Leading with Curiosity. A Podcast for Modern Leaders.

Summary
In this episode, we sit down with CEO and stand-up comedian Greg Hold, who proves that the journey to success can be a road less travelled. Greg reveals how the courageous art of comedy has sharpened his professional edge, emphasizing the transformative power of clear communication and the strategic role of humour in the business world. He shares his insights on the discipline of his writing process, the crucial necessity of building a strong team, and the patience that is the backbone of great entrepreneurship. This conversation is a powerful reminder to believe fiercely in your own vision and to embrace perseverance—because, as Greg demonstrates, the challenges you face in business and on stage are simply opportunities for your greatest breakthrough.

http://hold.com
https://www.youtube.com/@StandUpCEO
https://www.gregoryhold.com/calendar-comedy

Keywords
comedy, business, confidence, humour, writing process, hiring, perseverance, entrepreneurship, communication, dual career, Greg Hold, The Stand Up CEO

Takeaways

Comedy has given me the confidence to deal with people.
You can lose a room with a small mistake.
Comedy is like working a different muscle.
It's important to make room for comedy in life.
I took about 18 classes over two years to practice comedy.
Comedy shouldn't play a major role in business.
A good sense of humour makes you more likeable.
Authenticity is key when hiring.
Believe in yourself, especially during tough times.
You can retool and find your niche in business.

Sound bites

"Every joke has a victim."
"It's important to hire well."
"Believe in yourself."

Chapters

00:00 The Intersection of Comedy and Business
03:15 The Journey of a Comedian
06:35 Comedy's Role in Professional Life
10:30 Crafting Comedy: The Writing Process
12:49 The Correlation Between Work and Comedy
13:37 Hiring for Success
16:49 Patience and Perseverance in Business
20:37 The Unique Challenges of Comedy
23:00 Adapting to Market Needs
24:31 Finding Your Niche

Summary

In this conversation, CEO of Floyd Consulting Kate Volman (LinkedIn) and Nate Leslie (LinkedIn) discuss what it means to Certify a Dream Manager. They explore the common barriers people face when pursuing their dreams, and the impact this pursuit can have on leadership culture. They face the fear of judgment and self-doubt head on. They emphasize the importance of enjoying the process and learning from experiences rather than focusing solely on outcomes.

Kate is the CEO of a company she could once only dream of leading, author, and host of podcasts Create for No Reason, and Lead With Culture.

Books on Amazon:
Do What You Love: A Guide to Living Your Creative Life Without Leaving Your Job by Kate Volman
The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly

(Please consider shopping using these links to support this podcast)

Takeaways

Many people hesitate to start due to fear.
Caring about others' opinions can hinder progress.
It's essential to enjoy the journey of creation.
Learning and fun should be prioritized over success.
Self-expression is crucial in creative moments.
The process of creating is more important than the result.
Overcoming fear can lead to personal growth.
Engagement in activities can lead to unexpected joy.
Embracing the journey can transform perspectives.

Sound bites

"so many people don't start things because of fear."
"So what you say you want to start a YouTube channel?"
"The journey is the thing."

Summary

In this conversation, Nate Leslie and T.Rowe Price's Chief Investment Officer, Sebastian Page, explore the intersection of youth sports and corporate leadership, focusing on the psychology of performance, stress management, and the importance of valuing the joy of mastery over outcomes.

If you like this episode, check out related conversations in other episodes!

Sebastien is the author of The Psychology of Leadership.

They discuss how stress can impact performance, the role of positive psychology in enhancing engagement, and the necessity for leaders to instil meaning in their teams' work. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of feedback, tracking progress, and the responsibility of leaders to create an environment where individuals can thrive and find purpose in their roles.

Keywords
leadership, psychology, positive psychology, mastery, engagement, stress management, performance, youth sports, business, coaching

Takeaways
The connection between youth sports and corporate leadership is stronger than you might think.
Optimal performance requires a certain level of stress, not zero stress.
Mastery orientation leads to better performance than ego orientation.
Positive psychology focuses on what makes people thrive over time.
Engagement in work is crucial for performance and satisfaction.
Feedback and tracking progress can significantly enhance engagement.
Finding meaning in work is essential for motivation and fulfillment.
Leaders have a responsibility to help their teams find meaning in their work.
Goal-induced blindness can negatively impact performance.
Positive sports psychology can aid leaders in managing their responsibilities.
Mastery vs. Ego: The Key to Performance

Sound bites
"Praise the process, the effort, not just the outcome."
"We have a crisis of engagement in America."
"Goal-induced blindness can hinder performance."

Chapters
00:00 The Connection Between Youth Sports and Leadership
02:54 Understanding Stress and Performance
05:44 Mastery vs. Ego in Sports and Business
09:02 The Role of Positive Psychology
11:45 Engagement and Meaning in Work
14:44 The Importance of Feedback and Progress Tracking
17:53 Finding Meaning in Work
20:48 The Leader's Responsibility in Creating Meaning
23:50 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Psychology

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Nate Leslie and Nick Shelton explore the complexities of introversion and social anxiety. Nick shares his journey from struggling with social interactions to becoming a TEDx speaker (A Creative Solution to Social Anxiety) and author of "An Introvert’s Guide to World Domination". They discuss practical strategies for introverts to navigate social situations, the importance of shifting focus from oneself to the audience, and the power of observation. The conversation emphasizes the value of relationships and how understanding different personality types can enhance communication and connection.

Find Nick at connectedintrovert.com or LinkedIn

Keywords

introversion, social anxiety, public speaking, personal development, networking, TEDx talk, introvert strategies, confidence, relationships, self-improvement

Takeaways

Nick Shelton's journey from social anxiety to public speaking is inspiring.
The concept of a 'uniform' can help manage social anxiety.
Introverts recharge by spending time alone after social interactions.
Setting low expectations for social events can reduce pressure.
Preparation and knowing the next step are crucial for introverts.
Courage is doing something despite feeling scared.
Shifting focus from self to audience enhances public speaking.
Observation is a superpower of introverts in social settings.
Creating space for introverts in conversations is essential.
The quality of our life is determined by the quality of our relationships.

Sound bites
"Just show up. Just be in the room."
"It's not about me, it's about them."

Nick's Bio
Nick Shelton is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, international speaker, and former petroleum chemist who has reinvented himself more than once. After serving in the U.S. Air Force and building a decades-long career in the oil and gas industry, Nick retired early at 49, only to discover that freedom without purpose can feel like a slow collapse.
That crisis led him to rebuild his identity from the ground up, creating a six-phase framework that gave him back clarity, confidence, and direction. Today, he’s the creator of The Reset Button, a reinvention protocol for those navigating, major career shifts, or life transitions who find themselves asking: What’s next?
Nick is also the author of the best selling book An Introvert’s Guide to World Domination, where he helped thousands of quiet professionals thrive in a noisy world. His work has been featured on stages, in university classrooms, and in global podcasts.

Here are the links:
www.connectedintrovert.com
www.resettheman.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasleonshelton/
Book: https://geni.us/anintrovertsguide

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Introversion and Social Anxiety
03:07 Creative Solutions for Social Anxiety
05:50 Understanding Introversion and Energy Dynamics
08:56 Practical Tips for Introverts in Social Settings
11:46 The Journey of Writing and Speaking
14:56 Courage and Confidence in Public Speaking
17:49 Shifting Focus from Self to Audience
20:50 The Fluidity of Introversion and Extroversion
23:45 The Introvert's Superpower: Observation
26:38 Creating Space for Introverts in Conversations

Summary

In this conversation, Joe Bockerstette discusses his book 'Red Cloud Road' and the concept of 'Red Clouds'—the obstacles that prevent organizations from achieving their goals. He explains the Paragon methodology used in his consulting firm, Business Enterprise Mapping, to identify and address these issues. The discussion covers the importance of standardizing processes, engaging employees in improvement efforts, and making it easier for teams to do the right thing. Joe emphasizes the role of leadership in facilitating change and the value of experienced consultants in optimizing workflows.

Buy the Book:
Red Cloud Road: How Strategic Process Management Drives Competitive Advantage

Connect with Joe Bockerstette
LinkedIn
www.businessmapping.com

Keywords
Red Clouds, Strategic Process Management, Paragon Methodology, Quick Wins, Workflow Optimization, Leadership, Change Management, Employee Engagement, Standardization, Business Processes

Takeaways

Red clouds are obstacles preventing organizations from achieving their goals.
The Paragon methodology helps organizations identify and address workflow issues.
50% of red clouds can be resolved as quick wins by frontline employees.
Standardizing processes can lead to greater efficiency and scalability.
Engaging employees in process improvement fosters a culture of ownership.
Leadership plays a crucial role in facilitating change management.
Making it easy to do the right thing is essential for organizational success.
Inadequate data collection often leads to workflow challenges.
Experienced consultants can help organizations redesign processes for better results.
The ideal consultant balances detail orientation with strategic awareness.

Sound Bites

"50% of all Red Clouds are quick wins."
"It's about making it easy to do the right thing."

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Red Clouds and Strategic Process Management
02:59 The Paragon Methodology and Quick Wins
05:44 Identifying and Addressing Systemic Issues
08:57 Standardizing Processes for Efficiency
11:52 Engaging Employees in Process Improvement
15:04 Leadership and Change Management
17:54 Making It Easy to Do the Right Thing
20:48 The Role of Consultants in Workflow Optimization