Growing Through It

Jen Arnold
Growing Through It

Tune in to Growing Through It, where every other week, Jen Arnold talks with leaders who've been there. They'll tell you about the twists and turns, and what they learned to become better at leading. Our guests aren't just talking theory; they're managers and team leaders sharing real stories and the lessons that helped them improve. You'll get practical tips and honest advice that you can use to lead your team more effectively. No jargon, just good advice that works. Subscribe for the stories, stay for the breakthroughs, and lead better starting today.

  1. 09/11/2024

    The Critical First 44 Days of Onboarding with Carolyn Sorgenfrei, ICP-ATF

    Attracting top talent is just the first step for organizations. What truly sets successful organizations apart is how they nurture their new hires during those pivotal first days on the job. Building a strong relationship with new hires from the outset increases their engagement and also sets them up for long-term success.  Yet, with the demands of day-to-day responsibilities, leaders may find it challenging to provide the attention new hires need. So, how can leaders help new employees feel productive by the end of week one? Today’s guest, Carolyn Sorgenfrei, shares her expert advice on how to get new hires up and running. Carolyn Sorgenfrei is an accomplished employee experience professional with over a decade of experience in driving culture and engagement across various industries. With a proven track record in developing and implementing impactful employee programs, she has successfully led initiatives that enhance workplace culture, boost employee engagement, and foster a sense of belonging. In this episode, Carolyn shares why positive employee onboarding matters, not only for the new hire but for the organization. She recounts a terrible onboarding experience when she ignored blatant red flags and compares that experience with one that fostered clarity, connection, and a sense of belonging. Carolyn describes what a good onboarding process looks like and how leaders can set their new hires up for success. She explains when leaders should check in with new hires and how to leverage their existing team to help. Carolyn leaves us with the one thing that matters most when leaders onboard new hires.  Listen in for insights on transforming your onboarding experience and nurturing lasting relationships with your team! For full show notes, visit https://growthsignals.co/ Connect with Carolyn on LinkedIn Connect with Jen on LinkedIn

    32 min
  2. 08/28/2024

    Breaking the Status Quo of Performance Reviews with Robert Neiuber, IPMA-CE

    Performance reviews—dreaded by many, effective for few. According to Gallup, only 2% of CHROs from Fortune 500 companies strongly believe that their performance management systems inspire employees to improve. Even more concerning, just 20% of employees feel that their reviews are transparent, fair, or motivational. Despite these discouraging statistics, the annual performance review persists in many organizations. Fortunately, there are forward-thinking exceptions—like today’s guest, Robert Neiuber. Robert Neiuber, Senior Human Resources Director for the City of Rancho Cucamonga, has been with the City for a decade. He led a progressive shift from traditional performance reviews to a dynamic performance development approach during his tenure. This new system prioritizes future growth over past performance, equipping employees with the tools they need for managing their careers. In this episode, Robert details the City’s journey to eliminate performance reviews. He shares the motivations behind the change, the implementation process, and how they successfully rolled out the initiative, including navigating union considerations. Robert also dives into the specifics of their current performance development system, known as MAPs, and discusses their ongoing plans for improvement. As organizations continue to grapple with the limitations of traditional performance reviews, Robert’s insights offer a powerful blueprint for those ready to make the shift. Tune in to learn how you can start moving towards a more dynamic and growth-focused approach to performance management in your own organization. For full show notes, visit https://growthsignals.co/ Connect with Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertneiuber/

    47 min
  3. 08/14/2024

    The Unspoken Rules at Work with Dr. Ella F. Washington, Author, Professor, and Organizational Psychologist

    Ever want to put your head down, work hard, and advance at work? Unfortunately, hard work isn’t enough to get you ahead in most organizations. Navigating the unspoken rules of the workplace is crucial for career success, especially for those from nondominant identities who face additional challenges. If you want to succeed in the business world without sacrificing your authenticity, this episode is for you! Podcast guest and author of Unspoken, Dr. Ella F. Washington, shares why these hidden dynamics exist, how they can impact your professional journey, and how to navigate the unspoken. In this episode, Ella explains the concept of code switching, and how to use it in a way that’s strategic and not soul-crushing. She underscores the value of “reading the room” and observing social dynamics before asserting your competence. Ella defines personal standards of excellence and why they’re critical to career success. She highlights the necessity of networking and showcasing unique skills and contributions.  We discuss Ella’s love of negotiation and how it doesn’t need to stop once you’ve been hired. Finally, she shares why we need to speak the unspoken, giving voice to uncomfortable conversations that can make the workplace a better place. Join us as we dive into strategies for excelling in spaces where what's left unsaid often holds the most power.  Connect with Jen on LinkedIn Connect with Ella on LinkedIn

    41 min
  4. 08/01/2024

    Supporting Leadership to Impact Organizational Wellbeing with Bridgette McCullough, MPH

    When it comes to employee wellbeing, many organizations treat it as a program to add or an exercise class to offer. However, with research pointing to leadership as a key factor in employee wellbeing, isn’t it time we’ve taken a closer look? In this episode, we welcome Bridgette McCullough, a wellbeing practitioner turned Leadership Development Advisor at OhioHealth Leadership Academy. Bridgette's unique role involves creating solutions that foster a culture of well-being through leader support and development. Bridgette spent the last decade advising employers on how to redesign work for well-being by creating environments and experiences where employees can thrive. In this episode, Bridgette shares her career journey from public health to workplace leadership. We delve into the crucial link between wellbeing and leadership and explore why many organizations fail to connect the two. Bridgette sheds light on OhioHealth’s balanced scorecard approach, which incorporates cultural metrics for evaluating leadership performance. We also discuss the various leadership opportunities available at OhioHealth, including training sessions, spot coaching, and an emerging leader program. Bridgette shares what excites her most about her work and leaves us with a practical tip to enhance our own leadership practices. If you’re a leader aiming to make a meaningful impact on your team's wellbeing, this episode is for you. Join us as we explore how to create workplaces that not only enhance employee well-being but also drive organizational success. For full show notes, visit https://growthsignals.co/ Connect with Bridgette on LinkedIn

    45 min
  5. 07/18/2024

    Getting Your Team Change Ready with Kamaria Scott, Founder and CEO of Enetic

    In a world constantly evolving, our ability to adapt to change often defines our personal and professional growth. But when change is happening to us and not for us, how can we prepare both ourselves and others for transitions?  Podcast guest, Kamaria Scott, has been on both sides of change and is here to help us reframe change from a threat into an opportunity for growth. Kamaria is the Founder and CEO of Enetic, a boutique consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations improve manager performance and enabling them to lead engaged, healthy and high achieving teams. An accomplished industrial-organizational psychologist, she has shaped her expertise over two decades, influencing both innovative startups and corporations such as BNY Mellon, FIS, and Accenture. In this episode, we discuss how Kamaria was laid off not once, not twice, but three times over her career. She shares her reactions to those life changing events and how she mastered the art of graceful exits by the 3rd layoff. Kamaria offers advice to organizations and leaders on better ways to handle layoffs and how to lead after select team members are gone. Kamaria explains how to get your team change ready, which includes helping people move on for their growth and development. She describes how leaders can approach change-resistant team members and what to do when they’re handed an unfavorable change. Kamaria leaves leaders with advice on how they can get in touch with their own change readiness.  If you find yourself grappling with organizational changes or seeking guidance on leading through transitions, listen in for how to get your team change ready. For full show notes and links mentioned, visit https://growthsignals.co/

    45 min
  6. 07/03/2024

    Overcoming Postpartum Anxiety While Leading a Team with Beth Finkle, MPH, CHES

    Going back to work after having a baby can be tough, especially if you’re returning to a leadership role. You’re expected to and may want to pick up where you left off. But what happens when you are over-functioning at work and running your team on high octane? Podcast guest, Beth Finkle, candidly shares her post-maternity leave reentry, battling postpartum anxiety and overwhelming emotions. Beth is a loving mom to four wonderful kids and is an experienced worksite wellbeing practitioner with 16 years of expertise. Throughout her career, she’s left her mark in various employer settings, including hospitals, health insurance companies, national sports teams, and higher education. In this episode, Beth shares how she led her team in the first few months after returning from maternity leave. She shares how she was holding it all together at work, only to come home and feel enraged. It wasn’t until her husband noticed she wasn’t herself that she got some help. Beth reveals how she got herself back on track with her wellbeing and leading her team. She shares how her experience made her a better leader and offers her advice to others returning from maternity leave. Beth’s experience underscores the significance of supporting mothers returning back from maternity leave. Her story sheds light on how high-functioning anxiety can be masked as being a “good” employee. Connect with Beth on LinkedIn. Listen to her podcast, Trust Me, at https://www.trustmebk.com/ Watch her Tedx talk here

    35 min
  7. 06/20/2024

    Creating Boundaries for Better Leadership with LeeAnn Garrick, COO, Cook Inlet Tribal Council

    Is saying yes to too many opportunities getting in the way of being the leader you need to be? In a world full of opportunities and endless demands, knowing when to say “no” can be a transformative skill for a leader. But finding the balance between seizing opportunities and protecting our limits is a delicate dance many of us struggle with. With over 25 years in leadership, podcast guest, LeeAnn Garrick, has been on a journey of learning to set boundaries throughout her career. LeeAnn is the Chief Operating Officer of the Cook Inlet Tribal Council where she manages operational units and large-scale programs. As a recovering “yes” person, she’s learned to say no among a slew of work commitments and personal responsibilities to safeguard her well-being. In this episode, LeeAnn recounts a time when she turned down a prestigious fellowship to which she initially said yes. She describes going back to her boss to turn down the opportunity and shares what she learned from that experience. LeeAnn explores where her “yes” attitude comes from and how it’s shifted throughout her career.   We also unpack how difficult it can be to say no and how the first step is self-awareness. Even though she still trips up from time to time, she’s learned that every opportunity is not worth her energy. Finally, she ends by offering advice on how you can decide what opportunities are right for you in your career.

    40 min
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Tune in to Growing Through It, where every other week, Jen Arnold talks with leaders who've been there. They'll tell you about the twists and turns, and what they learned to become better at leading. Our guests aren't just talking theory; they're managers and team leaders sharing real stories and the lessons that helped them improve. You'll get practical tips and honest advice that you can use to lead your team more effectively. No jargon, just good advice that works. Subscribe for the stories, stay for the breakthroughs, and lead better starting today.

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