Leadership Breakthroughs

Distracted Listening – A Two Minute Solution

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 22:00:00 -0400

Alex speaks with Tom Lemanski of Chicago Executive Coaching about the negative impact of distracted listening on workplace relationships. Listeners will learn a simple, actionable technique – two minutes of undivided attention – to improve their presence and build trust with their teams.

Tom Lemanski is an executive coach and leadership advisor at Chicago Executive Coaching. If this conversation sparked something for you, visit https://chicagoexecutivecoaching.com to learn more or get in touch.

The Power of Connection

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 22:00:00 -0400

Alex and Tom Lemanski from Chicago Executive Coaching discuss how relying too much on digital communication can hinder real connection in leadership. Listeners will learn to recognize when a face-to-face conversation is needed instead of a text or email, and how asking "what can I give?" can transform their interactions with their team.

The Essential Prerequisite for Successfully Leading Others

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 22:00:00 -0400

Alex talks with Tom Lemanski of Chicago Executive Coaching about the critical foundation of leadership: leading yourself first. Listeners will learn how to identify whether they're focused on *doing* versus *being* as a leader and will receive a practical exercise for aligning their actions with their values to earn genuine buy-in from their teams.

Less is More Leadership Communication

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Alex speaks with Tom Lemanski of Chicago Executive Coaching about why many leaders over-communicate and how it undermines their message. Listeners will learn how to identify the core point of their message and cut unnecessary words to respect the time and attention of their audience.

Daydream or Nightmare? Leading with Vision and Action in the C-Suite

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Alex and Tom Lemanski discuss the critical balance between having a compelling vision and taking decisive action, and how leaders often lean too heavily on one while neglecting the other. Listeners will learn how to diagnose whether their organization is suffering from stagnation or chaos, and how to take immediate, practical steps to lead with both vision and action.

Executive Presence: What’s Your Attitude?

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Alex and Tom Lemanski of Chicago Executive Coaching discuss the real meaning of executive presence, moving beyond the common buzzword. Listeners will learn that presence is more about attitude than skills, and how to identify where they fall on the spectrum between meekness and arrogance to improve their leadership.

Words That Move People: How Emotional Leadership Communication Drives Action

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Leadership Breakthroughs, Alex and Tom Lemanski of Chicago Executive Coaching discuss how to use emotional communication to drive action in leadership. Listeners will learn to reframe their messages to connect with their audience's values, leading to increased engagement and better results, with practical before-and-after examples.

Remembering My First Mentor

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0400

Join Alex as she speaks with Tom Lemanski of Chicago Executive Coaching about his first mentor, Max Klein, a Detroit businessman who saw potential in everyone. Tom shares how Max’s generosity, genuine curiosity, and focus on building relationships shaped his leadership journey and offers advice on recognizing and appreciating the mentors in your own life.