The Leadership Growth Podcast

Hosted by Daniel & Peter Stewart

Business Management

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Timely, relevant leadership topics to help you grow your ability to lead effectively. New episodes every other Tuesday since January 30, 2024.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 20, 2026Episode 7433 min

Productivity Starts in Your Home

68% of U.S. GDP is household spending–and today’s guest has ideas about how to make those individual economic engines more efficient. Lisa Woodruff is a productivity specialist, author, and founder and CEO of Organize 365. She hosts the top-rated Organize 365 podcast, where she shares strategies for reducing the overwhelm, clearing the mental clutter, and living a productive and organized life. In today’s conversation with Daniel and Peter, Lisa shares her suggestions for how household managers can make the most of their time, talent, and treasure. Tune in to learn: The problem with “to do” lists What constitutes visible work–and how many hours it really consumes each week How applying systems thinking and strategic planning can help professionals set the right foundation for productivity at home “Households are economic business entities,” Lisa says, “but we don't give them the business tools to help people who run households be productive and get back their time for leisure, for whatever they want to use it for.” Questions, or comments? E-mail us at podcast@stewartleadership.com — Sign up for Stewart Leadership's newsletter: https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/ — Resources and Links Organize 365 website Lisa Woodruff Amazon Author Page Organize 365 Podcast (Apple Podcasts) Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources: 10 Tenets of Calendar Management The Difference Between Important and Urgent 5 Ways “Cloud Watching” Improves Your Leadership How Do You Prioritize Your Workload? 7 Questions to Decide What Deserves Your Time Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time 10 Tips for Managing Your Workload 8 Steps to Take Back Your Time How to Zoom Out and Manage Your Inner Chatter — #leadership #podcast #leadershippodcast #leadershipdevelopment #StewartLeadership #LeadershipGrowthPodcast If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn , Instagram , and YouTube .

October 6, 2026Episode 7332 min

You Are Strong: Leading Through Adversity

Some of the greatest lessons we can learn in life come in the middle of the hardest adversity, says today’s guest, Angie Wiley. Angie is coach, keynote speaker, and founder of You Are Strong, an organization dedicated to helping high performers increase performance and maximize life potential. In today’s episode, she joins Daniel and Peter to discuss how leaders can grow through difficult circumstances–without damaging themselves in the process. Angie believes leaders become stronger through the climb. Sometimes that means intentionally challenging ourselves, and other times, it means navigating adversity we didn’t choose. “It’s really important to pause and say, ‘what story do I want to create around this hard situation?’” she says. Tune in to learn: How to lead others who are facing adversity Why there is value in not knowing if you can succeed at something The biggest mistakes leaders make when facing adversity In the end, adversity can be a gift for growth, Angie suggests. “If we aren't pushing ourselves, experiencing mistakes and failures, we're not growing.” Questions, or comments? E-mail us at podcast@stewartleadership.com — Sign up for Stewart Leadership's newsletter: https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/ — Resources and Links: You Are Strong website Angie Wiley LinkedIn About the 29029 Challenge (Everesting) Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources: You are Not Perfect! Mistakes are a Part of Life! 4 Questions to Help You Take Risks as a Leader 7 Ways to Become a Servant Leader Managing Microstress for Better Work-Life Integration 4 Ways to Encourage a Healthy Failure Culture How to Zoom Out and Manage Your Inner Chatter How to Show Self-Compassion as a Leader (Podcast) How to Recharge Your Leadership Energy 9 Leadership Lessons from the C-Suite 7 Principles for Character-Driven Leadership — #leadership #podcast #leadershippodcast #leadershipdevelopment #StewartLeadership #LeadershipGrowthPodcast If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn , Instagram , and YouTube .

September 22, 2026Episode 7235 min

Building Career Growth in Uncertain Times

Most people–and most businesses–try to avoid uncertainty, says today’s guest, Cary Sparrow. “They want to create predictability and they want to manage risk out.” But in today’s world, uncertainty has become the houseguest that shows no signs of leaving–and that has deep implications for leaders who are trying to manage their careers. In this episode, Cary joins Daniel and Peter to talk about how today’s leaders can successfully build careers in an uncertain marketplace. Cary is the founder and CEO of WageScape, the world's largest next-generation labor market intelligence platform, and has over thirty-five years of leadership experience spanning the US Navy, Willis Towers Watson, and Cargill. Tune in to learn: The most important thing to know when evaluating your career What not to do in the midst of uncertainty Why inclusion still matters when considering the health of an organization Uncertainty isn’t going anywhere, and leaders need to “learn how to thrive at a higher level of uncertainty,” says Cary. “Get used to being a little bit more uncomfortable.” Questions, or comments? E-mail us at podcast@stewartleadership.com — Sign up for Stewart Leadership's newsletter: https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/ — Resources and Links: WageScape website Cary Sparrow LinkedIn Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources: 4 Questions to Help You Take Risks as a Leader Video: You are the CEO of Your Own Business 6 Career Goal Strategies Every Leader Needs in Uncertain Times Six Tips for Productive Career Conversations White Paper: The New Business Imperative: Career Development Why a Lattice, Not a Ladder, is Key to a Successful Career Pathway Career Progression vs. Career Development 5 Tools to Own Your Career and Inspire Engagement Webinar: Managing Your Career — #leadership #podcast #leadershippodcast #leadershipdevelopment #StewartLeadership #CareerGrowth #CareerManagement #LeadershipGrowthPodcast If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn , Instagram , and YouTube .

September 8, 2026Episode 7136 min

The 1-3-1 Tool: The Decision Framework that Stops Overthinking

Making decisions is more than just one aspect of leadership. It’s “the unit of analysis for leaders,” says Daniel. Leadership is “based upon how we make decisions, because leadership equates with decision-making rights.” No matter where you are in your leadership journey, making effective decisions can be the thing that separates you from leaders who are growing, developing, and becoming more influential and leaders who get stuck. In this episode, Daniel and Peter take a closer look at decision-making and how it affects leaders and teams. Tune in to learn: Why an iterative process is valuable for learning and growing in your leadership competencies The four types of decision-making–and the pitfalls of each one The 1-3-1 decision-making model that can help you improve your effectiveness immediately Effective leaders understand that no decision IS a decision. With tools like the 1-3-1 framework, they can avoid analysis paralysis and keep their teams moving forward. Questions, or comments? E-mail us at podcast@stewartleadership.com — Sign up for Stewart Leadership's newsletter: https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/ — Resources and Links: Amy Edmondson on Psychological Safety “ The Intelligent Failure that Led to the Discovery of Psychological Safety ,” by Amy Edmondson Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources: 4 Steps to Effective Decision-Making 5 Ways Your Decision-Making Impacts Executive Presence What Cheetahs Can Teach Us About Decision-Making 4 Ways to Encourage a Healthy Failure Culture 6 Tips for Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace Creating Psychological Safety in Remote Teams (Webinar) The Value of an Iterative Process 6 Tips to Building a Learning Organization Iterative Leadership in the Digital Age (Podcast) 10 Ways to Successfully Launch into Your First 90 Days — #leadership #podcast #leadershippodcast #leadershipdevelopment #decisionmaking #StewartLeadership #LeadershipGrowthPodcast If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn , Instagram , and YouTube .

August 25, 2026Episode 7032 min

Stop Letting Imposter Syndrome Lead

Is imposter syndrome misunderstood–and can it actually be helpful to your career? Originally called a “phenomenon,” imposter syndrome is very common. At some point, everyone experiences that sensation of self-doubt–of wondering, “what if someone discovers that I don’t know what I’m doing?” But those sensations of self-doubt aren’t always bad–and in fact, they can be evidence of personal growth! In today’s episode, Daniel and Peter take a closer look at imposter syndrome–what it is, what it’s not, and how to harness it to help you work at the top of your license. Tune in to learn: Why “phenomenon” might be a better word than “syndrome” The two things that get in the way of leaders working at the top of their license The one thing leaders can do to better work at the top of their license Ultimately, there are two things we have control over, says Peter–”our attitude and our effort. And we don't want to let a perceived syndrome, phenomenon, moment, be an excuse. Somebody had confidence enough in us to put us in this situation, and we can lean on that.” Questions, or comments? E-mail us at podcast@stewartleadership.com — Sign up for Stewart Leadership's newsletter: https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/ — Resources and Links: “New research debunks 4 myths about ‘impostor syndrome,’” MIT Sloan School of Management Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources: How to Zoom Out and Manage Your Inner Chatter The Definitive Guide to Executive Coaching (Guide) 6 Tips to Build a Learning Organization 4 Ways to Encourage a Growth Mindset Culture 6 Secrets to Your Leadership Growth How to Stay Relevant at Work Your Brain at Work: Discover Secrets to Catapult Your Success (Webinar) Your Brain at Work: Four Strategies to Maximize Your Most Powerful Asset (Article) — #leadership #podcast #leadershippodcast #leadershipdevelopment #impostersyndrome #StewartLeadership #LeadershipGrowthPodcast If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn , Instagram , and YouTube .

