Lead the People

Matt Poepsel, PhD
  • 5.0 (9)
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  • 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. #165: Leading Through Uncertainty with Empathy (feat. Jevon Wooden)

    5D AGO

    #165: Leading Through Uncertainty with Empathy (feat. Jevon Wooden)

    Jevon Wooden, CEO of BrightMind Consulting Group, is a speaker, coach, and author of two books, including From Functional to Phenomenal. A Bronze Star recipient and Army veteran, his expertise in leadership and business strategy has been featured in Forbes, Inc., and Fast Company. Key Takeaways: Many new managers are promoted for technical excellence but receive little leadership training. Empathy and emotional intelligence are essential for navigating pressure from both executives and teams. Uncertainty becomes opportunity when leaders focus on what they can control and stay curious. Clarity starts by defining the real problem and accurately labeling emotions before acting. Strong cultures are built by understanding people’s motivations, communication styles, and sense of belonging. 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 Jevon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jevonwooden/ Follow Jevon on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jevonspeaks From Functional to Phenomenal (book): https://jevonwooden.com/functionaltophenomenal/ 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/

    36 min
  2. #164: Turn Your Current Job into Your Unicorn Career (feat. Alaina G. Levine)

    MAR 26

    #164: Turn Your Current Job into Your Unicorn Career (feat. Alaina G. Levine)

    Alaina G. Levine, CSP, is a professional speaker, corporate comedian, science writer, coach, and author of books, including Networking for Nerds, which beat out Einstein for an award (REALLY!), and Create Your Unicorn Career. As an expert in STEM workforce and career development, she travels the planet collaborating with organizations who want to recruit, retain, and grow their STEM talent and leverage the power of their STEM unicorns. NASA said she is worth her weight in gold! She has spoken 1000+ times for clients in 35 US states, 16 nations and on 5 continents, and has written 500+ articles for publications like Scientific American, National Geographic News Watch, and the World Economic Forum. Alaina is the winner of over 20 business awards, including the Tucson Leader of the Year award (previously bestowed upon a former US Surgeon General), and the Johnson Lecturer in Science Communications at Penn State University. She studied Arabic, Egyptology, and mathematics at the American University in Cairo as a US Department of Defense Boren Fellow, and holds bachelors degrees in mathematics and anthropology from the University of Arizona. And here's a fun fact: as an undergraduate, she was a championship billiards player and competed in national tournaments under her nickname, Lady Dyn-o-mite. Key Takeaways: New managers need support and permission to lead with empathy. Leaders often default to outdated or ineffective management styles. Safe, people-first cultures lead to better team performance. Accountability and kindness can go hand in hand. Simple tools help managers gain confidence and clarity. 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 Alaina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainaglevine/ Follow Alaina on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alaina.levine Follow Alaina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alainaglevine/  Visit her website: https://alainalevine.com/  Take a look at her book: https://www.amazon.com/Create-Your-Unicorn-Career-Practical/dp/B0GDRNNG8G/ Email Alaina: alaina@alainalevine.com 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/

    40 min
  3. #163: How to Help Your Team CLICK (feat. Daria Rudnik)

    MAR 19

    #163: How to Help Your Team CLICK (feat. Daria Rudnik)

    Daria Rudnik is a Team Architect and Executive Leadership Coach, author of CLICKING, and co-author of The AI Revolution. A former Chief People Officer and ex-Deloitte professional, she brings over 15 years of international executive experience. Having lived in three countries and worked with clients across six continents, Daria has helped leaders from Fortune 500 companies and fast-growing startups navigate global financial crises, wars, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Daria helps leaders build high-performing teams in a world of rapid change and disruption. She does this through a mix of team and leadership coaching, and an AI-powered coaching tool she developed. Key Takeaways: Daria emphasizes that HR should be viewed as a strategic partner, not just an administrative function. She shares how building trust and understanding business needs are essential for HR to add value. The importance of giving and receiving feedback is discussed as a growth opportunity. Daria reflects on how career transitions can be powerful moments for reflection and alignment. She highlights the need to balance structure with adaptability when building people strategies. 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 Daria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariarudnik 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/

    32 min
  4. #162: Authenticity as a Leadership Operating System (feat. Cristina Amigoni and Alex Cullimore)

    MAR 12

    #162: Authenticity as a Leadership Operating System (feat. Cristina Amigoni and Alex Cullimore)

    Cristina Amigoni is a leadership, culture, and team transformation expert, author of The Authenticity Upgrade: Rebooting Leadership for Real Humans, and co-founder of Siamo, a human-centric leadership and culture consultancy. Her work focuses on helping leaders and teams communicate more effectively, navigate change with less friction, and build cultures grounded in trust, clarity, and connection. Cristina brings together emotional intelligence, deep listening, and real-world organizational experience to help leaders understand how human behavior shapes performance. She is the creator of the LAVA communication framework (Listening, Acknowledging, Validating, Asking Open-Ended Questions) and integrates tools like Working Genius to strengthen team cohesion and collaboration. She is also the co-host of the podcast Uncover the Human, where she explores authenticity, leadership, and what it takes to build workplaces that work for real humans. Alex Cullimore is the co-founder of Siamo and co-host of the podcast "Uncover the Human," both of which explore how to work with human nature rather than against it. Through a winding career path through writing, consulting, coaching, coding, and even comedy, Alex has focused on finding the truth and humor in life to help everyone live a little better. When he is not coaching, consulting, or writing, Alex enjoys learning new languages, traveling, painting, creating acronyms, and caring for his six cats. Key Takeaways: Slowing down creates space for reflection and intentional action. Psychological safety is key to authentic contribution and trust. Leaders grow by staying present instead of fixing everything. Coaching helps align values with behavior. People perform better when they feel heard and trusted. 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 Cristina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-amigoni/  Follow Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcullimore/ Visit their website: https://www.wearesiamo.com Listen to their podcast: https://www.wearesiamo.com/our-podcast Check out their book: https://a.co/d/6ECOZys 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/

    35 min
  5. #161: How to lead with humanity in the age of AI (feat. Faisal Hoque)

    MAR 5

    #161: How to lead with humanity in the age of AI (feat. Faisal Hoque)

    Faisal Hoque is a best-selling author, serial entrepreneur, and futurist focused on guiding leaders through transformation and disruption. In this episode, he explores the intersection of mindfulness, innovation, and sustainable leadership, drawing on decades of experience building companies, writing influential books, and navigating systems change. Faisal emphasizes the importance of aligning internal purpose with external impact, grounding leadership in awareness and resilience, and staying adaptive amid rapid change. Through thoughtful dialogue and powerful stories, he shares how leaders can cultivate clarity, foster trust, and move from reactivity to intentionality in both business and life. Key Takeaways: Mindfulness creates the foundation for sustainable leadership. Leaders must align inner clarity with external impact. Disruption is constant resilience and adaptability are critical. Purpose-driven innovation leads to long-term transformation. Trust and emotional awareness are essential for leading 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 Faisal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisalhoque/ Visit Faisal’s website: https://faisalhoque.com/ Listen to Faisal’s podcast: https://faisalhoque.com/podcasts/ 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/

    27 min
  6. #160: Stop Fighting Resistance and Start Learning From It (feat. Dr. Jeffrey Yip)

    FEB 26

    #160: Stop Fighting Resistance and Start Learning From It (feat. Dr. Jeffrey Yip)

    Dr. Jeffrey Yip is a business school professor at Simon Fraser University and a leadership scholar known for his Listen and Build approach to leading change. Through his work with executive leaders and organizations, Jeffrey helps people rethink resistance, not as something to push through, but as a signal that something meaningful is happening beneath the surface. In this episode, he explores how resistance shows up in the nervous system when change feels threatening, and why anxiety and exhaustion are at the heart of so much organizational pushback. Drawing on real-world leadership examples, he introduces the concept of “pain storming” and shows how listening first creates clarity, trust, and momentum. With a grounded and human-centered perspective, Jeffrey offers leaders a practical way to navigate change by understanding people before trying to move them. Key Takeaways: Resistance is a signal, not a flaw, it shows where something feels unsafe or unresolved. Change feels hardest when it threatens security, competence, or control. Listening first helps leaders move faster with less friction. Real progress starts by understanding the problem before jumping to solutions. Effective change comes from leading people, not just managing process. 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: Jeffrey Yip, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Simon Fraser University: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yipjeffrey/ Check out Listening Works: https://www.listeningworks.ca/ Take a look at Jeffrey’s blog: https://www.psychologytoday.com/nz/blog/listen-and-build 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/

    32 min
  7. #159: How To Win From Within And Avoid Burning Out (feat. JM Ryerson)

    FEB 19

    #159: How To Win From Within And Avoid Burning Out (feat. JM Ryerson)

    JM Ryerson is a leadership and performance coach, international speaker, and host of the Let’s Go Win podcast. Through his Win From Within coaching framework, JM helps growth-minded leaders and teams align their values, master their mindset, and make intentional choices that drive both business success and personal fulfillment. With experience building and selling multiple companies, JM blends real-world entrepreneurship with powerful self-leadership strategies, focusing on the pillars of strength, energy, love, and freedom. His practical approach empowers professionals to double revenue, build thriving cultures, and achieve true harmony in work and life. Key Takeaways: Winning starts with aligning actions to core values. Self-leadership is the foundation of sustainable success. High performance depends on clarity, consistency, and energy. Vulnerability builds stronger leadership and deeper trust. You can win in business without losing at life. 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: JM Ryerson, CEO/Founder, Let's Go Win: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jm-ryerson/ 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/

    31 min
  8. #158: From Overwhelmed to Confident Manager (feat. Ashley Herd)

    FEB 12

    #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
See All (168)

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
    168
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Lead the People
  • Show Website
    Lead the People

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