Episodes
![Leadership Through the Djembe Drum with Doug Manuel](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16288100/IMG_6983_ppiw5h_300x300.jpeg)
Friday Mar 29, 2024
Leadership Through the Djembe Drum with Doug Manuel
Friday Mar 29, 2024
Friday Mar 29, 2024
In one of our most unique episodes of Surfacing Leaders yet, host Marc Koehler engages in a profound conversation with Doug Manuel, a rare combination of leadership expert and lifelong student of West African music and culture. This episode takes listeners on a journey exploring the intersection of leadership principles and Doug's passion for playing the ancient rhythms of the Djembe drum.
Drawing from his extensive experiences in rural Africa, Doug shares invaluable leadership insights through captivating anecdotes and personal reflections into the essence of collaboration, underscored by the timeless wisdom of traditional African rituals and community practices.
Listeners are invited to delve into the practical three-step collaboration process as Doug and Marc discuss the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and collective synergy in achieving peak performance and organizational success. The episode highlights the transformative power of rhythm in music and business. It emphasizes the profound lessons it imparts on teamwork, communication, and connection, offering practical insights for leaders.
'Leadership Through the Djembe Drum' offers a deeply thought-provoking exploration of leadership in an unlikely place for seasoned leaders and those just starting their leadership journey. Join us on this enlightening episode to discover the rhythm of leadership and unlock the transformative power of the Djembe drum.
![Empathy as a Performance Driver in Tomorrow's Workplace with Heather McGowan](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16288100/IMG_6983_ppiw5h_300x300.jpeg)
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Empathy as a Performance Driver in Tomorrow's Workplace with Heather McGowan
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Friday Mar 15, 2024
In this episode of Surfacing Leaders, host Marc Koehler engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Heather McGowan, an expert on the future of work and leadership. Heather McGowan shares insights into the evolving work landscape, emphasizing the need for organizations to prioritize empathy as a core value to drive performance. She highlights the importance of understanding diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity to unlock innovation and enhance team productivity.
Throughout the episode, Marc and Heather explore various topics such as the impact of technology on the future of work, the role of leadership in cultivating empathy, and the significance of mission-driven organizations. They discuss the challenges of navigating today's digital age, where social media and echo chambers can hinder meaningful connections and informed decision-making.
Drawing from their own experiences and observations, Marc and Heather underscore the critical role of empathy in driving individual and organizational success. They advocate for a shift towards servant leadership, where leaders prioritize understanding and supporting their teams, ultimately fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and resilience.
![Embracing the Wonder and Rigor of Leadership Creativity with Natalie Nixon](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16288100/IMG_6983_ppiw5h_300x300.jpeg)
Friday Mar 01, 2024
Embracing the Wonder and Rigor of Leadership Creativity with Natalie Nixon
Friday Mar 01, 2024
Friday Mar 01, 2024
Join host Marc Koehler in a conversation exploring leadership, creativity, and the human spirit with brilliant Creativity Strategist Natalie Nixon. In this episode of Surfacing Leaders, Natalie, an expert in anthropology, fashion, and design thinking, takes us on a journey through her unique path of surfacing as a leader and shares invaluable insights into the world of business creativity.
Renowned as the "creativity whisperer for the C-Suite," discover the power of wonder and rigor as essential elements in leadership through Natalie's story and leadership insights. Natalie's framework encourages us to embrace curiosity, experiment fearlessly, and cultivate intuition. As she delves into anthropology, she communicates the importance of being a "clumsy student" in the dance of life.
The conversation explores the evolving landscape of creativity in the age of AI, challenging conventional notions of productivity. Natalie paints a compelling picture of a future where humanity and technology coexist harmoniously, complementing each other.
As a woman in the professional world, Natalie shares her perspectives on the challenges and choices women face, weaving personal stories and generational shifts into the narrative. The episode concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to be brave, ask questions, and foster a culture of inquiry in their teams.
"Embracing the Wonder and Rigor of Leadership Creativity with Natalie Nixon" is a thought-provoking episode that transcends traditional leadership discussions, offering a roadmap for those seeking to unlock their creative potential and inspire innovation in their organizations.
