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Success Secrets and Stories

Success Secrets and Stories

By: Host and author John Wandolowski and Co-Host Greg Powell
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About this listen

Intro - Podcast Purpose:
To share management leadership concepts that actually work.

You are responsible for your development as a leader. Don't expect the boss to invest the training budget in your career. Consider this podcast as an investment of time in your career, with a bit of management humor added at the same time.

© 2026 Success Secrets and Stories
Career Success Economics Management Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Ownership Builds People, Control Breaks Culture
    Jan 30 2026

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    Feeling like the bottleneck at work? We break down a simple, human framework that helps supervisors stop rescuing and start leading, so teams think, anticipate, and own results. Drawing on Management by Responsibility (MBR), we share practical shifts that move you from control to genuine ownership without losing standards or speed.

    Greg and John start with the supervisor trap—why well-intentioned fixes lead to late nights, frustrated teams, and stalled growth. Then we reframe leadership around voluntary responsibility, showing how better questions spark better thinking: “What outcomes are you aiming for?” and “What do you need from me to complete this?” You’ll hear how clear agreements—outcomes, timelines, resources, and ownership—eliminate confusion and micromanagement. We revisit classic lessons popularized by Ken Blanchard and bring them to life with an office case study where a team turned chronic late reports into on-time, high-quality delivery in six weeks.

    We also unpack accountability without blame. Instead of conflict, you’ll get a calm script for reviewing agreements: what worked, what didn’t, what changes next time, and what support was missing. For technical leaders promoted for their expertise, we show how to resist the urge to “take the wrench” and use a lightweight SBAR approach to give context and earn buy-in. The result is a culture that replaces waiting with initiative, and fear with trust: people speak up early, solve problems faster, and take pride in their work. That’s the moment a supervisor becomes a leader—not because of a title, but because of the impact of your leadership on people.

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    18 mins
  • What Happens When Innovation Serves People, Not Processes
    Jan 23 2026

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    What if your tech stack made people feel more capable, more connected, and more heard? We dive into a people-first playbook for leaders, educators, and builders who want technology to amplify human potential rather than squeeze it into a workflow. From high-fidelity remote collaboration that makes distributed teams feel in the room to mobile video that turns solo field work into instant teamwork, John and Greg share practical stories that reveal how the right tools can boost confidence, speed problem-solving, and strengthen trust.

    We break down the leadership habits that make adoption stick: start with empathy, create psychological safety, and invite employees to co-create solutions through feedback loops and transparent decision-making. Accessibility isn’t an afterthought; it’s foundational. Speech-to-text, screen readers, and adaptive devices expand participation for colleagues with disabilities and, in the process, improve the experience for everyone. We also talk training that actually works—layered learning paths, hands-on practice, and ongoing support that keep skills fresh and morale high—while measuring success by more than efficiency, including cooperation and inclusion.

    Classrooms offer a powerful proving ground. Adaptive platforms personalize learning in real time, help teachers spot disengagement early, and celebrate small wins that spark motivation. The teacher remains central; technology augments their reach rather than replaces their judgment. We also issue a clear warning about automation complacency with a vivid aviation lesson: when dashboards replace fundamentals, outcomes suffer. Rounding it out, we spotlight Patagonia’s mission-aligned systems and ambient clinical documentation that give doctors time back with patients—proof that people-centric technology can scale with integrity.

    If this conversation sparked ideas, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a review with one takeaway you’ll apply this week. Your feedback helps us build smarter, more human tools together.

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    Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell

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    19 mins
  • Lessons from Coach Cignetti: How to Win = Evaluate Culture, Accountability, Talent
    Jan 16 2026

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    What if the fastest way to stronger results isn’t a bold new strategy but a return to fundamentals? We dive into the leadership playbook behind Kurt Cignetti’s rapid turnaround at Indiana University football, and translate his on-field methods into tools any manager can use to reset expectations, stabilize culture, and lower stress across the team.

    We start with clarity. Cignetti wins by obsessing over basics—blocking, tackling, clean execution—which in the workplace becomes precise roles, consistent standards, and plain-language accountability. From there, we unpack why stability builds culture, how loyal, well-compensated staff preserve momentum, and why high turnover quietly erases progress. You’ll hear practical ways to co-write job descriptions with your team, build simple measurements everyone understands, and create a cadence that turns feedback into growth rather than surprise.

    Talent gets a hard look, too. Instead of chasing shiny résumés, we show how to hire for mindset, character, and a high motor, then coach skills on top. Drawing on lessons from Nick Saban’s process-driven program, we connect clear goals, steady standards, and daily discipline to dependable outcomes. We also tackle stress head-on: identify root causes in systems, leadership, or culture; close the gaps between expectations and communication; and choose environments that align with your values and capacity so you can thrive rather than grind.

    By the end, you’ll have a checklist to evaluate your team, your leaders, and your workplace with fresh eyes—and a way to make change without theatrics. If this conversation helps you lead with more confidence and less chaos, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review so others can find it.

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    Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell

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    24 mins
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