H.O.T. Takes with B.O.S.S.

One-size-fits-all leadership training is a thing of the past. In today’s dynamic workplace, tailored leadership development—designed to meet the unique needs of employees at different career stages—is the key to boosting engagement and retention.

In this episode, we explore why customized training makes employees feel valued and supported, leading to stronger teams and better performance. Learn how to create personalized growth plans that align with your team members’ professional goals and inspire them to reach their full potential.

Ready to lead with intention? Let’s build a roadmap for success.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why tailored leadership development is a must-have for modern organizations
• The connection between personalized training and employee engagement
• Simple steps to create individualized development plans for your team

👉 Take Action Today: Schedule a one-on-one this month with each team member to discuss their professional goals and map out a personalized growth plan. It’s time to invest in your team’s future!

🎧 Tune in and discover how tailored leadership development can transform your team and elevate your organization.

Are silos holding your organization back? It’s a common challenge—teams working in isolation, missing opportunities for collaboration and innovation. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of breaking down silos to foster better teamwork, creativity, and morale.

Learn how leaders can create a culture of collaboration by connecting departments and encouraging shared goals. We’ll discuss simple strategies like organizing cross-department brainstorming sessions to spark fresh ideas and build stronger relationships across teams.

Ready to unlock your organization’s full potential? It starts with breaking the silos.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why silos are a major roadblock to innovation and teamwork
• Leadership strategies to foster cross-department collaboration
• How diverse perspectives lead to creative breakthroughs

👉 Take Action Today: Organize a meeting this month that brings together teams who don’t typically interact. Get people talking and sharing ideas to work toward common goals.

🎧 Tune in to learn how breaking silos can transform your organization’s teamwork and success!

Great leaders don’t just manage; they mentor. Mentorship isn’t just a feel-good concept—it’s a proven strategy to build confidence, foster loyalty, and drive engagement in the workplace. In this episode, we dive into why mentorship is a game-changer for teams and how small, intentional actions can make a big impact.

Think about the mentors who shaped your journey—now it’s your turn to pay it forward. We’ll share practical ways to incorporate mentorship into your leadership style, from quick coffee chats to meaningful check-ins that create a culture of support and growth.

Ready to transform your team through mentorship? Let’s get started.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The science behind mentorship and employee engagement
• Why mentorship builds stronger, more loyal teams
• Simple, actionable ways to start mentoring today

👉 Take Action Today: Identify one team member who could benefit from mentorship and schedule a 10-minute conversation to connect. Watch how a small gesture can make a lasting difference!

🎧 Tune in and discover how mentorship can elevate your leadership and transform your team culture.

Looking to energize your team and unlock their full potential?

Start with autonomy! In this episode, we delve into the reasons why granting employees greater autonomy in decision-making significantly enhances their motivation and engagement.

Backed by Self-Determination Theory, autonomy is proven to be a key driver of workplace satisfaction and productivity.

We’ll discuss how leaders can empower their teams by delegating meaningful tasks, avoiding micromanagement, and fostering a culture of trust. It’s time to hand over the reins and watch your team thrive!

Ready to lead with autonomy? Let’s dive in.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The science behind autonomy and motivation
• Practical ways to delegate tasks without micromanaging
• How autonomy boosts confidence and productivity in teams

👉 Take Action Today: Delegate one task to your team this week, step back, and trust their process. You might be surprised by the results!

🎧 Tune in to discover how empowering your team can transform your leadership and drive success.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is more than a trendy buzzword – it’s a game-changing superpower for leaders who want to inspire and engage their teams. In this episode, we uncover the science behind EI and its profound impact on collaboration, employee satisfaction, and workplace morale.

Learn how empathy and self-awareness can transform your leadership approach, even on the toughest days. Discover a simple EI exercise you can try today to foster deeper connections with your team and unleash their full potential.

Ready to lead with emotional intelligence? It all starts with listening.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why emotional intelligence is the secret sauce for great leadership
• Research-backed benefits of EI on team performance
• Practical tips to develop and apply EI in your daily leadership

👉 Take Action Today: Pause and connect with a team member this week. Show empathy and watch the ripple effects on your team’s motivation and morale!

🎧 Listen now to harness the power of emotional intelligence and take your leadership to the next level.

In this episode, we dive into the essential leadership skill that’s shaping modern workplaces: trust. Discover why trust is more than just a buzzword – it’s the foundation of employee engagement, innovation, and productivity. Backed by research, we’ll explore how leaders can build trust through simple yet impactful actions like fostering transparency, giving feedback space, and empowering their teams.

Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Challenge yourself to start an open dialogue with your team this week and see the difference trust can make.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation that could transform your leadership approach!

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The science behind trust and workplace engagement
• Common trust-killers every leader should avoid
• Practical steps to build trust in your team

👉 Take Action Today: Start your next team meeting with open feedback and experience the power of trust firsthand!

🎧 Listen now and join the movement to lead with trust.

In this engaging episode with Dave Nitzel, we explore the dynamic intersection of management strategy and organizational culture, particularly in the fast-paced world of hospitality. Our special guest, an industry leader with years of experience in managing high-performance teams, shares invaluable insights on how to create a thriving culture that fosters employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. We’ll discuss the unique challenges of hospitality management, from ensuring exceptional service to navigating crises, and how these strategies can apply across industries.

Listeners will learn how to balance strategic goals with a culture-first mindset, the importance of agility in leadership, and how to cultivate a work environment where both employees and customers feel valued. Whether you’re in hospitality or looking to improve management practices in any sector, this episode is packed with actionable tips to elevate your leadership game.

In this insightful episode with Coach Q, we dive into the intricate world of relationship management in the workplace. Whether you're leading a team, collaborating cross-functionally, or building long-term partnerships, strong relationships are key to success.

Coach Q shares valuable strategies for fostering trust, maintaining clear communication, and resolving conflicts effectively. We’ll explore the importance of emotional intelligence, active listening, and how to navigate difficult conversations to ensure relationships thrive in even the most challenging environments. Tune in for practical tips and real-world examples on how to build and sustain positive, productive professional relationships.

Perfect for leaders, managers, and anyone looking to enhance their interpersonal skills at work!

🎧 In this enlightening episode of H_O_T_ Takes, hosts BOSS and Amy Quesenberry dive deep into the heart of organizational culture by exploring how to create compassionate workplaces.

🌟 Episode Highlights:

• Defining Compassionate Workplaces: BOSS and Amy discuss what makes a workplace not just functional but genuinely compassionate. They explore the elements that contribute to a supportive and empathetic work environment where every employee feels valued and understood.

• The Impact of Compassion on Performance: Learn about the profound effects that compassion can have on employee morale, productivity, and overall company success. Our hosts share compelling research and case studies that demonstrate the positive outcomes of integrating compassion into business practices.

• Practical Steps for Leaders: Discover actionable strategies and tips for leaders aiming to foster a more compassionate workplace. BOSS and Amy provide advice on everything from daily interactions to policy changes that can transform the workplace dynamics.

• Listener Q&A: The episode wraps up with a vibrant Q&A session where BOSS and Amy answer questions from listeners, offering personalized advice on overcoming common challenges in implementing compassionate practices.

🔗 Watch Now and Subscribe for More Insights: Join BOSS and Amy as they provide valuable insights and practical advice for leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. Don't forget to like, comment, and share to help spread the message of compassion in the workplace!

💬 Engage with Us: Have you experienced the benefits of a compassionate workplace, or do you have questions on how to create one? Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments below or reach out to us through our social media channels!

👉 Stay tuned and subscribe for more episodes on how to transform your workplace with H.O.T. Takes from industry experts BOSS and Amy Quesenberry.

Hashtags and Social Links: #CompassionateWorkplace #Leadership #OrganizationalCulture #EmployeeWellbeing #HOTTakes #BOSSandAmy

This week, join us as we dive into an empowering discussion with Dr. Belinda Johnson-White, a trailblazer in leadership and mentorship for women. Discover the journeys, challenges, and triumphs of women who lead with courage and grace.

👩‍💼 What You’ll Learn:

Dr. Johnson-White's personal journey to leadership.

Strategies for overcoming barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Inspirational stories of women who are redefining leadership roles.

Whether you’re an aspiring leader or an established executive, this episode is filled with actionable insights and inspiration to help you climb higher in your career!

🎧 Listen, get inspired, and join the conversation on advancing women’s leadership!

🔗 Connect with us!

💬 Want to ask Dr. Johnson-White a question or share your own leadership story? Drop us a comment or send a DM. We love hearing from you!

#WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #BraveBoldBeautiful #LeadershipPodcast #DrBelindaJohnsonWhite

Join us for a groundbreaking conversation with Isabelle "D" Ross, a pioneer in the field of Learning & Development. Get ready to explore innovative strategies that are shaping the future of education and professional growth!

📘 What You’ll Learn:

• Isabelle’s insights into the evolution of learning and development.
• Cutting-edge techniques for enhancing educational experiences.
• How to harness technology for effective learning outcomes.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, trainers, and anyone passionate about lifelong learning and professional advancement!

🎧 Tune in to be inspired and discover how you can take your L&D initiatives to the next level!

🔗 Stay connected and engage with us!

💬 Have questions for Isabelle or want to share your L&D experiences? Comment below or send us a DM!

#LearningAndDevelopment #EducationInnovation #ProfessionalGrowth #IsabelleDRoss

In this episode we have Dr. Joel Pérez taking us through his new book "Dear White Leader". Don't let the title make you cringe or maybe let it so you can hear what this one time work is all about. Sneak peek, it has something to do with something call "Cultural Humility".

In a world saturated with curated personas and polished profiles, the quest for authenticity stands out as a breath of fresh air. We are thrilled to invite you to an enlightening LinkedIn Live session that dives deep into the essence of being genuine in both personal and professional spheres.

Gain insights into how authenticity can influence your career and personal growth. Learn how to navigate the challenges of staying genuine in a highly competitive environment. Connect with like-minded professionals and expand your network.

We're excited to have Coach Kari, whose dedication to authenticity has reshaped their industries.

Let's strip away the filters and dive into what authenticity really looks like in practice.

all in this episode we get to talk to with Coach Kaleitha. She is coming to speak on Coaching Skills for Managers at various stages of their careers. We're talking strengths, upskilling, and having the right tools as a leader. Come listen in!

Have you ever wanted to make a career shift that was connected to purpose and passion? Well come meet Coach Trish Williams who not only made the decision but is kicking butt doing what she loves while impacting so many lives along the journey. This episode is going to be a gem!

Have you ever thought about using difficult people as a means to gaining successful outcomes? Well in this episode come listen to Leadership Consultant Tracey Knight discuss this very thing. Tracey has the answers! This is going to be an amazing conversation!

Do you know what it means to "begin with the end in mind?" Well join us today for this Episode of H.O.T. Takes with Gepre Henderson from the BOSS team.

What's up yall here we are in the 2nd week of January and some of you may be wondering what in the world is happening.  Just breathe, this episode is to help you reframe and reset on what's important.

In this episode, we have the BOSS and his Chief Instructional Designer Gepre Henderson as they talk through the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People starting with Habit 1 Be Proactive!

You suck, no you suck!

Does that look familiar?

Feedback is a gift and should be taken as such but sometimes it can be hard to hear.  In this episode we dive into some tips to help you become great at giving and receiving feedback.

Great episode to get you locked in on what it looks like to build resilience.  Lisa and Emily are on a mission to empower youth across the world to get in the game in a meaningful way.

Have you ever said to yourself, "Self you have the permission to reset; you have the permission to pause!"  No me either!  With all that going on in the world sometimes it is a pause or making it okay to say what I am doing is good but let's just hit the reset button and start over.  Today, I will be talking to some amazing coaches Jomar and Sophie about how they are helping the world create some awareness around self-care and all things personal development.   Enjoy this episode

Are you done, tired, ready to move on from talking about Diversity in the workplace?  Yeah me too!  Time to shut up and put up!  In this episode, I am bringing a familiar face to talk about how we are helping organizations win not just in conversation but win at doing the work of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  Come join TEDx Speaker Kenston Henderson and me as we dig into how to move past Performative Allyship.    It's time to put the posters into practice!

Can you remember a time when things did not quite work out the way you would have liked, not once, not twice, but seemingly over and over again.  What did that do to your mindset?  How did it impact how you showed up from moment to moment or day today?  In this episode of H.O.T. Takes we are talking to Nate Dukes who knows all about how to make a comeback.  

Enjoy!

Over the past year-plus, we have all been trying to figure out what's next.  What's next in life, in relationships, and in business.  On this episode of H.O.T. Takes I get to hang out with Business Strategist and Growth Mentor Gavin Preston.  Join us as we talk through how you as an individual and leader for your family and business can build skills that sustain you through good and tough times.  This is  a great conversation.

How many times have you come by a post or article with the "guru" or "thought leader" and you thought to yourself "self what in the world are they talking about?"  LOL!  Okay, maybe that's just me.  Regardless of the judgy thoughts and eyes, you can become an authority and build expertise today.    In this episode of H.O.T. Takes Business Strategist and Resident Brand Ambassador Nkiru Asika will be dropping in to give some tips, tricks, and insights for how you can build authority to grow your brand and business.

Enjoy!

When it comes to personal and professional development where do you start?  

Do you just do job development? Do you just do team development? No, you start with yourself, right?  

Developing excellent leaders starts from the inside out.  In this episode of HOT Takes I have Melanie Folkes-Mayers here with me to give you some gems on how you can put some development things into practice.  Enjoy us live or share the replay!

When was the last time you bought something because of how bad they treated you?  Yes, I said because of how "bad" they treated you!  Never, right!?  So, why are there still so many companies believing they can mistreat patrons and still make profits or even worse be confused by how they are perceived in the marketplace.  Well in this episode Dr. Kelly Henry shares with us why Exceptional Customer Service is the New Marketing.  Enjoy!

Over the past year organizations and individuals have had to process some unprecedented things.  As a student and practitioner of people development I know to do it well takes effort and the people needed to push for the next level.  In this episode of H.O.T. Takes I am bringing in fellow JMT member and Coach David McGlennen.  Coach David says a company culture and company growth happens through intentional leaders.    Let's grab these nuggets!

Challenges, Advantages, and Building Cultures.  A highlight about group coaching.

Over the past year organizations and individuals have had to process some unprecedented things.  As a student and practitioner of people development I know to do it well takes effort and the people needed to push for the next level.  In this episode of H.O.T. Takes I am bringing in fellow JMT member and Coach David McGlennen.  Coach David says a company culture and company growth happens through intentional leaders.    Let's grab these nuggets!

When was the last time you encouraged yourself?    When was the last time you put yourself down?  In coaching we often have to not only start with the heart we must also check in on where a client's mindset is.  In today's episode, we get the opportunity to talk to Coach Jamila.  She is going to break down how these "Mind Games" we play can help or hinder us.  This is going to be another good one.

Diversity, Diversity, Diversity, oh baby Diver sit yyyyyy!  When it comes to this season of life we know what we should be doing, but how many of us really, truly understand why?  In this SPECIAL Edition of H.O.T. Takes I will be talking to CEO and Relationship Cultivator Chi Chi Okezie about what it looks like to build relationships.  Join us as Chi Chi tells us the power of a diversified network and why we should all seek this as a lifestyle not just another thing to do.

There are some who scroll through "social media" and believe the smiles, the leaps for joy, or the meditative pics mean life has been all rainbows, unicorns, and pixy dust for the people in the photo.  What you missing is the story behind the pic, the sleepless nights, the visits to loved ones in the hospital, the denial emails about opportunities, and the celebration is just a small win building towards a bigger win.  In this episode of H.O.T. Takes I get to talk to Coach Rhonda Williams.  Coach Rhonda is going to helps us understand how to leverage life's "challenges" to support us in seeing the win in a more authentic way.

In my studies of leadership, I have come to understand it to be about the influence of others to be on the same page, causing an action to accomplish the desired goal.  I have a treat for the H.O.T. Takes community.  I brought along someone who is just as jazzed about leadership work as I am.  Dr. Gloria Hardee is about to drop some certified knowledge bombs that I hope you catch.  We are going to discuss leadership in some familiar and unfamiliar ways that are sure to expand your understanding.  Come join us live or watch the replay, just don't miss out!

Have you ever been in a conversation about something going on in your life and the other person says something like "I feel like there's something more".  What is your response to that?  What about people who say "I have a gut feeling"?  In this H.O.T. Takes episode we are going to explore The Power of Intuition!  What it is and common comparisons to being "spooky".  Coach Sunil will help us with some understanding and so much more.

We know the sayings "show me your network, and I'll know your net worth" or "Team stands for  Together Everyone Achieves More".    The question is do you really know how to establish relationships that work?  In this special edition of H.O.T. Takes I get the opportunity to talk to Evans Kerrigan and Brett Cooper of Integris Performance Advisors.  We're going to talk about their book "Solving the People Problem" and so much more!

Enjoy!

The saying goes "people buy you before they buy from you."    Consultant & Business Leader Yunche Wilson has spent her career understanding and addressing the emotions that exist in the world of marketing.  Even more so she has dug in on what it looks like in the B2B market.  Come hang out with up in this episode of H.O.T. Takes as Yunche describes her process and so much more!  Enjoy!

In the movie field of dreams, there's a quote "build it and they will come".  Well for this episode of H.O.T. Takes with BOSS we have Changemaker John Deel who believes "build it and they won't run".   We will get into what it really takes to grow your next-gen Change Capability.  John will help us understand what it will take to develop the people, tools, methods, approaches and overall knowledge capital required to operate an OCM Practice and Capability in a dynamic way.

Have you ever wondered what get's someone promoted and seen within your organization?  I know, yes things like hard work; and yes, things like being first into work (which I don't know how you count this one virtually, but okay).  Well in today's episode we have leadership development coach and talent whisperer Melinda George Bristol to talk to us about the skills needed to get you noticed.  Yall know leadership development is my jam so I am excited about this conversation.  

When is the last time that you have met someone who makes you feel like you just sat in the most amazing conference every time you speak to them?   Well, on this episode of H.O.T. Takes we get the gift of Leadership expert Coach Jennifer Earl.  Jennifer has spent her time as a professional sharpening her coaching and speaking skills leaning into what it means to be an authentic leader.  As the current President of the International Coaching Federation - Georgia Chapter she has the opportunity to continue modeling and supporting an organization charged with helping coaches partner in an authentic way.  I am so pumped for this, come join us, share with a friend.

Did you find yourself shifting or pivoting to this thing or that thing over the past year just to question if it was the right thing?  Well, I will be honest I found myself on a few occasions evaluating if I was working on the right work for me.  Thankfully I have an amazing community of leaders that constantly help me challenge those thoughts and stay on the path of my purpose.  In this episode of H.O.T. Takes we are bringing in Leadership Coach & Speaker Teon Singletary to have a discussion about Purpose and why it's important to stay focused and locked in.  Oh, and he is a veteran so we'll get into that. too!  Join us for what is sure to be an engaging conversation.

How does self-awareness show up for you?  How do you leverage the work you've done and yet to do in the areas of personal and professional development?  In this episode, I get to hang out with fellow veteran and Coach Christian Spears.  Join us as we talk leadership, coaching, and everything in between.  This is going to be another good one.

Have you ever said to yourself, "Self why in the world are you doing what you're doing? or Are you even happy doing what you are doing? or my favorite, Who told you this was your lot in life?"  For this episode of H.O.T. Takes with Boss I am bringing to the conversation a Coach & leader Terry McDougall to have a conversation about what it looks like to win at work.  I am so excited about this because Terry is going to help us see the increasing overlap between professional success and personal happiness.

Have you ever thought to yourself "self what would it look like to activate your voice and speak things into existence?"   You're right, that's a bit of a stretch or is it.  Each day we wake up we are faced with choices to speak truth to power.  What would you do if you knew how to begin activating your voice to speak with power, confidence, and knowing that you are enough.  In this episode of H.O.T. Takes with BOSS I am ending February with a bang!  I am bringing the Activator of all Activators, Melissa D. White!  We are going to be talking about being a voice that leaves a legacy and the power of using your voice in advocacy and so much more!

In a world rapidly changing around us all, some seek community in the search for a seat at the table.  Sometimes you need to be taught how to make, set, and sit at your own table.  In this episode DeAnnah Stinson-Reese a guru of talent management and champion of ensuring black professionals get not just a shot but a fair shot talks to us about how to thrive in this season of life.  This is going to be another fun episode.

In this episode, I am bringing in the big guns!  There has been so much talk about wellness, but what happens when taking care of ourselves is just words.  To talk to us about the link between leadership wellness and organizational health I am having a conversation with an expert Dr. Shané Teran!  Let's be clear when leadership isn't well, the organization suffers.  Let's talk about it!