Good Company

About Good Company

Good Company is a podcast all about inspiring leaders to create a positive impact on their organizations. Hosts Drew Dudley of Day One Leadership and Brett Elmgren of Axom Leadership share a wealth of knowledge on leadership in the workplace, and all things related to the people side of business. Engage with Drew and Brett in a "Good" conversation on leadership as they answer your questions and respond to real-life leadership challenges.

Publisher

Drew Dudley & Brett Elmgren

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Jan 2025

Latest episode

31 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   31 Jul 2026

   Resiliency Strategies to Become Future Proof

   What leadership lessons emerge when you step back, reflect, and take stock of everything you’ve learned? In this episode, hosts Drew Dudley and Brett Elmgren reunite after a short hiatus to share the biggest insights they’ve gained in recent months. They discuss appreciating life’s defining moments, building resilience through the mindset of “this too shall pass,” and strategies for navigating both success and adversity. They also explore the unintended consequences of traditional change management, why organizations should shift their focus from managing resistance to building business readiness, and how leaders can embrace shifting workplace cultures. They also examine why organizations should protect people, not just jobs, in an AI-driven world, the role of emotional intelligence, and how one simple question can unlock more solutions and better decision-making. Tune in to discover practical leadership insights that will help you build resilience, embrace change, and lead with greater confidence in an increasingly uncertain world. Key Points From This Episode: • Introduction, an update, and what listeners can expect from this episode. [0:00:00] • Drew shares the inspiration behind his new creative space. [0:02:20] • Brett reflects on family milestones and appreciates life’s special moments. [0:05:07] • Hear why “this too shall pass” should be a guiding philosophy for leaders. [0:09:15] • Learn strategies for building resilience and humility through life’s highs and lows. [0:13:26] • Explore how good intentions can create unintended consequences. [0:19:42] • Discover how to navigate differences in work culture between generations. [0:27:40] • Uncover why it is pointless to demand reality apologize to you. [0:31:43] • Find out why leaders should protect people, not jobs, in the age of AI. [0:35:23] • Understand the power of asking yourself, “What would have to be true?” [0:46:46] • Agree to Agree: AI, the future of work, and clapping when the plane lands. [0:50:56] Quotes: “Feel good about yourself but make sure you don’t make other people feel [like] less.” — Brett Elmgren [0:18:55] “The system won’t change if you keep collecting the paycheque and just complain about it, because it’s working.” — Drew Dudley [0:26:35] “It is pointless to demand reality apologize to you.” — Brett Elmgren [0:31:47] “Emotional intelligence isn’t about emotional interaction.” — Brett Elmgren [0:39:08] “There is no emotional intelligence without self-awareness and self-regulation.” — Drew Dudley [0:43:25] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works (https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Win-Strategy-Really-Works/dp/142218739X) The Opposable Mind (https://www.amazon.com/Opposable-Mind-Successful-Integrative-Thinking/dp/1422118924/ref=sr_1_1) Drew Dudley | Everyday Leadership (https://www.drewdudley.com/) Brett Elmgren | Axom Leadership (https://www.axomleadership.com/)

2. 

   18 May 2026

   Leadership Debates: Converting Motion to Momentum

   Brett and Drew pick up where they left off, exploring communication, leadership philosophy, and workplace dynamics. This episode blends storytelling, sharp debate, and hard-won insight — covering everything from how we interrupt each other to how AI might reshape what leadership actually looks like. Topics Covered The Power of the Pause The episode opens with a reflection on why thoughtfulness is sometimes mistaken for deceit. Brett and Drew explore why our culture tends to reward quickness over depth — and what we lose when we do. Is it always disrespectful to interrupt someone? A surprisingly nuanced conversation about intention vs. perception, ADHD and interruption as a sign of engagement, and two practical communication habits anyone can adopt: state your intention before your message, and respond to others with "here's what I heard." AI will expose most leaders as highly paid administrators Brett and Drew unpack the difference between motion and momentum, the Picasso napkin story, and why organizations may be structurally handicapping their best thinkers by making them produce work product instead of ideas. Coaching underperformers: efficient or not? Brett walks through his bell curve framework — Resistors, Bystanders, Supporters, and Leaders — and how over-investing attention in the bottom tier costs you your best people. Drew adds a key reframe: before labeling someone a bystander, ask whether they're unwilling — or just allergic to the paddles you've given them. Do A players hire A players, and B players hire C players? It's not just who you hire — it's why. The conversation expands into the psychology of hiring for security vs. hiring for growth, complacency, and systemic accountability. Key Takeaways State intent before message. One sentence of framing before delivering feedback changes everything about how it lands. Respond with "here's what I heard." It's a bid for understanding that defuses conflict before it starts. Check your assumptions. Before deciding someone is underperforming, ask whether they lack the will — or just the right resources. Momentum, not motion. Leaders should be asking whether activity is moving toward something, not just moving. Protect your stage fours. Your top performers won't wait around while you spend all your energy on resistors. They'll find another boat. Resources Mentioned 📘 Atomic Habits – James Clear (https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits) — Brett references the distinction between action and motion 📊 Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report (https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx) — Drew cites the stat that 70% of employee engagement is determined by a direct manager 🎙️ Clover App (https://www.cloverapp.ai) — mentioned as a tool for reviewing and analyzing podcast conversations with AI

3. 

   4 May 2026

   Leadership in the Age of AI

   What happens when the tools designed to make leadership easier begin to reshape how we think and learn? In this episode of the Good Company Podcast, Drew Dudley and Brett Elmgren explore how AI is reshaping leadership in ways that are both promising and worth questioning. They discuss the various benefits of AI, especially as a problem-solving tool, and why it’s a game-changer for neurodivergent thinkers. At the same time, they unpack the risks of overreliance, including over-validation and the loss of discomfort that drives real growth. Through the lens of The Matrix and The Karate Kid, they examine the tension between knowing and learning, and the evolving role of leaders in guiding others in an AI-assisted landscape. Rather than offering simple answers, they challenge the assumption that more efficiency always leads to better outcomes and consider what it means to lead in a world where the process itself can be bypassed. Tune in today for a thoughtful look at how leaders can engage with AI without losing what makes leadership human! Key Points From This Episode: The origin story behind Brett’s company name, Axom Leadership. [0:00:00] Personal updates and what’s been going well for Brett and Drew. [0:07:06] The concept of psychological safety and its unintended “shadow side.” [0:11:47] Today’s topic: How AI is Changing the Work of Leadership. [0:18:52] The unique opportunities and risks of AI, especially for neurodivergent thinkers. [0:21:55] AI as a tool that removes friction and accelerates thinking and execution. [24:43] Finding the balance between removing friction and providing challenge. [0:32:02] AI as a safe space to test ideas without real-world consequences. [0:33:21] Using AI to challenge thinking, expose blind spots, and add productive friction. [0:41:06] Unpacking the role of leadership in the future world of AI. [48:23] Lessons from The Karate Kid and The Matrix: the tension between knowing and learning in an AI-driven world. [0:52:22] Final takeaways and reflections. [0:59:48] Quotes: “The irony is, everyone wants to talk about developing resiliency, but then they live in a world of over-validation, and that's a huge issue with AI, – it just tells you everything you do is amazing, and that feels good [but] it is really bad for your ongoing development.” — Brett Elmgren [0:19:55] “The biggest revolution that you're going to see as more people use [AI], is it's going to redefine atypicals’ understanding of their role in leadership.” — Drew Dudley [0:22:33] “What's the equilibrium, if there even is one, between the right amount of friction that it is still developmental, but continues to produce that momentum which is exhilarating and really productive?” — Brett Elmgren [0:32:51] “[AI] allows me to test and fail faster, with fewer consequences than has ever existed before.” — Drew Dudley [0:34:07] “Our role as leaders in a world of AI is to make sure that human leadership still exists. It doesn't become human-assisted leadership. It is AI-assisted leadership, not human-assisted leadership.” — Drew Dudley [0:52:06] “There's a huge difference between learning and knowing, and the leader's job is learning to create the environment where people have the ownership so they can be on the right side of that.” — Brett Elmgren [01:07:41] Links: Drew Dudley | Everyday Leadership (https://www.drewdudley.com/) Brett Elmgren | Axom Leadership (https://www.axomleadership.com/)

4. 

   9 Mar 2026

   Making Leadership Desirable Again

   Join Brett Elmgren & Drew Dudley as they explore trending desires for positions of power and leadership. What does a healthy desire for leadership look like and how can we support leaders who are leading with positive intent? Tune in to learn from the experts!

5. 

   12 Jan 2026

   Finding Leadership Momentum When Your Tank is Empty

   Hosts Drew Dudley and Brett Elmgren explore how leaders can regain momentum when feeling depleted, discussing strategies for check-ins, boundary setting, and aligning schedules with energy levels.

6. 

   22 Sept 2025

   The Impact of Assumptions at Work

   Drew Dudley and Brett Elmgren explore the impact of assumptions in the workplace, discussing how to identify and reframe them to foster trust, improve relationships, and promote a more compassionate and productive work environment.

7. 

   21 Jul 2025

   Winning Respect at Work

   Hosts DREW DUDLEY and BRETT ELMGREN explore how professionals take ownership, build trust, and avoid blame to cultivate respect and improve workplace dynamics.

8. 

   7 Jul 2025

   Influencing Up with Good Intent

   Consultants Drew Dudley and Brett Elmgren discuss strategies for influencing superiors by offering constructive feedback, fostering open communication, and supporting their success, in this interview episode.

9. 

   16 Jun 2025

   Bad Advice That Can Stifle Your Career

   Drew Dudley and Brett Elmgren discuss common career mistakes, including self-centeredness and qualification obsession, while emphasizing resilience and challenging traditional talent recruitment methods, offering insights for career advancement.

10. 

    9 Jun 2025

    Good Advice to Thrive in Your Career

    Career experts Brett Elmgren and Drew Dudley explore the meaning of thriving in one's career, focusing on purpose, peace, and joy, in this interview episode.

11. 

    26 May 2025

    Rethinking Ambition

    Drew Dudley shares a personal story about a health scare that prompted him to re-evaluate his goals and redefine ambition, emphasizing the importance of health and happiness.

12. 

    12 May 2025

    Team Building Activities: Love 'Em or Hate 'Em

    It's another development day and "team building" activities are on the agenda...are you jazzed and ready to take on your co-workers or are you coming up with every excuse for why you're going to be sick that day? Regardless of which side you're on, anyone can admit there is a love/hate response when it comes to "team development." In this episode of Good Company, join Drew Dudley and Brett Elmgren as they discuss their own takes on what makes Team Building effective and how to optimize them from team cohesion. Drew and Brett even take you through a few of their favourite activities for you to use at your next team event. Tune in to learn when team building is effective, when it is a waste of time, and how to know the difference.

13. 

