The Step UP - Where Leaders, Talent Managers and Leadership Development pros find expert tips for Leadership excellence cover art

The Step UP - Where Leaders, Talent Managers and Leadership Development pros find expert tips for Leadership excellence

The Step UP - Where Leaders, Talent Managers and Leadership Development pros find expert tips for Leadership excellence

By: Kent Kniebel
Listen for free

About this listen

About the Podcast The Step Up brings together experts who help leaders elevate their impact. Each 45-minute episode features conversations with thought leaders, practitioners, and innovators who are changing how we think about leadership development and helping leaders step up their game. Why This Podcast Exists Throughout my career—from my time at organizations like Korn Ferry, Cargill, General Mills, and Buffalo Wild Wings to my current work as an independent leadership consultant—I've witnessed firsthand how leaders struggle during moments of change and transition and when learning higher-level skills. Work never slows down, and leaders often find themselves trying to grow while in the thick of daily demands. The Step Up is designed to provide practical wisdom and actionable strategies that busy leaders can implement immediately to enhance their effectiveness. What to Expect Each episode follows a two-part format: Part One: Leadership Journeys We explore our guest's background, expertise, and unique perspective on leadership development. You'll hear authentic stories about their experiences supporting leaders and the insights they've gained along the way. Part Two: Actionable Strategies Our guests share three specific, practical tools or approaches that you can apply to your leadership right away. We dig into each one, discussing how to implement it effectively in your unique context. Your Host Kent Kniebel brings over 20 years of experience in leadership development, talent management, and DEI consulting to each conversation. Drawing on his background in corporate HR roles and external consulting work, Kent guides discussions that bridge theory and practice, focusing on what really works in today's leadership landscape. Connect with Kent Have questions about the podcast or want to continue the conversation? Connect with Kent on LinkedIn or visit Kniebel Leadership Advisory to learn more about his work supporting leaders during critical transitions.Copyright 2025 Kent Kniebel
Episodes
  • Scaling Leadership: Bri Flynn on Building Better Managers At Scale
    May 9 2025

    Scaling leadership development is the name of the game today, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride! In this episode, we dive deep into how managing leaders can feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle, with many folks out there feeling like they’re drowning under the weight of two and a half jobs. My guest, Bri Flynn, and I chat about the importance of integrating leadership training into the everyday hustle, making it as seamless as slipping on your favorite pair of sneakers. We talk about the magic of blending traditional training with coaching and real-time support, all while keeping it simple and relevant to what people actually do. So grab your headphones and get ready for some golden nuggets on how to empower those leaders without adding to their already overflowing plates!

    Navigating the turbulent waters of leadership development is no small feat, and Bri Flynn's insights shed light on how to scale these initiatives effectively. Many managers are currently feeling the heat, often overloaded with responsibilities that hinder their ability to lead effectively. Bri makes a compelling case for embedding leadership development into the daily workflow, emphasizing that it should not feel like an additional chore but rather a natural part of their leadership journey.

    We kick off the discussion by unpacking the transition from individual contributor to leader, a shift that can feel like jumping into the deep end without a life raft. Bri stresses the importance of setting clear expectations early on, focusing on compliance, core competencies, and cultural values. These foundational elements are essential for building leaders who are not just effective in their roles but also contribute positively to the organizational culture.


    As our chat progresses, we delve into the nuances of scaling leadership development across different levels of an organization. Bri advocates for a hybrid learning approach, combining asynchronous modules with real-life applications and peer coaching. This model supports continuous learning and accountability among leaders, fostering a collaborative environment where they can share challenges and successes. By the end of our conversation, it’s clear that the road to effective leadership development is paved with simplicity, empathy, and a strategic focus on aligning training with business goals.


    Takeaways:

    • In today's fast-paced work environment, many leaders are juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, leaving them overwhelmed.
    • Effective leadership development should integrate seamlessly into the daily workflow to avoid adding extra stress to busy managers.
    • Building a strong foundation with early managers is crucial for developing future leaders and ensuring a healthy workplace culture.
    • Coaching should be seen as a strategic investment, offering leaders a space to reflect and grow without the pressure of daily tasks.
    • Utilizing AI tools can enhance leadership development by offering real-time support and insights to managers as they navigate their roles.
    • Engaging in transparent conversations about potential and succession planning fosters trust and encourages employees to pursue growth opportunities.


    Links:

    • Bri Flynn on Linked In
    • Bri's Website
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
No reviews yet