In a culture with great leadership, people perform best because they feel seen and valued. In this episode, Adam Markel sits down with Meredith Bell, the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders and host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. Meredith shares insights on what truly drives effective leadership: humility, genuine connection, and trust. With over three decades of experience guiding leaders, Meredith explains how to create workplaces where employees feel valued and engaged, why honest feedback is essential, and how to foster a culture of open communication. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of leaders who prioritize relationships over results.

Show Notes:

• 07:07 – Qualities Of A Great Leader
• 17:04 – Soft Skills Are Power Skills
• 28:46 – Communication In The Workplace
• 44:41 – Developing Culture
• 47:35 – Meredith’s Favorite Business Books

Books:

Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

Peer Coaching Made Simple

Grow Strong Leaders Podcast

The pursuit of health and happiness is a timeless endeavor. In this episode, Adam Markel sits down with Dr. Greg Hammer, a recently retired professor, pediatric intensive care physician, pediatric anesthesiologist, wellness and mindfulness lecturer, and author of GAIN Without Pain: The Happiness Handbook for Health Care Professionals, to discuss the secrets to a happy and healthy life. Dr. Hammer emphasizes a holistic approach to well-being that includes physical, mental, and spiritual health. He discusses the importance of gratitude, acceptance, intention, and non-judgment—key elements in cultivating happiness and improving quality of life. Tune in to discover practical strategies for living a fulfilling life, inspired by the wisdom of centenarians in blue zones.

Join host Adam Markel as he dives deep into the world of leadership resilience strategies with Tom Freeley, CEO of CACM. In this engaging episode, Tom shares his journey from overcoming career burnout to navigating the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover how Tom's experiences have shaped his approach to leadership, mentorship, and fostering a collaborative work culture. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring professional, this conversation offers invaluable insights on thriving in the face of adversity. Don't miss out on this inspiring discussion packed with practical advice and real-world examples.

Show Notes:

• 00:40 – Introversion And Extroversion
• 08:26 – Transition To CEO Role
• 12:28 – The Importance Of Resilience
• 24:39 – Impact Of COVID-19
• 29:24 – Leadership During Crisis
• 31:39 – Mentorship And Autonomy
• 38:44 – The Role Of Company Culture
• 44:59 – Collaboration And Communication

In a field as dynamic and competitive as speaking, resilience is not just an advantage but a necessity. In this episode, Adam Markel sits down with Rich Tiller, an industry leader and two-time past president of the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (1990-91 & 1991-92.). They dive deep into Rich’s journey, from his early days as an athletic trainer to becoming a catalyst for connecting speakers with audiences. Rich highlights the evolution of the Speakers Bureau, particularly within the agricultural sector where he initially started, eventually branching out to create a non-agricultural division. Rich’s story is a testament to the resilience required in the speaking industry and the transformative power of effective communication.

Show Notes: Raw audio

• 01:29 – Getting Into The Events Industry
• 04:48 – Resilience And The Speaking Industry
• 31:46 – Debunking Myths About Speakers Bureaus
• 37:19 – Advice For Speakers And Event Organizers

Lisa Carlin is a Strategy Execution Specialist and Founding Director of FutureBuilders Group. She joins Adam Markel to discuss how to become a driver of change and cultivate continuous growth without waiting for disruptions to happen. Lisa explains what it takes to shape a workplace culture that improves and scales successfully in this rapid age of technology and the internet. They explore how to achieve transformation within the team by setting up a strategic and efficient feedback system. Lisa and Adam also talk about the right and most ethical ways to fix oppositional cultures, burnout, and mental health decline.

In a world obsessed with achieving perfect equilibrium, Bryan Bentley, a self-made executive, offers a refreshing perspective to be the master of balance. His ability to balance professional and personal life, coupled with his unwavering dedication to his team, makes him a true standout. His philosophy is simple yet profound: give it your all, whether you're at work, home, or spending quality time with loved ones. By embracing this approach, Bryan has not only achieved remarkable success in his career but has also cultivated strong personal relationships. His ability to pivot and thrive in the face of adversity is a testament to his leadership and unwavering determination. With a deep-rooted passion for helping others, Bryan has transformed his team into a high-performing family, fostering a culture of inclusivity, trust, and growth. Discover the secrets to Bryan's success as he shares his insights on leadership, personal development, and the art of overcoming challenges.

Show Notes:

02:25 - Work-life balance and the "give it all" approach

11:23 - The importance of adaptability and resilience

34:35 - The role of company culture and communication

39:03 - The impact of technology on the workplace

42:44 - The speaker's personal journey and career pivots

Artistic expression is a powerful language that transcends words. In this episode, Adam Markel welcomes Katie Arnold, an award-winning journalist, a longtime contributor to Outside Magazine, and the acclaimed author of Running Home and Brief Flashings in the Phenomenal World. Katie explores the connection between art and athletics, revealing how embracing her artist identity fosters authenticity, resilience, and creativity. Drawing on Zen philosophy, she emphasizes embracing triumphs and setbacks as integral to the creative process. Tune in as she discusses embracing challenges, accepting imperfection, finding joy in the journey, and discovering that the true artist resides within us all.

Show Notes:

● 07:49 – Failure And Forgiveness

● 18:39 – Humor

● 26:53 – Scarcity Mindset

● 41:27 – Resilience

● 49:23 – Takeaways

In what is possibly one of the best episodes in the history of Change Proof Podcast, Adam Markel dives into an enlightening conversation with Dr. Laura Graye, an expert in metaphysics and higher consciousness, dedicated to helping leaders and individuals elevate their awareness and transform their lives. They explore the profound ways in which we interpret our life stories, including those of hurt and betrayal, and discuss the power of transcending these narratives for personal growth and positive impact. Dr. Graye and Adam delve into the origins of anxiety and the shifting age of the midlife crisis, providing insights into choosing a midlife calling over crisis. This thought-provoking episode encourages listeners to reflect on their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual resilience, making it a must-listen and share-worthy conversation. Tune in and learn how self-manifested reality plays an important role in our journey as conscious beings!

Show Notes:

00:11:18 – Metaphysician

00:19:28 – Intuition

00:24:30 – Consciousness

00:31:30 – Self-Manifested Reality

00:49:51 – Detachment Or Disconnection From Self

00:56:39 – Greater Self Awareness

—

Get the newest Change Proof Podcast episode delivered directly to you – subscribe here. And, if you’re enjoying the podcast, please give us a 5-star rating on iTunes! For instructions click here.

How do we leverage continuous uncertainty to thrive in this unprecedented new world?

The answer is to build the resilience we need to power us through the challenges we face so that we become “Change Proof.” Prepare to tackle the future with confidence by reading Adam’s latest book Change Proof: Leveraging the Power of Uncertainty to Build Long-Term Resilience.