In this episode, I talk with Layla Pomper, founder of ProcessDriven and expert in building simple, scalable systems for small teams.

Layla shares her refreshing perspective on how processes can fuel creativity instead of killing it and why small businesses need structure without the corporate bloat.

If you're running a growing team and want to stay productive without drowning in chaos, this conversation is for you.

Layla Pompers YouTube Channel:
youtube.com/@LaylaPomper.

Shownotes:
https://berndgeropp.com/make-work-easier

In this special, more personal episode of Leadership Made Easy, I share why I’m taking a conscious summer break – and what exciting projects are coming in the second half of the year.

I’ll give you a sneak peek of what’s ahead:

• The rollout of the English BETA version of “Ask Bernd”, our leadership chatbot.

• Fresh podcast episodes planned through October.

• A new webinar series on AI and Leadership starting on September 4th.

• My upcoming travels – including the Membership Growth Conference in England, client sessions in India and Dubai, and the Long Haul Leadership Conference in Cambridge.

• And of course – the official launch of the English Leadership Crash Course in October!

I’ll also share my 3 key lessons from taking intentional downtime – and why pausing is crucial for creativity, team growth, and sustainable success.

Links & Resources:

• Sign up for my newsletter to get all updates first:
  https://www.berndgeropp.com/subscribe

• Listen to my podcast conversation with Chris Ducker:
  https://www.berndgeropp.com/business-that-does-not-break-you/
  

• More about the Leadership Crash Course:
  https://www.berndgeropp.com/leadership-crash-course/
  

Full Shownotes:
https://www.berndgeropp.com/summer-pause-with-perspective

As a leader, your ability to stay calm in stressful situations sets the tone for your entire team. In this episode, I share why calmness is a crucial leadership skill and how you can develop it even under pressure.

You’ll hear real-life examples and get 5 practical tools to help you manage stress, respond with clarity, and lead with confidence even when things go wrong.

Shownotes:
https://berndgeropp.com/how-to-stay-calm-under-pressure

For years, entrepreneurs were told:
“Work harder, work longer, sacrifice more… and you’ll make it.”

But here’s the hard truth I learned from one of the best in the business: That’s a dangerous myth.

I recently spoke with Chris Ducker, a man who built a multi–million dollar business with almost 500 employees… and crashed hard. Not once, but twice.

Chris shared openly about how chasing growth nearly broke him - and why he now leads differently.

Today, he works fewer hours, focuses only on his zone of genius, and builds teams that enable freedom and balance, not burnout.

I’m looking forward to seeing Chris in person at his upcoming event in Cambridge in November 2025: "The Long Haul-Leader Summit". And if you’re attending too, I’d love to connect!

Chris' book The Long-Haul Leader
https://longhaulleader.com/

The Long-Haul Leader Summit
https://longhaulleader.com/summit

Shownotes:
https://berndgeropp.com/business-that-does-not-break-you

Before you think about vision, charisma, or big-picture strategy, ask yourself:
“What makes a good employee?”

Most people say things like:
✅ They take responsibility
✅ They follow through
✅ They communicate clearly
✅ They’re proactive
✅ They act with integrity

Here’s the leadership twist:
👉 Everything you expect from a great employee – your team expects from you.

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about being the example.

Your team mirrors your behavior.
If they’re avoiding decisions, ask:
“Am I giving them clarity and trust?”
If they’re unmotivated, ask:
“Have I shown them purpose and direction?”

Shownotes:
https://www.berndgeropp.com/what-makes-a-great-leader

Most managers and entrepreneurs set goals they know they can achieve.
Because it’s safe. Because it feels realistic.

But here’s the truth: Small goals lead to small results, but big goals force you to grow.

In this episode, I explain:
✅ Why “realistic” goals are often a trap
✅ How big goals shift your mindset and your business
✅ A simple framework to start setting goals that scare (and excite) you

Shownotes:
https://www.berndgeropp.de/big-goals

I recently sat down with my long-time colleague and leadership expert Dr. Burkhard Bensmann for a very personal and honest conversation.

We didn’t talk about buzzwords or the latest leadership trends.
We talked about what really matters when you’re leading a team, a company—or just yourself.

In this new episode of Leadership Made Easy, we discuss:

🔹 What cooperative, people-centered leadership looks like in practice
🔹 Why rituals like journaling, piano practice—or even LEGO—can keep you sane
🔹 What we can learn from India, Colombia… and the power of perspective
🔹 How we deal with noise, negativity, and digital overwhelm as coaches and humans

This is one of the most personal and wide-ranging episodes I’ve recorded so far. If you’re a business owner or team leader, I think you’ll find it inspiring—and maybe a bit surprising, too.

Burkhards Podcast:
https://bensmann-consulting.com/podcasts/

Burkhards Website:
https://bensmann-consulting.com/

Shownotes:
https://www.berndgeropp.com/conversation-between-coaches-burkhard-bensmann

In this special episode of Leadership Made Easy, we take a step back from our usual focus on day-to-day leadership and zoom out to discuss international business strategy — specifically, how small and mid-sized companies from Germany (or Europe in general) can successfully enter the U.S. market.

My guest is Brian Creager, an experienced American business leader who has spent decades working on both sides of the Atlantic. He’s fluent not only in English but also in the language of European business culture. His practical insights are grounded in long-term experience with transatlantic business expansion.

If you’re thinking about taking your business into the U.S. or simply want a clearer view of what international expansion could look like, I highly recommend getting in touch with him:
https://callbrian.vip/geropp

Shownotes:
https://www.berndgeropp.com/smes-going-global