The Leadership Growth Podcast

Adversity Doesn't End Your Story, It Rewrites It

Everyone faces adversity. Today’s guest asks, “If something happens that derails your life, what is the initiative that you're willing to take to pave the road to make things possible?” After losing his sight in 2011, André van Hall learned first-hand what it meant to face adversity and reinvent himself. After a career in hospitality, he pivoted to become an author, speaker, and self-styled Curiosity Instigator. In this episode, André talks to Daniel and Peter about the circumstances that led to the loss of his vision, how he dealt with the obstacles his new reality presented, and what he learned in the process of reinventing himself. Tune in to learn: * The role of curiosity in overcoming adversity and reinventing oneself * The importance of humility in facing challenges * The difference between judging and assessing A rebuilt life is not a lesser life, says André. “Curiosity truly is the ray of sunlight that gives us the possibilities of what can be.” Questions, or comments? E-mail us at podcast@stewartleadership.com — Sign up for Stewart Leadership's newsletter: https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/ [https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/] — Resources and Links André van Hall TEDx Talk [https://youtu.be/2kCzSphkg5s?si=PF2q-jBC4WFCnYxG] André van Hall Website [https://andrevanhall.com/] The Curiosity of Change: How to Bring Light to the Dark Side of Change, André van Hall (Amazon) [https://www.amazon.com/Curiosity-Change-Bring-Light-Dark-ebook/dp/B07VZQSQV9/] Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources: How to Stay Relevant at Work [https://stewartleadership.com/how-to-stay-relevant-at-work/] 6 Tips to Build a Learning Organization [https://stewartleadership.com/6-tips-to-build-a-learning-organization/] 7 Ways Leaders Develop Themselves and Others [https://stewartleadership.com/7-ways-leaders-develop-themselves-and-others/] 5 EQ Lessons from a Leader Who Turned Criticism Into Growth [https://stewartleadership.com/criticism-into-growth/] 7 Ways to Become a Servant Leader [https://stewartleadership.com/7-ways-to-become-a-servant-leader/] 8 Characteristics of Servant Leaders [https://stewartleadership.com/8-characteristics-of-servant-leaders/] — #leadership #podcast #leadershippodcast #leadershipdevelopment #StewartLeadership #LeadershipGrowthPodcast If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode.  For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com [http://www.stewartleadership.com] and follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/stewartleadership], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stewartleadership/], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@stewartleadership4374].

The Friction Problem Nobody's Talking About

From food delivery to dating, much of modern life is designed to help us eliminate friction. But today’s guest suggests that we may have eliminated too much friction. Ross Blankenship is an organizational psychologist, executive coach, and author who works with CEOs and senior leadership teams on the human side of leadership. In his forthcoming book, Friction: Uncover the Power of Leading Through Tension, Ross and his co-author, Maggie Sass, explore how leaders can lead through friction for better decisions, stronger relationships, and healthier performance. In this conversation, Daniel, Peter, and Ross discuss why the right amount of friction is key to learning and leading for long-term success. Ross points to studies that show when learning is more difficult, retention is higher. “If you take too much of the friction out of my thinking… then I’m not really thinking about it anymore,” he says. Tune in to learn: * The different types of friction that affect how people work and lead * Why a little bit of friction is actually good * How “sticking points” can help improve thinking Like most beneficial practices, leveraging and navigating friction starts with habits. Find “the very simplest, smallest version of a task,” says Ross, and reflect or put energy into thinking about that friction. “That’s the kind of habit that can start to change your identity over time.” Questions, or comments? E-mail us at podcast@stewartleadership.com — Sign up for Stewart Leadership's newsletter: https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/ [https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/] — Resources and Links Everyday Leadership Website [https://www.everydayleadership.com/] Ross Blankenship’s Substack “Theory of Change” [https://rossblankenship.substack.com/p/everyday-leadership] Tuesday Advisors [https://www.tuesdayadvisors.com/] Ross Blankenship website [https://www.rossblankenship.io/] Ross Blankenship LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonrossblankenship/] Friction: Uncover the Power of Leading Through Tension (August 2026) [https://www.amazon.com/Friction-Emotion-Tension-Connection-Leaders/dp/B0FKM27Z4K] Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources: Why this One Skill is a Non-Negotiable for Your Next-Level Leaders [https://stewartleadership.com/conflict-management-manager-skill/] 8 Tips to Manage Critical Feedback [https://stewartleadership.com/8-tips-to-manage-critical-feedback/] 5 IQ Lessons from a Leader Who Turned Criticism Into Growth [https://stewartleadership.com/criticism-into-growth/] Burned Out vs. Bored Out: The Hidden Engagement Crisis [https://stewartleadership.com/burned-out-or-bored-out-the-engagement-challenge-few-are-talking-about/] 6 Ways Leaders can Master Emotional Self-Control [https://stewartleadership.com/6-ways-to-help-regulate-your-emotions-for-leadership-effectiveness/] How to Increase Your Emotional Intelligence [https://stewartleadership.com/increasing-your-emotional-intelligence-how-do-others-react-to-you-2/] 8 Keys to Managing Conflict Well [https://stewartleadership.com/8-keys-to-managing-conflict-well/] — #leadership #podcast #leadershippodcast #leadershipdevelopment #StewartLeadership #LeadershipGrowthPodcast If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode.  For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com [http://www.stewartleadership.com] and follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/stewartleadership], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stewartleadership/], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@stewartleadership4374].

