How Leaders Think with Kenny Lange

On today's episode of "How Leaders Think" Kenny Lange sits down with Casey Muze, a music behavior cognitive specialist and founder of Avenue Speak, for an inspiring conversation on the power of being present as a leader. In this insightful episode, they dive into how music therapy—especially drumming—can improve mental health, foster resilience, and create meaningful connection in both individual and organizational settings. Casey shares practical examples from his work with neurodivergent youth, people with dementia, and daycare students, revealing how leaders can harness the present moment to better understand, motivate, and support their teams. Plus, he offers actionable tips for leaders looking to slow down, tune in to their own needs, and develop more transparent, authentic relationships at work and home. Whether you’re navigating your first managerial role or leading a thriving organization, this episode is packed with strategies to help you become a more mindful, effective leader. Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Casey Muze Resources:Website: https://caseymuze.com/LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-muze-89a2a616a/?trk=public_post_follow-articlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/avenuespeak63/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseymuze/Books Mentioned:Holistic Mental Health: Calm, Clear, and In Control for the Rest of Your Life, Volume 2: https://amzn.to/4dhhxOv#HowLeadersThink #MusicTherapy #MentalHealthMatters (00:00) - "Embrace the Present Moment" (04:15) - Turning Distraction Into Leadership (08:33) - Individualized Management Approach (11:37) - Slow Down for Focused Control (15:06) - "Breathing and Drumming Techniques" (18:21) - Bilateral Stimulation Benefits Everyone (21:01) - "When to Introduce Music Therapy?" (24:59) - Advice for Neurodivergent Leaders (28:06) - Understanding Neurodiverse Team Members (32:04) - Drumming as Therapy: A Personal Journey (34:50) - "Transparency vs. Honesty" (38:17) - Pocket-Sized Journals with Prompts (42:54) - Podcast Outro: Listener Appreciation (43:34) - "Engage & Empower Leadership Journey"

On today’s episode of "How Leaders Think," Kenny Lange sits down with Chris Barnes, fractional integrator and executive coach at Wolf’s Edge Integrators, for a transformative conversation on leadership development. Together, they unpack why many leaders struggle to move beyond being high-performing individual contributors and how organizations can shift from a culture of training to true development. Chris shares practical insights on escaping the “reactive” mindset, building conscious leadership, and the importance of self-awareness and growth. With real-world stories, frameworks like The Leadership Circle, and actionable steps for both seasoned executives and emerging leaders, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to elevate their leadership and drive meaningful change in their organization.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Chris Barnes Resources:Website: https://www.wolfsedgeintegrators.comLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbarnes-leadership/Books Mentioned:American Icon: Alan Mulally and the Fight to Save Ford Motor Company: https://amzn.to/4iMTMPtGood to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't: https://amzn.to/3RQ6AJT#leadershipdevelopment  #ExecutiveCoaching #PersonalGrowth #ChangeManagement #HowLeadersThink (00:00) - How Leaders Think Podcast (05:29) - Reactive vs. Conscious Leadership (07:35) - "Self-Change Over Changing Others" (10:59) - "Comprehensive Leadership Assessment Overview" (13:35) - "Keys to Effective Change Leadership" (17:01) - Leadership: Aligning and Developing Teams (23:27) - Lack of Team Development (24:12) - Breaking the Leadership Discipleship Cycle (29:54) - Balancing Leadership Development vs. Training (31:39) - "Celebrating Exceptional Coaching" (35:42) - "Embrace Strengths for Growth" (39:57) - "Engage to Enhance Leadership Discussions"

In today’s episode of "How Leaders Think," Kenny Lange sits down with Ian McCoog, author of "Leadership Bites: An Approachable Handbook for Emerging Leaders," for a practical and thoughtful conversation on leadership theory in the modern workplace. Together, they explore the balance between getting results and valuing people, the evolution from transactional to transformational leadership, and the real-world challenges emerging leaders face in standing out without burning out. Ian shares insights on choosing the right leadership models, the importance of reflection and self-awareness, and how leaders can create positive resonance throughout their organizations. Whether you’re climbing the leadership ladder or helping others grow, this episode is filled with actionable wisdom to help you lead with both competence and compassion. Tune in for strategies that will transform the way you think—and lead.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Ian McCoog Resources:Website: https://www.ianmccoog.com/LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-mccoog-0b872a212Books Mentioned:Leadership Bites: An Approachable Handbook for Emerging Leaders: https://amzn.to/4jsqkPUBravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas: https://amzn.to/3YeTyt2Head and Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership: https://amzn.to/3YeMaOp#Leadership #EmergingLeaders #HowLeadersThink #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth (00:00) - Balancing Tasks and Valuing People (04:44) - Prioritize People for Organizational Success (09:20) - Desire for Competent Leadership (12:52) - "Tortoise vs. Hare Team Dynamics" (16:03) - Approachable Leadership for Emerging Leaders (19:46) - Guiding Emerging Leaders' Decisions (20:38) - Reflective Leadership and Symbolic Frames (23:48) - Left Fielder: Hitters Over Fielders (27:25) - "Step Back, Analyze, Move Forward" (32:59) - Navigating New Teams as Educated Leaders (36:56) - Ripple Effect of Decisions (40:38) - Listener Engagement and Episode Impact (41:12) - "Engage and Lead Thoughtfully"

On today’s episode of "How Leaders Think," Kenny Lange sits down with Dr. Michael Brabant, founder of Candor and Coherence, for a deep dive into leadership from the inside out. Together, they explore how prevailing definitions of success and productivity often emphasize external achievement—at the expense of true fulfillment. Dr. Brabant candidly shares strategies for helping leaders move from the “shallows” of surface-level influence into the “depths” of authentic self-alignment, unveiling the importance of rest, comfort in one’s own skin, and psychological safety. The conversation touches on recognizing hidden motivations, breaking free from societal and internal indoctrination, and building high-trust, high-performance cultures by leading from a place of inward calm and genuine presence. Packed with practical steps and thought-provoking wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for leaders ready to harmonize their personal and professional lives and lead with greater impact.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Dr. Michael Brabant Resources:Website: https://candorandcoherence.com/LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brabant-phd-124963b/#howleadersthink  #Leadership #Podcast #AuthenticLeadership #CandorAndCoherence #PsychologicalSafety #LeadFromWithin

On today's episode of "How Leaders Think," Kenny Lange engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Laura Gallaher, CEO and co-founder of Gallaher Edge, about the transformative power of radical self-acceptance and self-improvement for high achievers. Dive into this captivating discussion as they explore how self-judgment differs from self-improvement, and the importance of nurturing self-acceptance to accelerate personal and professional growth. With practical advice on taking credit for even small accomplishments and clear distinctions between complacency and genuine contentment, Laura empowers listeners to reshape their mindset. Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/ Dr. Laura Gallaher Resources:Website: https://drlauragallaher.com/LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-gallaher-phd/Self-Acceptance Quiz: https://selfacceptancequiz.com/Books Mentioned:The Missing Links: Launching a High Performing Company Culture: https://amzn.to/3XX6N1jThe Subtle Art of Not Giving an F:  https://amzn.to/42dVBjwThe Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success: https://amzn.to/3ReSS31#HowLeadersThink #SelfAcceptance #GrowthMindset #HighAchievers #LeadershipPodcast (00:00) - "How Leaders Think Podcast Intro" (04:24) - Complacency vs. Contentment in Growth (08:45) - Redefining Self-Improvement and Acceptance (09:46) - Human Behavior Frameworks in Coaching (12:44) - "The High Achiever's Fallacy" (18:13) - "Measuring Success: A New Perspective" (20:18) - Choosing Self-Care Over Goals (22:50) - "Positive Mindset for High Achievers" (27:38) - Self-Forgiveness and Acceptance Journey (28:26) - Breaking the Anxiety Feedback Loop (34:38) - Self-Acceptance vs. Self-Improvement Fears (37:44) - Innate Desire for Personal Growth (39:19) - Self-Judgment in Young Athletes (43:18) - "Engage for Feedback and Discovery"

In today's episode of "How Leaders Think," Kenny Lange welcomes Jennifer Cresswell, founder and principal of Thoughtgro, for an insightful conversation on leading through uncertainty and making proactive decisions in times of change. They explore the importance of choosing a path, the distinction between urgent and important tasks, and how leaders can instill confidence by managing uncertainty. Jennifer shares her expertise on problem-solving, defining your legacy, and the power of intelligent failures. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your business journey, this episode offers valuable strategies to prioritize effectively and move forward with confidence. Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Jennifer Cresswell Resources:Website: https://www.thoughtgro.com/LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-cresswell/Problem Solving Guide: https://www.thoughtgro.com/organized-business-guideBooks Mentioned:Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well: https://amzn.to/42cvtEiThe Infinite Game: https://amzn.to/3RzzHAQ#DecisionMaking #Entrepreneurship #HowLeadersThink #JenniferCresswell #ThoughtGro (00:00) - HLT Jennifer Cresswell Full Interview (00:33) - Marker

Kenny Lange engages in a transformative conversation with Jon Sabes, an entrepreneur and author, about the intersection of mindset, health, and prosperity. They dive into Jon's pioneering work in the longevity and financial services industries, discussing the powerful mindset shifts necessary for achieving dreams through good health and financial prosperity. Jon shares insights from his book, "Healthy Wealthy Longevity," emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, resilience, and personal agency in life's journey. Whether you're seeking to optimize your health span or redefine your financial goals, this episode is loaded with practical advice for cultivating a life rich in quality experiences.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Jon Sabes' Resources:Website: https://jonsabes.com/LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-sabes-14368257/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCUmthvk0VcaaE0RodKoyMog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560475785933Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonsabes/Books Mentioned:Healthy Wealthy Longevity: https://amzn.to/3QYbZhG#LeadershipJourney #HealthyWealthyLongevity #MindsetShift #SelfImprovement #VirtuousLeadership

On today's episode of "How Leaders Think," Kenny Lange sits down with Dawn Franks, President and CEO of Dawn Frank's Strategic Solutions, for an insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of philanthropy and nonprofit funding. They delve into the critical importance of nonprofits distinguishing themselves in a crowded field, the impact of political shifts on funding sources, and the art of effective scenario planning. Dawn shares her wealth of knowledge from 40 years in the nonprofit sector, offering valuable advice on how organizations can adapt and thrive amidst uncertainty. Whether you're a leader in a small nonprofit or managing a private foundation, this episode is bursting with strategies to help you navigate the challenges and leverage opportunities in today's philanthropic environment.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Dawn Franks' Resources:Website: https://dawnfranks.com/LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-franks-yourphilanthropy/Books Mentioned:The Gift of Giving: https://amzn.to/4c2VQRrGiving Fingerprints: https://dawnfranks.com/resources/#DFBooks#Philanthropy #NonprofitLeadership #HowLeadersThink #ScenarioPlanning #CommunityImpact #Storytelling #LeadershipJourney #DawnFranks (00:00) - Scheduled Conversation and Insights (03:25) - Navigating Grant Challenges Amid Leadership Changes (08:28) - Nonprofits: Businesses Facing Uncertainty (10:30) - Evolving Minority Definitions & Funding Shift (15:28) - Nonprofits Need Better Scenario Planning (18:30) - Encouraging Board Proactive Planning (20:18) - Efficient Board Meeting Strategies (23:30) - Nonprofit Funding Contingency Planning (27:26) - Passionate Funding Sources Matter (33:38) - Nonprofits: Unique Positioning Strategies (35:07) - "Nailing Nonprofit Storytelling" (40:03) - Uncovering Unique Brand Identity (44:07) - Nonprofits: Planning and Emergency Funding (45:28) - Local Impact and Dawn's Books

On today's episode of "How Leaders Think," Kenny Lange engages in an insightful conversation with Tara Landes, founder and consultant, delving into the nuances of effective feedback in leadership. Tara, with her extensive experience as the secret weapon behind numerous small businesses, shares her compelling insights on transforming feedback into collaborative advice. Discover the art of receiving feedback with gratitude, the significant distinction between feedback and advice, and how leaders can cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. This episode is packed with strategies to enhance your feedback dynamics, whether you're new to leadership or have years of experience.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Tara Landes Resources:Website: https://bellrock.ca/LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taralandes#LeadershipSkills #FeedbackCulture #MindsetShift #EffectiveCommunication #LeadershipGrowth (00:00) - Rethinking Feedback: Giving vs.Receiving (03:49) - "Rethinking Feedback and Its Impact" (07:00) - Leadership,Parenting,&EffectiveFeedback (11:42) - Curiosity and Honest Feedback Dynamics (16:01) - Improving Feedback Reception Skills (19:14) - Feedback and Growth Appreciation (22:02) - Addressing Mentor's Inappropriate Behavior (25:33) - Relational Equity in Feedback Dynamics (27:48) - Transparent Evaluation Process (29:49) - Leadership and the Golden Rule (35:25) - Communication Transformation with Chris Voss Methods (37:12) - ShowerThoughtsProcess (40:41) - "Paying Kindness Forward"

On today's episode of "How Leaders Think," Kenny Lange welcomes David Kolbe, CEO and Chief Visionary of Colby Corp, for an engaging conversation on understanding human performance through instinctive strengths. Dive into the concept of conative strengths and learn how they play a crucial role in driving personal and professional success. David shares invaluable insights on how tapping into your natural instincts can lead to greater efficiency and fulfillment. Explore the three parts of the mind—thinking, feeling, and doing—and discover practical tips to align these components for optimal performance. Whether you're searching for ways to scale yourself or seeking strategies to capitalize on your strengths, this episode is filled with transformative ideas to reshape how you think and lead.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/David Kolbe Resources:Website: https://www.kolbe.com/Book: Do More More Naturally - https://amzn.to/3QWuT8nLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kolbe-b352a99/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCVhmJu0EDKb2xmeAvzhh5mg Podcast: https://poweredbyinstinct.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KolbeCorp#HowLeadersThink #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #DavidKolbe #InstinctiveStrengths #ConativeAbilities #LeadershipPodcast #PodcastEpisode (00:00) - Rebelling Against One-Size-Fits-All Advice (03:44) - Trust Your Instincts Over Trends (08:40) - "Three Centers of Intelligence" (09:33) - Seeking Emotional Awareness and Acceptance (14:52) - Parenting: Managing Expectations and Communication (16:34) - Adapting Family Dynamics and Roles (19:51) - Balancing Innovation and Stability (24:56) - Diverse Teams Enhance Productivity (28:34) - "The Missing Element in Promotion" (30:50) - Integrating Mind's Three Dimensions (33:17) - Leadership: Passion, Alignment, and Balance (36:56) - "Optimize Productivity Naturally" (41:25) - Balancing Leadership and Family Priorities (44:38) - Embrace Your Natural Workflow (46:53) - "Engagement Transforms Leadership"