Podcast
Lead to Succeed
Hosted by Naphtali Hoff · EN
Lead to Succeed dives deep into personal leadership journeys. It seeks to understand how awesome leaders got to where they are today, and the challenges and successes that they experienced along the way. It’s purpose is to empower leaders to optimize performance and enjoy sustained success.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Redefining Workplace Flexibility with Manar Morales: Lead to Succeed 169
Jan 29, 202500:32:47Tap to summarize Redefining Workplace Flexibility with Manar Morales: Lead to Succeed 169 Naphtali Hoff Download Episode Summary:What does it take to create a workplace that balances the diverse needs of employees while maintaining universal policies? And how can leaders address traditional mindsets that challenge the concept of flexibility? In this episode, Manar Morales shares her strategies for designing flexible yet inclusive workplace policies.Manar is a national expert in building human-centered workplace cultures that prioritize diversity, flexibility, and well-being. As the Founder and CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance, she has over 18 years of experience helping organizations create inclusive environments and implement effective flexible work strategies. A sought-after speaker and author, her forthcoming book, The Flexibility Paradigm (January 2025), provides a roadmap for creating adaptive, resilient workplaces. Recognized with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Manar is committed to empowering individuals and organizations to thrive in today’s evolving work landscape.Key Talking Points of the Episode: (Note: timestamps follow the audio recording)[01:57] More about Manar’s journey.[02:55] What inspired Manar to launch an organization dedicated to workplace flexibility.[05:40] The rise of workplace flexibility and who needs it most.[08:39] How Manar addresses traditional employers who challenge workplace flexibility. [10:51] The advantages of embracing flexible work models.[13:11] How leaders can foster a sense of safety beyond flexibility.[15:28] More about Manar’s book.[18:45] How Manar designs sophisticated flexible policies that balance individual needs and universal applicability.[21:20] Manar’s vision for the future of the workplace.[24:37] Potential pitfalls of workplace flexibility to be aware of.[28:12] Manar’s biggest mistake and what she learned from it.[29:33] Rapid-fire questions.[31:55] Manar’s final life lesson.Connect with Manar Morales: LinkedInWebsiteConnect with / follow Naphtali Hoff: FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeGet Naphtali’s books:Becoming the New Boss: The New Leader's Guide to Sustained SuccessBecoming the Productive Boss: 5 Proven Steps to Leading High Performing TeamsFind Lead to Succeed on:iTunesStitcherGoogle PodcastsSpotifyiHeartPlease subscribe to, rate and review the show. Your feedback gives social proof and encourages more folks to listen.
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From Shy to Heard with Cynthia Kane: Lead to Succeed 168
Jan 22, 202500:37:51Tap to summarize From Shy to Heard with Cynthia Kane: Lead to Succeed 168 Naphtali Hoff Download Episode Summary:How does someone transform from being shy to becoming a communication expert? And what practical tools can we all use to communicate more effectively in our personal and professional lives? In this episode, Cynthia Kane shares her journey of finding her voice and offers powerful tips and techniques for mastering the art of clear, confident, and meaningful communication.Cynthia helps people enhance their lives and relationships by teaching them how to become less reactive in difficult conversations, and speak to themselves, others, and their environment in a kind, honest, and helpful way. She has taught over 70,000 people how to change the way they communicate through her books (How to Communicate Like a Buddhist, Talk to Yourself Like a Buddhist, How to Meditate Like a Buddhist), Bestselling DailyOM Course, and the Kane Intentional Communication Training Program. She is a certified meditation and mindfulness instructor, certified breathing coach, and the founder of the Kane Intentional Communication Institute, LLC. Her new book, The Pause Principle: How to Keep Your Cool in Tough Situations, releases on January 22.Key Talking Points of the Episode: (Note: timestamps follow the audio recording)[02:10] More about Cynthia’s journey.[06:48] Understanding communication challenges and how Cynthia empowers people to overcome them.[09:25] More about Cynthia’s book.[13:12] How to approach a difficult conversation. [16:53] Cynthia’s perspective on the Sandwich technique.[24:38] Buddhism within the framework of communication. (here)[28:58] How Cynthia guides people to embrace the mindset of Buddhism.[32:52] Cynthia’s biggest mistake and how she grew from it.[34:26] Rapid-fire questions.[36:45] Cynthia’s final life lesson.Connect with Cynthia Kane: LinkedInWebsiteConnect with / follow Naphtali Hoff: FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeGet Naphtali’s books:Becoming the New Boss: The New Leader's Guide to Sustained SuccessBecoming the Productive Boss: 5 Proven Steps to Leading High Performing TeamsFind Lead to Succeed on:iTunesStitcherGoogle PodcastsSpotifyiHeartPlease subscribe to, rate and review the show. Your feedback gives social proof and encourages more folks to listen.
