How do you retain your top talent? Cathleen is exploring the world of talent attraction and retention with Gerry Gadoury. Join them to learn about the nuances of becoming a "destination employer" and cohesive approaches to hiring and retaining top talent. Gerry shares his incredible journey from a Marine Corps leader to a successful entrepreneur, and how he's overcome significant setbacks and a life-altering injury. Whether you're an employer looking to reduce turnover or a listener seeking leadership advice, this episode is packed with valuable lessons that apply across industries. Tune in and learn how to create a workplace where employees feel valued, heard, and motivated to grow.

Episode Timeline:

• 06:34 Admire your youthful curiosity and bold experimentation.

• 12:37 Marine Corps leadership benefits small business operations.

• 20:40 Reflect, adapt, and improve through after action reports.

• 26:49 Lack of executive interaction diminishes role appeal.

• 33:35 Entrepreneurial drive stemming from trauma.

• 45:44 Unexpected recruiter journey.

• 52:25 Employee retention depends on alignment, growth, and fulfilment.

• 01:07:28 Interview should be a mutually beneficial conversation.

• 01:11:57 Finding suitable candidates requires a thorough, diverse search.

• 01:22:09 Salary discussions can cause recruiting challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Gerry emphasises the significance of companies evolving into "destination employers" to attract and retain top talent. This involves understanding and aligning employees' aspirations with organisational goals, fostering a genuine employer brand, and maintaining an inclusive company culture.

• Gerry's personal story, which includes overcoming a debilitating neck injury that led to a drastic change in his career and lifestyle, highlights the virtues of resilience and adaptability. His journey shows the importance of persevering through adversity and continuously evolving both personally and professionally.

• From his Marine Corps experience, Gerry emphasises the importance of decisive action in high-pressure situations and the value of small-unit leadership. He stresses that enabling employees to feel heard and valued by engaging in authentic conversations can significantly bolster organisational effectiveness and employee satisfaction.

ABOUT Gerry Gadoury:

Gerry is a twenty-five year veteran of the Tech Professional Services industry. In that time he has been a recruiter, sales person, manager, consultant, trainer, executive, speaker, business owner, and best-selling author. Through all of it his primary focus has been on building successful teams.

Whether Technical, Sales, or Recruitment, Gerry has recruited, trained, and led diverse teams to successful outcomes. Utilizing that experience Gerry created the Destination Employer Methodology to empower Startup, Scaleup, and early stage companies to consistently Attract, Recruit, and Retain the top-talent they need to fulfill their critical missions.

Connect with Gerry:

Website: www.redbeardsol.com

Email: gerryg@redbeardsol.com

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrygadoury/

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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Are you ready to revolutionise your approach to leadership and talent retention? Join host Cathleen O'Sullivan as she delves into transformative leadership strategies with Claire Chandler, president and founder of Talent Boost also known as the ‘leadership therapist’. In this enlightening episode, Claire shares invaluable insights on aligning people strategies with business goals, creating sustainable growth, and fostering genuine employee engagement.

Get ready to uncover key takeaways from Claire's latest book, "Growth on Purpose," learn about the critical role of HR in today's business landscape. We also explore the nuances of personal and professional development to ensure that your talent is retained even as your business grows

Here are the Highlights:

09:25 HR should empower growth, not just enforce compliance.

14:17 HR should separate compliance from talent management.

23:11 External advisors gain credibility over internal voices.

35:49 Entrepreneurs face boundless possibilities, unlike employees.

39:50 We are all human, vulnerable, and flawed.

46:56 Writing the book improved Claire’s business methodology.

51:22 Avoid comparison; embrace authenticity and entrepreneurial generosity.

55:59 Embrace inner child for pure creative joy.

01:10:54 Word-of-mouth referrals attract the best talent.

01:15:03 Organisations evolving roles to match employees' talents.

01:30:38 Leaders: Connect human-first to strengthen team performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Claire Chandler emphasises the need for HR to transition from compliance-focused roles to strategic partners in organisations.

• Building genuine trust requires leaders to be self-aware, engage authentically with employees, and foster psychological safety.

