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Lead the People

Lead the People

Written by: Matt Poepsel PhD
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Lead The People is your guide to unlocking your true potential as an authentic leader. Hosted by Dr. Matt Poepsel—The Godfather of Talent Optimization—this podcast dives deep into the art and science of what it takes to lead at the next level. With insightful conversations and practical strategies, each episode equips executives, strategic HR pros, and aspiring leaders with the tools it takes to boost performance, inspire teams, and drive meaningful impact. Whether exploring the latest workplace trends or tackling real-world leadership challenges, Lead The People offers an enlightened approach to leadership. Embark on a rewarding journey to become the leader your people deserve—the leader you were meant to be.© 2025 Lead the People Careers Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership Personal Success
Episodes
  • #159: How To Win From Within And Avoid Burning Out (feat. JM Ryerson)
    Feb 19 2026

    JM Ryerson is a leadership and performance coach, international speaker, and host of the Let’s Go Win podcast. Through his Win From Within coaching framework, JM helps growth-minded leaders and teams align their values, master their mindset, and make intentional choices that drive both business success and personal fulfillment. With experience building and selling multiple companies, JM blends real-world entrepreneurship with powerful self-leadership strategies, focusing on the pillars of strength, energy, love, and freedom. His practical approach empowers professionals to double revenue, build thriving cultures, and achieve true harmony in work and life.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Winning starts with aligning actions to core values.
    2. Self-leadership is the foundation of sustainable success.
    3. High performance depends on clarity, consistency, and energy.
    4. Vulnerability builds stronger leadership and deeper trust.
    5. You can win in business without losing at life.

    From Our Sponsor:

    The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI, including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels, across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.

    Additional Resources:

    JM Ryerson, CEO/Founder, Let's Go Win: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jm-ryerson/

    Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/

    Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp

    Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all

    Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

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    31 mins
  • #158: From Overwhelmed to Confident Manager (feat. Ashley Herd)
    Feb 12 2026

    Ashley Herd is the founder of Manager Method, a platform designed to help new and experienced leaders navigate the complexities of people management with confidence and clarity. Drawing from her background in law, HR, and corporate leadership, Ashley brings a practical, human-centered approach to managing teams. In this episode, she shares strategies for setting boundaries, delivering feedback, and navigating difficult conversations, especially for leaders who feel overwhelmed by the emotional demands of management. Ashley emphasizes the importance of scripting, preparation, and self-awareness in developing confidence, helping leaders balance authenticity with clarity. With actionable tips and real-world examples, Ashley empowers managers to lead with empathy, communicate effectively, and build trust within their teams.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Setting boundaries helps managers protect their energy and lead with confidence.

    2. Preparing what to say in advance makes tough conversations easier.

    3. Feedback builds trust when it’s clear, specific, and kind.

    4. Overwhelm is common for new managers but can be reduced with mindset shifts.

    5. Clarity and kindness can go together in effective leadership.

    From Our Sponsor:

    The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI, including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels, across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.

    Additional Resources:

    Follow Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/

    Visit Ashley’s website: http://managermethod.com/

    Take a look at Ashley’s book: http://managermethod.com/book

    Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/

    Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp

    Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all

    Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

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    29 mins
  • #157: Kiss Your Job Goodbye: The End Of Work As We Knew It (feat. Sophie Wade)
    Feb 5 2026

    Sophie Wade is a work futurist, thought leader, and author focused on evolving workplaces for today’s dynamic environment. Through her advisory, writing, and speaking, she helps leaders navigate the shift toward empathy-led business practices and flexible, human-centric work models. Drawing on her global business background and research, Sophie emphasizes the importance of trust, connection, and intentionality in leading modern teams. She works with companies to build inclusive cultures, empower diverse talent, and embrace the fluidity of today’s workforce realities. Her insights guide leaders in designing work environments where people and performance thrive together.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Empathy is a crucial leadership skill in the modern workplace.
    2. Flexibility and adaptability help businesses stay competitive.
    3. Human-centric work models improve engagement and retention.
    4. Trust and connection are foundational for team success.
    5. Future-ready leaders embrace continuous learning and change.

    From Our Sponsor:

    The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI, including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels, across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.

    Additional Resources:

    Follow Sophie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-sophie-wade/

    Check out Modern Work Life: https://www.modernworklife.co/

    Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/

    Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp

    Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all

    Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

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    33 mins
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