Episodes

  • Chief Kindness Officer: A Conversation with Brian Biro (Part Two)

    Chief Kindness Officer: A Conversation with Brian Biro (Part Two)
    Feb 13 2026
    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Brian Biro – known as “America’s Breakthrough Speaker” and author of “The ROI of Kindness” – the pair explore how intentional kindness, presence, and gratitude can transform leadership, teamwork, and everyday relationships.

    Brian talks about what it means to become a “Chief Kindness Officer,” explaining why being fully present is the foundation of trust, why appreciation fuels performance, and how truly listening unlocks connection and growth. Through personal stories, leadership lessons, and practical frameworks, Brian shows how small, human choices ripple outward to strengthen culture, retention, and collaboration.

    The discussion also highlights the neuroscience behind gratitude, the importance of asking better questions, and why focusing on effort and energy – not just outcomes – creates sustainable success.

    This is the second part of a two-part conversation.

    Topics Covered:
    What it means to be a “Chief Kindness Officer” and why presence builds trust
    How distraction erodes connection and what true presence looks like
    The hidden organizational cost of disengagement and turnover
    Why appreciation for effort matters more than outcome-based praise
    Gratitude as a leadership practice and performance amplifier
    The ripple effect of kindness inside teams and organizations
    Listening as a leadership superpower
    The difference between enabling vs. disabling questions
    How better questions strengthen team energy and engagement
    Focusing on controllables to build confidence and momentum
    Leadership lessons from Coach John Wooden
    Why comparison limits growth and how to pursue your personal best
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    35 mins
  • The Return on Kindness: A Conversation with Brian Biro (Part One)

    The Return on Kindness: A Conversation with Brian Biro (Part One)
    Feb 11 2026
    In this episode, Clint sits down with Brian Biro, known as “America’s Breakthrough Speaker,” a former corporate vice president, elite swim coach, and author of 16 books including “The ROI of Kindness.” Brian shares how kindness, respect, and human connection are not soft skills, but powerful drivers of leadership, culture, and performance.

    Drawing on lessons from legendary coach John Wooden, Brian explains how belief, expectation, and encouragement unlock hidden potential in individuals, teams, and entire organizations. The conversation explores the difference between being nice and being truly kind, why respect fuels growth, and how leaders can build cultures where people feel valued, energized, and inspired to contribute their best.

    Packed with practical stories and real-world examples, Brian demonstrates how kindness improves collaboration, reduces stress, strengthens trust, and ultimately delivers measurable results. This is the first part of a two-part conversation.


    Topics Covered:
    • Brian’s leadership journey from coaching to corporate transformation
    • Lessons learned from legendary coach John Wooden
    • Why kindness is a leadership superpower, not a weakness
    • The difference between being nice and being kind
    • How belief and expectation shape performance (The Pygmalion Effect)
    • Breaking down silos and building stronger team collaboration
    • Respect as the foundation for growth and connection
    • The measurable business impact of kindness and culture

    Links:
    • Brian’s website - https://brianbiro.com
    • Brian’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbiro/
    • Brian’s book, “The ROI of Kindness” - https://amzn.to/4a44P5S
    • Clint’s website - www.clintpadgett.com
    • Clint’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintpadgett/
    • Clint’s book, “How Teams Triumph” - https://amzn.to/3JWD2Ka
    • Clint’s company, Project Success Inc - https://projectsuccess.com/
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    38 mins
  • Clarity, Trust, and Teamwork: A Conversation with David Allen & Ed Lamont (Part Two)

    Clarity, Trust, and Teamwork: A Conversation with David Allen & Ed Lamont (Part Two)
    Feb 4 2026
    In this episode, Clint continues his conversation with David Allen and Ed Lamont, co-authors of the book “Team: Getting Things Done With Others.”
    During the second part of their discussion, David and Ed unpack what breaks teams down (often in the simplest ways), and what it actually takes to build a culture of clarity, trust, and consistent execution, especially in today’s global, hybrid, 24/7 workplace.
    From team “working standards” and better meeting roles to the power of delivering on commitments, they share practical frameworks teams can apply immediately to work with less stress, more alignment, and better results.
    This is the second part of a two-part conversation.
    Topics Covered:
    • The “London meeting” disaster and the one fix that would’ve changed everything
    • Team working standards (and why “show up on time” has to be agreed on)
    • Why modern work creates more burnout, complexity, and blurred expectations
    • What a “team mind sweep” is and why it helps teams focus
    • Capital-P Team Projects vs. small-p individual projects
    • Simple meeting upgrades: purpose, roles, outcomes, and time boundaries
    • How to build trust on distributed teams: “keep your agreements”
    • Making hybrid meetings fairer for remote voices
    • The biggest takeaway from the book: simple practices done consistently change everything