    14 Apr 2025

    Toxic vs Dysfunctional Workplaces: What's the Difference & What's the Remedy

    What’s the real difference between a toxic workplace and a dysfunctional one? In this season opener of The Good Company Podcast, hosts Drew Dudley and Brett Elmgren delve into the grey areas of workplace culture. In their conversation, Drew and Brett discuss what makes a culture toxic, how to tell if it’s permanently broken or just temporarily off-track, and how leaders can respond accordingly. They explore the difference between temporary dysfunction and baked-in toxicity, and why too many leaders jump to extreme language without naming what’s going on. They unpack how cultures drift into dysfunction “gradually and then suddenly,” the danger of normalizing poor behavior, and why personal values are the ultimate litmus test for when it’s time to walk away. Drew and Brett also uncover their three-level model of workplace culture and share what it takes to move teams up that ladder. Join in for leadership insight that will challenge how you think about hope, emotional honesty, and the lies we tell ourselves to get through the day. Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: • Introduction and outline of what listeners can expect from the episode. [0:00:00] • They reflect on season one and the most common feedback from listeners. [0:01:20] • Explore the difference between a dysfunctional culture and a toxic culture. [0:03:18] • Brett’s three-tiered culture model: dysfunctional, transactional, legendary. [0:06:38] • Drew’s definition of toxic and why tracking emotional well-being is important. [0:14:00] • Broader implications of toxicity and the common lies managers tell themselves. [0:20:00] • Managers chasing professional acclaim versus managers who are people pleasers. [0:27:42] • Learn practical tips for delivering hard feedback while maintaining care and intent. [0:35:52] • Find out what is needed to transform a toxic culture into a positive one. [0:40:06] • Final takeaways: track trends, have hard conversations, and refocus on purpose. [0:49:15] Quotes: “Dysfunction can be temporary. Toxicity is baked right [into workplace culture].” — Drew Dudley [0:05:56] “A toxic culture would be defined by an environment that forces you to violate your personal values in order to survive within it.” — Brett Elmgren [0:07:10] “It is easier to survive financial bankruptcy than emotional bankruptcy.” — Drew Dudley [0:20:58] “The path to toxicity is often paved with the best intentions.” — Drew Dudley [0:34:22] “Great leaders don’t manage processes and systems – great leaders manage energy.” — Brett Elmgren [0:45:38] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Radical Candor (https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Kick-Ass-Without-Humanity/dp/1250103509) The Five Dysfunctions of a Team (https://a.co/d/2wgDauV) Drew Dudley | Everyday Leadership (https://www.drewdudley.com/) Brett Elmgren | Axom Leadership (https://www.axomleadership.com/)

14. 

    10 Mar 2025

    Leadership Secrets: Wisdom They Don't Teach You in School

    ‘Edge of the Doorway Advice’ is the wisdom we share when we skip the small talk and get straight to the heart of things. That’s exactly what we’re doing during this episode: passing on the overall insights we have gained throughout our careers that could inspire and empower others. What might it look like to ask more generous questions, both as a leader and as a team member? Along with exploring this question, we dive deep into Drew and Brett’s most pertinent advice for other leaders, from definitions and principles to relationships and practices. Join us as we explore what it means to straddle personal and company values, identify manipulative behaviors in those who lead, and learn why leadership can be considered a profession of its own. We also touch on vulnerability, using your position to create positive change, and much more. Thanks for listening to Good Company! Key Points From This Episode: • The ‘Edge of the Doorway’ advice we will share in this episode. [0:01:50] • Nuggets of wisdom leading up to Brett & Drew’s ultimate advice. [0:05:50] • Determining whether there is truly a disconnect between your values and the organization you work for. [0:11:00] • What to do when your personal values and the company values are different. [0:14:04] • Unpacking what it really means to see leadership as an opportunity to create positive change. [0:22:32] • How, as a leader, you should approach speaking about problems and avoiding manipulation. [0:25:30] • The appropriate application of vulnerability in the context of leadership. [0:31:56] • Why leadership itself is a profession and what this means for leaders. [0:36:56] • How fear impacts organizational function. [0:41:54] • Understanding the privilege of leadership. [0:45:23] Quotes: “Those three words save relationships and they save careers: elevate, don’t escalate.” — Drew Dudley [0:07:12] “You have to go to work every day and evaluate your role in a toxic environment by knowing that it’s better to be financially bankrupt than spiritually bankrupt, and toxic environments bankrupt you spiritually.” — Drew Dudley [0:09:12] “‘What’s the most generous assumption you can make about this decision?’ is such a good leadership mantra.” — Drew Dudley [0:13:22] “Leadership is the opportunity to create positive change and it does take courage to do that within every moment.” — Brett Elmgren [0:20:36] “Leadership is about embracing uncertainty.” — Brett Elmgren [0:23:52] “How you feel about yourself has a profound impact on how you treat other people.” — Drew Dudley [0:41:29] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: This is Day One Drew Dudley | Everyday Leadership Brett Elmgren | Axom Leadership

15. 

    24 Feb 2025

    Leadership Traits: Overrated & Underrated

    Leadership Traits: Overrated and Underrated What leadership traits are essential, and which ones are given more credit than they deserve? In this episode of Good Company, hosts Drew Dudley and Brett Elmgren unpack the most overrated and underrated leadership traits in today's workplace. In their conversation, they define overrated and underrated characteristics and how certain traits can help leaders create more productive workplaces and fulfilling company cultures. Drew and Brett discuss the common misconceptions surrounding charisma and why there is an inherent distrust of it. They unpack why collaboration is overrated and the concept of mindful collaboration. They also explore why education and credentials are not a silver bullet for competence, and the power of fostering personal value discovery in the workplace in addition to organizational values. Discover why leaders need to understand data, the role of agility and adaptability in leadership, why asking good questions is a vital skill, and more. Tune in to uncover the key traits to leadership success with Drew Dudley and Brett Elmgren! Key Points From This Episode: Find out why charisma is not a leadership trait and how it differs from confidence. [0:04:22] The value of collaboration and the risk of too many people making decisions. [0:12:15] Learn why companies should hire based on skills and not credentials or education. [0:17:22] Explore the power of personal values and why they are essential for the workplace. [0:24:40] Discover why data literacy and storytelling are highly underrated leadership skillsets. [0:31:48] Discuss the need for agility and adaptability in leadership. [0:37:18] Misconceptions surrounding personal boundaries and how to implement them. [0:40:00] Why the ability to ask the right questions is a critical, but underrated leadership skill. [0:42:03] How leaders can improve decision-making and assess information effectively. [0:47:00] Honorable mentions: humility, common sense, humanity, and humor. [0:50:01] Quotes: “Let's work on abolishing the extroverted bias within how [leaders] run meetings and how [leaders] promote people in the organization.” — Brett Elmgren [0:09:46] “Really, what charisma is is the ability to have people form opinions of you that are positive very quickly.” — Drew Dudley [0:11:10] “Collaboration is not necessarily a skill. It is what emerges from developing a certain set of other skills.” — Drew Dudley [0:15:31] “We just use credentialism to gatekeep what access people get.” — Drew Dudley [0:19:03] “I think leaders over manage people through change when the real successful people in organizations understand that change is constant and they are business ready at all times.” — Brett Elmgren [0:37:34] “I think a boundary is the line past which your values start to be threatened.” — Drew Dudley [0:40:24] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: This Is Day One (https://www.amazon.com/This-Day-One-Practical-Leadership/dp/0316523070) Making Numbers Count (https://www.amazon.com/Making-Numbers-Count-Science-Communicating/dp/1982165448) Drew Dudley | Everyday Leadership (https://www.drewdudley.com/) Brett Elmgren | Axom Leadership (https://www.axomleadership.com/)

16. 

    10 Feb 2025

    Leadership Pitfalls: What to Stop & What to Start

    Leadership Pitfalls: What to Stop & What to Start Are you unknowingly holding your team back? Small leadership habits can have a significant impact on workplace culture and productivity. In this episode of Good Company, Drew Dudley and Brett Elmgren delve into behaviors that leaders should avoid and unpack the steps they can take to foster more positive and productive workplaces. They explore the power of creation-based conversations, why holding team members accountable is key, and how problem-solving conversations create better workplaces. Tuning in, you'll discover a five-step approach for handling conflicts and challenges, the "genie" question, why controlling your emotions as a leader is essential, ways opinions dilute true expertise, the idea of indirect positive feedback, and more. Join the conversation to explore how asking better questions, leveraging expertise, and providing structured feedback can substantially enhance workplace culture and productivity! Key Points From This Episode: • Why leaders should shift their approach from judgment to curiosity and support. [0:01:48] • Navigating judgment effectively and why leaders should always assume good intent. [0:04:00] • The power of reframing ideas as questions to foster engagement and ownership. [0:07:19] • Reasons leaders should end open-door policies and focus on problem-solving. [0:11:33] • How to create places for constructive conversations and define clear dos and don’ts. [0:14:53] • An approach to create problem-solving conversations for effective conflict resolution. [0:17:39] • Steps leaders can take to control their emotions when navigating conflict. [0:22:28] • Unpack the issue of over-collaboration and the idea of a credibility scale for teams. [0:27:08] • Ways to identify and evaluate expertise for effective credibility rankings. [0:30:45] • Shifting from incorporating direct positive feedback to indirect positive feedback. [0:34:41] • Examples of disempowering phrases leaders should avoid and what to say instead. [0:37:23] • Takeaways from today's conversation and what Drew and Brett have planned. [0:49:22] Quotes: “We are always going to judge; that is just how the brain works. It's more about stopping the default negative assumptions as a reaction to whatever [leaders] are being hit with.” — Brett Elmgren [0:06:06] “If venting is never followed with action, then it actually creates a culture of entitlement.” — Brett Elmgren [0:14:00] “There is positive intent in every difficult conversation. You should not be having the conversation if you cannot find the positive intent.” — Brett Elmgren [0:16:58] “Stop looking for who is right and stop trying to solve the problem as quickly as possible.” — Drew Dudley [0:21:04] “The power of naming your emotion is a very important one [for a leader].” — Drew Dudley [0:23:22] “Some of your best insight only gets offered when you ask for it from team members.” — Drew Dudley [0:34:27] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Opposable Mind (https://www.amazon.com/Opposable-Mind-Successful-Integrative-Thinking/dp/1422139778) Drew Dudley | Everyday Leadership (https://www.drewdudley.com/) Brett Elmgren | Axom Leadership (https://www.axomleadership.com/)

17. 

    27 Jan 2025

    The Future of Work: Leading with Trust and Resilience

    How can organizations foster trust, resilience, and connection in a world increasingly marked by disconnection and distrust? In this thought-provoking episode of Good Company, Drew Dudley and Brett Elmgren tackle the complexities of post-pandemic organizational culture. They explore why some companies thrived during adversity, the tension between engagement and accountability, and how assumptions about leadership and decision-making shape workplace dynamics. Packed with actionable insights, this conversation challenges leaders (and employees) to rethink their approach to building trust and culture. Tune in to discover strategies for bridging divides, strengthening team cohesion, and leading with authenticity in today’s ever-changing work landscape! Key Points From This Episode: • Improving engagement through quick office returns and intentional social connection [0:01:31] • How resilient leaders minimized disruption by acting fast in the face of adversity [0:05:44] • The need to accommodate diverse needs when balancing remote and in-office work [0:07:44] • Shaping a strong culture through consistent actions aligned with shared values [0:10:31] • Reasons that employees struggle when leaders dismiss cultural initiatives as "soft" [0:16:31] • Five ways healthy cultures drive engagement, productivity, profitability, and more [0:18:34] • The danger of a single story and why you can’t outsource culture to the C-suite [0:22:14] • A simple question that serves as a litmus test for a strong organizational culture [0:26:06] • Fostering trust and honesty within organizations in an age of disinformation [0:28:21] • C-suite scuttlebutt: frustration with a perceived sense of employee entitlement [0:33:36] • Employee entitlement versus the demand for a more human-centered approach [0:40:32] • Demystifying the executive suite by helping employees understand leadership better [0:44:10] • Practical strategies for building unity and overcoming division in organizations [0:48:20] • Wrapping up and what's next: key takeaways and upcoming topics [0:52:32] Quotes: “We overcomplicate [culture] – If you want to change the culture, just change the way you do things. That's it.” — Brett Elmgren [0:12:11] “[Organizations that have] supportive, psychologically safe, – and empowering cultures of accountability, transparency, [and] authenticity – have way higher employee engagement and productivity, like 21% higher profitability and 147% higher earnings per share.” — Drew Dudley [0:19:13] “Don't outsource culture to your boss. You are the culture!” — Brett Elmgren [0:24:58] “Allow your people to discover you. Don't try to introduce yourself to them.” — Drew Dudley [0:32:21] “Engagement minus accountability equals entitlement.” — Brett Elmgren [0:35:53] “The best cultural indicator is how generous your collective assumptions are in an organization.” — Brett Elmgren [0:53:13] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Reality-Based Leadership | Cy Wakeman (https://realitybasedleadership.com/) ‘Why good leaders make you feel safe’ | Simon Sinek | TED (https://youtu.be/lmyZMtPVodo) Drew Dudley | Everyday Leadership (https://www.drewdudley.com/) Brett Elmgren | Axom Leadership (https://www.axomleadership.com/)

18. 

    13 Jan 2025

    Good Company - Season 1: Episode 1 - Building Better Workplaces

    Building Better Workplaces: Leadership for a Post-Pandemic World Welcome to Good Company, the podcast redefining leadership to create workplaces where people thrive! In this debut episode, hosts Drew Dudley and Brett Elmgren share their vision: inspiring leaders to transform culture and drive meaningful change. With personal stories and fresh perspectives, they explore the challenges facing today’s organizations. The discussion examines the pandemic’s lasting impact on workplace culture, raising questions about resilience, recognition, and the disconnect between leadership efforts and employee well-being. What makes people feel strong at work? Are organizations doing enough to address collective trauma and foster recovery? Drew and Brett offer thoughtful insights on building environments where employees feel valued, autonomous, and connected. With practical strategies like improving communication and redefining recognition, this episode offers actionable ideas to help leaders build better workplaces. Listen in for a candid, thought-provoking conversation that will leave you inspired to create positive change! Key Points From This Episode: • An introduction to hosts, Drew and Brett, and the origins of this podcast. [0:01:11] • What people would like to improve when it comes to their organizational cultures. [0:04:34] • Examining the pandemic as a collective trauma and how businesses can address it. [0:06:55] • Reflections on whether the pandemic is over in the context of work. [0:11:52] • Unpacking the nature of happiness and what brings people joy at work. [0:14:11] • The range of pandemic workplace experiences from positive to traumatic. [0:25:18] • Debating a company’s responsibility for employee mental health. [0:31:23] • Key areas where people are feeling weak and unable to access resilience. [0:41:06] • Evidence-based approaches for creating safer more resilient work environments. [0:47:17] • Effective strategies for showing recognition and appreciation in the workplace. [0:51:51] • Final insights and data concerning today’s topics. [01:06:30] Quotes: “I don't think human beings – were meant to live in perpetual states of uncertainty. And that, to me, is what's lingering [from the pandemic] – the uncertainty persists when the pandemic has stopped.” — Brett Elmgren [0:12:12] “I'm wondering if we're asking the right questions of employees when we say, ‘Are you happy?’ As opposed to asking them, ‘When do you feel happiest?’” — Drew Dudley [0:19:52] “Strength is a prerequisite for happiness.” — Drew Dudley [0:23:31] “70% of employees who are heavily monitored report higher levels of work-related stress compared to people that aren’t.” — Drew Dudley [0:45:30] “She goes, ‘I learned a long time ago, this simple practice where whenever something negative happens, there's really only one question, that's effective. What did I learn from that experience? That's it.’” — Brett Elmgren [0:50:46] “94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development.” — Drew Dudley [01:07:43] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Power of Habit (https://www.charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit/) Supercommunicators (https://www.charlesduhigg.com/supercommunicators) Drew Dudley | Everyday Leadership (https://www.drewdudley.com/) Brett Elmgren | Axom Leadership (https://www.axomleadership.com/)

Podcast Authority Score: 6 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

13

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0