Are you making it easier for them to win?

I can now get a Mountain Dew at Subway. The sandwiches are the same as they’ve always been, but now I can get a delicious, ice cold Mountain Dew to accompany the meal. That changes my calculus when choosing a spot to grab a quick bite to eat. In a similar way, your leadership can be the frosty Mountain Dew … Read More

Bridging Journalism and Leadership with Amy Nordrum

In this episode, I sit down with Amy Nordrum, Executive Editor at MIT Technology Review and one of the sharpest minds working at the intersection of journalism, technology, and leadership. Amy shares what it’s like to lead a newsroom that covers emerging tech while producing some of MIT Tech Review’s most influential projects — including the “10 Breakthrough Technologies” list … Read More

Fight the waves or learn to surf

I recently saw a video of a guy learning to surf. He was clearly very new to the sport and spent the majority of the video in the ocean instead of on his surfboard. Every attempt to stand was a battle between his body, his board, and a massive uncaring ocean. Stiff arms and wobbly knees, fighting for balance and … Read More

From Locker Room to Leadership with Brock Anundson

What do Michael Phelps, Pearl Jam, and Arctic engineering have in common? This conversation with Dr. Brock Anundson, Athletic Director at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, weaves them all together in the most delightful way. Brock shares stories from his early days working with Olympic athletes (including a great Phelps anecdote), playing in garage bands, and climbing the ranks of … Read More

It’s time to let go

On a recent camper adventure, Nicole and I were talking about what we enjoyed most about camping. My answer: having the explicit license to not be productive. I am often so compelled to be working on something that spending AN ENTIRE WEEKEND without a project is a rarity. It’s not that I can’t find a way to kill a rainy … Read More

The Art of Letting Go with Tara Landes

In this episode, I sit down with Tara Landes, founder of Bellrock Benchmarking and a master of making leadership development feel both human and doable. We talk about the hidden costs of not delegating, the difference between delegation and dumping, and why most leaders accidentally train their teams to depend on them. Tara shares a framework for understanding growth stages—from … Read More

It was never supposed to be original

In a recent 10 day span I attended 4 graduations.  From a 3-hour marathon, to a crisp 60-minute sprint, I saw four people I love graduate from four different schools with one common denominator: everything. I’m sure this is going to sound a little cynical and act as the perfect reminder that I am aging rapidly, but when you hear … Read More

Don’t you dare waste a mistake

Some of you will think I’m crazy, but focusing your effort on creating an environment in which mistakes never happen is impractical. It’s like trying to go for a swim without getting wet. Here’s a better alternative: create an environment in which no mistakes are wasted. Mistakes are inevitable. Growth is optional. The worst kind of mistake is one that … Read More

Creating an Army of Smart Risk Takers with Charlie Leonelli

Charlie Leonelli, the Chief Administrative Officer at MAC Federal Credit Union, joins Leadership Huddle to talk about leading with consistency, building trust through failure, and why he treats volleyball games like real-world social media. We explore the art of growing people at their own pace, embracing mistakes as data, and creating a culture where taking smart risks is safe—and expected. … Read More

You don’t have to be a perfect leader

When I was growing up – back in the dark ages before you could skip commercials – there were a series of ads on TV encouraging people to become foster parents. The message was simple: you don’t have to be a perfect parent to become a foster parent, you just have to care. It seems that a major impediment to … Read More

Everyone Gets This Wrong

You’re going to think I’m crazy for saying this, but helping your people grow doesn’t take a lot of time. Sure, it takes discipline and intentionality to show up when you don’t feel like it, but it doesn’t take as much time as you are afraid it will. You’re likely worried you need to make massive investments to make a … Read More

Creating a Culture People Believe In with Travis Million

In this episode, I sit down with Travis Million, President and CEO of Golden Valley Electric Association, to talk about leadership that actually serves people — not just machines. Travis shares insights from his 25+ years in the utility industry, how growing up on a farm shaped his leadership approach, and why breaking down complex ideas into plain English is … Read More

This Should Be Working. It’s Not. Now What?

I’ve been sitting here for a while now, trying to write this essay. Not procrastinating. Not distracted. Just…stuck. I have plenty of other things to do today, and every time I look at the clock it seems to have changed time zones. I’ve jotted half-thoughts, re-read old notes, written half an essay 3 times….but nothing is quite clicking. And then … Read More

Creating a Culture Where People Actually Speak Up with Stephen Shedletzky

What does it really take to create a culture where people feel safe enough to speak up—and bold enough to do it? In this insightful and laugh-filled episode, I sit down with Stephen “Shed” Shedletzky, author of Speak-Up Culture and longtime collaborator of Simon Sinek, to explore the nuances of what makes or breaks psychological safety at work. We unpack … Read More

You’re doing better than you think

The one glaring problem with assuming a posture of growth and forward motion is that it can be easy to focus exclusively on what is lacking without taking time to acknowledge the progress you’ve already made. You certainly have room to grow. We all do. But this is your friendly reminder that you’re doing better than you think. How do … Read More