Soul of Business with Blaine Bartlett

Hosted by Blaine Bartlett

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263

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Soul is the blueprint inside of every thing that tells it what it is and what it can become. When we meet anything at that level, we will respect, protect, and love it.  Capitalism as it is practiced today is designed to destroy the two resources it needs to function – the planet and the people. Compassionate Capitalism may sound like an oxymoron AND it is the most powerful model we have for ensuring sustainable success - for ourselves, our businesses and our planet. Every organization has a “soul” or spirit that is its founding source. It is a non-replicable creative advantage that connects to literally everything. This connection is fueled by compassion and knowing how to access and leverage this unique “soul” is a crucial key to sustainable success for all life on the planet!

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60 recent

August 26, 202634 min

Leadership Under Pressure

The true power of culture: It eats strategy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. SPONSORED BY: Soul of Business™ Experience Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/sobecommunity In the complex world of business, strategy is vital, but without the right culture, even the best plans fall flat. Culture isn’t just HR's job or employee behavior; it’s the hidden system of policies, relationships, and shared beliefs that influence how everyone acts. Think about it: A new hire comes in eager, but within months, disengagement sets in — often because the organizational 'causal factors' aren’t aligned with their motivations or values. The real game-changer? Leaders need to see culture as an active design, not just an organic byproduct. Revisit your policies, onboarding, and day-to-day interactions — are they shaping the culture you want? Or merely maintaining the status quo? If you're navigating rapid change, understanding and intentionally shaping your culture can mean the difference between thriving and just surviving. Discover the evolving landscape of organizational culture and leadership in this insightful episode. Blaine speaks with renowned culture expert John Childress (www.johnrchildress.com) about the critical role of culture in business success, especially amidst rapid disruption from AI, remote work, and diverse generations. In this episode: The genesis of John’s latest book, Culture 4.0, and its importance in today's volatile marketplace How culture influences strategy implementation and organizational resilience The causal factors that shape organizational culture and how to identify them Strategies for assessing and reshaping workplace culture to foster engagement and innovation The significance of middle management in translating strategic goals into everyday actions Navigating diversity, generational differences, and the politicization of DEI initiatives Practical approaches for embedding culture into hiring, onboarding, and leadership development The role of trust, relational dynamics, and the importance of real human connection in a remote-first world Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 17, 202638 min

There Is No Tiger!

There is no tiger! I kept thinking about that line after this conversation with Neal Foard, founder of Storyfire (www.storyfire.net). Not because it’s clever. Because it’s true. SPONSORED BY: Soul of Business™ Experience Find out more at ⁠https://leader.blainebartlett.com/sobecommunity We spend so much of our lives letting the wrong story run the room. A bad meeting. A missed opportunity. A moment of embarrassment. And suddenly the nervous system acts like the house is on fire. Before founding Storyfire, Neal served as worldwide head of creative learning for Saatchi & Saatchi and spent many years as Executive Creative Director in both New York and Hong Kong. Across those roles, he witnessed firsthand how stories form the backbone of teams and organizations, from ad campaigns for global brands like Lexus and Budweiser to workshops for leaders at Amgen, Major League Baseball, and Lexus. In our conversation, Neal shared a story from early in his career that landed hard: He completely botched a presentation in front of 200 clients at the Drake Hotel in Chicago. That night, he walked into the hotel bar convinced he’d blown up his career. Instead, he met a bartender who poured him a drink and told him, in effect: There is no tiger. That story stayed with him. And I can see why. Because it names something most of us forget: Fear is real. But it is not always accurate. We can shape the story we tell ourselves. We can regulate. We can breathe. We can choose what gets to be made bigger (or smaller) than it deserves. That’s not just good psychology. That’s leadership. That’s business. That’s life. And maybe that’s why this conversation resonated with me so much. Neil’s whole view is built around the idea that small intentional acts of care can shift outcomes. A story can do that. A leader can do that.A message can do that. And maybe that’s the point. #storytelling #leadershipdevelopment #businesspurpose #compassion #effectivecommunication #soulofbusiness #compassionatecapitalism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 12, 202642 min

