Artificial Intelligence is transforming leadership—but not in the way many assume. In this episode, we explore how AI can free leaders from repetitive tasks, uncover insights hidden in data, and improve communication, while also recognizing where technology stops and human judgment begins. Barry highlights a key truth: AI may be an incredible assistant, but it will never replace the relationships, values, and wisdom that define real leadership.

Key Takeaways
AI’s sweet spot (the “Big 3”):

1. Automate repetitive work (reports, summaries)
2. Surface insights from data quickly
3. Strengthen communication (tone, clarity, first drafts)
   • Leadership is still human: Data gets you halfway—context, judgment, and trust do the rest.
   • Balance for leaders: Let AI co-pilot, not captain; prioritize culture over short-term cuts; reskill, don’t replace; and anchor decisions in values like fairness and inclusion.
   • One Thing: The organizations that win will keep people at the center while using AI to work smarter.

Connect with Barry
• Email: barry@barrymoline.com
• LinkedIn: Barry Moline (connect & share how you’re using AI in your leadership)

Dr. Karen Koepp explores the intricacies of thought leadership. Dr. Koepp highlights the role of thought leadership in shaping narratives, building trust, and influencing decision-makers. They discuss the challenges of measuring its impact, especially in advocacy, and emphasize the importance of qualitative indicators like engagement and resonance. They also touch on the use of AI and storytelling in thought leadership. Dr. Koepp advises leaders to embrace their unique perspectives. The episode underscores thought leadership as a long-term strategy with significant influence.

Contact Dr. Karen Koepp at: karen@koeppcorp.com.

Unique Perspective (00:00:44)
Dr. Koepp discusses the importance of integrating personal and professional perspectives to create unique thought leadership.

Standing Out (00:01:31)
The discussion focuses on helping CEOs and executives stand apart from others in their industry by developing a unique voice and building trust.

Challenges of Influence (00:02:59)
Barry Moline, as a CEO, shares the challenges his organization faces in gaining trust and influencing decision-makers and the public.

Identifying Impacts (00:09:24)
Dr. Koepp delves into understanding the impacts desired and the pain points related to making connections with stakeholders.

Building Trust (00:11:14)
The conversation explores the need to elevate the importance of impacts and balance advocacy efforts while increasing trust with legislators and regulators.

Strategy for Influence (00:13:18)
Dr. Koepp outlines a strategy for building relationships, creating key messages, and aligning with influencers to influence decision-makers effectively.

Role of AI in Thought Leadership (00:17:16)
Barry discusses the use of AI in initiating thought leadership and its limitations in capturing the personal touch necessary for effective thought leadership.

Measuring Thought Leadership (00:21:36)
The episode concludes with a discussion on the challenges of measuring the impact of thought leadership in advocacy and influence efforts.

Measuring thought leadership impact (00:22:11)
Ways to measure thought leadership impact, including website traffic, social media impressions, comments, and business growth.

Long-term strategy (00:24:27)
Discussion on the long-term nature of thought leadership, its impact on sales, and the multiplying effect over time.

Immediate sales impact (00:25:33)
The sales impact of thought leadership, the timeline for seeing its effect, and the importance of building trust with audiences.

Santa as a thought leader (00:28:14)
The example of Santa in "Miracle on 34th Street" as a thought leader and the importance of being prominent in engaging with stakeholders.

Building personal brand (00:29:31)
The significance of engaging with stakeholders, caring about them, and using personal stories to connect with the work and organization's mission.

Storytelling for thought leadership (00:30:11)
The importance of knowing personal stories to connect with the work and organization and the impact of better storytelling in conveying a strong desire for progress.

Unique legacy and impact (00:33:18)
Emphasizing the uniqueness of individuals, the importance of knowing oneself, and communicating personal passions to leave a lasting legacy.

In this episode of Talkin' Politics, host Barry Moline and political expert Michael Nolan analyze the recent Democratic and Republican National Conventions, the Trump and Harris campaigns, and their implications for the upcoming elections. They compare the contrasting atmospheres of the conventions and discuss key issues like abortion rights and campaign strategies. Michael highlights the significance of battleground states and the evolving political landscape, including challenges for Democrats in the Senate and opportunities in the House. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of the current political climate and the strategies both parties might employ as the election season intensifies.

Comparison of Conventions (00:00:23)
Michael Nolan compares the Democratic National Convention to the Republican National Convention, highlighting differences in atmosphere.

Current Political Landscape (00:01:11)
Nolan discusses the quiet political scene in Washington during August and his observations from Maine.

Political Dynamics in Maine (00:02:13)
Nolan analyzes the political divide in Maine between urban and rural areas, noting recent Democratic signs.

Memories of the RNC (00:03:33)
Barry reflects on the excitement and unity moments at the Republican National Convention.

Diversity at Conventions (00:04:21)
The speakers discuss the racial diversity differences between the DNC and RNC.

Chicago Convention Highlights (00:06:01)
Nolan shares his impressions of the Democratic National Convention's success and memorable moments.

Campaign Season Insights (00:09:27)
Nolan discusses the traditional start of campaign season around Labor Day and its modern implications.

Abortion Rights Discussion (00:11:23)
Barry highlights the significance of abortion rights in the current political climate and its impact on campaigns.

Trump's Changing Stance on IVF (00:12:04)
The speakers analyze Donald Trump's recent support for in vitro fertilization and its political ramifications.

Democratic Strategy on Women's Rights (00:14:01)
Nolan emphasizes Kamala Harris's strong stance on women's reproductive rights compared to Joe Biden.

Trump's Campaign Strategy (00:16:22)
Discussion on how Trump needs to adjust his campaign strategy against Kamala Harris and the challenges he faces.

Nasty Political Climate (00:18:08)
Nolan reflects on the increasingly aggressive and negative tone of the political campaign.

Impact on Congressional Races (00:18:28)
The speakers discuss the implications of national campaigns on House and Senate races.

Senate Race Dynamics (00:19:21)
Nolan evaluates the challenges faced by Democrats in retaining Senate seats, particularly with Joe Manchin's retirement.

Podcast Episode Timestamps

Political Poll Changes (00:21:33)
Discussion on how Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have shifted key state outlooks.

Senate Map Challenges (00:22:36)
Analysis of the tough map for Democrats to hold the Senate, with focus on key states.

Maryland's Political Landscape (00:23:43)
Overview of Maryland's competitive Senate race and notable candidates involved.

Divided Government Insights (00:24:15)
The importance of divided government and its implications for representation in the country.

Republican Strategy Post-Convention (00:24:42)
Discussion on Republican advantages regarding key issues as the campaign progresses.

Bill Schwandt of the South San Joaquin Irrigation District shares his journey from a small town in North Dakota to becoming a leader in public water and power. He discusses his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes, strategic planning, and effective communication. Schwandt also highlights the unique advantages of his dyslexia in strategic thinking. The conversation delves into his personal interests, values, and advice for aspiring leaders, underscoring empathy, optimism, and embracing challenges as growth opportunities.

Bill's Journey to Leadership (00:00:39)
Bill shares his upbringing, influences, and educational journey that shaped his path to leadership.

Dyslexic Advantage (00:04:48)
Bill discusses his dyslexia and how it has given him a unique perspective and advantage in leadership and strategic thinking.

The Leader's Awesome Responsibility (00:08:39)
Bill describes the responsibility of a leader, emphasizing the impact on the community, staff, and the organization's mission and vision.

Early Aspirations and Influences (00:11:51)
Bill reflects on his childhood aspirations, family influences, and the impact of early experiences on his career path.

Becoming a Leader (00:13:45)
Bill recounts the pivotal moment when he realized he could be a leader and the role of education in his leadership journey.

Transition to Leadership (00:14:59)
Bill shares the challenges and lessons from his transition to his first leadership position and the evolution of his leadership style.

Leadership Philosophy (00:18:37)
Bill outlines his leadership philosophy, emphasizing efficiency, transparency, and the power of optimism in leadership.

Essential Skills for Success (00:22:07)
Bill emphasizes the importance of competency, attitude, and ambition in employees and the need for continuous learning in leadership.

Conveying Strategic Direction (00:24:57)
Bill discusses the process of developing and conveying a strategic plan within an organization, using a metaphor of "pollinating all the flowers."

Disseminating the strategic plan (00:26:11)
Bill discusses the importance of disseminating the strategic plan and the 80/20 rule for strategic decision-making.

Learning from mistakes (00:27:11)
The value of making mistakes, encouraging mistakes, and a rookie mistake Bill made in a previous job.