• Cathleen and Claire explore the therapeutic benefits of writing as a form of personal and professional development.

ABOUT Claire Chandler

President and founder of Talent Boost, Claire Chandler deeply believes that leaders shape cultures, and stronger cultures drive greater success. She specialises in helping businesses expand without losing their best talent. Leveraging 30 years of experience in people leadership, human resources, and business ownership, Claire advises purpose-driven executive leaders looking to achieve perpetual growth. Claire’s services include keynote and motivational speaking, cultural integration and strategic alignment, thought partnership, talent ecosystems, leadership retreat facilitation, performance acceleration, executive and cohort coaching, organisational assessment and design, team dynamics and alignment, and growth

readiness.

Claire holds a certificate in strategic HR leadership from Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, a master’s degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and a bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University. She has appeared as a guest on more than 150 podcasts, is the author of several books on leadership and business strategy, and is a contributing writer for Forbes. She received the 2023 Best of America Small Business Award as Best Entrepreneur—Business Consulting.

Connect with Claire:

Website: https://www.clairechandler.net/

Book: https://www.growthonpurpose.com/

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairechandlersphr/

Twitter: https://x.com/TalentBoost

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talentboostllc

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: www.cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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How do you handle setbacks and challenges? Do you struggle, or do you stay afloat? Cathleen sits down with Russell Harvey, known widely as the resilience coach. With a career spanning over two decades in learning and development, Russell brings a wealth of experience and personal anecdotes that illustrate the profound impact of balancing humanity, data, and processes within organisations. Tune in to explore the essential components of resilience, strategies to adapt in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world, and the importance of building a robust support network. Get ready to embrace change and discover the keys to thriving through adversity with actionable advice and heartfelt stories that will inspire you to become a legendary leader.

Episode Timeline:

• 01:07 Handling setbacks and understanding resilience as a tool.

• 09:13 Leadership involves resolving dilemmas ethically, creatively and adaptably.

• 11:50 Resilience is springing forward with learning, not bouncing back.

• 27:33 Adaptability is openness to change, not action.

• 39:35 Repeated experiences taught self-care and practical tasks.

• 48:16 Personal challenges taught resilience.

• 56:51 Leaders need training on managing emotions during change.

• 01:03:38 Team gathers situational awareness through conversations.

Key Takeaways:

• Russell emphasises fostering a supportive community and maintaining continual communication are crucial for organisational resilience. Leaders must consider emotional intelligence and open dialogue to manage their teams and create a resilient culture effectively.

• According to Russell, resilience encompasses multiple components: attitude, purpose, confidence, adaptability, support network, meaning, and energy. Resilience involves a combination of being open to change, maintaining a positive attitude, and leveraging one’s support network for energy and strength.

• Both Cathleen and Russell discuss the importance of adaptability and agility, especially in the face of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA). Leaders need to be proactive in their decision-making, maintaining situational awareness and clarity amidst change.

ABOUT Russell Harvey:

Russell Harvey, "The Resilience Coach", is a dynamic and engaging Leadership Coach and Facilitator, Public Speaker, Managing Director, NED, Podcaster, and Radio Host. With over 20 years of experience in Learning, Leadership, and Organizational Development, Russell has specialised in Resilience and VUCA for the past 18 years. Russell's areas of specialisation include Resilience in our modern world of uncertainty

and ambiguity, executive coaching and leadership development, talent management and career coaching, facilitation, change leadership, and creativity. He has worked with a wide range of clients, including NHS, BT, The Co-operative Group and Bank, WM Morrisons, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and many more.

Connect with Russell:

Website: https://www.theresiliencecoach.co.uk/

Social Media Links:

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/theresiliencecoach/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/russelltheresiliencecoach

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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In a world where chaos often reigns, the power of maintaining a ready position can make the difference between success and failure. Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down to talk strategic planning and leadership with special guest Justin Bookey, author, marketing strategist, Emmy-nominated content creator, and global table ping pong player. Whether you're navigating high-stakes business decisions or seeking personal growth through unique experiences, this episode embraces continual learning - turning failures into stepping stones, and achieving excellence by focusing on the present task.

