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In this Mike on the Mic episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I explore why leadership teams often struggle to make decisions—and why the decisions they avoid can be more damaging than the ones they get wrong. I break down four common traps that cause important decisions to disappear, stall, or fall apart after the meeting. I also share practical ways to create a visible issues list, decide without complete certainty, clarify who owns the final call, and build commitment without requiring unanimous agreement. Key Takeaways Why postponing a decision is still a decisionHow a shared issues list keeps important questions visibleHow Colin Powell’s 40–70 Rule can prevent analysis paralysisWhy every discussion needs a clearly identified decider and purposeThe difference between consensus and commitmentHow “disagree and commit” prevents zombie decisionsHow cascading communication turns decisions into executionIf your leadership team keeps discussing the same issues without resolving them, this episode provides a clear framework for becoming more decisive and accountable. Resources: Colin Powell’s 40–70 Rule and Patrick Lencioni’s teachings on team commitment. Thanks for listening! Connect with us at mike-goldman.com/blog and on Instagram@mikegoldmancoach and on YouTube @Mikegoldmancoach

What if trust wasn’t something you either had or didn’t have? In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I speak with Matt Jarvis, co-founder and co-chairman of 72andSunny, about why trust is the ultimate amplifier of teamwork. Matt helped grow 72andSunny into a global advertising agency with more than $250 million in revenue, operations across five continents, multiple Agency of the Year awards, and recognition as one of the world’s most innovative companies. Its success was built on a culture that replaced silos and ego with collaboration, optimism, and personal growth. Matt explains how leaders can understand trust through three dimensions: honesty, respect, and responsibility. We also discuss why great organizations grow their own stars, how daily development shapes culture, why people should attach their egos to the team’s outcome, and what genuine succession planning looks like. Matt also shares his work with the Surfrider Foundation and why grassroots ocean advocacy gives him hope about the future. Key Takeaways Why trust is more important than strategyHow honesty, respect, and responsibility shape trustWhy treating trust as binary makes it harder to repairHow to communicate difficult truths with an open heartWhy employee development must extend beyond formal trainingHow to grow stars instead of relying on outside superstarsWhy teams should attach their egos to the collective outcomeHow strong succession planning creates a lasting organizationWhy grassroots environmental action can replace despair with optimismGuest Contact Information and Links Matt Jarvis Co-founder and Co-chairman, 72andSunny LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjarvis1/ 72andSunny: https://www.72andsunny.com Surfrider Foundation: https://www.surfrider.org Thanks for listening! Connect with us at mike-goldman.com/blog and on Instagram@mikegoldmancoach and on YouTube @Mikegoldmancoach

In this Mike on the Mic episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I explore one of the hardest transitions any leader can make: succeeding yourself. When every important decision flows through you, it may feel like proof that you are indispensable. In reality, it often means you have become the bottleneck preventing your team, company, and career from growing. I explain why succeeding yourself is about much more than delegation. It requires shifting your identity from being the hero with all the answers to becoming the coach who develops others to think, decide, and lead. I also share practical ways to transfer meaningful ownership, build leadership bench strength, establish dependable operating rhythms, and create a team that can function without your constant involvement. Whether you are a CEO, founder, business owner, or team leader, the goal is not to remain needed every day. The goal is to build something capable of succeeding beyond you. Key Takeaways Why being indispensable can become a leadership liabilityHow founder dependency limits growth and company valueWhy leaders must delegate decisions rather than only tasksHow to move from being the hero to becoming the coachThe importance of building leadership bench strengthHow operating rhythms create consistency and accountabilityWhy organizational and personal vision make letting go easierThe two-week test for measuring leadership effectivenessA practical challenge for transferring meaningful ownershipResource mentioned: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith. Thanks for listening! Connect with us at mike-goldman.com/blog and on Instagram@mikegoldmancoach and on YouTube @Mikegoldmancoach

