Your team’s truest potential comes to life when you cultivate an environment of emotional safety. In this episode of Executive Evolution, our host Craig Anderson is joined by Steven Gaffney, President and CEO of Steven Gaffney Company, to share invaluable insights into the heart of effective leadership. Steven shares how creating a culture where communication thrives can prevent the debilitating build-up of issues within your business and offers powerful personal anecdotes, highlighting how speaking up and addressing the unsaid not only alleviates stress but also strengthens teams. Join us as Steven shares his masterclass for those looking to improve their leadership skills and drive meaningful change.   After You Listen: Get your copy of Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip & Dan Heath Connect with Steven on LinkedIn Check out Steven Gaffney Company Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations   Key Takeaways: Cultivate an emotionally safe environment to foster open communication and address problems before they escalateEncourage leaders to elicit unfiltered feedback and make accountable decisions without primarily seeking consensusMentor and coach future leaders to promote leadership development and drive continuous innovation within the organization   Things to listen for: [02:09] Lightning round with Steven [07:25] Mood's have an impact on productivity and interaction [12:17] Communication and problem-solving are crucial for success [14:00] Seek help and support during tough times [19:55] Seek input, but be accountable for your final decision [23:56] Be open, stay alert, reassess and adapt [27:37] What advice Steven would give to her younger self [30:18] Craigs takeaways

Leadership is not always about being center stage. It's about being able to hold other people up, help them feel supported, and guide them to success. In this episode of Executive Evolution, our host Craig Anderson sits down with Liz Higgins, the founder and therapist at Millennial Life Counseling, to dive into her journey as a leader. Liz dives into the importance of relationships, the impact of coaching and mentorship, and the significance of self-awareness in leadership. Join us as Liz shares her wealth of leadership experience and how to navigate the challenging waters of leadership.   After You Listen: Get your copy of Hero on a Mission by Donald Miller Connect with Liz on LinkedIn Check out Millennial Life Counseling Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Authenticity… it’s a word we hear a lot. And leading with authenticity is the key puzzle piece to creating a successful team. In this episode, Kathleen Steffey, CEO and Founder of Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search, joins us to discuss the evolution of her leadership style, the impact of authentic communication on her team and clients, and the importance of maintaining one's spirit amidst the challenges of leadership. Join us as Kathleen shares her how-to guide on leading a successful, passion-filled team.   After You Listen: Get your copy of Geno: In Pursuit of Perfection by Geno Auriemma Connect with Kathleen on LinkedIn Check out Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Becoming a successful leader begins with knowing your ‘why.’ It’s the foundation for building a strong culture and developing an effective team. In this episode, Heather Heuman, CEO and founder of Sweet Tea Social Media Marketing, joins us to share her entrepreneurial wisdom and leadership insights. She brings a unique angle to leading a virtual team, the positives of owning your weaknesses, and understanding your personal ‘why.’ Join us as Heather shares her how-to guide on becoming the best leader you can be, while developing a team and culture that excels.   After You Listen: Get your copy of Start with Why by Simon Sinek Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Check out Sweet Tea Social Marketing Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Roadblocks are a given when it comes to leadership. But it’s how you deal with these roadblocks that matters. In this episode, Rachel Downey, founder, CEO, and Executive Producer of Share Your Genius, joins us to share her personal story into leadership and valuable lessons that can help us navigate our own leadership paths with more confidence and resilience. Join us as we unpack Rachel’s 5 tips to navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and evolving through self-awareness and intentional actions.   After You Listen: Get your copy of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn Check out Share Your Genius Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

The younger generation is the future of leadership. And it’s our responsibility to equip them with the right tools and knowledge to succeed in their leadership roles. In this episode, professor, advisor, and performance coach, Nick Smarrelli, dives into the big challenges faced by young leaders and how to overcome them. He also discusses the the evolution of leadership in the workplace and the importance of understanding individual team members' unique traits rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach. Join us as we share actionable advice for nurturing the next generation of leaders and how to develop them to become successful.   After You Listen: Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

In the fast-paced world of leadership, it's easy to get caught up in the power and status that come with the role. Leading with humility, relating to others, and demonstrating humility can create a more positive and inclusive leadership environment. In this episode, Performance and Executive Coach, Andrea Petrone shares his invaluable insights into the challenges and lessons of transitioning into a C-suite role, particularly the importance of mindset, humility, and clear communication. Join us as we unpack the essential attributes of successful C-suite leaders and explore the journey of evolving into an outstanding executive.   After You Listen: Get your copy of The Five Temptations of a CEO by Patrick Lencioni Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn Check out The World Class Leaders Show Follow Andrea on Youtube Sign up for Andrea’s Newsletter Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

When thinking about sales leadership, there are specific challenges that you’ll go through, but there are also a vast amount of opportunities that arise. In this episode, Matt Nettleton, President at Sandler DBT, joins us to share his insights on the key roles of successful sales leaders, the importance of setting up the right systems and creating a culture where making mistakes are encouraged. He also goes into detail on the long-term practices that contribute to the success of sales leaders. Join us are we share the secrets to mastering sales leadership that unlock doors of opportunities.   After You Listen: Get your copy of The Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko Willink Connect with Matt on LinkedIn Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Discovering your ‘why’ can be tricky. But once you figure that piece out, you can root back to purpose, and growth becomes natural rather than a challenge. In this episode, Matt Cuzzort, Head Coach at Orangetheory Fitness Broad Ripple, joins us to share his journey of becoming a leader in the fitness industry, reflect on his experience of leading through challenges, and how he built a strong team culture. He discusses the importance of seeking mentorship, finding his zone of genius, and maintaining energy through the reinforcement of his ‘why.’ Join us as we unpack Matt's journey and how he used his ‘why’ to shape his evolution as a leader in the fitness industry. After You Listen: Get your copy of Start With Why by Simon Sinek Connect with Matt on Instagram or Facebook Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Diversity of thought is essential for evolution, but a lot of times leaders don’t embrace this opportunity. In this episode, Pete Dunbar, Regional President of American Bank of Freedom, joins us to share actionable advice on the importance of diversity of thought in leadership teams and the value it adds to decision-making processes, the power of intentional, day-to-day leadership, efficient planning, and more. Listen in for more of Pete’s leadership insights and gain a deeper understanding of the power in making room for a range of ideas and perspectives. After You Listen: • Get your copy of Megatrends and by John Nesbitt • Connect with Pete on LinkedIn • Connect with Craig on LinkedIn • Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Your value lies in who you are as an individual, not what you do on a day-to-day basis. In this episode, Jack Hope, President of Hope Plumbing, joins us to discuss why as a leader you have to recognize your unique strengths and the perspective you bring to the table, be it understanding customers, strategic problem-solving, or team development. Along the way, Jack also shares the pivotal moments that led to his growth as a leader. Listen in for more of Jack’s unique leadership insights and a deeper understanding of the power of having a formula for how you want to lead. After You Listen: • Get your copy of The Trial and Death of Socrates by Plato and Good to Great by Jim Collins • Learn more about Hope Plumbing • Connect with Craig on LinkedIn • Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Public speaking is hard, but does it have to be? For a long time the answer was ‘yes’ for Lori Byrd, President and Co-Founder of 1909 Digital. Quiet classrooms and museums were her comfort zone and then she found herself standing on stages talking to international audiences. In this episode, Lori shares her insights and experiences as a leader in the digital marketing industry, offering valuable lessons on public speaking, co-creation, and building a strong team culture. Listen in to learn some of Lori’s quick tricks for showing up more confidently when all eyes are on you and to hear why your mindset around the audience’s point of view needs to change.   After You Listen: • Get your copy of Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire • Connect with Craig on LinkedIn • Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching • Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

“If you've not crashed, you're not driving fast enough.” Those words of wisdom come from Lyn St. James, a professional race car driver and motivational speaker. In this episode, our guest, Melissa St. John, CEO and Owner of Relocation Strategies, explains how she took that concept and applied it to her leadership journey. Many leaders are held back by the fear that they might not be qualified enough to lead and resort to playing it safe. But as Melissa shares her story of becoming a leader for the first time—when she bought the company she’s currently led for almost 17 years—she reminds us you can always lean on the experience of others and the power of questions to overcome any challenge as a leader. Listen to discover why you shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes or “crash” as you navigate each new turn your leadership journey presents.   After You Listen: • Learn more about the Indiana Conference for Women • Connect with Craig on LinkedIn • Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching • Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Having a servant heart allows leaders to help their people shine and succeed, and who wouldn’t want that? In this episode we’re joined by Jim Eickhoff, President and CEO of Creative Dining Services. He shares valuable lessons on effective leadership, the importance of authenticity, and the impact of creating a vision that puts the team first. Join us as we explore Jim's experiences, his unique approach to developing genuine connections, and the role of mentorship in achieving success. After You Listen: • Get your copy of Leadership Jazz by Max De Pree • Connect with Craig on LinkedIn • Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching • Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

