Podcasts

Leadership Foundry Podcasts2025-03-15T19:38:14-06:00

Six Trends for 2026 from Co-Founders Brandon Smith and Randy Hain

December 17th, 2025|

What will 2026 demand from leaders? On today's podcast, Brandon and Randy break down their biggest predictions for the year ahead—and the shifts every leader should be preparing for now. They cover: AI, managing budgets and cutting costs, acquisitions, self-care, [...]

The Power of Self-Awareness for Leaders with Author Les Csorba

August 20th, 2025|

“The best leaders have incredible self-belief without self-absorption.” The key to this balance is self-awareness. Les Csorba, author of the newly released book, 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘊𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺, joins Brandon Smith on today’s Leadership Foundry Podcast to share his [...]

Owning Your Purpose with Shane Jackson

July 9th, 2025|

Co-host, Brandon Smith, is joined by returning guest Shane Jackson—a seasoned executive, trusted voice in leadership, and author of the brand-new book, This is The Thing. In this episode, Shane breaks down what so many leaders tend to overcomplicate: purpose. He [...]

Flexible Leadership with Kevin Eikenberry

June 18th, 2025|

In a fluid environment, how do we remain flexible leaders? Kevin Eikenberry returns to share insights from his new book, Flexible Leadership. Listen in as he and co-host Brandon Smith discuss critical thinking, engaging in better one-on-one conversations, regular examination [...]

Curated Content: Essential Elements for High-Performing Teams

February 24th, 2025|

A high-performing leader doesn't guarantee a high-performing team, but you can't have a high-performing team without a strong leader. In this episode from the vault, Rusty Chadwick of WinShape Teams joins Brandon to discuss the power of teams. Show Notes: [...]

Curated Content: Essential Elements for High-Performing Teams

February 24th, 2025|

A high-performing leader doesn't guarantee a high-performing team, but you can't have a high-performing team without a strong leader. In this episode from the vault, Rusty Chadwick of WinShape Teams joins Brandon to discuss the power of teams. Show Notes: [...]

3 Steps to Creating a Culture of Accountability

February 17th, 2025|

As leaders, how do we create a culture of accountability while effectively driving ownership within our teams? Co-founder, Brandon Smith, details the three-step process on this edition of the podcast. 2:20 Revelations from the hybrid office. 3:00 How does having [...]

3 Steps to Creating a Culture of Accountability

February 17th, 2025|

As leaders, how do we create a culture of accountability while effectively driving ownership within our teams? Co-founder, Brandon Smith, details the three-step process on this edition of the podcast. 2:20 Revelations from the hybrid office. 3:00 How does having [...]

3 Ingredients for Building Trust with Co-Founder Brandon Smith

February 10th, 2025|

Whether you're leading change, building influence, or navigating uncertainty, trust is the foundation. None of these are possible without establishing trust first! On today’s episode of the Leadership Foundry Podcast, we’re breaking down the three essential ingredients for building trust [...]

3 Ingredients for Building Trust with Co-Founder Brandon Smith

February 10th, 2025|

Whether you're leading change, building influence, or navigating uncertainty, trust is the foundation. None of these are possible without establishing trust first! On today’s episode of the Leadership Foundry Podcast, we’re breaking down the three essential ingredients for building trust [...]

What would it look like if you were 20% braver?

December 16th, 2024|

What would it look like if you were 20% braver in 2025? Inspired by his podcast conversation with co-host Randy Hain and a recent client engagement, Brandon Smith challenges leaders with this question as we approach a new year. 1:00 [...]

Four Steps to Lead Through Uncertainty

October 28th, 2024|

We’re in a season of uncertainty. How do we answer our team’s pressing questions when we don’t have the answers? Brandon Smith offers four steps for leading through uncertainty on today’s podcast. Listen to the end where he shares three [...]

The 3 T’s of a Good Board Member with Dave Stockert

October 21st, 2024|

How can leaders use their time, talent and treasures long after leaving the C-suite? To help us answer this question, Dave Stockert joins Brandon on this week's podcast episode to highlight the transition from CEO to board member along with [...]

Timeless Leadership Masterclass with Bill Bolling

September 23rd, 2024|

Class is in session! Today, we're thrilled to have Atlanta Community Food Bank founder, Bill Bolling on the podcast. Bill gives us a master class on leadership beyond that of the nonprofit sector. He explains to achieve our goals, there [...]

Mental Health and the CEO with Author, Rob Volpe

August 26th, 2024|

Feelings of anxiety, loneliness and burnout are reaching record-high numbers among leaders and CEOs. According to Businessolver’s 2024 State of Workplace Empathy report, 55% of CEOs have experienced a mental health issue. This is up 24 points from previous reports. [...]

Five Signs You’re Working with a Narcissist

July 8th, 2024|

"Is this person a narcissist... how can I tell?" This question has been posed to co-host, Brandon Smith, several times recently in his work with leaders. Today, Brandon breaks down the five signs you're working with a narcissist and shares [...]

An Examination of “Invisible Work”

June 17th, 2024|

In this episode, co-host and Leadership Foundry co-founder, Brandon Smith, examines new data on what researchers call "invisible work." But doing things outside our job descriptions are those actions that most often get us noticed and promoted. Listen in as [...]

The 3 C’s of Accountability

June 10th, 2024|

Accountability plays a big role when it comes to teamwork, ranging from tough conversations to achieving results. So today on the Leadership Foundry Podcast, we’re examining the 3 C’s of Accountability: Clarity, Communication and Candor. 2:00 Brandon references previous conversations [...]

Leadership Deep Dive: Culture

June 3rd, 2024|

Your messaging around culture is missing the mark. On today’s new release of the Leadership Foundry Podcast, Brandon Smith challenges leaders to refocus on culture (the right way) with his three-year checkup protocol. 1:50 Where people work is not "culture." [...]

The Importance of Expressing Gratitude with Chester Elton

May 13th, 2024|

What makes for an "all-in" culture... those top-performing teams that are the foundation of world-class organizations? It all comes down to showing gratitude. Today on the podcast, Brandon and Randy are joined by bestselling author, Chester Elton, as he shares [...]

The Stages of Vulnerability

March 11th, 2024|

"This is an act of courageous leadership." If you want to deepen any type of relationship, you can't do it without vulnerability. Yet, this can be scary. As leaders, it requires courage to let down our defenses and ask for [...]

Adapting as a Global Leader with Tobias Hoffmeister

March 4th, 2024|

 Tobias Hoffmeister has had the unique experience of being a global leader, working in many different countries. Today, he is President and CEO of MHP Americas, a Porsche Company. He and Brandon's conversation centers around the dynamic of running a [...]

Leadership Deep Dive: How to Get Curious

February 26th, 2024|

You've heard us talk a lot about the importance of curiosity. Today, we dive into how. From questions to ask and ways to hone your active listening skills, co-host, Brandon Smith, walks leaders through how to maximize this workplace superpower. [...]

The Inside Innovator with Louis K. Gump

February 12th, 2024|

As a leader, are you looking to drive innovation and foster the entrepreneurial culture inside your organization? Today's guest, Louis K. Gump, has literally written the book on how to effectively implement an intrapreneurship program. Drawing from firsthand experience, Louis [...]

Leading with Values with Doran Oancia

January 29th, 2024|

Today on the podcast, we're examining an often under-represented practice: setting and leading with company values. To help us along this journey, co-hosts Brandon and Randy, are joined by Doran Oancia, President and CEO of Chemex Global. Listen in as [...]

A Fresh Take on Annual Goals

January 8th, 2024|

Class is in session! Today on the podcast, Brandon Smith offers a new perspective on setting annual goals. Step back in time with us as we look at 2024 through the lens of a college student, focusing on your overall [...]

The Principled Leader with Author, Andreas Widmer

December 18th, 2023|

Co-hosts Brandon Smith and Randy Hain welcome Andreas Widmer on today's show for an insightful conversation about the entrepreneurial mindset. Andreas Widmer is an author, speaker and the founder and director of the Art & Carlyse Ciocca Center for Principled [...]

