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James M. Kerr is a renowned strategy consultant, leadership coach, keynote speaker, columnist and author. With six books and over 500 published articles in popular magazines including Inc., Psychology Today and Fast Company, Jim has garnered many industry awards and a reputation for introducing breakthrough thinking. It’s his dedication to helping leaders lead and organizations change that keeps Jim top-of-mind among prospects and clients, alike.
Available For: Advising, Consulting, Speaking Travels From: Hartford, CT USA
Speaking Topics: Leadership, Culture, Vision Storytelling, Scenario Planning, Future of Work, Decency
James Kerr
Points
Academic
200
Author
2052
Influencer
375
Speaker
96
Entrepreneur
235
Total
2958
Points based upon Thinkers360 patent-pending algorithm.
Each Leadership Minute message is presented as a statement. These are fortified by a brief explanation outlining why the leadership idea is relevant to you as a leader. Best of all, each Leadership Minute message includes three (3) suggested actions to help you put the leadership idea into practice.
1 Article/Blog
Regularly Seek Different Points of View
Thinkers360
February 18, 2022
The best answers often come from outside of your current paradigm of thinking and doing.
Invest in Yourself: The Best Bet You Can Ever Make
Psychology Today
November 18, 2024
Investing in professional development is one of the most powerful choices someone can make in their career. Self-directed learning is a crucial part of any career advancement plan in today's fast-paced business world. Taking charge of their own leadership development ensures a person is ready when opportunities come their way.
Lead With Joy: How Leadership Communities Boost Happiness
Psychology Today
October 23, 2024
Human beings are social creatures, and relationships are a major source of happiness. When you belong to a supportive network of peers, you gain needed connection. Leadership communities are places where leaders can find fullfillment through mutual sharing.
How Leadership Communities Combat Leader Loneliness
Psychology Today
September 25, 2024
Leader loneliness is a real and pressing issue, but it does not have to be inevitable. We can create spaces where leaders can share their challenges and feel connected to a larger purpose. Leadership communities based on decency allows leaders to engage authentically without fear of judgment.
Unlock Your Luck to Benefit Your Effectiveness as a Leader
Psychology Today
August 27, 2024
Integrating a simple yet profound practice into your nightly routine can yield remarkable benefits, not just for personal well-being but also for your effectiveness as a leader. The practice? Keeping a luck diary and spending just 30 seconds before bed jotting down something that went your way today.
Beware the Rookie Leadership Coach
Psychology Today
July 31, 2024
They may be certified, but, they all come with risks. Their misguided advice can lead to poor decision-making on your part and hinder your professional growth. The greatest risk lies in their lack of expertise, which often results in ineffective coaching strategies and a loss of valuable time and resources.
Use Psychological Ownership to Gain Better Staff Engagement
Psychology Today
June 28, 2024
Imagine a workplace where employees treat the company as their own, eagerly tackling challenges and driving innovation as if they were stakeholders. This isn’t a fantasy—it’s the powerful result of fostering psychological ownership.
How to Hire a Leadership Coach
Psychology Today
May 15, 2024
In the ever-evolving world of leadership coaching, there's a noticeable surge of younger individuals stepping into the spotlight, eager to make their mark on the world of personal and professional development
Leadership Coaching: Should Race or Gender Matter?
Psychology Today
March 12, 2024
Some believe coaching is less effective due to racial and gender differences.
Key points
1) DEI objectives are often the reasoning used to exclude certain people from coaching opportunities.
2) Excluding anyone from consideration goes against the principles of DEI and may perpetuate discrimination.
3) HR leaders should not let race and gender cloud their policy-setting regarding leadership coaching.
Leaders: Don’t Substitute Your Feelings of Fear for Anger
Psychology Today
January 16, 2024
Leaders, like anyone else, can occasionally find themselves entangled in the complex web of emotions, leading to confusion between feelings of fear and anger. Leaders, in particular, should be skilled at discerning the subtle differences to make informed decisions. While anger and fear may share some outward expressions, they stem from distinct psychological states and demand different approaches to leadership.
How to Overcome Your Fear of Failure
Psychology Today
September 25, 2023
A fear of failure can sabotage career growth. Developing a bias for action can help you move ahead in your professional life. There are steps you can take to diminish fear and cultivate a greater action orientation. Our #1 Ranked Leadership Coach offers his best advice in this article on how to overcome the fear and adopt a bias for action, instead.
Why Work-Life Balance Is the Wrong Goal
Psychology Today
July 31, 2023
In this piece, I offer that work-life balance is the wrong goal, and that there must be a better way to think about the connection between our lives and livelihood. I even offer steps you can take to better integrate work with the rest of our lives.
Leadership demands are ever-increasing, and many find themselves struggling in isolation, unsure of where to turn for advice or support. In this environment, the concept of a “third space” has become more critical than ever.
Don’t Forget Those Who Bet on You
LinkedIn
January 08, 2025
When we pause to reflect on those who have bet on us—the mentors, colleagues, friends, and even strangers who saw something in us worth nurturing—we tap into a wellspring of resilience and purpose. These individuals often see our potential before we fully grasp it ourselves, and their belief becomes a catalyst for growth.
How To Build Lasting Friendships Through Leadership Community Membership
Linkedln
November 13, 2024
First, be the kind of community member people want to follow. Authenticity is like Wi-Fi—when you’ve got a strong signal, everyone wants to connect! Share your own stories, show some vulnerability, and admit when you don’t know everything (spoiler: no one does). You’ll instantly build trust and give others the green light to be real with you too. Cue the camaraderie.
Leading Through Burnout: The Power of Community Connection
Linkedln
October 28, 2024
Burnout has become a pervasive issue in modern work environments, affecting professionals across industries and roles. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, anxiety/depression, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. The causes of burnout can vary widely, from overwhelming workloads and tight deadlines to a lack of support or recognition.
Leadership Coaching: There Must Be Proper Fit
LinkedIn
October 02, 2024
In my work as a leadership coach and consultant, I often hear recurring questions from prospective clients who are eager to enhance their leadership skills and transform their lives.
Indispensable Thinking featuring Jim Kerr
SubStack
January 01, 2024
I bring provocative leadership ideas to life by sharing insights gleaned from my decades of experience providing management consulting and leadership coaching to the world's best organizations.
The Indispensable Leader's Handbook
Amazon
August 01, 2024
The culmination of 30 years of management consulting and leadership coaching, this collection of tried-and-true tips will make you a better leader when you work to make them yours.
Unlike other leadership coaching books, this is not a guide to help coaches improve their skills but to help leaders improve by folding coaching techniques into their leadership approach. It covers a wide variety of topics, from mindset to culture to change management, and each tip comes with a suggested action for executive, mid-level, and supervisory leaders, ensuring this book’s value regardless of your current leadership role within your organization. Each of the 101 tips is also accompanied by its “why,” Guru Guidance that outlines implications, and an Idea Crosswalk section that shows how each tip corresponds to other parts of the book to facilitate innovative thinking about how it can be best put to use.
Enabling good leaders to become exceptional ones by incorporating coaching skills into their leadership practices, this clear and practical reference guide will become a go-to resource for current and future business leaders, coaches, and mentors, as well as executive education providers.
Indispensable: Build and Lead A Company Can't Live Without
Humanix Books
February 16, 2021
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "Indispensable" as being absolutely necessary and not subject to being set aside or neglected. INDISPENSABLE: Build and Lead A Company Customers Can’t Live Without provides a framework that you can follow to transform your business and features dozens of examples from industry including those drawn from Amazon, Uber, Facebook and more. Each business example illustrates how the concepts offered in the book are already being used to make businesses indispensable in the marketplace.
The Executive Checklist Audio Book
Ascent Audio
May 19, 2020
A guide for new executives that explores how to create an overarching, enterprise-wide transformative program. The book provides a best-practice checklist for eight core areas: Strategy Setting, Technology Alignment, Business Renovation, Project Management, Communications Renewal, Employee Engagement, Staff Transformation, and Organizational Design.
Tags: Change Management, Future of Work, Leadership
Leaders (TD at Work)
TD at Work
July 30, 2019
How do senior leaders differentiate their companies from the competition? By hiring top talent. I
In this book co-author Steven Kenney and I speak to senior leaders about how they can work with talent development professionals and put in place practices to attract quality employees.
It's Good To Be King
Publisher : Executive Books; 1st Edition
February 13, 2017
It's Good To Be King . It’s a leadership book for all kinds of leaders, including those that lead in the classroom, at the ball field, within civic groups, places of worship and at work.
Written in an easy to read fable style, which will appeal to all kinds of people who may not be accustomed to reading leadership titles, the book tells the story of King Joe and his trusted advisor, the Wizard Gumdorf. The reader will see how the two work together to transform the fate and fortune of the mystical Kingdom of Candyshire by applying common sense and sound leadership strategies -- just like the ones we all can use to shape and transform the groups and organizations that we lead.
As a value-added feature, the book contains over 60 leadership tips presented in easy to find chapter summaries. All the takeaways are aimed to help the reader to become better at setting direction and managing change – regardless of the setting in which they lead!
The Executive Checklist: A Guide for Setting Direction and Managing Change
Palgrave-Macmillan
January 21, 2014
A guide for new executives that explores how to create an overarching, enterprise-wide transformative program. The book provides a best-practice checklist for 8 core areas: Strategy Setting, Technology Alignment, Business Renovation, Project Management, Communications Renewal, Employee Engagement, Staff Transformation, and Organizational Design.
The Best Practices Enterprise: A Guide to Achieving Sustainable World-class Performance
J. Ross Publishing
April 01, 2006
This guide to achieving sustainable world-class performance provides guiding principles to senior executives and best practices to managers that, if fully embraced and implemented correctly, will transform most any firm into an organization capable of dominating its industry throughout the 21st Century. While there are many best practices that firms should consider in their efforts to continuously improve, there are seven best practices that are indispensable in this era of rapid change, increasing customer demands, and intense global competition. These seven best practices address the people, processes, and technology elements of which every enterprise is comprised and without them firmly in place, organizations will eventually flounder.
Inside Rad: How to Build Fully Functional Computer Systems in 90 Days or Less
McGraw-Hill
November 01, 1991
Documents the implementation of RAD and Information Engineering concepts in a step-by-step account of a successful software development project. Organized by project phases, the authors examine the pitfalls and opportunities they encountered while planning and implementing a successful RAD project.
The IRM Imperative: Strategies for Managing Information Resources
John Wiley & Sons
January 16, 1991
It challenges many of the common assumptions about the role of information systems, and suggests new roles and responsibilities that can be implemented to ensure companies stay competitive by managing data as a corporate asset -- one that be accounted for on a company balance sheet.
Tags: Business Strategy, Future of Work, Leadership
6 Book Awards
The Best Business Books of 2022
SoundView
January 10, 2023
My latest book, Indispensable: Build and Lead A Company Customers Can' Live Without, was recognized as a Top 30 business book in 2022 by Soundview -- leaders in Business Book Summary. Quite an honor!
50 Books from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders You Should Read in 2022
Thinkers360
November 21, 2022
Here’s our picks (listed by ranking on Amazon) with direct links to the publications as well as to the author’s thought leadership profiles and portfolios on Thinkers360!
What SmartBrief’s top leadership posts of 2021 tell us
SmartBrief
March 01, 2022
Every year, SmartBrief’s Leadership blog publishes a few hundred posts, each with the goal of offering useful advice for being a better and more thoughtful leader, manager, communicator and strategist.
I am thrilled to be featured in this "Best Of" piece...
Celebrating LinkedIn’s Top Voice Awards
Indispensable Consulting
October 31, 2023
Top Voices is an invitation-only program featuring a global group of experts on LinkedIn covering a range of topics across the professional world, helping members uncover valuable knowledge relevant to them. I'm celebrating my earning my 11th Top Voice Award with this eBook.
Coaching Program Feedback eBook - Volume 1
Indispensable Consulting
June 27, 2023
The Coaching Program Feedback eBook - Volume 1 offers some ideas about what participants walk away with when involved with a solid coaching program, like the one offered by Indispensable Consulting. Each bespoke coaching program is uniquely tailored to help your leaders become exceptional.
My Dad's Best Advice eBook
Indispensable Consulting
June 19, 2023
Father's Day has become a bit of a solemn day for me. I lost my father a few years ago and, while my kids do their best to celebrate the day with me, I can't help but to feel the loss of my father in my life. Just the same, Father's Day does provide me with the chance to reflect back on some of the sage advice that I got from him over the years and consider how it has informed my approach to work and to life. Here's 8 bits of advice that have made a difference for me...
Fortune Cookie Wisdom
Indispensable Consulting
March 28, 2023
I offer this eBook as a coaching piece on mindset, spirit and attitude – great things happen when we choose to reshape these attributes and use them to make us the best we can be…Now, eat your cookies!
COACHING MOMENTS: FORGING A TRUST- BUILDING CULTURE
Indispensable Consulting
March 27, 2023
Breakdowns in trust often result from a lack of clarity in: decision-making authority, delegation and empowerment, employee engagement and transparency, and incomplete feedback loops. Growing businesses must be deliberate in building trust across and up and down the organization. If you fear that a lack of trust is killing your business, you can do something to fix it!
Wait Just A Minute: Why you should lead with puppies and candy canes
Indispensable Consulting
March 13, 2023
This eBook demonstrates some of the messaging hacks that work when trying to gain influence in social media circles -- A goal of many of the folks whom I coach.
Why Resilience Matters: And It Can Be Taught
Indispensable Consulting
March 07, 2023
Resilience is about the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties. This kind of internal toughness can be taught. This eBook outlines the fundamentals.
The Art of Improving Your Self-Talk
Indispensable Consulting
March 04, 2023
Research suggests people who use positive self-talk may develop mental skills that allow them to solve problems, improve performance, and be more efficient at coping with hardships and challenges.
Read this eBook on the subject for more on how you can flip the script between your ears...
Leader or Manager: The Differences That You Need to Understand
leadersHum
May 11, 2022
There's a difference between leadership and management. Leaders look forward and imagine the possibilities that the future may bring in order to set direction. Managers monitor and adjust today's work, regularly looking backward to ensure that current goals and objectives are being met. The best leaders lead and let their management teams manage the work at hand. Learn more -- download this eBook.
Leadership Top Voice On LinkedIn
LinkedIn
October 11, 2023
Being named a top voice on LinkedIn is a moment of profound pride and accomplishment. It signifies not only recognition for one's expertise and insights but also the impact their contributions have had on a global platform.
Business Coaching Top Voice On LinkedIn
LinkedIn
October 11, 2023
Being named a Business Coaching Top Voice on LinkedIn is a tremendous honor that fills me with immense pride and gratitude. It signifies not only recognition for my contributions but also serves as a testament to the value of the ideas and insights I have shared within the professional community.
Executive Coaching Top Voice On LinkedIn
LinkedIn
October 11, 2023
LinkedIn is a platform where professionals from diverse backgrounds converge, making this accolade even more meaningful. It inspires me to continue my journey of sharing knowledge, fostering meaningful connections, and contributing to valuable conversations. This recognition fuels my passion to engage, empower, and inspire others in their professional pursuits, and I am truly humbled to be acknowledged among the top voices on such a prominent platform for professionals worldwide.
Change Management Top Voice On LinkedIn
LinkedIn
October 11, 2023
This accolade is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and commitment to fostering meaningful discussions and sharing valuable knowledge with a diverse audience. It's a validation of the ability to inspire, educate, and engage, and a reminder that one's voice resonates with a broad community of professionals.
Consulting Top Voice On LinkedIn
LinkedIn
October 11, 2023
Being named a Top Voice on LinkedIn is an incredible honor and a testament to the dedication and passion that one invests in their professional journey. It's a recognition that goes beyond mere statistics; it's a validation of the valuable insights and contributions you bring to your network and industry.
Leadership Development Top Voice On LinkedIn
LinkedIn
October 11, 2023
This distinction not only acknowledges your expertise but also your commitment to fostering meaningful connections and sharing knowledge. It's a reminder that the digital world can be a platform for positive change, where your voice resonates and inspires others.
Management Consulting Top Voice On LinkedIn
LinkedIn
October 11, 2023
Being proud to be named a Top Voice on LinkedIn is not just about personal accomplishment; it's about the collective journey of growth, empowerment, and the potential to make a lasting impact in the professional realm.
Organizational Leadership Top Voice On LinkedIn
LinkedIn
October 11, 2023
Being named a top voice on LinkedIn is a remarkable and humbling achievement that fills me with immense pride. It is a testament to the dedication, passion, and expertise I've poured into my professional journey.
Public Speaking Top Voice On LinkedIn
LinkedIn
October 11, 2023
This recognition underscores the value of meaningful connections and engaging content within the dynamic LinkedIn community. It not only acknowledges my commitment to sharing valuable insights and fostering productive conversations but also serves as a reminder of the incredible potential that the platform offers.
Strategy Top Voice On LinkedIn
LinkedIn
October 11, 2023
As a top voice, I feel privileged to be a part of a community that values thought leadership and inspires others to grow and learn. I am deeply appreciative of the support and engagement from my network, and I am excited to continue contributing to the platform with even greater enthusiasm and dedication in the future.
Thought Leadership Top Voice On LinkedIn
LinkedIn
October 11, 2023
Being named a Top Voice validates the impact of my contributions, whether through thought-provoking articles, insightful posts, or engaging discussions. It also underscores the importance of fostering a supportive and informative environment for my connections, inspiring me to continue striving for excellence in all that I do.
As you may know, I am on a mission to create a leadership movement within my Indispensable-Coaching Community -- one that restores decency to the leadership equation. If you're interested in joining a group of people that want to lead like a decent human being, be sure to check-out Indispensable-Coaching. We have a waiting list, but, I will be sure to let you know when spots open up.
Are You Ready To Be An Indispensable Leader?
LinkedIn
August 08, 2024
The aim of Indispensable-Coaching.com is to make you an indispensable leader – one so exceptional that you cannot help but to inspire others to greatness. If you're serious about climbing the career ladder and making a lasting impact, joining the Indispensable Coaching leadership development community * could be your secret weapon.
Beware The Stories We Tell Ourselves
Linkedln
June 19, 2024
Our minds are natural storytellers. From the moment we wake up to when we fall asleep, our thoughts weave intricate narratives that shape our understanding of the world and ourselves. These personal stories, though often unseen and unheard by others, have a profound impact on our beliefs and behaviors.
Does Your Organization Need a Jump-Start?
LinkedIn
June 04, 2024
What would you say if I came to you and your team with all of the essential work product templates, frameworks and guidance needed to jump start and lead your team to success?
Navigating The Business Buzzword Jungle
Linkedln
April 04, 2024
As someone who's traversed the seas of management consulting and leadership coaching for what feels like eons, let me tell you: today’s business buzzwords are like the annoying little siblings that our parents forced us to play with when our friends came over to visit. You can't ignore them, but you wish they'd stop tagging along and making everything a little less fun than it could be.
The Power of My Weekly Pre-Review
Linkedln
February 27, 2024
In the dynamic landscape of modern business, where agility and foresight are paramount, the practice of conducting a weekly, personal "Pre-Review Process" emerges as an indispensable tool for guiding and galvanizing your leadership prowess.
Bad Culture Bingo: It’s A Game That You Don’t Want to Win!
Linkedln
February 15, 2024
We’ve all heard the horror stories coming from companies with atrocious reputations – think Twitter, Fox Corporation, Meta – some make money in spite of themselves. But, many do not – think Lehman Brothers, BlackBerry and Forever21 (these companies aren't in existence anymore).
Does Leadership Coaching Make A Difference?
Linkedln
January 31, 2024
There is a prevailing misconception that leadership coaching lacks tangible, measurable outcomes, making it difficult to justify the investment in terms of time and resources.
The Challenge of Leading Past Your People’s Own Self-Interest
Linkedln
January 18, 2024
Can leaders inspire people to do things that are not in their self-interest to do?
Ultimately, it is a leader’s job to influence and guide others toward a desired organizational outcome. So, why is it so challenging for leader’s to deliver on this responsibility?
How To Provide Professional Development Opportunities in the Hybrid Work World
LinkedIn
September 22, 2023
Remote work doesn't mean that career growth and professional development should take a back seat. By embracing remote-friendly strategies and ensuring equal access to growth opportunities through the ideas offered here, leaders can foster a culture of continuous learning and development that benefits both individual employees and the organization as a whole.