As leaders, we often strive to obtain the best information possible, but the reality is perfect information is a rarity. In this episode, Dennis McLaughlin, Chief Financial Officer at Fortis, shares his experiences of moving forward without perfect information and how they have shaped him into a better leader. Along the way, Dennis sheds light on the value of extreme ownership, the importance of leading by example, and the challenges of transitioning from a peer to a manager. Listen in for valuable insights and practical lessons on decision-making, accountability, and navigating the complexities of leading diverse teams. After You Listen: • Get your copy of Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink • Connect with Craig on LinkedIn • Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching • Check out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Giving feedback is often seen as a potential source of conflict and so the hope becomes the situation will magically change without intervention. That is rarely the case which is why sharing and receiving is so critical for leaders. In this episode, Ashley Monk, Founder and CEO of Onya, with her wealth of experience in leadership and building a successful business, provides invaluable insights on how to give feedback effectively. She emphasizes the importance of personal development and self-awareness for leaders, addressing the personal bottlenecks that may hinder growth. Ashley's biggest lesson is that leadership is about influence, not simply barking orders or relying on positional authority. Tune in to learn from Ashley's journey and gain practical tips on giving feedback, developing self-awareness, and becoming a leader worth following. After You Listen: Get your copy of The Big Leap by Gay HendricksConnect with Craig on LinkedInLearn more about ClearPath Consulting and CoachingCheck out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

When you’re still an employee, it’s easy to want to be hands-on with everything you do. But you can’t act the same way as a leader. You can set the vision, but you have to trust your team enough to turn it into a reality. In this episode, Brian Schools, President and CEO of Chartway Credit Union, shares how he’s learned the value of learning to step back, not just to empower his team to become leaders themselves, but to make better business decisions. Along the way, you’ll also be reminded why sometimes the best option isn’t to act, but to take a pause instead. After You Listen: Get your copy of The Next Level by Scott Eblin and The Trusted Leader by David HorsagerConnect with Brian on LinkedInVisit Chartway and the Chartway Promise FoundationConnect with Craig on LinkedInLearn more about ClearPath Consulting and CoachingCheck out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

When you become a leader of a small company, the team becomes a witness to your growth. That might also mean being with you on days when you aren’t your best. But how you handle moments of frustration at the team goes a long way towards forging the leader you aim to be. In this episode, Adam Weber, SVP of Community at 15Five and host of the HR Superstars podcast, shares how he overcame the struggles of falling into the leadership role unexpectedly. Listen to learn why landing a leadership position might not actually mean the end of your growth journey, but the beginning of one. After You Listen: Get your copy of Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up by Jerry ColonaListen to HR SuperstarsConnect with Craig on LinkedInLearn more about ClearPath Consulting and CoachingCheck out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

How transparent are you with your team? How about your clients? In this episode, Travis Brown, the CEO of Mojo Up Marketing + Media, shares how knowing oneself and being comfortable with who you are is essential for effective leadership. Openly acknowledging and taking ownership of mistakes demonstrates authenticity and a commitment to continuous leadership improvement. Listen in as Travis encourages leaders to reflect on their own leadership journeys and consider the role of character and humility in their approach. After You Listen: Get your copy of Becoming a Person of Influence: How to Positively Impact the Lives of OthersConnect with Craig on LinkedInLearn more about ClearPath Consulting and CoachingCheck out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Leaders experience challenges you can never truly understand until you’ve sat in that chair yourself. It’s what makes the role so difficult; at the same time, it can unleash your resourcefulness to influence others and do everything you can to enable your business to thrive. In this episode, Santiago Jaramillo, three-time exited CEO turned Executive Coach, talks about how he’s overcome the challenges of leadership, especially in times when he was unsure of how he was going to deliver on his promises to stakeholders. Listen in to understand you aren’t alone in your struggles and doubts as a leader, and why it’s okay for you not to have the skills of a one-person team. After You Listen: Get your copy of Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up by Jerry ColonaVisit WithSanti.comConnect with Craig on LinkedInLearn more about ClearPath Consulting and CoachingCheck out Craig’s monthly free training on holding difficult conversations