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Embracing Fallibility with Brent Kedzierski: Lead to Succeed 167
Jan 15, 202500:35:57Tap to summarize Embracing Fallibility with Brent Kedzierski: Lead to Succeed 167 Naphtali Hoff Download Episode Summary:What does it mean to truly understand human performance in the workplace? How do leadership, workplace design, and emerging technologies intersect to create environments where people can truly thrive? In this episode, we dive deep into the art and science of optimizing work environments with our guest Brent Kedzierski.Brent is an award-winning and globally recognized thought leader in Human Performance and Connected Worker Ecosystem. Celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions, his insights have been featured in top publications like Harvard Business Press and BBC News. Brent's webinars and podcasts are industry favorites, consistently earning high ratings. After nearly 25 years at Shell as a global HR transformation strategist, he now shapes industrial worker strategies at Hexagon. Brent passionately advocates for human-centered approaches, emphasizing well-being, sustainability and human evolution.Key Talking Points of the Episode: (Note: timestamps follow the audio recording)[02:21] More about Brent’s journey. [04:43] Human-Centric approach to workplace management.[11:19] Brent’s key focus areas for elevating the workplace.[13:17] Brent’s leadership insights to empower new leaders and maximize team potential.[17:14] Brent’s perspective on setting high standards and expectations at work. [20:32] Nature vs Nurture in performance.[24:26] What an ecosystem is and why it is important.[27:29] Brent’s biggest mistake and how he grew from it.[31:13] Rapid-fire questions.[33:46] Brent’s final life lesson.Connect with Brent Kedzierski: LinkedInWebsiteConnect with / follow Naphtali Hoff: FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeGet Naphtali’s books:Becoming the New Boss: The New Leader's Guide to Sustained SuccessBecoming the Productive Boss: 5 Proven Steps to Leading High Performing TeamsFind Lead to Succeed on:iTunesStitcherGoogle PodcastsSpotifyiHeartPlease subscribe to, rate and review the show. Your feedback gives social proof and encourages more folks to listen.
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Prioritizing People Over Profit with Josh Bloomfield: Lead to Succeed 166
Jan 8, 202500:33:54Tap to summarize Prioritizing People Over Profit with Josh Bloomfield: Lead to Succeed 166 Naphtali Hoff Download Episode Summary:What if the key to success wasn’t just about making the right business moves, but about investing in the people around us? How does leading with passion and a genuine love for what we do create lasting impact? In this episode, our guest Josh Bloomfield, shares his approach to leadership through authentic connection and the importance of focusing on people rather than just business.With 20+ years of experience and multiple patents in donation technology, Josh is a mission-driven leader whose innovative designs have transformed donor engagement. He began his journey shaped by his father’s struggles, inspiring him to lead a life of resilience and generosity.Self-taught in coding, Josh built a successful career in enterprise applications, eventually founding Givecloud in 2010 to empower nonprofits in building digital donor connections. Today, Givecloud supports nonprofits worldwide. Josh is also a proud father, musician, and advisor, dedicated to helping under-resourced entrepreneurs streamline operations and create new revenue streams across industries.Key Talking Points of the Episode: (Note: timestamps follow the audio recording)[02:12] More about Josh’s journey. [08:49] Do’s and Dont’s of relationship building. [14:47] Josh’s approach to culture building.[18:17] How Josh embraced his role as a leader and began guiding others.[22:11] Josh’s tips for people who are looking to raise more revenue from their organisations. [28:17] Josh’s biggest mistake and how he grew from it.[30:23] Rapid-fire questions.[32:49] Josh’s final life lesson.Standout Quote from this Episode:“Be a safe place for others to tell the truth.”Connect with Josh Bloomfield: LinkedInWebsiteInstagramConnect with / follow Naphtali Hoff: FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeGet Naphtali’s books:Becoming the New Boss: The New Leader's Guide to Sustained SuccessBecoming the Productive Boss: 5 Proven Steps to Leading High Performing TeamsFind Lead to Succeed on:iTunesStitcherGoogle PodcastsSpotifyiHeartPlease subscribe to, rate and review the show. Your feedback gives social proof and encourages more folks to listen.
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Turning Disorder into Opportunity with Garrett Delph: Lead to Succeed 165
Jan 1, 202500:35:07Tap to summarize Turning Disorder into Opportunity with Garrett Delph: Lead to Succeed 165 Naphtali Hoff Download Episode Summary:What happens when business operations spiral into chaos? Is disorder the end of the road or an opportunity for growth and innovation? In this episode, Garrett Delph shares his expertise on navigating operational chaos, offering strategies to transform challenges into opportunities for success.Key Talking Points of the Episode: (Note: timestamps follow the audio recording)[02:55] More about Garrett’s journey. [08:36] The role of a leader in terms of providing resources for younger workers. [13:18] Garrette’s approach for leaders who support team mindset shifts while maintaining focus on business goals. [17:49] What Garrett’s means by ‘operational chaos’ and how he helps others navigate it.[22:23] Garrett’s advice for CEOs to accomplish order when there’s a lot of complexity.[27:00] Advice for leaders considering change.[28:00] Garrett’s biggest mistake and how he grew from it.[31:34] Rapid-fire questions.Standout Quote from this Episode:“You cannot manage what you cannot measure.”Connect with Garrett Delph: LinkedInWebsiteConnect with / follow Naphtali Hoff: FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeGet Naphtali’s books:Becoming the New Boss: The New Leader's Guide to Sustained SuccessBecoming the Productive Boss: 5 Proven Steps to Leading High Performing TeamsFind Lead to Succeed on:iTunesStitcherGoogle PodcastsSpotifyiHeartPlease subscribe to, rate and review the show. Your feedback gives social proof and encourages more folks to listen.
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Juggling Business and Motherhood with Brandy Burch: Lead to Succeed 164
Dec 25, 202400:41:01Tap to summarize Juggling Business and Motherhood with Brandy Burch: Lead to Succeed 164 Naphtali Hoff Download Episode Summary:How does one balance the demands of a successful career while raising a large family, especially as a single mom? What does it take to manage it all without losing sight of your personal goals and well-being? In this episode, Brandy Burch shares her incredible journey of navigating the challenges of business and motherhoodBrandy succeeded as a single parent from a non-traditional background to become the trailblazing Founder and CEO of benefitbay. This pioneering company revolutionizes employee benefits and health insurance. Brandy’s 20+ year multidisciplinary expertise in finance, tech, and human capital allows her to empathize with working families while solving complex industry challenges. As CEO, she champions innovative solutions like ICHRA to empower employees and employers. Brandy’s data-driven strategies increase profitability and growth. Her mastery of industry trends and ability to simplify complex topics make Brandy an inspiring speaker for diverse audiences on entrepreneurship, working parents, benefits optimization and more.Key Talking Points of the Episode: (Note: timestamps follow the audio recording)[02:23] More about Brandy’s journey.[05:00] More about Brandy’s work.[07:05] The challenges of women balancing work and family responsibilities.[10:37] Guidance on weighing pros and cons for better decision-making.[15:06] How Brandy manages to stay anchored by focusing on what’s most important, even as a businesswoman.[19:04] Benefits of taking a non-traditional career path, particularly in a corporate setting. [22:48] Advice for people in corporations to find a way to get involved in leadership practices.[26:01] Brandy’s perspective on leaders cultivating a natural mindset over a nurtured one.[30:35] Brandy’s biggest mistake and how she grew from it.[35:11] Rapid-fire questions.[40:10] Brandy’s final life lesson.Connect with Brandy Burch: LinkedInWebsiteConnect with / follow Naphtali Hoff: FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeGet Naphtali’s books:Becoming the New Boss: The New Leader's Guide to Sustained SuccessBecoming the Productive Boss: 5 Proven Steps to Leading High Performing TeamsFind Lead to Succeed on:iTunesStitcherGoogle PodcastsSpotifyiHeartPlease subscribe to, rate and review the show. Your feedback gives social proof and encourages more folks to listen.
