Jeff Tibbitts is the SVP of HR for CESO, an engineering and architectural firm based in Dayton, OH. He and I have done multiple engagements over 20 years. As someone who has played baseball competitively and who has a son in the minor leagues of professional baseball, he brings an understanding of "the game" that few possess. In this episode of the Eppley Experience, Jeff shares his experience of working to achieve optimal structure in two different organizations, and from two different C-suite positions. You'll also appreciate the experiences Jeff shares of the work required to get your structure to align with your strategy. Listen and learn from Jeff!

Tammy Leitsinger is one executive who has seen her CEO literally do cartwheels on a stage to remind the organization how their "core" is for us as people as well as for her company. Physically showing your people your culture seems so practical and so much more powerful than talking about it. Why have I never heard about this before!? This episode is for anyone who wants creative ideas that can make their culture stronger. You'll love Tammy's energy and passion for her work and creating great companies and teams!

Denny Freudeman is one of those rare executives who's seen culture from a variety of roles and organizations that has earned him the right to give all of us advice. He was an employee in a company whose culture was so toxic he left. His next company taught him how powerful it can be as a motivator. As a C-suite exec in a large hospital system, he saw how changing a culture improved staff engagement and patient satisfaction. So when he speaks about how to make your culture a competitive advantage, we all should listen to Denny's practical and proven advice!

I've been fortunate to work with several people who are totally and enthusiastically committed to growing their people. Alan Crookes and Jackie Sample at BMW and Cathy Miller and Rick Packer at CompuServe Network Services are definitely in the top 5. And then there is Rob Goodwin at Necco Foster Care. Rob joins me in this episode of The Eppley Experience to share his insights gained from 30 years of developing talent. We discuss how much a person can actually change and how a manager can't delegate the responsibility for growing their people. Plus, you'll get to hear for the first time, Rob's "WOO" for which he's so famous. Listen and learn from one of the very best!

When I think of my best clients, one thing they have in common is knowing the parts of their P & L that most matter. They know the levers they need to pull that increase margin. They obsess about productivity. They understand that their biggest customers aren't their best customers, or even most important. This minilog is all about helping you become as involved in your financial results as you are the other parts of the business that probably give you more energy. If you want to be more profitable, this is five minutes you don't want to miss!

In this minilog, I explore our ability and responsibility to deal with the uncontrollable things that life will throw at us. These moments of truth, for all the problems they create, also produce opportunities for us. Managers get the chance to be decisive and a chance to take a risk you otherwise wouldn't take. There's also an opportunity to see which of your people rise to the challenges created. What better way to identify your next high potential person!

In this minilog, I talk about the 2nd most poorly executed professional managerial skill, setting clear priorities. (Defining clear expectations is the first and worst.) One of your core jobs as a manager is to help your people to focus. People can't focus if they don't know what is most important for any given period of time. (Day, week, month, quarter, year.) Absence of those clear priorities from above makes it highly likely that you're creating "unwinnable battles" for the managers below. What a terrible waste of time and resources.

This is a change of pace podcast. If you are a parent, nothing makes you feel better than seeing your kids living a very truly fulfilled life. My bride Fran and I are blessed to have two wonderful children. Both have taught me important lessons. If you've read my book Let's Be Clear, you were introduced to our son Ben. He's a geologist and works at a gold mine. Daughter Tess works with autistic adolescents. Hearing her describe the work she does and the impact she gets to have on their ability to become their best selves is inspiring. She's taught me a great deal about patience and the importance of character over accolades or trophies. I thought it would be fun to give you a glimpse of her work as well as her interpretation of mine. BONUS TIP - If you want to know my vices and favorite loungewear, this is the podcast for you!