THE BOLT Podcast

Todd Bertsch
  • 5.0 (43)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The BOLT Podcast: Ignite Your Spark for Leadership, Growth, and Positive Transformation Welcome to The BOLT Podcast, the go-to personal growth and leadership development podcast for entrepreneurs, executives, HR professionals, and everyday leaders who want to ignite their spark, cultivate a growth mindset, and achieve lasting transformation. Hosted by Todd Bertsch—motivational keynote speaker, Positive Intelligence® (PQ) Mental Fitness Coach, entrepreneur, and CEO with over 16 years of leadership experience—this show delivers the energy, inspiration, and actionable strategies you need to thrive in work and life. Every episode of The BOLT is packed with practical tools for personal development, mindset mastery, emotional intelligence, and leadership growth. Todd and his world-class guests—bestselling authors, TEDx speakers, CEOs, athletes, educators, and nonprofit leaders—share authentic stories of resilience, reinvention, and curiosity-driven success. Together, they reveal how small shifts in mindset can spark massive results, both personally and professionally. If you’re looking for strategies to overcome fear and resistance to change, rewire negative thought patterns, and embrace a growth-oriented approach to leadership, The BOLT delivers exactly what you need. Listeners gain insight into: Leadership development & executive coaching: How leaders build cultures of resilience, curiosity, and connection.Positive Intelligence® tools: Science-backed methods for strengthening mental fitness, quieting inner saboteurs, and activating your Sage brain.Personal growth & mindset mastery: Transforming fixed thinking into growth-focused action.Corporate training & team performance: Strategies for building high-performing, mentally fit teams.Workplace well-being & productivity: Preventing burnout, reducing stress, and sustaining peak energy.Life transformation & self-leadership: Real stories of turning obstacles into opportunities and pain into purpose. Todd brings his unique blend of experience as a CEO, entrepreneur, coach, and motivational speaker to every conversation. After personally going through the Positive Intelligence® program and experiencing life-changing results backed by science and brain imaging, he built a thriving coaching and training practice. Today, he helps leaders and teams harness the power of mental fitness and mindset shifts to achieve clarity, resilience, and high performance. Through keynote speaking engagements, corporate training programs, and PQ coaching cohorts, Todd has empowered countless leaders and organizations to break free from self-doubt, embrace change with confidence, and build cultures of positivity and high performance. On The BOLT, he shares these same tools, stories, and strategies—free and accessible to anyone who wants to grow. Whether you’re a business owner navigating change, an executive leading through uncertainty, a team leader shaping culture, or simply someone passionate about becoming the best version of yourself, this podcast is your spark. Expect insightful interviews, motivational storytelling, and actionable steps that you can immediately apply to your work, relationships, and personal growth journey. ⚡ The BOLT Podcast: Where personal growth meets leadership transformation, and where every conversation helps you ignite the spark that changes everything.

  1. Your Inner Critic Is Costing You More Than You Think with Christopher Salem

    4D AGO

    Your Inner Critic Is Costing You More Than You Think with Christopher Salem

    Leadership doesn’t break down during the easy moments—it breaks down under pressure. In this episode of The BOLT, Todd Bertsch sits down with emotional intelligence and communication expert Christopher Salem to unpack what really drives performance when things get hard. From the inner critic and imposter syndrome to communication breakdowns and culture challenges, this conversation goes deep into the inner work required to lead effectively. Chris shares his powerful journey from corporate leadership to personal transformation, revealing how mental fitness, emotional intelligence, and disciplined habits create the space to respond with clarity instead of reacting with stress. If you want to lead better, communicate more effectively, and build a culture that actually performs—this episode delivers the mindset shift you’ve been missing. Topics Discussed  Chris’s journey from purchasing to sales and discovering the power of communication  A personal turning point: addiction, loss, and rebuilding from the inside out  Understanding the inner critic and how it silently limits growth  Strengthening the “inner champion” through daily habits and discipline  Why high performers plateau—and how to break through  Emotional intelligence as the foundation for peak performance  The importance of creating space to respond instead of react  Leading with intention vs. reacting from habit  Operating in the solution by focusing on what you can control  Why communication breakdowns cost companies millions (and how to fix it)  How assumptions and speculation create toxic workplace cultures  The role of psychological safety in engagement, retention, and performance  Why leaders must set aside ego and model vulnerability  A powerful leadership principle: give without expectation, receive without resistancehttps://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/what-your-inner-critic-is-costing-you-with-christopher-salem/ Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/ https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/ https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb  ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ToddBertsch.com

