The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett

Clinton M. Padgett
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Did you realize the key to business and team success finds its roots deep in conversation? Join Clint Padgett, who’s built his career helping Fortune 100 companies optimize their businesses, as he interviews leaders who encourage employees to learn, challenge, and grow. If you want to effectively manage people and optimize results, this is the podcast for you. The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett from Forbes Books.

  1. 1d ago

    Building the Systems that Scale: A Conversation with Alisa Cohn (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint's conversation with Alisa Cohn, top-ranked executive coach and author of “From Start-Up to Grown-Up,” the discussion turns from personal leadership to organizational leadership. Alisa shares practical advice for leaders who want to better understand their impact, give more effective feedback, build stronger cultures, and create the structure necessary for growth. She explains why difficult conversations are often acts of service, how trust is built in remote and hybrid environments, and why the most successful leaders continuously make time to reflect and learn. Whether you're leading a startup, managing a growing team, or simply looking to become a more effective leader, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can put to work immediately. This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: How to gather honest feedback about your leadershipUnderstanding the difference between intention and impactThe "COIN" framework for difficult conversationsWhy hinting is not a leadership strategyTurning feedback into growth opportunitiesWhy structure is essential for scaling organizationsCreating productive meetings and better decision-making processesBuilding intentional company cultureThe difference between stated values and actual behaviorsLeading remote and hybrid teams effectivelyBuilding trust when teams aren't physically togetherThe role of communication in organizational successWhy reflection and learning agility separate great leaders from the restLinks:Alisa’s website - https://www.alisacohn.com/  Alisa’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisacohn/  Alisa’s book, “From Start-Up to Grown-Up” - https://amzn.to/4gk9p38

    22 min

  2. Jun 24

    Managing Yourself Before Managing Others: A Conversation with Alisa Cohn (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint sits down with Alisa Cohn, one of the world's leading executive coaches and author of “From Start-Up to Grown-Up.” Having coached founders and executives at companies including Venmo, Etsy, DraftKings, Microsoft, Google, and IBM, Alisa has spent her career helping leaders navigate the challenges that come with growth. In Part One of their conversation, Clint and Alisa discuss why leadership starts with self-awareness, how founders unintentionally shape company culture through their words and actions, and why many leadership challenges have less to do with the business itself and more to do with the person leading it. They also cover imposter syndrome, emotional regulation, the importance of reflection, and why praise may be one of the most underutilized tools in a leader's toolbox. This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered:Why a founder's suggestions often become "orders"The leadership challenge of scaling yourself as a company growsManaging yourself before managing your teamReflection versus reaction in difficult situationsWhy leadership is an "unnatural act"The dangers of hiring people who are too similar to youImposter syndrome among successful founders and executivesBuilding comfort with discomfort as a leaderWhy praise is a leadership superpowerUnderstanding the difference between intention and impactCreating cultures where people feel valued and appreciatedThe importance of self-awareness in effective leadershipLinks:Alisa’s website - https://www.alisacohn.com/  Alisa’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisacohn/ A lisa’s book, “From Start-Up to Grown-Up” - https://amzn.to/4gk9p38

    32 min

  3. Jun 16

    2026 Mid Year Recap: Lessons in Leadership, Teamwork, and Communication

    In this special mid-year episode of The Conversation, Clint looks back at some of the most memorable insights, practical lessons, and thought-provoking moments from the first half of 2026. Featuring highlights from conversations with communication experts, leadership coaches, bestselling authors, researchers, executives, and military leaders, this episode explores what it takes to build stronger teams, communicate more effectively, foster trust, create meaningful work, and lead people through change. Whether you're a longtime listener or discovering The Conversation for the first time, this recap offers a powerful introduction to the ideas and perspectives that shaped the podcast during the first six months of the year. Topics Covered: Why great communicators focus on what their audience needs to hearThe role emotional intelligence plays in team performanceCreating alignment through clarity, repetition, and shared visionThe power of identity, self-belief, and personal growthWhy stories are one of the most effective leadership toolsHelping every team member understand their value and contributionThe impact of meaningful recognition and "Thank You Plus"Leadership lessons from military serviceWhy celebration and positive support fuel performanceListening as a critical leadership skillBuilding psychological safety and encouraging idea-sharingCreating more meaningful work and stronger workplace cultures Featured Guests:Joel Schwartzberg, Dr. Vanessa Druskat, David Allen, Ed Lamont, Whitney Johnson, David Aaker, Brian Biro, Paula Davis, Mark Fava, Joel Zeff, M.J. Clark, and Wes Adams Links:Clint’s website - https://clintpadgett.com/  Clint’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintpadgett  Clint’s book, “How Teams Triumph” - https://amzn.to/3YPVLLi  PSI’s website - https://projectsuccess.com/

    39 min

  4. Jun 10

    The Power of Positive Support: A Conversation with Joel Zeff (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Joel Zeff – national speaker, work culture expert, improviser, and author of “Make the Right Choice” – Joel shares why positive support, adaptability, and presence are essential for strong teams and healthy workplace culture. Joel explains how improv comedy became the foundation for his approach to leadership and communication, why “creative zombies” can quietly damage innovation and morale, and how listening and being present help teams communicate more effectively. He also discusses why great leaders create opportunity, embrace change, and focus on helping the people around them succeed. Along the way, Joel shares stories about movie theater jobs, Cowboy Bob, workplace buzzwords, and why authentic, energized people will always be valuable no matter what industry they work in. This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered:Why positive support and opportunity create stronger teamsThe danger of “creative zombies” in organizationsHow improv teaches adaptability, flexibility, and communicationWhy listening is the foundation of effective teamworkThe importance of being present and engaged in conversationsHow different communication styles impact collaborationWhy authentic leadership matters more than corporate buzzwordsHelping the people around you succeedWhy great leaders humanize themselvesThe role energy and attitude play in workplace culture Links:Joel’s website - https://www.joelzeff.com/ Joel’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelzeff/ Joel’s book, “Make the Right Choice” - https://amzn.to/4uAQIfX

    42 min

  5. Jun 3

    Why Celebration Matters More Than Leaders Realize: A Conversation with Joel Zeff (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint talks with Joel Zeff – national speaker, work culture expert, improviser, and author of “Make the Right Choice” – about how energy, celebration, and positive support shape team culture and performance. Joel talks about how a chance introduction to improv comedy led to a career speaking to organizations about leadership, teamwork, and communication. Along the way, he explains why celebration fuels confidence, why people need more “ta-da” moments at work, and how staying in the game through difficult situations often leads to growth and opportunity. Joel also shares the unforgettable story of “The Magic Harmonica” and how losing his newspaper job unexpectedly became one of the most important lessons of his career. This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: How improv comedy became the foundation for Joel’s leadership philosophyWhy positive support and opportunity fuel passion at workThe importance of celebrating small wins and “ta-da” momentsWhy appreciation is one of the most overlooked leadership toolsHow leaders can create cultures where people care and contributeThe role of creativity, fun, and energy in team performanceLessons learned from losing a job and “staying in the game”The story behind “The Magic Harmonica” Links:Joel’s website - https://www.joelzeff.com/ Joel’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelzeff/ Joel’s book, “Make the Right Choice” - https://amzn.to/4uAQIfX

    43 min

  6. May 27

    Trust, Psychological Safety, and Better Teams: A Conversation with Wes Adams (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Wes Adams – Founder & CEO of SV Consulting Group, researcher at the University of Pennsylvania’s Positive Psychology Center, and co-author of “Meaningful Work” – Wes breaks down what actually creates high-performing teams and why trust, psychological safety, and communication matter more than most leaders realize. Wes explains how great teams encourage diverse ideas, why leaders need to create environments where people feel safe sharing bad news early, and how collaboration improves when teams adopt a “yes, and” mindset instead of shutting ideas down. He also discusses the importance of values-based hiring, intentional onboarding, and how organizations can build stronger cultures by aligning leadership behavior with company values. The conversation also explores the future of meaningful work in the age of AI, and why human skills like empathy, adaptability, strategic thinking, and communication are becoming more valuable, not less.This is the second part of a two-part conversation.Topics Covered: Why psychological safety drives team performanceThe connection between trust and accountabilityHow leaders create environments where people feel safe speaking upWhy teams perform better when diverse ideas are welcomedLessons leaders can learn from improv and the “yes, and” mindsetEncouraging participation from quieter or introverted team membersThe importance of equal airtime in meetingsWhy remote and hybrid teams require more intentional communicationHow to respond productively during conflict and disagreementThe PEAR model for handling difficult conversationsWhy character and values matter more than raw talent when hiringThe long-term impact of onboarding and first impressionsUsing positive feedback to reinforce high performanceHow meaningful work influences accountability and collaborationThe role of AI in reshaping work and leadershipWhy human skills are becoming even more valuable in an AI-driven worldLinks: Wes’ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesadams1/ Wes’ book, “Meaningful Work” - https://amzn.to/430EmSa

    32 min

  7. May 20

    Meaningful Work Drives Meaningful Results: A Conversation with Wes Adams (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint talks with Wes Adams – Founder & CEO of SV Consulting Group, researcher at the University of Pennsylvania’s Positive Psychology Center, and co-author of “Meaningful Work” – about what actually drives engagement, performance, and fulfillment at work. Wes explains why meaningful work is more than compensation, perks, or job titles, and why leaders who focus on community, contribution, and challenge create teams that are more innovative, resilient, and accountable. He also breaks down the difference between happiness and meaning at work, why meaningful work can exist in any role, and how small leadership behaviors can have a massive impact on team culture and performance. Throughout the conversation, Clint and Wes explore the growing importance of human-centered leadership in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world, and why creating meaningful work is quickly becoming one of the most important competitive advantages organizations can build.This is the first part of a two-part conversation.Topics Covered: Why meaningful work is a major driver of performanceThe “3 Cs” of meaningful work: community, contribution, and challengeWhy purpose alone isn’t enough to create engagementThe difference between meaningful work and happy workHow leaders create environments where people thriveWhy community at work matters more than everBuilding trust and psychological safety on teamsThe impact of remote and hybrid work on connection and belongingWhy meaningful work can exist in any role or industryThe importance of aligning company values with leadership behaviorWhy positive feedback is one of the most underused leadership skillsHelping employees grow through achievable challengeHow meaningful work drives accountability and collaborationWhy psychological safety improves innovation and adaptabilityThe growing importance of human skills in the age of AILinks: Wes’ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesadams1/ Wes’ book, “Meaningful Work” - https://amzn.to/430EmSa

    43 min

  8. May 13

    Better Thinking, Better Leadership: A Conversation with M.J. Clark (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with M.J. Clark – Vice President at Integrated Leadership Systems and author of “Leading Through Listening – M.J. dives into the internal side of leadership, explaining how mindset, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence shape the way leaders communicate, handle conflict, and build trust. She introduces the ABC model (Activating Event, Belief System, Consequences) as a practical framework for understanding and changing reactions, and explains how leaders can shift from emotional responses to more thoughtful, productive behaviors. M.J. also explores why cognitive dissonance and lack of self-awareness often lead to poor decisions, miscommunication, and even dishonesty in the workplace. The conversation also covers how leaders can navigate difficult conversations, de-escalate conflict, and create accountability, while reinforcing why face-to-face communication remains essential for building trust and strong team dynamics.This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered:The ABC model and how thoughts drive emotions and behaviorHow to reframe negative thinking into practical, productive responsesWhat cognitive dissonance reveals about self-awareness and behaviorWhy leaders struggle to accurately assess their own communication styleThe role of emotional intelligence in handling feedback and conflictHow reactive behavior signals low leadership maturityTechniques for de-escalating conflict through tone, pacing, and questionsWhy asking questions helps shift emotional conversations to logical thinkingThe importance of face-to-face communication for trust and accountabilityHow to create accountability without formal authorityWhy starting with trust accelerates relationships and team performanceThe difference between communication and true conversationPractical ways to close the loop and ensure clarity in communicationHow journaling and self-observation improve leadership effectivenessLinks: M.J.’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjclark22/ M.J.’s book, “Leading Through Listening” - https://amzn.to/4ugN22q

    39 min
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About

Did you realize the key to business and team success finds its roots deep in conversation? Join Clint Padgett, who’s built his career helping Fortune 100 companies optimize their businesses, as he interviews leaders who encourage employees to learn, challenge, and grow. If you want to effectively manage people and optimize results, this is the podcast for you. The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett from Forbes Books.

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