The Adaptive Executive

Greg Ballard
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Adaptive Executive

The Adaptive Executive podcast host, Greg Ballard is based in Northern Virginia. Greg has 25+ years of extensive experience in management and leadership development for start-ups, corporate, entrepreneurial, and faith-based enterprises. 5C Consulting works with a diverse set of clients ranging from mid-size tech companies, large government agencies, military, and non-profits to radically improve strategic investments and organizational performance. Greg has led and managed over 300+ business units and has mentored more than 350 leaders.

  1. AUG 28

    A Conversation with Consumer Research Expert: Dr. Michelle Niedziela

    Summary: In this episode of The Adaptive Executive, host Greg Ballard interviews Dr. Michelle Niedziela, a behavioral neuroscientist and consumer research expert. They discuss how companies can stay adaptive by conducting effective research studies and using data to understand consumer perceptions and behavior. Dr. Niedziela shares insights on the challenges of measuring human perception, the importance of multi-sensory product experiences, and how AI is impacting neuroscience research. She also offers advice on staying current in a rapidly changing field. Chapter Timestamps: 13:25:22 - Introduction and Dr. Niedziela's background 13:28:34 - Shifts in consumer research focus over time 13:32:17 - Challenges of measuring human perception  13:39:07 - Approaches to understanding market perceptions 13:46:45 - Impact of AI on neuroscience research 13:52:36 - Example of product innovation: Raisin Bran Crunch 13:59:40 - Ethical considerations in consumer research 14:11:33 - Tips for staying up-to-date in a rapidly changing field 14:14:08 - Book recommendations Contact Details: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-niedziela-phd-b581a712/ - Website: nerdoscientist.com  - HCD Research: hcdi.net

    52 min
  2. "The Power of Self-Care: Finding Work-Life Harmony with Candice Denise Owens"

    AUG 21

    "The Power of Self-Care: Finding Work-Life Harmony with Candice Denise Owens"

    Summary: In this episode of The Adaptive Executive, host Greg Ballard interviews Candice Denise Owens, a mindfulness and self-care expert. Candice shares her journey from event planning to helping people manage stress and avoid burnout. She discusses the importance of work-life harmony, morning and evening routines, and practical strategies for incorporating self-care into daily life. Chapter Timestamps: [00:00] - Introduction and guest welcome [01:42] - Candice's journey into self-care work [03:33] - Types of clients and common issues [04:55] - Power up and power down routines [08:49] - Consequences of neglecting self-care [13:23] - Client success story [19:00] - Current projects and inspirations [21:13] - Closing remarks and contact information Key Takeaways: 1. Work-life harmony is more achievable than perfect balance. 2. Implement "power up" (morning) and "power down" (evening) routines. 3. Schedule pauses throughout the day to recharge. 4. Small, consistent self-care actions can lead to significant improvements. 5. Advocating for oneself at work is crucial for preventing burnout. Guest Contact Details:   - Website: stayneat.store/candice-denise   - Instagram: @candicedenise   - LinkedIn: Candice Denise Owens   - TikTok: @candicedenise

    27 min

  3. JUL 31

    Empowering Your Team for Disaster Readiness with Patrick Hardy

    Disaster management expert Patrick Hardy shares insights on creating a culture of preparedness in small businesses. Learn how empowering employees at all levels can lead to more effective disaster response and adaptability in everyday operations. Key Topics: - Patrick's journey into disaster management - The importance of empowerment in disaster preparedness  - Creating adaptive teams for emergency response - Applying disaster management principles to everyday business operations - Building a successful disaster management company Guest: Patrick Hardy, CEO of Hytropy Disaster Management and author of "Design Any Disaster" Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Patrick's background 05:30 - Defining disaster management  10:15 - Types of disasters and examples 15:45 - The empowerment approach to disaster planning 22:30 - Building adaptive teams and cultures 28:00 - Patrick's entrepreneurial journey  35:15 - Lightning round questions on adaptiveness 38:30 - Book recommendations 41:00 - Information on Patrick's book and how to connect Key Quotes: "If you don't empower people to do those kinds of things...everybody turns into a bystander." "You never have to experience a disaster anytime ever in your life if you prepare for disaster." "Disasters are not about...the severity. It's your dependencies - how much have you left yourself dependent on someone else." Resources Mentioned: - Book: "Guns, Germs and Steel" by Jared Diamond - Book: "The Tao of Jeet Kune Do" by Bruce Lee - Patrick's book: "Design Any Disaster" Website: disasterpatrick.com Facebook: facebook.com/DisasterPatrick Instagram: instagram.com/disasterpatrick X: x.com/DisasterPatrick Pinterest: pinterest.com/DisasterPatrick Tik Tok: a...

