The difference between going fast and going far lies at the heart of this powerful exploration of inclusive leadership language. Drawing from Kyle McDowell's transformative work in "Begin With We," we unpack how a simple shift from "me-centered" to "we-centered" language fundamentally reshapes organizational culture and leadership effectiveness. Language isn't merely semantic—it's biochemical. Research from Judith Glazer shows that our word choices literally change brain chemistry, either triggering defensive responses or opening pathways to trust and collaboration. Those seemingly innocent phrases like "actually, that's a good idea" or "obviously this is the right approach" might carry unintended condescending undertones that silently erode trust. When leaders shift to genuinely inclusive language, they create environments where people feel valued—and as we discover, "when people feel like they matter, they do things that matter." Values statements gain extraordinary power when they begin with "we"—transforming from corporate platitudes into invitations for collective ownership. "We do the right thing" and "We challenge each other to be better" create simultaneous inclusion and accountability. But the real cultural test comes during stress and uncertainty: do team members default to your stated values or revert to self-protection? As Tim McClure warns, "The greatest fear of any organization should be when their most passionate people become quiet." Your culture isn't defined by wall plaques but by daily habits—what you celebrate, reward, and tolerate establishes what truly matters. Ready to transform your leadership through the power of language? Subscribe to The Leadership Project and join us next time as we welcome Britt Hogue to discuss humanizing strategy and the collective good. Together, let's learn how our words become actions, our actions become habits, and our habits shape the cultures we lead. Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1704997/open_sms) Support the show (https://paypal.me/theleadershipproject) ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link (https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/AABS6mINckNfJfXjZEaOymg0zSdlShz83fk?src=global9) Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

Discover the power of building a 'brave tribe'! Learn how supportive networks are crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving your goals. This video explores vulnerability, seeking help, and finding mentors to navigate life's obstacles. #bravetribe #BraveTribe #SupportNetwork #OvercomingChallenges #Vulnerability #Mentorship #Motivation #PersonalGrowth #SelfImprovement #Resilience #Inspiration

Discover the essential principles for effective leadership: adding value, being valued, and creating meaningful connections. We delve into how these concepts drive success and inspire teams to flourish. Join us in redefining leadership impacts! #LeadershipDevelopment #ValueCreation #ConnectWithTeams #BusinessLeadership #SuccessPrinciples #TeamInspiration #EffectiveLeadership #ValueDriven #LeadershipGoals #Empowerment

Discover the transformative power of principle-based leadership as we explore a we-oriented paradigm that values collective growth. Join us on this journey across the country, sharing insights from our bestselling book that's changing the way we lead and connect. #LeadershipDevelopment #WeOriented #PrincipleBased #SuccessJourney #Bestseller #Teamwork #CollectiveGrowth #LeadershipInsights #Inspiration #PersonalGrowth

Have you ever led a team where true connection felt out of reach? Kyle McDowell, once a top executive in Fortune 10 companies, had a powerful realization—his leadership was driven by fear, not respect. This moment sparked a transformation that led to his "Begin With We" philosophy: 10 principles focused on shifting from individual success to collective excellence. Kyle shares a pivotal moment—alone in a hotel room, preparing to address 50 leaders—when he realized he needed a new approach. Principles like “We do the right thing always” and “We challenge each other” became the backbone of a more authentic, values-driven leadership style, centered on trust and vulnerability. He explains how even small changes in language—like saying “our team” instead of “my team”—can reshape culture. His ABCs of teamwork are simple but powerful: Add value, Be valued, and Connect to purpose. When leaders meet these needs, teams thrive. Kyle’s message is a call to break the cycle of toxic leadership and build something better. Whether you lead five people or five thousand, starting with “we” can change everything. 🌐 Connect with Kyle: • Website: https://kylemcdowellinc.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylemcdowellinc/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylemcdowellinc/ 📚 You can purchase Kyle's book on Amazon: • Begin With WE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1544529902/ Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1704997/open_sms) Support the show (https://paypal.me/theleadershipproject) ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link (https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/AABS6mINckNfJfXjZEaOymg0zSdlShz83fk?src=global9) Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

What makes a team truly creative? It's not beanbag chairs or forced brainstorming sessions—it's about creating an environment where play becomes the engine of productivity. Drawing from the wisdom shared by ex-Pixar executives Jamie Woolf and Dr. Chris Bell, this solocast explores how psychological safety, ownership, and freedom transform workplaces from control centers to creativity hubs. The distinction is powerful: work doesn't need to feel like work when people are in flow. Remember the piano stairs experiment in Stockholm? When regular stairs were transformed into musical piano keys, people abandoned the escalator en masse—not because they suddenly learned stairs were healthier, but because taking them became fun. This same principle applies to our teams. When we create conditions where exploration feels natural and failure feels safe, innovation flourishes without force. True inclusion means moving beyond token representation to genuine agency—people don't want to merely attend the party; they want to help plan it. Creativity emerges not from chaos but from stillness, those moments when our minds settle and make space for insight. And perhaps most importantly, creativity isn't restricted to your design team—it's the procurement specialist finding a novel cost-saving approach, the team leader redesigning workflows to reduce stress, the frontline worker identifying a customer pain point no one else noticed. What would your organization look like if every team member felt empowered to play, experiment, and truly belong? The answer might transform not just your culture, but your results. Ready to create those conditions in your team? Listen now and discover how to unlock the creative potential hiding in plain sight. Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1704997/open_sms) Support the show (https://paypal.me/theleadershipproject) ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link (https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/AABS6mINckNfJfXjZEaOymg0zSdlShz83fk?src=global9) Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

Navigate the challenges of difficult bosses! Learn practical strategies and advice to cope in the workplace. Discover how to build a supportive coalition, find your people, and when it's time to prioritize your mental health and move on. Don't face it alone! #BadBosses #WorkplaceStress #ToxicWorkplace #CareerAdvice #MentalHealthAtWork #CopingMechanisms #EmployeeSupport #DifficultBoss #JobTips #WorkLifeBalance

Unpack the true meaning of inclusion in this eye-opening discussion! Join us as we explore the difference between feeling included and being truly included using a party analogy. Discover how to create environments where everyone is a part of the process! #InclusionMatters #TrueInclusion #CommunityBuilding #SocialJustice #DiversityandInclusion #EqualityForAll #MakingADifference #Empowerment #Belonging #InclusiveLeadership

Uncover unintentional 'bad boss behavior' and its impact on workplace stress! We explore how leadership styles affect employees and offer insights for self-reflection. Are we contributing to employee stress? Let's examine leadership and improve our workplace dynamics! #BadBoss #WorkplaceStress #LeadershipSkills #EmployeeEngagement #SelfReflection #ManagementTips #ToxicWorkplace #PositiveLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #CareerDevelopment

Ready to transform your workplace from a creativity desert into a thriving innovation ecosystem? Jamie Woolf, the first director of culture at Pixar Animation, and Dr. Christopher Bell of Creativity Partners reveal the unexpected connection between play, power dynamics, and breakthrough ideas. Their conversation shatters common misconceptions about creativity in the workplace. Forget the notion that creativity belongs only in "creative" industries – it's about solving problems that don't yet exist, making it essential for finance teams, healthcare workers, and every organization seeking innovation. The experts share why traditional approaches to workplace culture often miss the mark, especially when it comes to power dynamics between leaders and teams. The discussion takes a fascinating turn when examining how leadership impacts creativity. "75% of people say their boss – not workload or deadlines – is the most stressful part of their day," Dr. Chris reveals, highlighting how unintentional behaviors from well-meaning leaders can stifle innovation. You'll discover practical strategies for flattening power distances without diminishing leadership authority, creating environments where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best ideas. Perhaps most compelling is their exploration of inclusive storytelling as a foundation for creative cultures. They explain the difference between making people "feel" included versus ensuring people "are" included – a distinction that transforms how teams collaborate and innovate. The conversation concludes with a powerful framework for media literacy that applies equally to workplace communications and broader social narratives. Whether you're leading a team that needs a creativity boost, working under challenging leadership, or simply fascinated by what makes innovative cultures tick, this episode offers actionable insights to transform how you approach workplace dynamics. Visit creativity-partners.com to learn more about bringing these principles into your organization. 🌐 Connect with Jamie and Dr. Christopher: • Website: https://www.creativity-partners.com/ • Jamie's Linked Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1704997/open_sms) Support the show (https://paypal.me/theleadershipproject) ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link (https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/AABS6mINckNfJfXjZEaOymg0zSdlShz83fk?src=global9) Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...

Discover the power of personal branding! Learn how putting a face to your brand, even for businesses, builds trust and accelerates growth in today's digital landscape. This video reveals the transformative impact of personal branding on audience engagement and business success. #PersonalBranding #PersonalBranding #DigitalMarketing #BrandBuilding #OnlinePresence #Authenticity #InfluencerMarketing #BusinessGrowth #SocialMediaMarketing #TrustBuilding #Entrepreneurship

We explored how applying proactive strategies in crisis situations can save lives. By anticipating risks and making swift decisions, we turned a possible disaster into a teachable moment. Join us as we share our experiences and lessons learned from the field. #CrisisManagement #SituationalAwareness #QuickResponse #PublicSafety #Teamwork #Debrief #EmergencyPreparedness #RiskAssessment #ProactiveStrategies #LifeSavingLessons

Transform your branding agency from struggling to thriving! Learn how we transitioned from six-month projects to a highly efficient two-day model, increasing profitability and client satisfaction. Discover our proven strategies for success, shared in our new book! #brandingagency #businessgrowth #marketingtips #efficiency #projectmanagement #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #successstory #booklaunch #branding

Join us as we explore the true essence of masculinity and femininity beyond outdated norms. It's time to understand these energies without gender limitations and discover how they shape our lives in today’s world. Let's redefine our perceptions together! #MasculinityRedefined #FeminineEnergy #GenderNorms #EnergyAwareness #ModernMasculinity #PersonalGrowth #CulturalShift #MasculineEnergy #SelfDiscovery #BreakingBarriers

Understanding the paradox of followership reveals that we hold responsibility for our actions and those we can influence. This video dives into how both leaders and followers play crucial roles in accountability, urging us to rise above the blame game. #Followership #Leadership #Accountability #Responsibility #Influence #PersonalDevelopment #Teamwork #BlameGame #GrowthMindset #Empowerment

Ever notice how the leadership qualities you aspire to can vanish under pressure? That calm, thoughtful presence replaced by reactivity and micromanagement when deadlines loom? You're not alone. Drawing on wisdom from executive coach and former Microsoft leader Sabina Nawaz, this episode unpacks a profound truth: pressure doesn't create your leadership tendencies—it reveals them. When stakes rise, we default to ingrained habits rather than our aspirational values. As Sabina brilliantly puts it, "Power doesn't corrupt, pressure does." The conversation explores four game-changing leadership concepts you can implement immediately. First is the Delegation Dial—a visual metaphor for adjusting your leadership approach based on the person and situation rather than defaulting to one style. Next, we confront the uncomfortable reality that power naturally isolates you from truth as people filter feedback and hesitate to challenge your thinking. This isolation explains why organizations suffer most when passionate people go quiet. Perhaps most transformative is the deceptively simple Multiple Meanings Exercise. Before reacting to someone's behavior, pause and consider at least three possible interpretations. This creates space between stimulus and response—space where actual leadership happens. It transforms frustration into curiosity and judgment into empathy. What leadership habits are you practicing daily that will emerge when everything's on fire? Who's telling you the truth when it matters most? How might your assumptions be limiting your effectiveness? This episode will challenge you to answer these questions honestly and provide practical ways to become the leader you aspire to be, especially when it's hardest. Subscribe to The Leadership Project and join us next time as we explore creating cultures of creativity and inclusive storytelling with Jamie Wolfe and Dr. Chris Bell. What leadership challenge are you facing where these concepts could make a difference? Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1704997/open_sms) Support the show (https://paypal.me/theleadershipproject) ✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week! 📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too. If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade: 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891 Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBz Get extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral Link (https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/AABS6mINckNfJfXjZEaOymg0zSdlShz83fk?src=global9) Wise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434 ...