Leadership starts with you. In this episode, special guest Wendy Watson discusses how small steps can lead to big leadership and personal growth transformations. Learn about: The power of self-awareness and self-ownership in shaping your path. Key insights from Wendy’s book, Verbal Turbulence , where intentional listening is the key to effective communication. The 70-20-10 communication rule that reveals the personal nature of most conversations. Discover Wendy’s five pillars of change—self-lead...
Nov 28, 2024•37 min•Season 7Ep. 182
Think hiring the right person guarantees success? Think again. You found the perfect hire, but they’re gone in six months. Why? It’s not just about skills—it’s about navigating hidden power dynamics and unspoken rules. In this episode, we uncover the 7 critical challenges every new hire faces, including: Identifying who has the real power (hint: it’s not always their boss). Dealing with powerbrokers and gatekeepers who control access. Understanding the ingrained habits and culture that resist ch...
Nov 21, 2024•40 min•Season 7Ep. 181
Ever had a new hire leave within months due to team resistance? It’s more common than you think. This episode covers: The importance of finding a cultural fit while upgrading team skills. How to handle team pushback when introducing new talent. Proven strategies to respond to feedback and maintain harmony during change. Tune in to discover how to turn team resistance into an opportunity for growth and retention. Denise Cooper and our returning guest, Pamela Richards, CEO Cornerstone Success, del...
Nov 14, 2024•36 min•Season 7Ep. 180
Managing a growing business? In this episode, Cary Prejean and I cover three powerful strategies to help you lead more effectively: Streamline Financial Insights : Learn how to make quick, data-driven decisions by simplifying financial management. Communicate with Confidence : Explore how impactful communication is rooted in self-awareness, which builds trust and critical thinking in your team. Boost Employee Engagement : Empower your employees and enhance performance through relationship-buildi...
Nov 07, 2024•37 min•Season 7Ep. 179
In this inspiring episode, host Denise Cooper speaks with Russell Harvey, the Resilience Coach, about what it takes to nurture, build, and leverage resilience to make a lasting impact. Whether your goal is to influence 100 people or 100,000, the ability to stay mentally strong in the face of challenges is crucial. Russell and Denise discuss the importance of having a clear purpose or vision—something that drives and invigorates you when times get tough. However, many struggle to define their vis...
Oct 31, 2024•42 min•Season 7Ep. 178
Deborah Walsh, the CEO of Deborah Walsh Executive Search, joins host Denise Cooper in this episode to discuss the pressing issues HR leaders face as they navigate talent shortages, shifting demographics, and evolving business demands. As birth rates decline and more employees retire, HR must rethink traditional work and talent acquisition approaches. Denise and Deborah explore how HR can gain the CEO's attention and move their agenda forward in a crowded field of priorities. They discuss strateg...
Oct 24, 2024•35 min•Season 7Ep. 177
In this episode, host Denise Cooper discusses the future of work with Pamela Richards, CEO of Cornerstone Success, as they tackle one of the biggest challenges executives face today: bringing employees back to the office. With some leaders mandating a full return to in-person work and others experimenting with hybrid models, the transition is causing disruption, increased turnover, and challenges in recruiting top talent. Denise and Pamela dive deep into how executives can create, adjust, and su...
Oct 17, 2024•42 min•Season 7Ep. 176
In this episode, Denise Cooper speaks with Randy Ross, CEO of Remarkable, to uncover key leadership insights based on his upcoming book, Remarkable . Together, they explore how the principles of axiology—understanding values and worth—play a crucial role in effective leadership. Randy discusses aligning actions with values to create a positive impact on both personal and professional levels. The conversation also highlights emotional health, well-being, and the role of gratitude, hope, and probl...
Oct 10, 2024•37 min•Season 7Ep. 175
Question: What's the value of being able to have uncomfortable conversations around DEI masterfully? How much more could you company prosper if you could increase your business by attracting diverse buyers? In this podcast, Denise Cooper and her guest, Dietra Giles, an international consultant, speaker, and corporate trainer, delve into the intricacies of leadership, focusing on the often-overlooked skill of conversational competence. Today's insightful podcast discussion explores how effective ...
Oct 03, 2024•45 min•Season 7Ep. 174
C-Suite executives: Are your systems stuck in the past while your work evolves at warp speed? Does your leadership team need to learn new management skills to stay competitive? Are you confident your leadership team can capitalize on the promise of AI or will they stay stuck in the past? In today's rapidly changing workplace, traditional leadership styles just don't cut it anymore. This episode features a compelling conversation between Jennifer Simpson and Denise Cooper, where they delve into t...
