Épisodes

  • How Your Core Values Are the Key to Fulfillment at Work with Robert Glazer

    How Your Core Values Are the Key to Fulfillment at Work with Robert Glazer
    Feb 6 2026
    Episode recap In this episode, Marcel talks with Robert Glazer, author of The Compass Within, about why core values are essential for effective leadership and meaningful work. Robert explains the difference between aspirational values and actionable core values—non-negotiable principles that guide real decisions and behavior. They explore how values alignment boosts employee engagement, strengthens trust in leaders, and reveals whether an organization’s stated values actually match what it rewards in practice. The conversation also dives into authenticity, emotional honesty, and how early life experiences shape our values and sense of purpose. Robert shares a practical framework and reflective questions to help people clarify their true core values, arguing that clarity leads to better decisions, healthier leadership, and deeper personal fulfillment. The episode closes with Robert’s mission to help more people discover their “true north” and live with greater integrity and intention Bio: Robert Glazer is a globally recognized entrepreneur, speaker, and author. He is the founder and former CEO of a $50M marketing agency with an award-winning, values-driven culture, and the author of multiple bestsellers, including Elevate and Elevate Your Team. His inspirational newsletter, Friday Forward, reaches over 200,000 readers weekly. Quotes: I define core values as the non-negotiable principles that decide your actions and behaviors, reflecting who you are, not who you wish you were. Most of our purpose is tied to pain, but people are afraid to go there and look, even though those formative experiences are where their real values live. If you can help people figure out their personal core values, you help them become better leaders, because they are going to lead from those values, whether they realize it or not. Everyone wants the shortcut, but if you really want to figure out your core values, you have to be willing to do the work and spend time with the questions. When you understand your core values, you gain a dramatic clarity that changes how you live and how you lead. Takeaways: Core values are intrinsic, non-negotiable decision rules that show up across all areas of life, not vague one-word aspirations like “integrity” or “family.” Much of our purpose and many of our values are rooted in formative childhood experiences, especially painful or ignored parts of our story. Alignment is impossible until you first clarify what you are actually aligning to, which is why defining values must come before trying to “live in alignment.” Research shows that when people’s work aligns with their values, engagement, trust, life satisfaction, and retention all increase significantly. Doing the structured inner work, like Robert’s six-question process and core values course, provides a practical pathway to make better long-term decisions about career, relationships, and leadership. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – 00:02:30 Opening, sponsor message, and Marcel’s setup about authenticity and alignment 00:02:30 – 00:05:56 Introducing Robert Glazer and the story behind The Compass Within 00:05:56 – 00:07:12 Robert’s personal story and how purpose is tied to pain 00:07:12 – 00:14:46 Why this book now, tribalism, and what people get wrong about values 00:14:46 – 00:17:25 Core values, culture, and how companies really reward behavior 00:17:25 – 00:21:17 Data, research, and why values alignment matters at work and in life 00:21:17 – 00:31:43 The six core values questions and live exercise revealing Marcel’s value of authenticity 00:31:43 – 00:36:25 Robert’s own core values and how they play out in his life and leadership 00:36:25 – 00:36:58 The hardest parts of doing core values work and why there is no shortcut 00:36:58 – 00:39:13 Speed round: what makes Robert smile, who inspires him, and bold life choices 00:39:13 – 00:41:00 How to lead with love, Robert’s final takeaway, and where to find his work Conclusion: This episode makes one thing crystal clear: if you do not define your values, the world will do it for you. Robert Glazer shows that core values are not fluffy slogans, but the invisible rails that quietly direct every major choice you make. Once you illuminate those rails, you can stop bouncing off the walls of the tunnel and start driving your life and leadership with intention. The stories, data, and live coaching moment with Marcel prove that this inner work is both emotional and incredibly practical. Listen in, then dare yourself to turn on your own “compass within” and see what needs to change. Links/Resources: Website: https://robertglazer.com/ Book: https://robertglazer.com/compass/ Core Values Course: www.corevaluescourse.com Get the Six Questions: https://robertglazer.com/six/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glazer
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    41 min
  • Why You Should Care for Your People Like Family with Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia

    Why You Should Care for Your People Like Family with Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia
    Jan 29 2026
    Episode recap This episode is brought to you by Peak Performers, a nonprofit staffing agency that champions professionals with disabilities. Learn more at www.peakperformers.org. This week on the Love in Action Podcast, I welcomed back Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia for a powerful conversation about what happens when leadership is rooted in genuine care. We talk about the 10th anniversary edition of their seminal classic, Everybody Matters, and why the book and movement continue to resonate around the world. We break down why people-centered leadership is more urgent than ever, and how treating people with care, dignity, and respect isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s what builds strong, resilient organizations. If you care about creating workplaces where people actually thrive, this episode is for you. BOB CHAPMAN is the chairman of Barry-Wehmiller. A sought-after speaker on human-centered leadership, business growth, sustained performance, and culture transformation, Chapman strives to use his business leadership platform to build a better world.   RAJ SISODIA is a cofounder of the Conscious Capitalism movement and a pioneering voice in the global business renaissance. He is the author or coauthor of 16 books, including The New York Times bestseller Conscious Capitalism (with John P. Mackey of Whole Foods Market). Quotes: We have a hunger for caring in the world, and this book addresses caring. The way we lead impacts the way people live. Business could be the most powerful force for good in the world if we simply knew how to care for the people we have the privilege of leading. You cannot ask people to care for others; you must teach them the human skills of caring. You cannot lead the people unless you love the people, and you cannot love the people unless you know the people. Takeaways: Truly Human Leadership reframes business from an economic relationship to a deeply human relationship where people are the purpose. Caring is a learnable skill that must be intentionally taught, not just requested or assumed. The person you report to at work can affect your health more than your family doctor. Most business education still focuses on numbers and profit while bypassing the human heart and soul. Conscious, caring leadership positively ripples into marriages, families, and even future generations. Timestamps: 00:00:03 Opening and introduction of Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia 00:02:33 Tenth anniversary of Everybody Matters and why it still matters 00:06:01 Origin story and why the book had to be written 00:08:02 Lessons from a decade of impact and stress testing through crisis 00:11:24 How leadership at work shapes health, marriage, and family life 00:16:15 What business schools still get wrong about leadership and purpose 00:21:08 How Everybody Matters deepened the idea of conscious capitalism 00:25:22 What Truly Human Leadership really means beyond just being nice 00:30:30 Stories of companies transformed by caring cultures 00:34:04 Why the wrong people often rise and how to rethink who becomes a leader 00:39:20 A message that can heal business, education, and society 00:44:18 Love, leadership, and practical caring in everyday management 00:46:00 Conclusion Conclusion: This conversation shows that leadership is not about titles or metrics, but about the lives entrusted to you. Bob and Raj reveal that when leaders choose to care, organizations do not just perform better; people become healthier, more hopeful, and more connected at home. They challenge the prevailing belief that profit must come before people and instead show how human dignity and strong business performance can reinforce each other. The episode also exposes how our education and promotion systems neglect the human side of work, and why teaching caring skills is no longer optional. In the end, listeners are invited to see business as a profound opportunity to practice love in action so that, in every workplace, everybody truly matters. Links/Resources: The Book: https://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Matters-Extraordinary-Caring-People/dp/1591847796/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0 Bob Chapman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-chapman-89b936b8/ Raj Sisodia - https://rajsisodia.com/ Barry-Wehmiller - https://www.barrywehmiller.com/ Conscious Capitalism - https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/ Truly Human Leadership - https://www.barrywehmiller.com/blog Bob Chapman, Episode #6: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/bob-chapman/ Raj Sisodia, Episode #36: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/raj-sisodia/ Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/
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    50 min
  • Catch People Doing Things Right with Martha C. Lawrence

    Catch People Doing Things Right with Martha C. Lawrence
    Jan 26 2026
    Episode recap This episode is brought to you by Peak Performers, a nonprofit staffing agency that champions professionals with disabilities. Learn more at www.peakperformers.org If you’ve ever wondered what shaped Ken Blanchard into one of the most trusted leadership voices of our time, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look. I sat down with Martha Lawrence—Ken’s longtime friend, collaborator, and biographer—and what unfolded was a rich mix of humor, history, and heart. In her new book, “Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads,” Martha reveal the real Ken. She walks through her own journey as well—how a post-9/11 turning point led her to Blanchard’s organization and eventually to writing the definitive biography that captures his wisdom, quirks, and quiet resilience. Bio A former editor at Simon & Schuster and Harcourt, Martha C. Lawrence has shaped the voices of some of the world’s most successful thought leaders. As executive editor at Blanchard, she has collaborated with Ken Blanchard for more than 20 years. Her editing credits include multimillion-copy bestsellers and #1 New York Times titles. Lawrence is passionate about leadership, storytelling, and capturing legacies that matter. She is the author “Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads.” Quotes: I knew I could not have worked alongside a human being who not only was so innovative and intelligent and heart-centered, but who lived the same things he's teaching. If one of the takeaways from the book is that you don't have to be perfect to be successful. You want to lift people—you want to catch them doing things right. Takeaways: True leadership is based on humility, trust, and the authentic desire to lift others up. Setbacks and personal challenges can become sources of strength and inspiration. Servant leadership means supporting your team from the bottom up, not ruling from the top. The best leaders are those who make others feel valued and recognized for their contributions. Lifelong learning and collaboration can fuel both personal and organizational growth. Timestamps: 0:00:00 — Sponsor Message & Podcast Welcome 0:01:30 — Marcel introduces Ken Blanchard's influence and today’s theme 0:02:30 — Introducing guest Martha C. Lawrence and her background 0:05:00 — Martha shares her story and career path 0:07:30 — Martha discusses overcoming personal adversity 0:10:54 — How Martha began working with Ken Blanchard 0:12:54 — Inspiration to write Ken’s biography 0:16:09 — Ken’s connections and meeting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 0:19:33 — How Ken’s parents shaped his leadership values 0:21:21 — The inverted pyramid and servant leadership explained 0:23:13 — Ken’s mentors, co-authors, and learning philosophy 0:25:07 — Ken’s personal and professional setbacks 0:27:38 — Ken’s humor and breaking the rules 0:31:26 — The evolution of Ken’s servant leadership philosophy 0:33:39 — "The One Minute Manager"—origins and impact 0:35:54 — Are the principles of "The One Minute Manager" still relevant? 0:37:51 — Research and surprises from Ken's archives 0:39:57 — Including love in leadership and chapter discussion 0:42:42 — What readers can gain from the book; catching people doing things right 0:45:08 — Distinguishing between care and love in leadership 0:47:39 — Speed Round: What makes Martha smile, her inspirations, and hopes 0:53:33 — The big takeaway: Leadership is love 0:54:25 — Where to find Martha and Ken’s resources online 0:55:01 — Closing gratitude and episode wrap-up Conclusion: The stories shared in this episode remind us that genuine leadership is shaped by humility, resilience, and compassion. Ken Blanchard’s journey proves that success is rooted as much in character as in achievement. Martha’s perspective brings to life the transformative effect of working alongside a true role model. Their experiences illustrate that lifting other and embracing authenticity can leave a legacy that outlasts any title. As you move forward, ask yourself: how can you lead with more heart in your own life and work? Links/Resources: www.marthalawrence.com www.blanchard.com www.kenblanchardbooks.com Episode #3: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-in-action/id1456073489?i=1000433623822 Episode #122: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/ken-blanchard-2/
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    56 min
  • Inside Peak Performers: A New Standard for Disability Hiring and Inclusion with Bree Sarlati

