Title: The Magic of the Stay Interview with Dick Finnegan

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Jennifer welcomes turnover expert Dick Finnegan to share his proven strategies for reducing employee turnover through one powerful tool: the stay interview. As CEO of C-Suite Analytics and author of The Power of Stay Interviews, Dick explains how five simple questions can dramatically improve retention, engagement, and trust between managers and employees.

Dick walks us through his journey from traditional HR to becoming a thought leader in employee retention. He reveals how turnover often hinges more on who manages employees than on where or what they do—and how stay interviews put the power to reduce attrition directly into managers’ hands. Introverted leaders are natural fits to plan and execute these critical discussions.

Listeners will learn why exit interviews come too late, how employee referrals and job previews drive better hiring outcomes, and why engagement surveys fall short of the individualized insight companies really need. In order to prevent introverts from quietly quitting, consider the proven strategies that Dick shared.

Key Topics:

• The five essential questions every manager should ask in a stay interview

• Why accountability for turnover should fall to managers, not HR

• The underestimated cost of losing employees (up to $18,700 per entry-level role!)

• Realistic job previews and referrals as hiring game-changers

• How stay interviews foster connection, especially valuable for introverted employees

Action Items:

• 📘 Explore Dick’s newest book, Targeting Turnover

• 🗣️ Start stay interviews within your team or organization

• 💡 Share turnover cost data with leadership to gain support

• 🤝 Strengthen your employee referral program

Connect with the Guest:
Dick Finnegan – C-Suite Analytics | Author of The Power of Stay Interviews and Targeting Turnover

Guest: Carol Stewart, Founder of Abounding Solutions and Creator of the Quietly Visible Conference
Host: Jennifer Kahnweiler
Duration: ~28 minutes

In this episode, Jennifer talks with Carol Stewart, a leadership coach, author, and advocate for introverted leaders. Carol shares her journey from the UK Ministry of Justice to becoming a globally recognized voice for introverts. Her passion for coaching, combined with academic rigor and lived experience, helped her create impactful spaces—like the Quietly Visible conference—that champion introversion as a leadership strength.

Carol also opens up about the “introvert pay gap,” how introverts can thrive on LinkedIn, and what it takes to be an introvert ally in today's workplace.

• From Redundancy to Reinvention:
  Carol transitioned from a senior government role into coaching after her position was eliminated. She leaned into her strengths and passion for helping others grow, particularly during career transitions.

• Embracing Introversion as a Strength:
  Like many introverts, Carol once resisted the label due to common misconceptions. Through deeper research and reflection, she came to see introversion as a source of power and authenticity.

• The Introvert Pay Gap is Real:
  Carol discusses emerging research showing that extroverts tend to earn more over the course of their careers, in part due to workplace biases.

• Strategies for Allyship in Organizations:
  Allies can:

  • Acknowledge the extrovert ideal bias.

  • Design meetings that allow space for introverts to reflect.

  • Share agendas in advance.

  • Encourage diverse thinking styles.

• LinkedIn for Introverts:
  Carol recommends it as a platform where introverts can:

  • Share thought leadership at their own pace.

  • Build visibility without being in the spotlight.

  • Connect deeply and authentically.

• Social Justice and Personality Inclusion:
  Carol views personality style inclusion—especially for introverts—as a social justice issue. She urges organizations to expand inclusion efforts beyond visible characteristics.

Carol hosts a unique in-person and virtual conference for introverted leaders each September in London. With panels, masterclasses, and even a LinkedIn branding session, it’s a powerful experience for introverted professionals across the globe.

• Follow Carol Stewart on LinkedIn (search: Carol Stewart Abounding Solutions or Carol Stewart Quietly Visible)

• Visit her website: aboundingsolutions.com to sign up for her newsletter and learn about the 2025 Quietly Visible Conference

• Explore Carol’s work on leadership coaching, psychological safety, and inclusion

• Become an introvert ally by:

  • Noticing and addressing bias

  • Encouraging balanced participation in meetings

  • Valuing authenticity over performance

Overview

What does it take to lead confidently when everything feels uncertain? In this episode of Introvert Ally, Jennifer sits down with Kevin Eikenberry—leadership expert, longtime remote work researcher, and Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group—to explore the power of flexibility in today’s rapidly evolving workplace.

Kevin shares insights from his newest book, Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence, and offers a compelling case for why adaptability and contextual awareness are non-negotiable skills for leaders—especially those guiding remote or hybrid teams.

They dig into what introverted professionals need from their managers, how training is evolving to meet diverse learning needs, and why leaders must check in, not check out, when people are working from a distance. Plus, Kevin reflects on his roots growing up on an Indiana farm, his early career in agri-business, and how leadership has shaped him into a better human being.

Key Topics:

• The mindset shifts leaders need to navigate uncertainty

• How to meaningfully engage introverts in meetings and training

• Why context matters more than ever in leadership decisions

• The ongoing evolution of remote and hybrid work

• Kevin’s personal leadership journey and what continues to drive his work

About Kevin

Kevin Eikenberry is a globally recognized leadership thinker and the founder of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. He’s spent over 30 years helping leaders in 53+ countries unlock their potential. He’s the author of multiple bestselling books including The Long-Distance Leader, From Bud to Boss, and Remarkable Leadership.

🎁 Download a free gift from Kevin: Click here
📝 Read Kevin’s blog: kevineikenberry.com/blog
🎧 Listen to Kevin’s podcast: The Remarkable Leadership Podcast