THE BOLT Podcast

WRKdefined Podcast Network
  • 5.0 (43)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

A leadership and personal growth podcast exploring how to navigate change, build mental fitness, and choose growth over comfort. Real conversations with leaders who turned insight into action and created lasting transformation.

  1. Aug 24

    The Truth About Equity with Celeste Warren

    This episode explains what equity means, how it differs from equality, and why equitable leadership can help people perform at their best. Celeste Warren draws on decades of HR and diversity leadership to explain why treating everyone the same does not always create equal opportunity. The conversation explores workplace barriers, unconscious bias, hiring practices, inclusive systems, employee development, and why leaders need to understand where each person is starting from. Listeners will learn practical ways to identify barriers, ask better questions, create access to opportunity, and build workplaces where more people can contribute their full potential. Key Takeaways Equity creates access to opportunity, not preferential treatment. Equity and equality are not the same. Treating everyone the same is not always fair. Curiosity helps leaders uncover unseen barriers. Equitable hiring does not mean lowering standards. Unconscious bias can influence people decisions. Better systems create more equitable workplaces. Great leaders meet people where they are. Equity can strengthen engagement, retention, and innovation. Equity helps unlock human potential. https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/the-truth-about-equity-with-celeste-warren/ Thanks for listening or watching! We appreciate you. Follow us at: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb⁠⁠ ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ⁠⁠ToddBertsch.com

    The Truth About Equity with Celeste Warren

  2. Aug 12

    Leadership Is Stewardship with Kyle Wells

    Kyle Wells, President of Champion Personnel, shares how leaders can build trust, strengthen culture, improve retention, and guide teams through uncertainty by putting people first. Drawing on his unconventional path from a temporary shop-floor worker to a company owner, Kyle explains why vulnerability, transparency, self-awareness, and investing in employees are essential leadership skills. The conversation also explores hiring challenges, employee experience, AI's impact on recruiting, mental fitness, and practical ways leaders can create workplaces where people feel valued and want to stay. Key Takeaways Transparency and vulnerability build trust. Investing in people strengthens culture and retention. Strong leaders put people before pride. Change is easier when employees feel heard. Great hiring starts with an honest candidate experience. Employer brand plays a major role in attracting talent. AI makes human relationships even more valuable. Mental fitness improves clarity under pressure. Self-awareness is essential for effective leadership. Small steps create meaningful momentum. https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/leadership-is-stewardship-with-kyle-wells/ Thanks for listening or watching! We appreciate you. Follow us at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddbhttps://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ToddBertsch.com

    Leadership Is Stewardship with Kyle Wells

  3. Jul 28

    Know Yourself. Lead Yourself. Change Everything. With Dana Williams

    Know Yourself Before Leading Others Learn why self-awareness is the foundation of authentic leadership and how understanding your strengths, values, habits, and blind spots can change the way you lead. Todd Bertsch and leadership identity expert Dana Williams explore why so many leaders focus on fixing everyone else before doing the internal work themselves. They discuss how assessments like CliftonStrengths, Spark Quotient, Positive Intelligence, and the Authentic Imprint framework can provide meaningful insight without putting people in a box. You'll also hear practical ways to build daily habits that strengthen self-awareness, reduce burnout, improve decision-making, and help you lead from your authentic identity instead of performance pressure. Key Takeaways Leadership begins with understanding yourself before trying to lead others. Self-awareness often requires an interruption that challenges old habits and assumptions. Assessments should serve as mirrors that increase awareness rather than labels that limit potential. Knowing your strengths helps you lead with more confidence and authenticity. Burnout often comes from performing leadership instead of leading from your true identity. Personal growth happens when insight is followed by consistent action. Daily reflection and intentional habits create lasting leadership change. Psychological safety starts with leaders who are willing to do their own internal work. Authentic leadership grows when your strengths, values, and purpose align. Small daily choices to pursue growth over comfort create long-term transformation. https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/know-yourself-lead-yourself-change-everything-with-dana-williams/ Thanks for listening/watching! We appreciate you. Follow us at: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb⁠⁠ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ⁠⁠ToddBertsch.com

    Know Yourself. Lead Yourself. Change Everything. With Dana Williams

  4. Jul 15

    How Great Leaders Build Loyal Teams with Dave Walter

    What makes employees stay, grow, and give their best every day? In this episode, Todd Bertsch sits down with veteran leadership executive Dave Walter to explore the principles of people-first leadership. You'll learn how coaching builds stronger teams than command-and-control management, why psychological safety improves performance, how to identify future leaders, and why treating people with dignity and respect creates lasting loyalty. Whether you're a new manager or an experienced executive, this conversation offers practical leadership strategies you can apply immediately. Key Takeaways Great leaders build trust by listening more than they speak. People perform better when they are treated with dignity and respect. Coaching develops employees more effectively than fear-based management. Many organizations fail because they promote managers without leadership training. Psychological safety encourages honest feedback and continuous growth. Consistent one-on-one meetings strengthen relationships and improve engagement. Growth requires stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing discomfort. Hiring for character and culture is just as important as hiring for skills. Proactive leadership helps prevent burnout before it becomes a retention problem. Performance and loyalty naturally follow when leaders genuinely invest in people. https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/how-great-leaders-build-loyal-teams-with-dave-walter/ Follow us at: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb⁠⁠ ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at https://www.toddbertsch.com/

    How Great Leaders Build Loyal Teams with Dave Walter

  5. Jun 29

    Your Brain Is a Real Ahole: Making Managers Suck Less with Dr. Jamie Lewis Smith

    Why do smart, capable people overthink, avoid difficult conversations, resist change, and sometimes become ineffective leaders? According to psychologist and executive coach Dr. Jamie Lewis Smith, it's because our brains aren't designed to make us successful—they're designed to keep us alive. In this episode of The BOLT Podcast, Todd Bertsch sits down with Dr. Jamie Lewis Smith (aka the NeHRd Lady), Founder and CEO of Pixel Leadership Group, to explore the fascinating connection between neuroscience, leadership, burnout, and workplace culture. Together, they unpack why our brains often sabotage our best intentions and how understanding human behavior can transform the way we lead ourselves and others. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, manager, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to better understand your own mind, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to build cognitive agility, create psychologically safe teams, coach more effectively, and become the kind of leader people actually want to follow. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why your brain naturally resists change—and how to work with it instead of against it The surprising reason great employees often become ineffective managers What "making managers suck less" really means How psychological safety fuels innovation, trust, and employee engagement Three things every employee's brain needs to feel safe at work Why coaching is one of the most valuable leadership skills you can develop The hidden cost of canceling one-on-one meetings How clarity reduces stress and increases performance Why servant leadership creates stronger organizations Practical brain hacks to become a more resilient and empowering leader https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/your-brain-is-a-real-ahole-with-jamie-lewis-smith Thanks for listening or watching! We appreciate you. Follow us at: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ⁠https://www.toddbertsch.com/⁠

  6. Jun 15

    How to Break Out of the Sea of Sameness and Become Unforgettable with Jason Zygadlo

    What makes someone stand out in a crowded job market, competitive industry, or rapidly changing world? In this episode, we explore how personal branding, resilience, and intentional action can help people create new opportunities and build meaningful careers. The conversation covers overcoming setbacks, navigating career transitions, building trust, creating memorable customer experiences, and why growth often requires stepping outside of comfort zones. Listeners will learn practical ways to differentiate themselves, strengthen relationships, and create lasting impact both professionally and personally. Key Takeaways Success often requires leaving comfortable situations to pursue meaningful growth. Personal branding is about clearly communicating what makes you different and valuable. Career setbacks can become opportunities to reevaluate priorities and purpose. Building trust creates long-term opportunities that transactions alone cannot. Small acts of intentionality can have a lasting impact on relationships and customer experiences. Standing out requires more than qualifications; it requires memorable action. Personalized communication helps create stronger connections and credibility. Growth happens when people challenge themselves instead of staying comfortable. Resilience is built through adversity, reflection, and consistent effort. The most successful professionals focus on serving others and creating value. https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/how-to-break-out-of-the-sea-of-sameness-with-jason-zygadlo Thanks for listening! We appreciate you.Follow us at:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb⁠⁠ ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ⁠⁠ToddBertsch.com

  7. Jun 3

    The Secret to Leadership and Work-Life Harmony with Andre Young

    In this episode, we explore why leadership is one of the most important skills people are rarely taught. The conversation covers burnout, difficult conversations, work-life harmony, self-awareness, and practical habits that help people lead more effectively at work and at home. Listeners will learn how to improve communication, build stronger relationships, avoid common leadership mistakes, and create intentional growth through simple daily actions. Key Takeaways Many people are promoted because they perform well, not because they know how to lead. Leadership requires learning how to have both casual and difficult conversations. Burnout often comes from unresolved personal and professional challenges. Making time for intentional self-reflection can accelerate personal growth. The way you start your morning can influence the rest of your day. Daily habits have a greater impact than occasional moments of motivation. Strong leaders create trust before they need to have difficult conversations. Work-life harmony is more realistic and sustainable than work-life balance. People are more likely to follow leaders who show genuine care and concern. Small changes in communication can significantly improve relationships and workplace culture. https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/secret-to-leadership-work-life-harmony-with-andre-young/ Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/⁠  ⁠https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb⁠  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/⁠  ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb⁠   ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ⁠ToddBertsch.com

  8. May 20

    Empowering Women to Lead Fearlessly with Hope Yin

    This episode explores how leaders can navigate personal hardship, career pressure, identity shifts, and rapid technological change without losing themselves in the process. The conversation covers resilience, empathy, women in leadership, intentional living, and the future of AI in the workplace. Listeners will learn practical ways to lead with more humanity, build confidence through difficult seasons, support working parents and women in leadership roles, and adapt to the growing influence of artificial intelligence while staying grounded in purpose and relationships. Key Takeaways Resilience grows through difficult seasons Empathy makes leaders more effective Relationships matter more than status Flexible workplaces build trust Women leaders need better support systems Leadership is not one-size-fits-all Fear and growth often happen together AI fluency is becoming essential Intentional living creates clarity Self-trust drives personal growth https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/empowering-women-to-lead fearlessly-with-hope-yin Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/  https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb  https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/  https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb   ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ToddBertsch.com

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5
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

A leadership and personal growth podcast exploring how to navigate change, build mental fitness, and choose growth over comfort. Real conversations with leaders who turned insight into action and created lasting transformation.

Information

  • Creator
    WRKdefined Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved by WRKdefined
  • Show Website
    THE BOLT Podcast