Approaching tough decisions (00:31:26)
Bill's process for approaching tough decisions, problem-solving, and the iterative nature of decision-making.

Personal activities for relaxation (00:35:07)
Bill's activities outside of work for relaxation, including journaling, spending quality time with his wife, and physical exercise.

Favorites and leisure activities (00:37:09)
Bill's favorite movie, book, sports teams, and foods, as well as his leisure activities and interests.

Taking time off and personal challenges (00:40:27)
Bill's perspective on taking time off, his experiences during a sabbatical, and his potential book topics.

Personal brand and advice (00:42:33)
Bill's personal brand encapsulated in a verse, and the advice he received about respecting everyone, leading by example, and embracing mistakes.

Advice for young professionals (00:45:46)
Bill's advice to young professionals, emphasizing saying yes to opportunities, hard work, and embracing their unique gifts.

In this episode of Talkin' Politics on the Leadership Secrets Podcast, Michael Nolan, a Washington lobbyist and political maven, talks about President Joe Biden's decision to step down and its impact on his legacy and the Democratic Party. Barry and Michael discuss Biden's leadership qualities, the anointing of Kamala Harris as the presidential candidate, and the impact of Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, on the ticket. They delve into the Trump-Vance campaign, the political landscape, and the strategies of both the Democratic and Republican parties leading up to the elections.

Biden's Decision to Step Down (00:00:38)
Michael reflects on whether Biden's resignation makes him a hero and its impact on his legacy.

Biden's Leadership Qualities (00:03:23)
Discussion on Biden's leadership and the internal struggles leading to his decision to step down.

NATO Summit Insights (00:04:30)
Biden's lengthy response at a NATO summit highlights his knowledge but struggles with concise messaging.

Decision-Making Process (00:06:42)
The inner circle's lack of transparency delayed critical decisions during Biden's presidency.

Kamala Harris's Vice Presidential Selection (00:07:36)
The coalition around Kamala Harris solidified after Biden's decision, leading to her nomination.

Concerns About Kamala Harris (00:09:42)
Discussion on Harris's previous campaign struggles and concerns about her candidacy.

Fundraising Success for Kamala (00:10:57)
Kamala Harris raises significant funds quickly, signaling enthusiasm within the Democratic Party.

Tim Walz as a Vice Presidential Candidate (00:12:15)
Tim Walz's background and qualifications as a strong candidate for vice president are discussed.

Tim Walz's Political Experience (00:14:51)
Walz's experience in Congress and his reputation as a centrist.

Vice Presidential Selection Dynamics (00:16:09)
The conversation covers the dynamics and considerations in selecting a vice presidential candidate.

Values in Political Strategy (00:17:40)
Discussion on the importance of values in political alignment, particularly regarding Tim Walz's effectiveness in key states.

The Vice Presidential Residence (00:18:13)
Insight into the decision-making process involving key Democratic figures.

Chemistry in Leadership Decisions (00:19:11)
Exploration of the chemistry between Joe Biden and Kamala Harris influencing the vice-presidential selection.

Trump's Consistent Messaging (00:20:01)
Analysis of Donald Trump's steadfast approach and messaging in the political landscape.

Recent Changes in Republican Strategy (00:20:39)
Discussion on the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party and their lack of a clear plan.

Democratic Party's Unexpected Rejuvenation (00:21:41)
Reflection on the surprising revitalization of the Democratic Party and its implications for the election.

Concerns About Potential Candidates (00:23:48)
Examination of fears surrounding J.D. Vance and the implications of his candidacy for the Republicans.

Vance's Campaign Viability (00:24:45)
Discussion on J.D. Vance's appeal and potential effectiveness as a candidate against Kamala Harris.

Trump's Connection with Voters (00:25:54)
Exploration of Donald Trump's appeal to working-class voters despite his wealthy image.

Kamala Harris's Challenges (00:28:10)
Discussion on how Kamala Harris's background might affect her campaign strategy and public perception.

Trump's Legal Issues and Voter Impact (00:29:47)
Analysis of how Trump's legal troubles may influence voter sentiment and perception.

Florida's Political Landscape (00:31:00)
Examination of Florida's shifting political dynamics and its implications for the upcoming election.

Democratic Enthusiasm and Polling Trends (00:31:28)
Discussion on the recent surge in Democratic enthusiasm and its effect on polling in key states.

