Quick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders Grow

Hosted by Susie Tomenchok and James Capps

Business Careers Education

Website RSS feed

Episodes

129

Latest episode

Aug 2025

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Quick Take podcast provides concise and actionable tips to help executives and leaders, like you, tackle the thorny and complex challenges that affect us daily. By leveraging their experience and relationship with other global leaders, our hosts provide suggestions that are based on their deep experience as leaders and coaches but also pressure tested in boardrooms everywhere because they asked their friends….(almost). Hosted by James Capps and Susie Tomenchok. Episodes release weekly on Thursdays.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 7, 2025Episode 12812 min

Rethinking Hierarchy with the "First Team" Leadership Approach

What if your loyalty shouldn't lie with your direct reports, but with your peers? In this episode, we dive into the “First Team” leadership approach, a mindset shift that challenges the traditional org chart. We talk about why prioritizing your colleagues at the same level can create stronger alignment, better culture, and fewer headaches for everyone involved.We also get into why endless one-on-ones can dilute your message, how cross-functional meetings can build trust, and what happens when middle managers start collaborating just because it feels right.Key Takeaways from This Episode:How the First Team mindset shifts focus from direct reports to peer collaborationWhy fewer one-on-ones might actually strengthen communicationWhat to look for when your team avoids cross-functional meetingsJoin the Conversation:Are your peers your go-to team, or are you still operating in silos? What’s worked for you in building trust across functions? We’d love to hear what conversations are happening on your team.CONNECT WITH SUSIE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/susietomenchok/CONNECT WITH JAMES:https://www.linkedin.com/in/capps/

July 31, 2025Episode 12713 min

Balancing AI Adoption with Human Connection

AI can help us move faster, work smarter, and even prep for a one-on-one. But what happens when we start using it as a substitute for human connection?In this episode, we explore the tension between efficiency and empathy. From trust breakdowns to team assignments gone sideways, we talk about how easy it is to default to AI and what gets lost when we do. This one’s for leaders who are navigating the hype while trying to keep their teams grounded, connected, and human.Key Takeaways from This Episode:Why human context is still the leader’s secret sauceHow trust erodes when we skip real interactionOne simple way to check in on your team’s connectionJoin the Conversation: Have you seen AI take over moments that needed a human touch? What’s working for you when it comes to building trust in a high-tech world? We’d love to hear what conversations are happening on your team.CONNECT WITH SUSIE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/susietomenchok/CONNECT WITH JAMES:https://www.linkedin.com/in/capps/

July 24, 2025Episode 12611 min

Why Introverts Make Powerful Leaders

We’re taught to celebrate the loudest voice in the room. But what if the most effective leaders are the ones who say less and listen more?In this conversation, we unpack the surprising strengths of introverted leaders. From creating space for others to showing up with quiet confidence, we explore how these traits shift team dynamics, build trust, and challenge what leadership is supposed to look like. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need to be more “out there” to lead well, this one’s for you.Key Takeaways from This Episode:Introversion isn’t a weakness, it’s a leadership styleNonverbals and presence often speak louder than wordsGreat leaders build balanced teams, not perfect personasJoin the Conversation: Have you worked with an introverted leader who left a big impact? What strengths do you bring to a room that aren't always loud or visible? We’d love to hear what conversations are happening on your team.CONNECT WITH SUSIE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/susietomenchok/CONNECT WITH JAMES:https://www.linkedin.com/in/capps/

July 17, 2025Episode 12512 min

The Paradox of Likable Leadership

Can you be a good leader and still want to be liked? Or does that instinct hold you back? In this episode, we dig into the tension between being likable and being effective. We talk about how the people-pleasing gene that makes you successful early on can become a liability when tough calls need to be made. From leading your former peers to finding language for your leadership shift, we explore what it takes to step into authority without losing your humanity.Key Takeaways from This Episode:Why “friendly but not friends” is harder than it soundsHow to reframe leadership as a persona you grow intoWhat it looks like to value respect over likabilityJoin the Conversation:Have you ever struggled with wanting to be liked as a leader? What helped you make the shift? We’d love to hear what conversations are happening on your team.CONNECT WITH SUSIE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/susietomenchok/CONNECT WITH JAMES:https://www.linkedin.com/in/capps/

July 10, 2025Episode 12412 min

Why Your Mid-Level Leaders Are Your AI Champions

Think Gen Z is leading the charge on AI? Not so fast. It turns out your middle managers might be the ones best positioned to drive real change.In this episode, we talk about why this layer of leadership is so critical to AI adoption. From curiosity and context to bridging top-down vision with on-the-ground execution, they’re uniquely equipped to make it real. We get into what works, where companies are getting stuck, and how to create safe spaces for experimentation without all the pressure.Key Takeaways from This Episode:Why your mid-level managers are more AI-ready than you thinkHow to create “safe to fail” spaces that actually spark innovationWhat happens when one person’s experiment unlocks possibility for the whole teamJoin the Conversation:How is your organization approaching AI learning and experimentation? Who’s leading the charge and who needs more support? We’d love to hear what’s working for your team.CONNECT WITH SUSIE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/susietomenchok/CONNECT WITH JAMES:https://www.linkedin.com/in/capps/

July 3, 2025Episode 12312 min

Building Workplace Civility in Polarized Times

You know that person who always interrupts or hijacks the meeting? Most teams do. And when no one addresses it, everyone loses.In this episode, we talk about why civility still matters, maybe more than ever. We dig into how small behaviors erode trust, how to spot the patterns early, and what leaders can do in real time to shift the tone. Because culture isn’t just a values slide, it’s every micro-interaction that tells people whether they belong.Key Takeaways from This Episode:Why incivility costs more than just feelingsHow to speak up in the moment without escalatingWhat leaders miss when they excuse repeat behaviorJoin the Conversation:What habits are shaping your team’s culture, for better or worse? What are you noticing in meetings, emails, or day-to-day interactions? We’d love to hear how you’re addressing it.CONNECT WITH SUSIE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/susietomenchok/CONNECT WITH JAMES:https://www.linkedin.com/in/capps/

June 26, 2025Episode 12213 min

Managing Outcomes, Not Activity

The old school nine-to-five doesn’t fit today’s work, or today’s workers. Still, so many leaders fall back on time as a stand-in for productivity. In this episode, we unpack what it actually means to lead for outcomes.We talk about energy cycles, what red light has to do with your brain, and how to have the right conversations with your team about when and how they work best. Because when people stop trying to look busy and start working in the zone, everything changes.Key Takeaways from This EpisodeWhy productivity isn’t about being online from nine to fiveHow to help your team track their energy and find their flowWhat to do when past experiences push you to overmanageJoin the ConversationHow are you thinking about productivity and motivation on your team? What’s working and what’s getting in the way? We’d love to hear how you’re approaching it.CONNECT WITH SUSIE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/susietomenchok/CONNECT WITH JAMES:https://www.linkedin.com/in/capps/

June 19, 2025Episode 12110 min

Empowering Middle Managers for Long-Term Success

Middle managers are overworked, overlooked, and often under-supported. Yet they’re the glue holding organizations together—and right now, many of them are stuck in a cycle of burnout and invisibility.In this episode, we dig into why this layer matters more than ever, how it’s being neglected, and what leaders need to do about it. From internal mobility to rethinking face time, we explore the small shifts that can re-engage your most critical players.Key Takeaways from This Episode:Why middle management is central to culture, continuity, and innovationThe real cost of overlooking internal talent and institutional knowledgeSimple, practical ways leaders can give mid-level teams the support they needJoin the Conversation:How is your organization supporting middle managers? What’s working, what’s missing, and what are you hearing from your team? We’d love to hear your take.CONNECT WITH SUSIE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/susietomenchok/CONNECT WITH JAMES:https://www.linkedin.com/in/capps/

June 12, 2025Episode 12012 min

Beyond the AI Layoff Headlines: Keep Teams Focused When Fear Takes Hold

AI is changing the game—and it’s got people on edge. From high-profile layoffs to execs declaring they won’t hire devs again, there’s a new kind of fear spreading through teams.In this episode, we talk about what leaders can actually do. We get into the emotional side of AI disruption, why radical transparency matters more than ever, and how to create stability when the future’s unclear. Whether you’ve got a strategy or you’re scrambling to build one, these are the conversations your team needs you to have.Key Takeaways from This Episode:Why your company needs an AI strategy (and what happens if it doesn’t)How to build trust and safety when you don’t have all the answersSimple ways to help your team explore, upskill, and stay groundedMentioned in this episode:Why Moderna Merged Its Tech and HR Departments - https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-moderna-merged-its-tech-and-hr-departments-95318c2aJoin the Conversation:How is your team navigating AI changes? What fears, questions, or breakthroughs are coming up in your workplace? We’d love to hear how you’re leading through it all.CONNECT WITH SUSIE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/susietomenchok/CONNECT WITH JAMES:https://www.linkedin.com/in/capps/

June 5, 2025Episode 11913 min

Is AI Making Your Team Anxious? What Leaders Should and Shouldn’t Do

AI is everywhere, but not everyone is excited. In this episode, we explore the growing anxiety employees feel about AI and what leaders can do when they don’t have all the answers. Susie and James unpack new survey data, generational differences in AI concerns, and the deeper fear many employees have: What’s my value if AI can do my job faster?Rather than offering silver-bullet solutions, this episode returns to foundational leadership principles of transparency, upskilling, empathy and reconsiders how they apply in a time of rapid change and uncertainty.Key Takeaways from This Episode:Why younger employees may feel more threatened by AI than seasoned leaders.How to support your team through uncertainty without pretending to have all the answers.Why good leadership still works, even when the future is unpredictable.Join the Conversation:Have you seen signs of AI-anxiety in your workplace? How are you navigating it as a leader—or supporting those who are? We’d love to hear what conversations are happening on your team.CONNECT WITH SUSIE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/susietomenchok/CONNECT WITH JAMES:https://www.linkedin.com/in/capps/