In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the concept of sustainable leadership, emphasizing the importance of long-term thinking and decision-making that benefits not just immediate results but also future outcomes. He shares insights from Sweetgreen's approach to sustainability and encourages leaders to model responsible behavior, connect their teams to a greater purpose, and recognize integrity in decision-making. The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to consider the long-term implications of their decisions.TakeawaysLeadership starts with what you choose to do right where you are.Sustainable leadership includes behavioral sustainability for long-term team thriving.True sustainability involves making decisions that benefit the future.Sweetgreen integrates sustainability into their culture and leadership training.Leaders should ask how decisions impact people and community, not just numbers.Companies leading with purpose outperform others in engagement and trust.Modeling sustainability begins with asking if decisions make sense long-term.Connecting people to purpose enhances their understanding of impact.Recognizing responsible actions fosters integrity and long-term thinking.Leadership grows when we learn together.Sound bites"Sustainability is a mindset."Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Leadership Table00:50 Understanding Sustainable Leadership03:12 Implementing Sustainable Practices in Leadership

In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the significance of inclusive leadership in fostering a strong workplace culture, particularly in the food service industry. He emphasizes that leadership is not just about authority but about making every team member feel valued and heard. Through practical examples and actionable steps, he illustrates how inclusive practices can enhance team engagement and performance. The episode concludes with a leadership challenge to encourage listeners to actively seek diverse perspectives in decision-making.TakeawaysLeadership doesn't begin when the meeting starts.Inclusive leadership is about everyday habits.When people feel included, they contribute more.Panera Bread's initiatives show the power of inclusion.Inclusion is about who gets heard, not just who's present.Teams with inclusive leaders perform better.Ask before you answer to encourage dialogue.Amplify quieter voices to show their value.Follow up on input to demonstrate commitment to inclusion.Invite diverse perspectives to enhance decision-making.TitlesThe Power of Inclusive LeadershipBuilding Stronger Teams Through InclusionSound bites"Ask before you answer.""Real leaders, real growth.""We're here. We're inclusive."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Inclusion00:57 The Importance of Inclusive Leadership02:58 Practical Steps for Inclusive Leadership03:57 Leadership Challenge and Conclusion

In this episode of A Student of Leadership, Rob Adams discusses the importance of building resilient teams in the food service industry. He highlights the case of Chipotle, which faced a significant crisis in 2015, and how their leadership responded by focusing on recovery and trust-building rather than panic. Adams emphasizes that resilience is a leadership behavior that can be cultivated through structured recovery practices and encourages leaders to create an environment where teams can reset and learn from challenges.TakeawaysLeadership happens right where you are.Resilience is about learning how to reset faster.Chipotle's leadership retrained their teams after a crisis.Real resilience involves naming the hit and guiding recovery.Structured recovery behaviors lead to better team performance.Resilience is a leadership behavior, not just personality.Creating a reset ritual can help teams recover.Recognizing team recovery reinforces resilient behaviors.Leadership spreads through conversation and connection.Inclusive leadership ensures every voice has a seat.Sound bites"Let's do a reset."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Resilience01:27 The Chipotle Case Study: Learning from Crisis03:24 Building Resilient Teams: Practical Strategies

In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the critical role of leadership in the digital transformation of the food industry. He emphasizes that technology alone does not drive change; rather, it is the connection and purpose that leaders instill in their teams that fosters successful adoption of new tools. Using Chick-fil-A as a case study, he illustrates how a people-first approach can lead to greater engagement and confidence among employees. The conversation highlights the importance of leading with purpose, creating a supportive culture for change, and recognizing effort over perfection.TakeawaysLeadership happens right where you are with the people in front of you.Digital rollouts fail not because of technology, but due to disconnection.Chick-fil-A's approach emphasizes being in the people business.Leadership framed the digital shift through the lens of people first.Employees are more likely to adopt tools when they see their purpose.Leading with the why before the how is crucial.Make learning safe and encourage participation.Recognize effort, not just mastery, to build confidence.Culture drives adoption more than training sessions.Invite others to join the conversation to spread leadership movements.TitlesLeading with Purpose in the Food IndustryDigital Transformation: The People FactorSound bites"Leadership keeps people together.""Confidence grows when effort is seen.""Real leaders, real growth, one table."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership in the Food Industry01:44 The Importance of People in Digital Transformation04:09 Leading with Purpose in Digital Adoption05:35 Creating a Supportive Culture for Change06:30 A Student of Leadership Outro.wav

SummaryIn this episode of A Student of Leadership, Rob Adams shares his journey from a culinary background to becoming a leader in the food service industry. He emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and a people-first mentality in leadership. Rob discusses the challenges he faced and the lessons learned, highlighting the significance of building trust and resilience within teams. He also outlines upcoming topics for future episodes, focusing on digital transformation, inclusive leadership, and wellness in the workplace.TakeawaysFood is about care, service, and community.Leadership is a journey focused on personal growth.Turbulent moments can be great teachers.Real leadership is about focusing on people.Building trust is essential for high-performing teams.Practical insights lead to measurable results.AI and automation are transforming leadership.Supporting mental health is critical in demanding industries.Engaging young talent is vital for the future.Inspiring followership creates lasting impact.TitlesFrom Culinary Roots to LeadershipThe People-First Approach in LeadershipSound bites"Food connects us through community.""Leadership isn't about being perfect.""Engaging young talent is critical."Chapters00:00 Roots in Food and Family02:48 The Journey of Leadership05:41 Future Topics and Leadership Insights

Summer Break - Message

In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the importance of habits in leadership, emphasizing that great leaders are defined not by their charisma or intelligence, but by their consistent behaviors. He introduces the concept of the habit loop and shares actionable strategies for developing effective leadership habits, including the significance of tiny wins and daily reflections. The episode concludes with a challenge to adopt micro habits that align with one's leadership identity.takeaways* The difference between a good leader and a great one is habits.* Habits are identity-based; you become the leader you behave like.* Tiny wins matter; celebrate small victories to reinforce habits.* The habit loop consists of cue, routine, and reward.* Anchor new habits to existing routines for better integration.* Shrink behaviors to make them more manageable and achievable.* Tracking habits visibly can motivate progress and create momentum.* Consistent action is more important than massive action.* Daily reflection can lead to wiser leadership decisions.* Investing in yourself is crucial for personal and professional growth.titles* The Power of Habits in Leadership* Transforming Leadership Through Consistent ActionsSound Bites* "Tiny wins matter."* "Track it visibly."* "Invest in yourself."Chapters00:00The Foundation of Leadership: Habits Matter03:49Building Effective Leadership Habits06:22Reflection and Growth in Leadership06:55A Student of Leadership Outro.wav

In this episode of 'A Student of Leadership', Rob Adams emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses in leadership. He shares the story of Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, who successfully built a culture of strength-based leadership. The episode outlines practical strategies for leaders to identify and leverage the strengths of their team members, ultimately leading to increased engagement and productivity.takeaways* Strengths give you energy and feel easy.* Great leaders focus on what's working, not what's broken.* Mary Barra exemplifies leading with strengths.* Aligning strengths makes weaknesses irrelevant.* Using strengths daily increases engagement and productivity.* Spot what energizes people, not just what they're good at.* Reflect strengths back to your team members.* Small adjustments can lead to big performance gains.* Empower team members by naming their strengths.* Leadership is about building on what's already working.titles* Unlocking Leadership Potential Through Strengths* Empowering Teams: The Strengths-Based ApproachSound Bites* "Do more of what you do best."* "Spot the spark."* "Realign the work."Chapters00:00Unlocking Strengths in Leadership03:38Practical Strategies for Leading with Strengths05:32The Leadership Challenge: Empowering Your Team05:57A Student of Leadership Outro.wav

In this episode of 'A Student of Leadership', Rob Adams discusses the importance of recognizing and nurturing potential in team members. He emphasizes the role of belief in fostering growth and innovation, using Satya Nadella's leadership at Microsoft as a key example. The episode outlines practical steps for leaders to help their teams realize their potential, including identifying quiet achievers, providing challenges, and communicating belief in their capabilities. The conversation concludes with a leadership challenge to engage team members in discussions about their growth aspirations.takeaways* Great leaders focus on potential, not just current performance.* Satya Nadella transformed Microsoft by fostering a growth mindset.* Belief in others can unlock their hidden potential.* Companies that focus on strengths see higher engagement and profitability.* Leaders should look for quiet climbers who are eager to learn.* Challenge team members with stretch tasks to promote growth.* Directly expressing belief in someone's abilities can boost their confidence.* Potential is a lens through which leaders can build strong teams.* Engaging in conversations about growth can empower team members.* Believing in others encourages them to believe in themselves.titles* Unlocking the Power of Potential in Leadership* Transforming Teams with a Growth MindsetSound Bites* "People want to grow."* "Belief is a fuel cell."* "Say the magic sentence."Chapters00:00Unlocking Potential: The Invisible Force of Leadership03:39The Growth Mindset: Transforming Teams through Belief06:12Practical Steps to Lead with Potential06:31A Student of Leadership Outro.wav

In this episode, Rob Adams emphasizes the critical role of people development in effective leadership. He discusses how great leaders prioritize the growth of their team members, sharing insights from Rosalind Brewer's leadership journey. The conversation highlights actionable strategies for fostering development, such as creating learning moments and providing real-time feedback. Ultimately, Adams encourages leaders to focus on building a legacy through the empowerment of others.takeaways* Leadership is about building people for the future.* Great leaders prioritize the development of their team.* Rosalind Brewer exemplifies effective people development.* Diversity in leadership leads to stronger teams.* Development is a continuous process, not a one-time event.* 94% of employees prefer companies that invest in their growth.* Feedback and trust are essential for growth.* Small steps in development can lead to significant impact.* Leadership is about leaving a legacy of empowered individuals.* Investing in others multiplies your impact.titles* Grow People, Grow the Future* The Legacy of LeadershipSound Bites* "Grow people, grow the future."* "Feedback equals incredible growth."* "Start small, but start now."Chapters00:00The Importance of People Development in Leadership03:41Rosalind Brewer: A Case Study in Leadership Development06:37Actionable Tips for Developing Your Team07:51A Student of Leadership Outro.wav

In this episode of A Student of Leadership, Rob Adams discusses the critical role of feedback in leadership. He emphasizes that feedback should be constructive and aimed at helping individuals grow rather than pointing out flaws. Using Pixar's Brain Trust as an example, he illustrates how a culture of open and honest feedback can lead to greater creativity and success. Adams provides practical strategies for giving effective feedback, encouraging leaders to be specific, balanced, and to create a safe environment for dialogue. He concludes with a challenge for listeners to practice giving and receiving feedback as a means of continuous learning and development.takeaways* Feedback is about helping people get better.* Great feedback builds trust and support.* The Brain Trust at Pixar exemplifies effective feedback.* Feedback should focus on the work, not the person.* Specific feedback is more effective than general comments.* Balance positive feedback with areas for growth.* Creating a safe space for feedback is essential.* Feedback is a two-way street; invite responses.* Leaders should always be curious and eager to learn.* Feedback is a behavior that improves with practice.titles* Mastering the Art of Feedback* Building Trust Through Honest ConversationsSound Bites* "Feedback fuels your growth."* "Great leaders never stop learning."* "Help others rise through feedback."Chapters00:00The Importance of Feedback in Leadership03:38Creating a Culture of Trust and Honesty06:58Practical Strategies for Effective Feedback07:03A Student of Leadership Outro.wav

In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the critical role of sponsorship in leadership, emphasizing its transformative power compared to traditional mentoring. He shares insights on how sponsorship can significantly impact career advancement, particularly for underrepresented groups. The conversation includes actionable steps for leaders to become effective sponsors, highlighting the importance of advocating for hidden talents and creating opportunities for others.TakeawaysSponsorship is a crucial leadership behavior that can change careers.Mentoring is helpful, but sponsorship is transformational.Performance alone won't lead to promotions; advocacy is essential.Great leaders create opportunities for others.Sponsorship requires intentionality and effort from leaders.People with sponsors are significantly more likely to advance in their careers.The absence of sponsorship creates systematic barriers in organizations.Leaders should actively seek out hidden stars in their teams.Sponsorship involves advocating for others in key situations.Building a culture of sponsorship fosters collective growth and leadership.Sound bites"Sponsorship is transformational.""Your influence is meant to be used.""Pick one person you believe in."Chapters00:00 The Power of Sponsorship03:43 Transformational Leadership: Beyond Mentoring06:21 Practical Steps to Become a Sponsor06:50 A Student of Leadership Outro.wav

In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the transformative power of mentoring in leadership. He shares a poignant story about a cafeteria worker, Denise, who mentored a struggling student, Maria, helping her realize her potential and achieve her dream of becoming a nurse. The conversation emphasizes that mentoring is about investing in others, building confidence, and fostering relationships rather than merely providing advice. Rob outlines key habits for effective mentoring, encouraging leaders to notice potential in others, ask insightful questions, and maintain consistent support.takeaways* Mentoring is about investing in someone else's future.* Great mentors transfer wisdom, build confidence, and shape character.* Mentoring is a mindset, not just a program.* Focus on those who doubt their potential.* Mentors call people up to become more than they believe they can be.* Mentorship benefits both the mentor and mentee.* Effective mentoring involves noticing, inviting, and supporting.* Ask questions rather than giving advice.* Consistency is key in mentoring relationships.* Great leaders multiply their impact through mentoring.titles* The Power of Mentoring in Leadership* Transforming Lives Through MentorshipSound Bites* "Mentoring isn't about giving advice."* "Great mentors don't just teach skills."* "You just don't know it yet. But I do."Chapters00:00The Essence of Mentoring04:09The Impact of Mentorship06:16Habits of a Meaningful Mentor08:56A Student of Leadership Outro.wav

In this micro-podcast, Rob Adams discusses the transformative power of coaching in leadership. He emphasizes that coaching is not about fixing people but unlocking their potential and fostering growth. Through the story of Coach Taylor and Eli, he illustrates how trust and presence can lead to significant change. Adams distinguishes coaching from managing, highlighting the importance of intentionality and empathy in coaching practices. He shares practical habits for effective coaching and underscores the human element of coaching and mentoring in developing future leaders.takeaways* Coaching is about unlocking potential, not fixing people.* Presence and trust are key components of effective coaching.* Coaching is slower and more deliberate than managing.* Great coaches support and challenge without rescuing.* Coaching leads to higher employee engagement and retention.* Asking questions is more effective than giving answers.* Microfeedback can enhance coaching effectiveness.* Investing time in individuals fosters growth and connection.* Coaching is a human leadership behavior that impacts lives.* Great leaders are made through consistent habits.titles* Unlocking Potential: The Art of Coaching* Transformative Leadership Through CoachingSound Bites* "Coaching isn't about fixing people."* "Ask before you tell."* "Invest in one person a week."Chapters00:00Introduction to Leadership and Social Connection02:14The Power of Coaching in Leadership05:40Distinguishing Coaching from Managing08:07Practical Coaching Habits for Leaders10:54A Student of Leadership Outro.wav

In this episode of the Micro Podcast, Rob Adams discusses the critical leadership habit of decisiveness. He emphasizes that effective leaders do not wait for perfect clarity but take timely and confident action, even in uncertain situations. Through a real-life story of a school principal who made a bold decision during a storm, Rob illustrates the importance of decisiveness in leadership. He also addresses the negative impact of indecision on teams and provides practical habits to cultivate decisiveness, encouraging leaders to own their decisions and communicate clearly to build trust and momentum.takeaways* Decisiveness separates passive managers from confident leaders.* The best leaders don't wait for perfect clarity.* Decisiveness is about timely, confident action.* Indecision spreads fast and can erode team trust.* Visibility in leadership is crucial, even when quiet.* Decisive leaders drive momentum and direction.* Define your filters to guide decision-making.* Own your decisions to build accountability and trust.* Even imperfect decisions are better than indecision.* Great leaders are made one habit at a time.titles* The Art of Decisiveness in Leadership* Leading with Confidence: The Decisive LeaderSound Bites* "Are you leading with clarity or fear?"* "Indecision spreads fast."* "Decisiveness drives momentum."Chapters00:00Introduction to Decisiveness in Leadership02:35The Power of Decisive Leadership06:10Visibility and Credibility in Decision Making08:17Building Daily Decision-Making Habits09:45Action, Challenge and Conclusion10:26A Student of Leadership Outro.wav

In this episode of the Student of Leadership Micro Podcast, Rob Adams discusses the essential habit of collaboration, emphasizing its role in multiplying talent, building trust, and achieving extraordinary outcomes. He shares a compelling story about the Miracle on the Hudson to illustrate the power of teamwork under pressure. The conversation delves into the difference between real collaboration and mere compliance, offering actionable habits for leaders to foster a collaborative environment. The episode concludes with a call to action for leaders to embrace collaboration as a mindset and culture.takeaways* Collaboration is about building something together that no one could build alone.* Great leaders bring people into the conversation, not just the room.* Real collaboration requires trust, openness, and valuing diverse voices.* A team that can disagree and respectfully debate can solve anything together.* Organizations that prioritize collaboration perform significantly better.* Model shared credit and celebrate team success publicly.* Schedule time for collaboration to ensure it happens.* Invite differing views early in the decision-making process.* Listening to quieter voices can enhance collaboration.* Collaboration is a habit, mindset, and culture that transforms teams.Sound Bites* "That's collaboration under pressure."* "Shared effort creates shared success."* "Model shared credit, use 'we' more than 'I'."Chapters00:00The Power of Collaboration03:10Real Collaboration vs. Compliance05:12Habits for Collaborative Leadership07:10Collaboration as a Mindset and Culture07:49A Student of Leadership Outro.wav

In this episode of A Student of Leadership, Rob Adams discusses the critical role of innovation in leadership. He emphasizes that innovation is not just about groundbreaking ideas but about fostering a culture where teams feel safe to experiment and learn from their mistakes. By creating an environment of psychological safety, leaders can encourage their teams to share ideas and take risks, ultimately leading to continuous improvement and growth. Adams provides practical strategies for leaders to cultivate innovation within their teams, highlighting the importance of celebrating attempts and fostering curiosity.takeaways* Innovation is about making things better every day.* Great leaders build environments where curiosity beats comfort.* At WD-40, they call failures 'learning moments'.* Psychological safety is crucial for innovation.* Leaders should respond positively to new ideas.* Innovation requires a safe space for creativity.* Teams often have ideas but lack permission to pursue them.* Celebrate small risks and attempts, not just wins.* Curiosity can be developed as a routine.* Innovation is a leadership habit, not a genius requirement.titles* Fostering Innovation in Leadership* Creating a Culture of CuriositySound Bites* "They call them learning moments."* "Innovation isn't about being brilliant."* "Celebrate attempts, not just wins."Chapters00:00The Essence of Innovation in Leadership03:45Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety06:45Encouraging Continuous Improvement and Experimentation07:25A Student of Leadership Outro.wav

In this episode of A Student of Leadership, Rob Adams explores the transformative power of discipline in leadership. He emphasizes that true discipline is not about rigid control but about mastering oneself to lead others effectively. Through the inspiring example of Serena Williams, he illustrates how discipline can drive success in various fields, including business and advocacy. The episode concludes with practical strategies for building sustainable discipline, encouraging leaders to create systems that support their priorities and foster accountability.takeaways* Discipline is often misunderstood as rigid control.* True leadership discipline is about freedom and self-mastery.* Strategic discipline can revolutionize leadership effectiveness.* Serena Williams exemplifies discipline in sports and business.* Discipline aligns actions with a larger purpose.* Leaders with discipline achieve better long-term outcomes.* Creating decision filters helps focus disciplined attention.* Environmental triggers can support disciplined behavior.* Building partnerships fosters mutual accountability.* Sustainable discipline is about consistent recommitment.titles* The Power of Discipline in Leadership* Serena Williams: Discipline Beyond the CourtSound Bites* "True leadership discipline is about freedom."* "Create decision filters for disciplined attention."* "Great leaders are made one habit at a time."Chapters00:00The Essence of Leadership Discipline03:40Serena Williams: A Case Study in Discipline06:55Strategies for Sustainable Discipline07:56A Student of Leadership Outro.wav

In this episode of A Student of Leadership, Rob Adams delves into the transformative power of reflection in leadership. He emphasizes that reflection is not merely looking back but involves deep analysis and insight extraction that can significantly enhance decision-making and leadership effectiveness. Through historical examples, particularly Abraham Lincoln's reflective practices during the Civil War, Adams illustrates how structured reflection can lead to strategic insights and improved leadership outcomes. He also provides practical frameworks for incorporating reflection into daily leadership practices, highlighting the importance of creating rituals, engaging in triple-loop reflection, and collaborating with reflection partners. The episode concludes with an actionable challenge for listeners to document their leadership experiences and insights, reinforcing the idea that reflection is essential for growth and expertise in leadership.takeaways* Reflection transforms the experience into wisdom.* Strategic reflection can revolutionize leadership impact.* Lincoln's hot letters exemplify structured reflection.* Effective leaders metabolize experiences through reflection.* Regular reflection increases leadership effectiveness by 23%.* Leaders practicing reflection report 37% better decision-making confidence.* Create specific moments for different types of reflection.* Triple-loop reflection examines thinking patterns and assumptions.* Reflection partners can uncover blind spots.* Reflection bridges experience and expertise.Sound Bites* "Great leaders are made one habit at a time."Chapters00:00The Power of Reflection in Leadership02:50Historical Insights: Lincoln's Reflective Practice06:14Transformative Approaches to Leadership Reflection

In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the critical importance of prioritization in leadership. He emphasizes that effective prioritization is not just a productivity hack but a survival skill that distinguishes exceptional leaders from busy ones. Through examples like Warren Buffett's investment strategies and insights from Stephen Covey, the episode explores how leaders can master the art of prioritization to enhance their effectiveness and their team's engagement. Practical strategies and an action challenge are provided to help listeners implement prioritization in their leadership practices.takeaways* True prioritization is a survival skill.* It's about saying no to good opportunities.* Warren Buffett avoided tech stocks for a reason.* He spends 80% of his day reading and thinking.* Investing time wisely is crucial for leaders.* Executives who excel at prioritization perform better.* Create priority filters for evaluating opportunities.* Institute priority rhythms for regular reviews.* Build systems that protect high priority activities.* Every yes has an opportunity cost.titles* Mastering Leadership Through Prioritization* The Art of Saying No: Leadership InsightsSound Bites* "True prioritization is a survival skill."* "Buffett avoided tech stocks for a reason."* "Every yes has an opportunity cost."Chapters00:00Introduction to Leadership and Prioritization03:37The Art of Prioritization: Lessons from Warren Buffett06:31Practical Strategies for Mastering Prioritization08:26Action Challenge and Conclusion08:31A Student of Leadership Outro.wav