Reflect Forward Kerry Siggins

Dr. Douglas Scherer is dedicated to helping leaders move beyond resilience and liberating individuals and organizations into thriving life and work. As a keynote speaker, facilitator, and author, he believes in fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and collaboration. He integrates his mindfulness, reflective learning, and leadership background into a holistic approach that addresses the needs of the whole person and organization. His bestseller, F.O.R.G.E.D.: Six Practices of Great Leaders in Volatile Times, illuminates his passion for empowering individuals through conscious leadership. Dr. Scherer is also a professor at Columbia University, where he teaches courses on strategic thinking, leadership, and fostering innovation.

Episode Insight: You hire people because of their abilities and because you believe in them. Give your team responsibility and let them drive innovation.

Background: During this week’s episode of Reflect Forward, Dr. Douglas Scherer and I dive into all kinds of leadership topics. Douglas teaches leadership at Columbia University and shares all kinds of insights on taking action upon reflection and explaining why micromanaging is so prevalent yet ineffective. We discuss how leaders can be more resilient and transparent and why it inspires people to grow in their roles. Douglas and I also talk about overcoming imposter syndrome and what it’s like to get on stage and speak in front of an audience…hint…we both still get nervous. I know you’ll enjoy this interview, and I look forward to your feedback

How to find Dr. Scherer:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-douglas-scherer/
Website: https://www.douglasscherer.com/

Order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Leading with less ego creates more success…not only for yourself but for team as well. When you have less ego, you and your team can achieve more. Humility is a key factor for effective teamwork, but it is often neglected. For business leaders, promoting humility within teams is not just about being humble; it's about creating a base for stronger, more resilient, and adaptive teams.

During this week's episode of Reflect Forward, we explore the transformative power of humility in leadership. I dive into how humility can dramatically enhance team dynamics, improve performance, and foster innovation. I'll share why humility is an essential tool for any leader and offer practical tips to help you integrate this critical virtue into your leadership style.

The Power of Humility in Leadership
Effective leaders know that true confidence involves recognizing their strengths and weaknesses, and they balance this with humility to foster an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued. This balance drives collective success without compromising assertiveness.

Understanding Humility in Leadership
Humility in leadership means acknowledging the contributions of all team members, prioritizing shared goals, and maintaining openness to feedback and learning. Leaders who embrace their mistakes as growth opportunities propel both personal and team development.

The Impact of Humility
Teams led by humble leaders see a significant increase in performance, with a Harvard Business Review report noting a 55% performance boost over teams with less humble leadership. Humble leaders cultivate a learning culture and enhance team collaboration by valuing every team member's input, which reduces conflicts and fosters innovation. Moreover, a Forbes study highlights that companies with humble leaders experience higher employee satisfaction and a stronger willingness among employees to tackle performance challenges. This adaptability is essential in today’s fast-paced business world.

Challenges to Practicing Humility
Despite its benefits, humility is rare in leadership. Many leaders face cultural pressures to appear always in control, fear that humility may undermine their authority, or lack self-awareness about the benefits of a humble approach. Furthermore, organizational rewards often prioritize individual success over team achievements, which can deter humble leadership practices.

Implementing Humility within Your Team
Leaders can foster humility by promoting open communication, recognizing team efforts, leading by example in learning from mistakes, and investing in team development. These actions demonstrate a commitment to team success and personal growth.

In conclusion, embracing humility doesn't diminish a leader's role but leverages the collective strength of the team, enhancing effectiveness and fostering a sustainable and ethical business environment.

Please consider ordering my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Sam Kabert knows how to overcome the overwhelm. Sam spent the early part of his career chasing success and, in the process, was named to Silicon Valley’s 40 under 40 list at just 31 years old. Despite building a million-dollar business as an entrepreneur, Sam realized he was unfulfilled and lacked a deeper purpose in his life.
Beneath the veneer of success, Sam discovered a deep void within his being. In hindsight, it’s clear that his thirst for success and achievements was an escape to mask his sense of existential angst. This awakening catalyzed Sam’s exploration of his life’s authentic purpose and asking deeper questions, including the mystery of how he could grapple with his mental well-being despite living the life he had once deemed his dream.

Episode Insight: While meditation, journaling, breathwork and similar mindful practices are great and highly effective, unfortunately, they don’t always leave you feeling the same clarity as you felt when partaking in the specific exercise.

Background: I met Sam at an Impact Eleven keynote speaker conference a few years ago, and we connected through experience by sharing our spiritual journeys. Since then, Sam has written a new book, “Overcome the Overwhelm: The Six-Step B.R.E.A.T.H Process and is on a mission to help people reconnect with themselves.

During the episode, Sam shares how he spent the years completely overhauling his life after hitting rock bottom and experiencing a “Dark Night of the Soul” that was a gift in disguise to realign him to his truth. Using plant medicine, he opened his mind to what’s possible in life and now helps people prioritize self-care, self-exploration, and finding happiness within. This is a fun and fascinating interview, taking a deep dive into using therapeutic psychedelics to know yourself better, reduce anxiety and create deeper connections. Please have a listen and let me know what you think!

How to find Sam:
Website: https://www. samkabert.com
LinkedIn: https:// linkedin.com/in/kabert/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/samkabert/

Please consider ordering my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

I am often asked, “How do you accelerate your career?”

According to a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management, 72% of employees ranked opportunities for career advancement as one of the top factors influencing their job satisfaction. While job security and stability are important, the true measure of success lies in continuously expanding your skill set, seizing opportunities for advancement, and positioning yourself as a sought-after asset in the marketplace. By prioritizing personal development, strategic networking, and impactful contributions, you can pave the way for a fulfilling and rewarding career journey that transcends traditional notions of indispensability in the workplace.

With this understanding in mind, here are five essential strategies to help you accelerate your career:

1. Get Stuff Done and Be Easy to Work With: The first step to becoming indispensable is mastering two key traits: being highly productive and fostering positive working relationships. Strive to consistently deliver high-quality work on time while maintaining a collaborative and supportive demeanor. By being known as someone who gets things done efficiently and collaborates effectively with others, you'll quickly become indispensable to your team and organization.

2. Avoid Gossip and Complaints: Gossip and complaints can poison the workplace environment, erode trust, and damage relationships. Focus on maintaining a positive and professional demeanor. Be someone who uplifts others, fosters a culture of respect, and addresses concerns directly and constructively. You demonstrate professionalism and integrity by steering clear of gossip and complaints, making yourself indispensable as a trusted and reliable colleague.

3. Focus on Continuous Growth and Learning: Indispensable employees seek growth and improvement opportunities. Invest in expanding the skills, knowledge, and expertise relevant to your role and industry. Stay abreast of industry trends and developments and be proactive in seeking new challenges and learning opportunities. Try new things, take on projects that stretch you, or put in for a role that allows you to learn something new or a different area of the business. By continuously growing and evolving, you position yourself as a valuable asset capable of adapting to the organization's changing needs

4. Excel in Your Role: whether you're a specialist with deep expertise in a particular area or a generalist with a broad range of skills, the key to indispensability lies in excelling in your role.

5. Build a Strong Professional Network: Cultivate relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals who can support and advocate for you throughout your career. Actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with others, share knowledge, and contribute to the success of your network. B

Accelerating your career trajectory requires standing out and consistently adding unique value. By honing essential skills, maintaining a positive attitude, committing to continuous growth, cultivating specialized expertise, and fostering a robust professional network, you not only solidify your position within the organization but also propel your personal and professional advancement. Becoming indispensable isn't just about job security; it's about becoming a driving force of innovation and success, both for yourself and your organization.

Please consider ordering my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Mike Doniger is clear: As a leader, you should always live your company values. As co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for Chaberton Energy, Mike leads the company's development, engineering and business operations teams. Headquartered in Maryland, Chaberton Energy is a public benefit corporation focused on developing sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

Committed to Lean/Operations Excellence principles, Mike began his career in the U.S. Navy, culminating in service as Chief Engineer of a nuclear-powered submarine. In 2008, realizing the growing need for leadership in the clean energy industry, Mike joined a young biomass-to-energy start-up that became the world's leading supplier of utility-grade wood pellets. Mike held several senior engineering, operations and development positions as the company grew to a $1B market capitalization, deploying over $500M in growth capital and implementing the processes necessary to operate seven manufacturing facilities, four ports, and nearly 600 people. Subsequently, Mike led a 1,200+ person Amazon distribution center outside Richmond, Virginia, implementing same-day delivery service in 2019.

Mike holds a B.S. in Systems Engineering with merit from the U.S. Naval Academy, a Master's in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and a Master's in Business Administration from Georgetown University. He lives outside Richmond, Virginia, with his wife, Luan, and two sons, Benjamin and Aden.

Episode Insight: Our mission is firmly rooted in creating a better world for us and future generations, and we embody the mindset of finding win-win-win outcomes whenever possible.
Background: Mike Doniger and I share this thought: Leaders must live up to their company values.

I met Mike through my new friend, John Saunders, who thought Mike would be a great Reflect Forward guest, and I couldn't agree more. During this week's episode, Mike tells us about his community solar company, Chaberton, which he and his co-founder started in 2020.

Mike's approach focuses on achieving win-win-win outcomes in every aspect of his work. He is committed to benefiting the communities where his projects are located, from the thoughtful siting and design of each project to the Chaberton Cares giving program. His efforts also support those in greatest need, such as lower-income families and small, local businesses, while fostering a positive environment for his employees, given that his business is employee-owned. Additionally, Mike ensures that his customers and other stakeholders consistently receive value and consideration in all business dealings.

Mike tells us how Chaberton's employees are part of "One Chaberton," which adheres to a structured, stage-gated approach to development. At the outset of a project, the risk of failure is notably high. Therefore, Mike implements guardrails, allowing incremental spending approvals as each project milestone is met, thereby reducing the overall project risk. This strategic approach ensures that creativity and excellence are maintained throughout development.

How to find Mike:
Website: https://www.chaberton.com/
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/chaberton-energy/
email: https://linkedin.com/in/mjdoniger/

Please consider ordering my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Have you ever thought about mastering the art of bad news? One of the most challenging situations you can face as a leader is hearing and delivering bad news. Whether it's financial losses, project setbacks, or organizational changes that might not be well received, handling these moments can significantly impact your effectiveness and the trust you engender in your team.

During this week's episode of Reflect Forward, I discuss how you can manage your reactions and confidently guide your team during difficult times.

Handling Yourself with Poise
The first step in dealing with bad news is managing your own emotional response. It's natural to feel stressed, disappointed, or even angry, but your reactions are closely observed as a leader and can set the tone for the entire team. During the episode, I discuss the importance of pausing before reacting, assessing the situation objectively, and seeking counsel.

The Importance of Staying Cool, Calm, and Collected
The demeanor you exhibit in times of crisis is a direct reflection of your leadership. Staying calm helps you think more clearly and reassures your team that challenges are manageable. Why does a composed attitude matter? It [promotes rational thinking, helps you stay calm and reduces anxiety among team members, leading to a more constructive approach to solving problems.

Responding in a Way That Builds Trust and Respect
How you communicate bad news can significantly affect how your team perceives the situation and your leadership. Here's how to approach it:

Be Transparent: Share what you know and admit what you don't. Honesty fosters trust and invites the team to be part of the solution, which can lead to innovative approaches to challenges.

Show Empathy: Acknowledge the impact of the bad news on your team. Expressing empathy can alleviate fears and foster a supportive culture.

Empower Your Team: Involve your team in crafting solutions. Asking your team what they think not only enhances their commitment to the organizational goals but also boosts morale.

Follow Through with Action: After discussing the bad news and potential solutions, outline clear steps forward and follow through. Accountability shows that you are proactive and dedicated to overcoming obstacles.

Creating Psychological Safety and Earning Respect
Responding effectively to bad news involves creating an environment where team members feel safe to express concerns and propose solutions without fear of negative repercussions. I recommend encouraging open communication, leading by example, and acknowledging your team's effort. Doing these things will boost morale and strengthen loyalty.

Handling bad news well not only helps in managing the immediate challenges but also strengthens your reputation as a capable leader. By staying composed, being transparent, and creating an inclusive environment, you can guide your team through adversity and emerge stronger on the other side.

Please consider ordering my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!