Robb Holman is an internationally recognized leadership expert, executive coach, keynote speaker, podcast host, and best-selling author who has a heart for authentic relationships and a true talent for equipping people with the skills and the knowledge necessary for their success.

Quotes:

• “The book Lessons from Abdul, has everything to do with bringing a needed and timely balance to the receiving and the giving. But I highlight in the book the hidden power of receiving from anyone, anytime.” [15:59] Marcel Schwantes is interviewing friend, colleague, and esteemed leadership expert Robb Holman on his new book, Lessons from Abdul. Robb shares who exactly Abdul is, how he met him, and the inspiration for this important message.
• “Receiving falls into three buckets: one is help or support, another could be opinions or perspectives, and the third would be praises or compliments”. [22:04] Robb and Marcel discuss what receiving looks like and some of the struggles that come with receiving. Marcel opens up about pride getting in the way of receiving affirming words. Later in the episode, Robb elaborates on the barriers to receiving and steps to work through them.
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• “There is study upon study that just shows that when you share stories, not just professional stories, when you share personal stories and you're committed to doing so on an ongoing basis with your team members, so much magic comes in and out of that place. [32:00] As Robb shares a story from his childhood working with his coach and namesake of the book, Abdul, he breaks into an important thing he learned about storytelling and building bonds. When you share stories with your team, an unwavering trust is built that is anchored in values. And when you have a true understanding or your own unique values, you are opening your mind to learn from others.
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• “This exchange of receiving leads to more selfless service, not selfish service…we receive deeply so we can give more greatly.”[43:20] Bringing home the interview, Robb shares a moving story about his wife ringing the bell for her last chemotherapy treatment. He explains how they have opened their hearts to receiving and have been able to receive in so many ways during this time. He explains that it is not selfish, even the opposite of that—that on the other side, he and his wife will be able to give like they have before, and that is the hidden power of receiving.

Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon.com: Lessons from Abdul: The Hidden Power of Receiving from Anyone, Anytime eBook : Holman, Robb: Kindle Store
Lessons from Abdul
Research Says Learning How to Receive, Not Just Give, Can Make You Happier | Inc.com
Robb Holman
Marcel Schwantes on LinkedIn
Marcel Schwantes

Quotes:

• “There’s a growing body of research that finds organizational kindness, in how people treat each other, how leaders manage the workforce, how customer-facing employees interact with their clients....has enormous benefits. It’s just great for business.” [0:35] As Marcel opens the episode, he begins with an excerpt from his forthcoming book, expected Fall 2024. He discusses kindness and the difference it holds from just “being nice." It’s about intention, and it goes beyond surface level politeness. When you’re truly kind, it impacts everything.
• “I'm going to take a break from the podcast to get this book project done and off my plate. We will be back at full strength with weekly episodes featuring world-renowned guests in April 2024.” [2:55] Marcel announces that the Love in Action Podcast will be taking a break while he puts in the work to finish the manuscript for his aforementioned book. The book is important for businesses and leaders around the world. Listeners can look forward to the podcast returning in April ‘24, until then, Marcel would love to hear from you about topics and guest suggestions for the future.

Mentioned in this episode:
Marcel Schwantes - Ooltewah, Tennessee, United States | LinkedIn
Marcel Schwantes

Erica Keswin is a globally renowned workplace strategist, consultant, speaker, best-selling author, and professional dot-connector. Her latest book is The Retention Revolution. Erica first joined Marcel in the very first episode of Love in Action. Now in a post pandemic world, she returns to share the “7 Surprising (and Very Human!) Ways to Keep Employees Connected to Your Company” as written in her latest book.

Quotes:

• “The world of work has changed, there is no going back.” [10:00] As Erica Keswin dives into the why now of her latest book, The Retention Revolution, she explains how these pretty standard ideas and predictions on how work would progress were accelerated due to the pandemic. One point being that the young members of the workforce are no longer staying at companies for their lives; they look at work differently than previous generations, and they expect their treatment to reflect that.
  
  
• “[The book] is not necessarily tying them to the chair…it’s keeping them connected”. [14:50] In a 30,000 ft. view of her book, Erica gives a synopsis of the 7 Surprising (and Very Human!) Ways to Keep Employees Connected to Your Company. She compares the new ways of thinking to the old mindset when it comes to onboarding, autonomy, flexibility, professionalism, offboarding, and more.
  
  
• “If you have intentional onboarding, it’s drastically related to your ability to retain your employees.” [15:45] Erica’s book explains 7 old ways of thinking and the new ideas that should replace them. She starts with something important but is often thought of as a thing before the work starts. Instead, intentional onboarding looks like strategic relationship building from recruitment and beyond. Erica shares really impactful ideas on the new way to onboard from major companies like Hulu and Gusto.
  
  
• “There’s a need, AKA demand for leaders to be more human.” [25:18] During the pandemic, Erica says, leaders were defaulting to a more loving and caring management style. But now, a year later, we're all but forgetting that piece, no longer checking in or asking how the staff is truly doing. The problem is that employees still need this human professionalism from their leaders.
  
  
• “The people are your work now, as it should be because expectations change when you’re elevated into a leader role.” [37:00] Marcel quotes Erica’s book with a story from OC Tanner, which explains the way culture must elevate and celebrate middle managers. Often, middle managers are on the front lines, in the mess of it all, but they have the power to influence the rest of the culture in an organization, and they need the support to do so.
  
  
• “Left to our own devices we are not connecting, take some time and make sure that you’re connecting, especially as we celebrate Thanksgiving…that you’re connecting with others in your personal life, your work life, and also taking time to connect with yourself.” [44:40] Erica closes out this Thanksgiving (if you’re listening from America) holiday with a special and important sentiment about connection.

Mentioned in this episode:
Erica Keswin
Get your electronic copy of Erica’s first book, “Bring your Human to Work.” Email Erica for your free copy: erica@ericakeswin.com
The Retention Revolution: 7 Surprising (and Very Human!) Ways to Keep Employees Connected to Your Company
Erica Keswin on LinkedIn
Erica Keswin (@ericakeswin) on Instagram
Marcel Schwantes on LinkedIn
Marcel Schwantes