    Links:David & Ed’s book, “Team: Getting Things Done With Others” - https://amzn.to/4qzSRq7
    David Allen’s website - https://gettingthingsdone.com
    David Allen’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidallengtd/
    Ed Lamont’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardlamont/
    Clint’s website - https://www.clintpadgett.com
    Clint’s book, “How Teams Triumph - https://amzn.to/3JWD2Ka
    Project Success Inc - https://projectsuccess.com
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    31 mins
  • Getting Things Done Together: A Conversation with David Allen & Ed Lamont (Part One)

    Getting Things Done Together: A Conversation with David Allen & Ed Lamont (Part One)
    Jan 28 2026
    In this episode, Clint talks with David Allen and Ed Lamont. David is the legendary productivity expert behind Getting Things Done (GTD), a globally adopted methodology for personal and professional efficiency. Ed is a long-time GTD master trainer, business consultant, and executive coach with deep experience helping teams thrive.
    Together, they’ve co-authored a new book, “Team: Getting Things Done With Others,” which expands the GTD methodology into the world of team performance, group trust, and organizational clarity.
    During Part One of their conversation, David and Ed explore how the GTD mindset applies not just to individuals but to teams, especially when “getting things done” breaks down. They unpack the invisible assumptions that undermine collaboration, why shared ownership can be a trap, and how clarity around commitments is essential for trust, momentum, and results.
    This is the first part of a two-part conversation.
    Topics Covered:
    • Why teams need a shared operating system, not just shared goals
    • How accountability gets confused when everything is “ours”
    • The moment teams think they agreed, but didn’t
    • Why projects stall even when everyone’s motivated
    • The role of “capture” and “clarify” at the team level
    • How GTD principles create trust and flow in group settings

    Links:David & Ed’s book, “Team: Getting Things Done With Others” - https://amzn.to/4qzSRq7
    David Allen’s website - https://gettingthingsdone.com
    David Allen’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidallengtd/
    Ed Lamont’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardlamont/
    Clint’s website - https://www.clintpadgett.com
    Clint’s book, “How Teams Triumph - https://amzn.to/3JWD2Ka
    Project Success Inc - https://projectsuccess.com
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    38 mins
  • Seeing Is Believing: A Conversation with Whitney Johnson (Part Two)

    Seeing Is Believing: A Conversation with Whitney Johnson (Part Two)
    Jan 21 2026
    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Whitney Johnson – CEO of Disruption Advisors and bestselling author of “Smart Growth” – they explore how to make personal and professional reinvention real. From unlocking the power of imagery to stretching beyond comfort zones, Whitney shares science-backed tools to help you shift your mindset and lead change from within.

    She also dives into her concept of the “stretch zone,” explains how your subconscious mind shapes your trajectory, and reflects on what it really means to bet on yourself. This is the second part of a two-part conversation.
    Topics Covered:
    • The role of imagery in behavior change and goal-setting
    • Why your subconscious doesn’t know the difference between truth and belief
    • “The Stretch Zone” and how growth happens just beyond your comfort
    • How to support teams through the uncertainty of change
    • The impact of believing in people before they believe in themselves
    • Why personal disruption is essential for leadership

    Links:
    • Whitney’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyjohnson/
    • Whitney’s book, “Smart Growth” - https://amzn.to/4pxxQel
    • Whitney’s company, Disruption Advisors - https://thedisruptionadvisors.com/
    • Clint’s website - www.clintpadgett.com
    • Clint’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintpadgett/
    • Clint’s book, “How Teams Triumph” - https://amzn.to/3JWD2Ka
    Clint’s company, Project Success Inc - https://projectsuccess.com/
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    28 mins
  • Smart Growth Starts Inside: A Conversation with Whitney Johnson (Part One)

    Smart Growth Starts Inside: A Conversation with Whitney Johnson (Part One)
    Jan 14 2026
    In this episode, Clint speaks with Whitney Johnson, Co-Founder and CEO of Disruption Advisors, bestselling author of “Smart Growth,” and one of the world’s most influential management thinkers.

    Whitney shares how growth follows an emotional journey she calls the “S Curve of Learning” and how leaders can better navigate that journey in themselves and others. She also unpacks how disruption starts from the inside out, why our brains are addicted to being right, and how early beliefs shape our future decisions more than we realize. This is the first part of a two-part conversation.

    Topics Covered:
    • The S Curve of Learning and why growth isn’t linear
    • How beliefs formed between ages 0–3 affect us in adulthood
    • The neuroscience behind our addiction to being right
    • Coaching and leading based on where people are on their S Curve
    • The difference between growth and high growth
    • Disruption as an internal mindset shift, not just a market move

    Links:
    • Whitney’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyjohnson/
    • Whitney’s book, “Smart Growth” - https://amzn.to/4pxxQel
    • Whitney’s company, Disruption Advisors - https://thedisruptionadvisors.com/
    • Clint’s website - www.clintpadgett.com
    • Clint’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintpadgett/
    • Clint’s book, “How Teams Triumph” - https://amzn.to/3JWD2Ka
    • Clint’s company, Project Success Inc - https://projectsuccess.com/
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    31 mins
  • The Best of 2025: Highlights From a Year of Meaningful Conversations

    The Best of 2025: Highlights From a Year of Meaningful Conversations
    Jan 7 2026
    In this episode, we’re closing out the year with a look back at the insights, stories, and moments that stayed with us long after the mic turned off.Clint revisits standout clips from the guests who brought fresh perspective, practical wisdom, and honest reflection to the table in 2025. From leadership and innovation to trust, communication, and purpose, this episode is a highlight reel of the year’s most memorable lessons.In this Best Of The Conversation, 2025, you’ll hear from:
    • Thomas Erikson, behavioral expert and bestselling author, about communicating effectively with people who are very different from you.
    • Eric Stone, a leadership expert and author, discusses building workplace culture as a long-term, repeatable journey.
    • Patti Johnson, change leadership expert and author, about habits, adaptability, and leading through constant change.
    • David Burkus, bestselling author and leadership researcher, about drawing out quieter voices and improving team participation.
    • Urs Koenig, a leadership strategist and author of Radical Humility, discusses confidence, humility, and tough leadership conversations.
    • Amy Sandler, an executive coach and Radical Candor principal, discusses building trust and candor in virtual and hybrid teams.
    • Joey Havens, a leadership expert and author, discusses “magnetic energy” and how to create people-first workplace cultures.
    • Rich Diviney, retired Navy SEAL officer and author, about performance attributes and why they matter more than skills.
    • Indi Young, listening expert and author, about bias, deep listening, and removing assumptions from conversations.
    • Rob Biesenbach, communication expert and author, about storytelling as a practical leadership and influence tool.
    • Todd Henry, author and creativity advisor, talks about why structure and boundaries fuel creative work.
    • Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, about emotional optimism, humanity, and leading with heart at work.
    • Chris Fenning, communication coach and author, about structuring the first minute of conversations for clarity and results.
    • Shane Snow, journalist and author, talks about cognitive friction and how productive conflict drives innovation.
    • Juliet Funt, a productivity expert and CEO of Juliet Funt Group, discusses “white space” and the power of strategic pauses.
    • Simon Mainwaring, brand futurist and author, about “leading with we” to create purpose-driven, high-impact organizations.
    Clint Padgett revisits the most memorable clips from guests in 2025 on the Conversation, showcasing their fresh perspectives, wisdom, and reflections. Covering topics such as leadership, innovation, trust, communication, and purpose, this episode highlights the key lessons learned throughout the year.
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    1 hr
  • Purpose Powers Teams: A Conversation with Simon Mainwaring (Part Two)

    Purpose Powers Teams: A Conversation with Simon Mainwaring (Part Two)
    Dec 17 2025
    In Part Two of Clint's Conversation with Simon Mainwaring – Founder & CEO of We First, bestselling author, and global authority on purpose-driven branding – the discussion shifts from strategy to soul: how storytelling, culture, and connection can elevate your organization from the inside out.

    Simon shares hard-earned lessons from his work with Fortune 100 giants, startups, and global NGOs alike, explaining why today’s most effective leaders aren’t just driven by profit, but by shared purpose. Simon breaks down how every employee can embrace a “lead with we” mindset, regardless of title, industry, or org chart. From building emotionally resonant brand stories to operationalizing culture, this episode explores how to lead with meaning in every corner of your company. This is the second part of a two-part conversation.

    Topics Covered:
    • Why storytelling is the key to building trust and brand value
    • How to move purpose from PowerPoint to point-of-sale
    • Building culture like a brand: what Patagonia, LEGO, and Airbnb get right
    • The Four Co’s: Co-ownership, Co-authorship, Co-creation, and Collaboration
    • Daily rituals that reinforce a "We" culture
    • Why recognition beats burnout and makes business sense
    • The last mile of storytelling: celebrating shared wins
    • How payroll teams and sales reps alike can lead with purpose
    • Startups vs. Fortune 50s: different paths, same challenges
    • What it means to be a B Corp and why it matters
    • The single most important takeaway from Lead With We

    Links & Resources:
    • Simon’s website - https://simonmainwaring.com/
    • Simon’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonmainwaring/
    • Simon’s company, We First Inc. - https://wefirstbranding.com/
    • Simon’s email - simon@wefirstbranding.com
    • Simon’s book, “We First” - https://amzn.to/3Mhx4V0
    • Simon’s book, “Lead With We” - https://amzn.to/3Me1HL7
    • Clint’s website - www.clintpadgett.com
    • Clint’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintpadgett/
    • Clint’s book - https://amzn.to/3JWD2Ka
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    29 mins