Episode Timeline:

• 02:25 Balancing career and passion enriches leadership perspective.

• 11:28 Ping pong universally fosters connection and memories.

• 23:36 Meet people where they are and learn deeply.

• 31:46 Ping pong and career philosophy overlap remarkably.

• 38:11 Focus on identity, impact, and having fun.

• 43:31 Understanding rhythm to manage conversation effectively.

• 51:20 Master fundamentals to execute advanced skills efficiently.

• 01:02:29 Focus on the present task with excellence.

• 01:13:59 Justin's book helps overcome self-doubt.

Key Takeaways:

• Justin and Cathleen discuss the importance of maintaining a "ready position" in chaotic situations. This involves being constantly prepared to adapt to changing conditions and optimising responses based on probable events.

• Failure is an integral part of growth and competitive endeavours. Both Cathleen and Justin discuss how readiness and striving for excellence are more important than the mere pursuit of success.

• Both Cathleen and Justin highlight the significant impact of family values and support on individual growth and leadership styles. Justin's diverse upbringing in a supportive, open-minded family with exposure to various cultures and unique experiences shaped his empathetic and balanced leadership approach.

ABOUT Justin:

Justin Bookey is a former lawyer, an award-winning marketing strategist, and a global ping-pong player. He’s had the good fortune of learning from some of the best and brightest in several arenas while working with leaders at Disney, Sony, Honda, Qualcomm, XPRIZE, and more. After practising communications law for several years in Washington, DC, he transitioned to web content development. He’s earned Emmy nominations for feature documentaries he produced, and Telly, Viddy, and ADDY awards for digital marketing campaigns he spearheaded. He is the author of Ping Pong Leadership, a powerful guide to success at any table For leaders, entrepreneurs, and competitors of all kinds.

Connect with Justin:

Website::https://www.pingpongleadership.com/contact

Buy the Book Ping Pong Leadership: https://amzn.eu/d/2pHAc47

Social Media Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookey/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/PingPongLeadership

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebookey

X: https://x.com/thebookey

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebookey

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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Are you ready to explore the transformative world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? Join Cathleen as she sits down Sara Taylor the President and Founder of deepSEE Consulting. With over 35 years of expertise, Sara has become a nationally recognised thought leader in cultural competence and DEI. Together they explore the intricate layers of biases, the importance of cultural competence, and practical ways for leaders to create more inclusive environments. Sara shares her personal journey and how this has shaped her passion for DEI. They tackle current topics like the social polarisation in Europe and the US. Tune in for a conversation filled with profound reflections, so that we can all become better leaders.

Episode Timeline:

• 01:19 Sara Taylor: Cultural competence leader; diversity expert; author.

• 07:31 Inclusion and equity integrated.

• 19:54 Judgments and filters affect understanding and communication.

• 29:10 Diverse teams excel through inclusion, engagement, and performance.

• 32:22 How do you merge cultures if you are not culturally competent?

• 54:30 Are diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives effective?

• 01:03:40 Leaders using fear cause global polarisation to increase.

• 01:16:38 deepSEEConsulting: promoting global workplace equity.

Key Takeaways:

• Sara highlights the importance of recognising and addressing hidden biases that influence communication and decision-making in leadership. Leaders need to develop cultural competence to foster inclusive environments where all voices are valued and heard.

• Through her work with deepSEE Consulting, Sara emphasises the need for developing inclusive cultures that support diverse hires, warning against the pitfalls of forced diversity without proper cultural integration.

• By transitioning from automatic, filter-driven responses to conscious and thoughtful decision-making, leaders can create high-performing, diverse teams that excel by effectively checking and challenging their unconscious biases.

ABOUT Sara:

Sara Taylor, President and Founder of deepSEE Consulting, has 35 years of extensive experience, nationally recognized as in the practice of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion serving local, national and global clients. While her areas of specialty are in both Diversity and Leadership Development, Sara has become a thought leader particularly in the field of Cultural Competence. Her bestselling book, Filter Shift: How Effective People SEE the World, is used by numerous individuals and organisations to increase success and create greater effectiveness. Sara holds a Master's degree in Diversity and Organisational Development and, prior to founding deepSEE, held positions such as Chief Diversity Officer and Leadership and Diversity Specialist.

