The Leadership Vision Blog & Podcast Archive

Alignment Without Conformity: How Teams Can Fly in the Same Direction
In this episode of The Leadership Vision Podcast, Nathan Freeburg, Dr. Linda Schubring, and Brian Schubring explore what alignment truly means in team settings—dispelling the myth that alignment requires conformity. Using metaphors from nature, like the organized flight patterns of geese and the dynamic, colorful movement of flamingos, we delve into the complexities of alignment. We discuss why it’s essential for effective teamwork, and how it often looks messier than we might expect. Our conversation highlights that alignment isn’t about uniformity; rather, it’s a shared commitment to move in the same direction while also leveraging each person’s unique Strengths. Enjoy!
Embracing Resilience: Insights from Russell Harvey on Thriving, Not Just Surviving
In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Russell Harvey, known as “The Resilience Coach.” Russell brings over 20 years of experience in leadership, resilience, and organizational development to the table. His mission is to positively impact 100,000 people by 2025. In our conversation, we explore his key insights on building resilience and how leaders can foster this invaluable quality within their teams. Enjoy!
Embracing Strategic Resilience in Leadership
In this episode of the Leadership Vision podcast, we dive into our archives of interviews we’ve done with guests to talk about strategic resilience in leadership. We share insights from four distinguished leaders, featuring interviews with Rich Horwath, Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, Martin Gonzales, and Amy Schoenthal. Our discussions cover essential topics including strategic thinking, creating resilience plans, addressing team challenges, and reframing setbacks for growth. This episode is aimed at helping leaders enhance both their personal and professional effectiveness, especially during times of crisis. Enjoy!
Embracing the Dynamic Role of Chief of Staff with Maggie Olson
In this episode of the Leadership Vision Podcast, we chat with Maggie Olsen, founder and CEO of Nova, Chief of Staff, about her dynamic role and extensive experience serving high-level leaders at Nordstrom, Starbucks, and T-Mobile. Maggie sheds light on fostering entrepreneurship, navigating feedback, maintaining consistency in leadership, and the nuances of emotional regulation for leaders. The discussion focuses on trust-building, adapting to failures, balancing flexibility, and the importance of personal well-being for professional effectiveness. Maggie also introduces Nova’s certification course and other services while highlighting the significant role of feedback culture and continual learning in leadership. Enjoy!

Exploring Themes for Effective Cultural Change in Organizations
In this episode of the Leadership Vision podcast, hosts Nathan Freeburg, Brian Schubring, and Dr. Linda Schubring discuss how recurring themes in leadership and team structures can shape cultural change within organizations. Drawing from their experience with a particular leadership team, they explore nine universal themes—climate, optimism, investment, vision, buy-in, accountability, mission, and leadership’s role. They emphasize identifying and capitalizing on positive changes to accelerate organizational transformation. The conversation also highlights the importance of understanding an organization’s climate, fostering optimism, investing in leadership at all levels, ensuring strong alignment with mission and vision, and maintaining clear accountability. The episode aims to provide listeners with insights to enhance their own team dynamics and leadership practices. ENJOY!
Strategic Leadership and Personal Wellness with Rich Horwath
In this episode, we unlock the secrets of strategic leadership and personal wellness with Rich Horwath, CEO of the Strategic Thinking Institute. Rich joins us for an insightful conversation on how leaders can refine their strategic acumen, from the intimate connection between self-care and peak leadership performance to the art of fostering a team culture primed for success. Throughout our conversation, Rich draws on his vast experience and passion for coaching to illuminate the path for outthinking the competition. His personal stories provide a unique lens through which we can understand the nuances of executive development and the symbiotic relationship between strategy and well-being. Join us for this enriching discussion that will bolster your leadership fitness in mental toughness, time management, and self-care. Enjoy!

