Leadership Transformations

Peridot Circle Consulting

In the Leadership Transformations podcast, current and aspiring leaders will be inspired to clarify their highest professional and personal value that allows them to create stellar results in the workplace. Peridot Circle Consulting's principal consultants, Linda Linfield, Janet Taggart, and Niki Swan share experiences and insights using professional, real-life examples that listeners will recognize and may be dealing with in their own careers. Special guests include industry leaders who share their leadership transformation journeys, including pivotal decisions they made, principles that guided them, and what they learned along the way. You can learn more about Peridot Circle Consulting at https://peridotcircleconsulting.com/ or watch the videos of each episode on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@LeadershipTransformations.

  1. FEB 3

    027 When Your Proposal Gets a "No": How Strong Leaders Navigate Rejection

    Turn rejection into leverage In this episode, we explore one of the most personal and universal leadership experiences: having your ideas, proposals, or recommendations rejected. Janet Taggart joins host Stephanie Willmore to discuss why even thoughtful, well-crafted proposals sometimes receive a "no," and what strong leaders do next. Listen in as Janet reframes rejection not as a dead end, but as an opportunity for curiosity, alignment, and leadership maturity. You'll learn how to shift from defensiveness to exploration, how to strengthen professional relationships through setbacks, and how to evolve your proposals so they better align with organizational priorities. Janet also shares real examples from leaders who turned initial resistance into collaborative breakthroughs and increased influence. Today we'll talk about… [00:01:30] Why great ideas still get rejected—and why that's normal. [00:03:13] How reframing "no" to "not now" keeps opportunities alive. [00:04:16] The importance of curiosity and finding the mutual win. [00:05:03] The role of relationships in navigating professional disappointment. [00:07:24] How to adopt a stakeholder-centered approach when your idea doesn't land. [00:08:24] What to do when multiple "no's" start to shake your confidence. [00:09:34] Why resilience, presence, and adaptability deepen trust. [00:10:00] How to avoid mistaking detours for dead ends in your leadership journey. [00:11:31] How organizations can build cultures where resilience and experimentation thrive. Discover how to navigate rejection without losing momentum, how to strengthen key relationships in the process, and how to evolve your ideas in ways that elevate your influence and impact. Listen now! Follow Us Listen to the Leadership Transformations podcast on YouTube.  Keep up on news and events by following our business page on LinkedIn Peridot Circle Consulting.    If You Liked This Episode Join our email list for access to subscriber-only opportunities and events.  Achieve clarity and confidential coaching for a specific problem or opportunity by meeting privately with one of our seasoned leadership coaches in a Rent-My-Brain session.

    14 min
  2. JAN 6

    026 Beyond Succession Planning: Building a Culture of Readiness

    Build leaders before you need them In this episode, we explore why traditional succession planning isn't enough—and what organizations can do to move beyond static lists toward a living, growth-oriented leadership strategy. Janet Taggart joins host Stephanie Wilmore to discuss how to turn succession planning into a true culture of readiness, where emerging leaders are informed, supported, and developed to take on future opportunities with confidence. Listen in as Janet shares why many organizations unintentionally stall their leadership pipelines, how fear and lack of transparency hold back high-potential talent, and how reframing the process around communication and investment can transform engagement and retention. You'll also hear a real-world example of a financial organization that reshaped its approach to succession and saw measurable gains in performance, retention, and culture. Today we'll talk about… [00:01:37] Why traditional succession planning often falls short. [00:03:26] What happens when high-potential talent isn't given feedback or guidance. [00:04:44] The fears and misconceptions that cause leaders to hold back. [00:06:04] How to reframe succession planning into a readiness exercise. [00:06:49] A real-world example of a high-potential leadership program in action. [00:08:49] How investment drives retention, engagement, and resilience. [00:10:04] What happens when readiness becomes part of company culture. [00:11:24] Practical steps to begin evolving your succession approach. [00:12:02] How Peridot Circle Consulting helps organizations turn plans into action. Discover how to move beyond the checklist and create a leadership culture that develops people for the roles ahead, ensuring that your organization is prepared, resilient, and ready to grow. Listen now! Follow Us Listen to the Leadership Transformations podcast on YouTube.  Keep up on news and events by following our business page on LinkedIn Peridot Circle Consulting.    If You Liked This Episode Join our email list for access to subscriber-only opportunities and events.  Achieve clarity and confidential coaching for a specific problem or opportunity by meeting privately with one of our seasoned leadership coaches in a Rent-My-Brain session.

    14 min
  3. 2025-12-02

    025: Is Your Leadership Bench Limiting Growth?

    Stop firefighting and start building leaders In this episode, we explore one of the most common challenges growing organizations face: leaders who feel stretched too thin. Janet Taggart returns to reveal why constant firefighting isn't just a time-management problem—it's a symptom of a weak leadership bench. Listen in as Janet and host Stephanie Willmore discuss what it means to have true bench strength, how to recognize when your leadership bench is too shallow, and what steps you can take to build the kind of team that supports sustainable growth. You'll hear how to assess your current team, practical advice on developing internal talent versus hiring externally, and a real-world example of a fintech company that turned burnout into breakthrough results through intentional leadership development. Today we'll talk about… [00:01:36] Why burnout and overwhelm are often symptoms of a weak leadership bench. [00:03:11] What a strong leadership bench looks like in action. [00:04:35] The warning signs of weak bench strength. [00:05:32] Whether to develop internal leaders or hire externally. [00:07:42] How to identify team members with true leadership potential. [00:08:55] A real-world example of strengthening a team's leadership capability. [00:10:00] Key reflection questions every leader should ask. [00:11:46] Why you shouldn't wait for a crisis to build your leadership bench. Discover how to move from carrying the load yourself to leading a capable, confident team that keeps your organization moving forward—no matter the challenges ahead. Listen now! Follow Us Listen to the Leadership Transformations podcast on YouTube.  Keep up on news and events by following our business page on LinkedIn Peridot Circle Consulting.    If You Liked This Episode Join our email list for access to subscriber-only opportunities and events.  Achieve clarity and confidential coaching for a specific problem or opportunity by meeting privately with one of our seasoned leadership coaches in a Rent-My-Brain session.

    15 min
  4. 2025-11-04

    024: Building a Winning Talent Strategy: Balancing Growth and Cost

    Unlock the secrets to smarter talent decisions that drive sustainable success In this episode of Leadership Transformations, we explore how leaders can make smarter talent decisions that balance financial realities with people priorities. Janet Taggart returns to share why talent strategy is one of the most critical—and often overlooked—drivers of sustainable business success. Listen in as Janet breaks down the interplay between revenue growth, expense management, and talent investment, highlighting why the right people choices can accelerate productivity, innovation, and organizational resilience. You'll hear real-world examples of leaders navigating talent pipeline challenges, the benefits of blending internal development with external hires, and practical steps to optimize your own approach. Today we'll talk about… [00:01:25] Why financial and people decisions are inseparable. [00:02:50] How people choices drive business results. [00:05:00] What it takes to build a strong internal talent pipeline. [00:06:40] A real-world example of tiered leadership development. [00:08:00] When to bring in external talent—and why it matters. [00:10:36] Balancing costs and long-term value in external hiring. [00:11:30] Three key steps to optimize your talent strategy. [00:13:39] Why proactive, evolving talent strategies set organizations apart. Discover how to strengthen your leadership impact by aligning talent decisions with financial priorities so your organization can scale and thrive. Listen now! Follow Us Listen to the Leadership Transformations podcast on YouTube.  Keep up on news and events by following our business page on LinkedIn Peridot Circle Consulting.    If You Liked This Episode Join our email list for access to subscriber-only opportunities and events.  Achieve clarity and confidential coaching for a specific problem or opportunity by meeting privately with one of our seasoned leadership coaches in a Rent-My-Brain session.

    15 min
  5. 2025-10-07

    023: The Secret to Scaling Leadership: The Know, Like, and Trust Factor

    Stop relying on expertise alone—start building trust, presence, and influence In this episode, we uncover why expertise and strong performance are just the baseline for leadership success—and why the traits that make people want to work with you are just as essential for moving forward. Janet Taggart returns to break down the "know, like, and trust" factors and how they shape a leader's brand, influence, and opportunities. Listen in as Janet shares why technical brilliance alone can backfire if it's not paired with emotional intelligence, collaboration, and a leadership presence that inspires confidence. You'll hear real-world examples of leaders who struggled—or succeeded—based on how others experienced working with them, as well as practical ways to strengthen your own leadership impact. Today we'll talk about… [00:01:25] Why expertise alone doesn't create followership. [00:02:50] How interpersonal skills shape leadership success. [00:03:25] Common challenges faced by technically brilliant leaders. [00:05:25] The role of leadership qualities in scaling an organization. [00:06:40] The hidden costs of poor leadership on teams and culture. [00:07:55] A better approach to identifying and developing leaders. [00:09:30] How leadership attributes can be learned and strengthened. [00:11:30] Final thoughts on becoming the leader people want to follow. Discover how to shift from simply delivering results to becoming the kind of leader who attracts opportunities, inspires teams, and shapes a thriving leadership culture. Listen now!   Follow Us Listen to the Leadership Transformations podcast on YouTube.  Keep up on news and events by following our business page on LinkedIn Peridot Circle Consulting.    If You Liked This Episode Join our email list for access to subscriber-only opportunities and events.  Achieve clarity and confidential coaching for a specific problem or opportunity by meeting privately with one of our seasoned leadership coaches in a Rent-My-Brain session.

    14 min
  6. 2025-09-02

    022: Show, Tell, Lead: How Narrative Drives Influence and Impact

    Lead with the story only you can tell In this episode of Leadership Transformations, we explore how storytelling isn't just a soft skill—it's a core leadership strategy. Janet Taggart joins us to discuss how leaders at all levels can use storytelling to clarify value, build influence, and shape culture. Drawing inspiration from the childhood ritual of "Show and Tell," Janet explains how intentional storytelling helps professionals become visible and understood in fast-paced, high-growth environments. Listen in as we unpack real-world examples of leaders whose reputations were built—or overlooked—based on how well they shared their impact. You'll learn how to coach yourself and your team to tell performance stories that drive growth, support succession planning, and foster connection. Today we'll talk about… [00:01:30]: Why storytelling is essential for leadership visibility and influence [00:03:35]: A real-world example of how performance was misunderstood due to silence [00:05:20]: How to structure a compelling performance story [00:07:40]: Questions managers can ask to spark reflection and storytelling [00:10:00]: How storytelling aligns with career growth and organizational priorities [00:11:35]: The role of story in leadership culture and engagement Help your team stop waiting to be discovered—create a culture where people become known for their highest value. Listen now! Follow Us Listen to the Leadership Transformations podcast on YouTube.  Keep up on news and events by following our business page on LinkedIn Peridot Circle Consulting.    If You Liked This Episode Join our email list for access to subscriber-only opportunities and events.  Achieve clarity and confidential coaching for a specific problem or opportunity by meeting privately with one of our seasoned leadership coaches in a Rent-My-Brain session.

    14 min
  7. 2025-08-05

    021: Show and Tell: Why Visibility Matters for Leadership Growth

    Let your performance speak volumes In this episode of Leadership Transformations, we explore why consistent, visible performance is the foundation of influence and leadership credibility. Janet Taggart returns to discuss the first half of the classic "show and tell" concept, as well as how showing up, following through, and delivering results over time earns the trust and opportunities leaders need to grow. Listen in as Janet explains why simply doing great work isn't enough and why you must also be intentional about how your performance is seen and understood. You'll hear real-world examples of leaders who built (or undermined) their reputations based on what they showed, and why consistency is the real secret to leadership success. Today we'll talk about… [00:02:25]: Why visibility isn't about ego—it's about impact [00:03:35]: What "showing" looks like in leadership and why it builds credibility [00:05:00]: The cost of poor follow-through and how it limits influence [00:06:55]: Why charisma without performance is a leadership trap [00:08:05]: How to stay grounded when others appear to get ahead without delivering [00:10:00]: What to do if you're struggling with delivery and need to rebuild trust Learn how to establish a reliable performance track record and become a leader others count on—day after day, year after year. Listen now! Follow Us Listen to the Leadership Transformations podcast on YouTube.  Keep up on news and events by following our business page on LinkedIn Peridot Circle Consulting.    If You Liked This Episode Join our email list for access to subscriber-only opportunities and events.  Achieve clarity and confidential coaching for a specific problem or opportunity by meeting privately with one of our seasoned leadership coaches in a Rent-My-Brain session.

    12 min
  8. 2025-07-08

    020: Scaling Leadership: Mastering the Four Drivers of Professional Success

    Start leading with purpose In this episode of Leadership Transformations, we explore the four key drivers of professional success—expertise, performance, interpersonal skills, and disposition—and how each contributes to shaping a leader's personal brand and career trajectory. Janet Taggart joins us to share real-world examples and practical insights that help individuals move beyond being reliable contributors to becoming indispensable leaders. Listen in as Janet explains how these four drivers work together to accelerate growth, influence, and readiness for new opportunities. You'll walk away with a clear understanding of how to assess your own leadership presence and where to focus your development efforts to move forward with confidence. Today we'll talk about… [00:01:50]: The four key drivers of professional success and why they matter [00:03:10]: What expertise really looks like—and how to grow it [00:05:05]: How high performers build a consistent, reliable track record [00:06:20]: Why interpersonal skills can make or break your leadership journey [00:10:45]: Understanding disposition and how your presence impacts perception [00:15:10]: How HR and leadership teams can assess and invest in developing their people Learn how to identify your growth edges, strengthen your leadership brand, and unlock the full potential of your team. Listen now! Follow Us Listen to the Leadership Transformations podcast on YouTube.  Keep up on news and events by following our business page on LinkedIn Peridot Circle Consulting.    If You Liked This Episode Join our email list for access to subscriber-only opportunities and events.  Achieve clarity and confidential coaching for a specific problem or opportunity by meeting privately with one of our seasoned leadership coaches in a Rent-My-Brain session.

    18 min

About

In the Leadership Transformations podcast, current and aspiring leaders will be inspired to clarify their highest professional and personal value that allows them to create stellar results in the workplace. Peridot Circle Consulting's principal consultants, Linda Linfield, Janet Taggart, and Niki Swan share experiences and insights using professional, real-life examples that listeners will recognize and may be dealing with in their own careers. Special guests include industry leaders who share their leadership transformation journeys, including pivotal decisions they made, principles that guided them, and what they learned along the way. You can learn more about Peridot Circle Consulting at https://peridotcircleconsulting.com/ or watch the videos of each episode on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@LeadershipTransformations.