Artificial Intelligence is transforming leadership—but not in the way many assume. In this episode, we explore how AI can free leaders from repetitive tasks, uncover insights hidden in data, and improve communication, while also recognizing where technology stops and human judgment begins. Barry highlights a key truth: AI may be an incredible assistant, but it will never replace the relationships, values, and wisdom that define real leadership.

Dr. Karen Koepp explores the intricacies of thought leadership. Dr. Koepp highlights the role of thought leadership in shaping narratives, building trust, and influencing decision-makers. They discuss the challenges of measuring its impact, especially in advocacy, and emphasize the importance of qualitative indicators like engagement and resonance. They also touch on the use of AI and storytelling in thought leadership. Dr. Koepp advises leaders to embrace their unique perspectives. The episode underscores thought leadership as a long-term strategy with significant influence.

In this episode of Talkin' Politics, host Barry Moline and political expert Michael Nolan analyze the recent Democratic and Republican National Conventions, the Trump and Harris campaigns, and their implications for the upcoming elections. They compare the contrasting atmospheres of the conventions and discuss key issues like abortion rights and campaign strategies. Michael highlights the significance of battleground states and the evolving political landscape, including challenges for Democrats in the Senate and opportunities in the House. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of the current political climate and the strategies both parties might employ as the election season intensifies.

Bill Schwandt of the South San Joaquin Irrigation District shares his journey from a small town in North Dakota to becoming a leader in public water and power. He discusses his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes, strategic planning, and effective communication. Schwandt also highlights the unique advantages of his dyslexia in strategic thinking. The conversation delves into his personal interests, values, and advice for aspiring leaders, underscoring empathy, optimism, and embracing challenges as growth opportunities.

In this episode of Talkin' Politics on the Leadership Secrets Podcast, Michael Nolan, a Washington lobbyist and political maven, talks about President Joe Biden's decision to step down and its impact on his legacy and the Democratic Party. Barry and Michael discuss Biden's leadership qualities, the anointing of Kamala Harris as the presidential candidate, and the impact of Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, on the ticket. They delve into the Trump-Vance campaign, the political landscape, and the strategies of both the Democratic and Republican parties leading up to the elections.

Randy Howard, the general manager of the Northern California Power Agency shares his journey from an electrical engineering background and Air Force experience to leading roles at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and NCPA. He discusses the evolution of his leadership style, focusing on service and adapting to industry changes. Randy reflects on his career transition to NCPA, his personal interests, and offers awesome advice to young professionals.

Mike Webster, former Executive Director of SCPPA, shares his career journey and leadership lessons. Starting as a mechanical engineer, Mike learned the importance of listening, collaboration, and creative problem-solving in various roles, from air quality director to retail and wholesale marketing. He emphasizes collaboration in the utility business and the leader's responsibility to define and focus on the mission. Mike's leadership philosophy is to "Collaborate, Define the Mission, and Lead by Core Values." He also discusses the importance of participatory leadership, continuous learning, and being open to new opportunities. Mike reflects on his personal values, hobbies, and offers advice to young professionals to build relationships and work with integrity.

Glenn Steiger, Executive Consultant for the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority recounts his ascent from an engineering director to CEO of various utilities, emphasizing respect for all, articulating ambitions, and embracing change. He shares anecdotes, including a lesson learned during a strike, and stresses the importance of people skills, listening, and collaborative change management. Glenn also discusses his personal interests, from sports to movies, and advises graduates to take risks and continuously learn. His personal brand reflects flexibility, honesty, and the wisdom of his father's advice always to pay attention.

Rob Grantham, General Manager of Rancho California Water District. Grantham shares his leadership philosophy, shaped by mentors and a commitment to positive impact. He discusses the weighty responsibilities of a CEO, including public health and safety, and the importance of maintaining composure. Grantham's non-linear career path and his approach to embracing opportunities are highlighted. The episode also covers the challenges of first-time leadership, the value of a supportive team, and the implementation of an executive training program within his organization. Grantham emphasizes strategic direction, actionable values, and learning from mistakes, while also touching on personal growth and his life outside of work. The conversation concludes with Grantham's advice for career starters and an open invitation for listener engagement.

Listen in to a great interview with Dawn Roth Lindell, General Manager of Burbank Water & Power. Dawn shares her journey to becoming CEO, and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. She's an innovative leader who likes to try out new ideas before implementing them. She believes we must innovate to stay relevant and competitive.

Listen in to a great conversation with Beth Hassett, CEO of WEAVE. Beth shares her journey to become the CEO, and how her priority has always been being open, engaging with others, and showing up as her whole self.

Listen in to a great interview with Brock Long, former FEMA Administrator, and currently the Executive Chairman of Hagerty Consulting. Hagerty helps public and private sector partners prepare for and recover from disasters. Brock describes his fascinating road toward leadership, where at age 32 he became the Director of Emergency Management for the State of Alabama. How? By knowing his trade, having a vision, and earning Governor Bob Riley’s trust. It’s a great conversation full of high-quality leadership advice. Here's what we discussed: • The vital role of strategic planning, and his three step process for what he calls the “Discovery-Change” Process to get people on board toward a new future they help create • Why it’s important to be a diplomat in your relationships • Getting stuff done without asking permission • The importance of being willing to move to elevate your career • Recognizing leaders don’t have all the ideas and the need to work with a team to find solutions • The importance of trust as you delegate • How disaster preparedness is like a 4-legged chair https://tinyurl.com/brock-long You can also listen via Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/apple-leadership-secrets Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/google-leadership-secrets Spotify Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/spotify-leadership-secrets Amazon/Audible: https://tinyurl.com/amazon-leadership-secrets

Listen in to a great interview with Dan Beans, Electric Utility Director for the City of Roseville. Dan describes his winding road toward leadership, which included years working at a gas station, doing pottery, studying poetry, and then finally, getting his degree in physics and engineering. The road led to the City of Redding Electric Utility, and today to his role as Electric Utility Director for the City of Roseville, California. It’s a great conversation full of high-quality leadership advice. Here's what we discussed: • The valuable lesson he learned about customer service as a gas station attendant. • The importance of talking with employees to help them get better, instead of criticizing. • The awesome responsibility of leading a public power utility. • The importance of being a parent to his leadership journey. • How communication is a key skill for every leader to master, and how he struggled. • His advice to new employees about the importance of character https://tinyurl.com/dan-beans You can also listen via Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/apple-leadership-secrets Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/google-leadership-secrets Spotify Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/spotify-leadership-secrets Amazon/Audible: https://tinyurl.com/amazon-leadership-secrets

Listen in to a great interview with Jared Yellin, CEO and co-founder of Project 10K. Their goal is to launch 10,000 tech companies in 10 years. All I can say is this is an incredible conversation, and I was blown away by Jared’s perspective on leadership and entrepreneurship. In fact it’s so good, my podcast editor sent it back to me with a note saying how much he enjoyed and learned in the interview. It’s a great conversation full of high-quality leadership advice.

Listen in to a great interview with Zeynep “Z” Ekemen, CEO of Z Real Estate Group. Z describes her journey to become a CEO as one where she’s always been comfortable being a leader. She likes to listen to the advice of others, but always trusts her gut instincts. As a child, she simply wanted to make the world a better place, and continuously sought out projects to accomplish that goal. It’s a great conversation full of high-quality leadership advice.