The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett

Clinton M. Padgett
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  • BUSINESS
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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. 3D AGO

    Get to the Point: A Conversation with Joel Schwartzberg (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint has a conversation with Joel Schwartzberg, communication coach, public speaking expert, and author of “Get to the Point!” During the discussion, Joel shares why most leaders struggle to communicate clearly, how the inability to define a true point undermines impact, and what it takes to craft messages that inspire understanding and action.Drawing on his experience as a national champion public speaker and executive communications leader, Joel explains the difference between sharing information and making a point, why audiences remember only one key idea at a time, and how leaders can sharpen their messaging to drive results. The conversation explores practical frameworks like the “I believe that…” test and the X-Y structure to ensure communication connects with what audiences care about most.Joel also provides actionable guidance on improving emails, presentations, and everyday workplace communication, from writing better subject lines to using PowerPoint more effectively. Packed with relatable examples and practical tools, this episode offers a clear roadmap for communicating with purpose, clarity, and influence.This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered:Joel’s journey from national champion public speaker to executive communication coachWhy most people don’t actually have a clear pointThe difference between sharing information and making an argumentThe “I believe that…” test for sharpening your messageHow the X-Y framework connects ideas to meaningful impactWhy poor communication costs businesses billionsHow to tailor your message to your audience’s needsThe biggest mistakes leaders make in presentations and meetingsWhen to use email vs. chat vs. meetings for effective communicationHow PowerPoint slide titles can strengthen message clarityWhy repeating your point improves retention and influenceHow to eliminate weak language and make communication more specificLinks & Resources:Joel’s website - https://www.joelschwartzberg.net/Joel’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelschwartzberg/Joel’s book, “Get to the Point!” - https://amzn.to/3OsQqruClint’s website - www.clintpadgett.comClint’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintpadgett/Clint’s book, “How Teams Triumph” - https://amzn.to/3JWD2KaClint’s company, Project Success Inc - https://projectsuccess.com/

    42 min

  2. FEB 13

    Chief Kindness Officer: A Conversation with Brian Biro (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Brian Biro – known as “America’s Breakthrough Speaker” and author of “The ROI of Kindness” – the pair explore how intentional kindness, presence, and gratitude can transform leadership, teamwork, and everyday relationships. Brian talks about what it means to become a “Chief Kindness Officer,” explaining why being fully present is the foundation of trust, why appreciation fuels performance, and how truly listening unlocks connection and growth. Through personal stories, leadership lessons, and practical frameworks, Brian shows how small, human choices ripple outward to strengthen culture, retention, and collaboration. The discussion also highlights the neuroscience behind gratitude, the importance of asking better questions, and why focusing on effort and energy – not just outcomes – creates sustainable success.  This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: What it means to be a “Chief Kindness Officer” and why presence builds trust How distraction erodes connection and what true presence looks like The hidden organizational cost of disengagement and turnover Why appreciation for effort matters more than outcome-based praise Gratitude as a leadership practice and performance amplifier The ripple effect of kindness inside teams and organizations Listening as a leadership superpower The difference between enabling vs. disabling questions How better questions strengthen team energy and engagement Focusing on controllables to build confidence and momentum Leadership lessons from Coach John Wooden Why comparison limits growth and how to pursue your personal best

    35 min

  3. FEB 11

    The Return on Kindness: A Conversation with Brian Biro (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint sits down with Brian Biro, known as “America’s Breakthrough Speaker,” a former corporate vice president, elite swim coach, and author of 16 books including “The ROI of Kindness.” Brian shares how kindness, respect, and human connection are not soft skills, but powerful drivers of leadership, culture, and performance. Drawing on lessons from legendary coach John Wooden, Brian explains how belief, expectation, and encouragement unlock hidden potential in individuals, teams, and entire organizations. The conversation explores the difference between being nice and being truly kind, why respect fuels growth, and how leaders can build cultures where people feel valued, energized, and inspired to contribute their best. Packed with practical stories and real-world examples, Brian demonstrates how kindness improves collaboration, reduces stress, strengthens trust, and ultimately delivers measurable results. This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered:Brian’s leadership journey from coaching to corporate transformationLessons learned from legendary coach John WoodenWhy kindness is a leadership superpower, not a weaknessThe difference between being nice and being kindHow belief and expectation shape performance (The Pygmalion Effect)Breaking down silos and building stronger team collaborationRespect as the foundation for growth and connectionThe measurable business impact of kindness and culture Links:Brian’s website - https://brianbiro.comBrian’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbiro/ Brian’s book, “The ROI of Kindness” - https://amzn.to/4a44P5S Clint’s website - www.clintpadgett.com Clint’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintpadgett/ Clint’s book, “How Teams Triumph” - https://amzn.to/3JWD2KaClint’s company, Project Success Inc - https://projectsuccess.com/

    38 min

  4. FEB 4

    Clarity, Trust, and Teamwork: A Conversation with David Allen & Ed Lamont (Part Two)

    In this episode, Clint continues his conversation with David Allen and Ed Lamont, co-authors of the book “Team: Getting Things Done With Others.” During the second part of their discussion, David and Ed unpack what breaks teams down (often in the simplest ways), and what it actually takes to build a culture of clarity, trust, and consistent execution, especially in today’s global, hybrid, 24/7 workplace. From team “working standards” and better meeting roles to the power of delivering on commitments, they share practical frameworks teams can apply immediately to work with less stress, more alignment, and better results. This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered:The “London meeting” disaster and the one fix that would’ve changed everythingTeam working standards (and why “show up on time” has to be agreed on)Why modern work creates more burnout, complexity, and blurred expectationsWhat a “team mind sweep” is and why it helps teams focusCapital-P Team Projects vs. small-p individual projectsSimple meeting upgrades: purpose, roles, outcomes, and time boundariesHow to build trust on distributed teams: “keep your agreements”Making hybrid meetings fairer for remote voicesThe biggest takeaway from the book: simple practices done consistently change everything Links:David & Ed’s book, “Team: Getting Things Done With Others” - https://amzn.to/4qzSRq7 David Allen’s website - https://gettingthingsdone.com David Allen’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidallengtd/ Ed Lamont’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardlamont/ Clint’s website - https://www.clintpadgett.com Clint’s book, “How Teams Triumph - https://amzn.to/3JWD2Ka Project Success Inc - https://projectsuccess.com

    31 min

  5. JAN 28

    Getting Things Done Together: A Conversation with David Allen & Ed Lamont (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint talks with David Allen and Ed Lamont. David is the legendary productivity expert behind Getting Things Done (GTD), a globally adopted methodology for personal and professional efficiency. Ed is a long-time GTD master trainer, business consultant, and executive coach with deep experience helping teams thrive. Together, they’ve co-authored a new book, “Team: Getting Things Done With Others,” which expands the GTD methodology into the world of team performance, group trust, and organizational clarity. During Part One of their conversation, David and Ed explore how the GTD mindset applies not just to individuals but to teams, especially when “getting things done” breaks down. They unpack the invisible assumptions that undermine collaboration, why shared ownership can be a trap, and how clarity around commitments is essential for trust, momentum, and results. This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered:Why teams need a shared operating system, not just shared goalsHow accountability gets confused when everything is “ours”The moment teams think they agreed, but didn’tWhy projects stall even when everyone’s motivatedThe role of “capture” and “clarify” at the team levelHow GTD principles create trust and flow in group settings Links:David & Ed’s book, “Team: Getting Things Done With Others” - https://amzn.to/4qzSRq7 David Allen’s website - https://gettingthingsdone.com David Allen’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidallengtd/ Ed Lamont’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardlamont/ Clint’s website - https://www.clintpadgett.com Clint’s book, “How Teams Triumph - https://amzn.to/3JWD2Ka Project Success Inc - https://projectsuccess.com

    38 min

  6. JAN 21

    Seeing Is Believing: A Conversation with Whitney Johnson (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Whitney Johnson – CEO of Disruption Advisors and bestselling author of “Smart Growth” – they explore how to make personal and professional reinvention real. From unlocking the power of imagery to stretching beyond comfort zones, Whitney shares science-backed tools to help you shift your mindset and lead change from within. She also dives into her concept of the “stretch zone,” explains how your subconscious mind shapes your trajectory, and reflects on what it really means to bet on yourself. This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: The role of imagery in behavior change and goal-settingWhy your subconscious doesn’t know the difference between truth and belief“The Stretch Zone” and how growth happens just beyond your comfortHow to support teams through the uncertainty of changeThe impact of believing in people before they believe in themselvesWhy personal disruption is essential for leadership Links: Whitney’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyjohnson/ Whitney’s book, “Smart Growth” - https://amzn.to/4pxxQel Whitney’s company, Disruption Advisors - https://thedisruptionadvisors.com/ Clint’s website - www.clintpadgett.com Clint’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintpadgett/ Clint’s book, “How Teams Triumph” - https://amzn.to/3JWD2KaClint’s company, Project Success Inc - https://projectsuccess.com/

    28 min

  7. JAN 14

    Smart Growth Starts Inside: A Conversation with Whitney Johnson (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint speaks with Whitney Johnson, Co-Founder and CEO of Disruption Advisors, bestselling author of “Smart Growth,” and one of the world’s most influential management thinkers. Whitney shares how growth follows an emotional journey she calls the “S Curve of Learning” and how leaders can better navigate that journey in themselves and others. She also unpacks how disruption starts from the inside out, why our brains are addicted to being right, and how early beliefs shape our future decisions more than we realize. This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: The S Curve of Learning and why growth isn’t linearHow beliefs formed between ages 0–3 affect us in adulthoodThe neuroscience behind our addiction to being rightCoaching and leading based on where people are on their S CurveThe difference between growth and high growthDisruption as an internal mindset shift, not just a market move Links: Whitney’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyjohnson/ Whitney’s book, “Smart Growth” - https://amzn.to/4pxxQel Whitney’s company, Disruption Advisors - https://thedisruptionadvisors.com/ Clint’s website - www.clintpadgett.com Clint’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintpadgett/ Clint’s book, “How Teams Triumph” - https://amzn.to/3JWD2KaClint’s company, Project Success Inc - https://projectsuccess.com/

    31 min

  8. JAN 7

    The Best of 2025: Highlights From a Year of Meaningful Conversations

    In this episode, we’re closing out the year with a look back at the insights, stories, and moments that stayed with us long after the mic turned off.Clint revisits standout clips from the guests who brought fresh perspective, practical wisdom, and honest reflection to the table in 2025. From leadership and innovation to trust, communication, and purpose, this episode is a highlight reel of the year’s most memorable lessons.In this Best Of The Conversation, 2025, you’ll hear from: Thomas Erikson, behavioral expert and bestselling author, about communicating effectively with people who are very different from you.Eric Stone, a leadership expert and author, discusses building workplace culture as a long-term, repeatable journey.Patti Johnson, change leadership expert and author, about habits, adaptability, and leading through constant change.David Burkus, bestselling author and leadership researcher, about drawing out quieter voices and improving team participation.Urs Koenig, a leadership strategist and author of Radical Humility, discusses confidence, humility, and tough leadership conversations.Amy Sandler, an executive coach and Radical Candor principal, discusses building trust and candor in virtual and hybrid teams.Joey Havens, a leadership expert and author, discusses “magnetic energy” and how to create people-first workplace cultures.Rich Diviney, retired Navy SEAL officer and author, about performance attributes and why they matter more than skills.Indi Young, listening expert and author, about bias, deep listening, and removing assumptions from conversations.Rob Biesenbach, communication expert and author, about storytelling as a practical leadership and influence tool.Todd Henry, author and creativity advisor, talks about why structure and boundaries fuel creative work.Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, about emotional optimism, humanity, and leading with heart at work.Chris Fenning, communication coach and author, about structuring the first minute of conversations for clarity and results.Shane Snow, journalist and author, talks about cognitive friction and how productive conflict drives innovation.Juliet Funt, a productivity expert and CEO of Juliet Funt Group, discusses “white space” and the power of strategic pauses.Simon Mainwaring, brand futurist and author, about “leading with we” to create purpose-driven, high-impact organizations.Clint Padgett revisits the most memorable clips from guests in 2025 on the Conversation, showcasing their fresh perspectives, wisdom, and reflections. Covering topics such as leadership, innovation, trust, communication, and purpose, this episode highlights the key lessons learned throughout the year.

    1 hr
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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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