Lead With That Center for Creative Leadership

In this episode of Lead With That, Ren and Allison discuss the climax of the ongoing rivalry between music artists Drake and Kendrick Lamar. After years of alluding to mentions of each other in their music, the feud came to a head when they shifted to air their grievances directly, a common aspect of hip-hop music culture. While both are well known for being influential artists and leaders, their duel has raised questions surrounding the impact of self-expression during times of conflict, especially in the workplace. While there is value in being able to express frustrations freely, this conversation highlights from a leadership perspective, why finding a middle ground through constructive conversations and conflict resolution is the best route to take, especially during tough situations at work.  
 
What to Explore Next:  
5 Steps for Tackling Difficult Conversations - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/5-steps-for-tackling-tough-conversations/ 
6 Tips for Leading Through Conflict in the Workplace - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/calm-conflict-in-the-workplace/ 
The 7 Costs of “Conflict Incompetence” - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/the-cost-of-conflict-incompetence/  
 
Related Solutions:  
Conflict Resolution for Leaders - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/conflict-resolution-training-for-leaders/ 
Conversational Skills Training - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-coaching/coaching-skills-better-conversations-training/ 
Better Conversations Every Day™ - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-programs/better-conversations-every-day-coaching-culture/ 

In this episode of Lead with That, Ren and Allison discuss superstar Beyoncé and the leadership lessons that we can learn from the music, business, and philanthropic accomplishments she has made throughout her career. From her start in the ’90s as part of girl group Destiny’s Child to now, Beyoncé has worked to become a dominant force in the music industry and beyond. Not only has she achieved unparalleled success as an artist, but she has been hailed as an innovator, influential leader, and unwavering advocate for the rights of many marginalized groups – working to pave the way for those who come after her. Beyoncé is proof that authenticity, resilience, and influence are valued aspects of leadership. Listen in as Ren and Allison discuss what it would be like to work with Beyoncé as their manager.
This is the third episode in our special Lead With That series, “Manager Madness,” where we discuss public figures, real or fictional, who embody leadership through both their actions and ability to inspire others. Our listeners voted in a “Manager Madness” bracket on social media stories to rank which leaders they would want to work with the most. Over several months, Ren and Allison will be chatting about each of them one by one until we reveal the winner.
 
What to explore next:
Authentic Leadership: What It Is, Why It Matters - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/authenticity-1-idea-3-facts-5-tips/
How to Influence People: 4 Skills for Influencing Others - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/4-keys-strengthen-ability-influence-others/
Practices for More Resilient Leadership - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/8-steps-help-become-resilient/
 
Related solutions:
Authentic Leadership - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/authentic-leadership/
Resilience Training - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/resilience-training/
Influence Skills Training - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/influence-skills-training/

In this episode of Lead With That, Ren and Allison discuss the recent downsizing at Tesla and the ripple effect that massive layoffs have on leaders and employees across organizations and industries. Beginning this June, Tesla announced plans to lay off around 2,600 employees over a 2-week period, a large percentage of its global workforce. The announcement adds to a growing list of companies following the same pattern: years of growth followed by massive layoffs, leaving thousands of employees in a dreaded position. So, what’s the solution? Ultimately, employees and lower-level leaders don’t always have the power to influence these decisions, but they do have the ability to lead themselves and their teams though the fallout in an impactful and positive way.  
While as a leader there always needs to be a balance between nurturing employees and focusing on the bottom line, the conversation highlights why great leadership is what makes the most difference during times of conflict and disruption.  
 
What to Explore Next:  
Lead With That: What Elon Musk Can Teach Us About Leadership & the Future of Work - https://www.ccl.org/podcasts/lead-with-that-what-elon-musk-can-teach-us-about-leadership-the-future-of-work/  
 How to Lead Effectively Through Disruption - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/lead-effectively-disruptive-world/ 
  How to Be a Successful Change Leader - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/successful-change-leader/ 
 
Related Solutions:  
Leading Through Change & Disruption - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/leading-through-change/ 
Organizational Change & Transformation - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/organizational-leadership/organizational-change-transformation/ 
Change Leadership- https://www.ccl.org/leadership-challenges/change-leadership/  
 
About the Center for Creative Leadership:
Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org
 

In this Episode of Lead With That, Ren and Allison discuss the leadership lessons that we can learn from watching, “The Office.” Since it first aired in 2005, the series has become a favorite for its beloved characters and the way it masterfully depicts the everyday work lives of office employees and their manager. Though Dunder Mifflin is a fictional workplace, there are many lessons we can glean from the experiences and hijinks of the characters, as well as an appreciation for how these experiences transform their leadership styles. Listen in as Ren and Allison explore what their careers would be like if they worked in “The Office.” 
This is the second episode in our special Lead With That series, “Manager Madness,” where we discuss public figures, real or fictional, who embody leadership through both their actions and ability to inspire others. Our listeners voted in a “Manager Madness” bracket on social media stories to rank which leaders they would want to work with the most. Over several months, Ren and Allison will be chatting about each of them one by one until we reveal the winner. 
 
What to Explore Next: 
Building Relationship Skills at Work - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/building-relationship-skills/ 
Focus on These 3 Team Needs to Improve Team Performance - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/what-does-your-team-need/ 
Teamwork: How to Be an Activator, Not a Blocker - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/are-you-a-teamwork-blocker-or-an-activator/  
 
Related Solutions: 
Leadership Development Program (LDP)®- https://www.ccl.org/leadership-programs/leadership-development-program/ 
Conversational Skills Training - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-coaching/coaching-skills-better-conversations-training/ 
Team Collaboration Training - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/team-leader-training/ 
 
About the Center for Creative Leadership:
Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org

In this episode of Lead With That, Ren and Allison discuss the pending ban of social media platform TikTok, and what impact this decision may have on social media users and creators.
On March 13, 2024, the United States House of Representatives voted in favor of passing legislation to ban TikTok if its current owner, ByteDance, does not move to sell their stake in the company within 6 months. As a result, the future of the platform in the US as well as the implications for those who depend on the platform for both income and entertainment alike remain uncertain. While this legislation is primarily about government policy, it highlights from a leadership perspective the important role that trust and transparency play when leaders make decisions that have a major ripple effect on people, whether in an organization or a government.
 
What to explore next:
How Leaders Can Encourage Innovation Instead of Sabotaging It - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/9-ways-senior-leaders-sabotage-innovation/ 
Why Trust Is Critical to Team Success - https://www.ccl.org/articles/white-papers/trust-critical-team-success/
How to Build Trust as a Leader (and Keep It) - https://www.ccl.org/webinars/how-to-build-trust-as-a-leader-and-keep-it/
 
Related solutions:
Innovation Leadership - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/innovation-leadership/ 
Psychological Safety Training - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/psychological-safety-training/
Conversational Skills Training - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-coaching/coaching-skills-better-conversations-training/
 
About the Center for Creative Leadership:
Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org
 

In this episode, Ren and Allison discuss Tennis superstar Coco Gauff, and how at only 19-years-old she has shown tremendous leadership potential through her work on an off the court. From her display of unparalleled athleticism and mental fortitude during matches, to being a strong advocate for social justice initiatives and advancing her community, she has become a role model for many young people around the world. Listen as Ren and Allison picture what their careers would be like if Coco was their manager.
This is the first episode in our special Lead With That series, “Manager Madness,” where we discuss public figures, real or fictional, who embody leadership through both their actions and ability to inspire others. Our listeners voted in a “Manager Madness” bracket on social media stories to rank which leaders they would want to work with the most. Over several months, Ren and Allison will be chatting about each of them one by one until we reveal the winner.
 
What to explore next:
It’s You, Not Them: Why Emerging Leaders Need Your Support to Succeed - https://www.ccl.org/articles/research-reports/its-you-not-them-why-emerging-leaders-need-your-support-to-succeed/
3 Research-Based Strategies to Support the Leaders of Tomorrow - https://www.ccl.org/webinars/3-research-based-strategies-to-support-the-leaders-of-tomorrow-in-the-midst-of-covid-19/
 
Related solutions:
Frontline Leader Impact - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-programs/frontline-leadership-impact/
Lead 4 Success® - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-programs/fundamental-leadership-skills-training/
K-12 & Youth Educational Leadership - https://www.ccl.org/industries-sectors/youth-educational-leadership/   
 
About the Center for Creative Leadership:
Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org