Episodes

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorpe converses with Susannah Robinson, a fractional HR leader specializing in small to midsize businesses. They discuss the critical role of human resources in fostering effective leadership and a positive organizational culture. Key topics include the need for transparent compensation practices, the challenges of transitioning from subjective to objective pay models, and the importance of employee engagement. Susannah shares i...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorpe and guest Steve Cadigan delve into the evolving landscape of work and leadership. They discuss the impact of increased turnover rates, technology, and generational shifts on employee expectations and retention. Steve emphasizes the need for leaders to adapt by investing in employee development and creating supportive work environments. The conversation highlights the importance of rethinking talent strategies to accommodat...

Overcoming Founderitis: A Deep Dive into Effective Leadership for Business Growth In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a compelling conversation with guest Nico van de Venne about the challenges faced by founders as their businesses grow. The focal point of their discussion is a phenomenon Nico […] The post Breaking Free from Founderitis: A Path to Empowered Leadership | Ep 371 first appeared on Leadership Powered by Common Sense.

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorpe explores the concept of human hacking with guest Chris Hadnagy, an expert in ethical social engineering. Chris shares his journey from ethical hacking to understanding human behavior, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and open communication in leadership. The discussion highlights how leaders can foster trust, empathy, and collaboration within their teams. Chris provides anecdotes and pr...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorpe and guest Phillip Hilt discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by mid-career professionals, particularly those in leadership roles. Phillip shares his journey from blue-collar jobs to leadership positions, emphasizing the importance of personal development and branding. They explore strategies for building visibility within organizations and the shift towards individualized leadership styles. Phillip highlights the ...

