Advertise on podcast: The People Dividend Podcast

In this episode of The People Dividend, Mike Horne speaks with Anya Cheng, former product leader at Target, Meta, eBay, and McDonald's, and founder/CEO of Tailor AI. They explore why execution gets harder as organizations scale, how clarity breaks down in large companies, and why leaders often confuse data, metrics, and alignment with true decision-making.   Key Points: Execution becomes harder as organizations grow. Data alone has limits in decision-making. Clarity can break down inside large organizations. Goals, tactics, strategy, and mission are not the same thing. Teams slow down when they do not share a common goal. Alignment improves when leaders agree on selection criteria first. Startup life moves faster and feels more intense than big tech. AI can create noise when it is not paired with unique company data. Context and transitions matter more in today's workplace.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at [email protected] Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Anya Cheng: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anyacheng/   https://taeler.ai

In this episode, Mike Horne hosts Daniel Doerksen to explore why leadership advice often doesn't translate into organizational performance. They discuss the psychological and cultural barriers to effective leadership, the importance of self-awareness, and practical strategies for closing the gap between knowing and doing to drive sustainable success.   Key Points: Knowing what to do is not enough; lasting change depends on turning insight into consistent behavior. Decision-making is often shaped by unconscious needs and emotional drivers rather than logic alone. Self-awareness and honest feedback are essential for improving leadership impact. Organizational culture strongly shapes behavior, performance, and the success of strategy. Traditional leadership development often fails because it does not create lasting behavioral change. Reflection, experiential learning, and clarity around purpose and values are key to closing the knowing-doing gap.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at [email protected] Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Daniel Doerksen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielanthonydoerksen/  https://www.achievecentre.com

In this week's episode, host Mike Horne sits down with Monique Kelley to explore how modern career success is shaped by relationships, trust, and intentional networking. They discuss why authentic connection-building can open doors that credentials alone may not. The conversation also highlights practical ways to strengthen your network in a hybrid and AI-influenced workplace.   Key Points: Opportunity is increasingly influenced by relationship-building rather than skills alone. Monique shares why giving value first is the foundation of effective networking. Diverse and inclusive networks can improve access and fairness. Practical tips are offered for building genuine relationships in a hybrid work environment. Trust and vulnerability are presented as important ingredients for professional growth. The episode also examines how AI bias can affect visibility and opportunity creation.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at [email protected] Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Monique Kelley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquekelleygigliotti/  https://www.redefiningnetworkingbook.com/

In this episode, host Mike Horne talks with Fleet Maull, founder of the HeartMind Institute, who shares insights on how leaders can harness radical responsibility and self-regulation to excel under stress. Discover practical tools to improve decision-making, reduce drama, and lead with clarity and compassion. Key Points: Leaders must regulate their nervous systems to respond effectively under pressure. Radical responsibility involves owning all choices and circumstances. Expanding the window of tolerance is crucial for stress resilience. Recognizing and breaking free from the drama triangle can transform organizational culture. Leaders can make immediate shifts to stay grounded and lead optimally.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at [email protected] Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Fleet Maull: https://www.fleetmaull.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleetmaull/

In this week's episode, host Mike Horne sits down with returning guest Marilee Adams to explore how the quality of questions leaders ask can transform thinking, relationships, and organizational culture. The discussion delves into practical insights from her book Change Your Questions, Change Your Life, revealing the mental models, mindsets, and strategies leaders need for greater influence and innovation.   Key Points: The power of questions can significantly impact leadership and decision-making. Marilee Adams explains the difference between Judger and Learner mindsets, highlighting their effects on leadership. Curiosity and inquiry can foster trust, psychological safety, and innovation within organizations. Practical tools like the choice map are introduced to help develop questioning skills effectively.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at [email protected] Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Marilee Adams: linkedin.com/in/marileeadams inquiryinstitute.com

In this episode, host Mike Horne talks with sales leader and leadership coach John Donnelly about the true drivers of performance in organizations. They explore how mindset, grit, clear vision, and intentional leadership foster execution and resilience through market shifts and personal challenges—culminating in actionable tips for immediate impact.   Key Points: Mindset and grit play crucial roles in achieving successful performance, especially in disruptive industries like mortgage lending. Pressure reveals and tests organizational systems and culture. Intentional one-on-one meetings and personalized engagement are powerful tools. Understanding team members' love languages and what motivates them is significant. John's journey to climbing Kilimanjaro symbolizes goal-setting, training, and disciplined effort.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at [email protected] Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about John Donnelly: https://johndonnelly.com/ linkedin.com/in/thejohndonnelly

In this week's episode, host Mike Horne sits down with Founder & CEO of Miller Advisory Partners, Jason Miller, to explore how organizational success hinges not on strategy alone, but on effective execution. Jason shares practical insights, system designs, and leadership behaviors that drive consistent performance and sustainable results. Key Points: Many organizations mistakenly believe they have a strategy problem when, in fact, they face challenges with execution. Execution drift, decision friction, and accountability variability are significant barriers to achieving optimal performance. The "execution gap" is a critical concept that highlights the financial impact of poor execution on businesses. Changing and reinforcing leadership behavior is essential for achieving desired results. Small, continuous "one-degree redirects" are crucial for maintaining long-term alignment within an organization.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at [email protected] Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Jason Miller: linkedin.com/in/jrmiller21

In this week's episode, host Mike Horne explores how leaders can thrive amidst rapid change, ambiguity, and emotional turbulence. He emphasizes the importance of "calm authority"—a leadership style grounded in judgment, steadiness, and humanity—to create environments where people can perform their best despite uncertainty.   Key Points: Leadership is shifting from a focus on activity to a focus on judgment and environmental influence. Traditional leadership qualities can fall short in modern complexity. "Calm Authority" offers a disciplined and intentional approach to leadership. Leaders' emotional states influence the organizational climate. Leaders must create clarity even when the future is uncertain. Trust and effective conditions help teams perform at their best. The environment shapes both leadership behavior and organizational culture. Judgment, discernment, humility, and curiosity are qualities that cannot be outsourced.    Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at [email protected] Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

In this week's episode, we're revisiting the inaugural episode of Season 10 of People Dividend Podcast as well as the 100th episode of the show, Episode 100: 2026 Trends Unlocking the People Dividend in Leadership and Culture. The topics discussed by host Mike Horne such as the critical role of people in driving growth, innovation, and success are still extremely relevant as we approach the end of 2026. He emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven leadership, the shift from engagement to belonging, and the evolution of leadership development in a hybrid work environment. Mike calls for organizations to invest in their people and create cultures that foster thriving, innovation, and meaningful connections.   Key Points: People are the dividend that keeps paying off, as investing in people leads to greater organizational success. Purpose-driven leadership is essential in 2026 as employees increasingly demand leaders who create meaning and inspire action. Leadership development focuses on self-awareness and emotional agility. Ensuring psychological safety is crucial in creating belonging, which in turn enhances innovation and collaboration.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at [email protected] Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

This week, we're revisiting Episode 91: From Struggle to Strength: Lessons in Leadership with leadership development expert Therese Miclot. Host Mike Horne sat down with Therese to uncover what it really takes to lead with authenticity in today's fast-changing world.   Their discussions on how today's most effective leaders navigate self-doubt, embrace empathy, and develop the emotional intelligence needed to guide teams through uncertainty and change is still pertinent. From overcoming imposter syndrome to mastering facilitation skills, this episode is packed with practical leadership insights you can apply right away.   Whether you're an executive, team leader, or aspiring manager, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone serious about authentic leadership, resilience, and growth-focused communication.   Key Takeaways:   Leadership is about people, not power or process. Empathy and clarity are critical for building trust and driving performance. Great leaders ask better questions and stay curious. Facilitation skills help leaders support teams through complex change. Managing your inner voice is step one to leading others effectively.   Links:    Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at [email protected] Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Therese Miclot https://www.theresemiclot.com/

