Prepare 2 Shift 4 Leaders

Vision to Venture: How 2 Entrepreneurs Created GoWāndr!

We’re mixing things up in this episode with our very first guest conversation. And I couldn’t have asked for better company. Caelyn Phillips and Christopher Bell, the co-founders of GoWāndr, are here to share their story. This isn’t just another travel app they’ve built. It’s something soulful, designed to make exploring the world feel personal again. Caelyn is one of those rare creatives who can think like a strategist. He’s a multilingual UX designer, researcher, and marketer who moves easily between cultures, fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Over the years, he’s worked across user experience, brand strategy, and digital design, helping startups shape products that actually connect with people. Christopher comes from a different angle but with the same heart for design. He’s a seasoned UX designer and researcher who’s worked with major companies like Centene Corporation and ADP, always with the goal of creating seamless, human-centered experiences. He’s also my son. Together, they’re a powerhouse with ten years of trust, collaboration, and a knack for blending practical problem-solving with a bit of poetry. In this conversation, we get into the grit of building GoWāndr, and how it went from a spark of an idea to a tool that organizes every part of a trip, yet still manages to spark curiosity and capture memories. You’ll hear why they pivoted from their original plan, the features that make the app stand out, and the moments along the way that told them they were onto something special. GoWāndr is available now on the Apple App Store [https://www.apple.com/app-store/] and Google Play Store [https://play.google.com/store/games?hl=en_US&pli=1]. The first month is free with full feature access, and most functions can be explored without logging in. Episode Highlights:  [02:22] Today we're shifting for the first time from a solo podcast format to one that includes guest leaders.  Phillips and Christopher Bell, the co-founders of GoWāndr are here today.  [06:01] Caelyn shows the inspiration for the app and what sparked the idea. Travel has changed his perspective on the world. [07:25] The app was originally going to be a language learning app. They then decided to shift the idea to make travel more accessible to everyone. [08:53] For about 15 years, Chris was a professional photographer specializing in fashion creative photoshoots. He was also the editor-in-chief of Aspiring Magazine for about five years. He also worked in podcasts and other creative work before pivoting to UX design. [09:29] Caelyn and Chris have worked together for about a decade now. They worked in multimedia and produced various documentaries.  [10:41]The importance of knowing when and how to pivot when working in startups. [11:33] The beauty of having an organic aspect of an idea or product instead of being stuck with this is your baby and I can't change. [12:04] It's important to adapt to what people need. [12:44] What makes  Stand Out is the organizational aspect. You can do everything in one place. You can collaborate and share links with your travel partner. [14:30] Users can expect all of the standard booking items plus a dynamic dashboard that has what you need at your fingertips. There's also an echo journal where you can organize everything. The app also has a nostalgic aesthetic. [15:44] GoWāndr was designed with intention. [16:39] After using the app, people should walk away more than just a trip. We want them to feel like they reconnected in a sense with themselves, with the curiosity, with the stories they travel, that makes travel meaningful. [17:03] Every memory has emotional weight. People should feel seen and inspired and a little bit transformed. [18:16] We discuss the emotional experience of developing the app. We want to build the lasting staying power of these memories.  [19:12] Chris shares his leadership approach to ensure that GoWāndr has staying power. A lot of it is about leaning into their strengths and resourcefulness. [22:07] The beauty of taking a project and working with it brick by brick. [23:29] Chris and Caelyn share favorite memories from building GoWāndr. [26:17] Chris and Caelyn have strengths that complement each other. Whatever they do turns out to be successful. Resources & Links Related to this Episode * Prepare 2 Shift [https://www.prepare2shift.com/] * THINK Globally LEAD Strategically: A Christian Guide to Building Effective Leaders [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737966956?] * YOUTH LEADERSHIP: The Untapped Resource [https://www.amazon.com/YOUTH-LEADERSHIP-Untapped-Paula-Maddox-ebook/dp/B09MSQCX89/] * Dr. Paula Maddox LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-paula-maddox-717362a2/] * Leadership Communications: The Top 5 Tips [https://www.prepare2shift.com/] * GoWāndr [https://deer-orange-xsw9.squarespace.com/] * Christopher Bell - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-bell-ux/] * Caelyn Phillips [https://uxcaelyn.squarespace.com/] * Caelyn Phillips - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caelyn-phillips/]

No Bench? No Backup! The Power of a Strong Bench!

