In this episode, Michael Turner shares his inspiring journey from a children's home to becoming a fractional CTO and Marine Corps veteran. He discusses how he met his wife during a mission trip in Honduras, and the unique life they lead, splitting their time between Tennessee and Honduras. The conversation delves into the importance of leadership and mentoring, with a specific focus on building systems like API for the brain to promote clarity, reduce stress, and enhance team communication. Turner introduces frameworks like the Five Voices and the Health Index to help employees grow both personally and professionally, emphasizing the power of genuine care in leadership. The episode also includes anecdotal experiences, including Turner's humorous kickball mishap, and offers actionable advice for tech leaders to foster human flourishing within their teams.

* Michael Turner on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-turner-11615515

* "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins - https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Hurt-Me-David-Goggins-audiobook/dp/B07KKP62FW?tag=sommardahl-20

* Website: https://www.miketurner.us/

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
01:18 Technical Setup and Initial Challenges
01:56 Meet Mike Turner: Leadership Journey
06:33 Impact of Marine Corps on Leadership
08:27 Books that Shape Leadership
10:51 Confession Time: Embarrassing Mistakes
12:16 The Kickball Incident
17:46 API for the Brain: Concept Introduction
20:27 Implementing the API Framework
22:04 Setting Professional Growth Plans
23:01 Using Trello Boards for Skill Improvement
25:38 The Five Voices Framework
26:42 Understanding Team Dynamics
31:26 Promoting Human Flourishing
36:20 Challenges in Implementing Frameworks
45:40 The Importance of Caring Leadership
47:52 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this podcast episode, tech leader Rachel Bland shares insights into fostering effective team communication and collaboration. Described as a 'Coordinator of Chaos,' Rachel emphasizes the importance of clear communication and teamwork in achieving results in software development. She explores the nuances between bugs and features and advocates for creating a culture where team members are encouraged to ask questions and engage in open dialogue. Rachel shares personal experiences and highlights the value of iterative problem-solving, vulnerability, and maintaining a balance between collaboration and focused work. Additionally, the episode delves into strategies for promoting human flourishing within tech teams, emphasizing the significance of transparency and empowering team members.

* Rachel Bland on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rkmbland/
* Dare to Lead by Brené Brown - https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Lead-Brave-Conversations-Hearts/dp/0399592520?tag=sommardahl-20

00:00 Introduction to Rachel Bland
00:20 Rachel's Journey into Tech
01:19 The Bug vs. Feature Debate
03:33 The Art of Team Communication
04:26 Impactful Reads and Personal Growth
06:03 Confession Time: Embarrassing Mistakes
08:50 Encouraging Team Conversations
18:32 Building a Culture of Open Communication
22:29 The Importance of Team Collaboration
24:53 Balancing Introversion and Teamwork
25:30 The Value of Iterative Development
26:39 Embracing Estimates and Communication
36:44 The Power of Feedback and Vulnerability
44:04 Innovative Problem Solving
47:47 Encouraging Creativity and Collaboration
50:46 Final Thoughts on Team Dynamics

In this episode, organizational development and executive coaching expert Jessica Katz delves into the concept of leading through consent. She explains this management style, which focuses on shifting from power over to power among, fostering a culture of autonomy, and ensuring psychological safety. Jessica shares her journey from IT to agile methodologies and the valuable lessons learned along the way, including the importance of effective communication, listening, and creating a non-retributive environment.
The discussion also highlights practical steps for leaders to start building a consent-driven culture and the challenges they may face. Throughout the conversation, various books and methodologies are referenced, providing listeners with additional resources for further exploration.

* Jessica L Katz on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeskatz/
* "Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind" by Geert HOFSTEDE - https://www.amazon.com/Cultures-Organizations-Software-Mind-Third/dp/0071664181?tag=sommardahl-20
* "Psychological Safety" by Dan Radecki and Leone Hall - https://www.amazon.com/Psychological-Safety-happy-high-performing-people/dp/1732159505?tag=sommardahl-20
* "Nonviolent Communication" by Marshall B. Rosenberg PhD - https://www.amazon.com/Nonviolent-Communication-Language-Life-Changing-Relationships/dp/189200528X?tag=sommardahl-20
* Website - https://www.poly-labor.com/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:33 Jessica's Background and Interests
01:41 Book Recommendations and Insights
03:58 Confession Time: Embarrassing Mistakes
07:15 Leading Through Consent: An Overview
13:52 The Importance of Psychological Safety
15:40 Struggling with Fairness and Esteem
16:25 The Importance of Trust and Belonging
17:15 Psychological Safety and Human Flourishing
18:09 Challenges Leaders Face in Consent-Based Cultures
23:24 Common Pitfalls and Practical Tips for Leaders
26:41 Real-Life Examples of Leading Through Consent
29:47 Practical Advice for Promoting Human Flourishing
32:51 Connecting with Jessica Kaz