The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett

Hosted by Clinton M. Padgett

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163

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Did you realize the key to business and team success finds its roots deep in conversation? Join Clint Padgett, who’s built his career helping Fortune 100 companies optimize their businesses, as he interviews leaders who encourage employees to learn, challenge, and grow. If you want to effectively manage people and optimize results, this is the podcast for you. The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett from Forbes Books.

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June 16, 202638 min

2026 Mid Year Recap: Lessons in Leadership, Teamwork, and Communication

In this special mid-year episode of The Conversation, Clint looks back at some of the most memorable insights, practical lessons, and thought-provoking moments from the first half of 2026.Featuring highlights from conversations with communication experts, leadership coaches, bestselling authors, researchers, executives, and military leaders, this episode explores what it takes to build stronger teams, communicate more effectively, foster trust, create meaningful work, and lead people through change.Whether you're a longtime listener or discovering The Conversation for the first time, this recap offers a powerful introduction to the ideas and perspectives that shaped the podcast during the first six months of the year.Topics Covered:Why great communicators focus on what their audience needs to hearThe role emotional intelligence plays in team performanceCreating alignment through clarity, repetition, and shared visionThe power of identity, self-belief, and personal growthWhy stories are one of the most effective leadership toolsHelping every team member understand their value and contributionThe impact of meaningful recognition and "Thank You Plus"Leadership lessons from military serviceWhy celebration and positive support fuel performanceListening as a critical leadership skillBuilding psychological safety and encouraging idea-sharingCreating more meaningful work and stronger workplace culturesFeatured Guests:Joel Schwartzberg, Dr. Vanessa Druskat, David Allen, Ed Lamont, Whitney Johnson, David Aaker, Brian Biro, Paula Davis, Mark Fava, Joel Zeff, M.J. Clark, and Wes AdamsLinks:Clint’s website - https://clintpadgett.com/ Clint’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintpadgett Clint’s book, “How Teams Triumph” - https://amzn.to/3YPVLLi PSI’s website - https://projectsuccess.com/

June 10, 202642 min

The Power of Positive Support: A Conversation with Joel Zeff (Part Two)

In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Joel Zeff – national speaker, work culture expert, improviser, and author of “Make the Right Choice” – Joel shares why positive support, adaptability, and presence are essential for strong teams and healthy workplace culture.Joel explains how improv comedy became the foundation for his approach to leadership and communication, why “creative zombies” can quietly damage innovation and morale, and how listening and being present help teams communicate more effectively. He also discusses why great leaders create opportunity, embrace change, and focus on helping the people around them succeed.Along the way, Joel shares stories about movie theater jobs, Cowboy Bob, workplace buzzwords, and why authentic, energized people will always be valuable no matter what industry they work in.This is the second part of a two-part conversation.Topics Covered:Why positive support and opportunity create stronger teamsThe danger of “creative zombies” in organizationsHow improv teaches adaptability, flexibility, and communicationWhy listening is the foundation of effective teamworkThe importance of being present and engaged in conversationsHow different communication styles impact collaborationWhy authentic leadership matters more than corporate buzzwordsHelping the people around you succeedWhy great leaders humanize themselvesThe role energy and attitude play in workplace cultureLinks:Joel’s website - https://www.joelzeff.com/ Joel’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelzeff/ Joel’s book, “Make the Right Choice” - https://amzn.to/4uAQIfX

June 3, 202643 min

Why Celebration Matters More Than Leaders Realize: A Conversation with Joel Zeff (Part One)

In this episode, Clint talks with Joel Zeff – national speaker, work culture expert, improviser, and author of “Make the Right Choice” – about how energy, celebration, and positive support shape team culture and performance.Joel talks about how a chance introduction to improv comedy led to a career speaking to organizations about leadership, teamwork, and communication. Along the way, he explains why celebration fuels confidence, why people need more “ta-da” moments at work, and how staying in the game through difficult situations often leads to growth and opportunity.Joel also shares the unforgettable story of “The Magic Harmonica” and how losing his newspaper job unexpectedly became one of the most important lessons of his career.This is the first part of a two-part conversation.Topics Covered:How improv comedy became the foundation for Joel’s leadership philosophyWhy positive support and opportunity fuel passion at workThe importance of celebrating small wins and “ta-da” momentsWhy appreciation is one of the most overlooked leadership toolsHow leaders can create cultures where people care and contributeThe role of creativity, fun, and energy in team performanceLessons learned from losing a job and “staying in the game”The story behind “The Magic Harmonica”Links:Joel’s website - https://www.joelzeff.com/ Joel’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelzeff/ Joel’s book, “Make the Right Choice” - https://amzn.to/4uAQIfX

