WiLD Conversation

WiLD Leaders
WiLD Conversation

Whole + intentional leader development topics every week. Get to know the WiLD team, experts in whole leader development, and creators of the WiLD Toolkit.

  1. 29 OCT

    The Lies We Tell Ourselves About Mentoring

    In this eye-opening episode of the WiLD Conversation Podcast, Dr. Ellen Ensher delves into the myths surrounding mentorship. She challenges the belief that simply having a mentor is a one-way ticket to career success. Dr. Ensher and Dr. McKenna discuss the importance of realistic expectations, the limitations of traditional mentorship structures, and the essential role of self-awareness in career growth. From the complexities of AI-assisted mentor matching to the responsibility of contributing back to one's mentors, she shares her insights on how to get the most out of mentoring relationships. Key Takeaways: Mentorship Isn’t a Fix-All SolutionJust having a mentor won’t automatically solve all career challenges. Mentorship is only one part of a larger growth process that involves self-awareness and the willingness to learn and give back. AI and Choice Improve Mentorship MatchesRandom mentor-mentee pairings rarely succeed. However, recent advances in AI offer more refined matching options, though even with algorithms, success depends on a degree of personal choice. Set Realistic ExpectationsMentors aren’t miracle workers. Building a successful mentoring relationship requires calibrating expectations and understanding that it may not fulfill all emotional needs, but can still offer valuable insights.   For more about Dr. Ellen Ensher : https://ellenensher.com/ Ready to explore how we can build trust in your organization? https://meetings.hubspot.com/chris-shaffer/wti-info For more about WiLD Leaders: https://www.wildleaders.org/

    36 min
  2. 15 OCT

    If You Don’t Have Trust You Can’t Bake the Cake - Dr. Les Parrott author of Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts

    In this episode, #1 New York Times best-selling author Dr. Les Parrott reveals the shocking truth about empathy: it’s not just about feelings—it’s about being a HERO! Discover how true empathy can push you to risk it all for others and why this rare skill sets real leaders apart.    While inspiration is important, real transformation requires a combination of motivation and the right nudge at the right moment. Dr. McKenna and Dr. Parrott discuss the importance of teaching practical, easily executable behaviors that are backed by research, like the simple yet profound act of seeing conflict from your partner's perspective. Surprisingly, doing this can resolve conflict 90% of the time.   Dr. Parrot and Dr. McKenna empower individuals, teams, organizations, and couples to foster a foundation of trust and create environments where people feel secure enough to take calculated risks that will transform relationships, elevate leadership, and make us an unstoppable force.   Here are just a few powerful takeaways:   Empathy is an act of bravery, often requiring personal sacrifice to support others. Real change comes from pairing motivation with simple, actionable behaviors and timely nudges. Emotional safety and trust are essential for encouraging risk-taking and growth within teams and relationships.   #EmpathyUnlocked #LeadershipHacks  #ConflictResolution #TrustMatters #BeTheHero #LesParrott #WiLD #Conversation #Podcast #Business #Marriage #Trust    For more on Les and Leslie’s work click here: https://www.lesandleslie.com/   To order Trading Places: https://store.lesandleslie.com/collections/trading-places   For more on the WiLD Trust Index: https://www.wildleaders.org/wild-trust-index   Connect with a WiLD team member: https://www.wildleaders.org/get-started

    55 min
  3. 8 OCT

    “Thank You for Saying The Hard Thing Now” on Lifelong Learning and Leadership with President Deana Porterfield

    "Thank You for Saying the Hard Thing Now" – on Lifelong Learning and Leadership. In this must-listen episode, the art of life long learning and leadership takes center stage as President Deana Porterfield and Dr. Rob McKenna dive into leadership lessons that everyone needs to hear. Here are just three of many takeaways: Mastering Tough Conversations: Learn the secret to surviving a challenging conversation without blowing up! President Porterfield emphasizes the importance of being open to feedback, expressing concerns productively, and keeping the dialogue going—even when it gets uncomfortable. Own Your Role: This episode shows why leadership is about learning to "manage up" rather than seeking a place to complain—own your role, and navigate up the chain with maturity. Openness is Key to Growth: Want to grow as a leader? You need to be open to self-awareness. President Porterfield reveals why mentorship and development only work when you're willing to own your weaknesses and take accountability for your actions. This episode is a game-changer for anyone looking to sharpen their leadership skills and face hard truths head-on! Don’t miss it! For more on Seattle Pacific University visit: https://spu.edu/ For more on WiLD Leaders visit: https://www.wildleaders.org/ Let's connect to explore how you can use the WiLD Trust Index to measure and nurture trust in your own organization. Click here for more on the WiLD Trust Index: https://www.wildleaders.org/wild-trust-index #LeadershipSkills #ToughConversations #ProfessionalGrowth #MentorshipMatters #OwnYourRole #Whole #Intentional #Leader #Development #Trust #WildTrustPlatform #SPU #Podcast

    49 min

About

Whole + intentional leader development topics every week. Get to know the WiLD team, experts in whole leader development, and creators of the WiLD Toolkit.

You Might Also Like

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