In this week's episode of The People Dividend podcast, we're revisiting Episode 93: Lessons from the Congo Basin: Transforming Leadership with Maria Brinck. Leadership is often discussed in terms of tools and techniques, but this conversation reminds us that perspective matters just as much. Maria shares lessons from her work and travels that challenge conventional leadership thinking, exploring the power of a strengths-based approach, authentic engagement, and the wisdom found in indigenous leadership traditions. It's a timely reminder that great leadership starts with self-awareness and creating environments where people and ideas can thrive.   Key Points: Leadership must shift from traditional models to human-centered approaches to meet modern challenges. Indigenous leadership principles offer valuable lessons for inspiring and guiding modern organizations. Understanding your core values, purpose, and strengths is essential for effective leadership. Fostering diversity of thought is crucial for enhancing innovation and improving decision-making. Balancing feminine and masculine energies can lead to more effective leadership. Leading with authenticity and purpose is a journey that can start today.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at [email protected] Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Maria Brinck https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariabrinck/ https://www.mariabrinck.com/

In this week's episode, we're revisiting Episode 86: Feeling Unfulfilled at Work? Here's What to Do with career coach Michelle Schafer. This conversation remains as relevant as ever. We often think fulfillment is a personal issue, but it is also shaped by the organizations we work in. Leadership, culture, growth opportunities, and purpose all play a role in how fulfilled we feel at work. Whether you're considering a career change, exploring new opportunities, or redefining success on your own terms, Michelle shares practical insights to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Key Takeaways: - Organizational culture plays a pivotal role in shaping individual fulfillment and overall job satisfaction. - Employee disconnection impacts team productivity and has broader implications for company performance. - Understanding the 'why' behind work is essential for both employees and employers in achieving meaningful outcomes. - Personal fulfillment is a powerful driver of engagement and retention, contributing to a thriving workplace environment. - The organizational consequences of employee disengagement highlight the importance of addressing these challenges proactively. Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at [email protected] Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Michelle Schafer: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/

In this episode, host Mike Horne reflects on recurring themes that shape effective leadership and organizational performance. Drawing from conversations with diverse industry leaders, he highlights critical insights on organizational drift, the importance of trust, and managing growth in complex environments, emphasizing practical takeaways for leaders aiming to foster resilient, high-performing teams.   Key Points: Organizations often drift before any noticeable decline, making it crucial for leaders to recognize early warning signs. Trust plays a vital role in enhancing operational performance and should be considered a key performance variable, not just a cultural element. Scaling and managing complexity present significant challenges, requiring intentional systems and effective communication. Clarity and accountability are essential for driving successful execution within organizations. Leading through uncertainty and rapid change demands providing clarity amid ambiguity to maintain direction and focus.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at [email protected] Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

In this episode, host Mike Horne talks with returning guest Norm Jones, CEO of Integrated Diversity, about how organizations can move beyond surface-level diversity metrics to create truly inclusive cultures that drive performance and sustainability. Discover actionable strategies to embed DEI into core business processes and decision-making.   Key Points: Organizations often misunderstand diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and how it enhances core work. It is crucial to integrate DEI into organizational strategy rather than treating it as peripheral or separate initiatives. Focusing solely on demographic representation can hinder real inclusion and cultural shifts. Diverse perspectives have the transformative power to enhance organizational culture and innovation. Inclusion should be viewed as a journey rather than a static goal, emphasizing ongoing reflection and adaptation. Leaders can take immediate actions, such as fostering conversations about wants and needs at work, to strengthen relationships and performance.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at [email protected] Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Norm Jones: https://www.normjonesphd.com/ integrateddiversity.org

In this episode, host Mike Horne talks with leadership expert Liane Davey about how organizations can overcome common team dysfunctions such as conflict avoidance, misalignment, and the impact of thought load on performance. Discover practical strategies for fostering healthy conflict, clear decision-making, and achieving true alignment within teams.   Key Points: Most organizational issues stem from alignment problems, not talent deficiency. Teams often avoid conflict, which can significantly hamper their performance. Understanding the difference between productive tension and friction is essential in managing team conflicts. Leaders should focus on three pillars: activity, output, and outcome. Conflict debt can develop over time, leading to costly impacts on teams. Clear roles and obligations to engage in conflict are necessary for effective deliberation.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at [email protected] Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Liane Davey: linkedin.com/in/lianedavey   lianedavey.com