In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with Jessi Beyer, a crisis mental health professional, TEDx speaker, and former SWAT negotiator, to explore what leaders need to know about de-escalation, active listening, and supporting employees through difficult moments. Jessi explains why having an Employee Assistance Program is not enough to create a crisis-ready organization. We talk about recognizing changes in employee behavior, why everyday human connection matters, and what to do when someone actually opens up about what they are going through. Jessi also walks me through six tactical active listening skills used in crisis and hostage negotiation that leaders can apply in everyday conversations. We discuss why trying to fix someone’s problem or make it sound better can actually get in the way, why silence is such a powerful communication tool, and how listening creates the trust necessary to eventually move someone toward action. These skills are not only useful during a mental health crisis. They can help leaders build stronger relationships, navigate difficult conversations, create greater trust, and develop a more resilient workplace culture. Key Takeaways: Why EAPs should be a resource, not an organization’s entire mental health strategyHow to recognize meaningful changes from an employee’s normal behaviorWhy small, consistent check-ins can build significant trustThe warning signs leaders and coworkers should pay attention toWhy relationships matter more than organizational hierarchy when someone needs supportWhy leaders should resist trying to immediately fix or minimize someone’s problemSix tactical active listening skills that can improve difficult conversationsHow reflection, mirroring, open-ended questions, summaries, and silence work in practiceWhy active listening should eventually lead toward an appropriate actionHow a genuine apology can repair a conversation when you get something wrongWhy scenario-based practice is essential for crisis readinessHow these skills strengthen leadership and organizational culture even outside a crisisConnect With Jessi Beyer Jessi Beyer Crisis mental health professional, former SWAT negotiator, TEDx speaker Website: Crisis Readiness Group LinkedIn: Jessi Beyer / @JessiBeyer Free Crisis Readiness Diagnostic: Available through the Crisis Readiness Group website. Thanks for listening! Connect with us at mike-goldman.com/blog and on Instagram@mikegoldmancoach and on YouTube @Mikegoldmancoach

What happens when your highest-performing employee is also damaging your culture? In this Mike on the Mic episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I’m tackling one of the hardest decisions leaders face: what to do with a top producer who delivers incredible results but consistently violates your organization’s core values. I’ve seen leaders tolerate toxic behavior because someone brings in revenue, has been with the company for years, seems impossible to replace, or might eventually respond to coaching. But every exception sends a message to the rest of the team about what your values are actually worth. I break down the five most common excuses leaders use to keep toxic top performers and explain why the true cost of keeping them goes far beyond what appears on a sales or productivity report. Key Takeaways: Why performance must include both productivity and culture fitThe hidden organizational cost of a toxic top producerWhy being short-staffed may not be as dangerous as keeping the wrong personHow loyalty can become an excuse for avoiding a difficult decisionWhy productivity issues are often more coachable than culture-fit problemsHow fear of lawsuits and negative reactions can weaken your cultureWhy doing nothing is still a leadership decisionHow to identify the excuse preventing you from taking actionYour best people are watching what you tolerate. If your core values are truly non-negotiable, they have to apply to everyone—including the people delivering your biggest numbers. Resources Mentioned Visit my website: mike-goldman.com Take the Talent Density Quick Assessment: mike-goldman.com/talent-density-quick-assessment Thanks for listening! Connect with us at mike-goldman.com/blog and on Instagram@mikegoldmancoach and on YouTube @Mikegoldmancoach

How can leaders create more focus in a world filled with constant distractions? In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with Shawn Vanderhoven, Partner at The Wiseman Group and author of Pause: How to Lead Brilliant Work in a Busy World, to explore why today's biggest leadership challenge isn't working harder—it's creating the conditions for brilliant work. We discuss why great leadership teams encourage every voice, how to delegate more effectively, why leaders struggle to eliminate important work, and practical ways to reduce digital distractions while helping teams focus on what truly matters. We also explore how AI is changing leadership and why better prioritization has never been more important. If you're looking to improve your leadership team, create more focused execution, and help your people produce higher-impact work, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can implement immediately. Key Takeaways Why psychological safety begins with the least powerful voice being heard.How strategic pauses create better long-term execution.A better approach to delegation through partnership.Why leaders must learn to say no to important work.Practical ways to eliminate digital distractions.How to create protected time for deep work.Why AI increases the need for better prioritization—not more activity.How emotional distractions quietly reduce team performance.Guest Contact Information: Shawn Vanderhoven Book Pause: How to Lead Brilliant Work in a Busy WorldBook website: www.pausebook.coOrganization The Wiseman Group Thanks for listening! Connect with us at mike-goldman.com/blog and on Instagram@mikegoldmancoach and on YouTube @Mikegoldmancoach

On this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with Jilyne Jarvis, retired U.S. Ski Team member, seven-time NCAA All-American, and co-founder of Z Girls, to explore why winning doesn't always create confidence. We talk about the critical difference between confidence and self-worth, why so many high achievers struggle with imposter syndrome, and how leaders can build healthier teams by modeling vulnerability, self-awareness, and humility. Jilyne shares practical tools that athletes use to overcome fear, explains why "Do It Scared" has become a guiding principle, and offers actionable strategies every leader can use to prevent burnout and build lasting confidence. Whether you're leading an organization, growing a business, or simply trying to become a stronger leader, this conversation will challenge the way you think about success and help you build confidence that isn't dependent on achievement. Key Takeaways -Why confidence and self-worth are not the same thing -The leadership power of self-awareness and humility -How imposter syndrome affects high achievers -Why "Do It Scared" is a powerful leadership mindset -Practical ways to recognize and prevent burnout -How to create a culture where vulnerability strengthens performance -Simple habits that build lasting confidence Connect with Jilyne Jarvis Website: Z Girls — https://zgirls.org LinkedIn: Jilyne Jarvis Other social media: @jilyne Speaking, leadership development, and Z Girls information available through the Z Girls website. Thanks for listening! Connect with us at mike-goldman.com/blog and on Instagram@mikegoldmancoach and on YouTube @Mikegoldmancoach

Why do so many leaders struggle despite having access to countless books, podcasts, and leadership training? In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with leadership expert and author Alain Hunkins to explore why only a small percentage of employees believe their leaders lead well—and what separates truly effective leaders from the rest. We discuss why clarity should be every leadership team's top priority, the importance of balancing empathy with accountability, and Alain's Three C Leadership Framework: Connection, Communication, and Collaboration. We also dive into why feedback is one of the fastest ways to improve as a leader, how vulnerability builds trust, and practical ways leaders can create environments where people consistently perform at their best. Whether you lead a small team or a global organization, this conversation is packed with practical leadership insights you can apply immediately. Key Takeaways Why clarity is the most important characteristic of great leadership teamsThe Three C Leadership Framework: Connection, Communication, and CollaborationWhy leaders often mistake good intentions for effective leadershipHow empathy and accountability work togetherThe importance of creating shared understanding instead of simply communicatingWhy honest feedback is essential for leadership growthHow vulnerability creates authentic trust within teamsPractical ways to improve meetings, communication, and collaborationIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review to help more leaders build stronger teams. Connect with Alain Hunkins Website: https://alainhunkins.com Email: [email protected] Book: Cracking the Leadership Code: Three Secrets to Building Strong Leaders Thanks for listening! Connect with us at mike-goldman.com/blog and on Instagram@mikegoldmancoach and on YouTube @Mikegoldmancoach

Culture isn't built by inspirational posters or carefully written mission statements—it’s built through the systems, behaviors, and decisions leaders make every day. In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with workforce strategist Anya Soto to explore what it really means to operationalize culture as organizations grow. We discuss why trust begins with difficult conversations, how to translate values into measurable behaviors, why onboarding is often the biggest missed opportunity, and how leaders unintentionally destroy culture by tolerating the wrong behaviors. We also dive into hiring for outcomes instead of tasks, building coaching capabilities in managers, creating scalable people systems, and ensuring strategy cascades throughout the organization. If you're leading a growing company and want your culture to become a competitive advantage instead of a vague aspiration, this episode provides practical frameworks you can implement immediately. In this episode, you'll learn: Why culture is a system—not a feelingHow to translate values into daily behaviorsThe biggest hiring mistakes growing companies makeWhy onboarding determines long-term successHow managers become the true owners of cultureWhy what leaders tolerate defines organizational cultureHow to build trust through consistent leadershipHow to operationalize culture as your company scalesConnect with Anya Soto Website: https://www.culturecraftersus.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anyasoto/ Thanks for listening! Connect with us at mike-goldman.com/blog and on Instagram@mikegoldmancoach and on YouTube @Mikegoldmancoach

In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with Dr. Liane Davey, internationally recognized as the Teamwork Doctor and author of Thought Load: Manage the Madness and Free Your Team to Do Great Work. We explore why so many leaders and teams feel overwhelmed even when they're working harder than ever—and why workload isn't actually the biggest problem. We discuss the hidden concept of thought load, how leaders unintentionally create mental and emotional overload for their teams, and practical strategies for reducing distractions, improving prioritization, processing emotions more effectively, and leading with greater clarity. We also dive into the impact AI is having on modern work, why more productivity doesn't always mean less stress, and how leaders can create healthier, higher-performing organizations by focusing on outcomes instead of activity. If you're leading a team through constant change, competing priorities, and increasing complexity, this conversation offers practical insights you can implement immediately. https://lianedavey.com/ Check out my new book! 👇 https://lianedavey.com/books/thoughtload/ Thanks for listening! Connect with us at mike-goldman.com/blog and on Instagram@mikegoldmancoach and on YouTube @Mikegoldmancoach

n this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with Dan Pontefract, leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and author of The Future of Work is Gray, to explore one of the most overlooked challenges facing organizations today: the untapped value of age in the workforce. We discuss why demographic shifts, longer careers, and age bias are creating what Dan calls “age debt” and why many organizations are unknowingly losing critical knowledge, wisdom, and expertise. Dan introduces his Rivers, Rocks, and Rubies framework, explains the concept of crystallized intelligence, and shares practical strategies leaders can use to capture institutional knowledge before it walks out the door. We also dive into how AI should complement human intelligence rather than replace it, why age-diverse teams consistently outperform homogeneous ones, and what forward-thinking organizations like BMW are doing to preserve experience while developing future leaders. If you’re a CEO, business owner, or leadership team member looking to build a stronger organization for the future, this conversation will challenge the way you think about talent, succession planning, and workforce strategy. Thanks for listening! Connect with us at mike-goldman.com/blog and on Instagram@mikegoldmancoach and on YouTube @Mikegoldmancoach

