Unleashing Mental Strength: Building Confidence, Boldness, and Leadership Resilience with Scott Mautz

In this powerful episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with Scott Mautz, renowned leadership and self-leadership expert, to discuss the essential elements of mental strength and its transformative impact on leadership. Scott, an acclaimed author of The Mentally Strong Leader, shares actionable insights on building mental muscles such as confidence, decision-making, and fortitude to excel in both work and life.

The conversation delves into the difference between grit and mental strength, explores tools for overcoming setbacks, and highlights the importance of self-regulation for effective leadership. Scott also shares his groundbreaking mental strength self-assessment, which has helped thousands understand and improve their mental resilience.

Whether you’re a leader looking to inspire your team or an individual seeking personal growth, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you become mentally stronger and achieve your goals.

Key Topics Discussed:
  • Defining Mental Strength: It’s not just about grit or IQ; mental strength is the ability to regulate your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, even during adversity.
  • Six Core Mental Muscles: Confidence, boldness, decision-making, goal focus, fortitude, and messaging are key areas to develop for mental strength.
  • Responding vs. Reacting: Learn how to manage setbacks by reacting internally but responding externally with logic and optimism.
  • Building Resilience: Use the four lenses of resilience and Scott’s practical tools to overcome challenges and stay mentally strong.
  • The Mentally Strong Leader Assessment: A free self-assessment tool to measure and improve your mental strength across the six core areas.
About Our Guest

Scott Mautz is a dynamic speaker and expert in driving peak performance, employee engagement, and leadership motivation. A Procter & Gamble veteran, he led multi-billion-dollar businesses and brings this experience to his award-winning books and LinkedIn Learning courses, which have reached nearly 2 million learners. Scott’s latest book, The Mentally Strong Leader, offers a comprehensive guide to building the habits necessary for mental strength. Known for his engaging and humorous style, Scott is dedicated to delivering actionable insights that inspire lasting change.

How to Connect:

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2024-12-03T02:06:19-05:00December 11, 2024|

Unleashing Opportunities Through Navigating Change with Curtis Bateman

In this episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackle welcomes back Curtis Bateman, the vice president of direct international offices for FranklinCovey and bestselling co-author of Change: How to Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity. Curtis shares his expertise on navigating change in organizations, focusing on how leaders can adapt to the rapid advancements of artificial intelligence (AI) and use it as a tool for growth and innovation.

Listeners will gain practical strategies and real-world examples of how to approach change effectively, foster adaptability within teams, and create long-term success. Whether you’re a leader, trainer, or business professional, this episode provides actionable advice to thrive during times of transition.

“Change doesn’t have to be a roadblock—it can be a springboard for something even greater.” – Curtis Bateman

Key Topics Discussed:

Curtis’s Journey with Change Management
Curtis shares his extensive experience in leading change initiatives worldwide and how his career has shaped his unique approach to navigating uncertainty.

Transforming Change Into Opportunity
Curtis explains why change is often misunderstood and offers strategies for leaders to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.

Practical Tools for Change Leadership
Discover how to use frameworks like Change Element to implement structured and successful change in your organization.

Overcoming Resistance to Change
Curtis discusses common barriers organizations face during transitions and provides tips to help leaders overcome resistance and gain team buy-in.

Lessons from Leading International Teams
Drawing from his experience managing teams across Europe, Asia, and Australia, Curtis shares stories and lessons that illustrate the universal principles of effective change management.

About Our Guest

Curtis Bateman is the vice president of direct international offices for FranklinCovey and co-author of the bestseller Change: How to Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity. With over 24 years in the training industry, Curtis is a recognized change consultant and coach who has guided organizations worldwide through successful transitions. Known for his practical solutions like Change Element, Curtis helps leaders and organizations thrive in the face of uncertainty.

How to Connect:

Watch the previous Episode with Curtis Bateman.

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

2024-11-20T11:28:33-05:00November 20, 2024|

Unleashing the Power of Recruiting Essential Workers with Dave MacDonald

In this episode of Training Unleashed, Evan Hackel sits down with Dave MacDonald, a passionate leader who built his business from the ground up to help essential workers find fulfilling employment opportunities. Dave shares his journey of overcoming adversity and his commitment to helping blue-collar workers find dependable, life-changing jobs.

From side hustles to founding Better Together Group, Dave’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and dedication to making a difference. He shares key insights into the recruitment process for essential workers and how businesses can foster a culture that truly values their workforce. You’ll also hear about Dave’s “WTF Philosophy” (Work Hard, Tell the Truth, Finish the Job) and his approach to integrity in hiring.

Key Topics Discussed:
  • The importance of recruiting qualified, dependable workers
  • How businesses can create a company culture that supports and values essential workers
  • The three “I”s: Integrity, Intensity, and Intentionality
  • The “WTF Philosophy”: Work Hard, Tell the Truth, and Finish the Job
  • The challenges and rewards of hiring blue-collar workers versus executive-level employees
Key Takeaways:
  • The secret to successfully recruiting essential workers and creating a productive workforce
  • How integrity, intensity, and intentionality shape hiring practices
  • The values that drive Dave MacDonald’s leadership and business success
About Our Guest

Dave MacDonald is the Owner and President of Better Together Group, which is the parent company of three staffing agencies. His journey began nearly 30 years ago when he found himself fired and struggling to provide for his family. This adversity ignited his passion for helping essential workers secure meaningful, reliable jobs. Better Together Group is built on the principles of integrity and helping others succeed, with a mission to boost client productivity and ensure job candidates can fulfill their goals. Dave’s proudest achievement is welcoming his children into his company at their request. His focus on people-first leadership continues to drive Better Together’s success.

How to Connect with Guest:


Website: Better Together Group

LinkedIn: Dave Macdonald
Dave’s Podcast: xtoz.org

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

2024-11-13T11:57:06-05:00November 13, 2024|

Unleashing the Power of People Potential: Transforming Workplace Cultures with Tamien Dysart

In this enlightening episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackle speaks with Tamien Dysart, Co-Founder and Culture Coach at Think 3D. Tamien shares powerful insights on how organizations can unleash the full potential of their people by creating intentional and positive workplace cultures. With a focus on leadership development, Tamien and his team at Think 3D guide businesses through cultural transformations that drive performance, engagement, and long-term success.

Tamien explains how cultures emerge naturally—whether intended or not—and emphasizes the importance of investing in intentional culture building. He shares practical tips for leaders to tap into the unrealized potential of their teams, promote growth, and avoid common pitfalls in organizational culture. The episode also touches on how younger generations are increasingly seeking workplaces that prioritize personal growth and development.

Key Topics Discussed:

The power of culture: How a positive workplace culture can significantly impact employee performance and organizational success.

Leadership development: Why great leaders focus on developing their teams and creating environments where individuals can thrive.

People potential: The importance of investing in employees’ personal growth and how that leads to better organizational outcomes.

Best practices for cultural transformation: How Think 3D partners with organizations to evolve their workplace cultures by coaching leaders and teams toward success.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to improve workplace culture, maximize employee potential, and create a thriving, engaged workforce.

Key Takeaways:
  1. Culture is Critical: Workplace culture will emerge whether intended or not. To succeed, organizations need to invest in a positive, intentional culture.
  2. Leadership Development: Great leaders are dedicated to helping their teams succeed. They focus on creating opportunities for their employees to grow and develop.
  3. Investing in People: Giving employees the tools and space to realize their potential not only benefits them personally but leads to better performance for the organization.
  4. Cultural Transformation: Think 3D works alongside organizations, coaching them through the evolution of their workplace culture and helping them become the best version of themselves.

Special Offer: Dan is offering a free eBook titled From Myth to Meaning: Awakening the Leader Within, which takes readers through their own hero’s journey. To receive a copy, listeners can email Dan at [email protected].