![Developing a Culture of Transparency, Openness, and “Part-Time Leadership” with Chris Dyer](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16288100/IMG_6983_ppiw5h_300x300.jpeg)
Friday Feb 16, 2024
Friday Feb 16, 2024
In this episode of Surfacing Leaders, host Marc Koehler explores the transformative journey of Chris Dyer, a business culture expert, and keynote speaker. They focus on creating a workplace culture centered around transparency, openness, and a unique concept coined by Dyer as "Part-Time Leadership."
The episode navigates through Dyer's experiences and practical advice, highlighting the significance of creating environments where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth. Dyer shares insights into the evolving leadership landscape, emphasizing the importance of leaders adapting to change and encouraging open team communication.
The discussion touches upon embracing failure as a learning tool, fostering a culture that welcomes diverse perspectives, and the role of leaders in continuously improving themselves and their teams. The episode also explores the impact of AI on leadership and envisions a future where technology enhances our lives, allowing more time for creative and fulfilling pursuits.
Join Marc Koehler and Chris Dyer in this insightful conversation as they unravel the layers of leadership, share anecdotes, and inspire listeners to cultivate cultures that empower individuals to thrive personally and professionally.
![The Importance of Cultural Understanding for Today’s Leaders with Marcus Collins](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16288100/IMG_6983_ppiw5h_300x300.jpeg)
Friday Feb 02, 2024
Friday Feb 02, 2024
In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Marcus Collins, an award-winning marketer, cultural translator, and author of the newly released book For The Culture. Marcus shares his remarkable story of surfacing as a leader, from music and tech to his current, prominent roles as Chief Strategy Officer at Wieden+Kennedy New York and marketing professor at the Ross School of Business.
Their conversation highlights Marcus's unique leadership perspective, which straddles both realms of academia and practical marketing experience. Drawing from his background as a startup co-founder, his work on iTunes + Nike sport music initiatives at Apple, and his pivotal role in shaping digital strategy for Beyoncé, Marcus offers a wealth of insights.
The episode emphasizes the importance of:
- Cultural understanding in leadership to create empathy for colleagues and employees
- Shifting from tasks to vision/purpose, drawing examples from historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Steve Jobs.
- Fostering a business culture that aligns with a shared vision, highlighting the challenges leaders face when the workforce needs more belief in the organization's ideologies.
- Understanding different forms of empathy, from automatic, semantic empathy to more intentional, cognitive empathy.
Marcus offers valuable advice for leaders navigating the changing landscape, particularly with the upcoming generational shift. He challenges the notion of generational stereotypes, urging leaders to focus on instilling belief in their organizational culture.
Perfect for seasoned or aspiring leaders, Marcus Collins blends academic wisdom with practical experience, providing valuable insights into the mind of a leader. He offers a roadmap for cultivating effective and empathetic leadership in any industry.
![The Rhythm of Leadership: Hard Rock International, Handbags, and Homelife with Hala Khalaf](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16288100/IMG_6983_ppiw5h_300x300.jpeg)
Friday Jan 19, 2024
Friday Jan 19, 2024
In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast hosted by Marc Koehler, listeners will gain valuable insights from Hala Khalaf's journey of surfacing as a leader. Hala is a multifaceted individual who balances various roles as a leader in the Hard Rock organization, a new mother, and the CEO of her handbag line.
During the conversation, Hala shares her experiences managing the memorabilia department at Hard Rock, where she oversaw a team responsible for curating and showcasing over a thousand iconic pieces globally. She highlights the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and weekly meetings to align the team. The discussion also touches on leadership qualities, emphasizing the significance of humility, adaptability, and the ability to wear various hats.
As the conversation unfolds, Hala shares her experiences as a new mother and a business owner. She provides practical insights into time management, planning, and the significance of prioritizing tasks to maintain a balanced life.
By listening to this episode, you will learn:
- Strategies for managing a team in a dynamic environment by emphasizing effective communication.
- The qualities that make a leader successful in a small, collaborative team setting.
- The importance of staying attuned to societal preferences and evolving design concepts.
- Practical insights into balancing professional responsibilities with motherhood and entrepreneurship.
- A glimpse into visionary leadership, setting aspirations, and collaborating for a meaningful cause.
This episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of leadership dynamics, personal growth, and the intricate balance required to thrive in various aspects of life.
![Inclusive Leadership: Building a Stronger Workforce through Second Chance Redemption](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16288100/IMG_6983_ppiw5h_300x300.jpeg)
Friday Jan 05, 2024
Friday Jan 05, 2024
In Episode 17 “Inclusive Leadership: Building a Stronger Workforce through Second Chance Redemption,” host Marc Koehler engages in a profound conversation with Jeff Korzenik, an economist and author. The episode focuses on the transformative power of today’s business leaders providing second chances to individuals with criminal records - helping them surface from their past as leaders - and how it benefits the workforce, social issues, employment, and economic prosperity.
Jeff Korzenik narrates his journey, drawing from his extensive experience and keen insights, and recognizing the profound impact of social ills on the labor force. The conversation navigates through the opioid epidemic, long-term unemployment, and the detrimental effects of justice system involvement on employability. It is a journey that intertwines personal narratives with alarming societal trends, painting a comprehensive picture of the barriers a significant portion of the workforce faces.
The pivotal moment arrives when Jeff stumbles upon a solution—a beacon of hope found in companies dedicated to offering second chances. He highlights the inspiring work of business leaders in companies like Nehemiah Manufacturing, Butterball Farms, and Shaw Industries, each embracing a model that provides employment opportunities and addresses the intricate challenges faced by individuals with criminal records.
Marc and Jeff discuss these leaders’ innovative approaches, from creating private social worker networks to forming advisory councils. The emphasis is on seamlessly integrating these individuals into the workforce, transforming them into engaged, loyal, and productive employees. They also explore the profound impact of supportive structures, such as mentorship, coaching, and community engagement, in breaking down the barriers that often hinder successful reintegration into the workforce. Jeff shares compelling examples of companies recognizing the human element, thus providing jobs and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
As the conversation unfolds, the discussion shifts to Jeff's book, Untapped Talent, written as a catalyst to propel the dialogue further. Marc and Jeff underscore the importance of business leaders embracing this social responsibility, recognizing the profound impact they can make on individual lives and the overall health of communities and the economy.
Listeners are left inspired and encouraged to reconsider preconceived notions, understanding that providing second chances is not just a social responsibility but a pathway to unleashing untapped potential and creating a positive ripple effect far beyond the individual.
![Hardwired to Learn: A Conversation with Teri Hart](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16288100/IMG_6983_ppiw5h_300x300.jpeg)
Friday Dec 22, 2023
Hardwired to Learn: A Conversation with Teri Hart
Friday Dec 22, 2023
Friday Dec 22, 2023
In this episode of Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Teri Hart, the author of Hardwired to Learn and a seasoned expert in the field of learning and development. Teri, with a background rich in experience, shares insights into the transformative power of continuous learning and the evolving landscape of leadership.
The episode begins by delving into Teri's journey, tracing her career from the Navy to her impactful role as a learning leader. Teri emphasizes the paradigm shift in understanding the brain's ability to generate new stem cells, challenging the notion that adults are incapable of developing them. The conversation evolves to explore neuroplasticity and the limitless potential of learning at any age, a central theme in Teri's book.
The discussion takes an introspective turn as Teri reflects on her own leadership style, emphasizing the importance of being deliberate in leadership roles. She highlights the necessity of creating a system where individuals work collaboratively toward a shared vision, and she emphasizes the role of leadership in fostering a continuous learning culture.
The conversation widens to discuss the dynamic landscape of learning and development in the corporate world. Teri sheds light on the importance of skills such as learning agility, cultural competence, critical thinking, collaboration, and technology fluency in the contemporary workplace. The discussion emphasizes the role of leadership development programs, drawing parallels to the military's laddered approach to skill-building.
As the episode progresses, Teri explores the future of learning and development, foreseeing a shift from content creation to supporting individuals in navigating their unique learning journeys. The episode concludes with a powerful message about the imperative nature of leadership in creating a sustainable future for individuals, companies, and communities.
Listeners are encouraged to explore Teri Hart's book, Hardwired to Learn, a comprehensive guide that challenges preconceptions about learning and inspires a mindset of continuous growth. This episode serves as a beacon for those seeking inspiration and guidance in the realms of leadership and lifelong learning.
Tune in to Surfacing Leaders Podcast for more captivating stories of leaders in unexpected places and the indomitable human spirit that propels us all.