Impact Makers Podcast With Jennifer Mcclure

On today's episode, we're diving deep into a topic that's dear to my heart - networking. After losing a job I held for nearly a decade, I had to start from scratch and it was during this challenging phase that I realized the immense power of networking. To discuss this further, we have on board the insightful Greg Rochet, a successful business executive and a self-proclaimed introverted networker. We talk about everything from building meaningful connections to nurturing relationships and striking that fine balance between work, networking, and life. Interestingly, we also discuss the impact of LinkedIn on our networking strategies, as well as tips to engage with those who are ahead in our career journey. Listen in, as we unwrap practical insights that can transform your professional life through networking. Don't miss this chance to elevate your career. So, tune in, connect, and let's grow together! Show Highlights: Greg’s personal journey from being networking-avoidant to networking expert. How Greg balanc

What happens when a leader unveils their vulnerability? Does it weaken their status or lead to a more profound connection with their team? These intriguing questions are the foundation of our discussion with Jacob Morgan, a trained futurist and renowned authority on the future of work, leadership, and employee experience. We navigate through the complexities of leading with vulnerability, drawing from Jacob's extensive research, real-world examples, and insights from his latest book, 'Lead with Vulnerability'. Think about the CEO who bares his soul about the struggles of the business, only to be fired, or the one who acknowledges the struggles but couples them with a clear vision leading to success. Such tales help us dissect the nuanced difference between vulnerability and leading with vulnerability, especially in a workplace setting. We offer insights and practical advice on how leaders can incorporate vulnerability into their leadership style without undermining their competence. What is the transformative

Get ready for a conversation that might just change your life. Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Dr. Tanvi Gautam, a renowned leadership development expert who's here to shift your perspective on leadership. In our chat, we'll dissect the core of leadership, providing you with practical strategies to boost your influence and legacy. As we navigate a world rocked by global disruption, Dr. Gautam highlights how leadership is evolving and why it's critical to adopt new tools and resources. This episode is your guide to transforming this unique time into an opportunity to rethink your approach to work. We're going to break down the skills you need to thrive in a rapidly changing world, preparing you to rise above unforeseen challenges. We're also going to dive into the concept of future fluidity. Dr. Gautam shares how to cultivate flexibility and resilience, essential tools for navigating an uncertain future. Plus, we explore the role technology plays in enhancing visibility and influence. And we don't forget the im

Ever been in front of a crowd with your heart racing, palms sweating, and mind in overdrive? Yep, I've been there too. That's why today, I'm excited to take you on a backstage journey into the fascinating world of public speaking. And who better to guide us than Adriana Baer, a stellar coach who equips leaders with powerful speaking skills, drawing from her rich theater background. Adriana opens up about how her theatrical past not only helped her face her own fears but also how it serves as a unique toolkit to empower her clients. She focuses on fostering a genuine connection with the audience, aligning with their goals, and digging deep to find that motivation. We dived deep into how a well-crafted narrative can completely transform your speech, keeping your audience hooked. Adriana graciously shared her method of helping clients achieve the perfect mix of structure and flexibility in their speeches. We also touched on the high-energy Disrupt HR format, where the challenge is to deliver an impactful present

Today, we have a truly fascinating guest: Rob Lawless. Rob is on a mission to meet 10,000 people and he's spending one hour with each one of them. You heard it right! The tales from his journey are truly inspiring and filled with insights that you don't want to miss. Rob has managed to catch the attention of big names like The Kelly Clarkson Show and has even delivered speeches across the globe. Through this mission, he has underlined the remarkable power of human connection. As we dive deeper into his journey, we discuss how the dynamics of social media have transformed since he began his quest. From the moment he received a pivotal rejection email to when he signed a contract to speak in Bangalore, India, Rob's story is a testament to resilience and perseverance. More than just meeting people, he's been constructing a unique FRIEND Framework that includes family, relationships, industry, entertainment, needs, and dreams. Every interaction he has is an experience, an opportunity to make a connection more mea

Join me and my BFF, Laurie Ruettimann, as we discuss the topic of how generative AI tools can aid in content creation. We share our personal experiences with these tools and how they are saving us precious time and adding immense value to our work. Listen in as we unpack the different user types of AI: creators who leverage it for automation and editors who utilize AI to refine existing work. Next, Laurie and I explore the potential of AI in personal and professional communication. We discuss the use of generative AI tools for writing emails, newsletters, and even crafting professional messages. Discover how the right prompts can yield better results and the ways we can communicate effectively with AI. Don't miss out on the insights we offer on how to get the best results from your AI tool! In the latter part of our conversation, we focus on the power of AI in enhancing our creativity and decision-making processes. We talk about how these tools suggest ideas we may not have thought of, and how they can be use

A career change is a huge thing that a lot of people are dealing with right now, whether they feel stuck in their current job or they just want to do something different that they enjoy. But how do you position yourself for the job that you want?  As an employee, you've got to figure out how to get noticed to move your career ahead and make sure you're getting the interactions and relationships that you need. That being said, this is a two-way street. Leaders also need to figure out how to provide a safe space and environment for their people to connect, even remotely.  In today’s episode, I’m sharing a recording of a conversation I had with Chris Villanueva when he invited me to podcast and chat about networking, relationship building, and how the changing world of work impacts both job seekers and people leaders. Chris is the CEO & Co-Founder of Let's Eat, Grandma, an online resume service that helps professionals rebrand themselves to land interviews for their dream jobs. Recently ranked by The Balance

I’ve had the best job in the world for over 10 years now - where I have the privilege of speaking on stages and in training rooms to groups of leaders around the world about how to increase their influence, focus strategically, and make a positive impact at work and in life. When I stepped out on my own in 2010 to start my business, I had a little bit of experience, a healthy dose of confidence, and a whole lot of hope that I could build the relationships, and create impactful presentations that would result in a successful speaking business. But like a lot of things in my life where I tend to jump off the cliff first, and then think about my parachute later, I wasn’t fully prepared for what it would take to find my lane, to determine how to set my speaking fees, or how to become a recognized expert. So, queue admission into the school of hard knocks, where I’ve gained quite an education along the way, and as a result, have ultimately managed to build a business and life that I truly love. Last year, my frien

Discover the power of creative problem-solving! In today’s episode, we’re bringing in an expert in creative problem-solving and creating cultures of innovation. Ellia Harris works with managers, business owners, and their teams to get them out of habitual thinking, so they can find creative solutions that they couldn’t see before.  The creator of Light Bulb Thinking™, Ellia has over a decade’s experience in organizational training. Her own experience as a manager seeking a creative approach to leadership has led to her expertise in using creative thinking as the fastest route to becoming an effective leader of a high-performing team – which, in a time when we all need to be at the top of our game, is more crucial than ever. Ellia is a timely reminder that everyone has the capacity for creative thinking and creative problem-solving – and thinking differently about some of the challenges that you’re facing may be the best way to identify the solution that you need to move forward. Topics Discussed In Today’s Ep

Meet Shahzia Nourali, the exceptional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practitioner, who with her dynamic voice, is changing the narrative around workplace authority and equity. In our enlightening conversation, she shares her inspiring journey from a place of isolation in her first leadership role, to becoming a passionate advocate for equity within the utilities industry and beyond. Her unique insights are shaped by her experiences as a woman of color, a child of immigrants, and an HR practitioner.  Our conversation takes us through the challenges and biases that persist in traditional leadership and mentorship models. With Shahzia leading the way, we explore the concept of sponsorship, and how it can create a space for authentic expression, amplifying not just talent but also the voices that often go unheard. We grapple with the systemic effects of racism, discussing the importance of bringing to the fore voices that remain outside the usual circles of influence.  Show Highlights: Building workplace autho