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Leading with Kindness with Christy Pretzinger: Lead to Succeed 163
Dec 18, 202400:30:37Tap to summarize Leading with Kindness with Christy Pretzinger: Lead to Succeed 163 Naphtali Hoff Download Episode Summary:What role does kindness play in leadership? In a world often focused on achieving results and meeting expectations, can leading with compassion create a more productive and fulfilling workplace? In this episode, Christy Pretzinger shares her perspective on the transformative power of kindness in leadership. As the owner and CEO of WG Content, Christy has established an industry-leading company that delivers superior content and strategy to healthcare brands nationwide. She intentionally focused on building the business based on kindness. And that approach has proven to be good for people and the bottom line. Over time, Christy discovered her true calling: to create a workplace that nurtures personal and professional growth — and help other leaders do the same. She’s a popular guest speaker for events and podcasts, always ready to guide audiences on how to grow leaders and build environments where people can thrive. Over time, Christy discovered her true calling: to create a workplace that nurtures personal and professional growth — and help other leaders do the same. Christy’s new book, Your Cultural Balance Sheet: Keys to creating an environment where people can thrive, is due out January 2025.Key Talking Points of the Episode: (Note: timestamps follow the audio recording)[01:55] More about Christy’s journey.[04:50] Christy’s perspective on running a business based on kindness.[07:46] Christy’s approach on modeling vulnerability. [09:58] A real-life scenario where Christy embraced vulnerability.[12:50] Christy’s advice for those considering a kindness-based culture but are afraid to take action. [15:11] Christy’s journey to discovering her mission and purpose and her guidance for others on their path.[18:13] More about Christy’s book.[23:13] Christy’s biggest mistake that set her up for success.[27:04] Rapid-fire questions.[29:45] Christy’s final life lesson.Connect with Christy Pretzinger: LinkedInWebsiteConnect with / follow Naphtali Hoff: FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeGet Naphtali’s books:Becoming the New Boss: The New Leader's Guide to Sustained SuccessBecoming the Productive Boss: 5 Proven Steps to Leading High Performing TeamsFind Lead to Succeed on:iTunesStitcherGoogle PodcastsSpotifyiHeartPlease subscribe to, rate and review the show. Your feedback gives social proof and encourages more folks to listen.
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Embracing Vulnerability and Support with Owen Marcus: Lead to Succeed 162
Dec 11, 202400:30:50Tap to summarize Embracing Vulnerability and Support with Owen Marcus: Lead to Succeed 162 Naphtali Hoff Download Episode Summary:In leadership, vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, but what if embracing it could make us stronger and more effective? In this episode, Owen Marcus delves into the importance of emotional safety in the workplace, how leaders can model vulnerability, and why creating supportive environments for both personal and professional growth is crucial.Key Talking Points of the Episode: (Note: timestamps follow the audio recording)Key Talking Points of the Episode:[01:38] More about Owen’s journey.[05:27] The core relationship struggles people face and how Owen helps bridge those dynamics in the workplace.[07:35] How Owen convinces people to be more risk-tolerant.[11:00] How nature and nurture shape men's mental health, the areas where they struggle most, and the masks they wear to hide it.[15:32] Owen's advice for leaders feeling less than whole and for those wanting to support their team emotionally.[19:12] Owen's advice for those seeking support from an online community rather than an in-person one.[22:16] How Owen helps people who hide their true feelings and try to appear fine on their own.[25:03] The balance a leader must strike between being strong for others while maintaining their human side.[27:19] Owen’s biggest mistake that positioned him for success.[27:51] Rapid-fire questions.[29:32] Owen’s final life lesson.Connect with Owen Marcus: LinkedInWebsiteConnect with / follow Naphtali Hoff: FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeGet Naphtali’s books:Becoming the New Boss: The New Leader's Guide to Sustained SuccessBecoming the Productive Boss: 5 Proven Steps to Leading High Performing TeamsFind Lead to Succeed on:iTunesStitcherGoogle PodcastsSpotifyiHeartPlease subscribe to, rate and review the show. Your feedback gives social proof and encourages more folks to listen.
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Taking a Stand Against Bullying with Jenn Johnson: Lead to Succeed 161
Dec 4, 202400:31:16Tap to summarize Taking a Stand Against Bullying with Jenn Johnson: Lead to Succeed 161 Naphtali Hoff Download Episode Summary:When faced with wrongdoings like bullying, staying silent is often the easiest choice—but it’s also the most harmful. How can we find the courage to speak out and take a stand against bad behavior?In this episode, Jenn Johnson shares her experiences and insights on the importance of confronting bullying in the workplace. Key Talking Points of the Episode: (Note: timestamps follow the audio recording)Key Talking Points of the Episode:[02:05] More about Jenn’s journey.[04:20] More about leadership in the hospital.[06:25] More about Jenn’s new company.[11:09] Jenn’s advice for people who feel bullied and stressed in the workplace.[14:24] What leaders can do to diminish bullying or other types of inappropriate behaviors.[16:22] More about Jenn’s book.[17:57] Some elements of intuition that Jenn thinks are applicable for everyone - especially leaders.[19:45] How leaders can balance staying connected with their team and maintaining focus on their work.[22:08] Jenn’s insights on the key elements of effective change management and the right way to approach it.[25:30] What employees can do when they’re struggling with an issue their leader doesn’t notice.[26:35] Jenn’s biggest mistake and how she grew from it.[28:06] Rapid-fire questions.[30:09] Jenn’s final life lesson.Connect with Jenn Johnson: LinkedInWebsiteConnect with / follow Naphtali Hoff: FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeGet Naphtali’s books:Becoming the New Boss: The New Leader's Guide to Sustained SuccessBecoming the Productive Boss: 5 Proven Steps to Leading High Performing TeamsFind Lead to Succeed on:iTunesStitcherGoogle PodcastsSpotifyiHeartPlease subscribe to, rate and review the show. Your feedback gives social proof and encourages more folks to listen.
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The Power of Clarity with Alex Geesbreght: Lead to Succeed 160
Nov 27, 202400:34:54Tap to summarize The Power of Clarity with Alex Geesbreght: Lead to Succeed 160 Naphtali Hoff Download Episode Summary:A growth mindset is essential for success, but without clarity, how can we know where we’re headed or how to measure our progress?In this episode, Alex Geesbreght explains why clarity is a fundamental building block for fostering a growth mindset and how it can unlock new possibilities for personal and leadership development.Alex is the Founder and Partner of PRAX Leadership, Geesbreght Capital, and Geesbreght Group. He is a former Owner of Emergency Medicine Consultants, where he served in various roles including General Counsel, President, and Chief Strategy Officer for over sixteen years until the sale of the company in 2018. He is also the former Owner and CEO of PhysAssist Scribes, the nation’s first medical scribe company. Since selling PhysAssist in 2014, Alex is a full-time investor and counselor of early-stage entrepreneurs.Key Talking Points of the Episode: (Note: timestamps follow the audio recording)[01:54] More about Alex’s journey.[04:30] What recovery was like for Alex as a recovering attorney.[08:49] Alex's perspective on purpose and navigating difficult transitions and how his methodology helps guide people when they're uncertain about their future.[11:17] Alex's advice for gaining clarity when a person is uncertain.[14:09] Alex's advice for someone whose passion doesn’t align with the highest-paying role but still wants to pursue it.[26:59] Alex's biggest mistake and how he grew from it.[29:47] Rapid fire questions.[32:50] Alex’s final life lesson.Connect with Alex Geesbreght: LinkedInWebsiteConnect with / follow Naphtali Hoff: FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramYouTubeGet Naphtali’s books:Becoming the New Boss: The New Leader's Guide to Sustained SuccessBecoming the Productive Boss: 5 Proven Steps to Leading High Performing TeamsFind Lead to Succeed on:iTunesStitcherGoogle PodcastsSpotifyiHeartPlease subscribe to, rate and review the show. Your feedback gives social proof and encourages more folks to listen.
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