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Promotions rarely hinge on perfect reports—they hinge on proof that you grow people, steer outcomes, and communicate when it counts. John and greg open with a simple shift that changes everything: start with WIIFM—the listener’s “what’s in it for me”—and build leadership from the audience’s needs, not your talking points. From there, we map the real hiring filters (degrees, certifications, years of experience, capital projects, budget responsibility), how applicant tracking systems screen you in or out, and why “potential” without preparation keeps you parked.

We get practical about the next barrier: succession. If no one on your team can take your seat, your promotion odds drop. We talk through building bench strength with deliberate delegation, sponsoring certifications, and scheduling short 1:1s to learn each person’s goals—whether they want management or mastery. You’ll hear why honoring skilled tradespeople who choose craft over climbing is a leadership advantage, and how daily presence on the floor beats desk‑bound perfection every time.

Communication becomes the force multiplier. Instead of claiming you’re a “strong communicator,” we show how to prove it: present across departments, speak to executives and peers, and take on stretch topics with real risk attached. You’ll hear stories—from a supervisor who turned stage fear into system‑wide trust, to a lead electrician whose insight under pressure earned the room and elevated the whole department—that demonstrate how sharing the mic builds credibility in both directions. The through‑line is self‑ownership: you are responsible for your career, for closing your gaps, and for teaching your team how to close theirs. If you’re ready to shift from potential to preparation—and from solo performer to builder of builders—this one’s for you.

If the episode helped, follow the show, share it with a colleague who’s ready for the next step, and leave a quick review so others can find it. Then tell us: who are you developing this month?

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Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell

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A milestone is only meaningful if it changes what we do next. We’re celebrating 100 episodes by unpacking the MBR leadership framework, mapping advise from avoidance to transformation, and showing how data, story, and practice experiences combine to create lasting impact you can measure and feel.

We break down the eight MBR competencies—strategic foresight, global citizenship, disruptive mindset, people-first leadership, value creation, curiosity, inclusion, and agility—and connect them to the realities of modern work. You’ll hear how experiential learning and peer coaching turn abstract values into daily habits, why 360 feedback accelerates growth, and how podcast analytics mirror the way high-performing organizations track leadership effectiveness. We also preview our forthcoming book, a narrative-meets-seminar that follows Jack’s journey through the gears: from control and burnout to clarity, trust, accountability, and legacy. The book's working title is "The Fifth Gear of Leadership."

The conversation moves from global reach and AI-driven insights to practical dashboards and rituals leaders can adopt right now: explicit decision logs, feedback cadences, stakeholder mapping, and small, repeatable experiments that compound over time. If you lead remote teams, shape culture, or simply want to build a sturdier operating system for change, this one’s designed to be both inspiring and actionable.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a leader you trust, and leave a review. Tell us which gear you’re shifting into next and what topic you want us to explore in the next 100.

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Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell

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Ever wondered why some workplaces seem to hum with energy while others feel like productivity graveyards? The answer might surprise you. Leadership experts John Wandolowski and Greg Powell unpack the fascinating connection between workplace joy and bottom-line results in this eye-opening conversation.

Backed by compelling research, they reveal that companies fostering workplace happiness see 21% higher profitability than their competitors. This isn't just feel-good fluff—it's neuroscience. When we experience joy, our brains release dopamine, enhancing memory, learning, and creative problem-solving. Perhaps most shocking: when researchers asked 15,000 professionals where they got their best ideas, not a single person mentioned the traditional work environment.

The hosts break down Dr. Martin Seligman's PERMA model (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishments) and share practical, low-cost strategies any leader can implement tomorrow. From simple gratitude practices that transform team dynamics to creative approaches like hackathons, reverse mentorship programs, and recognition rituals that celebrate both successes and productive failures, these tools create environments where innovation naturally thrives.

For leaders feeling the pressure to deliver results in challenging times, this episode offers a refreshing perspective: creating joy at work isn't just nice—it's a strategic imperative. As John puts it, "Leaders are culture architects," responsible for modeling the behaviors that shape organizational norms. Through vulnerability, recognition, and intentional culture-building, they can transform disengagement (currently affecting over 50% of workers) into energized, committed teams.

Ready to transform your leadership approach? Listen now, then grab John's book "Building Your Leadership Toolbox" on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, or reach out directly with your questions and topic suggestions at wando75.jw@gmail.com.

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Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell