Leadership in Unexpected Places: TLP007
The Leadership Pause
In this episode of The Leadership Pause, host Neil Jacobs turns to an unexpected source for insights about leadership - the world of animal behavior. Listen as he explores the learning human leaders can derive from non-humans with guest Dr. Robert Shumaker, evolutionary biologist and CEO at the Indianapolis Zoo. Gain rare insights into how understanding animal behavior and cognition can enhance human leadership and recognize the parallels and distinctions with your own ways of leading. Explore the dynamic interplay of collaboration and self-interest, inspired by the majestic...
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You Really, Really Like Me: TLP006
The Leadership Pause
In this episode, hosts Neil Jacobs and Dr. Taylere Markewich discuss the upsides and pitfalls of pursuing likability in leadership. They are joined by HR executive Deeena Goodman, Vice President and HR Business Partner at PGIM Real Estate. Deena shares her insights and experiences on the topic from a number of vantage points including her work in the People function and her background as a licensed clinical social work and a singer-songwriter. The episode addresses the significance of likability in the context of leadership, its implications on influence and power, and how it interacts...
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Do I Have To? The Art & Science of Hard Conversations: TLP005
The Leadership Pause
Join us for Episode 5 of The Leadership Pause as we explore the pivotal role of difficult conversations in leadership, featuring insights from our esteemed guest, Dr. Robin Dean. Listen in as we navigate the necessity and impact of these challenging dialogues both professionally and personally. We start with our show hosts sharing their Pause of the Month. Neil Jacobs highlights a transformative team exercise where leaders took time to explore their best selves and unlock their potential. Meanwhile, Dr. Taylere Markewich shares a story of a client who strategically paused to consider long-term...
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Pulling the rug out from 2024: TLP004
The Leadership Pause
What if embracing the role of a scientist could transform your leadership style? Join us as we unravel the unexpected events of 2024, a year that raised big questions about leadership across the globe. We kick off the conversation talking about the year's patterns and trends in leadership and organizations - what we thought would happen and what did happen. We discuss the evolving role of AI, for now not the job-stealing menace predicted at the start of the year. 2024 was the year of elections with half the world’s population going to the polls. Reflecting on the global political...
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So Whose Team Are You On? TLP003
The Leadership Pause
Hosts Neil Jacobs and Dr. Taylere Markewich, PhD welcome guest Tessa Breslin to The Leadership Pause to discuss the ins and outs of being on more than one leadership team. Tessa is an organizational psychologist and an expert in leadership, consulting to iconic organizations around the world. Prior to starting Breslin Consulting in Northern Ireland she was a Managing Director and on the board of a global leadership consulting firm. She is the Vice Chair of Queen’s University Foundation and a non-executive director. Tessa shares her unique insights drawn from 25 years coaching...
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Not too tight, not too loose - TLP002
The Leadership Pause
Balancing the line between structure and freedom in leadership can feel like walking a tightrope. In this episode we explore the concept of "not too tight, not too loose," as it applies to leadership development, organizations, and communities. We dive into the ways leaders can foster environments that are open yet grounded, and how self-awareness, reading your environment, and intentionality play a crucial role in this balance. Our conversation also takes a historical turn, tracing the evolution of communal living from the experimental communes of the 1960s to the gated communities of...
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To pause or not to pause - TLP001
The Leadership Pause
Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Leadership Pause. In this kick-off session, hosts Neil Jacobs, CPsychol and Dr. Taylere Markewich PhD delve into the pivotal concept of taking a leadership pause. They discuss the importance of reflection, perspective-taking, and sense-making in effective leadership, contrasting the dangers of hubris, risk aversion, and overconfidence. Filled with robust discussion, this episode offers a deep dive into why stopping to reflect can catapult leaders forward, regardless of their industry or position within an organization. Neil opens up about the...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Leadership Pause, host Neil Jacobs turns to an unexpected source for insights about leadership - the world of animal behavior. Listen as he explores the learning human leaders can derive from non-humans with guest Dr. Robert Shumaker, evolutionary biologist and CEO at the Indianapolis Zoo. Gain rare insights into how understanding animal behavior and cognition can enhance human leadership and recognize the parallels and distinctions with your own ways of leading.
Explore the dynamic interplay of collaboration and self-interest, inspired by the majestic lions of Tanzania. Learn how to harness non-human perspectives to enhance teamwork and achieve organizational success. Through thought-provoking discussions, delve into the essence of genuine contribution, fair recognition, and the intriguing concept of altruism. Riveting stories of great apes illustrate the power of authenticity and direct engagement in leadership.
Reflect on the adaptability and humility required in today's evolving leadership landscape. Gain wisdom from the natural world, from the leadership of an elephant matriarch to the influence and mediation skills of female chimpanzees. Examine the pitfalls of extreme leadership styles and the importance of flexibility in maintaining creativity and stability. Through the insights of host Neil Jacobs and guest Dr. Rob Shumaker, you'll expand your leadership perspective, embracing diverse viewpoints to foster innovation and growth. Join us on this journey of learning and share your thoughts as we explore the profound lessons of leadership from the animal kingdom.
About Dr. Robert Shumaker
Dr. Robert W. Shumaker is an evolutionary biologist who specializes in the study of behavior and cognition. He started his career at the Smithsonian National Zoo. During his 20-year tenure there, Dr. Shumaker worked as an animal keeper, curator, biologist, exhibit designer, and scientist. He spent several years at the Great Ape Trust in Des Moines, Iowa as the senior scientist supervising all research with orangutans. In 2010 he moved to the Indianapolis Zoo where he is now the President & CEO.
Dr. Shumaker has been a faculty member at George Mason University and Drake University, and an affiliate faculty member at Iowa State University. He is an external research associate at the Krasnow Institute and an adjunct professor at Indiana University.
Dr. Shumaker has authored or co-authored numerous scientific publications, books, and articles for the popular press. The third edition of Animal Tool Behavior was published in December. His work has been featured in National Geographic, NPR, the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, PBS, Time magazine, and the BBC.
Dr. Shumaker serves on the science advisory board of the Balikpapan Orangutan Society (BOS) which is based in Indonesia, in the same capacity for BOS Canada in Toronto, and as a board member of the Orangutan Conservancy, based in the United States. He is internationally recognized as an expert on primate behavior and cognition and on animal tool behavior.