CHIEF OF ANYTHING

Geschichten mit Christian und von Dankbarkeit und Vergebung Am 31.08.2025 wäre mein guter Freund und Podcast-Co-Host Christian Kohlhof 55 Jahre alt geworden. Leider hat er diesen Geburtstag nicht mehr erlebt und ist viel zu früh und plötzlich im Juli 2025 verstorben. In der Verarbeitung von Trauer, Verwirrung und einem Gefühl des Alleinseins lade ich euch ein, gemeinsam mit mir eine besondere Episode als Geburtstagsgeschenk für Christian zu gestalten: mit Geschichten über ihn, gerne auch mit Ausdruck von Dankbarkeit und Vergebung, was vielleicht schwierig war. Christian war begeisterter Podcast und hat mich damals überredet, diesen Podcast mit ihm anzufangen. Ich habe viel daraus mitgenommen, bin sehr dankbar und hoffe, mit diesem Beitrag in seinem Sinne etwas zurückgeben zu können. Herzlichen Dank für eure Beiträge – und dafür, dass wir Christian und sein Wirken in Erinnerung halten. Michael

Episode Twenty Six (English) Your body speaks—loudly. In this captivating episode, we dive into the chapter Body Language and unpack the silent signals that define how your message is received. From posture to eye contact, you’ll learn how to align your non-verbal cues with your leadership intent. Michael and Christian share insights into how mismatched body language creates distrust—and how congruence builds clarity and confidence. Explore how mastering your physical presence can instantly transform your impact in meetings, conversations, and coaching sessions. Some key takeaways from this episode: * The role of congruence between words and body * The top body language mistakes leaders make * How to create presence without saying a word * Tools for becoming aware of your unconscious signals About the Podcasters Michael on LinkedIn: ► http://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-portz [http://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-portz] Christian on LinkedIn and Instagram: ► http://linkedin.com/in/christiankohlhof [http://linkedin.com/in/christiankohlhof] ► https://www.instagram.com/christian.kohlhof.leadership/ [https://www.instagram.com/christian.kohlhof.leadership/] Our Book CHIEF OF ANYTHING: Why Relaxed-Productive Leadership Improves the World Order it today on Amazon: ► https://amzn.to/2Z5IIXh [https://amzn.to/2Z5IIXh] Or listen on Audible: ► https://tinyurl.com/3swyv548 [https://tinyurl.com/3swyv548] And one big request: Subscribe to our podcast to stay informed. If it helps you become a better leader, communicate more effectively, or if you simply find it entertaining, we’d greatly appreciate a 5-star rating and a review. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Episode Twenty Five (English) In this episode, we explore how to create genuine rapport—the essential ingredient for any leadership or coaching relationship. Discover the three golden rules to building trust and why true connection begins with being present, respectful, and emotionally available. Michael and Christian break down how to cultivate a relationship where people want to follow your lead—without manipulation, and without force. You'll also learn why being authentic trumps being nice, and how to create a climate where feedback, trust, and collaboration naturally flourish. Whether you’re a team lead, coach, or executive, this episode lays the foundation for meaningful communication and mutual respect. Key takeaways: * Why rapport is more than just being liked * The three rules that foster trust * How vulnerability and presence strengthen leadership * Examples of rapport done right—and wrong About the Podcasters Michael on LinkedIn: ► http://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-portz [http://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-portz] Christian on LinkedIn and Instagram: ► http://linkedin.com/in/christiankohlhof [http://linkedin.com/in/christiankohlhof] ► https://www.instagram.com/christian.kohlhof.leadership/ [https://www.instagram.com/christian.kohlhof.leadership/] Our Book CHIEF OF ANYTHING: Why Relaxed-Productive Leadership Improves the World Order it today on Amazon: ► https://amzn.to/2Z5IIXh [https://amzn.to/2Z5IIXh] Or listen on Audible: ► https://tinyurl.com/3swyv548 [https://tinyurl.com/3swyv548] And one big request: Subscribe to our podcast to stay informed. If it helps you become a better leader, communicate more effectively, or if you simply find it entertaining, we’d greatly appreciate a 5-star rating and a review. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Episode Twenty Four (English) How do leaders truly understand what’s being said—beyond the words? In this episode, Michael and Christian explore the “Iceberg of Communication,” a powerful model that reveals how most of what we communicate lies beneath the surface. Through practical insights and stories, they unpack how assumptions, emotions, and non-verbal cues drive behavior and influence. As a leader, learning to see below the surface allows you to lead with empathy, navigate conflict better, and build deeper trust. Some key takeaways from this episode: * Most communication is unconscious—awareness is the starting point. * Emotions, beliefs, and past experiences shape how people hear you. * Leaders who listen “beneath the words” build stronger connections. * Misunderstandings often arise from what’s not being said. * The best communicators decode tone, body language, and context. * Great leadership is iceberg-aware leadership. About the Podcasters Michael on LinkedIn: ► http://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-portz [http://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-portz] Christian on LinkedIn and Instagram: ► http://linkedin.com/in/christiankohlhof [http://linkedin.com/in/christiankohlhof] ► https://www.instagram.com/christian.kohlhof.leadership/ [https://www.instagram.com/christian.kohlhof.leadership/] Our Book CHIEF OF ANYTHING: Why Relaxed-Productive Leadership Improves the World Order it today on Amazon: ► https://amzn.to/2Z5IIXh [https://amzn.to/2Z5IIXh] Or listen on Audible: ► https://tinyurl.com/3swyv548 [https://tinyurl.com/3swyv548] And one big request: Subscribe to our podcast to stay informed. If it helps you become a better leader, communicate more effectively, or if you simply find it entertaining, we’d greatly appreciate a 5-star rating and a review. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Episode Twenty Three (English) What makes a message stick? In this episode, Michael and Christian reveal the underrated superpower of leadership: repetition. Embracing your role as “Chief Repeating Officer” means becoming a consistent voice for vision, values, and direction—even when it feels repetitive to you. The truth is, teams crave clarity—and repetition builds it. You’ll hear why repeating the right things with intention builds alignment, culture, and trust. Some key takeaways from this episode: * Repetition is not redundancy—it’s reinforcement. * The message you repeat becomes your culture. * Clarity comes from hearing the same message in different moments. * People don’t need new goals every week—they need consistent reminders. * Being predictable in your values builds trust. * Leadership is the art of reminding people what matters most.