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
The Top 10 Things Great Leaders QUIT
The Top 10 Things Great Leaders QUIT
To Avoid Feeling "Lonely at the Top"! 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
Leadership…How to be the Person Others Want to Follow!
Leadership…How to be the Person Others Want to Follow!
Harnessing the Power of Influence and Empowerment to Create Teams That are Happy to Help You Build. By Business Keynote Speaker and Human Relations Expert Connie Podesta Bottom line? If there was ever a time this world needs great leaders--it is NOW! But let there be no doubt about it, LEADERSHIP, helping others succeed--is a TOUGH job. Both a privilege and a life-changing responsibility. As a leader, YOU have a direct impact on other people’s successes (or failures) as a result of: Your choices. Intellect. Creativity. Power to influence. Integrity. And your ability to coach, Read More
Delivering the Content People Need Right Now
Delivering the Content People Need Right Now
By Hall of Fame Speaker Connie Podesta Change is tough. Change on a global scale that has literally hit home and business in every conceivable way? Can stop people – teams – and companies in their tracks. So, how do we get people to lean into their inherent resilience? To get out of fear that is playing in their heads and back to leading, servicing, connecting, selling, and communicating in new and adaptive ways? We add a little psychology into the mix. We teach them that change is what we do – and do well – as human beings. We gift them with tools and insights and strategies that Read More
Pandemic Fatigue and Your Team
Pandemic Fatigue and Your Team
By Hall of Fame Speaker Connie Podesta Johns Hopkins. UCLA Health. Psychology Today. World Health Organization. Just about every mental health professional in the world right now is helping people navigate Pandemic Fatigue. It’s real. It’s draining. And it is likely to be around for a while. As leaders, now is the time to be proactive about fueling your team’s mental well being with empowering tools, training, support systems – and a little levity. Gagandeep Singh, MD, a psychiatrist at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale says, “A good laugh can help lighten the mood Read More
Finding Confidence Beyond the Fear
Finding Confidence Beyond the Fear
By Hall of Fame Speaker Connie Podesta Let’s talk about fear. As emotions go, it doesn’t have the best reputation. People don’t usually want to be seen as fearful or anxiety-ridden or…well, wimpy. But here are two things you should know. Everybody (and I mean everybody) experiences anxiety about something. Anxiety can be a catalyst for some pretty amazing things. As someone who’s been a speaker for more than 25 years, I know a thing or two about this topic. You’ve probably heard that people are statistically more afraid of public speaking than they are of death. I get Read More
Creating an Incredible Virtual Experience
Creating an Incredible Virtual Experience
By Connie Podesta, CSP, CPAE, Hall of Fame Speaker When a pandemic forced event planners and leaders to cancel all live events almost overnight, it was hard to even imagine what the future would look like. I totally get it. As someone who makes a living speaking to conventions packed with hundreds and thousands of people, often shoulder- to-shoulder, I feel your pain, and your frustration. Social distancing has seriously thrown a big global wrench into all our calendars. The big question for most became – “Now what?” Lockdowns, shelters-in-place, and shuttered stages aside, what hasn’t Read More