97% Effective

Hosted by Michael Wenderoth

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Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com. 97% Effective is dedicated to helping great people get ahead at work and increase their impact – without selling their souls in the process. Season #1 focuses on Power and Influence, two widely acknowledged (but poorly understood) forces that can help you rise, lead more effectively and get big things done. Each week we have candid conversations with an academic, coach, or executive, helping you gain new insights to better navigate your work and career.

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16 min

Office Politics Isn't Optional: How to Navigate It Without Selling Your Soul

Avoiding office politics doesn't keep you out of politics. It simply gives an advantage to people who understand how the game is played. This 97% Effective Essentials episode offers three practical ways to engage with organizational politics without feeling manipulative or fake. Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com SHOW NOTES: The key to unlocking career success: reframing how you see and approach office politics Why are office politics unavoidable – and so important to navigate? A CEO’s insight: Tough lessons learned from ignoring office politics early in one’s career Office politics defined: “the mechanism by which conflicts get resolved” Reframe #1: “See office politics as an engineering problem” How to build abitrary social norms into your operating model Reframe #2: “Think like a game developer” What do you need to engage someone on your critical path? Managing office politics got this VP promoted, but more importantly it enabled his more important goal: elevate and better help his team flourish Reframe #3: Change the wording The two-column exercise that will make you playful, curious – and see office politics in a more positive light BIO AND LINKS: Michael Wenderoth is an Executive Coach that helps executives re-examine their assumptions about power, politics, and authenticity to get promoted, become more effective at work, and break glass ceilings holding them back. Having served 20 years in senior roles with companies across the globe, and then 7 years as a professional coach, he has helped accelerated the careers of clients from diverse industries, backgrounds, and levels of seniority, helping them get ahead – without having to sell their souls in the process. Michael is the award-winning author of Get Promoted, host of the 97% Effective career acceleration podcast, and a frequent speaker and media contributor on career advancement, leadership and navigating power and politics. His work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Stanford Business School Executive Education and IE Business School, where he collaborates with renowned professors, coaches, executives and experts. Michael holds an MBA from Stanford and trained as an executive coach at Columbia University (3CP). Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchangwenderoth/ 97% Effective, now on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/bdz53mc5 Camiel Gielkens, CEO of Relevance, on 97% Effective: “How Power Amplifies Your Impact” https://tinyurl.com/27wfjs7z Research study: “How important are political skills for career success? A systematic review and meta-analysis” https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2021.1949626 Raquel Gonzalez-Dalmau, Executive Educator and Coach, on 97% Effective: “Office Politics as an Engineering Problem” https://tinyurl.com/nhcyjzm9 Keshav Pitani, VP of Light & Wonder, on 97% Effective: Overcoming Your Aversion to Office Politics” https://tinyurl.com/3mjxvbws Reframe #3: Exercise available on Michael’s website https://changwenderoth.com/audiobook-resources/ Michael’s Book, Get Promoted: https://changwenderoth.com/#tve-jump-180481ecea3 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

16 min

Everyone Says Reinvent Yourself. They're Often Wrong.

Before chasing the next big skill, certification, or career move, revisit the moments when you've already succeeded—because the clues to your future may be hiding in your past. This 97% Effective Essentials episode challenges the conventional wisdom that career advancement always requires reinvention. Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com SHOW NOTES: The Misconception of “What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There” and how it gets dangerously misapplied. Don’t suppress or disregard past strengths, habits, sources of success – but do the opposite. TAP YOUR PAST: the counterintuitive process that helps you creatively “mine gold” that will power you forward through new challenges. How we get “stuck” at work, when our roles or situations change. Whole person coaching recognizes that clients are naturally creative and resourceful. Client example #1: Accelerating his network in his new company -- how Dan, bank director, resurrected his bold and proactive approach. Don't immediately kill off what has served you. Client example #2: Overcoming her shyness to be seen and and heard on the leadership team -- How Jasmine, finance leader, applied strategies she used when moving to a new country. Find similar situations in your past life or work to identify what helped you through them. Client example #3: Being told “you’re too young – you need more years in your current role” -- How Rhonda, sales director at a tech giant, applied her sales skills to overcome her company’s culture to only promote those with seniority. Apply your work expertise to better manage your career. Client example #4: From avoiding to embracing office politics -- How Keshav, VP at Light & Wonder, re-examined and reframed the problem. Get a new perspective by looking how you or your team solves similar challenges on work problems. To advance, examine and draw creative insights from your past habits, past life situations, past expertise. The 3 steps and powerful questions to “Tap Your Past.” BIO AND LINKS: Michael Wenderoth is an Executive Coach that helps executives re-examine their assumptions about power, politics, and authenticity to get promoted, become more effective at work, and break glass ceilings holding them back. Having served 20 years in senior roles with companies across the globe, and then 7 years as a professional coach, he has helped accelerated the careers of clients from diverse industries, backgrounds, and levels of seniority, helping them get ahead – without having to sell their souls in the process. Michael is the award-winning author of Get Promoted, host of the 97% Effective career acceleration podcast, and a frequent speaker and media contributor on career advancement, leadership and navigating power and politics. His work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Stanford Business School Executive Education and IE Business School, where he collaborates with renowned professors, coaches, executives and experts. Michael holds an MBA from Stanford and trained as an executive coach at Columbia University (3CP). Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchangwenderoth/ 97% Effective on Youtube! https://tinyurl.com/bdz53mc5 “The client is naturally creative and resourceful” – The Columbia University 3CP Coaching model: https://www.tc.columbia.edu/coachingcertification/faq/ Keshav Pitani, VP of Light & Wonder, on 97% Effective: Overcoming Your Aversion to Office Politics” https://tinyurl.com/3mjxvbws Michael’s Book, Get Promoted: https://changwenderoth.com/#tve-jump-180481ecea3 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

14 min

Why Hard Work Alone Isn't Getting You Promoted

Most professionals focus almost exclusively on performance—and then wonder why someone else gets promoted. This 97% Effective Essentials episode introduces a simple framework that fundamentally changes how you see and approach career success. Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com SHOW NOTES: Performance and PIE Think about yourself as a product Does this mean I should stop doing great work? Why organizations are different than school and many sports 3 “sad but true” research findings that reveal who gets credit, and who gets picked Insight on perception from photographer Richard Waine: “You’re professional headshot is not about you.” Flip the script: how do others see you? “I” = Image The definition of brand and a quick exercise to uncover your brand A warning from executive coach Anne Marie Segal about typecasting – and the leap you need to make How are you showing up? “E” = Exposure, which can come in many ways How award-winning speaker Alex Tremble did two things to catapult his early rise in the Federal Government Exposure in a remote world Do you need to make radical shifts? If you don’t manage your Image and Exposure, what’s likely to happen BIO AND LINKS: Michael Wenderoth is an Executive Coach that helps executives re-examine their assumptions about power, politics, and authenticity to get promoted, become more effective at work, and break glass ceilings holding them back. Having served 20 years in senior roles with companies across the globe, and then 7 years as a professional coach, he has helped accelerated the careers of clients from diverse industries, backgrounds, and levels of seniority, helping them get ahead – without having to sell their souls in the process. Michael is the award-winning author of Get Promoted, host of the 97% Effective career acceleration podcast, and a frequent speaker and media contributor on career advancement, leadership and navigating power and politics. His work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Stanford Business School Executive Education and IE Business School, where he collaborates with renowned professors, coaches, executives and experts. Michael holds an MBA from Stanford and trained as an executive coach at Columbia University (3CP). Michael’s Book, Get Promoted: https://tinyurl.com/453txk74 Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchangwenderoth/ Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com Research cited: See Chapter Chapter 5 (“What the Evidence Really Says” in Get Promoted: https://tinyurl.com/453txk74 Richard Waine on what professional headshot is really about: https://tinyurl.com/2wcmamkw Anne Marie Segal on how to avoid being “typecast”: https://tinyurl.com/39myjfzs Alex Tremble on visibility in the corridors of power: https://tinyurl.com/4paf4evj Get Promoted named Winner (Business-Careers) and Finalist (Business-General), 2023 International Book Awards: https://www.internationalbookawards.com/2023pressrelease.html Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

12 min

3 Hard Leadership Truths Most Experts Won't Tell You

The world feels increasingly uncertain, yet much of the leadership advice we hear remains idealistic and incomplete. In this 97% Effective Essentials episode, I share three uncomfortable truths that separate effective leaders from well-intentioned ones. Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com SHOW NOTES: Hard truth #1: It’s not all about collaboration (lessons from Tenille Cromwell, Chief Pilot & former Navy Mission Commander) Descending into Bozeman when you can’t see the runway: “It’s not all ‘kumbaya’: There’s a time and place for absolute decision making” The #1 mistake is not leaders abusing power, but their failure to use it. Ask yourself: How might I be avoiding making hard decisions? Hard truth #2: Think beyond hearts and minds (insight from Professor Don Moore, Haas School of Business School, and author of Decision Leadership) Thinking beyond inspirational speeches Leadership is about influencing the behavior of others toward a desired outcome Ask yourself: How might I build systems to make it easy for people to choose wisely? Hard truth #3: “Keep your damn job” (Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer at Stanford, and author of 7 Rules of Power, on a leader’s first responsibility) If you lose your position or job, your ability to get stuff done will go way down Ask yourself: Am I paying sufficient attention to who and what keeps in my role? Summary and final thoughts BIO AND LINKS: Michael Wenderoth is an Executive Coach that helps executives re-examine their assumptions about power, politics, and authenticity to get promoted, become more effective at work, and break glass ceilings holding them back. Having served 20 years in senior roles with companies across the globe, and then 7 years as a professional coach, he has helped accelerated the careers of clients from diverse industries, backgrounds, and levels of seniority, helping them get ahead – without having to sell their souls in the process. Michael is the award-winning author of Get Promoted, host of the 97% Effective career acceleration podcast, and a frequent speaker and media contributor on career advancement, leadership and navigating power and politics. His work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Stanford Business School Executive Education and IE Business School, where he collaborates with renowned professors, coaches, executives and experts. Michael holds an MBA from Stanford and trained as an executive coach at Columbia University (3CP). Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchangwenderoth/ Episode #42 - Tenille Cromwell, Chief Pilot and Former US Navy Mission Commander: A Chief Pilot's Insight: 4 Leadership Lessons To Help Your Career Take Off https://redcircle.com/shows/86fcd90d-083e-4af2-9bc8-6d52fb981ae1/ep/9462d482-32c2-43ac-8409-1dceffd5e645 Episode #56 - Don Moore, Professor at the Haas School of Business: Expand your influence through “Decision Leadership” https://redcircle.com/shows/97-effective/ep/44d05e21-c339-4007-b823-d2b2f11f2f42 Episode #65 – Jeffrey Pfeffer, Professor at Stanford: What Leaders Should Care About Most https://redcircle.com/shows/86fcd90d-083e-4af2-9bc8-6d52fb981ae1/ep/42e4bfe8-9ef5-4d26-bb21-4011cdb02450 Michael’s book, Get Promoted: What You’re Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back: https://a.co/d/8s0pFVj 97% Effective, on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/bdz53mc5 Get Promoted, on Audiobook: https://tinyurl.com/mwf2s28y Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

18 min

The Career Shortcut Most People Never Use

Over the summer, I'm revisiting nine of the most important ideas from the first 140 episodes of 97% Effective—from career strategy and leadership to power, promotion, and influence. In this first 97% EFFECTIVE ESSENTIALS episode, I call out the immense power in getting others to share their insight with you. Discover the surprisingly simple habit that has helped my clients build influence, gain visibility, and accelerate their careers. Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com SHOW NOTES: Two reasons why you need to open doors and build relationships with people at work Why seeking advice feels counterintuitive – but is powerful and highly beneficial Four situations where seeking advice pays huge dividends Situation #1: When Sam sought a mentor or sponsor What’s wrong with “Let’s catch up for coffee” and “Can I pick your brain” Situation #2: When Dave sought clarity on the path to promotion The important of getting your boss’s perspective Situation #3: When Jack sought support for his proposal The “meeting before the meeting” to build allies and avoid surprises Situation #4: When Alex turned an adversary into an ally Ways to seek advice from someone you probably detest Three mistakes to avoid when asking advice BIO AND LINKS: Michael Wenderoth is an Executive Coach that helps executives re-examine their assumptions about power, politics, and authenticity to get promoted, become more effective at work, and break glass ceilings holding them back. Having served 20 years in senior roles with companies across the globe, and then 7 years as a professional coach, he has helped accelerated the careers of clients from diverse industries, backgrounds, and levels of seniority, helping them get ahead – without having to sell their souls in the process. Michael is the award-winning author of Get Promoted, host of the 97% Effective career acceleration podcast, and a frequent speaker and media contributor on career advancement, leadership and navigating power and politics. His work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Stanford Business School Executive Education and IE Business School, where he collaborates with renowned professors, coaches, executives and experts. Michael holds an MBA from Stanford and trained as an executive coach at Columbia University (3CP). Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchangwenderoth/ Harvard Business Review: How to get your first promotion: https://hbr.org/2022/10/how-to-get-your-first-promotion Research: Why Seeking Advice Boosts Perceptions of Confidence https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=47824 Research: Why Seeking Advice Rather Than Feedback Yields More Developmental, Critical and Actionable Input https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=56638 Michael’s Award-Winning Book, Get Promoted: https://changwenderoth.com/#tve-jump-180481ecea3 97% Effective, now on Youtube! https://tinyurl.com/bdz53mc5 Get Promoted, also available on Audiobook: https://tinyurl.com/mwf2s28y Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

47 min

EP144 – Chris Fenning, Award-Winning Author: Bad Meetings Cost More Than Time — Here’s How to Fix Them

Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com Every meeting you lead is also a reputation event—and a leadership audition: people leave judging not only the meeting, but you. This episode of 97% Effective takes aim at the mother of all time sinks at work: meetings. Host Michael Wenderoth speaks with Chris Fenning about his latest book, Effective Meetings: Great Results, Less Pain, Every Time. They cover the practical essentials — how to open a meeting, keep it on track, and manage people who derail it — but also the issues most leaders avoid: the silent reputational hit you take when you run a bad meeting, why AI can summarize meetings but cannot fix the human judgment behind them, and when the best meeting is no meeting at all. If people quietly complain about meetings in your company — or, let’s be honest, the ones you run — this episode will give you practical ways to make them sharper, shorter, and more useful. SHOW NOTES Michael and Chris demo TPO in real time (Topic-Purpose-Output) The forgotten second step: checking that everyone is aligned The real reason he wrote his latest book Why meetings were the next workplace problem Chris had to tackle The hidden “meeting tax”: how bad meetings drain time, money, attention, morale, and credibility Calculating the tangible dollar cost of a bad meeting Calculating the intangible cost -- to your reputation – from running a bad meeting Companies have spending controls, but no controls over calling people into meetings that don’t produce anything The shocking MIT stats: online shopping, mobile games, and proof that many people shouldn’t be in the meeting at all Before the meeting: Keys to preparation The single biggest impact you can make Why AI can take notes and see patterns– but cannot decide why your meeting exists Why Chris thinks agendas are not the “quick fix” solution to improving your meetings Don’t schedule a meeting unless you can first answer three points How everything – who you invite, how you invite them and how you run the meeting -- all starts with TPO (Topic-Purpose-Output) Three questions to ask to determine if you even need a meeting Preparation is valuable – and doesn’t have to be a time suck During the meeting: How to keep it from going off the rails Top tip about running a virtual meeting Ways to improve how you show up on camera online Managing the person who disrupts and derails your meeting What to do when a meeting feels good, but it is not advancing How to cut someone off without becoming the office Darth Vader Practical gems “Finding your sweet spot” – the healthy middle ground between Micromanager and Lord of Chaos Top tip on making meetings better if you don’t lead them The 97% Effective way to nudge a bad meeting leader: leave Chris’s book on their desk The next exciting project for Chris BIO AND LINKS Chris Fenning helps professionals master their communication at work. Whether it is helping experts talk to non-experts, teams talk to executives, or simply being able to start a message clearly. Chris's practical methods are used in organisations like Google, JP Morgan, and NATO, and have appeared in the Harvard Business Review. He is also the author of four award-winning books on communication and training that have sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide. Find out how Chris can help you at www.chrisfenning.com Connect with Chris Website: https://chrisfenning.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-fenning/ His book, Effective Meetings: https://mybook.to/effective-meetings His Online courses: https://chris-fenning.thinkific.com/ Organizations, People and Resources Referenced MIT findings--To meet or not to meet: https://tinyurl.com/p8kmev7e Chris on 97% Effective discussing his blockbuster book (100,000 copies sold), The First Minute: https://tinyurl.com/2934nc7f Chris on 97% Effective: How to Write Effective Emails: https://tinyurl.com/yw3uxbfh Flowtrace: https://www.flowtrace.co How to Read the Room When You’re Not in the Room: https://changwenderoth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/zoom-lives-how-to-read-the-room-when-youre-not-in-the-room-ie-insights.pdf Vinh Giang, referenced by Chris for his demo on virtual camera framing: https://www.vinhgiang.com More from 97% Effective Michael’s Award-winning Book: Get Promoted: What You’re Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back: https://tinyurl.com/453txk74 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@97PercentEffective Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

