Mind Your Leadership

Keren Tsuk
Mind Your Leadership

In this podcast, I will talk with thought leaders, CEOs, and managers from various organizations about leading mindfully. We will learn from their experience and talk about how they implement mindful leadership in their day-to-day organizational culture.

  1. Agile Leadership and the Flow System with Nigel Thurlow

    9 DEC

    Agile Leadership and the Flow System with Nigel Thurlow

    Welcome to another insightful episode of the Mind Your Leadership podcast! This week, we are honored to host Nigel Thurlow, Toyota's first Chief of Agile and co-creator of the Flow System. With years of experience in Agile and Lean methodologies, Nigel shares invaluable insights into how organizations can move beyond profit-driven models to create human-centered workplaces. Our conversation explores the role of leadership in fostering agility, collaboration, and self-management, as well as the paradigm shift needed to balance people, planet, and profit. The Paradigm Shift: People, Planet, and Profit Nigel Thurlow emphasizes that true agility is not about rigid frameworks or checklists; it’s about behaviors, attitudes, and interactions. He discusses the urgent need for organizations to adopt a new paradigm that balances people, planet, and profit. This shift, he explains, is crucial for creating sustainable and thriving workplaces that attract and retain top talent. Nigel highlights the role of human-centered leadership in driving this change, emphasizing that leaders must create environments where employees feel valued, safe, and empowered to innovate and grow. The Flow System: A New Approach to Business Agility As the co-creator of the Flow System, Nigel introduces this approach as a next-generation framework for achieving business agility. Unlike traditional methods, the Flow System focuses on the interconnectedness of systems, teams, and individuals. It prioritizes psychological safety, open communication, and collaboration to enable organizations to adapt and thrive in complex environments. Nigel shares real-world examples of how the Flow System has been implemented to foster agility, improve team dynamics, and achieve sustainable success. Lessons in Leadership and Followership Leadership, according to Nigel, is about enabling others to grow and succeed. He discusses the importance of self-leadership as a foundation for guiding others effectively. Leaders must focus on creating environments that allow team members to step into leadership roles themselves, fostering a culture of mutual trust and accountability. Nigel also touches on the often-overlooked concept of followership, explaining how it plays a critical role in driving collaboration and achieving organizational goals. Practical Takeaways for Leaders Throughout the episode, Nigel shares actionable insights for leaders looking to embrace agility and humanize their workplaces: - Agility is rooted in behaviors and attitudes, not just methodologies. - Creating psychological safety is essential for fostering innovation. - Leaders must incentivize behaviors that align with organizational values. - Understanding workflows and processes is key to driving improvement. - Communication and collaboration are the foundation of effective agile environments. Conclusion Our conversation with Nigel Thurlow offers a powerful call to action for leaders to rethink traditional approaches and embrace agility as a mindset. By creating humanized workplaces that prioritize people, planet, and profit, organizations can achieve sustainable success and enable their teams to thrive. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Mind Your Leadership podcast. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations with thought leaders who are reshaping the future of work. Full Bio: Nigel Thurlow is Toyota’s first Chief of Agile and the co-creator of the Flow System, a pioneering approach to business agility. With a background in Lean and Agile methodologies, Nigel is a sought-after speaker, coach, and consultant who has worked with organizations worldwide to implement human-centered leadership practices. He is passionate about creating workplaces where people are empowered to grow, collaborate, and innovate.

    39 min
  2. Movement and Leadership: A Dynamic Connection with Kelly Feldkamp

    25 NOV

    Movement and Leadership: A Dynamic Connection with Kelly Feldkamp

    In the latest episode of the Mind Your Leadership podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kelly Feldkamp, founder of ProVention Plus. Kelly’s innovative work focuses on bridging the gap between movement, awareness, and leadership. Through her Move Better Program, Kelly has transformed countless workplaces, enhancing the well-being and performance of employees in physically demanding roles. Our conversation highlighted the importance of physical awareness, not only for personal health but as a crucial tool for effective leadership. Here are some key takeaways from this inspiring discussion. Movement as a Path to Leadership Presence Kelly shared the foundational idea that leadership effectiveness starts with being physically grounded. “If you don’t take care of your body, it’s only a matter of time before it forces you to,” she explained. Leaders who are mindful of their physical health are better equipped to recognize stress, stay present, and make thoughtful decisions, even in high-pressure situations. Her approach emphasizes the role of dynamic, intentional movement as a daily practice to prepare leaders for the demands of their roles. From proper posture to simple stretches, Kelly’s methods encourage leaders to prioritize their well-being as a pathway to clearer thinking and stronger decision-making. Listening to the Body’s Wisdom A recurring theme in our discussion was the wisdom of the body and its role in leadership. Kelly emphasized that leaders often ignore their physical needs until they are forced to confront them due to burnout or injury. By paying attention to subtle signals like fatigue, tension, or discomfort, leaders can proactively address their needs and prevent larger issues down the line. As Kelly put it, “Our body is constantly sending us messages—about stress, energy, and even leadership challenges. When we learn to listen, we can lead more effectively.” Creating Safe Spaces in the Workplace One of Kelly’s standout insights was the need for psychological and physical safety in the workplace. She shared how her team at ProVention Plus creates environments where employees feel comfortable engaging in movement practices, even if they’ve faced trauma or physical limitations in the past. Safety, Kelly noted, is not just a physical necessity but also a cultural one. Leaders who foster environments of trust and openness enable employees to bring their full selves to work, enhancing team cohesion and overall performance. Small Steps, Big Impact Kelly encourages both leaders and employees to adopt simple, consistent habits to integrate movement and mindfulness into their routines. From walking during phone calls to dynamic stretches before starting the day, these practices can have a profound impact on energy levels, focus, and overall well-being. She also highlighted the importance of incremental change. “You don’t have to be perfect,” Kelly said. “Start small, listen to your body, and let those changes build over time.” Leadership Through Movement Our conversation concluded with a powerful reminder: leadership is not just about guiding others but also about modeling self-care and mindfulness. By embracing physical awareness and well-being, leaders can inspire their teams to do the same. Kelly’s work exemplifies the connection between movement, mindfulness, and leadership. Her insights offer practical strategies for fostering well-being in both personal and professional contexts, reminding us that mindful leadership begins with taking care of ourselves. If you haven’t listened to this episode of Mind Your Leadership yet, I highly recommend it. Kelly’s passion and expertise provide invaluable lessons for leaders looking to enhance their presence and build healthier, more resilient teams. Listen now and discover how mindful movement can transform your leadership journey!

    39 min
  3. How Brain Training Can Transform Leadership with Marc van Lokven

    11 NOV

    How Brain Training Can Transform Leadership with Marc van Lokven

    Welcome to the latest episode of the Mind Your Leadership podcast! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Marc van Lokven, a former Royal Netherlands Air Force officer with over two decades of experience. Marc has transitioned from high-pressure military roles—where he served as a squadron commander at an F-16 airfield—to founding Marvalous Health, a company dedicated to enhancing brain function and aiding recovery from stress, burnout, and traumatic brain injuries. With his background in both aviation and neuroscience, Marc brings invaluable insights into resilience, brain health, and the journey of personal transformation. The Journey from Military to Brain Health Advocacy Marc begins by sharing his transition from military life to founding Marvalous Health, describing how his interest in the brain and mental resilience evolved into a full-time mission. His story highlights the importance of understanding stress and trauma—not only in high-stakes environments like aviation but also in everyday life. Marc believes that brain health is foundational to well-being, emphasizing that the skills he learned in the military, like discipline and adaptability, helped him develop his approach to brain training. The Bucket Analogy: Expanding Brain Capacity One of Marc’s key concepts is the "bucket analogy," where brain capacity is likened to the size of a bucket. Stress and mental strain fill the bucket, and without proper management, it can overflow. Marc explains that brain training and mindfulness practices help to expand this capacity, equipping individuals to handle challenges with greater resilience. By nurturing neuroplasticity, we can actively reshape the brain to manage stress more effectively, creating lasting change. Neuroplasticity and the Power of Choice A major focus of the episode is neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and build new connections. Marc explains how neuroplasticity supports self-awareness, a critical component in making conscious choices that lead to personal growth. By combining brain training with mindfulness, individuals can rewire their brains to reduce mental clutter and embrace healthier patterns. Marc shares success stories from his program, illustrating how choice and self-awareness are transformative tools in leadership and personal development. Holistic Health: Integrating Mind, Body, and Soul Marc’s philosophy on brain health is deeply holistic. He discusses the importance of aligning the mind, body, and soul, emphasizing that sustainable mental well-being requires attention to all aspects of health. At Marvalous Health, Marc’s approach integrates brain training with nutrition and physical health to create comprehensive, individualized care. His commitment to holistic healing makes his program beneficial not only for high-performing professionals but for anyone seeking mental clarity and resilience. Leadership Insights: Self-Awareness and Motivation   Marc also speaks on leadership, discussing how self-awareness is crucial in leading consciously and fostering intrinsic motivation in teams. He believes true leadership is about service and helping others realize their potential. By applying the same principles of neuroplasticity and mindfulness that he uses in his brain training, Marc illustrates how leaders can cultivate a supportive, motivated team culture. Conclusion This conversation with Marc van Lokven is filled with valuable insights into brain health, resilience, and mindful leadership. His journey from a military background to mental health advocacy is inspiring, showing how powerful the connection between brain and body can be. We hope you enjoyed this episode of *Mind Your Leadership*! Don’t forget to tune in for more conversations with leaders who are redefining mindful leadership.

    36 min
  4. Prioritizing Self-Care for Effective Leadership with Kelly Palmiero

    30 SEPT

    Prioritizing Self-Care for Effective Leadership with Kelly Palmiero

    In this episode of Mind Your Leadership, Dr. Keren Tsuk interviews Kelly Palmiero, COO of Sierra Tucson, to discuss her career path and the role of conscious leadership in creating supportive organizational cultures. Kelly shares valuable insights on fostering employee wellness, preventing burnout, and cultivating gratitude and mindfulness at work. She emphasizes the importance of investing in employees to improve engagement and well-being, ultimately benefiting both the organization and its clients. Key Points: Career Purpose: Kelly highlights how helping people has been the guiding principle throughout her career. Employee Investment: Leaders must prioritize employee well-being to foster better customer service and outcomes. Burnout in Mental Health: Burnout is common in the industry, making leadership's role in supporting wellness critical. Gratitude and Mindfulness: These practices shift workplace culture positively, enhancing employee morale and productivity. Cross-Department Collaboration: Connecting different teams promotes collaboration and a unified organizational vision. Self-Care for Leaders: Leaders must practice mindfulness and self-care to lead effectively. Guest Contributions: Kelly shares real-life experiences on how mindfulness and gratitude practices transformed Sierra Tucson’s work culture and improved employee engagement. Her leadership strategies have fostered a more empathetic, high-performing team.

    26 min
  5. Unlocking the Future of Work: How to Thrive in a Decentralized Digital World with Sam Rosen

    2 SEPT

    Unlocking the Future of Work: How to Thrive in a Decentralized Digital World with Sam Rosen

    Welcome to the latest episode of the Mind Your Leadership podcast! Today, we are excited to have Sam Rosen as our guest. Sam is the co-founder and CEO of Deskpass, a leading platform that offers access to thousands of coworking spaces across the country. As an entrepreneur and a respected figure in the design community, Sam's journey from co-owning Chicago’s first coworking space, The Coop, to leading Deskpass is both inspiring and insightful. In this episode, Sam shares his experiences and strategies for leading in a decentralized digital world, offering valuable lessons on managing teams and staying connected in today’s flexible work environment. Sam's Journey into Coworking Sam Rosen’s path to becoming a leader in the coworking industry began with his involvement in The Coop, Chicago’s pioneering coworking space. His early experiences in this space ignited a passion for creating environments that foster collaboration and flexibility. This passion eventually led him to co-found Deskpass, a platform that provides flexible workspace solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern professionals. Sam’s journey highlights the importance of adaptability and innovation in the face of changing work environments. The Decentralized Digital World A central theme in Sam’s discussion is the rise of the decentralized digital world. He emphasizes the need for companies to embrace remote work and empower employees to choose where they work best. According to Sam, this shift is not just about location but also about fostering a culture that supports autonomy and flexibility. By allowing employees to work in environments that suit their needs, companies can enhance productivity, satisfaction, and overall team performance. Building a Culture of Teamwork and Connection Sam also delves into the importance of building a strong culture of teamwork and connection, even in virtual spaces. He believes that creating opportunities for informal conversations and personal connections is key to maintaining a sense of community in remote teams. Whether it’s starting meetings with light-hearted conversations or using tools like Slack for asynchronous communication, these practices help bridge the gap between physical distance and emotional connection. Practical Tips for Remote Teams Throughout the episode, Sam offers practical advice for leaders managing remote teams. One of his key recommendations is to reserve synchronous conversations for problem-solving and culture-building while utilizing asynchronous tools for routine updates. This approach not only maximizes efficiency but also ensures that team interactions are meaningful and impactful. Sam’s emphasis on the importance of human connection in the digital space is a reminder that technology should serve as a bridge, not a barrier, to authentic communication. The Future of Work Looking ahead, Sam shares his thoughts on the future of work and the evolving role of leadership in a decentralized world. He advises companies to stay agile and open to new ways of working, recognizing that the future will likely involve a blend of remote and in-person work. By fostering a culture of trust, flexibility, and connection, leaders can navigate the complexities of the modern workplace and create environments where employees thrive. Conclusion Our conversation with Sam Rosen is filled with valuable insights into the future of work, the importance of flexibility, and the power of building meaningful connections in virtual spaces. His experiences and practical tips offer a roadmap for leaders looking to adapt to the evolving landscape of work and create a culture that supports both individual and team success.

    32 min
  6. The Art of Conflict Resolution with Claire Milligan

    19 AUG

    The Art of Conflict Resolution with Claire Milligan

    In the latest episode of the "Mind Your Leadership" podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Claire Milligan, CEO of Aimably. Claire is not only a seasoned leader but also a thought leader in the field of conflict resolution and mindful leadership. Our conversation delved into the intricacies of conflict within organizations and how leaders can navigate these challenges with empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to building trust. Understanding the Root of Conflict One of the most striking points Claire made was the idea that conflict often arises from different sets of information. In many cases, disagreements stem not from fundamental incompatibility, but from varied perspectives, experiences, and data points. This insight is crucial for leaders who want to address conflicts effectively. The Power of Emotional Expression Claire's approach to leadership is deeply rooted in the belief that emotional expression should not be stifled but encouraged—provided it’s done respectfully. She challenges the traditional notion that emotions have no place in the workplace. Instead, she suggests that allowing team members to express their emotions can lead to deeper understanding and more meaningful resolutions. Curiosity as a Leadership Tool Curiosity allows leaders to ask the right questions and to listen deeply to the answers. This approach not only helps in resolving conflicts but also strengthens the connections between team members. When people feel heard and understood, they are more likely to engage constructively in the resolution process. Building Trust Through Transparency Trust is the foundation of any successful team, and it’s especially critical in conflict resolution. Claire highlighted the role of transparent communication in building and maintaining trust within an organization. Leaders who are open about their intentions, decisions, and the reasons behind them foster an environment where team members feel secure in expressing their thoughts and concerns. Embracing Diversity for Stronger Teams Diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a critical component of a resilient, innovative organization. Claire stressed the importance of not only embracing diversity but also leveraging it to enhance conflict resolution efforts. Diverse teams bring a wider range of ideas and solutions to the table, which can lead to more creative and effective outcomes. However, diversity also means that conflicts may arise from misunderstandings or differing viewpoints. Claire’s advice is to approach these situations with an open mind and a commitment to finding common ground. By doing so, leaders can turn potential conflicts into opportunities for growth and innovation. Practical Approaches to Conflict Resolution Throughout our conversation, Claire shared several practical strategies that leaders can implement to navigate conflicts more effectively. These include: - Active Listening: Taking the time to truly listen to all parties involved in a conflict, without interrupting or jumping to conclusions. - Mediating Discussions - Encouraging Feedback - Setting Clear Expectations Final Thoughts: Leading with Empathy and Insight Conflict is an inevitable part of any organization, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. With the right approach, conflicts can be transformed into opportunities for deeper connection, greater understanding, and collective growth. Claire Milligan’s insights on mindful leadership and conflict resolution offer valuable lessons for leaders at all levels. By fostering an environment of trust, encouraging emotional expression, and embracing diversity, leaders can navigate conflicts with empathy and insight. In doing so, they not only resolve issues more effectively but also build stronger, more resilient teams.

    34 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

In this podcast, I will talk with thought leaders, CEOs, and managers from various organizations about leading mindfully. We will learn from their experience and talk about how they implement mindful leadership in their day-to-day organizational culture.

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada