In this episode of the People Dividend Podcast, host Mike Horne speaks with John Wang, author of 'Big Asian Energy' and an executive coach, about the journey to bold leadership and empowerment. They discuss the impact of cultural upbringing on leadership styles, the challenges posed by stereotypes, and the importance of embracing one's authentic self. John shares insights on building confidence, the power of vulnerability, and the significance of understanding cultural nuances in communication. The conversation emphasizes that leadership is not just about competence but also about warmth and connection.

Key Points:

• Leadership is about taking initiative and embracing your authentic self.

• Our cultural upbringing shapes our leadership perspectives and how we succumb to or overcome the negative effects of stereotypes.

• Understanding cultural nuances is crucial in communication and being an effective leader.

• John Wang's book 'Big Asian Energy' encourages individuals to own their strengths and challenge limiting beliefs about oneself.

• Self-doubt can be transformed through understanding personal patterns.

Links:

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,

LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about John Wang: https://www.bigasianenergy.com/about-john-wang

In this episode of The People Dividend Podcast, host Mike Horne speaks with Celeste Warren, a transformative leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). They discuss the true meaning of equity, common misconceptions, and the importance of creating equitable workplaces. Celeste shares her journey from journalism to DEI leadership, her framework for understanding equity through the 'rocks and fence' analogy, and practical steps that everyone can take to foster inclusivity in their organizations. The conversation emphasizes that equity is essential for achieving collective goals and creating a better world for all.

Key Points:

• Equity is not about preferential treatment but meeting people where they are, and this misconception is what often hinders understanding and implementation.

• Celeste Warren's journey highlights the importance of passion in DEI work.

• The 'rocks and fence' framework illustrates the need for equity in overcoming barriers.

• Building trust and demonstrating servant leadership are key to effective leadership.

• Creating an inclusive environment requires active participation from all employees.

• Equity is foundational for true meritocracy in the workplace.

Links:

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,

LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about Celeste Warren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celestewarrenllc

In this episode of the People Dividend Podcast, host Mike Horne engages with Rick Walker, an entrepreneur and author of 'Nine Steps to Build a Life of Meaning.' They explore the significance of living a life filled with meaning and purpose, discussing the challenges faced by men in today's society and the importance of embracing discomfort for personal growth. Rick shares insights from his journey, the nine steps outlined in his book, and the essence of wisdom in achieving a meaningful life. The conversation culminates in a challenge for listeners to evaluate their relationships and focus on personal development.

Key Points:

• Rick Walker's book addresses the 'meaning crisis' among men and proposes nine steps as a framework for personal transformation.

• Identifying a worthy enemy can motivate action.

• Discomfort is a pathway to growth and clarity.

• Ancient wisdom can inform modern leadership practices.

• Quality relationships are crucial for personal development.

• Living meaningfully requires courage and bold steps.

Links:

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,

LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about Rick Walker: https://rickwalker.com/

In this episode of the People Dividend Podcast, host Mike Horne speaks with Telle Whitney, a pioneer in technology and diversity. They discuss Telle's journey in tech, the importance of fostering inclusive cultures, and the six C's of thriving organizations: creativity, courage, confidence, curiosity, communication, and community. Telle emphasizes the need for leaders to rethink traditional notions of meritocracy and the importance of collaboration in innovation. The conversation concludes with actionable advice for creating more inclusive and innovative workplaces.

Key Points:

• The myth of meritocracy can hold organizations back.

• True innovation often comes from collaborative teams, not lone geniuses.

• The six C's—creativity, courage, confidence, curiosity, communication, and community—are essential for thriving cultures.

• Courage is critical for leaders to foster an open environment.

• Curiosity can be developed as a skill in teams.

• Community plays a vital role in supporting individuals in their careers.

Links:

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,

LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about Telle Whitney: https://www.tellewhitney.com/about

In this episode of The People Dividend, host Mike Horne welcomes Stephanie Chung, a leadership strategist and author of Ally Leadership. Together, they explore what it truly means to lead inclusively, and why the most effective leaders today are those who prioritize empathy, curiosity, and cultural awareness.

Stephanie shares powerful insights on how leaders can build high-performing, psychologically safe teams by embracing diversity, addressing privilege with intention, and leading with both head and heart. The conversation touches on generational differences, inclusive team cultures, and the leadership mindset shifts required in today's evolving workplace.

Key Takeaways:

• Ally Leadership means leading people who are not like you, with empathy and understanding.

• Privilege isn't negative, it's a powerful tool to build trust when acknowledged and used wisely.

• Curiosity is the gateway to better leadership. Ask more. Assume less.

• The most effective leaders foster an environment where every team member can thrive.

• Small adjustments in attention and communication can unlock higher team performance.

Links:

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,

LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about Stephanie Chung https://stephaniechung.com/about/

In this episode of the People Dividend podcast, Mike Horne interviews Maria Brinck, a global leadership expert, about her book 'The Leadership We Need' and the necessary shifts in leadership paradigms. They discuss the importance of a strengths-based approach, lessons from indigenous leadership, and the need for leaders to engage with their teams authentically. Maria emphasizes the significance of self-knowledge and the balance between traditional and modern leadership styles to foster innovation and create thriving environments for people and ideas.

Key Points:

• Leaders today must evolve to meet societal challenges.

• Indigenous leadership emphasizes community over individualism.

• Navigating traditional mindsets requires strategic adaptation.

Links:

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,

LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about Maria Brinck https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariabrinck/, https://www.mariabrinck.com/

In this episode of The People Dividend Podcast, host Mike Horne sits down with Steve Fisher, renowned design futurist, to explore how emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI), are transforming the way we lead, work, and think.

Steve shares why it's essential for leaders to embrace AI as a collaborative partner, not a replacement, and how systems thinking can help us design more resilient, adaptive organizations. They dive into what it means to be future-ready, why curiosity and empathy are critical leadership traits in the age of intelligence, and how to future-proof your mindset in a rapidly changing world.

Whether you're a leader navigating digital transformation or simply curious about how to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation offers powerful insights to help you thrive in the future of work.

Key Takeaways:

• AI is a collaborator, not a threat. Leaders must reframe how they approach technology.

• Systems thinking empowers us to shape the future instead of reacting to it.

• Curiosity and adaptability will be the most valuable leadership traits in the years ahead.

• Designing the future means embracing complexity, diversity, and human-centered innovation.

Resources & Links:

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,

LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about Steve Fisher https://www.stevenfisher.io/

In this powerful episode of The People Dividend Podcast, host Mike Horne sits down with leadership development expert Therese Miclot to uncover what it really takes to lead with authenticity in today's fast-changing world.

You'll learn how today's most effective leaders navigate self-doubt, embrace empathy, and develop the emotional intelligence needed to guide teams through uncertainty and change. From overcoming imposter syndrome to mastering facilitation skills, this episode is packed with practical leadership insights you can apply right away.

Whether you're an executive, team leader, or aspiring manager, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone serious about authentic leadership, resilience, and growth-focused communication.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership is about people, not power or process.

• Empathy and clarity are critical for building trust and driving performance.

• Great leaders ask better questions and stay curious.

• Facilitation skills help leaders support teams through complex change.

• Managing your inner voice is step one to leading others effectively.

Links:

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,

LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about Therese Miclot https://www.theresemiclot.com/