Episodes

  • 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
  • The Leadership Stress Crisis: Why 52% of CEOs Think Their Culture is Toxic (And What to Do About It) with Jeff Geier

    The Leadership Stress Crisis: Why 52% of CEOs Think Their Culture is Toxic (And What to Do About It) with Jeff Geier
    Jun 18 2025
    The Leadership Stress Crisis: Why 52% of CEOs Think Their Culture is Toxic (And What to Do About It) Ready for a reality check that'll make your executive chair spin? A groundbreaking 2024 study just dropped some seriously uncomfortable truths about leadership stress, and we're here to unpack the mess—and show you the way out. Here's the kicker: 52% of CEOs view their own company culture as toxic, while 55% admit to mental health struggles. Even more shocking? 81% of leaders still view mental health issues as weakness or burdens. Talk about a leadership contradiction that's begging for some serious intervention. The Leadership Paradox: When You're Both the Problem and the Solution We dive deep into why more than half of company leaders feel trapped in toxic cultures they themselves created. It's like being the architect of a building you hate living in—except the blueprint for change is still in your hands. The Isolation Epidemic: Why Leaders Suffer in Silence Discover the brutal truth about leadership loneliness and why "complaints go up, but when you're the CEO, there is no up." We explore how the Superman complex is literally killing leadership effectiveness and what you can do to break free. The Strength in Seeking Support: Redefining Leadership Courage Here's our truth bomb: Asking for help isn't weakness—it's the strongest thing any leader can do. We challenge the toxic belief that struggle equals strength and show you how peer connections and coaching can transform both you and your organization. The Bottom Line If you're carrying the weight of leadership alone, you're not just hurting yourself—you're sabotaging your entire organization. The data is clear: isolated leaders create toxic cultures, but connected leaders create thriving environments. Tune in for: The shocking statistics that reveal the hidden crisis in executive leadership Practical strategies for breaking the cycle of toxic workplace culture Why your "weakness" might actually be your greatest leadership strength Real solutions for finding the support system every leader desperately needs Stop carrying the weight alone. Your organization—and your sanity—depend on it.
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    27 mins
  • Leading with AI: Creative Catalyst or Cover Band? with Geoff McLachlan

    Leading with AI: Creative Catalyst or Cover Band? with Geoff McLachlan
    Jun 11 2025
    When AI Meets Leadership - The Creative Revolution Hook That Hits Different Ready to discover how artificial intelligence is transforming leadership without turning us all into robots? This week's episode dives deep into the intersection of AI, creativity, and authentic leadership - and spoiler alert: the future isn't as scary as you think. What You'll Discover The AI Assistant Advantage Our team reveals how they're actually using AI in their leadership consulting practice - from automating tedious tasks to enhancing creative brainstorming. The secret? Treating AI like your most capable assistant, not your replacement. The Art of AI Conversation Learn the game-changing approach to AI interaction that will revolutionize your results. Hint: Instead of fighting with AI prompts, try asking the AI what it needs from you. Mind-blowing simplicity that actually works. Creativity vs. Automation Is AI truly creative, or is it just the world's most sophisticated cover band? We explore whether artificial intelligence can genuinely innovate or if it's limited to remixing existing ideas - and what that means for leaders who want to stay ahead. The Human Element That Never Changes Despite all the technological advances, some aspects of leadership remain irreplaceably human. We discuss why the connection between leader and team can't be outsourced to algorithms. The Bottom Line AI isn't here to replace leaders - it's here to amplify what you already do well while handling the tasks that drain your creative energy. The leaders who thrive will be those who learn to dance with technology rather than fight it. Tune In For: Real-world examples of AI integration in leadership consulting Practical prompts and strategies you can use immediately Honest discussion about AI's limitations and potential pitfalls Insights from agriculture students that will surprise you The future of workforce dynamics in an AI-driven world Don't let AI intimidate you - let it elevate you. Because at the end of the day, great leadership is still about human connection, and no algorithm can replicate authentic influence.
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    25 mins
  • Presence Over Performance: Building Leadership Legacy That Lasts with Jeff Geier