Mar 29, 2024•43 min•Season 7Ep. 173
Navigate Work's Cultural Labyrinth! From language blunders to identity awakenings, this episode dives deep into, Loren Rosario-Maldonado, a leader who cracked the code of cultural intelligence. Be captivated by hearing her very personal journey of discovery as a minority woman who learns about her own biases and how they impact work. Hear how miscommunication can impact relationships & why enforcing one language can be divisive. Explore ideas on the challenges when you are forced to do self-...
Feb 29, 2024•41 min•Season 7Ep. 172
Feeling emotionally drained at work? You're not alone. This podcast cuts through the usual productivity hacks and dives deep into the often-ignored issue of trauma in the modern workplace. Join Pamela Richards and Denise Cooper, seasoned experts in leadership and well-being, as they tackle the hidden wounds impacting our teams and our performance. Here's what you'll discover: Hidden faces of trauma: Recognize the various forms trauma can take, from major events to chronic stress, and understand ...
Feb 22, 2024•35 min•Season 7Ep. 171
New job jitters? Fear not, newbie! This podcast is your ultimate guide to crushing your onboarding and thriving in your new role. Join Debbie and Denise, your friendly HR experts, as they peel back the layers of the onboarding process and reveal the secrets to a smooth and successful transition. Whether you're a nervous new hire or an employer eager to make a great first impression, this podcast has something for you. Get ready to: Uncover the challenges of remote onboarding and discover strateg...
Feb 15, 2024•41 min•Season 7Ep. 170
In this episode, Dr. Fiona Peters and Denise Cooper engage in a thought-provoking discussion on embracing ADHD and neurodiversity. Dr. Peters shares her personal journey of self-acceptance and the impact of her ADHD diagnosis on her life. We explore the challenges Dr. Peters faced before her diagnosis, its toll on her self-worth, and the transformative power of self-acceptance. Discover how embracing your uniqueness can lead to a more fulfilling life. Dr. Peters emphasizes the importance of ener...
Feb 08, 2024•37 min•Season 7Ep. 169
Is your workplace just going through the motions? Tired of the endless stream of leadership books and "happy at work" platitudes that never seem to make a difference? This podcast cuts through the noise and gets to the heart of what truly creates thriving, engaged workplaces. Join Denise Cooper and Robyn Garrett, seasoned experts in workplace dynamics, as they peel back the layers and reveal the hidden culprits behind employee discontent. From leadership gaps to outdated learning styles, they de...
Feb 01, 2024•38 min•Season 7Ep. 168
This episode takes a critical look at the role of Human Resources (HR) in the evolving landscape of the modern workplace. Denise Cooper and Deborah Walsh explore whether HR practices have kept pace with the rapid changes in work culture, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, technological advancements, and shifting employee expectations. Deborah and Denise talk about the skills, wisdom, and abilities of HR professionals to successfully connect and enable the business to grow and endure t...
Jan 26, 2024•38 min•Season 7Ep. 167
In this thought-provoking episode, Denise Cooper and Pamela Brooks delve into the often-overlooked topic of trauma in the workplace. They discuss how the changing dynamics of the modern work environment, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to increased feelings of loneliness, depression, and isolation among employees. We talk about why executives don't handle conflict and in not doing so, increase the number of unhealthy practices that become part of the organization's culture. Key To...
Jan 19, 2024•35 min•Season 7Ep. 166
Ready to unleash the power of relationships and well-being in your organization? Join Jamie Shapiro and Denise Cooper as they dive deep into the critical connection between human connection, self-care, and leadership excellence. This episode is your roadmap to building thriving teams, overcoming burnout, and creating a sustainable culture of inspiration. Discover: The secret sauce of high-performing teams: Learn how trust, psychological safety, and personalized well-being strategies ignite team ...
Jan 11, 2024•42 min•Season 7Ep. 165
Is your workplace silently sinking in a swamp of disrespect and dysfunction. This episode, Denise and her guest Kimberly Benoit dive deep into the hidden world of toxic workplaces, exposing the subtle be workplace behaviorss environment. We'll bust the myth that only "bullies" and the "mean girl" are to blame. You'll discover how casual observers, silent witnesses, and even well-meaning leaders can unknowingly perpetuate the problem. Get ready to: Unmask the "crazy": Learn how to recognize the e...
Jan 04, 2024•45 min•Season 7Ep. 164
Positivity Poison: The Toxic Reality of Forced Optimism in the Workplace . In this episode, you could explore how an excessive focus on positivity can lead to a culture where genuine concerns are brushed aside, difficult conversations are avoided, and real issues go unaddressed. This kind of "fake it 'til you make it" mentality can breed resentment and undermine employee morale, productivity, and well-being. Let's dive into the dark side of positivity! For many of us, we were taught always to ha...