May 27, 202631 min

Trust, Psychological Safety, and Better Teams: A Conversation with Wes Adams (Part Two)

In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Wes Adams – Founder & CEO of SV Consulting Group, researcher at the University of Pennsylvania’s Positive Psychology Center, and co-author of “Meaningful Work” – Wes breaks down what actually creates high-performing teams and why trust, psychological safety, and communication matter more than most leaders realize.Wes explains how great teams encourage diverse ideas, why leaders need to create environments where people feel safe sharing bad news early, and how collaboration improves when teams adopt a “yes, and” mindset instead of shutting ideas down. He also discusses the importance of values-based hiring, intentional onboarding, and how organizations can build stronger cultures by aligning leadership behavior with company values.The conversation also explores the future of meaningful work in the age of AI, and why human skills like empathy, adaptability, strategic thinking, and communication are becoming more valuable, not less.This is the second part of a two-part conversation.Topics Covered:Why psychological safety drives team performanceThe connection between trust and accountabilityHow leaders create environments where people feel safe speaking upWhy teams perform better when diverse ideas are welcomedLessons leaders can learn from improv and the “yes, and” mindsetEncouraging participation from quieter or introverted team membersThe importance of equal airtime in meetingsWhy remote and hybrid teams require more intentional communicationHow to respond productively during conflict and disagreementThe PEAR model for handling difficult conversationsWhy character and values matter more than raw talent when hiringThe long-term impact of onboarding and first impressionsUsing positive feedback to reinforce high performanceHow meaningful work influences accountability and collaborationThe role of AI in reshaping work and leadershipWhy human skills are becoming even more valuable in an AI-driven worldLinks:Wes’ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesadams1/ Wes’ book, “Meaningful Work” - https://amzn.to/430EmSa

May 20, 202642 min

Meaningful Work Drives Meaningful Results: A Conversation with Wes Adams (Part One)

In this episode, Clint talks with Wes Adams – Founder & CEO of SV Consulting Group, researcher at the University of Pennsylvania’s Positive Psychology Center, and co-author of “Meaningful Work” – about what actually drives engagement, performance, and fulfillment at work.Wes explains why meaningful work is more than compensation, perks, or job titles, and why leaders who focus on community, contribution, and challenge create teams that are more innovative, resilient, and accountable. He also breaks down the difference between happiness and meaning at work, why meaningful work can exist in any role, and how small leadership behaviors can have a massive impact on team culture and performance.Throughout the conversation, Clint and Wes explore the growing importance of human-centered leadership in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world, and why creating meaningful work is quickly becoming one of the most important competitive advantages organizations can build.This is the first part of a two-part conversation.Topics Covered:Why meaningful work is a major driver of performanceThe “3 Cs” of meaningful work: community, contribution, and challengeWhy purpose alone isn’t enough to create engagementThe difference between meaningful work and happy workHow leaders create environments where people thriveWhy community at work matters more than everBuilding trust and psychological safety on teamsThe impact of remote and hybrid work on connection and belongingWhy meaningful work can exist in any role or industryThe importance of aligning company values with leadership behaviorWhy positive feedback is one of the most underused leadership skillsHelping employees grow through achievable challengeHow meaningful work drives accountability and collaborationWhy psychological safety improves innovation and adaptabilityThe growing importance of human skills in the age of AILinks:Wes’ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesadams1/Wes’ book, “Meaningful Work” - https://amzn.to/430EmSa

May 13, 202639 min

Better Thinking, Better Leadership: A Conversation with M.J. Clark (Part Two)