August 11, 2026Episode 6935 min

How Smart Organizations Assess Their Leaders

When it comes to leadership assessments, there’s never a “one-size-fits-all” approach, says Peter Stewart. “There are some key questions we need to think about before you begin the assessment process so that you are selecting the right method, you're selecting the right resources or formal assessments or whatever you're doing, to help get the results you want,” he says. In today’s episode, Daniel and Peter take a deep dive into leadership assessments, examining the purpose of assessments, the typical use cases for assessments, which types of assessments are appropriate, and how to understand assessment reports. Tune in to learn: Four clear cases for leadership assessments Mistakes and pitfalls to avoid in assessing leaders The most important things to do before assessing leaders Having a formal leadership assessment process is one of the best ways for organizations to make sure they select the right leaders for their open positions and further develop those leaders for future roles. When designed and implemented for the unique needs of the organization, a good assessment process will help optimize and integrate individual leadership strengths and help both the organization and the leader deliver results. Questions, or comments? E-mail us at podcast@stewartleadership.com — Sign up for Stewart Leadership's newsletter: https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/ — Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources: Stewart Leadership Assessments When Should I Use a LEAD NOW! Assessment? 6 Ways to Leverage the Power of 360° Assessments for Your Leaders The Advantages of an Online 360° Assessment Succession Planning for Success Connecting Strategy with Talent Development, Part 1 (Podcast) Connecting Strategy with Talent Development, Part 2 (Podcast) Turnover to Tenure: How Succession Planning can Stabilize Leadership and Position Organizations for Long-Term Growth — #leadership #podcast #leadershippodcast #leadershipdevelopment #assessments #360assessments #successionplanning #StewartLeadership #LeadershipGrowthPodcast If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn , Instagram , and YouTube .

July 28, 2026Episode 6837 min

Why Building a Skill Stack Matters More Than the Career Ladder

In an ever-changing marketplace, career currency won’t be job titles or resumes, says Angela Finlay. “It’s the skills we bring to the table that will be the most critical piece” of career development and growth. Angela is a Chief Human Capital Strategist, Fractional and Interim Chief HR Officer with over 25 years leading talent strategy inside Fortune 150 enterprises, global organizations, and growth stage companies. She is the author of Skill Stacking: Taking Ownership of Your Career in Changing Times . In this conversation with Daniel and Peter, Angela discusses the importance of individual skills in the age of AI–and why organizations need to broaden how they look at hiring new talent. “It's not just job titles,” she says. “I want to know everything I can about you and what you've done and projects and volunteer things you've done and all of these other outside activities that allow me to start to look at you from a skill level perspective.” Tune in to learn: The five types of skills to stack The simple tool to help you recognize and articulate your skills Why the gig economy is a good thing–and how leaders can lean into it effectively Angela suggests that anyone can start to contribute to creating a skills-based marketplace by intentionally listing skills developed across every area of life. When we start to think about skills across the five stacks, “we'd be amazed at what we do and what we actually bring to the table, that will never show up on our resume.” Questions, or comments? E-mail us at podcast@stewartleadership.com — Sign up for Stewart Leadership's newsletter: https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/ — Resources and Links Windward Human Capital Management website Angela Finlay LinkedIn Skill Stacking: Taking Ownership of Your Career in Changing Times (Amazon link) Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources 6 Career Goal Strategies Every Leader Needs in Uncertain Times 5 Tools to Own Your Career and Inspire Engagement Strategic Resilience in the Age of AI (Podcast) Leading in the Age of AI (Podcast) 10 Questions to Develop the Best Individual Action Plan The New Business Imperative: Career Development (White Paper) The Top Four Leadership Potential Indicators LEAD NOW! Skills for Creating Purpose as a Manager 8 Skills Every Middle Manager Needs to Develop The Coming Manager Shortage: 7 Moves Every Leader Must Make Now 3 Tips for Leading Through the AI Digital Transformation — #leadership #podcast #leadershippodcast #leadershipdevelopment #careers #careerdevelopment #StewartLeadership #LeadershipGrowthPodcast If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn , Instagram , and YouTube .