Randy Howard, the general manager of the Northern California Power Agency shares his journey from an electrical engineering background and Air Force experience to leading roles at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and NCPA. He discusses the evolution of his leadership style, focusing on service and adapting to industry changes. Randy reflects on his career transition to NCPA, his personal interests, and offers awesome advice to young professionals.

Randy's Journey to Becoming CEO (00:01:12)
Randy discusses his educational background, military experience, and early career at LA DWP.

Diverse Roles at LA DWP (00:04:11)
Randy explains the various roles he held at LA DWP, including new product development and rates and contracts.

Leadership Development at LA DWP (00:06:41)
Randy reflects on the leadership development opportunities and the diverse roles he had at LA DWP.

Adapting Leadership Style (00:13:06)
Randy talks about the shift in his leadership approach from a technical focus to considering people and broader aspects.

Understanding Responsibility (00:16:51)
Randy discusses the multifaceted responsibilities of a utility CEO and the impact on customers and communities.

Transition to CEO Role (00:26:10)
Randy reflects on the transition from leading divisions at LA DWP to becoming the CEO at NCPA.

The leadership roles and responsibilities (00:27:20)
Randy discusses the differences in leadership roles and responsibilities between his previous and current positions.

Comfort and challenges in leadership (00:28:32)
Randy reflects on feeling comfortable in leadership roles and the challenges he faced in his previous position.

Maintaining stability in leadership (00:32:22)
Randy talks about his leadership philosophy centered around maintaining stability and being a stable force in times of crisis.

Developing leadership skills (00:34:14)
Randy discusses the skills needed for successful leadership development and growth.

Learning and staying informed (00:40:35)
Randy shares his methods for staying informed about new issues, including reading and attending conferences.

Approaching challenges and tough decisions (00:43:06)
Randy explains his process for approaching challenges and making tough decisions, drawing from his engineering background.

Personal life and interests (00:45:14)
Randy shares his hobbies and interests outside of work, including yard work and gardening.

Advice and lessons learned (00:48:58)
Randy reflects on advice received and lessons learned throughout his career, emphasizing the importance of patience and building a strong foundation.

Career advice for young professionals (00:51:44)
Randy gives advice to young professionals starting their careers, emphasizing the importance of taking advantage of opportunities and maintaining honest relationships with employers.

Randy Howard's Journey (00:00:00)
Randy Howard shares his journey to becoming a CEO and the challenges he faced.

Lessons Learned (00:20:35)
Discussion on the experiences and lessons Randy Howard learned throughout his career.

Thank You and Contact Information (00:54:20)
Barry Molan thanks Randy Howard and provides contact information for future guests.

Mike Webster, former Executive Director of SCPPA, shares his career journey and leadership lessons. Starting as a mechanical engineer, Mike learned the importance of listening, collaboration, and creative problem-solving in various roles, from air quality director to retail and wholesale marketing. He emphasizes collaboration in the utility business and the leader's responsibility to define and focus on the mission. Mike's leadership philosophy is to "Collaborate, Define the Mission, and Lead by Core Values." He also discusses the importance of participatory leadership, continuous learning, and being open to new opportunities. Mike reflects on his personal values, hobbies, and offers advice to young professionals to build relationships and work with integrity.

The journey to becoming CEO (00:00:44)
Mike's career progression from mechanical engineer to CEO and the big lessons learned along the way.

Lessons from engineering experience (00:01:26)
The importance of listening to operation and maintenance staff in engineering projects.

Developing the SO2 trading program (00:04:07)
Creating a cost-effective system for NOx reductions through collaboration and creative thinking.

Challenges in retail marketing (00:05:24)
Realization of public power's competitive capabilities and the importance of telling their story.

Leading through the energy crisis (00:06:32)
Living by core values and ethical principles during a challenging time in the energy market.

Transition to renewable energy (00:09:01)
The hard work and perseverance required to achieve renewable energy goals.

Building trust through community collaboration (00:10:23)
Involving stakeholders in the planning process to gain trust and support for projects.

Managing senior management responsibilities (00:11:38)
The importance of remaining composed and calm under pressure as a leader.

Leading SCPPA and professional development (00:12:44)
The mission to make SCPPA more professional and transparent in its operations.

Adapting to unforeseen challenges at SCPPA (00:13:56)
Remaining flexible and focused on the mission despite unexpected obstacles.

Becoming a leader (00:20:33)
The realization of leadership potential during a college senior project.

Transitioning to higher positions (00:23:42)
Challenges and learning experiences when moving up in an organization.

Leadership philosophy (00:26:37)
The importance of adaptability and continuous learning for effective leadership.

Participatory Leadership (00:26:43)
Mike discusses the need for participatory leadership and coaching, highlighting different leadership styles for various situations.

Employee Skills (00:28:18)
Mike emphasizes the importance of relationship-building, leading from a core philosophy, and being open to new opportunities for employees to succeed.

Strategic Planning (00:31:32)
Mike explains the importance of ongoing communication and alignment with strategic priorities for staff and the organization's progress.

Learning and Development (00:36:49)
Mike discusses continuous learning through reading management books, attending conferences, and building relationships with other leaders.

Decision-Making Process (00:39:04)
Mike shares factors to consider in decision-making and the importance of empowering staff to make decisions within strategic guardrails.

Personal Interests (00:42:07)
Mike shares his outdoor activities, involvement in church and scouting, and his love for trying new foods.

Personal Brand (00:46:03)
Mike identifies with the values of integrity, honesty, and trust, akin to the Boy Scout principles, as his personal brand.

Mentorship and Advice (00:47:12)
Mike reflects on the advice he received from mentors to say yes to new opportunities and encourages young professionals to build relationships, serve others, and have fun in their careers.

Persistence and Growth (00:48:47)
Mike advises young people to pursue assignments that foster growth, serve others with integrity, and have fun while persistently working towards improvement.

Glenn Steiger, Executive Consultant for the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority recounts his ascent from an engineering director to CEO of various utilities, emphasizing respect for all, articulating ambitions, and embracing change. He shares anecdotes, including a lesson learned during a strike, and stresses the importance of people skills, listening, and collaborative change management. Glenn also discusses his personal interests, from sports to movies, and advises graduates to take risks and continuously learn. His personal brand reflects flexibility, honesty, and the wisdom of his father's advice always to pay attention.

Becoming a CEO (00:00:56)

Glenn's journey to becoming a CEO and the lessons learned from his experiences.

First Leadership Role (00:01:19)

Glenn's first leadership role as the director of engineering and operations for a small electric co-op in New Jersey.

Challenges in Leadership Roles (00:03:02)

Glenn's experiences in various leadership roles, including negotiations and managing different types of utilities.

Pursuing Leadership Goals (00:06:05)

Glenn's approach to expressing his aspirations for higher levels of responsibility and the responses received.

Realization of Leadership Responsibility (00:10:55)

The moment when Glenn felt the weight of leadership responsibility as a regional vice president at Jersey Central Power and Light.

Handling Change and Leadership Philosophy (00:14:24)

Glenn's leadership philosophy, emphasizing respect, vision, strength, and honesty, and his views on effective leadership.

Adapting to Change (00:17:38)

The importance of people skills, welcoming change, having a vision, and taking risks in today's professional environment.

Managing Resistance to Change (00:19:22)

Glenn's approach to guiding change by considering diverse perspectives and involving employees in decision-making.

Learning from Mistakes (00:21:28)

Glenn's reflections on rookie moments and lessons learned from mistakes in leadership roles.

Continuous Learning (00:24:25)

Glenn's routine for staying relevant and informed in the industry, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning.

Educating on Industry Trends (00:24:32)

Glenn discusses how he stays updated on industry trends through articles, journals, conferences, and networking.

Taking Calculated Risks (00:25:35)

Glenn shares his approach to making decisions based on industry knowledge and understanding future trends.

Inclusive Decision-Making Process (00:27:23)

Glenn emphasizes the importance of gathering input from various sources before making tough decisions.

Maintaining Physical and Mental Health (00:29:14)

Glenn shares his activities outside of work, such as biking, swimming, and staying active to clear his mind.

Personal Interests and Reflection (00:30:11)

Glenn discusses his favorite movie, song, sports teams, and comfort food, reflecting on his personal preferences.

Life Advice: Be Flexible and Pay Attention (00:32:26)

Glenn's life advice includes being flexible, honest, and continuously moving forward, as well as the importance of paying attention.

Career Advice for Graduates (00:34:54)

Glenn advises graduates to take risks, treat everyone with respect, learn from mistakes, continue learning, and seek mentors.