Leadership Deep Dive: Complexity vs. Simplicity

December 11th, 2023|

If you’ve caught recent episodes of the Leadership Foundry Podcast, you’ve likely picked up on a common theme: complexity vs. simplicity. Frank Blake, former chairman and CEO of The Home Depot noted that the best leaders “pull complexity up and [...]

Keep Your Team from Crumbling with Graciela Chadwick

December 4th, 2023|

Among tasks and teams, leaders have an overall essential balance that must be maintained and that balance comes in the form of relationships vs. results. How can leaders achieve this balance? Crumbl Cookies COO, Graciela Chadwick, shares from her extensive [...]

The Inverted Pyramid of Leadership with Frank Blake

November 13th, 2023|

We’re excited to welcome former The Home Depot, Chairman and CEO, Frank Blake, on this episode of the podcast. Frank reminds us: As CEO - you’re at the bottom and not at the top. Listen to this insightful conversation as [...]

Talking on Eggshells with Author, Sam Horn

September 25th, 2023|

We’re excited to welcome back author, Sam Horn, on today’s Leadership Foundry Podcast. She and co-host, Brandon Smith, discuss quips from her new book, “Talking on Eggshells.” It’s a great discussion for leaders looking to inspire their teams! 2:00 Meet Sam [...]

The Modern CEO with Rohit Verma

September 11th, 2023|

If you've tuned in to our latest podcast episodes, you're already familiar with Brandon recounting the story of conducting 360 interviews, during which one employee described their leader as a "modern CEO." Today, we have the privilege of hosting that [...]

What Leaders Need Now with Andrea Chilcote

August 29th, 2023|

As time evolves, so does the workplace. What essentials do modern leaders need today to stay connected with their teams, thereby nurturing trust and driving growth? Andrea Chilcote is CEO of Morning Star Ventures and Author of "What Leaders Need [...]

The Human Aspect of Leadership with Ciare James

August 20th, 2023|

 In the latest episode of The Leadership Foundry Podcast, our focus turns to the human element of leadership. Ciare James, Vice President, Brand Marketing at Bob Evans Farms poignantly reminds us that behind spreadsheets, behind computer screens and behind [...]

The Core of a Modern Leader with Glen Jackson

August 14th, 2023|

 Today's host, Brandon Smith, and returning guest, Glen Jackson of Jackson Spalding, discuss the five challenges modern leaders face today and how to step up to those obstacles. 3:00 Meet Glen and hear about the founding of Jackson Spalding. [...]

The Mistakes that Make Us with Author, Mark Graban

August 6th, 2023|

In the realm of leadership, errors are inevitable, but surprisingly, some of the most profound lessons stem from these very mistakes. Today on a new edition of the Leadership Foundry Podcast, Mark Graban joins co-host, Brandon Smith, to share about [...]

Drawn to the Mission: Nonprofit Leadership with Cal Morgan

June 19th, 2023|

“Almost all learning experiences came from the difficult ones.” Today on a new episode of The Leadership Foundry Podcast, co-host Brandon Smith is joined by Atlanta Humane Society President and CEO, Cal Morgan. Listen in to their conversation on nonprofit [...]

Curated Content: Leading and Motivating a Multigenerational Team

May 29th, 2023|

As we head into summer when many companies welcome new hires and interns, our Leadership Foundry team crafted this special edition of the podcast containing insights for leading multigenerational teams. Hear from industry experts Tim Elmore, Founder of Growing Leaders [...]

A Look at Leadership Today with Jamie Turner

May 15th, 2023|

Author, Professor and Speaker, Jamie Turner joins this week's host, Brandon Smith, to talk “leadership today”. How has leadership changed? What remains at the core of a great leader? The two discuss everything from executive presence to mindset. Listen in. [...]

Managing Conflict in Teams with Leslie Nydick

April 10th, 2023|

Tensions are high and the days are long. As a leader, navigating change isn’t always easy and for many, it feels like we’ve been navigating great change for three years! Today on a special edition of the podcast, we’re revisiting [...]

Weaving Your History Into Your Leadership with Navid Ahdieh

March 20th, 2023|

Diverse challenges, personalities, hybrid offices and more call for diverse leadership skills. Navid Ahdieh, Managing Director and Global Leader of Strategy and Management Consulting at North Highland, shares how his life path developed his leadership style. He and Brandon talk [...]

The Path to Your Career Purpose with Ashley Freeman

February 27th, 2023|

Leadership Foundry Coach and Facilitator, Ashley Freeman, joins Co-Founder, Brandon Smith, to talk career purpose, self-awareness and our emotions at work. 2:45 What's the importance of purpose? Ashley talks quiet-quitting and post-pandemic life in the office. 3:45 So where do [...]

The Power of Influence with Rob Pepper

November 14th, 2022|

What does it take to transform a business? On this edition of the Leadership Foundry Podcast, guest Rob Pepper, Sr. Director of Strategy and Transformation at Papa John's highlights the importance of influence. 02:00 Meet Rob and learn about his [...]

Showing Up with Retired Lieutenant General, Ken Keen

October 17th, 2022|

Today on the Leadership Foundry Podcast, Ken Keen, Associate Dean of Leadership Development, Senior Lecturer at Emory University - Goizueta Business School and Retired Lieutenant General, highlights the importance of showing up. While this is a leadership fundamental, Ken explains what [...]

3 Core Principles for First-Time CEOs with Chad Costley

July 25th, 2022|

“Skills in managing are transferrable if you trust yourself.” We often hear discussions and tips for first-time leaders, but moving into the role of Chief Executive Officer for the first time is rarely talked about. Today on The Leadership Foundry [...]

Authoring Workplace Culture with Dr. Robert Nobles

June 6th, 2022|

Between the Great Resignation and new hybrid work policies, many leaders we engage with are currently guiding their teams through culture change. To help us on this journey, Dr. Robert Nobles, Vice President for Research Administration at Emory University, joins [...]

Curated Content: Time Management and Mastering Priorities

May 16th, 2022|

 While it’s our most precious resource, many leaders treat time as if it’s unlimited. On this curated episode of The Leadership Foundry Podcast, we go straight to the source for tips on reclaiming calendars and mastering priorities: Leadership Foundry’s [...]

The 5 P’s of Resilience with Vivian Blade

May 9th, 2022|

Vivian Blade highlights the importance of partnership in resilience. That partnership begins with self, but then reaches out in the form of connection with others. During our conversation, Vivian walks leaders though each of the 5 P’s of Resilience, including [...]

Curated Content: The Courage to Get Curious

April 25th, 2022|

We're concluding our April focus on "Leading with Courage" this week with a curated episode on maximizing emotional intelligence. So far we’ve talked about the courage to lead, the courage to have difficult conversations–and this week we’re diving into the [...]

The Courage to Lead with Dave McKeown

April 18th, 2022|

 “Do you have the courage to lead?” Sounds like a simple question, but in a leader’s lifetime, there are many points of uncertainty. As a direct report, there are times when you must step up to fill the leadership [...]

The Great Resignation and 3 Things All Leaders Should Do

April 4th, 2022|

What motivated people to leave their jobs in droves this past year? Co-Founders Randy Hain and Brandon Smith sit down on The Leadership Foundry Podcast to discuss competing benefits, employee burnout and what leaders need to do to keep rockstar team members. 01:00 Brandon [...]

Why Good Leaders Fail with Author, Jim Wetrich

February 7th, 2022|

Whether we've been in a leadership role for 10 years or 10 minutes, we can still fall short and place our team at a disadvantage. On this week's podcast, Jim Wetrich, CEO of the Wetrich Group of Companies and author [...]

Four Focus Areas for New Leaders with Author, Mark Noon

January 31st, 2022|

As a new leader, is your "holding on" holding back your direct reports? Speaker, executive coach and author, Mark Noon joins Brandon Smith on The Leadership Foundry Podcast to share four areas you need to develop as a leader. Hint: [...]

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