In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with M.J. Clark – Vice President at Integrated Leadership Systems and author of “Leading Through Listening – M.J. dives into the internal side of leadership, explaining how mindset, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence shape the way leaders communicate, handle conflict, and build trust.She introduces the ABC model (Activating Event, Belief System, Consequences) as a practical framework for understanding and changing reactions, and explains how leaders can shift from emotional responses to more thoughtful, productive behaviors. M.J. also explores why cognitive dissonance and lack of self-awareness often lead to poor decisions, miscommunication, and even dishonesty in the workplace.The conversation also covers how leaders can navigate difficult conversations, de-escalate conflict, and create accountability, while reinforcing why face-to-face communication remains essential for building trust and strong team dynamics.This is the second part of a two-part conversation.Topics Covered:The ABC model and how thoughts drive emotions and behaviorHow to reframe negative thinking into practical, productive responsesWhat cognitive dissonance reveals about self-awareness and behaviorWhy leaders struggle to accurately assess their own communication styleThe role of emotional intelligence in handling feedback and conflictHow reactive behavior signals low leadership maturityTechniques for de-escalating conflict through tone, pacing, and questionsWhy asking questions helps shift emotional conversations to logical thinkingThe importance of face-to-face communication for trust and accountabilityHow to create accountability without formal authorityWhy starting with trust accelerates relationships and team performanceThe difference between communication and true conversationPractical ways to close the loop and ensure clarity in communicationHow journaling and self-observation improve leadership effectivenessLinks:M.J.’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjclark22/M.J.’s book, “Leading Through Listening” - https://amzn.to/4ugN22q

May 6, 202632 min

The Power of Listening: A Conversation with M.J. Clark (Part One)

In this episode, Clint talks with M.J. Clark – Vice President at Integrated Leadership Systems and author of “Leading Through Listening” – about why listening is one of the most overlooked yet powerful leadership skills, and how it directly impacts trust, communication, and team performance.Drawing from her experience as a leadership consultant and executive coach, M.J. shares how many leaders unintentionally undermine their teams by talking too much, steering conversations, or failing to create an environment where people feel heard. She explains what “quiet leadership” looks like in practice, how to use questions instead of answers to empower teams, and why psychological safety starts with how leaders listen.Through personal stories and real-world examples, M.J. highlights how better listening leads to stronger collaboration, more innovative thinking, and deeper respect across teams.This is the first part of a two-part conversation.Topics Covered:The difference between talking to lead and listening to leadHow “quiet leadership” empowers teams to find their own answersWhy leaders who dominate conversations limit team performanceThe role of psychological safety in open communicationHow to recognize when a team doesn’t feel heardThe concept of conversational turn-taking and why it mattersHow leaders can draw out quieter voices in meetingsThe impact of listening on trust, respect, and team dynamicsCommon communication habits that unintentionally shut people downThe connection between listening and better decision-makingWhy diverse perspectives strengthen team outcomesHow self-awareness shapes effective communicationLinks:M.J.’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjclark22/M.J.’s book, “Leading Through Listening” - https://amzn.to/4ugN22q

April 29, 202631 min

Leadership Habits to Reduce Burnout: A Conversation with Paula Davis (Part Two)

In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Paula Davis – Founder and CEO of the Stress & Resilience Institute and author of “Beating Burnout at Work” and “Lead Well” – Paula breaks down the practical leadership behaviors that build stronger teams, increase engagement, and reduce burnout over time.She introduces concepts like “sticky recognition” and “thank you plus,” explaining how small, intentional moments of feedback can create lasting impact and reinforce a sense of meaning at work. Paula also discusses how leaders can build trust, strengthen relationships, and create real connection, even in hybrid or remote environments.From fostering belonging to responding to wins the right way, this part of the conversation focuses on simple, actionable skills that leaders can apply immediately to improve team performance and resilience.This is the second part of a two-part conversation.Topics Covered:What “sticky recognition” is and why it creates lasting impactThe concept of mattering and why it drives motivation and retentionHow to use “thank you plus” to make feedback more meaningfulWhy leaders often overlook recognition and how to fix itHow small moments of acknowledgment reduce burnout and increase engagementExpanding the definition of autonomy beyond time and locationHow to build community in hybrid and remote teamsThe role of informal conversations in strengthening team connectionWhy having a best friend at work impacts performance and wellbeingHow to create stronger relationships through active constructive responding (ACR)Common communication habits that unintentionally damage relationshipsWhat team resilience looks like before, during, and after challengesHow trust, communication, and psychological safety drive better outcomesThe surprising link between connection, trust, and team performanceLinks:Paula’s website - https://stressandresilience.com/Paula’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauladavislaack/Paula’s book, “Beating Burnout at Work” - https://amzn.to/4tKzkEG Paula’s book, “Lead Well” - https://amzn.to/4mvTqQC

April 22, 202636 min

Burnout Isn’t What You Think: A Conversation with Paula Davis (Part One)

In this episode, Clint talks with Paula Davis – Founder and CEO of the Stress & Resilience Institute and author of “Beating Burnout at Work” and “Lead Well” – about what burnout really is, why most organizations misunderstand it, and what leaders need to do differently to build resilient, high-performing teams.Drawing from her own experience burning out as a lawyer and her work with leaders across industries, Paula explains why burnout is a systemic issue rooted in how work is designed. She breaks down the key drivers of stress and disengagement, why leaders often miss what’s really happening on their teams, and how small, intentional actions can create meaningful change.Through practical insights and research-backed frameworks, Paula offers a clearer way to think about workload, team dynamics, and leadership behaviors, helping leaders move from reactive fixes to sustainable performance.This is the first part of a two-part conversation.Topics Covered:Paula’s journey from law to burnout and into resilience researchWhy burnout is more than just an individual stress problemThe difference between high workload and unmanageable workloadWhy most wellness programs don’t fix burnoutThe gap between what leaders think and what employees experienceWhy burnout is a systemic, culture-driven issueThe six core drivers of stress and disengagement in teamsHow lack of recognition shows up beyond just not hearing “thank you”The role of fairness, transparency, and trust in team healthWhy leaders are often underprepared to address burnoutHow meaningful one-on-one conversations drive engagementThe impact of constant busyness and overloaded teamsWhy connection and community break down under pressureThe balance between autonomy and belonging in modern work environmentsHow small, consistent leadership actions (“tiny noticeable things”) create resilienceLinks:Paula’s website - https://stressandresilience.com/Paula’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauladavislaack/Paula’s book, “Beating Burnout at Work” - https://amzn.to/4tKzkEGPaula’s book, “Lead Well” - https://amzn.to/4mvTqQC

April 15, 202629 min

Clarity, Consistency, and Credibility: A Conversation with Mark Fava (Part Two)

In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Mark Fava – former U.S. Navy Officer, accomplished aviation attorney, and author of “Lessons from the Admiral” – Mark shares practical leadership lessons on communication, trust, and execution that apply across any organization.He explains why exceptional leaders repeat their message with clarity and consistency, how listening builds credibility faster than talking, and why transparency, especially in difficult situations, is critical to maintaining trust and morale.Mark also covers how leaders should handle problems early, create environments where people feel safe raising issues, and balance honest feedback with strong team alignment.Through real-world examples, he highlights the importance of preparation, accountability, and doing what you say you’re going to do, every time.The conversation closes with advice for early-career professionals on leading without authority, overcoming self-doubt, and building a reputation that lasts.This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered:Why consistent messaging is critical for effective leadershipHow to communicate clearly, concisely, and with impactThe “three bullet rule” for simplifying communicationWhy great leaders listen first, and how it builds credibilityThe role of transparency in building trust and moraleHow to handle difficult messages and lead through discomfortWhy problems don’t age well, and how to address them earlyCreating a culture where team members feel safe speaking upThe balance between healthy disagreement and team alignmentWhy preparation drives confidence and performanceLeading without authority through reliability and executionThe importance of doing what you say you’ll doOvercoming imposter syndrome early in your careerLessons learned from failure and how to reset and move forwardThe concept of “legacy leadership” and long-term impactWhy integrity and reputation are a leader’s most valuable assetsLinks:Mark’s website - https://markcfava.com/ Mark’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcfava/ Mark’s book, “Lessons from the Admiral” - https://amzn.to/48m9tum