In this week’s episode, Dana and Rose sit down with Marshall Bergmann, an expert in organizational culture, HR innovation, and a leader at the NeuroLeadership Institute and the Institute for Corporate Productivity. If you care about the future of leadership, team performance, or what AI means for tomorrow’s workplace, this is the episode you can’t miss.
Tune in to this episode as we explore:
(01:55) Marshall Bergmann’s background
(04:14) Why organizations are investing leadership development and workplace culture
(07:06) Culture's impact on corporate success
(13:07) Redefining leadership: focus on the ‘how’
(17:03) AI's impact on HR transformation
(18:41) Thought experiment: integrating aliens into the workforce
(22:48) What HR needs to think about when integrating AI into the workforce
(26:56) Evolving team structures
(27:53) Unlocking team productivity potential
(31:09) Email protocol for actionable communication
(34:42) Improving team leader effectiveness
(37:53) Coaching Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) on board culture
Links mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Marshall Bergmann on LinkedIn
i4cp's 2023 Priorities and Predictions
i4cp's "The Team Network Effect™
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What does real leadership look like when the pressure’s on? In this episode, we sit down with Brad Haczynski, Chief Commercial Officer at Cornelis Networks and former senior exec at Intel and Samsung, to explore the lessons that shaped him: the moments he got it right, the times he didn’t, and how humility and consistency became his edge.
We talk about what it means to transition from the structure of global tech giants to the chaos and opportunity of startup life. From building psychological safety to navigating team dynamics, Brad shares hard-won insights on servant leadership, authenticity, and why what you do matters way more than what you say.
Tune in to this episode as we explore:
(04:36) From Intel to Samsung: how the move shaped Brad’s career
(08:34) What servant leadership really looks like
(12:04) Leadership means removing the roadblocks
(15:38) How to balance support and independence
(17:39) Prepping for high-stakes CEO meetings
(20:09) The power of ‘Start, Stop, Keep’ feedback
(23:20) Why 90% carrot and 10% stick actually works
(27:22) Taking on a new role in a scrappy startup
(28:47) The six pillars that define great team culture
(34:52) Setting and resetting team expectations
(35:57) Success and self-doubt: how to handle both
Links mentioned in this episode:
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Employee engagement – every company talks about, but few truly get it right. Why does it matter so much? Why is it at a decade low, especially among younger workers, and what can we actually do about it?
Dana and Rose unpack why engagement is about much more than compliance – it's about real buy-in, open dialogue, and leaders who walk their talk. Whether you’re a manager, aspiring leader, or curious about workplace culture, this episode combines data-backed insights with actionable tips to help you strike the right chord for engagement in your own teams.
Tune in to this episode as we explore:
(05:38) Practical employee engagement insights
(08:31) Data-driven decisions and engagement
(10:37) Why US employee engagement is dropping
(14:35) How trust between employees and employers is shifting
(16:07) Saying no to 24/7 hustle culture
(19:25) Keeping teams motivated during tough times
(23:21) Communication that actually drives results
(26:26) Making engagement a shared responsibility
(29:44) Why team-level surveys matter more than you think
Links mentioned in this episode:
Gallup: U.S. Employee Engagement Sinks to 10-Year Low
ADP Study: What is Impacting Your Employee Engagement?
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What does it really take to stand out in today’s job market, whether you’re fresh out of college, working toward a board position, or somewhere in between?
In this episode, Rose and Dana sit down with Lisa Caswell, an executive search expert with over 30 years at the top, including stints at Apple, Ariba, and IBM. Now at Spencer Stuart, Lisa opens up about what separates the candidates who thrive from those who stall.
This isn’t your typical career advice conversation. Lisa reveals why you should always be interviewing (even if you're not looking), how to make networking actually work for you, and the real reason most people fail to make the leap to leadership. She also gets brutally honest about the impact of AI, why boards say no, and how to define your personal value prop before someone else does it for you.
Whether you’re trying to break in, level up, or future-proof your career, this one’s full of practical insights.
Tune in to this episode as we explore:
(06:17) Career reflections and economic concerns
(07:07) Network, connect, and communicate early
(10:18) How AI is reshaping job skills and education
(15:02) Shifts in the job market
(18:04) Embracing fearless interviewing
(20:57) Know your boardroom value
(25:01) Board strategy in the tech world
(27:57) Advisory board pay and expectations
(32:19) Capability vs capacity
(35:41) Career modelling and personal validation
(38:20) How AI is being integrated into roles
(41:32) Strategic networking for board positions
Links mentioned in this episode:
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Dana and Rose dive deep into one of the trickiest parts of leadership: feedback. How do great managers balance honesty with empathy? How do you navigate the tension between tough conversations and real growth?
In this episode, we break it all down – sharing raw personal stories, hard-won lessons, and practical strategies to help you master the art of giving (and receiving) feedback. Whether you’re bracing for a high-stakes conversation at work or just trying to communicate better in everyday life, this one’s for you.
Tune in to this episode as we explore:
(04:44) How to set up a star performer for success
(09:10) The art of feedback that fuels career growth
(11:06) Why career breadth matters more than you think
(13:52) Leading through the messy middle… when feedback gets tough
(18:15) Handling defensive reactions without losing momentum
(20:29) When emotions run high, hit pause for clarity
(25:38) The reality check: understanding feedback at every level
(26:28) Closing the loop: making feedback truly land
Links mentioned in this episode:
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What happens when power collides with disruption? In this episode of Maestro Mindset, Dana and Rose break down the high-stakes leadership moves shaping our world – from Elon Musk’s shake-ups to Donald Trump’s political maneuvers. Revisiting their previous episode, Mr Musk Goes to Twitter, they now tackle its sequel: Mr Musk Goes to Washington. From mass layoffs to the real cost of ruthless leadership, they expose the hidden impact of these decisions on businesses, institutions, and society.
Tune in to this episode as we explore:
(00:04) Leadership styles: Musk vs. Trump
(04:22) Why a clear strategy matters
(09:21) Bad decisions start with bad data
(12:34) Learning from mistakes and regrets
(14:00) Poor communication kills trust
(19:45) The risk of long-term contracts
(22:13) Why trust makes or breaks teams
(23:41) How Musk’s leadership hurt Tesla
Links mentioned in this episode:
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Ready to fine-tune your leadership skills? In this episode of Maestro Mindset, Dana and Rose break down the art (and occasional awkwardness) of giving and receiving feedback. Rose brilliantly compares managers to maestros – conducting teams, handling tricky dynamics, and making sure everyone stays in tune. We’re diving into real strategies, role-playing constructive feedback (yes, there’s a bit of improv!), and sharing how to turn tough conversations into growth opportunities.
Tune in to this episode as we explore:
(00:00) Generational reactions to messaging
(05:56) Constructive feedback for success
(07:39) Effective feedback: preparation and balance
(10:43) Handling difficult interactions professionally
(14:22) Effective feedback conversation guide
(16:39) Addressing inappropriate meeting behavior
(20:18) Promoting respectful team communication
(24:27) Meeting etiquette improvement plan
(26:45) Impact of feedback over time
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Dana and Rose dive into the transformative art of receiving feedback. From unexpected moments that shaped Rose’s career to Dana’s expert tips on turning feedback into a growth strategy, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Discover how to navigate feedback gracefully, harness its power, and transform it into a tool for success. Whether you're a leader, manager, or simply looking to grow… don’t miss it!
Tune in to this episode as we explore:
(05:31) Appreciation for Saquon Barkley
(07:00) Diverse leadership styles today
(10:51) Embracing feedback in arts and sports
(16:04) Feedback actionability
(19:01) Constructive criticism's impact
(20:29) Coaching for promotion feedback
(24:44) Embrace feedback and growth culture
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Welcome back to Maestro Mindset! We are thrilled to kick off season three with all our amazing leaders and managers. Your role might be challenging, but it's a fantastic opportunity to create lasting change. In this episode, join us as we dive into why we started this journey, discuss our recent adventures, and share a preview of what's to come this season.
Tune in to this episode as we explore:
(00:41) What have Dana and Rose been up to?
(05:30) Busy Holidays and the ‘January Grind’
(06:15) Mark Zuckerberg
(08:49) Viral management teachable moment
(10:13) What to expect for Maestro Mindset Season 3
(11:48) Contrasting leadership journeys
Links to check out:
Joe Rogan Experience #2255 - Mark Zuckerberg
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Today we explore the new world of work, exploring remote, hybrid, and office environments. Rose and Dana will discuss the clash of perspectives between individual needs and organizational goals, and the undeniable impact of proximity. We feature insights from our previous guests: Devin Hughes on building trust in a hybrid setting, Barb Khouri on the importance of clear workplace policies, and Liz McLean on collaborative decision-making.