Dec 29, 2023•32 min•Season 6Ep. 163
In 2024, leaders may grapple with uncertainty and a sense of urgency as they navigate the complex and emotionally charged process of transformation. While the drive for change is crucial, balancing it with empathy and attention to the human element is equally important. Leading transformation is no easy feat - it requires a delicate balance of strategy, execution, and people management. As a hiring executive, it's crucial to identify internal talent who possess not only the necessary skills but ...
Dec 22, 2023•36 min•Season 6Ep. 162
Tired of the same old HR-executive drama? As an executive, do you question whether you're getting enough value from your HR department? Do you feel HR isn't preparing your company for the future? CHROs are worried that your team is myriad in the past and not staying relevant or preparing for the future. Can your HR Business Partners convince managers to change and develop their leadership skills? Well, it's time to reinvent the relationship and unlock your team's true potential. In this episode,...
Dec 15, 2023•38 min•Season 6Ep. 161
Have you ever wanted to ask for a raise, find out why something happened, or frame a question to encourage collaboration? We've all heard there is a "right way to ask a question." Chances are, if you were faced with any of these three questions, you've struggled to get the answers you want or need. Brian Gibkowski, our guest today, has a new book called Answer Intelligence: Raise Your AQ (IQ). The most interesting thing I learned was how often we ask lazy questions that aren't aimed at getting t...
Dec 08, 2023•39 min•Season 6Ep. 160
When Robert Sutton wrote the book, The No "A**hole" Rule , he received over 8,000 emails from people who were or are managed by a toxic boss. Research shows about 65% of bosses are toxic. How can anyone be successful if you work for a toxic boss? Does the toxic boss know they are an "A**hole"? Why do executives and HR tolerate the horrendous impact of toxic bosses on employees, productivity, and the bottom line? Do organizations breed toxic bosses? In this episode, we'll delve into the detriment...
Dec 01, 2023•41 min•Season 6Ep. 159
Toxic positivity has become a prevalent issue in the workplace, with several studies highlighting its widespread impact. 67.8% of respondents in a Science of People survey reported experiencing toxic positivity from someone in the past week. More than 75% of respondents in the same survey admitted that they "sometimes, often, or very often ignore their own emotions in favor of being happy." Source: Science of People survey, 2023 But why should an executive or even a manager care? What’s wrong wi...
Nov 18, 2023•33 min•Season 6Ep. 158
In today's episode, Denise Cooper and returning guest regular Deborah Snow Walsh delve into the essential role of HR in navigating the shift from change to transformation in organizations. We're talking about turnover. Listen as Deborah talks about the hidden costs and drivers of turnover. I promise it's not what you think and costs you more than you might be aware. Learn why hiring the wrong person creates conflict in your organization. We'll review resumes carefully, develop a list of question...
Sep 21, 2023•38 min•Season 6Ep. 157
Have you ever wondered how to create a safer and more supportive workplace? In this episode, Denise Cooper, our host, delves into the world of workplace psychological safety with an expert in the field. Join us as we interview Linda R. Crockett, a renowned figure in workplace psychological safety, who brings over 34 years of experience to the table. Cooper's conversation with Linda explores various facets of workplace psychological safety. In this episode, they discuss the definition of psycholo...
Sep 15, 2023•38 min•Ep. 156
Ever wondered what it takes to build a healthcare ecosystem that works for everyone, including small town communities? Breck L. Rice is here to answer this, explaining his mission to remove the middle man in healthcare. In this detailed episode, Denise Cooper engages in a lively conversation with Breck L. Rice, a visionary working tirelessly to bridge the disparities in healthcare across different demographic and geographic landscapes. With a background in revenue cycle management and risk mitig...
Sep 08, 2023•37 min•Ep. 155
How can we change our workplaces and societies to be more inclusive and understanding of neurodiverse individuals? In this deeply insightful episode, our host Denise Cooper sits down with Say Gabriel, the founder of Growing Mighty Leaders, to discuss a topic we often overlook but significantly impacts 15% of our population: neurodiversity. Say, who got her start as an unemployed graduate before forming a digital content agency and eventually pivoting into her current venture, has a unique backgr...
Sep 01, 2023•40 min•Ep. 154
Have you ever wondered how neuroscience can be utilized to enhance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within an organization? In what ways can we use data and a tech-driven approach to build diverse, inclusive teams that set new records in productivity? In this intriguing episode, our host, Denise Cooper, is interviewing Diana File, the founder and CEO of DF Analytics. With a background in organizational psychology and expertise in workforce analytics, team building, and conflict resolution,...
Aug 25, 2023•36 min•Ep. 153