    55 min
  2. Why Empathy Wins in Leadership with Dr. Melissa Robinson

    APR 2

    Why Empathy Wins in Leadership with Dr. Melissa Robinson

    Empathy is often dismissed as “soft” until you see its impact on trust, retention, and performance. In this episode, Todd sits down with Dr. Melissa Robinson to explore why empathy is one of the most overlooked yet powerful leadership skills. After experiencing toxic leadership firsthand, Melissa rebuilt her career around understanding human connection and helping leaders create environments where people can actually thrive. This conversation breaks empathy down into a practical, actionable skill that drives real business results. Topics Discussed Dr. Melissa Robinson’s journey from musician and professor to empathy researcher after years in a toxic workplaceWhy empathy is not about feelings, but about perspective-taking and understanding othersHow cognitive empathy functions as strategic thinking for leadersThe hidden impact of perfectionism and imposter syndrome on culture and psychological safetyMelissa’s four-step self-empathy framework: self-observation, self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-compassionHow simple actions like apology and repair can build trust and strengthen relationshipsWhy empathy and accountability can coexist without lowering standardsA practical tool to make empathy actionable: “name their outcome”The power of the pause to improve emotional regulation, curiosity, and decision-makingWhy creativity and innovation require space, just like music requires silenceHow leaders shape culture through their everyday actions and behaviors Key Takeaway Empathy isn’t a weakness. It’s a leadership skill that, when practiced intentionally, creates stronger teams, healthier cultures, and better results. https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/why-empathy-wins-in-leadership-with-melissa-robinson ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- If this conversation sparked something for you, share it with a leader on your team and leave a review so more people can discover it. Curious how Positive Intelligence can support you or your team? Visit toddbertsch.com to learn more. Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/ https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/ https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb  ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ToddBertsch.com

    56 min
  3. From Empty Success to Abundant Living with Drew Norton

    MAR 19

    From Empty Success to Abundant Living with Drew Norton

    You don’t forget the moment everything changes. Drew Norton shares the night he walked into sirens, panic, and his six-month-old son barely breathing—and how that single moment rewired how he leads himself, his marriage, and his life. What follows is a raw, honest conversation about identity, presence, and the truth about success: it’s not what looks good on paper, it’s how you show up when it matters most. We explore the shift from chasing external wins to building a life rooted in faith, family, fitness, and finance—and the small, intentional decisions that make that possible. Topics We Cover  The life-altering moment that redefined Drew’s leadership and priorities How crisis can spark self-awareness, growth, and deeper purpose Why leadership starts with leading yourself first The hidden cost of being “successful on paper” but absent at home Breaking the “I’ll be happy when” cycle and learning to be present now Redefining success through time, values, and relationships—not titles or income How personal development improved communication, marriage, and emotional intelligence Drew’s Abundant Man framework: identity, purpose, and battle plan The power of identity-based habits in creating lasting transformation Lessons from losing 100 pounds—discipline, belief, and sustainable change Rewiring limiting beliefs through daily identity statements and mindset shifts Mental fitness, self-awareness, and doing the internal work that drives external results Why “sales is life” and how selling is really about service, empathy, and clarity Leading teams through pressure, rejection, and high-performance environments Building abundance across faith, family, fitness, and finance—without sacrificing one for another The mission to impact millions of men by creating connection, support, and growthKey Takeaway Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a decision you make daily.  And the more you work on yourself, the better you show up for everyone else. Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/ https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/ https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb  ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ToddBertsch.com

    53 min
  4. The Leadership Power of Putting Yourself First with Kathy Sullivan

    MAR 11

    The Leadership Power of Putting Yourself First with Kathy Sullivan

    In this episode of The BOLT Podcast, Todd sits down with Kathy Sullivan—organizational development consultant, executive coach, and author of Moms Eat First—for a powerful conversation on leadership, emotional intelligence, and the human side of change. Kathy shares how her personal journey, professional experience, and hard-won lessons shaped her approach to sustainable growth, both at work and at home. Together, Todd and Kathy explore why real change is not about pushing harder, but about slowing down, reflecting honestly, and creating the space to lead with greater clarity, intention, and resilience. From organizational transformation to personal well-being, this episode unpacks the systems, mindset shifts, and leadership behaviors that help change actually stick. Kathy introduces her five RE principles—Reflect, Rediscover, Reset, Reclaim, and Release—and explains how they can help anyone navigate disruption without losing themselves in the process. Topics discussed in this episode: Why sustainable change starts with putting your own oxygen mask on firstThe leadership cost of burnout, overwhelm, and operating in fight-or-flightWhy organizations need a people plan, not just a technical change planHow emotional intelligence helps leaders turn pressure into presenceThe role of self-awareness, reflection, and honest feedback in growthWhy change fatigue is real—and how leaders can create space for dialogueHow manager mindset and leadership buy-in ripple through teamsKathy’s five RE principles for creating and sustaining meaningful changeReflection as a daily and weekly practice for clarity and better decisionsHow to rediscover possibilities when you feel stuck in constraintsResetting priorities and getting clear on what truly mattersReclaiming your goals in the face of outside influences and resistanceReleasing control, comparison, and outdated expectationsThe importance of boundaries, accountability, and supportive communityWhy buy-in beats compliance when leading lasting changeHow negotiation skills help in difficult conversations and major life decisionsResilience as an iterative process—not a straight line or a perfect planhttps://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/leadership-power-of-putting-yourself-first-with-kathy-sullivan/ Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/ https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/ https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb  ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ToddBertsch.com

