Leading in the Tension: What Leadership Really Feels Like Today

In this LeaderChat episode, Jacob Morgan, author of The 8 New Laws of Employee Experience, joins the conversation to explore what it means to be a future-ready leader. As organizations invest in transformation, technology, and culture, we ask a deeper question, are leaders equipped to create the kind of employee experience that drives performance? He shares where leadership readiness falls short, why traditional approaches are no longer enough, and how leaders can build trust, stability, and human connection in a rapidly changing world. It's a practical look at how leadership behavior shapes employee experience, and what it takes to prepare leaders for what's next.

In this LeaderChat episode, Jennifer Brown, author of The Shape of Change, joins the conversation to explore what change does to engagement and why motivation often drops in uncertainty. She shares how identity shifts, low energy, and lack of clarity can quietly disconnect people from their work, and what leaders can do to re-engage and motivate others in the middle of it. It's a practical look at how clarity, connection, and intentional leadership behaviors create strong engagement, even when the future feels uncertain.

Senior leadership means living with competing demands. In this episode, Debbie Ung, President of Blanchard, shares what that looks like in practice. The conversation focuses on delivering results without losing people, staying decisive without losing empathy, and handling pressure from above without passing it down. Honest, practical, and grounded in what senior leaders face right now.

Chad Gordon sits down with Ann Rollins, Dr. Jay Campbell, and Britney Cole to unpack the shifts redefining HR and L&D in 2026. They cut through the noise to right to what's real, what's hype, and what leaders should do now to build capability, engagement, and performance in a year where expectations keep rising and resources don't. To dive deeper into this year's trends, visit: https://resources.blanchard.com/ebooks/2026-hr-l-d-trends-report

Hear Dr. Tasha Eurich explain that resilience isn't an unlimited resource and describe what it takes to thrive through adversity as presented in her new book, Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos (And Why Resilience Alone Isn't Enough). Take the Resilience Ceiling Quiz To learn more about Tasha Eurich go to www.tashaeurich.com

Hear Marcel Schwantes talk about how his personal experiences and research led him to define five principles of effective leadership from his book Humane Leadership: Lead with Radical Love, Be a Kick-Ass Boss. He explains how patience, kindness, humility, advocacy, and trustworthiness can help you become a truly kick-ass boss in today's chaotic world. To learn more, go to marcelschwantes.com

In this special episode, hear guest host Marshall Goldsmith, world-renowned leadership coach, talk with Martha C. Lawrence, author of Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads. Together, they explore the transformative power of positive recognition, how leaders can inspire excellence, and why focusing on strengths drives lasting organizational success. To learn more visit marthalawrence.com. Or connect with Martha Lawrence on LinkedIn To learn more about Marshall Goldsmith visit marshallgoldsmith.com

Hear Martha Lawrence share stories about how Ken Blanchard revolutionized leadership from her new book, Catch People Doing Things Right. She explains why this is more than a business biography. It is the American success story of someone who achieved greatness by genuinely caring about people and helping them reach their full potential. To learn more visit marthalawrence.com. Or connect with Martha Lawrence on LinkedIn

Today Was Fun with Bree Groff Hear Bree Groff share personal stories, research, and practical wisdom about her vision for modern workplaces where people feel human and alive. She offers tips about changing how you approach work every day to make it more meaningful and fulfilling from her new book Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously).

Hear Robert Dilenschneider explain the components of character as presented in his book Character: Life Lessons in Courage, Integrity, and Leadership. He shares some of the achievements of leaders and groundbreakers who shaped our world and explores how their lessons in life and in business can provide invaluable advice and hopeful direction for young leaders. To learn more visit robertldilenschneider.com