    Inside Peak Performers: A New Standard for Disability Hiring and Inclusion with Bree Sarlati
    Jan 16 2026
    This episode is brought to you by Peak Performers, a nonprofit staffing agency that champions professionals with disabilities. Learn more at www.peakperformers.org Episode recap: Today’s guest is Bree Sarlati, President and CEO of Peak Performers, a nonprofit staffing agency that champions professionals with disabilities. Sarlati is leading Peak Performers’ mission to raise the standard of employment for people with disabilities. She breaks down the biases that still shape hiring and explains how Peak is proving that skilled talent is everywhere. We discuss how to build inclusive teams and how Peak is scaling nationally while staying deeply human-centered. Bree also shares their “Talent Without Limits” initiative and explains how her team is integrating AI into recruiting without losing empathy or accountability.  BIO: Bree Sarlati is a pragmatic strategist known for turning complexity into clarity. As CEO of Peak Performers, Bree has led the organization's national expansion, modernizing operations, embracing new technology, and scaling its mission beyond Texas. Her focus on agility ensures that even as Peak grows, it never loses the human touch that defines its work. Bree has a talent for spotting potential that others miss and for connecting people with opportunities that move them forward. Passionate about disability employment and gender equity in leadership, she champions fair, future-ready systems and brings clarity, curiosity, and a people-first approach when the stakes are high. Quotes: Our mission as a non-profit has always been to set a higher standard of employment for people with disabilities. We stay focused on the candidates who are going through one of the most stressful experiences of their lives, which is job searching. That's a time when we should be very aware of people's human-level needs. A CEO always needs to be looking inward and asking, 'What skills do I need to add to take this organization to where I want it to go? Takeaways: Inclusive hiring unlocks hidden talent and drives organizational success. Disabilities encompass many unseen conditions and should be understood broadly. Technology can scale impact without sacrificing the human connection in recruiting. Agile leadership starts with self-awareness and adapting to constant change. Empathy and respect should guide all workplace interactions and decision-making. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction and Overview of Peak Performers 00:02:30 Bree Sarlati’s Journey and Passion for Storytelling 00:08:40 Peak Performers’ Mission and Redefining Disability Employment 00:14:20 Challenges and Evolution in Disability-Inclusive Hiring 00:21:00 The Importance of Agility and Leadership Self-Awareness 00:26:30 Building Agile, Human-Centered Teams 00:32:00 Leveraging Technology Without Losing the Human Touch 00:36:30 The “Talent Without Limits” Initiative 00:41:00 The Role of Empathy, AI, and Creativity in Modern Recruiting 00:45:30 Leading with Love, Key Takeaways, and Final Thoughts 00:49:00 Connecting with Bree Sarlati and Closing Remarks Conclusion: As this inspiring conversation draws to a close, reflect on how inclusive hiring can transform both businesses and lives. We have learned that true agility in leadership comes from embracing change with empathy and purpose. Peak Performers shows us that technology and human connection can coexist to build workplaces of belonging. The journey to future-ready teams begins by recognizing untapped potential and challenging our own assumptions. Let us carry these lessons forward and strive to create workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Links/Resources: Peak Performers Website: https://www.peakperformers.org/ Peak Performers on LinkedIn (Company Page): https://www.linkedin.com/company/peak-performers-staffing-agency/ Bree Sarlati on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bree-sarlati/ Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9fO2r_ZQ3wy5ie522f-DTQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/
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    50 min
  • Why So Many Leaders Hit a Wall in Midlife (and What to Do About It) with Marcel Schwantes

    Why So Many Leaders Hit a Wall in Midlife (and What to Do About It) with Marcel Schwantes
    Jan 9 2026

    Don’t forget Marcel’s special offer to join his Substack community. Subscribe here:

    https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/subscribe

    Episode recap:

    This episode explores a quiet but powerful turning point many high-achieving leaders face in midlife, when success no longer feels fulfilling. It names the real issue—not burnout, but misalignment between a leader’s outer accomplishments and inner values—and reframes it as a necessary recalibration rather than a crisis. Through reflection, values realignment, and intentional listening, leaders can reconnect with meaning, purpose, and a more authentic way of leading and living.

