Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders

Hosted by Mike LeJeune

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115

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May 2026

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About the show

The show for leaders who care about having an engaged, purpose driven workforce. Gallop surveys show that in today's economy 75% of the workforce feels disengaged. Learn from Interviews with industry leaders who understand the importance of how engaged employees impact culture, drive productivity and ignite their teams.

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May 6, 2026Episode 7555 min

The Mindset That Changes Everything

The conversation explores the concept of mindset and its impact on health, wellness, and business success. It delves into the power of belief, visualization, and effort in shaping outcomes. The discussion also touches on the role of positivity, energy, and alignment in achieving goals and overcoming obstacles. The conversation covers topics such as overcoming fear, taking risks, building confidence, and the importance of physical training for mental edge. It also delves into the power of mindset, gratitude, and the impact of a healthy routine on overall well-being.About the Guest:Dan Staggs is the founding partner of iMatch, a premier executive search and recruiting firm serving the technology and financial sectors.He is also the founder of Stags Performance, where he focuses on mindset, wellness, performance optimization, and helping others create sustainable systems for health, discipline, and high performance.Dan’s personal journey through major health challenges reshaped his perspective on leadership, energy, resilience, and the connection between physical wellness and mental performance.His passion today is helping others unlock greater clarity, focus, discipline, and purpose in both business and life.TakeawaysMindset is the foundation that drives everything in life.Effort and belief in oneself are key to achieving success.Alignment, energy, and intuition play a significant role in shaping outcomes. Overcoming fear and taking risksThe power of mindset and gratitudeChapters00:00 The Power of Mindset21:34 Navigating Business Challenges with Mindset36:51 Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks42:39 The Importance of Physical Training for Mental Edge50:12 The Power of Mindset and GratitudeConnect with Dan on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danstaggs/Learn more about iMatch:https://www.imatch.com/

April 21, 2026Episode 7440 min

Why Most Leaders Fail at Change (And What to Do Instead)

The conversation explores the theme of change management and its impact on individuals and organizations. It delves into the challenges of change, the importance of psychological safety, and the need for effective leadership during change. Naomi Hardy shares her insights on the dynamics of change and the role of leaders in championing change.TakeawaysChange is an experience that people go through, and understanding the cycles of change can help reduce feelings of isolation and resistance.Psychological safety is crucial in creating an environment where individuals feel safe to think and speak differently, fostering engagement and productivity during change.Effective change management requires a marriage of process and behaviors, with a focus on understanding the impact of change on individuals and the organization.Chapters00:00 The Dynamics of Change07:40 Change Leadership and People Management19:40 Unique Challenges in Offshore Work Environments30:53 Psychological Safety and Engagement38:15 Measuring the Impact of ChangeConnect with Naomi on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomijhardy/Learn more about Dunamis:https://dunamischange.com/

December 10, 202418 min

Part II: Jolt Your Mindset: Building Success Through Relationships and Intentionality

In this episode, Mike Lejeune chats with Larry Long Jr., diving deep into the challenges and strategies leaders face when transitioning from individual contributors to influential managers. Together, they discuss the importance of seeing situations from others' perspectives, asking thoughtful questions, and leading with intentionality. Along the way, they share personal stories of resilience, accountability, and the power of investing in people for long-term success. Key Topics Covered: Seeing Beyond Your Perspective: The importance of understanding others' viewpoints. Why leaders must ask the right questions to truly know their team members. Barriers to Effective Leadership: Common stumbling blocks for leaders, such as not asking enough questions or prioritizing short-term results over long-term investment in people. Larry's example of Intuit's employee-first strategy and its impact on business outcomes. Personal Accountability and Change: Larry and Mike share personal health journeys, highlighting the role of intentionality and discipline in achieving meaningful goals. Mike's reflections on his family history and how it motivates his health decisions. Leadership Transition Challenges: The shift from excelling as an individual contributor to leading others effectively. Insights into why great performers don't always make great leaders, using examples from sports and business. The Role of Clarity in Leadership: Why clarity is the cornerstone of effective leadership. How leaders can align their teams around a shared vision and focus on solutions rather than problems. Navigating Team Dynamics: Recognizing and addressing dysfunction within teams. Strategies for building cohesion and resolving conflicts in diverse groups. This episode is a masterclass in leadership, offering actionable insights for anyone looking to elevate their management style and create high-performing, engaged teams. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just stepping into a leadership role, the lessons shared will inspire and equip you to lead with clarity, intentionality, and empathy. Connect with Us: Mike Lejeune: Website | Podcast Larry Long Jr.: LinkedIn Subscribe, rate, and review to stay updated on more leadership strategies and stories!

August 29, 2018Episode 237 min

002: A Conversation with Dr. Rob Pennington

Dr. Rob Pennington is an Award Winning Professional Speaker and Author of an amazing book, Find The Upside of the Down Times. He has a rare gift of cracking barriers we fight to reduce conflict, anxiety and stress, and helps people raise their expectations to see the what they are truly capable of. Rob is the Co Founder of Resource International, an organizational Consulting and Executive Coaching group. One of his many programs Successfully Managing the Stress of Change and Successful Work Relationships which has become standard "flagship trainings" in some of the largest organizations in the country. In this episode, he shares: How to engage people in the middle of change Managing stress, Wrestling with conflict Release the baggage for stronger communication Helping to process emotions is more than a soft skill Helping leaders process anger --- Resource International co-founder, Dr. Rob Pennington, is an educational psychologist who specializes in improving the performance of leaders and teams through a balance of authority and collaboration. Trained through the National Training Laboratory (NTL) in organizational development in the early 70's and a former faculty member of three universities, Dr. Pennington's decades of research and experience support organizations in developing executives who can successfully lead massive change. His extensive work with CEOs and their Leadership Teams allows him to efficiently produce more effective results than might otherwise be achieved, always with an eye on the bottom-line and the ROI of his engagements. In his award winning autobiographical self-help book, Find the Upside of the Down Times: How To Turn Your Worst Experiences into Your Best Opportunities (Amazon & Kindle), Dr. Pennington provides readers with insights and tools to turn life's challenges into opportunities for growth and even blessings. He shares his own very personal journey of survival and discovery after some of the biggest challenges life can throw. Website: http://drrobpennington.com Products: http://drrobpennington.com/get-access For more Leadership Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders visit: http://lightingthepath.net/blog/

March 10, 2025Episode 5418 min

Part II: From Procrastination to Action: The Power of Intentionality in Leadership and Communication

In this second part of my conversation with Dr. Sarah Glova, we dive deeper into leadership, entrepreneurship, and the hidden power of intentionality. Sarah shares insights from her journey as an entrepreneur, educator, and consultant, offering a fresh take on how leaders can inspire action without overwhelming their teams. From finding the right spark in people to the simple yet powerful act of asking the right questions, this episode will leave you rethinking how to engage, lead, and connect. Summary: We explore what it truly means to empower others, whether you're leading a boardroom or building a business from scratch. Sarah discusses the importance of "fanning the flame"—nurturing the sparks in others rather than trying to ignite them yourself. We also tackle the entrepreneurial mindset, overcoming procrastination, and why action (even imperfect action) is the real key to success. Highlights & Key Takeaways: Fan the Flame, Don't Light the Spark: Great leaders don't create motivation—they nurture the drive already within their teams. Intentional Leadership: Small, thoughtful actions—like remembering personal details—can significantly boost engagement. Entrepreneurial Truths: You don't need to be perfect—just get started. Every step forward is a lesson learned. The Power of One Page: Sarah's TEDx talk breaks down how a single sheet of paper can bring clarity and crush procrastination. Action Over Possibility: Dreaming is great, but real growth comes from taking action, even when it's messy. Next Steps for Listeners: Ask your team questions that help reveal their true passions and strengths. Watch Sarah's TEDx Talk on achieving goals with a single page—link in the show notes. Reflect on your leadership style: Are you trying to light sparks, or are you fanning flames?

February 10, 2025Episode 5220 min

Part II: Building Teams That Win: The Secret to Hiring, Training, and Leading with Impact

What does it take to truly lead? In this second part of our powerful conversation, we explore how great leaders build trust, cultivate meaningful relationships, and create cultures where people feel valued and empowered. Marnie shares insights on balancing work and life, the importance of patience in leadership, and how prioritization fuels both personal and professional success. We also dive into why face-to-face connection still matters in a digital world and what leaders can do to create lasting impact. If you're a leader looking to refine your approach, build a stronger team, or simply be reminded of the deeper purpose behind what you do, this episode is for you. Meet Our Podcast Guest: Marnie Byford This week, we're joined by Marnie [Last Name], COO of Supreme Staffing, a national leader in talent solutions. With 17+ years in staffing and recruiting, Marnie specializes in strategic growth, operations, and team development. Her expertise in healthcare administration and education brings unique insight into workforce challenges and solutions. Show notes: 01:17 – The difference between finding time for what you want vs. what you have to do 03:18 – The key to effective delegation: Training the next generation of leaders 04:30 – Why patience is a leader's greatest tool 05:50 – The importance of face-to-face conversations in leadership 07:22 – How communication and listening skills impact leadership success 09:10 – The power of a strong workplace culture and what it really means 10:00 – Why investing in employees signals trust and commitment 11:20 – What leaders get wrong when making assumptions about their team 12:35 – The connection between slowing down and making better decisions 14:10 – The importance of servant leadership and putting people first Key Takeaways: The difference between finding time and making time for what truly matters How prioritization and delegation can drive both personal and team success Why slow leadership can sometimes be the fastest path to real impact The importance of servant leadership and investing in people How to create trust and build a culture of family within your team Why face-to-face connection still holds unmatched value in leadership A Thought to Leave You With: "A leader's greatest responsibility isn't just to grow the business—it's to grow the people. Trust, patience, and intentionality make all the difference." Ways to Connect & Learn More: LinkedIn: Marnie Byford Email: mbyford@sstaffing.com

February 3, 2025Episode 5218 min

Part I: Building Teams That Win: The Secret to Hiring, Training, and Leading with Impact

In this episode of Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders, we explore the power of leadership that prioritizes culture, training, and strategic hiring. Our guest, Marnie Byford, shares insights on how to build a strong, mission-driven team, the importance of hiring for attitude over skills, and why slowing down can be the key to long-term success. Meet Our Podcast Guest: Marnie Byford This week, we're joined by Marnie [Last Name], COO of Supreme Staffing, a national leader in talent solutions. With 17+ years in staffing and recruiting, Marnie specializes in strategic growth, operations, and team development. Her expertise in healthcare administration and education brings unique insight into workforce challenges and solutions. Tune in for a conversation on leadership, talent strategy, and building high-performing teams! Key Takeaways: How to hire for attitude and train for skill The role of leadership in creating a high-performance team culture Why slowing down in hiring and onboarding leads to long-term success The impact of hands-on leadership and understanding frontline challenges Strategies for effective delegation as a tool for leadership development The evolving job market and how to adapt hiring strategies for 2025 Show notes: 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest background 00:29 – The importance of hiring right and what most companies get wrong 01:07 – How our guest started in staffing and what led to their leadership journey 02:42 – The hiring philosophy: Attitude over skills 03:53 – Inside the interview process: How to assess hunger and motivation in candidates 04:59 – The unique assessment process: Placing candidates in real work scenarios 07:01 – Why every leader should understand frontline operations before managing people 07:53 – The role of onboarding in long-term retention and success 09:22 – What clients do wrong in their hiring process (and how to fix it) 10:30 – The consequences of rushed interviews and why slowing down is key 11:29 – The biggest hiring mistakes companies make 12:46 – The impact of culture fit vs. culture add in hiring 14:33 – How investing in employee growth leads to better retention Ways to Connect & Learn More: LinkedIn: Marnie Byford Email: mbyford@sstaffing.com

January 14, 2025Episode 5122 min

Part I: Clarity Amidst Chaos: Leadership Lessons for Thriving in Uncertainty

In this episode of Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders, Mike Lejeune connects with Tim Silk, founder of Acacia Days, to explore leadership principles that endure through uncertainty. Together, they delve into self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the power of soft skills to build resilient teams and lasting legacies. Discover how curiosity, reflection, and engagement can transform not only workplaces but also the leaders steering them. Topics discussed Redefining Leadership for the Uncertain Future The Misunderstood Power of Soft Skills Curiosity as a Leadership Superpower The Leader's Role in Driving Engagement Navigating AI's Role in Leadership Reflection as a Leadership Action Connect with Tim Silk

April 14, 2025Episode 5621 min

Part II: Regrowth: Unlocking Human Potential to Lead Tomorrow's Organizations

Introduction: Welcome back! In Part 2 of our conversation with Ernesto Gomez, we dive deeper into the practical aspects of fostering engaged, purpose-driven teams. Ernesto expands on his framework introduced in Part 1, focusing on the three crucial dimensions that unlock potential: talent density, culture, and mindset. Learn actionable strategies to cultivate these areas within your own organization and empower your team to reach new heights. Summary: Building on the foundation laid in Part 1, Ernesto Gomez elaborates on his "talent density, culture, and mindset" system for maximizing team potential. He explains how intentionally designing for the right talent mix, nurturing a supportive and growth-oriented culture, and fostering both individual and collective positive mindsets are essential. Ernesto emphasizes that creating the right "spark" of ideas and purpose can awaken dormant energy within individuals and drive collective performance. He provides a framework for leaders to think strategically about these three interconnected dimensions to cultivate an environment where people can thrive. Highlights: Understand the interconnectedness of talent density, culture, and mindset in driving performance. Learn how fostering a "spark" of ideas and purpose can unlock dormant energy within your team. Explore the importance of intentionally designing for the right "talent density" within your organization. Gain insights into how to cultivate a company culture that supports growth and high performance. Discover the significance of nurturing both individual and collective mindsets to overcome limitations. Key Takeaways: Unlocking team potential requires a holistic approach that considers talent, environment, and individual/collective beliefs. Purpose and meaningful ideas are powerful catalysts for engagement and performance. Strategically building teams with the right mix of skills and perspectives is crucial. A positive and growth-oriented culture provides the context for individuals to flourish. Cultivating a strong individual and collective mindset empowers teams to overcome challenges and achieve more. Next Steps: Reflect on the current talent density within your teams. Are you bringing together the right mix of skills and perspectives? Assess your current company culture. Does it actively support growth, collaboration, and a positive mindset? Consider how you can foster a stronger sense of purpose and generate energizing ideas within your organization. Think about strategies to nurture a more resilient and growth-oriented mindset in both individuals and your team as a whole.