Get ready to reshape your HR practices with our insightful guest, Noah Warder. Noah, a vastly experienced HR strategist, brings a fresh perspective to the table, advocating for a culture that stimulates open dialogue and forethought. He shares his wisdom on how to balance daily tasks and strategic initiatives while also debunking the misconception that effective people practices need to be intricate or costly. Tackling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Noah emphasizes the vital role of a diverse leadership team in recruiting a diverse workforce, and the significance of tying DEI strategies to business objectives. We also dig into Noah's views on trust-building within HR, and his strategies for providing constructive feedback, including the challenge of communicating with those skeptical of HR. Transparency in leadership is also on the agenda, highlighting how openness and clear communication can empower employees and foster greater engagement. In the closing segments of our conversation, we explore the

Have you ever found yourself frustrated with corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives? I certainly have, and that's why I invited Zach Nunn to join us today. Zach, the founder, and CEO of Living Corporate, - a diversity, equity, and inclusion digital media network that centers and amplifies black and brown professionals in the workplace through narrative storytelling. Zach has been on quite the journey - from HR manager at Target to launching Living Corporate - and today, he's sharing that story with us. I’ve been a fan of the podcasts, videos, blogs, and more that Zach and his team have been creating over the last five years. As an entrepreneur, I’ve also been fascinated by how something that began as an idea became a single podcast – then became a vibrant network of podcasts, web shows, blogs, and more – all while Zach was working full-time in leadership roles in HR, change management, DE&I, and strategy and growth for several large organizations.  Listen in as we explore the significance

Seldom do we come across a story as astonishing and inspiring as that of our guest Khalilah Olokunola, who transformed a troubled past into a beacon of hope and empowerment. Khalilah's journey from the streets of Brooklyn to a prison cell, and eventually to the boardrooms of the corporate world, is a testament to her unwavering resilience and determination.  Khalilah is an extraordinary human, HR executive, community leader, and now business owner - for the 6th time - and the story of her life, to date, is so completely inspiring. Our conversation with Khalilah takes you through her inspiring journey and the wisdom she gleaned along the way. She recounts how a simple letter from her father gave her the strength to persevere, and how her role as a Chief People Officer at a startup with a mission to unite gang rivals shaped her perspective on life. In her current endeavor, Re-Engineering HR, she helps companies thrive by prioritizing people, purpose, and profit.  You won't want to miss our conversation as we di

Today, I’m sharing a conversation with you that I had recently with Shari Simpson, who is the Senior Manager of Thought Leadership at Paylocity on the HR Mixtape podcast, which she hosts.  I asked Shari if I could also share the conversation with you because I thought she asked some great questions about the challenges and opportunities that HR leaders are facing in a world where work and employee expectations have changed forever.  We discussed how technology and artificial intelligence impacts HR, as well as how HR can lead in the future of work in the areas of attracting and retaining talent, redefining employee engagement, and connecting employees with meaning and purpose in their work. We also touched on how HR leaders can build their influence, and make a significant impact in their organizations as well as the broader HR community. I encourage you to follow or subscribe to the HR Mixtape podcast so you can listen to more thought-provoking interviews, compliance tips, coffee chats, and the latest HR-rel

Ever thought of poetry as a tool for revolutionizing our thought process and sparking creativity? Well, our esteemed guest, Arend Boersema, a human resources leader, hip-hop enthusiast, spoken word poet, and writer, helps us unravel this unique concept. He passionately talks about how his journey in writing, particularly during the trying times of the pandemic, became an emotional outlet that eventually led to the creation of his book "Poetry at the Heart of Business." Arend’s rich global experiences shaped his unique identity and seeped into his work. He explains how his transition from globetrotting to settling in Rochester, New York, brought about culture shock, especially dealing with the harsh winters. He shares how he embraced different cultures he was exposed to and how these experiences have influenced his writing. His love for hip-hop, specifically, has been a significant influence on his style of writing. His book intriguingly explores company culture and the overall employee experience. In the fina

Today on the podcast, I’m chatting with Derik Clark, a human resources leader and recently retired Army counterintelligence agent who has a passion for teaching others about the power of nonverbal communication.  Derik is a US Army veteran with 22 years of service, who specialized in counterintelligence investigations and intelligence informant operations.  Through those responsibilities, he became a subject matter expert in body language assessments and high-stakes interviewing in threatening environments, and he’s taught those skills to thousands of US soldiers in both the official Army counterintelligence school, as well as in live environment military operations. Derik founded Bodysights body language training to help leaders and organizations to notice key nonverbals during interviews, client interactions, investigations, performance reviews, and negotiations. In our discussion today, we’ll talk about the importance of reading and understanding body language and the impact it can have in various contexts

On today’s podcast, I’ll be chatting with Claire Bahn, the CEO and Founder of Claire Bahn Group, a strategic marketing communications and branding agency.  For over 15 years, Claire has been helping leading businesses, high-achieving CEOs, executives, investors, and founders to maximize their authority and influence in order to accelerate business growth, gain recognition and increase opportunities.  In our conversation today, we dive into the concept of personal branding, why it’s important for everyone - but especially for executives - and what it takes to develop an effective personal brand in a world where most everyone is sharing online, and AI is being used more than ever to create content for people who may not have been previously good at it.  Topics Discussed In Today’s Episode: What personal branding is, how it’s changed over the last few years, and why it goes well beyond visual elements like colors and logos Why differentiation is key to developing a successful personal brand, and key steps to ta

On today’s podcast, I’ll be chatting with Cory Carlson, an executive coach and speaker, who helps leaders win both at home and at work.  With over 20 years of corporate experience, including managing large teams and holding executive positions, Cory understands the challenges and pressures that many leaders face firsthand. In our conversation today, he shares his personal journey of self-discovery as a leader, from battling with imposter syndrome to finding a better way to lead. He also opens up about the pivotal moment in his career that led him to seek out an executive coach, and how that decision helped him to transform his life, while also becoming a better father, husband, and leader. We chat about some of the key lessons that he learned along the way, and we discuss the importance of embracing coaching, focusing on what truly matters, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.  Cory's insights and practical strategies are not only beneficial for leaders but for anyone seeking personal growth and fulfi

What does it take to unlock your true confidence and become the best version of yourself? The answer may lie in your personal style. Our guest Melanie Lippman, an image coach and personal branding expert, shares her journey from the luxury fashion industry to empowering women leaders by defining their unique style. We dive into the power of developing a positive mindset about our bodies and finding the clothes that work best for us. Melanie reveals how fashion can be a combination of math and science, but with the right formula, your look can be both comfortable and powerful. We also explore the unique challenges that women face in the corporate environment and how clothing can be used to either play bigger or look more approachable. Don't miss Melanie's insights on building a versatile and intentional wardrobe to reinforce your personal brand, as well as tips on finding a balance between your authentic style and workplace expectations. Listen in to level up your style game, make a lasting impact, and show up

Discover how to conquer your fears and unlock your true potential in our latest episode of the Impact Makers podcast, where we welcome back Dr. Todd Dewett to discuss his fifth book, "Dancing with Monsters: A Tale About Leadership, Success, and Overcoming Fears." Todd reveals how this captivating fable addresses the daily struggles we all face, especially millennials and Gen Z, in dealing with anxieties, fears, and a lack of confidence. Get ready to explore the book's memorable characters and how they work together to overcome obstacles, find their authentic selves, and ultimately, achieve success. The conversation doesn't stop there. We also dive into the importance of authenticity in professional settings and how striving for greatness allows people to be more expressive and true to themselves. Dr. Dewett points out that there has been a shift in leadership due to the pandemic, with more focus on being human and empathetic. We also touch on the value that each generation brings to the workforce and how lead