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Check latest episodes from The Balancing Act with Andrew Temte, PhD, CFA podcast

Work-Based Learning: Bridging Education and Industry with Stephanie Reisne

2026/04/23

What if the answer to the skills gap isn’t competing for talent—but developing it before graduation? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy Temte speaks with Stephanie Reisner—President and CEO of GPS Education Partners and co-author of Make School Work: Solving the American Youth Employment Crisis Through Work-Based Learning. Andy and Stephanie dig into the mindset shift from buying talent to developing it, the power of mentorship in work-based learning, GPS Ed’s partnership with 3M to scale manufacturing career pathways, and the four A’s framework—authentic learning that develops aspiration, ability, and agency. Stephanie also offers pointed advice for school superintendents and parents navigating workforce readiness with their teens. Tune in to episode 242 to hear Stephanie’s story and learn how communities, employers, and educators can build career pathways that actually lead somewhere meaningful.

De-Escalate Conflict in 90 Seconds | Doug Noll

2026/04/16

How do you calm an angry person in 90 seconds or less—without defending yourself, explaining, or arguing back? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy Temte speaks with Doug Noll—a trial lawyer turned peacemaker, award-winning mediator, and author of De-Escalate: How to Calm an Angry Person in 90 Seconds or Less. Doug is also the co-founder of the Prison of Peace project, where he trained maximum security inmates to reduce violence using empathy skills, and he teaches decision making under uncertainty and conflict at Pepperdine’s Straus Institute. Doug shares the neuroscience behind affect labeling—the simple practice of naming someone’s emotions to quiet the brain’s threat response—and reveals how two words (“you feel”) can transform relationships, resolve team conflict, and build trust. From the story of a prison inmate who reconnected with her son after 18 years to a CEO who turned a toxic culture around in six months, this conversation makes the case that empathy isn’t a soft skill—it’s the hardest and most important leadership skill there is. Tune in to episode 241 hear Doug’s story and learn what it really means to listen someone into existence. AndrewTemte.com

I Bottled My Mother: Building Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day | Monica Nassif

2026/04/09

What happens when a nurse-turned-speechwriter has a eureka moment in a big-box store and decides to reinvent the way America cleans? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy Temte talks with Monica Nassif—the founder of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day and Caldrea—about building brands rooted in authenticity, disrupting a $30 billion market, and knowing when to let go of the business you built from nothing. Monica Nassif is a serial entrepreneur, brand builder, consultant, and author based in Minneapolis. She founded Caldrea in 2000 and Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day in 2002, scaling the brands into more than 20,000 stores nationwide before selling to SC Johnson in 2008. Her career began at Target Corporation (then Dayton Hudson) as an executive speechwriter, and she went on to found the marketing communications agency Kilter Inc. Monica has been inducted into the Minnesota Business Hall of Fame and named University of Minnesota Entrepreneur of the Year and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Midwest Division). Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Fast Company, and Real Simple. She also appeared on NPR’s How I Built This with Guy Raz. Her new book, I Bottled My Mother: The Mrs. Meyer’s Story: Grit, Grime & Growing a Business (IdeaPress Publishing, March 2026), is her third book. Monica’s rocket-booster moment came at 28—the oldest intern in Target’s history—when her English advisor slid an internship application across the table and changed the trajectory of her career. That experience ignited a love for retail and consumer products that eventually led her to walk a big-box store in Atlanta, look at a pallet of garish cleaning products, and ask, “What if that was awesome?” Guest: Monica Nassif Website: monicanassif.com Book: I Bottled My Mother: The Mrs. Meyer’s Story: Grit, Grime & Growing a Business (IdeaPress Publishing, March 2026) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/monica-nassif-686876335 Host: Andy Temte Website: andrewtemte.com Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, and all major streaming platforms.

How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders | Kate Lowry

2026/04/02

Fear-based leaders are forming networks—and they’re not hiding anymore. In this return episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy Temte sits down with CEO coach and author Kate Lowry to unpack practical tools for navigating toxic leadership without losing yourself in the process. Kate Lowry is a CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author based in Silicon Valley. She developed her expertise on fear-based leadership growing up in a hierarchical family, then refined her approach across startups, private equity, management consulting, and big tech—including roles at McKinsey, Meta, and Insight Partners. She is the founder of Scaleheart Co. and the author of Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders (October 2025). Kate first appeared on the Balancing Act in Episode 213. In this conversation, Kate describes the cultural whiplash she’s witnessed over the past three years—a dramatic swing from emotionally intelligent, employee-centered leadership to an environment where fear, dominance, and cruelty are openly celebrated. She shares how she recognized that her coaching clients—accomplished leaders from top institutions—were paralyzed by this shift, and realized she had a survival toolkit they desperately needed. Guest: Kate Lowry Website: katelowry.com Coaching: scaleheart.co Book: Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katherinejlowry Instagram: @kaitunbreakablelaury Host: Andy Temte Website: andrewtemte.com

Mental Health at Work: Skills for Leaders and Teams | Melissa Doman

2026/03/26

Why do leadership titles make it harder — not easier — to talk about mental health at work? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy Temte speaks with Melissa Doman, MA — organizational psychologist, former mental health therapist, and author of Yes, You Can Talk About Mental Health at Work and her new book, Cornered Office: Why We Need to Talk About Leadership Mental Health. Melissa shares why awareness alone isn’t enough — people need conversational literacy to discuss mental health in the workplace. From coaching hyperventilating leaders behind closed doors to watching entire organizations transform their conversations over 18 months, Melissa makes the case that mental health is a core strategic business priority, not an optional wellness add-on. Tune in to episode 238 hear Melissa’s practical framework for starting these conversations — and why the quiet part needs to be said out loud.

Career Growth Through Mentorship and an Open Mind | Bolaji James

2026/03/19

How does a 16-year-old immigrant from Nigeria end up leading global trade marketing at Bose Corporation? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy Temte speaks with Bolaji James — Head of Global Trade Marketing & Retail Operations at Bose and a proud member of the very first cohort of the Kaplan Leadership Program. Bolaji shares the story of how a persistent transfer advisor and a challenge from his then-girlfriend (now wife) led him to write the essay that changed his life — and how the Kaplan Educational Foundation didn’t just offer a scholarship, but molded him into the leader he is today. From his emotional arrival at Morehouse College to the career lessons he carries into senior management at Bose, this conversation is a masterclass in the power of mentorship, an open mind, and asking for help. Tune in to hear Bolaji’s story and learn why the best career advice often comes from simply asking one question: “What do you wish you knew?”

Leveraging AI to Enhance Human Connection | Allison Shapira

2026/03/12

What does authentic leadership communication look like in the age of AI? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Andy speaks with Allison Shapira—opera singer turned keynote speaker, Harvard Kennedy School lecturer, and bestselling author of Speak with Impact and AI for the Authentic Leader. Allison shares her career rocket-booster moment—quitting a prestigious consulting job on day three to launch her own business—and reveals why the leaders who communicate most effectively are the ones who listen first. The conversation covers the fear of public speaking, the trust gap created by AI over-reliance, the hidden cost of corporate jargon, and why folk music taught her more about authentic leadership than opera ever did. Tune in to hear Allison’s story and learn how to lead with your voice—authentically.

Stop Competing, Start Co-creating | Chris Deaver

2026/03/05

In this episode of The Balancing Act Podcast, Andy sits down with Chris Deaver, the co-founder of BraveCore and the "quiet force" behind leadership initiatives at Apple and Disney. Chris shares how he helped these global giants navigate massive growth by moving away from "rock star" individualism toward a culture of co-creation. Discover how to move beyond efficiency and effectiveness to embrace a future where humans and AI work together to build something super-abundant. Whether you are a mid-career manager feeling stuck or an executive looking to reduce friction in your organization, this episode provides a roadmap for leading with curiosity and bravery. Chris is the co-author of Brave Together, a breakthrough leadership book featured in The Next Big Idea Club with Malcom Gladwell and Adam Grant. Through his consultancy, BraveCore, he helps leaders rethink their influence and build cultures where teams can do the impossible. AndrewTemte.com

The Evolution of ADA and FMLA | Rachel Shaw

2026/02/26

In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy speaks with Rachel Shaw, a nationally recognized ADA expert and president of Shaw HR Consulting, about the complexities of disability accommodation in the workplace. They discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the cultural challenges surrounding these laws. Rachel shares her personal journey in HR, the importance of proactive planning, and how organizations can create a supportive environment for employees with disabilities. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassionate leadership and the value of understanding the modern workforce's needs. Tune into episode 234 to hear Rachel's story, her career rocket-booster moment, and her thoughts on all things ADA and FMLA. AndrewTemte.com

Swiftynomics: The Intersection of Pop Culture and Economics | Misty Heggeness

2026/02/19

In this episode of The Balancing Act podcast, host Andy speaks with Misty Heggeness - co-director of the Kansas Population Center, an associate professor of economics at the University of Kansas, and author of Swiftynomics: How Women Mastermind and Redefine Our Economy. They discuss Misty's journey in economics, her passion for increasing women's representation in the field, and her innovative teaching methods that incorporate pop culture to engage students. Misty shares insights from her research, the importance of valuing caregivers' contributions to the economy, and her personal growth journey centered around authenticity. Tune into episode 233 to hear Misty's story, her career rocket-booster moment, and her thoughts on the complex economic lives of American women through the lens of pop culture. AndrewTemte.com

Empowering Diversity in STEM Careers | Dr. Eugene Manley

2026/02/12

In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Dr. Eugene Manley discusses his journey in STEMM education, the importance of diversity in the workforce, and the challenges of healthcare equity. He emphasizes the need for mentorship, early engagement in science for underrepresented populations, and the critical role of patient advocacy in addressing systemic biases in medical research. Dr. Manley is the Founder & CEO of the SCHEQ Foundation and comes to us with over 20 years of experience across engineering, molecular & cell biology, nonprofit strategy, and workforce development. Tune into episode 232 to hear Eugene's story, his career rocket-booster moment, and his thoughts on STEMM education in underrepresented populations and healthcare equity. AndrewTemte.com

The Cost of Bad Hiring Decisions | Jason P. Carroll

2026/02/05

In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy speaks with Jason P. Carroll, a leadership strategist and entrepreneur, about the importance of self-awareness, the costs of bad hiring decisions, and the innovative Aptive Index assessment tool. They discuss the challenges of current pre-hire assessments, the role of technology in improving hiring practices, and the significance of understanding behavioral traits in leadership and team dynamics. Tune into episode 231 to hear Jason's story, his career rocket-booster moment, and his thoughts about pre-hire assessment tools and making better hiring decisions. AndrewTemte.com

Why Are We Still Talking About Culture? (with Rob Van Craenenbroeck)

2026/01/29

In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Andy speaks with Rob Van Craenenbroeck, co-founder of Culture@Work, about the importance of organizational culture transformation. They discuss the unique approach of Culture@Work, the challenges organizations face in defining and maintaining their culture, and the impact of AI on work dynamics. Rob shares insights on mentorship for HR professionals and introduces Culture Camp, a new initiative aimed at enhancing business outcomes through proactive HR strategies. Tune into episode 230 to learn more about the importance of organizational culture and the ever-changing world of work. AndrewTemte.com

The Art of Trust Building (with Michelle Reina)

2026/01/22

In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Andy speaks with Michelle Reina, an expert in organizational trust. They explore the significance of trust in the workplace, the common pitfalls that lead to its erosion, and the essential role of leadership in fostering a high-trust culture. Michelle shares her journey in trust building, practical steps for leaders and mid-level managers, and the importance of self-reflection in maintaining trust. The conversation emphasizes that trust is a continuous process that requires intentional behavior and commitment from everyone in the organization. Michelle is the co-founder of Reina Trust Building, and bestselling co-author of the groundbreaking Trust and Betrayal in the Workplace. More than three decades of research and practice have culminated in her new book, The Art of Trust Building (January 2026). Tune into episode 229 to hear Michelle's story, her career rocket-booster moment, and her thoughts on building organizational trust. AndrewTemte.com

The Future of Work: Embracing AI in Business (with Steve Brown)

2026/01/15

In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Andy interviews Steve Brown, a futurist and AI expert, discussing the transformative impact of AI on business and society. Steve shares insights from his career, the concept of agentic AI, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the face of rapid technological change. He emphasizes the need for businesses to embrace AI thoughtfully, engage employees in the process, and focus on education to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. AndrewTemte.com

Johntrue 2026/04/16

Practical conversations about leadership

Andrew navigates conversations with expertise, and deep listening. His questions encourage guests to go beyond the surface, revealing practical advice...

Douglas E. Noll JD MA 2026/03/26

Amazing Podcast!!!!

This is by far one of my all-time favorite podcasts! The way that Andy Tempte overdelivers EVERY SINGLE TIME is incredible. If you’re a business leade...

KateUnbreakableLowry 2025/10/04

Common sense leadership

Andy is a consummate professional - thoughtful, reasonable, and inquisitive - and his podcast reflects his common sense nature and curiosity about the...

Booker_D 2023/10/06

We’re all Balancing

Great theme for a show as we are all doing a balancing act in our lives. Interesting guests and excellent host.

Jodi FTM 2023/02/06

Insightful conversations

Andrew masterfully navigates important discussions that get to the heart of leadership… worth listening to each and every podcast episode!

Don Vanpool 2021/04/26

The Balancing Act

Great leadership advice that is both contemporary and action oriented. Highly recommend for leaders at any level of an organization both profit and no...

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