About Our Guest

Tamien Dysart is the co-founder and CEO of Think 3D Solutions, a leader in cultivating high-performing cultures. With over 16 years in the financial industry and 8 years leading Think 3D, Tamien is renowned for his ability to elevate team performance and mitigate the negative impacts of poor organizational culture. At Think 3D Solutions, Tamien leads a dynamic team committed to providing organizational coaching and leadership development to businesses of all sizes, with a mission to construct intentional and sustainable cultures that drive optimal performance.

How to Connect with Tamien:

2024-10-09T12:07:52-04:00October 2, 2024|

Unleashing Growth Through the Hero’s Journey: Transforming Leadership and Training w/ Dan Silberberg

In this episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with Dan Silberberg, an expert in leadership and coaching with a passion for helping individuals and organizations unlock their true potential. Dan shares his journey from corporate leadership to becoming a coach who focuses on self-awareness, authenticity, and personal growth. The discussion dives deep into the importance of self-awareness in leadership, the power of the hero’s journey, and how individuals can transform themselves to achieve their highest potential.

Key Topics Discussed:

Dan Silberberg’s Journey:

  • Dan’s transition from a corporate leader to a leadership consultant.
  • His experience returning to school to earn a master’s degree in leadership and coaching, and how this journey forced him to apply the principles of self-awareness to his own life.

The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership:

  • Dan discusses the critical importance of self-awareness in leadership and how it enables leaders to move from reactivity to intentionality.
  • Tools and practices that leaders can use to enhance their self-awareness and lead more effectively.

The Hero’s Journey and Personal Transformation:

  • An exploration of the hero’s journey as a framework for personal development, inspired by Joseph Campbell’s work.
  • How embracing your own hero’s journey can lead to profound personal and professional transformation.
  • Dan’s eBook, From Myth to Meaning: Awakening the Leader Within, which guides readers through their own hero’s journey.

Programs and Masterminds Offered by Dan Silberberg:

  • Overview of Dan’s leadership consultancy and the programs he offers, including two 13-week courses focused on leading from within and developing personal power and influence.
  • Information on how to engage with Dan’s mastermind groups or one-on-one coaching sessions.

The Importance of Authenticity:

  • Dan shares a powerful tip for listeners: the privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.
  • He encourages listeners to work on their authentic selves rather than conforming to external expectations, and to create a life and legacy that they are proud of.

Special Offer: Dan is offering a free eBook titled From Myth to Meaning: Awakening the Leader Within, which takes readers through their own hero’s journey. To receive a copy, listeners can email Dan at [email protected].

About Our Guest

Dan Silberberg is the Founder of The Leader Council, operating in major cities such as New York, Boston, London, Chicago, Beverly Hills, and Sydney. He works with C-suite executives from middle-market companies ranging from $50 to $500 million in revenue. Dan is a thought leader and visionary dedicated to helping world-class leaders unleash their unrealized potential. His clients are unique, highly talented individuals committed to personal growth and bringing out the best in themselves and others.

How to Connect with Dan Silberberg:

2024-08-14T11:15:47-04:00August 14, 2024|

Unleashing Retention and Development Strategies with Max Holvik

In this episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with Max Holvik, a seasoned expert in the field of training and development. Max shares his insights on the importance of training as a tool for employee retention, particularly among younger generations. They discuss the role of training in fostering a growth mindset and the value of having a structured training plan.

Key Discussion Points:

  1. Value of Training in High Turnover Environments:
    • Training as a retention tool, especially for younger employees who value growth and development opportunities.
    • The importance of engaging and career-oriented training programs to motivate employees.
  2. Generational Differences in Training Needs:
    • Younger generations’ appreciation for continuous learning and career development.
    • How companies like McDonald’s have successfully retained employees by offering comprehensive training programs.
  3. Challenges and Solutions in Employee Turnover:
    • Case study of a restaurant chain with 65% turnover and the realization that better hiring and compensation practices are essential.
    • Examples of successful companies like Costco and Chick-fil-A, which invest in their employees through better pay and career opportunities.
  4. Cost-Effectiveness of Training:
    • The economic benefits of training and retaining motivated employees versus the costs of turnover.
    • The importance of cultural fit and motivation in the effectiveness of training programs.
  5. Collaboration Between HR, Training, and Operations:
    • The need for a true partnership between HR, training departments, and operations to achieve successful outcomes.

Special Offer:

Max offers a limited-time opportunity for the first 20 listeners who reach out to receive a hard copy of “Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Training Evaluation,” a fundamental resource for anyone in the training industry. Contact through either company’s website or via email at [email protected].

Max Holvik emphasizes the importance of having a clear training plan and roadmap to achieve desired outcomes. His final tip is to understand the objectives and restrictions upfront to create effective training programs.

About Guest:

Max Holvik is the founder of two companies: Training Systems Design and Learning Staff. Training Systems Design specializes in creating custom training solutions for large corporations, having developed over 1,000 courses. Learning Staff provides staff augmentation services, offering professional learning personnel to clients on a short-term basis.

How to Connect with Mike Skrypnek:
Additional Media:

2024-08-07T11:28:21-04:00August 7, 2024|

Unleashing the Power of Transparency in Leadership with Todd Davis

In this enlightening episode of the Training Unleashed podcast, host Evan Hackel sits down with Todd Davis, Chief People Officer at FranklinCovey and author of the best-selling book *Get Better: 15 Proven Practices to Build Effective Relationships at Work*. With 40 years of experience in leadership and organizational performance improvement, Todd shares his wealth of knowledge on what it takes to foster effective and lasting change in human behavior within organizations.

Key Discussion Points:

FranklinCovey’s Legacy and Expertise:

  • Todd discusses his 28-year tenure at FranklinCovey and the company’s 40-year history in the leadership space.
  • Emphasizes FranklinCovey’s global reach and their ability to glean leadership insights from top leaders around the world.

Innovations and Research:

  •  Insights into FranklinCovey’s robust innovations team that conducts ongoing research to address pressing organizational challenges.
  • Collaboration with leading thought leaders like Liz Wiseman, author of *Multipliers*, to enhance their course offerings.

Importance of Humility and Partnerships:

  • Todd highlights the importance of partnering with other content creators to bring the best solutions to their clients.
  • Discusses how humility and a willingness to learn from others contribute to FranklinCovey’s success.

Behavior Change and Performance Improvement:

  • Explanation of how FranklinCovey helps organizations achieve results through behavior change.
  • Description of the All Access Pass, which provides clients with comprehensive access to FranklinCovey’s vast array of solutions and resources.

Practical Tips for Leaders:

  • Todd’s top tip for leaders: Be transparent with everyone you interact with, regardless of their position.
  • Emphasis on treating everyone as fellow human beings to foster genuine connections and effective leadership.

Personal Anecdotes and Insights:

Evan shares a personal story about striving for greater transparency and honesty in his own life, underscoring the challenges and benefits of such an approach.

 Notable Quotes:

Todd Davis: “We have this aspirational goal of always trying to model our content… we fall down a lot, but we get back up.”

Evan Hackel: “If you’re gonna be more transparent, you might let some people know. Give them a heads up as to the new you.”

About Our Guest

Todd Davis has over 26 years of experience in training, training development, human resources, executive recruiting, sales, and marketing. He has
been with FranklinCovey for the past 13 years and is the Chief People Officer.Todd is extremely passionate about teaching and living the principles and
concepts contained in FranklinCovey offerings. He believes strongly that to become a true leader you must first “be the change” and he diligently
strives to be a model of what he teaches.

Additional Resources:

FranklinCovey: franklincovey.com

Todd Davis’ Book: Get Better: 15 Proven Practices to Build Effective Relationships at Work 

Liz Wiseman’s Multipliers: Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter 

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Training Unleashed. Stay inspired and keep learning!

Additional Media:

2024-07-31T11:30:06-04:00July 31, 2024|

Unleashing Health in the Workplace: Small Changes, Big Results with David Medansky

In this episode of the Training Unleashed Podcast, host Evan Hackel welcomes David Medansky, known as “The Health Guy,” to discuss how small, positive changes can lead to significant health improvements and enhance productivity in the workplace. David shares his expertise on helping employees adopt healthier habits, which in turn benefits both the individuals and the companies they work for. The conversation covers practical tips for staying hydrated, the benefits of reducing soda consumption, and the importance of creating an empowering and encouraging environment for health challenges.

Key Takeaways:

The Importance of Small Positive Changes:

  • David emphasizes that making small, manageable changes can lead to substantial health improvements over time.
  • Encouraging employees to participate in health challenges can foster a culture of wellness and productivity in the workplace.

Ideal Client Profile:

  • David’s favorite clients are companies with 50 to 300 employees, with a sweet spot of 50 to 100 employees.
  • Successful health challenges typically involve at least 60-70% employee participation.

Creating a Positive Environment:

  • Challenges should be empowering and encouraging, rather than demanding or demeaning, to motivate employees to participate willingly.
  • When employees start seeing results from their efforts, they build momentum and are more likely to continue their healthy habits.

Special Offer:

David offers a PDF of the “9 Simple Golden Rules for Living a Healthy Life,” which listeners can request by emailing him.

About Our Guest

Top-selling author and speaker, David Medansky, is known as The Health Guy because he empowers CEOs, Executives, and individuals to master 9 Simple Golden Rules to Live a Healthy Life. David struggled with his own weight issues until July 2016 when his doctor told him to either lose weight or find a new doctor. During the next four months, David shed 50 pounds, almost 25 percent of his total body weight and has kept it off. He understands your frustrations and challenges to be healthy.

David, in June 2022, at age 67 hiked up Mt. Kilimanjaro.

His mission is to help others to adopt a healthier lifestyle so they can enjoy life to the fullest. The key to his success is alerting clients to the deceptive marketing tactics used by the food, pharmaceutical, and weight-loss industries, to manipulate you into purchasing their products and services that put their profits over your health.

Now, in addition to writing books about health, David is producing and hosting JADED HEALTH, a streaming TV series centered around the topics of health, wellness, and fitness.

How to Connect with David Medansky:
Additional Media:

2024-07-24T11:32:10-04:00July 24, 2024|

Unleashing Insights on Diversity and Inclusion with Chloé Valdary

In this episode of the Training Unleashed podcast, host Evan Hackel engaged in a profound conversation with Chloé Valdary, founder of the Theory of Enchantment. This episode delves into the intricacies of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), emphasizing the importance of curiosity, compassion, and cultural fit in the workplace. Chloé shares her unique perspective on DEI training, providing valuable insights and practical strategies for organizations striving to create more inclusive environments.

Understanding the Importance of Cultural Fit

Chloé Valdary highlights the significance of cultural fit when hiring new employees. She explains that beyond qualifications and skills, aligning with a company’s culture is crucial for long-term success. Chloé suggests asking potential hires about what attracts them to the company and why they want to work there. This question helps uncover their core motivations and ensures they resonate with the company’s values. Additionally, she recommends presenting candidates with problem-solving exercises to gauge their curiosity and approach to challenges, further revealing their potential fit within the organization.

Innovative DEI Training Approaches

Valdary introduces her innovative DEI training methods, which include workshops, coaching, and digital platforms. Her workshops range from 90-minute virtual sessions, known as sprints, to full-day in-person marathons. One of her standout initiatives is the Enchanted Games League, a practice-based digital program. Over nine weeks, participants engage in daily quests that encourage self-reflection and curiosity. These quests, which take just six minutes each, prompt individuals to explore their feelings of expansiveness and defensiveness, the mindsets inherited from caregivers, and instances of perceived superiority. This approach fosters a habit of living in the question, enhancing participants’ ability to navigate conflicts with empathy and curiosity.

Embracing Self-Compassion and Lifelong Learning

Chloé Valdary emphasizes the transformative power of self-acceptance and compassion. She encourages individuals to recognize and overcome internalized negative self-judgment. By treating oneself with curiosity and love, people can project these positive attitudes onto others, reducing defensiveness and enhancing interpersonal relationships. Valdary’s advice is particularly relevant in the context of DEI, as fostering self-compassion can lead to more empathetic and effective communication within diverse teams. This practice of self-forgiveness and continuous self-improvement aligns with the philosophy of being a lifelong learner, a concept strongly advocated by both Valdary and Hackel.

About the Guest

Chloé Valdary is the founder of Theory of Enchantment, a company dedicated to providing innovative DEI training through workshops, coaching, and digital platforms. With a focus on fostering curiosity and compassion, Valdary’s methods aim to create more inclusive and empathetic workplace environments. Her approach is rooted in the belief that understanding and accepting oneself is key to understanding and accepting others. For more information about Chloé Valdary and her work, visit Theory of Enchantment or contact her team at [email protected].

Visit The Learning Network to explore more episodes and visit insights on leadership and organizational development. For updates and more valuable content, follow the Learning Network on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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2024-06-20T17:16:56-04:00June 26, 2024|

Unleashing Transformative Leadership: Insights from Sue Bingham

In the latest episode of the Training Unleashed podcast, hosted by Evan Hackel, we had the pleasure of hearing from Sue Bingham, founder of HPWP Group. Sue shared invaluable insights into the world of leadership development and training, shedding light on her approach to transforming workplace cultures and empowering leaders.

The Philosophy of HPWP

HPWP stands for High Performance Workplace, a philosophy that Sue and her team have been championing for over 25 years. Their mission is to help organizations create environments where trust, respect, and positive assumptions about people drive performance and engagement. Sue emphasizes that most people are inherently good and, when treated with trust and respect, will reciprocate those values in their work.

Transformative Leadership Training

Sue’s approach to leadership training is both innovative and deeply human. HPWP Group’s flagship program is designed to be highly experiential, filled with stories, exercises, and experiences that genuinely transform participants. Sue recounted instances where initially resistant managers, attending reluctantly, left with profound insights and sometimes even tears of gratitude, wishing they had learned these principles earlier in their careers.

Real Impact Beyond the Workplace

One of the most striking aspects of Sue’s training is its impact beyond the workplace. Participants often report that the principles they learn improve their personal relationships, including those with their spouses and children. This holistic impact underscores the importance of positive leadership and human-centric training in all areas of life.

Unique Offerings and Collaboration

Sue highlighted two key offerings from HPWP Group:

  1. In-House Workshops: These are tailored specifically for individual companies, ensuring all leaders within the organization can benefit from the training.
  2. Open Leadership Workshops: These sessions bring together leaders from different organizations, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and solutions. This collaborative environment allows participants to learn from each other’s challenges and successes.
Training Made Simple

In a generous offer to the podcast audience, Sue introduced “Training Made Simple,” a virtual program designed for those responsible for training within their organizations but who may lack formal training in this area. This program guides participants through a structured process to develop effective training programs, incorporating collaboration and feedback to enhance the learning experience.

How to Access the Free Training Program

Sue is offering “Training Made Simple” for free to listeners of the Training Unleashed podcast. To take advantage of this opportunity, simply email Sue at [email protected]. While HPWP Group’s website, www.hpwpgroup.com, is undergoing updates, you can still find valuable information and contact details there.

A Powerful Closing Tip

Sue’s parting advice to the audience was profound: “Believe that the vast majority of people are good people. Operate off of positive assumptions more than negative assumptions. Positive assumptions will drive us to treat people with trust, and thus receive trust in return.” Evan Hackel echoed this sentiment, adding his personal philosophy of leading with love, which he finds foundational to building trust and fostering positive relationships.

About Our Guest

For more than 30 years, Sue, a former Human Resources Executive, has provided direction to companies in the transportation & logistics, pharmaceutical, aerospace, food, bottling, floral, optical, textile and medical device industries.

She has worked closely with company leaders to analyze their organizations and facilitate the implementation of common-sense systems that have a positive impact on the organization’s bottom line. She is an expert at effectively using culture to form a common language across global operations leading to greater collaboration, higher levels of team member satisfaction and increased business unit cooperation.

Her passion is helping companies embrace and transition to high-performance work environments.

2024-06-07T13:30:58-04:00June 12, 2024|
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