Deep Leadership

“Leadership is a People Business.” That's the philosophy of this leadership podcast from Jon Rennie. It's real-world, actionable advice from Jon as well as his expert guests. As a former Cold War Submarine Officer who spent 22 years leading businesses in Corporate America before starting his own manufacturing business, he knows that leadership matters!

Business
Management
Philosophy
1
#0396 – The 5 Promises Every Leader Must Keep...
What if the key to engagement and loyalty comes down to just five promises? In this episode of Deep Leadership, Dr. Roger Gerard explains how leaders can: Prevent burnout by treating people as professionals, not commodities Build authentic trust that fuels performance Avoid the “cynics, apathetics, and naysayers” trap Keep teams motivated with five simple but powerful commitments Roger is an author, consultant, and keynote speaker who has spent decades guiding leaders toward authentic, people-focused leadership. If you want to strengthen your culture and earn the loyalty of your team, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Deep Leadership!
33 min
2
#0395 – Cultivating Conditions for Employee G...
In this episode of Deep Leadership, I talk with Dr. Britt Yamamoto — educator, entrepreneur, and author of The Soil of Leadership and The Hyaksho Way. Britt introduces the idea of soil-based leadership, a powerful metaphor drawn from farming that shifts focus from short-term results to cultivating healthy conditions for long-term employee growth. We discuss: Why many leadership “fixes” fail when the cultural soil is depleted How to remediate and regenerate an organization’s culture The importance of story before strategy Why well-being must be central to leadership in today’s world If you’ve ever faced burnout, apathy, or disengagement on your team, this conversation will give you a whole new way of thinking about leadership. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Deep Leadership!
40 min
3
#0394 – Creating Workplaces People Actually L...
What if your workplace was a place people actually wanted to be? In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Tenney — entrepreneur, speaker, and author of Inspire Greatness: How to Motivate Employees with a Simple, Repeatable, Scalable Process. Matt’s TED Talk has been viewed over a million times, and he’s helped leaders at organizations like Salesforce, Marriott, and United Airlines build engaged, high-performing teams. We talk about: Why traditional performance reviews fail employees and leaders alikeHow to shift from being a boss to being a coachThe secret to building accountability and engagementWhy love should be a leader’s top priorityPractical steps to create workplaces people actually love 👉 If you’re serious about improving your company culture and inspiring greatness in your team, this conversation is for you.
39 min
4
#0393 – Inspiring Leadership for Today’s Chan...
In this episode of Deep Leadership, we’re discussing Inspiring Leadership for Today’s Changing Workplace. I sit down with Dr. Matt Poepsel, Marine Corps veteran, author of Expand the Circle: Enlightened Leadership for Our New World of Work, and leadership expert. We talk about: The lessons the military teaches about balancing mission and people Why outdated leadership models no longer work in today’s workplace How younger generations are reshaping what leadership looks like The role of fear, ego, and selflessness in becoming a truly great leader Practical steps leaders can take to inspire trust, foster belonging, and prepare for the future of work If you’ve ever wondered how to connect with your team, lead with purpose, and thrive in a rapidly changing world, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.
32 min
5
#0392 – Deep Thinking: The Secret to Better L...
Are you leading on autopilot? In this episode of Deep Leadership, Scott Burgmeyer joins me to explain why so many leaders fall into the trap of shallow thinking — and how to break free. We discuss: Why autopilot decision-making holds leaders back The hidden personas that drive shallow thinking A simple model to help you reflect, think deeper, and lead with clarity How leaders can challenge themselves and their teams to grow 🎧 Episode Title: Deep Thinking: The Secret to Better Leadership If you want to move beyond surface-level problem-solving and lead with greater insight, this conversation is for you. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to Deep Leadership for more conversations with today’s top leadership thinkers.
36 min
6
#0391 – Unlocking Authentic Leadership with D...
Today, I’m joined by Dr. Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau, and we’re discussing the subject of Unlocking Authentic Leadership. Sylvia is a senior executive coach with 30 years of experience, who helps C-Suite leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers thrive in today’s complex and fast-moving world. She is the founder of the SMART Power method, a groundbreaking approach for succeeding in complexity, with greater impact and ease. Her clients have included UNHCR, European Central Bank, Allianz Global Investors, Red Cross, and Amazon. She is also the author of the bestselling book Who’s In Charge?: Lead with Real Power and Create an Impact in a Chaotic World. In this book, Sylvia helps leaders become more resilient and powerful, combining success with fulfillment. I’m excited to have her on the show to learn more about Unlocking Authentic Leadership.
34 min
7
#0390 – Thriving as a Leader by not Walking A...
Today, I’m joined by Bob Carrothers, and we're talking about Thriving as a Leader by not Walking Alone. Bob is a Master Chair at Vistage Worldwide and brings over 29 years of experience in leadership development and executive coaching. Bob facilitates peer-to-peer boards of CEOs and executives, creating environments conducive to skill enhancement, informed decision-making, and superior results. He offers individual coaching, arranges expert speakers, and provides access to a global network of over 45,000 board members spanning 35 countries. I’m excited to have him on the show to talk about Thriving as a Leader by not Walking Alone.
39 min
8
#0389 – Fix the Real Issues Holding Your Team...
Today, I’m joined by Sean Glaze, and we’re talking about how to fix the real issues holding your team back. Sean is a sought-after leadership and workplace culture speaker who gained valuable insights on turning talent into teamwork as a successful basketball coach – and now he travels around the country to share those actionable lessons. Sean’s engaging conference leadership, keynotes, and custom team building programs have helped clients like Cisco, John Deere, the CDC, and Emory University to increase collaboration, boost productivity, and build Sticky Cultures that inspire more profitable teamwork. Sean’s books, Rapid Teamwork, What Effective Leaders DO, The 10 Commandments of Winning Teammates, and Staying Coachable are entertaining parables that accelerate the growth of leaders and teams. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn more about how to fix the real issues holding your team back.
39 min
9
#0388 – From Setbacks to Slam Dunks: Secrets ...
Today, I’m joined by Angela Lewis, and we’re discussing Unstoppable Leadership. Angela is a former professional basketball player, championship-winning coach, and the Head of Operations at SpeakerHUB—a global platform that helps speakers grow their visibility and influence. Drawing from over two decades of experience in sports, education, and entrepreneurship, Angela now empowers elite performers to lead with clarity, communicate with confidence, and bounce forward from life’s toughest setbacks. She’s also the author of multiple books and the creator of the 6V Framework for personal and professional growth. I’m excited to have her on the show to learn from her experience and to discuss Unstoppable Leadership.
33 min
10
#0387 – Why Most Company Cultures Are Fake an...
Today, I’m joined by Margaret Graziano, and we’re discussing Why Most Company Cultures Are Fake and How to Fix Yours. Margaret has spent her life reinventing herself. She has gone from being a single mother at 19, working at the first Cable TV company, to leading one of the fastest-growing consultancies and becoming a bestselling author. Margaret has continually taken on challenges and learned to move beyond her limits to live a life that inspires and contributes.  Using a unique combination of experiential coaching, science-backed development tools, and actionable strategies, Margaret empowers leaders to evolve and enhance their organizational cultures, enabling them to meet today’s challenges. She is the author of Ignite Culture: Empowering and Leading a Healthy, High-Performance Organization from the Inside Out. I’m excited to have her on the show to discuss Why Most Company Cultures Are Fake and How to Fix Yours.
38 min
11
#0386 – Escaping the Micromanagement Trap wit...
Today, I’m joined by Chris Seifert, and we're talking about Escaping the Micromanagement Trap. Chris is the founder of Enabling Empowerment and author of Enabling Empowerment: A Leadership Playbook for Ending Micromanagement and Empowering Decision-Makers. He’s spent over 20 years leading teams—from the control room of a nuclear submarine to the plant floor and the boardroom. Chris helps leaders cut through complexity, stop micromanaging, and build environments where people are trusted to lead and expected to own the results. His mission is straightforward: to equip leaders with the tools to build teams that are aligned, accountable, and energized. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn more about Escaping the Micromanagement Trap.
40 min
12
#0385 – The Hard Truth about Culture with Dr....
Today, I’m joined by Dr. Thomas Krause, and we're talking about the Hard Truth about Culture. Tom is a world-renowned thought leader focused on decision making, leadership, and behavior in the creation of a positive organizational culture. He has designed culture change interventions to prevent catastrophic events, fatalities, and disasters. He founded Behavioral Science Technology, Inc., and is presently Chairman of Krause Bell Group. He has authored five books on leadership, safety, and culture change, and his articles have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA TODAY, and more. He has a new book out called If Your Culture Could Talk – A Story About Culture Change. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn more about the Hard Truth about Culture.