53 min

EP143 – Dr. Ruohao Chen, Researcher & Adjunct Assistant Professor at Columbia University: China, AI, and the Future of Coaching and Leadership

Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com What happens when China, AI, and Western coaching collide? Dr. Ruohao Chen, leadership researcher at Columbia University, believes we have an unprecedented opportunity before us. In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth speaks with Dr. Chen what Americans and Chinese can learn from each other— and why the future of coaching and leadership may depend on blending ancient wisdom, human presence, and AI-enabled scale. Drawing on Dr. Chen’s research and work with 300 Chinese coaches, this conversation goes beyond the U.S.-China rivalry to ask a better question: what if the next leadership edge comes from learning across the divide? SHOW NOTES Dr. Chen’s path How a high school teacher in China rose to start an edtech company and become professor at Columbia University Gloom? Two reasons why Dr. Chen is optimistic about the the US and China relationship On American vs Chinese thinking: “In terms of culture we’re quite different, but in terms of nature we’re actually quite close to each other” Dr. Chen’s early research What China’s education entrepreneurs do different: reserving money--and tapping into ancient philosophy and relational learning. How his research makes him a cross-cultural bridge, and offers valuable insight from China and the US in the era of AI The growth of coaching in China Inner creativity, giving space, and deep reflection to come up with the “aha moment”: How Buddhist and Confucian teaching mirror the core tenets of Co-active coaching The “coaching club” that provides weekly seminars and workshops to 300 coaches in China “The care for human dignity” – what most surprises Chinese about Western coaches What China’s coaches find most valuable from their US peers: “the care for human dignity,” a systematic approach to coaching, and how to commercialize one’s practice Insights from his current research “Not skill improvement, but a change in perspective”: The surprising insight from what most helped unemployed Chinese return to the workforce Will AI replace human beings and be more effective coaches? Situations where people prefer human coaches – and where AI has the biggest advantage Where his latest research on AI entrepreneurs is leading him BIO AND LINKS Dr. Ruohao Chen, is a leadership researcher and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Adult Learning & Leadership program at Teachers College, Columbia University. He holds an Ed.D. in Adult Learning & Leadership, and his work focuses on strategic thinking, transformative learning, and leadership development that integrates Eastern and Western wisdom. Dr. Chen designs and leads leadership development programs through the Huber Institute for Organizational Learning at Columbia University, attracting talented and experienced leaders from China and across Asia. He is a certified coach through the Columbia Coaching Program and served as the Paper Track Chair for the International Columbia Coaching Conference 2025. He previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Center on Chinese Education at Teachers College, consulted with Harvard Business Publishing, and founded Education for Growth, a global learning community of over 10,000 educators and practitioners. In 2023, he completed his doctorate and was selected as Teachers College’s commencement speaker, becoming the first Chinese graduate to deliver the address in the institution’s 136-year history. Outside of work, Dr. Chen is also a certified fitness trainer and an amateur cello player. Connect with Dr. Ruohao Chen Reach out directly on -mail: rc3035 [at] tc.columbia.edu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chenruohao/ Academic profile: https://tc.academia.edu/LancerChan Organizations, People and Resources Referenced The Columbia Adult Learning & Leadership Program: https://www.tc.columbia.edu/organization-and-leadership/adult-learning-and-leadership/ IShowSpeed, American influencer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IShowSpeed Resources on US vs China and cross-cultural thinking: Hofstede ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geert_Hofstede ), Gelfland ( https://www.michelegelfand.com ), Meyer ( https://erinmeyer.com ), Dan Wong’s book Breakneck ( https://amzn.eu/d/09Wr3Adj ) Chen, R. (2024). How Chinese business leaders in the tutoring industry learned to think strategically in a time of crisis. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 2024, 53–65. https://tc.academia.edu/LancerChan Chen, R. Pathways Toward Transformative Learning: Middle-aged Adults' Job Loss and Re-employment in Urban China. Adult Education Quarterly. https://journals.sagepub.com/home/aeq Chen, R. Transformative Learning in Isolation: A Phenomenological Study of Chinese Adults Navigating Uncertainty https://tc.academia.edu/LancerChan Chen, R. Could AI Coaching Platforms Really Work? A Systemic Analysis of Services, Design Patterns, and Effectiveness of AI Coaching Platforms https://tc.academia.edu/LancerChan More from 97% Effective Michael’s Award-winning Book: Get Promoted: What You’re Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back: https://tinyurl.com/453txk74 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@97PercentEffective Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

