Blanchard LeaderChat

What separates a high-performing team from a group of talented people who happen to work together? In this episode of LeaderChat, Alexander and Janice Caillet, Co-Heads of Team Effectiveness at Blanchard, join us to explore why team effectiveness is critical to organizational performance and why developing strong individual leaders isn't always enough to create strong teams. You'll hear about: What organizations may be getting wrong about teamwork today How individual team cultures influence the broader organizational culture The early warning signs that a team has stopped functioning as a true team What high-performing teams do differently when they don't have clear answers Why investing in the team itself can create impact beyond individual leadership development How organizations can establish a shared definition of great teamwork while allowing teams to develop their own unique cultures How AI is creating both new opportunities and new challenges for teamwork Practical ways leaders can begin…

What if the goal of great leadership isn't to eliminate friction, but to learn from it? In this episode of LeaderChat, Maggie Sass, PhD, and Ross Blankenship, PhD, authors of Friction: How Tension, Emotion, and Change Reveal Better Leaders, join us to discuss what tension can reveal about leaders, teams, and the systems in which they work. You'll hear about: The three places friction shows up: within ourselves, between people, and within systems How leaders can help teams navigate tension without simply smoothing it over Why emotions can provide useful information during uncertainty The difference between unhealthy conflict and productive tension What can happen when a team becomes too frictionless How to recognize when the system, not the individual, is creating the problem Practical ways to respond more intentionally the next time friction shows up If you're navigating change, uncertainty, or tension on your team, this episode offers a different way to look at those difficult moments—and what they might be…

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, but its greatest impact may not be on technology at all. It may be on leadership. In this episode of LeaderChat, Chad Gordon sits down with Kari Zeller, U.S. Air Force combat veteran, Founder and CEO of TGN Consulting, and author of Amazon bestseller Re-Placed: Answering the Call of Leadership in the Age of AI, to explore what it means to lead through one of the biggest shifts in modern work. They discuss why AI is more than an operational change, how leaders can help people navigate uncertainty and build trust during transformation, and why human capabilities like judgment, curiosity, and connection may become even more valuable as technology advances. Whether you're just beginning your organization's AI journey or helping others navigate what's next, this conversation offers practical insights for leading with confidence in a rapidly changing world.

Learning is changing faster than ever, and traditional training alone can no longer keep pace. In this LeaderChat episode, Ann Rollins, Vice President of the Design Studio, and Britney Cole, Chief Innovation Officer at Blanchard, explore how AI is transforming learning from a one-time event into a continuous, personalized experience. They discuss what an AI-enabled learning ecosystem looks like, where organizations are seeing the greatest impact today, and how learning leaders can evolve from creating content to building capability. Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or looking to scale it, this conversation offers practical ideas for helping people learn, grow, and perform in the flow of work.

Self leadership isn't about title or authority, it's about ownership. In this LeaderChat episode, Susan Fowler, co-author of Self Leadership, and Blanchard leadership content developer Lucy Dannewitz explore what it looks like to move from waiting for direction to taking initiative in today's workplace. They discuss why self leadership matters at every level, how people can challenge assumed constraints, and what happens when individuals bring solutions instead of just problems. From emerging leaders to experienced professionals, this conversation offers practical insight into building confidence, activating personal responsibility, and leading yourself with intention.

Leading today means delivering results while navigating constant change and still showing up for your people, and many leaders are feeling the strain. Mark Miller, co-author of The Secret: What Great Leaders Know and Do, shares what it looks like to lead differently in that kind of environment. Grounded in the SERVE model, he offers practical ways to create clarity, build trust, and stay focused on performance without losing sight of people. It's a grounded look at how strong leaders balance results, growth, and sustainability, for themselves and their teams.

Leadership is evolving quickly, and for many, it's arriving sooner than expected. In this LeaderChat episode, Amanda Litman, author of When We're in Charge: The Next Generation's Guide to Leadership, shares what it takes to lead in a moment where Millennials and Gen Z are stepping into greater responsibility. From navigating leadership before you feel fully ready to growing in real time, she offers perspective on what today's leaders are getting right, and where old assumptions no longer hold. The conversation also explores how to build trust, lead authentically, and balance changing expectations with the leadership principles that still stand the test of time.

In this LeaderChat episode, Jacob Morgan, author of The 8 New Laws of Employee Experience, joins the conversation to explore what it means to be a future-ready leader. As organizations invest in transformation, technology, and culture, we ask a deeper question, are leaders equipped to create the kind of employee experience that drives performance? He shares where leadership readiness falls short, why traditional approaches are no longer enough, and how leaders can build trust, stability, and human connection in a rapidly changing world. It's a practical look at how leadership behavior shapes employee experience, and what it takes to prepare leaders for what's next.

