Leading with Curiosity. A Podcast for Modern Leaders.

Hosted by Nate Leslie

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May 2026

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Are you ready to have bigger impact? Command and Control Leadership is Dead. Join our modern leadership movement. We interview leaders, entrepreneurs, and Certified Executive Coaches challenging old paradigms. The brain behaves very differently when 'invited to think' rather than 'told to listen'. Hosted by Nate Leslie - Certified Executive Coach (PCC, CEC, M.Ed.) and former professional athlete.

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June 15, 2026Episode 6931 min

Ep.69 Why Letting Go of Control Is the Most Trust-Boosting Move for Leaders. Bruce Mayhew, Author of The Path of an Inspired Leader. Toronto, Ontario

SummaryJoin Nate Leslie in a masterclass on human connection and leadership with Bruce Mayhew, author of The Path of an Inspired Leader. Discover how trust, transparency, authenticity, and curiosity can transform workplace culture and improve leadership effectiveness.ResourcesThe Path of an Inspired Leader by Bruce Mayhew - ⁠https://amzn.to/42kezUz⁠ Bruce Mayhew on LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucemayhew⁠⁠brucemayhew.com ⁠ keywordsleadership, trust, transparency, authenticity, curiosity, workplace culture, difficult conversations, leadership book, team building, inspired leadership key topicsTrust and its impact on performanceTransparency and authenticity in leadershipThe role of curiosity in difficult conversationsBuilding a culture of positive accountability and shared visionThe importance of vulnerability and letting go of ego sound bites"Authenticity is crucial for effective leadership""Focus on what is good and build from there"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Trust02:50 The Importance of Transparency in Leadership05:29 Authenticity and Armor in Leadership07:52 Vision and Values in Leadership10:36 Leading with Curiosity and Service to Others15:52 The Journey to Writing 'The Path of an Inspired Leader'19:10 Appreciative Inquiry: A New Approach to Problem Solving23:36 Curiosity vs. Reactivity in Leadership25:59 Preparing for Difficult Conversations28:29 Letting Go of Ego to Build Trust30:31 Where to Find Bruce Mayhew and His Work31:21 LWC Riverside outro Generic.mp4

May 15, 2026Episode 6834 min

Ep.68 Mastering Presentation Skills: Go With the Music. Frankie Kemp, London UK

"Our guest today is the antidote to the boring corporate presentation. She has spent her career on stages, in recording booths, and behind the scenes of global events—including a stint with the Eurovision Song Contest. Now, she takes all that performance magic and applies it to the world of high-stakes business through her 'Be Less Vanilla, More Thriller' philosophy. She specializes in 'people skills for geeks,' helping senior leaders and technical teams ditch the 'jelly legs,' master the 'Drama Triangle,' and speak so that people actually listen. Please welcome, Frankie Kemp."SummaryIn this engaging and often quirky interview, Frankie Kemp shares her expertise on transforming corporate communication through performance techniques, NLP, and adaptability. Discover practical strategies to enhance presentation skills, manage nerves, and communicate with authenticity and impact.Keywordscommunication, presentation skills, NLP, performance, leadership, adaptability, public speaking, emotional regulation, storytelling, executive presenceKey TopicsCorporate communication habits to banishPerformance techniques for leadersNeuro-linguistic programming in businessManaging nerves and emotional regulationStructured frameworks for spontaneous speakingSound Bites"Communication is all about context.""Weak language undermines trust.""Serve your key message throughout."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Frankie Kemp and Her Philosophy01:22 Boring Communication Habits in Corporate Settings02:42 Experiences of Chaos on Stage05:12 Insights from the Eurovision Song Contest07:37 The Role of Music in Presentation Mindset08:57 Contextual Communication and NLP11:36 Using NLP for Anchoring Emotions16:18 The Broader Applications of NLP18:12 The Art of Adaptability in Leadership19:51 Improvisation as a Leadership Skill21:33 Mastering Spontaneous Speaking25:18 The Power of Language in Communication28:17 Understanding Personality Dynamics: Cats vs. Dogs29:57 Key Messages in Presentations33:45 LWC Riverside outro Generic.mp4

April 15, 2026Episode 6722 min

Ep.67 Do Fewer Things Well. Greg Hold - The Stand Up CEO. NYC

SummaryIn this episode, we sit down with CEO and stand-up comedian Greg Hold, who proves that the journey to success can be a road less travelled. Greg reveals how the courageous art of comedy has sharpened his professional edge, emphasizing the transformative power of clear communication and the strategic role of humour in the business world. He shares his insights on the discipline of his writing process, the crucial necessity of building a strong team, and the patience that is the backbone of great entrepreneurship. This conversation is a powerful reminder to believe fiercely in your own vision and to embrace perseverance—because, as Greg demonstrates, the challenges you face in business and on stage are simply opportunities for your greatest breakthrough.http://hold.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@StandUpCEOhttps://www.gregoryhold.com/calendar-comedy Keywordscomedy, business, confidence, humour, writing process, hiring, perseverance, entrepreneurship, communication, dual career, Greg Hold, The Stand Up CEOTakeawaysComedy has given me the confidence to deal with people.You can lose a room with a small mistake.Comedy is like working a different muscle.It's important to make room for comedy in life.I took about 18 classes over two years to practice comedy.Comedy shouldn't play a major role in business.A good sense of humour makes you more likeable.Authenticity is key when hiring.Believe in yourself, especially during tough times.You can retool and find your niche in business.Sound bites"Every joke has a victim.""It's important to hire well.""Believe in yourself."Chapters00:00 The Intersection of Comedy and Business03:15 The Journey of a Comedian06:35 Comedy's Role in Professional Life10:30 Crafting Comedy: The Writing Process12:49 The Correlation Between Work and Comedy13:37 Hiring for Success16:49 Patience and Perseverance in Business20:37 The Unique Challenges of Comedy23:00 Adapting to Market Needs24:31 Finding Your Niche

March 15, 2026Episode 6638 min

Ep.66 How to Make a Dream Manager. Kate Vollman. Floyd Consulting. Florida

SummaryIn this conversation, CEO of Floyd Consulting Kate Volman (LinkedIn) and Nate Leslie (LinkedIn) discuss what it means to Certify a Dream Manager. They explore the common barriers people face when pursuing their dreams, and the impact this pursuit can have on leadership culture. They face the fear of judgment and self-doubt head on. They emphasize the importance of enjoying the process and learning from experiences rather than focusing solely on outcomes.Kate is the CEO of a company she could once only dream of leading, author, and host of podcasts Create for No Reason, and Lead With Culture.Books on Amazon:Do What You Love: A Guide to Living Your Creative Life Without Leaving Your Job by Kate VolmanThe Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly(Please consider shopping using these links to support this podcast)TakeawaysMany people hesitate to start due to fear.Caring about others' opinions can hinder progress.It's essential to enjoy the journey of creation.Learning and fun should be prioritized over success.Self-expression is crucial in creative moments.The process of creating is more important than the result.Overcoming fear can lead to personal growth.Engagement in activities can lead to unexpected joy.Embracing the journey can transform perspectives.Sound bites"so many people don't start things because of fear.""So what you say you want to start a YouTube channel?""The journey is the thing."

February 15, 2026Episode 6536 min

Ep.65 The Pyschology of Leadership. Sebastien Page. Chief Investment Officer, T. Rowe Price

SummaryIn this conversation, Nate Leslie and T.Rowe Price's Chief Investment Officer, Sebastian Page, explore the intersection of youth sports and corporate leadership, focusing on the psychology of performance, stress management, and the importance of valuing the joy of mastery over outcomes. If you like this episode, check out related conversations in other episodes!Sebastien is the author of The Psychology of Leadership. They discuss how stress can impact performance, the role of positive psychology in enhancing engagement, and the necessity for leaders to instil meaning in their teams' work. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of feedback, tracking progress, and the responsibility of leaders to create an environment where individuals can thrive and find purpose in their roles.Keywordsleadership, psychology, positive psychology, mastery, engagement, stress management, performance, youth sports, business, coachingTakeawaysThe connection between youth sports and corporate leadership is stronger than you might think.Optimal performance requires a certain level of stress, not zero stress.Mastery orientation leads to better performance than ego orientation.Positive psychology focuses on what makes people thrive over time.Engagement in work is crucial for performance and satisfaction.Feedback and tracking progress can significantly enhance engagement.Finding meaning in work is essential for motivation and fulfillment.Leaders have a responsibility to help their teams find meaning in their work.Goal-induced blindness can negatively impact performance.Positive sports psychology can aid leaders in managing their responsibilities.Mastery vs. Ego: The Key to PerformanceSound bites"Praise the process, the effort, not just the outcome.""We have a crisis of engagement in America.""Goal-induced blindness can hinder performance."Chapters00:00 The Connection Between Youth Sports and Leadership02:54 Understanding Stress and Performance05:44 Mastery vs. Ego in Sports and Business09:02 The Role of Positive Psychology11:45 Engagement and Meaning in Work14:44 The Importance of Feedback and Progress Tracking17:53 Finding Meaning in Work20:48 The Leader's Responsibility in Creating Meaning23:50 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Psychology

January 15, 2026Episode 6431 min

Ep.64 An Introvert's Guide to World Domination. Nick Shelton, Denver CO

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Nate Leslie and Nick Shelton explore the complexities of introversion and social anxiety. Nick shares his journey from struggling with social interactions to becoming a TEDx speaker (A Creative Solution to Social Anxiety) and author of "An Introvert’s Guide to World Domination". They discuss practical strategies for introverts to navigate social situations, the importance of shifting focus from oneself to the audience, and the power of observation. The conversation emphasizes the value of relationships and how understanding different personality types can enhance communication and connection.Find Nick at connectedintrovert.com or LinkedInKeywordsintroversion, social anxiety, public speaking, personal development, networking, TEDx talk, introvert strategies, confidence, relationships, self-improvementTakeawaysNick Shelton's journey from social anxiety to public speaking is inspiring.The concept of a 'uniform' can help manage social anxiety.Introverts recharge by spending time alone after social interactions.Setting low expectations for social events can reduce pressure.Preparation and knowing the next step are crucial for introverts.Courage is doing something despite feeling scared.Shifting focus from self to audience enhances public speaking.Observation is a superpower of introverts in social settings.Creating space for introverts in conversations is essential.The quality of our life is determined by the quality of our relationships.Sound bites"Just show up. Just be in the room.""It's not about me, it's about them."Nick's BioNick Shelton is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, international speaker, and former petroleum chemist who has reinvented himself more than once. After serving in the U.S. Air Force and building a decades-long career in the oil and gas industry, Nick retired early at 49, only to discover that freedom without purpose can feel like a slow collapse.That crisis led him to rebuild his identity from the ground up, creating a six-phase framework that gave him back clarity, confidence, and direction. Today, he’s the creator of The Reset Button, a reinvention protocol for those navigating, major career shifts, or life transitions who find themselves asking: What’s next?Nick is also the author of the best selling book An Introvert’s Guide to World Domination, where he helped thousands of quiet professionals thrive in a noisy world. His work has been featured on stages, in university classrooms, and in global podcasts.Here are the links:www.connectedintrovert.comwww.resettheman.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasleonshelton/Book: https://geni.us/anintrovertsguideChapters00:00 Introduction to Introversion and Social Anxiety03:07 Creative Solutions for Social Anxiety05:50 Understanding Introversion and Energy Dynamics08:56 Practical Tips for Introverts in Social Settings11:46 The Journey of Writing and Speaking14:56 Courage and Confidence in Public Speaking17:49 Shifting Focus from Self to Audience20:50 The Fluidity of Introversion and Extroversion23:45 The Introvert's Superpower: Observation26:38 Creating Space for Introverts in Conversations

December 15, 2025Episode 6327 min

Ep.63 Red Cloud Road: How Strategic Process Management Drives Competitive Advantage. Guest Joe Bockerstette. Phoenix, AZ

SummaryIn this conversation, Joe Bockerstette discusses his book 'Red Cloud Road' and the concept of 'Red Clouds'—the obstacles that prevent organizations from achieving their goals. He explains the Paragon methodology used in his consulting firm, Business Enterprise Mapping, to identify and address these issues. The discussion covers the importance of standardizing processes, engaging employees in improvement efforts, and making it easier for teams to do the right thing. Joe emphasizes the role of leadership in facilitating change and the value of experienced consultants in optimizing workflows.Buy the Book:Red Cloud Road: How Strategic Process Management Drives Competitive AdvantageConnect with Joe BockerstetteLinkedInwww.businessmapping.com KeywordsRed Clouds, Strategic Process Management, Paragon Methodology, Quick Wins, Workflow Optimization, Leadership, Change Management, Employee Engagement, Standardization, Business ProcessesTakeawaysRed clouds are obstacles preventing organizations from achieving their goals.The Paragon methodology helps organizations identify and address workflow issues.50% of red clouds can be resolved as quick wins by frontline employees.Standardizing processes can lead to greater efficiency and scalability.Engaging employees in process improvement fosters a culture of ownership.Leadership plays a crucial role in facilitating change management.Making it easy to do the right thing is essential for organizational success.Inadequate data collection often leads to workflow challenges.Experienced consultants can help organizations redesign processes for better results.The ideal consultant balances detail orientation with strategic awareness.Sound Bites"50% of all Red Clouds are quick wins.""It's about making it easy to do the right thing."Chapters00:00 Understanding Red Clouds and Strategic Process Management02:59 The Paragon Methodology and Quick Wins05:44 Identifying and Addressing Systemic Issues08:57 Standardizing Processes for Efficiency11:52 Engaging Employees in Process Improvement15:04 Leadership and Change Management17:54 Making It Easy to Do the Right Thing20:48 The Role of Consultants in Workflow Optimization

