Closing The Gap With Denise Cooper

What does it look like to lead with radical responsibility in your workplace? In this week's episode, Denise Cooper interviews certified High-Performance Coach, International Speaker and Author, Eva Medilek. Eva shares with us her take on how to have it all without sacrificing it all. Listen in to learn how you can solve the problem of burnout, stress and overwhelm through creating health, well-being and meaningful relationships. Hear from Eva herself on how to ask powerful questions that foster inclusive intelligence and true diverse collaboration. Keep up with Eva: https://www.evamedilek.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/evamedilek/ https://www.amazon.com/Intimacy-Race-Subconscious-Allyship-Privilege/dp/163790021X

What would it mean to achieve success without sacrificing a sense of authenticity? In this week's episode, an award-winning CEO and communications expert, Sabrina Horn shows how authentic leadership eliminates the need for the shortcuts that sabotage success. “Fake it till you make it” just doesn’t work—at least not long enough to build a sustainable business. In this episode, we will discuss strategies, frameworks, and mental maps to assist leaders in stepping up to the challenge of leading with integrity in the face of ambiguity. Check out Sabrina's new book: Make It, Don't Fake It: Leading with Authenticity for Real Business Success https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.sabrinahorn.com/book&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw3h-cOeaHhSoE-wVkqdBJmY (www.sabrinahorn.com/book)

Trust is the glue that holds teams, organizations, and our workplace cultures together. Tune in for this week's episode to hear a futurist's view on what do you do when you don't know what to do. How do we move past our baggage around change? How do we get out of the "blame game" cycles with our employees, and truly understand them as people? Our guest on this episode, April Rinne is a “change navigator,” speaker, investor, and adventurer whose work and travels in more than 100 countries have given her a front-row seat to a world in flux. She is one of the 50 leading female futurists in the world, a Harvard Law School graduate, a Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum, and a Fulbright Scholar. Be sure to follow April's work at the links below: https://fluxmindset.com/ FLUX: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change https://www.amazon.com/Flux-Superpowers-Thriving-Constant-Change/dp/1523093595

How well do you know your own values? If we don't know what's most important to us, how will we ever find ourselves taking part in an aligned team or organization? In this episode, writer, coach, and speaker, Karen Ann Bulluck talks to us about why it is not enough to know your own values. You have to communicate them to your teams and the people around you. When we start to have necessary conversations about who we are and what matters to us, it allows us to lead from a place of alignment. It also invites others to show up as their whole selves so they can lead and work with courage, calm, and clarity. Did you like what you heard? Didn't like what you heard? Either way, this made you think. Send me an email at Denise.cooper@rllessons.com if you'd like to connect and I will get back to you! Keep up with Karen at the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenannbulluck/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenannbulluck Website: www.higherselfsolutions.com Read her book, Ascending Ladders avail

Do you want better performance in the workplace? Learn how to give and receive better feedback. A strong work culture cultivates open communication and honest feedback so leaders can thrive. In this week's episode, I interview author & publisher, Meredith Bell. In this interview, she shares with us the importance of safety and trust in the workplace. She gives us the secrets to communication that empower others to make challenging decisions on their own. Did you like what you heard? Didn't like what you heard? Either way, this made you think. Send me an email at Denise.cooper@rllessons.com if you'd like to connect and I will get back to you! Keep up with Meredith below: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmbell Twitter: https://twitter.com/meredithmbell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeredithMBell Connect with Your Team (book): https://amzn.to/3jL0pEI Strong for Performance Podcast: https://growstrongleaders.com/podcasts/ Free ebook, Listen Like a Pro: https://growstrongleaders.com/free/

Have you ever wondered how to get more buy-in for your ideas? Do you have trouble leveraging data in meaningful ways? Storytelling is your missing ingredient. In this week's episode, I interview Melissa Reaves, a professional and award-winning storyteller and a storytelling coach to executives. Her sales and marketing background includes more than 20 years in technology enterprise sales, as well as countless stage credits as a professional actor/improviser. This combination of sales, marketing, acting, writing, directing and producing storytelling shows, ultimately led her to found Story Fruition to help others find and tell their stories--with impact. Learn about the power of storytelling, and how it can take you from analysis to action in a matter of moments. Keep up with Melissa below: https://storyfruition.com/about-story-fruition https://www.instagram.com/story_fruition/ https://twitter.com/StoryFruition https://www.linkedin.com/company/story-fruition/

Alexa Greer and Taylor Beaven are two twenty-somethings who support me at Remarkable Leadership Lessons. Unfortunately, too many underestimate those labeled as Generation Z. Here they talk about common misconceptions of people their age, their opinions on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) that affect their generation, and why companies need to pay attention to what matters to the next generation of customers, employees and employers. Are we destined to repeat the shortcomings of the past, or can we learn to recognize that generational gaps aren't all they're made out to be?

What is an accomplice in the workplace? And why should you aim to become one? In today's episode, Dr. Akilah Cadet walks listeners through the process of becoming an accomplice in the workplace. Dr. Cadet dismantles white supremacy daily as the Founder and CEO of Change Cadet consulting firm which offers a broad array of anti-racism and diversity services including strategic planning, crisis rebuilding, advising, executive coaching, and facilitation. Dr. Cadet shows off the power of our words with a series easily understood metaphors and stories surrounding anti-racism work. Keep up with Change Cadet at: https://www.changecadet.com/ (https://www.changecadet.com/) https://www.changecadet.com/podcast (https://www.changecadet.com/podcast) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changecadet/ (https://www.instagram.com/changecadet/) (@changecadet) Twitter: https://twitter.com/changecadet?lang=en (https://twitter.com/changecadet?lang=en) (@changecadet) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/changecadet (https://www.face

Top research and many organization say feedback is essential. However, if your company focuses on developing talent, women often don't get the feedback or the assignments that prepare them for senior leadership roles. Financial literacy is key to an executive's success, yet it is often missing in leadership development programs. Jo Ousterhout, CEO of Accmen8, answers the question, "what does it mean to be financially fit? The answer "money doesn't stop you from living your priorities?  Keep up with Jo here: https://acumen8.co/ (https://acumen8.co/) https://www.instagram.com/acumen8_money/ (https://www.instagram.com/acumen8_money/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/joousterhout/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joousterhout/) Check out our Patreon at www.patreon.com/denisecooper

Join us for this week's episode featuring our guest Gerry Valentine. Gerry Valentine inspires people to build resilience, overcome setbacks, and understand that adversity can be a source of opportunity. Gerry’s an executive coach and public speaker, and author of an exciting new book, “The Thriving Mindset—Tools for Empowerment in a Disruptive World”   With 27+ years of Fortune 100 leadership experience, he is a trusted advisor to corporate executives, entrepreneurs, change makers, and high-performance individuals of all kinds. Gerry is a TEDx speaker and a contributor to Forbes.com. He has lectured on executive leadership at Columbia University, Baruch College, and Colorado State University. Gerry earned a BS from Cornell University and an MBA from New York University. Check out Gerry's Book: The Thriving Mindset–Tools for Empowerment In a Disruptive World here: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://gerryvalentine.com/book/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw36FGEWtoJRRA63RuLMxp7

In this week's episode we will be taking a deep dive into wellness in the workplace and why YOU own DEI in the workplace, not HR. Vivian Acquah walks us through her take on the most relevant challenges to well-being in the workplace in this inspiring episode. As an inclusive Workplace Wellness Advocate, Vivian Acquah advises managers on how to keep their team members engaged, energized, and safe in a sustainable manner. Vivian Acquah is making topics related to workplace wellness & DEI accessible to everyone. She provides people with the right tools, at the right time, to embrace inclusive changes. Vivian motivates people to think consciously and inspires them to take action. If you like what you heard today please give us a rating on your preferred podcasting platform. Be sure to check out the DEI Summit taking place from September 27 - September 29. Learn more here: https://lead21.amplifydei.com/

Season 4 is about to launch. Denise Cooper, host of Closing the Gap talks about the personal lessons she's learned while ascending the corporate ladder. They include Be clear on the Goal, Activate and inspire through storytelling and Turning potential into performance. Do you remember when you realized you were a leader? This is the one question you should ask and hear how it shapes your views. Finally, Denise answers a question from a listener and lets you know how you can get your questions answered too.

In this week's episode, we will be revisiting a fan-favorite episode with Laura Fredricks. Ever wonder why some people can ask for something and get it while others struggle? What if there's a formula that could improve your odds of getting a raise, increasing donor giving, or getting a promotion or job? Laura Fredricks, based in New York City, is the Billion-Dollar ASK-Maker Powerhouse. As an attorney-turned-philanthropic advisor, Laura Fredricks knows how to ask. She comes from a seasoned career in industries best known for making the most high-profile asks—law and philanthropy—and is the first to merge strategies from both professional sectors into a mainstream practice – THE ASK©.

In this week's episode we are revisiting an interview with Carla Carlisle, Mental Health Champion, Author & Speaker. When we talk about work/life balance seems like employees are expected to get it right and managers have little to do. What would be different if we recognized we live integrated lives? There's no leaving our personal life at the door. What kind of workplace is needed to achieve high performance and support the needs of high performing employees. My guest Carla Carlisle shares a very intimate story of her journey to find work life integration for herself and her team. Be sure to check out her upcoming book for children coping with the emotional stresses of adoption, My Big Notebook: It's About Me with a Little Help from my Friend JC. Preorders open soon at carlaacarlisle.com

Nathaniel “Nat” Alston has a successful track record of success by handling subtle but offensive comments, actions and stereotypes that keep us from achieving executive levels. Our conversation is filled with practical suggestions for black Americans to develop mental awareness, a psychological game plan, and an increased level of business savvy in order to negotiate the minefield of the white work world. Listen to get at least 4 things you can do to do to stay on career track. Included are commonsense scenarios and real-life solutions that will help every marginalized person handle gutless bosses, overbearing and hateful colleagues or being the only minority or women in an all-white workplace. Got questions, contact me at info1@rllessons com If you like what you’ve heard, share it. If not, comment below and share.

During this week's episode, we are revisiting the 3 biggest life lessons our guest Robert Gerst has learned throughout his life. Robert “Bob” Gerst has been a senior executive for over 25 years and an adjunct professor for about as long. In this podcast, he shares his guiding principles and how he used them to stay at the top of his game, even as if life. Robert “Bob” Gerst is currently the VP, Human Resources at John I. Haas. Bob grew up on an Iowa farm and, over his life, has traveled the world. From the data-rich world of Las Vegas gaming to one of the world’s leading real estate enterprises Jones Lang LaSalle to brewing beer and teaching new leaders what it means to be a principle led person, Bob tells a wonderful story of his life, lessons learned, and the 3 questions everyone must answer if you want a successful career.

Every single one of us makes our decisions based on the emotions behind them. Even the most analytical of us. This is because it happens on a subconscious level. In fact, most people cannot name the emotion they're experiencing in the moment or tell you why they're experiencing it. On this episode, Emotional Intelligence Coach, Noble Gibbens will share what you can do. Don't let the big beard & tattoos fool you - Noble is pure positive energy & passion! He brings 23 years' experience as an entrepreneur and international keynote speaker to help corporate clients, entrepreneurs, leaders & influencers get their emotions working for them, not against them. Noble's Site www.eqforentrepreneurs.com Noble's Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eq-for-entrepreneurs/id1497445408

As we return to work after a year-long quarantine, leaders, employees, and HR professionals are finding it's not business as usual. So much was lost for so many. Too many leaders haven't been taught how to deal with grief in the workplace. What boundaries and expectations should we have for how people handle and express grief? What if you're struggling with being with co-workers who are in a depression because they lost someone near and dear to them. We all tend to hold on to grief. It’s awkward and uncomfortable to talk about. We feel like we might be judged especially if we tell other people how much we are hurting because of our losses. Kevin Ringstaff, Founder and CEO of and Grieving@Work, spent my days talking and grief and educating people on supporting friends, family, and co-workers through their grief. Listen in as Kevin, and I offer insights and solutions to help you respond in a supportive way. You can reach Kevin at HTTP://www.grievingatwork.com/

Do you consider yourself a high achiever? Do you manage high achievers? High achievers - those who are always striving for perfection versus excellence - are motivated differently and if you're not aware of their differences you can burn them out. Surprisingly, most people believe they are high achievers because they work hard. However, hard work doesn't always equal a high achievement. Terry McDougall is an Executive and Career Coach and author of Winning the Game of Work: Career Happiness and Success on Your Own Terms. She works with high-achieving business owners and professionals who are "successful but not satisfied" to help them increase the overlap between their professional success and personal happiness. Terry's research indicates high achievers are paying a high price for their "success" in terms of stress, burnout, health, and relationship problems. Learn what you can do to avoid burning up and burning out at work.

The role of CEO (and CHRO) are probably the two loneliest positions in a company. Both roles rarely have someone they can share their concerns with and explore transforming a business or culture without stirring things up. My guest today Dave Molenda is a self-made man who faced a serious downturn in his business. To survive, he had to convince his employees to embrace the business transformation. What he built was a new community both inside and with his customers. In this episode, listen as he shares how he did it and learned from that experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices (megaphone.fm/adchoices)