The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett

Clinton M. Padgett
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Business
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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. 3h ago

    The Art of Tactical Empathy: A Conversation with Chris Voss (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Chris Voss, former lead FBI hostage negotiator and bestselling author of “Never Split the Difference,” Chris explains why the best negotiators don't chase "yes,” they create safety, build trust, and uncover the hidden information that changes everything. From tactical empathy and accusation audits to the surprising power of hearing "no," Chris shares practical techniques that can improve negotiations, leadership, sales, and everyday conversations. This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered:What tactical empathy really is and why it worksWhy making people feel heard changes negotiationsHow to use labels to uncover what people are really thinkingThe power of an accusation audit to defuse resistance before it startsWhy hearing "no" creates trust, safety, and better conversationsThe difference between counterfeit, confirmation, and commitment "yes"Why asking, "Is now a bad time to talk?" is more effective than asking for a few minutesThe surprising power of hearing "That's right"Why negotiation is a performance skill, not just knowledgeWhy compromise often produces lose-lose outcomesWhy no deal is better than a bad dealWhy Chris calls "fair" the most dangerous word in negotiationWhat a "Black Swan" is and how hidden information changes everything Links:Chris’s website - https://www.blackswanltd.com/chris-voss  Chris’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervoss/  Chris’s book, “Never Split the Difference” - https://amzn.to/44H6pqM

  2. Aug 19

    The Psychology of Negotiation: A Conversation with Chris Voss (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint talks with Chris Voss, former lead FBI hostage negotiator and bestselling author of “Never Split the Difference,” about why the best negotiators don't win by talking louder, they win by listening better. Drawing from decades of high-stakes hostage negotiations, Chris explains how emotions drive decisions, why most people misunderstand negotiation, and how tactical empathy can transform conversations at work, at home, and everywhere in between. This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: Chris's journey from Kansas City police officer to leading the FBI's international hostage negotiationsWhy people are emotional, not rational, decision makersThe biggest flaw in traditional negotiation theoryThe difference between influence and manipulationWhy listening is the most powerful negotiation tool you haveHow assumptions derail conversations, and curiosity improves themThe three negotiation voice types (including the famous "late-night FM DJ voice")Tactical empathy and why understanding someone doesn't mean agreeing with themHow mirroring and labels build trust and uncover better informationWhy silence is one of the most underrated communication skillsThe mindset great negotiators bring into every conversation Links:Chris’s website - https://www.blackswanltd.com/chris-voss  Chris’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervoss/  Chris’s book, “Never Split the Difference” - https://amzn.to/44H6pqM

  3. Aug 12

    Leading Through Pressure and Change: A Conversation with Scott Mautz (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Scott Mautz, former Procter & Gamble senior executive and bestselling author of “Leading from the Middle,” Scott shares practical strategies for building trust, creating accountability, leading through uncertainty, and influencing others without formal authority. From managing remote teams to helping people embrace smart risks, he explains how leaders can create stronger teams, navigate pressure, and drive meaningful change from the middle of an organization. This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: Why great leaders assist success instead of avoiding failureHow to earn commitment instead of simple complianceBuilding a culture of accountability that actually worksWhy managers should clearly define the "rules of risk-taking"Turning setbacks and crises into opportunities for growthCreating purpose-driven teams that stay alignedManaging pressure without passing it down to your teamLeading remote and hybrid teams with stronger communicationWhy overcommunicating is essential in today's workplaceHow to influence peers when you have no formal authorityPractical strategies for leading change from the middleCreating your own Middle Action Plan (MAP) for leadership growth Links:Scott’s website - https://scottmautz.com/  Scott’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmautz/  Scott’s book, “Leading from the Middle” - https://amzn.to/4vDWZaj

  4. Aug 5

    How to Lead Without Authority: A Conversation with Scott Mautz (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint sits down with Scott Mautz, former Procter & Gamble senior executive and bestselling author of “Leading from the Middle,” to talk about why middle managers are some of the most influential (and most overlooked!) leaders in any organization. Scott shares the research behind why leading from the middle is uniquely challenging, why it often feels "messy," and how managers can successfully influence up, down, and across without relying on formal authority.  This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: Why the middle of an organization is often the most stressful place to lead The surprising research on why great middle managers drive better business results The "messy middle" and the unique challenges of leading in every direction How successful leaders reframe the role of middle management Why influence matters more than authority Managing constant role changes and competing priorities Lessons from LEGO on navigating leadership contradictions Why middle managers are often the best drivers of organizational change The Karasek model and balancing responsibility with decision-making authority What it means to be an "intrapreneur" inside your organization Others-oriented leadership vs. servant leadership Why affirmation is one of the most powerful tools a leader can use Links: Scott’s website - https://scottmautz.com/ Scott’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmautz/ Scott’s book, “Leading from the Middle” - https://amzn.to/4vDWZaj

  5. Jul 29

    Becoming a Leader: A Conversation with Ryan Hawk (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Ryan Hawk, host of “The Learning Leader Show” and author of “The Price of Becoming,” Ryan talks about the daily habits, disciplines, and mindset shifts that separate good leaders from great ones. F rom protecting time for deep work and building intentional cultures to mentoring others, giving feedback, and staying fully present with the people who matter most, this conversation is packed with practical leadership advice you can apply immediately. This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered:Why deep work is becoming a competitive advantageBuilding focus in a world full of distractionsThe importance of presence, attention, and intentional communicationCreating healthy morning routines that set the tone for leadershipBalancing ambition, work, and familyDefining culture through behaviors, not slogansBuilding strong cultures in remote and hybrid organizationsEscaping zero-sum thinking and adopting an abundance mindsetIdentifying "givers" during the hiring processWhy bad news only gets worse with timeRunning meetings that create value instead of wasting timeThe power of handwritten notes, reflection, and continuous learningLinks:Ryan’s website - https://learningleader.com/ Ryan’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanhawk12/ Ryan’s book, “The Price of Becoming” - https://amzn.to/4piQs3k

  6. Jul 22

    Leading Yourself Before Leading Others: A Conversation with Ryan Hawk (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint sits down with Ryan Hawk, host of The Learning Leader Show and author of “The Price of Becoming” and “Welcome to Management,” to discuss one of the biggest challenges in leadership: making the transition from top performer to effective leader. Ryan shares practical lessons on self-awareness, curiosity, mentorship, feedback, and intentional leadership, drawing from hundreds of conversations with world-class leaders and his own experience leading teams. If you've recently stepped into management, or aspire to, this conversation offers a roadmap for becoming the kind of leader people want to follow. This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: Why leadership begins with leading yourselfThe difficult transition from individual contributor to managerBuilding greater self-awareness through honest feedbackWhy every leader needs "truth tellers" in their lifeHow to receive criticism without becoming defensiveDeveloping curiosity as a leadership superpowerThe difference between managing people and genuinely caring about themCreating meaningful relationships with your teamWhy thoughtfulness and intentionality drive sustained excellenceLearning from both successes and failures through after-action reviewsFinding mentors and writing cold outreach emails that actually get responsesThe difference between a mentor and a coachLinks: Ryan’s website - https://learningleader.com/ Ryan’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanhawk12/ Ryan’s book, “The Price of Becoming” - https://amzn.to/4piQs3k

  7. Jul 15

    What High-Performing Teams Do Differently: A Conversation with Dr. Colin M. Fisher (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Colin Fisher, author of “The Collective Edge,” the discussion turns from why groups matter to how leaders can help them succeed. Colin explains why the smartest teams aren't necessarily the most successful, how healthy competition can both motivate and derail performance, why psychological safety and social sensitivity matter, and what leaders can do to build stronger, more collaborative organizations. The conversation also explores meetings, hybrid work, communication, and the surprisingly simple habits that make teams more effective over time.This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: When collaboration helps … and when it hurts Why talent alone doesn't create high-performing teams The surprising trait that predicts team success How asking better questions improves collaboration Setting goals that people can actually rally around The hidden dangers of unhealthy competition What the Pig and Potato War teaches us about conflict and cooperation Avoiding the sunken cost fallacy in teams and organizations Why psychological safety starts with conversations Building stronger teams in hybrid and remote environments The importance of keeping successful teams together Why information-sharing meetings are hurting organizations Practical lessons leaders can apply to improve teamwork immediately Links: Colin’s website - https://colinmfisher.com/ Colin’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinmfisher/ Colin’s book, “The Collective Edge” - https://amzn.to/442Xu2E

  8. Jul 8

    Why Great Teams Outperform Great Individuals: A Conversation with Dr. Colin M. Fisher (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint sits down with Dr. Colin M. Fisher – professor, speaker, and author of “The Collective Edge” – to explore why our biggest accomplishments are almost never the work of a single person. Colin challenges the myth of the lone genius and explains how cooperation, group dynamics, and collective intelligence have shaped everything from innovation and leadership to business success and human civilization. Along the way, he shares practical insights into why so many organizations misunderstand teamwork and what leaders can do differently to unlock the full potential of their teams. This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: Why cooperation is humanity's greatest competitive advantage The myth of the lone genius What leaders can learn from group dynamics and collective intelligence The fundamental attribution error and why we blame the wrong people Why replacing the "problem employee" often doesn't solve the problem What makes a real team instead of just a group of people Why adding more people can actually slow projects down The hidden costs of social loafing and coordination How clear goals create high-performing teams Why smaller teams often outperform larger ones The conditions that allow teams to achieve true synergy Why successful teams should stay together longer Links: Colin’s website - https://colinmfisher.com/ Colin’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinmfisher/ Colin’s book, “The Collective Edge” - https://amzn.to/442Xu2E

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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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