Leaders often have their sights set on promotion, growth, and new opportunities. What happens if there’s nobody prepared to take over their role once they move up? When an organization lacks bench strength, it can quietly threaten the stability and future success of the entire company. In this episode, we'll explore why having no bench and no backup is more than just an inconvenience. It’s a critical gap that can stall your progress and hinder long-term sustainability. You might have heard the phrase "bench strength" from sports, referring to skilled players ready to step in whenever they're needed. It turns out that business isn't so different. Having a deep talent pool of capable employees ready to fill key leadership roles at a moment’s notice is essential. We'll dive into why so few organizations feel confident about their bench and examine what truly makes a bench strong, adaptable, and ready to meet unexpected challenges. Whether you're someone looking to move forward in your career, or you're responsible for preparing your own team to handle future transitions, this conversation will offer practical strategies for assessing, developing, and reinforcing your organization's talent pipeline. Building a bench isn't just good business. It’s a critical factor in sustaining growth, adaptability, and success, no matter what comes your way. Episode Highlights:  [02:27] No Bench, No Backup, The Power of a Strong Bench. This is a critical topic that can sometimes prevent leaders from advancing in their careers. [03:04] Bench has been used in sports to refer to the quality and number of players ready to step in. In business it's very similar. It's about having a deep talent pool of competent employees ready to step up when needed. [04:02] A strong bench means nurturing a talented pool of candidates that possess the right skills, knowledge, and experience to step up when needed. [05:24] Adopting a global mindset is critical. Common trade-offs that executive leaders must consider. [06:14] Cultural awareness and agility is also important for leaders. [07:10] Only 12% of companies have a strong leadership bench due to 1. Lack of investment in developing mid-level managers. 2. Company overlooking potential leaders. 3. Difficulties in creating effective succession plans. [08:04] Advantages of building a strong global bench includes top quality talent retention, reduced risk and enhanced agility, and improved business continuity and financial performance. [11:15] Companies with strong benches are three times more likely to be among top performing organizations. [11:33] Innovation and growth. Employees encouraged to grow are more likely to generate innovative ideas. [12:06] Preventing burnout is another benefit of having a strong global bench. Other advantages include maintaining institutional knowledge and preserving expertise. [13:04] Let's explore how leaders can assess their current leadership bench. 1. Identify critical roles and define competencies. 2. Conduct comprehensive talent assessments. 3. Conduct staffing reviews and discussions. 4. Take inventory of existing skills. [17:35] Once you've assessed your bench, the job of strengthening it begins. [18:34] 1. Invest in high quality leadership development programs. 2. Foster a culture of coaching and mentorship. 3.  Encourage ownership and accountability by empowering potential leaders.  [22:48] Communication is key! Resources & Links Related to this Episode * Prepare 2 Shift [https://www.prepare2shift.com/] * THINK Globally LEAD Strategically: A Christian Guide to Building Effective Leaders [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737966956?] * YOUTH LEADERSHIP: The Untapped Resource [https://www.amazon.com/YOUTH-LEADERSHIP-Untapped-Paula-Maddox-ebook/dp/B09MSQCX89/] * Dr. Paula 4 Keys To Building Your Leadership Bench StrengthMaddox LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-paula-maddox-717362a2/] * THINK Globally LEAD Strategically: A Christian Guide to Building Effective Leaders [https://www.amazon.com/THINK-Globally-LEAD-Strategically-Christian/dp/1737966948/] * Leadership Bench Strength | Can You Spot Your Next CEO Early? [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU8peTvD-DY] * Leadership Succession Planning: Ensuring Continuity and Future Success [https://workplacestaffing.com/leadership-succession-planning/] * Bench Strength: What Why and How [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bench-strength-what-why-how-phil-de-kock-/] * Identifying and Building Your Leadership Bench Strength [https://keoghconsulting.com.au/tips-for-identifying-and-building-leadership-bench-strength/] * Building Leadership Bench Strength for a Global Business Environment [https://diversityglobal.com/web/Article?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1&id=Building-Leadership-Bench-Strength-for-a-Global-Business-Environment-1995] * Top Companies Reap Benefits of Bench Activity [https://tinyurl.com/3jfny82z] * 4 Keys To Building Your Leadership Bench Strength [https://www.forbes.com/sites/alainhunkins/2021/08/30/4-keys-to-building-your-leadership-bench-strength/] * Developing A Global Mindset: The Five Keys To Success [https://www.imd.org/research-knowledge/leadership/articles/developing-a-global-mindset-the-five-keys-to-success/] * 6 Ways to Improve your Companies’ Bench Strength [https://lynnfrasercoaching.com/2021/07/06/6-ways-to-improve-your-companies-bench-strength/] * Building Deep Bench Strength: A Strategic Approach to Organizational Resilience and Growth [https://www.resourcequeue.com/blog/building-deep-bench-strength] * How Managers Build a Strong Bench [https://www.boundlessnewleaders.com/boundless-blog/how-managers-build-a-strong-bench] * Top Companies Reap the Benefits of Bench Strength [https://www.ddiworld.com/global-leadership-forecast-2023/bench-strength] * Maxwell Executive Leadership Podcast #60: Leader Challenge: Building Bench Strength [https://www.maxwellleadership.com/podcast/executive-leadership-podcast-60-leadership-challenge-building-bench-strength/] * Leader’s Playbook to Turn Feedback to Forward Motion [https://www.prepare2shift.com/podcast/leaders-playbook-to-turn-feedback-to-forward-motion]

Excuse Me! I Wasn't Finished Yet!

Have you ever been in the middle of sharing a great idea—or even just finishing a sentence, when someone cuts you off mid-thought? That momentary flash of frustration, the feeling of being overlooked or dismissed, is something most of us know all too well. In this episode, we’re digging into the dynamics of interruptions, and what they really mean, why they happen, and how we can respond with clarity, confidence, and grace. From the workplace to our closest relationships, the way we handle being interrupted (or how often we interrupt others) can either build trust or quietly erode it. We’ll unpack the three main types of interruptions: power, rapport, and neutral and explore why some people dominate conversations while others unknowingly jump in out of eagerness or anxiety. The conversation gets especially interesting when we look at how cultural differences and neurodivergence affect how interruptions are perceived. Did you know that in some cultures, overlapping speech signals enthusiasm and connection, while in others it’s seen as flat-out rude? Or that some people may interrupt simply to avoid forgetting their thoughts, not because they’re trying to hijack the conversation? Whether you’re someone who often gets interrupted or you’re realizing you might be doing the interrupting, this episode offers practical ways to handle both roles. You’ll walk away with specific language to use in the moment, tips on staying regulated when you feel dismissed, and advice for building conversations that feel inclusive, respectful, and productive. It's not just about talking, it’s about being heard, and learning how to truly listen. Episode Highlights:  [02:57] Today, we're tackling conversation interruptions. Have you ever been cut off mid-conversation and felt like your feelings have been hijacked?  [04:12] Interruptions can happen during any conversation. It breaks the flow of your speech or pattern of thought. It's when someone interjects their own thoughts in the middle of someone's sentence. [05:30] It can depend on someone's conversational style on how they perceive and interruption. We need to approach communication with a higher level of awareness. [06:38] Think about taking a pause and thinking about your audience before you assume the worst. [07:03] Power interruptions are when the interrupter wants to take control or display dominance. Their viewpoint is more important than the speakers. [07:25] Rapport Interrupters intend to build a connection and show engagement. [08:04] Neutral interruptions do not carry power or the intent to disrupt. They may interject into the conversation if the speaker hasn't invited other opinions. [09:07] Why do people interrupt others? It can range from unintentional habits to calculated behaviors to not even being aware that you're doing it. [10:28] People may interrupt because they desire dominance or control. It's necessary for impactful leaders to have a high level of emotional intelligence. [11:01]  You can learn more in my book, THINK Globally LEAD Strategically: A Christian Guide to Building Effective Leaders. [11:55] Men are more likely to interrupt women. [12:43] Interrupters can sometimes be impatient or feel very eager. [14:16] Sometimes behaviors that resemble an interruption could be from a neurodevelopmental disorder like ADHD. [15:27] Cultural differences also have an effect on how interruptions are perceived. Communication styles can vary significantly across cultures. [16:26] How to respond to interruptions when they happen. [17:21] Remain calm and maintain your composure to be calmly assertive. Take a deep breath and don't take it personally. [19:53] Use "I" statements to own what you're thinking and feeling. [20:23] Ways to proactively shift your behavior if you're the interrupter. 1. Practice active listening by consciously focusing on what the speaker is saying. 2. Take a moment to pause before speaking. 3. Write down your thoughts. 4. Focus on the topic, not yourself. [22:27] Understanding and managing conversation interruptions is a crucial step towards building healthier and more productive relationships. Resources & Links Related to this Episode * Prepare 2 Shift [https://www.prepare2shift.com/] * THINK Globally LEAD Strategically: A Christian Guide to Building Effective Leaders [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737966956?] * YOUTH LEADERSHIP: The Untapped Resource [https://www.amazon.com/YOUTH-LEADERSHIP-Untapped-Paula-Maddox-ebook/dp/B09MSQCX89/] * Dr. Paula Maddox LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-paula-maddox-717362a2/] * THINK Globally LEAD Strategically: A Christian Guide to Building Effective Leaders [https://www.amazon.com/THINK-Globally-LEAD-Strategically-Christian/dp/1737966948/] * Dealing With Interrupters In Business Conversations [https://growtraffic.co.uk/dealing-with-interrupters-in-business-conversations/] * Stanford Researcher Examines How People Perceive Interruptions In Conversation [https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2018/05/exploring-interruption-conversation] * 8 Polite & Assertive Ways To Stop People Interrupting You [https://www.scienceofpeople.com/stop-people-interrupting/] * The Psychology of Interrupting (Why People Interrupt and How to Manage It) [https://bodylanguagematters.com/the-psychology-of-interrupting-why-people-interrupt-and-how-to-manage-it/#google_vignette]

Making Decisions in Complex Situations

Let's be honest, uncertainty isn't going anywhere. If anything, it's become the default setting for most of us in leadership roles. Those neat, step-by-step decision trees we learned about? They're pretty much useless when you're dealing with real complexity. In this episode, I dig into why our go-to methods for making decisions often backfire when things get messy. And trust me, things are always messy these days. Whether you're trying to pivot quickly, working with incomplete data, or just feeling like you're flying blind, I've got some thoughts that might help. I’ll talk about what complexity actually looks like in practice, because it's not just "complicated but harder." It's a whole different beast. Then we'll get into why sticking rigidly to your usual playbook can actually make things worse. The real meat of this conversation centers around something called emergent strategy. Sounds fancy, but it's actually pretty straightforward. Instead of trying to map out every detail from the start, you take deliberate small steps and let better decisions reveal themselves as you go. It's like feeling your way forward with a flashlight instead of trying to see the whole path at once. I'll share some stories from my time working federal emergency deployments. Those experiences taught me a lot about staying calm when everything's chaos, building confidence without all the answers, and why bringing your team into the process isn't just nice to have, it's essential. By the time we wrap up, you'll have some concrete tools you can actually use. We'll talk about managing your own stress response, getting clear on what you're really trying to achieve, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is run an experiment instead of making a "final" decision. This isn't about having all the answers, it's about getting comfortable with not having them while still moving forward effectively. Episode Highlights: [02:48] We're talking about the important topic of being able to make decisions when the path isn't clear. [03:23] Leaders frequently have to make crucial decisions under pressure. [04:22] Traditional decision making practices may not meet today's complicated demands. [05:05] A complex work environment is characterized by a high degree of unpredictable dynamics. [06:51] When making decisions in complex situations our brains are processing multiple systems simultaneously. [07:19] The two main computations that our brains are faced with when making complex decisions according to an MIT article. [08:24] Cause and effect relationships require expertise and analysis. Leaders need to sift through known unknowns. [09:16] We often have to rely on good past practices. [09:57] It's tempting to revert to familiar decision making styles or use entrained thinking as mentioned in a Harvard Business Review article. [11:04] One of the first things leaders can do is shift their mindset. Be open to changing your mind as new data emerges. Courageously clarified the task or goal. [12:24] The emergent strategy allows leaders to use incremental decision-making or learning and adapting along the way. This allows the decision to evolve over time. [13:07] Our traditional process for making decisions is called the deliberate strategy. [14:01] Incremental decision-making or emergent strategy accepts that you cannot define the final strategy at the beginning. Leaders navigate step-by-step making decisions along the way. [15:23] Innovative leadership often applies to software and tech companies. It's important to embrace collaboration. [16:15] I share 10 tips that may be useful for you now based on a Forbes article. [17:06] Gain clarity. Determine outcomes. Understand the problem. Generate alternatives. Weigh decisions against probability. Prioritize key factors. Use existing structured methods. Weigh the need for more data against time. Provide clarity. Remain adaptable and open to revisiting decisions. [19:29] Navigating complexity requires a willingness to be flexible and agile in our leadership approach.   Resources & Links Related to this Episode ●    Prepare 2 Shift [https://www.prepare2shift.com/] ●    THINK Globally LEAD Strategically: A Christian Guide to Building Effective Leaders [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737966956?] ●    YOUTH LEADERSHIP: The Untapped Resource [https://www.amazon.com/YOUTH-LEADERSHIP-Untapped-Paula-Maddox-ebook/dp/B09MSQCX89/] ●    Dr. Paula Maddox LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-paula-maddox-717362a2/] ●    Leadership Communications: The Top 5 Tips [https://www.prepare2shift.com/] ●    How We Make Complex Decisions [https://news.mit.edu/2019/how-brain-complex-decisions-0516] ●    A Leader’s Framework for Decision Making [https://hbr.org/2007/11/a-leaders-framework-for-decision-making] ●    How to Make Better Decisions Under Pressure: 5 Key Strategies for Navigating Complexity [https://wdhb.com/blog/how-to-make-better-decisions-under-pressure-5-key-strategies-for-navigating-complexity/] ●    How to Make Strategic Choices in Uncertain Conditions [https://www.shrm.org/executive-network/insights/people-strategy/how-to-make-strategic-choices-uncertain-conditions] ●    Courage to Clarify: Leadership and Decision-Making Amidst Complexity [https://www.rohei.com/resources/courage-to-clarify-leadership-and-decision-making-amidst-complexity] ●    12 Ways To Make Crucial Decisions Under Pressure [https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2021/06/16/12-ways-to-make-crucial-decisions-under-pressure/] ●    What Are The Key Steps In Making A Complex Business Decision? [https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/what-key-steps-making-complex-business-decision]

