Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

Meredith Bell
  • 5.0 (48)
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I’m fascinated by what it takes for leaders to live their values consistently, especially when it’s hard.  On the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast, I have candid conversations with senior executives who are working to sustain principled leadership at scale inside complex organizations. We talk about how values are reinforced through leadership capability, organizational systems, and the everyday decisions leaders make.   Our discussions also explore what gets tested when pressure rises—and the personal guardrails leaders rely on to stay aligned.   This podcast is for leaders who believe values should guide real decisions, not just appear on the wall.

  1. 367: Be Yourself at Work

    5D AGO

    367: Be Yourself at Work

    What if being yourself at work wasn’t a risk—but your greatest strength? In this deeply moving conversation, you’ll meet Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and author of Be Yourself at Work. Her presence alone reminds you what leadership can feel like when it’s rooted in humanity, courage, and care.  As you listen, you’re invited to slow down and reflect on who you are beneath the roles you play, especially in moments when pressure makes it tempting to hide behind them. Claude shares how self-awareness, calmness, and intentional kindness help leaders stay grounded when challenges arise, creating workplaces where people don’t have to contort themselves to belong. You’ll hear why leading from the heart isn’t soft—it’s steady—and how the leaders who bring calm, authenticity, and empathy into difficult moments are the ones who build the strongest cultures.  You’ll discover:  How self-awareness becomes the gateway to authentic leadershipWhy belonging matters more than “culture fit”The difference between being nice and practicing real kindnessHow calm leadership steadies teams in uncertain momentsWhat it means to lead with heart—without losing strengthConnect with Claude Silver LinkedIn  Instagram    Website  Claude Silver   Book Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

    54 min
  2. 366: Creating a Great Place to Work For All

    MAR 3

    366: Creating a Great Place to Work For All

    What does it really take to lead well when the world—and the workplace—feels deeply divided? You’re invited into a thoughtful, grounded conversation with Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work, as we explore how trust, character, and everyday leadership behaviors shape cultures where people can thrive, no matter their differences.  You’ll hear why great leadership isn’t about perks or slogans, but about how consistently leaders listen, speak, thank, and show respect. Michael shares data-backed insights from decades of employee experience research, explains how companies earn Great Place to Work certification, and makes a compelling case that organizations that care for people—across demographics, beliefs, and roles—don’t just feel better to work in; they also perform better.  Michael is CEO of Great Place To Work, the global research and analytics firm that produces annual distinguished workplace rankings around the world, such as Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For, the World’s Best Workplaces, and the 100 Best Workplaces for Women. Michael joined Great Place To Work as CEO in 2015, bringing 30 years of experience leading and growing organizations. Michael is driven by a love of business and an unwavering commitment to fair and equitable treatment.  You’ll discover:  Why trust is the foundation of every great workplaceThe leadership behaviors that matter most to employeesHow Great Place to Work measures fairness for allWhat leaders must do differently in polarized timesWhy people-centered companies outperform long-termConnect with Michael C. Bush LinkedIn Website Great Place to Work Book A Great Place to Work for All  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

    56 min
  3. 365: What Really Builds (or Breaks) Trust

    FEB 24

    365: What Really Builds (or Breaks) Trust

    What does it really mean to trust someone—and how intentional are you about the choices you make every day? You’ll rethink trust from the inside out as Charles Feltman challenges the idea that trust is vague or emotional and reframes it as a conscious decision to make something you value vulnerable to another person’s actions.  You’ll learn how trust works in both directions and why being trustworthy isn’t enough if you’re unwilling to extend trust to others. Charles shares a practical, behavior-based framework built around four key domains—care, sincerity, reliability, and competence—along with real workplace examples that show how trust can be strengthened, assessed, repaired, or rebuilt through honest conversation and clear commitments.  Charles has nearly three decades of experience helping leaders and teams build, maintain, and, when necessary, restore trust. He currently runs trust-building workshops under the banner of Trust at Work® and also speaks on the subject. An overarching goal in his work is that his clients achieve what they consider to be their full potential as leaders and as human beings. He is the author of The Thin Book® of Trust: An Essential Primer for Building Trust at Work. Currently in its 3rd edition, it has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide.  You’ll discover:  How to define trust in clear, practical termsThe four domains that determine whether trust grows or erodesWhy focusing on behavior—not character—matters mostHow leaders can repair trust after a misstepA shared language that makes trust discussable at workConnect with Charles Feltman LinkedIn  Website  Insight Coaching  Books The Thin Book of Trust, 3rd edition: An Essential Primer for Building Trust at Work Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

    46 min
  4. 364: Making Global Learning Truly Accessible

    FEB 17

    364: Making Global Learning Truly Accessible

    What if leadership isn’t about confidence or visibility—but about building systems that expand access for others? In this episode, you’ll meet Jiayuan Tian, a social entrepreneur and graduate student at Columbia University SIPA, whose journey through global education reshaped how he understands inequality, opportunity, and leadership. After studying at Minerva University and living across cities around the world, Jiayuan discovered a paradox: the more global his education became, the clearer it was how inaccessible global learning remains for many, often due to invisible barriers like language fluency, insider knowledge, and financial flexibility. That realization led him to co-found OneXplore, a youth-led organization designed to make global learning accessible and humane. Jiayuan shares how his view of leadership has evolved—from personal visibility to leadership as infrastructure: platforms, systems, and cultures that continue to serve people even when the founder steps away. You’ll hear why access itself is a leadership issue, why storytelling carries responsibility, and why leadership is always relational. This episode will invite you to rethink how you design opportunities, support young people, and build organizations that endure through shared ownership and trust.  Under Jiayuan’s leadership, OneXplore has grown into a community of more than 100,000 young people, with partnerships spanning universities, international organizations, embassies, and global nonprofits. You’ll discover:  How leadership can function as infrastructure, not personalityWhy access—not talent—is often the real barrier to opportunityWhat young leaders need most from mentors and employersHow trust and storytelling shape sustainable organizationsWhy community is foundational to effective leadershipConnect with Jiayuan Tian LinkedIn Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

    37 min
  5. 363: Human-First Leadership in the AI Era

    FEB 10

    363: Human-First Leadership in the AI Era

    What if the future of leadership isn’t about choosing between people or technology, but learning how to lead both with intention? In this episode, you’ll hear from Gena Hoxha, PhD, Chief People & AI Officer at Ignitium, who is helping organizations embrace AI in a way that strengthens—not replaces—the human side of work.  You’ll discover how Gena’s own leadership journey shaped her belief that AI transformation must be human-first, grounded in trust, clarity, and shared values. She explains what AI leadership really looks like in practice, how leaders can address fear and uncertainty with honesty, and why developing human skills like emotional intelligence and strategic thinking is more important than ever as AI becomes part of everyday work.  Gena is an organizational strategist and leadership expert focused on shaping a future where AI doesn’t just automate what we do, but elevates who we become. Her work is grounded in a simple belief: AI is here to stay, and if we want it to benefit humanity, we have to design for it on purpose. Originally from Albania and now based in San Francisco, Gena has built her career at the intersection of leadership, transformation, and technology. Her work at Ignitium ensures that AI is implemented responsibly and strategically, while empowering people to stay skilled, connected, and inspired.  You’ll discover: What it truly means to lead AI with foresight, not fearHow to connect AI initiatives to your organization’s valuesWhy transparency builds trust during AI transformationThe human skills leaders must strengthen alongside AIHow proactive leadership can shape your career pathLearn more about Gena Hoxha, PhD on LinkedIn.  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

    46 min
  6. 362: Thriving Starts from Within

    FEB 4

    362: Thriving Starts from Within

    What does it really mean to thrive, especially when success still doesn’t feel satisfying? Kamin Samuel, PhD, brings a grounded, deeply human perspective to thriving—one rooted in self-leadership, self-trust, and releasing the quiet belief that you’re “not enough.” You’ll hear why so many capable leaders, particularly women, undervalue their experience and resilience, and how that habit quietly drains confidence, ambition, and joy.  You’ll also learn how language reveals hidden beliefs, how regulating your nervous system helps unfamiliar situations feel safer, and why small, intentional steps create lasting momentum. This episode invites you to redefine thriving—not as striving or proving—but as living from wholeness, creativity, and the freedom to pursue what truly fulfills you.  Kamin is a trailblazing entrepreneur, international rapid transformational coach, and inspirational filmmaker. Her mission is to uplift, inspire, and empower people everywhere, proving that it’s never too late to thrive. As the US Navy’s first African American woman to serve as a helicopter pilot, Kamin served her country for nine years before transitioning into corporate America, where she rose to become the Vice President of Global Website Operations at a billion-dollar corporation.   Kamin is the co-author with Steve Chandler of the book, Wealth Creation for Coaches, which is an excellent read for anyone who wants to grow their business. She’s also the creator of the documentary film, Courage to Thrive. It tells a universal story of underserved and underestimated women and veterans.   You’ll discover:  How the belief “I’m not enough” quietly limits growthWhy language reveals more about beliefs than you realizeSimple ways to normalize fear in unfamiliar situationsHow small steps build momentum and confidenceA more fulfilling definition of success and wealthKamin's Resources Websites Kamin Samuel Media Kamin Samuel Courage to Thrive Documentary Book Wealth Creation for Coaches _____________________________________________________________ Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

    54 min
  7. 361: Women Leading Change in Construction

    JAN 27

    361: Women Leading Change in Construction

    What does it really take to lead with courage in environments that were not built for you? Gretchen Gagel, PhD, a trailblazer with four decades of experience in the construction industry, shares what she has learned about unconscious bias, the importance of male allies, and what it takes to create truly safe and inclusive workplaces.  We also explore Gretchen’s concept of grounded self-leadership, rooted in courage, humility, and critical thinking, and her bold vision for the International Institute for Women in Construction, a Global Institute dedicated to accelerating the success of women in construction, mining, and energy. This conversation is practical, hopeful, and deeply encouraging for leaders in any industry.  Gretchen has degrees in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, and a PhD in Leadership, Organization Culture, and Change. She’s the former Chair of Brinkman Construction and the author of a new book, Building Women Leaders: A Blueprint for Women Thriving in Construction.   You’ll discover:  The real barriers women still face in construction and similar industriesWhy male allies play a critical role in inclusive leadershipHow grounded self-leadership strengthens confidence and credibilityWhat zero-tolerance cultures look like in actionHow research, storytelling, and convening leaders can drive lasting changeCheck out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

    47 min
  8. 360: When 360 Feedback Becomes a Gift

    JAN 20

    360: When 360 Feedback Becomes a Gift

    What if the feedback you’re most hesitant to receive is actually a gift? In this solo episode, I share what 360-degree feedback really is—and what it is not—drawing on more than 30 years of experience helping leaders use feedback as a tool for growth rather than judgment. I explain how 360 feedback works, why it must always be developmental, and how it helps people see both their strengths and their blind spots through the eyes of others.  I also share a personal story about 360 feedback I once received that surprised me—and ultimately helped me become a better leader. When we take the time to reflect on the data, share it openly, and make a genuine commitment to change, that’s where the real power of this kind of feedback lives. Used well, it builds trust, strengthens relationships, and supports meaningful, lasting growth.  Since 1994, my company, Grow Strong Leaders, has helped organizations use 360-degree feedback to support leadership development—not performance ratings or termination decisions. If you’re curious about using this technology in a way that truly supports growth, connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out through growstrongleaders.com.  You’ll discover: Why 360 feedback should always be developmental, not punitiveHow honest input from others reveals blind spots and strengthsThe importance of sharing your feedback and your intentionsWhy commitment—not data—is where real change beginsHow 360s build trust when used with humility and careCheck out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

    15 min
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5
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

I’m fascinated by what it takes for leaders to live their values consistently, especially when it’s hard.  On the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast, I have candid conversations with senior executives who are working to sustain principled leadership at scale inside complex organizations. We talk about how values are reinforced through leadership capability, organizational systems, and the everyday decisions leaders make.   Our discussions also explore what gets tested when pressure rises—and the personal guardrails leaders rely on to stay aligned.   This podcast is for leaders who believe values should guide real decisions, not just appear on the wall.

Information

  • Creator
    Meredith Bell
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    367
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grow Strong Leaders Podcast
  • Show Website
    Grow Strong Leaders Podcast