In this episode of the Inspire Podcast Bart welcomes Humphrey Group Consultant Ash Kay to talk about executive presence. Ash draws on her background as a reporter and broadcast news producer to explain what presence is and how to project it authentically. She explains that the foundation of connection is to be unselfish, how the best connectors are like detectives, and that there’s no substitute for the painful work of seeing yourself in action. Ash’s concrete and practical tips on presence are invaluable whether you are live or virtual. 


00:59 Introducing Ash Kay
02:03 What is leadership presence?
02:48 Executive presence vs leadership presence
04:20 Authentic presence and leadership presence
06:40 Presence is a dimmer switch
08:15 How to build authentic presence
08:28 Great communicators are unselfish
09:20 Crime reporting story
11:38 Flip the script 
13:45 Presence begins with the audience
14:17 Be a presence detective
15:19 People who seem really present have probably worked on it
19:02 How to make these changes feel authentic
22:27 You have to see yourself in action
25:01 Video in broadcast journalism
25:49 Unfiltered feedback
28:27 Bart summarizes points
30:37 How to start on the journey of presence
32:00 How to find out more...
33:11 Thank yous
33:27 Outro

S5 E12 - What We Can Learn About Presence From Journalism and TV with Ash Kay

The "Great Resignation" has led to unprecedented worker mobility. But whether you are thinking of changing roles, leaving your company, or have already started a new role, there are some important things to know and prepare for if you want to thrive. In this episode Bart speaks with Brenda Harrington of Adaptive Leadership, who shares how she coaches executives in anticipation of new moves, and what she helps them do when they take on new positions. Brenda explains how to be realistic about the next step, how to adopt a new mindset, and to develop your authentic power center. Brenda shares stories and examples from her practice that show how to implement this advice in your own career.

Learn more about Brenda and Adaptive Leadership Strategies at their website: adaptiveleadershipstrategies.com And get a copy of Brenda's book, Access Denied at: https://access-denied.net/ 

00:39 Show intro
01:14 Welcoming Brenda
01:57 Brenda's career story
04:29 Early years of starting her company
05:58 Coaching has arrived on the cultural landscape
06:19 Her book
06:38 How did helping people in new roles become the focus?
07:05 Not personally intimidated by change
07:26 Shifting mindset 
08:08 People's willingness to change
08:55 Put your toe in the water
10:49 Helping people in new roles - Advice
11:34 Be realistic
12:32 The myth of leadership
13:28 Defining success
13:59 Assessing the new reality of the role
14:45 What to learn in the first 90 days on the job
15:10 Due diligence
15:19 Understanding the power structure in the new role
16:27 Example of hidden culture
18:22 Backchannels 
19:24 Adopting the right mindset
20:50 Asking the right kind of questions
24:47 Let go of 'doing'
25:51 Developing a different value system
28:05 The costs of being a leader
28:33 Developing your authentic power center
29:09 How to find authenticity
30:11 Reflecting your style
31:55 Bart talks about the trend towards more authenticity in leadership
33:03 Encourage diversity of thought
33:58 Bart summarizes the discussion
34:48 Social contract
37:38 Thank yous

S5 E13 - How To Thrive In A New Role with Brenda Harrington

In this episode of The Inspire Podcast, Bart speaks with Joe Manget, Walid Hejazi and Dany Assaf about their new book, Everybody's Business. The three authors, an accomplished business leader, a business school professor and renowned Competition lawyer and author of the bestseller Say Please and Thank You & Stand in Line, share how their research shows Canadian businesses are falling behind and why bold leadership is necessary to reverse the decline. They explain how leaders in all fields must embrace the power of technology, pursue competition on an international stage, recognize built-in monopolistic advantages may not last as long as they think, and above all take risks to energize their careers and companies. The conversation, hosted at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, is an important listen for anyone who wants to build a great career -- or a great company.

Get your copy of their book, Everybody's Business here: https://www.everybodysbusinesscanada.ca/

Learn more about the authors and their book in the following articles: https://www.thestar.com/business/canada-s-prosperity-is-in-decline-how-embracing-the-new-wave-tech-revolution-can-reverse/article_b1644ea1-bdd3-5eb3-80e5-24f409d3ddbf.html

https://financialpost.com/news/economy/four-pillars-to-build-canada-prosperity

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-canada-next-generation-lower-living-standards/

0:12 Show Intro
0:48 Introducing the guests
1:39 What the book is about
1:47 Massive decline in Canada 
2:24 How did the collaboration come about?
3:42 What did you learn from your research 
3:59 Canada's productivity challenge
4:14 Widespread complacency HEADLINER?
4:39 Went from 3rd prosperous to 15th
5:18 How we can move the needle
6:43 Technology
7:25 Every generation has to find a way to make tech improve our lives
8:03 Do Canadian leaders adopt this mindset?
8:36 Protectionism
10:01 Dichotomy between legacy protections and innovation
10:45 Average leading Canadian company 124 years
11:41 What are the incentives to innovate?
12:18 RIM example
14:17 Sustaining and disruptive technologies
14:47 KODAK example
15:28 Blockbuster
16:28 Canadian examples
17:07 Open banking
19:17 What if a country is a platform?
19:57 Starlink at the cottage
20:41 Example of Armenian car sales
21:37 Your moat is not as secure as you think
22:09 Don't think of Tech as a threat
24:14 Aerospace industry
25:38 What's going on in the healthcare industry?
26:12 Cable company - video on demand example
28:29 AI for radiology
30:25 Barriers to Canadian innovation
31:46 Advice on pushing through barriers in Canada?
32:09 Hard to find leadership talent in Canada
33:07 What do successful leaders do?
33:20 Vision of the leader
37:15 You can be your own leader
37:55 The opportunity gaps exist
39:01 Atomized mindset
39:27 Creative destruction lab
40:59 20 Billion in capital raised
41:18 Bart summarizes
42:33 Don't accept the status quo
43:07 A Lot can change in 50 years 
44:12 Lots of uncertainty -- and opportunity
45:08 Thank yous
45:31 Outro

S5 E14-New Leadership Imperative for Canadian Business Leaders-Joe Manget, Walid Hejazi & Dany Assaf

In this episode, Bart welcomes Mike McDonald, Founder of the charity Recess Guardians and CEO of Activ8, a new play-based educational company helping kids and adults move and learn. Mike shares his experiences creating a school-based leadership charity that empowers youth to lead and teach younger kids, He explains why kids embrace leadership opportunities, different styles of leadership, how to use play to create engagement, and how what he learned inspired him to launch Activ8. A great conversation about kids but perfect for the young-at-heart leader.

Learn more about Recess Guardians here: www.recessguardians.org
And Activ8 here: www.unboxactiv8.com

00:00 Show intro
01:00 Introducing Mike
01:20 Bart's disclosure
02:49 Recess Guardians
05:36 Are kids losing the ability to play?
06:34 Foundation of Recess Guardians
07:39 How does Recess Guardians actually work in the field?
09:20 How many kids impacted?
09:53 Problems in schools
10:24 Kids are bad sports
11:30 Sedentary behaviour on the playground
12:13 Common benefits of recess guardians
13:32 Mistakes aren't bad - they help you grow
15:29 Activ8 - where did the idea come from?
18:55 Why go from charity to for-profit?
20:47 What is the Activ8 experience like?
22:16 Difference between reaching adults vs kids?
22:53 Partnership with D2L
24:06 Building leadership skills in adults??
24:35 Different leadership styles
25:05 Spokesperson
25:22 Demonstrator
25:49 The Organizer
26:17 The Role Model
27:15 Transferring these styles to adults
27:22 Don't silo people into one style
28:58 Experiment with different styles of leadership
31:30 Recess time at the office?
33:15 Bart's takeaways
34:52 Where to find out more?
35:16 Thank yous
35:30 Outro

S5 E15 - Leadership Lessons From The Schoolyard with Mike McDonald

In this episode of The Inspire Podcast, Bart welcomes Anya Wood, The Humphrey Group's Vice President of Product. Drawing on their combined decades of experience in the leadership training business they explore the evolving demands and priorities of leaders and how those imperatives are redefining the key skills required today. Anya then shares insights into how leaders can respond to these demands while looking at how AI is providing some compelling tools to help them meet the challenge. A great listen for anyone wondering how to rise to this leadership moment with confidence and energy.

0:17 Welcoming Anya
1:00 Learning and development has had seismic shifts
3:46 Her background
4:35 Is it better for learners now?
5:10 Bart talks about the level of knowledge about training options
5:51 Customize and personalize learning
5:58 Boom and result
7:09 Nature of work is becoming more human
8:06 Institution and hierarchical nature of work in the past
9:25 The demands on leaders
9:49 Opportunity of diversity and inclusions
10:28 Communication demands on leaders
12:05 Style changes in communication
13:22 How direct managers change?
14:20 The burden of communication
15:10 Personalized communications
15:33 RTO example from Bart
16:22 Trends in feedback
16:58 People desire regular feedback
18:18 How AI will shape communication...
19:24 Is AI changing how leaders communicate
20:27 The ability for AI to provide immediate feedback
21:24 What advice is Humphrey Group giving to leaders?
22:02 Being an authentic leader...
23:55 EQ matters
24:04 POP
24:46 Bart talks about an example
27:24 Giving feedback
29:08 How to receive feedback from employees?
30:10 Listen and not be reactive
31:32 Bart reinforces professional context
33:47 How can leaders begin to use AI tools?
33:54 PowerPoint rehearse
37:13 Bart summarizes points
37:56 Thank-yous
38:13 Outro

S5 E16 - New Imperatives — and Tools — for Today's Inspirational Leaders with Anya Wood

Bart welcomes Shamin Mohamed Jr, founder of LetsStopAIDS and co-founder of Deciem to the podcast. Drawing on his unique journey Shamin shares perspectives on how to be inspired in your own career and life, and how to avoid being bound by stereotypes of career success that hem in so many of us. He also explains how important communication has been in his advocacy work and provides some tips to improve your ability to inspire. 

Learn more about LetsStopAIDS here: www.LetsStopAIDS.org

00:53 - Introducing Shamin
01:37 - Activism at 15
02:35 - Starting LetsStopAids
04:43 - Bart talks about how unique Shamin's career path is
05:14 - What does "inspiration" mean to Shaman
07:07 - LetsStopAIDS organization
08:39 - What keeps you inspired?
10:18 - Advice on keeping up inspirational tank
11:09 - Who has inspired you to keep going?
13:27 - Deciem journey
14:29 - Corruption in the beauty industry
15:33 - Brandon
16:42 - Thinking disruptively
19:42 - Advice about clarity of purpose
21:07 - Leaders who inspire you?
22:18 - More about Brandon
22:43 - Care and openness - and integrity
23:57 - Leaders in global advocacy
25:39 - Asking for advice 
27:02 - Storytelling
29:39 - Telling stories is a full-bodied experience
30:34 - Thank yous
30:45 - Outro

S5 E17 - Walk Your Own Path To Leadership with Shamin Mohamed Jr

In this episode of the pod Bart welcomes back best selling author and human performance expert Greg Wells to talk about his new book, Powerhouse. Drawing on leading research, Greg explains how your ability to perform in the boardroom and in life is based on healing and boosting the mitochondria that power your body. He explains simple ways to do this using breath, focus and movement so you can thrive. In a world where the demands on leaders have never been greater, Greg's practical and straightforward advice is invaluable for those who want to perform over the long haul.

Learn more at: www.drgregwells.com

0:24 Welcoming Greg Wells
1:03 Published 5th book
2:27 Why this book?
3:38 Why is burnout happening?
4:40 Mitochondria and their role
5:28 Why do some people have more energy?
6:32 How we build endurance
7:20 How does stress lead to burnout
8:03 Modern work does not allow fight or flight 
8:36 Stress damages the body
9:08 Spiral of burnout
9:42 How to create more energy in your body
10:34 Bart talks about examples of people dealing with stress in leadership
12:44 Breathing
14:14 Long slow exhale
16:18 Box breathing
18:07 Movement
19:59 Walking
20:32 Rhythmic and repetitive exercise is good for creativity
20:42 Why people are shifting from golf
21:55 Notifications problem
22:23 Bart talks about Apple Watch
23:24 The contradictions of new technology
23:53 Compulsive use of tech is damaging to mental health
24:30 Train yourself to use tech wisely
25:59 Energize!
26:17 A little is good - a lot is not
27:07 Adding in micro-stressors for health
29:13 Challenge turns on energy
30:40 Simple things to do to energize
34:58 Just Thrive!
35:44  Community is so important
36:15 Pull together your dream teams
37:36 Podcasting and audiobooks are so much better than doom-scrolling
38:22 Strong communities extend the lifespan
41:19 How to find out more...
42:06 Thank yous
42:21 Outro

S5 E18 - Become A Leadership Powerhouse with Dr. Greg Wells

In this episode Bart welcomes Paul Butcher, who recently retired as head of investor relations for Canadian National, where he twice won IR executive of the year. Paul, who has just joined The Humphrey Group to launch an investor relations practice, speaks with Bart about the world of IR communications and what companies really do day in and day out to define and communicate their story to analysts and investors. Paul explains why C-suite executives have two jobs: running the company and participating in IR, why the best companies (like CN) invest huge time and effort to craft and communicate a compelling narrative, and what it takes to get ready for the many questions you face. Paul peppers his comments with anecdotes about the "glamour" of IR travel, the sheer commitment required to get this communication right, and how doing so can unlock shareholder value. 

Learn more about Paul and Investor Relations at The Humphrey Group here: https://www.thehumphreygroup.com/investor-relations

0:51 Introducing Paul
1:43 Awards
2:30 Inside investor relations
3:25 What is shareholder value and what does that mean?
3:50 You don't always have control over everything that affects stock price
4:45 Be proactive with communications
5:55 How is investor relations tied with business performance
6:42 Good or bad IR can affect stock price
8:17 Buy-in from leadership
10:38 What executives do in IR
10:56 25% of an executive's time is spent on IR
11:28 Preparing is key for execs
13:00 Know your audience
16:51 Preparation - How do you go about preparing?
19:57 Create a storyboard
23:17 The story you tell in IR
24:50 What qualities make for an exceptional IR executive
26:35 Investor Day
30:46 Rapid-fire questions
30:56 What won't you miss about IR
31:30 Avg flight segments a year?
31:54 Toughest thing that people wouldn't know about IR
32:34 What you miss about IR
33:33 Thanking Paul

S5 E19 - Communication Lessons from an Award-Winning Investor Relations Executive with Paul Butcher

In this kickoff episode of Season 6 Bart is joined by Melanie Burns, Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer of TD Bank, to discuss the vast array of changes in the last five years in the world of talent, and the foundational principles that leaders can still build their relationships on. Melanie explains how COVID, remote work, the Great Resignation, return to office, and now AI are all transforming the relationship between companies and their staff. She offers perspective on the positive implications of these changes and what they mean for leaders who must cultivate talent. Melanie offers a positive message for leaders: despite these shifts, the good news is that the fundamentals of attracting, engaging and managing talent are the same as they ever were. Melanie's insights and experiences make this a must-listen for any leader who is grappling with the age-old task of cultivating talent in a world that is rapidly changing.

Show Notes:
2:16 Introducing Melanie Burns
2:38 Bart asks about the rapidly changing environment
3:52 What do the different parts of the bank think about our times
4:11 Hybrid work
4:34 Politics at play
5:03 Customers in turmoil too
5:33 Unstable nature of politics like DEI
6:02 What's led you to this point?
6:56 Upbringing
7:41 Picked business
8:30 Opening doors
8:38 Continually asking questions
9:06 How did you get into the world of "talent"
10:30 Unprecedented changes in the last 5 years
10:58 Switch to remote/hybrid workers
11:16 Trust and remote work
11:29 The great resignation
11:41 Did TD lose people in the Great Resignation?
12:57 Great resignation didn't really happen - don't get duped by the hype
13:49 Inverted relationship between leader and direct report
14:36 We are in the trust business
15:13 The power of in-person human connection
15:49 What has changed in talent management
16:36 A collection of experiences
17:00 Exceptional talent have options
17:05 How to get talent to consistently choose TD
17:47 Pressure from employee base
18:37 What are the fundamentals that haven't changed?
19:23 Advice to people managing teams
19:38 The fundamentals: People really want 2 things
19:51 The opportunity to do challenging things
20:14 Want to work for someone who is talented
21:20 You didn't mention money!
21:26 Didn't mention culture
22:42 Truly talented people do not get hung up on titles and compensation
23:21 People don't know the culture that they want...
24:48 Left TD reference
25:52 Philosophy of cultivating talent
26:14 Bart proposes thought experiment
26:47 Leader's job is to manage the tension between present and future
28:06 Signs to look out for in talent management
28:24 Never take things for granted
28:55 Have regular check-ins with people
29:45 Give clarity - not certainty about the future
31:21 Be honest with reports about where they are
31:44 Another mention of leaving
33:19 What's the biggest mistake you've made in talent management
33:45 The importance of succession planning
37:48 Bart summarizes the conversation
38:33 Be authentic
40:05 Thank yous

S6 E1: What is Fundamental to Managing Talent in a World Where Everything Has Changed-Melanie Burns

In this episode, Bart speaks with Pablo Fernandez de Bobadilla about his two-decade career at Pfizer and how the ability to adapt and thrive has been crucial to his success. Pablo provides his perspective on how today's rapidly changing world and business landscape has put pressure on leaders to change, learn and grow more quickly than ever before. He then talks about the concept of Adaptagility, which involves embracing the discomfort inherent in growth and leaning into change instead of having it happen to you! Pablo brings his points to life with stories from his own work to overcome imposter syndrome and willingness to take on new challenges in Pfizer's global operations. A compelling conversation for anyone who wants to thrive in today's changing world of work and growth.

00:26 Standard intro
01:00 Welcoming Pablo
02:57 What is adaptability?
03:54 Adapt
04:00 Agility
04:04 Grit
04:14 Growth mindset
04:47 What was that research?
05:13 Difficult to explain what we do and how we do things
05:26 Incentive compensation
05:54 Flexibility curve
06:49 Pablo's role at Pfizer
07:38 Design comp plans for customer-facing staff
10:41 Research 
11:26 Tailor comp to different types of people
12:05 Embracing different cultural experiences
13:29 Moving around a lot was a blessing
14:47 What things are you seeing globally in talent
15:17 Speed of business and change 
15:47 40% of companies don't think they'll be viable in 10 years 
16:27 Market pressure trickles down to employees
16:45 AI 
18:23 Great communication skills are a must
19:17 Bart quotes Wired magazine
20:21 Don't fight the change, embrace the discomfort
20:43 Story of his imposter syndrome
20:55 Dyslexia
21:42 Insecurities at work
22:37 Always raised the bar
22:45 Nothing was ever good enough
24:07 His coach pointed out his imposter syndrome 
24:21 You know you're not alone, right?
24:55 The positives that came from his imposter syndrome
25:17 Raise the bar continuously
26:36 Bart thanks for sharing personal story
27:06 How do you fight the imposter syndrome
28:57 Bart asks about embracing discomfort
29:21 Learned that you learn from discomfort
30:42 Bart asks Paolo to give advice
31:30 15 years at same job? You might become stagnant 
32:29 For younger professionals: be patient
32:40 Get involved in as many projects as you can
33:40 Bart starts the wrap up
34:50 As you look ahead
37:08 Thank yous

S6 E2: Tap Into Your "Adaptagility" To Thrive - With Pablo Fernandez de Bobadilla

Hosted by Bart Egnal, President & CEO of The Humphrey Group, Inspire is THE podcast for anyone who wants to influence and lead others every time they speak. 

Each episode features a new guest who will share insights, stories and tips on how you can intentionally inspire others, both in work and in life. Our interviews skip the theory and provide you with practical advice to inspire others during every interaction.

This first season includes insights from a former TOPGUN instructor, the CEO of a major North American Port, and our company's very own founder. 

Follow our page so you never miss an episode.

S6 E1: What is Fundamental to Managing Talent in a World Where Everything Has Changed-Melanie Burns

The Inspire Podcast by the Humphrey Group