Great leaders listen first. Build trust, inspire action, and create a team that wants to follow you—not because they have to, but because they believe in you. Read More
Quit Defining Leadership the Same Old Way
Quit Defining Leadership the Same Old Way
In Charge or Influential? The Modern Leader’s Choice If you asked 20 professionals today to describe the qualities of a great leader, you’d likely get 20 different answers. But in a world of rapid change, global competition, and disruptive technology, one leadership trait consistently rises to the top: influence. Decades ago, leadership was synonymous with being in charge—issuing directives, enforcing policies, and setting the rules. But today’s most successful leaders? They don’t just give orders. They create movements. They don’t just manage teams. They inspire them. They don’t just Read More
Quit Trying to Make Everyone Happy
Quit Trying to Make Everyone Happy
Great leaders don’t chase happiness—they build resilient, purpose-driven teams with clear goals, respect, and accountability. Read More
Leading Through the Uncertainty: Breakthrough or Breakdown?
Leading Through the Uncertainty: Breakthrough or Breakdown?
Unlock breakthrough performance by mastering the psychology of leadership—build resilience, adapt to change, and inspire your team to new heights. Read More
The REAL Cost of a Negative Attitude
The REAL Cost of a Negative Attitude
(And How to Turn It Around for Good) By Motivational Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta As we approach the new year—a time ripe for reflection and transformation—it’s the perfect moment to confront a hard truth: Your attitude is EVERYTHING. And if yours tends toward the negative, it could be costing you more than you realize: promotions, sales, clients, market share, business opportunities, friendships, even meaningful connections with family. The bottom line? Your attitude is the foundation of your success. When negativity creeps in—whether it’s self-defeating, Read More
Unpacking the Psychology Behind Incredible Leadership
Unpacking the Psychology Behind Incredible Leadership
By Hall of Fame Speaker, Award Winning Author. Connie Podesta, CSP, CPAE Great leadership is 10% smart business strategies and 90% psychology. Admittedly, some people might not agree with that statistic. But I speak to tens of thousands of leaders every year, and I guarantee you it’s true. When organizations want to elevate the quality of their leaders, the first inclination is to provide them with training on the latest processes or technology. While that tactic quickly reaches the point of diminishing returns, helping these leaders to gain greater psychological insights into themselves Read More
Lead Like You Mean it!
Lead Like You Mean it!
The Psychology and Leadership Connection by Leadership Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta I was interviewed by a member of the California Special Districts ahead of their CSDA’s Annual Conference. The topic was leadership -- and the message (for the article and the keynote) is how leaders can use the power of psychology to help them drive bottom-line results for their teams. Psychology = profits and productivity. I shared, that for most people, their JOB isn't actually the thing that holds a team member back. It's the PEOPLE that they work with and their inability to communicate, understand, Read More
Quit Accepting the Status Quo
Quit Accepting the Status Quo
By Hall of Fame Speaker, Award Winning Author. Connie Podesta, CSP, CPAE In my extensive work with leaders, I’ve noticed that they tend to perceive innovation as something that’s bigger than life: new, outrageous, unthinkable, complicated concepts that are wildly different from anything we’ve ever imagined. Not intimidating at all. With so many daily challenges, it’s easy for leaders to coast along with “business as usual” until the really big idea or the light-bulb-moment happens to come along. The status quo becomes perfectly acceptable in the meantime. The truth is, innovation isn’t Read More
Success Lies in How We ‘Act’ or ‘React’
Success Lies in How We ‘Act’ or ‘React’
By Connie Podesta, Hall of Fame Speaker, CPAE, CSP Success is NOT the result of good timing, karma, coincidence, fate, or good luck. Those are the labels used by people who REACT to what the world sends their way The true key to success is to ACT: Cease excuses. Be accountable. Take responsibility. Stand out. Read More
Why Great Leaders Embrace Change—And You Should Too!
Why Great Leaders Embrace Change—And You Should Too!
In today’s fast-paced world, where disruption is the norm, change isn’t just inevitable—it’s essential. Read More