Leading with Trust: Kristen Ziman on the Real Power of Human-Centered Leadership

Actionable TakeawayBuild rolling options, not rigid five year plansLet AI take on what people can’t, shouldn’t, or won’t doMake small moves today that create big options tomorrowAsk for more help than your peersGrow opportunities by building unexpected connectionsStay calm in chaos by using first principlesChoose career steps that open more doors, even if they failLean into change to uncover opportunities Connect with Jonathan Brill:Learn more about Jonathan BrillJonathan on LinkedInJonathan's Media Kit Connect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

Actionable TakeawayRedesign work so it energises instead of drains youIdentify your energisers and build them into your dayTurn positive thinking into concrete actionPractise getting into flow for maximum impactAnchor your team with a clear sense of purposeExplore AI tools and learn how to use them nowStep up as the guide who directs and clarifiesMake space for reflection to lead with wisdom Connect with Josh Allan Dykstra:Learn more about Josh Allan DykstraJosh on LinkedInJosh on InstagramJosh on FacebookConnect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

Actionable TakeawayAdapt your leadership to connect with every generation at work.Focus on leaving a legacy that improves people’s lives.Build trust and teamwork by leading like an athlete.Reinvent your strategy when circumstances shift.Challenge leadership myths by seeking real feedback.Use life’s sliding door moments to find purpose.Give yourself grace and learn from failures.Prioritise self-leadership so you can lead others well. Connect with Brian Morris:Learn more about Brian MorrisBrian on LinkedInBrian on X Connect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

Actionable TakeawayAdopt a get it done mindset and stop letting excuses hold you backLearn how to turn a winning team into a true championship teamGet your top performers to buy into the bigger pictureBuild resilience by being brutally honest with yourselfHandle the loneliness of leadership without losing focusUse failure as fuel to create your next breakthroughProtect your integrity so your decisions stay clear and easyApply the three timeless lessons Mark shares to fast-track your leadership growth Connect with Mark Gottfried:Learn more about Mark GottfriedMark on LinkedInMark on InstagramMark on YouTubeConnect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

Actionable TakeawayStart each day by taking control of what you can and set the tone for success.Bet on yourself in every opportunity, even when it feels uncertain or risky.Turn disruption into a chance to solve problems and grow your skills.Share your wisdom consistently, even if people aren’t listening at first.Embrace failure as a stepping stone to improve and expand your potential.Ask the right questions to guide your team instead of telling them what to do.Put yourself in uncomfortable situations to build resilience and adaptability.Use storytelling to inspire your team and help them see the bigger picture. Connect with Kevin Stealey:Kevin on LinkedInConnect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

Actionable TakeawayLead with character even when it’s the harder choice.Learn how to steady your emotions so your team can steady theirs.Swap control for trust and watch your people step up.Use setbacks as your best training ground for resilience.Build a team culture where it’s safe to speak up and challenge.Take lessons from sport and service and bring them into your leadership.Create clarity so no one is left guessing what good looks like.Debrief with honesty and turn every experience into growth. Connect with Joe McNamara:Learn more about Joe McNamaraJoe on LinkedInJoe on Instagram Connect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

Actionable TakeawayStart small and make one intentional act that creates a ripple of impact.Practise the five human qualities that build trust and connection.Choose kindness over being “nice” by having the conversations that matter.Identify and remove micro-frictions that quietly slow your team down.Apply the “next shot” mindset to recover quickly after setbacks.Slow down intentionally to create space for trust and connection.Use everyday moments to show vulnerability while strengthening authority.Ask “If you really knew me…” to open deeper trust with your team. Connect with Chris Rollins:Learn more about Chris RollinsChris on LinkedInChris on Instagram Connect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

Actionable TakeawayStop hiding parts of yourself at work and bring more of who you are into the room.Swap “fearlessness” for courage: feel the fear and move forward anyway.Use vulnerability as a strength because it builds trust faster than pretending you’ve got it all together.Take a pause to breathe before big conversations because it shifts the whole energy.Get clear on your personal “why” instead of borrowing the company’s version.Connect with your team on something beyond KPIs because that’s where loyalty lives.Notice where technology helps but don’t outsource the human touch.Find your own shape of brilliance and stop squeezing into boxes you don’t fit. Connect with Anne Robie:Learn more about Anne RobieAnne on LinkedInConnect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

Actionable TakeawayLearn how to build real confidence instead of just looking the partDiscover the simple shift that makes your presence felt the moment you walk into a roomStop “winging it” and master the preparation habits that set leaders apartUnlock the secret to crafting stories that grab attention in the first 10 secondsFind out how to break free from limiting beliefs and silence imposter syndromePractise authenticity without oversharing by knowing who has earned the right to your storyConnect the dots of your own career journey and turn it into a powerful leadership narrativeAlign your body, mind, and relationships so you can show up with clarity, influence and impact Connect with Liz Brunner:Learn more about Liz BrunnerLiz on LinkedInLiz on InstagramLiz on FacebookConnect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

Actionable TakeawayLearn how to fight apathy in your team and reignite real engagement.Discover why choosing optimism changes the way you lead and perform.Tap into the three things every person craves at work: autonomy, mastery, and purpose.Find out how a single voice can disrupt negativity and shift an entire culture.Use transparency and vulnerability to build unshakeable trust.Stop fearing mistakes and learn the simple three-step apology that turns failure into respect.Redefine authority by loving your people more than your position. Connect with Kristen Ziman:Learn more about Kristen ZimanKristen on LinkedInKristen on InstagramKristen on FacebookConnect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you’re listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.