Steve is a story-shaping strategist and simulation architect—equal parts executive coach, instructional design expert, fantasy world-builder, and MMO tactician. By day, he coaches overworked tech leaders, design high-impact L&D systems, and architect enterprise learning tech stacks with surgical precision. By night, he authors things like superhero bars, criminal masterminds, and werewolf bartenders into richly imagined worlds.

Steve is the kind of person who can spot a broken LMS config and an underdeveloped character arc from a mile away. He thrives where structure meets creativity—whether it’s refining a coaching pitch deck or planning a D&D boss encounter. Practical, precise, and purpose-driven, Steve cares deeply about clarity, learning, and elevating both real-world teams and fictional misfits.

If there's a common thread? He makes complexity navigable—one well-designed experience at a time.

We’re diving deep into the world of leadership development, and trust me, it’s all about moving from those lightbulb moments to actually making changes stick. Our main takeaway? Just be aware of your habits. Seriously, don’t freak out or try to fix everything on the spot—just notice what you’re doing. This episode, I’ve got my buddy Steve Semmler hanging out with me, and we’re chatting about how awareness can pave the way to better habits. We’ll explore practical strategies like accountability pods and nifty apps that keep you on track, plus how to blend insights with real-world practice to truly up your leadership game. So, buckle up, because we’re about to get real about making those leadership skills second nature!

Leadership is all about evolving, right? In this chat, we dive deep into the nitty-gritty of turning insights into habits. Our guest, Steve Semmler, brings some serious knowledge from his years in leadership development, emphasizing that simply knowing what to do isn’t enough. It’s about getting those insights to stick like glue in our daily grind. We explore how awareness is the first step—just noticing our usual habits without judging them opens the door to real change. It’s like catching yourself munching on snacks while binging your favorite show; once you see it, you can choose to swap those chips for something a bit more nutritious. By breaking down the process into manageable bites, we can turn those insights into habits that help us level up our leadership game. So grab a comfy seat and let’s get into how we can turn that knowledge into action without breaking a sweat!

We also chat about the role of simulations in leadership training. Steve spills the beans on how these simulations aren’t just fancy role plays; they’re practical, real-world applications that help leaders practice their skills in a safe environment. It’s like playing video games to improve your reflexes before hitting the field—only this time, the stakes are about leading teams and making impactful decisions. The conversation highlights how effective simulations can mirror real-life scenarios, making the learning experience relevant and engaging. We talk about the importance of blending theory with practice, ensuring that leaders walk away not just with knowledge but with tools they can use immediately. If you’re keen to see how to effectively build habits and create a culture of continuous improvement in your team, this episode is a goldmine!

In addition, we touch on the challenges of establishing new habits and why some skills stick while others fade away like last week’s leftovers. Steve reveals that technical skills often get absorbed quicker than those more nuanced leadership behaviors that require a shift in mindset. It’s like learning to ride a bike; once you get it, it’s hard to forget. But when it comes to giving constructive feedback or navigating tricky interpersonal dynamics, that’s where the real work happens. We wrap things up with some solid advice for...

Guest, Cecilia Stanton Adams, CEO, Organization and Leadership Development consultant at the Diversity Institute and Stanton Adams consulting deep dive today into the shift from "culture fit" to "culture contribution," and let me tell you, it's a game-changer! Instead of just asking how folks fit into the existing mold, we're all about figuring out how every individual can help propel the organization into the future. We've got the amazing Cecilia Stanton Adams joining us to chat about leading inclusively, especially during these times when diversity efforts are facing some serious pushback. We'll explore how creating an environment where everyone can thrive isn't just a nice-to-have—it's essential for success. So grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s get into how to build better workplaces together!

Cecilia Stanton Adams brings a wealth of experience navigating the complex landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations. In this enlightening discussion with Kent Kniebel, she shares her journey from New York to Minnesota, driven by a passion for fostering inclusive environments. The duo explores the evolution of DEI terminology, transitioning from a focus on quotas to a comprehensive understanding of cultural contributions. They tackle the pushback against DEI initiatives, particularly in light of recent political climates, and how leaders can adapt their strategies to maintain momentum. At the core of their conversation is the belief that true leadership hinges on understanding and valuing the diverse backgrounds of team members. Cecilia emphasizes the importance of psychological safety in the workplace, where team members feel secure enough to voice their opinions without fear of retaliation. As they dissect the five drivers of a People First performance framework, listeners gain actionable insights into creating a more inclusive culture that not only empowers individuals but also propels organizations toward sustainable success.

Takeaways:

• Shifting from culture fit to culture contribution is vital for future growth.
• It's all about encouraging individual contributions that align with organizational goals.
• Creating a culture of belonging hinges on psychological safety and trust within teams.
• Organizations must prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion to thrive in today's market.

Episode Links:

• Don't Retreat—Redesign: The New Blueprint for Inclusive Leadership - webinar on May 22, 2025
• Cecilia's Linked In Page
• https://www.stantonadams.com/
• Kent's Linked In Page
• The Promoted Leader Playbook

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

*Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com

Nick Tasler is an organizational psychologist and a #1 best-selling author. Nick has helped hundreds of thousands of leaders around the world transform seasons of change into periods of unprecedented growth at the world’s most respected organizations.

Change is like the wild card in our lives, and if you’re looking to turn that chaos into a stepping stone for success, you’re in the right place! In today’s chat, we dive deep into how discomfort and disruption can actually be the launchpad for growth and major achievements. Our guest, Nick Tassler, lays it down real, sharing how the seeds of our greatest victories often sprout during times of change that we’re not too keen on. It’s not about weathering the storm but embracing it, recognizing that the shifts we face can be the very catalysts for new skills and fresh perspectives. So, whether you’re a leader trying to navigate your crew through rocky waters or just looking to make sense of the whirlwind around you, this episode’s packed with insights that could change your game. Buckle up as we journey through the ups and downs of change management, the art of decision-making, and how to turn those pesky transitions into opportunities for a year of wonders!

Change is like that unexpected party crasher at a chill gathering; it shows up uninvited and shifts the whole vibe. Our latest chat digs deep into this notion of embracing change and how it can actually be a catalyst for those big wins in life and work that we all strive for. We kick things off with Nick Tassler, a real pro in the field of organizational psychology, who shares his journey and insights into how change isn’t just something to survive but something that can lead to our greatest achievements. It’s like that time you tried a new taco truck and ended up finding your new favorite food—uncomfortable at first, but totally worth it.

We explore how the seeds of success often sprout during those uncomfortable periods filled with uncertainty. Nick emphasizes that it’s about shifting our mindset to see change not as a hurdle but as a stepping stone. He talks about this universal truth: often, our best moments come from the chaos around us. So, the next time life throws a curveball, instead of dodging it, why not take a swing? There’s a whole world of opportunity hiding in those messy moments, and this episode is all about unlocking that potential.

Toward the end, we dive into some practical takeaways, encouraging leaders to infuse their teams with a mix of ‘push’ and ‘love’ to navigate change effectively. This episode is a reminder that while change can feel daunting, it’s also a chance to discover new strengths and perspectives. So grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s explore how you can turn the tides of change in your favor—because who doesn’t want a Year of Wonders?

Takeaways:

• Change often feels uncomfortable and chaotic, but it's usually where growth begins.
• Great achievements often sprout from periods of uncertainty and disruption in our lives.
• Instead of fearing change, we should embrace it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
• The real magic happens not just in making the first decision, but in adjusting as we go along.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Nick Tasler on Linked In
• https://www.nicktasler.com/
• Your Year of Wonder's - Book