In this episode, we explore:
The viral TikTok video by Britney Peach about managing careers remotely
The concept of "power of proximity"
Balancing individual productivity with organizational needs
Having clear organizational policies regarding in-office work
… and learning from teamwork in hockey
Links mentioned:
Episode Part One with Devin Hughes
Episode Part Two with Devin Hughes
Episode Part One with Barb Khouri
Episode Part Two with Barb Khouri
Episode Part Two with Liz McLean
What is a psychologically safe work environment? Dana and Rose sit down and reflect on some key insights from previous episodes with Devin Hughes, a Chief Inspiration Officer, and Joyce Mullen, the President and CEO of Insight. Join us as they share their invaluable nuggets on creating an environment where people can truly thrive.
In this episode, we explore:
Links mentioned:
Episode Part One with Devin Hughes
Episode Part Two with Devin Hughes
In today's special compilation episode, Dana and Rose delve into a pervasive and often unspoken challenge faced by leaders and professionals alike: Imposter Syndrome. They share insights from their personal experiences and highlight impactful moments from interviews with high-level leaders like Esther Han, Barbara Khouri, and Roly Acosta.
In this episode, we explore:
Links mentioned:
We're diving into Part 2 of our conversation with Barbara Khouri, a former retail executive and now an esteemed executive coach. Barbara offers invaluable insights into the essential roles of leadership and management, the necessity of clear workplace policies, and the challenges of remote work. We explore the impact on creativity, mental health, and the looming presence of AI in the workforce. Her powerful advice for leaders –"trust yourself" –is a key takeaway.
In this episode, we explore:
Links mentioned:
Barbara Khouri is an executive coach with a remarkable leadership background. We dive into Barbara’s unique path from her start as a biology major to leading Swatch during the Atlanta Olympics, and her transition into executive coaching.
Barbara shares her insights on empathy, accountability, and the importance of building "bone-deep" confidence. She reveals how she helps clients overcome imposter syndrome and develop a sustainable, people-centric leadership style.
In this episode, we explore:
Links mentioned:
We are super excited to continue our conversation with Chief Inspiration Officer Devin Hughes. Stay tuned as we explore how emotional trust, accountability, and a shift toward a more loving and nurturing work environment can fundamentally transform how we engage and succeed in our professional landscapes.
In this episode, we explore:
Links mentioned:
In today's first portion of our two-part series, we're joined by the inspiring Devin Hughes, who delves into his role as a Chief Inspiration Officer. He currently works with a number of startups and large global organizations setting up best practices for their people strategy. Devin is also a speaker, author, and culture expert with 20 years of experience in conflict resolution, generational differences, and culture change, he is the author of 21 books and has spoken in over 15 countries.
In this episode, we explore:
Links mentioned:
We're thrilled to have a very special guest with us – Joyce Mullen, the President and CEO of Insight, a Fortune 500 solutions integrator helping organizations accelerate their digital journey to modernize their business and maximize the value of technology. Join us as we uncover the practical, pragmatic, and profoundly human side of leadership.
In this episode, we explore:
Links mentioned:
‘Good To Great’ by Jim Collins
In this episode, we bring you part two of our engaging conversation with the remarkable Esther Han, the Vice President, and Chief Ventures Officer at Consumer Reports. We tackle the forefront of technological evolution in the workplace — how it challenges us, the adaptations it demands, and how leadership can pilot teams through the turbulence of change.
In this episode, we explore:
Links mentioned:
‘Zone to Win’ by Geoffrey Moore
A seasoned market research and data analytics leader, Esther Han joined Consumer Reports in January 2018. As Vice President, Chief Ventures Officer Esther leads the identification, development and execution of new business opportunities for CR’s growth.
In this first part of our two-part conversation, we delve into the fascinating world of innovation, nurturing it within legacy organizations, and how Consumer Reports approaches this with what they call the ‘Horizon Framework’ – encompassing three horizons of growth strategies.
In this episode, we explore:
Links mentioned:
‘Zone to Win’ by Geoffrey Moore
In part 2 of our interview with Roly Acosta, Roly shares his experiences as the president of the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association, addressing imposter syndrome, and the impact of the pandemic on his company's work model.
In this episode, we explore:
Links mentioned: