Leading with Curiosity. A Podcast for Modern Leaders.

Nate Leslie
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Management
  • Updated Monthly

Are you ready to have bigger impact? Command and Control Leadership is Dead. Join our modern leadership movement. We interview leaders, entrepreneurs, and Certified Executive Coaches challenging old paradigms. The brain behaves very differently when 'invited to think' rather than 'told to listen'. Hosted by Nate Leslie - Certified Executive Coach (PCC, CEC, M.Ed.) and former professional athlete.

  1. Sep 15

    Building Culture the NASA Way: 4 Leadership Lessons | Brady Pyle | Ep72

    Building Culture the NASA Way: 4 Leadership Lessons | Brady Pyle How do you build and sustain a high-performing culture when the stakes are literally life and death? In this episode of Leading with Curiosity, Nate Leslie sits down with Brady Pyle, author of "Building Culture the NASA Way," to explore what 30 years inside one of the world's most iconic agencies taught him about leadership, culture, and human potential. Brady is the former Chief HR and Inclusion Officer at NASA and current Chief HR & Inclusion Officer at Space Center Houston. He breaks down the exact principles that helped transform NASA's employee engagement from under 70% to an astounding 85%. The conversation explores how leaders can avoid the trap of the "hero leader" and instead build a genuine shared vision with their teams. Brady shares how NASA learned critical lessons from moments like the Challenger and Columbia accidents, shifted from organizational arrogance to continuous benchmarking, and navigated the transition from technical expert to coach-leader by asking powerful questions rather than simply providing answers. In this episode, you'll discover: • The NASA Leadership Framework: Navigate, Assess & Adapt, Strengthen Leadership, and Activate Inclusion & Innovation • How pivotal historical moments defined NASA's decision-making culture • The Mirror Principle: Understanding your personal core values vs. organizational values • Moving past the "Not Invented Here" mindset through intentional external benchmarking • Why technical leaders often stunt team growth and how asking questions empowers teams • The hidden safety and innovation risks of hybrid and remote work environments • Succession development: Growing the full talent pool rather than picking a select few Whether you're leading a small team or managing an enterprise workforce, these aerospace-tested principles will help you build trust, accountability, and sustainable performance. What is the biggest challenge your organization faces when building team culture: creating a shared vision or transitioning managers into coaches? Share your perspective in the comments. 📌 TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction: 30 Years of Culture at NASA 01:22 Core Values & The Leader’s Mirror 03:42 Stewarding Culture at Space Center Houston 05:53 Space Exploration and Inspiring Human Connection 07:48 The Trap of the Hero Leader & Building a Shared Vision 10:15 Space Center Houston’s Core Values 12:09 Aligning Personal Values with Organizational Mission 16:03 The Overview Effect: Moving to the Leadership Balcony 18:40 Getting on Mission During Hard Mandates (Saving 25%) 21:35 Ask Questions, Don’t Give Answers: The Coaching Shift 22:05 The NASA Framework: Navigate Defining Moments 25:32 Assess & Adapt: How NASA Reached 85% Engagement 28:30 Eliminating Organizational Arrogance Through Benchmarking 33:28 Strengthen Leadership: Succession Development vs. Planning 36:52 Activate Inclusion and Innovation 39:00 The Hidden Safety Risks of Hybrid Environments 41:05 Practical Takeaways from "Building Culture the NASA Way" 44:48 Closing — Leading with Curiosity 📩 BUSINESS CONTACT: nate@nateleslie.ca 🔗 LINKS: Website: nateleslie.ca Get the Book "Building Culture the NASA Way": https://amzn.to/3QnGHUs Brady Pyle: https://bradypyle.com 🎬 WATCH MORE FROM LEADING WITH CURIOSITY: ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6pIgTLKW0s ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AarKlM53kDw ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYzB_qttJpM ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu-Yt0YChhE ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBTMbIEZaRA A Thought Worth Considering: The views shared in this conversation are intended to spark curiosity, reflection, and meaningful leadership discussions. #Leadership #OrganizationalCulture #NASA #HighPerformanceTeams #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadingWithCuriosity #BradyPyle

  2. Aug 15

    Finding Direction in the Age of AI: Leadership in a Noisy World | Michael Earls | Ep.71

    How can leaders stay focused and find direction when AI, technology, and business are moving faster than ever? In this episode of Leading with Curiosity, Nate Leslie sits down with Michael Earls, technology leader, enterprise strategist, and author of Finding Direction in the Age of AI, to explore what leadership looks like in a rapidly changing digital world. Michael argues that the challenge isn't simply keeping up with the speed of innovation. It's knowing where you're actually trying to go. The conversation explores how leaders and organizations can use AI without losing sight of strategy, culture, human connection, and purpose. Michael shares his experience navigating major technology shifts and explains why businesses need a clear “North Star” before adopting new technology. They also discuss IT sprawl, AI adoption, digital distraction, workplace culture, employee connection, and the future of work. Rather than allowing technology to create more noise, leaders can use it to create space for clearer thinking, meaningful relationships, and better decisions. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why speed without direction can become noise • How leaders can find clarity in the age of AI • Why businesses need a “North Star” before adopting AI • The risks of AI and technology sprawl across organizations • How IT sprawl can create security and data challenges • Why human connection still matters in a digital workplace • How AI can help people become more human, not less • Why workplace culture matters for employee retention • How leaders can reduce digital distractions and information overload • Why creating space for focused thinking improves productivity • How walking and talking can strengthen leadership conversations • Why leaders need to give people a reason to stay Michael also shares insights from his book, Finding Direction in the Age of AI, including the idea that “speed without direction is noise.” If you're interested in leadership in the age of AI, AI leadership, technology strategy, future of work, workplace culture, human connection, digital transformation, executive leadership, productivity, and organizational change, this conversation offers a practical perspective on navigating a world where technology is moving faster than ever. What do you think leaders need most in the age of AI: more speed, better technology, or a clearer direction? Share your perspective in the comments. 📌 TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction: Leadership in the Age of AI 01:00 Michael Earls on Technology and Human Connection 02:29 AI, Business Strategy and Finding Your North Star 04:17 AI Adoption and the Risk of Technology Sprawl 05:09 What Is IT Sprawl? 08:35 The Human Element in a Digital World 09:43 AI and the Future of Work 11:22 Creating a Culture of Clarity and Care 15:15 Leadership, Employee Growth and Retention 16:35 Reducing Digital Noise and Distractions 17:52 Creating Space for Focus and Productivity 18:42 Leadership Coaching Through Walking and Talking 22:51 Speed Without Direction Is Noise 23:50 Final Thoughts from Michael Earls 23:58 Closing — Leading with Curiosity 📩 BUSINESS CONTACT nate@nateleslie.ca 🔗 LINKS Website: nateleslie.ca 🎬 WATCH MORE FROM LEADING WITH CURIOSITY ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AarKlM53kDw ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu-Yt0YChhE&t=4s ▶️https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBTMbIEZaRA ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe4xTJSfZuI ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qikbQY0YDhE A Thought Worth Considering: The views shared in this conversation are intended to spark curiosity, reflection, and meaningful leadership discussions. #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #TrustInLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #TeamLeadership #LeadershipCoaching #WorkplaceCulture #DifficultConversations #AppreciativeInquiry #Curiosity #TeamTrust #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadingWithCuriosity"

  3. Jul 15

    From Expert to Leader: The Violinist Trap Every Leader Must Avoid. Ep70

    From Expert to Leader: The Violinist Trap Every Leader Must AvoidAre you an expert who has become a leader—but still finds yourself trying to have all the answers? The transition from expert to leader can create a hidden “violinist trap”—one that can limit your impact if you don't learn to let go of doing everything yourself.In this episode of Leading with Curiosity, Nate Leslie speaks with Frans Campher, executive coach, leadership strategist, and program director at Imperial College Business School, about what it really takes to evolve from expert to catalytic leader.Frans uses a powerful orchestra conductor analogy to explain the leadership identity shift: instead of playing every instrument yourself, your role becomes creating the conditions for talented people to perform at their best.The conversation explores leadership development, executive coaching, authentic leadership, strategic leadership, catalytic leadership, micromanagement, trust, employee development, decision-making, organizational culture, and leading in a disruptive world.You'll learn why senior leaders don't need to have all the answers, why letting go of control can multiply leadership impact, and how leaders can create space for people to grow and take ownership of outcomes.Frans also explains the difference between expert, achiever, and catalytic leadership, why leaders need an enterprise mindset as their responsibilities grow, and how authenticity, listening, curiosity, and identity shape leadership effectiveness.The discussion also examines AI and leadership, including why human coaching, emotional awareness, and the ability to translate information into changed behavior remain important as AI becomes more capable.Key Takeaways• Why leaders get trapped in the expert mindset• The shift from violinist to orchestra conductor• Expert vs. Achiever vs. Catalytic leadership• How to move from managing to leading• Why senior leaders should stop micromanaging• How trust creates ownership and stronger outcomes• The role of listening and authentic leadership• How leaders can develop the people around them• Why leaders need an enterprise mindset• Leadership development in an AI-driven worldAre you still playing the instruments—or are you ready to pick up the baton?If you found this conversation valuable, like, subscribe, and share Leading with Curiosity.📌 TIMESTAMPS00:00 Why Leadership Development Matters Today01:17 Leading With Presence and Curiosity01:47 Common Leadership Misconceptions02:02 Why Leaders Don't Need All the Answers02:20 The Key to Authentic Leadership02:54 The Violinist Trap Explained03:46 From Expert to Orchestra Conductor04:43 The Leadership Identity Shift05:12 Creating Impact Through Leadership06:11 From Managing to Leading07:16 Expert, Achiever & Catalytic Leadership08:45 How Catalytic Leaders Multiply Impact10:00 Why Micromanagement Limits Leadership10:51 Hiring Smart People and Setting Them Free11:42 Inside-Out Leadership Development13:15 The Power of Human Presence14:23 Coaching Senior Leaders16:55 Leaders Operating Below Their Potential18:17 Ownership and Empowering Teams20:12 Purpose in Leadership and Organizations21:56 Fundamental Human Needs in Leadership23:58 Why Leaders Must Own Their Development25:36 Sharing Thinking in Decision-Making26:23 Different Perspectives and Better Decisions30:12 Designing Relevant Leadership Programs31:48 Holding Steady Against Expert Ego32:11 AI and the Future of Human Leadership34:03 Behaving Your Way Into New Thinking📩 BUSINESS CONTACTnate@nateleslie.ca🔗 LINKSWebsite: nateleslie.caLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelesliecec/#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #CatalyticLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipTransformation #FutureOfLeadership #LeadingWithCuriosity

  4. Jun 15

    Letting Go of Control: How Great Leaders Build Trust | Bruce Mayhew Ep.69

    Letting go of control can be one of the most powerful ways for leaders to build trust. Book The Path of an Inspired Leader by Bruce Mayhew - ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/42kezUz⁠⁠What actually makes people trust their leaders? It may have less to do with having all the answers—and more to do with transparency, curiosity, authenticity, and knowing when to let go of control.In this episode of Leading with Curiosity, Nate Leslie sits down with Bruce Mayhew, author of The Path of an Inspired Leader, to explore practical approaches to building trust, stronger teams, and more authentic leadership.Together, they discuss why transparency is essential to workplace trust, how authenticity can create psychological safety, and why leaders don't need to have all the answers to lead effectively. They also explore vision and values, Appreciative Inquiry, difficult conversations, and the difference between reacting and responding.You'll learn about:• How transparency strengthens workplace trust• Why leaders don't need to have all the answers• The connection between authenticity and trust• How vision and values give teams direction• How Appreciative Inquiry shifts attention toward solutions• How curiosity can improve difficult workplace conversations• Why leaders should respond rather than react• Why letting go of ego and excessive control can create more trustIf you're interested in leadership development, team trust, workplace communication, authentic leadership, difficult conversations, and healthy team cultures, this conversation offers practical ideas you can apply in your own leadership.What do you think leaders need to let go of to build more trust within a team? Share your thoughts in the comments.If you found this conversation valuable, please share, follow, and rate the show to help more leaders discover Leading with Curiosity.📌 TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Leading with Curiosity00:21 Building Trust in Teams01:47 Why Transparency Matters for Trust03:08 Being Honest About Workplace Challenges05:30 Authenticity and the Leadership “Armor”08:50 Vision, Values and the Role of a Leader11:01 Leading with Curiosity12:18 Being in Service to Others Without Losing Your Priorities16:05 The Story Behind The Path of an Inspired Leader18:25 The Leadership Book as a Practical Playbook20:08 What Is Appreciative Inquiry?23:49 Reactive vs. Creative Leadership24:34 React vs. Respond25:32 How to Approach Difficult Conversations29:30 What Leaders Need to Let Go Of30:26 Where to Find Bruce Mayhew & His Book31:26 Closing — Leading with Curiosity📩 BUSINESS CONTACTnate@nateleslie.ca🔗 LINKSWebsite: nateleslie.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/nate-leslie-executive-coachFacebook: facebook.com/natelesliececTwitter: twitter.com/natelesliececInstagram: instagram.com/natelesliecec🎬 WATCH MORE FROM LEADING WITH CURIOSITY▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS7Xy-gJhUw&t=9s▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu-Yt0YChhE&t=10s▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AarKlM53kDw▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe4xTJSfZuI▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qikbQY0YDhE#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #TrustInLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #TeamLeadership #LeadershipCoaching #WorkplaceCulture #DifficultConversations #AppreciativeInquiry #Curiosity #TeamTrust #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadingWithCuriosity

  5. May 15

    Ep. 68: Speak Spontaneously and Present with Impact | Frankie Kemp

    Ep. 68: Speak Spontaneously and Present with Impact | Frankie KempWhy do most corporate presentations feel robotic, and how can leaders speak so people actually listen?In Episode 68 of Leading with Curiosity, host Nate Leslie sits down with Frankie Kemp—presentation expert, theater performer, and scriptwriter for the Eurovision Song Contest. Frankie specializes in helping senior leaders, technical teams, and entrepreneurs ditch the boring slides, overcome stage fright, and transform their communication from "vanilla" to "thriller."In this conversation, Frankie reveals why over-relying on PowerPoint bullet points suppresses your natural personality. She introduces practical NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) techniques like "Anchoring" and the "Circle of Excellence" to help you summon instant confidence before a high-stakes pitch or presentation. You’ll also learn her simple 4-step framework for answering questions off-the-cuff and the non-verbal "Cats vs. Dogs" dynamic in executive leadership.In this episode, you’ll discover:• Why reading from slides makes presentations robotic and boring• How to overcome stage fright and imposter syndrome when speaking• The NLP "Anchoring" technique to trigger confidence on demand• The 4-step framework to master spontaneous, off-the-cuff speaking• Why weak words like "try" and "hope" undermine leadership authority• "Cats vs. Dogs" leadership: When to build connection and when to stay reserved• The single biggest presentation mistake: Leaving out the "Key Message"• How to structure a business update in under 5 minutes📌 TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction: Frankie Kemp & The Anti-Boring Presentation01:12 The Worst Corporate Presentation Habits (Death by Slides)02:40 Blanking on Stage: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome05:16 Surviving the Chaos of Eurovision Scriptwriting07:31 The Walkout Song: Setting the Right Mindset & Energy09:52 NLP & Anchoring: The "Circle of Excellence" for Instant Confidence16:43 Roleplay, Adaptability, and Executive Presence20:47 Spontaneous Speaking: The 4-Step Framework for Instant Updates25:10 Weak Words to Avoid: Stop Saying "Try" and "Hope"28:06 Cats vs. Dogs: Mastering Non-Verbal Leadership Dynamics29:58 The Number 1 Rule of Presentations: Serving the Key Message32:00 "Go With the Music": Improv in Leadership32:34 Connect with Frankie Kemp & Final Takeaways🔗 CONNECT WITH FRANKIE KEMP:• Website: https://frankiekemp.com• Book a Discovery Call: https://frankiekemp.com/contact📩 CONNECT WITH NATE LESLIE:• Website: https://nateleslie.ca• Business Contact: nate@nateleslie.ca🎬 WATCH MORE FROM LEADING WITH CURIOSITY:▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI-8GsIzdqo&t=445s▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AarKlM53kDw&t=114s▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AarKlM53kDw&t=114s ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPrgETwgfb8&t=45s▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu-Yt0YChhE&t=15sA Thought Worth Considering: The views shared in this conversation are intended to spark curiosity, reflection, and meaningful leadership discussions.#PublicSpeaking #PresentationSkills #LeadershipCommunication #ExecutivePresence #NLPAnchoring #FrankieKemp #LeadingWithCuriosity #SpontaneousSpeaking

  6. Apr 15

    Ep. 67: The Stand-Up CEO: What Comedy Teaches You About Leadership | Greg Hold

    What happens when a Wall Street CEO steps onto a stand-up comedy stage? In this episode of Leading with Curiosity, host Nate Leslie sits down with Greg Hold, Founder and CEO of Hold Brothers Capital, to explore the surprising connection between business leadership and stand-up comedy. With more than three decades in the finance industry and years of experience performing comedy, Greg shares how humor, confidence, persistence, and communication have shaped his professional and personal life. He reveals how the courageous art of comedy has sharpened his professional edge and emphasizes the strategic role of humor in the business world. From managing a global business to refining jokes on stage, Greg explains why great leaders need to hire well, delegate effectively, embrace challenges, and focus on doing fewer things exceptionally well. In this conversation, you'll discover: • How stand-up comedy can improve confidence and communication • What business leaders can learn from reading a room • Why humor in the workplace requires care and judgment ("Every joke has a victim") • How Greg develops and refines his comedy material • Why hiring authentically and delegating are essential to business growth • How to stay resilient and believe in yourself through difficult business cycles Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, business owner, or aspiring comedian, this conversation offers a powerful reminder to believe fiercely in your own vision and to embrace perseverance. 📌 CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Intersection of Comedy and Business 01:13 Greg Hold: 30-Year Finance CEO & Comedian 04:18 The Joke Writing Process vs. Business Strategy 07:43 Should You Be Funny at Work? (The Risks of Office Comedy) 11:41 The Secret to Building a Global Team: Hire Slowly 14:38 Navigating Business Crises and Surviving the Lows 18:40 Evolution vs. Stubbornness in Entrepreneurship 21:09 Connect with Greg Hold 🔗 CONNECT WITH GREG HOLD: • Business: http://hold.com • Comedy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StandUpCEO • Upcoming Shows: https://www.gregoryhold.com/calendar-comedy 📩 CONNECT WITH NATE LESLIE: • Website: https://nateleslie.ca • Business Contact: nate@nateleslie.ca 🎙️ ABOUT LEADING WITH CURIOSITY Command and control leadership is dead. Nate Leslie interviews leaders, entrepreneurs, and executive coaches who challenge old paradigms and explore new approaches to leadership. 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION How has a passion outside of work helped you become better at what you do? Share your thoughts in the comments! #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #StandUpComedy #BusinessLeadership #LeadingWithCuriosity #GregHold #CEOAdvice

  7. Mar 15

    Ep.66 How to Make a Dream Manager. Kate Vollman. Floyd Consulting. Florida

    Summary In this conversation, CEO of Floyd Consulting Kate Volman (LinkedIn) and Nate Leslie (LinkedIn) discuss what it means to Certify a Dream Manager. They explore the common barriers people face when pursuing their dreams, and the impact this pursuit can have on leadership culture. They face the fear of judgment and self-doubt head on. They emphasize the importance of enjoying the process and learning from experiences rather than focusing solely on outcomes. Kate is the CEO of a company she could once only dream of leading, author, and host of podcasts Create for No Reason, and Lead With Culture. Books on Amazon: Do What You Love: A Guide to Living Your Creative Life Without Leaving Your Job by Kate VolmanThe Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly (Please consider shopping using these links to support this podcast) Takeaways Many people hesitate to start due to fear.Caring about others' opinions can hinder progress.It's essential to enjoy the journey of creation.Learning and fun should be prioritized over success.Self-expression is crucial in creative moments.The process of creating is more important than the result.Overcoming fear can lead to personal growth.Engagement in activities can lead to unexpected joy.Embracing the journey can transform perspectives. Sound bites "so many people don't start things because of fear." "So what you say you want to start a YouTube channel?" "The journey is the thing."

    Ep.66 How to Make a Dream Manager. Kate Vollman. Floyd Consulting. Florida

  8. Feb 15

    Ep.65 The Pyschology of Leadership. Sebastien Page. Chief Investment Officer, T. Rowe Price

    Summary In this conversation, Nate Leslie and T.Rowe Price's Chief Investment Officer, Sebastian Page, explore the intersection of youth sports and corporate leadership, focusing on the psychology of performance, stress management, and the importance of valuing the joy of mastery over outcomes. If you like this episode, check out related conversations in other episodes! Sebastien is the author of The Psychology of Leadership. They discuss how stress can impact performance, the role of positive psychology in enhancing engagement, and the necessity for leaders to instil meaning in their teams' work. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of feedback, tracking progress, and the responsibility of leaders to create an environment where individuals can thrive and find purpose in their roles. Keywords leadership, psychology, positive psychology, mastery, engagement, stress management, performance, youth sports, business, coaching Takeaways The connection between youth sports and corporate leadership is stronger than you might think.Optimal performance requires a certain level of stress, not zero stress.Mastery orientation leads to better performance than ego orientation.Positive psychology focuses on what makes people thrive over time.Engagement in work is crucial for performance and satisfaction.Feedback and tracking progress can significantly enhance engagement.Finding meaning in work is essential for motivation and fulfillment.Leaders have a responsibility to help their teams find meaning in their work.Goal-induced blindness can negatively impact performance.Positive sports psychology can aid leaders in managing their responsibilities.Mastery vs. Ego: The Key to Performance Sound bites "Praise the process, the effort, not just the outcome." "We have a crisis of engagement in America." "Goal-induced blindness can hinder performance." Chapters 00:00 The Connection Between Youth Sports and Leadership 02:54 Understanding Stress and Performance 05:44 Mastery vs. Ego in Sports and Business 09:02 The Role of Positive Psychology 11:45 Engagement and Meaning in Work 14:44 The Importance of Feedback and Progress Tracking 17:53 Finding Meaning in Work 20:48 The Leader's Responsibility in Creating Meaning 23:50 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Psychology

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About

Are you ready to have bigger impact? Command and Control Leadership is Dead. Join our modern leadership movement. We interview leaders, entrepreneurs, and Certified Executive Coaches challenging old paradigms. The brain behaves very differently when 'invited to think' rather than 'told to listen'. Hosted by Nate Leslie - Certified Executive Coach (PCC, CEC, M.Ed.) and former professional athlete.

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