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

Bri Flynn is an experienced HR and Talent executive with broad experience in human capital management, executive coaching, and operational leadership.

With more than two decades of experience leading Human Resources teams and Talent Development programs in both privately held and Fortune 500 companies, her strengths lie in designing workplace solutions that balance strategy, empathy, and impact to help individuals and organizations thrive.

Today's episode: 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

Today’s guest is someone who’s made a career out of helping leaders not just level up—but stay coachable while they do it.

Kevin Wilde is an executive leadership fellow at the University of Minnesota and a lifelong student of what makes leadership stick. He brings over three decades of experience from the front lines of leadership development, including senior roles at General Electric and as the Chief Learning Officer at General Mills. He is also author of the award winning book, “Coachability: The Leadership Superpower”.

These days, Kevin splits his time between teaching Executive MBA students, advising top companies on talent strategy, and researching one of the most overlooked leadership superpowers: coachability.

He’s been recognized with awards like Chief Learning Officer of the Year and named #1 in global leadership development by multiple publications—but what really sets Kevin apart is his curiosity, humility, and ability to make leadership learning both practical and human.

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Let’s dive into the juicy bits of this chat about the importance of coachability for leaders, especially those who have just snagged a promotion. We kick things off by tackling that oh-so-common mindset that creeps in once you get a shiny new title: “I’ve arrived.” Spoiler alert: that kind of thinking can seriously hold you back. We explore why leaders often hesitate to ask for feedback and how that can lead to a downward spiral in their growth. Our guest, Kevin Wilde, shares some gems on how being open to input is not just a “nice-to-have” but a total game changer for engagement and performance. Plus, we dish out practical tips to help you stay in that learning zone and keep your leadership game strong. So grab a comfy seat and get ready for some insightful banter that could just change the way you lead!

Climbing the corporate ladder is like trying to juggle flaming torches—exciting, but one wrong move and it can all come crashing down! In our latest chat with Kevin Wilde, we unpack the critical concept of coachability for leaders. He’s got some serious street cred, with years at companies like General Electric and General Mills, and he’s here to remind us that just because you’ve got a title, it doesn’t mean you’ve got it all figured out. The conversation kicks off with Kevin’s take on the common misconception that comes with promotions—‘I’ve arrived!’ But, as he points out, that’s often when the learning should ramp up, not slow down.

We explore the research behind why many leaders stop seeking feedback and how this can lead to a disconnect with their teams. It turns out that being coachable isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for maintaining engagement and building solid relationships. Kevin shares his insights on how leaders can stay in their ‘learning zone’ by actively seeking feedback and reflecting on their growth. Plus, he offers up actionable tips for fostering a culture that encourages curiosity and openness. So, if you’re looking to elevate your leadership game, this episode is packed with practical advice and a few laughs along the way. Tune in for a refreshing take on what it means to be a leader who’s not just in it for the title, but genuinely invested in growth!

Takeaways:

• Stepping up in leadership doesn't mean you've arrived; it's a continuous learning journey, dude.
• Promotions can lead to a lack of curiosity; don't let confidence blind you from feedback.
• Coachability is a superpower for leaders; it enhances performance and engagement across teams.
• Asking for feedback is crucial, but it requires a mindset shift to be open and humble.
• Engaging in after-action reviews can help foster a learning culture in teams, boosting everyone's growth.
• To build your coachability, seek input actively and practice reflective habits consistently, my friend.

Links referenced in this episode:

Kendall Harrell is a Minneapolis-based C-level HR leader with extensive experience across various industries. In his more than twenty years in human resources, he has helped organizations build, refine, and execute integrated talent strategies…and work in a good laugh from time to time.

An anchoring value of his is to “bring others along”. It informs the way he leads and how he inspires other leaders to do the same. He cares deeply about the success of others and responsibility leadership teams have to take care of the business by taking care of the people.

Today's chat is all about shaking things up in the workplace because let’s be real—it's high time we start rethinking how we do things! We're diving headfirst into the future of work, where traditional norms are being tossed out the window, and I’m here for it. Our guest, Kendall Harrell, brings some serious insights from his years of experience in HR, highlighting how those comfy, old-school practices might just be holding us back. He argues that a little discomfort could spark innovation and growth, and you know what? I couldn't agree more! So, buckle up as we explore how leaders can step up, embrace change, and actually listen to what their teams want, all while keeping it real and fun.

Takeaways:

• This episode dives into how traditional work culture norms are being challenged, especially in the US, which could lead to exciting changes.
• The importance of discomfort in the workplace is emphasized, as it can lead to growth and necessary re-evaluations of business practices.
• Leaders are encouraged to listen to their employees and adapt to their needs, ensuring a balanced employer-employee relationship.
• The discussion highlights the potential for positive change in work environments, driven by employee engagement and community building.
• Kendall shares his journey from fitness to HR, illustrating that career paths can be unpredictable but rewarding when pursued with passion.
• The impact of recent social movements on workplace policies, focusing on transparency and employee rights, is explored as crucial for future work dynamics.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Kendall's Linked In Page
• Kent's Linked In Page
• https://kent.coach

Buckle up, folks! We’re on a wild ride through the shifting sands of the work landscape, and guess what? Kendall Harrell is our trusty guide. In this chat, we grapple with some big ideas like the need for discomfort in a world where comfort has been the norm for too long. Kendall breaks down how traditional workplace expectations, like always being in the office and keeping quiet about pay, are being challenged—and honestly, it’s about time! We’re tackling the tough stuff here, from unions on the rise to the need for leaders to actively listen to their teams. The episode shines a light on the importance of allowing employees to voice their needs and frustrations, because if we’re not careful, we could see social movements popping up in response to workplace inequities. So, whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or supporting someone who is, this episode is jam-packed with insights that'll help you understand how to thrive in the new era of work. It's not just about making it through the day; it’s about making a real impact and pushing for change.

**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