Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

Meredith Bell
  • 5.0 (48)
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I’m fascinated by what it takes for leaders to live their values consistently, especially when it’s hard.  On the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast, I have candid conversations with senior executives who are working to sustain principled leadership at scale inside complex organizations. We talk about how values are reinforced through leadership capability, organizational systems, and the everyday decisions leaders make.   Our discussions also explore what gets tested when pressure rises—and the personal guardrails leaders rely on to stay aligned.   This podcast is for leaders who believe values should guide real decisions, not just appear on the wall.

  1. 373: When Growth Forces an Identity Shift

    1D AGO

    373: When Growth Forces an Identity Shift

    What happens when you set a bigger goal and it forces you to rethink who you are? In this solo episode, I share how one decision exposed gaps in my leadership approach and led to a series of identity-level shifts. Through working with AI as a strategic thinking partner, I uncovered patterns that were limiting my impact and began operating with greater clarity, precision, and intention.  You’ll hear how these shifts are changing the way I lead conversations, make decisions, and show up with others. More importantly, I’ll challenge you to look at where these same patterns may be showing up in your leadership, especially under pressure. This episode will invite you to examine where you may be staying vague, avoiding direct conversations, or moving too quickly to create real impact.  I’m the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. We provide assessment and development systems that help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills so they can consistently live their values and sustain strong, high-trust cultures, especially under pressure.  You’ll discover: Why “generosity without clear intent” limits your impact How avoiding “the ask” weakens relationshipsThe hidden cost of moving conversations forward too quickly What strong leaders do to create clarity and real progress Three powerful questions to elevate your leadership immediatelyConnect with Meredith on Social Media LinkedIn  Facebook  Twitter   Instagram   Website  Grow Strong Leaders   Books Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills Grow Strong Character  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

    9 min
  2. 372: Your Body Decides Before Your Brain Does

    APR 10

    372: Your Body Decides Before Your Brain Does

    What happens when a high-performing leader hits a wall they never saw coming? Kimberly Arnold knows firsthand. After she spent decades leading large-scale transformations at PwC, Salesforce, and Blue Shield of California, a perfect storm of personal and professional pressures sent her on a 15-week stress-induced medical leave. That experience opened her eyes to what most leadership development overlooks: the powerful role your nervous system plays in how you show up under pressure. Now, as founder of the Pressure Ready Method™,  she teaches leaders simple, body-based practices that restore composure in seconds. Kimberly reveals the neuroscience behind why your body reacts before your mind even catches up—and why that matters for every decision you make. You’ll hear how she walked into a room of 12 distraught stakeholders at Salesforce and used a quick physical reset to stay open, curious, and collaborative when blame was flying in every direction. She shares her PACE framework (Pause, Acknowledge, Center, Engage) and practical techniques you can use in minutes to interrupt stress reactions, prevent cortisol buildup, and lead from a place of clarity rather than reactivity. Kimberly helps leaders and teams build high performance under pressure without compromising their relationships or their health. As founder of the Pressure Ready Method™, she teaches repeatable tools leaders apply to interrupt reactive patterns and reset in minutes. Drawing on decades of leadership at PwC, Salesforce, and Blue Shield of California, plus 15 years as a certified somatic teacher, Kimberly brings lived experience to turning high-pressure moments into clear thinking, sound judgment, and collaborative solutions. You’ll discover:  Why your body signals danger before your mind doesHow the PACE framework interrupts stress in secondsWhat pushing harder actually costs your leadership credibilityThe simple posture shift that boosts your confidenceHow a long exhale can prevent cortisol from building up Connect with Kimberly Arnold on Social Media LinkedIn YouTube Kimberly's Resources Resilient Reset  Newsletter  Meet with Kimberly     Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

    44 min
  3. 371: The Weight of Doing the Right Thing

    APR 7

    371: The Weight of Doing the Right Thing

    Pressure reveals who you really are as a leader. Brian Aquart, Vice President of Workforce and Community Education at Northwell Health, shares how a defining moment during the first wave of COVID reshaped his understanding of purpose, responsibility, and ethical leadership. Deploying staff into high-risk areas forced him to wrestle with the weight of decisions that could either expose people to harm or help save lives.   You’ll hear how Brian moved from chasing titles to chasing impact, why principles at the top prevent chaos across 100,000+ employees, and how values must be embedded—not just stated—to withstand pressure. From education initiatives that change life trajectories to his belief that compassion drifts first when guardrails disappear, this conversation will challenge you to examine how you show up when it matters most.  Brian Aquart is a healthcare executive, advisor, and storyteller whose work sits at the intersection of leadership, workforce development, and human transition. He currently serves as Vice President of Workforce & Community Education at Northwell Health, where he helps design and scale education-to-career pathways that strengthen communities and future-ready systems.    He is also the creator and host of Why I Left, a podcast exploring the pivotal moments when leaders choose to evolve, and the founder of Storyline by Kingswood, where he works with executives and organizations to develop narrative clarity, strengthen leadership presence, and align how they show up with the impact they want to make. Across all of his work, Brian is driven by a core belief: when leaders change how they show up, they change what’s possible for the people and systems they serve. You’ll discover: How ethical leadership becomes clear when lives are on the lineWhy principles at the top determine culture at scaleWhat happens inside an organization when values aren’t reinforcedHow showing up physically signals integrity and careWhy purpose, not prestige, sustains leaders long termConnect with Brian on Social Media LinkedIn YouTube Websites  Why I Left Website: https://whyileft.co/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whyileft  Storyline by Kingswood Website: https://www.kingswoodforestllc.com/storyline-by-kingswood/    Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

    49 min
  4. 370: DONE Leaders Finish What Matters Most

    MAR 31

    370: DONE Leaders Finish What Matters Most

    Growth doesn’t stall because leaders lack ideas. It stalls because execution gets messy. Andrea Jones, former Intel process engineer and MIT Sloan MBA, turned a painful early career experience into a mission: help organizations execute growth projects with clarity and confidence. That moment of public criticism—driven by unclear expectations—sparked what she now calls Executagility and shaped her definition of DONE leaders: those who take ownership, stay organized, follow through without excuses, and lead with empathy.  You’ll hear why teams struggle with scattered priorities, overloaded employees, and unclear ownership, especially in smaller companies. Andrea outlines the four pillars of Executagility: alignment, competence, available time, and structure. She also connects transparency and prioritization to ethical leadership—because when work stays “in the light,” integrity follows. And she shares how Women Plus Workplaces connects experienced women seeking flexible roles with companies that value their talent.  Andrea is one of those gifted entrepreneurs who sees an issue and then forms a company to address it. It all started when she was at Intel in her role as a Process Engineer in the factory. After years of running growth projects full-time, Andrea went to MIT Sloan, where she earned an MBA, and then completed a Systems Engineering Master's at MIT.  For more than 20 years she has focused on efficient and effective project execution. Andrea is the founder of AJC Company and The Executagility® Company, helping SMBs internalize their own project execution capability with the same team that runs their daily operations. In 2025, she co-founded Women+Workplaces, an online community whose mission is to normalize part-time work when caregiving makes full-time roles challenging. Andrea is the author of two books: The Executagility Field Guide and Stop Starting. Start Finishing: How Executagility Goes the Last Mile. You’ll discover: Why growth projects stall even with strong teamsThe four pillars that determine execution successHow unclear priorities overload your best employeesWhat the DONE acronym reveals about great project managersWhy transparency is a powerful ethical safeguardConnect with Andrea Jones on Social Media LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Andrea's Websites The Executagility® Company AJC Company Women+Workplaces Books The Executagility Field Guide Stop Starting. Start Finishing. How Executagility Goes the Last Mile. Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

    42 min
  5. 369: Leading Without Judgment When It Counts

    MAR 24

    369: Leading Without Judgment When It Counts

    Great leadership is revealed in the moments when pressure makes it easiest to abandon your values. Steph Brady shares how falling into management at 21—without training or support—forced her to lead in high-stress situations where her instincts didn’t always align with her values. Those early mistakes became the foundation for a powerful leadership principle: meet people where they are, especially when it’s hardest to do so.  You’ll hear how Steph navigated impostor syndrome, scaled a company from $40 million to $250 million, and built cultures rooted in values alignment, even as demands intensified. Her approach to difficult conversations, hiring, and leadership development centers on clarity, calmness, and intentional action under pressure. If you want to lead with integrity when it matters most, her insights will challenge how you think about leadership.   Steph is a strategic HR, change, and transformation consultant who helps organizations and leaders navigate complexity with clarity and confidence. She’s the former Head of HR, with senior experience across global technology, retail, aviation, and facilities. Steph has a real gift for blending behavioral science, psychology, and neuroscience-informed coaching with real-world business insights. She’s known for warmth, sharp humor, and the rare ability to make complex “people challenges” feel human, doable, and grounded. You’ll discover: How to meet people where they are, especially under stressWhy impostor syndrome intensifies under pressure—and how to manage itA simple framework for navigating difficult conversations when stakes are highHow values-based hiring holds up during rapid growthWhy clarity and calmness determine team performance in high-pressure situationsConnect with Steph Brady  Social Media LinkedIn Instagram Steph's Website  StephBe Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