Navigating Leadership and Decision-Making in Modern Business: Insights from “Leadership Powered by Common Sense” In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a compelling conversation with Bruce Whitfield, a seasoned expert in decision-making and leadership. With a career spanning over 20 years and approximately 50,000 interviews with successful […] The post From Information Overload to Clarity: Essential Skills for Modern Leaders | Ep 368 first app...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorpe converses with Tia (Twanda Young), a retired brigadier general and trailblazer in military leadership. Tia shares her journey from humble beginnings to a distinguished 33-year military career, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and leadership development. She discusses her book, "Dare to Lead Differently: Chew on This 16 Bites for Bold Leaders," which offers leadership strategies and self-awareness insights. The epis...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorpe converses with Irene Riad, an expert in corporate talent development and coaching. They explore the foundational principle that effective leadership begins with self-leadership. Irene shares her journey from corporate talent development to coaching, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, mindset, and the renewal process in leadership. They discuss how personal stories and identities shape leadership effectiveness an...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorpe and guest Kevin Torf delve into project management leadership. Kevin shares his evolution from a dictatorial style to a collaborative approach, emphasizing the importance of communication and psychological safety. They discuss the "push-pull" dynamic in leadership, the necessity of meticulous planning, and the benefits of regular reflection. Kevin highlights the inefficiency of multitasking and the value of achieving early...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorpe converses with Isabelle Fortin, a Canadian Air Force veteran, about the contrasts between military and corporate leadership. Isabelle shares insights from her military experience, emphasizing the importance of leadership training, recognizing individual contributions, and fostering a collaborative environment. They critique the overuse of command-and-control styles in business and advocate for adaptable, inclusive leadersh...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," Doug Thorpe hosts James I. Bond, who introduces his concept of "brain glue," focusing on the emotional aspects of marketing. James explains how emotional connections make products memorable and successful, sharing insights from his advertising career. He highlights examples like the rebranding of "Chicken Soup for the Soul" and "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus," emphasizing the power of emotional selling over logical arguments. The...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorp converses with Stephen Blue, a seasoned CEO in the rail industry. Stephen shares his leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of organizational culture, clear communication, and accountability. He recounts lessons learned from both successful and failed ventures, highlighting the critical role of validating assumptions. The discussion explores the impact of confirmation bias, the necessity of aligning organizational v...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorpe converses with Norman Wolfe, an expert in organizational dynamics. Wolfe introduces his "living organization" framework, which views organizations as living entities with purpose, rather than mechanical systems. The discussion highlights the importance of communication, trust, and collaboration in fostering effective team dynamics. Wolfe emphasizes the need for leaders to shift their mindset from process optimization to nu...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorpe and guest John Burdett, founder of Fast Slow Motion, explore the challenges of growing and scaling businesses. John shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of implementing effective systems and processes. The discussion highlights the necessity of mindset shifts for business leaders, the value of empowering teams, and the role of intentionality in operations. John introduces the "Three P's" framework...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," Doug Thorpe hosts Heather Jerrehian, a futurist and entrepreneur with a rich background in Silicon Valley. They explore Heather's entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of evolving roles within growing organizations. Heather discusses her book "Sail to Scale," which guides startups through common pitfalls. The conversation also delves into the impact of AI on the workforce, stressing the need for understanding employee skills ...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorpe engages with Torben Noerby, CEO of People and Performance, to discuss leadership, team performance, and organizational culture. Torben shares insights from his book, "The Contextual Leader," emphasizing the need for leaders to adapt their styles to different contexts. They explore the challenges of cultural change within organizations and the importance of leaders being relatable and flexible. The conversation underscores ...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorpe converses with Dave MacDonald, founder of Better Together, a staffing company. They delve into leadership principles, the staffing industry, and generational workplace dynamics. Doug emphasizes the importance of common sense in leadership, while Dave discusses his journey and the inspiration behind his company. Key topics include the significance of cultural fit in hiring, the role of integrity and transparency in business...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorpe converses with Nick Schwarzrock, a seasoned entrepreneur in the medical technology industry. They delve into practical advice for entrepreneurs, focusing on financial management, core values, and innovation. Nick introduces a simplified financial management model to help businesses track cash flow effectively. He underscores the importance of core values in leadership, sharing examples from Johnson & Johnson and Chick-fil-...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorpe discusses mental health with guest Pat Broe. Pat shares his personal journey, including a suicide attempt at 16, and his path to recovery, which inspired his book "The Real Confident You." The conversation highlights the impact of social media on youth, the importance of understanding life inputs, and the need for empathy and support in communities. They also discuss the role of the educational system in building resilienc...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorpe and guest Meredith Elliott Powell delve into the theme of uncertainty in the business world. Meredith shares her extensive experience across various industries and her research on companies that have thrived during significant disruptions, such as Jim Beam during Prohibition and Bush Beans during the Great Depression. They discuss the importance of having a clear vision and strong values, and how leaders can shift their mi...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorpe converses with leadership expert Kim Ades. They explore the critical role of leaders as coaches, emphasizing the importance of emotional resilience and intelligence. Kim discusses her coaching style, which involves challenging conventional beliefs and encouraging new perspectives. The conversation highlights the necessity for leaders to unlearn outdated beliefs, reframe risks, and confront fears to enhance team performance...

In this episode of "Leadership Powered by Common Sense," host Doug Thorpe discusses the critical role of operations in business success with Garrett Delph, founder of Clarity Ops. They emphasize the importance of effective processes, systems, and procedures for achieving sustainable profit margins. Garrett shares his journey and insights on operational clarity, highlighting the need for streamlined operations and well-defined roles. They also explore customer experience, the balance between kind...

Leadership and Company Culture: Insights from Ken Wilcox on “Leadership Powered by Common Sense” In a recent episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a compelling conversation with Ken Wilcox, a seasoned veteran of the banking industry and a leadership thinker. The discussion delves into the critical role of company […] The post The Greatest Challenge in Leadership: Aligning Values and Actions first appeared on Leadership Powered by Common Sense.

Unlocking Leadership and Personal Growth: Insights from Brad Dalton on “Leadership Powered by Common Sense” In a recent episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Brad Dalton, an author and mental performance coach. The episode delves into themes of leadership, personal growth, and the transformative power […] The post How Mindset and Personal Growth Shape Effective Leadership first appeared on Leadership Powered by Common ...