Episodes

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

    Leadership Habits to Reduce Burnout: A Conversation with Paula Davis (Part Two)
    Apr 29 2026
    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 impact
    • The concept of mattering and why it drives motivation and retention
    • How to use “thank you plus” to make feedback more meaningful
    • Why leaders often overlook recognition and how to fix it
    • How small moments of acknowledgment reduce burnout and increase engagement
    • Expanding the definition of autonomy beyond time and location
    • How to build community in hybrid and remote teams
    • The role of informal conversations in strengthening team connection
    • Why having a best friend at work impacts performance and wellbeing
    • How to create stronger relationships through active constructive responding (ACR)
    • Common communication habits that unintentionally damage relationships
    • What team resilience looks like before, during, and after challenges
    • How trust, communication, and psychological safety drive better outcomes
    • The 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
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    31 mins
  • Burnout Isn’t What You Think: A Conversation with Paula Davis (Part One)

    Burnout Isn’t What You Think: A Conversation with Paula Davis (Part One)
    Apr 22 2026
    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 research
    • Why burnout is more than just an individual stress problem
    • The difference between high workload and unmanageable workload
    • Why most wellness programs don’t fix burnout
    • The gap between what leaders think and what employees experience
    • Why burnout is a systemic, culture-driven issue
    • The six core drivers of stress and disengagement in teams
    • How lack of recognition shows up beyond just not hearing “thank you”
    • The role of fairness, transparency, and trust in team health
    • Why leaders are often underprepared to address burnout
    • How meaningful one-on-one conversations drive engagement
    • The impact of constant busyness and overloaded teams
    • Why connection and community break down under pressure
    • The balance between autonomy and belonging in modern work environments
    • How 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
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    36 mins
  • Clarity, Consistency, and Credibility: A Conversation with Mark Fava (Part Two)

    Clarity, Consistency, and Credibility: A Conversation with Mark Fava (Part Two)
    Apr 15 2026
    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 leadership
    • How to communicate clearly, concisely, and with impact
    • The “three bullet rule” for simplifying communication
    • Why great leaders listen first, and how it builds credibility
    • The role of transparency in building trust and morale
    • How to handle difficult messages and lead through discomfort
    • Why problems don’t age well, and how to address them early
    • Creating a culture where team members feel safe speaking up
    • The balance between healthy disagreement and team alignment
    • Why preparation drives confidence and performance
    • Leading without authority through reliability and execution
    • The importance of doing what you say you’ll do
    • Overcoming imposter syndrome early in your career
    • Lessons learned from failure and how to reset and move forward
    • The concept of “legacy leadership” and long-term impact
    • Why 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
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    30 mins
  • Leadership Under Pressure: A Conversation with Mark Fava (Part One)

    Leadership Under Pressure: A Conversation with Mark Fava (Part One)
    Apr 8 2026
    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
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    36 mins
  • How Great Teams Actually Work: A Conversation with Dr. Vanessa Druskat (Part Two)

    How Great Teams Actually Work: A Conversation with Dr. Vanessa Druskat (Part Two)
    Apr 1 2026
    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
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    34 mins
  • Why Great Teams Aren’t Built on Talent Alone: A Conversation with Dr. Vanessa Druskat (Part One)

    Why Great Teams Aren’t Built on Talent Alone: A Conversation with Dr. Vanessa Druskat (Part One)
    Mar 25 2026
    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
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    38 mins
  • How Great Companies Tell Great Stories: A Conversation with David Aaker (Part Two)

    How Great Companies Tell Great Stories: A Conversation with David Aaker (Part Two)
    Mar 18 2026
    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
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    28 mins
  • Why Stories Build Strong Brands: A Conversation with David Aaker (Part One)

    Why Stories Build Strong Brands: A Conversation with David Aaker (Part One)
    Mar 11 2026
    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
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    25 mins