    55 min
  5. Why Smart Leaders Do Stupid Things with Michael Krumpak

    FEB 19

    Why Smart Leaders Do Stupid Things with Michael Krumpak

    In this episode, Todd Bertsch sits down with Michael E. Krumpak to challenge the myth that “smart” leadership is enough. Together, they unpack a practical, story-driven roadmap for building legendary leaders through psychological safety, empathy, growth mindset, disciplined decision making, and intentional delegation. If you’ve ever seen a “perfect on paper” leader struggle when pressure rises, this conversation explains why — and what to do differently starting now. In This Episode, We Cover: The difference between smart leadership and legendary leadershipWhy the bold title Why Smart Leaders Do Stupid Things resonates right nowDisruption, burnout, and mindset as leadership data pointsThe nine-vector Legendary Leader Flight Plan and how the vectors work togetherLiberation as psychological safety and its impact on cultureEmpathy as connection over correctionUsing 360s and assessments to uncover blind spotsDecision-making lessons from Flight 401 and fixation under pressureYielding, delegation, and how to truly elevate ownershipHow the book’s stories, black box reflections, and coaching questions create behavior changeYou’ll walk away with actionable tactics, reflection prompts, and a clearer path from pressure to performance — from smart to legendary. https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/why-smart-leaders-do-stupid-things-with-michael-krumpak Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/ https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/ https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb  ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ToddBertsch.com

    54 min
  6. From Change Management to Meaningful Change Leadership with Leslie Ellis

    FEB 11

    From Change Management to Meaningful Change Leadership with Leslie Ellis

    The hardest part of change isn’t the plan or the platform—it’s leadership. In this episode, Todd sits down with Leslie Ellis, CEO of Meaningful Change Consulting, to unpack why transformations stall and how leaders can turn constant disruption into a durable advantage. Drawing from work across dozens of organizations and nearly a million stakeholders, Leslie shares a powerful truth: change doesn’t fail because people resist—it fails when leaders stop listening. Together, they explore how mindset, alignment, and simple micro-shifts build trust, reduce rework, and create lasting impact. Topics Discussed Leslie’s origin story and shift from execution-focused change to change leadershipWhy leader habits and blind spots quietly drain momentum and create reworkThe myth of change as a one-time event and why alignment beats speedPsychological safety, fail-fast learning, and building a learning culturePractical micro-shifts: listening first, asking open questions, and embracing silenceUsing resets, better language, and vulnerability to engage people in changeConscious business: designing for systemic health, not just short-term profitBuilding a “change muscle” so future transformations get easierRecommended reads and the types of leaders and organizations Leslie supportsHow to connect with Meaningful Change ConsultingIf this conversation sparked something for you, share it with someone navigating change—and help more leaders find the show by subscribing and leaving a review. https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/meaningful-change-leadership-with-leslie-ellis Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/ https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/ https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb  ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ToddBertsch.com

    57 min
  7. Leading Into Tomorrow: 2026 HR Trends Shaping the Workplace with David Noe

    JAN 28

    Leading Into Tomorrow: 2026 HR Trends Shaping the Workplace with David Noe

    Burnout is rising, trust is fragile, and the old playbook of perks over people is running out of steam. In this episode, we sit down with David Noe, a trusted voice in HR, to unpack what actually drives engagement today, and what leaders must rethink as we head into 2026. We name the tension leaders feel every day: caring for people while still hitting targets. David shares the reset question every manager should ask, what makes your job harder than it needs to be, and how it quickly surfaces fixable blockers. From there, we explore why middle managers burn out first, how bloated spans of control erode trust, and why hybrid and flexible work are now baseline expectations, not perks. The throughline is clear: culture isn’t built by systems alone. Leadership behavior, clarity, and consistency set the tone, and when people feel seen, supported, and empowered, performance follows. Topics Discussed Disengagement and burnout data framing today’s workplace realityThe top HR trends shaping 2026Why trust and clarity are breaking down at workBalancing care for people with performance expectationsLessons from losing—and rebuilding—company cultureThe power of asking: what makes work harder than it needs to be?Manager span of control and why middle management burns out firstHybrid and flexible work as a baseline expectationReturn-to-office pressure, tradeoffs, and role realitiesUsing surveys effectively: cadence, follow-through, and transparencyOne-on-one questions that unlock insight and motivationEmpathy, EQ, and tailoring feedback to different peoplePeer recognition and the ripple effect of saying “thank you”Why behavior beats systems—and what gives hope for the future of workhttps://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/2026-hr-trends-shaping-the-workplace-with-david-noe Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/ https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/ https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb  ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ToddBertsch.com

    58 min
  8. The Long Game of Leadership: Curiosity, Humility, and Impact with Harvey Nelson

    JAN 14

    The Long Game of Leadership: Curiosity, Humility, and Impact with Harvey Nelson

    Season Two launches with Harvey Nelson, entrepreneur, mentor, and lifelong explorer, as we walk through the SPARK Framework (Curiosity, Mindset, Action, Growth, Impact) using stories that are funny, raw, and immediately practical. From hitchhiking across America to leading through real business crises, Harvey shares how small, repeatable choices build resilience, how focus and priority beat busyness, and why people-first leadership creates lasting success. You’ll leave with simple, doable moves: stack one-inch wins, take the next brave step, and let curiosity guide you to better questions and a bigger life. Why curiosity lowers fear and opens doors.Hitchhiking lessons: people, discomfort, and learning fast.Small bets build risk tolerance and resilience over time.People-first leadership, even helping great talent move on.Crisis story: storm + freezer system failure and “next step” thinking.Mental fitness in action: pause, reframe, choose a micro-action.Priority over time: focus, say no, protect what matters.Self-awareness tools: gratitude, visualization, and “rambling” writing.Takeaway: one-inch wins and “be who you want to become.”Closing line: “Life becomes what you make it—so make it be grand.”https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/the-long-game-of-leadership-with-harvey-nelson Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/ https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/ https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb  ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ToddBertsch.com

    1h 5m
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5
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

The BOLT Podcast: Ignite Your Spark for Leadership, Growth, and Positive Transformation Welcome to The BOLT Podcast, the go-to personal growth and leadership development podcast for entrepreneurs, executives, HR professionals, and everyday leaders who want to ignite their spark, cultivate a growth mindset, and achieve lasting transformation. Hosted by Todd Bertsch—motivational keynote speaker, Positive Intelligence® (PQ) Mental Fitness Coach, entrepreneur, and CEO with over 16 years of leadership experience—this show delivers the energy, inspiration, and actionable strategies you need to thrive in work and life. Every episode of The BOLT is packed with practical tools for personal development, mindset mastery, emotional intelligence, and leadership growth. Todd and his world-class guests—bestselling authors, TEDx speakers, CEOs, athletes, educators, and nonprofit leaders—share authentic stories of resilience, reinvention, and curiosity-driven success. Together, they reveal how small shifts in mindset can spark massive results, both personally and professionally. If you’re looking for strategies to overcome fear and resistance to change, rewire negative thought patterns, and embrace a growth-oriented approach to leadership, The BOLT delivers exactly what you need. Listeners gain insight into: Leadership development & executive coaching: How leaders build cultures of resilience, curiosity, and connection.Positive Intelligence® tools: Science-backed methods for strengthening mental fitness, quieting inner saboteurs, and activating your Sage brain.Personal growth & mindset mastery: Transforming fixed thinking into growth-focused action.Corporate training & team performance: Strategies for building high-performing, mentally fit teams.Workplace well-being & productivity: Preventing burnout, reducing stress, and sustaining peak energy.Life transformation & self-leadership: Real stories of turning obstacles into opportunities and pain into purpose. Todd brings his unique blend of experience as a CEO, entrepreneur, coach, and motivational speaker to every conversation. After personally going through the Positive Intelligence® program and experiencing life-changing results backed by science and brain imaging, he built a thriving coaching and training practice. Today, he helps leaders and teams harness the power of mental fitness and mindset shifts to achieve clarity, resilience, and high performance. Through keynote speaking engagements, corporate training programs, and PQ coaching cohorts, Todd has empowered countless leaders and organizations to break free from self-doubt, embrace change with confidence, and build cultures of positivity and high performance. On The BOLT, he shares these same tools, stories, and strategies—free and accessible to anyone who wants to grow. Whether you’re a business owner navigating change, an executive leading through uncertainty, a team leader shaping culture, or simply someone passionate about becoming the best version of yourself, this podcast is your spark. Expect insightful interviews, motivational storytelling, and actionable steps that you can immediately apply to your work, relationships, and personal growth journey. ⚡ The BOLT Podcast: Where personal growth meets leadership transformation, and where every conversation helps you ignite the spark that changes everything.

Information

  • Creator
    Todd Bertsch
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 THE BOLT Podcast
  • Show Website
    THE BOLT Podcast