LME 043 - The Toughest Leadership Challenge – And How to Overcome It

I recently sat down with my long-time colleague and leadership expert Dr. Burkhard Bensmann for a very personal and honest conversation. We didn’t talk about buzzwords or the latest leadership trends. We talked about what really matters when you’re leading a team, a company—or just yourself. In this new episode of Leadership Made Easy, we discuss: 🔹 What cooperative, people-centered leadership looks like in practice 🔹 Why rituals like journaling, piano practice—or even LEGO—can keep you sane 🔹 What we can learn from India, Colombia… and the power of perspective 🔹 How we deal with noise, negativity, and digital overwhelm as coaches and humans This is one of the most personal and wide-ranging episodes I’ve recorded so far. If you’re a business owner or team leader, I think you’ll find it inspiring—and maybe a bit surprising, too. Burkhards Podcast: https://bensmann-consulting.com/podcasts/ Burkhards Website: https://bensmann-consulting.com/ Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/conversation-between-coaches-burkhard-bensmann

In this special episode of Leadership Made Easy, we take a step back from our usual focus on day-to-day leadership and zoom out to discuss international business strategy — specifically, how small and mid-sized companies from Germany (or Europe in general) can successfully enter the U.S. market. My guest is Brian Creager, an experienced American business leader who has spent decades working on both sides of the Atlantic. He’s fluent not only in English but also in the language of European business culture. His practical insights are grounded in long-term experience with transatlantic business expansion. If you’re thinking about taking your business into the U.S. or simply want a clearer view of what international expansion could look like, I highly recommend getting in touch with him: https://callbrian.vip/geropp  Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/smes-going-global

So why do so many companies throw new managers into their roles with zero onboarding?  The result? Confused leaders, frustrated teams—and top performers heading for the exit. Shownotes:https://www.berndgeropp.com/new-managers-into-the-deep-end Leadership Crashcourse: https://www.berndgeropp.com/leadership-crash-course

Today, we're diving into a simple, yet incredibly powerful leadership tool that many overlook: One-on-Ones. If you don't already have regular One-on-Ones in your leadership routine, I encourage you: Make them a habit. Start this week. Block time with each of your team members and make One-on-Ones part of your leadership routine. To make this even easier, I created a practical One-on-One blueprint for you. You can donwload it here: One-on-One Blueprint and Checklist https://www.berndgeropp.com/one-on-one-blueprint/ Shownotes of these episode: https://berndgeropp.com/the-power-of-one-on-ones  

The first 100 days as a leader set the stage for everything that follows. By focusing on clarity, relationships, and balanced progress, you can make a lasting impact. Don’t forget to sign up for the Leadership Crash Course at berndgeropp.com/VIP . Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/the-first-100-days-as-a-leader

In this exclusive interview, leadership expert and bestselling author David Burkus shares powerful and practical strategies for building high-performing teams — especially in small and mid-sized businesses.   Website David Burkus: https://davidburkus.com/ Davids Book "Best Team Ever https://davidburkus.com/books/best-team-ever/ Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/best-team-ever-david-burkus

  Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/debunking-leadership-myths VIP Early Access to my Leadership Crashcourse: Secure your exclusive spot now: https://www.berndgeropp.com/VIP 

In this episode I talk about my personal impressions, encounters, and entrepreneurial experiences from the last 3 weeks traveling in India, Masterminding and Networking. Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/personal-learnings-from-3-weeks

In this episode of Leadership Made Easy, we dive into a challenge many professionals face: dealing with a bad boss. But what actually makes a boss "bad"? And how much of the problem is fixable? We explore: ✅ The 4 types of bad bosses – from demanding and incompetent to emotionally clueless and outright toxic. ✅ The "Love It, Change It, or Leave It" approach – your three real options for handling a difficult boss. ✅ 5 practical strategies to improve your situation, including shifting your mindset, strategically supporting your boss, and delivering feedback the right way. If you're stuck with a difficult boss, this episode will help you take control and decide your next move. 🎧 Listen now and take charge of your work environment! 👉 Get my free leadership insights: https://www.berndgeropp.com 👉 Subscribe to the podcast for more leadership tips! Shownotes with Transcript: https://www.berndgeropp.com/help-my-boss-is-terrible  

Today we talk about how leaders can reclaim time for what truly matters, both professionally and personally. By implementing immediate actions like controlling interruptions, fixing meeting culture, and learning to say no, as well as long-term strategies like delegation and team development, leaders can free up to 50% of their time and regain control over their work and personal lives. Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/time-for-what-really-matters   Secure your Spot on my VIP List! In just a few weeks, we’re launching the brand-new Crash Course Leadership – a step-by-step system to help you become a confident and effective leader. And here’s the deal: If you join the VIP list now, not only will you get the best price on the course, but you’ll also get access to an exclusive Live Online Masterclass - only for VIP members who join the program. This masterclass will give you direct access to me, where I’ll answer your biggest leadership challenges and help you apply what you learn even faster. But this bonus is only for those on the early access list – so don’t miss out! Sign up now for free at  https://www.berndgeropp.com/vip and secure your spot now.