41 min
13
#0384 – Why Human Skills Matter More Than Eve...
Today, we’re joined by Dr. Nada Sanders, and we're discussing Why Human Skills Matter More Than Ever in the Age of AI. Nada is an internationally recognized AI thought leader, expert in forecasting, and global supply chain intelligence, and Distinguished Professor at D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University in Boston. Stanford ranks her as one of the world’s top 2% of scientists, and she is a sought-after speaker. She is the author of more than 100 top-tier scholarly publications and seven books. Her latest book is the second edition of The Humachine: AI, Human Virtues, and the Superintelligent Enterprise . I’m excited to have her to understand better why Human Skills Matter More Than Ever in the Age of AI.
37 min
14
#0383 – How to Turn Middle Managers Into Your...
Today, we’re joined by Helen Young-McLaughlin, and we're discussing How to Turn Middle Managers Into Your Company’s Secret Weapon. Helen is CEO of Helen Young Coaching & Consulting and Founder of The Leverage Academy is a 6-month management development program designed specifically for middle and emerging managers. She coaches managers and leaders on how important empathy, listening, and effective communication is to the health of any organization.  Helen is an ICF-certified coach who brings more than 25 years of experience and a unique blend of coaching, counseling, and consulting skills to help middle managers become their company’s most valuable assets. Her coaching process has helped companies reduce turnover, transform morale, improve relationships, and elevate both hard and soft skills. I’m excited to have her on the show to learn how to Turn Middle Managers Into Your Company’s Secret Weapon.
38 min
15
#0382 – Why Burnout Happens and How to Take Y...
Today, we’re joined by Dr. Sharon Melnick and we're discussing Why Burnout Happens and How to Take Your Power Back. Sharon is an Executive Psychologist and Coach with 25 years of experience.  She is a global authority on personal power and high-performance in leadership. Her methods are informed by 10 years of psychology research at Harvard Medical School, and field-tested by coaching and training participants at Fortune 500 and fast-growing portfolio companies. She is the best-selling author of the new book, In Your Power: React Less, Regain Control, Raise Others. Her prior book is called Success under Stress. I’m excited to have her on the show to learn more about Why Burnout Happens and How to Take Your Power Back.
32 min
16
#0381 – Why Strategy Fails Without Leadership...
Today, I’m joined by Willie Pietersen, and we're discussing why Strategy Fails Without Leadership. Willie has practiced and studied leadership as a CEO of multibillion-dollar businesses, as a professor at  Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business, and as a consultant to some of the world’s biggest and best-known organizations, from Ericsson and Johnson & Johnson to ExxonMobil and the Girl Scouts of America. He is the author of Leadership—The Inside Story: Time-Tested Prescriptions for Those Who Seek to Lead. In this book, Willie offers penetrating, often surprising insights from a lifetime of experience as a business leader. He shares his unique perspective on leadership as an unending journey of learning, adaptation, and growth. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn more about Why Strategy Fails Without Leadership.
39 min
17
#0380 – The Hidden Power of Values-Based Lead...
Today, I’m joined by Robert MacPhee, and we're discussing Values-Based Leadership. Robert is the creator of the Excellent Decisions values-based leadership program and the author of Living a Values-Based Life. He is the former Director of Training for the Canfield Training Group and worked closely for many years with Jack Canfield, the co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Book series and the author of The Success Principles.  Robert is a knowledgeable, fun, and engaging speaker and facilitator. He is an expert in experiential learning, peak performance, values clarification, and leadership, and I’m excited to have him on the show to learn more about Values-Based Leadership.
40 min
18
#0379 – The Answer Is a Question: A Radical S...
Today, I’m joined by Laura and Dominic Ashley-Timms, and we're discussing their new book, The Answer Is a Question. Laura learned about the power of coaching from her early career in international table tennis and from coaching others at Oxford University, where she was one of the first women to enter Oriel College. She is now recognized as a global leader in coaching. Dominic studied for a degree in Ergonomics and later earned an EMBA from IMD in Lausanne as part of his management consulting career. He has built an expertise and passion for the “human side of change.” Laura and Dominic recently co-authored the bestselling management book The Answer is a Question - The Missing Superpower that Changes Everything and Will Transform Your Impact as a Manager and Leader, which won Distinguished Favorite at the NYC Big Book Awards in 2023. For the last two decades, they’ve been the visionaries behind Notion, a performance improvement consultancy, and a new approach to management called Operational Coaching®. I’m excited to have them on the show to talk about how the Answer is a Question.
46 min
19
#0378 – What Toddlers Can Teach Us About Lead...
Today, I’m joined by Dr. Hasan Merali, and we're exploring What Toddlers Can Teach Us About Leadership. Hasan is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University and a pediatric emergency medicine physician at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University. His research focuses on child injury prevention in low- and middle-income countries. He has published more than twenty-five peer-reviewed journal articles, and his work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, CNN, Science, The Boston Globe, NBC, and Popular Science. His latest book is called Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas: Secrets from the Science of Toddlers for a Happier, More Successful Way of Life. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn from his unique research on What Toddlers Can Teach Us About Leadership.
32 min
20
#0377 – The One Leadership Skill You Can’t Ig...
Today, I’m joined by Charles Feltman, and we're discussing the leadership skill of mastering trust. Charles works with people who seek to become the best leaders they can be for themselves, their teams, and their companies. He has served as an executive and leadership coach for over 25 years. His primary focus is helping leaders and teams build and maintain a high level of trust. He is the author of The Thin Book of Trust: An Essential Primer for Building Trust at Work, which is now in its 3rd edition.    I’m excited to have him on the show to talk more about the importance of mastering trust at work
42 min
21
#0376 – Talking for Change: The Secret Skill ...
Today, Joel Ellis joined me, and we discussed the idea of Talking for Change. After a long career in business leadership roles, Joel entered a new chapter in his life, where he helps other leaders through his coaching and speaking programs. He focuses on assisting middle managers to overcome the typical communication challenges that many leaders face, especially in dealing with change efforts. One of the most critical roles leaders play is helping employees navigate the challenges of change, and Joel is an expert in this arena. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn more about Talking for Change.
36 min
22
#0375 – Why Everything You Know About Work an...
Today, I’m joined by Steve Cadigan, and we're discussing why everything you know about work and leadership is about to change. Steve was LinkedIn’s first Chief Human Resources Officer and author of the popular book, Workquake. He is a globally recognized talent strategist, board member, and thought leader in the future of work. As the founder of Cadigan Talent Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based consultancy, Steve provides invaluable counsel to a diverse array of innovative organizations, including tech giants, sports clubs, and financial institutions. I’m excited to talk to him about the future of leadership.
38 min
23
#0374 – Why Most Leaders Fail in a Crisis (An...
Today, I’m joined by Patrick Hardy, and we're discussing why Most Leaders Fail in a Crisis. Patrick is an expert in disaster preparedness and response.   He is a graduate of FEMA’s Advanced Academy, with certifications as a Master of Exercise, Certified Emergency Manager, Certified Risk Manager, and Master Business Continuity Professional. Drawing from his wealth of experience, Patrick equips leaders with practical strategies to break the Crisis Creation Chain and teaches them to eliminate disasters by turning disruptions into opportunities. He is the author of Design Any Disaster: The Revolutionary Blueprint to Master Your Next Crisis or Emergency. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn more about why most leaders fail in a crisis (and how to prevent it).
39 min
24
#0373 – Why Most Leaders Fail at Building Tru...
Welcome to the Deep Leadership podcast. Today, I’m joined by Mike Robbins, and we're discussing Why Most Leaders Fail at Building Trust. Mike is the author of five books, including Bring Your Whole Self to Work and We’re All in This Together. He's a former pro baseball player whose playing career ended due to an injury. He is now a well-known motivational keynote speaker and an expert in emotional intelligence. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn Why Most Leaders Fail at Building Trust.
38 min
25
#0372 – 7 Proven Practices for High-Growth Le...
Today, I’m joined by Patrick Thean, and we're discussing High-Growth Leadership. Patrick is an international speaker, CEO coach, and serial entrepreneur whose mission is to help leaders build great companies and achieve their dreams. Patrick grew his first company to #151 on the Inc. 500 list, and since then, he’s been on a mission to share his wisdom with CEOs worldwide, guiding them through the complexities of leadership and high-growth success. Patrick is a bestselling author, and his latest book is The Journey to CEO Success: 7 Practices for High Growth Leadership. This book distills over 20 years of his executive coaching experience, which offers battle-tested strategies on the right leadership practices, how to build world-class teams, and how to turn company culture into a competitive advantage. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn more about High-Growth Leadership.
37 min