Kerry Siggins Podcast

LaQuita Cleare, CEO of Clear Communication Academy, is a highly sought-after public speaking and storytelling expert who transforms CEOs, companies, entrepreneurs, politicians, royal families and public figures into powerful, engaging communicators.
LaQuita's degree in Psychology enables her work to be science/research-based. At the same time, her unique background in Hollywood allows her to help audiences use the magic of storytelling to motivate, inspire and persuade.
Over the past decade, she has worked on stages and screens in more than 50 countries across five continents, speaking at numerous prestigious schools and events such as Harvard, Loyola University, Milan Polytechnico, and INSEAD Business School. She has worked with leading companies like Chase, Covergirl, Ikea, RR Donnelley, and Pepsi and is a top-rated resource for YPO, the leading business organization with over 30,000 members. She has also been featured on ABC, FX Network, Lifetime, and LA Talk Radio.
With her experience and background, LaQuita has created The Engagement CodeTM, a signature and trademarked method that helps people to engage audiences of all sizes.
LaQuita believes in the power of words to create meaningful change and impact, and she is on a mission to help audiences use stories to create tangible business impact.
Episode in a Tweet: Leaders who invest in their storytelling skills inspire others, create movements, and connect with people at a deeper level.
Background: I met LaQuita several years ago at a CEO conference where she taught leaders how to tell stories on stage – impromptu. After seeing my peers transform with a few pointers, I knew I had to work with her. LaQuita has been my communication and speech coach for the past two years, and the results have been remarkable. She’s helped me tell powerful stories that inspire action and refine my stage presence. She’s been so impactful that I knew you would want to learn from her, too.
During this episode, LaQuita gives actionable tips on being more vulnerable – even when it makes you uncomfortable, crafting compelling stories that move people and being yourself on stage or in front of a camera. She also talks about her upcoming storytelling conference for women, Rock My Story, held in LA on February 22nd and 23rd. LaQuita is a total rockstar and I know you will love this interview.
How to find LaQuita:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laquitacleare/
Clear Communications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clearcommunicationacademy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laquitacleare/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laquitacleare/
Website: https://www.clearcommunicationacademy.com/
Order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!
And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

In a world that often seems shadowed by complexities, it's crucial to remember the power of doing things that bring good feelings. While the media may focus on the darker side of life, an undeniable truth often goes unsung: you can embrace countless positive moments every day. You can choose to focus on the good and embody a positive mindset.
In this week's episode of Reflect Forward, I discuss why you should focus on well-being and doing things that make you and others feel good. We review personal and professional well-being actions such as practicing gratitude, eating healthy, minimizing complaining, and investing in relationships. From a professional perspective, I discuss leading with empathy, creating a positive workplace, balancing accountability with compassion, and embracing lifelong learning.
By integrating practical steps into your daily routines, you can make 2024 a year of positive growth and well-being. I encourage you to take actionable steps to feel good and inspire those around you to do the same.
And if you're not feeling good on a given day? That's okay. There will no doubt be difficult days. Maybe even weeks or months. I offer tips like practicing mindfulness, walking and keeping things in perspective during a rough period.
This episode is here to inspire you to rise above negativity and focus on well-being. You can make 2024 a year of personal and professional evolution, prioritizing well-being in all aspects of your lives and those of your team.
Please consider ordering my book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Reflect Forward.
And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

With over 30 years of experience in the computer software industry, Rudy Alexander is a visionary with proven ability to bring technology to market and developing successful companies. In his current role as President of Breadware, his knowledge of IoT and what the future of tech looks like offers a unique perspective. Rudy has an extensive background in mergers ,acquisitions and capital structure in both domestic and international companies. Rudy was the co-founder of 11Giraffes, which developed and provided software to assist retailers in using their digital media more effectively. He has authored several white papers in the software industry and was featured on World Business Review. Rudy was honored with the Charlotte Chamber’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award and is a founding member of Charlotte’s Business Innovation and Growth Council.
Episode in a Tweet: I'm overly optimistic and have to find the balance between being optimistic and keeping it real. Sometimes you have to come out and say it like it is, no matter how hard it is to hear.
Background: In this week's episode of Reflect Forward, I interview Rudy Alexander, President of Breadware. Breadware is a subsidiary of StoneAge, and I thought it would be fun to interview Rudy so you all could get an inside peak of what it's actually like to lead in a StoneAge company. Breadware is an IoT (Internet of Things) Solutions company that helps industrial OEMs build smart products and solutions, transforming indiusrty through data insights.
Rudy shares his insight on how he has transformed as a leader as he has transformed Breadware. We discuss humitly, transparency, and how he continues to learn about himself everday.
How to find Rudy:
Website: https://breadware.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudy-alexander-148ab66/
Please consider ordering my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!
And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Title: The Power of Owning Your Mindset
Episode in a Tweet: When you own your mindset, you can change the trajectory of your life and career. Your mindset is always a choice, so choose it wisely.
Embracing a proactive and positive mindset at work goes beyond having a good attitude. It's a strategic approach that significantly influences career progression, productivity, and job satisfaction. A strong mindset fosters resilience, adaptability, and creativity, while a negative one can trap you in a cycle of victimhood, limiting growth.
The Significance of a Positive Mindset
A positive mindset is a formidable asset in the workplace. Gallup studies show that employees with a positive mindset are 37% more engaged and 21% more productive. The Harvard Business Review also notes that such individuals often achieve faster promotions and greater success.
Five Strategies to Enhance Your Mindset at Work:
You Are in Charge of Your Career: Take charge of your career by actively seeking growth opportunities. View challenges as stepping stones, not obstacles. Studies suggest that individuals who actively manage their career development are 47% more motivated.
Developing Resilience: Build resilience by crafting strategies to manage stress and setbacks. This includes practicing mindfulness, setting realistic expectations, and maintaining a healthy work-life integration. Resilient individuals are 30% more productive.
Manage Your Emotions: Effectively managing emotions in high-pressure situations is key. Balancing emotional awareness with control over your reactions enhances your effectiveness and contributes to a stable work environment.
Goal Setting and Visualization: Set clear goals like a successful book launch and visualize the outcome. For instance, planning to sell 3000 copies of "The Ownership Mindset" involves strategic marketing and visualization of success, leading to a 33% increase in performance.
Cultivating Positive Relationships: Building strong relationships with your team involves more than work discussions. Understand their perspectives and show genuine concern for their well-being, leading to a 50% increase in job satisfaction.
The Risks of a Negative Mindset: The Victim Mentality
Recognizing a victim mentality is crucial. This mentality manifests as blaming others and feeling powerless. Counter it by acknowledging your responsibility, focusing on gratitude, seeking balanced feedback, and setting achievable goals to foster empowerment and resilience.
Taking charge of your mindset is pivotal for a successful career. Implement these strategies and work towards a positive mindset to unlock your potential and enjoy a rewarding career path. Remember, the choice of mindset is yours, and positivity leads to more success and satisfaction.
Question of the Week
This week’s question comes from a follower on LinkedIn who asked, “How do you prevent your team from being overwhelmed by false urgency?”
When everything feels important and like a fire drill, people lose motivation, burnout and experience job dissatisfaction. Listen in to hear my tips on how to prioritize effectively and reduce the chaos,
Please consider ordering my book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Reflect Forward.
And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Transparent Leadership: How To Do It and Why It Matters
Episode in a Tweet: Transparency is essential for leaders because it helps to build trust and create a positive work culture. Don't be a leader who keeps their employees in the dark.
Transparent leadership matters. Why? Because it helps to build trust and create a positive work culture. When leaders are transparent, they are open and honest about their actions and decisions, which helps to foster transparency among team members and throughout the organization.
In this week's episode of Reflect Forward: Advice From a CEO, we talk about transparent leadership and I share tips on being more transparent and avoiding common pitfalls.
When there is more transparency among team members, they tend to have better communication, collaboration, decision-making, and a greater sense of accountability and responsibility. Additionally, transparency can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts and create a more positive and inclusive work environment.
So how can leaders be more transparent?
There are several ways that leaders can be more transparent in the workplace:
Communicate openly and honestly: Leaders should be open and honest about their actions and decisions and communicate clearly and transparently with team members.
Practice transparency in decision-making: Leaders should be transparent about how decisions are made and involve team members in the decision-making process whenever possible.
Share information: Leaders should be open and transparent about relevant information to the team or organization and ensure that team members have access to the information they need to do their jobs effectively.
Be approachable: Leaders should be open to feedback and suggestions from team members and be willing to listen to and address any concerns or questions that team members may have.
Set an example: Leaders should model transparent behavior and encourage transparency throughout the organization by being open and honest in their actions and communication.
What are some pitfalls leaders make when being transparent?
Over-sharing: Leaders need to be open and honest, but it's also important to be mindful of what information is appropriate to share. There may be some confidential or sensitive information, and leaders need to be careful not to over-share or disclose information that could harm the organization or individuals.
Being too vague: Leaders should be transparent and open, but they must be clear and specific in their communication. If leaders are too vague or ambiguous in their messaging, it can lead to confusion and mistrust.
Not following through: If leaders make promises to be transparent, they need to follow through on those promises. If they fail to do so, it can erode trust and undermine their credibility.
Question of the Week
"Have you ever changed your mind as a leader? How do you do it without losing face?"
Absolutely! I think the willingness to change your mind is one of the most important attributes of a leader. We must continually challenge our thinking and seek the best information to develop accurate assessments and opinions. More accurate beliefs lead to good decisions. And making good decisions is what leadership is all about.
If you want to read a great book on the power of changing your mind, check out Persuadable: How Great Leaders Change Their Minds to Change the World. And listen to the whole episode to learn more!
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!
And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Matt Tenney is an expert on developing highly effective leaders. He is the author of the highly acclaimed book Serve To Be Great: Leadership Lessons from a Prison, a Monastery, and a Boardroom. Over the last nine years, Matt has delivered keynotes and training programs that help improve employee engagement and retention to hundreds of clients, including companies like Salesforce, T. Rowe Price, Roche, Marriott, Keller Williams, L’ Oreal, and many others. Matt is an active CEO working to build the best workplace culture in the world, hoping to inspire you to do the same.
Episode in a Tweet: Leaders change the world when they consistently positively impact their team members’ well-being.
Background: Matt Tenney helps leaders to achieve better business outcomes while simultaneously becoming happier, kinder, more generous, and more compassionate. He is passionate about inspiring people to become servant leaders. He focuses on applying mindfulness training to improve business acumen, increase emotional intelligence, enhance creativity and innovation, improve the ability to manage change, and develop extraordinary leadership presence.
During this episode, Matt and I discuss building strong, resilient cultures by focusing on people first. He shares his 4-step process for being a leader who inspires high levels of engagement, including giving and receiving feedback – something near and dear to me. Matt provides statistics on why the most critical engagement enhancements come through teaching managers how to listen to and develop their teams. As we all know, people usually quit managers, not companies.
My favorite quote from the episode is, “The primary job of a leader is to inspire greatness.” I couldn’t agree more. To be a great leader, you must build great teams.
I know you’ll love this episode. I will ask all the managers at StoneAge to listen to it as it’s filled with actionable tips and solid advice. Let me know what you think!
How to Find Matt:
Website: https://www.matttenney.com/engagement-and-retention-help/
Article on the 14 Leadership Skills: https://businessleadershiptoday.com/what-are-leadership-skills-examples/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matttenney/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattTenneyServes
Twitter: https://twitter.com/matttenney1
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

Inventor and Belgian-born author Clément Decrop found purpose in life through mindfulness and innovation. He moved to the United States with his family at the age of six, where he learned English and how to navigate the world. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State, Decrop has worked across the globe, including France, Spain, the United Emirates, and then back home in the United States.
Clément is also the author of “The Idea Space: The Science of Awakening Your Non-Self,” which delves into the depths of consciousness by introducing a revolutionary solution to Einstein’s field equation to describe the mind, accessible to the layperson. Clément guides readers to view their thoughts objectively and identify their impact, helping people discover a happier existence and a deeper understanding of their life’s purpose.
As a Global Educator since 2018, Clément has shared his wisdom on meditation, sleep, exercise, and nutrition with thousands of eager participants across 40 countries. His innovative spirit led him to collaborate with numerous inventors from Wikipedia’s Most Prolific Inventors List, resulting in 130-plus patent disclosures within one year, 50-plus filed, and 20-plus issued as of late 2023.
