Surfacing Leaders

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has an insightful conversation with Dr. Fergus Connolly, an expert in high performance and leadership. They discuss the essential qualities of authentic leadership and high-performing teams.

Fergus shares his experiences from his diverse career in sports, business, and military environments. He emphasizes the human element in leadership, focusing on three core principles: honesty, humility, and hard work. These attributes, he argues, are the foundation for sustained success and continuous improvement, going beyond conventional metrics and technology.

Listeners will find valuable lessons in Fergus's anecdotes, such as his experiences with elite sports teams and the military, where calm and calculated responses to crises are crucial. He also shares insights on the role of technology in enhancing performance, noting that while it can provide valuable data and raise standards, the nuanced understanding and application of this information are where true leaders excel.

The episode concludes with actionable advice for aspiring leaders:

- Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities.

- Remain humble.

- Commit to hard, meaningful work.

Join us in this episode to uncover the principles that elevate leadership and performance. These principles are not exclusive but universal, and you can learn how to integrate these timeless values into your own journey.

In the latest episode of Surfacing Leaders, host Marc has an in-depth and insightful conversation with best-selling author and caring leadership expert Heather Younger. Heather, an expert in workplace dynamics and leadership development, shares her journey and experiences promoting empathetic leadership within organizations.

The discussion starts with Heather reflecting on her early career and the pivotal moments that shaped her perspective as she surfaced as a leader. Heather emphasizes the importance of listening and empathy in leadership and how genuine care for employees enhances organizational culture and drives tangible improvements in employee satisfaction and performance. She also underscores the role of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership, encouraging leaders to embrace these qualities as they navigate challenges and foster trust among their teams. From addressing diversity and inclusion to navigating difficult conversations, Heather offers strategies that resonate with seasoned leaders and emerging professionals.

As the conversation concludes, Heather leaves listeners with a call to action: cultivating a workplace culture where caring leadership is not just a philosophy but a guiding principle. She emphasizes that leaders can transform organizational dynamics and pave the way for sustainable success by prioritizing empathy, understanding, and genuine concern for their teams.

"The Transformative Power of Caring Leadership with Heather Younger" is a must-listen for anyone aspiring to lead with empathy and positively impact their professional sphere.

In one of our most inspiring episodes of the Servicing Leaders podcast yet, Marc interviews Robert Paylor, an exceptional individual who has transformed tragedy into triumph. Rob shares his journey from being a promising athlete to facing a life-altering spinal cord injury that left him quadriplegic, with doctors saying he would never walk or use his arms again. Despite his immense challenges, Rob's resilience, optimism, and unwavering faith have propelled him on a path of purpose and enormous impact.

Rather than let this tragedy define him, Rob used it as a catalyst for an extraordinary journey of redefining what is possible. Through an unbreakable vision and years of relentless determination, Rob can now walk 400 yards, stand to receive his diploma from UC Berkeley's top-ranked Haas School of Business, and share the mental tools that have helped him persevere through paralysis as an inspirational speaker. 

Throughout the podcast, you'll hear about Rob's daily routines and habits that help him maintain a positive mindset and focus on his goals. From waking up to his daily workouts and meaningful interactions with his wife, Rob exemplifies the power of discipline and gratitude in overcoming adversity. Rob's transition from a collegiate athlete to a motivational speaker is a testament to his personal growth and resilience. As he shares his story and empowers others to overcome their own challenges, he discovers a deeper purpose. His journey, from shedding old identities to embracing new roles, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for listeners facing their own obstacles.

Listeners will walk away from this episode with a renewed sense of purpose and a reminder that despite adversity, there is always room for growth, resilience, and finding one's true calling. Join Marc Koehler and Rob Paylor on this transformative journey from paralyzed to powerful, where hope, optimism, and the human spirit shine brightest.

In this episode of "Surfacing Leaders," host Marc Koehler interviews guest James Hewitt, an expert in cognitive performance, to discuss high-performance leadership. Hewitt draws parallels between the demanding environment of Formula One racing and leadership and shares insights into the importance of mastering effort and recovery for sustained success.

Combining first-hand experience as a full-time racing cyclist with over 15 years of ground-breaking work and research, proven on Formula 1 tracks and Fortune 500 companies, Hewitt emphasizes the critical role of intentional practices in achieving peak performance. He highlights how leaders can optimize their cognitive endurance while prioritizing their well-being by delving into the concept of effort and recovery. 

Drawing from his experiences working with Formula One drivers and teams, Hewitt explores the iterative nature of improvement, where failure is reframed as an opportunity for growth. Hewitt discusses the significance of psychological safety within teams, where open communication and a shared commitment to learning foster resilience and innovation. 

Hewitt also shares practical strategies for calibrating organizational accountability and problem-solving, drawing on the three Ps model—pervasiveness, permanence, and personalization.

Through engaging anecdotes and thought-provoking insights, this episode offers a compelling roadmap for navigating the intersection of effort, recovery, and leadership excellence.

In this episode, Marc Koehler engages in an insightful dialogue with  Liz Wiseman, a leadership expert and best-selling author of the books Multipliers and Impact Players, among others. The conversation delves deep into the essence of impactful leadership and strategies for multiplying one's influence within organizations.

Throughout the episode, Wiseman shares invaluable insights from her extensive research and experiences. She emphasizes embracing ambiguity and uncertainty, showcasing how impactful leaders navigate challenging situations where others may falter. Wiseman's concept of "ordinary contributors" versus "impact players" sheds light on the qualities that distinguish exceptional leaders, emphasizing adaptability, initiative, and a willingness to tackle complex problems head-on.

The discussion also explores the role of leaders in fostering a culture of engagement and purpose within teams. Wiseman highlights the significance of connection and community in the workplace, emphasizing that meaningful work doesn't always involve grandiose missions but can be found in honorable tasks performed alongside dedicated colleagues.

Drawing parallels from Wiseman's research and Koehler's personal experiences, the episode offers practical and applicable advice for both aspiring and seasoned leaders. By embracing naivete, navigating dynamic environments, and empowering others to succeed, leaders can amplify their impact and foster a culture of collaboration and growth within their organizations, thereby empowering the audience with actionable strategies.

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.

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.

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.