The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett

Clinton M. Padgett
  • 5.0 (8)
  • BUSINESS
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Did you realize the key to business and team success finds its roots deep in conversation? Join Clint Padgett, who’s built his career helping Fortune 100 companies optimize their businesses, as he interviews leaders who encourage employees to learn, challenge, and grow. If you want to effectively manage people and optimize results, this is the podcast for you. The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett from Forbes Books.

  1. 3D AGO

    Leadership Habits to Reduce Burnout: A Conversation with Paula Davis (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Paula Davis – Founder and CEO of the Stress & Resilience Institute and author of “Beating Burnout at Work” and “Lead Well” – Paula breaks down the practical leadership behaviors that build stronger teams, increase engagement, and reduce burnout over time. She introduces concepts like “sticky recognition” and “thank you plus,” explaining how small, intentional moments of feedback can create lasting impact and reinforce a sense of meaning at work. Paula also discusses how leaders can build trust, strengthen relationships, and create real connection, even in hybrid or remote environments. From fostering belonging to responding to wins the right way, this part of the conversation focuses on simple, actionable skills that leaders can apply immediately to improve team performance and resilience. This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered:What “sticky recognition” is and why it creates lasting impactThe concept of mattering and why it drives motivation and retentionHow to use “thank you plus” to make feedback more meaningfulWhy leaders often overlook recognition and how to fix itHow small moments of acknowledgment reduce burnout and increase engagementExpanding the definition of autonomy beyond time and locationHow to build community in hybrid and remote teamsThe role of informal conversations in strengthening team connectionWhy having a best friend at work impacts performance and wellbeingHow to create stronger relationships through active constructive responding (ACR)Common communication habits that unintentionally damage relationshipsWhat team resilience looks like before, during, and after challengesHow trust, communication, and psychological safety drive better outcomesThe surprising link between connection, trust, and team performance Links: Paula’s website - https://stressandresilience.com/ Paula’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauladavislaack/ Paula’s book, “Beating Burnout at Work” - https://amzn.to/4tKzkEG  Paula’s book, “Lead Well” - https://amzn.to/4mvTqQC

    31 min

  2. APR 22

    Burnout Isn’t What You Think: A Conversation with Paula Davis (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint talks with Paula Davis – Founder and CEO of the Stress & Resilience Institute and author of “Beating Burnout at Work” and “Lead Well” – about what burnout really is, why most organizations misunderstand it, and what leaders need to do differently to build resilient, high-performing teams. Drawing from her own experience burning out as a lawyer and her work with leaders across industries, Paula explains why burnout is a systemic issue rooted in how work is designed. She breaks down the key drivers of stress and disengagement, why leaders often miss what’s really happening on their teams, and how small, intentional actions can create meaningful change. Through practical insights and research-backed frameworks, Paula offers a clearer way to think about workload, team dynamics, and leadership behaviors, helping leaders move from reactive fixes to sustainable performance. This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: Paula’s journey from law to burnout and into resilience researchWhy burnout is more than just an individual stress problemThe difference between high workload and unmanageable workloadWhy most wellness programs don’t fix burnoutThe gap between what leaders think and what employees experienceWhy burnout is a systemic, culture-driven issueThe six core drivers of stress and disengagement in teamsHow lack of recognition shows up beyond just not hearing “thank you”The role of fairness, transparency, and trust in team healthWhy leaders are often underprepared to address burnoutHow meaningful one-on-one conversations drive engagementThe impact of constant busyness and overloaded teamsWhy connection and community break down under pressureThe balance between autonomy and belonging in modern work environmentsHow small, consistent leadership actions (“tiny noticeable things”) create resilience Links: Paula’s website - https://stressandresilience.com/ Paula’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauladavislaack/ Paula’s book, “Beating Burnout at Work” - https://amzn.to/4tKzkEG Paula’s book, “Lead Well” - https://amzn.to/4mvTqQC

    36 min

  3. APR 15

    Clarity, Consistency, and Credibility: A Conversation with Mark Fava (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Mark Fava – former U.S. Navy Officer, accomplished aviation attorney, and author of “Lessons from the Admiral” – Mark shares practical leadership lessons on communication, trust, and execution that apply across any organization. He explains why exceptional leaders repeat their message with clarity and consistency, how listening builds credibility faster than talking, and why transparency, especially in difficult situations, is critical to maintaining trust and morale. Mark also covers how leaders should handle problems early, create environments where people feel safe raising issues, and balance honest feedback with strong team alignment. Through real-world examples, he highlights the importance of preparation, accountability, and doing what you say you’re going to do, every time. The conversation closes with advice for early-career professionals on leading without authority, overcoming self-doubt, and building a reputation that lasts. This is the second part of a two-part conversation.  Topics Covered: Why consistent messaging is critical for effective leadershipHow to communicate clearly, concisely, and with impactThe “three bullet rule” for simplifying communicationWhy great leaders listen first, and how it builds credibilityThe role of transparency in building trust and moraleHow to handle difficult messages and lead through discomfortWhy problems don’t age well, and how to address them earlyCreating a culture where team members feel safe speaking upThe balance between healthy disagreement and team alignmentWhy preparation drives confidence and performanceLeading without authority through reliability and executionThe importance of doing what you say you’ll doOvercoming imposter syndrome early in your careerLessons learned from failure and how to reset and move forwardThe concept of “legacy leadership” and long-term impactWhy integrity and reputation are a leader’s most valuable assets Links: Mark’s website - https://markcfava.com/  Mark’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcfava/  Mark’s book, “Lessons from the Admiral” - https://amzn.to/48m9tum

    30 min

  4. APR 8

    Leadership Under Pressure: A Conversation with Mark Fava (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint talks with Mark Fava, former U.S. Navy Officer, accomplished aviation attorney, and author of “Lessons from the Admiral” about what real leadership looks like under pressure and the habits that separate good leaders from great ones. Drawing from his time as an admiral’s aide, Mark shares firsthand experiences from high-stakes environments where execution, trust, and attention to detail were mission-critical. He explains how doing both the “small” jobs and the high-visibility work equally well builds credibility, why early impressions matter more than most people realize, and how leaders earn trust through consistency, humility, and accountability. Through practical stories and hard-earned lessons, Mark bridges the gap between military leadership and the corporate world, offering a clear roadmap for leading teams, building trust, and delivering results when it matters most. This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: Mark’s journey from Naval ROTC to becoming an admiral’s aide What it’s like to support senior leadership in high-pressure environments Why no task is “below your pay grade” in great leadership How early performance shapes long-term reputation The importance of attention to detail and flawless execution How to build credibility with peers and superiors early in your career Why helping others is the fastest way to build trust Leadership lessons from working closely with an admiral Taking responsibility for mistakes and learning from them Why leaders should take the blame and pass the praise The importance of understanding expectations and alignment How to disagree behind closed doors and align in public The difference between communication and conversation in leadership Why delivery and timing matter when giving feedback Real-world lessons from military leadership that apply to business today Links: Mark’s website - https://markcfava.com/ Mark’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcfava/ Mark’s book, “Lessons from the Admiral” - https://amzn.to/48m9tum

    36 min

  5. APR 1

    How Great Teams Actually Work: A Conversation with Dr. Vanessa Druskat (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Dr. Vanessa Druskat, Associate Professor at the University of New Hampshire and author of “The Emotionally Intelligent Team,” Dr. Druskat explains how leaders can actively build high-performing teams by shaping culture, not controlling people. She shares practical ways to create team norms with input from the team itself, why top-down approaches often fail, and how leaders can act as “culture managers” to drive better interaction, trust, and performance. Vanessa also dives into the realities of modern teamwork – remote collaboration, feedback challenges, personality differences, and communication breakdowns – and offers clear, actionable strategies to address each. Throughout the conversation, she reinforces a powerful idea: the best teams aren’t defined by talent; they’re defined by how people work together.   This is the second part of a two-part conversation.  Topics Covered: Why team culture must be co-created, not dictated by leaders How to identify and build the right team norms The role of team charters and clarity in avoiding dysfunction Why belonging drives commitment and performance The impact of trust on team outcomes (and why it’s often missing) How communication tools don’t replace real connection Managing different personalities (introverts vs. extroverts) on teams How to structure meetings to ensure all voices are heard Best practices for giving and receiving feedback on teams Understanding negativity bias and its impact on performance The importance of cultural awareness in global teams What a “pre-mortem” is and how it improves team outcomes The visible signs of a high-performing, emotionally intelligent team Why listening and curiosity are core leadership skills How leaders can bring out the best in every team member Links: Vanessa’s website - https://www.vanessadruskat.com/  Vanessa’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-druskat/  Vanessa’s book, “The Emotionally Intelligent Team” - https://amzn.to/4bN4mWl

    34 min

  6. MAR 25

    Why Great Teams Aren’t Built on Talent Alone: A Conversation with Dr. Vanessa Druskat (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint has a conversation with Dr. Vanessa Druskat, Associate Professor at the University of New Hampshire and author of “The Emotionally Intelligent Team” about why team performance isn’t driven by individual talent, but by the culture teams create together. Dr. Druskat challenges the common belief that stacking a team with top performers guarantees success. Instead, she explains how the norms teams build around trust, belonging, and interaction ultimately determine whether a group thrives or struggles. Drawing from decades of research and real-world experience, Vanessa introduces the concept of team emotional intelligence (Team EI) and why the way people interact matters more than who is in the room. She also breaks down why most teams underperform, how leaders can think in terms of systems (not individuals), and what it really takes to create an environment where people contribute their best. This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: Vanessa’s background and what led her to study team performance Why great teams aren’t built by simply hiring top talent The concept of team emotional intelligence (Team EI) The difference between individual EI and team-level EI Why team norms, not personalities, drive performance How team culture differs from company culture Why interactions are the true engine of team success The role of trust, candor, and accountability in high-performing teams Why most teams fail to share their best ideas The importance of belonging and feeling valued at work How leaders can shift from a talent mindset to a systems mindset Why teams outperform individuals in decision-making The hidden cost of competition within teams How to start building a stronger team culture immediately Links: Vanessa’s website - https://www.vanessadruskat.com/ Vanessa’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-druskat/ Vanessa’s book, “The Emotionally Intelligent Team” - https://amzn.to/4bN4mWl

    38 min

  7. MAR 18

    How Great Companies Tell Great Stories: A Conversation with David Aaker (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with David Aaker – the “Father of Modern Branding,” Vice Chairman at Prophet, and bestselling author of 18 books – David explains how organizations can uncover powerful stories inside their companies and use them to shape culture, build trust, and strengthen their brands. David shares practical ways leaders can find and develop signature stories, including creating story banks, identifying meaningful customer and employee experiences, and even building long-term social programs that bring purpose and energy to a brand. He also discusses why many companies struggle with storytelling, how B2B organizations often strip the emotion and tension out of their best stories, and why internal storytelling can be one of the most powerful tools for shaping company culture. Throughout the conversation, David highlights memorable real-world examples from companies like Dove, Salesforce, Nordstrom, Zappos, Barclays, and Haier, showing how a single compelling story can define a brand for decades. This is the second part of a two-part conversation.  Topics Covered: How companies can uncover and build a bank of signature stories Why social programs can create powerful brand narratives The impact of purpose-driven branding (including Dove’s Real Beauty campaign) Salesforce’s “1-1-1” model and building social impact into a company from day one Why storytelling is essential for building internal culture and employee engagement Common mistakes companies make when trying to tell their stories Why many B2B companies unintentionally strip the power out of their own stories Famous customer-driven brand stories from Nordstrom and Zappos How humor and storytelling improve team creativity and leadership effectiveness Using stories to support facts, provide context, and persuade audiences Memorable brand stories from Haier and Barclays that transformed perception Leadership insights on raising people’s performance and building strong teams Links: David’s company, Prophet - https://prophet.com/  David’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidaaker/  David’s book, “Aaker on Branding” - https://bit.ly/40bgtGg

    28 min

  8. MAR 11

    Why Stories Build Strong Brands: A Conversation with David Aaker (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint has a conversation with David Aaker – the “Father of Modern Branding,” Vice Chairman at Prophet, and bestselling author of 18 books – about why stories are one of the most powerful tools leaders and organizations have to communicate their message and build lasting brands. David shares the origin of the modern concept of brand equity, how the marketing world shifted away from short-term tactics toward building long-term brand assets, and why storytelling is far more effective than simply presenting facts. He also introduces the concept of “signature stories,” which are compelling narratives that capture attention, spark emotion, and communicate a strategic message in a way people remember and share. Along the way, David explains why facts alone rarely persuade, why stories dramatically improve memory and engagement, and how leaders can use narrative to cut through today’s noisy and skeptical communication environment. This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: David’s journey from MIT and Stanford to becoming the “Father of Modern Branding” Why the concept of brand equity reshaped marketing strategy in the 1990s How companies unintentionally destroyed brand value by chasing short-term sales What signature stories are and how they differ from simple anecdotes The four elements of a powerful signature story: intriguing, authentic, involving, and strategic Why stories are remembered far more than facts alone How storytelling helps overcome skepticism and information overload Turning facts and data into narratives people actually care about Why taglines play a crucial role in building long-term brand equity The surprising effectiveness of long-form communication in a short-attention-span world Links: David’s company, Prophet - https://prophet.com/  David’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidaaker/  David’s book, “Aaker on Branding” - https://bit.ly/40bgtGg

    25 min
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Did you realize the key to business and team success finds its roots deep in conversation? Join Clint Padgett, who’s built his career helping Fortune 100 companies optimize their businesses, as he interviews leaders who encourage employees to learn, challenge, and grow. If you want to effectively manage people and optimize results, this is the podcast for you. The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett from Forbes Books.

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