November 15, 2025Episode 6235 min

Ep.62 What the Olympics Taught me About Building Team Culture. Bjorn Kinding, Olympic Hockey Coach. Edmonton AB

SummaryIn this conversation, Bjorn Kinding and Nate Leslie explore the fundamental principle of coaching, emphasizing the importance of starting with the individual rather than the task at hand. They discuss how this approach applies not only in sports like hockey but also in various fields such as education and leadership. The dialogue highlights the human element in coaching and the value of personal connections in fostering growth and development.Keywordscoaching, human element, personal development, leadership, hockey, education, teamwork, communication, mentorship, personal growthTakeawaysIn hockey, coaching is about people, not just the game.Starting with the person is essential in any field.Every individual has unique strengths to offer.The human element is crucial in effective coaching.Leadership should focus on understanding individuals.Mentorship is about building personal connections.Coaching principles apply beyond sports.The task is secondary to the individual.Effective communication is key in coaching.Personal development is at the heart of coaching.Sound bites"Every person brings so much good.""You coach people, not just hockey.""Start with the person, not the task."Chapters00:00 Coaching Journey and Cultural Insights00:21 Balancing Team and Individual Goals

October 15, 2025Episode 6138 min

Ep.61 Branding: The IDEA Method. Jamie Schwartzman. Los Angeles CA

SummaryIn this conversation, Jamie Schwartzman, a branding expert, discusses the intricate relationship between leadership and brand consistency. He emphasizes that branding goes beyond visual elements and is deeply rooted in organizational culture and leadership. Schwartzman outlines his four-step IDEA method for branding: Ignite, Distill, Energize, and Activate, and shares insights on the importance of experiential learning in branding. He also highlights the significance of understanding customer personas and the duality of digital and analog experiences in today's branding landscape.Connect with Jamie: linkedin.com/in/jamieschwartzman/ Keywordsbranding, leadership, brand consistency, customer personas, IDEA method, experiential learning, brand identity, marketing, corporate branding, organizational cultureSound Bites"Brand is about communicating meaning.""Brand is about internal unity purposes.""The power of great hair is a superpower."TakeawaysBrand consistency is about culture consistency driven by leadership.Branding is a way to communicate meaning and value.Internal unity is essential for effective branding post-acquisition.Experiential learning enhances brand understanding and retention.The digital age increases the need for offline experiences.Brands play a crucial role in self-image and identity.Customer personas should focus on psychographics, not just demographics.Research and data are vital in the branding process.The IDEA method consists of Ignite, Distill, Energize, and Activate phases.Branding requires collaboration and consensus among stakeholders.

September 15, 2025Episode 6029 min

Ep.60 Cultivating an Elite Mindset. Gary Chupik - Mental Performance Coach, Seattle WA

SummaryIn this conversation, mental performance coach Gary Chupik, from Elite Mindset, discusses the importance of self-leadership over motivation, emphasizing that individuals can learn to navigate challenges effectively. He introduces the concept of 'winning the day' through daily practices that enhance personal success. Chupik also outlines a mental performance bridge that guides individuals from crisis to thriving, highlighting the significance of a proactive mindset. The discussion culminates in practical strategies for building resilience and fostering an elite mindset, focusing on the power of choice in responses to experiences.Keywordsself-leadership, mental performance, resilience, daily success, proactive mindset, crisis management, elite mindset, personal development, coaching, sports psychologySound Bites"Motivation's overrated.""Win the day.""Put Ws on the calendar."TakeawaysMotivation is a fleeting feeling; self-leadership is essential.Winning the day involves choosing controllable actions.Creating a system of daily successes leads to momentum.Crisis management is the first step towards thriving.Focus on internal locus of control for better outcomes.Proactive mindsets help in avoiding reactive behaviors.Scheduling feelings can lead to better emotional management.Values and principles anchor personal identity and decisions.Healthy self-talk creates new neuro pathways for success.Beliefs are formed through experiences, thoughts, feelings, and responses.Chapters00:00 The Challenge of Motivation03:19 Self-Leadership and Winning the Day06:02 The Mental Performance Bridge Assessment11:50 Navigating Emotions and Scheduling Feelings17:24 Cultivating an Elite Mindset23:03 Building a New Mindset and Behavior