What makes a leader worth* following? That little asterisk next to “worth” is the answer. It references the hidden truth that lives at the very core of effective (and ineffective) leadership. The Be Worth* Following Podcast explores this surprising truth and how it plays out in the lives of real leaders. Be Worth* Following is an original show from the People Forward Network, and it invites you to rethink what you think about leadership. Join host Tim Spiker, author of The Only Leaders Worth* Following, as he talks to leaders, thinkers, and researchers about what actually drives leadership across the globe and over time.
Tim Spiker hosts Chad Johnson on the Be Worth Following Podcast, discussing how unique abilities can significantly boost leadership effectiveness. Chad, a successful entrepreneur and coach, emphasizes identifying and honing these abilities in oneself and others to create maximum value and impact. Reflecting on his own journey from homeschooling and early inspirations like Zig Ziglar to his current role with Strategic Coach, Chad shares how understanding and leveraging unique abilities has transformed his approach to leadership and personal growth. He also delves into the importance of applying these principles at home, advocating for leadership development around the dinner table to raise confident, capable, and inwardly sound individuals. The conversation underscores the importance of proactive, self-directed development and the potential to extend these transformative leadership practices beyond the workplace into family life.
10/2/24 • 47:25
An eye-opening episode of the Be Worth Following Podcast! Dr. Brent Fessler, Principal at Integreaters, shares what it looks like for leaders to prioritize the flourishing of their employees and company culture. Dr. Brent is an integrator, which means he helps organizations integrate values, purpose, organizational change, and character development. In this episode, Brent shares about an idea called trauma informed leadership, explores what it looks like to value employee flourishing, and talks about how to get company values off the walls and into the people. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
9/4/24 • 47:45
In this episode of the Be Worth* Following podcast, host Tim Spiker sits down with Bennett Bratt, author of The Team Discovered and former Vice President of HR Talent and Organizational Capability at T-Mobile. Bennett's extensive experience has led him to develop a perspective on teams and leadership that challenges the status quo. In this discussion, Bennett shares stories and insights that will invite you rethink how teams work. If you've ever wondered what really drives team success, this episode promises to offer fresh, thought-provoking viewpoints that just might change the way you approach both leading teams and being an effective team member.
8/7/24 • 46:03
In this episode of the Be Worth* Following podcast, Christopher O'Reilly, an executive team member at the internationally-renowned Onsite Partners and leader of Milestones, joins host Tim Spiker for an insightful exploration of the intersection between mental health and leadership. Drawing from his extensive clinical experience, Christopher delves into the hidden pitfalls of multitasking and the transformative power of simply being present. He also shares a practical method for leaders to check in on their mental well-being, which simultaneously improves relationships and increases self-awareness. Tune in to discover how even small steps in nurturing your mental health can elevate your leadership effectiveness.
7/3/24 • 37:22
In this episode of the Be Worth Following podcast, Christi Gordy, Founder and Executive Director of Canopy Life International, joins host Tim Spiker to share about her leadership of the organization. Canopy Life Academy is a boarding school dedicated to empowering vulnerable Kenyan children by equipping them with leadership skills, critical thinking, and innovation, aiming to lead their communities out of poverty. Christi shares key moments that impacted her leadership approach, highlighting the importance of understanding one’s purpose, the transformative power of embracing one's identity, and the challenges and achievements of leading a nonprofit from thousands of miles away. Christi's story is a testament to the power of visionary leadership, the importance of being inwardly sound and others-focused, and the impact of nurturing the next generation of leaders through empathy, understanding, and innovative education. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
6/5/24 • 45:32
On this episode of the Be Worth* Following podcast, Dr. Erik Hoekstra, President at Dordt University, joins Tim to share his perspectives on leadership in the unique context of a small Christian univeristy. It’s clear immediately that Erik’s deep faith has informed and shaped his approach to leadership. He believes in a human approach to leadership, not a utilitarian one, and is always eager to work back to this center when he gets off track. Erik is passionate about keeping himself accessible to his workers and students, inviting feedback, and pressing into equal parts humility and charisma. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
5/8/24 • 42:54
On the latest episode of the Be Worth* Following podcast, Tim sits down with Bart Wear, a former CEO whose leadership is anchored in the care of people. Throughout his career in industrial construction, Bart held firm to the belief that kindness and fairness should be the cornerstones of leadership. Even in moments of accountability, his approach was rooted in empathy and understanding. For Bart, "fair is fair for everybody," and this mantra guided every decision he made. But Bart's leadership journey didn't end with his retirement from construction. In fact, it took on a whole new meaning with his involvement in Homes of Hope, an organization dedicated to transforming shipping containers into vital facilities like schools and medical clinics for underserved communities worldwide. Join us as Bart shares his personal mission of esteeming, encouraging, and loving others—a mission that transcends industries and continues to make a profound impact on the lives of those around him. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted by Bart's extraordinary dedication to making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time. Tune in now! Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
4/24/24 • 45:42
Mark Miller joins the Be Worth* Following Podcast for the second time to share about his new book, Uncommon Greatness. Since Mark retired from Chick Fil A he has made it his second-half-of-life mission to develop extraordinary leaders. Uncommon greatness comes from uncommon leadership, characterized by a focus on others and a commitment to fundamental actions. On the podcast he shares what it looks like to make this shift to uncommon greatness and why the practical and fundamental must go together. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
4/10/24 • 41:51
In this episode of the Be Worth* Following Podcast, we meet Coach John Beilein, a winning coach who was "forced" into a position of growth later in his career. Coach Beilein didn’t allow his previous success to preempt changes that were needed to help his team succeed. He humbly embraced the opportunity to grow and develop. Coach Beilein’s philosophy of leadership is now anchored by his values, and focusing on relationships before results. Listen to hear why he prioritizes connection and the profound impact it has had on his coaching. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
3/27/24 • 47:19
We love March Madness at The Aperio. Every March Tim Spiker, a former college basketball player at Purdue and Washington University, hosts conversations with basketball colleagues and coaches who share their leadership experiences from the world of sports. On this episode of the Be Worth* Following Podcast, former professional basketball player and college coach Cuonzo Martin—aka “Zo”—shares the life experiences that led to his passion for basketball, coaching, leadership . . . and helping young people in his community. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
3/13/24 • 40:43
When it comes to leadership development, we often look for the “silver bullet”—what is the next tool or technique that can help me become a better leader? The reality is there is no silver bullet, no tip or technique that can enable exceptional leadership. In this episode of the Be Worth* Following podcast, Peter Anderton, executive coach, and keynote speaker, reminds us of some simple truths about leadership that have been around for millenia. He shares these as two rules he believes every leader should know in order to remove the “training wheels” of their leadership and truly impact their teams . . . and the bottom line. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
2/28/24 • 46:34
We often have the theme “care for your people” on episodes of the Be Worth* Following Podcast, and this episode is another one of those times. Meet Amir Ghannad, keynote speaker, founder of The Ghannad Group, and author of the book The Transformative Leader. Amir is an inspiring leader and human being, and his success story is a direct result of being Others Focused and Inwardly Sound. In this episode you will hear the extraordinary account of Amir’s younger years as well as his transition into the leadership development space. Amir also shares three issues that he has seen plague and prevent organizations from reaching their full potential. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
2/14/24 • 55:28
Mental models help us understand how the world works, and for leaders how leadership works. Clayton Stenson, relationship coach for visionaries and second in commands, offers a mental model to help understand the complicated relationship between a visionary leader, and their second who supports them. In this episode of the Be Worth* Following podcast, Clayton shares how visionary leaders cycle through different stages and how this affects the teams they lead, and their direct support. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
1/31/24 • 46:43
Relationships are at the heart of every organization, and on this episode of The Be Worth* Following podcast, Dr. Mary Shippy, veteran coach and leadership consultant, shares some profound yet simple ways to strengthen these relationships. Dr. Shippy uses dynamic models and principles in her coaching with relationship-building at its core. In this episode she talks with Tim about what inhibits and enables a leader’s ability to be curious, how we often write incorrect stories based on limited information, and what is at the core of forgiveness. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
1/17/24 • 46:28
Education. Middle School boys. Blacksmithing. This episode of the Be Worth* Following Podcast is a one-of-a-kind. Andrew Culp is the founder and principal of the Anvil Academy, a learning community that is focused on mentoring boys through the messy and formative years of middle school. While it may seem that education for middle school boys has little to do with leadership, Andrew’s insights are profound and applicable. In this episode you will learn the story of how Anvil was birthed and why. Most importantly, you will be invited to apply the metaphor of the anvil and formation to your own life and leadership. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
1/3/24 • 54:58
Wise leaders have their eyes on the future of the companies they lead. Exceptional leaders prioritize the development of future leaders now. One such leader, Gary Bridgewater, CEO at Baker Group, says this: “I want to look at this company at some point, and I actually want to have a twinge of jealousy about how good they're doing.” Gary has prioritized leadership development that aims at WHO a leader is. He has put energy, time, and money toward developing Others Focused and Inwardly Sound leaders—including himself. In this episode you will hear about the foundation that was laid at a young age for Gary, how he prioritizes the future of Baker by developing leaders now, and the work that he is currently engaged in to become an even more exceptional leader. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
12/20/23 • 39:55
Imagine a world in which businesses existed not only for profit, but also for impact and purpose. Mike Salguero, Founder and CEO of Butcherbox, launched his business for these exact reasons. But the company today is different from the one that launched, and Mike says he allowed the company to evolve in the way that it did. For Mike, leading a company is often like raising kids—you have limited control and each wants to be what it wants to be. So leaders can establish necessary guardrails, but also embrace the process of growing a business with wisdom and open hands. In this episode you will hear how Mike got his start as an entrepreneur, the history and ethos of Butcherbox, and Mike's perspectives on executive team dynamics. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
12/6/23 • 49:41
According to our latest podcast guest, “A leader is a person who chooses to take initiative for the benefit of others.” Adam Tarnow, author, leadership coach, and podcast host, joined Tim Spiker to talk about his passion for leadership, and how emerging leaders can stand out. Adam’s own arrival into the leadership development space was quite unique, and he established his impact with a leadership development firm, a book, and a podcast. Adam asserts that there are four overarching qualities that cause emerging leaders to stand out, or have the E.D.G.E, and he shares these, and more, in the episode. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
11/22/23 • 42:03
This episode will change how you think about the impact leaders have on their followers as human beings. Zach Mercurio, author, keynote speaker, and researcher, joined the Be Worth* Following podcast to share how purposeful leadership and mattering can change lives. Zach began researching the concept of “mattering” while trying to discover why some individuals lived and worked with more purpose, regardless of the kind of work they did. What he discovered has tremendous implications for leaders and guides the work that Zach does today. In this episode of the podcast, Zach shares some of his own personal story and passion behind purpose and mattering in leadership. Listen for not only impactful research, but also practical ways to help others know they matter. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
11/8/23 • 53:48
We believe that the message of Who* Not What applies to leaders in all parts of the world, and this episode with Frederic de Rougemont supports just that. Frederic, a former veteran CEO turned strategic advisor and consultant, has not only experienced the journey of becoming more Inwardly Sound and Others Focused, but he has made Who* Not What an explicit part of how he develops others. In this episode of the podcast, Frederic shares about his own leadership journey—how he became a more Others Focused and Inwardly Sound leader. Hint: it takes time. But according to Frederic, the effort is worth it. Because while leading with fear may look successful in the short term, leading with trust is actually the better way. Frederic shares ways that he believes trust is built with followers, and what that looks like practically in an organization. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
10/25/23 • 48:39
When it comes to diversity in the workplace, there is “an elephant in the room” that we often fail to notice. Dr. Tim Elmore, Founder of Growing Leaders, Inc, wants to bring attention to the generational gap that can often cause misunderstanding and frustration in the workplace. In this latest episode of the Be Worth* Following Podcast, Tim Spiker and Dr. Elmore talk about generational diversity—the topic of Dr. Elmore’s latest book— and how to turn frustration into fascination. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website.
10/11/23 • 42:30
Episode Description Joel Manby is a former CEO whose leadership style was revolutionized when he discovered the astounding ROA for being a loving leader. Since this epiphany, Joel has made dramatic changes in the way he acts and talks about leadership. After serving as CEO for several decades in the auto and family theme park industries, Joel wrote Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders to share how showing love is a powerful leadership strategy. In this episode, host Tim Spiker talks with Joel about his own personal leadership journey, the powerful results of leading with love, and some examples of what this looks like in practical leadership. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website
9/27/23 • 40:01
Syl Trepanier is the Senior Vice President, Senior Chief Nursing officer at Providence St. Joseph Health. On this episode of the Be Worth* Following podcast, Syl talks with Tim Spiker about being a deliberate leader who looks to inspire, shows up fully present, and calls himself out (i.e., shares what areas he is personally working on). Syl is a reminder that all leaders are in process, even if they have already come a long way. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website
9/13/23 • 39:20
Lee Scott is the Founder and Chief Change Agent at Unleashing Leaders, a national network of consultants and facilitators who work with willing clients to inspire what they call an “epidemic of leadership and integrity.” This episode explores the unique business model of Unleashing Leaders and their approach by working with their clients shoulder-to-shoulder. We also hear Lee’s philosophy on what produces actual change in behavior. Additional Resources can be found on the Be Worth* Following Podcast Website
8/30/23 • 51:03
Chip Toth, President and Owner at LeadersInspire is a respected people developer passionate to help individuals reach their potential and thrive personally and professionally. This episode explores the significance of meaningful interactions, being there for clients beyond business, and supporting them through challenges. Chip emphasizes the need for leaders to balance soft skills with hard outcomes, and shares experiences of delivering tough messages effectively. Listen in to uncover Chip's perspective on leadership - which has led to increased productivity and success. Additional Resources Connect with Tim on LinkedIn Learn more about The Aperio Connect with Chip on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network
8/16/23 • 35:49
David Mead's journey has been guided by his profound belief in the importance of human connection and individual growth. With a genuine focus on human beings, he understands that the key to unlocking potential is by fostering an environment where people feel valued and supported. David shares his experiences working in sales, finding inspiration from Simon Sinek's powerful talk, and ultimately joining Sinek's team to develop an online course. The episode explores David's insights on balancing empowerment and enforcing standards in the workplace, the importance of empathy in accountability, and the concept of mutual accountability in leadership. Additional Resources Connect with Tim on LinkedIn Learn more about The Aperio Connect with David Mead David’s Website Learn more about PeopleForward Network
8/2/23 • 39:54
Tim Spiker sits down with Chad Peterman, President and CEO of Peterman Brothers, a residential trade services supplier. Together, they explore the concept of empowerment within the trades industry. Chad shares various ways in which Peterman Brothers promotes leadership within the organization - emphasize regular communication, provide leadership classes, and have established a leadership academy, which offers ongoing training and career paths for technicians. Listen in to this inspiring episode for inspiration around leadership and growth within the trades industry. Additional Resources Connect with Tim on LinkedIn Learn more about The Aperio Chad on LinkedIn Peterman Brothers Website Learn more about PeopleForward Network
7/19/23 • 45:02
In this episode, Tim talks with Jen Bauer, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Culture at Miron Construction about her personal journey, highlighting the crucial role of culture in shaping her organization's success. Jen emphasizes the strong link between marketing and culture, asserting that culture defines both the internal and external identity of an organization. Despite challenges of the pandemic, Jen and her team focused on safeguarding employees and nurturing the company's culture. Listen in on what is uncovered around the significance of culture, authenticity, and systems in building a thriving organization. Gain valuable insights to empower your own organizational culture. Additional Resources Connect with Tim on LinkedIn Learn more about The Aperio* Connect with Jen Bauer on LinkedIn Miron Construction Website Learn more about Anchor Investments Learn more about PeopleForward Network
7/6/23 • 42:12
Anchor Investments is a private real estate company on a mission to become "America's most generous real estate company,” and Tim Spiker is joined with Anchor’s COO, Josh Etress to share the importance of being intentional and investing for maximum impact. Josh provides insights into Anchor's success, such as their unique approach of repurposing former churches into boutique hotels that give back to underserved communities. Additional Resources: Connect with Tim on LinkedIn Learn more about The Aperio* Connect with Josh on LinkedIn Learn more about Anchor Investments Learn more about PeopleForward Network
6/21/23 • 49:18
In this episode, Tim Spiker engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Jay Rudman, CEO of Size Stream exploring effective leadership and the importance of investing in employees and customers. Jay shares his personal leadership journey, drawing from experience as a hired CEO, and introduces the concept of inside-out management. Feedback and listening are emphasized as crucial elements of effective leadership, creating an environment where individuals feel valued. Listen in for invaluable takeaways on effective leadership and gain practical wisdom and actionable insights to make a lasting impact as a leader. Additional Resources Connect with Tim on LinkedIn Learn more about The Aperio Connect with Jay on LinkedIn Learn more about Size Stream Learn more about PeopleForward Network
6/7/23 • 39:43