    Presence Over Performance: Building Leadership Legacy That Lasts with Jeff Geier
    Jun 4 2025
    Your Leadership Legacy: Beyond Performance to Presence Stop chasing performance metrics and start building something that actually matters. We've all worked for leaders who thought their legacy was built on quarterly earnings and growth charts. Spoiler alert: it's not. In this eye-opening episode, our hosts dive deep into what really creates a lasting leadership legacy – and it's probably not what you think. The Real Talk on Leadership Legacy What Makes a Legacy Stick? Legacy isn't about the corner office, the golden parachute, or even the company profits you generated. It's about presence, authenticity, and the ripple effect you create in people's lives. Think Ebenezer Scrooge – his wealth didn't make his legacy, his transformation did. Authenticity Without the Attitude Being "authentic" doesn't give you a free pass to be difficult. The best leaders filter their authenticity through wisdom, leading different people in different ways while staying true to their core values. It's about being genuine, not being a jerk. The Parent-Leader Connection Leadership doesn't stop at the office door. Whether you're leading a team or raising kids, you're constantly creating legacy through your daily choices. Every interaction is either building up or tearing down the impact you'll leave behind. The Phone-Down Challenge In our always-connected world, presence has become a rare commodity. True legacy builders know when to put the device down and show up fully for the people in front of them. The Bottom Line Your legacy isn't what you accumulate – it's what you activate in others. Performance gets you noticed, but presence gets you remembered. The question isn't whether you're leaving a legacy (you are), but whether it's the one you actually want. Tune in for: The brutal truth about why performance-based legacies fail How to lead authentically without becoming "that" leader The surprising connection between parenting and leadership legacy Real strategies for being present in an always-on world Why your message matters more than your metrics Ready to build a legacy that actually lasts? This episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about leadership impact.
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    19 mins
  • When Companies Zig and Careers Zag: The Professional Misalignment Survival Guide with Geoff McLachlan

    When Companies Zig and Careers Zag: The Professional Misalignment Survival Guide with Geoff McLachlan
    May 28 2025
    The Great Career Divorce: When You and Your Job Just Don't Match Anymore Gone are the days of the gold watch retirement fantasy. Today's workplace reality? Companies change direction faster than a GPS with poor signal, and sometimes that means your career path suddenly looks like it was planned by a drunk GPS. So what happens when organizational priorities shift and your professional values feel like they're speaking different languages? The Real Talk: Three Critical Realizations About Career Misalignment Stop Getting Your Worth from Your Workplace Here's the uncomfortable truth: if your entire identity revolves around your job title, you're setting yourself up for professional heartbreak. When organizations pivot (and they will), employees who derive their self-worth externally find themselves emotionally devastated. The solution isn't finding the "perfect" company—it's developing internal value that doesn't fluctuate with corporate reorganizations. Safety vs. Growth: The False Security Trap Many professionals stay in misaligned positions because it feels "safe." But here's the plot twist: real safety comes from knowing your skills are valuable anywhere, not from hanging onto a paycheck that slowly erodes your professional soul. High-S personality types especially struggle with this, preferring status quo over the uncertainty of change—even when that status quo is professionally toxic. Communication Before Evacuation Before you storm out dramatically (tempting as it may be), try adult conversation first. Write down your concerns, remove the emotion, and present them professionally. Go up the chain if necessary. You might not change the situation, but you'll change yourself—and leave with integrity intact. The Leadership Perspective: Why Good Leaders Prepare Teams for Uncomfortable Conversations Smart leaders set expectations early. They tell new hires: "We will have uncomfortable conversations. This is normal and necessary." When issues arise, they reference this upfront agreement, creating psychological safety even during difficult discussions. This approach builds trust instead of breeding resentment. The Bottom Line Career misalignment isn't a character flaw—it's a navigation challenge. Companies will always operate in their best interest; you must know yours. Sometimes the best growth happens when things aren't working for you, but on you. Tune In For: 🗸Why getting your identity from your job is professional suicide 🗸How to have difficult conversations that actually solve problems 🗸The difference between real safety and the illusion of security 🗸Why staying "just for the money" never works long-term 🗸Leadership strategies for managing organizational change Ready to stop settling for professional mediocrity? This episode delivers the straight talk you need to make career decisions like the leader you're meant to be.
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    24 mins
  • The Human Advantage: Why Your Presence Trumps AI Every Time with Myra Hall

