97% Effective

Michael Wenderoth
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Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com. 97% Effective is dedicated to helping great people get ahead at work and increase their impact – without selling their souls in the process. Season #1 focuses on Power and Influence, two widely acknowledged (but poorly understood) forces that can help you rise, lead more effectively and get big things done. Each week we have candid conversations with an academic, coach, or executive, helping you gain new insights to better navigate your work and career.

  1. EP137 – Deborah Grayson Riegel, Founder of TheMeMenu.com: What Happens When a Leadership Coach Teams up with a Celebrity Chef

    1D AGO

    EP137 – Deborah Grayson Riegel, Founder of TheMeMenu.com: What Happens When a Leadership Coach Teams up with a Celebrity Chef

    Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com Most women have lived as the side dish – supporting everyone else while putting themselves last. When I shared that line with my wife, she didn’t hesitate: “That’s me.” In this episode of 97% Effective, I speak with Deborah Grayson Riegel — executive coach, leadership communications expert, and co‑creator of TheMeMenu, a new personal growth platform designed for women over 50 who are ready to reclaim agency, imagination, and momentum in their lives. Deb shares how she teamed up with celebrity chef Carla Hall to build something that blends coaching, creativity, and AI — all through the metaphor of cooking and their Six Flavor framework. We discuss what’s different for women 50+, how AI can democratize coaching (and where humans still matter most), and what partners can actually do — practically — to support the women they love. I also share what surprised me most in this conversation — including what I learned after asking my own wife what actually helps (hint: “How can I help?” isn’t always it). By the end of this episode, you’ll see cooking as a powerful lens for work and life. While The ME Menu is designed for women over 50, the key message — navigating obligation and agency — applies to anyone ready to write their next chapter. SHOW NOTES TheMeMenu story Why so many women spend decades as the “side dish,” what it means to reclaim main-dish energy – and why that mattersHow Deb connected with Carla Hall, celebrity chef, and why the collaboration clicked so wellWhat TheMeMenu actually is: A way of thinking and being + 6-week self-paced coaching program + An AI-powered “Sous Chef” for spot-coachingWhat makes TheMeMenu unique: Built by women over 50 for women over 50, Carla Hall’s “secret sauce”, and a mission to democratize access to coachingWhy Deb sees AI as a complement to human coaching, not a replacement Inside the Collaboration Deb, Carla, and Kirsten: three women, three strengthsTheir creative process: cooking vs bakingWhy “nothing works if the raw ingredients aren’t good”The importance of creating their “mise en place”Over 100 iterations – and why “there’s no such thing as done”Building a product while the technology was still emerging  Practical Takeaways What partners, spouses, kids, and friends can most do to support the women in their livesTwo powerful questions to ask – and 1 micro-behavior that mattersWhy “How can I help?’ can be taxing – and why it’s often better to just make offersThinking in terms of a lifelong conversation, not a one-time check-inLightning Round laser insights: Deb on the hard truth about personal change, the key to collaboration, the power of her summer in Spain, and the focus of her new book, Aim High and Bounce Back: A Successful Woman’s Guide to Rethinking and Rising Up from Failure  BIO AND LINKS Deborah Grayson Riegel, MSW, PCC is a keynote speaker, leadership communications expert, executive coach, and author. She is the co-creator of TheMeMenu.com, a self-paced coaching platform designed to help women reclaim purpose and momentum in midlife and beyond. Deb is a regular contributor for Harvard Business Review, Inc., Psychology Today, Forbes, and Fast Company – and author of multiple books include Go to Help, Overcoming Overthinking, and her newest book, Aim High and Bounce Back (2026), which explores how women experience failure differently — and how to rise after setbacks. She is a certified executive coach (ICF PCC) and holds a BA from University of Michigan and MSW from Columbia University.   Connect with Deb TheMeMenu: https://www.thememenu.com/aboutDeb’s website: https://deborahgraysonriegel.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahgraysonriegel/Deb’s new book, with Fiona Macaulay – Aim High and Bounce Back: A Successful Woman’s Guide to Rethinking and Rising Up from Failure https://a.co/d/05NJJNcn  People and Things referenced Carla Hall, celebrity chef: https://carlahall.comStanford Business School WIM groups: https://tinyurl.com/yc6zssc2Halle Barry at the DealBook Summit: https://tinyurl.com/ymmcuk54What exclaiming “poo-poo-poo” means (Jewish expression): https://tinyurl.com/yn6ny9t3Hybrid Intelligence: 2025 Columbia University Coaching Conference https://tinyurl.com/4ss3s2cr“Mise en place” (French culinary phrase for “putting in place”): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mise_en_place  More from 97% Effective Michael’s Award-winning Book: Get Promoted: What You’re Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back: https://tinyurl.com/453txk74Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@97PercentEffective Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    40 min
  2. EP136 – Dina Denham Smith, Executive Coach and Author of Emotionally Charged – Emotions Are Money: The Leadership Skill Nobody Trained You For

    FEB 11

    EP136 – Dina Denham Smith, Executive Coach and Author of Emotionally Charged – Emotions Are Money: The Leadership Skill Nobody Trained You For

    Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com Most leaders were taught to leave their emotions at the door. Today’s guest says that advice isn’t just outdated — it’s costly. In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth sits down with Dina Denham Smith, executive coach and bestselling author of Emotionally Charged, to unpack why emotional skill is now a core leadership capability, not a “soft” add-on. Drawing on behavioral science and her work as an executive coach and strategic advisor, Dina explains why emotions are data, how leaders unknowingly perform massive emotional labor, and what it really takes to manage triggers, prevent burnout, and unlock performance. As Dina puts it: “Emotions are money.” By the end of this conversation, you’ll see why ignoring emotions is bad for you and bad for business – and what to do instead. SHOW NOTES Dina’s story — and why this work matters One surprising thing about Dina you won’t find on the internetHow Emotionally Charged would have helped Dina earlier in her own careerWhat sparked Dina’s interest in the science of emotionsHow the pandemic and technology shifts dramatically increased the emotional demands placed on leaders Core ideas from Emotionally Charged The key takeaway: Emotions are information“Emotions are money”: how feelings directly translate into performance, retention, and resultsThe biggest myth Dina wants to retire: that emotions get in the way of good business decisionsWhat “emotional labor” really means — and why research shows leaders perform as much of it as customer service professionals (and in more complex ways)The three layers of every emotion: physiology, cognition, and behaviorWhy suppressing emotions is like trying to hold beach balls underwater  Practical tools you can use immediately Beach balls, masks, and “letting it all hang out”: finding the right balance at workWhy expanding your emotional vocabulary dramatically improves self-regulationDina’s BRAVE framework for managing triggers in real time: Breathe, Refocus, Accept, Verbalize, Engage Restoration (not “self-care”): four evidence-based ways leaders recover from emotional strain: Detachment, Relaxation, Mastery, Control  Power, leadership, and team culture Why leaders consistently underestimate their emotional impactHow power amplifies everything you feel and showWhy everyone cues off their leader’s emotional signals (often unconsciously)How leaders can normalize emotional expression on their teams — without turning meetings into complaint sessionsSimple ways managers can reset emotional culture inside their own sphere of influenceDina’s reminder: emotional skills are learnable — and improvable at any stage of your career.  BIO AND LINKS Dina Denham Smith is an executive coach and strategic advisor who helps senior leaders build their capacity, scale their impact, and thrive in complexity. For more than a decade, she has partnered with executives at some of the world’s most successful companies, helping them navigate the demands of operating at the highest levels. Dina holds an MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, and she is credentialed by both the ICF and EMCC as an executive and team coach. A prolific thought leader, Dina has published more than 60 articles on leadership for Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Forbes, and other premium outlets. She is the lead author of Emotionally Charged: How to Lead in the New World of Work (Oxford University Press, 2025). Connect with Dina Website: https://dinadsmith.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dina-denham-smith/Her book: https://dinadsmith.com/book/  People and Books Referenced Dr. Alicia Grandey — Dina’s co-author https://psych.la.psu.edu/people/aag6/Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker https://a.co/d/07CbSJAY More from 97% Effective Michael’s Award-winning Book: Get Promoted: What You’re Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back: https://tinyurl.com/453txk74Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@97PercentEffective Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    46 min
  3. EP 135 – Alexa Samaniego, Presentation Coach & Behavioral Researcher at Stanford University – You Are Performing at Work: How You’re Really Judged

    JAN 28

    EP 135 – Alexa Samaniego, Presentation Coach & Behavioral Researcher at Stanford University – You Are Performing at Work: How You’re Really Judged

    Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com “If you want the social benefits of being authentic, how you feel inside may have very little to do with it.” At work, we like to believe we’re evaluated on substance. In reality, we’re constantly being judged on how we perform— how authentic we seem, how prepared we appear, and how natural we look like in our role. In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth speaks with Alexa Samaniego, Presentation Coach and Doctoral Researcher at Stanford University, about how we judge performances and performers — and why those judgments matter far more than most people realize. Drawing from behavioral research, one-on-one presentation coaching, and her background in theater and the performing arts, Alexa challenges some of the most comforting things we believe (“just be yourself,” “don’t over-rehearse,” “there’s universal best practices for presenting”) and replaces them with a more honest view of how credibility, competence, and connection are actually earned. This is not an episode about becoming fake. But it will get you thinking differently about how you show up at work if you want to better influence outcomes. You’ll leave this episode with a much more realistic understanding of how you’re really judged — and how to work with that reality, rather than against it. SHOW NOTES Alexa’s path from theater and the creative arts to doctoral research and presentation coachingHow her background in performance shapes the research questions she studiesWhat organizational behavior research looks like in practice: an overview of the PhD arcWhy most people under-rehearse presentations — despite clear benefits of repetitionWhy fear of “sounding fake” leads people to underperformAlexa’s two distinct definitions of authenticity: authentic to self vs. authentic to roleWhy being perceived as authentic matters more than feeling authenticSpontaneity and consistency as two key drivers of being seen as authenticHow researchers measure authenticity and test perceptions in lab and field settingsThe uncomfortable truth: social benefits depend on how you come across, not how you feelWhy we are always playing roles at work — and why separating intentions from behaviors matters“It only feels inauthentic because it’s not habitual yet”Insights from actors on how to step into a role without losing yourselfThe “outside-in” effect: how dress, voice, and physical behavior shape perceptionTradeoffs between authenticity, polish, and competence at workAlexa’s third research stream: the double-edged sword of being (and looking) preparedWhen preparation signals competence — and when it backfires as “trying too hard”Why “everything depends”: how Alexa’s coaching changed after doing her researchHow universal presentation advice can fail across gender, culture, and contextDrawing from the outside world: how Alexa’s theater background differentiates her research lensHorror films, storytelling, and what they reveal about authenticity and self-expressionAlexa’s hard truth: research is powerful, but techniques must be practiced before being used in high-stakes settings  BIO AND LINKS Alexa Samaniego is a Presentation Coach and a doctoral researcher in Organizational Behavior (Micro) at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Her research is inspired by her background in theatre and the performing arts, and examines how speakers and audiences judge others. Her research informs her work as a presentation coach in the Stanford Oral Communication Program and with TEDxStanford. Prior to beginning her PhD, Alexa worked as a research associate at Achievers Workforce Institute and Columbia Business School. She received her BS in Business Psychology from UC San Diego and her MS in Applied Psychology from San Diego State University. Alexa also specializes in portrait photography and creating short horror films. Connect with Alexa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-samaniego/Email: alexasam [at] stanford.eduWebsite: https://www.alexasamaniego.comStanford Profile: https://profiles.stanford.edu/alexa-samaniego People, Ideas and Films Referenced Erving Goffman:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erving_GoffmanYasmin Williams (double-necked guitar performance): https://www.yasminwilliamsmusic.com/media-horizonCovering, the concept (Wharton): https://tinyurl.com/353c7p8u1408, horror film: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0450385/Erica Bailey: https://haas.berkeley.edu/faculty/erica-r-bailey/Brian Lowery: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/brian-loweryBenoît Monin: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/benoit-moninAlexa’s short films Too Late and 5 Weeks to Transform Your Life: https://www.alexasamaniego.com/art More from 97% Effective Michael’s Award-winning Book: Get Promoted: What You’re Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back: https://tinyurl.com/453txk74Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@97PercentEffective Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    50 min
  4. EP 134 – Devon McConnell, Executive Coach & Pyschotherapist: Who Has Your Back? How to Navigate Your Boss, Conflict, and Stress at Work

    JAN 14

    EP 134 – Devon McConnell, Executive Coach & Pyschotherapist: Who Has Your Back? How to Navigate Your Boss, Conflict, and Stress at Work

    Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com Who has your back at work? Do you feel like you’re constantly walking a tightrope – high up, with the spotlight on you, and no net? That’s how many people, including senior executives, describe their experience at work – and what led Devon McConnell, an executive coach and psychotherapist, to explore what drives that stress and burnout. In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth speaks with Devon about her research and coaching work examining how key relationships at work – especially with our boss – shape stress, burnout, and performance. They discuss what individuals and organizations can do to better navigate conflict and pressure at work, and why stress is so often driven by relationships rather than workload. Devon explains attachment theory in clear, practical terms, shares techniques to help you manage relational conflict and regain a sense of agency, and offers a thoughtful look at how AI could improve feedback and reduce unnecessary workplace anxiety. You’ll leave this episode with a clearer understanding of what’s really driving your stress, new ways to navigate tough relationships and conflict at work —and, at a minimum, knowing that Devon and Michael will always have your back. SHOW NOTES: The trend Devon noticed in her executive coaching practice that led her to research stress and burnoutAttachment science: what it really says, why it matters across different spheres of life, and how it’s often oversimplifiedWhy having key figures as safe havens enables us to explore, take risks, and perform under pressureThe dependency paradox: why being able to rely on others actually increases autonomy and independenceHow attachment science helps explain why trust—especially in leaders—is so criticalWhy your personality is not fixed: how we develop attachment strategies early in life, and how new experiences can reshape themThe connection to Amy Edmondson’s work on psychological safety—and why different language (e.g., trust vs. pyschological safety) often lands better with senior executivesA leadership metaphor that resonates: the importance of being a steady pilot in turbulent conditionsHow emotional labor—not workload—is a major driver of burnout“The higher you rise, the more how you manage yourself and your relationships defines your success—and how you feel about your success”Practical tools from Devon, including:o A powerful daily question: “What conversation are you not having—and with whom?”o How to diagnose whether your boss is a primary source of your stress—and why that awareness matterso How to use the Karpman Drama Triangle to understand conflict dynamics and make small shifts to regain agencyNavigating dependency, influence, and workplace politics more effectivelyA bright spot: how AI — used thoughtfully — could improve feedback and reduce workplace stressorsWhy conflict-avoidant bosses can cause more harm than openly difficult and abusive onesDevon’s latest work developing and testing an AI-enabled 360 feedback toolHow her training in psychology and therapy has shaped her work as an executive coach  BIO AND LINKS: Devon Forster McConnell is an executive coach and psychotherapist who works with CEOs and senior leaders on presence, influence, conflict management, and sustaining performance under pressure. She also researches, writes, and hosts the My Robot Boss podcast on the future of leadership in an AI-driven world and interventions for burnout and anxiety. Prior to coaching, Devon spent 20 years in Fortune 50 leadership roles at BlackRock and Wells Fargo Advisors. Devon is based in San Francisco, where she works with leaders and organizations globally.   Connect with Devon: Devon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devonmcconnell/Website: https://devonmcconnell.comPodcast: My Robot Boss: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-robot-boss/id1831832043 Research & Frameworks Referenced: Devon’s research presentation at the Columbia Coaching Conference (Judith E. Glaser Award finalist): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOnDg1ZQ2_sAttachment theory: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attachment_theoryThe dependency paradox (randomized controlled trial): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17279849/Psychological safety (Amy Edmondson): https://amycedmondson.com/psychological-safety/The Karpman drama triangle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karpman_drama_triangleDr. Becky Kennedy (Good Inside): https://www.goodinside.com/about/  More from 97% Effective: Michael’s book, Get Promoted: What You’re Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back:https://tinyurl.com/453txk74Watch this episode on the 97% Effective YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@97PercentEffective Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    48 min
  5. EP 133 – Khanh-Linh Lê, Entrepreneur & Host at Forest Builders – Daring to Do: Building Impact through Courage and Power

    12/31/2025

    EP 133 – Khanh-Linh Lê, Entrepreneur & Host at Forest Builders – Daring to Do: Building Impact through Courage and Power

    Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com What holds you back, but more importantly what springs you forward? In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth speaks with Khanh-Linh Le, entrepreneur and host of the Forest Builders podcast. Khanh-Linh shares how she left prestigious corporate jobs in France and Vietnam to dive into the world of chocolate entrepreneurship – then later made the equally tough decision to leave that venture behind. Khanh-Linh speaks to the importance of asking what you actually want, why showing up and “daring to do” is your critical first step – and how convincing yourself, and repetition, is a key unlock to projecting confidence as an entrepreneur. You’ll leave this episode with a much deeper appreciation for the power that lies within you. SHOW NOTES: When Khanh-Linh’s passion awoke: “The power of the smell of chocolate to get you to feel and see things in a different way”Why do you want power?The dark side of chocolate“With time I’ll get closer”: The career shift from management consulting in France to chocolate in AsiaSerendipity and Synchronicity: The 4 AM bus ride and chance encounter with GrichaUsing coaching as an opportunity to step back and ask what you actually wantHow Khanh-Linh “dared” and took the next step“A lot of time you just need to show up”How Khanh-Linh sees power and influence as critical to entrepreneurshipCommunication insights for Entrepreneurs: Convincing yourself, repetition, projecting confidencePatience and calmness: Reflections on projecting confidence as a Vietnamese French female entrepreneurThe power of a support group: Khanh-Linh and the female entrepreurs of Saigon“Would a man censor himself?” – Khanh-Linh on how women often need to get out of their own wayMaking the choice to let goKhanh-Linh reflects on the power of podcasting to open doors, help you find inspiration – and show the world what you are intoGet started and dare to show up!  BIO AND LINKS: Khanh-Linh Le is an entrepreneur and host of the Forest Builders Podcast. She is based in France where she supports food companies and their transition to regenerative supply chains. She previously co-founded the Cocoa Project in Vietnam and worked for McKinsey and Anheuser-Busch InBev. Khanh-Linh is from France and holds master's degrees in international management and business at HEC Paris and CEMS. Khanh-Linh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khanhlinh-chocolate/The Forst Builders Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/49xSK5SlZ2xvTwLIAgSDNz?si=a4bec083e9a54305The Cocoa Project: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-cocoa-project/The Female Entrepreneurs of Saigon: https://www.facebook.com/fesaigon/“Chocolateman: Harnessing Power to Create Sustainable Business Practices” (EP#22 with Gricha Safarian on 97% Effective): https://redcircle.com/shows/86fcd90d-083e-4af2-9bc8-6d52fb981ae1/ep/4caaa1d9-0fa2-42a4-89e1-3ef10739c889Michael’s Award-Winning book, Get Promoted: What Your Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back https://tinyurl.com/453txk74Watch this episode on video, the 97% Effective Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@97PercentEffective Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    45 min
  6. EP 132 – Julia Bunyatov, Founder & Executive Coach at Sirmio Leadership – Leading Through Complexity: What Neuroscience Really Teaches Us

    12/17/2025

    EP 132 – Julia Bunyatov, Founder & Executive Coach at Sirmio Leadership – Leading Through Complexity: What Neuroscience Really Teaches Us

    Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com What does neuroscience tells us about the brain-body connection? How we can utilize that knowledge to thrive amid times of uncertainty, change and fear? In this episode of 97% Effective, Michael speaks with Julia Bunyatov, executive leadership coach and founder or Sirmio. Julie discusses her work with Wall Street executives and how she applies neuroscience insights to her coaching practice. She shares how mindfulness, curiosity and optimism are the keys to leading amid uncertainty – and to approaching the important question of how we are changing as leaders with the emergence of AI. Discussed: her latest articles, how to best eliminate the brain’s prediction errors, optimism vs toxic positivity, and what it means to thrive and “create magic.” SHOW NOTES: How Julia’s years on Wall Street informs her work as an executive leadership coachThe personal family experiences that led Julia to neuroscience, the science of thriving – and into coachingThe rock formation behind her company’s name, Sirmio LeadershipHow do we lead through complexity – and create outcomes that could not have been predicted beforeAddressing the soft “new age” perception of “Mindfulness, Optimism and Curiosity”Mindfulness defined: Our ability to manage our attention and focus in a desired way – and observe in a non-judgmental wayPractical ways (beyond meditation) to become more mindful so you can deepen your self-awarenessIs stress good – and if so, how much do you want?Curiosity: How it helps us engage our capacity to be creative and innovativeHow mindfulness helps us when we get triggered at workHow empathy creates more energy in the brain body system that helps usWe think our brain is reactive, but it is actually predictingThe best way to eliminate prediction error and anxiety is through experience: the example of thriving in a snowstormOne of the most important things that Coaches doOptimism vs “toxic positivity”Applying the process of mindfulness, curiosity and optimism to the emergence of AI: how do we collaborate and create something that did not exist before?AI is absolutely about creating efficiencies in the workplace, but the more important question is how are we changing as leaders?Why we need friction – and not everything should be smooth sailingHow Julia uses AI in her coaching practice and workJulia’s take on emotions: don’t suppress them, use them as a source of energy and conduit to our results BIO AND LINKS:   Julia Bunyatov is the founder of Sirmio Leadership, which focuses on Executive Coaching & Advisory. She is a certified Executive Coach and former C-suite leader with 30 years of experience in executive leadership, board governance, and coaching. She held senior roles including COO of Global Equities Trading, COO of Global Equity Derivatives, and Americas Risk Officer at Bankers Trust, Lehman Brothers, and Barclays. Today she supports senior leaders in aligning insight with real-world leadership to drive meaningful change. In addition to other board commitments, Julia serves as Treasurer of the Columbia Coaching Conference and is a board member of the Columbia Coaching Learning Association.   Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-bunyatov-0b23001/Sirmio Leadership: https://www.sirmioleadership.comThe meaning of “Sirmio”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SirmioJulia’s article in Choice: “Thriving in Uncertainty ~ Neuroscience and applications for coaches and leader” https://choice-online.com/thriving/Julia’s article: “We Built the Machine. Now We Must Build the Mindset: How Emotion, Neuroscience, and AI Are Rewiring Leadership” https://tinyurl.com/4e7bpcm9Michael’s Award-Winning book, Get Promoted: What Your Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back https://tinyurl.com/453txk74Watch this episode on video, the 97% Effective Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@97PercentEffective Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    46 min
  7. EP 131 – Mary Olson-Menzel, CEO at MVP Executive Development: Lighting the Way to Your Next Big Career Step

    12/03/2025

    EP 131 – Mary Olson-Menzel, CEO at MVP Executive Development: Lighting the Way to Your Next Big Career Step

    Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com When it comes to taking the next big step in your career, some urge you to follow your passions – while others back a more bare-knuckled approach. But there’s a third way, says Mary Olson-Menzel, author of the bestseller “What Lights You Up.” In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth and Mary talk about the key factors that lead to a fulfilling and successful career, and Mary’s 10-step pivot process that has helped thousands of her clients at MVP Executive Development. They debate passion, authenticity, networking – and discuss how to create opportunity during turbulent times. If you’re struggling with taking the next big step in your career, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: Michael was deeply skeptical about Mary and her message, so why he invited her on the showMary’s 10-step pivot program and what led her to write her book“The light is not woo-woo… it is all about what’s driving you”Mary address the critique that “following your passion is terrible advice” (Newport, Galloway, Wenderoth)The ven diagram of Ikigai that puts passion in its proper placeCore elemants that drove Mary’s career successThe role of curiosity when it comes to pivoting with purposeHow to make opportunities “fall into your lap”How to take advantage – and thrive – in chaotic timesIdentifying gaps: a practical and underused way to be helpful to others - and yourselfHow to overcome fear and stay in the driver’s seat of your careerCan sharing your passion at work lead to you being exploited (offered lower pay)?How a “personal board of directors” can help you stay on track – and not get taken advantage ofNo one has a crystal ball, which is why you need to shake the bushes: Great questions to ask, before you join a companyDealing with setbacks: Having champions, mentors – and always a Plan BMary’s take on authenticity: What it is, what it is notMary’s take on why we still get so many terrible leadersQuiet confidence: How to make sure you and your accomplishments are heard and visible, without seeming like a bombastic, self-promoting jerk?Mary and Michael discuss “threading the line”: how to embrace things that are effective, but may initially feel uncomfortableTop tips on building connection in a remote, distributed worldMary’s “Networking Power Hour”For younger professionals: Tips for networking with people 2-3 levels above youNetworking tips beyond the time consuming 1-1Success is personal and changes: How do you define it, and what lights you up?  BIO AND LINKS:   Mary Olsen-Menzel is the Founder and CEO of MVP Executive Development, and the author of the USA Today National Bestseller “What Lights You Up? Illuminate Your Path and Take the Next Big Step in Your Career.” She is a renowned expert in career and workplace success, with more than 30 years of leadership experience with global organizations across media, tech, healthcare, and sports. Mary earned her MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Public Relations from Illinois State University. Mary lives in West Chester, New York, with her husband and family. She is part of Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches, and a regular Guest Lecturer on career development, internships, and workplace success at the NYU School of Professional Studies. Mary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-olson-menzel-mvpexec/“What Lights You Up?” Mary’s bestselling book, and free workbook: www.maryolsonmenzel.comMVP Executive Development: www.mvpexec.comCal Newport’s book, So Good They Can’t Ignore You: https://calnewport.com/writing/Ikigai: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IkigaiResearch at Duke: How attribution of passion may legitimize the poor treatment of workers: http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000190Michael’s Award-Winning book, Get Promoted: What Your Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back https://tinyurl.com/453txk74Watch this episode on video, the 97% Effective Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@97PercentEffective Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    45 min
  8. EP 130 – Peter Novak, Founder at Strictly Speaking Group: The Surprising Truth About Accent Bias – and How to Overcome It

    11/19/2025

    EP 130 – Peter Novak, Founder at Strictly Speaking Group: The Surprising Truth About Accent Bias – and How to Overcome It

    Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com Ever feel you are getting penalized at work – not getting promoted, not being listened to, not being seen as a leader – because of your accent? “Accent bias” is very real, says Peter Novak, but his prescriptions on how to overcome that bias – and elevate yourself – may surprise you. In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth sits down with Peter Novak, PhD and founder of the Strictly Speaking Group. They discuss how we should think about accents – and the keys to succeeding in high stakes communications, particularly if you are a non-native English speaker. Peter challenges the usefulness of “accent reduction” training and the common advice to “not read from a script,” sharing research and cutting-edge strategies (including ones that involve AI) that have helped his clients become rising stars who embrace the power of their multilingual identities. You’ll leave this episode with the hard truths on accents and amazingly practical tips that will immediately help you ascend. SHOW NOTES: Peter’s interest in communication, accents and theater that drove his career and lifeInsights from Peter’s two year project translating Shakespeare’s 12th night into American Sign Language (ASL)Blunt question #1: Is “accent bias” real? Peter shares the research.What the heck does confidence in English sound like?The core of Peter’s work: How do you speak in a way that meets the expectations of what native speakers are listening for?Blunt question #2: Should I get accent reduction training? Peter’s surprising response.Brain science on what native English speakers are listening for: English as a “stress-timed language” where stressing certain words generates meaningBeyond your words and accent: understanding “prosody” or the musicality of a language to convey meaning, intention – and make your communication landPractical Tip: One of the best things you can do is to get a good microphone!“It’s not an accent, it’s an identity”The Canadian study that showed that language training that focused on “macro-linguistic factors” (variation, tone, pace) mattered more than training that focused on accentPractical Tip for fast speakers: Don’t slow down – Instead pause within the sentence around “thought clusters”How to sound confident, curious, or spontaneous: When and how to use downward, upward and sustained intonation in your communication.How to read from a text – but still sound like you are speaking off the cuffPractical Tip: Practice your speech out loud – but record it with a voice to text app – and then ask AI to generate a voice print and recommendations.Practical Tip: Scoring and the “2 1/2 inch trick” when delivering a powerful speech through virtual meetings and online video communication.Repeating words, using sustained inflection – and not being confined by the text: Peter demonstrates how to sound spontaneous when reading from a scriptPractical tip, inspired by Ginger Rogers: How to send subtle reminders at work that you are powerful and do a lot of heavy lifting.Practical tip, inspired by Laura Huang: Turn a stereotypically perceived weakness into a strengthPractical tip: Use idioms from your native language (where Peter reveals his Argentinian-accented Spanish!)Understanding how people want their communications: Ask them, ask others, use new AI toolsPractical tip for non-native speakers: Provide sign posts and structure to ensure your message landsLightning round with Peter: Who has most shaped his thinking, How communication will evolve with AI  BIO AND LINKS: Peter Novak is the founder of Strictly Speaking Group, where he has built his reputation as a globally recognized communications coach. Since 2016, his team has coached thousands—from rising stars to Fortune 50 executives—helping global companies succeed in high-stakes communications. A top-rated LinkedIn Learning instructor, Peter’s course on clear speech for global professionals has attracted more than 250,000 learners and has been translated into six languages. He is recognized for his work with multilingual leaders and non-native English speakers, blending linguistics, cultural intelligence (CQ), and inclusive communication. Peter holds a doctorate in Dramaturgy from Yale, and is Professor Emeritus at the University of San Francisco, where he co-founded the Performing Arts & Social Justice program.  Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-novak-ssg/Strictly Speaking Group: https://www.strictlyspeakinggroup.comPeter’s LinkedIn Learning Course: https://tinyurl.com/4w98sfe6Signing Shakespeare: Peter’s translation of Twelfth Night into American Sign Language (ASL) https://tinyurl.com/5acxjmcuResearch (Lit Review) on the advantages of multilingualism: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383948429_Literature_Review_The_Advantages_of_Multilingualism“Learners can become more intelligible or comprehensible through instruction with ‘no noticeable change in accent’ ” –controlled investigation on the effects of ESL teaching. “Evidence for a Broad Framework for Pronunciation Instruction” (Derwing, Munro & Wibe): https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/0023-8333.00047Laura Huang’s book – EDGE: Turning Adversity into Advantage https://a.co/d/1C1GXk697% Effective EP115: The Power of Being in Outsider (Prof Sven Horak): https://tinyurl.com/2y48e9jtArdjan Verdooren’s book on intercultural communication: Cultures Don’t Meet, People Do https://a.co/d/82S7j04Michael’s Award-Winning book, Get Promoted: What Your Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back https://tinyurl.com/453txk74Watch this episode on video, the 97% Effective Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@97PercentEffective Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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About

Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com. 97% Effective is dedicated to helping great people get ahead at work and increase their impact – without selling their souls in the process. Season #1 focuses on Power and Influence, two widely acknowledged (but poorly understood) forces that can help you rise, lead more effectively and get big things done. Each week we have candid conversations with an academic, coach, or executive, helping you gain new insights to better navigate your work and career.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Wenderoth
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    138
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    97% Effective