Jeff Wetzler, co-CEO of Transcend and former Chief Learning Officer at Teach for America, joins us to share his journey in unlocking human potential through the power of inquiry. With a rich background in transforming educational landscapes, Jeff discusses his book "Ask: Tap into the Hidden Wisdom of the People Around You." Our conversation explores how leaders can use powerful questioningtechniques to uncover hidden insights within themselves and within their teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment that drives decision-making and shared understanding.

Curiosity takes center stage as we unpack the concept of evidence-based leadership, where science meets real-world application. Jeff and I shine a light on the unspoken thoughts and challenges encountered in professional settings and the valuable insights that can be gained when these thoughts are communicated clearly and openly. We emphasizethe significance of creating a learning environment where honest feedback is encouraged, allowing mutual learning and problem-solving to flourish. Drawing from expert insights, including those of Amy Edmondson, we discuss strategies for crafting questions that genuinely seek to uncover deeper understanding.

The transformative power of open-ended questions is a recurring theme throughout our discussion, offering listeners a tool to foster authentic dialogue and inclusivity. By contrasting open-ended questions with leading ones, we illustrate how genuine exploration can lead to higher-quality and more creative solutions. We highlight techniques for rekindling innate curiosity and fostering a more inquisitive mindset, encouraging a dynamic and innovative organizational culture. Whether you're a leader looking to enhance team dynamics or simply curious about the benefits of inquiry over advocacy, this episode offers a wealth of insights into harnessing the power of questions.

What You’ll Learn

- How to utilize the power of inquiry to enhance leadership effectiveness.

- Techniques for unlocking a team's full potential through curiosity.

- The impact of masterful questioning on innovation within a team.

- Ways in which open-ended exploration fosters inclusivity.

Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) - Unlocking Human Potential Through Questions

(09:51) – How to Use Questions to Enhance Communication

(19:42) – Curiosity: A Crucial Skill for Life and Leadership

(33:24) - The Power of Open-Ended Questions

KEYWORDS

Positive Leadership, Unlocking Human Potential, The Power of Inquiry, Evidence-Based Leadership, Curiosity, The Art of Asking Questions, Open-Ended Questions, Organizational Behaviour, Creating A Learning Environment, Improved Decision-Making, Effective Communication, Leading with Vulnerability, Inquisitive Mindset, Questioning Techniques, Authentic Dialogue, Innovative Solutions, CEO Success

In my latest solo episode for the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, and inspired by my own vacation, I explore the transformative power of taking time off. Evidence tells us that vacations provide us with numerous benefits, including igniting our creativity, enhancing your job performance, and even lowering the risk of heart problems. We'll also discuss why so many of us, despite knowing these benefits, let our vacation days go unused, contributing to stress and burnout.

We’ll tackle the mental barriers that hold us back from enjoying well-deserved breaks and challenge the myths around ambition and indispensability. Reflect on your own beliefs about taking time off and learn practical strategies to overcome these hurdles. From effective delegation to embracing the natural fear of disconnecting, I’ll offer actionable advice on maximizing your vacation. By fullyembracing your time away, you can return to work not only recharged but with a fresh perspective to excel. Prioritize your well-being and professional growth by making vacations an integral part of your life strategy.

What You’ll Learn

- How taking small breaks can supercharge creativity.

- Rest provides rocket fuel for your job performance.

- Secrets to overcoming mental barriers related to taking vacation.

- Strategies to unlock the full benefits of a vacation.

- The importance of prioritizing rest for personal and professional growth.

Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) – The Science Behind the Importance of Taking Vacations

(07:42) – Not All Vacations Are Created Equal – How to Maximize the Benefits of Your Vacation

KEYWORDS

Vacation, Rejuvenating, Managing the Fear of Disconnecting, Enhancing Well-being, Avoiding Burnout, Mental Blocks, Self-limiting Beliefs, Effective Delegation, The Power of disconnecting, Take Your Holidays, CEO Success

On this week’s episode of Do Good to Lead Well, I speak with Jay-Ann Gilfoy, CEO of Meridian Credit Union, to discuss the critical qualities of effective leadership in today's ever-changing world. Listen in as Jay-Ann shares her insights on the importance of agility, transparency, and curiosity. She emphasizes the role of empathy as a foundation for understanding diverse perspectives and making informed decisions. Jay-Ann also explores how fostering an abundance mindset within organizations can create opportunities and drive growth, offering valuable strategies for building positive cultures.

Our conversation continues with an exploration of fostering trust within organizations. The discussion highlights the significance of transparency, active listening, and creating spaces for honest feedback, especially during challenging times. Discover how these practices led Meridian Credit Union to be recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers.

We also explore the role of self-care in leadership and how to maintain resilience in the face of life's challenges. Discover the importance of focusing on controllable aspects, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and employing strategies like the "24-hour rule" to manage emotional reactions. Jay-Ann shares her insights on the integration of AI in leadership, encouraging curiosity and proactive engagement with new technologies to enhance productivity and decision-making.Tune in for another inspiring and insightful episode from anaward-winning CEO.

What You’ll Learn

- How to build trust within organizations.

- Strategies for fostering resilience.

- The power of abundance thinking.

- Approaches to creating an inclusive organizational culture.

- The importance of leadership qualities like empathy and agility.

- The role of transparency in effective leadership.

- Strategies for integrating AI and technology in the workplace to maximize innovation and growth.

Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) – The Key Qualities of Effective Leaders

(10:28) - Fostering Trust in Organizations

(23:14) – The Power of Self-Care

(27:30) - Creating a Culture of Belonging

(33:00) - Building Resilient Organizations

(47:56) - Embracing A.I. in Leadership

KEYWORDS

Positive Leadership, Agility, Abundance Thinking, The Power of Transparency, Empathy, Fostering Trust, Creating Belonging, Organizational Culture, Credit Unions, Positive Culture, Active Listening, Self-Care, Resilience, A.I. Leadership, Employee Resource Groups, OrganizationalLearning, Adapting to Technology, Future of Work, CEO Success