    43 min

  4. FEB 28

    Guide to Exiting on Top, How to Sell Your Company with Sharon Heaton

    Episode Summary: Sharon is an experienced M&A advisor who founded her firm sbLiftoff to serve small and medium sized businesses, an underserved sector critical to the economy. She recently published the book "LIFT OFF: 12 Things to Know Before Selling Your Business" to educate business owners on the M&A process. It aims to take some fear out of the process so owners can approach it more calmly. Contact/Resources: - Book: "Lift Off: 12 Things to Know Before Selling Your Business" by Sharon Heaton - LinkedIn: Sharon Heaton and sbLiftoff - Website: www.sbliftoff.com 0:05 - Introduction to Sharon's background 3:30 - Transition from law into advising small businesses  5:30 - Motivation for writing the book "SB Lift Off" 7:30 - Goal to educate business owners on the M&A process  9:00 - Importance of bringing on experienced M&A advisors 11:30 - The role of empathy and honesty in deals 13:00 - Balancing company strengths and weaknesses 15:30 - Unique dynamics in government contracting deals 18:30 - Preparing the business for future sale   21:00 - The role of adaptability in Sharon's work 23:30 - Empathy examples from both buyer and seller perspectives 26:00 - Non-financial factors in negotiations  28:00 - Considerations for owners in involving employees 31:00 - Structuring retention rewards for employees  33:30 - Advice for employees deeply involved in transactions 36:30 - Where to find Sharon's book and connect with her

    44 min

  5. 09/06/2023

    Mastering the Art of Transformational Leadership for a Brighter Future with Shawna Pelton

    In this extended episode, I spoke with Shawna Pelton, a transformational leadership expert, about navigating change and bringing out the best in people. We discussed the obstacles that hold back individuals and organizations from reaching their full potential and how to create psychologically safe environments. Shawna shared insights on embodying values, leading with inspiration, and the importance of self-mastery for adaptability. Key Topics Covered: - Why mindsets and inner beliefs create the biggest obstacles to change - Identifying signs of unhealthy stress and conflict in organizations - Fostering trust and respect to enable open communication - Aligning with a higher purpose beyond profits to serve society - Making values actionable through acknowledgment and rewards - Leading change through inspiration rather than control - Developing personal mastery to know your strengths and sense pivots Timestamps: 0:00 - Meet Shawna Pelton 5:00 - Beliefs and mindsets as barriers to change 10:00 - Recognizing unhealthy stress signals in organizations 15:00 - Creating psychological safety for team cohesion 20:00 - Businesses balancing profits with social responsibility 25:00 - Turning values from words into actions 30:00 - Importance of inspiration and motivation for leaders 35:00 - Knowing yourself for greater adaptability Guest Info: Shawna Pelton is a transformational leadership expert who helps executives and organizations unlock their full potential. Her website: http://www.shawnpelton.com Free Gift - Goal Activator - An Easy Step-By-Step System for Purpose Driven Professionals to Master the Art and Science of REACHING GOALS through the Power of Neuroplasticity and Visualization

    51 min

  6. 08/09/2023

    37 - Exposing Toxic Leadership from the Inside - My Journey as a Whistleblower with Gordon Graham

    In this episode, Greg speaks with Gordon Graham, author of "The Intrepid Brotherhood: Public Power, Corruption, and Whistleblowing." Gordon shares his experience as an IT professional at a public utility who witnessed unethical and toxic leadership practices. When he tried to speak up, he faced retaliation and was forced to become a whistleblower. Key Topics Covered: Gordon's career background in IT and experience in the public utility industryThe story of how a new executive joined the company with ambitions to become CEO and the chaos he createdExamples of unethical decisions made by this leader, including pushing out other executives and mishandling a major ERP implementationGordon's attempts to raise concerns and the retaliation he facedHis journey to becoming a whistleblower and fighting his wrongful terminationCharacteristics of toxic leadership based on Gordon's experience and researchThe importance of screening for dark triad traits in leaders and preventing toxic leadership Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction to Gordon Graham and his background 5:30 - The new executive joins with ambitions to become CEO 10:00 - Unethical decisions made by the new leader 15:00 - Gordon tries to raise concerns and faces retaliation 20:00 - Becoming a whistleblower and fighting wrongful termination 25:00 - Toxic leadership traits - the dark triad 30:00 - How to prevent toxic leadership Guest Info: Gordon Graham is the author of "The Intrepid Brotherhood: Public Power, Corruption, and Whistleblowing." He has decades of experience in IT and as a whistleblower exposing unethical practices. His website: www.intrepidbrotherhood.com PODCAST INFO Leave us a 5-Star Review on Podchaser (If we are not 5 stars yet, email us and let us know where we need to improve.) Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Greg's work in FiveC Consulting? Check out his website at fivec.consulting

    57 min

  7. 08/02/2023

    36 - Unleash Your Authentic Voice: Mastering Personal Branding with Danielle Hughes

    In this episode of "The Adaptive Executive," host Greg Ballard interviews Danielle Hughes, the Chief Personality Officer of More Than Words Marketing. Danielle shares her background and journey into marketing and copywriting. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating one's personality into their brand messaging and copywriting. By doing so, individuals can create deeper connections with their audience, attract the right clients, and stand out in the crowded market. Greg and Danielle discuss the significance of words and narratives in communication and personal branding. They explore how understanding and expressing one's personality can lead to stronger connections within the workplace and improve interactions with clients. Danielle provides valuable advice on using the "About Me Mad Libs" approach to crafting a bio that represents your true self. The episode concludes with the realization that embracing one's personality can lead to increased trust, emotional connections, and better business outcomes. To learn more about this topic, connect with Danielle on LinkedIn or visit her website at More Than Words Copy. PODCAST INFO Leave us a 5-Star Review on Podchaser (If we are not 5 stars yet, email us and let us know where we need to improve.) Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Greg's work in FiveC Consulting? Check out his website at fivec.consulting

    34 min

  8. 07/26/2023

    35 - Building Trust and Inspiring Teams: Unveiling the Secrets of Effective Leadership

    Your host, Greg Ballard, talks with the Former Director of Colorado's Transit and Rail, Amber Blake. 🎙️ Episode 35: "Building Trust and Inspiring Teams: Unveiling the Secrets of Effective Leadership"🚀 In this episode of "The Adaptive Executive," our host, Greg Ballard, sits down with Amber Blake, the founder of Amber Blake Consulting, to delve into the world of leadership in the transportation industry. With her 20 years of experience in leadership and public sector transportation, Amber shares her journey from working in metropolitan planning organizations to directing transit and rail for the state of Colorado. 🔍 Key Insights: - Learn about the shifting landscape of the transit industry and the growing importance of transit as a mode of transportation. - Discover the critical role of effective leadership in shaping a thriving organizational culture within the transportation sector. - Gain valuable insights into building trust, creating a shared vision, and fostering curiosity within your teams. 🌟 Personal Skills for Success: Amber emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and conscious showing up as crucial personal skills for effective leadership. She encourages individuals to manage their energy rather than time and to discover their unique time management systems. 📚 Recommended Leadership Book: "The Speed of Trust" by Stephen Covey is a book that Amber highly recommends. It explores the importance of trust in leadership and offers practical insights on building trust within teams and organizations. Stay connected with Amber Blake on LinkedIn to access more leadership insights and engage with her thought-provoking content! PODCAST INFO Leave us a 5-Star Review on Podchaser (If we are not 5 stars yet, email us and let us know where we need to improve.) Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Greg's work in FiveC Consulting? Check out his website at fivec.consulting

    33 min
See All (40)

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Adaptive Executive podcast host, Greg Ballard is based in Northern Virginia. Greg has 25+ years of extensive experience in management and leadership development for start-ups, corporate, entrepreneurial, and faith-based enterprises. 5C Consulting works with a diverse set of clients ranging from mid-size tech companies, large government agencies, military, and non-profits to radically improve strategic investments and organizational performance. Greg has led and managed over 300+ business units and has mentored more than 350 leaders.

Information

  • Creator
    Greg Ballard
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 - Great Ventures, LLC
  • Show Website
    The Adaptive Executive

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada