In this episode, Randy and Jim discuss why employees leave organizations, focusing on realistic expectations, communication, and the outsized role managers play in retention. They share stories about preventable departures, how to spot disengagement early, and the importance of honest, timely conversations.

The hosts also cover practical steps leaders can take: be self-aware, foster engagement and development, handle exit interviews with facts and kindness, and encourage graceful departures that preserve relationships and reputation.

Hey there leader! Today in Leadership Lost and Found join Randy and Jim as they talk with Barry Vandeveer about his journey from software developer to CTO, CIO and now COO, and the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way.

We cover practical topics like transitioning from individual contributor to people leader, hiring and mentoring talent, navigating cultural change after acquisitions, making data-driven spend decisions, and the importance of listening and being available for your team.

Barry also shares personal anecdotes — founding Travelocity, a brief stint as a flight attendant, earning an MBA while raising a family, recovering from burnout, and his current focus on integrating AI at Datacore — giving real-world examples of leadership in action.

In this episode, hosts Jim Desmond and Randy Fields define burnout as depleted physical, emotional, or spiritual energy, explain how it shows up in work and life, and highlight the contagious risk of running on empty.

They offer practical fixes for leaders: set courageous boundaries, protect margin and time, empower your people to say no, and provide structure and space for recovery so teams and individuals can recharge and perform sustainably.

Get your coffee and join us for Leadership Lost and Found!