WiLD Conversation

Trust in Crisis: Lessons in Leadership with Tami Heim

In this inspiring episode of the WiLD Leaders podcast, Dr. Rob McKenna sits down with Tami Heim, CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance and former President of Borders Inc., to explore the unshakable importance of trust in leadership—especially during moments of crisis. Tami reflects on her leadership journey through disruptive times, offering insights into building trust, embracing collaboration, and navigating the highs and lows of achievement.
Listeners will hear how she turned challenges into opportunities, including managing through the rise of e-commerce giants, leading under pressure, and creating systems that drove lasting change. Tami shares her commitment to lifelong learning, the value of mentoring relationships, and why pausing to reflect on the "why" behind decisions often leads to the best outcomes.
Key Leadership Takeaways
Trust is Tested in Crisis: Trust is cultivated over time but is truly revealed and refined when challenges arise.
Fail Forward: Embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow, and reflect on both successes and failures for continued improvement.
Collaborative Leadership: Empowering others to contribute, innovate, and adapt often leads to greater outcomes than working alone.
Focus and Flexibility: Knowing when to pivot and prioritize can be the difference between surviving and thriving in turbulent times.
The Power of Reflection: Leaders must take time to think critically and deeply about their decisions to ensure they align with long-term goals.

Navigating Life's Competing Demands: The Paradox of Presence and Progress

How do we balance the tension between being fully present in the moment and making meaningful progress?
In this episode, Dr. McKenna dives into the paradox that shapes much of our personal and professional lives. Drawing from psychological insights, including Bandura's Social Learning Theory, he explores the challenges of living in the duality of stopping and going.
You'll gain practical tools for identifying your default tendencies, embracing tension, and leading with intention. Whether you're a doer or someone who values being present, this episode will inspire you to reimagine how these forces can coexist in harmony.
Listener Takeaways
Understand Your Defaults: Learn to recognize whether your natural inclination is towards action or presence and how to leverage this awareness.
Practical Tools: Discover strategies to intentionally pause and reflect without losing momentum in your personal or professional life.
Leadership Insights: Explore how leaders can foster organizational cultures that embrace both progress and presence, driving holistic growth.
Environmental Impact: Uncover how external factors shape our behaviors and perceptions, and how to respond thoughtfully.
Mindset Shifts: Embrace the paradox and shift from "either/or" to "both/and" thinking for greater clarity and balance.

Lead the Dance: Building Trust, Reducing Owner Dependence, and Showing Up Confidently with Nick Anderson

What if the key to building trust isn’t about eliminating your insecurities, but showing up predictably and intentionally? In this episode, we explore how leaders overcome self-doubt, set clear operational rhythms, and create trust-filled business relationships that drive growth.
You’ll hear from Dr. Rob McKenna and CEO of One Accors, Nick Anderson, how self-awareness can help you step into your leadership identity with confidence—even when the doubts creep in. By creating rhythms of predictability and consistency, you build a culture where your team can rely on you and on the systems you’ve built.
We also address one of the biggest leadership challenges: reducing business reliance on YOU. Learn how tough moments can refine your organization and why investing in people and operational clarity today will set you up for long-term resilience and success.
 
Key Listener Takeaways
Imposter Syndrome Reframed: Leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, owning your role, and delivering with confidence.
The Power of Predictability: Consistent rhythms build trust and stability in both business relationships and operations.
Self-Awareness Drives Impact: Recognize your insecurities, lean into your strengths, and set the tone for your team to follow.
Turning Tough Times Into Growth: Use challenging moments to refine your systems, strengthen your culture, and build resilience.
Reduce Owner Dependence: True leadership prepares your organization to thrive without relying solely on you.
#Leadership #BuildTrust #SelfAwareness #BusinessGrowth #OperationalExcellence

Measurement Matters: The Power of Trust

Trust is the foundation of every thriving team and successful organization, but it doesn’t emerge by chance. Building trust requires intentional effort—measuring it, understanding it, and aligning it with both personal and operational factors.
In this episode, we explore how trust works on two essential levels: 1️⃣ The inside-out, where psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and personal growth foster connection and confidence. 2️⃣ The outside-in, where systems, leadership strategies, and organizational structure create sustainable performance at scale.
We’ll discuss how to move beyond focusing on one dimension of trust to embracing both, creating organizations that grow from chaotic jungles to strongholds of sustaining trust. Discover how to make trust measurable, actionable, and transformational for your mission, your people, and your results.
#MeasurementMatters #PowerOfTrust #StrongInsideOut #SustainingTrust #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganizationalHealth #TeamPerformance #PsychologicalSafety #StrategicLeadership #MissionImpact #TrustInAction

Courageous Vulnerability: Navigating the Risks and Rewards of Being Seen

In a culture that celebrates vulnerability as a solution to relational and personal challenges, we often overlook its nuanced application. Vulnerability is powerful, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For leaders, parents, and those in safety and security roles, balancing openness and safety is an ongoing tension. In this episode, we explore the courage required to be vulnerable, the risks of being misunderstood, and why true vulnerability demands humility, thoughtfulness, and discernment. Together, we’ll unpack how vulnerability shapes our character, connects us to others, and sometimes leaves us questioning the costs.
Listener Takeaways:
Understand why vulnerability is not a universal solution and how its expression varies by context and individual.
Explore the hidden tensions behind our fears of being misunderstood and the courage required to face them.
Learn practical insights on balancing vulnerability with thoughtfulness and humility in leadership and personal relationships.
Reflect on how openness to being hurt—or misunderstood—can foster trust and growth when approached intentionally.
#CourageousVulnerability #AuthenticLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #TrustedLeader

From Tactical to Strategic: Building Governance, Trust, and Human Connection

In this episode, Dr. McKenna and Erik Antons, dive deep into the transformative power of governance and strategic leadership within organizations. Why do so many departments excel tactically yet struggle at the strategic level? How does trust, integrity, and connection shape our effectiveness not only in the workplace but also in life?
 
They explore these themes, touching on operational procedures, the art of meaningful human connection, and even the psychology of security and physiological needs. From Maslow’s hierarchy to personal stories of trust and resilience, this episode will leave you inspired to elevate your leadership and embrace the strategic opportunities around you.
Listener Takeaways:
Governance Matters: Understand why strategic leadership and structured governance are crucial to advancing beyond the tactical level.
The Power of Trust: Learn why trust and integrity are foundational for building effective teams and relationships.
Connection as Leadership: Discover how authentic connection fosters stronger organizational culture and individual resilience.
Strategic vs. Tactical: Insights on how to bridge the gap between high-level strategy and in-the-trenches execution.
Human Needs and Security: A unique perspective on how security complements physiological needs for both humans and animals.
Connect to explore how you can use the WiLD Trust Index in your own life, team, or organization. Click here for more: https://www.wildleaders.org/wild-trust-index
 
#LeadershipDevelopment #GovernanceMatters #StrategicLeadership #TrustAndIntegrity #HumanConnection #OrganizationalHealth #MaslowRevisited #SecurityLeadership
 

Finding Your Sweet Spot: Aligning Passion, Purpose, and Performance

In this insightful episode Dr. Rob McKenna, CEO of WiLD Leaders and creator of the WiLD Trust Platform explores the importance of intentionality, alignment, and the transformational power of finding your sweet spot in life and leadership.
There are few moments as exhilarating as being in your sweet spot—when your purpose aligns seamlessly with your actions. These moments are not free from pressure, but they bring clarity, efficiency, and joy. They don’t happen by accident; they’re the result of intentionality and a commitment to living and working in alignment.
While being outside the sweet spot can feel frustrating or even defeating, finding your way back is a journey worth taking. It requires self-awareness, purpose-driven effort, and a willingness to embrace opportunities that reveal your true calling.
Listener Takeaways:
Clarity and Alignment: The sweet spot is where your unique identity and purpose meet your daily actions, driving fulfillment and performance.
Intentionality Matters: Achieving alignment isn’t accidental; it requires intentional reflection and action.
Impact Beyond You: Operating in your sweet spot not only energizes you but also inspires and benefits those around you.
Recognize the Drift: Feeling defeated or frustrated may be a sign you’ve stepped out of alignment—use this as motivation to recalibrate.
Small Steps, Big Results: Purposeful adjustments and self-awareness can help you reclaim the joy and energy of living in alignment.
Let's connect to explore how you can use the WiLD Trust Index in your own life, team, or organization. Click here for more: https://www.wildleaders.org/wild-trust-index 
#SweetSpot #PurposeDriven #AlignmentMatters #LivingWithIntentionality #LeadershipGrowth #MotivationAndClarity #WiLDTrust #LeadershipDevelopment #IntentionalLeadership

Adaptive Leadership: Risk, Presilience, and the Power of Editability with Dr. Gavriel Schneider

In this episode, Dr. Rob McKenna, CEO of WiLD Leaders, and Dr. Gavriel Schneider, founder of Risk 2 Solution, dive into essential qualities of leadership—trust, risk intelligence, and adaptability. They explore the foundational skills leaders need for effective decision-making, emphasizing that trust and resilience are built, not assumed. Dr. Schneider shares insights on balancing risk with strategy and discusses how leaders can avoid the traps of panic and inaction. Dr. McKenna adds that great leaders must have “editability,” a willingness to revise their own views and practices, even when it’s challenging. This conversation is a powerful reminder that strong leadership is an ongoing journey of adaptability, integrity, and resilience.
 
Connect with Dr. Gav and Risk 2 Solution Group:  https://risk2solution.com/
Read more about the Institute of Presilience: https://instituteofpresilience.edu.au/
 
Let's connect to explore how you can use the WiLD Trust Index in your own organization. Click here for more: https://www.wildleaders.org/wild-trust-index
 
#Leadership #RiskIntelligence #Trust #Resilience #Presilience #Editability #ResilientLeadership #MindfulInaction #GrowthMindset #WiLDLeaders #Risk2Solution #LeadershipPodcast

Building Bridges of Care: Trust as the Foundation for Caregiver and Senior Well-being with Tim Cooke

In this episode Dr. McKenna and Tim Cooke, CEO of Agape In Home Care, delve into the powerful role that trust plays in the caregiving industry, particularly in senior care.
Trust as the Foundation of Quality Care: Understand why prioritizing caregivers’ needs creates a culture of trust that enhances care for seniors, fostering dedication and reliability among caregiving teams.
Beyond the Basics: Going the Extra Mile: Learn how organizational practices—like covering both travel time and mileage—demonstrate genuine care for caregivers, creating a supportive and trusting work environment.
The Ripple Effect of Trust in Caregiving: Discover the powerful impact of promoting caregivers' well-being, leading to a stronger, more committed workforce that is equipped to provide compassionate and attentive care to seniors.

The Lies We Tell Ourselves About Mentoring with Dr. Ellen Ensher

In this eye-opening episode of the WiLD Conversation Podcast, Dr. Ellen Ensher delves into the myths surrounding mentorship. She challenges the belief that simply having a mentor is a one-way ticket to career success. Dr. Ensher and Dr. McKenna discuss the importance of realistic expectations, the limitations of traditional mentorship structures, and the essential role of self-awareness in career growth. From the complexities of AI-assisted mentor matching to the responsibility of contributing back to one's mentors, she shares her insights on how to get the most out of mentoring relationships.
Key Takeaways:
Mentorship Isn’t a Fix-All SolutionJust having a mentor won’t automatically solve all career challenges. Mentorship is only one part of a larger growth process that involves self-awareness and the willingness to learn and give back.
AI and Choice Improve Mentorship MatchesRandom mentor-mentee pairings rarely succeed. However, recent advances in AI offer more refined matching options, though even with algorithms, success depends on a degree of personal choice.
Set Realistic ExpectationsMentors aren’t miracle workers. Building a successful mentoring relationship requires calibrating expectations and understanding that it may not fulfill all emotional needs, but can still offer valuable insights.
 
For more about Dr. Ellen Ensher : https://ellenensher.com/
Ready to explore how we can build trust in your organization? https://meetings.hubspot.com/chris-shaffer/wti-info
For more about WiLD Leaders: https://www.wildleaders.org/