Leadership Fitness in 5 Minutes with Gary Slyman

Leadership Fitness is a podcast for executives who want to gain clarity, become a more effective leader and love what you do. Join Gary weekly for leadership lessons in under 5 minutes. To keep you and your organization fit.

180 - Do You Love What You Do? 11/10/2025

180 - Do You Love What You Do? 🎙️ Episode: Do You Love What You Do? Do you love what you do professionally? Maybe you feel a little ambivalent… or even frustrated. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, it often comes down to one thing: alignment—the alignment between your personal values and the organization’s values. In this episode, we explore how values drive fulfillment and engagement at work: Your Values – Identify your top five and define what each one looks like in action. Organizational Values – What does your organization claim to value, and do they live it out in practice? Alignment Check – Where do your values and theirs connect—or conflict? Once you understand your level of alignment, ask yourself: 👉 Can I move along the spectrum toward greater fulfillment? It might be as simple as a conversation with your boss or a shift in mindset… or it might be time for a bigger move, internal or external. Because ultimately, when your values align with your work—you’ll love what you do. /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/38972810

179 - The Leadership Crucible: Turning Challenge into Resilience 11/03/2025

179 - The Leadership Crucible: Turning Challenge into Resilience 🎙️ Podcast Show Notes: The Leadership Crucible — From Challenge to Resilience We all have that leadership challenge we never want to experience again — the one that tested us, broke us down, and ultimately built us back stronger. That’s your leadership crucible — a defining moment that forced you to pivot, change, and grow. In this episode, we’re unpacking how to reflect on those moments and turn them into the stories that shape your leadership identity. Here’s your framework: 1️⃣ What was the event? What happened? What triggered the challenge? 2️⃣ How did you respond? Be honest — what did you do, think, or feel in the moment? 3️⃣ What positive impact did it have on you? What strength, value, or mindset did it produce? Now, let’s take it deeper — through the five stages of grief as a growth process: Denial → Anger → Bargaining → Depression → Acceptance → Resilience. Acceptance is where transformation begins. Resilience is what follows — it’s the proof that you grew. Key takeaway: You just outlined one of your most powerful leadership stories. These crucible moments are not just scars — they’re your strength. They define how you lead, how you influence others, and how you overcome what’s next. 👉 Reflection Prompt: What’s one crucible moment that shaped who you are as a leader? Write it down. Reflect on how it changed your response to challenges today. /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/38885520

178 - What Brand Story Are You Writing? 10/27/2025

178 - What Brand Story Are You Writing? Your Brand Story Is Already Being Written — Are You Telling It? Have you ever stopped to think about how others see your professional success — not just what you do, but how you consistently show up? The habits, skills, and strengths that come naturally to you and consistently drive results… that’s your brand. But here’s the truth: We want our actions to speak for themselves — but they don’t. If you don’t tell your story, people will write one for you. A simple Brand Story Framework: Your Perspective — how you uniquely see the world. What You Do — the work you lead or execute. The Results — measurable impact or transformation. Use a recent win or success and walk it through those three filters — instant brand story. So… what’s yours? /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/38789060

177 - What's Your Leadership Story? 10/20/2025

177 - What's Your Leadership Story? ✨ What’s Your Leadership Story? Some of my greatest frustrations in my professional life centered around poor leadership. That experience is what ultimately drove me to become a leadership coach. 💡 We all have a leadership story. Here’s mine — now think about yours. 👇 1️⃣ Drivers What drove you to get where you are? Often, it begins by solving a problem you’ve experienced yourself. 🔍 2️⃣ Difference You’re Making What difference are you making through your leadership? How many people does your influence reach — your team, their families, their coworkers? The ripple effect could impact 100 people or more. 🌊 3️⃣ Fulfillment How is your leadership journey fulfilling you? How does it align with your core values? ❤️ This week, take time to reflect on your leadership story. It’s where growth, purpose, and impact begin. 🌱 /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/38590175

176 - Do You Need to Resign? 10/13/2025

176 - Do You Need to Resign? Thinking About Resigning? If you’re wrestling with the decision to resign, you’re not alone. It’s one of the hardest choices a professional can face — not just a career decision, but often a moral, reputation, and legacy decision. Patrick Dobel, in Public Integrity, offers a framework that can help bring clarity: 1️⃣ Commitment and Capacity Do you still have the commitment — and the capacity — to fulfill the role? Sometimes the issue isn’t desire but depletion. Moral, mental, or physical exhaustion can quietly erode your ability to lead well. 2️⃣ Obligations of the Office Every position carries expectations and responsibilities. Can you still meet those obligations with integrity, energy, and focus? 3️⃣ Effectiveness Are you still effective? When effectiveness is lost — whether through circumstance, leadership environment, or personal conviction — staying may no longer serve the mission or the people you lead. Resigning is never easy. But walking through these three lenses won’t make it easy — it will make it clear. And clarity is where courage begins. 💡 /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/38590270

175 -Career Transition at 40+? Factor in Mom and Dad 10/06/2025

175 -Career Transition at 40+? Factor in Mom and Dad 🎧 Career Transition at 40+? Factor in Mom and Dad Over 40 and navigating life transitions? One question you may not be asking—but should—is: Do I need to plan for the cost of caring for aging parents? Here are some key considerations we dive into: 1️⃣ How likely is this to happen? (Hint: 70% of those over 65 will need long-term care) 2️⃣ How long might it last? (Nearly half of us will have a parent in care for 1–2 years, with many situations lasting 4–5 years) 3️⃣ What are the costs? (Think $150K+—especially if parents want to remain at home as long as possible) This isn’t something to react to in crisis—it’s something to plan for now. 👉 Tune in to this week’s episode to learn how to prepare, what to expect, and how to build this into your financial and family planning. /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/38406375

174 - Want to Be a More Effective Leader? Add Structure? 09/29/2025

174 - Want to Be a More Effective Leader? Add Structure? Want to be a more effective leader tomorrow, add some structure to your leadership in these areas: meetings, delegation and evaluations. Let’s walk through three case studies to see how structure can help make you a more effective leader. Meetings: Every meeting has an agenda, at the top of the agenda is the purpose. Be purposeful in mindset and position. Every meeting ends with actions and follow up. Delegation: Every delegation needs a task and responsibility with clear description of what success looks like. Evaluations: Solidify your evaluations, and set up meetings leading up to an annual meeting, with metrics, expectations and goals. The meetings are run by the subordinate being evaluated. These are just examples of some structure you could add. Pick one of these areas you can add structure to provide consistent results. /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/38406405

173 - Developing Your Midlevel Leaders 09/22/2025

173 - Developing Your Midlevel Leaders If you had one extra dollar to spend on your organization, what would you spend it on? Most people would spend it on equipment, but the greatest untapped source of profit are the people and their potential. You should invest in the mid level leaders Retention Profitability Intangibles Gallup midlevel leaders effect 70% of variability of engagement. Engagement impacts retention. What is your turnover? Highly engaged teams and organizations reduce their turnover by 43%. What impact would Highly engaged organizations are 23% more profitable than those with low engagement. Look at the numbers in your organization for profitability. There are lot of intangibles with engaged workers. Some examples are people are happy, loyal customers, referrals, less absenteeism, better quality. What are they for you? Can you put a number on it? Develop your midlevel leaders! That investment can multiply for your organization. /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/38362075

172 - Build Clarity Around a Career Transition 09/15/2025

172 - Build Clarity Around a Career Transition Making a career transition can feel overwhelming. 😅 Where do you even start? Let’s simplify the process by looking at three key areas: 1️⃣ Your work history and experience 2️⃣ Who you are professionally 3️⃣ The impact you want to make in your next job Take a step back and really look at your work history. What positions have you held? What skills and knowledge have you built along the way? This isn’t just a list—it’s a story. What patterns do you see? What were you great at? Next, define who you are today as a professional. What strengths and values define you right now? Finally, with that foundation in place, think about the impact you want to have in this next chapter of your career. You don’t have to stay stuck in the overwhelm. Watch this video as we walk through these three steps together to create clarity for your next move. /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/38138380

171 - The Beginnings of Labor Day 09/08/2025

171 - The Beginnings of Labor Day Labor Day! 🇺🇸 For many, it’s simply the last weekend of summer—a time for barbecues, family, and one final getaway. But it’s so much more than that. Imagine being a worker in the late 1800s: 7 days a week. 12-hour shifts. Men, women, and even children working in harsh, unsafe conditions. In 1882, a group of workers in New York City took a bold step—they took the day off to march for fair pay and better conditions. Their courage inspired others, leading to more parades and demonstrations across the country. Just two years later, in 1884, a major railroad strike pushed the issue into the national spotlight. Soon after, Congress officially established Labor Day as a federal holiday. Today, as we enjoy our day off, let’s take a moment to recognize and appreciate those who came before us, fighting for the rights and protections we have in the workplace today. /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/38138480

170 - How to Improve Your Team's Wellbeing Today! 09/01/2025

170 - How to Improve Your Team's Wellbeing Today! Your team’s wellbeing could be better by this afternoon. Strong leadership isn’t just about driving results—it’s about building people. Gallup’s research shows that wellbeing has five parts: 1️⃣ Career 2️⃣ Social 3️⃣ Financial 4️⃣ Physical 5️⃣ Community The #1 driver? Career Wellbeing. What your people do every day at work, and how it shapes their life. When career wellbeing rises, so does everything else. It comes down to three leadership responsibilities: Give your team work that challenges and engages them Equip them with the skills and support they need to succeed Recognize and reward success Take a step back today and ask yourself: How am I leading in these areas? Because improving your team’s wellbeing—and your legacy as a leader—can start this afternoon. /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/37959385

169 - Create that “New School Year” Enthusiasm on Your Team 08/25/2025

169 - Create that “New School Year” Enthusiasm on Your Team Rekindling the "New School Year" Enthusiasm Think about the start of a new school year—there’s an energy on campus, a sense of possibility, and a spark of enthusiasm. What if you could bring that same excitement to your team at work? In this episode, we explore three key elements leaders can use to reignite enthusiasm and engagement: 1️⃣ Fresh Start – Create opportunities for your team to reset, refocus, and approach challenges with renewed energy. 2️⃣ Clarity – Provide clear direction, roles, and expectations so your team can move forward with confidence. 3️⃣ Teamwork – Build collaboration and connection so individuals feel part of something bigger than themselves. Practical takeaway: Choose one action in each area—a small reset, a clarified goal, and a teamwork initiative—and watch the enthusiasm return to your team. Because just like a new school year, every leader has the power to spark momentum and excitement. /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/38017085

168 - Remote Work: Millennials vs. Gen Z 08/18/2025

168 - Remote Work: Millennials vs. Gen Z Remote Work: Millennials vs. Gen Z As a leader, it’s important to understand how different generations experience remote work. Where They Prefer to Work Millennials: 60% hybrid, 35% remote Gen Z: 71% hybrid, 25% remote Ideal Coworker Setup Millennials: 33% want coworkers remote Gen Z: 25% want coworkers remote Where They Work Best Millennials: 29% offsite Gen Z: 37% offsite If Remote Work Was Reduced Millennials: 41% would look elsewhere Gen Z: 32% would look elsewhere Choice to Go Into the Workplace Millennials: 30% Gen Z: 66% Loneliness in the Last Day Millennials: single digits Gen Z: 27% What This Tells Us: Millennials value remote work and may leave if it’s taken away. Gen Z has the most flexibility—but they’re the loneliest. Leaders need to provide structure for remote workers. Autonomy should never mean absence. Ask yourself: What structure do you have, and what do you need? /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/37844240

167 - Remote Worker Paradox 08/11/2025

167 - Remote Worker Paradox Are you leading remote workers? According to Gallup, they’re the most engaged group in the workforce—but also the most likely to say they’re not thriving. It’s called the Remote Worker Paradox. 📊 Only 31% of remote workers are fully engaged ⚠️ High engagement doesn’t equal high well-being 💸 Burnout and disconnection lead to high turnover—and turnover is expensive So how can you help your remote team thrive, not just survive? Focus on three key areas: 1 Autonomy – Trust them to own their work 2 Connection – Create meaningful touchpoints 3 Well-being – Support a sustainable work-life rhythm Small shifts here can lead to big results. Thriving teams perform—and stay—better /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/37698610

166 - Rethinking Training in the Age of AI 08/04/2025

166 - Rethinking Training in the Age of AI AI is reshaping what all our organizations need from their employees. Are they getting the training they need in your organization? According to Gallup they are NOT; less than one half of employees received any education and training last year. Why not? Let’s look at the two problems and the solution. Problems: Time - no time to do it Type of Training & Education Needed - receiving training but not what employees find most helpful Solution: Do this in the workplace Give the correct solution Incorporate coaching into your workplace. Would you rather send an individual to a three day training or bring in a coaching program. The cost difference is substantial. Have you explored that? What does your workforce need to be competitive in this AI environment? /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/37579400

165 -Received Feedback? Now What? 07/28/2025

165 -Received Feedback? Now What? Receive Feedback? Now What? Gratitude - thank the individuals for their time and feedback Analyze and Reflect - look for big themes and trends. How will this behavior change affect my overall leadership? Plan - write it down what you are going to do Listen as I share some examples of feedback and how to work through the above. Have you done a 360° lately? Or received any feedback? How can you be intentional with making the changes you need to make? /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/37529690

164 - Leadership Goals: Mid Year Check In 07/21/2025

164 - Leadership Goals: Mid Year Check In Leadership Goals Check-In: We set goals for a reason. Where are you with the goals you have set? Let’s look at three areas. Revisit - Are your goals still valid? What has changed? Where are you on the trajectory? Recalibrate - If you’re ahead great, set a new goal. If things have changed, what do you need to do to recalibrate? Communicate - Who do you need to communicate the above with? Yourself? Your board? /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/37416195

163 - Do You Need a 360° Evaluation? 07/14/2025

163 - Do You Need a 360° Evaluation? Want to Level Up as a Leader but Don’t Know Where to Start? Start with a 360° Evaluation. It’s not just feedback—it’s a mirror, a megaphone, and a map. 🔍📣🗺️ Here’s why it matters: 1️⃣ You connect with the people who matter most—your team, peers, and leaders. 2️⃣ You control the narrative of your leadership journey. 3️⃣ Your change becomes visible, and others will notice—and echo—it. Yes, it takes vulnerability and courage. Yes, you’ll hear things you’d rather not. But you’ll also gain something powerful: clarity. Before you start, ask: 👉 What do I really want to know about my leadership? Whether you use a formal tool or write your own questions, a 360 is your launchpad to leading with purpose and impact. 💥 /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/37337705

162 -Your Values Impact Your Leadership 07/07/2025

162 -Your Values Impact Your Leadership Suppose you have a boss, who is type-A and driven, always about the metrics, very few meetings outside a work agenda. What does that tell you about that leader’s values? Your values impact your leadership in these four areas. Motivation Fit Leadership Style Biases What is your top value? Define it. Now let’s look at the above areas and how they impact your leadership /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/37303060

161 - Inspiring or Infuriating 06/30/2025

161 - Inspiring or Infuriating Inspiring or Infuriating According to Adam Galinksy leadership can be categorized as inspiring or infuriating based on 3 universal characteristics. Visionary Example Mentor Put in your head the most inspiring leader you have encountered, now think about yourself and where you land. Let’s walk through the above areas and then choose one area you can improve. /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/37171985

160 - Healthy or Unhealthy Conflict Culture 06/23/2025

160 - Healthy or Unhealthy Conflict Culture Conflict! Every organization has it, but it can be healthy or unhealthy depending on your culture. Let’s walk through an example of what that looks like. 3 Elements that Create a Culture of Unhealthy Conflict Polarities Humiliation Negative Culture Does your work place have any of these? How can you change them? /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/37029105

159 - What Must End? 06/16/2025

159 - What Must End? “Bob was a great program manager and he is not thriving in his new director role.” What is up? I think he has not ended in his mind his previous role as program manager. Could this be you? Is there something you haven’t ended that is holding you back? Let’s look at three areas: Pruning - what needs to go? Choosing - how do you choose what to prune? Executing - be deliberate and clear What is the last transition you made? Are there things you need to end? Flesh out the details of each area and see if there is something preventing you from leading well in your new position? /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/37028480

158 - Do You Need Help With a Goal? 06/09/2025

158 - Do You Need Help With a Goal? I need help getting my goals on track this year. Can you help me? I have a methodology that I want to share with you. Vision Assessment Creating a Path Think of your goal. Think about your vision and assess where you. Then look at creating a path. There are three parts to the path: state your why, decide on a small incremental step to help you make progress, what obstacles are in the way? /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/36837710

157 - True Meaning of Memorial 06/02/2025

157 - True Meaning of Memorial What is the true meaning of Memorial Day. Only 63% of a recent group of American adults surveyed thought Memorial day’s prime purpose was for recognition and remembrance. There was a difference among those in the baby boomer generation and later, let’s connect with these three questions. What’s its origin story? What is its true purpose? How can you connect? Answer these questions for yourself. How can you continue to honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice? /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/36837495

156 -Are You Unintentionally Disengaging Members of Your Team? 05/26/2025

156 -Are You Unintentionally Disengaging Members of Your Team? Are you unintentionally causing disengagement with your team? Today as leaders, keeping your workplace engaged is one of the greatest tasks you have. What does the data say? As I go through Gallup’s think of your team. fully engaged dropped 5% actively looking for jobs up 6% feeling respected in workplace drop in 7% not getting good feedback; 16% on site not getting feedback; 20% remote; 24% hybrid Workers are feeling…disrespected, lack of communication, lack of clear expectations and lack of feedback. How can you as a leader ensure your people are engaged? What is the solution? Is there disparity of those working onsite, hybrid, remote and part-time? Here are three areas to work through. Make sure expectations are clear. Ensure feedback is given and meaningful. Ensure training is effective. /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/36693625

155 - How Well Are You Leading? & How Well Are You Being Led? 05/19/2025

155 - How Well Are You Leading? & How Well Are You Being Led? How well are you being led? How well are you leading? Let’s walk through a quick audit to assess these influences. Thoughts Speech Action I want you to first think about your leaders, then it will be easier to asses your own leadership. How are the above being influenced by your leader and those you lead. Your thoughts, speech and actions are changing. Is this positive or negative? How did you do? /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/36582575

154 - Want to Reduce Turnover? 05/12/2025

154 - Want to Reduce Turnover? Do you want to retain those you lead more than your competitors? Have a conversation about the follow two areas: Current job performance Career progression Have these conversations with those that are you leading you and those that you are leading. A few numbers: 28% who left voluntarily over the last quarter did not have a conversation with their leadership about their future with that organization. 28% did not have a conversation about their job satisfaction. 18% did not have a conversation about their current performance. 42% never tell their leadership they are leaving until they do. About the same amount as above say their organization could have done something to keep them there. How can you and organization be intentional and different? /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/36444130

153 - If You're Not Serving You're Not Leading 05/05/2025

153 - If You're Not Serving You're Not Leading If you are not serving those you lead, you are not leading. How do you do this? Putting conditions in place so individuals and teams can succeed. Here is a simple model to mentally evaluate whether you are giving individuals and teams they need to succeed? March 2025 - Gallup Poll- revealed workers want work/life balance, security and stability and do something they do best 1. What do those you lead need in the short term in order to succeed? 2. What do they need in the long term to succeed? Do this for both the individual and the team. You just evaluated your team as individuals and a whole. What can you do to help them succeed? /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/36443570

152 - Networking Shouldn't Feel Dirty 04/28/2025

152 - Networking Shouldn't Feel Dirty Want to create professional opportunities for yourself? Network Look at these three elements: Wake up your dormant network - Who is someone you haven’t connected with in several years? Can you reconnect? Real connections not transactions - Make it a real connection, I want to learn as much as I can about this person, their job and their organization. Be curious - This is about education and learning. How did you get here? What do you think or the organization or industry? This is an opportunity to educate yourself in all kinds of areas. You are getting a Master’s degree in other’s jobs and industries. This will help you perform better where you land next. /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/36345455

151 - How Emotionally Intelligent Are You? 04/21/2025

151 - How Emotionally Intelligent Are You? How emotionally intelligent are you? Can you put a number on it? I can. Let’s look at the MSCEIT 2 test, it is an objective test measuring skills and abilities in emotional intelligence Perceiving Emotions: in yourself, others and the environment Connecting Emotions: ability for me to connect empathetically with others Understanding Emotions: measuring your skills and abilities to understand the meaning of emotions, where they came from. Managing Emotions: the emotions in yourself and others to get to the right decision. If you understand where you are in each of these areas and where you need to grow, it will be helpful for you to be a better leader. Looking to take this test? Contact me today. /episode/index/show/a737045b-290c-4a5b-b5ec-0325e6db893d/id/36181360

Leadership Fitness in 5 Minutes with Gary Slyman

TOPICS