In this LeaderChat episode, Jennifer Brown, author of The Shape of Change, joins the conversation to explore what change does to engagement and why motivation often drops in uncertainty. She shares how identity shifts, low energy, and lack of clarity can quietly disconnect people from their work, and what leaders can do to re-engage and motivate others in the middle of it. It's a practical look at how clarity, connection, and intentional leadership behaviors create strong engagement, even when the future feels uncertain.

Senior leadership means living with competing demands. In this episode, Debbie Ung, President of Blanchard, shares what that looks like in practice. The conversation focuses on delivering results without losing people, staying decisive without losing empathy, and handling pressure from above without passing it down. Honest, practical, and grounded in what senior leaders face right now.

Chad Gordon sits down with Ann Rollins, Dr. Jay Campbell, and Britney Cole to unpack the shifts redefining HR and L&D in 2026. They cut through the noise to right to what's real, what's hype, and what leaders should do now to build capability, engagement, and performance in a year where expectations keep rising and resources don't. To dive deeper into this year's trends, visit: https://resources.blanchard.com/ebooks/2026-hr-l-d-trends-report

Hear Dr. Tasha Eurich explain that resilience isn't an unlimited resource and describe what it takes to thrive through adversity as presented in her new book, Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos (And Why Resilience Alone Isn't Enough). Take the Resilience Ceiling Quiz To learn more about Tasha Eurich go to www.tashaeurich.com

Hear Marcel Schwantes talk about how his personal experiences and research led him to define five principles of effective leadership from his book Humane Leadership: Lead with Radical Love, Be a Kick-Ass Boss. He explains how patience, kindness, humility, advocacy, and trustworthiness can help you become a truly kick-ass boss in today's chaotic world. To learn more, go to marcelschwantes.com

In this special episode, hear guest host Marshall Goldsmith, world-renowned leadership coach, talk with Martha C. Lawrence, author of Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads. Together, they explore the transformative power of positive recognition, how leaders can inspire excellence, and why focusing on strengths drives lasting organizational success. To learn more visit marthalawrence.com. Or connect with Martha Lawrence on LinkedIn To learn more about Marshall Goldsmith visit marshallgoldsmith.com

Hear Martha Lawrence share stories about how Ken Blanchard revolutionized leadership from her new book, Catch People Doing Things Right. She explains why this is more than a business biography. It is the American success story of someone who achieved greatness by genuinely caring about people and helping them reach their full potential. To learn more visit marthalawrence.com. Or connect with Martha Lawrence on LinkedIn

Today Was Fun with Bree Groff Hear Bree Groff share personal stories, research, and practical wisdom about her vision for modern workplaces where people feel human and alive. She offers tips about changing how you approach work every day to make it more meaningful and fulfilling from her new book Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously).

Hear Robert Dilenschneider explain the components of character as presented in his book Character: Life Lessons in Courage, Integrity, and Leadership. He shares some of the achievements of leaders and groundbreakers who shaped our world and explores how their lessons in life and in business can provide invaluable advice and hopeful direction for young leaders. To learn more visit robertldilenschneider.com

Hear Margaret Moore talk about nine capacities for leadership growth, from her latest book, The Science of Leadership: Nine Ways to Expand Your Impact. She explains the extensive research that led to this comprehensive guide of fundamentals you need to be the kind of leader that inspires others to perform at their best. Learn more at scienceofleadership.com

Hear Michelle Gladieux share tips for improving work relationships and experiencing deeper personal connections from her book Communicate with Courage: Taking Risks to Overcome the Four Hidden Challenges. She explains how to overcome the challenges she has identified—Hiding, Defining, Rationalizing and Settling—to begin communicating skillfully and confidently. Learn more about Michelle D. Gladieux at gladieuxconsulting.com Or connect with her on LinkedIn

Discover insights from James Turk as he shares practical advice for new leaders stepping into their roles, drawn from his latest book, The Giving Game: Becoming the Leader That Others Want to Follow. Turk emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the success of others over personal advancement. True leadership success comes from being a leader who gives. To learn more about James Turk visit LinkedIn or visit theturkgroup.com

Hear Garry Ridge explain how to build a company culture where people joyfully do meaningful work, alongside supportive, positive, enthusiastic colleagues. He shares stories from his experience as the CEO of WD-40, and describes how learning moments helped him become a better leader and build a positive corporate culture, from his new book, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It. For more about Garry Ridge, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit www.thelearningmoment.net and take the free quiz

Hear Kevin Eikenberry explain the mindset, skillset, and habits of being an effective leader from his new book Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence. The approach is exactly what leaders need to manage people in the unpredictable and complex landscape of business today. For a gift from Kevin visit www.kevineikenberry.com/gift For more information on Kevin, go to his website connect with him on LinkedIn

Hear Sara Daw explain how many organizations are challenging the traditional full-time employment model, by moving C-suite positions from the payroll to an "access role." She describes the benefits of fractional leadership for companies and individuals in her latest book Strategy and Leadership as Service: How the Access Economy Meets the C-Suite. For more information visit saradaw.com

Hear Heather Younger describe how to develop a new mindset around personal advocacy and learn to exercise your sphere of control and influence to take control of your workplace experience and relationships. She shares key messages from her new book, The Art of Self-Leadership: Discover the Power Within Your and Learn to Lead Yourself. For more information about Heather R. Younger visit her website here. To pre-order Heather's book go to Amazon

Hear Keith Ferrazzi share his latest research with more than 3000 teams. He explains how leaders and team members need to work together, elevate their behaviors, and hold each other accountable to mobilize their full potential as described in his new book, Never Lead Alone: 10- Shifts from Leadership to Teamship.

Hear Manu Kapur explain how carefully curated failure can become a signal for deeper learning. People can gain lifelong readiness to push themselves outside of their comfort zones, using setbacks as launchpads for learning and innovation as described in his book Productive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning Through the Science of Failing. For more information visit www.manukapur.com

Hear Barrie Conchie share the results of his research with Sarah Dalton to identify the most important skills leaders need today. They believe setting direction, building energy, exerting pressure, increasing connectivity, and controlling traffic are focus areas, as presented in their book, The Five Talents That Really Matter. For more information visit conchie.com

Hear workplace culture expert, Jessica Kriegel explain why the concept of "generational differences" is an unfair generalization, and how the best managers work with people based on their talents, strengths, and challenges. She explores the concepts from her book, Unfairly Labeled: How Your Workplace Can Benefit from Ditching Generational Stereotypes. For more information about Jessica Kriegel visit Jessicakriegel.com

In this special double episode, hear Jennifer Brown discuss her book, How to Be an Inclusive Leader and Marcus Buckingham talk about his book Love + Work. Both thought leaders will deliver keynote sessions at the upcoming Blanchard Leadership Summit to be held October 8-10. 2024 in Dana Point, California. For more information go to blanchard.com/summit2024

Hear Pam August explain how to cut through the noise and stress of your busy life to realize your true potential as outlined in her book, Potential: How to Connect What's Already There for Exponential Impact. It involves having the right mindset, setting your intention, and pausing to notice where you are in relation to your intention to choose how you move forward. For more information www.connectingpotential.ca

Hear Ken Coleman explain that self-awareness is the most crucial element in determining what kind of career will be the most fulfilling. He asks you to identify what you do best, what you enjoy, and what motivates you to begin the journey as detailed in his book, Find the Work You're Wired to Do. For more Information visit www.Kencoleman.com

Hear Shawn Kanungo explain how individuals need to be life-long learners and to take risks daily to develop the confidence to become bold. It is the practical way to transform yourself and your organization. He shares tips from his book The Bold Ones: Innovate and Disrupt to Become Truly Indispensable. Learn more about a Shawn Kanungo on LinkedIn

Rich Horwath shares tips from his book Strategic: The Skill to Set Direction, Create Advantage, and Achieve Executive Excellence. He explains that new growth comes from new thinking and it's critical to take time to think about how to do things differently. Taking time to think, plan and act strategically is the secret to navigating every business challenge. For more information on Rich Horwath go to www.strategyskills.com

In this episode, hear Cassandra Worthy explain how to embrace change by paying attention to your emotions—especially your negative emotions—to achieve growth and transformation. She shares tips from her book Change Enthusiasm: How to Harness the Power of Emotion for Leadership and Success. For more about Cassandra Worthy visit www.changeenthusiasmglobal.com

Hear Dr. Travis Bradberry share strategies from his latest book, Emotional Intelligence Habits. He explains how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the micro behaviors that will take your EQ to new heights. His insights will help you change your habits and change your life. To learn more follow Dr. Travis Bradberry on LinkedIn

In this episode hear Dr. Jay Campbell, Chief Products Office at Blanchard and host Chad Gordon discuss the results of the Blanchard 2024 HR/L&D Trends Survey. You'll learn about the eight specific focus areas identified in the survey that Human Resources and Learning & Development professionals will face as challenges, or opportunities in the coming year. Download the eBook here.

In this episode Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley discuss how they are helping leaders become servant leaders with the tips in their new book, Simple Truths of Leadership Playbook. They explain how to put learning into action with the structured exercises and thought-provoking questions from the book. Get your copy of Simple Truths of Leadership Playbook To register for the Simple Truths of Leadership Webinar with Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley, click here To join a monthly book club led by Randy Conley, become a member of the Blanchard Community – it's free!

In this episode: · HEAR Ken Blanchard and Chad Gordon discuss EVERY episode of the LeaderChat podcast that aired in 2023! · LISTEN as each guest reveals the key facts and ideas they want YOU to learn from their episode! · DISCOVER valuable information that will make you want to listen to each episode AGAIN and AGAIN and revisit the insights shared!

In this episode Dr. Keith Keating explains the importance of making learning initiatives a part of the overall corporate strategy. He shares how to develop a proactive approach to L&D as outlined in his new book, The Trusted Learning Advisor. For more information visit www.keithkeating.com

Hear Dr. Stejskal share how she created her framework for developing resilience as outlined in her book, The 5 Practices of Highly Resilient People. She explains that our lives are filled with challenges, complexity and change and using these practices will help us flourish during difficult times. For more information visit https://www.resilience-leadership.com/

Hear Dan Rockwell explain how talented people often unintentionally hold themselves back from success. He encourages listeners to identify their self-defeating behaviors to become the authentic leaders they want to be. He shares tips from his latest book, The Vagrant: The Inner Journey of Leadership. For more information about Dan Rockwell visit www.leadershipfreak.blog

Hear Dr. Marilee Adams share powerful insights from her best-selling book Change Your Questions, Change Your Life. She explains how the questions we ask ourselves and others can either expand our mindsets and open us up to new possibilities or constrict our mindsets to limit our choices. Learn more about Dr. Marilee Adams at www.inquiryinstitute.com

Hear Nate Regier explain how finding the balance between compassion and accountability is the ultimate way for leaders to create improved results and a thriving workplace. He shares the importance of building connections with your people from his latest book, Compassionate Accountability. For more information about Nate Regier visit www.compassionateaccountabilitybook.com

Hear Catherine Stothart explain how leaders can learn to understand what motivates each individual on the team to enable them to use their talents and fulfill their potential. The conversation is based on her recent book, Motivation: The Ultimate Guide to Leading Your Team. For more information about Catherine Stothart visit www.essenwood.co.uk

Hear Seth Godin explain how to break the negative shift that has taken place in the workforce, as outlined in his new book, The Song of Significance. The key is for managers and employees to come together to build a significant organization that enrolls, empowers, and trusts everyone to deliver their best work, no matter where they are. For more information about Seth Godin, visit www.sethgodin.com

Hear Scott Blanchard, President of Blanchard®, share information about the recent rebrand of the company. He talks about the new tagline—The Heart of Human Achievement™, and the vision of the company—Leaders Powered for Good. He explains how Blanchard will continue to serve a diverse set of organizations with immersive learning experiences that enable leaders at all levels to turn potential into performance. For more information, visit www.Blanchard.com

In this episode hear Ozan Varol explain how being genius isn't for a special few. It can be cultivated. Sharing information from his new book, Awaken Your Genius: Escape Conformity, Ignite Creativity, and Become Extraordinary, he encourages you to discard what no longer serves you and discover the qualities that make up your own personal genius. For more information about Ozan Varol visit www.ozanvarol.com To join his mailing list text Ozan to 55444 For more about the book visit www.geniusbook.net

In this episode hear Soren Kaplan explain how life experiences influence our mindsets and abilities while impacting our present success and future opportunities. He shares tips and examples from his latest book, Experiential Intelligence: Harness the Power of Experience for Personal and Business Breakthroughs, and describes the differences between IQ, EQ and XQ. For more information about Soren Kaplan visit sorenkaplan.com.

Hear Carol Kauffman share information about the MOVE framework from her latest book, Real-Time Leadership: Find Your Winning Moves When the Stakes are High, coauthored with David Noble. She describes how leaders must learn to read situations and respond in the most effective way to manage high-stakes challenges. For more information about Carol Kauffman, visit www.carolkauffman.com

In this episode hear Bill Treasurer share tips for becoming a more confident and competent leader from his latest book, Leadership Two Words at a Time. His message is especially helpful for new leaders, but leaders at all levels will find wisdom in his words. For more information about Bill Treasurer, visit www.couragebuilding.com