Is it possible to have health, wealth, and freedom at the same time?

Most people spend their lives trying to balance all three, but the pressure to succeed often causes one area to suffer. You may be gaining income, influence, or opportunity, but what are you losing in the process? Your health? Your peace? Your family? Your freedom?

In this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, Jeff Hancher shares three powerful questions that will help you evaluate your current definition of success and the direction your life is headed. You’ll learn how to recognize hidden trade-offs, identify the areas of life you may be borrowing against, and decide whether your current habits are leading you toward the future you actually want.

A prosperous life is not built by accident. It is built through thousands of small decisions made with purpose. This conversation will help you take an honest look at your habits, your priorities, and the price you may be paying for the version of success you are chasing.

Is achievement enough to create a fulfilling life? In this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, Jeff Hancher explores the tension between health, wealth, and freedom, and why successful people often sacrifice one in pursuit of another. Learn why the real goal is not perfect balance, but alignment, so you can build a life that supports your success without costing you your health, relationships, or purpose.

What should leaders do when an employee’s behavior disappoints or frustrates them? This episode of The Champion Forum Podcast breaks down why understanding should come before accountability and shares practical questions leaders can use to create more productive conversations.

Most leaders are trying to fix disengagement with better perks, stronger strategies, and cleaner systems. But according to Dov Baron, they may be solving the wrong problem.

In this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, Jeff Hancher sits down with Dov Baron, author of The Art of Belonging, to talk about why fitting in is not the same as belonging—and why that difference matters more than most leaders realize.

Dov explains how many organizations unintentionally create cultures where people hide parts of themselves to survive professionally. The result? Less innovation, weaker loyalty, and teams that may look successful on the outside while quietly losing energy, trust, and humanity on the inside.

Jeff and Dov also explore why leaders must understand their own emotional programming, how conformity silences creativity, and what it really takes to build a workplace where people do not just perform, but belong.

This conversation will challenge how you think about culture, leadership, self-awareness, and the hidden emotional patterns that shape the way people show up at work.

Fear has a significant impact on people’s emotions, communication, and performance, and, left unchecked, it will also start to change your culture. A recent Forbes article discussed what many are calling a hidden crisis called the Fear Economy. The article discussed rising employee anxiety, emotional exhaustion, burnout, economic uncertainty, and fear about AI and job stability. Every day, people show up to work carrying fear: the fear of being replaced, of becoming irrelevant, of instability, and of not keeping up. But when was the last time you really thought about how your employees felt? Leaders can become so focused on performance, output, and organizational change that they completely miss the emotional climate people are operating in every day. In today’s episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, we’re talking about the dangers of the fear economy, where it comes from, and how you can protect your culture from being impacted by it. 

Are we experiencing an empathy recession in leadership? In this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss what the empathy gap is, why pressure often reduces empathy, and how low-empathy leadership damages trust, engagement, and culture. Learn why empathy is not weakness, how it strengthens accountability, and practical questions leaders can use to communicate with clarity, dignity, and emotional awareness.

In this episode, Jeff Hancher sits down with Sangram Vajre, co-founder and CEO of GTM Partners, bestselling author of MOVE, and one of the leading voices in go-to-market strategy. Sangram shares why CEOs must take ownership of go-to-market, how lack of clarity quietly stalls growth, and what leaders can do to align their teams around the right customers, metrics, and strategy.

You’ll learn why go-to-market is not just a sales or marketing function, how to identify whether your company is in problem-market fit, product-market fit, or platform-market fit, and why revenue per employee and net retention rate are two critical metrics every CEO should understand. Sangram also explains how AI can give leaders better visibility into their business, sales calls, pipeline, messaging, and customer conversations.

Whether you are a founder, CEO, executive, or business leader trying to scale profitably, this conversation will help you build more clarity, improve alignment, and take smarter ownership of your company’s growth.

Feeling stuck in your career? In this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, Jeff Hancher explains why you may not be stuck, you may simply not be ready yet. Learn how to prepare for your next opportunity, ask for honest feedback, build consistency, handle difficult conversations, and become the kind of person who is ready when the next promotion or opportunity comes.

In this episode, we unpack the hidden emotional cost of high performance and why achievement often becomes identity. Many leaders learn how to appear confident long before they actually feel secure. They build careers, brands, and reputations while privately battling perfectionism, anxiety, impostor syndrome, and the fear of being exposed.

We explore:

•  Why achievement becomes tied to self-worth 
•  The childhood patterns that create perfectionistic leaders 
•  How social media and leadership isolation intensify insecurity 
•  The hidden exhaustion of constantly performing confidence 
•  Why vulnerability feels dangerous for high achievers 
•  How to separate your worth from your productivity 
•  What real confidence actually looks like 

If you’ve ever felt pressure to constantly prove yourself, struggled to slow down, feared criticism, or wondered who you are outside of your accomplishments, this conversation will resonate deeply.

This episode is for entrepreneurs, executives, creators, leaders, and high achievers who are tired of performing strength and ready to become whole.

Leadership credibility isn’t lost overnight. It fades in the small moments leaders avoid accountability. In this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss the gap between what leaders say and what they actually enforce, why repeated warnings weaken trust, and how to hold people accountable with clarity and consistency instead of harshness.

One-on-one debriefs with your team members are one of the most underutilized leadership tools. Not because leaders don’t have them, but because they don’t use them to their potential. Most one-on-ones turn into status updates, but the best leaders don’t just manage work in a one-on-one; they uncover what’s really going on beneath the work. In this episode, we discuss one of my favorite questions to ask in a one-on-one and how you can use it to help your employees thrive: What’s getting in your way right now?

Have you ever felt overwhelmed trying to add more leadership habits, routines, and strategies only to feel stuck?

What if better leadership isn’t about adding more… but removing what’s holding you back?

In Part 2 of this leadership series, we break down 4 more things great leaders learn to let go of to unlock real growth:

•  Why avoiding difficult conversations is costing you more than you think 
•  How the need for recognition quietly weakens your leadership 
•  The hidden damage of always defending yourself 
•  Why staying comfortable is the fastest way to fall behind 

Plus, we give you powerful self-audit questions and simple action steps you can apply immediately to become a more effective, respected leader.

If you want to grow as a leader without burning out or overcomplicating things, this episode is for you.

Most leaders focus on what to add, but real growth comes from what you’re willing to let go of. In this episode, we break down 4 critical habits that hold leaders back: the need to be liked, the pressure to have all the answers, the urge to control everything, and the desire to be the hero. You’ll learn how to build trust, develop stronger teams, and lead with confidence by shifting your mindset and empowering others. If you want to grow as a leader, improve team performance, and earn lasting respect, this is where to start.

Strong leaders often unintentionally create passive teams—and it’s costing performance, ownership, and growth. In this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, we break down the three common leadership behaviors that quietly train teams to stop thinking independently: over-rescuing, over-explaining, and over-directing.

Learn how to shift from control to coaching with practical strategies you can apply immediately. Discover how to ask better questions, create ownership, and build a team that takes initiative instead of waiting for direction.

If you want a more engaged, accountable, and high-performing team, this episode is for you.

Many high-performing leaders unknowingly become difficult to lead, and it can limit their growth at higher levels.

In this episode, we explore why talented, driven individuals often struggle with coachability, alignment, and accountability. You’ll learn the common patterns that make high performers hard to manage, how these behaviors impact trust with leadership, and why mastering feedback is essential for long-term success.

We also break down how leaders unintentionally frustrate their own bosses, along with a powerful self-awareness test to evaluate your leadership maturity. If you want to stand out in environments where everyone is talented, this episode will help you develop the awareness and discipline needed to lead (and be led) effectively.

Success can be misleading. When revenue is strong and performance looks solid, it’s easy for leaders to assume their culture is healthy, but growth often hides issues like weak accountability, inconsistent feedback, and drifting standards. In this episode, we explore how success tests leadership discipline and reveal five diagnostic questions every leader should ask during high-performing seasons. You’ll also learn five practical strategies to strengthen your feedback culture, reinforce accountability, and address issues before they show up in your KPIs. If you want to build a sustainable, high-performing organization, this conversation will help you lead with clarity, consistency, and intention.

Success in business can often mask deeper issues like weak accountability, unclear expectations, and drifting standards. While strong revenue and performance may signal health on the surface, many leaders unknowingly allow critical behaviors (like communication, ownership, and execution) to slip. In the first part of a two-part episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, we break down how effective leaders re-establish clear standards, communicate expectations with precision, and reinforce them through consistent, public recognition. If you want to build a sustainable, high-performing team, not just one that looks successful, this episode is for you.

Your worst employees usually stay. Your best employees quietly leave.

High performers rarely complain, threaten to quit, or make dramatic exits. Instead, they slowly disengage. They stop bringing ideas. They stop pushing for excellence. Eventually, they start looking elsewhere.

In today’s competitive talent market, losing your best people isn’t just frustrating; it’s expensive, disruptive, and often preventable.

In this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, we break down:

• Why top performers quietly check out
 • The leadership mistakes that push great employees away
 • The early warning signs your best people may be disengaging
 • Practical leadership habits that keep high performers engaged
 • How great leaders continually “re-recruit” their best people

If you're responsible for leading a team, developing talent, or protecting your culture, this conversation will help you understand how to keep your best people committed and performing at a high level.

Why does trust break down on teams, even when leaders think they’re communicating clearly? In this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, we unpack the real trust killer in leadership: inconsistency. Trust is not built through better speeches, more meetings, or clearer emails. It’s built through patterns. When a leader’s actions don’t align with their words (when priorities shift under pressure, standards aren’t enforced, or expectations change without explanation), teams stop giving the benefit of the doubt. You’ll learn why predictability matters more than clarity, how leaders accidentally undermine trust, and the practical steps you can take to rebuild credibility through consistent action, follow-through, and alignment.

Leaders who want to build high-performing teams often focus on strategy and execution, but the real differentiator is culture. If you want honest feedback, stronger ownership, and healthier communication on your team, you have to understand the difference between being accessible and being safe. In this episode, we break down why open-door policies fail and what it actually takes to create psychological safety that drives performance. Today on the Champion Forum podcast, we're talking aboutwhy your open-door policy might be failing you and what to do instead.

Struggling with unmotivated employees? In this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, we explore why lack of motivation isn’t a character flaw; it’s a leadership signal. Learn how purpose, clarity, and connection unlock your team’s engagement, resilience, and ownership. Discover four powerful questions every leader must answer to create transformational work instead of transactional tasks.

When was the last time someone at work told you something you genuinely did not want to hear? As uncomfortable as it can be, hearing uncomfortable truths is necessary if you want to be a successful leader. Silence is not a sign that everything is going well! The more positional authority you have, the more people feel like they should be cautious and deferential around you. Today’s episode is about why leaders struggle to get feedback, how it erodes leadership effectiveness, and what great leaders do differently to make sure they are not leading in an echo chamber.

“We’re a family here” sounds caring, but is it actually hurting your workplace culture? On this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, we explore why calling your company a family creates unrealistic expectations, weakens trust, and masks unhealthy power dynamics. You’ll learn practical, healthier alternatives leaders can use to build respect, collaboration, and a culture people actually want to be part of.

Hard work alone doesn’t close deals, and that’s a tough truth for a lot of sales professionals to hear. If you’re making the calls, sending the proposals, showing up prepared, and still losing deals to competitors you know you’re better than, the problem isn’t your effort. It isn’t your product. And most of the time, it isn’t price. It’s process. In this episode, we break down why hardworking salespeople stay stuck, why buyers stall and hide behind objections like “I need to think about it,” and what top performers do differently to create urgency, clarity, and confidence at every stage of the sale.

Most leadership conversations today revolve around speed, scale, efficiency, and performance. But as burnout rises and trust erodes at work, leaders are starting question if the most powerful leadership advantage is the very thing we've been taught to downplay: our humanity. In this episode, we sit down with Claude Silver, the world's first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, and author of the book Be Yourself at Work, to explore why authenticity, emotional intelligence, and human connection are no longer "soft skills," but essential leadership capabilities. Claude shares how leading with heart has helped her build one of the most influential workplace cultures in modern business and why the future of leadership depends on it.

Most leaders believe that they are responsible, excellent, and hands-on. But what many leaders see as confidence can often mask insecurity, particularly a need to take control. Left unchecked, this need for control will cause your team to disengage, stop giving input, stop taking initiative, and eventually find a new job. In today's episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, we'll talk about how to let go of control without losing influence and what it takes to lead people, not just processes.

Adding new talent can accelerate growth or quietly undermine everything you’ve built. Leaders today face a critical challenge: how to hire high performers without sacrificing the culture that drives long-term success. In this episode, we break down five proven principles for adding talent while protecting your culture, helping you hire with intention, onboard with clarity, and integrate new team members in a way that strengthens, not erodes, your values. If you’re responsible for hiring, building teams, or leading through growth, this conversation will equip you with practical strategies to scale your people without losing who you are.

What separates people who want success from those who actually create it? In this episode, we unpack how to rise to the top of your field, become a respected expert, and build a life that reflects your actual goals—not just your obligations. Inspired by Chapter 8 of Lead the Field, we explore the core elements that determine long-term success: clarity, attitude, a worthy objective, and the discipline to grow into the person who can achieve it.

You’ll learn:

• Why “busy” isn’t the same as forward motion—and how to know the difference
• How unclear goals sabotage progress (and the question that fixes it)
• The mindset upgrade needed to step into a higher level of influence
• Why daily discipline—not motivation—is what builds your future
• How your environment shapes your direction more than you realize

If you want 2026 to look radically different from 2025, this episode gives you the roadmap. You will walk away with practical questions, identity-shaping exercises, and a 45-minute environment audit that reveals exactly what is propelling you forward—and what’s holding you back.

What do you think the world needs most right now? The good news is, whatever it is, you have the power to make an impact. In this episode of the Champion Forum Podcast, we sit down with Chris Cooper, a global voice in leadership, culture, and business elevation. With over three decades of experience working with international brands and leaders around the world, Chris shares powerful insights on authentic leadership, creating cultures where people thrive, and why impact matters more than titles or profit alone.

Most teams don't fail because they lack motivation, vision, or talent. They fail because they lack leadership. Mascot leaders bring energy, encouragement, and positivity, but over time, charisma without accountability erodes standards, drives away high performers, and stalls momentum. In this episode, you will learn the three key differences between mascots and true leaders, why over-inspiring can damage team culture, and how avoiding hard conversations quietly makes leadership irrelevant. We'll also unpack the real costs of low standards, why peak performers disengage first, and how accountability (not hype) is what creates sustainable traction.

Every leader has blind spots that shape their results, relationships, and reputation. Leadership growth does not happen by accident. Growth happens when you shine a light on your bad habits and incorrect assumptions. The challenge is that it is difficult to recognize these issues in yourself. Leaders who confront their blind spots expand their influence and earn their teams' confidence and trust. In today's episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, Jeff reveals three blind spots that quietly hold leaders back and explains how to eliminate them.

AI isn’t replacing leaders, it’s redefining leadership. AI can optimize tasks, but it cannot replace influence, empathy, emotional intelligence, or human connection. In this episode, we unpack how the rise of AI is reshaping expectations for leaders and why soft skills are becoming the new hard skills. We discuss the risks leaders face when they over-automate communication, rely too heavily on data, or substitute human presence with digital efficiency. You’ll learn how to stay relevant and influential by strengthening the skills AI can’t replicate: listening, coaching, vision-casting, emotional intelligence, and authentic connection. If you want to thrive—not just survive—in an AI-driven world, this episode will equip you with the mindset and tools to lead with clarity, confidence, and connection.

Is it burnout—or boredom? In this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, we break down the top signs of leadership boredom, workplace disengagement, and low motivation. Discover why leaders feel unchallenged, how boredom impacts team performance, and proven strategies to reignite curiosity, increase engagement, and elevate leadership growth. Learn how to set bigger goals, raise standards, mentor others, and create new challenges that boost productivity and prevent burnout.

Delegation isn’t about stepping back; it’s about scaling your impact. Too many leaders confuse handing off tasks with handing off ownership, but true delegation doesn’t erase responsibility; it elevates your influence. In this episode, we break down the myth that delegation gets you “off the hook” and show why your fingerprints should still be on the outcome, even when your hands aren’t on the work.

We’ll walk through the three most common communication breakdowns that derail delegation and how to fix them with simple, practical strategies. You’ll learn how great leaders delegate with intention, empower their people, and multiply their capacity by treating delegation as a development tool rather than a relief valve. If you want to delegate without dropping responsibility and build stronger leaders in the process, this episode gives you the blueprint.

Are you constantly jumping into new ideas, goals, or routines—only to abandon them when the excitement wears off? If you (or someone you know) live in a cycle of starting strong but never finishing, you’re not alone. In today’s episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, we’re diving into the hidden reasons people keep starting over, how this pattern sabotages your credibility and momentum, and what you can do to finally break the habit.

In a world that glorifies launches, fresh starts, and “new” everything, it’s easier than ever to get distracted. But real success—whether in leadership, business, or personal growth—comes not from starting more things, but from finishing what matters. This episode exposes the psychology behind serial starting, the dangers of chasing dopamine instead of progress, and the mindset shifts you need to become someone who follows through.

If you’re ready to stop getting derailed by shiny objects and start building long-term success, this conversation will challenge you, motivate you, and give you the tools to stay the course.

What does it take to turn tragedy into triumph? In this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher, we sit down with Eric McElvenney—Marine veteran, Ironman athlete, Paralympian, and international speaker—who shares his incredible story of resilience, faith, and purpose. After losing his leg to an IED explosion while serving in Afghanistan, Eric faced a life-altering choice: let that moment define him, or define what came next.

Eric chose to lead forward. From fighting for his life on the battlefield to crossing the finish line of the Ironman World Championship, his journey is a powerful lesson in mental toughness, perseverance, and leadership under pressure. In this conversation, Jeff and Eric dive into topics every leader can relate to: overcoming adversity, finding purpose in pain, and staying accountable when no one is watching.

If you’ve ever faced a challenge that felt impossible to overcome, this episode will remind you that your finish line is closer than you think—and that with the right mindset, every obstacle can become your greatest opportunity.

Gen Z now makes up over a quarter of the global workforce, but are leaders really listening to them? In this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, Jeff Hancher sits down with generations expert Dr. Tim Elmore to challenge the myths about Gen Z and uncover what they can teach us about leadership, loyalty, and the future of work. Learn why empathy, communication, and adaptability are key to leading this dynamic generation.

Servant leadership isn’t a trendy management buzzword. It’s a timeless principle that transforms teams and organizations from the inside out. At its core, servant leadership is about empowering your people. But when leaders confuse service with softness, they slip into passive leadership, avoiding tough conversations, lowering standards, and calling it humility. In this episode, you’ll learn how this subtle shift destroys culture, erodes trust, drags performance down across the board, and what to do instead.

Last time, attorney and entrepreneur Rocco Cozza showed us how to avoid the legal traps that can quietly sink a business before it even gets started. But here’s the thing — even if you check every legal box, your company can still stall out. Growth isn’t automatic. Scaling takes more than hiring fast or chasing revenue — it takes healthy systems, a clear mindset shift, and the courage to let go. In today’s episode, Rocco’s back — not just as a lawyer, but as a founder who’s been in the trenches — to help us uncover the hidden growth traps that keep leaders stuck inside their own frame.

Most entrepreneurs don’t fail because they lack vision. They fail because they didn’t protect their vision. In this episode, Jeff Hancher interviews Rocco Cozza, managing partner of Cozza Law Group and TEDx speaker, to reveal the most common legal mistakes founders make. Discover why your business entity matters, the danger of using online contracts, and how to safeguard your brand with proper trademarks and copyrights. Rocco’s insights will help you build a strong legal foundation, avoid unnecessary taxes, and protect your intellectual property. This is your roadmap to building a business that lasts.

Toxic high performers are one of the toughest challenges leaders face.
On paper, they deliver results. Behind the scenes, they erode trust, morale, and your company culture. In this episode, you’ll learn why protecting your culture matters more than protecting short-term numbers — and how to make the courageous call as a leader.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why leaders hesitate to confront toxic high performers (fear + short-term thinking)

The hidden costs of a toxic employee (Harvard Business School says it’s double the cost of a top performer)

Practical steps to address toxic behavior while still driving results

How to set expectations for both performance and behavior

Why culture is superior to short-term wins when it comes to building lasting success

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Leadership is about finding ways to help your team win, but it is also about supporting them through seasons of loss. It’s not a matter of talent. Every leader will walk their team through seasons of loss. In those moments, your team doesn’t need a cheerleader. They need a leader who knows how to be honest, visionary, and practical. In today’s podcast, we’re talking about the art of redemptive leadership in dark seasons.

Leadership isn't just for the boardroom, the office, or the team you manage; leadership is a powerful tool for parenting. However, most parents are never really taught how to lead at home with the same intentionality that they bring to their careers. Today, I'm excited to welcome Chris and Sara Goede to the podcast to talk about one of the most essential topics: leading with purpose at home. Chris and Sara have built their family on the principles of influence, intentionality, and growth, and now, they're using their experiences to help other parents do the same. If you've ever wondered how to raise your kids with the same clarity and purpose that you bring to your career, this episode is for you.

Björn Borg is one of the greatest tennis players of all time, and the key to his success was his ability to stay focused under extreme pressure. Composure is one of the most underrated qualities in leadership today. On today’s episode, we’ll talk about one of the most underrated leadership qualities, composure. You’ll learn the secrets to keeping your head when the stakes are high, emotions are charged, and people are watching how you respond. 

Is your team facing disengagement? Quit quitting? Loud quitting? Often, the problem is that leaders are making mistakes in how they give feedback. Feedback will either be the fuel that moves your team forward or the spark that burns trust to the ground. With stakes this high, leaders must go beyond just understanding feedback. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to not just learn about feedback but also apply it in a way that changes the culture of your team.

What if I told you your team might not be reacting to you… but to a ghost? You can be a great boss, but if a past leader has wounded your team, they may be unable to receive your new ideas or your attempts to build trust. You didn’t create the ghost, but it’s now your responsibility to help your team heal from it. Today, we’re discussing the ghosts of leadership past, how to identify them, their impact on your team, and how to help them heal through presence, consistency, and intentional leadership.

What if your biggest breakthrough isn't in working harder but in working differently? In this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, Jeff Hancher is joined by serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, and leadership coach JM Ryerson. You'll hear JM's personal story of battling burnout, reclaiming his health and marriage, and finding purpose beyond the paycheck. He'll share the telltale signs that you're not living your best life and the mindset shifts that can get you back on track. From empowering your team to rediscovering your motivation, this episode is packed with wisdom for any leader ready to lead at a higher level.

You’ve heard it said that success leaves clues. But sometimes, the very strategies that got you to the first level of success become the barriers to the next. The best leaders aren’t just learning, they’re unlearning. They are aware enough to recognize that what used to work no longer does. They are also humble enough to evolve before they’re forced to. If you don’t unlearn behaviors that are not serving you, you will experience burnout, build dependent teams, and ultimately stop growing On today’s episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, we’ll talk about why that happens, how to recognize it, and what to do when you realize you need to lead differently to grow further.

Have you ever seen loyalty go wrong? In business, employees are often rewarded for continued loyalty to the company with bonuses, gifts, promotions, and privileges. But if you’re not careful, loyalty might kill your company. We often talk about loyalty as if it were always a virtue. However, when loyalty is misapplied or used as a means of avoiding difficult conversations, it can quietly drain your momentum, hinder innovation, and keep the wrong people in the wrong seats for far too long. In today’s episode, we’re going to break down why misplaced loyalty happens, what risks it creates, how to prevent it, and what it looks like to practice healthy loyalty that actually strengthens your team.

On the surface, overachievement appears to be success: high output, recognition, drive, and accomplishment. However, beneath the surface, it can come at a cost to your health, relationships, leadership, and long-term impact. Today on The Champion Forum Podcast, we’re talking about the dark side of overachievement. We’ll uncover why we become overachievers, the dangers it brings, and, most importantly, how to shift your mindset and lead from a healthier, more sustainable place.

Have you ever wondered how to take your career to the next level? The enemy of your next breakthrough isn't failure—it's comfort. Today, I'm joined by Chris Robinson, Executive VP of Maxwell Entrepreneur Solutions and author of the book, "From Drift to Drive." We'll talk about the two types of complacency most leaders face, how Chris tackles complacency in his own life, and the difference between burnout and underliving.

It’s fun to lead when you’re feeling inspired and full of purpose, but what about when you don’t feel inspired? Leading while inspired is ideal, but some of your most important leadership moments will come when you don’t feel inspired at all. Today, we’re going to talk about why leaders lose their inspiration, how to stay consistent when you don’t feel like it, and the mindsets that will help you get through this season.

Have you ever felt like you were unprepared, even though you had done everything you knew to do? Preparation is a sign of a good leader, but overpreparation can actually hurt your leadership brand and your team. Some leaders overprepare out of fear rather than a desire for excellence.  Today, we're discussing the psychology of over-preparation and how to recalibrate your mindset for confidence, not perfection.

Most leaders struggle with apologizing because they believe it makes them appear weak and undermines their authority. Ultimately, they do not believe they did anything wrong. But if you want to build trust, heal fractures, and lead from strength, then mastering the art of the leader’s apology is non-negotiable. Leaders don’t have to be perfect. But we do have to be accountable. Today, I break down the ingredients of a meaningful apology, why so few leaders do it well, and how it can become one of your most impactful leadership tools.

We all know that what got us here won’t get us there—but knowing it isn’t the same as living it. The truth is that some of the leadership skills that made leaders successful 10 years ago are now liabilities. We hold onto skills, behaviors, and mindsets because they helped us win in the past. And we confuse what’s familiar with what’s effective. The world has undergone significant changes, and we must adapt our skills and approaches accordingly. Today, we’ll talk about the obsolete skills leaders are clinging to and what we should be doing instead.

“Where do you need my support?”  It’s a question every leader should be comfortable asking because it builds trust, uncovers hidden challenges, and moves the team forward faster. However, many leaders shy away from asking this question because they are worried it will cause more problems than it solves. Today, in the final part of our series on the phrases all leaders need to know, we’ll talk about when to use this question, how to use it with confidence, and why the benefits are greater than the risks.

Tune in to hear a heartfelt message from Jeff.

Every team, company, and even family has moments when something happens that violates the culture. So, what do you do when someone cuts a corner, speaks disrespectfully, or acts in a way that is inconsistent with your team's values and standards? In the third part of our series on the phrases all leaders need to know, we'll address the phrase, "That's not who we are." And help you feel confident using this phase to reinforce your team's values, standards, and identity.

Have you ever felt confused about what your boss wanted you to do? Perhaps you were navigating a new project or a company-wide initiative, and you found yourself wondering, "What is my role to play?" Today, I’m going to teach you a high-impact phrase that will ensure your team never feels that way after talking to you: “Here’s what I need from you.” If you get comfortable using it, I know that you will eliminate confusion, drive results, and empower your team to act with confidence. 

Leaders often have bad habits, including rushing to respond, diagnosing before they understand, and giving advice before asking questions. Today, I’m teaching you the first of four high-impact leadership phrases to help you break this habit and start having deeper conversations. We’ll cover why saying “Tell me more” is one of the most powerful things you can do, when to use this statement, and how to practice getting comfortable with it. As you implement this technique, you will drive trust, collaboration, and a stronger culture.

Have you ever ended a workday feeling completely drained, not because of the tasks, the meetings, or the workload, but because you spent the whole day absorbing other people's problems? Today on The Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss the unnecessary emotional weight many leaders carry. Leaders often feel pressured to serve as emotional counselors for their team, but they will be more effective when they teach their team how to carry it themselves, with resilience and strength. Tune in to learn five ways to protect your emotional bandwidth without making your team feel abandoned.

Have you ever left a meeting excited about where your team was going, but over time, you became increasingly confused about how to get there? Endless motivation without clarity causes frustration and disengagement. Leaders must balance inspiration with clear direction. Today on The Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss why you may need to stop cheering and start leading!

Get my new book here! -> www.firmfeedbackbook.com

Many people believe being a "good leader" means being constantly available. Over-availability is not a virtue; it's a trap. And the more accessible you make yourself, the less effective you become. Today, we're discussing the hidden cost of being constantly available and what you can do instead.

Your meeting may be high energy, but what happens after? Most meetings result in no ownership, no follow-through, and no deliverables. Meetings don’t move the needle. Leaders move the leader. In this episode, we’re diving into what great leaders do when the meeting ends to turn a good discussion into significant momentum.

You don’t have to be a perfect leader. But when it comes to interacting with your team, you do have to be intentional. Whether you’re walking into a meeting, kicking off a project, or starting your day—those first five minutes will either build momentum or create confusion. They’re your moment to set the tone, establish trust, and show your team what matters most. In today’s episode, we’ll explain how to lead well—right from the start.

 Most businesses don't fail because the founders are lazy — they fail because the math doesn't work. In this episode, CPA and business strategist Stan Kleja breaks down the hidden traps that take down even the most passionate entrepreneurs. Whether you're just launching or knee-deep in the grind, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom to help you stress less and scale smarter.

Have you ever had an employee who consistently delivered excellent results, but the moment you give them feedback, they get defensive, justify their actions, or even shut down? Here's the truth—if you don't address this kind of behavior, it can poison your team culture. Today, I'm giving you the playbook for coaching a defensive peak performer—what causes this behavior, why you can't ignore it, and most importantly, how to turn these tough conversations into opportunities for growth. 

What would it look like for you to perform at your best? For Navy SEALs, success isn’t only a result of relentless training in shooting, skydiving, or combat—though they are experts at those things. The real secret is that they use their innate human capabilities to turn the stress of uncertain and complex situations to their advantage. In today’s episode, I’m joined by former Navy SEAL commander and author Rich Diviney to talk about how we can become masters of uncertainty and the strategies we can use to unlock our optimum performance.

The landscape of leadership is evolving faster than ever. AI, automation, and data-driven decisions are reshaping how businesses operate, while leaders must balance the expectations of a multigenerational workforce. With flexibility becoming a competitive advantage, emotional intelligence is the key differentiator between good and great leaders. Leaders must embrace challenges while maintaining firm yet empathetic leadership in an increasingly fractured and fragile world. Today on The Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss the Future of Leadership and how you can prepare to win in a fast-changing leadership landscape.

We've all heard the saying, 'When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.' But what happens when the teacher isn't the right one? What if the mentor you were excited to learn from turns out to be disengaged, misaligned, or not that helpful? If you are stuck in a mentorship that isn't serving you, you don't have to stay there. Today, we will talk about recognizing when mentorship isn't working, why it's so hard to navigate, and, most importantly—how to step away confidently and professionally.

Every great leader wants to be there for their team. But here’s the hard truth: it backfires if you make yourself too available. Your time gets stretched too thin, decision-making slows down, and—ironically—the people you’re trying to help may start depending on you too much. Today, we’re tackling one of the most common leadership struggles: being accessible without being overwhelmed. We’ll cover why being ‘always available’ hurts you and your team, practical ways to set boundaries, and how to create a culture where people get what they need—without needing you all the time.

Have you ever felt like your business was hitting a ceiling? How am I going to get to the other side of this? Many business leaders and entrepreneurs want to increase predictability, get additional clarity in their business, and decrease chaos. Today, we are joined by Pallavi Golla, an expert with a proven track record of helping businesses increase efficiencies through proven systems that allow for sustainable and profitable growth. We'll talk about her experience as an entrepreneur, how an Entrepreneurial Operating System can help your company stay focused, and what you should consider if you want to grow and scale your business. 

Sometimes the secret to knowing how to level up your leadership is just being willing to take action. You have probably dealt with an awkward silence after a tough call or that gut feeling that something needed to change. I work with leaders facing these situations every day. Today, I'm taking you behind the scenes of three of my recent coaching conversations and showing you how to take meaningful action as a leader. 

Charisma is often celebrated as a hallmark of great leadership, but it is also a double-edged sword, causing people to overlook a leader’s mistakes or flaws. Left unchecked, charisma can stop being productive and instead compromise a leader’s ability to make a significant impact. Today, we’ll explore the hidden dangers of charisma, how it can backfire, and what leaders can do to avoid falling into its trap.

Entrepreneurs face various challenges, from growing a business to leading people. Today, I sit down with friend and CEO of Tippi Toes, Sarah Nuse. Famous for her appearance on Shark Tank, Sarah Nuse has grown her business from one studio to over 80 franchises! We talk about the influences on her life and business, her leadership style, and how to lead people well while enforcing your standards. She also shares some personal stories about her successes and failures in business and how they made her and her company what they are today.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! How do you feel when you say, "I'm sorry?" It takes courage to not only admit you're wrong but also allow other people to choose to forgive you (or not). However, when leaders create a culture where asking for forgiveness is normal, they create strong, connected, productive, and creative cultures! Today, we're discussing why forgiveness is a powerful leadership strategy and how to use it with your team.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Leadership is often associated with taking charge, making decisions, and leading from the front. However, outstanding leadership also means knowing when to step back, listen, and follow the lead of others. Following is not a weakness; it’s a strength that builds trust, empowers others, and drives better results. On today’s podcast, we will discuss why following is important, when leaders should follow, and how leaders can become great followers.

If you've ever wondered how to elevate your leadership without a complete overhaul, this episode is for you. Leadership isn't just about big speeches or bold strategies; it's the small, intentional actions leaders take daily that shape culture, build trust, and drive results. Today on The Champion Forum Podcast, I'll share some practical, bite-sized habits you can start using right away to elevate your leadership impact.

Research shows that it takes five or more positive interactions to override one negative interaction. Without positive deposits, people frequently become frustrated and discouraged by negative feedback. If positive feedback is so important, why do many leaders fail to praise their employees adequately? Today on the Champion Forum Podcast, we will talk about the power of positive feedback and what you can do to create a habit of recognizing what people are doing well and building better relationships between the leader and their team. 

Get your FREE Positive Deposits Habit Tracker HERE: 
https://the-champion-forum.mykajabi.com/habit-tracker

Have you ever told someone what to do, only to have them push back, resist, or completely disengage? It's likely not because they're difficult—it's because people naturally resist being told what to do. Leadership isn't about telling people what to do. It's about guiding them to achieve a shared vision. When you shift from commanding to collaborating, you'll see incredible results—in not only performance but also trust, engagement, and morale. Today on the Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss why people don't like being told what to do and how leaders can shift from a directive to a collaborative approach.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast. This year marks five years since I left the comfort of my corporate job to start my own consulting business. While I have had a lot of joy from serving my clients, it has also been a challenging journey. Today, I want to share three lessons I’ve learned along the way—lessons I believe will resonate with anyone building something meaningful in their life or career.

Have you ever reacted impulsively and allowed your emotions to dictate your response? This can have wide-ranging negative consequences, impacting your credibility, relationships, and organizational culture. Today on The Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss how the power of the pause can help you respond with composure and effectiveness.

Everyone has a natural tendency to think more about the past, present, or future. However, leaders need to know how to balance focusing on the immediate needs and challenges they are facing with investments in their team’s long-term success. Today, we’ll discuss the risks of benefits of focusing on one approach over the other and how to adapt when your approach gets out of balance.

Show me a successful salesperson, and I will show you a salesperson who has committed to and mastered the art of prospecting!  Prospecting is essential for sales teams to build a steady pipeline and sustain growth, but it is filled with rejection. Today, I will give you a proven strategy to help you land more sales meetings and handle your prospects' objections.

If you are a salesperson, you know that building trust during a sales call is crucial. But how do you ensure you establish a good relationship with your prospect while also staying on topic? Today we’ll talk about a simple but valuable tool that will help you be more successful in your sales calls: setting the agenda. We will discuss why this approach works, the benefits it brings to you as the salesperson, and some tips for creating agendas that engage your prospects right from the start.

How do you react when someone is disrespectful towards you? It’s easy to get caught in a cycle of disrespect because our natural inclination is to respond aggressively or defensively. However, we know leaders must respond calmly while ensuring expectations are met. Today on the show, I discuss how to address a team member who is outwardly frustrated without losing your leadership impact.

Have you ever felt burned out by leadership? If so, you’re not alone! But how do you get back on the right track? If anyone can answer this question, it is Mark Cole! Mark went from burned-out entry-level employee to CEO of John Maxwell Companies in just ten years. He joins us to talk about how he got started, what helped him get promoted, how to be an excellent Number Two, and a few things leaders can do to set themselves apart and make the most significant impact.

I never imagined producing 300 episodes of leadership content or the impact it would have on leaders around the world. Join me as we celebrate episode 300 and the important lessons I've learned throughout the journey!

A recent national survey showed that 68% of employees prefer work-life balance over higher pay. A recent debate has developed between employees who believe their work day should stop at 5 pm and those who believe working overtime is normal and expected. As people start to place a higher value on work-life balance, how can businesses meet their employee’s needs while moving toward their objectives? Today, we’ll talk about ways you can improve your employees’ work-life balance and ensure your company respects your employees’ time.

How well is your company retaining your best employees? Employee retention falls on the company and the leader, so what can you do to ensure your best employees are not looking for greener pastures? Last week, we discussed two of the top five reasons employees stay at their jobs: work/life balance and a sense of purpose. Today, we will dive into the final three reasons employees stay with their companies: growth opportunities, feeling valued and respected, and enjoying their colleagues. 

What would it be like if half of your team left for another job this year? Like it or not, current polls tell us that approximately 50% of employees are planning to leave their jobs right now. So, how do you keep people on your team? What makes employees love their jobs and stick around, even when new opportunities arise? Today, we’ll talk about why employees stay and the strategies that are working for companies, even through the great resignation.

As a leader, trust is one of the most important things you can build. Without trust, you will struggle to build relationships, get buy-in, and help people reach their goals. So, how do you build credibility as a leader? How do you make sure you're not accidentally destroying the trust you are trying to build? In today's episode, we will discuss two things that significantly affect a leader's credibility: what they say and how authentic they are.

The most significant mistake leaders make when dealing with toxic employees is waiting too long to address the toxic behavior. Left unattended, toxic people will destroy your team’s culture and productivity. In this week’s episode, we will discuss why leaders avoid addressing toxic employees, how to coach a toxic employee, and, if necessary, move toward termination.

What do you do when you recognize toxic behavior on your team? Too often, leaders try to ignore toxic employees until they break company policy. But the longer you wait, the more you will allow the employee to affect your team’s morale and kill productivity. In this week’s episode, we will discuss the difference between a toxic employee and a difficult employee and how you can recognize toxic people before you hire them.

What do you do first when faced with a crisis? And how do you ensure your team does not react in a way that worsens the situation? Everything starts with how you respond. Today on The Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss how leaders make good decisions in high-stress situations and collaborate with their teams to create positive outcomes.

Life creates plenty of opportunities to give us scars, especially in leadership. But how do you view those scars? Leaders respond to their challenges with various emotions, from pride to embarrassment. Many are unprepared for the price of leadership and the way it challenges even the best leaders to focus on growth every day. The good news is that regardless of how you feel about your leadership scars, they represent four positive things. 

Time with your boss is your opportunity to showcase what you’re doing, ask the right questions, and gain a level of respect with the leaders above you. These meetings are your meetings. You can control how productive they are, regardless of your boss’s leadership style or personality. Done well, these meetings are a great way to grow skills, improve your standing with the company, and earn future promotions. So why do managers and employees struggle to embrace the one-on-one meeting?  Today, on The Champion Forum Podcast, you’ll learn some proven strategies to help you have more effective and meaningful conversations with your boss.

Leaders pick up phrases that they use to try to soften the impact of their feedback or requests. But are these phrases helping or hurting you? What you say can dramatically impact how people perceive you and your ability to lead them. Today, on the Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss the phrases you must stop using immediately and what you can say instead.

So why is it that half of all change initiatives fail? Why do people resist change, and what can leaders do to help their teams embrace organizational change? Today on The Champion Forum Podcast, we’ll talk about the mindset shift that will help you become better equipped to lead through the changes that are inevitably coming to your organization. You’ll learn how to ensure your change-management strategy helps you build trust instead of destroying it.

If you want to make a leader nervous, just tell them they must hold their employee accountable. Leaders fear how the conversation may go and don’t want to hurt their relationship with their team. But, accountability conversations can be a lot more productive if you add one key point: understanding intent. Today on The Champion Forum Podcast, we’ll talk about the role of intent in accountability conversations and how to help people feel open to feedback instead of defensive.

What could a leader learn from the story of a potato farmer? The journey to your goals is likely challenging and lonely, but finding ways to engage your motivation and stay committed is crucial. I know how hard it can be to keep moving forward, but I heard this story at just the right time. Now, I want to share it with you.  Today on The Champion Forum Podcast, I share some timely lessons I learned from a potato farmer and how you can apply those principles to your leadership journey.

Culture and technology are changing rapidly, and businesses that fail to adjust will not survive. Many leaders are either unaware of how the changes in the world will affect them or they are unsure how to approach change in their organization. The critical thing to remember is that being curious as a leader doesn’t just benefit you. It creates a team that’s more resilient, more empathetic, and certainly more creative. So, how do you ensure your team continues to move forward? The first step is to engage your curiosity. Today on The Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss the power of curiosity in leadership!

Have you ever wondered why some people succeed and other people do not? The answer isn’t found by identifying talent alone. There are many famous businessmen and athletes who didn’t start out with the skills they needed to be successful. Instead, they worked hard and stayed dedicated to their goals. Today, we discuss the value of self-discipline and how you can leverage your motivation to reach your goals.

Change can be hard, but for businesses, it is necessary. So, how do you keep your employees engaged when navigating a major change? The best way to move your team from compliant to engaged is to plan ahead and anticipate potential objections. Today on the Champion Forum podcast, we discuss the proper steps a leader must take when embarking on organizational change.

Everyone wants to be successful, but what does success really mean? Is that definition the same for everyone? And can you really be fulfilled without recognition? In today's episode, we'll talk with CEO of David Novak Leadership, former COO of StoryBrand, and author Tim Schurrer on what success really means, how leaders can address their biggest challenge, and how to find contentment in service to others. 

In a world of change and uncertainty, developing leadership credibility should be a top priority for every leader. Credibility transcends just having tenure and results. Credible leaders are mindful of their actions. They pause and reflect to know where they stand and how their actions impact their team. Today, we will talk about how to become a credible leader and the impact it can have on your team.

Imagine what our world would look like if a group of men had not gathered together and fought for freedom over 200 years ago. Their actions changed the lives of thousands of families, and we are still repeating the benefits of their actions today. What if your leadership could have the same impact? What if you could change not only the lives of those you lead but also the world you live in? Join Jeff in this special Fourth of July episode, where he reflects on what leaders must do when the world seems divided and in crisis.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Have you ever wondered how to get your team to embrace change rather than resisting it? Leaders often assume everyone is motivated by the same things and lead based on what needs to be done. When leaders change the focus from "how" to "why,” they create greater organizational engagement, motivation, and alignment. In today’s episode, we will discuss the difference between compliance and engagement and how you can connect your team to a vision rather than just a process.

Have you ever led someone who chose to communicate their frustration with a snarky tone of voice, backbiting, and avoidance? These passive-aggressive techniques leave leaders feeling exhausted. Leading a passive-aggressive employee requires patience, empathy, and clear communication. You can transform negativity into productivity by recognizing the behavior, addressing it directly, listening actively, setting clear expectations, providing support, and holding them accountable. Today, we'll discuss how to identify passive-aggressive employees and address their negative behaviors.

 Are you ready to maximize your earning potential? The first step is to evaluate your prospecting skills. Spoiler alert: To get new results, you must do things you’ve never done! Today, we’re talking about how to set yourself apart as a salesperson and generate more appointments than ever.

Have you ever felt distracted at home by what’s going on at work? Do you ever wonder if it’s possible to succeed at work and home? We're more connected to our work now more than ever, but for many people that results in feeling like they can't be fully present at work or at home. Today, we are joined by Randy Gravitt to discuss his new book, “Winning Begins at Home,” and how you can create a life and legacy that you are proud of.

Today, we are discussing a question every leader will have to deal with at some point in their career: How do I lead people who are older than me? Young and low-tenured leaders need help discerning how to balance their respect for people who have been doing their jobs for a long time with the need to generate results. We’ll discuss two reasons you might worry about leading people older than you, and then I’ll give you five steps to overcoming them.

How do you feel when someone says you should be more vulnerable? For some, a lack of vulnerability results from being taught leadership in a competitive, intense environment. For others, it is a product of their personality and preference to keep their mistakes, feelings, and thoughts to themselves. Regardless of why leaders avoid vulnerability, refusing to respond openly to questions or failures will destroy team trust, morale, productivity, and health. Today, we will talk about three ways you can cultivate a culture of vulnerability and empathy on your team.

Time is money, and when your income depends on the number of sales you make, you must ensure your sales process is efficient and successful. So, how do you close more sales? One of the most under-practiced areas of the sales process is closing the sale! In today’s podcast, we will talk about mindsets that prevent salespeople from asking for the sale and the four steps to closing the sale. 

Leaders often get so focused on the goals that they forget to celebrate the little things their teams do well. On today's episode, we will talk about why leaders should celebrate small wins and some practical ways you can ensure your team feels acknowledged for their efforts.

Have you ever left a job because your boss was a micromanager? If so, you're not alone! Nearly 4 in 10 employees report changing jobs because their boss micromanaged them. The good news is that you can thrive, even with a micromanaging leader! Many leaders feel forced into micromanagement due to unrealistic expectations from their leaders, personal insecurity, and perfectionism. However, micromanagers can be frustrating and often create disengaged, distrusting teams. In today's episode, we'll discuss why leaders micromanage, the signs of being a micromanager, and how to thrive on a team with a micromanager.

In a rapidly changing world, how do you find time to think strategically about what your company needs to do to thrive in the next 5-10 years? And if you do have time to strategize, how do you ensure you can implement your solutions and remain adaptive? Today, we welcome Michael Watkins back to the podcast to discuss his new book, "The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking." We'll talk about what leaders should be focused on, how to build an adaptive culture, and what leaders miss when they don't have a habit of receiving feedback.

About Michael Watkins
Dr. Michael Watkins is an accomplished author of over 10 books, including "Your Next Move: The Leader's Guide to Navigating Major Career Transitions," and the international bestseller "The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at all Levels," which The Economist called "the on-boarding bible." He is also the co-founder of Genesis Advisers and a member of the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame. His latest book is called "The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking." He also serves as the Professor of Leadership and Organizational Change at theInternational Institute for Management Development in Switzerland.

Get the book "The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking" here: https://www.amazon.com/Six-Disciplines-Strategic-Thinking-Organization/dp/0063357968/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Get the free show notes here: https://www.jeffhancher.com/post/the-6-disciplines-of-strategic-thinking-with-michael-watkins

Sign up to get the show notes sent to your email, exclusive leadership content, and to be the first to know about our upcoming events: https://the-champion-forum.mykajabi.com/new-subscriber

Did you know 8/10 employees believe their leaders are not equipped to manage change? The good news is that you can better manage change by practicing your resilience! Leaders who can navigate challenges, adapt to change, and lead their teams with resilience are essential assets in today's ever-changing business landscape. In today’s episode, I’ll define resilience and give you seven ways you can be a more resilient leader.

 Have you ever read a book that literally changed your life? In 2004 I read Ken Blanchard’s book, The One Minute Manager, and it saved my leadership legacy. In today’s podcast, Ken Blanchard and his Vice President Randy Conley join me to discuss their leadership journeys, strategies for leadership success, and what leaders today need to know.

A great sales process means nothing without new clients to pitch to! Often, your current clients are the ones who can connect you to your next clients. So why do so few salespeople consistently ask for and get referrals? Today we are talking about why getting referrals in sales is so critical to success as well as the best approaches to getting them.

You are a product of the people you spend time with, and today’s guest has spent hundreds and thousands of hours with some of the most successful coaches and athletes in the world. Don Yaeger is south after for his perspectives on building a championship culture, and today I'm excited to share our conversation on mentorship, building a championship team, developing trust, and how to be a great storyteller.

No one cares what you do, but a strong elevator pitch can turn a casual introduction into a meaningful connection or prospect. Whether you're introducing yourself at a networking event, telling new colleagues about your business, or pitching to another professional — you want to capture attention and get it fast. Today on the Champion Forum Podcast, we will discuss why you should use a pitch, how to write one, and how to make it memorable.

One word I never want to hear a salesperson use is the word "follow-up." The fact is that your prospects are busy, high-level decision-makers! If you interrupt them, you have to add value to every conversation and quickly remind them of the benefits you can offer. In today’s podcast, I will give you five different ways to move your sales process forward without using the dreaded sales "F" word.

The worst thing about blind spots is that you can go years or even decades without realizing one of your weaknesses and how it affects your team. So, how can you ensure that you uncover your blind spots? You can’t eliminate every blind spot. Everyone has them, and they change throughout different life experiences and job roles. But there are ways you can help discover them to increase efficiency in your role. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about four common blind spots to look for and three things you can do to create opportunities to see your blind spots. 

Leadership development takes time but is one of the best things you can do for your career, company, and employees. In today’s episode, we’ll discuss how to develop the potential leaders you identified in the last episode and use your position, relationships, and knowledge to develop them until they become leaders.

Senior leaders perceive leaders who cannot develop other leaders as unpromotable. In fact, developing other leaders is typically the ultimate lid for many leaders. Choosing the right leaders and helping them grow into leaders is a challenge, but it is also fulfilling and leaves a lasting impact on your team’s lives and careers. So, how do you identify and nurture potential leaders within your team? The first step is to identify potential leaders! On today’s podcast, we will discuss the leadership traits you should look for when choosing who you want to develop into a future leader.

 If there was one thing you could do to improve your relationship with your team, increase productivity, and decrease turnover, would you do it? Regular debriefs through one-on-one meetings can produce those results, but most leaders are not investing in them. Or worse, they do not approach them with the right attitude and end up frustrating their employees. Today, we’re discussing the value of one-on-one meetings, how to make the most of them, and what to avoid.

Have you ever missed out on a promotion? Or have you ever been the one to deliver the news that someone did not get a promotion? This conversation is typically emotionally charged and can greatly impact your employee’s career, both personally and with your company. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about what to do and what not to do when you are telling someone they did not get the promotion. As uncomfortable as these conversations are, they are a great opportunity to help your employee improve and meet their career goals in the future. 

Have you ever wondered how to take your team’s potential and turn it into real progress for your business? In this episode, we’re presenting another portion of our series Hanch’s How-To’s. Here, I give you an inside look at the real conversations I am having with leaders like you and share how I answer their questions. In today’s episode, we will tackle the topics of perfectionism and creating a culture of personal development.

Did you know that most people give up on their goals just two weeks into January? The problem is not usually that the goal is too hard, but that people have the wrong mindset! What if you had everything you needed to be successful in the goals you originally established? Today on The Champion Forum Podcast I will challenge you to consider a mindset shift that will help you understand that success is closer than you think, within our reach, and waiting to be discovered.

Have you ever had an interview that went exceptionally well until you realized you missed a few red flags? One of the biggest challenges that leaders face when hiring is failing to ask questions that will reveal potentially disruptive, narcissistic, or entitled employees. Today on The Champion Forum Podcast, I discuss how to avoid hiring entitled employees.

Two things can transform who you become: what you consume and who you surround yourself with. Effective leaders need to listen, reflect, and learn continually. But they can’t do any of those things without asking the right questions first. Today on The Champion Forum Podcast we discuss how asking the right questions will elevate your growth as a leader.

Do you want to make a bigger impact?  If so, you will face even bigger challenges than you ever have.  If you can’t manage adversity where you are, it will be tough to manage it at the next level. Mental toughness is more than just bouncing back; it is the ability to remain mentally strong, adaptable, and focused in facing challenges. Today, we’re discussing four strategies to increase your mental toughness.

How often do you pay attention to your facial expressions? Your face represents you, whether you want it to or not. And people don’t just pay attention to your expression on your LinkedIn profile photo. They’re looking at how you respond while on the phone, in a meeting, or while simply doing your work. Today on The Champion Forum podcast, we will discuss the power of expression.

Do you know the difference between a successful life and a significant life? As I reflected on my journey, I realized that some of the most influential people in my life would not qualify for the world’s definition of “successful.” People often define their success by their title and financial status. Significance, however, is determined by how you impact the lives of those around you. In today’s episode, we will discuss how to lead a significant life.

Performance reviews are simply a report card; they do not give employees a path to improve and further their development. But what is the alternative? Today we're delving into a topic that holds the key to unlocking the full potential of your team – Individual Development Plans, or IDPs. Specifically, we'll be exploring why leaders should take the initiative in driving this process within their teams.

Download your free Individual Development Plan (IDP) Template here!

Leadership is not just about achieving business goals; it's also about having a purpose and vision that can inspire and motivate others toward a common goal. Strong visionary leaders have a clear vision for the future and use it to inspire their employees and drive their companies forward. However, many leaders lack the time and insight necessary to utilize this leadership strategy. They may even assume that vision is enough and leave their employees confused about how to achieve their leader’s goals. In this episode, we will discuss the value of visionary leadership and how you can develop the skills necessary to use this leadership strategy well.

Your leadership style sets the tone for your team and the results that you will yield. But how do you know what leadership style to choose? Can you change your leadership style if it is ineffective? In this refreshed episode originally published in 2019, Jeff will give you several techniques you can use to build the confidence you need to become assertive. When you start using these strategies, you will also become more productive, efficient, and respected.

Does your team understand success? Leaders run fast after their goals, but they don’t always do a great job communicating their definition of success to their team. They assume that other people will “get it.” The reality is, they don’t. In today’s podcast, we’ll discuss how to evaluate whether or not your team understands success, reveal the two questions you must ask your team regularly, and give you six strategies to help you align your team to your shared goals.

Taking over a new team is a delicate situation, especially when the last leader was ineffective or toxic. Too many leaders start by talking about their past success or the previous leader’s failure. Today, we’ll talk about the mistakes leaders make when taking over a new team and what you can do to honor the past while giving a positive vision for the future.

Are you afraid to be seen as a negative person or to have others think that you are not a team player? Managing your image is an important part of leadership, but an overemphasis on pleasing others can cause leaders to damage your reputation and limit your effectiveness. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about how to know if you are a people pleaser and give you three ways to reclaim your time.

Have you ever wondered how to get the career you want? And how do top-level leaders make decisions that have massive ramifications? In this series, we talk about the challenges leaders like you are facing and how you can overcome them. Today, we’ll discuss the key to achieving your career goals and the mindset shift that will help you tackle difficult decisions.

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by urgent problems that you can barely think about next week, let alone next year? Leaders face a continuous balancing act between delivering short-term results and focusing strategy on long-term goals. Often, this pressure leads to poor decision-making and long-term consequences. Today, we’ll discuss how to prioritize your decisions and ensure you balance your short-term needs and long-term responsibilities.

Every leader must both get results and take care of their team members. But what do you do when those two tasks seem to be at odds? When a deadline is approaching, do you have time to talk to employees about how they are doing personally? How do you avoid turnover when you’re results-driven? Today, we’ll talk about the balance between these two important responsibilities and why you need a flexible approach.

Insecurity can be a toxic trait for anyone, but it's particularly detrimental when it is found in leaders. Insecurity can lead to poor decision-making, cause a lack of trust within a team, and ultimately hinder an organization's success. Today, we’ll discuss the key signs that you are an insecure leader and how to set yourself on the right track. 

Your organization has a culture, whether by your own creation or by default. Most leaders know that culture is important and recognize that thriving and vibrant cultures outperform those that are not. Still, leaders fail to devote adequate time and resources to creating and maintaining their culture. In this interview with Mark Miller, best-selling author and former VP of High-Performance Leadership, you’ll learn how to approach culture and take steps to ensure you do not leave it up to chance.

As crucial as feedback is, it is very easy to take the wrong approach and unintentionally sabotage growth and productivity. In fact, some of the most popular tools leaders are taught to use when giving feedback are destructive! In today’s podcast, we will discuss four mistakes leaders make when giving feedback and how you can correct them.

If you want to influence someone’s behavior, you can’t just tell them what to do. You must create a dialogue and show that you value them and want the best for them. Done correctly, collaborative feedback can create a culture of productivity and innovation. On today’s podcast, we’ll discuss what collaborative feedback is, why it’s so effective, and how to use it.

Many people misunderstand what it means to be a manager, especially a sales manager. This confusion causes many new managers to spend time on things that are unimportant, act selfishly, and avoid difficult conversations. Today we welcome Mike Weinberg back to the podcast to talk about stepping out as an entrepreneur, the pivot new leaders need to make, leading a sales team, and his new book, “The First-Time Manager: Sales.”

Great leaders know how to choose the method of feedback that is most likely to get the results they desire. When you are facing situations where you cannot afford to be misunderstood, direct feedback is your most valuable tool. However, it can come with some drawbacks and needs to be used in combination with empathy to be effective. Today, we will discuss when and how to utilize direct feedback. 

Many of our most important learnings and career gains have come from meaningful feedback. Yet, as leaders, we are often uncomfortable with delivering feedback despite its importance. We hesitate, procrastinate until the annual review, or simply avoid it altogether. Today on The Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss the wrong beliefs leaders have about feedback and the mindset shifts that will help you stop avoiding feedback.

Leaders know feedback is valuable, so why do so few do it frequently? Best-in-class leaders use ongoing conversations to deliver energizing feedback that celebrates successes, provides opportunities for improvement, and calibrates performance. Improving your company’s use of feedback will improve employee engagement and reduce turnover. In today’s episode, we’ll discuss the wrong mindsets leaders have toward feedback, what your employees really want, and how to use feedback to create robust business results.

Internships can get a bad rap, but done correctly, they can add tremendous value to your company and to your interns. Today I’m joined by my two children to talk to them about their experience as interns over the summer and what their advice would be to people who are hoping to make the most of an internship or first job.

When you became a leader, what kind of training did you receive? Most managers make the mistake of assuming that a high-performing employee will automatically know how to replicate their success in their team. Unfortunately, new leaders tend to become frustrated and disengaged because they are not equipped to manage the demands of leadership. In today’s episode, we outline the five areas senior leaders must focus on when onboarding new leaders. We’ll also give you a list of resources that will help you, or the leaders you manage, develop stronger leadership skills. 

Have you ever felt like you were in a rut? The key to making progress again is to invest time and energy into strategic thinking. Many leaders overlook this tool because they are caught up in their day-to-day challenges and struggle to set aside time to prepare for the future. Today on the Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss the power of strategic thinking to help you navigate complexity, make informed decisions, and drive your organization toward success.

Do you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Have you ever asked yourself, “Is all this pressure really worth it?” The responsibility of making difficult decisions and inspiring others during uncertain times can feel overwhelming. However, adding a few simple reflective practices to your daily routine can help you maintain a positive perspective. In this episode, we will discuss a topic that often goes unspoken—the heaviness of leadership and the perspective needed to manage it.

Have you ever had a leadership moment where you felt like everything was falling apart? Like the pace of the demands from your customers and direct reports were piling up so fast that you just knew you were going to let someone down? These moments require leaders to exhibit great composure so that their teams can stay calm and remain confident in the leader’s ability to get them through the situation. In today’s episode, we’ll discuss the skills you can use to maintain your composure as a leader and manage your team through adversity.

If you want to be successful, you have to get around successful people. That’s why I’m excited to interview today’s guest, Michael Hyatt! Michael is an experienced book publisher, successful author, and award-winning coach for businesspeople. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about how he started as an author, one of his biggest failures, and why your mindset is the key to seeing real change in your life.

Whether you are a sales professional or an entrepreneur, every businessperson benefits from understanding what it takes to sell a product successfully. Today, I'm joined by experienced director of sales training Chris Fava to talk about the keys to success in sales, especially in the B2B space. We talk about the power of prospecting, common mistakes, and how anyone can become successful in sales, regardless of their personality.

What do you do when your team is leaving for higher-paying jobs? Is the only answer increasing your labor costs? And how do you handle the financial challenges you're already facing? In today's episode of Hanch's How-To's, we'll talk about how inspirational leadership can help you increase your employee retention and how to build resilience to overcome any challenge.

 Disengagement can harm team morale and productivity, but with the right approach, leaders can help reengage their team members. In today’s episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, we’ll talk about managing a disengaged employee in a way that benefits both the employee and the organization.

Are you tired of letting fear and a lack of confidence keep you from taking risks and doing what you know you were put on earth to do? In this remake of a past episode, we'll talk about the three fears that will threaten to kill your dreams and five ways that you can deal with them. You'll learn how to protect not only your goals but also your self-confidence and your passion.

What do you know about ChatGPT? Does it feel intimidating to talk about? Are you unsure if it’s something you can (or should) use in your current career? This week we are excited to interview Anand Butani, a tech wizard who seamlessly merges software engineering and product management. We’ll talk about what ChatGPT is, how to use it, AI ethics, and the future of AI in business.

We all know a boss who has a dominating and assertive personality. They are confident, authoritative, and unafraid to take charge, but it can be a double-edged sword for their subordinates. Personality theorists call these leaders "alphas." In this episode, we'll talk about working with an alpha boss, how to handle their personality, and the keys to success under their leadership. 

New to sales? Don't quit! The first year in sales can be overwhelming, and salespeople often don't know what they should focus on. Without clarity, you will work many long days without results to show for it. In this week's episode, Jeff shares from his 20+ years of sales experience the top 5 things every new salesperson should be doing and how to get superior results. 

Like it or not, your team constantly observes your tone and actions. How you respond to positive and negative situations dramatically influences your team's confidence and outlook toward the future. In today's episode, we'll share the practical strategies you can use to develop greater leadership composure and become better equipped to handle challenging situations with grace and professionalism.

Learning from people who have achieved greatness has impacted my life more than anything else. So how do you spend time with successful people, and what do you ask them when you have their attention? Today on the Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss how to engage and surround yourself with the right people.

Alpha personalities are confident, assertive, and driven individuals who have a strong desire to succeed. They can be highly effective but also present unique challenges for those who lead them. In this episode, we'll explore some strategies for effectively leading alpha personalities. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses and providing effective leadership, you can help them achieve their full potential and drive success within your organization. 

Do you feel like you're under a lot of pressure? You're in good company! Pressure is normal, but many people try to avoid pressure instead of managing it to produce greater personal growth. In today's episode, we'll talk about how to harness pressure and use it to your advantage instead of letting it crush you.

The biggest mistake that many leaders make is feeling like they need to know everything and become an expert at everything. Instead, embrace your weaknesses by staying humble and getting the right people around you. Today on the Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss how great leaders can prevent their weaknesses from becoming excuses.

The top reason people change jobs today is career growth opportunities. A company with a culture prioritizing professional growth and development will ultimately increase its profit and decrease turnover. So why don't more companies do it well? Today on the Champion Forum Podcast, we will discuss how the best leaders help people grow, the barriers preventing leaders from successfully developing their teams, and how you can start developing your team immediately.

One of the biggest keys to leadership is having strong self-awareness and a willingness to change. Regardless of your industry, these skills will help you create and maintain a strong team culture and get results. In today's edition of Hanch's How-To's, we're addressing the necessity of self-reflection in leadership and two things you should do to become more approachable.

What would you do with your life if there was no uncertainty in your decisions? You would go for it, right? Unfortunately, most people allow uncertainty to cripple them from embracing a new reality. In today’s podcast, we’ll talk about how to move forward when you’re faced with uncertainty, the mindsets that will hold you back, and how to bounce back after a mistake.

Being “in charge” doesn’t automatically grant you authority. True authority is earned! If you want to lead others with influence, you must demonstrate to your team that you are honest, competent, inspirational, and forward-thinking and show that you care about them. Today’s podcast will discuss the importance of each of these characteristics and give you some easy ways to apply them to your leadership today.

With up to five generations in the workplace simultaneously, leaders must know how to connect with all generations and help them work together. But how do you lead a generation you may not understand? In today’s episode, we’re joined by Tim Elmore, a leader who focuses on helping leaders connect with Gen Z. Tune in to learn what you need to know about generational diversity, connecting with Gen Z, and leading a diverse workforce.

It’s one thing to address performance issues, but what do you do if your employee has a personal issue you need to confront? In today’s podcast, we’re talking about how to speak to an employee about their body odor and how you can use this discussion format to help you with other difficult conversations.

Today, we're discussing the barriers leaders like you are facing during a period of economic uncertainty. We’ll discuss the dangers of waiting to react to challenges vs. facing them proactively, the value of risk-taking, and how to influence your team’s culture in these areas.

If you’re a leader who hates to lose more than you like to win, you might have a hard time accepting criticism. The good news is that criticism is a gift, and when you change your perspective, you can respond in a way that encourages people to be open and honest with you. In this episode, we’ll discuss the benefits of criticism and how you can get better at embracing criticism.

The key to leading in a down economy is preparation. Leaders often focus on how to protect their bottom line. Great leaders know they must maintain their long-term goals and will ensure that they continue to focus on people rather than just results. Today we're talking about three things you need to do in order to lead effectively in a down economy.

As more and more economists predict job losses and warn of a looming recession, you may be wondering how you can keep your business moving in a positive direction. The good news is that I found ways to close sales throughout the recession of 2008-2009. Today, we'll talk about the changes you need to make to your approach to help your company succeed in a down economy.

How are you different from your competition? It should be a simple question for salespeople, but I’ve found that most salespeople cannot give a clear answer. Your sales success is primarily based on your ability to articulate and execute why you are different from and better than the competition. In this week’s episode, Jeff will show you how to stand out from the crowd by using questions to uncover and speak to your prospects’ unique buying motives.

Over the past year, I have heard many leaders share that they want to adopt a coaching style of leadership. While this can be an excellent approach for many leaders and can lead to greater employee engagement, some teams are different and require another approach. Today, we will discuss the pros and cons of a coaching leadership style and how you can apply coaching as a part of your leadership strategy.

Almost every team has at least one dominant personality who is motivated by winning and reaching results but has less empathy for others. For the leader, this can be both a blessing and a curse. If you find it challenging to work with dominant personalities, you're not alone! Today on The Champion Forum Podcast, we will discuss how to get the most out of the dominant personality on your team while protecting your team's culture.

 Many leaders focus on addressing external challenges, but what about the internal challenge of learning to lead yourself? I’ve found that many leaders can be their own worst enemies and create adversity for themselves that isn’t necessary. On today’s podcast, we’re talking about three of the challenges leaders face internally and how you can overcome them.

No matter how much you love and believe in what you do, you won't get customers if you can't talk about money. I have had the opportunity to lead hundreds of salespeople throughout my career, and now as a consultant, I get the chance to help companies build sales cultures. Today on the Champion Forum podcast, we discuss one of the biggest obstacles salespeople face when closing a sale.

What do you do when an employee cries while you are giving them feedback? If you haven’t already dealt with a crying employee, you will at some point. While there are many reasons people might cry, none of them change your mission as a leader. Today, we’re discussing what to do and not to do when someone cries during a meeting.

End-of-year reviews are an excellent opportunity to give and receive feedback, so leaders must take them seriously and utilize them to their fullest potential. In today's podcast, we're talking about the mistakes you should avoid when conducting year-end reviews and how to use them to push your company forward in the coming year.

 Everyone has moments of insecurity. However, you must learn to recognize signs of insecurity, figure out the root causes of it, and attempt to prevent insecurity from affecting your leadership. Ultimately, insecurity will always manifest in a lack of confidence that makes you too aggressive in some settings and passive and resigned in others. Today on the Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss the negative impact of insecure leaders and how to become more confident.

Have you ever wondered how some of the most notable names in business grew and scaled their companies? Today I'm excited to welcome Brandon Dawson, CEO, and Co-founder of Cardone Ventures to the show. Brandon is a business scaling, turnaround expert, and leadership mentor who helps business owners and their teams achieve their personal, professional, and financial goals through their business growth.

There's never a wrong time to give thanks, but there are good ways, and there are better ways. When done wrong, a gesture you intended for good can leave your team member feeling like you were insincere or even phony. Employees who don't feel appreciated are more likely to look for other work or decrease the effort they put into their daily tasks. In today's episode, I'm sharing four ways you can get the most out of your "thank you's."

One of the biggest mistakes I see struggling teams making is thinking that each other is the enemy. Instead of focusing on the mission, they start worrying about whether they stand out or how every decision affects them. Essentially, they forget what they are really fighting for. In today's podcast, we're talking about the characteristics that define good team members and how you can help reset the culture of your team (whether you are the leader or not).

How do you respond when your employee loses a big customer, misses an important deadline, or fails on a big project? Every leader will deal with disappointment, but how you handle disappointment reflects more on you as a leader than on the person. In fact, coaching an employee who failed to meet your expectations will be one of your most significant opportunities to build your leadership brand and credibility in your organization. In today's episode, we discuss three things you can do to lead through disappointment.

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like you couldn’t get through to your boss? Upward influence is one of the most impactful things you can do for your career, but most people are never shown how to do it. Whether you are a leader or aspire to be one, learning how to influence upward is one of the most impactful things you can do for your career. Today, I’m going to show you how.

Are you holding yourself to the same standard you expect from your team? 

Without self-reflection, many leaders will miss the opportunity to pivot their leadership style and improve so they can attain their goals. In today’s episode, we’re talking about five questions you need to ask yourself and how to ensure you process feedback productively.

Thank you for listening to the Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Do you ever wonder if you're missing something by not being a part of TikTok? If you're an entrepreneur or marketer, you'll love this conversation with TikTok expert Austin Armstrong! Today we're talking about who can use TikTok, simple tips to getting started, and common misconceptions.

How would your life look different if you were bold? In this week's episode, I sit down with successful entrepreneur, best-selling author, and nationally recognized speaker Fred Joyal to discuss what it means to be truly bold. We'll talk about his PRIDE method for developing boldness, how to make people feel at ease in conversation and the mindsets that allow people to be bold.

Have you ever gone through a season where you felt unmotivated? I'm here to tell you that's normal and okay! However, staying unmotivated and settling for anything less than reaching your fullest calling in this life is not okay. The best thing to do is be honest about your feelings and what you need to do to move on. Today I'm sharing four reasons you might be feeling unmotivated and what to do about it.

A leader recently asked me to share what people don’t tell you about being a leader. Today we’re talking about three things I think leaders should understand when they take their first leadership position. If you can get these things right early in your leadership career, you’ll have an easier time earning the hearts of your team and achieving great success.

Have you ever taken over for a leader who was fired or asked to step down? How do you handle a team that has been negatively affected by their leader's poor decision-making? On today's podcast, I'm sharing exactly what I would do if I had to take over for an ineffective leader today and how you can rebuild trust and a positive culture on a damaged team.

What's it really like to be a successful business leader turned entrepreneur? In today's episode, I'm in the hot seat as I'm interviewed by my friend and colleague, Bradley Martin. We're talking about everything from my earliest entrepreneurial pursuits to leaving my 20-year career to now scaling my own business. 

The best leaders know how to do a few things very well, and one of the most important is leading people. In this week’s episode, we’re diving into four things successful leaders always do. Applying these four principles to your leadership will help you gain more committed, engaged employees and greater personal satisfaction and success.

You can't leave your sales process up to chance. If you lead sales reps, one of the greatest gifts you can give them is the skill of asking the right questions during the discovery phase. Asking the right questions during a discovery call will allow you to uncover pain, understand the decision-making process, and clarify buying motives. In today's episode, we'll discuss the benefits of open-ended questions and how to use them to accomplish three different goals.

Business challenges change, but people don't! If you know how to lead people well, you will be successful regardless of the current labor market. This week, I’m excited to talk to Lee Colan about the trends we’re seeing in business, what employees really want, and how to motivate people. Lee also talks about his personal journey and how he became the leader he is today.

Would you rather be liked or respected? Many leaders focus too heavily on being liked and, as a result, struggle to be decisive and enforce standards. Today on the Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss the tension between being liked and being respected as a leader and bring some perspective to this polarizing discussion.

Thank you for listening to the Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Heavy turnover over the last two years has unfortunately created many leaders who are willing to compromise their standards. Leaders blame toxic work environments and poor customer care on turnover when it is another symptom. So how does this relate to dry socks and water? Tune in to find out what this old military advice has to do with today’s business practices and how to protect your team from themselves.

Across all industries, the employee’s relationship with their leader is becoming even more critical, from the first interview to yearly reviews. Today, we’ll discuss three areas leaders can focus on to increase employee engagement and produce peak employees who stick with their company for years.

Has anyone ever failed to meet your expectations? I know it’s happened to me, and it will happen to every leader eventually. The question is: what will you do when it happens? The answer lies in having an understanding of performance management. In today’s episode, we’ll reveal the five questions that will help you drive accountability and increase the performance of your employees.

For many leaders, changing companies is something with which they do not have a lot of recent experience. To successfully transition into a new company, you have to have both a strategy and the proper mindset. On today’s episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, we’re talking about how to build credibility and trust with a new team by avoiding two common mistakes leaders make when taking on a new job or role.

How do you feel about saying I’m sorry? Asking for forgiveness thing can be difficult for many leaders. The greatest leaders will realize that the ability to forgive and seek forgiveness is empowering. It is difficult — but for the leaders with the courage and conviction to walk the path — it becomes both liberating and a powerful way to lead. In this week's episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, we'll talk about why forgiveness is a valuable tool and how to do it well.

In today’s edition of Hanch’s How-To’s, I’m discussing two recent conversations I had with business owners. One was struggling with a sudden increase in turnover, as many people are during the Great Resignation. Another was struggling with their perspective during a sudden rise in competition in their local market. Tune in to hear the solutions we came up with and the principles you can apply to your business.

Have you ever had an amazing employee you couldn't promote? I have! Feeling stuck in a job without opportunities for advancement can create severe tension between you and that employee. Usually, they are a great culture fit and get results, but you're not in a position where you can promote them. You're worried they will be recruited by a competitor and move on to a new opportunity. Today we're talking about how to support an employee when you can't promote them and keep them at your company.

Communication is not about long eloquent speeches or firing up the troops; it's about straightforward phrases that great leaders use with genuine sincerity! In today's episode, I will show you four phrases you can use to improve your communication with your team and drive engagement.

We spend a great deal of time learning leadership communication skills so that we can know what to say and how to say it. But the secret weapon to great communication is actually silence. In today’s podcast, we’re talking about how silence can be more powerful than words when to use silence and the unintended consequences of avoiding silence.

Have you ever thought about starting a public speaking business or booking a few events to generate some extra income? I’m excited to welcome author, speaker, and entrepreneur Grant Baldwin to this week's episode of The Champion Forum Podcast! After quitting his job as a youth pastor, Grant felt like he wanted to become a public speaker, but he didn’t know where to start. Today, he helps young speakers develop their craft and start getting booked. We talked about what it takes to be a good speaker, how to feel prepared and confident to speak, and the power of storytelling.

A great way to honor the fallen is to become the best leader that you can possibly be. 

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! In today’s episode, I’m excited to welcome 10-year veteran of the U.S. Navy SEALs and entrepreneur Larry Yatch. Larry’s proven success in the SEALs inspired him to translate some of their best techniques to the business world so that leaders like you can more effectively coordinate their teams, increase their revenue, and succeed in life and business. Today, we’re talking about the power of self-regulation, what it means to be a manager, and how to put aside your ego for the good of the team.

One of the prices of leadership is criticism. The reality is that you could be doing everything right as a leader and still get criticized. Today’s podcast will address the four steps you need to follow to correctly respond to criticism and address some common pitfalls you should avoid. Remember, it’s not a question of if you will receive criticism; it’s when. Knowing how you will respond to criticism ahead of time will help you protect your personal brand and quickly resolve the issue.

Creating meaningful relationships in the workplace is key to increasing trust, communication, and effectiveness. However, some leaders take this too far and start becoming friends with their employees. Many leaders wrongly believe that it will make leadership easier. Despite their best intentions, that is simply not the case. In today’s podcast, Jeff will discuss how a leader needs to strike the delicate balance between being friendly and being friends with their employees.

I recently had a group discussion with some leaders who were discussing their frustration in dealing with underperformers on their team. Everyone is going to have an underperformer on their team at some point. When you do, you have to know if the problem is that they can’t do their job or they won’t do their job. In today’s episode, we’ll identify why employees can’t or won’t do their job and what you can do to help get them back on track.

 Whether you love getting together with other business leaders or prefer to do it alone, the fact is that the power of masterminds will help achieve your goals. In today’s episode, Jeff interviews successful businessman and entrepreneur Aaron Walker on the value of masterminds. They’ll explain what a mastermind is, why everyone needs one, and what can hold you back from getting the most out of your mastermind experience.

 Many leaders start their careers humbly, but they lose sight of their ability to make mistakes and hold onto power over time. So, how can you ensure that you are not becoming arrogant as a leader? Awareness is the first step! Today we’ll talk about the signs you might be misusing your authority and five ways that you can actively work on being a humble leader. 

How would your life look different if you could realize your full potential? This week I’m excited to welcome Paul Martinelli! As a successful businessman, Paul understands what it takes to build a company. Still, his greater interest currently lies in understanding what it takes for people to reach their full potential. In this episode, Paul shares how finding the right mentor helped him overcome self-doubt, why you should get too comfortable, and how to redefine your self-image.

Full show notes and links: www.jeffhancher.com/shownotes/tcfp161

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! In this week's episode, we're talking about two common concerns for new leaders. First, we'll talk about what to do (and not to do) in your first 90 days in a new team. Then, we'll cover how to move from being reactive to being proactive. You will set a solid foundation for your new team if you can get these two things right as a new leader.

You're not alone if you find yourself overthinking things in your leadership role. Overthinking is a common challenge for leaders. You should be thinking about your business and your leadership, but overthinking will stop you from taking action or cause you to miss out on opportunities. Join Jeff as he shares how to identify when you are overthinking and stop overthinking and move forward with confidence.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast! Last week we talked about the value of being vulnerable, but that doesn't mean that being vulnerable is easy. While there are many benefits for your team and organization, you have to be careful that you do it right. This week, we're talking about the mistakes many leaders make when trying to create a culture of vulnerability and how to avoid them.

Vulnerability isn't always a trait we associate with successful leadership. However, I have found that having honest conversations about how your people are feeling is essential in the face of uncertainty. There's significant evidence that authentic, vulnerable leadership yields more engaged and productive behavior in employees. So, what does it mean to embrace vulnerability? Today we're talking about three things you can do to start creating a culture of vulnerability that builds trust and leads to a better, more efficient business.

Thank you for listening to the Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Have you ever walked into an important meeting and wondered who the most intelligent person in the room is? Often, they are not the one doing all the talking; they are the one doing most of the listening. In today’s episode of the Champion Forum Podcast, we’re talking about the single quality that separates good leaders from great leaders: the ability to listen. While some may be impressed with how well you speak, the right people will be impressed with how well you listen. Great leaders are great listeners.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! The best advice I received was never to make a permanent decision based on a temporary emotion. Unfortunately, leaders who are driven and highly motivated can create a level of pressure for themselves and their organization that breeds conflict and agitation. Most of these situations are temporary (a new product launch, the end-of-year sales push, a controversial decision, etc.), but they can have a lasting impact if you allow yourself to make permanent decisions based on your emotions. 

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast! Today's episode will look slightly different because I want to honor my co-host Lem as he joins us for his final episode. You will often hear me say that great leaders don't lead with their title; they lead with influence. As I thank Lem for his past two years with the show, I want to show you just what has made him so valuable, not just behind the mic but also behind the scenes. The qualities that made him an excellent co-host for this show are the same qualities you will want to see in your team and exhibit in your own life. 

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Most people want more for their life. More money, more cars, more happiness, etc. The question is this: are you are ready for more? I firmly believe that everyone can achieve their dreams, accomplish their goals, and live a life they want, but it will not happen immediately. In today’s episode, we’re talking about four steps you can follow to take action and achieve what you desire.

When it comes to new employees, a powerful way to build culture and independence is by celebrating the small wins. This simple but often overlooked activity will help you create star employees who understand what it means to succeed and feel valued by their company. Overall, small wins will help your company achieve its big-picture goals. Tune in to learn how to identify, create, and celebrate small goals on your team.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Have you ever had a bad boss? If you have not, the odds are that you will have one at some point, and the way that you respond can make or break your career. In this week's episode, I'll give you my best strategies for working with a boss you do not get along with and show you how to protect your integrity through the process.

What do you do when you realize your team isn't running as efficiently as it once did? Many leaders attempt to deal with their employee's lack of productivity and innovation without dealing with the root cause of those issues. However, the best leaders know how to manage processes AND lead people. They have to identify decreased engagement while also taking specific action to counteract low morale. This week, we're talking about the signs your team is suffering from low morale and five ways that you can help improve your team's morale, engagement, and productivity.

If you want to grow your business, you have to be willing to scale it. Many entrepreneurs struggle with delegation because they feel like they are the best at managing many of the individual aspects. However, holding onto control for too long will prevent you from necessary growth and even cause your business to become less profitable. Today, we’re talking about the signs that it’s time to scale your business and the steps you can take when you are ready to scale your business.

Get the full show notes and discussion guide here -> jeffhancher.com'shownotes/tcf150

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! As a business consultant, executive coach, and mentor, I see people fall into the same traps every year when setting professional and personal goals. Ultimately, only 19% of people who set new years resolutions stick to them long-term. The most successful people know how to not only dream about their future but also take strategic action toward it. In today’s episode, Jeff talks about how to avoid the pitfalls that keep others from achieving their resolutions by reframing your attitude toward your resolution, planning to succeed, and recognizing the cost.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Have you finished your year-end review? Reviewing your performance at work is just as important as reviewing your budget and personal health, but many people rush through the process. Often they see a year-end review as just a review of past events. Really, it is an opportunity to recognize patterns and themes in your life and leadership so that you can better shape your future. In today’s episode, Jeff will show you five ways that you can make the most of the year-end review and set yourself up for a successful 2022!

In the spirit of Christmas, we’re talking about some of the leadership lessons you can learn from one of the greatest fictional leaders of all time, Santa Claus. We’ll talk about the importance of staffing, listening, and checking your list twice. Plus, you will get to hear the first-ever leadership version of the 12 days of Christmas, sung to you by the Champion Forum team!

Thank you for listening to the Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! In this episode we’re talking about some of the toughest questions leaders are asking themselves. Why am I getting passed over for promotion? Why isn’t my team listening to me? And what should I be doing to prepare my organization for long-term success? You’ll hear from the real-life situations my coaching clients are facing and the leadership advice that helped them move forward in the right direction.

What makes you want to work for an organization? More and more, workplace autonomy is a key value for America’s employees. Autonomy is the degree to which a worker feels independence, freedom, and discretion to plan the work process and choose how to complete the work. Unfortunately, many leaders struggle to achieve this kind of culture on their team because they feel like this approach is too risky. Today on the Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss the power of autonomy and how to create this culture in your workplace. When you do, you will have a more empowered, productive, and innovative team.

What do you do when you feel like you aren’t moving toward your goals fast enough? Trust me when I say that I’ve been there, too. Growing up in extreme poverty, I could barely picture what it would be like to have a stable family life, let alone a 20-year corporate career and my own business! In today’s episode, I’m sharing five things you can do when you are feeling discouraged to help reignite your passion to accomplish your dreams.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! I have been studying the recent labor reports, and I was stunned to find out that 51% of American businesses have job openings they cannot fill! Do you want to know the secret to success in this business climate? The secret is hiring people who aren’t even looking for a job. In today’s episode, I’m laying out my entire strategy for passive recruitment and showing you how to take control of your hiring process and find candidates that last.

Thank you for listening to the Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! In today’s episode of Hanch’s How-To’s, I’m addressing two of the most common concerns young leaders have: how to handle critics and develop mental toughness. If you’ve been a leader for any length of time, I know you’re going to resonate with these concerns and be able to apply this advice immediately to your unique situation. 

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! In today’s episode, Jeff shares a message from his heart about the key to maintaining your enthusiasm and creativity as a leader. As many leaders start to become experienced in their position, their initial feelings of happiness and excitement fade. The things that energized them start to feel frustrating. They start to rely on their routines instead of looking for ways to innovate. What’s the solution? How can you reignite your passion for your work? You change your mindset and start to act like a new hire. 

Thank you for tuning in to the Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Having a great team can almost guarantee you success, but how do you ensure that you are hiring the best leaders? Most interview questions allow candidates to use their natural charisma to fake their way through the questions. In this episode, you will learn how to craft your interview questions so that you get past the fluff and discover who your candidates are at their core.

Thank you for listening to the Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Have you ever wondered what it’s like to get 1-on-1 leadership coaching? In today’s edition of Hanch’s How-To’s, we’re talking about the real problems today’s leaders are facing, including how to deal with defensive people and how to embrace change. You’ll hear the real-world situations my one-on-one coaching clients are facing and the solutions we worked through. 

With a current national turnover rate of 57% this year (2021), businesses need to be doing more than ever to attract and retain their top talent. Many businesses think their work is done when the candidate signs the offer, but they ignore a crucial variable: the counteroffer. If you want a candidate to work for you, their current company probably wants them to stay on their staff! Today, Jeff discusses how to prepare your candidate for the counteroffer and improve your odds of retaining your recruit. You’ll get practical insights, sample conversations, and a look into one of Jeff’s top sales trainings. 

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Have you ever felt like you were misunderstood in a conversation? Direct communicators are often frustrated by the way other people perceive them. Miscommunication often occurs when people perceive that your attitude and intentions do not line up with your words. You want to be honest, but more importantly, other people need to see you as genuine. In today's episode, I will share my best tips for helping you ensure your actions line up with your words and improve your overall communication style. 

Thank you for tuning in to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to speak up, but you weren't sure how to communicate in a way that produced change without damaging the relationship? Unfortunately, there is not a one size fits all solution. The right approach often requires you to consider the mission, time pressures, and your audience. In this week’s episode, you will learn the keys to direct communication including, conveying the message, managing perceptions, and navigating the verbal and non-verbal elements that go into the process. 

Today we are discussing some of the common problems facing leaders today. You’ll hear two real-life coaching scenarios I dealt with recently and get actionable tips on how you can avoid these business setbacks in your own life. Specifically, we will be talking about taking ownership of your decisions and company culture and how to ensure you are not coming up with a solution for a problem that does not exist. These two skills will help you acknowledge and quickly move on from any setback you could be facing in your own life and career.

Thank you for listening to the Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Have you ever gone through a situation that seemed impossible? My guest on this week’s episode knows what it means to have to overcome obstacles. After being crushed and mostly paralyzed by a 2000 ton bale of hay in 2001, Chad Hymas had a choice to make. How was he going to respond? In today’s episode, we talk all about how he chooses to respond and move forward. But we also talk about the influence one man had on his ability to come out of the accident as a better man: his father. You’ll hear story after story about how his father’s influence taught him to be a better leader, father, husband, and businessman. I know that this episode is going to inspire you as much as it inspired me. 

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Today we’re answering a listener’s question about how to explain the different types of sales professionals and why organizations need both. In short, your business needs salespeople that know how to persistently hunt down leads and people who know how to nurture the clients you already have and convince them to buy more. While both are sales roles, they are very different. If your organization does not have the right balance of these two types of sales professionals, you will lose out on revenue and lose your competitive advantage. Tune in to hear how you can apply this strategy to your sales team even if you are a small business!

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! If you work with clients, you know that closing the sale is only the first step in establishing a strong relationship. If you want to create loyal customers, increase your profitability, and leverage your relationship to create scalable customer service solutions, you need a strategic account management process! In today’s episode, we’ll talk about seven steps you can take to select and nurture your strategic accounts so that you have a mutually beneficial relationship.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! You’ve heard me say that great leaders are not born. They are made. As a leader, you have to invest in your team and help them increase their knowledge, break bad habits, and positively influence others. But as a parent, you get the opportunity to set your child up for success by teaching them key leadership skills before they enter the workforce.

If you are interested in having a child who is not afraid to assert themselves or get involved, who leads and doesn’t follow, and who holds the confidence to take charge of their goals, dreams, passions, and future, this is the episode for you! Today, we will talk about four things you can do to help your child learn crucial leadership skills and set them up for success. Through hard work, determination, and trial and error, your child can learn how to take charge and have great influence.

Leadership is all about the people, yet many leaders struggle to build relationships and utilize their teams because they are so focused on the results. This week, on our 12th episode of Hanch’s How-To’s, Jeff is sharing the advice he gave two of his coaching clients to help them increase their employee engagement. If you are a leader who has ever struggled developing relationships with your team members or bringing them into the problem-solving process, this is the episode for you!

If you are like most leaders, you are in a constant pursuit to improve the culture of your organization. You know that a strong culture will help you retain your employees and improve your employee experience. But if you're like many leaders, you're not sure how to start building a better culture. In my experience, I have seen that it all comes down to two things: 1) your actions and 2) your words. Today on The Champion Forum Podcast, we’ll discuss the most avoidable culture blunders leaders make and show you how to correct them. 

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher. You want your team to improve, but the only way to do that is to invest in their development. Today on The Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss the proper steps to take for creating effective training. A lot of leaders forget that one of their responsibilities is to be an educator. However, not all leaders are good teachers.  Whether you consider yourself a good teacher or not, the five steps I outline in this episode will make you a better instructor and help you make a greater impact on your team.

What is the most frustrating issue at your company? For many employees, this key issue is communication. Instead of approaching projects with confidence, they worry that they are in the dark about important information. They may even feel like they don’t have direction on key projects that will affect their performance.  Having a boss that does not communicate well can be challenging, but there is hope!  Today on the Champion Forum Podcast, we discuss how to approach a boss that is a poor communicator. Though it may not be easy to start that conversation, addressing this issue with your leader will help you, your team, and your boss to be more efficient and creative.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! What do you think when you hear that a leader is a “servant leader”? Many people have misconceptions about what it means to be a servant leader and are skeptical about whether or not it will work for their business. In today’s episode, I interview Joel Manby, author of Love Works, on what it means to be a servant leader and why companies who value servant-leadership are more successful.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Today is the one day a month you get a sneak peek at what is going on behind the scenes in my coaching programs. Lately, I have been getting a lot of questions about turnover and time management. Tune in to see how I respond to my clients when they present me with these issues and see how you can utilize some of my quick tips and tricks to benefit your business or team. 

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! What benefits attracted you to your job? Maybe you were excited about having a 401k, matched retirement, vacation time, the ability to work from home, etc. But there is one employee benefit most businesses are not talking about: the benefit of a great leader. We have heard it said that people do not leave bad companies; they leave bad bosses. In that case, you can convince people to come to your company and stay at it by providing them with great leaders. With the unprecedented level of employee turnover happening right now, businesses need to capitalize on this benefit. In today’s podcast, Jeff talks more about the benefits of having a great boss and how your company can use them to attract top-level talent.

The key to any business is sales. If you don’t have sales, you can’t make a profit, no matter how good your product is. In this episode, I talk to my friend Mike Weinberg. Mike is a consultant, coach, and 3-time best-selling author who specializes in new business development and sales management. He has become one of the most trusted and sought-after sales experts in the world today. In today’s episode, we’re talking about the problems sales managers face and how you can ensure your salespeople are a good fit for their job and are inspired and equipped to sell your product.

Do you feel like you have reached a ceiling on your success? Many leaders feel like they should be performing well because they are doing everything they know to do with their team. However, sometimes you need help from people who do not work for you. These leaders may have different priorities and be motivated by different KPIs. In today’s episode, we are talking about how to identify the key stakeholders in your organization, develop relationships with them, and leverage these relationships to help you and your team achieve your goals. 

Thank you for listening to the Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! One of the greatest challenges for aspiring leaders is to learn how to influence people to take action. The secret? Learning how to be a great storyteller! In this week’s episode, Jeff is joined by entrepreneur Ty Bennet. Ty built a multimillion-dollar business with his brother at just 21 years old. Today, he is an international speaker, author. Join Ty and Jeff as they discuss the power of storytelling for businessmen and leaders.

Do you feel like you have to have a certain personality to be a good leader? Or do you worry that you don't have all the answers? This week we are celebrating our tenth episode of "Hanch's How To's"! Join us as Jeff gives 3 invaluable personal tips on personal leadership and dispels three common leadership misconceptions.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Have you ever been around a leader who has the IT factor?  The leader whose presence is so strong that you can feel it in the next room.  The leader who compels everyone to sit up straight when they arrive? This leadership “X factor” will help you command an audience, but it isn’t easy to pull off. This week on the Champion Forum Podcast, we’ll talk about how you can cultivate your leadership presence and avoid some common mistakes.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Leaders are built not only by their accomplishments but also by their character. One of the key components of a strong character is humility, especially over the last 12 months. Having humility allows you to foster a culture of openness, trust, and collaboration. Cultures with these characteristics thrived in the chaos of the past year.  While many leaders would agree that humility is important, few leaders are as humble as they should be. Often this is because they misunderstand what it means to be humble and see it as a weakness. In today’s episode, we’ll talk more about how to be humble without sacrificing your ability to influence and lead your team. 

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! With Memorial Day coming up, I wanted to talk about the relationship between business and the military. While business leaders do not typically risk their lives for the mission of their organizations, you can learn a lot about leadership from those in the military that did. Today I wanted to share the leadership traits that our greatest military leaders had and challenge you to see how you can apply them to your leadership situation.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Many leaders think their results are what define their success. They chase achievement, awards, and promotion, in the hope of creating a lasting legacy. However, a leader’s true legacy is determined by what they leave behind for the organization and its people. Effective leadership occurs when the leader strengthens others’ capacity to learn and integrate what they learned into their lives. In this episode, we will talk about how to connect with people and add value to their lives. You will learn how to move beyond the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately mentality and focus on impacting the hearts of the people you lead.

Thank you for listening to the Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Every leader wants to have a productive, passionate team. But do you ever feel like your employees are just checking the boxes instead of fully engaging in their work? You are not alone! This week I’m sharing how you can increase your team’s engagement, productivity, and understanding of the vision. You’ll hear the real advice I give my one-on-one coaching clients and the dangers this advice helps you avoid.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher. What do you do when you feel stuck in your career? Sometimes the answer isn’t to develop your technical skills or apply to a new job. Sometimes, you need to develop your emotional intelligence to move forward and increase your team’s productivity and creativity. In this episode, I interview Karissa Harrison about the practical ways you can use the Enneagram to increase your EQ, improve your leadership, and grow your team.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Once a month, I share my top insights and answer your questions! In today’s episode, I’ll answer an aspiring leader’s question, reveal four reasons you should be preparing for turnover, and share a recent experience that reveals the importance of protecting your company’s culture. If you have a question that you want to be answered in an upcoming episode, visit jeffhancher.com or send an email to jeff@jeffhancher.com

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Have you ever wondered if you are really living up to your full potential? How can you know if you are reaching your maximum potential? This week on the podcast, I am excited to interview Mark Benedetti about his new book, “The Potential Trap.” We’ll talk about identifying the factors that are holding you back, rewriting the story you are telling yourself, and the difference between a dream and a passion.

Thank you for listening to the Champion Forum Podcast Dealing with difficult people is one of the hardest parts of doing business, and it is even harder when that person is an employee. In this week’s episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, Jeff discusses how to deal with difficult employees. You’ll learn the questions you need to ask yourself, how to avoid making personal attacks, and how to guard your business against negative behavior. 

In this episode of The Champion Forum Podcast, Jeff interviews Clint Pulver, an Emmy Award-Winner, keynote speaker, and author of the book,"I LOVE IT HERE". Clint talks about what it takes to create engaged employees, the type of leader you need to be, and the qualities of a great mentor.  Tune in to learn practical tips to improve the way you connect with your employees and therefore decrease your turnover and increase your profit.

What does it take to be successful and grow into the leader you want to be? When I got my first job, I didn’t think I was going to be a leader. In this week’s episode, David McGlennen and I discuss my personal growth journey and how I got to where I am today. Tune in to learn the one thing that set me up for success early in my career, the benefits of working for a great company, and my best advice for new leaders.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! What will the workplace look like after Covid19? What role does “the greater good” play in a business, and how important is it really? Today I’m giving you a look at the trends that I am seeing this month in leadership and business. You’ll also get my number one tip for planning for the future as a business. I present this segment once a month to show you just a quick peek at what it is like to join a one-on-one or group coaching program with me! You can find out more information at www.jeffhancher.com/groups.

If you want to be successful in business, you have to know how to be confident in yourself.  
Join Jeff as he interviews Wendy May, Vice President of Field Sales for Cintas Corporation. She shares how she has learned from her failures and what it takes to maintain your confidence no matter what others say.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Have you ever looked at another leader or another business and wondered how they are having such great success? I mean, what’s their secret? It could be their leadership style, hiring practices, budgeting control, or any other number of things. But in today’s episode, we’re talking about one key to success that many organizations miss: a growth culture. Healthy disruptions and new ways of thinking are essential to your company’s success, growth, and survival.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Every day people get fired and businesses fail. But why? In a world where you can be trained in almost anything, what makes some people more successful than others? Today’s interview with Rich Diviney will show you the secret qualities that determine success and how you can maximize those qualities to perform better and create better teams.

Looking for the trends to watch in business in 2021? In this week's episode, you'll get a sneak peek into my executive coaching groups as I share the top two trends I think we'll see in leadership and in business in 2021 along with some of the conversations I am having with leaders like you. 

Sometimes you've just got to laugh a little....

Are you more concerned about what you want to do or what you think you should do? It’s time to stop “should-ing” on yourself! As a culture, we are often held captive by the internalized voice of what we think we are supposed to do and be. This leads to the things we “should” do taking priority over the things we actually want, need, and desire to do. Living based on the way you “should” do things causes you to feel shame and keeps you from making positive changes. In this episode, we will address the reasons you might be held captive by the things you think you “should” do and what you can do to start prioritizing yourself again.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast! Have you ever wonder if you’re really ready to take the leap into leadership? This might look like accepting a special assignment or applying for a promotion! Although every situation is different, there are seven common signs that can help you answer this question. It’s not enough to want to lead; you need to be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. By the end of this episode, you’ll know whether or not you are ready to advance to the next level.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast! Usually, we talk about leadership skills on this podcast, but these skills can only take you so far. Having a strong memory will set you apart as a leader and as an asset to your organization. But is your ability to hold onto memories really something that can be taught? Or are you stuck with your biology? Today on The Champion Forum podcast, Jeff interviews Jennifer Little-Fleck, host of the Autobiology Bits podcast to talk about how you can boost your memory and become a better leader.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! While every leader faces unique situations, leaders across the world share similar challenges. Jeff created Hanch’s How-To’s to show you that you’re not alone and highlight the most common issues leaders are facing today. In this week’s podcast, Jeff talks about procrastination, customer service, and ensuring your team meets your expectations. 

Have you ever had someone give you a “feedback sandwich”? In other words, you present negative feedback by "sandwiching" it between two compliments. Giving praise and then criticism undermines the positive impact of the praise and weakens the corrective feedback. In this week's episode, Jeff talks about how to give feedback in a way that is timely, relevant, and direct.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast! Diversity requires commitment, planning, and continuous learning. When you invest in creating a diverse culture, it will help you innovate, increase revenue, attract and retain talent, and appeal to a wider customer base. In this week’s episode, I interview Brandon Harvey about the benefits of diversity, the reasons people do not achieve a diverse work environment, and how to create and lead a diverse team.

“I can’t think of everything!” “I didn’t have time.” “That’s not my responsibility.” Have you heard any of these excuses as a leader? Have you MADE any of these excuses? It can be difficult to know how to respond when people try to give excuses as to why they cannot meet your expectations. However, it is a leader’s job to help people expect more of themselves and take on the challenges of their job! Today on The Champion Forum podcast, we discuss how to address the excuses many employees give and how you can create a culture where people don’t make excuses.

Is tension good or bad? It’s not as simple as you think! Most leaders tend to disapprove of tension, but it can be productive! When leaders try to improve their team and grow their business, tension is inevitable, but successful leaders know how to use that tension to bring out the best in their teams without breaking them. In this episode, Jeff talks about the difference between healthy tension and unhealthy tension, the sources of tension, and what you can do to use tension to benefit yourself, your team, and your organization.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast! This week, we decided to have a little fun and talk about the leadership traits of a legendary leader: Santa Claus! I would argue that Kris Kringle is the most under-rated leader in history. Think about it. He is in charge of the largest, most successful not-for-profit organization in the world. Regardless of the state of the global economy, Santa has consistently delivered the standards we have come to expect. His customer service is second to none, and he rarely receives a formal complaint. These are undeniable results that simply cannot be ignored.

Did you know that understanding how to copywrite can help you succeed in business and in leadership? I didn’t either until I met Abigail Condon, my copywriter. She has helped me learn how to attract my audience’s attention and create engagement in my business. In today’s episode, I talk to her about how you can apply the principles of copywriting to succeed in business and leadership as well.

If you want to be a successful sales-person or sales manager during the holidays, you have to change your expectations and perspective. The strategies you use in July will not work at the end of the year! In today’s episode, we’ll discuss some practical ways that you can adjust you can maximize your impact and prepare for a successful new year. With just a few changes, you can alleviate the self-imposed pressure to perform and enjoy the holidays too.

Leadership coaching covers a wide variety of topics. One thing I love about coaching is that no two meetings are ever the same. However, while the details may be different, the themes are the same. Today we’re talking about some of the common issues leaders just like you are facing and how you can overcome them. Tune in to learn how to carry heavy burdens, create a complementary team, the difference between good leaders and great leaders, and the real goal of tough discussions.

Onboarding during a pandemic can present many challenges. Your short-term, urgent priorities may be very different from what they appeared to be when you started the interview process. And to make matters worse, instead of introducing your new employee to their team in the office, you are jumping into important meetings over fragmented, blurry zoom calls. In this week’s episode, Jeff talks to Michael Watkins about how to help new employees succeed remotely and set your organization up for long-term success.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! In today’s episode, we will discuss the qualities of inspirational leaders. We want to be leaders who inspire people to do more than they even thought was possible. A great way to do this is by listening to what people are saying! Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership, but you can still improve your leadership abilities by learning about norms and trends.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! In today’s special Veterans Day episode, I interview Mike Hertzendorf, who spent 29 years in the US Army as a special operations aviator. As a veteran, Mike knows the value of leadership and has faced situations that put not only his own life at risk but also the life of all of his team members. When everything was on the line, Mike learned the value of relationship building, selflessness, and kindness. Today, we’ll explore what it means to be a truly effective leader and learn from some of Mike’s leadership experiences in the heat of battle.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! This week we are taking another look at some of the key areas and issues the leaders I work with have been facing. You’ll get the same practical advice and coaching that I have been giving during coaching calls and leadership meetings.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Your number one resource as a business is your employees, not your product or service. You need to attract and retain the best talent for your organization to thrive. But without the right strategy or mindset, you won’t be able to compete. In today’s episode, Jeff is talking to Mike Sarraille and George Randale about how having a “talent mindset” will give you a competitive advantage. 

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast by Jeff Hancher! Leadership is full of challenges, and it can be difficult to know if you are doing the right thing. Part of being a great leader is being willing to grow and develop self-awareness so that you can honestly assess your weaknesses. This week I am giving you the five most common reasons that leaders fail. You will learn how to identify and overcome those five leadership challenges and thrive in your current role at your company.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Do you remember what it was like to start a new job? You want to make a good first impression and avoid making mistakes. But how do you know what your company is looking for? This week, I talk to Dr. Michael Watkins. Michael is the author of Your Next Move: The Leader’s Guide to Navigating Major Career Transitions and the international bestseller The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at all Levels. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about what you need to do to transition successfully into a new role. Whether you are new to your leadership position or you hope to be promoted, this episode will show you the path to success.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Hiring new employees can be a stressful and confusing process. How do you know if you are hiring the right person for the job? How do you know if your best employee will be successful if they are promoted? If you are unsure of the answers to these questions, you might need to revisit your hiring practices! In this episode, we’ll talk about the benefits of hiring internally and recruiting externally, the three most critical criteria for hiring leaders, and how to solve the challenges leaders face during the interview process. 

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast! Do you have a side hustle? Would you love to start one, but you aren’t sure how to balance being an entrepreneur with a full-time career? In this week’s episode, I talk to Todd Connor, author of the book Third Shift Entrepreneur, about how you can make time to pursue your dream job and create your own journey to success.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! High-performing entrepreneurs and employees have great habits, but how do you develop and keep them? Not having habits and routine is not good and having bad ones is even worse. Good habits create a positive mindset. When you focus on behaviors that you can control, you can develop plans and take action. Developing and keeping good habits is about the process over the result. In this week’s episode, you’ll learn how to identify and create the habits you need to achieve the results you want.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! This week we are taking another look at some of the key problems the leaders I work with have been facing. You’ll get the same practical answers my coaching clients get on topics like hiring, dealing with conflict at work, and having the right mindset as a leader.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! When was the last time you asked your team a question? Many entry-level employees are encouraged to ask lots of questions, but the further you go up the corporate ladder, the fewer questions you tend to ask. Leaders do not want to be seen as weak or uncertain. However, the reality is that asking questions is the only way you can make confident decisions that will empower your employees! This week Jeff will show you the questions you should be asking and the impact they will have on your company.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! While leadership often involves making difficult decisions and inspiring people to achieve their full potential, the value of communication cannot be overstated. Communication is what sets great leaders apart. In this week’s episode, Jeff and Lem talk about what happens when leaders fail to communicate and the keys to communicating effectively.

Have you ever felt like you missed your opportunity to lead? Do you wonder how you can become a leader without a title or official position?  Today, Jeff answers a listener's question about how to become a leader at work and whether it is too late to become a leader. Tune in to learn four key things you should be doing right now if you want to be a leader and two mistakes to avoid.

Too many leaders are defensive. Pride or perfectionism cause them to blame others for problems and issues. If you want to be a great leader, this simply cannot happen. Even when they fail, great leaders believe in their abilities.  In this week's episode, Jeff deals with the topic of taking responsibility--no matter what. Tune in to hear 3 things to consider when you need to take responsibility.

In today’s episode, Jeff interviews Megan Reilly, the co-owner and COO of Tippi Toes Dance. Her company aims to develop a love of dancing in children by creating a positive experience that promotes healthy living habits and helps build both self-confidence and a love for others. She and her partner founded the company 21 years ago and now have 35 franchises and an international presence. You may know her from the popular television show “Shark Tank.” In today’s episode, she talks about building a thriving business, balancing work and life, and the key qualities of successful entrepreneurs.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! In today’s episode, Jeff is giving you a look at the conversations he is currently having with his coaching clients. Jeff works with a variety of clients, but the advice he gives can be applied across industries and positions. Today, he has pulled together eight leadership keys that you can implement into your personal leadership strategy. Remember, elite leadership is not a destination—it’s a journey that you need to invest in every day.

Are you a woman in leadership? Or are you curious about how women in leadership view the world? Aisling MacRunnels is the Chief Business & Growth Officer at Synack, a cybersecurity company located in Silicon Valley. In today's episode, she talks about her journey to the c-suite, the challenges women face in developing a strong career and family life, and how business owners and other leaders can overcome their natural bias toward working with people who are like them and make space for women to have a position and a voice on their teams.

Are you feeling… busy? As a leader, you have a lot to do, and you feel like you need help. But you also are probably worried that delegating will cause tasks to fall through the cracks or decrease the quality of work your department or business puts out. As a leader, you must align your staff with the mission of your organization and delegate tasks that help them fulfill that mission.

Great teams enjoy being delegated tasks because they know that it will make them better contributors. When the process yields two-way success, your organization is better positioned to manage high workload situations. Here are four of the most common questions leaders ask me about delegation.

Get the show notes here: www.thechampionforum.com/tcf073

Ever wonder why nothing seems to rattle great leaders? The best leaders are tough-minded; they keep moving toward their goals regardless of the ridicule or conflict they may face. Mental toughness is not necessarily something all leaders born with, but it is always something that you can learn. If you are going to excel and transcend in leadership, allow your tough mind and tender heart to work together. Remember, you cannot be too much of one thing and not enough of the other. You must find balance in everything—in your personal life, in business, and especially in effective leadership.

Have you ever wondered how people handle high-pressure situations? Do you wish that you could lead with more confidence, influences, and effectiveness? In this week's episode, Jeff interviews former Naval Commander Dennis Volpe about achieving your goals, resilience, and dealing with failure as a leader. Tune in to hear how Dennis's experience in the Navy shaped his understanding of personal development and leadership and how you can apply those principles to your leadership!

Join Jeff in this special Fourth of July bonus episode where he reflects on what leaders need to do when the world seems like it is divided and in crisis. 

Do you focus on doing things the right way, or doing things the right way? Many leaders spend their time trying to force through projects and follow procedures to a T. They manage their employees’ actions to make sure everyone is on task. However, these leaders are missing the bigger picture! Before you worry about doing things better, faster, cheaper, you should worry about whether you are even doing the right things. In this week’s episode, Jeff will help you identify whether you are spending your time on the right things and teach you what activities you should be focusing on as the leader.

Approachability creates transparency, trust, credibility, and authenticity. Sadly, many leaders get a reputation for being separated from their employees and on a different, unreachable level. When this happens, their team members often stop communicating, feel unimportant, and see a decrease in morale. In this week’s episode, Jeff talks about seven things you can do to be a more approachable leader. You can have other leadership qualities, but without approachability, you will put a limit on how much you can achieve.

When faced with difficult times, people rely on visionary leaders who see things as they can be, not just as they currently are. Every leader knows that to succeed, they must create and communicate an inspiring vision. If leaders spend too much time talking about the problems and the challenges, they run the risk of having serious morale issues. If they go too far the other way and just ignore the challenges as if nothing is happening and everything is fine, they will be seen as naïve and disillusioned. In today’s episode, we will talk about the purpose of vision and how you can incorporate the top three traits of visionary leaders into your leadership style.

Every leader has one thing in common: they have all experienced setbacks. If you want to be a successful leader, you have to choose not to allow failure to define you. Instead, you need to have persistence. Persistence is what will drive you and your team forward, even in the face of fear or doubt. In this episode, we will talk about four traits of persistent people and how you can develop those traits in yourself.

Thank you for listening to the Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! One of the qualities many leaders are told that they need to work on is “presence.” Your leadership presence, how you are perceived and accepted by others, is founded on your attitude, your character, and how you act when no one is watching. It’s about your positive energy: being there for and helping others. It’s about being genuine and comfortable in your own skin. In this episode, we will talk about what leadership presence is and is not, and we will give you five tips for increasing your leadership presence.

The last few months have flown by. You’ve likely either made or been on the receiving end of many decisions. You’ve spent a lot of time working on new projects and proposals and adjusting your yearly plan, but have you spent any time reflecting? Reflection helps you find solutions to the problems that you face and it enables you to avoid repeating your mistakes. In this episode, Jeff highlights the three reasons people avoid dedicating time to personal reflection and gives six steps that will help you make the most of the time you spend reflecting.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! The past few months have been challenging for individuals and businesses alike. Not only are we facing difficult situations such as working with a remote workforce and planning for an unknown future, but we are also trying to adapt to never-ending changes in regulations and policies. In today’s episode, we’ll go over some of the key leadership skills that have been helping leaders navigate these unprecedented times. 

Our businesses and our families are relying on us as leaders to navigate the choppy waters with resolve and strength. The kinds of changes that are being demanded today are disruptive and painful. We need visionaries with imagination and boldness to show us the way, even without a playbook.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! This week, Jeff interviews a former Disney executive who is now helping leaders learn how to create a company culture that empowers and engages its employees. Dan and his wife Valerie spent a combined 41 years working at Disney and have worked both in Orlando and internationally. In this episode, you’ll hear some of the secrets to Disney’s success, how to set yourself apart, and the key to making a big career move.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Today, Jeff interviews Jim Shorkey, who’s family founded their auto dealership in 1974. He grew up watching his parents work hard to make their business a success. After his father’s death, Jim took over the company in 1996. Just two years later, the business was on the brink of bankruptcy. In this episode, you’ll hear how Jim was able to transform his western PA automotive dealership to become one of the best and most profitable auto dealerships in the Pittsburgh region.

In this week’s episode, Jeff talks with Lee Cockerell about his career with Disney and the many lessons he has learned over his life. Lee started his career in the hotel industry. After being fired from his second position, he continued working hard and eventually earned a job with Disney in 1990 to open the Disneyland Paris project. Lee worked his way up and became the Executive VP of Operations for 20 years at Disney World, leading 40,000 cast members, 20 hotels, 4 theme parks and so much more. One of his lasting legacies was creating a leadership development program that has since trained over 7000 cast members.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! One of the challenges in leadership is identifying the root cause of poor performance. At its root, poor performance can fall into two main categories: 1) the employee won’t do the job or task, or 2) the employee can’t do the job or task. If you fail to identify the real issue, you will waste valuable time and resources pursuing the wrong solution. 

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher. In the uncertain times we live in, leaders are making decisions where there is no obvious, easy choice. As a result, you are likely facing an even greater amount of criticism than usual. In today’s episode, we will talk about how to receive criticism and how it can actually benefit you. I have never seen a greater time in my life that we, as leaders, need to be decisive and listen at the same time. Our teams are counting on us more than ever. As you make crucial decisions, expect criticism, but don’t let it derail you from pursuing your purpose.

 In this week’s episode, Miracle on the Hudson survivor David Sanderson describes what it was like to be in the plane that crash-landed on the Hudson River. After he shares his experience, Dave and Jeff talk about the leadership principles that applied in that situation and explain how champions prepare for adversity and thrive in challenging situations.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! This episode is being released in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. While this situation is unique, it is not the only difficult situation you will face as a leader. You can have multiple degrees and certificates, but perseverance will help you succeed and find creative solutions, even in the midst of a crisis. In this week’s episode, we will talk about four mindset shifts you need to make if you want to lead your team through any adversity you might face.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher. With the Covid-19 causing a global health crisis, many people are struggling to know how to navigate the uncertain economic climate. In difficult situations, people look to leadership to give them a clear picture of what is going on. Leaders set the tone for their organization. If you hoard information and panic, you will lose control of your organization. However,  If you remain positive, optimistic, and confident, your teams will behave the same way. If you are focused, they will remain focused. In this episode, we will cover six things strong leaders do during difficult situations.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Last week we talked about how to identify a toxic employee. The biggest mistake leaders make is that they wait too long to address the toxic behavior and it has a negative effect on their company. So, this week we are going to talk about why leaders don’t address toxic employees and how you can prepare to manage and potentially terminate a toxic employee. Regardless of the outcome, remember that your goal as a leader should be to coach the employee and try to help them grow and improve. Then, if termination does become necessary, you can know that you did all that you could.

In the first episode of this two-part series, Jeff discusses the characteristics of a toxic employee and how you can identify a potentially toxic employee in the interview process. Too often leaders try to ignore toxic employees until they break company policy. But the longer you wait, the more you will allow the employee to affect your team’s morale and kill productivity. Tune in to learn the warning signs so that you can deal with toxic employees and protect your team.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! In this episode, Jeff interviews Dana Cavalea, a former member of the strength and conditioning staff for the New York Yankees. Dana started with the Yankees at just 19 years old and was a part of the 2009 World Championship team. In his time with the Yankees, Dana learned about what it means to be a champion, and today he helps companies and executives reach their goals through professional coaching, group trainings, and public speaking. Tune in to hear Coach explain how you can achieve success, maximize your impact, and make the most of every opportunity. 

When you are leading a team, you need to make sure that you are clear, concise, and thorough in your communication. Without intentionality, your team will be confused, lack direction, and be slow to achieve results. In this episode, Jeff talks about what it means to be an intentional leader and gives six key things intentional leaders do regularly. 

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast! In this episode, Jeff interviews Doug Smith, Director of Development for Light of Life Rescue mission and founder of L3 Leadership, on the benefits of journaling. There are many ideas about why you should journal, but Doug gives practical insight on the benefits of specific journaling practices and how you can incorporate them into your own life to see not only short term benefits but long-term returns. Journaling will help you bring clarity to your priorities and evaluate your own personal growth

Over 60% of American workers report being burnt out some or most of the time. In this episode, Jeff welcomes David McGlennen back to The Champion Forum to discuss the causes of burnout and what both companies and individuals can do to help prevent and remedy burnout. Additionally, they discuss the long term impact of burnout and how you can structure your life so that your work and personal lives complement, rather than compete with, each other.

Do you lead a remote team, or have you been wondering how to incorporate remote employees or contractors into your organization? In this week’s episode, Jeff talks to Gina Michnowicz, CEO of The Craftsman Agency, about leading a remote team. More and more businesses are choosing to utilize employees who live across different geographic locations, focusing on talent over proximity. Jeff and Gina answer questions like, “How can you lead well when you cannot sit in the same room as your team on a regular basis?” and “What would your organization need in order to involve remote employees?”

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher. It is likely that more than a quarter of your employees are at a high-risk of turnover. In this episode, Jeff talks about the effects of unengaged employees and what you can do to change it. Organizations that fail to engage their employees will lose their top talent. Businesses that do engage their employees will reduce staff turnover, improve productivity and efficiency, retain customers at a higher rate, and increase their profits. 

In the second part of his interview with recent college graduate Austin Armstrong, Jeff talks about creating a personal brand, navigating a new workplace culture, overcoming failure, and the moment that changed his life. 

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! In this episode, Jeff answers questions from Austin Armstrong, a December 2019 college graduate with a major in Finance, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship. If you are a young professional or are looking to make a better impression in your workplace, this episode will give you practical tips and expose areas that you can work on in your own professional life.

This episode is coming out at the beginning of January 2020, and everyone is talking about their goals and resolutions for the new year. In this episode, Jeff talks about why new year’s resolutions are overrated and what you should do instead. You should be constantly setting goals and creating new strategies to achieve them. If you don’t make some changes and create a real strategy then 2020 will be a repeat of 2019!

Get the full show notes at thechampionforum.com/shownotes/tcf045

Thank you for listening to the Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher. In this episode, Jeff once again sits down with Dan Billie. Dan has over 20 years of leadership experience and is particularly passionate about the benefits of servant leadership. In this episode, Dan and Jeff explain some of the strengths and weaknesses of servant leadership and some of the misconceptions people have about the approach.

For the complete show notes, visit www.thechampionforum.com/shownotes/

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! This week Jeff interviewed former Green Beret and entrepreneur Jason Van Camp. After leaving the military, Jason founded Mission Six Zero, a company dedicated to helping individuals and companies create sustainable growth and increase their situational awareness. In this episode, you will hear about the importance of simplicity, self-awareness, trust, and creating deliberate discomfort.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher. Learning to lead is an ongoing process. All leaders make mistakes, but the best leaders learn from their mistakes and avoid making them again. In this episode, Jeff opens up about some of his personal missteps as a leader as he talks about the 7 most common mistakes that leaders make and how you can avoid making the same errors.

Thank you for listening to the Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! In this episode, Jeff interviews, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Boss In Heels, Heather Monahan. She spent almost 20 years working in corporate America, earning a position as a Chief Revenue Officer. Since leaving corporate America in 2018, she has been named a Limit Breaking Female Founder in 2018, published two books, and delivered her first TedX Talk. Tune in to hear Jeff and Heather talk about dealing with opposition, developing your confidence, and standing out in the workplace.

Thank you for listening to the Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! In this week’s episode, Jeff dissects the topic of mentorship from the perspective of the mentor, mentee, and organization. If you ever wondered why mentorship is important and if you should be a mentor or mentee, this is the episode for you.

Mentors encourage the personal and professional development of their mentees by sharing their knowledge, expertise, and experience. Having a mentor will help you achieve your goals more quickly than you could on your own. If you want to have a successful mentoring relationship, you will need to develop trust, respect, and strong lines of communication. Done well, a mentoring relationship will benefit the mentor, mentee, and organization.

Many of the most successful people make expressing gratitude a part of their everyday routine. Gratitude has been shown to improve your physical and psychological health, relationships, self-esteem, sleep quality, and empathy. Gratitude is especially important for leaders because an attitude of gratitude will help you to accomplish more and drive out negative thoughts and mindsets.

The best leaders make a daily practice of expressing gratitude. They constantly look for people who are making a difference and acknowledge their efforts. When they do, they motivate and inspire people and drive things forward, regardless of their title.

In this episode, Jeff expands on one of the most important skills effective public speakers have: Storytelling. Knowing how to tell a great story is the key to creating a memorable public speech. Stories connect with our emotions and compel us to act. People might forget your bullet points, but they will not forget your story.

This week Jeff interviews Nicholas Bayerle, founder of Billion Dollar Body, which helps businessmen have the health, power, and confidence they need to succeed. He also hosts his own podcast and speaks on stages across the country. In this episode, Jeff and Nicholas talk about Nicholas’s weight loss journey, the skills and relationships that have lead to his success, and the lessons he has learned in his journey to owning a million-dollar business.

Military veterans have a unique perspective on leadership and what it means to be successful. In this episode, Jeff sits down with fellow veteran Rich Cardona to talk about leadership, military life, entrepreneurship, and purpose. Tune in to hear how the military shaped Rich’s view of leadership, what to do if you are in a season of transition, and how to be successful in chasing your dreams.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! What does it take to become an effective leader? Self-awareness is one of the key attributes of effective leaders because it allows them to reflect honestly on their performance and adapt their leadership style. In this episode, Jeff talks about how being aware of your strengths, weaknesses, style, personality, and preferences can have a significant impact on how you behave and interact with others. If you are unaware, you risk creating an environment where people do not trust you and feel uncomfortable giving you feedback. This kind of situation will cause setbacks for your team, your company, and your personal growth.

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! In this episode, Jeff continues his conversation with Chuck Bolena about the best-selling book Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. They discuss Napoleon Hill’s 6-step plan for achieving your desires, the importance of taking action on your desires, what to look for in a mastermind group, and the “secret” Napoleon Hill hid in the book.

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Chuck Bolena, a Mindset Coach with years of experience helping others achieve what they really want in life; personally and professionally. Together, they discuss how reading the best-seller "Think and Grow Rich" changed their perspectives and their lives. Specifically, they talk about taking ownership of your thoughts and attitudes and what it will really take to see your dreams become a reality. Get the full episode shownotes at www.thechampionforum.com/shownotes/tcf033

The competition to hire a great employee is fierce, but getting a great employee in the door is only half the battle. Companies that fail to meet the needs of top performers will ultimately lose the employee, decrease their productivity, and waste thousands of dollars in a job transition and talent search. But what practices help companies avoid high rates of employee turnover? 

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! In this episode, Jeff gives four ways that you can invest in your best employees so that they become long-term employees. Whether you have a single employee or hundreds of employees, these practices will make your organization a place where your employees feel valued, encouraged, challenged, and fulfilled.

Good leaders must know how to communicate effectively so that they can inspire their teams and rally people around their ideas. If you struggle with communicating, it will be difficult for you to connect with your team and invest in them so that they can reach their fullest potential. Your ability to speak in front of groups of people is one of the most important skills you can develop. 

In this week’s episode, Jeff will explain several key benefits of learning how to be a confident, effective public speaker. Then, he will explain a proven, 4-step process to writing a strong speech. When you apply these principles, you will be able to use public speaking to inspire people to action and unite your team.

Your leadership style sets the tone for your team and the results that you will yield. The most effective leaders use assertiveness to motivate and manage their team. Assertive leaders use their self-confidence to gain the respect of others and ensure that tasks are done efficiently and on-time. Assertiveness adds power and conviction to a message and enables a leader’s voice to be heard. 

In this episode, Jeff will give you several techniques you can use to build the confidence and self-belief that you need to become assertive. When you start using these strategies, you will also become more productive, efficient, and respected. 

Thank you for listening to the Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! In this episode, Jeff talks about why people struggle to be good listeners and how practicing active listening can strengthen your relationships, build trust, and help you accomplish more in your organization. In order to elevate your leadership status and become truly influential, you must consistently practice active listening, whether it's in a high-stakes meeting or casual discussion.

If you’re not currently in a leadership position, it can be challenging to get people to listen to you. But, if you believe that you must be in a position of authority to have influence, you don’t understand leadership. Leadership is more than a position; it is the ability to cultivate influence where you are, regardless of your title. In this episode, Jeff will give you 4 ways that you can increase your influence in your position, regardless of if you have an official leadership title.

If you are like most leaders, you want your team members to succeed, so you gravitate toward helping them. Investing in your team members is extremely important, but there is a greater return when you invest in empowering and educating your team members instead of walking through every single problem and decision.

Leaders must create a culture where people value their own time and the time of their fellow employees. When leaders fail to empower people to make their own decisions and tolerate time-wasting behaviors, they are not only hurting their team member’s productivity but they are also limiting their own effectiveness.

In this episode, Jeff explains the STABEN method for navigating difficult conversations. Following this formula will help you prepare for a difficult conversation so that you can approach it with confidence and frame your criticism in a way that will help your employee grow.

The most influential leaders in our lives are those who are not afraid to challenge us and push us to be better. A challenging leader doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations because they know that not only is a negative attitude, subpar performance, misbehavior, or being unprofessional potentially harmful to the company, but it is also harmful to you and your career.

Avoiding difficult conversations is detrimental to your own success and professional growth as well. When you don’t correct a behavior, you are saying that it is okay. You are trading short-term comfort for the long-term health of our teams and businesses. Not having challenging conversations can lead to high turnover, loss of trust, disengagement, low-performance output, and/or low morale. Avoiding confrontation does a disservice to the person who needs to be corrected as well because it limits their ability to improve and succeed in their life and career.

Who you ARE matters just as much as what you DO. If you want to get noticed at the highest levels, you need to develop a reputation and personal brand that causes other people to trust you and want to work with you. 

Last week we talked about the importance of strengthening your communication skills, networking, and keeping your word. This week, Jeff will discuss the importance of asking questions, maintaining your appearance, speaking publicly, being authentic, and taking on additional assignments.

A strong, healthy personal brand will help you succeed with your coworkers, earn the trust of your clients, and get promoted. In this episode, you will learn how your actions affect your personal brand and what you should be doing to create a brand that will get you noticed and make you the obvious choice for a promotion.

You will reach a point in your career where results alone will not be enough to take you to the next level. The people conducting the hiring process for high-level positions consider more than just your resume. These leaders are looking for serious individuals who they feel connected to and have earned a high level of trust. If you want to win, you have to create a personal brand that inspires people to trust you and want to invite you into their inner circle.

If you could turn back time, what would you do differently in your career? In this episode, Jeff presents 5 things he would do differently if he was just starting in his career. From applicable tips to mindset issues, this episode is full of wisdom from over 15 years of corporate experience and will help anyone, regardless of their job or ambition, reach their full potential.

A listener recently asked a question about how young professionals can ensure success in the workplace. In this episode, Jeff talks about how growth in a company is like a three-legged stool. You have to dedicate equal time to getting results, refining your methods, and understanding company culture. You will learn how each of these areas will help you stand out from your peers and how you can use your current season as a time of preparation.