Connect with Sara:

Website: https://www.deepseeconsulting.com/

Thinking at the Speed of Bias book link: https://bit.ly/3x9bWbY

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarajanetaylor/

deepSEE's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deepsee-consulting/

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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Dive into a riveting exploration of diversity, innovation, and authentic leadership in this episode of Legendary Leaders. Join host Cathleen as she sits down with Angeley Mullins, the dynamic Chief Commercial Officer at Resourcify, to unravel the impact of digitalisation on critical thinking, and the transformative power of authenticity in leadership.

From balancing technology with human interaction to the importance of diverse perspectives in board meetings, Angeley shares invaluable insights into fostering inclusive environments and driving meaningful change. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to lead with impact, influence, and unwavering authenticity.

Episode Timeline:

• 06:55 70% of the waste in Europe is actually done by companies.

• 09:18 Recycling approaches differ between Germany and the UK.

• 10:56 Companies seek digitisation for compliance with regulations.

• 18:47 New laws attract tech talent to Germany.

• 24:58 American risk-taking fosters innovation; Europe values stability.

• 29:49 Fast fashion's waste concerns drive the consumerist movement.

• 38:03 Critical thinking is getting lost.

• 51:31 Authenticity, not success, leads to true happiness.

• 57:03 Culture of fear stifles collaboration, hampers progress.

• 59:49 Big companies withstand hits; Twitter rebranding was terrible.

• 01:05:30 Inclusivity ensures dynamic, representative, and cohesive environments.

• 01:16:43 Mentors and mentees grow through mutual learning.

Key Takeaways:

• Angeley Mullins shares the importance of integrating diverse perspectives and maintaining critical thinking, particularly in the context of debates like veganism, sustainability, and digitalisation.

• Cathy and Angeley discuss the necessity for authentic leadership, sharing that genuine happiness and effective leadership come from being true to oneself, coupled with the humility to admit shortcomings and seek help.

• The episode explores differences in cultural approaches to innovation and risk-taking between Europe and the U.S., highlighting how these impact company practices, employee retention, and regulatory environments.

ABOUT Angeley Mullins

Angeley Mullins is a seasoned Commercial Executive (CCO/CRO) & Operations Executive (COO) with leadership roles across the US, EMEA, UK, & APAC including: Amazon, Intuit, GoDaddy, and her most recent role as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Resourcify, a digital platform that helps companies reduce their waste, increase their recycling, and promote a circular economy. Her experience focuses on commercial & operations growth: revenue, marketing, brand, sales, product, and international ex-

pansion in both technology scale-ups and larger corporations. In2023, Crunchbase recognised her, along with other prominent technology leaders, as one of the most influential women in sales. Furthermore, she also holds advisory roles with various technology and media companies. She has a special interest for advancing the conversation around women in leadership and diversity at the executive level.

Connect with Angeley:

Website: https://www.resourcify.com/en/

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeleymullins

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngeleyMullins

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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Prepare to unlock the secrets of the subconscious as we explore the realms of self-hypnosis and manifestation with the insightful David C. Olcott. In this captivating episode, Cathleen interviews David, the founder of Samurai Success and author of "Swords of Illumination" where he reveals how being in love can elevate one's potential and how rewriting your inner programming can align the conscious with the subconscious. Listen, as they explore the transformative power of resonance, the struggle of trusting oneself, and the journey towards authentic, purpose-driven leadership.

Episode Timeline:

07:40 I had all this wealth. I had these riches…but I wasn't happy

12:38 Reprogram yourself by understanding your early programming.

21:07 Needed a push, the universe intervened, it was a big breakthrough.

26:30 Conscious role distinctions in various life situations.

33:33 Contrast and polarity essential for self-awareness.

41:57 Forgetting leads to experiencing ourselves in new ways.

44:56 Creative process: inspiration from source.

01:02:14 Transition from divinity to physical, finding balance.

01:13:12 Overcoming money programming by understanding its origin.

Key Takeaways:

• David emphasises that manifestation is heavily influenced by subconscious programming, with only 5% coming from conscious thought. His self-hypnosis method, "I'm Studio," aims to connect the soul and ego to rewrite this programming, aligning the conscious and subconscious mind to manifest desires more effectively.

• Cathleen and David discuss the concept of balance and centeredness, agreeing that true balance in all areas of life is likely to be unachievable. Instead, David introduces a framework of ten different categories to guide individuals toward a more centred existence, focusing on a balance between divinity and physical realm beliefs.

• The importance of intentional identity creation and self-leadership is emphasised, alongside practical methods for changing subconscious programming, including hypnosis and NLP. Cathleen reflects on transitioning from seeking validation to embracing her role as a coach, resulting in a more fulfilling and effortless work experience.

ABOUT David C. Olcott

David is the founder, president, and CEO of Samurai Success, Inc., an international executive, organizational, and personal coaching firm based in Denver, CO. With over 30 years of professional coaching experience, David has helped numerous clients achieve sustainable growth and productivity, even during challenging economic times.

A nationally recognized motivational speaker, David is known for his ability to simplify complex ideas and inspire audiences to reach seemingly unattainable goals. His background includes being a #1 national trainer for Anthony Robbins and serving in Florida state politics.

David holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from Florida International University, is master certified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and has a second-degree black belt in Aikido. He's also an accomplished motorcycle racer and the author of the book, "Swords of Illumination."

Married to Dr. Lorena Lavarne, David has one son, Josh. The family divides their time between Denver, CO, and Sarasota, FL.

Connect with Guest:

Website: https://samuraisuccess.com/

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samurai-success

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094367529507

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Samurai_Success/

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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Why cash really is king. Cathleen O'Sullivan brings you a powerful conversation with expert author and partner at Ernst and Young, Peter Kingma. Sharing his expertise on cash flow management, the importance of trust and communication within teams, and how metrics and debt management play critical roles in business resilience. Together they explore the transformative impact of the pandemic on work dynamics and the flexible models it has ushered in. Peter shares insights from his book "Cash is King," highlighting essential strategies for managing cash flow, empowering teams, and making sound financial decisions. Tune in to hear practical tips for avoiding cash shortages, and the power of storytelling in business.

Episode Timeline:

07:53 Revolutionised remote work flexibility.

15:05 Resilience in business leads to better outcomes.

20:44 Anecdotes from Cash is King: living paycheck to paycheck.

24:31 Understanding decision rights, metrics, and incentives for an organisation.

35:20 Debt management advice: control what you can.

43:11 CLO’s, cash leadership offices.

47:03 Client success stories: improving conversion rates and benefiting growth.

53:21 Cash is King: resonating with real-life stories.

Key Takeaways:

• Both in-person and remote work have their unique benefits, and companies are adopting diverse approaches to balance these models.

• Peter Kingma emphasises the importance of understanding and managing cash flow for the success of any organisation. His book "Cash is King" aims to demystify cash management, making it accessible to entrepreneurs and business leaders.

• Building a successful team requires creating an environment of trust and psychological safety. Cathleen O'Sullivan and Peter Kingma highlight the importance of asking questions, sharing knowledge, and fostering open communication.

ABOUT Peter Kingma

Peter Kingma, author of CASH IS KING, is the Americas Working Capital Leader for EY Parthenon. Working across a variety of sectors including automotive, aerospace, defence, healthcare, retail, and consumer products, he advises business leaders on how to optimize the management of cash. His work has led to well over 25 billion dollars of value creation for his clients.

Kingma is a regular contributor to leading business publications and podcasts, often speaking at industry events about his areas of expertise. His clients bring him in to lead planning sessions, consult with management teams, and present to their boards of directors. Kingma who has a degree in economics from Purdue University, lives in Chicago and Columbia, Missouri. You can learn more at peterkingma.com.

Connect with Peter:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-kingma

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/peterwkingma

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: www.cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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YOUR PODCASTS.