Bad Meetings Podcast

Leadership is Not Enough with Dr. James Chitwood

Season 1, Episode 9: Leadership is Not Enough with Dr. James Chitwood  In the season finale of Bad Meetings, host Erika McKellar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikamckellar/] sits down with Dr. James Chitwood [https://www.instagram.com/dr.jameschitwood/], leadership expert and author of Leadership is Not Enough [https://drjameschitwood.com/], for a masterclass on transforming bad meetings into powerful opportunities for engagement and connection.   Together, they explore the 50-50 meeting structure, how communication shapes organizational culture, and practical ways to create psychological safety in teams. Dr. Chitwood shares candid stories of meeting failures, lessons learned, and actionable strategies to elevate leadership and team dynamics.   If you're ready to lead better, communicate effectively, and build a culture of trust, this is the episode you can't miss. ---  Key Takeaways   * The 50-50 Meeting Structure: Balance data-driven discussions with relational, qualitative dialogue.   * Communication is Everything: Clear, intentional communication fosters a positive organizational culture.   * Preparation = Engagement: Thoughtful planning makes meetings more productive and keeps employees motivated.   * Don’t Skip Internal Communication: It’s a vital yet underutilized tool for employee connection and morale.   * Train Smart: Ensure training is led by experienced practitioners who bring credibility and insight.   * Soft Skills Matter: Develop empathy, active listening, and vulnerability to become a more effective leader.   * Onboarding is Ongoing: Reintroduce roles, processes, and expectations whenever teams or goals shift.   * More Than Money: True employee engagement comes from meaningful work, not just compensation.   * Psychological Safety: Cultivate an environment where employees feel secure to share ideas and concerns.   * Vulnerability Builds Trust: Authenticity in leadership paves the way for open communication and stronger teams.   ---  Episode Breakdown   * 00:00 – Introduction: Season Finale!   * 01:54 – Meet Dr. James Chitwood   * 04:12 – Bad Meeting Moments: Lessons from Failure   * 08:25 – The 50-50 Meeting Structure: What It Is & Why It Works   * 12:11 – Preparation as the Foundation for Effective Meetings   * 15:28 – The Overlooked Power of Internal Communication   * 19:54 – Training Done Right: From the Frontlines to Leadership   * 23:45 – Why Soft Skills Are Non-Negotiable for Leaders   * 27:31 – Onboarding & Re-Onboarding in a Changing Workplace   * 30:52 – Motivation Beyond Paychecks: Engaging Your Team   * 35:31 – Psychological Safety: Creating Space for Honest Conversations   * 39:09 – The TRACK Model: Building a Culture of Performance   * 41:57 – Vulnerability as a Superpower in Leadership   --- Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review to support the podcast. Season 2 is coming soon!   * Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings. * Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikamckellar/] * Follow our YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY2EDYQ-_jAXYkcKchPX-TQ] channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings.

Navigating Cultural Pitfalls in Meetings with Safwan Al Turk

Host: Erika McKellar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikamckellar/], Host and Conflict Resolution Seeker Guest: Safwan Al Turk [https://www.linkedin.com/in/safwanalturk/], Business Leader and Wellness Advocate In this episode, Safwan Al Turk discusses the cultural challenges he faced during high-level meetings in multinational companies and how his ego sometimes got in the way of productive engagement. Safwan shares how important it is to prepare for not only the content but also the cultural expectations in meetings, and how self-awareness is key to adjusting your approach. Safwan also emphasizes the importance of mental fitness—how self-awareness, stress management, and resilience are critical for personal and professional success. He provides practical advice on how to improve mental fitness, drawing from his experiences as a mountaineer and wellness advocate. The conversation covers how mental and physical challenges outside of work can influence better decision-making and leadership in the boardroom.  --- Key time stamps: Introduction: 00:00 Safwan's Background and Story Setup: 02:13 Cultural Differences in High-Level Meetings: 04:38 Overconfidence and Ego in Meetings: 07:06 How to Prepare for Cultural Nuances in Meetings: 09:21 Mental Fitness and Self-Awareness: 13:51 Wellness and Business Strategy Intersection: 18:32 Mountaineering and Mental Fitness: 34:02 --- Notable quotes "It's really important when you work in a diverse environment to understand how meetings are usually conducted. Don’t just rely on your previous experiences." - Safwan Al Turk "Self-awareness is a journey, not a destination. We evolve with age, environment, and experiences." - Safwan Al Turk "Being able to own up to your mistakes in meetings can be more powerful than knowing the right answer." - Erika McKellar --- Tools and resources Mental Fitness at work: [https://www.positiveintelligence.com/blog/begin-with-mental-fitness/] Learn how to develop resilience and awareness to perform at your best. Cultural Intelligence [https://hbr.org/2004/10/cultural-intelligence]: Resources on how to navigate cultural differences in professional environments. Safwan’s consulting website [https://safwanalturk.com/] Conscious baboon wellness app [https://www.consciousbaboon.com/] * Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings. * Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikamckellar/] * Follow our YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY2EDYQ-_jAXYkcKchPX-TQ] channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings.

Execution Revolution: Unlocking Success by Focusing on What Really Matters

* Guest:  Johan Grönstedt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johangransted], VP of Howie Technologies, Author of Execution Revolution * Host:  Erika McKellar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikamckellar/], Host and Conflict Resolution Seeker In this episode, Erika welcomes Johan Gransted to discuss his new book, The Execution Revolution: Quick Cure for Slow Strategy. [https://www.amazon.com/Execution-Revolution-Quick-Cure-Strategy/dp/1915951453/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19PNILXJ8KTHO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EzRQ96PsI9iAg87qtHzwn6IKmQP0_h4i-Wp8oNj4MC6gYe5oxmQ5ODaOuRKLh98N6WaZ8bWmNBsXj6D5Tv4U0Arag6rQQX1yXUA3fJYBvbTzKxnacPhavz-r1zFd8dyCfgX555kSJ4qBjPoXw60sr-4bRFsWS_RN2drUu7-0v45QYwZOE9RWl80HPOFwHdz275zI8Gpt0yLfXaF-2c5otFyKxjoNMIfKs7SA_Iex_tE.YGiEg4XTsNf-3mbdZpnaehKqewx-0bM3qxjlXsecSt4&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+execution+revolution&qid=1728562667&s=books&sprefix=the+execution+revolution+%2Cstripbooks%2C190&sr=1-1] and the critical importance of clarity and focus in executing corporate strategy. Together, we unpack how leadership teams often fail by having too many priorities, how emotional biases affect decision-making, and why data-driven approaches help improve execution. Johan shares real-life examples from his consulting career, including how companies with over 50 “number one priorities” fail to deliver on any of them. We discuss how bad meetings—often born from unclear priorities—can cripple organizations, leading to confusion and a lack of accountability. Johan provides practical advice on simplifying decision-making processes and aligning leadership on most important goals (MIGs), creating a significant organizational impact. This episode offers tips for anyone in leadership looking to refine strategy execution and improve meeting efficiency. Thanks for listening!  👊 Erika Mckellar Key Time Stamps: * Introduction: 00:04 * Johan's Background: 02:15 * Why Strategy Execution Fails: 10:50 * The Problem with Bad Meetings: 14:20 * How to Identify and Focus on Critical Goals: 20:10 * Using Data to Remove Emotional Bias: 25:35 * Final Thoughts and Future of Execution: 35:10 Notable Quotes: “Having 51 number one priorities is just another way of saying you have none. It’s about focusing on the most important goals and committing to them.” “Data takes the emotion out of decision-making. When you have the right information, you can move forward with clarity and conviction.” Tools and Resources: * Howee Technologies [https://www.linkedin.com/company/howwe-technologies/posts/?feedView=all] * The Execution Revolution by Johan Gransted: Available on Amazon [https://amazon.com] * Data-Driven Strategy Tools: Learn more about using analytics to enhance decision-making with this overview [https://zapier.com/blog/bestaimeetingassistant/]. Whether you're leading a team or trying to improve your company's meeting culture, this episode provides valuable insights into simplifying strategies, improving focus, and ensuring your meetings are effective and productive. * Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings. * Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikamckellar/] * Follow our YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY2EDYQ-_jAXYkcKchPX-TQ] channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings.

Navigating Narcissism in the Workplace

Host: Erika McKellar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikamckellar/], Host and Conflict Resolution Specialist   Guest: Amanda Reill [https://www.linkedin.com/in/apaxreill/], ICF-Certified Coach and Executive Ghostwriter In this episode of the Bad Meetings podcast, Erika McKellar is joined by Amanda Riell, who shares her journey from ministry to becoming a coach and ghostwriter, while reflecting on her experience working with a narcissistic leader. The episode offers insights into how to identify toxic behavior in leadership, the emotional burden of narcissistic bosses, and practical advice for setting boundaries and protecting your mental health. Amanda also explains the importance of having a care plan for long-term healing. --- Key Time Stamps: Introduction: 00:04   Amanda’s Career Journey: 03:10   Identifying Narcissistic Leaders: 09:45   Setting Boundaries and Protecting Your Energy: 19:32   Rebuilding After Toxic Leadership: 32:14   --- Notable Quotes: “Narcissists behave predictably once you know the playbook. It’s not about beating them at their game; it’s about getting off the board entirely.” Amanda Real --- Tools and Resources: [The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists](https://www.amazon.com/Wizard-Oz-Other-Narcissists-Relationships/dp/0972072837): A recommended book for understanding narcissistic behavior in relationships and work. [Boundaries by Henry Cloud](https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-When-Take-Control-Your/dp/0310247454): A classic guide to understanding and setting personal boundaries. [Amanda Reill Coaching](https://amandarealcoaching.com): Learn more about Amanda’s coaching services and connect with her. * Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings. * Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikamckellar/] * Follow our YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY2EDYQ-_jAXYkcKchPX-TQ] channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings.

Hustle and Serve: A Blueprint for Great Leadership

Episode Summary In this episode of the Bad Meetings Podcast, host Erika McKellar welcomes leadership coach and speaker Malcolm Larri. With over 25 years of experience, Malcolm shares his insights into leadership, the art of managing change, and how to build high-functioning teams. Malcolm emphasizes the importance of managing both control and influence in leadership, alongside tools like neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) to enhance communication. The conversation explores how even awkward or difficult meetings can provide valuable lessons for personal and professional growth. Episode Notes Host: Erika McKellar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikamckellar/] - Host and Conflict Resolution Expert Guest: Malcolm Larri [https://www.linkedin.com/in/malcolm-larry/] - Leadership Coach and Speaker, Master Practitioner of NLP In this episode, Erika and Malcolm dive into the critical differences between management and leadership, focusing on practical techniques for enhancing team dynamics, handling challenging meetings, and driving meaningful change within organizations. Malcolm introduces the concept of "Hustle and Serve," helping leaders understand when to focus on tasks and when to focus on people. He also shares how neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) can help decode communication patterns and improve connection in team settings. They discuss Malcolm’s early experiences as a young leader, including the hard lessons learned in his first leadership role, and how those experiences shaped his career. Whether you're new to leadership or a seasoned manager, this episode offers actionable strategies to elevate your management skills and approach to team engagement. Key Time Stamps * Malcolm’s Background and Early Leadership Journey: 02:10 * Hustle vs. Serve – Balancing Leadership and Management: 09:30 * Understanding Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) in Leadership: 14:45 * Practical Tips for New Leaders: 22:50 * Dealing with Challenging Meetings and Difficult Team Dynamics: 30:15 * Final Thoughts on Leadership Growth and Mistakes: 45:20 Notable Quotes * "Control and influence are two different things. To be a great leader, you need to understand how to be in control without being controlling." – Malcolm Larri * "Leaders need to be both task-focused and people-focused, constantly balancing between hustle and serve." – Malcolm Larri Connect with Malcolm Larri * LinkedIn: Malcolm Larri [https://www.linkedin.com/in/malcolm-larry/] * Website: BravePD [http://www.bravepd.com] Feedback & Contact If you have a bad meeting story to share or want to get in touch, reach out to Erika on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikamckellar/], and don’t forget to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/] or Spotify [https://www.spotify.com/]. * Subscribe to Bad Meetings on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, where we’ll continue to explore the art of productive meetings. * Do you have a meeting story or problem to share? Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikamckellar/] * Follow our YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY2EDYQ-_jAXYkcKchPX-TQ] channel for more tips and discussions on improving workplace gatherings.