    The Human Advantage: Why Your Presence Trumps AI Every Time with Myra Hall
    May 21 2025
    The Human Advantage: Why Your Presence Trumps AI Every Time The Connection Crisis In a world obsessed with AI shortcuts and digital efficiency, we're facing an unexpected leadership challenge: genuine human connection is becoming our most valuable—and increasingly rare—asset. While technology promises to solve all our problems, it's creating a new one: "diet connection" that leaves us hungry for something real. The Presence Paradigm Shift The podcast hosts share a powerful revelation: the greatest leadership ability isn't found in performance metrics or AI-generated insights—it's in being fully present with your team. One host recounts a transformative moment when someone truly "saw" them: "I felt like it's the first time in my life that I felt seen, that I felt heard... I would've followed him to the end of the earth." This authentic presence is becoming leadership's true superpower. Breaking the Diet Connection Habit Warning signs you're suffering from "diet connection" syndrome: >Phone addiction during conversations (the hosts' advice: "put down the damn phone") >Replacing face-to-face meetings with emails and texts >Confusing LinkedIn messages with real relationships >Treating video calls as a complete substitute for in-person interaction The antidote? Make time for belly-to-belly conversations, remember personal details about your team members, and treat human connection as a non-negotiable leadership practice—not a luxury when time permits. The Bottom Line Your presence is your power. When leaders make the effort to truly connect—especially when it's inconvenient—they create the kind of loyalty and engagement that no AI can replicate. As one host puts it: "People are desperate for connection because they want to know that they matter and that somebody's listening to them." Tune in for: A frank discussion about why AI can't replace genuine human connection Practical ways to be more present with your team (and why it matters) How remembering personal details transforms leadership effectiveness The hidden cost of "diet connection" in today's workplace In a world chasing metrics, be the leader who still chooses meaning. Your presence isn't just nice to have—it's your most powerful leadership legacy.
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    23 mins
  • Behind the Mic: The BS We Believed About Leadership Until We Didn't with Jeff Conroy

    Behind the Mic: The BS We Believed About Leadership Until We Didn't with Jeff Conroy
    May 14 2025
    When the Mentors Become the Students: No More Leadership BS Gets Personal Ever wondered what goes on in the minds of your favorite leadership myth-busters? This week, the No More Leadership BS crew flips the script and puts themselves in the hot seat, revealing the beliefs they once held sacred—until reality gave them a much-needed slap upside the head. In this refreshingly candid episode, the four hosts share their leadership origin stories, from high school band geek to would-be CEO, and confess the hard truths they learned along the way. Spoiler alert: being Superwoman isn't all it's cracked up to be. Key Revelations from the Green Room: 🎯 Leadership Isn't About Being Special - Myra Hall drops truth bombs about the difference between taking on the role versus taking on the responsibility. Hint: one leads to team meltdowns, the other to breakthroughs. 🧊 Cold Water, Hot Takes - Jeff McLaughlin reveals why voluntarily freezing yourself teaches better leadership skills than any MBA program (seriously, we're not making this up). 📅 The 90-Day Rule That Changes Everything - Two hosts swear by this one practice that transformed their teams from chaos to coordination. The other two wish they'd learned it sooner. 🏌️ Why Golf is Actually Leadership Training - Jeff Conroy explains how a "good walk ruined" taught him more about patience than any management seminar ever could. The Bottom Line: Leadership isn't about having superpowers or doing it all yourself. It's about building others up, staying organized, and occasionally jumping into freezing water to prove you can do hard things. Tune in for: Confessions about the "superhero complex" that nearly broke one host Which movie character best represents each host's leadership style (spoiler: someone picks Hank the Tank) The surprising non-work activities that made them better leaders Which legendary leader each host would kick us off for Stop believing the BS about leadership—including the BS these experts once believed themselves. Sometimes the best lessons come from spectacular failures, and this crew isn't afraid to share theirs.
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    25 mins