Épisodes

  • Leadership Lessons — Integrity, Connection, and Conflict Resolution | The Leadership Toolkit | Guest: Karl Pister

    Leadership Lessons — Integrity, Connection, and Conflict Resolution | The Leadership Toolkit | Guest: Karl Pister
    Aug 21 2025

    In this episode of The Leadership Toolkit, host Mike Phillips sits down with Karl Pister, founder and president of The Coaching Group Inc., to unpack more than three decades of leadership wisdom.

    Karl brings a powerful blend of experience—two master’s degrees in behavioral sciences, 10 years in a Fortune 100 company, and 30+ years as an entrepreneur and leadership coach. His work has impacted leaders across industries by focusing on emotional intelligence, authentic connection, and conflict leadership.


    In this conversation, you’ll discover:

    • Why being early sets the tone for great leadership

    • How caring, listening, and integrity are the foundation of trust

    • Practical steps to resolve conflict without “playing the principal”

    • Why even the best leaders need coaches and mentors

    • How to model the leadership values you want your team to embody


    If you’re looking to grow as a leader who inspires trust, resolves challenges, and leads with purpose, this episode is packed with actionable insights.


    Contact Information:

    Karl Pister

    Website: https://www.coachinggroupinc.com/

    LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/KarlPister


    Mike Phillips

    Email: mike@TheLeadshipToolkit.com

    LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam

    Twitter: @LeadershipTLT

    YouTube: YouTube.com/@MikePhillips


    Credits:

    Hosted by Mike Phillips

    Produced by The Leadership Toolkit Team

    Guest: Karl Pister


    Watch more episodes of The Leadership Toolkit at https://spotify.TheLeadershipToolkit.com

    If you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a 5-star review!
    Make sure you share this as a resource with friends and colleagues.

    Thank you for watching and listening!


    Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this show are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, producers, or any affiliated parties. The host and production team make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed by guests on the show. Listener discretion is advised.


    Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links listed go to my websites and some are affiliate links that may generate me a sales commission if you make a purchase.
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    58 min
  • Destroy Distractions & Lead from Your True Center | The Leadership Toolkit with Christian F Johnson

    Destroy Distractions & Lead from Your True Center | The Leadership Toolkit with Christian F Johnson
    Aug 13 2025
    In this powerful episode of The Leadership Toolkit, host Mike Phillips sits down with Christian F Johnson best-selling author, speaker, and Presence-Centered Leadership Coach, to uncover how leaders can eliminate distractions, reconnect with their authentic voice, and lead from their IT, that divine inner tugging that aligns purpose and action.Christian shares the life-changing feedback that shifted his leadership forever, breaks down his proven RINSE Method for regaining focus, and reveals how passion not only reveals your purpose but fuels it. From his personal morning routine rooted in gratitude to strategies for aligning the leader behind the brand, this conversation is packed with tools for spiritually-minded, high-achieving leaders who want more influence, impact, and income without losing themselves in the process.🧰 Tools of the Trade: Top Takeaways You Can Use1. Honest Feedback is a Gift, Even When It Hurts: Christian’s pivotal moment came from someone telling him he was “speaking, but not from his authentic voice.” While it was hard to hear at first, he chose to receive it, reflect, and act. Leaders should surround themselves with people willing to share truth, not just praise.2. Temporary Withdrawal Can Create Long-Term Clarity: Christian intentionally stepped away from social media to eliminate distractions, focus inward, and realign. Stepping back doesn’t mean retreating forever — it’s a strategic pause to create traction and take action.3. Use the RINSE Method to Recenter Your Leadership: Recognize distractions, Identify your authentic assignment, Neutralize what pulls you off course, Strengthen your alignment, and Execute with focused action. This framework keeps leaders aligned with purpose and less reactive to noise.4. Passion Reveals (and Fuels) Purpose:Your true passion may show up as excitement or frustration. Paying attention to what lights you up — or what deeply bothers you — can reveal where your leadership is meant to make an impact.5. Begin Each Day with Intentional Alignment: Christian starts with gratitude, releases what no longer serves him, and focuses on a single guiding word for the day. Leaders who start intentionally set the tone for more aligned, effective decisions throughout the day.Whether you lead a team, run a business, or are simply committed to personal growth, you’ll walk away with practical insights to help you lead from the inside out.Contact Information:Christian F JohnsonWebsite: https://iamchristianfjohnson.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/iamchristianfjohnsonPodcast: Presence-Centered Podcast on YouTube & all major platformsMike PhillipsEmail: mike@TheLeadershipToolkit.comLinkedIn: https://Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeamTwitter: @LeadershipTLTYouTube: https://YouTube.com/@MikePhillipsCredits:Hosted by Mike PhillipsProduced by The Leadership Toolkit TeamGuest: Christian F JohnsonWatch more episodes of The Leadership Toolkit at https://spotify.TheLeadershipToolkit.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a 5-star review!Make sure you share this as a resource with friends and colleagues.Thank you for watching and listening!Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this show are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, producers, or any affiliated parties. The host and production team make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed by guests on the show. Listener discretion is advised.Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links listed go to my websites and some are affiliate links that may generate me a sales commission if you make a purchase.
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    53 min
  • Lead With Intent: Authentic Leadership with Amy Pechacek | The Leadership Toolkit

    Lead With Intent: Authentic Leadership with Amy Pechacek | The Leadership Toolkit
    Aug 6 2025

    In this powerful episode of The Leadership Toolkit, host Mike Phillips sits down with Amy Pechacek. She is a keynote speaker, leadership expert, and founder of Alpstra & Co. They have a raw and transformative conversation on authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, and leading a life aligned with purpose.


    Amy shares her journey from the classroom to corporate boardrooms and reveals how a life-altering tragedy became the catalyst for building a leadership philosophy rooted in vulnerability, resilience, and faith. She unpacks the difference between toxic and empowering leadership, the importance of knowing yourself, and why being real — not perfect — is the key to influence.


    🎯 Tools of the Trade: Top Takeaways You Can Use:

    • Align your personal and professional life — you only get one.

    • Authenticity means being vulnerable, not using “truth” to excuse bad behavior.

    • Great leaders empower others through belief and coaching.

    • Self-awareness is critical as you rise in leadership.

    • Feedback is a gift — try it on, keep what fits, discard the rest.


    Whether you're leading a team, a company, or just yourself — this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead with greater clarity and intention.


    Contact Information:
    Amy Pechacek

    Email: amy@alpstra.com

    Links: LinkedIn.com/in/AmyPechacek


    Mike Phillips

    Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠mike@TheLeadershipToolkit.com

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Twitter: ⁠⁠@LeadershipTLT⁠

    YouTube: ⁠YouTube.com/@MikePhillips


    Credits:

    Hosted by Mike Phillips

    Produced by The Leadership Toolkit Team

    Guest: Amy Pechacek


    🎧 Watch more episodes of The Leadership Toolkit at:
    https://spotify.TheLeadershipToolkit.com

    ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a 5-star review!


    📤 Share this with friends and colleagues who are ready to level up their leadership.


    Thank you for watching and listening!


    Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this show are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, producers, or any affiliated parties. The host and production team make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed by guests on the show. Listener discretion is advised.


    Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links listed go to my websites and some are affiliate links that may generate me a sales commission if you make a purchase.
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    55 min
  • Breaking the Isolation: Leadership Growth with Jeff Oak | The Leadership Toolkit

    Breaking the Isolation: Leadership Growth with Jeff Oak | The Leadership Toolkit
    Jul 30 2025

    In this insightful episode of The Leadership Toolkit, host Mike Phillips welcomes leadership expert and executive coach Jeff Oak. With over 35 years of experience leading business turnarounds, mergers, and growth strategies, Jeff shares the real-life struggles leaders face... and... how to overcome them.


    From feelings of isolation and imposter syndrome to managing personal “slippage,” Jeff outlines four core challenges that leaders at every level encounter. He breaks down Vistage’s unique coaching model, the power of peer advisory groups, and why coaching the person—not just the business—is critical for lasting growth.


    Jeff also explains how vulnerability builds trust and unlocks leadership potential, and why the best leaders are humble, hungry, and smart. Whether you're leading a startup or a Fortune 500 team, this episode is filled with tactical insight, emotional intelligence, and authentic stories from the front lines of leadership.


    5 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

    • Leadership doesn't have to be lonely—peer groups create support and connection.

    • Isolation, imposter syndrome, and self-doubt are common leadership challenges.

    • Coaching the individual is more impactful than coaching the business alone.

    • Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the foundation of trust and growth.

    • Humility is the #1 trait of great leaders, followed closely by hunger and people smarts.


    Get ready for a conversation that’s honest, powerful, and packed with tools to help you lead with greater clarity, confidence, and connection.


    Contact Information:

    GUEST – Jeff Oak

    Email: Jeff.Oak@vistagechair.com

    LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin.com/in/JeffOak

    Vistage: https://Vistage.com

    Jeff's Site: ⁠⁠https://JeffOak.com⁠⁠


    Mike Phillips
    Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠mike@TheLeadershipToolkit.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

    LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Twitter: ⁠⁠@LeadershipTLT⁠

    YouTube: ⁠YouTube.com/@MikePhillips


    Credits:

    Hosted by Mike Phillips

    Produced by The Leadership Toolkit Team

    Guest: Jeff Oak, 35 year leadership expert


    🎧 Watch more episodes of The Leadership Toolkit at https://spotify.TheLeadershipToolkit.com


    If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a 5-star review!


    Make sure you share this as a resource with friends and colleagues.


    Thank you for watching and listening!


    Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this show are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, producers, or any affiliated parties. The host and production team make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed by guests on the show. Listener discretion is advised.


    Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links listed go to my websites and some are affiliate links that may generate me a sales commission if you make a purchase.
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    1 h et 3 min
  • Clarity, Grit, and Kilimanjaro: Leading with Purpose featuring John Donnelly | The Leadership Toolkit

    Clarity, Grit, and Kilimanjaro: Leading with Purpose featuring John Donnelly | The Leadership Toolkit
    Jul 24 2025

    In this powerful episode of The Leadership Toolkit, host Mike Phillips sits down with John Donnelly, Executive Director at Service First Mortgage Company (SFMC) and a high-performance sales leader known for building elite mortgage teams with clarity, trust, and consistent execution.


    John shares his incredible leadership journey — from weathering economic headwinds in the mortgage industry to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro as a personal mission of reinvention. Learn how returning to the basics, staying teachable, and leading with intention can fuel both personal growth and professional success.


    🧰 Tools of the Trade: Top Takeaways You Can Use

    ✅ Going back to the basics: why human connection still wins

    ✅ Engagement over activity: using social media with purpose

    ✅ Why staying teachable keeps leaders relevant

    ✅ How to protect your time and build high-value relationships

    ✅ “You lose inspiration if you wait” — the power of taking action and setting audacious goals


    Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or climbing your own personal mountain, this episode is packed with practical insights and leadership fire you don’t want to miss!


    Contact Information:
    John Donnelly

    Email: JDonnelly@sfmc.com

    Linkedin: Linkedin.com/in/TheJohnDonnelly

    Web: https://sfmc.com/playbig


    Mike Phillips

    Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠mike@TheLeadershipToolkit.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

    LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Twitter: ⁠⁠@LeadershipTLT⁠

    YouTube: ⁠YouTube.com/@MikePhillips


    Credits:

    Hosted by Mike Phillips

    Produced by The Leadership Toolkit Team

    Guest: John Donnelly, High-Performance Sales Leader, Mortgage Lender, and Kilimanjaro Conqueror


    Watch more episodes of The Leadership Toolkit at: https://spotify.TheLeadershipToolkit.com


    If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a 5-star review!


    Make sure to share this as a resource with friends and colleagues.


    Thank you for watching and listening!


    Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this show are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, producers, or any affiliated parties. The host and production team make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed by guests on the show. Listener discretion is advised.


    Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links listed go to my websites and some are affiliate links that may generate me a sales commission if you make a purchase.
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    53 min
  • Leadership Secrets for Growing Your Potential | Guest: Nicolai Nielsen

    Leadership Secrets for Growing Your Potential | Guest: Nicolai Nielsen
    Jul 16 2025
    Welcome to The Leadership Toolkit with Mike Phillips, where this week’s guest is Nikolai Nielsen, founder of Potential Academy. Join us as we explore leadership growth, the importance of bringing others along in your journey, and Nikolai's fascinating background in consulting and personal development. With insights drawn from his experience across the globe, Nikolai shares his philosophy on education, inspiration, and the essential skills for effective leadership today.One of the standout themes of the discussion was the importance of being an "evolved human." According to Nikolai, effective leadership starts with qualities that transcend industries and roles:🔵 Self-awareness: Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and values.🔵 Humility: Being open to feedback and willing to adapt.🔵 Compassion: Building meaningful connections with those you lead.🔵 Active listening: Truly hearing others to foster trust and collaboration.🧰 Tools of the Trade: Top Takeaways You Can Use1️⃣ Embrace Self-Awareness: Evolving as a leader means recognizing one’s own strengths and weaknesses. Gamify your personal development—do something small today that leads to growth in a week.2️⃣ Value Feedback: Implement 360-degree assessments to learn about your leadership style and not just on an annual basis. More frequent input can help steer your course in the right direction.3️⃣ Be Bold: Allow yourself to dare big dreams. Reflect on where you wish to be in the next three years and align that with the vision for your team or organization.4️⃣ Cultivate a Feedback Culture: Instilling a responsive feedback system leads to engaged employees and keeps the organization aligned with market demands creating rolling visions of a successful future.5️⃣ Prioritize Human Connection: People-centric leadership forms the cornerstone for designing friendly work experiences. Nurturing an environment where people can grow together translates into improved group synergy.Explore how you can elevate your leadership skills and personal development journey with Potential Academy's courses. Don't wait—visit their website to learn more and get started on your path to becoming a more effective leader today!Contact Information:Nicolai NielsenLinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/NicolaiCN/Web: Potential Academy Mike PhillipsEmail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠mike@TheLeadshipToolkit.com⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter: ⁠⁠@LeadershipTLT⁠YouTube: ⁠YouTube.com/@MikePhillipsCredits:Hosted by Mike PhillipsProduced by The Leadership Toolkit TeamGuest: Nikolai Nielsen, Founder of Potential Academy and leadership expert.Watch more episodes of the Leadership Toolkit at https://spotify.TheLeadershipToolkit.comIf you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a 5-star review!Make sure you share this as a resource with friends and colleagues. Thank you for watching and listening!* Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this show are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, producers, or any affiliated parties. The host and production team make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed by guests on the show. Listener discretion is advised.*** Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links listed go to my websites and some are affiliate links that may generate me a sales commission if you make a purchase.
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    52 min
  • 5 Leadership Practices You Can Start Today! | The Leadership Toolkit hosted by Mike Phillips

    5 Leadership Practices You Can Start Today! | The Leadership Toolkit hosted by Mike Phillips
    Jul 9 2025

    Welcome to another powerful episode of the Leadership Toolkit! In today's show, Mike unpacks five actionable practices that can elevate your leadership skills immediately. Drawing from over 100 interviews with successful leaders across various industries, this episode is packed with insights to help you lead with intentionality, build trust through empathy, and create a supportive environment for your team. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, tune in for practical advice that can transform your leadership style!


    🧰 Tools of the Trade: Top Takeaways You Can Use

    1️⃣ Foster Intentionality: Spend five minutes every morning identifying your goals for the day, it sets the tone for intentional action.

    2️⃣ Deepen Empathy: Engage actively by asking meaningful questions and listening deeply to foster trust.

    3️⃣ Recognition Matters: Commit to providing specific and genuine praise to elevate team morale and productivity.

    4️⃣ Inquire Before Advising: Cultivate critical thinking skills in your team with clarifying questions before jumping into solutions.

    5️⃣ Own The Mirror Moment: Run through reflective questions to sharpen your self-awareness and prepare for better decisions in the future.


    Resources Mentioned:

    - The Leadership Toolkit Blog: [Link]

    - Recommended Leadership Books: [Link]


    Call to Action:

    Help the Leadership Toolkit grow by leaving a thumbs-up wherever you listen! Share this episode with someone who is looking to enhance their leadership skills or now needs a little motivation. You can impact someone's journey today!


    Mike Phillips

    Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠mike@TheLeadshipToolkit.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

    LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Twitter: ⁠⁠@LeadershipTLT⁠

    YouTube: ⁠YouTube.com/@MikePhillips


    Credits:

    Hosted by Mike Phillips

    Produced by The Leadership Toolkit Team


    Watch more episodes of the Leadership Toolkit at https://spotify.TheLeadershipToolkit.com


    If you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a 5-star review!


    Make sure you share this as a resource with friends and colleagues.

    Thank you for watching and listening!


    * Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this show are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, producers, or any affiliated parties. The host and production team make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed by guests on the show. Listener discretion is advised.


    *** Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links listed go to my websites and some are affiliate links that may generate me a sales commission if you make a purchase.
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    27 min
  • Break Free from Fire Drill Culture | The Leadership Toolkit | Guest: Brad Englert

    Break Free from Fire Drill Culture | The Leadership Toolkit | Guest: Brad Englert
    Jul 2 2025
    Welcome to another awesome episode of The Leadership Toolkit! Today, we're thrilled to have Brad Englert, a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience in management and consulting, share his journey and insights. From his early days at Accenture to transforming IT at the University of Texas, Brad discusses the importance of strategic planning, creating a proactive culture, and building genuine relationships in leadership. Tune in to learn how to elevate your leadership game and foster a successful environment for your team.🧰 Tools of the Trade: Top Takeaways You Can Use1️⃣ Stop patching and start planning: Develop a clear strategy, involve stakeholders, and follow through with a realistic budget.2️⃣ Build relationships intentionally: Focus on the people and connections that matter most to your success.3️⃣ Lead with humility and authenticity: Whether it’s apologizing for mistakes or supporting your team’s growth, show that you care deeply about the people around you.4️⃣ Empower your team: Identify future leaders and give them opportunities to take on meaningful roles.5️⃣ Communicate consistently: Keep an open line of communication with your team, customers, and vendors to ensure alignment and trust.Resources Mentioned:- Brad Englert's Website: [BradEnglert.com]- Free sample of Brad's book "Spheres of Influence": [Link]- Buy Brad's Book here: [Link]If you're ready to elevate your leadership skills and foster a thriving environment for your team, subscribe to the Leadership Toolkit podcast for more valuable insights and actionable strategies. Check out Brad's resources and start implementing new tactics today!Contact Information:Brad EnglertEmail: Brad@BradEnglert.comLinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/Brad-Englert-3b886b21/Mike PhillipsEmail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠mike@TheLeadshipToolkit.com⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter: ⁠⁠@TheLeadershipToolkit⁠YouTube: ⁠YouTube.com/@MikePhillipsCredits:Hosted by Mike PhillipsProduced by The Leadership Toolkit TeamGuest Speaker: Brad Englert, Leadership Consultant and AuthorWatch more episodes of the Leadership Toolkit at https://spotify.TheLeadershipToolkit.comIf you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a 5-star review!Make sure you share this as a resource with friends and colleagues. Thank you for watching and listening!* Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this show are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, producers, or any affiliated parties. The host and production team make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed by guests on the show. Listener discretion is advised.*** Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links listed go to my websites and some are affiliate links that may generate me a sales commission if you make a purchase.
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    46 min