Do More Nothing: The Thinking Reset That Clears Mental Clutter

SHOW NOTES  SPONSORED BY: Soul of Business™ Experience Find out more at: https://leader.blainebartlett.com/sobecommunity   Managers are drowning in invisible overload, and it is quietly wrecking performance, decisions, and relationships. Dr. Liane Davey (www.thoughtload.com) reveals why the real problem is not time, it is thought load, and how to free your team from the emotional, cognitive, and energy drain that makes great work nearly impossible. Blaine Bartlett brings the conversation into sharp focus by connecting thought load to the Soul of Business, the hidden source of creativity, meaning, and long-term organizational health. Together, they expose why so many teams get stuck in grievance instead of productive conflict, and why the way we reward work today often pushes people to pull harder in the wrong direction. You’ll discover: Why emotion and feeling are not the same thing, and why that distinction changes leadership How to spot when a team has grievance, not conflict, and what to do about it Liane’s tent-and-tarp metaphor for understanding competing stakeholder demands Why attention, not time, is the scarcest resource at work How the “treacherous triad” of cognitive load, emotional burden, and low energy compounds overwhelm A simple “thinking sabbatical” approach that creates room for insight The three priority lists framework for doing the right work in the right part of your calendar Dr. Liane Davey is a New York Times bestselling author, a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review, and a trusted advisor to leaders at organizations like Amazon, Walmart, RBC, MD Anderson, and Google. Her latest book, Thought Load: Manage the Madness and Free Your Team to Do Great Work, gives managers a practical way to reduce overload and restore effectiveness. If you manage people, lead teams, or feel buried under constant demands, this episode gives you language, frameworks, and a fresh way to think about what is really stealing your best work. Essential listening for leaders who want more than productivity - they want impact. Remember to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. For more insights and resources, visit Blaine’s website and stay inspired to lead with purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 3, 202631 min

Trust, Teaching, and the Power of Ethical Influence with Dan Rochon

SHOW NOTES  SPONSORED BY: Soul of Business™ Experience Find out more at https://bit.ly/SOBECommunity   Summary In this episode, Blaine interviews Dan Rochon (www.teachtosell.com) about the Soul of Business, ethical influence, and building trust through teaching. They explore how top performers lead with service, integrity, and purpose, sharing practical insights from Rochon's experience and his new book 'Teach to Sell.' Discover how the essence of a successful business goes beyond transactions and delve into trust, influence, and ethical leadership with Blaine and Dan. In this episode, they explore the core principles that sustain long-term success and meaningful impact. In this episode: The concept of the "soul of a business" — businesses as living entities driven by people, culture, and systems How ethics and trust transform transactional sales into relationship-driven influence Dan Rochon’s insights on never having a "broke month" since 2008 in real estate Key strategies from Teach to Sell: leading through teaching, guiding client expectations, and building loyalty The importance of pre-decision frameworks to make proactive, integrity-driven choices The role of packaging and quality in customer experience, exemplified by Apple’s product presentation Building brands with higher purpose: Patagonia and HubSpot as models of mission-driven commerce Practical tools for business decision-making, including the pre-decision compass The impact of authentic service and leadership on long-term business health and personal peace How aligning with purpose and acting as a “center of distribution” fosters thriving, sustainable growth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 27, 202630 min

