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While we like to think of leaders as great conflict managers, in fact, some leaders are actually conflict creators. Whether knowingly or not, the result is the same: conflict. Let's explore the how and why of leaders as conflict creators.

Who doesn't want to experience fulfillment and joy in their careers? We all do! Listen as Dr. Steven Cady shares his insights on attaining professional joy.

Effective communication is an essential leadership skill. It enables leaders to convey vision and strategy, engage people in the mission, build trust and engagement, resolve conflicts, and create environments where people feel heard, valued, and motivated. Yet this skill is problematic for many leaders. That skill deficit can undermine organizational performance and team morale. Improving communication skills requires intentional practice, self-awareness, and a repertoire of techniques that leaders can refine over time.

Dr. Portia Rawles has returned for another segment of the Next Chapters series. If you’ve been listening, you know that Dr. Rawles was the CEO of Rawles & Associates, a mental health provider in Virginia and North Carolina. She’s also on the faculty at Saybrook University. Before all of this she had another career as a leader in the fire service in Norfolk, Virginia. Dr. Rawles is the author of two books and a slew of other publications. Her books, Uncovering and Healing Your Woundedness and Sisters in the Fire, are both bestsellers on Amazon. If you haven’t read them, you need to order them today.

Good communication doesn’t just happen. It’s learned, practiced, refined, learned, practiced and refined, learned practiced and refined. It’s just a never-ending journey! Even the most thoughtful people make communication mistakes — at home, at work, in relationships, and in public life. I’m going to address the 15 most common communication mistakes, why they happen, and potential fixes.

It’s an honor and a privilege to have Dr. Portia Rawles back for another conversation. She’s been a successful CEO of a thriving mental health organization down in Chesapeake, Virginia. She’s also a member of the faculty of Saybrook University. She intentionally built a business that met the mental health needs of the underserved in rural Virginia. She then made midcourse transformations. She's gone from Stanford University graduate to trailblazing firefighter (no pun intended) to psychologist to author to professor to business owner. And she's still evolving...

I am still overjoyed that the SmikleSpeaks podcast was ranked the #1 Organization Development podcast for 2025 and now again in 2026! Thank you every single listener…and I’m grateful that people are listening in more than 20 countries. Thanks to each and every one of you! You keep listening and sharing and I’ll keep producing relevant, relatable content. Today I want to spend time talking about empathetic leadership. I’m talking about being compassionate and recognizing that we are all human beings doing our best to have a good life, to get through trials, and have more laughter than tears. I'm talking about the compassion that begins with self and extends to others.

Becoming a leader in any arena isn’t about earning a title; it’s about developing the skills, mindset, and influence to guide organizations, inspire teams, and create measurable impact. Whether in the private sector, government, or nonprofit space, if you’re going to lead, you have to be strategic, emotionally intelligent, and capable of making sound decisions under pressure. This podcast is for anyone who is ready to take the plunge into leadership. I’m going to talk about traits, strategies, challenges, and ways to sustain growth. It's also a good refresher for seasoned leaders.

How does woman go from graduating from Stanford University to spending 13 years in the fire service in Norfolk, Virginia to earning a doctorate and becoming a clinical psychologist, a faculty member and then becoming the CEO of a thriving multi-disciplinary mental health organization, closing that practice and venturing into new territory? How does that person also write two bestselling books? Dr. Portia Rawles is going to answer all of those questions.

Ben Utecht has experienced traumatic brain injuries. He's shared his story on television, at conferences and conventions. He's also shared his story on this podcast. Today he discusses the need for research into brain health and curing brain diseases.

Dr. Will Mantyh is an internationally respected researcher and clinician. His focus is on brain diseases and overall brain health. He shares his knowledge of current research and frequent misconceptions about brain matters.

What exactly is critical thinking? How does it manifest itself in decision-making? In this episode we'll look at what a critical thinking leader is able to accomplish, why, and how.

What a journey Ben Utecht is on! An NFL Super Bowl champ, a man who shares the Gospel through song, a brain injury survivor, a husband, a dad...and now a fierce advocate for creating healthy organizational cultures. Listen and learn more...

Have you ever felt like you'd miss out if you said 'no' to an activity or potential opportunity? You may not miss out at all. You may be on the path to creating boundaries and enriching your life with the gift of focus. In this episode Dr. Jennifer Douglas tackles the fear of missing out.

Special thanks to Cricket at Sisters of Charity Hospital and my dear Cousin Nicky! Their witty banter inspired this podcast.