Change can be welcomed or not, self-imposed, or imposed by another, yet people always experience an emotional process of transition. My two guests, Sonji Jacobs and Chris Sizemore, managing partners of INCISIVE, approached their transition with eyes wide open, ready to adapt and learn, with my support as their coach. They demonstrate that the transition process can be rewarding, enlightening, and even fun, if you choose to make it so. The experience they share about using assessments and coaching is tremendously insightful for any leader. Whether you are transitioning into a new role, a new company, or even just thinking about it, you can learn a lot from their approach. You will love watching their partnership dynamics and will gain perspective. What a fun podcast to host!

I had the opportunity to preview a new book by Dr. Damian Goldvarg, "Lead with a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential", which was released on September 2nd, 2025. Dr. Goldvarg, Ph.D., is not only an author but also an internationally accredited and well-known expert in leadership, with thirty years of experience in the fields of leadership coaching, training, and research. He lectures and studies around the world on the topic. In addition to book preview, I jumped at the opportunity to sit down and talk with Dr. Goldvarg about the book and discuss why some organizational cultures reinforce a leadership style of "command and control,” vs. a coaching style that Dr. Goldvarg (and I!) advocate. This is an especially timely subject as Gallup's 2025 "State of the Global Workplace" report recently highlighted concerning findings about employee as well as leadership engagement.

Andrea dives into what emotional intelligence is and why leaders need to keep expanding and developing their EQ in this four-part series. In part four, Andrea focuses on building stronger relationships with intentional effort and expanding your comfort zone.




https://youtu.be/Zo34LloFlbY

Andrea dives into what emotional intelligence is and why leaders need to keep expanding and developing their EQ in this four-part series. In part three, Andrea focuses on reading others, shifting our attention outward and the different levels of listening.




https://youtu.be/H2WbMOpqrsw

Andrea dives into what emotional intelligence is and why leaders need to keep expanding and developing their EQ in this four-part series. In part two, Andrea focuses on self-management of our emotions and giving ourselves a "split-second space" to get centered.




https://youtu.be/jNLzR2-qLpY

Andrea dives into what emotional intelligence is and why leaders need to keep expanding and developing their EQ in this four-part series. In part one, Andrea focuses on self-awareness and getting into tune with your emotions.








https://youtu.be/QQ9mbILnfEY

I had the opportunity to sit down with my longtime colleague and friend, Randy Hain, and his business partner, Brandon Smith, to discuss leadership courage and findings in my What Leaders Need Now Leadership Assessment. They asked some thought-provoking questions and provided me with the opportunity to explain why courage in the workplace is so important for leaders today.




https://youtu.be/CIcSpCjjwEw

What do grief and rumination have to do with leadership courage? More than you may think. Recently I had the opportunity to discuss these and other topics as they pertain to acknowledging reality, which I posit is a behavior of leadership courage, with my long-time colleagues, Laura Roccaforte and Sheppard Lake. With so much change in almost every organization, acknowledgment is a process that you, as a leader, must not only go through personally, but lead through. Laura and Sheppard have sage advice on recognizing your "present" state and beginning the process of courageously helping those you lead accept change.

A few months ago a previous podcast guest recommended a book to me and suggested I talk to the author. Thank you, Dr. Cascario! Psychology researcher and author, Tania Luna, wrote a very special book on power, Lead Together: Stop Squirreling Away Power and Build a Better Team. Her approach to the bold topic of power within teams was fascinating and unexpected. As I said in my podcast, "Her book will draw you in, make you smile, and, possibly, even make you laugh out loud. But make no mistake, the insights are profound!" Her "story" needs to be shared far and wide and will encourage you to "stop hoarding your nuts" and share your leadership power with others.

I once again had the pleasure of hosting my good friend and fellow executive coach, Randy Hain, as my guest on the What Leaders Need Now podcast. We discussed Randy's newest book, Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader, which is Randy’s 11th book! I’m always amazed at how Randy runs his own business as a full-time executive coach, works as a partner in the Leadership Foundry, is involved in numerous non-profits, speaks regularly at colleges, AND writes books. How does he do it? The short answer: He is very thoughtful about where he spends his time, and what brings him joy. This short, 23-minute episode has numerous takeaways, and one I especially like is that the key to becoming a more thoughtful, reflective leader is to “be thoughtful about your own growth and development, then take what you’ve learned and go teach someone else.” Great advice as you begin reflecting on your year and looking ahead.

I had the incredible opportunity to meet and interview Dr. Tiziana Casciaro, who co-wrote a book entitled "Power, for All: How it Works and Why It's Everyone's Business." It is a page-turner! I was so excited when she agreed to be a guest on my podcast series to explain how power is one of the most misunderstood concepts. As professional leaders, we must understand and use our power to have positive impact and influence, inviting others in through empathy, humility and, well, empowerment. I loved Tiziana's response to my question about "speaking truth to power," topic clients often raise. Enjoy and learn!

I had the opportunity to attend a thought provoking webinar, so I asked the hosts, Taryn Laasko and Cynthia Gene, to join me on my next podcast. The discussion centered around topics such as burnout (which I'm keenly interested in), our personal "seasons", and our expectations for performance.

Change is hard. Sometimes it feels impossible to change our behaviors, no matter how simple or monumental they might be. Why is that? Dr. Maja Djikic, professor and author of The Possible Self, explains the science behind why we fail and what key ingredients we're missing for sustainable change to occur. And it's not just about setting goals or having tremendous willpower. Yet, it can be done if you truly WANT it. Super fascinating!

Have you ever considered working with an executive coach, but weren’t sure if it would be right for you? Andrea talks with Virginia Neiswender, Associate General Counsel at Cox Enterprises, and David Clapp, Managing Partner of CarterBaldwin Executive Search, about why they started working with a coach, how they selected theirs, and the benefits they gained from it. They also discuss the difference between a mentor and an executive coach and why they are both so valuable in your career. These executive leaders will provide you with their personal insights so that you make an informed decision whether or not executive coaching can help in your career journey.

Often you get advice from people who haven’t actually “done it.” Not this time. Janet Barnard, former C-suite leader, who came up from the ranks to help lead a $3.5B business and was the first female in many of her roles, talks with me about courageous leadership. Her thoughtful and spot-on advice to leaders at any level shouldn’t be missed. Janet discusses her journey, what she learned along the way, and says, “You can do more than you think you can by changing your self-talk.” Believe it!



"In terms of getting results, relationships mean everything," was just one of the benefits Carol Horner sees with team and self-assessments. As a 20-year Everything DiSC partner, Carol knows a thing or two about the immense value this assessment can bring in building foundations and trust within a team. She shares how adapting and creating "win-wins" through understanding yourself and your teammates has a huge impact on taking your team to the next level.

What Leaders Need Now co-founder, Andrea Chilcote, has a very personal and courageous discussion with former executive and now leadership coach, Dianne Earley, on authenticity. Dianne brings forth some of her experiences and learnings to the benefit of others and provides insight into why authentic leaders and cultures are a requirement to stay competitive in today’s business world. Dianne’s very real stories will make you ask yourself “why not?” and cause you to rethink compassion in the workplace.

Leadership expert Andrea Chilcote talks with her good friend and colleague, Randy Hain, of Serviam Partners about the power of reflection for today's leaders. Both authors have written extensively about this key practice and its ability to guide leaders in their day-to-day actions. Learn about time thieves and how consuming data has changed our reflective practices. Randy also discusses the importance of "savoring the moments" and being present.

WLNN co-host Laura Roccaforte is joined by special guest Scott Focht of the Omaha Public Power District and together they discuss courage in the workplace. Scott shares how he developed his leadership courage through the power of yes and calming the chaos by listening to the orchestra of compassion, courage and humility & dancing to that music.

Leadership expert Andrea Chilcote talks with Dr. Todd Strumwasser, anesthesiologist, health system executive, and former President of the Northern California Division of CommonSpirit Health, the second largest non-profit hospital chain in the US. Andrea and Dr. Strumwasser discuss his leadership journey from operating room to senior executive, and how humility plays a critical role in effective leadership. Ego-strength is not what you think it is; it’s about being open-minded with stakeholders during the decision-making process, and admitting when you’ve made a mistake.