The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett

Clinton M. Padgett
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Did you realize the key to business and team success finds its roots deep in conversation? Join Clint Padgett, who’s built his career helping Fortune 100 companies optimize their businesses, as he interviews leaders who encourage employees to learn, challenge, and grow. If you want to effectively manage people and optimize results, this is the podcast for you. The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett from Forbes Books.

  1. 11h ago

    Why Celebration Matters More Than Leaders Realize: A Conversation with Joel Zeff (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint talks with Joel Zeff – national speaker, work culture expert, improviser, and author of “Make the Right Choice” – about how energy, celebration, and positive support shape team culture and performance. Joel talks about how a chance introduction to improv comedy led to a career speaking to organizations about leadership, teamwork, and communication. Along the way, he explains why celebration fuels confidence, why people need more “ta-da” moments at work, and how staying in the game through difficult situations often leads to growth and opportunity. Joel also shares the unforgettable story of “The Magic Harmonica” and how losing his newspaper job unexpectedly became one of the most important lessons of his career. This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: How improv comedy became the foundation for Joel’s leadership philosophyWhy positive support and opportunity fuel passion at workThe importance of celebrating small wins and “ta-da” momentsWhy appreciation is one of the most overlooked leadership toolsHow leaders can create cultures where people care and contributeThe role of creativity, fun, and energy in team performanceLessons learned from losing a job and “staying in the game”The story behind “The Magic Harmonica” Links:Joel’s website - https://www.joelzeff.com/ Joel’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelzeff/ Joel’s book, “Make the Right Choice” - https://amzn.to/4uAQIfX

    43 min

  2. May 27

    Trust, Psychological Safety, and Better Teams: A Conversation with Wes Adams (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Wes Adams – Founder & CEO of SV Consulting Group, researcher at the University of Pennsylvania’s Positive Psychology Center, and co-author of “Meaningful Work” – Wes breaks down what actually creates high-performing teams and why trust, psychological safety, and communication matter more than most leaders realize. Wes explains how great teams encourage diverse ideas, why leaders need to create environments where people feel safe sharing bad news early, and how collaboration improves when teams adopt a “yes, and” mindset instead of shutting ideas down. He also discusses the importance of values-based hiring, intentional onboarding, and how organizations can build stronger cultures by aligning leadership behavior with company values. The conversation also explores the future of meaningful work in the age of AI, and why human skills like empathy, adaptability, strategic thinking, and communication are becoming more valuable, not less.This is the second part of a two-part conversation.Topics Covered: Why psychological safety drives team performanceThe connection between trust and accountabilityHow leaders create environments where people feel safe speaking upWhy teams perform better when diverse ideas are welcomedLessons leaders can learn from improv and the “yes, and” mindsetEncouraging participation from quieter or introverted team membersThe importance of equal airtime in meetingsWhy remote and hybrid teams require more intentional communicationHow to respond productively during conflict and disagreementThe PEAR model for handling difficult conversationsWhy character and values matter more than raw talent when hiringThe long-term impact of onboarding and first impressionsUsing positive feedback to reinforce high performanceHow meaningful work influences accountability and collaborationThe role of AI in reshaping work and leadershipWhy human skills are becoming even more valuable in an AI-driven worldLinks: Wes’ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesadams1/ Wes’ book, “Meaningful Work” - https://amzn.to/430EmSa

    32 min

  3. May 20

    Meaningful Work Drives Meaningful Results: A Conversation with Wes Adams (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint talks with Wes Adams – Founder & CEO of SV Consulting Group, researcher at the University of Pennsylvania’s Positive Psychology Center, and co-author of “Meaningful Work” – about what actually drives engagement, performance, and fulfillment at work. Wes explains why meaningful work is more than compensation, perks, or job titles, and why leaders who focus on community, contribution, and challenge create teams that are more innovative, resilient, and accountable. He also breaks down the difference between happiness and meaning at work, why meaningful work can exist in any role, and how small leadership behaviors can have a massive impact on team culture and performance. Throughout the conversation, Clint and Wes explore the growing importance of human-centered leadership in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world, and why creating meaningful work is quickly becoming one of the most important competitive advantages organizations can build.This is the first part of a two-part conversation.Topics Covered: Why meaningful work is a major driver of performanceThe “3 Cs” of meaningful work: community, contribution, and challengeWhy purpose alone isn’t enough to create engagementThe difference between meaningful work and happy workHow leaders create environments where people thriveWhy community at work matters more than everBuilding trust and psychological safety on teamsThe impact of remote and hybrid work on connection and belongingWhy meaningful work can exist in any role or industryThe importance of aligning company values with leadership behaviorWhy positive feedback is one of the most underused leadership skillsHelping employees grow through achievable challengeHow meaningful work drives accountability and collaborationWhy psychological safety improves innovation and adaptabilityThe growing importance of human skills in the age of AILinks: Wes’ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesadams1/ Wes’ book, “Meaningful Work” - https://amzn.to/430EmSa

    43 min

  4. May 13

    Better Thinking, Better Leadership: A Conversation with M.J. Clark (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with M.J. Clark – Vice President at Integrated Leadership Systems and author of “Leading Through Listening – M.J. dives into the internal side of leadership, explaining how mindset, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence shape the way leaders communicate, handle conflict, and build trust. She introduces the ABC model (Activating Event, Belief System, Consequences) as a practical framework for understanding and changing reactions, and explains how leaders can shift from emotional responses to more thoughtful, productive behaviors. M.J. also explores why cognitive dissonance and lack of self-awareness often lead to poor decisions, miscommunication, and even dishonesty in the workplace. The conversation also covers how leaders can navigate difficult conversations, de-escalate conflict, and create accountability, while reinforcing why face-to-face communication remains essential for building trust and strong team dynamics.This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered:The ABC model and how thoughts drive emotions and behaviorHow to reframe negative thinking into practical, productive responsesWhat cognitive dissonance reveals about self-awareness and behaviorWhy leaders struggle to accurately assess their own communication styleThe role of emotional intelligence in handling feedback and conflictHow reactive behavior signals low leadership maturityTechniques for de-escalating conflict through tone, pacing, and questionsWhy asking questions helps shift emotional conversations to logical thinkingThe importance of face-to-face communication for trust and accountabilityHow to create accountability without formal authorityWhy starting with trust accelerates relationships and team performanceThe difference between communication and true conversationPractical ways to close the loop and ensure clarity in communicationHow journaling and self-observation improve leadership effectivenessLinks: M.J.’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjclark22/ M.J.’s book, “Leading Through Listening” - https://amzn.to/4ugN22q

    39 min

  5. May 6

    The Power of Listening: A Conversation with M.J. Clark (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint talks with M.J. Clark – Vice President at Integrated Leadership Systems and author of “Leading Through Listening” – about why listening is one of the most overlooked yet powerful leadership skills, and how it directly impacts trust, communication, and team performance. Drawing from her experience as a leadership consultant and executive coach, M.J. shares how many leaders unintentionally undermine their teams by talking too much, steering conversations, or failing to create an environment where people feel heard. She explains what “quiet leadership” looks like in practice, how to use questions instead of answers to empower teams, and why psychological safety starts with how leaders listen. Through personal stories and real-world examples, M.J. highlights how better listening leads to stronger collaboration, more innovative thinking, and deeper respect across teams.This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: The difference between talking to lead and listening to leadHow “quiet leadership” empowers teams to find their own answersWhy leaders who dominate conversations limit team performanceThe role of psychological safety in open communicationHow to recognize when a team doesn’t feel heardThe concept of conversational turn-taking and why it mattersHow leaders can draw out quieter voices in meetingsThe impact of listening on trust, respect, and team dynamicsCommon communication habits that unintentionally shut people downThe connection between listening and better decision-makingWhy diverse perspectives strengthen team outcomesHow self-awareness shapes effective communicationLinks: M.J.’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjclark22/ M.J.’s book, “Leading Through Listening” - https://amzn.to/4ugN22q

    32 min

  6. Apr 29

    Leadership Habits to Reduce Burnout: A Conversation with Paula Davis (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Paula Davis – Founder and CEO of the Stress & Resilience Institute and author of “Beating Burnout at Work” and “Lead Well” – Paula breaks down the practical leadership behaviors that build stronger teams, increase engagement, and reduce burnout over time. She introduces concepts like “sticky recognition” and “thank you plus,” explaining how small, intentional moments of feedback can create lasting impact and reinforce a sense of meaning at work. Paula also discusses how leaders can build trust, strengthen relationships, and create real connection, even in hybrid or remote environments. From fostering belonging to responding to wins the right way, this part of the conversation focuses on simple, actionable skills that leaders can apply immediately to improve team performance and resilience. This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered:What “sticky recognition” is and why it creates lasting impactThe concept of mattering and why it drives motivation and retentionHow to use “thank you plus” to make feedback more meaningfulWhy leaders often overlook recognition and how to fix itHow small moments of acknowledgment reduce burnout and increase engagementExpanding the definition of autonomy beyond time and locationHow to build community in hybrid and remote teamsThe role of informal conversations in strengthening team connectionWhy having a best friend at work impacts performance and wellbeingHow to create stronger relationships through active constructive responding (ACR)Common communication habits that unintentionally damage relationshipsWhat team resilience looks like before, during, and after challengesHow trust, communication, and psychological safety drive better outcomesThe surprising link between connection, trust, and team performance Links: Paula’s website - https://stressandresilience.com/ Paula’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauladavislaack/ Paula’s book, “Beating Burnout at Work” - https://amzn.to/4tKzkEG  Paula’s book, “Lead Well” - https://amzn.to/4mvTqQC

    31 min

  7. Apr 22

    Burnout Isn’t What You Think: A Conversation with Paula Davis (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint talks with Paula Davis – Founder and CEO of the Stress & Resilience Institute and author of “Beating Burnout at Work” and “Lead Well” – about what burnout really is, why most organizations misunderstand it, and what leaders need to do differently to build resilient, high-performing teams. Drawing from her own experience burning out as a lawyer and her work with leaders across industries, Paula explains why burnout is a systemic issue rooted in how work is designed. She breaks down the key drivers of stress and disengagement, why leaders often miss what’s really happening on their teams, and how small, intentional actions can create meaningful change. Through practical insights and research-backed frameworks, Paula offers a clearer way to think about workload, team dynamics, and leadership behaviors, helping leaders move from reactive fixes to sustainable performance. This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: Paula’s journey from law to burnout and into resilience researchWhy burnout is more than just an individual stress problemThe difference between high workload and unmanageable workloadWhy most wellness programs don’t fix burnoutThe gap between what leaders think and what employees experienceWhy burnout is a systemic, culture-driven issueThe six core drivers of stress and disengagement in teamsHow lack of recognition shows up beyond just not hearing “thank you”The role of fairness, transparency, and trust in team healthWhy leaders are often underprepared to address burnoutHow meaningful one-on-one conversations drive engagementThe impact of constant busyness and overloaded teamsWhy connection and community break down under pressureThe balance between autonomy and belonging in modern work environmentsHow small, consistent leadership actions (“tiny noticeable things”) create resilience Links: Paula’s website - https://stressandresilience.com/ Paula’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauladavislaack/ Paula’s book, “Beating Burnout at Work” - https://amzn.to/4tKzkEG Paula’s book, “Lead Well” - https://amzn.to/4mvTqQC

    36 min

  8. Apr 15

    Clarity, Consistency, and Credibility: A Conversation with Mark Fava (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Mark Fava – former U.S. Navy Officer, accomplished aviation attorney, and author of “Lessons from the Admiral” – Mark shares practical leadership lessons on communication, trust, and execution that apply across any organization. He explains why exceptional leaders repeat their message with clarity and consistency, how listening builds credibility faster than talking, and why transparency, especially in difficult situations, is critical to maintaining trust and morale. Mark also covers how leaders should handle problems early, create environments where people feel safe raising issues, and balance honest feedback with strong team alignment. Through real-world examples, he highlights the importance of preparation, accountability, and doing what you say you’re going to do, every time. The conversation closes with advice for early-career professionals on leading without authority, overcoming self-doubt, and building a reputation that lasts. This is the second part of a two-part conversation.  Topics Covered: Why consistent messaging is critical for effective leadershipHow to communicate clearly, concisely, and with impactThe “three bullet rule” for simplifying communicationWhy great leaders listen first, and how it builds credibilityThe role of transparency in building trust and moraleHow to handle difficult messages and lead through discomfortWhy problems don’t age well, and how to address them earlyCreating a culture where team members feel safe speaking upThe balance between healthy disagreement and team alignmentWhy preparation drives confidence and performanceLeading without authority through reliability and executionThe importance of doing what you say you’ll doOvercoming imposter syndrome early in your careerLessons learned from failure and how to reset and move forwardThe concept of “legacy leadership” and long-term impactWhy integrity and reputation are a leader’s most valuable assets Links: Mark’s website - https://markcfava.com/  Mark’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcfava/  Mark’s book, “Lessons from the Admiral” - https://amzn.to/48m9tum

    30 min
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5
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8 Ratings

About

Did you realize the key to business and team success finds its roots deep in conversation? Join Clint Padgett, who’s built his career helping Fortune 100 companies optimize their businesses, as he interviews leaders who encourage employees to learn, challenge, and grow. If you want to effectively manage people and optimize results, this is the podcast for you. The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett from Forbes Books.

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