Leadership coach Mark Watson to dive deep into needs-based communication, a powerful framework rooted in the work of Marshall Rosenberg and popularised through Nonviolent Communication.

Tune into this episode as we unpack how this four-step approach – starting with the facts, naming feelings, identifying needs, and making clear requests – can transform the way leaders connect, build trust, and navigate challenging conversations. Mark also shares how mastering authentic communication isn't just for conflict resolution but is foundational for thriving teams and organisations.

In this episode, we explore:

(00:00) Introduction

(05:38) Leading with strategy and clear communication

(08:28) Using NVC (Nonviolent Communication) as a leadership tool

(11:07) The difference between feelings and judgments

(15:05) When a CEO shuts down input in a meeting

(18:22) Connecting feelings to underlying needs

(21:27) Doing the inner work to resolve conflict

(23:49) The legacy of nonviolent communication

(26:28) The power of observing and asking

(31:16) Building empathy through compassionate communication

(34:03) Authentic leadership through better communication

Connect with Mark Watson here:

Mark Watson’s LinkedIn

McLean Watson Website

The Center for Nonviolent Communication

Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

Decision-making isn’t just about data, it’s about judgment, emotion, and leadership under pressure. Phil Neil, CEO of Founders Compass, brings a powerful perspective shaped by building a $70M company and losing it in a devastating fire.

Phil reveals how leaders can cut through information overload, develop sharper intuition, and navigate emotional patterns that influence critical decisions. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, clarity, and leading yourself before you lead others.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(02:00) Introduction and Phil Neil’s background

(05:33) Pressure, founders and inner resilience

(12:13) Finding your anchor

(14:36) Leading yourself through hard moments

(16:26) Leadership archetypes and personal transformation

(20:30) Personality patterns and better decisions

(23:44) Courage without a clear plan

(29:46) Building self-awareness and balance

(32:33) Mindful decisions and strategic clarity

(35:28) Better leaders build better businesses

Connect with Phil Neil here:

Phil Neil on LinkedIn

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

As a political refugee who crossed three countries before finding home in Canada, Anne-Marie Pham turned her lived experience into a career dedicated to creating workplaces where everyone belongs. She is now the Vice President of Engagement at the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. In this episode, Anne-Marie unpacks why leadership demands courage and a willingness to get uncomfortable. She shares practical frameworks leaders can use today, along with mindset shifts that transform diversity from a checkbox into a superpower.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(00:00) Building inclusion across Canada

(04:23) Embracing industry collaboration challenges

(07:44) Building inclusive, equitable workplaces

(11:32) Six traits of inclusive leadership

(15:08) Courage, accountability and collaboration

(17:41) Embracing cultures with open minds

(23:35) Flexible holidays for inclusion

(27:51) Understanding cultural influences in leadership

(31:12) Shared responsibility in leadership feedback

(33:01) Future of work and immigration

(36:13) Diversity resources and programs offered

Connect with Andrea Seale here:

Anne-Marie Pham on LinkedIn

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

Today, we’re exploring how neuroscience and technology are reshaping leadership with Jaime Lama from the NeuroLeadership Institute. As a psychologist with 30 years in HR and consulting, Jaime brings deep expertise in guiding organisations through change.

Jaime breaks down how the brain drives behaviour, from survival instincts to the role of emotions in decision-making. We discuss emotional regulation, unconscious bias and how leaders can better understand the unconscious drivers behind daily choices. Whether you lead a small team or thousands, you’ll gain practical insights on psychological safety, growth mindset, and the human skills technology can’t replace.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(05:58) Origins of the brain’s organisational principles

(07:55) Brain’s threat detection network

(12:47) Experience bias and brain function

(16:15) Bias in AI and how to navigate it

(19:42) How our brains evolved for survival

(21:40) Amplified intelligence through AI collaboration

(25:26) Dynamics of AI and human growth

(28:58) Evolving brains for collaborative leadership

(30:31) Clarity and mental health during COVID

(33:49) Psychological safety boosts performance

(39:24) Leadership accountability in changing times

(40:31) Leadership and trust dynamics

Connect with Jaime Lama here:

Connect with Jaime Lama on LinkedIn

NeuroLeadership Institute on LinkedIn

NeuroLeadership Institute Website

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

Leadership expert Tracy Hutton shares how focusing on strengths, not weaknesses, can transform your team’s performance and well-being. Drawing from her experience at Deloitte and lululemon, Tracy reveals why strengths based leadership isn’t just a feel-good idea – it’s grounded in neuroscience and proven to drive results. Learn how to overcome negativity bias, build better teams, and rethink feedback and development for lasting impact.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(04:24) An unexpected opportunity

(06:27) Personal and professional growth at lululemon

(09:48) Understanding a strengths based approach

(13:22) True strengths are energising activities

(18:53) Clarifying job role verbs

(25:58) Exploring unrealised strengths

(28:25) Reframing perceived weaknesses

(30:14) Following curiosity to support wellbeing

(34:19) Rethinking leadership competency models

(42:58) Maximising strengths without misapplying them

(46:51) Ask employees what went well

(48:32) Embracing positivity and gratitude

Connect with Andrea Seale here:

Connect with Tracy Hutton on LinkedIn

First, Break All the Rules – Book

Rise Above – Book

Work by Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener

Nine Lies About Work – Book

Strengths Finder 2.0 – Book

Buddha's Brain – Book

Hardwiring Happiness – Book

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

Dr. Ben Sporer is one of Canada’s foremost experts in human performance. With a career spanning 25 years in the Olympics, professional sports, and as a performance strategist for the Vancouver Whitecaps, Ben has mastered the art of building high-performing teams that deliver over the long haul. Kathy and Ben dig into the critical shift leaders need to make: from chasing outputs to driving meaningful outcomes. They explore how clear objectives, role clarity, and disciplined preparation create the foundation for sustainable success

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(05:30) Rebuilding sports team strategy

(07:51) Defining leadership performance objectives

(13:39) Identifying outputs for success

(15:41) Developing talent in small markets

(19:09) Clear objectives and roles for team success

(26:11) Metric-driven success over time

(28:37) Effective metrics: lead vs lag indicators

Connect with Dan Eisner here:

Dr. Ben Sporer on LinkedIn

Resync Consulting

Output – Book

Output – Instagram

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

Why do so many employee wellness programs fail, and what can leaders do to fix them? Employee benefit and wellness expert Dan Eisner unpacks what leaders can do. With a background in both accounting and HR, Dan shares insights on shifting employee expectations, personalised benefits, and generational divides. From health spending accounts to weight loss drugs and fitness trends, find out what actually drives engagement.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(01:44) Dan Eisner’s career journey and background

(02:26) What is changing in the world of wellness?

(05:37) Why employees aren't using wellness programs

(07:39) Having a health spending account

(10:44) How to encourage fitness at work

(13:07) Tips to keep your workforce as healthy as possible

(15:42) Modelling behaviour as leaders

(17:30) For Leaders By Leaders Lightning Round

Connect with Dan Eisner here:

Dan Eisner on LinkedIn

ZLC Employee Benefits Solutions

Better Benefits Podcast

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

Innovation expert Stephen Shapiro talks about standing out by focusing on what makes you truly irreplaceable. Drawing from his book Pivotal, Stephen shares why innovation is a capability, not a trend. Learn how to avoid shiny-object syndrome, embrace stability, and uncover your team’s real differentiator… plus a look at his teamwork tool, Personality Poker.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(03:40) Building stability before change

(07:38) Individual differentiation drives organisational success

(12:15) Radio flyer's purpose: lasting smiles

(13:45) Creating distinctive customer experiences

(18:42) Focus on present differentiators

(22:52) Real-time feedback in leadership

(26:08) Focus on identifying opportunities

(29:35) Engage lost and potential customers

(30:33) Combatting confirmation bias in innovation

(34:18) Refocus on core strengths

Connect with Andrea Seale here:

Connect with Stephen Shapiro on LinkedIn

Stephen Shapiro’s Website

Pivotal – Book

Personality Poker

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.