Embracing Joy as a Leadership and Business Strategy with Bose Akadiri

SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Soul of Business™ Experience Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/sobecommunity SHOW NOTES In this episode, Blaine and Bose Akadiri (golandgrind.com) explore the transformative power of joy in the workplace, discussing how it can coexist with conflict, drive performance, and enhance team cohesion. They share practical tools like the Stay Joyful Method and emphasize the importance of leading with empathy and curiosity. Main Topics: The relationship between happiness, joy, and organizational success Using joy as a tool to prevent burnout and sustain high performance The "Stay Joyful Method": a framework for joyful leadership The importance of understanding individual and team joy points Strategies for modeling joyful leadership and fostering a joyful culture The role of questions and language in inspiring creativity and joy The connection between nature’s joy and human well-being Practical insights from Bose Akadiri’s books and work with global organizations In this episode: Real-world examples from Bose’s experience at Salesforce, JP Morgan, and Boeing Bose Akadiri shares her journey from corporate work to authorship and leadership coaching Insights into how joy can coexist with conflict and high-pressure environments The "Three C’s" of joyful living: Celebrate wins, Cheer success, Connect with community How understanding personal vs. shared joy boosts team cohesion and retention The negative impact of ignoring employee engagement and how joy can close that gap Actionable steps to integrate joy into daily leadership practices The importance of curiosity, language, and empathy in nurturing joyful workplaces How to implement the "Goal and Grind" philosophy with joy as a foundation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 20, 202640 min

The Timeless Power of Situational Leadership with Sam Shriver and Suzie Bishop

SPONSORED BY: Soul of Business™ Experience Find out more at https://bit.ly/SOBECommunity Join me and my guests Sam Shriver and Suzie Bishop from the Center For Leadership Studies (https://situational.com) as we explore the evolution and application of Situational Leadership. Discover how this timeless model adapts to modern organizational challenges, emphasizing influence, relationships, and navigating change. This episode highlights the enduring importance of adaptive leadership, emphasizing how timeless principles remain vital amidst modern complexities. Whether managing change, developing leadership capacity, or fostering strong relationships, situational leadership provides practical frameworks applicable across personal, family, and organizational contexts. Main Topics: Origins and development of the situational leadership model Impact of generational shifts on leadership styles The role of influence versus command in modern leadership Navigating change and building resilient relationships Key competencies for effective leadership and communication How organizations can adapt leadership models to contemporary challenges In this episode: Blaine highlights the enduring importance of situational leadership amidst digital disruption Sam Shriver shares insights from over 45 years of applying the model in various organizations Suzie Bishop discusses how generational perspectives shape leadership development today Detailed comparison of the original and modern formulations of situational leadership Perspectives on influence, trust, and relationship-building in contemporary workplaces Practical advice for leaders to navigate change effectively and build psychological safety Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 6, 202633 min

The Surprising Power of Acting Like an Owner to Transform Business Performance with Greg Hawks

Have you ever wondered what truly fuels a thriving organization? Is it the latest management fad, or is it something deeper—something rooted in the very soul of your business? If you're seeking practical insights into how culture, ownership, and genuine engagement intertwine, you're in the right place. In this episode, we explore powerful ideas shared by me and Greg Hawks (greghawks.com), author of Act Like an Owner. Wedive into the essence of leadership, responsibility, and the Soul of Business. In this episode, you'll discover how and why your stakeholders adopting an ownership mindset can transform your organizational culture, foster emotional engagement, and unlock the potential buried within your team. Whether you lead a small team or an entire enterprise, these concepts can help you cultivate a culture of love, results, and authentic connection. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Soul of Business™ Experience Find out more at https://bit.ly/SOBECommunity Summary In this engaging conversation, Blaine and Greg Hawkes explore the profound concept of the Soul of Business, ownership mentality, and leadership. They discuss how emotional engagement, responsibility, and authenticity drive organizational culture and individual fulfillment. Key Topics The concept of the soul of business and its impact on culture The importance of ownership mentality and responsibility How vulnerability and authenticity foster trust and engagement How emotional engagement drives organizational success #LeadershipJourney #DisruptedNotDefeated #SoulOfBusiness #GrowthInChaos #CompassionateCapitalism #ManifestingPossibilities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 29, 202629 min

The Surprising Relationship Between Internal Coherence and Business Impact

Join me and my guest Arnaud Saint-Paul, Founder & CEO of Tapuat PBC as we explore the core essence, the soul, that drives authentic success. Discover how internal fragmentation mirrors external chaos and how cultivating coherence across seven foundational pillars (presence, inner peace, joy, non-attachment, selflessness, unity, and purpose) can revolutionize your leadership and organizational dynamics. You'll learn about innovative tools like the Coherence Index and the Seven Pillars framework, which help leaders measure and enhance harmony within teams and organizations. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Soul of Business™ Experience Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/sobecommunity Summary Explore the profound connection between the soul of business and leadership, emphasizing coherence, non-attachment, and the heart economy movement. Arnaud Saint-Paul shares insights on how inner harmony influences organizational success and personal fulfillment. Key Topics The concept of the soul of business as a tuning fork The relationship between internal and external fragmentation The seven pillars of heart leadership: inner peace, joy, non-attachment, selflessness, unity The Heart Leadership Index (HLI) and coherence measurement The role of non-attachment and trust in leadership The symphony metaphor for organizational coherence The impact of fragmentation on business and personal life Pragmatic approaches to spiritual leadership and coherence The importance of embracing chaos as part of coherence Tools and frameworks for mapping and improving organizational coherence Takeaways The soul of business is like a tuning fork, guiding organizational harmony. Internal fragmentation reflects externally, affecting business health. Seven pillars of heart leadership influence organizational coherence. Measuring coherence with the Heart Leadership Index helps track progress. Non-attachment and trust are crucial for authentic leadership. Organizational coherence is akin to a symphony, requiring organization and trust. Embracing chaos is essential for creating coherence and innovation. Pragmatic spiritual leadership involves present moment awareness and inner alignment. Mapping coherence fields reveals instability points and growth opportunities. Leadership is a dance with life, requiring flexibility, trust, and presence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 25, 202632 min

Putting Fun In Fundraising with Mary Hagen

“Putting The Fun In Fundraising” Join me and my guest Mary Hagen, CEO of Colossal (https://colossal.org), a global leader in modern giving, offering a unique and powerful alternative method for charities to raise money and awareness for their organizations and the important work they do. With her extensive experience in business development, Mary’s primary role is contributing her expertise as a leader in business to help grow Colossal’s positive reach and value. From expert marketing insights, perceptive consulting, innovative growth plans, and leadership coaching, Mary continues to greatly contribute to the longevity and growth of the company. From the time she was initially hired in 2020, Colossal has quadrupled in size and is ongoing in effectively promoting and assisting charitable causes and organizations from all around the planet. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Soul of Business™ Experience Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/sobecommunity Summary In this episode, Mary Hagen, CEO of Colossal, shares innovative approaches to fundraising that combine community engagement, fun campaigns, and impactful philanthropy. Discover how her team creates viral competitions, builds community, and revolutionizes charitable giving. Key Topics Innovative fundraising strategies Community engagement and belonging Creative campaign development and execution Fundraising as a growth strategy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 15, 202628 min

Conversational Debt...It Will Break Your Company with Gustavo Razzetti

“The Cost Of Conversational Debt” Join me and my guest Gustavo Razzetti (https://gustavorazzetti.com), a culture change instigator, speaker, and CEO of Fearless Culture, a culture design consultancy. He helps leaders build teams that talk about what matters—even when it's uncomfortable. His real-life insights come from leading more than 1,500 workshops with teams at Mars, Microsoft, Merck, Globant, and the Inter-American Development Bank. A regular contributor to Psychology Today, his work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, and Forbes. He is the author of Remote, Not Distant and Stretch for Change. His newest book is Forward Talk: The Bold New Method For Getting Teams Unstuck. Gustavo helps teams say what everyone's thinking but no one's saying. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Soul of Business™ Experience Find out more at https://bit.ly/SOBECommunity Summary Explore the transformative power of effective communication and culture in organizations with Gustavo Razzetti, author of Forward Talk. Discover how mastering conversational depth, trust, and addressing conversational debt can unlock team potential and foster a thriving organizational culture. Key Topics The role of communication in organizational culture The concept of conversational debt and how to address it Building trust within teams and organizations The importance of masterful communication and conflict management Takeaways Effective communication is the foundation of organizational success. Conversational debt accumulates when conversations are avoided or misunderstood. Building trust requires intentional actions and positive requests. Cordial harmony can mask underlying issues that weaken teams. Small, forward-moving actions can start transforming organizational culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices