Most managers hear words, but they miss the emotions. This skill gap is why your best employees are walking out the door. This episode breaks down the true meaning of Active Listening, explaining why it's the core component of Emotional Intelligence that fosters loyalty. We show you how to move from transactional management to relational leadership, unlocking the Oxytocin-fueled bond that makes employees stay. If you're serious about mastering this essential skill, learn about the J. Alexander 1:1 Coaching program—a 7-week scientific framework dedicated to reducing the impact of self-sabotaging thoughts, improving stress management, and making you a more effective, fully present leader. 

Ego is NOT your advantage. It's costing your organization millions and endangering your team.This episode is a deep dive into the true cost of ego-driven leadership, revealing why the refusal to admit a mistake leads to financial disasters, systemic failures, and crippling burnout. We make the case that Humility is the most powerful, undervalued asset in modern leadership.We investigate:The Budget Drain: How ego prevents you from correcting costly, bad ideas.The Safety Risk: How a defensive leader creates a "silent floor," putting lives at risk.The Burnout Trap: How striving for 'perfection' fuels Imposter Syndrome and emotional exhaustion.Learn how to trade the stress of being right for the power of being resilient.This investigation leads perfectly into J. Alexander’s highly anticipated book, The Humility Advantage. J. provides the roadmap for integrating emotional intelligence into daily decision-making, showing you exactly how to dismantle the ego trap and build teams defined by psychological safety and continuous growth.Pre-order The Humility Advantage now to transform vulnerability from a threat to your greatest strategic asset.

Hope Is Not a Strategy: Building a Real Enrollment Game PlanHost: John MihalyoEpisode SummaryIn this episode, John explains why hope, tradition, and “we’ve always done it this way” are not strategies for enrollment growth. Schools that lack a clear game plan end up reacting, scrambling, and relying on luck instead of intentional, data-driven decisions.John kicks off a new series focused on building strategic plans for enrollment, advancement, leadership, and culture—starting with enrollment.Key TopicsWhy hope is not a strategyWhat happens when schools don’t have an enrollment planInconsistent follow-up, unclear messaging, and weak toursThe importance of marketing to current familiesWhy consistency matters in tours and communicationRecruiting for graduation, not just enrollment dayWhat a strong enrollment game plan includes:A clear process from inquiry to first day of schoolDefined roles and responsibilitiesConsistent, personalized follow-upKey TakeawayPredictable enrollment results come from intentional planning. When everyone knows the plan, enrollment becomes less stressful—and more effective.Call to ActionWant help creating an enrollment game plan that works?👉 Click the calendar link here to schedule a conversation with John.

You’re the star expert, now promoted to leader. Why the dread? That's Imposter Syndrome! We tackle the 3 biggest fears of new leaders:Am I losing my edge if I delegate?How do I lead people smarter than me?What if I'm a fraud who just got lucky?Learn to move from doing to leading and silence the inner critic. Tune in!

How can leaders maximize attract great talent and maximize on the talent they already have?Meet Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer!Dr. Cynthia is a Human Capital Potentialist who works at the intersection of organizational strategy and soul purpose. She is a globally recognized human capital strategist, USA Today bestselling author, and board-certified executive coach with more than 30 years of experience transforming how organizations invest in their people. As the founder and CEO of Bentzen Performance Partners, co-founder of The Zeal of the Heel, and creator of the 7 Minute Pivot, she partners with executives and leadership teams across public, private, nonprofit, and multi-industry sectors to align talent strategy with business growth. On this episode, Dr. Cynthia explains her research findings on the ROI when investing in talent.Listen as Dr. Cynthia shares:- how to align talent strategy with business growth- what leads to cultural transformations- transforming people into a company’s biggest competitive advantage- business outcomes vs human-centered leadership- how CEOs can unlock untapped value- the returns on intentional investments in talent- how to navigate career restlessness or stagnation- the leadership dilemma of empathy vs accountability...and so much more!Connect with Dr. Cynthia:Website: https://www.bentzenperformancepartners.comAdditional Resources:"Now, Near, Next" by Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer on Amazon"Human Capital Investment Strategy" by Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-MercerListen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-can-attract-and-retain-the-best-talent-w/id1614151066?i=1000741811750Spotify: YouTube: https://youtu.be/w9WFLhFzJd8