What if the most important team you belong to isn't the one you lead? In this Mike on the Mic episode, I share one of the most important leadership lessons I've learned in nearly four decades of coaching executive teams. Using Alan Mulally's remarkable turnaround of Ford as the backdrop, I explain why organizations struggle when leaders prioritize their own departments over the leadership team. I'll walk through how silos develop, why "disagree and commit" is essential for executive alignment, and the five practical moves that help leadership teams become true strategic partners instead of simply reporting updates around the table. If you want your organization to break through growth barriers, it starts with strengthening the team at the top. Key Takeaways Why your first team should be the leadership team—not the department you manage.The leadership lesson behind Ford's dramatic turnaround under Alan Mulally.How silos quietly limit organizational growth.What "disagree and commit" really means.Five practical ways to build a stronger leadership team.A simple question that reveals whether your executives are truly operating as one team.Website: https://www.mike-goldman.com Breakthrough Leadership Team Assessment: https://www.mike-goldman.com/bltassessment Thanks for listening! Connect with us at mike-goldman.com/blog and on Instagram@mikegoldmancoach and on YouTube @Mikegoldmancoach

What if the biggest obstacle to better leadership isn't external—but the stories we tell ourselves? In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with social psychologist, speaker, and bestselling author Owen Fitzpatrick to discuss his new book, Inner Propaganda: Leading Hearts and Minds Through Turbulent Times. We explore how beliefs shape behavior, why people become attached to limiting ideas, and how great leaders influence lasting change by understanding what truly motivates others. We also discuss intellectual humility, communication, sacred values, asking better questions, and why relationships are becoming even more important in the age of AI. If you want to become a more influential leader and build stronger teams, this conversation offers practical insights you can start applying immediately. Connect with Owen Fitzpatrick https://owenfitzpatrick.comPodcast: The Inner Propaganda PodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfitzp/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owenf23/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ofi23Check out Owen’s new book! 👇 https://innerpropaganda.com Thanks for listening! Connect with us at mike-goldman.com/blog and on Instagram@mikegoldmancoach and on YouTube @Mikegoldmancoach

n this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with Karine Shahar, Founder of Strategic Global Talent, to explore how behavioral analytics can help leaders build stronger teams, improve hiring decisions, and prevent costly HR crises before they happen. With more than 20 years of global HR experience across 36 countries, Karine shares why integrity is the foundation of great leadership, how strategic HR differs from tactical HR, and why many organizations wait too long to invest in people leadership. We also dive into the power of Predictive Index, how behavioral analytics can improve communication, hiring, onboarding, leadership development, and team performance, and why understanding how people naturally work can dramatically improve culture and engagement. Whether you’re leading a growing company, developing your leadership team, or looking to create a stronger workplace culture, this conversation offers practical insights that can help you build a healthier, higher-performing organization. Website: https://strategicglobaltalent.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karineshahar Thanks for listening! Connect with us at mike-goldman.com/blog and on Instagram@mikegoldmancoach and on YouTube @Mikegoldmancoach

In this episode of The Better Leadership Team Show, I sit down with Alyssa Gelbard, Founder and CEO of Point Road Group, to explore why personal branding is far more than a marketing exercise. We discuss how leaders shape company culture, build trust, attract talent, strengthen customer relationships, and drive revenue through the way they communicate and show up every day. Alyssa shares practical insights on executive presence, LinkedIn credibility, leadership communication, personal brand awareness, and the common mistakes that unintentionally undermine trust. We also discuss why leadership teams must align around a consistent company story and how personal branding impacts both internal team dynamics and external business relationships. If you want to strengthen your leadership team, improve organizational alignment, and create greater influence as a leader, this conversation provides actionable strategies you can begin applying immediately. Employee Branding Snapshot Assessment  https://assessment.pointroadgroup.com/assessment/17340 Website: https://www.pointroadgroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssagelbard/ Point Road Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/point-road-group/ Thanks for listening! Connect with us at mike-goldman.com/blog and on Instagram@mikegoldmancoach and on YouTube @Mikegoldmancoach