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  • How Hope Is the Key to the Future of Work, with Jen Fisher and Dr. Alex Lovell

    How Hope Is the Key to the Future of Work, with Jen Fisher and Dr. Alex Lovell
    Feb 20 2026
    Episode recap This episode focused on hope in the workplace, starting with a discussion with Dr. Alex Lovell, head researcher and vice president at the O.C. Tanner Institute, and covering a recent O.C. Tanner study that revealed a decline in employee hopefulness. Marcel transitioned to a lively conversation with Jen Fisher, author of Hope Is the Strategy, and one of the world's first chief well-being officers. They explored how leaders can cultivate hope by using language that builds rather than kills hope, emphasizing curiosity, empathy, and transparency. Jen explained that hope requires clear goals, acknowledgment of current reality, and identifying multiple pathways to achieve those goals. They also discussed the limitations of wellness programs alone in improving employee well-being and the need to address cultural and behavioral factors in the workplace. The conversation concluded with Jen encouraging listeners to become "hope dealers" by helping others identify possibilities and support their potential. Bio: Jen Fisher is a global authority on workplace well-being, the founder and CEO of The Wellbeing Team and the author of Hope Is the Strategy: The Underrated Skill That Transforms Work, Leadership, and Wellbeing. Dr. Alex Lovell is the Vice President of the O.C. Tanner Institute and a political psychologist focused on the human side of work—specifically, how organizations can better foster appreciation, identity, belonging, and fulfillment to unlock human potential. Quotes: Alex Lovell Employees are seven times more likely to be engaged when they feel hopeful When people don’t see a path forward and don’t believe they can follow that path, there is no way they can get there Recognition and belonging are one of the strongest antidotes to hopelessness When teams aren’t inclusive, employees are 513 percent more likely to feel burned out Our younger workers don’t see a future anywhere, not personally and not professionally Jen Fisher Hope is not an emotion; it is a cognitive and behavioral process Do you want to lead a hopeful organization or a hopeless one? People need to believe that your strategy will leave them better off tomorrow than they are today Never in the history of telling someone not to worry have they not worried Be a hope dealer and help people see possibilities Takeaways: Hope is a measurable leadership skill that requires clear goals, multiple pathways, and agency Employees who feel hopeful are significantly more engaged and resilient Gen Z workers are struggling to see a personal and professional future, making belonging and recognition essential The language leaders use can either build hope or quietly destroy it Transparency and telling the whole truth reduce anxiety and strengthen trust Wellness programs alone cannot fix broken work design or culture Rebuilding hope starts with identifying and taking the next small step The future of work must intentionally preserve humanity alongside advancing technology. Timestamps: Alex Lovell — Timestamps 0:02 — Opening Banter and Formal Introduction to Dr. Alex Lovell 0:33 — Inside the OC Tanner Global Culture Report: Why This Research Matters Now 2:32 — The Alarming State of the Workplace: Hope, Depression, and Retention Risks 5:10 — Why Gen Z Feels Especially Hopeless About the Future of Work 7:00 — Belonging, Recognition, and the Antidote to Workplace Hopelessness 9:52 — Inclusion Gaps, Anxiety Spikes, and the Burnout Multiplier Effect 11:25 — The Seven-Times Engagement Effect When Employees Feel Hopeful 11:53 — Practical Drivers of Hope: Preventing Connection Decay and Building Momentum 15:18 — Where to Access the Global Culture Report and Continued Research 15:57 — Transition to Featured Guest Jen Fisher Jen Fisher — Combined Timestamps 0:05 — Welcome Back: Introducing Jen Fisher and the Book Hope Is the Strategy 2:26 — Jen’s Personal Journey Through Burnout, Cancer, and Caregiving 7:37 — Why Hope Is Not a Feeling but a Cognitive and Behavioral Strategy 11:34 — Addressing Leadership Skepticism: The Business Case for Hope 12:25 — What Hope Looks Like in Practice for Managers and Executives 16:16 — The Language of Hope: Replacing Hope Killers with Hope Builders 20:39 — Becoming a “Hope Dealer”: Leading Through Possibility Thinking 22:29 — Developing Hope as a Learnable and Measurable Leadership Skill 24:05 — Leading with the Whole Truth: Transparency, Uncertainty, and Trust 29:56 — Why Wellness Programs Alone Don’t Fix Broken Work Design 33:22 — Rebuilding Personal Hope One Small Action Step at a Time 34:45 — The Future of Work: Valuing Humanity in the Age of AI 30:13 — Leading with Love: Human Leadership in a Transactional World 31:09 — Final Charge: Be a Hope Dealer 31:52 — Where to Connect and Continue the Conversation 33:06 — Full Episode ...
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    1 Std. und 2 Min.
  • A Bold, Human-Centered Guide to Leading Change, with Frank Danna and Chris Pitre

    A Bold, Human-Centered Guide to Leading Change, with Frank Danna and Chris Pitre
    Feb 13 2026
    Episode recap Don’t forget to subscribe to my Substack for exclusive access to tools, action plans, long-form articles, book content, and coaching resources to level up your leadership! Subscribe here. In this episode, Marcel interviewed Frank Danna and Chris Pitre, co-authors of "Love as a Change Strategy," discussing their book's themes and their experience at Softway, a technology company that transformed from a toxic culture to a human-centered organization. The conversation explored how embracing discomfort, prioritizing relationships, and practicing empathetic curiosity can lead to successful organizational change. Frank and Chris shared personal stories about their own transformation journeys and how they apply these principles at Softway. They discussed the importance of leaders modeling change behavior and the role of AI in enhancing human connection at work. The authors emphasized that change should be led, not managed, and highlighted the need for leaders to be intentional with their words and actions. Guest Bio Chris Pitre is Vice President at both Culture+ and Softway. Chris has spent his career helping companies reimagine how they work, focusing on how they treat their people and communicate. Frank Danna serves as the Marketing Director at Softway and is the Co-Founder of Culture+, where he helps leaders transform their leadership through love, empathy, and behavior-based change. Quotes: Chris Pitre: “Without a positive or strong culture, it's actually harder to bounce back. Adversity becomes that much scarier and that much more formidable.” Chris Pitre: “If you are a leader who is about to implement change and you're not uncomfortable, that should be a scary thing.” Frank Danna: “If you want to change, discomfort is the solution.” Chris Pitre: “I truly believe that comfort is a privilege and change, and so if you are comfortable, that means that everybody else is paying for your comfort, and likely you are someone who is probably oppressing the team.” Chris Pitre: “You get to decide at a certain point in your career who you will become: are you the boss that leaves a mark or a scar?” Takeaways: Real, sustainable change fails when it’s treated as a technical process instead of a deeply human, emotional experience. The six principles of change—embracing discomfort, prioritizing relationships, practicing empathetic curiosity, wielding your influence, experimenting, and being effective—act as a flexible “middle layer” between rigid processes and long-term behavior change. Leaders themselves are often the biggest blockers of transformation when they cling to titles, certainty, and comfort while expecting others to do the hard changing. Resistance to change is frequently a signal that people feel unheard, and genuine empathetic curiosity can turn resistors into powerful champions. AI, when introduced from a humane, people-first lens, can remove transactional work and actually create more room for empathy, collaboration, and truly human leadership. Timestamps: 00:00:02 Introduction and Softway’s turnaround story 00:03:30 Welcoming guests Frank Danna and Christopher Pitre 00:03:55 Frank’s story: from imposter syndrome to belonging 00:05:26 Chris’s story: corporate “robot,” stroke, and the power of workplace community 00:11:36 What Softway does and its evolution to AI-focused transformation 00:15:02 What people get wrong about love as a change strategy and why change fails 00:21:53 The six principles of change 00:24:00 Embracing discomfort and why leaders must feel uneasy 00:27:12 How leaders become the blockers of change 00:31:06 Personal transformation, accountability, and resistance as unheard voices 00:36:21 Rabbit hole: traditional male leadership, narcissism, and the cost to culture 00:40:13 Can AI actually increase humanity and love in the workplace? 00:43:35 Have we missed any essential questions? 00:44:55 Practical ways to lead with love day in and day out 00:47:39 Final takeaways: be like the buffalo and don’t manage change—lead it 00:50:15 Teasing the third book in the series 00:51:08 Where to learn more about Softway, the books, and the podcast Conclusion: Love isn’t a soft extra in business—it’s the toughest, most practical strategy for real change. This episode shows how embracing discomfort, listening with empathy, and leading like a “buffalo” through the storm can turn a toxic culture into a place of belonging and growth. Frank and Chris prove that when leaders go first, drop their ego, and put people at the center, both performance and humanity rise. AI, handled with a humane-first mindset, becomes a catalyst—not a threat—for more meaningful, human work. Take what you’ve heard today and decide: will you manage change from a distance, or step in and lead it with love? Links/Resources: Softway: https://...
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    53 Min.
  • How Your Core Values Are the Key to Fulfillment at Work with Robert Glazer

    How Your Core Values Are the Key to Fulfillment at Work with Robert Glazer
    Feb 6 2026
    Episode recap In this episode, Marcel talks with Robert Glazer, author of The Compass Within, about why core values are essential for effective leadership and meaningful work. Robert explains the difference between aspirational values and actionable core values—non-negotiable principles that guide real decisions and behavior. They explore how values alignment boosts employee engagement, strengthens trust in leaders, and reveals whether an organization’s stated values actually match what it rewards in practice. The conversation also dives into authenticity, emotional honesty, and how early life experiences shape our values and sense of purpose. Robert shares a practical framework and reflective questions to help people clarify their true core values, arguing that clarity leads to better decisions, healthier leadership, and deeper personal fulfillment. The episode closes with Robert’s mission to help more people discover their “true north” and live with greater integrity and intention. Bio: Robert Glazer is a globally recognized entrepreneur, speaker, and author. He is the founder and former CEO of a $50M marketing agency with an award-winning, values-driven culture, and the author of multiple bestsellers, including Elevate and Elevate Your Team. His inspirational newsletter, Friday Forward, reaches over 200,000 readers weekly. Quotes: I define core values as the non-negotiable principles that decide your actions and behaviors, reflecting who you are, not who you wish you were. Most of our purpose is tied to pain, but people are afraid to go there and look, even though those formative experiences are where their real values live. If you can help people figure out their personal core values, you help them become better leaders, because they are going to lead from those values, whether they realize it or not. Everyone wants the shortcut, but if you really want to figure out your core values, you have to be willing to do the work and spend time with the questions. When you understand your core values, you gain a dramatic clarity that changes how you live and how you lead. Takeaways: Core values are intrinsic, non-negotiable decision rules that show up across all areas of life, not vague one-word aspirations like “integrity” or “family.” Much of our purpose and many of our values are rooted in formative childhood experiences, especially painful or ignored parts of our story. Alignment is impossible until you first clarify what you are actually aligning to, which is why defining values must come before trying to “live in alignment.” Research shows that when people’s work aligns with their values, engagement, trust, life satisfaction, and retention all increase significantly. Doing the structured inner work, like Robert’s six-question process and core values course, provides a practical pathway to make better long-term decisions about career, relationships, and leadership. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – 00:02:30 Opening, sponsor message, and Marcel’s setup about authenticity and alignment 00:02:30 – 00:05:56 Introducing Robert Glazer and the story behind The Compass Within 00:05:56 – 00:07:12 Robert’s personal story and how purpose is tied to pain 00:07:12 – 00:14:46 Why this book now, tribalism, and what people get wrong about values 00:14:46 – 00:17:25 Core values, culture, and how companies really reward behavior 00:17:25 – 00:21:17 Data, research, and why values alignment matters at work and in life 00:21:17 – 00:31:43 The six core values questions and live exercise revealing Marcel’s value of authenticity 00:31:43 – 00:36:25 Robert’s own core values and how they play out in his life and leadership 00:36:25 – 00:36:58 The hardest parts of doing core values work and why there is no shortcut 00:36:58 – 00:39:13 Speed round: what makes Robert smile, who inspires him, and bold life choices 00:39:13 – 00:41:00 How to lead with love, Robert’s final takeaway, and where to find his work Conclusion: This episode makes one thing crystal clear: if you do not define your values, the world will do it for you. Robert Glazer shows that core values are not fluffy slogans, but the invisible rails that quietly direct every major choice you make. Once you illuminate those rails, you can stop bouncing off the walls of the tunnel and start driving your life and leadership with intention. The stories, data, and live coaching moment with Marcel prove that this inner work is both emotional and incredibly practical. Listen in, then dare yourself to turn on your own “compass within” and see what needs to change. Links/Resources: Website: https://robertglazer.com/ Book: https://robertglazer.com/compass/ Core Values Course: www.corevaluescourse.com Get the Six Questions: https://robertglazer.com/six/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glazer
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    41 Min.
  • Why You Should Care for Your People Like Family with Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia

    Why You Should Care for Your People Like Family with Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia
    Jan 29 2026
    Episode recap This episode is brought to you by Peak Performers, a nonprofit staffing agency that champions professionals with disabilities. Learn more at www.peakperformers.org. This week on the Love in Action Podcast, I welcomed back Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia for a powerful conversation about what happens when leadership is rooted in genuine care. We talk about the 10th anniversary edition of their seminal classic, Everybody Matters, and why the book and movement continue to resonate around the world. We break down why people-centered leadership is more urgent than ever, and how treating people with care, dignity, and respect isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s what builds strong, resilient organizations. If you care about creating workplaces where people actually thrive, this episode is for you. BOB CHAPMAN is the chairman of Barry-Wehmiller. A sought-after speaker on human-centered leadership, business growth, sustained performance, and culture transformation, Chapman strives to use his business leadership platform to build a better world.   RAJ SISODIA is a cofounder of the Conscious Capitalism movement and a pioneering voice in the global business renaissance. He is the author or coauthor of 16 books, including The New York Times bestseller Conscious Capitalism (with John P. Mackey of Whole Foods Market). Quotes: We have a hunger for caring in the world, and this book addresses caring. The way we lead impacts the way people live. Business could be the most powerful force for good in the world if we simply knew how to care for the people we have the privilege of leading. You cannot ask people to care for others; you must teach them the human skills of caring. You cannot lead the people unless you love the people, and you cannot love the people unless you know the people. Takeaways: Truly Human Leadership reframes business from an economic relationship to a deeply human relationship where people are the purpose. Caring is a learnable skill that must be intentionally taught, not just requested or assumed. The person you report to at work can affect your health more than your family doctor. Most business education still focuses on numbers and profit while bypassing the human heart and soul. Conscious, caring leadership positively ripples into marriages, families, and even future generations. Timestamps: 00:00:03 Opening and introduction of Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia 00:02:33 Tenth anniversary of Everybody Matters and why it still matters 00:06:01 Origin story and why the book had to be written 00:08:02 Lessons from a decade of impact and stress testing through crisis 00:11:24 How leadership at work shapes health, marriage, and family life 00:16:15 What business schools still get wrong about leadership and purpose 00:21:08 How Everybody Matters deepened the idea of conscious capitalism 00:25:22 What Truly Human Leadership really means beyond just being nice 00:30:30 Stories of companies transformed by caring cultures 00:34:04 Why the wrong people often rise and how to rethink who becomes a leader 00:39:20 A message that can heal business, education, and society 00:44:18 Love, leadership, and practical caring in everyday management 00:46:00 Conclusion Conclusion: This conversation shows that leadership is not about titles or metrics, but about the lives entrusted to you. Bob and Raj reveal that when leaders choose to care, organizations do not just perform better; people become healthier, more hopeful, and more connected at home. They challenge the prevailing belief that profit must come before people and instead show how human dignity and strong business performance can reinforce each other. The episode also exposes how our education and promotion systems neglect the human side of work, and why teaching caring skills is no longer optional. In the end, listeners are invited to see business as a profound opportunity to practice love in action so that, in every workplace, everybody truly matters. Links/Resources: The Book: https://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Matters-Extraordinary-Caring-People/dp/1591847796/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0 Bob Chapman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-chapman-89b936b8/ Raj Sisodia - https://rajsisodia.com/ Barry-Wehmiller - https://www.barrywehmiller.com/ Conscious Capitalism - https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/ Truly Human Leadership - https://www.barrywehmiller.com/blog Bob Chapman, Episode #6: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/bob-chapman/ Raj Sisodia, Episode #36: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/raj-sisodia/ Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/
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    50 Min.
  • Catch People Doing Things Right with Martha C. Lawrence

    Catch People Doing Things Right with Martha C. Lawrence
    Jan 26 2026
    Episode recap This episode is brought to you by Peak Performers, a nonprofit staffing agency that champions professionals with disabilities. Learn more at www.peakperformers.org If you’ve ever wondered what shaped Ken Blanchard into one of the most trusted leadership voices of our time, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look. I sat down with Martha Lawrence—Ken’s longtime friend, collaborator, and biographer—and what unfolded was a rich mix of humor, history, and heart. In her new book, “Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads,” Martha reveal the real Ken. She walks through her own journey as well—how a post-9/11 turning point led her to Blanchard’s organization and eventually to writing the definitive biography that captures his wisdom, quirks, and quiet resilience. Bio A former editor at Simon & Schuster and Harcourt, Martha C. Lawrence has shaped the voices of some of the world’s most successful thought leaders. As executive editor at Blanchard, she has collaborated with Ken Blanchard for more than 20 years. Her editing credits include multimillion-copy bestsellers and #1 New York Times titles. Lawrence is passionate about leadership, storytelling, and capturing legacies that matter. She is the author “Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads.” Quotes: I knew I could not have worked alongside a human being who not only was so innovative and intelligent and heart-centered, but who lived the same things he's teaching. If one of the takeaways from the book is that you don't have to be perfect to be successful. You want to lift people—you want to catch them doing things right. Takeaways: True leadership is based on humility, trust, and the authentic desire to lift others up. Setbacks and personal challenges can become sources of strength and inspiration. Servant leadership means supporting your team from the bottom up, not ruling from the top. The best leaders are those who make others feel valued and recognized for their contributions. Lifelong learning and collaboration can fuel both personal and organizational growth. Timestamps: 0:00:00 — Sponsor Message & Podcast Welcome 0:01:30 — Marcel introduces Ken Blanchard's influence and today’s theme 0:02:30 — Introducing guest Martha C. Lawrence and her background 0:05:00 — Martha shares her story and career path 0:07:30 — Martha discusses overcoming personal adversity 0:10:54 — How Martha began working with Ken Blanchard 0:12:54 — Inspiration to write Ken’s biography 0:16:09 — Ken’s connections and meeting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 0:19:33 — How Ken’s parents shaped his leadership values 0:21:21 — The inverted pyramid and servant leadership explained 0:23:13 — Ken’s mentors, co-authors, and learning philosophy 0:25:07 — Ken’s personal and professional setbacks 0:27:38 — Ken’s humor and breaking the rules 0:31:26 — The evolution of Ken’s servant leadership philosophy 0:33:39 — "The One Minute Manager"—origins and impact 0:35:54 — Are the principles of "The One Minute Manager" still relevant? 0:37:51 — Research and surprises from Ken's archives 0:39:57 — Including love in leadership and chapter discussion 0:42:42 — What readers can gain from the book; catching people doing things right 0:45:08 — Distinguishing between care and love in leadership 0:47:39 — Speed Round: What makes Martha smile, her inspirations, and hopes 0:53:33 — The big takeaway: Leadership is love 0:54:25 — Where to find Martha and Ken’s resources online 0:55:01 — Closing gratitude and episode wrap-up Conclusion: The stories shared in this episode remind us that genuine leadership is shaped by humility, resilience, and compassion. Ken Blanchard’s journey proves that success is rooted as much in character as in achievement. Martha’s perspective brings to life the transformative effect of working alongside a true role model. Their experiences illustrate that lifting other and embracing authenticity can leave a legacy that outlasts any title. As you move forward, ask yourself: how can you lead with more heart in your own life and work? Links/Resources: www.marthalawrence.com www.blanchard.com www.kenblanchardbooks.com Episode #3: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-in-action/id1456073489?i=1000433623822 Episode #122: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/ken-blanchard-2/
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    56 Min.
  • Inside Peak Performers: A New Standard for Disability Hiring and Inclusion with Bree Sarlati

    Inside Peak Performers: A New Standard for Disability Hiring and Inclusion with Bree Sarlati
    Jan 16 2026
    This episode is brought to you by Peak Performers, a nonprofit staffing agency that champions professionals with disabilities. Learn more at www.peakperformers.org Episode recap: Today’s guest is Bree Sarlati, President and CEO of Peak Performers, a nonprofit staffing agency that champions professionals with disabilities. Sarlati is leading Peak Performers’ mission to raise the standard of employment for people with disabilities. She breaks down the biases that still shape hiring and explains how Peak is proving that skilled talent is everywhere. We discuss how to build inclusive teams and how Peak is scaling nationally while staying deeply human-centered. Bree also shares their “Talent Without Limits” initiative and explains how her team is integrating AI into recruiting without losing empathy or accountability.  BIO: Bree Sarlati is a pragmatic strategist known for turning complexity into clarity. As CEO of Peak Performers, Bree has led the organization's national expansion, modernizing operations, embracing new technology, and scaling its mission beyond Texas. Her focus on agility ensures that even as Peak grows, it never loses the human touch that defines its work. Bree has a talent for spotting potential that others miss and for connecting people with opportunities that move them forward. Passionate about disability employment and gender equity in leadership, she champions fair, future-ready systems and brings clarity, curiosity, and a people-first approach when the stakes are high. Quotes: Our mission as a non-profit has always been to set a higher standard of employment for people with disabilities. We stay focused on the candidates who are going through one of the most stressful experiences of their lives, which is job searching. That's a time when we should be very aware of people's human-level needs. A CEO always needs to be looking inward and asking, 'What skills do I need to add to take this organization to where I want it to go? Takeaways: Inclusive hiring unlocks hidden talent and drives organizational success. Disabilities encompass many unseen conditions and should be understood broadly. Technology can scale impact without sacrificing the human connection in recruiting. Agile leadership starts with self-awareness and adapting to constant change. Empathy and respect should guide all workplace interactions and decision-making. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction and Overview of Peak Performers 00:02:30 Bree Sarlati’s Journey and Passion for Storytelling 00:08:40 Peak Performers’ Mission and Redefining Disability Employment 00:14:20 Challenges and Evolution in Disability-Inclusive Hiring 00:21:00 The Importance of Agility and Leadership Self-Awareness 00:26:30 Building Agile, Human-Centered Teams 00:32:00 Leveraging Technology Without Losing the Human Touch 00:36:30 The “Talent Without Limits” Initiative 00:41:00 The Role of Empathy, AI, and Creativity in Modern Recruiting 00:45:30 Leading with Love, Key Takeaways, and Final Thoughts 00:49:00 Connecting with Bree Sarlati and Closing Remarks Conclusion: As this inspiring conversation draws to a close, reflect on how inclusive hiring can transform both businesses and lives. We have learned that true agility in leadership comes from embracing change with empathy and purpose. Peak Performers shows us that technology and human connection can coexist to build workplaces of belonging. The journey to future-ready teams begins by recognizing untapped potential and challenging our own assumptions. Let us carry these lessons forward and strive to create workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Links/Resources: Peak Performers Website: https://www.peakperformers.org/ Peak Performers on LinkedIn (Company Page): https://www.linkedin.com/company/peak-performers-staffing-agency/ Bree Sarlati on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bree-sarlati/ Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9fO2r_ZQ3wy5ie522f-DTQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/
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    50 Min.
  • Why So Many Leaders Hit a Wall in Midlife (and What to Do About It) with Marcel Schwantes

    Why So Many Leaders Hit a Wall in Midlife (and What to Do About It) with Marcel Schwantes
    Jan 9 2026

    Don’t forget Marcel’s special offer to join his Substack community. Subscribe here:

    https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/subscribe

    Episode recap:

    This episode explores a quiet but powerful turning point many high-achieving leaders face in midlife, when success no longer feels fulfilling. It names the real issue—not burnout, but misalignment between a leader’s outer accomplishments and inner values—and reframes it as a necessary recalibration rather than a crisis. Through reflection, values realignment, and intentional listening, leaders can reconnect with meaning, purpose, and a more authentic way of leading and living.

    Bio:

    Marcel Schwantes is a speaker, author, and acclaimed executive coach with a global following. Recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the Top 50 Leadership and Management Experts in 2025, Marcel’s thought leadership reaches millions each month through global media like Inc., Time, Fast Company, Business Insider, and Forbes. Marcel delivers presentations, workshops, courses, and coaching programs about the human side of business and how cultures of care,  connection, and belonging power companies to thrive and outperform the competition.

    Quotes:

    • True fulfillment begins when you pause to listen to your inner voice, not just your outer achievements.
    • The greatest crisis we face in midlife is not failure but living a life out of alignment with who we truly are.
    • Success without meaning will always leave you feeling restless and incomplete.
    • When you dare to revisit your core values, you rediscover the energy and purpose that fuel your next chapter.
    • Your next breakthrough starts when you ask what decision moves you closer to who you are becoming.

    Takeaways:

    • External accomplishments alone cannot bring lasting fulfillment without inner alignment.
    • Regular stillness and reflection are essential to connect with your true values and desires.
    • Midlife is not a crisis, but a powerful opportunity for recalibration and growth.
    • Simple daily questions and journaling can reveal the real story of who you are now.
    • Realigning your life with your authentic self opens the door to deeper joy, meaning, and impact.

    Timestamps:

    00:00:00 Introduction & The Hidden Question Behind Success

    00:01:40 Success Achieved, Emptiness Remains

    00:03:20 The Disconnect of “Going Through the Motions.”

    00:05:00 Decades of Momentum & Inner Tiredness

    00:06:40 Playing a Character & Seeking Deeper Meaning

    00:08:20 Facing Burnout & The Concept of Misalignment

    00:10:00 Rediscovering Values and Building Self-Awareness

    00:11:40 Time to Pivot: Steps for Realignment

    00:13:20 Grounding Yourself with Daily Questions

    00:15:00 Journaling Exercise, Reflections & Outro

    Conclusion:

    True fulfillment starts when you stop chasing more and start tuning into what matters most within. The path to congruence is not about abandoning your achievements but about aligning them with your deepest values and desires. Remember, the discomfort you feel is really an invitation that serves as a wake-up call to a richer, more meaningful season of life. By embracing stillness, revisiting your core values, and asking powerful questions, you can chart a new course that feels genuinely right for you. Your next chapter is waiting, so are you ready to write it with purpose and passion?

    Links/Resources:

    Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/

    Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes

    YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MarcelSchwantes1

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/

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    18 Min.
  • Reset Your Definition of Leadership with Marcel Schwantes

    Reset Your Definition of Leadership with Marcel Schwantes
    Jan 2 2026

    Episode recap:

    Subscribe to Marcel’s Substack here:

    https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/subscribe

    Marcel Schwantes opens Season 10 with gratitude and a renewed call for better leadership. He previews more solo episodes in 2026 and emphasizes that a leadership strategy only works when a leader’s character and inner operating system are solid. He reframes authentic leadership as humility, self-honesty, and service. Authenticity starts with self-awareness, supported by a weekly reflection: where you lived your values, where you drifted, and what triggered it. He links authentic leadership to well-being by urging leaders to remove friction, create clarity, support mental health, and help people connect to purpose—since burnout often stems from a loss of meaning, not just workload.

    Bio:

    Marcel Schwantes is a speaker, author, and acclaimed executive coach with a global following. Recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the Top 50 Leadership and Management Experts in 2025, Marcel’s thought leadership reaches millions each month through global media like Inc., Time, Fast Company, Business Insider, and Forbes. Marcel delivers presentations, workshops, courses, and coaching programs about the human side of business and how cultures of care,  connection, and belonging power companies to thrive and outperform the competition.

    Quotes:

    • "You become a far more effective leader the moment you stop performing leadership and start practicing it."
    • "Authentic leadership always, always starts with self-honesty."
    • "Humility is a performance enhancer, not just a personality trait."
    • "Great leaders aren't afraid of holding up the mirror; they invite feedback and treat it like data, not judgment."
    • "Real authentic leadership exists to meet real human needs."

    Takeaways:

    • Authentic leadership begins with self-honesty and removing the mask.
    • Humility allows leaders to learn, grow, and truly connect with others.
    • Seeking and acting on feedback transforms workplace relationships.
    • Meeting the real needs of people is at the heart of effective leadership.
    • Redefining leadership with authenticity, humility, and service sets the stage for a thriving culture.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction & Podcast Purpose

    03:26 2026 Podcast Direction & New Year Focus

    06:00 Principles of Authentic Leadership

    08:30 Practical Implementation Tips

    14:45 Conclusion & Call to Action

    Conclusion:

    As we close out this episode, remember that real leadership begins with honesty, humility, and a genuine commitment to serving others. By embracing authenticity and staying true to your values, you create space for growth, trust, and lasting impact. Let this new year be your opportunity to lead with heart, listen deeply, and elevate the people around you. True change starts from within, and your leadership can set the tone for a better tomorrow.

    Links/Resources:

    Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/

    Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes

    YouTube: hhttps://www.youtube.com/@MarcelSchwantes1

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/

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