Lead the People

Matt Poepsel, PhD
  • 5.0 (9)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Lead The People is your guide to unlocking your true potential as an authentic leader. Hosted by Dr. Matt Poepsel—The Godfather of Talent Optimization—this podcast dives deep into the art and science of what it takes to lead at the next level. With insightful conversations and practical strategies, each episode equips executives, strategic HR pros, and aspiring leaders with the tools it takes to boost performance, inspire teams, and drive meaningful impact. Whether exploring the latest workplace trends or tackling real-world leadership challenges, Lead The People offers an enlightened approach to leadership. Embark on a rewarding journey to become the leader your people deserve—the leader you were meant to be.

  1. #158: From Overwhelmed to Confident Manager (feat. Ashley Herd)

    12H AGO

    #158: From Overwhelmed to Confident Manager (feat. Ashley Herd)

    Ashley Herd is the founder of Manager Method, a platform designed to help new and experienced leaders navigate the complexities of people management with confidence and clarity. Drawing from her background in law, HR, and corporate leadership, Ashley brings a practical, human-centered approach to managing teams. In this episode, she shares strategies for setting boundaries, delivering feedback, and navigating difficult conversations, especially for leaders who feel overwhelmed by the emotional demands of management. Ashley emphasizes the importance of scripting, preparation, and self-awareness in developing confidence, helping leaders balance authenticity with clarity. With actionable tips and real-world examples, Ashley empowers managers to lead with empathy, communicate effectively, and build trust within their teams. Key Takeaways: Setting boundaries helps managers protect their energy and lead with confidence. Preparing what to say in advance makes tough conversations easier. Feedback builds trust when it’s clear, specific, and kind. Overwhelm is common for new managers but can be reduced with mindset shifts. Clarity and kindness can go together in effective leadership. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI, including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels, across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Follow Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/ Visit Ashley’s website: http://managermethod.com/ Take a look at Ashley’s book: http://managermethod.com/book Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

    29 min
  2. #157: Kiss Your Job Goodbye: The End Of Work As We Knew It (feat. Sophie Wade)

    FEB 5

    #157: Kiss Your Job Goodbye: The End Of Work As We Knew It (feat. Sophie Wade)

    Sophie Wade is a work futurist, thought leader, and author focused on evolving workplaces for today’s dynamic environment. Through her advisory, writing, and speaking, she helps leaders navigate the shift toward empathy-led business practices and flexible, human-centric work models. Drawing on her global business background and research, Sophie emphasizes the importance of trust, connection, and intentionality in leading modern teams. She works with companies to build inclusive cultures, empower diverse talent, and embrace the fluidity of today’s workforce realities. Her insights guide leaders in designing work environments where people and performance thrive together. Key Takeaways: Empathy is a crucial leadership skill in the modern workplace. Flexibility and adaptability help businesses stay competitive. Human-centric work models improve engagement and retention. Trust and connection are foundational for team success. Future-ready leaders embrace continuous learning and change. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI, including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels, across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Follow Sophie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-sophie-wade/ Check out Modern Work Life: https://www.modernworklife.co/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

    33 min
  3. #156: Rewriting the Narratives Keeping You Stuck (feat. Nancy Burger)

    JAN 29

    #156: Rewriting the Narratives Keeping You Stuck (feat. Nancy Burger)

    Nancy Burger is a thought transformation expert, keynote speaker, and executive coach who helps leaders and teams rewire limiting thought patterns to unlock breakthrough performance. A former Wall Street banker turned professional writer, Nancy blends neuroscience, behavioral psychology, and storytelling to show how changing our inner dialog changes everything from collaboration to culture to results. Her work centers on helping leaders build awareness around emotions, replace default thought patterns with intentional choices, and create environments grounded in trust, curiosity, and growth. Through her coaching, workshops, and keynote experiences, Nancy equips executives and managers with practical tools to navigate overwhelm, challenge imposter thinking, and model vulnerability in ways that strengthen team connection and drive healthier, more sustainable performance. Key Takeaways: Leaders cannot control feelings, but they can choose their thoughts and responses. Vulnerability builds trust. Ask your team “more of, less of, start, stop.” Reframe problems as learning and growth opportunities. Rewiring thought patterns takes consistent practice for about 2 to 6 weeks. In difficult moments, stay curious and ask for examples before responding. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI, including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels, across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Nancy Burger, Speaker, Thought Transformation Expert & Executive Coach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-burger-commstrategist/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

    38 min
  4. #155: The Hidden Cost of Workaholism: Busting Overwork Myths (feat. Malissa Clark)

    JAN 22

    #155: The Hidden Cost of Workaholism: Busting Overwork Myths (feat. Malissa Clark)

    Malissa Clark is a Professor of industrial/organizational (I-O) psychology at the University of Georgia, where she has been on faculty since 2013. Currently, she serves as Head of the department of psychology and director of the Healthy Work Lab. Recently selected as a member of the 2024 Thinkers 50 Radar list and a finalist for the 2025 Thinkers50 Radar Award, Malissa is a recognized expert on the topics of workaholism, overwork, burnout, and employee well-being. Her first book, Never Not Working: Why the Always-On Culture Is Bad for Business and How to Fix It, was published in February 2024. Never Not Working has been recognized as one of the top management books of 2024, including being named one of Adam Grant’s 12 New Idea Books to Launch in 2024 and top 5 Porchlight Books Best Management and Workplace Culture Books of 2024. Key Takeaways: Workaholism is not the same as working long hours True workaholism stems from an uncontrollable internal drive Overworking often leads to burnout and reduced productivity Cultural norms can glamorize unhealthy work habits Leaders must model and support healthy boundaries From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Malissa Clark, Author, “Never Not Working” https://a.co/d/e5HSRpd Follow Malissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malissa-clark-phd/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

    37 min
  5. #154: How to Unlock Superperformance in Your Organization (feat. George Pesansky)

    JAN 15

    #154: How to Unlock Superperformance in Your Organization (feat. George Pesansky)

    George Pesansky is a recognized leader in Operational Excellence, with a career spanning more than 30 years in performance optimization, executive coaching, and systematic improvement. He has trained and coached over 10,000 professionals across six continents and helped Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits alike drive measurable results. He is the founder of Capacity2Care, a nonprofit encouraging Superperformers to donate their talent—not just their time—to improve outcomes in their communities. Known for his clarity, candor, and hands-on approach, George is now bringing his best practices to readers everywhere with Superperformance. George is also a member of Forbes Coaches Council as well as Fast Company Executive Board. Key Takeaways: Superperformance grows from aligning vision, strategy, and action with the people doing the work The golden hour shows when performance peaks and how to extend it Zero loss is about sustaining ideal performance, not perfection Friction comes from communication gaps, variation, and rework Studying what goes right is as important as fixing what goes wrong From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: George Pesansky, President, MyBlendedLearning.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/deliberateimprovement/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

    36 min
  6. #153: From Invisible to Influential: Building Your Leadership Brand (feat. Rachel Elsts Downey)

    JAN 8

    #153: From Invisible to Influential: Building Your Leadership Brand (feat. Rachel Elsts Downey)

    In this episode, Rachel Downey shares how leaders can move from being invisible to truly influential by owning and expressing their leadership brand. Drawing from her work across creative industries and executive teams, Rachel explains why brand is more than visuals, it’s about voice, values, and showing up with clarity. She breaks down the internal blocks that keep leaders from sharing their story, how content can scale trust, and why authenticity starts with knowing what you believe. Whether you’re leading a team or a movement, this conversation offers a practical look at building influence from the inside out. Key Takeaways: Your brand is how you show up whether you realize it or not. Clarity on values and voice is the foundation of influence. Leadership content isn’t about visibility, it’s about impact. Vulnerability and consistency build real trust with your audience. You can’t be influential if you’re afraid of being seen. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Rachel Elsts Downey, Founder & CEO, Share Your Genius: linkedin.com/in/rachelelstsdowney Follow Matt on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

    32 min
  7. #152: From Chasing Engagement to Unlocking Human Performance (feat. Elena Agaragimova)

    12/18/2025

    #152: From Chasing Engagement to Unlocking Human Performance (feat. Elena Agaragimova)

    In this episode, Elena Agaragimova explores the evolving relationship between employee engagement and performance. She challenges the idea that traditional engagement strategies are enough and makes the case for shifting toward unlocking human potential through personalization, curiosity, and strategic clarity. Elena shares how leaders can better align people with their strengths, create space for reflection, and build workplaces that support long-term growth. From outdated career ladders to the power of story, she offers fresh insights for any leader rethinking how to develop talent in today’s world of work. Key Takeaways: Engagement is no longer the end goal—human performance is. People want clarity, purpose, and to feel like they’re growing. Personalization is key to unlocking individual and team potential. Reflection and storytelling help people understand and own their path. Leaders must rethink outdated systems and create space for what matters. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Elena Agaragimova, Co-Founder: ShiftWell.ai website: http://www.shiftwell.ai Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

    31 min
  8. #151: Why Managers Avoid Critical Conversations and What To Do About It (feat. Lee Scott)

    12/11/2025

    #151: Why Managers Avoid Critical Conversations and What To Do About It (feat. Lee Scott)

    In this episode, leadership coach Lee Scott explores why so many managers avoid hard conversations and what to do about it. He shares how fear, unclear expectations, and lack of training often hold leaders back from saying what needs to be said. Lee offers practical tools for building the courage and clarity to step into uncomfortable conversations with confidence. From naming the gap between intention and impact to creating environments where feedback is safe and expected, this conversation is a candid look at the human side of leadership growth. Key Takeaways: Avoiding hard conversations is often rooted in fear and self-protection. Clarity of expectations is key to building healthy accountability. Managers need support and practice to develop relational courage. Feedback is most effective when it names both intent and impact. Psychological safety starts with leaders modeling honesty and curiosity. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Lee Scott, Founder & Chief Change Agent, Unleashing Leaders: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unleashingleaders/ Unleashing Leaders: http://www.unleashingleaders.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/Unleashingleaders Leadership Conversation Series (Course): https://unleashingleadersuniversity.com/leadership-conversations-series Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

    32 min
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Lead The People is your guide to unlocking your true potential as an authentic leader. Hosted by Dr. Matt Poepsel—The Godfather of Talent Optimization—this podcast dives deep into the art and science of what it takes to lead at the next level. With insightful conversations and practical strategies, each episode equips executives, strategic HR pros, and aspiring leaders with the tools it takes to boost performance, inspire teams, and drive meaningful impact. Whether exploring the latest workplace trends or tackling real-world leadership challenges, Lead The People offers an enlightened approach to leadership. Embark on a rewarding journey to become the leader your people deserve—the leader you were meant to be.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Poepsel, PhD
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    161
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Lead the People
  • Show Website
    Lead the People