Surfacing Leaders

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler engages in a conversation with Laura Hamill, a leader in organizational psychology and leadership development, founder of Paris Phoenix Group, and author of the just-released book The Power of Culture. Together, they explore the evolving dynamics of leadership, workplace culture, and the impact of generational shifts in the workforce.

Laura shares her unique insights from her extensive experience working with companies like Microsoft and her consulting firm, Paris Phoenix Group. She dives into how leaders can create environments where employees feel heard, valued, and empowered. Highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence, Laura discusses how leaders can balance the need for organizational results with fostering a culture of openness and inclusivity.

A key theme of the episode is the future of work, especially as Gen Y and Gen Z take the forefront in the workforce. Laura emphasizes the need for leaders to listen actively, embrace diverse perspectives, and rethink traditional office structures in favor of flexibility and trust. She also discusses the role of AI in leadership, explaining how it can be a powerful tool for enhancing decision-making and improving team performance when managed wisely.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why empowering employees with a voice and cultivating a culture of transparency is critical for success and engagement.
• How to develop transformational managers who inspire, support, and drive performance at all levels.
• The undeniable power of authenticity and inclusivity in shaping a resilient, thriving organizational culture.

Join Marc and Laura as they uncover how leadership is evolving in response to shifting societal expectations and technological advancements. This conversation offers valuable insights for leaders at all levels, guiding you to build a stronger, more resilient leadership foundation.

Connect with Laura Hamill:

LinkedIn: Laura Hamill

Website: Paris Phoenix Group

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler talks with Eddie Pate, a seasoned inclusion, diversity, and equity expert. With a robust career spanning over two decades, Eddie has significantly contributed to leading inclusion initiatives at renowned organizations, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, which has equipped him with unique insights into teamwork and leadership in high-pressure environments. 

Their conversation delves into the pivotal role of empathy in fostering an inclusive workplace and the daily practices that can drive meaningful change. Eddie shares insights from his extensive career, emphasizing the transformative power of recognizing and leveraging individual differences to create vibrant, evolving work cultures. Through the metaphor of 'dropping pebbles,' Eddie illustrates how small, intentional actions can empower individuals to make significant ripple effects on team dynamics and organizational success.

Listeners will benefit from Eddie's practical strategies, including:

• Transforming your leadership style through empathy and intentionality to create a more connected team.
• Challenging traditional norms around cultural fit versus cultural adds to foster innovation.
• Implementing actionable tools to ensure every voice is valued in team discussions.

Join us for this enlightening discussion and discover how integrating empathy and intentionality can inspire personal and organizational growth, unlocking untapped potential within yourself and your organization.

Connect with Eddie Pate:

• LinkedIn
• Website

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler engages in a conversation with leading food and agriculture research expert and Holland-native, Anne-Marie Roerink. Together, they explore the intersection of leadership, industry evolution, and the importance of curiosity in driving meaningful change.

Anne-Marie shares her insights from years of research in the food sector, emphasizing the growing demand for transparency and ethical practices in agriculture. She highlights how younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, push for accountability, reshaping products' sourcing and marketing. Their discussion delves into the impact of AI on the industry, illustrating how it can enhance production and consumer choices while recognizing its inherent biases.

Listeners will gain valuable lessons from Anne-Marie's experiences, including her approach to cultivating a "to-don't" list to eliminate unnecessary tasks and enhance productivity. She also stresses the importance of staying connected with industry trends, ensuring you are always informed and up-to-date, and demonstrating how proactive engagement can lead to better decision-making and innovation.

The episode wraps up with practical takeaways for aspiring leaders:

• Understand what drives your passion and happiness in your work.
• Embrace continuous change and adaptability.
• Foster curiosity to navigate the complexities of your industry.

Join us for this enlightening conversation to discover how to integrate timeless values and insights into your leadership journey, paving the way for positive impact in your field.

Tune in to learn how to harness the power of curiosity and change to become a more effective leader in today's evolving landscape!

Connect with Anne-Marie Roerink:

LinkedIn: Anne-Marie Roerink

In this special episode of the *Surfacing Leaders* podcast, host Marc Koehler reconnects with former shipmate, Sean Kelley. Both Marc and Sean served together aboard the nuclear-powered USS Pogy submarine, and this episode is filled with stories from their time beneath the waves. They recount life on a submarine—its challenges, its camaraderie, and the unique lessons that shaped their leadership styles. For anyone curious about the rare and close-knit bond formed on submarines, this episode offers an intimate glimpse into that world.

Beyond their shared Navy days, Sean reflects on his impressive career post-military, including leadership roles at Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks, where he became a fierce advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Throughout their conversation, Marc and Sean draw connections between their submarine experiences and leadership principles—resilience, inclusion, and accountability.

In this episode, listeners will hear:

- The importance of resilience and teamwork in high-stakes environments.

- How submarine experiences shaped both Marc and Sean’s leadership philosophies.

- Insights on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations.

- Practical advice on how to stay invested in your team and lead through challenging times.

This is a one-of-a-kind episode blending personal stories and deep insights, highlighting the human spirit that drives leadership. 

Connect with Sean Kelley

LinkedIn

Website

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Adam "Smiley" Poswolsky, a unique voice in workplace culture and the future of work. Smiley's wealth of experience in fostering inclusivity, belonging, and personal connection in today's rapidly evolving work environment, particularly in connecting with the next generation of workers—Millennials and Gen Z, makes his insights invaluable.