90 Days to a Stronger Community: Join the Challenge to Stir Goodness!
We’re giving you a challenge: to spark joy and strengthen connections within your teams and communities over the next 90 days. Through intentional acts of celebration and connection, we explore the transformative power of shared experiences in fostering a sense of belonging and support.
As part of this journey, the Leadership Vision team shares their participation in a deeply meaningful 5k race for breast cancer awareness, marking a tradition of resilience and unity. This episode serves as a poignant example of how collective actions can significantly impact our sense of community and belonging.
Join us in embracing this challenge to create lasting, positive change.
Crafting a Culture of Strength in Teams and Beyond
Today’s episode is a re-broadcast from an older episode that came as Brian sifted through the pages of old notes from his mentor, the late Chip Anderson. Brian embarked on an emotional journey that reconnected him with the roots of Strengths-based leadership and culture. Chip’s profound wisdom, like hidden treasures, came alive in this episode, as Brian discussed how the unique tapestry of an individual’s Strengths often reveals its richest colors in solitude. The conversation ventured into the often-overlooked power of personal rhythms and how honoring these can pave the way for a person’s Strengths to thrive, akin to how an artist finds creativity in the quiet hours. ENJOY!
Navigating Life’s Invitations: Leadership and Self-Discovery
In the latest episode of our podcast we venture into the heart of leadership beyond the conventional. This episode isn’t just about guiding teams or making strategic decisions; it’s an intro to how the challenges and everyday scenarios we encounter are, in fact, veiled invitations for personal growth, introspection, and leadership development.
Throughout the episode, we unravel the concept that true leadership is forged in the moments of adversity, in the quiet of reflection, and in the joy of discovery. It’s in the way we respond to the unexpected invitations from life—be they obstacles, relationships, or moments of choice—that we find the essence of our capacity to lead with impact and empathy.
We discuss how adopting a mindset of presence and mindfulness allows us to see challenges not as barriers but as pathways to enhancing our leadership skills. Through stories and reflections, we explore the transformational power of being fully engaged in the moment, how this approach can lead to more meaningful connections with others, and how it can amplify our ability to lead with authenticity and purpose.
The conversation also highlights the importance of self-awareness in leadership. By understanding our reactions to life’s invitations, we gain insights into our strengths and areas for growth. This episode encourages leaders at all levels to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to embrace the richness of life’s experiences as opportunities to learn, grow, and inspire those around them.
Join us as we navigate the complexities of leadership and self-discovery, offering listeners actionable strategies and thoughtful insights to become more present, aware, and responsive leaders in their personal and professional lives. Whether you’re facing a leadership dilemma, seeking to deepen your self-awareness, or looking for ways to enhance your impact, this episode is a compass guiding you towards becoming a more effective and compassionate leader.
Unlocking the Secrets of Exceptional Leadership and Employee Engagement with Tom Willis
Are you leading your team to its fullest potential or unknowingly holding it back? In this episode, we discuss the ‘secrets’ to fostering a thriving work culture with executive coach Tom Willis and discuss his book, “The Great Engagement,” and leadership’s transformative role in employee engagement. Together, we examine how leaders are the source of workplace disengagement and its remedy, emphasizing the shift from blame to self-awareness and proactive change. Our conversation unveils how anyone—from CEOs to janitors—can find profound meaning in their work by aligning personal purpose with organizational missions.
Leading with Cultural Sensitivity: Insights from Elizabeth Hoemeke on Managing Diverse Teams
Leading a culturally diverse team requires more than just management skills—it’s an art form that hinges on cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of leading such a team in the global business arena with our guest, Elizabeth Hoemeke, CIO of One Inc. Elizabeth shares her valuable insights and experiences in navigating the complexities of cultural diversity within her team, from fostering effective communication to understanding the unique backgrounds of each team member. Through our conversation, we offer a look at how Elizabeth manages her unique team and emphasize the importance of adaptability, empathy and clear expectations in leadership. Enjoy!
Celebrating Workplace Friendships and Mentorship in Leadership
Have you ever encountered a friendship or mentorship that felt more like family? A connection so profound that it reshaped your perspective on work, life, and leadership? We dive into the heart of such a relationship and the remarkable synergy it brought to the forefront of leadership and mentoring.
Dr. Linda Schubring interviews her dear friend, Carlos Fernandez, in this podcast episode. It’s a story of connection, mentorship, and the unexpected ways we find family in our lives and careers. Linda and Carlos share a bond that transcends the typical definition of friendship. Meeting over two decades ago in a university setting, their paths crossed in a way neither could have predicted. It led to a deep familial bond that influenced their approach to leadership, mentorship, and life.
Throughout the conversation, we cover the concept of finding a “work best friend,” the impact of a nurturing leadership style, and the power of recognizing and fostering potential in others. Linda and Carlos’ story is a testament to the transformative effect of meaningful connections and their role in our personal and professional growth.
Harmonizing Team Culture and Leadership in a Hybrid Work Era: The Power of Purpose and Expectations
Can daily habits and clear expectations supercharge your team’s culture, even in a hybrid work world? In this episode, we journey through the significant yet often-overlooked elements that are key to nurturing a thriving team environment. Together with Dr. Linda Schubring, we examine the influence of purpose-filled gatherings and the powerful impact of intentional leadership choices on team dynamics. Discover the secret to creating spaces that not only encourage connection but also spark creativity and foster a shared sense of purpose. We also delve into our own transformative moments, inviting you to reflect on the experiences that have profoundly shaped your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Visualizing Strengths: A Journey Through AI-Generated Landscapes of Human Motivation
In this episode, we embark on an imaginative exploration as we merge Strengths with the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI).
We picked five different Strengths and created AI images for each of them. What’s fun about this activity is that there’s no right or wrong answer. We had a lot of fun playing with this new technology, but even better, we found it helpful to explain Strengths through our eyes.
Our conversation springs from that moment of ingenuity, taking a deep dive into the world of Strengths visualization, where we translate the essence of unique qualities into AI-generated images. We hope this conversation enhances your understanding of your Strengths and the Strengths of others. Enjoy!
Mastering Compassionate Leadership: Enhancing Emotional Capacity and Connection
Ever wondered how the best leaders seem to have an uncanny ability to connect with their team? In this episode, we delve into the profound significance of emotional agility and vocabulary in shaping the dynamics and culture within a team. With real-world anecdotes and practical tools, our conversation will arm you with strategies to enhance your leadership style and cultivate deeper team connections. This episode isn’t just a lesson; it’s a masterclass in compassionate leadership, inspired by the most forward-thinking minds in the field. Get ready to explore these insights and strategies that will not only transform your own leadership style, but also deepen the connections between those you lead. Enjoy!
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