Episode in a Tweet: I think happiness is an emotion and emotions are hard to put into words – they are quite an ineffable experience. But when you are happy, you can feel it, bringing more joy to your work.
Background: Clément Decrop is one brilliant human being. During this week’s episode of Reflect Forward, Clément and I dive into all kinds of topics, including mindfulness, innovation, quantum mechanics, the theory of relativity, and why bringing happiness and joy to others improves life. Clément shares his passion for helping people find purpose through mindfulness and innovation, which inspired him to write his book The Idea Space: The Science of Awakening Your Non-Self. Clément is so down to earth and his kindness and brilliance shine through. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did. Have a listen and let me know what you think.
How to find Clément:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clementdecrop/
Website (1st chapter FREE): www.TheIdeaSpace.io
100 Mindful Prompts: www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2758S14
100 Daily Meditations: www.amazon.com/dp/B0B647FYFC
The Idea Space Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH1HL81M
Please consider ordering my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!
And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

In the rapidly changing business landscape, transformation is not just a buzzword; it's a necessity. As we've seen in our own organization, adapting to new market conditions, technological advancements, and evolving customer needs is crucial. Why is it important for leaders to lead well through transformation? And how can they do it better? Let's explore.
The Importance of Effective Leadership in Transformation
The ability to steer the organization towards its goals while navigating the complexities of change is paramount. Leaders set the tone, pace, and direction of change. They are responsible for aligning the organization's vision with the transformative steps and ensuring that the team is not just aboard but also committed to the journey.
Why Leading Transformation Is Challenging
Leading transformation is inherently difficult for several reasons. First, it involves changing established systems and processes, which can be met with resistance. People generally prefer the familiarity of the status quo and altering that can lead to discomfort and pushback. Second, transformation requires a clear vision and a strategic roadmap, which can be challenging to articulate and implement effectively. This process often includes navigating uncertainties and unforeseen challenges, requiring leaders to be adaptable and resilient. Additionally, transformation involves a cultural shift within the organization, a gradual and often complex process. It requires changing behaviors and practices and altering underlying beliefs and attitudes.
Five Ways Leaders Can Lead Transformation Better
• Communicate with Clarity and Purpose
• Empower and Involve the Team
• Lead by Example
• Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning
• Monitor Progress and Adjust Accordingly
Common Pitfalls in Leading Transformation
However, leaders can sometimes get transformation wrong.
Common pitfalls include:
Underestimating the Resistance to Change: As we have seen in some of our past initiatives, resistance to change is natural. Leaders should anticipate it and have strategies in place to address it.
Lack of Alignment: Initiatives can fail without aligning the transformation with the organization's core values and goals. This misalignment can lead to confusion and a lack of buy-in.
Neglecting the Human Element: Focusing solely on the technical aspects and neglecting the human element – the team's emotions, fears, and aspirations – can derail transformation efforts.
Question of the Week
This week's question comes from my LinkedIn network who said, "You talk about the importance of being curious in your book. How do you foster curiosity within your team?"
Fostering a workplace culture of curiosity—where team members are motivated to pose challenging questions, disrupt the usual processes, and pursue their passions—leads to a workplace where individuals feel more recognized, valued, and inspired. Have a listen to hear the phrase I use and questions I ask to foster curiosity at StoneAge.
Please consider ordering my book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Reflect Forward.

Jeremy Osterberger is all about learning the leadership lessons life teaches along the way. Jeremy is the President and Chief Operating Officer of BIC Alliance and its subsidiaries (BIC Magazine, BIC Recruiting and IVS Investment Banking). For more than 20 years, Jeremy has built relationships with leading minds in the heavy industrial market, business owners, trade show producers, industry publications, vendors, including private equity groups focused on acquiring industrial service companies within the refining and petrochemical, tanks and terminals, pipeline, construction, and oil and gas sectors. Jeremy also influences the energy and heavy manufacturing conversation from live interviews to videos and podcasts.
Additionally, Jeremy has volunteered and served on the board of several downstream oil and gas and industrial association committees, including the Association of Builders and Contractors of Houston, East Harris County Manufactures Association, Texas Chemical Council, Louisiana Chemical Industry Association and the Petrochemworks.com workforce communications committee.
Episode in a Tweet: In some areas of our business, I will never be the master. And that's okay. As long as I can retain and motivate the masters we have on staff, as long as I can empower those folks who are ninjas, we will be successful.
Background: I’ve known Jeremy Osterberger for almost a decade now as he is the President and COO of BIC Alliance. In fact, BIC Magazine, one of the major brands of BIC Alliance, was the first magazine to pick up my leadership articles. In this episode, Jeremy and I discuss how he learned to be a leader, starting as a young kid and working his way up the ranks at BIC. We share so many things in common, such as an affinity to self-leadership, developing and empowering others, and staying humble as we find success. The theme throughout the show is how life teaches you leadership lessons when you pause long enough to learn from them. Please have a listen and let me know what you think!
How to find Jeremy:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bic-magazine/
Website BIC Alliance: https://www.bicalliance.com
Website BIC Magazine: https://www.bicmagazine.com
Podcast: https://www.bicmagazine.com/topics/podcast/
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BICMagazine
Please order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!
And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Last week, my 10-year-old son Jack, and I discussed an incident in school. After listening to his story, I asked, "Why do you take what he said personally? He paused and rather than answering, he asked, "Why don't you ever seem bothered by what people say or do?" This caught me off guard, but it made me reflect. He had unwittingly touched upon a crucial trait that every leader should cultivate: the ability not to take things personally.
Why Leaders Need to Let Things Slide Off Their Backs:
Foster Objectivity: A leader's role requires making decisions based on facts, and the best interests of the organization. Emotional reactions can cloud judgment, leading to choices based on ego rather than what's best for the team.
Maintain Credibility: Leaders who react emotionally to every critique can appear insecure or unstable.
Build a Positive Culture: Leaders who take everything to heart can create a tense environment where team members are afraid to voice concerns and feedback. Leaders who can handle feedback encourage open dialogue and foster trust.
Preserve Energy for What Matters: Getting bogged down by every negative comment or action can drain a leader's energy reserves, detracting from the tasks and challenges that need attention.
Model Resilience for the Team: Demonstrating resilience can inspire their teams to be more resilient in the face of challenges.
Happiness: When you see feedback as a path to growth and are grateful for it, it's easy to not take it personally.
Five Tips on How Not to Take Things Personally
Practice Self-awareness: Understand your emotional triggers. Work on recognizing when they're activated.
Seek Clarity: Before jumping to conclusions, ask questions to understand the context and intentions behind feedback or actions.
Detach from the Outcome: Feedback is often about the task, role, or outcome, not a reflection of your worth as a person.
Surround Yourself with supportive people who can offer perspective and help you navigate challenges.
Practice Regular Reflection: Take time to assess and reflect on your reactions and behaviors.
The Counterpoint: The Importance of Listening
While it's essential for leaders to not take things personally, it's equally important not to swing the pendulum too far and become apathetic to feedback. Constructive criticism can be instrumental in personal and organizational growth. Remaining open to feedback, discerning the valuable insights from the noise can help leaders see blind spots, stagnation, and missed opportunities for improvement.
The balance lies in being emotionally resilient while staying receptive to growth. I tried to explain this to Jack. I am not sure he fully understood what I was saying, or maybe he did because he replied with, "Well you do seem to be much happier than most grownups I know. I like being happy!" And then he asked to go play Fortnite. Lol.
Question of the Week
It's time again to answer, "What you are reading now?
"Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight. I love this story.
Shoe Dog is more than just a memoir chronicling the ascent of Nike; it's a vivid portrayal of the passion, grit, and ingenuity behind its founder. Knight's transformation from selling shoes from his car's trunk to spearheading one of the world's most iconic brands serves as a powerful testament to tenacity and vision, reminding us that even the grandest companies sprout from a singular idea fueled by fervor. His relentless spirit in overcoming myriad challenges, from financial hurdles to legal confrontations, offers invaluable insights for leaders navigating their obstacles. His journey wasn't solitary. He accentuates the importance of fostering a committed team, highlighting the integral role his early Nike team, affectionately termed the "Buttfaces," played in the brand's evolution. Perhaps most poignantly, Knight's candid admission of his fears, doubts, and blunders underscores the essence of vulnerability in leadership, making "Shoe Dog" an essential read for all of us.