In this week’s episode, Dana and Rose sit down with Marshall Bergmann, an expert in organizational culture, HR innovation, and a leader at the NeuroLeadership Institute and the Institute for Corporate Productivity. If you care about the future of leadership, team performance, or what AI means for tomorrow’s workplace, this is the episode you can’t miss.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(01:55) Marshall Bergmann’s background

(04:14) Why organizations are investing leadership development and workplace culture

(07:06) Culture's impact on corporate success

(13:07) Redefining leadership: focus on the ‘how’

(17:03) AI's impact on HR transformation

(18:41) Thought experiment: integrating aliens into the workforce

(22:48) What HR needs to think about when integrating AI into the workforce

(26:56) Evolving team structures

(27:53) Unlocking team productivity potential

(31:09) Email protocol for actionable communication

(34:42) Improving team leader effectiveness

(37:53) Coaching Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) on board culture

Links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Marshall Bergmann on LinkedIn

i4cp's 2023 Priorities and Predictions

i4cp's "The Team Network Effect™

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Maestro Mindset LinkedIn Group

Maestro Mindset YouTube Channel

What does real leadership look like when the pressure’s on? In this episode, we sit down with Brad Haczynski, Chief Commercial Officer at Cornelis Networks and former senior exec at Intel and Samsung, to explore the lessons that shaped him: the moments he got it right, the times he didn’t, and how humility and consistency became his edge.

We talk about what it means to transition from the structure of global tech giants to the chaos and opportunity of startup life. From building psychological safety to navigating team dynamics, Brad shares hard-won insights on servant leadership, authenticity, and why what you do matters way more than what you say.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(04:36) From Intel to Samsung: how the move shaped Brad’s career

(08:34) What servant leadership really looks like

(12:04) Leadership means removing the roadblocks

(15:38) How to balance support and independence

(17:39) Prepping for high-stakes CEO meetings

(20:09) The power of ‘Start, Stop, Keep’ feedback

(23:20) Why 90% carrot and 10% stick actually works

(27:22) Taking on a new role in a scrappy startup

(28:47) The six pillars that define great team culture

(34:52) Setting and resetting team expectations

(35:57) Success and self-doubt: how to handle both

Links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Brad on LinkedIn

Connect with the show:

Maestro Mindset LinkedIn Group

Maestro Mindset YouTube Channel

Employee engagement – every company talks about, but few truly get it right. Why does it matter so much? Why is it at a decade low, especially among younger workers, and what can we actually do about it?

Dana and Rose unpack why engagement is about much more than compliance – it's about real buy-in, open dialogue, and leaders who walk their talk. Whether you’re a manager, aspiring leader, or curious about workplace culture, this episode combines data-backed insights with actionable tips to help you strike the right chord for engagement in your own teams.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(05:38) Practical employee engagement insights

(08:31) Data-driven decisions and engagement

(10:37) Why US employee engagement is dropping

(14:35) How trust between employees and employers is shifting

(16:07) Saying no to 24/7 hustle culture

(19:25) Keeping teams motivated during tough times

(23:21) Communication that actually drives results

(26:26) Making engagement a shared responsibility

(29:44) Why team-level surveys matter more than you think

Links mentioned in this episode:

Gallup: U.S. Employee Engagement Sinks to 10-Year Low

ADP Study: What is Impacting Your Employee Engagement?

ADP Research Institute

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Maestro Mindset LinkedIn Group

Maestro Mindset YouTube Channel

What does it really take to stand out in today’s job market, whether you’re fresh out of college, working toward a board position, or somewhere in between?

In this episode, Rose and Dana sit down with Lisa Caswell, an executive search expert with over 30 years at the top, including stints at Apple, Ariba, and IBM. Now at Spencer Stuart, Lisa opens up about what separates the candidates who thrive from those who stall.

This isn’t your typical career advice conversation. Lisa reveals why you should always be interviewing (even if you're not looking), how to make networking actually work for you, and the real reason most people fail to make the leap to leadership. She also gets brutally honest about the impact of AI, why boards say no, and how to define your personal value prop before someone else does it for you.

Whether you’re trying to break in, level up, or future-proof your career, this one’s full of practical insights.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(06:17) Career reflections and economic concerns

(07:07) Network, connect, and communicate early

(10:18) How AI is reshaping job skills and education

(15:02) Shifts in the job market

(18:04) Embracing fearless interviewing

(20:57) Know your boardroom value

(25:01) Board strategy in the tech world

(27:57) Advisory board pay and expectations

(32:19) Capability vs capacity

(35:41) Career modelling and personal validation

(38:20) How AI is being integrated into roles

(41:32) Strategic networking for board positions

Links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn

The Career Playbook – Book

2024 U.S. Spencer Stuart Board Index

Career Advice: You Are the Brand

Preparing for a Board Opportunity

2024 U.S. Technology Spencer Stuart Board Index

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Maestro Mindset LinkedIn Group

Maestro Mindset YouTube Channel

In this episode, Dana shares a personal story about navigating unexpected hurdles during a leadership retreat. Together with Rose, they unpack lessons on self-reflection and self-critique, building strong and collaborative relationships, and the power of listening without rushing to fix.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(05:29) Leadership and facilitation services

(06:37) Facilitation challenges in meeting dynamics

(09:40) Discussing energy and expectations

(13:20) Building trust through apologies

(18:19) Facilitator reflection: maintaining neutrality

(21:06) Offering insight with sensitivity

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Maestro Mindset LinkedIn Group

Maestro Mindset YouTube Channel

Dana and Rose dive deep into one of the trickiest parts of leadership: feedback. How do great managers balance honesty with empathy? How do you navigate the tension between tough conversations and real growth?

In this episode, we break it all down – sharing raw personal stories, hard-won lessons, and practical strategies to help you master the art of giving (and receiving) feedback. Whether you’re bracing for a high-stakes conversation at work or just trying to communicate better in everyday life, this one’s for you.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(04:44) How to set up a star performer for success

(09:10) The art of feedback that fuels career growth

(11:06) Why career breadth matters more than you think

(13:52) Leading through the messy middle… when feedback gets tough

(18:15) Handling defensive reactions without losing momentum

(20:29) When emotions run high, hit pause for clarity

(25:38) The reality check: understanding feedback at every level

(26:28) Closing the loop: making feedback truly land

Links mentioned in this episode:

Did Zuck F*** Up?

The Other F Word

Giving Feedback

Connect with the show:

Maestro Mindset LinkedIn Group

Maestro Mindset YouTube Channel

What happens when power collides with disruption? In this episode of Maestro Mindset, Dana and Rose break down the high-stakes leadership moves shaping our world – from Elon Musk’s shake-ups to Donald Trump’s political maneuvers. Revisiting their previous episode, Mr Musk Goes to Twitter, they now tackle its sequel: Mr Musk Goes to Washington. From mass layoffs to the real cost of ruthless leadership, they expose the hidden impact of these decisions on businesses, institutions, and society.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(00:04) Leadership styles: Musk vs. Trump

(04:22) Why a clear strategy matters

(09:21) Bad decisions start with bad data

(12:34) Learning from mistakes and regrets

(14:00) Poor communication kills trust

(19:45) The risk of long-term contracts

(22:13) Why trust makes or breaks teams

(23:41) How Musk’s leadership hurt Tesla

Links mentioned in this episode:

Mr Musk Goes To Twitter

Connect with the show:

Maestro Mindset LinkedIn Group

Maestro Mindset YouTube Channel

Ready to fine-tune your leadership skills? In this episode of Maestro Mindset, Dana and Rose break down the art (and occasional awkwardness) of giving and receiving feedback. Rose brilliantly compares managers to maestros – conducting teams, handling tricky dynamics, and making sure everyone stays in tune. We’re diving into real strategies, role-playing constructive feedback (yes, there’s a bit of improv!), and sharing how to turn tough conversations into growth opportunities.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(00:00) Generational reactions to messaging

(05:56) Constructive feedback for success

(07:39) Effective feedback: preparation and balance

(10:43) Handling difficult interactions professionally

(14:22) Effective feedback conversation guide

(16:39) Addressing inappropriate meeting behavior

(20:18) Promoting respectful team communication

(24:27) Meeting etiquette improvement plan

(26:45) Impact of feedback over time

Connect with the show:

Maestro Mindset LinkedIn Group

Maestro Mindset YouTube Channel