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  • Your Brain Is a Real Ahole: Making Managers Suck Less with Dr. Jamie Lewis Smith

    Your Brain Is a Real Ahole: Making Managers Suck Less with Dr. Jamie Lewis Smith
    2026/06/29
    Why do smart, capable people overthink, avoid difficult conversations, resist change, and sometimes become ineffective leaders? According to psychologist and executive coach Dr. Jamie Lewis Smith, it's because our brains aren't designed to make us successful—they're designed to keep us alive. In this episode of The BOLT Podcast, Todd Bertsch sits down with Dr. Jamie Lewis Smith (aka the NeHRd Lady), Founder and CEO of Pixel Leadership Group, to explore the fascinating connection between neuroscience, leadership, burnout, and workplace culture. Together, they unpack why our brains often sabotage our best intentions and how understanding human behavior can transform the way we lead ourselves and others. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, manager, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to better understand your own mind, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to build cognitive agility, create psychologically safe teams, coach more effectively, and become the kind of leader people actually want to follow. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why your brain naturally resists change—and how to work with it instead of against it The surprising reason great employees often become ineffective managers What "making managers suck less" really means How psychological safety fuels innovation, trust, and employee engagement Three things every employee's brain needs to feel safe at work Why coaching is one of the most valuable leadership skills you can develop The hidden cost of canceling one-on-one meetings How clarity reduces stress and increases performance Why servant leadership creates stronger organizations Practical brain hacks to become a more resilient and empowering leader https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/your-brain-is-a-real-ahole-with-jamie-lewis-smith Thanks for listening or watching! We appreciate you. Follow us at: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ⁠https://www.toddbertsch.com/⁠
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    1 時間 9 分
  • How to Break Out of the Sea of Sameness and Become Unforgettable with Jason Zygadlo

    How to Break Out of the Sea of Sameness and Become Unforgettable with Jason Zygadlo
    2026/06/15
    What makes someone stand out in a crowded job market, competitive industry, or rapidly changing world? In this episode, we explore how personal branding, resilience, and intentional action can help people create new opportunities and build meaningful careers. The conversation covers overcoming setbacks, navigating career transitions, building trust, creating memorable customer experiences, and why growth often requires stepping outside of comfort zones. Listeners will learn practical ways to differentiate themselves, strengthen relationships, and create lasting impact both professionally and personally. Key Takeaways Success often requires leaving comfortable situations to pursue meaningful growth. Personal branding is about clearly communicating what makes you different and valuable. Career setbacks can become opportunities to reevaluate priorities and purpose. Building trust creates long-term opportunities that transactions alone cannot. Small acts of intentionality can have a lasting impact on relationships and customer experiences. Standing out requires more than qualifications; it requires memorable action. Personalized communication helps create stronger connections and credibility. Growth happens when people challenge themselves instead of staying comfortable. Resilience is built through adversity, reflection, and consistent effort. The most successful professionals focus on serving others and creating value. https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/how-to-break-out-of-the-sea-of-sameness-with-jason-zygadlo Thanks for listening! We appreciate you.Follow us at:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb⁠⁠ ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ⁠⁠ToddBertsch.com
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    1 時間 17 分
  • The Secret to Leadership and Work-Life Harmony with Andre Young

    The Secret to Leadership and Work-Life Harmony with Andre Young
    2026/06/03
    In this episode, we explore why leadership is one of the most important skills people are rarely taught. The conversation covers burnout, difficult conversations, work-life harmony, self-awareness, and practical habits that help people lead more effectively at work and at home. Listeners will learn how to improve communication, build stronger relationships, avoid common leadership mistakes, and create intentional growth through simple daily actions. Key Takeaways Many people are promoted because they perform well, not because they know how to lead. Leadership requires learning how to have both casual and difficult conversations. Burnout often comes from unresolved personal and professional challenges. Making time for intentional self-reflection can accelerate personal growth. The way you start your morning can influence the rest of your day. Daily habits have a greater impact than occasional moments of motivation. Strong leaders create trust before they need to have difficult conversations. Work-life harmony is more realistic and sustainable than work-life balance. People are more likely to follow leaders who show genuine care and concern. Small changes in communication can significantly improve relationships and workplace culture. https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/secret-to-leadership-work-life-harmony-with-andre-young/ Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb⁠ ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ⁠ToddBertsch.com
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    1 時間
  • Empowering Women to Lead Fearlessly with Hope Yin

    Empowering Women to Lead Fearlessly with Hope Yin
    2026/05/20
    This episode explores how leaders can navigate personal hardship, career pressure, identity shifts, and rapid technological change without losing themselves in the process. The conversation covers resilience, empathy, women in leadership, intentional living, and the future of AI in the workplace. Listeners will learn practical ways to lead with more humanity, build confidence through difficult seasons, support working parents and women in leadership roles, and adapt to the growing influence of artificial intelligence while staying grounded in purpose and relationships. Key Takeaways Resilience grows through difficult seasons Empathy makes leaders more effective Relationships matter more than status Flexible workplaces build trust Women leaders need better support systems Leadership is not one-size-fits-all Fear and growth often happen together AI fluency is becoming essential Intentional living creates clarity Self-trust drives personal growth https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/empowering-women-to-lead fearlessly-with-hope-yin Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/ https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/ https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ToddBertsch.com
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    1 時間 8 分
  • What Got You Here Is Holding You Back: The Slow Drift Into Misalignment with Megan Leasher

    What Got You Here Is Holding You Back: The Slow Drift Into Misalignment with Megan Leasher
    2026/05/01
    What if the real issue isn’t burnout—but misalignment? In this episode of the BOLT, I sit down with Megan Leasher, organizational psychologist and executive coach, to explore why high achievers often feel stuck when what made them successful stops working. Together, they unpack how workplace disruption creates internal shifts, how to spot early warning signs, and how to realign with purpose and growth. Topics We Discussed Why high achievers get stuck at the next level What disruption looks like for leaders today Misalignment vs. burnout and disengagement Recognizing early “smoke signals” The role of trust between leaders and teams How coaching uncovers the real issue Habits that hold leaders back Delegation and empowerment Body signals of stress and misalignment Fear, identity, and reframing challenges Why leadership development starts too late The power of pause and reflection Building a “support army” The key question: Where do I want to be? https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/the-slow-drift-into-misalignment-with-megan-leasher Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/ https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/ https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ToddBertsch.com
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    1 時間 4 分
  • Your Inner Critic Is Costing You More Than You Think with Christopher Salem

    Your Inner Critic Is Costing You More Than You Think with Christopher Salem
    2026/04/17
    Leadership doesn’t break down during the easy moments—it breaks down under pressure. In this episode of The BOLT, Todd Bertsch sits down with emotional intelligence and communication expert Christopher Salem to unpack what really drives performance when things get hard. From the inner critic and imposter syndrome to communication breakdowns and culture challenges, this conversation goes deep into the inner work required to lead effectively. Chris shares his powerful journey from corporate leadership to personal transformation, revealing how mental fitness, emotional intelligence, and disciplined habits create the space to respond with clarity instead of reacting with stress. If you want to lead better, communicate more effectively, and build a culture that actually performs—this episode delivers the mindset shift you’ve been missing. Topics Discussed Chris’s journey from purchasing to sales and discovering the power of communication A personal turning point: addiction, loss, and rebuilding from the inside out Understanding the inner critic and how it silently limits growth Strengthening the “inner champion” through daily habits and discipline Why high performers plateau—and how to break through Emotional intelligence as the foundation for peak performance The importance of creating space to respond instead of react Leading with intention vs. reacting from habit Operating in the solution by focusing on what you can control Why communication breakdowns cost companies millions (and how to fix it) How assumptions and speculation create toxic workplace cultures The role of psychological safety in engagement, retention, and performance Why leaders must set aside ego and model vulnerability A powerful leadership principle: give without expectation, receive without resistance https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/what-your-inner-critic-is-costing-you-with-christopher-salem/ Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/ https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/ https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ToddBertsch.com
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    57 分
  • Why Empathy Wins in Leadership with Dr. Melissa Robinson

    Why Empathy Wins in Leadership with Dr. Melissa Robinson
    2026/04/02
    Empathy is often dismissed as “soft” until you see its impact on trust, retention, and performance. In this episode, Todd sits down with Dr. Melissa Robinson to explore why empathy is one of the most overlooked yet powerful leadership skills.After experiencing toxic leadership firsthand, Melissa rebuilt her career around understanding human connection and helping leaders create environments where people can actually thrive. This conversation breaks empathy down into a practical, actionable skill that drives real business results.Topics Discussed Dr. Melissa Robinson’s journey from musician and professor to empathy researcher after years in a toxic workplace Why empathy is not about feelings, but about perspective-taking and understanding others How cognitive empathy functions as strategic thinking for leaders The hidden impact of perfectionism and imposter syndrome on culture and psychological safety Melissa’s four-step self-empathy framework: self-observation, self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-compassion How simple actions like apology and repair can build trust and strengthen relationships Why empathy and accountability can coexist without lowering standards A practical tool to make empathy actionable: “name their outcome” The power of the pause to improve emotional regulation, curiosity, and decision-making Why creativity and innovation require space, just like music requires silence How leaders shape culture through their everyday actions and behaviors Key TakeawayEmpathy isn’t a weakness. It’s a leadership skill that, when practiced intentionally, creates stronger teams, healthier cultures, and better results. https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/why-empathy-wins-in-leadership-with-melissa-robinson---------------------------------------------------------------------------- If this conversation sparked something for you, share it with a leader on your team and leave a review so more people can discover it.Curious how Positive Intelligence can support you or your team? Visit toddbertsch.com to learn more. Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/ https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/ https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ToddBertsch.com
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    58 分
  • From Empty Success to Abundant Living with Drew Norton

    From Empty Success to Abundant Living with Drew Norton
    2026/03/19
    You don’t forget the moment everything changes. Drew Norton shares the night he walked into sirens, panic, and his six-month-old son barely breathing—and how that single moment rewired how he leads himself, his marriage, and his life. What follows is a raw, honest conversation about identity, presence, and the truth about success: it’s not what looks good on paper, it’s how you show up when it matters most. We explore the shift from chasing external wins to building a life rooted in faith, family, fitness, and finance—and the small, intentional decisions that make that possible. Topics We Cover The life-altering moment that redefined Drew’s leadership and priorities How crisis can spark self-awareness, growth, and deeper purpose Why leadership starts with leading yourself first The hidden cost of being “successful on paper” but absent at home Breaking the “I’ll be happy when” cycle and learning to be present now Redefining success through time, values, and relationships—not titles or income How personal development improved communication, marriage, and emotional intelligence Drew’s Abundant Man framework: identity, purpose, and battle plan The power of identity-based habits in creating lasting transformation Lessons from losing 100 pounds—discipline, belief, and sustainable change Rewiring limiting beliefs through daily identity statements and mindset shifts Mental fitness, self-awareness, and doing the internal work that drives external results Why “sales is life” and how selling is really about service, empathy, and clarity Leading teams through pressure, rejection, and high-performance environments Building abundance across faith, family, fitness, and finance—without sacrificing one for another The mission to impact millions of men by creating connection, support, and growth Key Takeaway Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a decision you make daily. And the more you work on yourself, the better you show up for everyone else. Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/ https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/ https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ToddBertsch.com
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    54 分