The People Dividend Podcast Mike Horne, Ph.D

In today's corporate and academic environments, success hinges on exploring complexities to uncover opportunities for simplification and innovation. In this episode, host Mike Horne welcomes Nicole Jackson, the Associate Dean of the Agino School of Business at Golden Gate University. With her extensive experience spanning both the corporate sector and academia, Nicole offers invaluable insights, especially in organizational change, strategy, and the concept of organizational ambidexterity.
 
Nicole introduces the concept of “organizational breathing,” drawing a parallel to the need for individuals to occasionally step back and reassess. She suggests that organizations, too, can benefit from periods of reflection to foster growth and adaptability amid constant change and information overload. The discussion emphasizes the importance of integrating humanistic values and creating a workplace that values appreciation over mere acceptance. Nicole highlights the importance of psychological safety and providing opportunities for individuals to explore their identities within the organizational framework.
 
The episode also covers the impact of AI on human resources, with Nicole proposing a shift in perspective from AI as a displacer of jobs to a tool that can enhance humanistic management practices. She emphasizes the potential of AI to aid in learning and development, and the importance of developing connoisseurship in the workplace.
 
Nicole offers guidance for individuals considering advanced business studies, stressing the significance of selecting a path that aligns with both personal passion and current industry trends.
 
Quotes:
"We're bombarded with so much information. The time to let our souls and our identities and even our organizations breathe from all this change has been completely upended." (04:52 | Nicole Jackson) 
"We live in such a data-driven world. We need to let the data breathe, take a step back. We don't necessarily need to make the decisions right away. Everything is now a critical event. I think we've thrown ourselves into this mentality of crisis management on an ongoing basis, or looking at how upending and disruption is the latest paradigm, but we really should be looking at continuity building." (07:19 | Nicole Jackson) 
"When we talk about living more simply and being more meaningful, it's really allowing people to really examine, go back to the core of who they are." (12:00 | Nicole Jackson)
"Let your soul breathe and let your organization breathe. Develop some connoisseurship and create a bouquet of different qualities. I think that's important. We now have the capacity. Think about the tremendous capacity that AI now has for people who normally are oftentimes stigmatized or discriminated against in the workforce. There's been a lot done about the prejudicial AI algorithms. That's a huge concern and it continues to be a concern and it does need to be addressed." (31:24 | Nicole Jackson) 
"We have to teach people how to develop connoisseurship. Most people are not taught to be connoisseurs. They're taught to follow in a line, not necessarily to become an expert on a metacognitive level. Traditionally, organizations don't have most of their workers develop those skills. And I think that's going to be critical moving forward." (33:51 | Nicole Jackson) 
 
Links
Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin
Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com
Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, 
LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, 
Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike  



Learn more about Nicole C. Jackson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-c-jackson-mba-ms-and-phd-0217aab/
 
Podcast production and show no

Organizational success hinges more on its people and the development of its leaders than the strategies they follow. Al Watts, an independent HR and talent development consultant with over three decades of experience, shares insights from his book "Navigating Integrity: Transforming Business as Usual into Business at its Best." He stresses that integrity is not just an ethical requirement but a strategic asset essential for sustainable growth and effective leadership. Through tools like the Leadership and Organizational Integrity Surveys, Al aims to cultivate and gauge integrity within leadership circles and throughout entire organizations.
 
Al explains the concept of authenticity in leadership, examining it from both inside-out and outside-in perspectives. He emphasizes the need for honesty, transparency, and genuine leadership, highlighting how these qualities contribute to the executive development of individuals within an organization. Moreover, he discusses the importance of aligning an organization's structure, staff, systems, and strategy with its goals. Al stresses accountability and the significance of meaningful metrics in tracking progress and ensuring alignment with these goals.
 
In facing today's dynamic business environment, Al advises on keeping teams engaged and communication open to navigate rapid changes effectively. This episode guides leaders to match their personal values with their organization's, emphasizing integrity as a key to effective leadership and organizational success.
 
Quotes:
“Organization development seemed to be a discipline with a focus on the people factor, but it took a more holistic perspective on business and on organizations and on how to make them work and be sustainable.” (07:32 | Al Watts) 
“People are happy when they feel like they're working for a purpose or with a purpose that is meaningful to them.” (14:02 | Al Watts)
“Organizations and leaders cannot keep doing exactly the same thing they've been doing as the world changes. And so there need to be mechanisms in place to constantly readjust things like structure or skill mixes.” (16:44  | Al Watts) 
“We need to know our own minds, and we need to have the capacity to understand why we're doing what we're doing.” (29:48 | Al Watts)
 
Links:
Learn More About Mike Horne:
Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com
Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, 
Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike  
 
Learn more about Al Watts:
Website: integro-inc.com
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Why do some people thrive at work while others just go through the motions? Mike Horne sits down with acclaimed speaker, trainer, and coach, Martin Lespérance, to delve into the role of human capital in shaping the future of work. Sharing his professional journey, Martin highlights his lifelong commitment to inspiring individuals to find joy, engagement, and motivation in their careers. His global impact, with keynotes across continents, emphasizes leadership, teamwork, communication, innovation, and resilience.
 
