on the one thing that matters most right now. Tune In For: The historical reason why we're all doing priorities wrong Science-backed proof that multitasking is sabotaging your success Battle-tested systems for identifying your true priority Why retirement might actually make you busier (and how to fix it) Real strategies from executives who've mastered sustainable strength Stop wearing busyness like a badge of honor and start wielding priority like the leadership superpower it actually is.
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    24 mins
  • Three Leadership Habits Turned Upside Down (And Why You're Swimming Upstream) with Myra Hall

    Three Leadership Habits Turned Upside Down (And Why You're Swimming Upstream) with Myra Hall
    Jul 23 2025
    Are You Standing on Your Leadership Head? Picture this: You're wondering why your leadership feels like swimming upstream while wearing concrete boots. The answer might be simpler (and more embarrassing) than you think. You've taken three of the most powerful leadership principles and turned them completely backwards. The Leadership Reality Check Drawing from Stephen Covey's timeless Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, this episode exposes how emerging leaders – especially those caught in middle management limbo – are unknowingly sabotaging their own success. We're talking about smart, capable people who are doing everything "right" but getting everything wrong. The Three Habits That Make or Break Leaders 1. Be Proactive (Not Predictive) Stop trying to guess what your boss wants and start owning your responses Self-awareness beats people-pleasing every single time The game-changing difference between responding and reacting 2. Begin with the End in Mind (Not Written in Stone) Your vision is a compass, not commandments carved in granite Why followers need to see your destination, not just your daily detours The trust-killing mistake leaders make when changing course 3. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood (Not to Be Right) The family dinner table debate trap that destroys workplace relationships Why "tell me more" are the three most powerful words in leadership How buying permission to be heard transforms adversaries into collaborators The Bottom Line Leadership isn't about having all the answers – it's about asking better questions, owning your choices, and creating space for others to contribute their genius. When you flip these three habits right-side up, you stop swimming upstream and start riding the current toward leadership success. Tune In For: The "compass not commandments" approach to vision setting A simple phrase that opens communication floodgates Why self-awareness is the ultimate leadership superpower Real talk about middle management frustrations (looking at you, retail warriors) The trust equation that determines whether followers stick or split Ready to stop doing leadership upside down? Your team (and your sanity) will thank you.
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    30 mins
  • Stop Performing Positivity: The Toxic Optimism Trap with Jeff Conroy

    Stop Performing Positivity: The Toxic Optimism Trap with Jeff Conroy
    Jul 16 2025
    Real Leaders Don't Need Rose-Colored Glasses Ever worked with a leader who insisted on sunshine and rainbows while the office was literally on fire? You know the type – they waltz into crisis meetings with a plastic smile, declaring "everything's fantastic!" while everyone else is drowning in chaos. Spoiler alert: that's not leadership, that's theater. This week, we're pulling back the curtain on one of leadership's most damaging myths: that authentic leaders must maintain constant positivity. Thanks to a listener who called out this "toxic positivity" nonsense, we're diving deep into why forced optimism isn't just ineffective – it's downright poisonous to organizational culture. What We're Unpacking: The Authenticity Gap: Why fake happiness creates more distance than connection, and how your team can spot a phony smile from across the conference room. Reading the Room 101: The difference between being genuinely hopeful and putting frosting on a pile of problems while calling it a birthday cake. The Valley and Peak Reality: Why emotional intelligence beats emoji-level enthusiasm every single time, and how real leaders navigate both mountaintops and valleys. Hope vs. Hype: The crucial distinction between "this is hard, but we'll get through it" versus "everything's fine!" as the building burns down. The Bottom Line: Your team doesn't need a cheerleader – they need a leader who shows up authentically, acknowledges reality, and charts a path forward together. Perfect positivity is a myth; present leadership is what actually works. Tune in for: ~Why "fake it till you make it" might be killing your credibility ~The predictable pattern of forced optimism (spoiler: it ends in blame) ~How to be hopeful without being delusional ~The magic of writing down genuine hopes versus waving motivational banners Leadership isn't about performing happiness – it's about showing up real, staying present, and being someone your team can count on through both storms and sunshine.
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    20 mins
  • The Leadership Perception Gap: What You Think vs. What They Need with Myra Hall

    The Leadership Perception Gap: What You Think vs. What They Need with Myra Hall
    Jul 9 2025
    The Great Leadership Perception Gap: What Leaders Think vs. What Followers Actually Want Ever wonder why so many CEOs are burning out while their teams are checking out? This week's episode of "No More Leadership BS" tackles the uncomfortable truth about leadership perception that's been hiding in plain sight. The No More Leadership BS Gang dive deep into the fascinating disconnect between how leaders see themselves and how their teams actually experience them. While leaders obsess over vision, strategic thinking, and decision-making prowess, their people are desperately craving something entirely different: authenticity, consistency, and genuine human connection. The Leadership Reality Check ->What Leaders Think Matters Most: Vision, strategic thinking, decision-making under pressure, emotional intelligence ->What Followers Actually Crave: Consistency, trust, authentic communication, feeling valued and heard ->The Trust Factor: Why consistency of behavior trumps perfection every single time ->Communication Revolution: Moving from "need to know" to "trust them to know" The Bottom Line The most effective leaders understand this fundamental shift: it's not about what you DO, it's about who you ARE. Your character, how you make people feel, and whether they trust you with their professional lives matters infinitely more than your strategic brilliance. Tune In For: ->The myth-busting truth about why 86% of CEOs report mental health impacts ->Real stories from leaders who got it right (and what made them unforgettable) ->The three leadership courses that need to exist but don't ->Why "doing" your best isn't enough when "being" your best is what counts Ready to bridge the perception gap and become the leader people actually want to follow? Sometimes the most profound leadership insights come from simply asking: "How do I make my people feel?"
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    24 mins
  • Feel the Leadership: Why Emotions Aren't Your Enemy with Jeff Conroy

    Feel the Leadership: Why Emotions Aren't Your Enemy with Jeff Conroy
    Jul 2 2025
    "The Leadership Myth That's Making Your Workplace Sterile (And Why You Need to Ditch It)" Ready to challenge one of the most damaging myths in modern leadership? This week, the No More Leadership BS crew tackles the ridiculous notion that emotions have no place in the workplace. Spoiler alert: if you're buying into this myth, you're probably creating a workplace that's about as inspiring as watching paint dry. Here's what went down when emotions got real: The Human Factor Revolution Forget the stoic leader facade – our hosts dive deep into why emotional authenticity isn't just acceptable, it's essential. When leaders show genuine emotions, they're not being unprofessional; they're being human. And guess what? People follow humans, not emotionless robots in suits. Response vs. Reaction: The Game Changer There's a crucial difference between having an emotional meltdown and responding authentically to situations. The key isn't to suppress emotions (spoiler: that never works anyway), but to learn the art of responding rather than reacting. Think of it as emotional aikido – using the energy without letting it control you. The Manipulation Trap Here's where it gets spicy: emotions can be a powerful leadership tool, but there's a fine line between authentic influence and manipulative behavior. The hosts explore when emotional awareness becomes a superpower and when it crosses into dangerous territory. The Authenticity Paradox If you're preaching authentic leadership while showing zero emotions, you're basically a walking contradiction. Real authenticity includes the full spectrum of human experience – the good, the challenging, and everything in between. The Bottom Line: Emotions aren't the enemy of professionalism; they're the secret sauce of genuine leadership. When you embrace emotional authenticity, you build trust, improve communication, create psychological safety, and drive engagement. Your workplace becomes a place where humans want to be, not just have to be. Tune in for: >The "boiling emotions" analogy that'll change how you think about suppression >A powerful story about saying "I love you" at work (and why it matters) >The difference between being emotional and being emotionally intelligent >Practical ways to show emotion without becoming "that" leader Why consistency beats perfection every single time Don't let outdated leadership myths turn your workplace into an emotional wasteland. It's time to lead with your whole self – emotions included.
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    23 mins
  • Authenticity Over Acting: Why Your Team Trusts Captain Jack More Than You with Myra Hall

    Authenticity Over Acting: Why Your Team Trusts Captain Jack More Than You with Myra Hall
    Jun 25 2025
    The Trust Myth That's Sabotaging Your Leadership (Hint: It's Not What You Think) Time to bust the biggest leadership lie out there: that consistency automatically builds trust. Spoiler alert – it doesn't. In fact, if you're being consistent with the wrong things, you're actually destroying trust faster than a Captain Jack Sparrow con job. The Consistency Trap Here's where most leaders go wrong: they think being consistent means sticking to someone else's playbook no matter what. Following strategic plans religiously. Borrowing character traits that aren't authentically theirs. Sound familiar? You're basically cosplaying as a leader instead of actually leading. The Captain Jack Sparrow Truth Bomb "I'm dishonest, and you can always trust a dishonest man to be dishonest. It's the honest ones you have to watch out for." Harsh? Maybe. True? Absolutely. There's honor among thieves because they're consistent with their actual values, not some borrowed blueprint. Why Your Team Doesn't Trust You (And It's Not Your Fault... Yet) When 45% of people lack trust in leadership, the problem isn't time or consistency – it's authenticity. Your team can smell inauthenticity from a mile away. They're watching your actions, not listening to your words. And if your values flip-flop based on convenience? Game over. The Courage Connection Here's the real secret sauce: courage beats time every single day. It takes guts to admit when something isn't working. It takes backbone to align your leadership style with your actual values instead of what you think leadership "should" look like. And it takes serious bravery to reach out for help when you're feeling isolated. The Bottom Line: Stop playing leadership dress-up. Start showing up as your authentic self, even if it's messy. Your team would rather follow an imperfect leader who's genuine than a perfect leader who's fake. Tune in for: Why consistency without authenticity is leadership suicide The Captain Jack Sparrow approach to building unshakeable trust How to spot when you're borrowing someone else's character The courage-based framework that transforms struggling leaders into trusted guides Real talk about reaching out for help (spoiler: it's not weakness, it's wisdom) Ready to trade the leadership costume for authentic influence? This episode is your permission slip to be real.
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    22 mins