43 min

EP142 – Rebecca Zucker, Partner at Next Step Partners – It’s Not a Checklist: Why High Performers Fail at Relationships—and Stall Their Rise

Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com To rise to the leadership ranks, you need to work with critical stakeholders. And the key to doing that effectively, says leadership expert Rebecca Zucker, is to form deeper relationships. How do most high performers get relationships wrong – and stall their rise? In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth and Rebecca Zucker go deep on how to deepen relationships, so you not only get to the leadership ranks, but thrive there. They discuss tasks vs relationship balance —and the connection between trauma, trust and overturning our immunity to change. Rebecca draws from decades coaching senior leaders and her training as a trauma informed coach. If you approach building relationships as a checklist, this episode will help you see the more important layer you’ve been missing. SHOW NOTES Why deepening relationships is critical How we are hurt by a myopic focus on tasks and “getting shit done” Thinking about relationships as “the channel through which things happen” The importance of being attuned to your task vs relationship balance Helping leaders deepen relationships Managing the trap of being in the weeds and the limiting belief that “I have to do it” Doing vs being: how do you see and view relationships? The bamboo finger cuff challenge: why you need to let go and just be present and attuned Trauma, distrust and overcoming deeply held beliefs and behaviors “Moving fast is a trauma response: we move fast so we don’t feel… which results in people not feeling connected” The dynamic you create when you walk in the room with distrust “The antidote to distrust is not trust – it’s being conscious of the distrust” How our beliefs and assumptions that served us in the past -- become our downfall How Rebecca creates space for clients to open up and explore The big block for Type 3 Achievers: “When we can’t feel our own feelings, we can’t feel other people’s feelings, which gets in the way of connection” Realizing change Developing the skill to “slow the f down” and expand your container “If you’re approaching building a relationship with a checklist, that’s not going to work” How to control yourself and slow down – when everything in your company is whirling fast? The importance of not taking on other people’s anxieties Coping strategies vs healing Emotional boundaries and staying on your side of the net Noticing and Feedback The skills of “continuous double-clicking” to notice, getting real-time feedback, paying attention to self-protective reactions Inner vs outward defensiveness Tips on getting real feedback from your reports How feedback can improve a relationship – when it is done well Having hard conversations but not making someone feel like a fool Lightning round: Hard truths, biggest influences, and 25 years of Next Step Partners BIO AND LINKS Rebecca Zucker is founding parter at Next Step Partners, which serves global clients based out of San Francisco, USA. An expert in executive coaching as well as leadership and career development, Rebecca coaches C-level executives and other senior leaders across the globe. She is a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review and Forbes.com and is frequently quoted in the press on career and leadership issues. Rebecca graduated as valedictorian from the Leonard N. Stern School of business at NYU and later received her MBA from Stanford. She then worked as an investment banker for Goldman Sachs in New York and held leadership positions at Disney EMEA in Paris and at Robertson Stephens. She received her coaching training and certification from the Coaches Training Institute and from Minds at Work. Rebecca is certified as a trauma-informed coach. Connect with Rebecca Next Step Partners: https://nextsteppartners.com/partner/rebecca-zucker/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-zucker-nsp/ Organizations, People and Resources Referenced What is a Mensch? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mensch Trauma-Informed Coaching with Thomas Hubl and Amy Fox: https://traumainformedcertificateprogram.com The Enneagram Type 3: Achiever https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-3/ Ron Carucci interview on “Fixing Our Trust Recession” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/97-effective/id1646325886?i=1000602244842 Immunity to Change (Lisa Lahey and Bob Keegan): https://www.gse.harvard.edu/hgse100/story/changing-better Rebecca’s article in HBR: Facing the Fears Holding You Back https://rebeccazucker.com/thoughts/facing-the-fears-that-hold-you-back-at-work Rebecca’s article in HBR: Eliminating Fears and Limiting Beliefs: https://hbr.org/2019/10/how-to-deal-with-constantly-feeling-overwhelmed Rebecca’s article in HBR: Asking for Help at Work: https://hbr.org/2022/12/how-to-get-better-at-asking-for-help-at-work More from 97% Effective Michael’s Award-winning Book: Get Promoted: What You’re Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back: https://tinyurl.com/453txk74 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@97PercentEffective Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

48 min

EP141 – Dr. Michael Brenner, Founder and CEO, Right Chord Leadership – Strike the Right Chord: What Leaders Can Learn from Musicians

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Michael Senturia. Ever feel like your leadership team isn’t in tune, or that you hit the wrong note with people at work? Today’s guest says the world of jazz has the answers. In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth explores what leaders can learn from jazz musicians with Dr. Michael Y. Brenner, CEO of Right Chord Leadership. They discuss Dr. Brenner’s new book, Strike the Right Chord, and the connection he makes between musical harmony and effective leadership. If you are tired of the same old leadership cliches, transport yourself in this episode to the world of jazz, where you’ll see your leadership challenges through a refreshingly different and powerful new lense. SHOW NOTES Mike’s path The record that changed his trajectory: “They’re making that up as they go? I gotta learn how to do that!” Copy writing, working at QVC, and his hard truth about leadership Lessons for leaders How jazz musicians approach their craft Keys to collaboration: “Jazz attitude” and walking the line between structure and chaos A novel new framework: Mike’s CHORD model for leadership What jazz teaches us about different profiles working in harmony – and how Mike uses DISC to help teams do that in practice Lessons from Mike’s doctoral research in Canada: what leaders learn from artists “When you hit the wrong note, it's the next note that makes it good or bad.” Dealing with the messy part of leadership Is the goal of leadership to achieve harmony? Respect, support – and the need for tough love The key to managing egos and managing up: “Serve the music” Why we still get crappy leaders who don’t embody the qualities Mike describes A novel way to think about authenticity: Having a “foundation of voice” but being able to adapt to the situation BIO AND LINKS As founder and CEO of Right Chord Leadership, Dr. Michael Brenner collaborates with leaders and teams to strengthen the essential skills needed for peak performance. He achieves this by drawing on more than 25 years of experience as an international leadership consultant, executive coach, keynote speaker, and educator, and more than 40 years as a professional musician. Michael holds a doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University and a master’s degree in Adult and Organizational Development from Temple University. He plays in two bands based in Philadelphia, PA, USA. Strike the Right Chord is his first book. Connect with Dr. Michael Y. Brenner Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelybrenner/ Right Chord Leadership: https://rightchordleadership.com Get Mike’s Book, Strike the Right Chord: https://rightchordleadership.com/resources/ Speaker Reel: https://rightchordleadership.com/speaking/ Email: michael [at] rightchordleadership.com Organizations, People and Resources Referenced Episode dedicated to the memory of Michael Senturia: https://music.berkeley.edu/news/department-mourns-passing-emeritus-professor-michael-senturia Al Jarreau: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Jarreau The Columbia Coaching Conference: https://www.columbiacoachingconference.org Banff Institute: https://www.banffcentre.ca Whiplash, the movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2582802/ Christian McBride: https://www.christianmcbride.com Dr. John Schaffner interview on 97% Effective: https://redcircle.com/shows/97-effective/ep/4fae4e9f-bdbf-4cab-8aa5-298544b3651c Pat Metheny: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3t58jfUhoMLYVO14XaUFLA?si=H-meVhdFQlqWxQSvjf7O1g More from 97% Effective Michael’s Award-winning Book: Get Promoted: What You’re Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back: https://tinyurl.com/453txk74 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@97PercentEffective Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

