Send us a text

Ever wondered why some workplaces seem to hum with energy while others feel like productivity graveyards? The answer might surprise you. Leadership experts John Wandolowski and Greg Powell unpack the fascinating connection between workplace joy and bottom-line results in this eye-opening conversation.

Backed by compelling research, they reveal that companies fostering workplace happiness see 21% higher profitability than their competitors. This isn't just feel-good fluff—it's neuroscience. When we experience joy, our brains release dopamine, enhancing memory, learning, and creative problem-solving. Perhaps most shocking: when researchers asked 15,000 professionals where they got their best ideas, not a single person mentioned the traditional work environment.

The hosts break down Dr. Martin Seligman's PERMA model (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishments) and share practical, low-cost strategies any leader can implement tomorrow. From simple gratitude practices that transform team dynamics to creative approaches like hackathons, reverse mentorship programs, and recognition rituals that celebrate both successes and productive failures, these tools create environments where innovation naturally thrives.

For leaders feeling the pressure to deliver results in challenging times, this episode offers a refreshing perspective: creating joy at work isn't just nice—it's a strategic imperative. As John puts it, "Leaders are culture architects," responsible for modeling the behaviors that shape organizational norms. Through vulnerability, recognition, and intentional culture-building, they can transform disengagement (currently affecting over 50% of workers) into energized, committed teams.

Ready to transform your leadership approach? Listen now, then grab John's book "Building Your Leadership Toolbox" on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, or reach out directly with your questions and topic suggestions at wando75.jw@gmail.com.

Support the show

Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell

Send us a text

Resistance to change isn't a sign of defiance—it's often a signal of deep engagement. Join John and Greg discussing this revelation that stands at the heart of our exploration into organizational transformation, where we unpack why 70% of change initiatives fail and what the successful 30% do differently.

Drawing from cutting-edge psychological research, we reveal how people develop what experts call a "moral force" around existing processes, believing the current way isn't just familiar but morally correct. This explains the passionate opposition many leaders encounter when implementing change. The breakthrough comes in reframing this resistance as valuable feedback from team members who still care enough to engage.

Our deep dive into successful change management practices reveals that organizations implementing proper change strategies achieve their objectives 93% of the time—compared to just 15% success for those with poor change management. Companies are noticing, investing 2.5 times more in transformation budgets than in previous years, reaping rewards of 21% higher profitability and 59% better retention rates.

We explore practical approaches through the 4D model of resistance (destruction, distancing, delays, and dissent), providing leaders with concrete strategies to address each type. The most successful organizations no longer view change as a one-time event but as an ongoing capability woven into their organizational DNA—creating cultures that adapt quickly while supporting people through transitions.

Whether you're leading a transformation or experiencing one, this episode equips you with the tools to navigate change with empathy, strategic clarity, and psychological insight. How might your next organizational shift look different with these approaches? Listen, learn, and transform resistance into your greatest ally for positive change.

Support the show

Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell

Send us a text

The workplace revolution sparked by COVID has permanently transformed how we lead teams. While many employees have returned to offices, a significant portion of the workforce remains remote, challenging leaders to develop new approaches to connection, communication, and culture-building across distances.

"Remote does not mean removed" serves as our guiding principle as we dive into the six critical challenges facing today's distributed team leaders: communication gaps, trust and accountability issues, isolation and engagement concerns, performance management complexities, culture dilution risks, and the very real problems of tech fatigue and burnout. For each challenge, we offer practical strategies and proven solutions based on real-world leadership experience.

The data speaks for itself—organizations that invest in remote employee engagement see dramatic improvements: 41% reduction in absenteeism, 59% decrease in turnover costs, and 17% productivity gains. We explore how shifting from time-based oversight to outcome-based leadership builds trust while creating autonomy. You'll discover specific rituals that foster belonging across distances, from virtual coffee chats to recognition practices that strengthen team bonds despite physical separation.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reminds us that "empathy makes you a better innovator"—a truth that becomes even more critical when leading remote teams. When physical presence disappears, emotional presence must intensify. Through storytelling, vulnerability, and intentional connection, remote leaders can create psychologically safe environments where distributed teams thrive. Share this episode with anyone navigating the challenges of remote leadership, and connect with us at wando75.jw@gmail.com to continue the conversation about effective leadership in our changing world.

Support the show

Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell

Send us a text

Are you trapped in the long-hours fallacy? One host confesses he once wore 12-hour workdays as a badge of honor until a colleague bluntly pointed out: "The last thing I'd do is brag about taking 12 hours to do your job. You're just incompetent." This wake-up call revolutionized his approach to time management—and can transform yours too.

Time management isn't just about squeezing more into your day; it's about strategic prioritization that reduces stress while amplifying results. Through the deceptively simple ABC method, you'll learn to categorize tasks into must-do (A), should-do (B), and nice-to-do (C) priorities. Most professionals make the critical mistake of tackling numerous C-level tasks while procrastinating on the A-level responsibilities that actually move the needle.

Delegation emerges as another cornerstone skill, not merely for offloading work but for strategic team development. When you delegate effectively, you simultaneously free yourself for higher-level thinking while creating growth opportunities that build trust and improve team morale. The podcast delivers actionable strategies for setting clear expectations, providing necessary tools, and coaching team members toward independence.

Digital distractions receive special attention as modern productivity killers. From the Pomodoro Technique (25-minute focused work intervals) to implementing meeting-free days, you'll discover practical approaches to reclaiming your focus in an interruption-driven workplace. One host shares how his organization's meeting-free Thursdays dramatically improved both productivity and employee satisfaction.

Whether you're struggling with meeting overload, digital notifications, chatty coworkers, or your own procrastination tendencies, this episode provides battle-tested techniques from seasoned executives who've mastered the art of accomplishing more by doing less. Ready to transform your relationship with time? Listen now and start working smarter, not longer.

Support the show

Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell

Send us a text

John introduces Will Sampson, Coach and Author. Will discusses challenges of conventional leadership wisdom, revealing why great leaders succeed not through control but by empowering others to shine. Drawing from his experience as a former director of change for a 53,000-person organization leading a $12 billion merger, Sampson shares how his personal journey through addiction recovery transformed his understanding of leadership resilience.

The conversation explores Sampson's groundbreaking "Resilience Stack" methodology—a five-layer approach to building leadership from the inside out. Starting with rewriting internal narratives, he guides leaders through radical self-ownership, interdependence, systems for growth, and finally, leading from an internally transformed state. This approach stands in stark contrast to the "hack culture" promising quick fixes that Sampson's research with 200 C-level executives revealed as deeply unsatisfying.

Particularly compelling is Sampson's perspective on leadership potential across all age groups. Rejecting the narrative that innovation belongs only to the young, he shares how his own professional reinvention in his mid-50s taught him that meaningful contribution can happen at any life stage. "Walk out to your driveway, get in your car, put your hands on the steering wheel—where do you want to go?" This thought experiment helps his clients recognize they still have agency and purpose, regardless of age.

The discussion also tackles AI anxiety, with Sampson offering a calming perspective based on his two decades of experience with neural networks. Rather than seeing technology as threatening, he encourages leaders to view it as simply another tool humans have invented—one that creates extraordinary new possibilities for those willing to embrace it with creativity rather than fear.

Whether you're leading a team through technological transformation, seeking greater resilience in your leadership approach, or contemplating your next professional chapter, Sampson's insights offer a refreshing alternative to conventional leadership development. Follow his work at willsampson.co to learn more about his upcoming book, "The Resilience Stack," and leadership programs.

Support the show

Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell

Send us a text

Ever been blindsided during a performance review when your boss asks about KPIs you didn't even know existed? You're not alone. The world of Key Performance Indicators can seem mysterious and intimidating, but mastering these metrics is essential for leadership success.

In this revealing discussion, hosts John Wandolowski and Greg Powell demystify the often misunderstood concept of KPIs. They break down exactly what these quantifiable measurements are and why they matter: driving performance improvements, enabling data-driven decisions, and ensuring your daily work aligns with broader organizational goals. Far from being abstract corporate jargon, KPIs directly impact your compensation, career trajectory, and effectiveness as a leader.

The hosts share candid stories about their own experiences, including John's eye-opening moment when he was asked about KPIs after a year on the job—without ever having discussed them previously. They explore how these metrics are used in various industries, from electrical management to healthcare, and provide practical examples that bring these concepts to life.

Perhaps most importantly, they offer actionable strategies for taking ownership of your KPIs rather than playing victim to them. You'll learn the five key steps of an effective KPI process, how to approach management about metrics that don't make sense, and why creating artificially easy KPIs to "game the system" is a strategy that will ultimately backfire. The conversation emphasizes that regular monitoring—not just annual reviews—is crucial for meaningful performance management.

Whether you're new to leadership or looking to enhance your strategic approach to performance metrics, this episode provides the knowledge and tools you need to confidently navigate the world of KPIs. Remember: these numbers shouldn't be a surprise, but rather a compass that guides your leadership journey.

Support the show

Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell

Send us a text

Accountability transforms organizations, but creating a culture where everyone takes genuine ownership is challenging. In this thought-provoking discussion, John and Greg break down Management by Responsibility (MBR) - the leadership philosophy that revolutionizes how teams approach challenges and results.

At its core, MBR hinges on a powerful premise: individuals are 100% responsible for their experiences and reactions to life events. This isn't about blame, but about embracing the freedom that comes with taking full ownership. We explore the three foundational pillars that make MBR work: internalizing personal responsibility, empowering others to own their roles, and shifting to a solution-focused approach that addresses non-productive behaviors.

What makes this episode particularly valuable are the practical techniques we share for implementation. From fostering self-awareness to establishing clear performance standards, providing constructive feedback, and removing obstacles to success - we offer a comprehensive roadmap. We don't shy away from addressing resistance either, tackling common challenges like fear of consequences and the comfort of the blame game. The wisdom of Admiral Rickover resonates throughout: "Responsibility is a unique concept. It can only reside within a single individual. You may share it with others, but your portion is not diminished."

Whether you're leading a small team or an entire organization, these insights will help you create an environment where accountability thrives and excuses disappear. Ready to transform your workplace culture? This episode is your starting point. Share your experiences with accountability in leadership, and don't forget to check out successgrowthacademy.com for more resources on the MBR approach.

Support the show

Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell

Send us a text

Finding and developing the right talent is perhaps the most consequential responsibility any leader faces. Yet many managers approach hiring with minimal preparation, relying on gut instinct rather than proven methodology. This episode John and Greg dive deep into the structured approach that separates successful hiring managers from the rest.

We begin by examining the critical foundation of any successful hire: properly defining the role. This means going beyond dusty job descriptions to analyze current needs, determine specific goals, and identify essential competencies. As we discuss, alignment with stakeholders across your organization ensures the position is properly situated for success before you ever post a job listing.

The conversation then shifts to sourcing strategies, with practical insights on where to find qualified candidates and how to leverage your existing team for high-quality referrals. We explore the advantages of panel interviews over one-on-one conversations, not just for better candidate assessment but for creating built-in support systems once someone is hired. Our detailed breakdown of interview preparation covers everything from creating consistent question sets to setting up appropriate meeting spaces and taking comprehensive notes that protect both you and your organization.

Perhaps most valuable is our extensive discussion of onboarding—the often-neglected final phase of hiring that dramatically impacts retention and productivity. Research shows that employees who experience structured onboarding are significantly more likely to stay with a company for at least three years. We outline a comprehensive 90-day plan that includes pre-boarding activities, first-day orientation, training schedules, regular check-ins, and formal performance reviews.

Whether you're hiring for the first time or looking to improve your existing process, this episode provides the framework and specific tools to find, onboard, and develop the talent your organization needs to thrive. Remember that as a manager, the entire hiring process falls under your responsibility—and getting it right pays dividends for years to come.

Ready to transform your approach to hiring? Reach out to us at wando75.jw@gmail.com with your experiences or questions about implementing these strategies in your organization.

Support the show

Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell