Lead the People

Lead the People

Hosted by: Matt Poepsel, PhD

Lead The People is your guide to unlocking your true potential as an authentic leader. Hosted by Dr. Matt Poepsel—The Godfather of Talent Optimization—this podcast dives deep into the art and science of what it takes...

All Episodes

Episodes

134: Leading with Heart in a Metrics-Obsessed World with Adam Weber

Adam Weber has helped grow organizations, lead people-first teams, and navigate the tension between humanity and performance. In this episode of Lead The People, Adam Weber and Matt Poepsel talks about why real...
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133: Creating Safer Workplaces Starts by Telling the Truth with Leigh Elena Henderson

Leigh Elena Henderson spent years in corporate HR — until the system she upheld broke her down. In this episode, Leigh shares her powerful story of leaving the corporate world behind and using her voice to expose the...
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#132: From Invisible to Invaluable: Building Cultures of Significance with Zach Mercurio

What happens when people don’t feel seen, needed, or valued at work? In this episode, author and researcher Zach Mercurio joins Matt Poepsel for a powerful conversation on mattering — the often-missing ingredient in...
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#131: Why Being Proactive About Mental Health Changes Everything with Stephen Sokoler

In this conversation, Stephen Sokoler unpacks the evolving definition of mental health and its impact on the modern workplace. As founder and CEO of Journey, Stephen challenges the outdated, reactive approach to...
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#130: Transforming Toxic Management with Marcel Schwantes

In this conversation, Marcel Schwantes discusses the profound effects of toxic management on personal health and workplace dynamics. He emphasizes the need for humane leadership characterized by empathy, kindness,...
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#129: Why Most People Never Reach The Next Level with Jason Feifer

Why do some people rise while others stay stuck, even though they’re just as talented? In this episode, we sit down with Jason Feifer, editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur Magazine and host of the Problem Solvers podcast,...
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#128: How AI + Human Decision Making Beats AI Alone when Hiring with Scott Parish

Scott Parish is the founder and CEO of HireGuide. Before that, he helped build LinkedIn Jobs & ATS. In this episode, Matt sits down with Scott to explore how AI is revolutionizing the hiring process. Scott...
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#127: How Asking for Help Transforms Teams and Results with Dr. Rosie Ward

Dr. Rosie Ward is a fierce advocate for humanity who is sought-after to help rehumanize workplaces that free, fuel, and inspire people to bring their best selves to work and home each day. She serves as CEO and...
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#126: Leadership Lessons From California Pizza Kitchen with Shannon Kirk

Currently serving as the Chief People Officer at California Pizza Kitchen, Shannon is an experienced HR executive with over 20 years in the hospitality and tech industries. Known for driving change, fostering...
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#125: Why Most New Managers Struggle (and how to set them up for success) with Ashley Herd

Ashley Herd is the founder of Manager Method, a business focused on empowering managers with practical tools to lead effectively. With a background as a General Counsel and Head of HR, Ashley has a unique perspective...
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#124: Maintain Human Connection While Leveraging Technology with Naomi Titleman

Naomi Titleman Colla is Co-Founder of future foHRward Inc. (futurefoHRward.com), whose mission is to empower Human Resources (HR), and all leaders of the future to make work better through their weekly newsletter...
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#123: How to Overcome Fear and Live More Courageously with Dr. Mary Poffenroth

Dr. Mary Poffenroth is a scientist, professor, and fear/courage researcher. From being adopted at birth to being a first generation college student to her first day at NASA and beyond, Mary has dedicated her life to...
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