July 14, 2026Episode 6741 min

AI in Leadership: Two Approaches with Different Results

“If you’re just getting lemmings to vote for cliff diving,” says today’s guest, that may not be the best way to lead in the modern AI landscape. Julian Lighton is an executive coach with over 30 years experience advising, hiring, and developing leaders. He is the author of the new book, Navigating Your Next: Discover the Career You Want and the Path to Get There. In today’s episode, Julian joins Daniel and Peter to look at different approaches to leadership when AI joins the organization. Julian suggests that the current AI playing field is split between two approaches. “We have one set of people that really view AI as a wonderful thing and that we're headed towards a singularity, and that this is terrific because it means that you can avoid more human contact, the messy wetware in the system,” he says. The other camp believes “in empowering human beings and so look at AI at most as a co-pilot, not a replacement.” Tune in to learn: How AI applies to “red ocean problems and blue ocean problems” Why the fundamentals of leadership are still essential How the “rule of three” applies to career growth in the age of AI No matter how the future shapes up, it’s clear that AI is here to stay, and Julian says that being a bystander isn’t the way to meet career goals. “No matter what stage of your career you are, you have to start getting proactive now,” he says. “And the fastest and easiest way to do that is to go after the fundamentals and to start practicing them.” Questions, or comments? E-mail us at podcast@stewartleadership.com — Sign up for Stewart Leadership's newsletter: https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/ — Resources and Links Julian Lighton LinkedIn Navigating Your Next: Discover the Career You Want and the Path to Get There (Amazon page) Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources: The Fundamentals of Leadership (Video) How to Become an AI-Native Organization (Podcast) Develop Your Managers by Focusing on These 8 Skillsets (Article) 6 Essential Skills to Teach Managers (Article) Upskilling Managers to Meet New Challenges (Article) 4 Ways to Encourage a Healthy Failure Culture (Articles) 4 Mistakes Leaders Make with AI–And What to Do Instead (Article) Building Psychological Safety at Work: 6 Tips (Article) Creating Psychological Safety in Remote Teams (Webinar) — #leadership #podcast #leadershippodcast #leadershipdevelopment #StewartLeadership #LeadershipGrowthPodcast If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn , Instagram , and YouTube .

June 30, 2026Episode 6640 min

The Fundamentals of Leadership

Lead is a verb, says today’s guest, John Zorbini. John is a successful executive coach, consultant, speaker, facilitator, and adjunct professor and long-time colleague of the Stewart Leadership team. For 30 years, John has held various leadership roles for three of Wisconsin's largest employers, spending 25 of those years in the Chief Human Resources Officer position. In today’s conversation, Daniel, Peter, and John take an in-depth look at the fundamentals of leadership and what it takes to succeed in a leadership role. Tune in to learn: How leadership is more like a reliable Ford pickup than a shiny new Ferarri The valuable practice from medicine that can drive leadership success The one thing all engaged employees have in common Ultimately, John says, if leaders can’t connect and inspire their people, they’ll struggle to deliver results. “If you can't inspire commitment, everything else is going to be pretty meaningless,” he says. Questions, or comments? E-mail us at podcast@stewartleadership.com — Sign up for Stewart Leadership's newsletter: https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/ — Resources and Links: John Zorbini LinkedIn John Zorbini Bio at Stewart Leadership Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources: John Zorbini resources at Stewart Leadership LEAD NOW! Leadership Development Model 5 Ways to Inspire Your Team 10 Tips to Inspire Commitment 5 Tools to Own Your Career and Inspire Engagement How to Create a Strong Digital Executive Presence Buying Hands and Feet 6 Tips to Support Remote and Hybrid Team Well-Being 6 Tips to Make 1:1 Meetings More Effective — #leadership #podcast #leadershippodcast #leadershipdevelopment #StewartLeadership #LeadershipGrowthPodcast If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn , Instagram , and YouTube .

June 16, 2026Episode 6534 min

The Humanity Gap: What AI Can't Replace

What happens when you stop trusting your gut and let AI do your thinking? Today’s guest says that’s when people start to lose themselves inside AI. “Instead of coming to a problem with your own brief or with your own kind of institutional knowledge, you're letting AI drive your own narrative for you and then just accepting that as fact,” says Elizabeth Rosenberg. Elizabeth is the Founder of both The Good Advice Company and Chief Spiritual Officer. As an experienced PR and communications professional specializing in personal branding and intuitive intelligence, she joins Daniel and Peter in this episode to share her insights into how leaders can fully leverage AI without losing their humanity. Tune in to learn: How to set boundaries around AI usage How to best leverage AI while building a unique personal brand What NOT to do in building a personal thought leadership brand As a proponent of AI, Elizabeth says leaders shouldn’t hide from it. “Embrace it,” she says, but balance AI usage with an equal amount of time outside or connecting with other humans. “Nature and people and relationships and connection and community are the things that actually bring us into old age and keep us alive.” Questions, or comments? E-mail us at podcast@stewartleadership.com — Sign up for Stewart Leadership's newsletter: https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/ — Resources and Links Elizabeth Rosenberg LinkedIn The Good Advice Company Chief Spiritual Officer Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources: 3 Tips for Leading Through the AI Digital Transformation 4 Mistakes Leaders Make with AI–and What to Do Instead 3 Tips for Leading Through Uncertainty The AI Integration Roadmap Strategic Planning for Unpredictable Times The Value of Wasting Time 4 Ways “Green Therapy” Can Make You a Better Leader 9 Ways to Live Longer and Lead Better 5 Ways “Cloud Watching” Improves Your Leadership — #leadership #podcast #leadershippodcast #leadershipdevelopment #StewartLeadership #LeadershipGrowthPodcast If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn , Instagram , and YouTube .