Leader’s Playbook to Turn Feedback to Forward Motion

Feedback has the power to build trust, drive growth, and strengthen relationships but only if we know how to use it well. In this episode, I’m diving into what it really takes to turn feedback into forward motion. Whether you're leading a team, working across departments, or just trying to get better at what you do, the way we give and receive feedback makes all the difference. I'll share some of the ways I’ve shifted the tone of feedback conversations to make them more meaningful and less stressful, including why I started calling them brag moments. It changed everything. We’ll also get into how to ask better questions, how to handle feedback when it’s coming your way, and why the words you choose matter more than you think. This isn’t about sugarcoating tough conversations. It’s about making them clear, helpful, and actionable. If you're ready to create a feedback culture that actually helps people grow, this one's for you. Episode Highlights: [02:31] Let's talk about a Leader's Playbook to turn feedback into forward motion. [03:18] Understanding how to give and receive feedback effectively is a game changer. [04:24] Feedback is a key interpersonal skill that applies way beyond the workplace. It's essential for healthy relationships. [05:16] Key principles include differentiating between constructive criticism and negative feedback. Constructive criticism focuses on ways to improve. Negative feedback to grades others. [06:06] I share a personal story about my previous manager's feedback. [07:37] Feedback can be an opportunity to share what's working well and suggest improvements on both sides. [08:07] I remember my team members not being excited when I scheduled feedback discussions. I changed the tone and called them our brag moments. [11:25] Leaders need to be just as attentive as noticing accomplishments as observing areas of improvement. [12:01] An example of constructive feedback. Ask an open-ended "what" question. [13:43] I go into more detail in my book, YOUTH LEADERSHIP: The Untapped Resource [https://www.amazon.com/YOUTH-LEADERSHIP-Untapped-Paula-Maddox-ebook/dp/B09MSQCX89/]. [14:34] Feedback should be timely and in private. [15:19] Using "I" statements and making a conscious effort to own our observations and opinions. [16:58] Begin with a comment of appreciation before beginning constructive criticism. [17:32] Multiple directions of offering feedback. Feedback can also be given to higher managers in the leadership chain. [18:04] The importance of selecting the right time and space and respecting time. [19:02] Feedback can also be phrased as a question to open the conversation. [20:24] An example of how to give negative feedback. Be clear and follow up. [22:13] The best ways to receive constructive feedback. Take an intentional pause and appreciate someone willing to give you feedback. [23:30] Reflect back and ask clarifying questions. [26:48] Reframing questions to begin with the word "what" meets people where they are and allows them to explore creative solutions. [29:24] In conclusion, constructive feedback is a vital ingredient for growth and strong relationships!   Resources & Links Related to this Episode ●    Prepare 2 Shift [https://www.prepare2shift.com/] ●    THINK Globally LEAD Strategically: A Christian Guide to Building Effective Leaders [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737966956?] ●    YOUTH LEADERSHIP: The Untapped Resource [https://www.amazon.com/YOUTH-LEADERSHIP-Untapped-Paula-Maddox-ebook/dp/B09MSQCX89/] ●    Dr. Paula Maddox LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-paula-maddox-717362a2/] ●    Leadership Communications: The Top 5 Tips [https://www.prepare2shift.com/] ●    How to Give Negative Feedback to Your Peers, Boss, or Direct Reports [https://hbr.org/2023/04/how-to-give-negative-feedback-to-your-peers-boss-or-direct-reports] ●    2 Dos and 3 Don'ts When Giving Feedback [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-evolving-self/202409/2-dos-and-3-donts-when-giving-feedback] ●    7 Examples Of How To Provide Employee Feedback For Managers [https://www.achievers.com/blog/feedback-for-managers/] ●    How to Receive Feedback (Part 1) [https://www.managementcenter.org/resources/receive-feedback-pt1/]