Menttium Matters

Resilience in Turbulent Times with Dr. Roz Tsai, Vice President of Talent, Learning, & Organizational Effectiveness at Thrivent

In Part 1 of this 2-part episode, Dr. Roz Tsai will talk about resilience, which is an essential ingredient for thriving during turbulent times. Roz will define resilience and highlight specific practices to shift our mindset and strengthen our resilience. Using the “3G’s” (gratitude, grit, grace), Roz walks us through how we can cultivate daily habits to improve our wellbeing. Based on her research in the talent management space, Roz outlines the 3 most important things that leaders can do to foster resilience in their team. 

The art of Managing Up and Executive Presence with Zoa Norman, Director of Client Success at ADP

This week we have our conversation with Zoa Norman.  Drawing on her role as the Director of Client Success at ADP, Zoa walks us through her strategies for bringing out the best in individuals and teams.  She illustrates that understanding what motivates individuals is a powerful way to create positive change and boost team performance.  Zoa also will demonstrate the art of managing up through concise communication, observing reactions, and asking for feedback.  You will also hear about the habits that have helped Zoa be successful and her advice for up-and-coming leaders. 

Creating and Communicating your Brand – in life, career and mentoring; with Pam Hollander, Vice President, Marketing Strategy and Client Success at TSMGI, and Founder of PH Marketing Solutions

In this episode, Pam Hollander discusses what she has learned from her experiences as a marketing executive focused on creating and communicating ‘Brands’. As both a former Menttium mentee and 9-time Menttium Mentor, Pam offers a dual perspective as she highlights just how transformative a clearly communicated self-definition can be – as well as noting that it is always an aspect of the mentoring experience. Pam shares her own stories of managing some of the common challenges facing so many of us today (downsizing, being a working mom, career decisions). And she shares the tips and tools that helped her navigate through the changes; and allowed her to capture the learning into a broader definition of who she is today.

Communicating Across Difference – whether physical, positional or cultural difference; with Peter Vorbrich, C-Suite Executive

This week’s episode features a conversation with Peter Vorbrich, former CFO for CarVal Investors, and current mentor to both Menttium mentees and a variety of early-stage entrepreneurial companies. Pete draws upon his 25 years of global experience, including the 5 years he lived in Japan, as he shares his insights around the importance of being intentional in both how and what we communicate. His stories demonstrate how successful communication is essential to building a culture of trust - as well as highlighting the fact that when people understand the 'why', the ‘how’ becomes easier. Pete also discusses how an intentional focus on seeking opportunities to ‘learn at the point of difference’ has not only enhanced his career but also his mentor experience. This podcast provides a thoughtful and empathetic perspective on communication and connection.

The power of the mentor and mentee connection with Elsie Chapa, Consultant for Bosch Management Services, and, returning guest, Artie Lynnworth

In this episode Elsie Chapa and Artie Lynnworth demonstrate the enduring power of the mentor and mentee connection!  Elsie and Artie tell a wonderful story about what it was like to meet for the first time in person 17 years after their mentoring partnership.  Elsie highlights some of the issues she has faced being in a male-dominated industry, that requires constant innovation and change management.  Artie and Elsie have an in-depth discussion about how to take more control of your career planning and become more influential in your workplace.  They both offer excellent advice for authentically promoting yourself in the workplace, and they share the most important things they have learned in their career. 

Where We Decide to Stand Determines What We Will See; with Kimberly Strong, Founder and CEO of Strong Connexion, and former Vice President, Diversity & Inclusion, Target

This week our conversation with Kimberly Strong looks at the power of stepping back to take a more strategic view - of our career, life, and mentoring.  Her stories illustrate so well the reality that where we decide to stand determines what we see. Drawing upon her 20+ years of experience in Human Resources as a C-Suite and Executive leader (in organizations such as Target Corporation), Kim shares a number of specific examples where she was able to proactively create connections by meeting others where they were, as well as doing a little pre-meeting research. Kim’s positivity is contagious!

Wisdom Traditions share universal truths across time and culture; with Eboni Adams Monk, author and Vice President of Marketing for Advanced Refining Technologies

This week’s episode features a conversation with Eboni Adams Monk, a successful executive (just promoted to Vice President in the week since her interview); and the author of the book “Leading Wise: Inspirational Reflections for Corporate Leaders”. Eboni shares what she has learned from her cross-cultural research into wisdom traditions, including the universal truth which they all have in common – the importance of creating a sense of wholeness and a sense of belonging. She highlights the impact leaders can have when they focus on translating these elements into the workplace; creating the space for authentic wholeness, and instilling “a sense of belonging into our work environment”. And she offers leaders advice on being open, reflective and to “follow your curiosity to wherever it takes you.”  

Creating a strong multi-generational workforce with Al Johnson, Sr. Director, Supplier Management - Grainger

In this episode, Al Johnson, Sr. Director of Supplier Management at Grainger, shares the lessons he’s learned on motivating and inspiring people to be their best, balancing the macro and micro aspects of leadership, developing a strong executive presence, and creating and executing a strategic plan. Al is an expert negotiator and reveals how a person can strengthen their negotiation and conflict management skills by changing their mindset going into a negotiation. He also offers tips for creating a strong multi-generational workforce. Al shares his habits for success, his advice to young professionals, and his favorite quote. Al’s recommended leadership books can be found on the show notes for this episode. 

The power of Perspective – Shifting our view of Challenges with Jennifer Meyer, Senior Director, UnitedHealth Group Center for Clinician Advancement

This week’s episode features a conversation with Jennifer Meyer, Senior Director with United Health Group at a very unique moment in time – the day before she steps away from her successful career, to take a professional sabbatical for the benefit of her family. Jennifer intentionally chose this timing to ensure she would be open and honest with her perspective on this life transition, in recognition of the reality that so many others are also facing changes and challenges. In a great example of a mentoring mentality, she decided to use this interview as an opportunity for others to hear that they are not alone on this journey.

 

During this conversation Jennifer reflects on the fact that we are not meant to lead a pain-free life; and the hard won wisdom that can result when we choose to face the pain instead of looking away. And she shares her list of 4 P’s, which she credits for all of her success: People, Perspective, Patience, Perseverance.

Taking Risks in Your Career with Allan Bifield - Deputy Chief Financial Officer at George Weston (Retired)

This week’s episode features a conversation with Allan Bifield, an accomplished global senior-finance executive with more than 30 years of experience.  Allan shares the biggest lessons he has learned in his career related to taking risks, not trying to do everything yourself, and prioritizing self-development.  He highlights his essential leadership strategies for setting vision and direction; empowering people to be successful; creating team synergy; and leading transformational change.  Allan talks about his commitment to mentoring and the reward he feels in helping another professional reach their highest potential.  He also shares his habits for success, his advice to young professionals, and his favorite quote.