The conversation revolves around Martin’s "Inspire philosophy," which consists of four foundational principles critical to fostering a fulfilling life and cultivating a positive workplace culture. These principles—living with purpose, staying present, expressing gratitude, and embracing fun—form the core of Martin's message. Each aspect provides a pathway to improved employee engagement and enhanced organizational vitality.
 
Mike and Martin discuss how applying these principles can transform the workplace, sharing examples and advice on fostering a supportive and healthy work environment. They tackle the challenge of maintaining these principles in difficult situations and their impact on personal and professional life. Martin offers actionable advice for listeners, emphasizing the importance of personal choice in shaping attitudes and actions. 
 
Quotes:
"I find organizations might have their purpose, might have a ‘why.’ But as soon as the pressure comes in, as soon as you get the headwinds, the why takes a side." (17:26 | Martin Lespérance) 
"Presence is such an important aspect of leadership and executive work and I think all too often presence gets neglected because we're thinking about the next point we're going to make or we're thinking about then and there." (21:51 | Mike Horne)
"What attitude are you going to choose? That's something that you can choose on a daily basis. It's how you're going to face the events that are being thrown at you." (30:31 | Martin Lespérance) 
"Why do people leave organizations? It's not because of the lack of purpose and lack of ‘why.’ It's because of the toxic environment. And how can you get rid of that toxic environment? Use the not so surprising secret that we just talked about. Apply that inside your culture. You'll see how people will not only stick around, but bring more people to join in to become advocates and ambassadors." (35:55 | Martin Lespérance) 
 
Links:
Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin
Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com
Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, 
LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, 
Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike  
  
Learn more about Martin Lesperance:
Website:  martinlesperance.ca
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Finding balance isn't a luxury; it's a necessity for entrepreneurs seeking to excel both in business and life.  Business Coach and Consultant Jordan Tait discusses with host Mike Horne the pivotal mindset shift required to strike this balance. He shares insights from his extensive experience as an entrepreneur, former CEO, and seasoned coach to hundreds of leaders aiming to optimize their time and teams for a more intentional living and working style.
 
Jordan shares lessons from his journey, starting a painting business in college to becoming a sought-after corporate trainer and coach. His own struggle with burnout led him to advocate for a work-life balance that doesn't compromise professional success but enhances it. He talks about the importance of intentionally allocating time for personal fulfillment outside work and maintaining a mindset focused on sustainable workloads.
 
Offering practical advice, Jordan encourages listeners to envision their ideal life a year ahead and to conduct a time audit to evaluate the impact and energy investment of their tasks. He advocates focusing on activities that are both high-value and invigorating to foster smarter, not harder, work practices and potentially expedite business growth. In this episode, listeners are challenged to assess the sustainability of their work pace and whether their professional life supports their desired lifestyle.
 
Quotes
“What I'm really about is helping people reconnect to living the life they want to live outside of work while still performing at their best. And I totally believe it's possible. It's the way I choose to live. I never work more than 35 hours a week. And I'm really serious about my business, but I'm also really serious about my life. And so that's what I like to help people with.” (03:27 | Jordan Tait)
“I had this big conflict between, do I keep doing this thing I'm really good at and love doing with a business that I'm appreciating the support of? Or do I break free and reconnect to the way I want to live my life, which is based on autonomy, time, freedom, and balance?” (05:07 | Jordan Tait)
“I believe that business and your career is a marathon, not a sprint. And you can do that for a short term, a couple of years at most. But if you're going to be here five years from now, ten years from now performing at the level you want, you need to be thinking about how you're sustaining your energy and your workload.” (09:17 | Jordan Tait) 
“It often starts with mindset, because I find most people are keeping themselves in this way of working and you hit on it earlier. The company will always take as many hours as you give it. Your business will always take as many hours as you give it, and you'll never feel like you're fully on top of it because there's always more to do. So if you're just operating under the feeling that I'm not getting enough done, feel guilty about stopping, that won't go away. And so part of that is breaking free from that mindset that if you couldn't get it done today, it will be there tomorrow. If you don't get it done tomorrow, it probably wasn't that important to you. And that's something that I really truly believe in.” (17:38 | Jordan Tait) 
“Time, money, and team, those are the three things that I find when people are not managing them intentionally or effectively, their work consumes more hours than it needs to. And by looking at each of those, by creating their ideal work schedule, by investing their money in freedom and the lifestyle they want to live, and by working with a team to support them, they can get back to a reasonable workload and a sustainable way of growing and moving forward.” 
 
Links
Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin
Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com
Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, 
LinkedIn Mi

Unlocking your full professional potential hinges on a profound understanding of your character. Brad Smith, the Founder and CEO of Stellar Insight, offers a unique perspective shaped by his analytical chemistry background as he transitions into executive coaching. He delves into the concept of character, emphasizing its critical role in achieving personal success and driving organizational excellence. 
It began with a health crisis at 18, leading Brad to explore the connection between mind and body. This exploration led to a commitment to personal transformation and emotional intelligence, which he now sees as essential for effective leadership and driving change within organizations. He suggests that leaders often hit a ceiling that mirrors their own limitations and challenges listeners to reflect on their contributions to their frustrations.
 The discussion covers the value of self-awareness and developing intuition, with Brad presenting intuition as a skill that can be enhanced through meditation. He introduces the Johari window as a coaching tool to better understand oneself and one's impact on others. Brad recommends that businesses prioritize aligning a candidate's character with the fundamental requirements of the job during the hiring process, instead of merely considering their skills. 
This episode of The People Dividend delves into the critical role that individuals play in the success of any business venture. Offering actionable strategies on both personal and professional transformation, you will learn the importance of accountability and overcoming internal challenges to achieve success. Learn more about Brad Smith and Stellar Insight here. 
 
Quotes:
"Look at who you are and all the patterns in your life, whether it's your health, whether it's your wealth, whether it's your relationships, all of those are a product of who you are. All your relationships in business, all relationships and skills are there." (08:00 | Brad Smith)
"If you take a perspective that everything is something you've created to learn from and take the learning process as the core of it, that is what I've discovered about life and about character. We're here to learn." (12:49 | Brad Smith) 
"In a lot of my executive coaching work with C-suite leaders, aspirants to the C-suite, that people are often worried about, well, how do I do more of this, do more of that? By the time we're into our work, it is really about interpersonal issues, about self-awareness, about this ability to grow, to be able to hold yourself out as an object so that you can see it and to your earlier points around being able to learn about yourself." (26:30 | Mike Horne)
"Whatever it takes, and however you're built, take on the task of becoming more self-aware. If you want, I recommend meditation, and there's three or four types that are useful. And take on the task of becoming Put it this way, pick a hero, pick several heroes that you admire, that are really good people, and then list out all the different character traits that they have that you want, and learn to grow in those. Integrity being the top." (28:04 | Brad Smith)
 
Links:
Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin
Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com
Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, 
LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, 
Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike  
 
Learn more about Brad Smith:
Website: https://www.stellarinsightinc.com/
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
 

What does it really take to climb the executive ladder and secure a board seat? Host Mike Horne discusses the specifics with Debra Boggs, founder of D&S Executive Career Management. Debra, known for her success in executive career coaching, shares her approach to preparing candidates for top-tier job searches, drawing from her extensive experience and recognition in the field, including being part of Forbes’ Next 1000 list. 
The discussion highlights the difference between executive search and standard job applications, noting that C-level jobs often aren't found through online job postings. Instead, networking and personal branding, especially on LinkedIn, play crucial roles.
Mike and Debra talk about the value executive search firms bring to the recruitment process, leveraging their networks and expertise to match candidates with suitable positions. They stress the importance for executives to be ready to demonstrate their value to a board, not just in their expertise but in their potential contributions to the company's growth.
Debra advises on showcasing how one's work has impacted business growth. She offers advice for executives looking to advance their careers or secure board positions, highlighting the importance of clear goals. She also discusses the need for more diversity in executive search and the challenges involved.
This episode provides clear insights about the executive job market, emphasizing the importance of presentation, networking, and clarity in professional goals. Learn more about Debra Boggs and her firm here.
 
Quotes
“Be really clear on your focus on what you bring as an executive candidate and what kind of organizations you are uniquely equipped to serve.” (20:02 | Debra Boggs) "You can offer value in a lot of different areas, but we can't try to be everything to everyone or else people will not understand what box we've been in. Be really clear about that focus and the kinds of companies, size of company, industry, and business model. All of those things will help you get your career assets in order–your board resume and your board bio." (20:22 | Debra Boggs)
"Some board recruiters and some organizations will ask for a resume, some ask for a bio and some ask for both. They're not interchangeable. So having both is helpful. And then a really strong LinkedIn profile. And I say that because so many people that we talked to have built amazing executive careers and have not needed to leverage their network or their digital brand. And you need to think about your LinkedIn profile as being the first opportunity you're going to have to make a first impression." (21:03 | Debra Boggs)
“The very first thing you need to do is get clear on what you want. Because getting clear on what you want in the beginning makes every single step of this easier. It makes writing your resume easier. It makes writing your LinkedIn profile easier. It makes building a search strategy and the way you're going to take yourself to market easier. If you know your audience, your value, what their struggles are, what those kinds of companies are struggling with. Understanding that makes everything run more efficiently for you.” (43:33 | Debra Boggs) 
 
Links:
Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin
Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com
Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, 
LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, 
Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike  



Learn more about Debra Boggs:
Website: https://www.dscareermanagement.com/
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm