"If you are focused on highly loyal and highly satisfied people, then you will lead them to engagement." – Gretchen Schott

What are the top engagement pitfalls businesses face today, and how can leaders avoid them? In this episode, Gretchen Schott highlights the five most common mistakes organizations make when trying to engage their teams.

Join us as Gretchen discusses why perks can't replace purpose, how engagement needs to be tailored across departments, and why focusing solely on top performers creates toxic cultures. Gretchen offers unique insights while challenging leaders to rethink their strategies and make intentional, thoughtful changes that lead to meaningful engagement across the entire team.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The importance of prioritizing purpose over perks in driving loyalty and satisfaction

• How to prevent high performers from burning out by encouraging healthy work habits

• The need for tailored engagement practices across different departments and roles

Get in touch with Gretchen and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into an essential part of this leadership journey: Adaptive Leadership.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro
(01:04) First pitfall: Ignoring employee feedback
(03:01) Second pitfall: Focusing on perks versus purpose
(04:12) Third pitfall: Overloading high performers
(06:35) Fourth pitfall: An all-for-one approach to engagement
(08:47) Fifth pitfall: Focusing only on top performers
(11:04) Closing remarks: How to avoid these engagement pitfalls next year

"When you're out of sorts and feeling overwhelmed, what are you doing to find rest? What are you doing to experience contentment?" - Gretchen Schott

In this Leadership Lesson, Gretchen Schott explores the surprising connection between contentment and the content we consume. By reflecting on how the information, media, and goals we chase affect our sense of satisfaction, Gretchen reveals that true contentment is often hindered by the discontent we invite into our lives through what we absorb daily.

Join us as Gretchen unpacks why achieving balance as a leader starts with examining not just what we produce but what we consume. Through mindful reflection and intentional choices, she provides guidance on aligning our consumption with our values and how this can lead to greater peace, fulfillment, and impact in our personal and professional lives.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The connection between contentment and the content you consume

• Why rest and reflection are key to maintaining balance and avoiding burnout

• The importance of aligning your actions with your core beliefs to achieve long-term satisfaction and effectiveness as a leader

Get in touch with Gretchen and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into an essential part of this leadership journey: Adaptive Leadership.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(00:50) The importance of rest and contentment in leadership

(01:35) The connection between feeling discontent and the content we consume

(03:17) Striving for goals without taking time to rest

(05:50) Gretchen’s personal reflection on content creation and its impact

(06:34) Closing

“If you do the right things, then money will always follow. Being nice to people doesn’t cost money. Empathy is not a weakness." — Robert Irvine

Chef, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Robert Irvine shares his powerful perspective on leading with empathy, kindness, and authenticity. According to Robert, true leadership is about understanding and supporting your team, embracing failure as a learning tool, and staying grounded in your values. His experience running multiple businesses and a foundation taught him that genuine care for others is the secret to success.

Join Gretchen and Robert as they explore what it truly means to lead with heart.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The ripple effect of being kind

• Practical ways to build trust with your team

• How to turn your ideas into successful ventures

Connect with Robert Irvine: https://linkedin.com/in/chefirvine/

More on FITCRUCNH: https://fitcrunch.com/

Check out Robert’s book, “Overcoming Impossible”: https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Impossible-Catapult-Business-Success/dp/1400238331

Get in touch with Gretchen, and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into Problem Solving and Adaptive Leadership.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Made for Impact with host Gretchen Schott

(03:13) Advice for startup entrepreneurs

(07:02) Embracing failure as a necessary part of growth

(09:22) Cooking for first responders and the military to give back

(12:43) Inspiration behind "Overcoming Impossible"

(14:21) Leadership values: empathy, trust, and vulnerability

(22:23) The power of kindness and small acts of generosity

(29:13) Connecting people through food

"We need to be reminded of the fact that when someone joins your organization, even though they've said yes and even though you've interviewed them and even though they seem like the perfect fit, the journey has just begun." - Gretchen Schott.

Employee loyalty and satisfaction start with a successful onboarding program.

In this Leadership Lesson, Gretchen Schott discusses the importance of an onboarding program and the proven four-step framework that goes into it — People, Projects, Process, and Paperwork. Gretchen shares how leaders, whether you're business owner, frontline worker, or HR innovator, can create a seamless and engaging onboarding experience. Following her guidance, you’ll learn practical steps to make a lasting impact on your organization’s culture and ensure your new hires don't just start but thrive.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The difference between orientation and onboarding along with their significance in ensuring employee loyalty and satisfaction

• The four P's of a robust onboarding program: people, projects, process, and paperwork, which help set new employees up for success

• The importance of strategically timing the introduction of information and relationships during the onboarding process to foster engagement and affiliation

Get in touch with Gretchen and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into an essential part of this leadership journey: Adaptive Leadership.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introduction by Made for Impact with host Gretchen Schott
(02:12) The difference between onboarding and orientation

(03:36) The 4 P’s of a successful onboarding program

(05:36) Communicate the projects your new hire will take part in

(07:54) Go through paperwork

(10:00) Creating a clear plan increases employee satisfaction

(11:01) Closing

"If you want to be a problem solver, you're going to fail, and that's okay. What you don't want to do is fail the same way multiple times over and over again." — Matt Tait.

Matt Tait, CEO of Decimal and a self-described serial entrepreneur, gives us a wealth of knowledge about problem-solving and leadership. Matt shares the paradigms and steps for creating a supportive, growth-oriented work environment through the power of transparency and the importance of asking the right questions and maintaining curiosity.

Join Gretchen and Matt as they share ways to empower your team to solve problems and reach new levels of success.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How embracing failure and promoting a culture of transparency can lead to a more innovative and resilient team

• The importance of curiosity in problem-solving and how it can drive business success

• How intentional communication and relationship-building in remote work environments can foster strong team dynamics and emotional well-being

Connect with Matt Tait: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtait83/

More on Decimal: https://www.decimal.com/

Check out Matt’s podcast, “After The First Million”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/after-the-first-million/id1739009037

Get in touch with Gretchen, and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into Problem Solving and Adaptive Leadership.

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] Introducing Made for Impact with host Gretchen Schott

[01:31] Introduction to Matt and his family background

[04:09] Decimal’s business model and remote structure

[05:08] What Matt has learned from his family businesses

[06:20] Why fostering a culture of problem-solving is key

[11:01] The importance of talking through failures and learning

[12:43] Building trust through shared experiences

[17:20] Mental health for remote teams

[20:32] How Matt ensures employee satisfaction and loyalty

[23:44] Get connected with Matt

"Processing allows you to feel your emotions and create a plan to move forward, while dwelling holds you back in repetitive negativity." - Gretchen Schott

There’s a huge difference between dwelling and processing. And choosing one over the other can either make or break your next steps ahead.

In this Leadership Lesson, Gretchen Schott discusses the differences between dwelling and processing and how one can help you learn and grow, while the other can hold you back from your true leadership potential. She shares how mastering this distinction can significantly improve your relationships and leadership effectiveness. Join us as Gretchen shares practical strategies to help you become better and more motivated to make lasting changes.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The difference between dwelling on a problem and processing it

• A metaphor involving a China doll to help frame your approach to navigating challenging or disappointing relationships

• A strategy for processing emotions, including acknowledging feelings, identifying physical effects, and establishing control

Get in touch with Gretchen and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into an essential part of this leadership journey: Problem-solving.

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] Introduction by Made for Impact with host Gretchen Schott
[00:15] The difference between dwelling and processing

[02:42] Strategies to successfully process rather than dwell

[05:06] The metaphor of a China Doll

[07:13] Encouraging listeners to share their experiences and curiosities

"Working Genius helps us tap into what intrinsically motivates us, leading to greater joy and productivity." - Dr. Ali Atkison

Understanding your Working Genius can unlock new levels of productivity and fulfillment in your work. But failing to recognize it can leave you stuck in frustration and inefficiency.

In this episode, Gretchen Schott is joined by Dr. Ali Atkison of HRD and Whitney Bandemer of WB Consulting to discuss the power of the Working Genius model. They explore how this tool has transformed their approach to leadership and team dynamics. You'll learn how to identify your own Working Genius, the impact it can have on your leadership style, and ways to integrate this understanding into your daily work. Listen as Gretchen, Ali, and Whitney share insights that will help you and your team thrive.

Tune in to this episode to gain actionable insights into:

• How to Identify and Leverage Your Working Genius: Learn to recognize what energizes you and how to use it to elevate your leadership and impact.

• Strategies for Building a High-Performing Team: Discover practical ways to align your team's strengths, enhancing collaboration and productivity.

• Overcoming Frustrations in the Workplace: Explore methods to transform common challenges into growth opportunities, boosting both morale and results.

Get in touch with Gretchen, and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into one of six core competencies in this leadership journey – Coaching & Influencing

Resources:

Visit Whitney Bandemer’s Lead Boldly: https://www.leadboldlylearning.com/

Get your copy of Dr. Ali Atkison’s“How’s Your Computer-side Manner”: https://www.amazon.com/Hows-Your-Computer-side-Manner-Communication/dp/1636983065

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] Introduction by Made for Impact with host Gretchen Schott
[07:12] Overview of the Working Genius Model

[13:07] The impact of the Working Genius on team dynamics

[21:18] Challenges in implementing the Working Genius

[29:27] Real-world applications & leadership with the Working Genius

[37:24] Using Working Genius for new managers

[42:25] Family applications of Working Genius

"The magic happens when we create a safe space, allowing authenticity and vulnerability to surface—only then do we truly connect and grow." — Deseri Garcia

Deseri Garcia, leadership development facilitator and executive coach at Vida Aventura, hands us the key to opening deeper connections and high-performing teams. She shares how to transform challenges into opportunities by breaking them down into manageable actions, how authenticity and vulnerability can serve as catalysts for profound growth and stronger teams, and the critical role of self-awareness in driving success.

Join Gretchen and Deseri as they guide you on a journey of growth, connection, and leadership.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to create a psychologically safe environment in team settings to encourage authenticity and vulnerability

• The importance of chunking down big challenges and taking small actions to build momentum within teams

• Insights into the significance of personal development practices such as mindfulness, self-awareness, and stress management for effective leadership

Connect with Deseri Garcia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deserigarcia/

More on Vida Aventura: https://vidaaventura.net/

Get in touch with Gretchen, and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into Servant Leadership.

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] Introduction by Made for Impact with host Gretchen Schott

[01:57] Who Deseri is, what she does, and what she’s about

[03:07] Where Deseri has made an impact in her leadership

[04:26] The transition from corporate world to coaching

[09:00] What Deseri’s life purpose is

[10:40] How Deseri defines servant leadership

[15:29] Making an impact to teams rather than individuals

[17:46] What Deseri does to influence authenticity in groups

[19:26] Deseri shares her biggest fears in leading

[22:13] Strategies to identify your goals as a leader

[26:13] The power of retreats and how to make them successful

[32:13] Get connected with Deseri