Change Agent Leadership

Jonathan Hankin

Welcome to Change Agent Leadership, the podcast designed to equip leaders with the tools, resources, and strategies to grow, drive meaningful change, and move their teams and organizations forward. Hi, I’m Jonathan Hankin, a certified executive coach through the International Coaching Federation, with hundreds of hours of coaching and leadership experience. As a VP of Operations, I’m still in the trenches—leading, learning, and growing alongside you. This podcast is a space where we can navigate the challenges of leadership together and sharpen our skills as change agents. What to Expect: • Practical Leadership Tools – Actionable insights and best practices for leading change effectively. • Coaching Tips & Free Resources – Assessments and tools to enhance your leadership and team dynamics. • Book Reviews – Summaries and takeaways from books that have shaped my leadership and coaching journey. • Conversations with Change Leaders – Engaging interviews with leaders who are making an impact. As the name suggests, every great leader is a change agent. Change is inevitable—your choice is to lead it or manage it. If you find value in the show, hit the follow button. Thanks for listening! 📺 Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo8w84p3wprNuV2sXE7AOt6-uMsRRZrjw

  1. JAN 1

    The Power of (Re)Dreaming in Leadership: Recognizing and Overcoming Stagnation

    In this episode of Change Agent Leadership, I address a critical moment all leaders face: recognizing when growth slows down or habits become stale, signaling the need for transformation. Drawing inspiration from Nancy Duarte and Patti Sanchez’s book 'Illuminate,' I introduce the concept of the '(re) Dream' stage, a crucial phase where leaders can rejuvenate their vision and energy.    The episode covers how to identify signs of stagnation, the importance of 're' dreaming for personal and organizational growth, and practical steps to implement this strategy. I encourage you to reflect on your current positions, recognize areas needing revitalization, and take proactive steps to enter a new era of leadership.   ▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d9vG4-dDyXM   ▶️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Change Agent Leadership 00:50 Recognizing the Need to (Re) Dream 02:16 Understanding the Bell Curve of Growth 04:57 Signs of Maturity and Approaching Decline 10:01 Practical Steps to (Re) Dream 16:27 The Role of a Torch Bearer 19:01 Weekly Challenge and Final Thoughts   You’ll learn: Why maturity isn’t the finish line—and what to do when momentum plateausHow to spot the signs that you’re drifting instead of growingHow to apply the (re)Dream framework to your spiritual life, health, relationships, and leadershipFour practical questions to help you re-dream your next eraCatch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin Download Free Leadership Toolkits → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/leadership-toolkit-library Join the Leaders Edge Telegram channel (Free) https://t.me/leadersedgepublic Sign up for the Emotional Intelligence Cohort → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/the-emotional-intelligence-leadership-cohort Join the Leaders Edge PRO → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/monthly-leadership-subscription - Schedule a free 30 minute discover call: https://jonathanhankin.com/contact Follow me here: Website: www.jonathanhankin.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin

    23 min
  2. 12/03/2025

    Managers React, Leaders Respond—Here's the Difference

    Are you leading… or just managing? A lot of managers today are functioning as followers — following the system, the checklist, the policies — and never stepping into the leadership their people actually need. In this episode, we break down the eight essential insights that separate leaders from followers and give you five practical shifts to help your team thrive. If you want your team to feel supported, aligned, developed, and empowered — this episode is for you. ▶️Watch the video: https://youtu.be/7M9RiSDHXRw ▶️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Manager vs. Leader 01:59 Insight 1: Managers Follow, Leaders Lead 04:27 Insight 2: Leading People, Not Just Tasks 06:41 Insight 3: Continuous Improvement 08:29 Insight 4: Leadership as a Creative Act 10:07 Insight 5: Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 15:05 Insight 6: Moving People Forward 16:13 Insight 7: Taking Responsibility 17:00 Insight 8: Leadership is a Choice 18:06 Practical Shifts from Follower to Leader 23:29 Conclusion and Call to Action  Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin Download Free Leadership Toolkits → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/leadership-toolkit-library Join the Leaders Edge Telegram channel (Free) https://t.me/leadersedgepublic Sign up for the Emotional Intelligence Cohort → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/the-emotional-intelligence-leadership-cohort Join the Leaders Edge PRO → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/monthly-leadership-subscription - Schedule a free 30 minute discover call: https://jonathanhankin.com/contact Follow me here: Website: www.jonathanhankin.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin

    24 min
  3. 10/29/2025

    Culture Matters: Interview with Jenni Catron

    In this episode, I sit down with leadership coach and author Jenni Catron to unpack Culture Matters: A Framework for Helping Your Team Grow, Thrive, and Be Unstoppable.  We explore why culture must be built by design rather than left to default, how leaders can honestly assess their current culture, and practical ways to turn values from words on a wall into lived behaviors.  Jenni walks through her five-phase framework—Assess, Define, Build, Equip, Commit—and shares actionable tools (Values Grid, Employee Journey Grid) to embed culture into daily rhythms.  Whether you lead a nonprofit, church, or business, this conversation helps you clarify, reinforce, and sustain a healthy culture. Key Takeaways • You already have a culture—ask: Is it the one you want? • Early teams may “catch” culture by proximity, but growth requires intentional definition and design. • Leadership leakage is real: what leaders do shapes culture more than what they say. • Think patience and persistence, culture is a slow build that becomes momentum. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:49 Jenny's Journey to Leadership and Culture 03:19 The Importance of Intentional Culture 06:58 Assessing Your Current Culture 15:05 Defining Your Values 20:42 Building Culture Through Systems and Rhythms 25:39 The Importance of Patience in Leadership 26:39 Developing and Resourcing Your Team 28:44 Equipping Leaders to Reinforce Culture 32:12 Commitment to Culture Over the Long Haul 37:07 Leadership Leakage: Unintentional Cultural Influences 39:26 Starting Your Culture Transformation Journey 42:44 Common Pitfalls in Changing Culture 46:00 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Culture Jenni Catron — Culture Matters: A Framework for Helping Your Team Grow, Thrive, and Be Unstoppable. Visit culturemattersbook.com for free resources and tools. Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin Download Free Leadership Toolkits → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/leadership-toolkit-library Join the Leaders Edge Telegram channel (Free) https://t.me/leadersedgepublic Sign up for the Emotional Intelligence Cohort → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/the-emotional-intelligence-leadership-cohort Join the Leaders Edge PRO → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/monthly-leadership-subscription - Schedule a free 30 minute discover call: https://jonathanhankin.com/contact Follow me here: Website: www.jonathanhankin.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin

    49 min
  4. 10/15/2025

    The Top 3 Mistakes Leaders Make with HR (and How to Avoid Them) with Risk Advisor Kevin Norton

    Leaders get into trouble when they treat HR as compliance or as a fire extinguisher. Jonathan and risk advisor Kevin Norton outline how to make HR a strategic ally—reducing legal exposure, strengthening culture, and improving outcomes.  Highlights HR belongs at the strategy table; involve them early on org design, promotions, and separations.Consistency and documentation are your best legal and cultural defenses.Proactive steps: annual handbook/legal review, EPLI coverage, secure files, manager training, clear complaint paths.Hiring/onboarding shape retention; slow down to validate culture fit and set expectations well.Volunteers need boundaries and training; protect confidentiality and limit scope.“At-will” isn’t a blank check—verbal promises and inconsistent practices create risk.Fast vs. deliberate action: consider suspension/investigation when appropriate.  Try this (leader toolkit) Schedule a 60-minute HR alignment: clarify HR’s role, escalation paths, and documentation standards.Audit your handbook and complaint process; update with local counsel.Train managers on a one-page documentation flow: expectation → observation → conversation → written note → follow-up.Add a simple PIP template with goals, support, timelines, and signatures.Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin Download Free Leadership Toolkits → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/leadership-toolkit-library Join the Leaders Edge Telegram channel (Free) https://t.me/leadersedgepublic Sign up for the Emotional Intelligence Cohort → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/the-emotional-intelligence-leadership-cohort Join the Leaders Edge PRO → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/monthly-leadership-subscription - Schedule a free 30 minute discover call: https://jonathanhankin.com/contact Follow me here: Website: www.jonathanhankin.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin

    47 min
  5. 10/10/2025

    How to 10x Your Leadership Impact (Without Doing More Work)

    Want to make a bigger impact without doing more work? Great leadership starts with a better mindset. In this episode, I’ll show you how to 10x, or more, your leadership impact by thinking differently. You’ll learn why most leadership behaviors don’t stick, and how to unlock sustainable change by focusing on three powerful questions that reframe your team’s purpose, creativity, and results. Backed by research from Daniel Goleman and cognitive science, this is a mindset shift every leader needs. Download your free “How 10X your leadership impact toolkit”: https://resources.jonathanhankin.com 🔹 Learn the 3 biggest leadership traps (and how to avoid them) 🔹 Use my 3-question coaching framework to create clarity and alignment 🔹 Discover why thoughts > feelings > behaviors is the real path to results   This channel is for growth-oriented leaders who want to lead with clarity, grow with courage, and change what matters. If that’s you—welcome. ▶️    Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sLysEiYbxV0   ▶️ Schedule a free discovery call: https://jonathanhankin.com/contact  ▶️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Impact 01:00 The Problem: Why Most Leaders Plateau 01:53 Trap 1: Keeping Decisions to Yourself 05:47 Trap 2: Sticking to What You're Good At 08:27 Trap 3: Inviting Input but Not Ownership 10:04 Three Transformational Questions for Leaders 13:43 Putting It All Into Practice 15:46 Conclusion and Challenge Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin Download Free Leadership Toolkits → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/leadership-toolkit-library Join the Leaders Edge Telegram channel (Free) https://t.me/leadersedgepublic Sign up for the Emotional Intelligence Cohort → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/the-emotional-intelligence-leadership-cohort Join the Leaders Edge PRO → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/monthly-leadership-subscription - Schedule a free 30 minute discover call: https://jonathanhankin.com/contact Follow me here: Website: www.jonathanhankin.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin

    16 min
  6. 10/01/2025

    360° Wins: How Nonprofits Build Donor & Board Relationships that Last (with Patricia Schwartz)

    Leaders don’t just raise money—they build partnerships. In this episode, Master Certified Coach and longtime executive coach Patricia Rachel Schwartz shares her strengths-based, story-driven approach to building relationships that “pay off for everyone”—your team, donors, board, and the people you serve. We unpack her “360 Win” mindset, appreciative inquiry (AI), and the RBP spiral (Identify → Inform → Interest → Invite → Invest) so you can move from one-off asks to lasting alliances.   What you’ll learn ·       What a 360° Win is—and how to map wins for every stakeholder ·       The single peak experience question that deepens trust fast ·       How to run strategy sessions that turn stories into next steps ·       The RBP spiral: Identify, Inform, Interest, Invite, Invest (and the common mistakes at each stage) ·       When to make the ask—and why “If you want money, ask for advice” works ·       Why story culture beats slide decks for board, team, and donor engagement   Who this is for Nonprofit executives, development leaders, board members, founders, and any leader who wants to turn fundraising and stakeholder engagement into durable partnerships.   Leadership Fundamentals Covered Communicate with Clarity • Build Strong Relationships • Empower & Develop Others • Drive Change & Deliver Results ▶️  Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/x3XsaM8mdGc   ▶️ Schedule a free discovery call: https://jonathanhankin.com/contact  ▶️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Change Agent Leadership 00:09 Meet Patricia Rachel Schwartz 03:40 The Concept of 360 Win 04:57 Understanding Stakeholders and Their Wins 10:30 Appreciative Inquiry in Leadership 21:26 The Five Eyes of Relationship Building 29:13 Starting with Appreciative Inquiry 29:28 Interview Techniques for Donors and Board Members 30:42 Legacy Investments and Planned Giving 31:37 Appreciative Inquiry in Board and Employee Onboarding 32:28 Creating a Story Culture 35:58 Implementing Strategy Sessions 38:31 Inspired Action and Evaluation 41:38 The Importance of Planned Giving 46:38 Practical Steps for Immediate Action 49:17 Final Thoughts and Advice Resources & Links • Patricia’s book: Your Nonprofits 360 Win: How to Build Relationships That Pay Off for Everyone  • Connect with Patricia — https://www.patriciaschwartz.com About today’s guest Patricia Rachel Schwartz has coached 350+ senior leaders across sectors (DreamWorks, Google/YouTube, Mayo Clinic, Circle K, U.S. Navy, and more). Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin Download Free Leadership Toolkits → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/leadership-toolkit-library Join the Leaders Edge Telegram channel (Free) https://t.me/leadersedgepublic Sign up for the Emotional Intelligence Cohort → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/the-emotional-intelligence-leadership-cohort Join the Leaders Edge PRO → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/monthly-leadership-subscription - Schedule a free 30 minute discover call: https://jonathanhankin.com/contact Follow me here: Website: www.jonathanhankin.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin

    56 min
  7. 09/19/2025

    Change is Like a Slinky - Book Interview with Dr. Hans Shultz

    How to Lead Change (Without Losing Your Team) — with Dr. Hans Finzel Dr. Hans Finzel returns to Change Agent Leadership to unpack the big idea behind his book Change Is Like a Slinky—why change is messy, unpredictable, and essential if you want your organization to survive and thrive. We talk practical leadership moves: building a guiding coalition, over-communicating the “why,” converting adversaries into advocates, and aligning your board, leaders, and teams so momentum sticks.   Guest: Dr. Hans Finzel — author, speaker, former president of WorldVenture, and president of HD Leaders. Author of 11 books including the international bestseller The Top 10 Mistakes Leaders Make and Change Is Like a Slinky.   What you’ll learn ·       Why leaders must accept the need for change even when the old way “still works” ·       How to anticipate allies and adversaries (and why the middle 70% are your leverage) ·       Why communication ×10 is the lifeblood of any change effort ·       How to align your board, leadership team, and staff so the “wheels” roll straight ·       The role of trust, vulnerability, and encouragement in sustaining momentum ·       How to turn critics into advocates through presence, listening, and clarity   ▶️    Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Gq0o8o5h2lU   ▶️   Schedule a free discovery call: https://jonathanhankin.com/contact  ▶️   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Change Agent Leadership 01:16 Hans Finzel's Leadership Journey 02:26 The Necessity of Change in Leadership 04:23 Communicating Change Effectively 07:06 Change is Like a Slinky 12:37 Phases of Change 18:09 Accepting the Need for Change 23:09 Anticipating Adversaries and Allies 24:26 Understanding Leadership Miscommunication 25:44 Rebuilding Trust Through Humble Communication 27:38 The Importance of Over-Communicating 28:03 Focusing on the Right Group for Change 35:06 Aligning Your Team for Success 39:13 The Role of Encouragement and Trust 44:11 Challenges in Organizational Change 50:16 Advice for Emerging Leaders   Resources mentioned ·       Hans Finzel — https://hansfinzel.com ·       Change Is Like a Slinky by Hans Finzel  ·       The Top 10 Mistakes Leaders Make by Hans Finzel  ·       Buy-In by John P. Kotter & Lorne A. Whitehead  ·       The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni  Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin Download Free Leadership Toolkits → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/leadership-toolkit-library Join the Leaders Edge Telegram channel (Free) https://t.me/leadersedgepublic Sign up for the Emotional Intelligence Cohort → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/the-emotional-intelligence-leadership-cohort Join the Leaders Edge PRO → https://resources.jonathanhankin.com/monthly-leadership-subscription - Schedule a free 30 minute discover call: https://jonathanhankin.com/contact Follow me here: Website: www.jonathanhankin.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin

    52 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Change Agent Leadership, the podcast designed to equip leaders with the tools, resources, and strategies to grow, drive meaningful change, and move their teams and organizations forward. Hi, I’m Jonathan Hankin, a certified executive coach through the International Coaching Federation, with hundreds of hours of coaching and leadership experience. As a VP of Operations, I’m still in the trenches—leading, learning, and growing alongside you. This podcast is a space where we can navigate the challenges of leadership together and sharpen our skills as change agents. What to Expect: • Practical Leadership Tools – Actionable insights and best practices for leading change effectively. • Coaching Tips & Free Resources – Assessments and tools to enhance your leadership and team dynamics. • Book Reviews – Summaries and takeaways from books that have shaped my leadership and coaching journey. • Conversations with Change Leaders – Engaging interviews with leaders who are making an impact. As the name suggests, every great leader is a change agent. Change is inevitable—your choice is to lead it or manage it. If you find value in the show, hit the follow button. Thanks for listening! 📺 Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo8w84p3wprNuV2sXE7AOt6-uMsRRZrjw

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