In today's episode, we delve into the transformative power of self-compassion in leadership with our recurring guest, Massimo Backus—an esteemed executive coach and author of Human First, Leader Second. Together, Andy and Massimo explore why self-compassion is a vital, yet often overlooked, skill for effective leadership, challenging the traditional emphasis on emotional toughness.

Massimo, who has been on the podcast multiple times, brings fresh insights from his new book and shares practical frameworks for incorporating self-compassion into daily leadership practices.

They discuss:

• The challenges leaders face in being kinder to themselves
• How this mindset shift can improve long-term resilience and team dynamics
• The importance of mindfulness, creating mental space, and balancing professional decorum with authenticity

This episode is packed with actionable advice, real-life examples, and the latest research to help leaders at all levels enhance their well-being, performance, and relationships within their organizations. So, whether you’re managing a team or trying to navigate your own career journey, this episode offers invaluable tools for driving sustainable success through self-compassion.

Massimo built his successful executive coaching practice based on the radical idea that self-compassion is a leadership epiphany. It is radical because it is in direct opposition to the traditional leadership orthodoxy that you have to become less of a human to be a better leader. Now through his coaching practice, group facilitation, speaking and the launch of his upcoming book Human First, Leader Second, Massimo is taking his message of self-compassion to the C-suites of the Fortune 1000.

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In this bonus Q&A with Brandon, he shares:

1. His proudest moment and biggest failure in his career so far
2. A trend that he is following in Talent Development right now
3. The biggest challenge he sees in Talent Development today
4. Books that have made a big impact on his life
5. One piece of career advice he has for you

Brandon Birkmeyer is a former Coca-Cola and Apple Media Director with over twenty year of experience in marketing at the Big Five advertising agencies in New York City and Los Angeles advising top FORTUNE 100 companies on brand strategy. Brandon also produces and hosts a top-five branding podcast and YouTube channel called Brands On Brands.

in 2024, Brandon wrote the book, Front & Center Leadership - How Leaders Use Personal Branding to Stand Out and How You Can Too, to help corporate employees and entrepreneurs stop getting overlooked and start using their personal brands to stand out in their lives and businesses. Brandon is now a sought-after personal branding coach, author, podcaster, and speaker.

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In today's episode, Brandon Birkmeyer shares his expertise on the transformative power of personal branding and its critical role in career advancement.

Brandon discusses:

• The importance of shifting the talent development mindset to include personal growth and self-awareness, alongside traditional job-related skills
• His "four laws of leadership," emphasizing the need for clear goals and intentional actions to build a strong personal brand
• How companies can support employees in building their brands, ultimately leading to greater recognition and success
• Recognizing and overcoming reluctance in leadership
• Practical steps for standing out in corporate environments through effective communication and networking

Brandon Birkmeyer is a former Coca-Cola and Apple Media Director with over twenty year of experience in marketing at the Big Five advertising agencies in New York City and Los Angeles advising top FORTUNE 100 companies on brand strategy. Brandon also produces and hosts a top-five branding podcast and YouTube channel called Brands On Brands.

In 2024, Brandon wrote the book, Front & Center Leadership - How Leaders Use Personal Branding to Stand Out and How You Can Too, to help corporate employees and entrepreneurs stop getting overlooked and start using their personal brands to stand out in their lives and businesses. Brandon is now a sought-after personal branding coach, author, podcaster, and speaker.

Connect with Andy Storch:

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Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!

Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank Conference

Connect with Brandon Birkmeyer:

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In this bonus Q&A with Matt, he shares:

1. His proudest moment and biggest failure in his career so far
2. A trend that he is following in Talent Development right now
3. The biggest challenge he sees in Talent Development today
4. Books that have made a big impact on his life
5. One piece of career advice he has for you

Matt Prostko has a rich business background with experience at the Vice-President and Director Level in semiconductor and software industries. Matt also led an office for a global management consulting practice focused on strategic execution and executive leadership development. Matt is the author of Ahead of the Chains and Cultural Momentum, business texts on organizational Vision, Strategy and Culture.

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In today's episode, our host Andy Storch is joined by Matt Prostko, an expert in strategy execution, leadership development, and executive coaching.

Together, Andy and Matt tackle the critical elements of building high-performance cultures within organizations. Forget about perks and flashy values; Matt explains how real culture is cultivated through shared experiences that compel team members to go the extra mile for their colleagues, company, and customers. Drawing on his extensive experience in industries like semiconductors and software, Matt underscores the importance of creating bonds, especially in remote or hybrid working environments, to enhance teamwork and culture.

Matt Prostko has a rich business background with experience at the Vice-President and Director Level in semiconductor and software industries. Matt also led an office for a global management consulting practice focused on strategic execution and executive leadership development. Matt is the author of Ahead of the Chains and Cultural Momentum, business texts on organizational Vision, Strategy and Culture.

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Today we have a remarkable keynote presentation from the Talent Development Think Tank Conference in February 2023. Our special guest, Susan Winchester, a former Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Applied Materials and Rockwell Automation, will share her transformative journey and insights into healing in the workplace.

In this episode, Susan will share:

• Her personal struggles with alcoholism and depression
• The impact of limiting beliefs
• How her past experiences shaped her career
• Insight on neuroplasticity and positive psychology
• How adopting the PERMA model can lead to flourishing at work

Susan introduces the concept of being an "Adult Survivor of a Damaged Past" and how understanding both big and small traumas can help us manage current workplace behavior and mental health. Susan's insights will teach us how to use workplace dynamics as opportunities for personal growth and emotional resilience.

Susan Winchester is a transformative figure in the world of talent development and a former senior HR executive. Previously serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Applied Materials and Rockwell Automation, Susan has now dedicated her career to teaching the principles of "healing at work." After delivering a phenomenal keynote presentation at the Talent Development Think Tank conference, Susan has made a significant impact on many by sharing her powerful story. Her transition from corporate HR to a role focused on personal and professional healing illustrates her commitment to improving workplace environments and individual well-being. A valued friend to many in the industry, Susan continues to inspire and lead others towards greater fulfillment in their careers.

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Today, we are sharing the never before shared keynote from Claude Silver, the Chief Heart Officer at VaynerMedia from 2023's Talent Development Think Tank Conference.

In this episode, Claude will share:

• Her groundbreaking approach to leadership, focusing on the power of empathy, human connection, and making people feel truly valued in the workplace.
• The importance of creating psychological safety and spaces of belonging, navigating the challenges of remote work, and fostering emotional intelligence.
• Her personal journey, from joining VaynerMedia eight and a half years ago to becoming the company's first Chief Heart Officer.

Claude Silver is an empathetic leader renowned for her commitment to fostering human connections and psychological safety within workplaces. With an intuitive understanding of the importance of creating spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued, she emerges as a true "chief heart officer." Claude’s approach revolves around going the extra mile to ensure a sense of belonging and positive energy in any room she steps into. Her presence is characterized by a welcoming vibe and a genuine dedication to uplifting those around her, embodying the essence of someone who others naturally gravitate toward and want to have by their side. Claude's vision of leadership rooted in heart, intuition, and generosity has been instrumental in VaynerMedia's growth from 450 to 2000 employees.

Connect with Andy Storch:

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Connect with Claude Silver:

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In this bonus Q&A with Matt, he shares:

1. His proudest moment and biggest failure in his career so far
2. A trend that he is following in Talent Development right now
3. The biggest challenge he sees in Talent Development today
4. Books that have made a big impact on his life
5. One piece of career advice he has for you

Matt Elliott is Chief People Officer for Bank of Ireland Group. He has led the culture transformation of the Bank, developing a company where all colleagues thrive.

A passionate advocate for inclusion and diversity, appeared as a leading ally in the Financial Times lists for gender, ethnicity and LGBT+ inclusion.

Prior to that he was Group People Director with Virgin Money as part of the executive team who successfully acquired and integrated Northern Rock, and listed the company on the London Stock Exchange.

Connect with Andy Storch:

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Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!

Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank Conference

Connect with Matt Elliott:

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