55 min

EP140 – Jon Wortmann, Executive Coach and Author “The Nine Tendencies”: Why You’re Not Being Heard (And How to Fix It)

Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com Every misunderstanding contains a small “miss” in how we communicate—and Jon Wortmann, today’s guest, can show you how to fix that. Jon’s work helps you make the small adjustments to connect better with everyone in your life, and elevate your leadership. In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth speaks with Jon Wortmann, executive coach and sports performance coach, about his latest book “The Nine Tendencies.” They walk through practical ways to understand our tendencies, adjust your communication style, and deal with the most challenging people. Jon also discusses his work as a minister and sports performance coach, which will get you thinking more deeply about your spiritual life and the habits of peak performers. SHOW NOTES Jon’s path from minister to peak performance coach The mental health challenges that led him to the ministry How “learn how to calm my brain” gave him first-hand experience in his field The decision to go from minister to full-time coach On where Americans are increasingly spiritual: “I have more conversations about spiritual life, ironically, as an executive coach than I did some weeks in a spiritual community.” The Chaplain at Carleton College that helped Jon the most: “To not know where you have options is where the problem was.” Insights from his book, The Nine Tendencies Hard truth about communication: People need to get really good at getting to the point Does your audience want the details first, or the bottom line first? How Jon’s communication got him fired by his CEO client Is awareness of your communication tendencies enough for you to make a switch? “Personality lives on a spectrum, tendencies are binary” The Nine Tendencies: The way we think, how we add color, the way we share ideas Does Jon overlook body language? How Jon’s book is different and the main message he wants readers to take away What to do if someone else’s communication pattern drives you nuts Practical Communication Tips How to assess our tendencies, those of others—and the ultimate metric of communication success People value you more when you adjust to their communication style Three ways to handle someone is difficult to communicate with How remote work impacts our Nine Tendencies Insights from his work as a chaplain and sports performance coach Lessons from his spiritual teaching: Everybody is great, but nobody has helped most people find those things “Every brain is different” Does Jon miss his spiritual work? BIO AND LINKS Jon Wortmann is an executive coach and trainer, author, and sports performance coach. A graduate of Carleton College and Harvard University, his books, Mastering Communication at Work and Hijacked by Your Brain, were #1 best-sellers in 22 categories on Amazon. He has delivered over 3500 trainings in 13 verticals with global clients on 46 topics including communication, resilience, and trust. His professional golfers play on every professional tour, and he was voted a coach of the year in Big East conference with UCONN Golf in 2021. His new book, The Nine Tendencies, systematically defines the critical communication adjustments which transform relationships and teams. Connect with Jon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-wortmann-81a9471/ His new book, free download -- The Nine Tendencies: The Little Adjustments that Build Trust in Every Communication https://www.ninetendencies.com Jon’s other bestselling books: https://tinyurl.com/ye23f2z3 Organizations, People and Resources Referenced Adam Sandler’s movie Grownups: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e01NVCveGkg Chaplain Jewelnel Davis: https://provost.columbia.edu/people/jewelnel-davis How Mehrabian’s famous study on body language gets misinterpreted: https://tinyurl.com/mr2j5mzh Quick Switching: https://quickswitching.com Jon’s talk: “Frenzied: How to Step Back from the Short Loop” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiOQHnI_ztE More from 97% Effective Michael’s Award-winning Book: Get Promoted: What You’re Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back: https://tinyurl.com/453txk74 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@97PercentEffective Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy