144 episodes

Future-proof your leadership with High Octane Leadership, a place where business leaders (whether by title or aspiration) share cheat codes for unlocking workplace excellence, lessons learned along the way, and insider tips for future generations of next-level professionals. With two decades of experience leading and growing multi-million dollar firms, host Donald Thompson is a serial entrepreneur and investor who worked his way to success with hustle and humility. He’s an expert in goal achievement, influencing company culture, and driving exponential growth. A Certified Diversity Executive, Donald is also CEO and co-founder of The Diversity Movement, a multi award-winning product-driven consultancy which offers an employee-experience product suite to personalize diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) through data, technology, and expert-curated content. Each week on The Donald Thompson Podcast, he talks leadership, competitive learning, diversity and inclusion, and business growth through personal development with guests who are shaping the future of work. Find him on Linkedin, and listen here to learn how you can become future-proof too.

High Octane Leadership Donald Thompson

    • Business
    • 4.8 • 13 Ratings

Future-proof your leadership with High Octane Leadership, a place where business leaders (whether by title or aspiration) share cheat codes for unlocking workplace excellence, lessons learned along the way, and insider tips for future generations of next-level professionals. With two decades of experience leading and growing multi-million dollar firms, host Donald Thompson is a serial entrepreneur and investor who worked his way to success with hustle and humility. He’s an expert in goal achievement, influencing company culture, and driving exponential growth. A Certified Diversity Executive, Donald is also CEO and co-founder of The Diversity Movement, a multi award-winning product-driven consultancy which offers an employee-experience product suite to personalize diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) through data, technology, and expert-curated content. Each week on The Donald Thompson Podcast, he talks leadership, competitive learning, diversity and inclusion, and business growth through personal development with guests who are shaping the future of work. Find him on Linkedin, and listen here to learn how you can become future-proof too.

    Employee Engagement as a Workplace Growth Catalyst

    Employee Engagement as a Workplace Growth Catalyst

    In the world of organizational development, there's been a buzz about repackaging DEI to focus on workplace belonging and inclusive cultures for boosting employee engagement and driving growth. Donald is all for this shift, highlighting the importance of prioritizing employee well-being, trust and belonging to foster collaboration, innovation and productivity. With his background in leadership and DEI programming, Donald shares his perspective shaped by data that shows inclusive leadership and positive environments lead to higher engagement and performance. He emphasizes the need to embrace diversity in a supportive manner, cautioning against negative language and stressing the significance of a positive, inclusive culture for organizational success.
    High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson, is a production of Earfluence and is part of the Living Corporate Network.
    Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

    • 17 min
    Storytelling's Role in Driving DEI Initiatives

    Storytelling's Role in Driving DEI Initiatives

    The DEI movement has gained momentum, driven by a recognition of the need for more inclusive societies. Donald highlights the power of storytelling in fostering inclusivity and sees criticism as an opportunity for growth. In this episode, he emphasizes the importance of effective communication, pragmatic approaches, and the role of AI in refining DEI strategies, advocating for authentic storytelling to drive meaningful change.
    High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson, is a production of Earfluence and is part of the Living Corporate Network.
    Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

    • 53 min
    Roar into Leadership: The Guide to Finding Your Voice

    Roar into Leadership: The Guide to Finding Your Voice

    In this episode, Dionne Griffin-McGee, a dynamic entrepreneur, speaker and CEO of D.G. McGee Enterprises, is sharing her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship with Donald. Highlighting her relentless drive to overcome challenges as a Black woman in leadership, they explore her book, "Finding Your Roar," and delve into what she learned about management and DEI over the course of her career. Ready to roar?
    High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson, is a production of Earfluence and is part of the Living Corporate Network.
    Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

    • 44 min
    The Secret to Inclusive Leadership

    The Secret to Inclusive Leadership

    Inclusive leadership drives organizational growth, enhances team performance, and fosters a sense of belonging, all contributing to your business's success. In this episode, Donald shares strategies from his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the importance of creating environments where every team member feels valued and empowered. Listen to explore the principles that make inclusive leadership a cornerstone for long-term success and a competitive advantage in today's dynamic business landscape.
    High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson, is a production of Earfluence and is part of the Living Corporate Network.
    Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

    • 29 min
    The High Performer’s Wellness Roadmap

    The High Performer’s Wellness Roadmap

    How do leaders support their top talent without encouraging burnout? In this episode, Donald and Jackie Ferguson explore the unique challenges both leaders and talent face, debunk common myths about productivity, and discuss strategies that foster a healthy environment for exceptional performance and recovery. Tune in to learn how to navigate the pressures of high achievement while maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
    High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson, is a production of Earfluence and is part of the Living Corporate Network.
    Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

    • 56 min
    Strategies for Cultivating Engaged Employees

    Strategies for Cultivating Engaged Employees

    From the power of transparent communication to innovative methods of recognition, Donald and Jackie Ferguson uncover the key ingredients for leading a highly engaged workforce. Learn how transparent communication builds trust and loyalty while fostering an environment of openness and collaboration, and take note of innovative ways to ignite motivation and fuel productivity by appreciating and listening to your team members. With real-world examples and expert advice, they decode the secrets to activating engagement strategies that drive innovation, reduce turnover, and enhance customer satisfaction.
    High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson, is a production of Earfluence and is part of the Living Corporate Network.
    Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

    • 50 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
13 Ratings

13 Ratings

Zach Nunn ,

Deep Insights from an Experienced Leader

I’m a Donald Thompson fan so it isn’t shocking I enjoy this podcast. Make sure you listen to it for lessons on matters of business and life!

Stak Kato ,

Thoughtful Conversations

Appreciate Donald Having this platform to highlight awesome individuals in NC and across the 🌎. Every episode gets better and better.

drdebby ,

Highly Recommend DT!

“A giraffe doesn't waste time quarrelling with rabbits over what the top of a tree looks like.” (M. Dhliwayo) Leaders want insights and appreciate directness. DT shares his best practices from years of building teams and maximizing efficiency — strategies that equate to success! I invite all leaders to listen in with a pencil and paper handy. It’s good stuff!

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