    47 min
  6. 368: Why Nonprofits Must Think Like Businesses

    MAR 18

    368: Why Nonprofits Must Think Like Businesses

    Most nonprofits fail for one simple reason: they don’t run like businesses. Dr. Sharon Elefant learned this firsthand and built her company, The Nonprofit Plug, to help founders close that gap. After beginning her career in hospital administration and later being laid off while finishing her doctorate, she turned her gift for connecting people to resources into a thriving consulting firm with 14 team members serving nonprofits across the country.  You’ll hear how Sharon built a culture grounded in follow-through, accountability, and professional excellence—and why she insists that mission-driven leaders must embrace financial literacy, systems, and quality control. She also shares how she intentionally prepared her team for her 3–6 month maternity leave by developing emerging leaders, transferring ownership of client relationships, and installing processes that allowed her to step away with confidence. If you care about impact, this conversation will challenge you to strengthen the business behind your mission.  Sharon is a nationally recognized nonprofit strategist, educator, and  community advocate, serving as the Founder and CEO of The Nonprofit Plug LLC and The Nonprofit Plug Foundation Inc. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, compliance, financial management, grant writing, and capacity building, she has supported the formation and sustainability of hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the country.  You’ll discover:  How consistent follow-through becomes the foundation of trustWhy nonprofits must operate like businesses to thriveThe systems Sharon uses to ensure 100% quality controlHow to develop emerging leaders through intentional shadowingPractical ways to prepare your team for your temporary absenceConnect with Dr. Sharon Elefant  Social Media LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsharonelefant/  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thenonprofitplug  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitplug/  Website  The Nonprofit Plug https://thenonprofitplug.com/ Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

    48 min
  7. 367: Be Yourself at Work

    MAR 10

    367: Be Yourself at Work

    What if being yourself at work wasn’t a risk—but your greatest strength? In this deeply moving conversation, you’ll meet Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and author of Be Yourself at Work. Her presence alone reminds you what leadership can feel like when it’s rooted in humanity, courage, and care.  As you listen, you’re invited to slow down and reflect on who you are beneath the roles you play, especially in moments when pressure makes it tempting to hide behind them. Claude shares how self-awareness, calmness, and intentional kindness help leaders stay grounded when challenges arise, creating workplaces where people don’t have to contort themselves to belong. You’ll hear why leading from the heart isn’t soft—it’s steady—and how the leaders who bring calm, authenticity, and empathy into difficult moments are the ones who build the strongest cultures.  You’ll discover:  How self-awareness becomes the gateway to authentic leadershipWhy belonging matters more than “culture fit”The difference between being nice and practicing real kindnessHow calm leadership steadies teams in uncertain momentsWhat it means to lead with heart—without losing strengthConnect with Claude Silver LinkedIn  Instagram    Website  Claude Silver   Book Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

    54 min
  8. 366: Creating a Great Place to Work For All

    MAR 3

    366: Creating a Great Place to Work For All

    What does it really take to lead well when the world—and the workplace—feels deeply divided? You’re invited into a thoughtful, grounded conversation with Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work, as we explore how trust, character, and everyday leadership behaviors shape cultures where people can thrive, no matter their differences.  You’ll hear why great leadership isn’t about perks or slogans, but about how consistently leaders listen, speak, thank, and show respect. Michael shares data-backed insights from decades of employee experience research, explains how companies earn Great Place to Work certification, and makes a compelling case that organizations that care for people—across demographics, beliefs, and roles—don’t just feel better to work in; they also perform better.  Michael is CEO of Great Place To Work, the global research and analytics firm that produces annual distinguished workplace rankings around the world, such as Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For, the World’s Best Workplaces, and the 100 Best Workplaces for Women. Michael joined Great Place To Work as CEO in 2015, bringing 30 years of experience leading and growing organizations. Michael is driven by a love of business and an unwavering commitment to fair and equitable treatment.  You’ll discover:  Why trust is the foundation of every great workplaceThe leadership behaviors that matter most to employeesHow Great Place to Work measures fairness for allWhat leaders must do differently in polarized timesWhy people-centered companies outperform long-termConnect with Michael C. Bush LinkedIn Website Great Place to Work Book A Great Place to Work for All  Check out all the episodes Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn

    56 min
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5
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

I’m fascinated by what it takes for leaders to live their values consistently, especially when it’s hard.  On the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast, I have candid conversations with senior executives who are working to sustain principled leadership at scale inside complex organizations. We talk about how values are reinforced through leadership capability, organizational systems, and the everyday decisions leaders make.   Our discussions also explore what gets tested when pressure rises—and the personal guardrails leaders rely on to stay aligned.   This podcast is for leaders who believe values should guide real decisions, not just appear on the wall.

Information

  • Creator
    Meredith Bell
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    373
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grow Strong Leaders Podcast
  • Show Website
    Grow Strong Leaders Podcast