Guest, Cecilia Stanton Adams, CEO, Organization and Leadership Development consultant at the Diversity Institute and Stanton Adams consulting deep dive today into the shift from "culture fit" to "culture contribution," and let me tell you, it's a game-changer! Instead of just asking how folks fit into the existing mold, we're all about figuring out how every individual can help propel the organization into the future. We've got the amazing Cecilia Stanton Adams joining us to chat about leading inclusively, especially during these times when diversity efforts are facing some serious pushback. We'll explore how creating an environment where everyone can thrive isn't just a nice-to-have—it's essential for success. So grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s get into how to build better workplaces together!

Cecilia Stanton Adams brings a wealth of experience navigating the complex landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations. In this enlightening discussion with Kent Kniebel, she shares her journey from New York to Minnesota, driven by a passion for fostering inclusive environments. The duo explores the evolution of DEI terminology, transitioning from a focus on quotas to a comprehensive understanding of cultural contributions. They tackle the pushback against DEI initiatives, particularly in light of recent political climates, and how leaders can adapt their strategies to maintain momentum. At the core of their conversation is the belief that true leadership hinges on understanding and valuing the diverse backgrounds of team members. Cecilia emphasizes the importance of psychological safety in the workplace, where team members feel secure enough to voice their opinions without fear of retaliation. As they dissect the five drivers of a People First performance framework, listeners gain actionable insights into creating a more inclusive culture that not only empowers individuals but also propels organizations toward sustainable success.

Takeaways:

• Shifting from culture fit to culture contribution is vital for future growth.
• It's all about encouraging individual contributions that align with organizational goals.
• Creating a culture of belonging hinges on psychological safety and trust within teams.
• Organizations must prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion to thrive in today's market.

Episode Links:

• Don't Retreat—Redesign: The New Blueprint for Inclusive Leadership - webinar on May 22, 2025
• Cecilia's Linked In Page
• https://www.stantonadams.com/
• Kent's Linked In Page
• The Promoted Leader Playbook

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

*Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com

Nick Tasler is an organizational psychologist and a #1 best-selling author. Nick has helped hundreds of thousands of leaders around the world transform seasons of change into periods of unprecedented growth at the world’s most respected organizations.

Change is like the wild card in our lives, and if you’re looking to turn that chaos into a stepping stone for success, you’re in the right place! In today’s chat, we dive deep into how discomfort and disruption can actually be the launchpad for growth and major achievements. Our guest, Nick Tassler, lays it down real, sharing how the seeds of our greatest victories often sprout during times of change that we’re not too keen on. It’s not about weathering the storm but embracing it, recognizing that the shifts we face can be the very catalysts for new skills and fresh perspectives. So, whether you’re a leader trying to navigate your crew through rocky waters or just looking to make sense of the whirlwind around you, this episode’s packed with insights that could change your game. Buckle up as we journey through the ups and downs of change management, the art of decision-making, and how to turn those pesky transitions into opportunities for a year of wonders!

Change is like that unexpected party crasher at a chill gathering; it shows up uninvited and shifts the whole vibe. Our latest chat digs deep into this notion of embracing change and how it can actually be a catalyst for those big wins in life and work that we all strive for. We kick things off with Nick Tassler, a real pro in the field of organizational psychology, who shares his journey and insights into how change isn’t just something to survive but something that can lead to our greatest achievements. It’s like that time you tried a new taco truck and ended up finding your new favorite food—uncomfortable at first, but totally worth it.

We explore how the seeds of success often sprout during those uncomfortable periods filled with uncertainty. Nick emphasizes that it’s about shifting our mindset to see change not as a hurdle but as a stepping stone. He talks about this universal truth: often, our best moments come from the chaos around us. So, the next time life throws a curveball, instead of dodging it, why not take a swing? There’s a whole world of opportunity hiding in those messy moments, and this episode is all about unlocking that potential.

Toward the end, we dive into some practical takeaways, encouraging leaders to infuse their teams with a mix of ‘push’ and ‘love’ to navigate change effectively. This episode is a reminder that while change can feel daunting, it’s also a chance to discover new strengths and perspectives. So grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s explore how you can turn the tides of change in your favor—because who doesn’t want a Year of Wonders?

Takeaways:

• Change often feels uncomfortable and chaotic, but it's usually where growth begins.
• Great achievements often sprout from periods of uncertainty and disruption in our lives.
• Instead of fearing change, we should embrace it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
• The real magic happens not just in making the first decision, but in adjusting as we go along.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Nick Tasler on Linked In
• https://www.nicktasler.com/
• Your Year of Wonder's - Book

Scaling leadership development is the name of the game today, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride! In this episode, we dive deep into how managing leaders can feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle, with many folks out there feeling like they’re drowning under the weight of two and a half jobs. My guest, Bri Flynn, and I chat about the importance of integrating leadership training into the everyday hustle, making it as seamless as slipping on your favorite pair of sneakers. We talk about the magic of blending traditional training with coaching and real-time support, all while keeping it simple and relevant to what people actually do. So grab your headphones and get ready for some golden nuggets on how to empower those leaders without adding to their already overflowing plates!

Navigating the turbulent waters of leadership development is no small feat, and Bri Flynn's insights shed light on how to scale these initiatives effectively. Many managers are currently feeling the heat, often overloaded with responsibilities that hinder their ability to lead effectively. Bri makes a compelling case for embedding leadership development into the daily workflow, emphasizing that it should not feel like an additional chore but rather a natural part of their leadership journey.

We kick off the discussion by unpacking the transition from individual contributor to leader, a shift that can feel like jumping into the deep end without a life raft. Bri stresses the importance of setting clear expectations early on, focusing on compliance, core competencies, and cultural values. These foundational elements are essential for building leaders who are not just effective in their roles but also contribute positively to the organizational culture.

As our chat progresses, we delve into the nuances of scaling leadership development across different levels of an organization. Bri advocates for a hybrid learning approach, combining asynchronous modules with real-life applications and peer coaching. This model supports continuous learning and accountability among leaders, fostering a collaborative environment where they can share challenges and successes. By the end of our conversation, it’s clear that the road to effective leadership development is paved with simplicity, empathy, and a strategic focus on aligning training with business goals.

Takeaways:

• In today's fast-paced work environment, many leaders are juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, leaving them overwhelmed.
• Effective leadership development should integrate seamlessly into the daily workflow to avoid adding extra stress to busy managers.
• Building a strong foundation with early managers is crucial for developing future leaders and ensuring a healthy workplace culture.
• Coaching should be seen as a strategic investment, offering leaders a space to reflect and grow without the pressure of daily tasks.
• Utilizing AI tools can enhance leadership development by offering real-time support and insights to managers as they navigate their roles.
• Engaging in transparent conversations about potential and succession planning fosters trust and encourages employees to pursue growth opportunities.

Links:

• Bri Flynn on Linked In
• Bri's Website