Don't Let Your Organization Fall Behind on AI

By the time you read this sentence, the AI landscape has already changed, says Bala Muthiah, Director of Engineering for Lyft. “It’s like A Tale of Two Cities,” he says, citing the tension between champions and skeptics. “There are dreamers, and we need them. And there is a realism when code goes to production.” In this conversation with Daniel and Peter, Bala shares his insights about how to balance aspirations around the great potential of AI with a healthy dose of realism about its capabilities and use cases. Tune in to learn: * A framework to help apply AI with a “human first” approach * What you should NOT do to promote AI literacy * Why leaders should let go of AI FOMO Ultimately, Bala encourages leaders to be curious. “As a leader, the number one job is to help your team be their best,” he says. Being curious “is always going to be the winning formula.” Questions, or comments? E-mail us at podcast@stewartleadership.com — Sign up for Stewart Leadership's newsletter: https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/ [https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/] — Resources and Links Bala Muthiah LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/balaarjunan/] Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources: 4 Mistakes Leaders Make with AI–and What to Do Instead [https://stewartleadership.com/4-mistakes-leaders-make-with-aiand-what-to-do-instead/] 4 Ways to Encourage a Healthy Failure Culture [https://stewartleadership.com/4-ways-to-encourage-a-healthy-failure-culture/] The AI Integration Roadmap [https://stewartleadership.com/the-ai-integration-roadmap/] How to Stay Relevant at Work [https://stewartleadership.com/how-to-stay-relevant-at-work/] 6 Ways to Gain Support for Organizational Change [https://stewartleadership.com/6-tips-to-help-build-support-for-your-next-change-effort/] The 4 Steps for Managing Constant Change in the Workplace [https://stewartleadership.com/the-4-steps-for-managing-constant-change-in-the-workplace/] 4 Ways to Develop a Strategy of Adaptation [https://stewartleadership.com/4-ways-to-develop-a-strategy-of-adaptation/] 5 Signs You’re Ready for Digital Transformation [https://stewartleadership.com/5-ways-to-know-when-youre-ready-for-digital-transformation/] — #leadership #podcast #leadershippodcast #leadershipdevelopment #StewartLeadership #LeadershipGrowthPodcast If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode.  For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com [http://www.stewartleadership.com] and follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/stewartleadership], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stewartleadership/], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@stewartleadership4374].

Strategic Resilience in the Age of AI

Resilience isn't a personality trait, says today's guest, Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier. "It is a state” that runs from high to low on a continuum. Dr. Pelletier, also known as MH, is a leadership psychologist, executive coach, and senior leader with over twenty years of experience across the corporate, insurance, and governance sectors. Her award-winning book, The Resilience Plan, was named a “Top Five Book to Read” by both Inc. Magazine and Forbes. In this episode, MH joins Daniel and Peter to examine what resilience means for today's leaders and how to apply strategic thinking to today’s challenges. Tune in to learn: * Why resilience exists on a continuum * The three pillars for building resilience in the age of AI * How leaders can support team resilience The answer to facing the relentless pace of the AI-world isn’t heroic endurance, says MH. Rather, it's a calmer brain. With strategic thinking, leaders can strengthen resilience for both themselves and their teams. Questions, comments, or topic ideas? Drop us an e-mail at podcast@stewartleadership.com [podcast@stewartleadership.com]. — Listen to The Leadership Growth Podcast! https://open.spotify.com/show/6tYdz1gQAxHIQMeNXtkA3z?si=5cf424f1e2954749 [https://open.spotify.com/show/6tYdz1gQAxHIQMeNXtkA3z?si=5cf424f1e2954749] https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadership-growth-podcast/id1726606341 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadership-growth-podcast/id1726606341] — Sign up for Stewart Leadership's newsletter: https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/ [https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/] — Resources and Links Dr. Marie-Hélène (“MH”) Pelletier website [https://drmarie-helene.com/] The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health (Amazon link) [https://www.amazon.com/Resilience-Plan-Strategic-Optimizing-Performance/dp/B0CKM39RMZ/] Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources: https://stewartleadership.com/lead-in-uncertain-times/ [https://stewartleadership.com/lead-in-uncertain-times/] https://stewartleadership.com/leading-through-uncertainty/ [https://stewartleadership.com/leading-through-uncertainty/] https://stewartleadership.com/improve-your-work-life-integration-by-managing-microstress/ [https://stewartleadership.com/improve-your-work-life-integration-by-managing-microstress/] https://stewartleadership.com/how-to-zoom-out-and-manage-your-inner-chatter/ [https://stewartleadership.com/how-to-zoom-out-and-manage-your-inner-chatter/] https://stewartleadership.com/4-ways-to-encourage-a-growth-mindset-culture/ [https://stewartleadership.com/4-ways-to-encourage-a-growth-mindset-culture/] #leadership #podcast #leadershippodcast #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoaching #StewartLeadership #LeadershipGrowthPodcast If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode.  For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com [http://www.stewartleadership.com] and follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/stewartleadership], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stewartleadership/], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@stewartleadership4374].

Navigating Constant Change: A Strengths Perspective

“Change fatigue is real,” says today’s guest, Tiffany Harvey. “And everyone really navigates change very differently.” Tiffany is a Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths® coach and client partner to Gallup. She led the CliftonStrengths program at Southwest Airlines for five years and now works as a Human Resources Manager at HOAM Ventures. In this episode, Tiffany talks to Daniel and Peter about what strengths really are, how they can inform your leadership style and approach, and why knowing your strengths can help you deal with a constantly changing business environment. Tune in to learn: * How to deal with “strength envy” * Whether it’s possible to overuse a strength * Why curiosity could be key to understanding co-workers and direct reports in a whole new way When faced with constant change, Tiffany says, it’s not about being fearless or embracing disruptive change. “It’s about being very mindful and intentional about selecting one or two strengths” that can help you navigate the changes you’re facing. Questions, comments, or topic ideas? Drop us an e-mail at podcast@stewartleadership.com [podcast@stewartleadership.com]. Listen to The Leadership Growth Podcast New episodes drop every other Tuesday! https://open.spotify.com/show/6tYdz1gQAxHIQMeNXtkA3z?si=5cf424f1e2954749 [https://open.spotify.com/show/6tYdz1gQAxHIQMeNXtkA3z?si=5cf424f1e2954749] https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadership-growth-podcast/id1726606341 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadership-growth-podcast/id1726606341] Sign up for Stewart Leadership's newsletter: https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/ [https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/] Resources and Links Gallup CliftonStrengths® Assessment [https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx] Tiffany Harvey on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-harvey1/] Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources: https://stewartleadership.com/5-ways-to-help-manage-your-teams-change-exhaustion-2/ [https://stewartleadership.com/5-ways-to-help-manage-your-teams-change-exhaustion-2/] https://stewartleadership.com/leading-through-change-how-to-future-proof-your-team/ [https://stewartleadership.com/leading-through-change-how-to-future-proof-your-team/] https://stewartleadership.com/the-4-steps-for-managing-constant-change-in-the-workplace/ [https://stewartleadership.com/the-4-steps-for-managing-constant-change-in-the-workplace/] https://stewartleadership.com/five-ways-to-test-your-ability-to-sustain-change/ [https://stewartleadership.com/five-ways-to-test-your-ability-to-sustain-change/] #leadership #podcast #leadershippodcast #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoaching #StewartLeadership #LeadershipGrowthPodcast If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode.  For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com [http://www.stewartleadership.com] and follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/stewartleadership], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stewartleadership/], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@stewartleadership4374].