From Legal Eagle to Culture Champion: The Planet Group's HR Revolution

In this lively episode, Dave Hennessy chats with Marni Helfand about her fascinating journey from courtroom litigator (inspired by her dad's dinner table practice arguments!) to leading both legal and HR at Planet Group.
WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:

- How Planet Group placed a staggering 80,000 people in jobs while expanding globally
- The secret sauce behind their "One Planet" culture integration (hint: they let everyone BUT executives lead it!)
- Why Gen Z wants feedback every two weeks while Boomers clutch their annual reviews
- Marni's love for Kim Scott's Radical Candor approach to leadership: "compassion = empathy + action"
- The "career lattice" that lets people zigzag between departments based on passion

Perfect for HR leaders navigating acquisition integration, generational workplace dynamics, and the tricky balance between legal compliance and people-first strategies.

Episode 103 — Marni Helfand — The Planet Group

‘Transformation is not optional in this programme. Especially because of the Strategic Leadership Development course.’ – Shreyas Kapse (GEMBA ’25)

When asked about key take-aways of the Global Experiential Learning modules, Shreyas shared: ‘The GELS’s are truly the experiential part of the learning. It is the most pragmatic kind of learning that you can expect.’ 

Listen to the full episode to learn more about his journey, his experiences and some examples of the Global Experiential Learning trips. 


Taking more control of my future with the GEMBA

In this episode I dove into the MBA journey of two of our FTMBA Class of ’26 students, Yen Pham and Pascal Chabaneix. With different stories about their personal and professional backgrounds, thoughts and insights on leadership, turning points in their lives and the whole decision making process to do an MBA, this podcast is full of inspiring stories and nuggets of wisdom you must hear!

Leadership, responsible production and reducing waste - A FTMBA journey

We unpack the hidden pressures CEOs and Executives face - and why strong leadership doesn’t have to mean going it alone. We share the small rituals and mindset shifts that can help leaders reconnect with purpose, support, and each other. From ego and armour to shared goals and enterprise thinking - this is a must-listen for anyone working with or within Executive teams.

232 - It's Lonely at the Top with Justine Farrington

The discussion argues that inclusive innovation is a system, not a department, and that many organizations are hindered by overlooking their mid-level managers. These managers should be appreciated as crucial for translating strategy into action and for possessing vital insights from both the C-suite and the front lines. Excluding them from innovation processes leads to stalled initiatives, lost insights, and leadership drain. True inclusive innovation involves not only who is within the company but also innovating for and with consumers, with mid-level managers playing a key role due to their proximity to both. In conclusion the discussion suggests that changing this requires a mindset shift, structural adjustments, and cultural reinforcement to include and value the perspectives of mid-level leadership.

Mid-Level Managers Drive Inclusive Innovation

What makes a leader truly transformational? Is it their vision, their charisma, or their ability to inspire lasting change?

In this talk, we apply the principles of charismatic and transformational leadership to analyze and compare the leadership styles of four influential figures: Steve Jobs, Jack Welch, Rudy Giuliani, and Beth Galetti—Senior Vice President of People at Amazon.

Grounded in leadership theory, we explore how each leader embodies or challenges key dimensions of influence, including vision creation, emotional expressiveness, narcissism, leadership polarity, and communication style.

This session highlights:

How Steve Jobs turned product vision into cult-like influence
How Jack Welch prioritized performance through transformation
How Rudy Giuliani demonstrated crisis charisma—and its limits
How Beth Galetti leverages structured empowerment and trust-building in one of the world’s most complex people systems

We also explore the contrasts between socialized vs. personalized charisma, and what makes someone a truly transformational leader—one who reshapes people, cultures, and outcomes.

This talk aligns with leadership learning goals such as:
Understanding the traits and behaviors of charismatic leaders
Breaking down the visionary and moral dimensions of transformation
Identifying ethical concerns and blind spots in charismatic influence
Developing authentic presence rooted in trust, values, and vision

Whether you’re a student, a business leader, or someone curious about leadership in action, this session offers practical insight into what it means to lead—and be followed—in today’s complex world.

Charisma & Consequence: Jobs, Welch, Giuliani & Galetti on Leading with Impact

Power is real. Politics are inevitable. The question is: will you use them well—or be used by them?

In this bold and practical leadership session, Dr. Claude B. Kershner IV breaks down the realities of power, empowerment, and organizational politics—and gives you the tools to lead through them with wisdom, effectiveness, and integrity.

Drawing from timeless research and real-world insight, this talk explores:

🔹 The 7 core sources of power—and how to build influence beyond your job title
🔹 What empowerment really means (and why delegating isn’t enough)
🔹 The difference between personal power and positional authority
🔹 How to become a leader who multiplies others’ potential, not just controls outcomes
🔹 Why organizational politics are unavoidable—and how to navigate them ethically
🔹 The line between strategic influence and unethical manipulation
🔹 How to control dysfunctional politics and protect your team from toxic behaviors

We explore practical leadership behaviors such as:

Giving away credit to gain trust
Asking for advice to build political capital
Avoiding the blunders that sabotage reputations
Practicing self-leadership to model empowerment from the top down

Whether you're leading a startup, managing a team, or developing your leadership style, this talk will help you see power and politics not as dirty words—but as essential leadership tools that must be used with character, courage, and clarity.

🟩 Understand influence. Empower others. Lead with integrity.

🔔 Subscribe for more leadership talks focused on behavior—not buzzwords.

Power is Real & Politics are Inevitable: How Effective Leaders Navigate Influence

In the very first episode of Then What?, host Patti Feeney sits down with longtime colleague and friend Anna Rogers for a vulnerable, real, and refreshingly honest conversation about identity, uncertainty, and what happens when you realize… you don’t actually know who you are.
In this episode, we explore…
What it's like to sit in a room where everyone else seems sure of themselves and you are . . . well . . . not.


How the Enneagram sparked a surprising self-exploration.
The importance of finding someone in your life who doesn’t give answers but asks the right questions.
Why we avoid conflict, and how facing it head-on becomes the path to growth.
What it means to grieve transitions that don’t involve death.
And how sometimes the best “Then What?” is … nothing. Just being still.
Whether you are in the middle of a transition or reflecting on one long past, this conversation is full of wisdom, warmth, and one very relatable Sex and the City binge.

Additional Resources:

The Enneagram
Curious about the personality framework Anna referenced? The Enneagram is a powerful tool for self-awareness and understanding how we show up in the world—especially in times of change. To learn more about the Enneagram, here are some additional resources:
The Enneagram Institute
https://www.narrativeenneagram.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/The-Enneagram-and-the-Nine-Types-Guide-2021.pdf

Personal Growth & Self-Discovery with Pat Howley
Anna talked about working with someone who did not give her answers but helped her ask the right questions. Pat Howley (who also happens to be my Dad, is primarily a personal growth facilitator. His main interest and training experiences have been focused on adult development. He has studied extensively a development process called the Enneagram; received certification in the use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Carol Pearson's The Pearson-Marr Archetype. To learn more about Pat and the work he does, visit his website: integralschoolhouse.net
And listen to one of my previous podcasts when my Lisa Leary and I had him on as a guest; The Genuine Leader Podcast https://soundcloud.com/the-genuine-leader/episode-5-part-1-of-the-mindful-leader-with-special-guest-pat-howley

Episode 1 The Power of Not Knowing: Anna Rogers on Identity, Growth, and Sitting in the Mess

In this episode we sat down with Márcia Di Domenico - a seasoned finance professional and Executive MBA student - who brings over a decade of global experience in audit, controlling, and reporting. From PwC to leading finance at a startup in Brazil, and now Senior Group Financial Controller in Rotterdam, Márcia shares how her EMBA is transforming her view on leadership and reshaping her future.
💬 We dive into:
- Choosing the right MBA programme
- Redefining leadership & strategy
- Navigating surprises along the way
- Career vision beyond job titles
- Growth as both a leader and a person

🎧 Tune in to hear insights from a finance professionals and advice for anyone considering the EMBA path.


Redefining success and reshaping leadership - an EMBA story with Márcia Di Domenico (EMBA '26)

Equity work isn’t meant to be done alone — yet too often, institutional change is left to a few passionate individuals burning out under the weight of broken systems.

In this audio version of Sharon Washington Consulting’s full blog, Dr. Sharon G.E. Washington, Ed.D., MPH, explores why equity must be designed into how we work — not treated as a side project or a personal calling.

Learn how shifting to collaborative, system-level approaches restores trust, protects well-being, and makes justice sustainable for everyone involved.

Full article available at: https://www.sharonwashingtonconsulting.com/post/from-personal-pain-to-collective-purpose-the-future-of-building-sustainable-equity-work

Equity Isn’t a Solo Mission: Why We Must Redesign How We Work for Justice

Brodie Allen, founder of Evolve Surface Strategies, joins Jay Holstine to reflect on the power of structured, recurring one-to-one conversations in shaping both leadership and organizational clarity. With a team of nearly 200 professionals across the U.S. and Canada, Brodie shares how thoughtful engagement—through monthly coaching and CEO peer group insights—has helped him refine ideas, stay strategically aligned, and continue scaling his business with purpose. This discussion reveals how simple yet intentional conversations can become transformative tools for leaders navigating complexity and growth. 

Impactful one-to-ones. Turning raw thoughts into structure

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUCCESS EXPRESS Business & Career Show, Lea Brovedani, internationally recognized as “The Trust Architect,” dives into the world of con artists, deception, and trust. From the five tenets of trust to the psychology of scams, Lea unpacks why people get conned, how to recognize red flags, and the vital role of gut instincts and verification in protecting yourself.

Through stories, insights, and practical tools, the conversation highlights how con artists exploit human emotions, why reputation and recommendations matter, and how emotional intelligence can help you navigate trust in both personal and professional settings.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
• Trust is built on five tenets: caring, commitment, consistency, competence, and communication.
• Con artists often exploit trust and caring to manipulate others.
• Listening to gut instincts is an important defense against deception.
• Verification and research are essential when dealing with unfamiliar people or situations.
• Love bombing is a red flag in both relationships and workplaces.
• Scams often succeed by playing on desires, vulnerabilities, and emotions.
• Investigative journalism plays a vital role in exposing con artists and scams.
• Always trust your gut—but verify before you act.

Lea Brovedani has been named one of North America’s Top Thought Leaders on Trust by Trust Across America. She’s an author, speaker, and workshop facilitator, and her books include:
📘 Trust Me: Restore Belief & Confidence in an Uncertain World
📘 TRUSTED – Secret Lessons from an Inspired Leader

Beyond her leadership work, Lea is also a certified death doula, offering compassionate guidance and support for end-of-life planning.
🔗 Learn more about Lea’s work on trust: https://leabrovedani.com
🔗 Explore her end-of-life services: https://souljourneydoula.com

🎙️ Follow the SUCCESS EXPRESS Podcast: https://success-express-business.podbean.com/

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's QUALITY OF LIFE Podcast Channel.

Spotting the Con: Trust and Deception

In this episode of the AASA Principal Supervisor Podcast, Jackie Wilson speaks with Dr. Michael Farrell, Chief Learning Officer from the School District of Philadelphia. They discuss the critical role of principal leadership in improving schools, the importance of developing principal supervisors as coaches, and the challenges faced in creating a supportive ecosystem for school leaders. The conversation highlights the need for strategic partnerships and the significance of a leadership pipeline that nurtures talent from within the district. Dr. Farrell emphasizes the importance of viewing principals as transformational leaders and the necessity of aligning support systems to foster effective educational environments.

The Principal Pipeline in Action: Lessons from Philadelphia

AASA, The School Superintendents Association, is the premier association for school system leaders and serves as the national voice for public education and district leadership on Capitol Hill.

A professional community of more than 10,000 educational leaders, AASA and its members are committed to providing high-quality public education to all students.

AASA develops and supports school system leaders through the national exchange of ideas; access to professional learning, publications, and resources; and opportunities to champion initiatives to help transform the future of public education.

MARKETING DEEP DIVES by DENYSE is a Podcast for CPG Executives wanting to attract, delight and retain more consumers.
In each episode Denyse shares her tips, tools and ideas gathered from her more than 30 years experience working in over 125 countries around the globe.
Denyse is: 📈 Advisor to Fortune 100-Inc 5000 | 🚀 Strategist for mid-sized CPGs | 👨‍💼👩‍💼Leadership Coach | 🎤 Keynote Speaker | 📚 #1 Best-Selling Author | 🌍 Former Global Head of Consumer Excellence at Nestlé

Select Big Blend Radio interviews that are featured in the digital, interactive Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine and Parks & Travel Magazine. Hosted by Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, mother-daughter travel team and publishers.

We take culture theory and turn it into everyday insights. We're powered by Human Synergistics - a leading consulting, research, and diagnostics firm. 

We're known for growing individual's effectiveness and satisfaction by coaching based on the Lifestyles Inventory (LSI), improving leadership effectiveness with the Management or Leadership Impact (M/I & L/I), develop high performing teams with the Group Styles Inventory (GSI), and shape effective organisational culture using the Organizational Culture inventory (OCI) and Organizational Effectiveness Inventory (OEI).

In this podcast, our senior consultants share tips and insights on from their extensive experience in Organisational Development

Then What? Conversations with Patti Feeney
(formerly The Genuine Leader Podcast)

Life throws curveballs. Plans fall apart. Careers shift. Grief happens. And in those awkward, uncertain spaces—between what was and what will be—we’re left asking… Then what?

Join leadership coach and writer Patti Feeney for real conversations about navigating change, rediscovering meaning, and laughing (sometimes crying) through the messy middle. Each episode brings soulful storytelling, honest wisdom, and gritty inspiration.

Whether you are a leader in transition, a professional at a crossroads, or simply a human trying to figure things out, this podcast is your space to feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

New name, same heart.

Archived episodes from The Genuine Leader Podcast remain available...because every chapter got us here.

The Dr. Claude Kershner Show empowers students, professionals, and scholars by offering practical examples of Strategic Entrepreneurship. In a series of teachings, interviews, and stories, we confidently provide evidence-based tactics to take teams and organizations through life cycle transitions.

Building and empowering a high-achieving CEO Peer group of more effective leaders is Jay Holstine’s passion. Jay manages the CEO Peer group issue resolution sessions that surface root causes and share wisdom.
Jay Holstine serves as chair and CEO peer group advisor at Vistage Worldwide in Dallas, Texas. The CEO Peer group comprises 16 members from non-competing businesses that support each other to become better leaders. In addition to chairing the group’s monthly meetings, Jay provides each member with one-to-one sessions to discuss issues, opportunities, and business strategies.
Before his work at Vistage, Jay Holstine was a managing director with Compass Advisory Consultants, where he refined his business building and CEO coaching skills. Previously, Jay served as the chief executive officer and president of Freightflow, a cloud-based transportation management software company, and chief executive officer, president, and founder of SigmaFlow, a cloud-based process management solution.

New tracks tagged #Leadership Development