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Connected
Teamwork
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PODCAST

Learn more about our presenters in LinkedIn:

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E58

By prioritizing meaningful relationships, leveraging technology, engaging with communities, practicing self-care, and embracing empathy, we can maintain our connections and thrive even amidst chaos and uncertainty.
How do you stay truly connected and resilient in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty?
In today's world, conflict and uncertainty seem to be constants—wars, famine, political strife, and natural disasters are just a few of the challenges we face.
Amidst this chaos, our connections become lifelines. It's crucial to prioritize relationships, not just for our personal well-being but also for our resilience and effectiveness as teams.
Humans are hardwired to crave social connection. When faced with bad news or feeling separated due to polarized views, our need for connectedness becomes even more pronounced.

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E57

Chief Executive Officer at Indiedogood

“We didn’t bring a gun on the Appalachian Trail, only bear spray,” shared Susan Otten, Chief Executive Officer at Indiedogood about her 2,194.3miles in 154 days hike to raise $94,000+ for Parkinson's research. Susan has held leadership positions at major companies, including Apple and shares three principles that help her succeed: tools, training and team. “I couldn’t have done this hike without my daughter and all the people who supported us on the trail.” They literally appeared out of the woodwork. Bleeding head wound? Two hikers appeared, one of which had the same happen a week prior. They provided the bandaging Susan needed. Unsure where the nearest emergency room is? A car appears: “You gals, need a ride?” Susan inspires entrepreneurs she supports with her high trust mindset. Do you need help? Please don’t sit on the problem by yourself for too long. Give us a call. We are here to help. https://www.youtube.com/@appalachiantrailforparkins1185

E56

Founder & CEO of SCW.AI and Supply Chain Wizard

“To build great teams, we need to empower people,” shares Evren Ozkaya, Founder & CEO of SCW.AI and Supply Chain Wizard. People need to become owners of the company and vision for the company, then they can lead. Then they make decisions that reflect the whole and are not about just optimizing their sub-systems. “Don’t make anyone wrong,” says Evren. Everyone has a positive intention and is trying to achieve their goals in the best way they know how. Listen to how they feel, what they need, what their aspirations are and work with them to realize those in the context of the vision for the company. Help people release their personal agenda and be successful as part of the whole.

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E55

Regional VP, Strategy and Growth at YASH Technologies

On the latest Connected Teamwork Podcast featuring co-hosts Hylke Faber of Growth Leaders Network and Salesman on Fire author Carson V. Heady of Microsoft, we welcomed Shashi Bhushan, Regional VP of YASH Technologies and 20+ year consultant and leader, to share his insights on creating and nurturing a connected team.

The ability to foster a deeply connected and empowered team is more crucial than ever.

Here are proven strategies for building connectedness within teams, including practical advice on clear communication, trust and empowerment, cultural sensitivity, and effective conflict resolution.

By embracing these principles, leaders can create an environment where every team member feels seen, heard, and valued, ultimately driving unprecedented levels of engagement and success.

E54

Emmy Award-winning journalist, strategic communication advisor

If you want to keep learning, you need to be willing to let go of your power and comfort and move to the edge, shared Hanson Hosein, Emmy-award winning journalist and master storyteller.  Listen to where you can contribute on the edge between what the universe calls forth from you and what the zeitgeist is. That is a place where you will contribute and find meaning. We build Connected Teams by helping each other do what gives us meaning. This isn’t always easy. Sometimes we need to be willing to drop the mike and to go into the empty in between spaces. “Keep yourself in the creative vein,” shared Hanson, I also play guitar for example. That is how I make sure I stay connected to my creative energy.

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E53

CEO of Titan International

Building a high performing team takes time, says Paul Reitz, CEO of Titan International. It starts with building trust and connectedness. How? You need to consistently show up in alignment with your values and take accountability for yourself.  You need to take accountability for your actions. That creates an atmosphere of trust where you can give each other the hard feedback when needed. And realize that feedback is a moment in a relationship, not the whole thing. “We go for lunch after the feedback conversation.” We often learn most from the people who give us the toughest feedback. It is not easy to hear and yet one key to connectedness is to live ‘with your eyes wide open,’ says Paul. Be open to learn from everyone always. And put the team’s success first. It’s not about you, it’s about helping the team be the best they can be. And borrowing from “First Break All the Rules,” focus on the higher performers. The others will either follow or over time leave the team.

E52

Vice President of Data Analytics at Medtronic

Anything worth having you have to work hard for, shares Luciano Miranda, Vice President of Data Analytics at Medtronic. Discover the essential elements of a high performing team: a strong team identity, a learning mindset, and intentional connectivity. Learn why tackling task and relationship conflicts and holding people accountable—despite discomfort—is crucial for outstanding results. Dive deep into the strategies that foster team health and drive exceptional outcomes.

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E51

Vice President at OSF Healthcare

“When we speak from the heart, we are speaking truth and that has a very different quality than speaking from the mind,” shared Roopa Foulger, Vice President at OSF Healthcare in this Connected Teamwork podcast. We need to take of the masks. They block our wisdom, creativity, empathy and cause stress. How do we do this? We first acknowledge that in some settings wearing a mask may seem necessary. Then, with gentleness, we explore why we wear this mask and what it would be like if we let go a bit of this protective layer. “As leaders we may think we should know it all,” shares Roopa. That is one of our masks and is not our job. We need to be deep listeners and observers of our team’s dynamics so we can see when it is time to help people on our team share more freely, for example after they have received a  strongly worded disagreement. What would it be like if we shared yourself a bit more freely today?

E50

Founder S2 - Stalker Solutions - Retired U.S. Marine

How do we keep growing? We need to be clear about where we are going. Our goal has to be bigger than our tendency to stay in the comfort zone, says Scott Stalker, who served in the US Marine Corps for 31 years in senior leadership positions and is now a coach focused on personal development and national security. Take a look: how do the people, information and habits in your life support where you are going? And bring patience and gentleness to your journey. If it doesn't work out today, that doesn't mean anything.  What's most important is that you remain committed to the journey you're on.

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E49

On the latest episode of the Connected Teamwork podcast from Growth Leaders Network, co-hosted by Hylke Faber, author of Taming Your Crocodiles, and Microsoft's Carson V. Heady, author of Salesman on Fire we delve deep into the intricacies of effective teamwork. In today's episode, we embark on a journey to unravel the multifaceted layers of connected teamwork, exploring its nuances, challenges, and transformative potential.

E48

VP of Strategic Enablement at Salesforce

On the latest episode of Connected Teamwork, Sheevaun Thatcher, CPC, VP of Strategic Enablement at Salesforce, and "jungle gym manager" with a diverse sales and leadership career, joins Microsoft's Salesman on Fire Carson V. Heady to dive into the nuances of leadership styles, culture and adaptation.

The essence of teamwork has taken on new dimensions, revealing its transformative potential in shaping organizational success. As a leader who has traversed through various landscapes of leadership, Sheevaun has come to appreciate the profound impact of connected teamwork on driving innovation, fostering growth, and navigating through challenges.

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E47

Senior leader in the federal government

How do we build truly connected teams? “It’s all about truly open and transparent communication,” says Joel Klemmer, a senior leader in the federal government, seasoned leader and author of “Strategic Synergy: Mastering the Art of Leadership in the Modern Business World.” We create safe spaces for open communication by deep listening, and making everyone know that their perspective is valued. Also constructive feedback and helping people appreciate that feedback is one of the most powerful tools to grow as a leader. And people need to feel empowered and be given a sense of autonomy.

E46

Senior Director of Field and Partner Marketing, Ciena

How do we build connectedness in teams, especially when things get tough? Says Ray Patalano, a 30 year technology veteran (remember Netscape, he was there): “Important that we make sure people feel safe to learn from failure.” Also acceptance of each other’s uniqueness plays a big part. Feeling disconnected? Don’t wait for the perfect way to connect with your team. Doing something small will help you move in the right direction.

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SUMMIT - 12 Defining Moments

SPECIAL EPISODES #34 - 45

During the summit we explored the  12 Team Defining Moments and how we can help our teams build connectedness through each of them.

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E33

VP Salesforce

Connected teamwork requires leaders to be intentional, empathetic, and resilient. By embracing collaboration, empowering the team, and navigating change with poise, leaders cultivate a culture where connectedness thrives.

On the latest episode of the Connected Teamwork Podcast, Salesforce VP Jason Thomas joins Microsoft's Carson V. Heady as they delve into practical advice for leaders seeking to enhance collaboration, engagement, and resilience within their teams.

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E32

It’s about courageous connectedness. It goes beyond IQ and EQ. It’s about having team members be deeply connected to themselves, each other and their purpose together.

In the Connected Teamwork podcast, we explore with leaders from all kinds of teams how to build deep connectedness by growing through the most challenging team moments.

Join Microsoft Sales Leader and best-selling author Carson V. Heady, Growth Leaders Network (GLN) Coach and Founder, and award-winning author Hylke Faber, as they explore together with their guest what helps people truly thrive together.

E31

Critical Friend for C-Suite Leaders & Boards in Social Causes

Toni McLelland, Critical Friend for C-Suite Leaders & Boards in Social Causes shares how the social aspect of leadership is the most important one. “Compassion and Care win every time,” says Toni. When she led large teams, she’d spent 80% on supporting people and 20% on doing other things. When you extend compassion to someone you create a relationship. She learned from her early career in criminal justice working with young gang members that extending care and understanding creates safety and healing. Leading with compassion is not always easy. It requires courage. Toni shares how a leader needs to stay in the challenge and not give up, giving people a role model and also helping them through the challenge, even when no one yet knows how it will resolve. Compassion and care fit in every situation. Compassion is about helping others to relieve their suffering.

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E30

Vice President of Sales, Salesforce

Unlock the power of authentic leadership and connected teamwork as we delve into the keys of vulnerability, individual understanding, and strategic AI integration for thriving in today's dynamic business landscape.

On the latest episode of Connected TeamworkSalesforce VP Caren W. joins Microsoft's Carson V. Heady, author of Salesman on Fire to explore connectedness within teams and leadership.

From understanding individual purposes to the intersection of business and social impact, we dove into the essentials for thriving together, especially in challenging times.

E29

Radio show host, professional speaker and trusted advisor to business leaders.

To be a leader we need to take responsibility for ourselves, unconditionally. Challenges will be there. How do we respond with resourcefulness rather than giving into the fog of reactivity and resistance? Key Note Speaker & Coach Christopher Salem shares his journey and how to prepare oneself mentally, physically and spiritually, every day for what is in store of us. How do we lead from intention rather than expectation?

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E28

Chief Information Officer at Mercy

What would Sister Rock have me do? What do we want to hand off to future generations? Scott Richert is the Chief Information Officer of Mercy, the leading Midwest hospital system of which Sister Rock was a leader for many years. Together with this dad, Scott’s family has served Mercy for over 50 years. How do we find our purpose? “God can’t steer a car that is parked,” says Scott. We need to listen for internal guidance on what is meaningful to us, what lights us up and then do what is in front of us. As we pursue the path, our mission and meaning becomes more clear over time. Scott reflects on the bigger why often, also with the people he leads. It helps them make decisions and be clear about: What is it that has to stay always? What is it that we need to change to be of service, given the circumstances in front of us?

E27

In the spirit of Martin Luther King Day, let's contemplate the choices we make in interactions. Opening our circles of care and compassion to include everything and everyone is a path toward true freedom.

Imagine a world where judgment gives way to compassion—a world where our connections are marked by a profound sense of unity and love. Judgment, while a convenient shield, blocks us from experiencing this deep connection.

Embracing our differences without judgment leads to a sense of compassion and a willingness to accept imperfections and find beauty in the uniqueness of each other.

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E26

Endings are inevitable. Amidst the sense of finality and the emotional phases of transition, embracing change can lead to new opportunities and personal growth. Every destination is but a doorway to another.

🔄 Embrace Change: Endings are not final but gateways to new beginnings, prompting personal and professional growth. Carson and Hylke share insights into navigating transitions with resilience and real examples of endings that beget ultimately greater fulfillment.

🌐 Cultivate Connectedness: Intentional leadership is pivotal during team endings. Focusing on relationships, values, and shared purpose creates a supportive environment, fostering a sense of unity amidst change. It isn't goodbye; mentorships and friendships can sustain team endings.

🤔 Tough Calls and Decision-Making: Recognize when to let go, weighing factors like fulfillment, learning opportunities, growth, and relationships. View endings as opportunities for transformation and continuous evolution.

How have you navigated endings in your career and within your team?

E25

Ouch! From Pain Point to Pinpoint

OUCH! How do we work with the ouch that invariably happens in teams?

How do we work with pain, that of ourselves and of each other, and still deepen connectedness in our teams?

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E24

GUEST: Johan Supuwood

Vice President - Healthcare, Bank of America

It’s about courageous connectedness. It’s about having team members be deeply connected to themselves, each other and their purpose together.

In the Connected Teamwork podcast, we explore with leaders from all kinds of teams how to build deep connectedness by growing through the most challenging team moments.

E23

GUEST: Christine Hopkins

President & CEO of Advanced Supply Chain International LLC

How to lead and keep the team engaged during the worst days?

How to connect a group of people with their own passions to the higher purpose when organization is experiencing its most challenging moments?

Watch this episode for a conversation with Christine Hopkins

Christine is the President & CEO of Advanced Supply Chain International LLC (ASCI) and ASCI Federal Services. ASCI specializes in outsourced warehousing and inventory management. Prior to joining ASCI in 2013, she spent more than a decade specializing in Human Resources, Safety & Risk Management. Her entire career has been focused on helping people become the best professional versions of themselves.

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E22

What connectedness means in the context of cybersecurity and privacy?
How do you practice connecting to self, to others and to higher purpose in a field which requires focus on people, process and technology?

Joseph is a Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft.  He mainly advises customers in the Health and Life Sciences field.  Before Microsoft, Joseph spent several years as a consultant and a full time CISO.  His background is in management, technology, and life sciences.  Joseph has been involved with cybersecurity professionally and personally for over 30 years.

E21

How do we enjoy more and more what we are doing, perfecting our craft?

How do we find real fulfilment?

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E20

How do we unleash energy in ourselves and our teams by really getting clear about our mission and following through on it?

How do we take mission driven decisions rather than being reactively opportunistic?

E19

How do we build connectedness when there is conflict on a team?

 

How do we bring up the elephants in the room in way that bring us closer together?

 

How can we use the energy of conflict to help evolve our team to its next level?

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E18

What does connectedness mean for the sales teams? Where do we start the connectedness journey?
 
What does good look like and how do we build resilience to keep striving to “good”?
 
We discuss these questions with Dionne Mejer, Change Agent, Author, and Sales Advisor, who is passionate about sales, learning and relationships. A 25-year veteran in sales and technology, Dionne brings her Midwest roots with her California sunshine experience, lessons learned, and more to each discussion and engagement. Her teams and clients have always seen success and many have gone on to experience promotions and both personal and professional growth. She believes in positive transformation, living with purpose, and bringing the best out in everyone and in every situation. And finally published her book, The Stepped Approach, earlier this year.

E17

Leading remote or hybrid teams across different geographies or cultures presents unique challenges.
 
Lilia Christofi, at this episode of the Connected Teamwork podcast, will share what she learned throughout her career about teamwork and making progress together by deepening connection to each other.

Lilia has 20+ of cross industry experience particularly in FSI across 4 continents. She lived in 7 countries and cultures, while navigating career progression and is now leading EMEA Banking for Microsoft. Her focus has been large transformation and changes at private and public sector, navigating complexities specifically to do with human barriers. 

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E16

How do we build connectedness as a team by sharing who we truly are?

How does all of life prepare us to connect more deeply to ourselves and each other?

How can we apply our connectedness to build a high performing team?

Listen to this podcast with special guest Robert Washington M.B.A MS, Microsoft sales leader, mixed martial arts pro-athlete and award-winning inspirational speaker and Hylke Faber.

E15

How do you foster inspiration for your team in increasingly complex environment?

Join our next Episode of Connected Teamwork podcast on September 25 at noon PST for a conversation with Stephen Oommen.

Stephen is a Managing Director at Microsoft, and a sought after professional speaker. What sets Stephen apart is how he uses his personal philosophy of inspiring people to create life & love and translate revenue into actionable value. Stephen is a process-oriented leader with a commitment to authentic leadership and critical thinking.

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E14

How do you foster authentic connection and why connectedness matters during team’s most critical moments?

Join our next Episode of Connected Teamwork podcast on September 11 at noon PST for a conversation with Bob Fabien

Bob is the former Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Santa Clara University and a Senior Information Warfare Officer (CEO/GM level) in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Bob is recognized for his knowledge, vision, leadership, and collaborative style of effectively approaching a constantly evolving and complex area of information security and risk management. He demonstrates ability to establish positive internal and external C-level and boardroom relationships to effect significant change, drive a cybersecurity risk management strategy forward while enabling organizational growth.

E13

How do we build deeper connectedness as a team when things are not going well?
How do we trust to lean more into each other when we feel stretched?


Setbacks are heat moments. Teams at their best use upsets as setups for learning and greater connectedness and impact. Disconnected teams can further disintegrate when things are not going well.
 
We can learn to approach challenges as core team defining moments. We can learn to be intentional about how we show up at our best and support others to do the same. As a team we can learn to use challenge to gain more perspective, strength and connection, and become even more purposeful.
 
In this episode we explore how we can maximize our team’s growth in times of challenge by being intentional about the energy we bring to these heat moments.

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E12

Giving feedback may be difficult. It may trigger fears that the conversation will damage the relationship or disrupt workflow. As a result, the feedback may come too late, be vague, or shared in the way that makes it very heavy.
 
Truly seeking and taking in feedback is also challenging. Our ego resists what it perceives as criticism, or threat to our security and feeling accepted by others. So, it is tempting to downplay the feedback, withdraw from the relationship, or, on the contrary, vehemently defend yourself. And yet regular feedback exchange is the basic element of a team’s effective functioning.
 
In this episode we explore how to cultivate feedback as intentional, day-to-day connecting practice.

E11

Have you ever failed to meet your commitment while working on a team? How did you feel?

What if someone else does not deliver upon their word?

Team work assumes interdependency. It’s hard to reach a team outcome if one of us does not play their part. At the same time we have multiple challenges, team priorities change, coordination takes time while things beyond our control keep happening.

In this episode we talk about managing commitments and how to make sure that our word counts to each other in our next episode of the Connected Teamwork Podcast.

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