Smiley explores the shift from traditional leadership roles to a more coaching and mentoring approach. He delves into the impact of AI on workplace dynamics while emphasizing the need for human-centric leadership that prioritizes empathy, curiosity, and personal growth.

Through real-world examples and personal anecdotes, Smiley highlights the importance of building deeper connections and nurturing talent within teams, especially for a new workforce driven by purpose and community.

Listeners will gain practical insights on:

• Integrating personal connection into daily work routines.
• Navigating the complexities of DEI initiatives and their impact on organizational culture.
• Embracing technology while maintaining a focus on human elements like storytelling and empathy.
• Engaging younger employees by fostering a culture of belonging and purpose-driven leadership.

Smiley also shares highly actionable advice for leaders looking to surface their inner potential. His emphasis on the value of being a supportive friend and mentor to both colleagues and loved ones makes his advice not just insightful but immediately applicable in the workplace.

Tune in to discover how you can foster a more inclusive and engaging work environment while staying true to your core values. For more information about Smiley and his resources, visit his website or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Join us for this enlightening conversation and learn how to lead with heart and purpose in today's dynamic world.

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler speaks with Jean-Louis “JL” Jabbour, the youngest General Manager in the College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving franchise network, leading one of its most successful locations. As a standout 27-year old Gen Z leader in an organization with over 200 franchises nationwide, JL offers a unique look into the business strategies and leadership principles that have fueled his impressive rise in the company.

College H.U.N.K.S. is a brand known for its commitment to leadership development, culture, and purpose-driven service, which Marc witnessed ans was impressed with first-hand when his daughter hired College H.U.N.K.S. for her moving needs earlier this year. JL discusses how these core values are integrated into every aspect of their operations, from building a motivated team to delivering exceptional customer experiences. His story also highlights the importance of creating a positive work environment that's both scalable and sustainable—a hallmark of the College H.U.N.K.S approach.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the culture that sets College Hunks apart as JL breaks down:

• How empathy, open communication, and continuous growth have been central to his journey as a Gen Z leader.
• The company's focus on building leaders and fostering teamwork has been pivotal to the success of his location.
• The company's eco-friendly initiatives, including their commitment to recycling or donating up to 70% of the items they haul, reflecting a broader vision of sustainability and community impact.

The conversation doesn't stop at business operations. JL opens up about his transformation from a “video game kid” into a dynamic leader. He discusses the power of setting clear goals, breaking them down into actionable micro-goals, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. His leadership style is rooted in principles like empathy, effective communication, and the relentless pursuit of both personal and professional development. He shares candid stories of overcoming obstacles, offering practical advice on applying these lessons in your career or entrepreneurial journey.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in learning what it takes to motivate and lead the younger generations, build a high-performing team, or be inspired by a story of transformation and success. Tune in to discover how JL Jabbour is helping College Hunks set new industry standards and how you can apply these same principles to achieve your own leadership goals.

JL’sLinks:

• LinkedIn
• CollegeHunks Website

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has an inspiring conversation with Bita Safari, an extraordinary philanthropist, entrepreneur, and founder of GiGO Clean. 

Bita, who immigrated from Iran but has lived in Orange County, California, for the past 30 years, brings a unique perspective to leadership and resilience, shaped by her rich cultural heritage and deep commitment to making a difference in the world.

Bita shares the incredible strength and perseverance it took to navigate the challenges of building a startup, supporting her husband through a cancer battle, and raising a family—all while staying true to her passion for helping children in poverty and advocating for women’s equality.

In this conversation, Bita shares the leadership lessons she’s learned, emphasizing the importance of mental strength, crisis management, and leveraging a team’s strengths.

She also reflects on the critical role of a solid HR strategy in building a successful business and how her dedication to social causes has empowered her journey.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone looking for inspiration, you’ll find this episode incredibly valuable.

Connect with Bita Safari:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• GiGO Clean Website
• Bita Safari Website

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler engages in a thought-provoking conversation with renowned author and leadership expert Dr. David Burkus. 

Together, they delve into the delicate balance between autonomy and accountability in the workplace, exploring strategies for enhancing employee engagement and fostering a culture of recognition and purpose that build the best team ever.

Dr. Burkus draws on his extensive research and experience to discuss the importance of detailed, team-specific engagement metrics over-generalized data. He explains how the unprecedented autonomy granted during the pandemic has reshaped employee expectations and organizational dynamics, emphasizing that organizations mastering this balance will attract high-performing talent.

Throughout the episode, listeners will gain valuable insights from Dr. Burkus's analysis of the post-pandemic workplace and his predictions for the future of work. He highlights the significance of providing impactful feedback and celebrating individual contributions within a team. 

Dr. Burkus also offers practical advice on how leaders can navigate remote and hybrid work arrangements while maintaining a strong sense of purpose and accountability.

The episode concludes with actionable takeaways for aspiring leaders:

• Emphasize the importance of work that matters and let employees know they matter.
• Use detailed, team-specific metrics to drive meaningful improvements.
• Balance autonomy with accountability to attract and retain top talent.

Tune in to discover how you can create a workplace where people do work that matters and feel that they matter, setting the stage for exceptional team performance and leadership success.

Contact Links for Dr. David Burkus:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Instagram

Join us in this episode to uncover the principles that elevate leadership and performance. These principles are not exclusive but universal, and you can learn how to integrate these timeless values into your own journey.