    Bio:

    Marcel Schwantes is a speaker, author, and acclaimed executive coach with a global following. Recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the Top 50 Leadership and Management Experts in 2025, Marcel’s thought leadership reaches millions each month through global media like Inc., Time, Fast Company, Business Insider, and Forbes. Marcel delivers presentations, workshops, courses, and coaching programs about the human side of business and how cultures of care,  connection, and belonging power companies to thrive and outperform the competition.

    Quotes:

    • True fulfillment begins when you pause to listen to your inner voice, not just your outer achievements.
    • The greatest crisis we face in midlife is not failure but living a life out of alignment with who we truly are.
    • Success without meaning will always leave you feeling restless and incomplete.
    • When you dare to revisit your core values, you rediscover the energy and purpose that fuel your next chapter.
    • Your next breakthrough starts when you ask what decision moves you closer to who you are becoming.

    Takeaways:

    • External accomplishments alone cannot bring lasting fulfillment without inner alignment.
    • Regular stillness and reflection are essential to connect with your true values and desires.
    • Midlife is not a crisis, but a powerful opportunity for recalibration and growth.
    • Simple daily questions and journaling can reveal the real story of who you are now.
    • Realigning your life with your authentic self opens the door to deeper joy, meaning, and impact.

    Timestamps:

    00:00:00 Introduction & The Hidden Question Behind Success

    00:01:40 Success Achieved, Emptiness Remains

    00:03:20 The Disconnect of “Going Through the Motions.”

    00:05:00 Decades of Momentum & Inner Tiredness

    00:06:40 Playing a Character & Seeking Deeper Meaning

    00:08:20 Facing Burnout & The Concept of Misalignment

    00:10:00 Rediscovering Values and Building Self-Awareness

    00:11:40 Time to Pivot: Steps for Realignment

    00:13:20 Grounding Yourself with Daily Questions

    00:15:00 Journaling Exercise, Reflections & Outro

    Conclusion:

    True fulfillment starts when you stop chasing more and start tuning into what matters most within. The path to congruence is not about abandoning your achievements but about aligning them with your deepest values and desires. Remember, the discomfort you feel is really an invitation that serves as a wake-up call to a richer, more meaningful season of life. By embracing stillness, revisiting your core values, and asking powerful questions, you can chart a new course that feels genuinely right for you. Your next chapter is waiting, so are you ready to write it with purpose and passion?

    Links/Resources:

    Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/

    Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes

    YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MarcelSchwantes1

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/

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    18 min
  • Reset Your Definition of Leadership with Marcel Schwantes

    Reset Your Definition of Leadership with Marcel Schwantes
    Jan 2 2026

    Episode recap:

    Subscribe to Marcel’s Substack here:

    https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/subscribe

    Marcel Schwantes opens Season 10 with gratitude and a renewed call for better leadership. He previews more solo episodes in 2026 and emphasizes that a leadership strategy only works when a leader’s character and inner operating system are solid. He reframes authentic leadership as humility, self-honesty, and service. Authenticity starts with self-awareness, supported by a weekly reflection: where you lived your values, where you drifted, and what triggered it. He links authentic leadership to well-being by urging leaders to remove friction, create clarity, support mental health, and help people connect to purpose—since burnout often stems from a loss of meaning, not just workload.

    Bio:

    Marcel Schwantes is a speaker, author, and acclaimed executive coach with a global following. Recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the Top 50 Leadership and Management Experts in 2025, Marcel’s thought leadership reaches millions each month through global media like Inc., Time, Fast Company, Business Insider, and Forbes. Marcel delivers presentations, workshops, courses, and coaching programs about the human side of business and how cultures of care,  connection, and belonging power companies to thrive and outperform the competition.

    Quotes:

    • "You become a far more effective leader the moment you stop performing leadership and start practicing it."
    • "Authentic leadership always, always starts with self-honesty."
    • "Humility is a performance enhancer, not just a personality trait."
    • "Great leaders aren't afraid of holding up the mirror; they invite feedback and treat it like data, not judgment."
    • "Real authentic leadership exists to meet real human needs."

    Takeaways:

    • Authentic leadership begins with self-honesty and removing the mask.
    • Humility allows leaders to learn, grow, and truly connect with others.
    • Seeking and acting on feedback transforms workplace relationships.
    • Meeting the real needs of people is at the heart of effective leadership.
    • Redefining leadership with authenticity, humility, and service sets the stage for a thriving culture.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction & Podcast Purpose

    03:26 2026 Podcast Direction & New Year Focus

    06:00 Principles of Authentic Leadership

    08:30 Practical Implementation Tips

    14:45 Conclusion & Call to Action

    Conclusion:

    As we close out this episode, remember that real leadership begins with honesty, humility, and a genuine commitment to serving others. By embracing authenticity and staying true to your values, you create space for growth, trust, and lasting impact. Let this new year be your opportunity to lead with heart, listen deeply, and elevate the people around you. True change starts from within, and your leadership can set the tone for a better tomorrow.

    Links/Resources:

    Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/

    Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes

    YouTube: hhttps://www.youtube.com/@MarcelSchwantes1

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/

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    17 min
  • Building Emotionally Intelligent Teams that Outperform the Rest with Vanessa Druskat

    Building Emotionally Intelligent Teams that Outperform the Rest with Vanessa Druskat
    Dec 19 2025

    Episode recap

    Vanessa Druskat, social and organizational psychologist and author of The Emotionally Intelligent Team, joined the Love In Action podcast to unpack what truly separates average teams from exceptional ones. Her decades of research reveal that it’s not brilliance at the top or superstar individual contributors that drive sustained performance. The real differentiator is a team’s emotional ecosystem—the shared norms, routines, and habits that create trust, belonging, and collaborative energy. By shaping the everyday habits discussed, leaders can create a culture where people feel safe, energized, and committed—conditions that ultimately drive exceptional performance.

    Bio

    Vanessa Druskat is an associate professor at the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire. As an internationally recognized leadership and team performance expert, Vanessa Druskat advises leaders and teams at over a dozen Fortune 500 and Fortune Global 500 companies. She is the recipient of multiple research and teaching awards. She is the author of The Emotionally Intelligent Team.

    Quotes:

    • “We spend a lot of time trying to hire the best people or fix people, but we don’t spend enough time asking the collective what it needs to work better together.”
    • “To experience belongingness, a person must feel seen, known, understood, and supported by the entire team. We are wired to perform at our best under these conditions.”
    • “Leaders have the power to change their teams’ cultures and add practices that respect members’ universal human need to belong.”

    Takeaways:

    • Emotionally intelligent teams thrive by creating routines that build trust, psychological safety, and belonging.
    • Successful collaboration is driven by helping team members succeed, improving constantly, and seeking new ideas.
    • Understanding teammates’ unique strengths and personalities is key to engagement and high performance.
    • Addressing unacceptable behavior with caring, actionable feedback strengthens team dynamics.
    • Leaders should assess team needs regularly and set collective norms to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

    Timestamps:

    0:00:02 Introduction & Episode Overview

    0:02:40 Guest Welcome & Background

    0:05:32 Motivations for Studying Teams

    0:07:10 Defining Team Emotional Intelligence

    0:10:40 Team Norms & Three Core Buckets

    0:15:33 Helping One Another Succeed

    0:16:37 Understanding Team Members

    0:18:55 Demonstrating Caring

    0:23:15 Addressing Unacceptable Behavior

    0:29:43 Measuring Team Success

    0:32:11 Groupthink & Decision Making

    0:33:29 Speed Round: Personal Insights

    0:36:26 Hopes for 2026

    0:37:53 Leadership, Love, and Final Advice

    0:40:53 Connecting with Vanessa Druskat

    0:41:41 Closing Remarks

    Conclusion:

    As we wrap up this episode, remember that extraordinary teams aren’t built by perfect individuals—they’re powered by collective trust, curiosity, and care. Let today be your reminder to reach out, understand, and uplift those around you. When we lead with empathy and foster true connection, the results speak for themselves. Here’s to building teams where every voice matters, and collaboration leads the way.

