Leading with Curiosity. A Podcast for Modern Leaders.

Nate Leslie
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Management
  • Updated Monthly

Are you ready to have bigger impact? Command and Control Leadership is Dead. Join our modern leadership movement. We interview leaders, entrepreneurs, and Certified Executive Coaches challenging old paradigms. The brain behaves very differently when 'invited to think' rather than 'told to listen'. Hosted by Nate Leslie - Certified Executive Coach (PCC, CEC, M.Ed.) and former professional athlete.

  1. May 15

    Ep.68 Mastering Presentation Skills: Go With the Music. Frankie Kemp, London UK

    "Our guest today is the antidote to the boring corporate presentation. She has spent her career on stages, in recording booths, and behind the scenes of global events—including a stint with the Eurovision Song Contest. Now, she takes all that performance magic and applies it to the world of high-stakes business through her 'Be Less Vanilla, More Thriller' philosophy. She specializes in 'people skills for geeks,' helping senior leaders and technical teams ditch the 'jelly legs,' master the 'Drama Triangle,' and speak so that people actually listen. Please welcome, Frankie Kemp." Summary In this engaging and often quirky interview, Frankie Kemp shares her expertise on transforming corporate communication through performance techniques, NLP, and adaptability. Discover practical strategies to enhance presentation skills, manage nerves, and communicate with authenticity and impact. Keywords communication, presentation skills, NLP, performance, leadership, adaptability, public speaking, emotional regulation, storytelling, executive presence Key Topics Corporate communication habits to banishPerformance techniques for leadersNeuro-linguistic programming in businessManaging nerves and emotional regulationStructured frameworks for spontaneous speaking Sound Bites "Communication is all about context." "Weak language undermines trust." "Serve your key message throughout." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Frankie Kemp and Her Philosophy 01:22 Boring Communication Habits in Corporate Settings 02:42 Experiences of Chaos on Stage 05:12 Insights from the Eurovision Song Contest 07:37 The Role of Music in Presentation Mindset 08:57 Contextual Communication and NLP 11:36 Using NLP for Anchoring Emotions 16:18 The Broader Applications of NLP 18:12 The Art of Adaptability in Leadership 19:51 Improvisation as a Leadership Skill 21:33 Mastering Spontaneous Speaking 25:18 The Power of Language in Communication 28:17 Understanding Personality Dynamics: Cats vs. Dogs 29:57 Key Messages in Presentations 33:45 LWC Riverside outro Generic.mp4

    34 min

  2. Apr 15

    Ep.67 Do Fewer Things Well. Greg Hold - The Stand Up CEO. NYC

    Summary In this episode, we sit down with CEO and stand-up comedian Greg Hold, who proves that the journey to success can be a road less travelled. Greg reveals how the courageous art of comedy has sharpened his professional edge, emphasizing the transformative power of clear communication and the strategic role of humour in the business world. He shares his insights on the discipline of his writing process, the crucial necessity of building a strong team, and the patience that is the backbone of great entrepreneurship. This conversation is a powerful reminder to believe fiercely in your own vision and to embrace perseverance—because, as Greg demonstrates, the challenges you face in business and on stage are simply opportunities for your greatest breakthrough. http://hold.com https://www.youtube.com/@StandUpCEO https://www.gregoryhold.com/calendar-comedy Keywords comedy, business, confidence, humour, writing process, hiring, perseverance, entrepreneurship, communication, dual career, Greg Hold, The Stand Up CEO Takeaways Comedy has given me the confidence to deal with people.You can lose a room with a small mistake.Comedy is like working a different muscle.It's important to make room for comedy in life.I took about 18 classes over two years to practice comedy.Comedy shouldn't play a major role in business.A good sense of humour makes you more likeable.Authenticity is key when hiring.Believe in yourself, especially during tough times.You can retool and find your niche in business. Sound bites "Every joke has a victim." "It's important to hire well." "Believe in yourself." Chapters 00:00 The Intersection of Comedy and Business 03:15 The Journey of a Comedian 06:35 Comedy's Role in Professional Life 10:30 Crafting Comedy: The Writing Process 12:49 The Correlation Between Work and Comedy 13:37 Hiring for Success 16:49 Patience and Perseverance in Business 20:37 The Unique Challenges of Comedy 23:00 Adapting to Market Needs 24:31 Finding Your Niche

    22 min
  3. Ep.66 How to Make a Dream Manager. Kate Vollman. Floyd Consulting. Florida

    Mar 15

    Ep.66 How to Make a Dream Manager. Kate Vollman. Floyd Consulting. Florida

    Summary In this conversation, CEO of Floyd Consulting Kate Volman (LinkedIn) and Nate Leslie (LinkedIn) discuss what it means to Certify a Dream Manager. They explore the common barriers people face when pursuing their dreams, and the impact this pursuit can have on leadership culture. They face the fear of judgment and self-doubt head on. They emphasize the importance of enjoying the process and learning from experiences rather than focusing solely on outcomes. Kate is the CEO of a company she could once only dream of leading, author, and host of podcasts Create for No Reason, and Lead With Culture. Books on Amazon: Do What You Love: A Guide to Living Your Creative Life Without Leaving Your Job by Kate VolmanThe Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly (Please consider shopping using these links to support this podcast) Takeaways Many people hesitate to start due to fear.Caring about others' opinions can hinder progress.It's essential to enjoy the journey of creation.Learning and fun should be prioritized over success.Self-expression is crucial in creative moments.The process of creating is more important than the result.Overcoming fear can lead to personal growth.Engagement in activities can lead to unexpected joy.Embracing the journey can transform perspectives. Sound bites "so many people don't start things because of fear." "So what you say you want to start a YouTube channel?" "The journey is the thing."

    38 min

  4. Feb 15

    Ep.65 The Pyschology of Leadership. Sebastien Page. Chief Investment Officer, T. Rowe Price

    Summary In this conversation, Nate Leslie and T.Rowe Price's Chief Investment Officer, Sebastian Page, explore the intersection of youth sports and corporate leadership, focusing on the psychology of performance, stress management, and the importance of valuing the joy of mastery over outcomes. If you like this episode, check out related conversations in other episodes! Sebastien is the author of The Psychology of Leadership. They discuss how stress can impact performance, the role of positive psychology in enhancing engagement, and the necessity for leaders to instil meaning in their teams' work. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of feedback, tracking progress, and the responsibility of leaders to create an environment where individuals can thrive and find purpose in their roles. Keywords leadership, psychology, positive psychology, mastery, engagement, stress management, performance, youth sports, business, coaching Takeaways The connection between youth sports and corporate leadership is stronger than you might think.Optimal performance requires a certain level of stress, not zero stress.Mastery orientation leads to better performance than ego orientation.Positive psychology focuses on what makes people thrive over time.Engagement in work is crucial for performance and satisfaction.Feedback and tracking progress can significantly enhance engagement.Finding meaning in work is essential for motivation and fulfillment.Leaders have a responsibility to help their teams find meaning in their work.Goal-induced blindness can negatively impact performance.Positive sports psychology can aid leaders in managing their responsibilities.Mastery vs. Ego: The Key to Performance Sound bites "Praise the process, the effort, not just the outcome." "We have a crisis of engagement in America." "Goal-induced blindness can hinder performance." Chapters 00:00 The Connection Between Youth Sports and Leadership 02:54 Understanding Stress and Performance 05:44 Mastery vs. Ego in Sports and Business 09:02 The Role of Positive Psychology 11:45 Engagement and Meaning in Work 14:44 The Importance of Feedback and Progress Tracking 17:53 Finding Meaning in Work 20:48 The Leader's Responsibility in Creating Meaning 23:50 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Psychology

    36 min

  5. Jan 15

    Ep.64 An Introvert's Guide to World Domination. Nick Shelton, Denver CO

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Nate Leslie and Nick Shelton explore the complexities of introversion and social anxiety. Nick shares his journey from struggling with social interactions to becoming a TEDx speaker (A Creative Solution to Social Anxiety) and author of "An Introvert’s Guide to World Domination". They discuss practical strategies for introverts to navigate social situations, the importance of shifting focus from oneself to the audience, and the power of observation. The conversation emphasizes the value of relationships and how understanding different personality types can enhance communication and connection. Find Nick at connectedintrovert.com or LinkedIn Keywords introversion, social anxiety, public speaking, personal development, networking, TEDx talk, introvert strategies, confidence, relationships, self-improvement Takeaways Nick Shelton's journey from social anxiety to public speaking is inspiring.The concept of a 'uniform' can help manage social anxiety.Introverts recharge by spending time alone after social interactions.Setting low expectations for social events can reduce pressure.Preparation and knowing the next step are crucial for introverts.Courage is doing something despite feeling scared.Shifting focus from self to audience enhances public speaking.Observation is a superpower of introverts in social settings.Creating space for introverts in conversations is essential.The quality of our life is determined by the quality of our relationships. Sound bites "Just show up. Just be in the room." "It's not about me, it's about them." Nick's Bio Nick Shelton is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, international speaker, and former petroleum chemist who has reinvented himself more than once. After serving in the U.S. Air Force and building a decades-long career in the oil and gas industry, Nick retired early at 49, only to discover that freedom without purpose can feel like a slow collapse. That crisis led him to rebuild his identity from the ground up, creating a six-phase framework that gave him back clarity, confidence, and direction. Today, he’s the creator of The Reset Button, a reinvention protocol for those navigating, major career shifts, or life transitions who find themselves asking: What’s next? Nick is also the author of the best selling book An Introvert’s Guide to World Domination, where he helped thousands of quiet professionals thrive in a noisy world. His work has been featured on stages, in university classrooms, and in global podcasts. Here are the links: www.connectedintrovert.com www.resettheman.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasleonshelton/ Book: https://geni.us/anintrovertsguide Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Introversion and Social Anxiety 03:07 Creative Solutions for Social Anxiety 05:50 Understanding Introversion and Energy Dynamics 08:56 Practical Tips for Introverts in Social Settings 11:46 The Journey of Writing and Speaking 14:56 Courage and Confidence in Public Speaking 17:49 Shifting Focus from Self to Audience 20:50 The Fluidity of Introversion and Extroversion 23:45 The Introvert's Superpower: Observation 26:38 Creating Space for Introverts in Conversations

    31 min

  6. 2025-12-15

    Ep.63 Red Cloud Road: How Strategic Process Management Drives Competitive Advantage. Guest Joe Bockerstette. Phoenix, AZ

    Summary In this conversation, Joe Bockerstette discusses his book 'Red Cloud Road' and the concept of 'Red Clouds'—the obstacles that prevent organizations from achieving their goals. He explains the Paragon methodology used in his consulting firm, Business Enterprise Mapping, to identify and address these issues. The discussion covers the importance of standardizing processes, engaging employees in improvement efforts, and making it easier for teams to do the right thing. Joe emphasizes the role of leadership in facilitating change and the value of experienced consultants in optimizing workflows. Buy the Book: Red Cloud Road: How Strategic Process Management Drives Competitive Advantage Connect with Joe Bockerstette LinkedInwww.businessmapping.com Keywords Red Clouds, Strategic Process Management, Paragon Methodology, Quick Wins, Workflow Optimization, Leadership, Change Management, Employee Engagement, Standardization, Business Processes Takeaways Red clouds are obstacles preventing organizations from achieving their goals.The Paragon methodology helps organizations identify and address workflow issues.50% of red clouds can be resolved as quick wins by frontline employees.Standardizing processes can lead to greater efficiency and scalability.Engaging employees in process improvement fosters a culture of ownership.Leadership plays a crucial role in facilitating change management.Making it easy to do the right thing is essential for organizational success.Inadequate data collection often leads to workflow challenges.Experienced consultants can help organizations redesign processes for better results.The ideal consultant balances detail orientation with strategic awareness. Sound Bites "50% of all Red Clouds are quick wins.""It's about making it easy to do the right thing." Chapters 00:00 Understanding Red Clouds and Strategic Process Management 02:59 The Paragon Methodology and Quick Wins 05:44 Identifying and Addressing Systemic Issues 08:57 Standardizing Processes for Efficiency 11:52 Engaging Employees in Process Improvement 15:04 Leadership and Change Management 17:54 Making It Easy to Do the Right Thing 20:48 The Role of Consultants in Workflow Optimization

    27 min

  7. 2025-11-15

    Ep.62 What the Olympics Taught me About Building Team Culture. Bjorn Kinding, Olympic Hockey Coach. Edmonton AB

    Summary In this conversation, Bjorn Kinding and Nate Leslie explore the fundamental principle of coaching, emphasizing the importance of starting with the individual rather than the task at hand. They discuss how this approach applies not only in sports like hockey but also in various fields such as education and leadership. The dialogue highlights the human element in coaching and the value of personal connections in fostering growth and development. Keywords coaching, human element, personal development, leadership, hockey, education, teamwork, communication, mentorship, personal growth Takeaways In hockey, coaching is about people, not just the game.Starting with the person is essential in any field.Every individual has unique strengths to offer.The human element is crucial in effective coaching.Leadership should focus on understanding individuals.Mentorship is about building personal connections.Coaching principles apply beyond sports.The task is secondary to the individual.Effective communication is key in coaching.Personal development is at the heart of coaching. Sound bites "Every person brings so much good.""You coach people, not just hockey.""Start with the person, not the task." Chapters 00:00 Coaching Journey and Cultural Insights00:21 Balancing Team and Individual Goals

    36 min

  8. 2025-10-15

    Ep.61 Branding: The IDEA Method. Jamie Schwartzman. Los Angeles CA

    Summary In this conversation, Jamie Schwartzman, a branding expert, discusses the intricate relationship between leadership and brand consistency. He emphasizes that branding goes beyond visual elements and is deeply rooted in organizational culture and leadership. Schwartzman outlines his four-step IDEA method for branding: Ignite, Distill, Energize, and Activate, and shares insights on the importance of experiential learning in branding. He also highlights the significance of understanding customer personas and the duality of digital and analog experiences in today's branding landscape. Connect with Jamie: linkedin.com/in/jamieschwartzman/ Keywords branding, leadership, brand consistency, customer personas, IDEA method, experiential learning, brand identity, marketing, corporate branding, organizational culture Sound Bites "Brand is about communicating meaning.""Brand is about internal unity purposes.""The power of great hair is a superpower." Takeaways Brand consistency is about culture consistency driven by leadership.Branding is a way to communicate meaning and value.Internal unity is essential for effective branding post-acquisition.Experiential learning enhances brand understanding and retention.The digital age increases the need for offline experiences.Brands play a crucial role in self-image and identity.Customer personas should focus on psychographics, not just demographics.Research and data are vital in the branding process.The IDEA method consists of Ignite, Distill, Energize, and Activate phases.Branding requires collaboration and consensus among stakeholders.

    38 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Are you ready to have bigger impact? Command and Control Leadership is Dead. Join our modern leadership movement. We interview leaders, entrepreneurs, and Certified Executive Coaches challenging old paradigms. The brain behaves very differently when 'invited to think' rather than 'told to listen'. Hosted by Nate Leslie - Certified Executive Coach (PCC, CEC, M.Ed.) and former professional athlete.

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