    Links/Resources:

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-druskat/

    Website - https://www.vanessadruskat.com/

    Team EI Survey – https://www.vanessadruskat.com/survey

    Book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1647824877?tag=bk00010a-20&th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true

    University of New Hampshire - https://paulcollege.unh.edu/person/vanessa-druskat

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    44 min
  • Modeling Servant Leadership with the “Sing Second” Theme, Featuring Dean Wegner

    Modeling Servant Leadership with the “Sing Second” Theme, Featuring Dean Wegner
    Dec 12 2025

    Episode recap

    What happens when a West Point–trained Army Ranger turns his convictions about faith, entrepreneurship, and country into a fast-growing, American-made apparel brand? In this episode, Marcel sits down with Dean Wegner, founder and CEO of Authentically American, to explore how military discipline, servant leadership, and a mission-driven business model are reshaping what “Made in the USA” can mean today.

    Note: You can purchase one of the sweat-activated T-shirts here: https://www.authenticallyamerican.us/collections/army-west-point-screenprint

    If you use the code FOUNDER, you will get 25% off.

    Bio:

    Dean Wegner is the Founder and CEO of Authentically American, a Veteran-owned, American-made premium apparel brand. They are a company that celebrates patriotism, supports the American worker, and donates 10% of its profits to Veteran and First Responder charities. A West Point graduate, Dean served 7 years as a helicopter pilot and Army Ranger. Dean and Authentically American have been featured in Forbes, Inc. Magazine, FOX News, MSNBC, Nasdaq, Newsmax TV, and SiriusXM Radio.

    Quotes:

    • “When things are really challenging, you cannot do it on your own. You need a team.”
    • “No one cares about how much you know until they know how much you care.”
    • “You do not get to sing second unless you have a tireless work ethic.”

    Takeaways:

    • Servant leadership becomes even more important in moments of difficulty
    • Values create the foundation for how a leader shows up each day
    • Having a Ranger buddy or trusted partner increases your chances of success
    • Great ideas do not always come from the leader; they come from the team
    • Mission-driven work fuels perseverance and purpose

    Timestamps:

    [01:55] Dean joins and aligns with servant leadership

    [02:13] Dean shares his personal story and values

    [03:27] What Authentically American is and why American-made matters

    [04:38] The impact of creating American jobs

    [05:45] Business model explanation and pricing strategy

    [06:49] Military experiences shaping Dean as a leader

    [08:53] The meaning of sing second and respect in leadership

    [11:15] Leadership lessons from Ranger School and corporate life

    [15:20] Servant leadership during challenging times

    [16:27] Counterintuitive leadership lesson about thought leadership

    [18:15] Advice for aspiring founders and servant leaders

    [19:16] Future growth and building a sales team

    [20:34] Dean demos the sweat-activated T-shirt

    [23:29] Custom apparel for businesses and nonprofits

    [24:08] How Authentically American serves charities at cost

    [25:09] Speed round: family, fitness, and inspirations

    [27:29] Dean’s biggest hope for 2026

    [28:33] Leading with practical love in action

    [29:19] Final takeaway about having a Ranger buddy

    [30:09] How to connect with Dean and the brand

    [31:06] Closing remarks and Army-Navy game reminder

    Conclusion:

    Dean Wegner leaves listeners with a clear message that leadership is ultimately an act of service. Through his military lessons, commitment to American manufacturing, and daily devotion to putting others first, he demonstrates that meaningful leadership is built on humility, teamwork, and purpose. His story calls us to lead with care, stay rooted in our values, and pursue missions that create real impact in the lives of others.

    Links/Resources:

    Website: https://www.authenticallyamerican.us/

    Dean Wegner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanwegner93/

    Facebook: @AuthenticallyAmericanCo

    Instagram: @authentically_american

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    33 min