Welcome to The AI-Driven World And A New Global Arms Race
LinkedIn
July 11, 2023
In this piece, I liken today’s use of AI as a kind of arms race that shares similar characteristics with the better known military scenario...and, like that scenario, it comes with similar risks and concerns.
I can tell that you're likely a self-centered jackass, if you:
1. Carry on phone conversations in the restroom.
2. Regularly allow your phone to ring during important business meetings.
3. Are constantly using your Speakerphone.
4. Use a loud and loutish ringtone.
5. Play loud music or videos all day without using headphones.
6. Announce layoffs through a a text.
7. Can't seem to find your inside voice even while using your phone at your desk.
8. Text someone during your 1-on-1 meetings.
Be sure to pass this along to someone you love because it just might lead to better sef-awareness...
Indispensable Audit Part - 6 -- Change Frameworks
Indispensable Consulting
April 12, 2021
This is 6 of 6 videos in the Indispensable Consulting's "Indispensable Business Quick Audit." This video focuses on change management frameworks and presents 5 critical areas where your business must perform flawlessly in order to be a provider of choice within the markets that you serve.
Indispensable Audit Part - 5 -- Trust and Empowerment
Indispensable Consulting
April 12, 2021
This is 5 of 6 videos in the Indispensable Consulting's "Indispensable Business Quick Audit." This video focuses on trust and employee empowerment frameworks and presents 5 critical areas where your business must perform flawlessly in order to be a provider of choice within the markets that you serve.
Tags: Change Management, Future of Work, Leadership
Indispensable Audit Part - 3 -- Company Culture
Indispensable Consulting
April 12, 2021
This is 3 of 6 videos in the Indispensable Consulting's "Indispensable Business Quick Audit." This video focuses on change management frameworks and presents 5 critical areas where your business must perform flawlessly in order to be a provider of choice within the markets that you serve.
Tags: Business Strategy, Change Management, Leadership
Indispensable Audit Part - 1 -- Leadership
Indispensable Consulting
April 12, 2021
This is 1 of 6 videos in the Indispensable Consulting's "Indispensable Business Quick Audit." This video focuses on leadership frameworks and presents 5 critical areas where your leaders must deliver their leadership flawlessly in order to be a provider of choice within the markets that you serve.
Indispensable Audit Part - 2 -- Vision
Indispensable Consulting
April 12, 2021
This is 2 of 6 videos in the Indispensable Consulting's "Indispensable Business Quick Audit." This video focuses on vision and presents 5 critical areas where your business must perform flawlessly in order to be a provider of choice within the markets that you serve.
Indispensable Audit Part - 4 -- The "Right" People
Indispensable Consulting
April 12, 2021
This is 2 of 6 videos in the Indispensable Consulting's "Indispensable Business Quick Audit." This video focuses on vision and presents 5 critical areas where your business must perform flawlessly in order to be a provider of choice within the markets that you serve.
How To Make Decency Cool Again
Indispensable Consulting
January 09, 2021
With all that is going wrong in the world today, it seems that we have a leadership deficit. This module teaches us how to begin to make leadership decency cool again.
Decency Requires Patience
Indispensable Consulting
January 09, 2021
In this day and age, leadership decency is in short supply. This module reminds us that decency can start with patience and offers some ideas on how to institute this kind of thinking.
Indispensable Consulting Strategic Assessment and Planning Methodology
Slide Share
June 29, 2020
Used as part of the graduate course that I teach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, this briefing is a time-tested and continuously fine-tuned for use by business practitioners in corporate, divisional and departmental initiatives for over 25 years...
Succession-Ready Leader's Mastermind: 6 Month Program
Indispensable Coaching
December 01, 2024
If you're a mid-career leader looking to amplify your influence and take your career to the next level, this mastermind is your game-changer. Here’s why you can’t afford to miss out:
Step Into the Hot Seat—Fast-Track Your Growth
Our periodic Hot Seats put you in the spotlight, giving you focused feedback on your most pressing leadership challenges. Imagine a room full of experienced leaders and a top-ranked coach working together to help you uncover breakthrough solutions. You’ll leave each session with actionable strategies to implement immediately.
Practice Makes Mastery with Role-Playing Scenarios
How often do you get a safe space to test your leadership instincts? Our Role-Playing Scenarios let you rehearse tough conversations, navigate conflicts, and sharpen your communication skills—all with real-time coaching and constructive feedback. It’s like a leadership lab where you can experiment and grow without risk.
Elevate Your Leadership Game
You’ve mastered the basics. Now it’s time to rise above the competition. This mastermind will help you transition from managing tasks to inspiring teams. Tools like the Leadership Influence and Strategic Thinking Assessment will show you exactly where to focus for maximum impact.
Expand Your Power Network
You’re not just joining a program—you’re joining a community of driven, high-performing leaders. These aren’t just connections; they’re collaborators, mentors, and allies who understand your challenges and share your ambition.
Adapt and Thrive in Any Situation
Leadership today demands agility. Through the Leadership Agility Assessment and expert guidance, for example, you’ll develop the adaptability to lead effectively in an ever-changing landscape.
Strengthen Trust and Authenticity
At this stage in your career, your reputation is everything. Our mastermind is grounded in decency and integrity—helping you build trust, strengthen relationships, and lead with authenticity.
Achieve Real Results—Fast
This isn’t theory—it’s action. With monthly group sessions, targeted content, and a collaborative environment, you’ll see measurable improvements in your leadership effectiveness and confidence.
This is your opportunity to gain clarity, build influence, and transform your leadership. Don’t just lead—become indispensable.
But, Hurry—Time is Running Out!
This Mastermind offers personalized career advancement in an intimate setting of only 10 participants.
Tags: Future of Work, Change Management, Business Strategy
Scenario Planning Jump Start
Indispensable Consulting
January 12, 2023
This Jump Start solution enables your team to better anticipate the future and devise tactics to overcome tomorrow’s challenges as they arise and whatever they may be.
Tags: Future of Work, Change Management, Business Strategy
Digital Transformation Jump Start
Indispensable Consulting
January 12, 2023
This offering enables your team to define the data, applications and technical infrastructures needed to transform your business and disrupt your competition.
Tags: Future of Work, Change Management, Business Strategy
The Planning Method
Indispensable Consulting
February 24, 2022
Our assessment methods, analytical tools and change planning approaches are time-tested and optimized for making a difference. Of course, our track record speaks for itself. Watch this short video on our planning approach.
Tags: Change Management, Future of Work, Leadership
The Coaching Approach
Indispensable Consulting
February 24, 2022
Our coaching methods are world-renown. We baseline through self-assessment and 360 Feedback. We use that to co-create customized coaching plans for each person that we work with. We deliver results. Watch this short video on our approach.
Tags: Business Strategy, Future of Work, Leadership
Vision Story Services
Indispensable Consulting
February 01, 2022
Your company’s vision defines its direction.
It should be told as a story that engages and informs all of your stakeholders, rightly.
After all, your people need to understand where their leaders want them to go. Your vision story defines the North Star which sets the direction.
Our Vision Story development framework provides the needed structure for creating a vision story that is compelling and inspires your team to greatness.
Strategic Planning Services
Indispensable Consulting
February 01, 2022
Strategic planning is about anticipating the future and determining what you’re going to do about it.
Our Scenario Planning approach provides a framework for considering the possibilities that may await your business.
Our Strategic Planning Methodology defines and prioritizes what must be done to achieve your vision, strengthen your brand and deliver the necessary tools and templates to ensure that your plans are immediately actionable.
Transformation Planning Services
Indispensable Consulting
January 03, 2022
Transformation
Transformation is about establishing Operational Excellence.
It is achieved by broadly changing the way work is done.
Our transformation services help you optimize workflow and work activities through process redesign. Also, we help you leverage digital technology capabilities that help you build a winning ecosystem for your business.
Industry 4.0
Indispensable Consulting
January 03, 2022
Tomorrow’s is coming. Are you ready for the next evolution in manufacturing?
Can you imagine a factory where robots, automated guided vehicles, sensors, controllers, raw materials, products, and databases communicate with one another? This future is upon us.
We help clients realize their vision of the factory of the future through our Industry 4.0 Strategic Planning Services. Let us help you develop your plan to get there, too.
Organization Design / Development Services
Indispensable Consulting
January 03, 2022
Strategic misalignment can destroy a company’s ability to deliver results.
Our Organization Design services drives alignment by using your vision and strategies to set the boundaries, for instance.
With the strategic framework is in place, we work with you to finely tune your operating model and then redesign the reporting structures so that the “right” people are in the “right” places to perform at their best.
Culture Reset Services
Indispensable Consulting
January 03, 2022
Great cultures win. Others don’t.
Company Culture is about behavior. Indeed, it determines how your staff members interact. It determines how your team treats your customers.
Our Culture Reset services help you build a winning culture that promotes high performance, while fostering the adoption of a new cultural dynamic where everyone works together to deliver an impeccable customer experience.
Workplace Transition Services
Indispensable Consulting
November 08, 2021
High performance businesses pivot to continue winning, even when facing a health crisis.
Our Workplace Transition Services help you transition back to the physical work- place with a focus on mitigating risks for staff and other stakeholders, while re-imagining the way work will be performed in the future.
Leadership Coaching Services
Indispensable Consulting
November 08, 2021
Coaches make people perform better.
After all, even world-class athletes have professional coaches.
Why shouldn’t your leadership team and high potential people have coaches, too? Our executive coaching services will make your people better at what they do.
RESET YOUR CULTURE FOR THE NEXT-NORMAL WORLD
KMWorld
November 07, 2022
The next-normal workplace is characterized by open, diverse, agile, and networked organizations–one’s where staff from all over the planet work together in remote and hybrid settings. This new paradigm will come with a whole host of leadership challenges learn how to overcome them.
Don’t Be Fooled: Leadership and Management Are Not the Same
Indispensable Consulting
October 17, 2022
This was a great question that I received when delivering this keynote at GDLS in October 2022. I was asked to deliver this at a virtual event to 60+ mid-level leaders at the firm in it's internal "Re-defining Culture through Leadership" Conference.
Tags: Business Strategy, Change Management, Future of Work
90 Media Interviews
Lead with Confidence: A Deep Dive into Leadership & Psychology
Therapist Mandy TV
July 31, 2024
Discussion of my latest leadership book, The Indispensable Leader's Handbook, with the wonderful Mandy Morris, LPC on her podcast seen on Therapist Mandy TV
Defying the Odds: James Kerr on Achievement, Wisdom, and Inner Alignment
YouTube
November 16, 2023
I'm a guest on "One World in a New World," a podcast hosted by Zen Benefiel, where he navigates the intricate layers of our personal and collective journeys.
Glad you Asked: How do you manage differences of opinion among execs during culture change efforts?
LinkedIn
October 24, 2023
Bill Murphy, CCMP, a guy who has spent his career helping organizations become successful, offers this question on the next episode of #GladYouAsked:
How do you manage differences of opinion among execs during culture change efforts?
This is one that I've encountered on every single #culture transformation that I've lead. Watch the short video for some ideas on what I've found to work best.
The Unlock Moment Leadership Interview
Spotify
October 21, 2023
The Unlock Moment is that flash of remarkable clarity when you suddenly know the right path ahead. These are the breakthroughs that are so profound that they remember vividly where they were, who they were with, what they were thinking when their Unlock Moment happened.
In this interview, Dr. Gary Crotaz gets after what I accomplished and the significant events that shaped my career and business life.
Glad you Asked: "How do we create, communicate and improve company culture?"
LinkedIn
October 10, 2023
This question comes in from Otto F. Gatternigg. If you're unfamiliar with his work, he offers guidance and mentoring to people who are facing challenging times of self-worth, meaning, and purpose in life.
Otto's question is a good one! Watch short video for more...
Glad you Asked: "What to do with those that work to the bare minimum of the job spec requirement?"
LinkedIn
September 28, 2023
This Glad You Asked segment features the world famous HR Author one Paul Falcone - His latest book dropped just last week it's worth reading every page. But, I digress. Here's his question:
What to do with those that work to the bare minimum of the job spec requirement?
It's a question many a leader struggles with. But, this short video offers some perspective (that I hope you find) worth pondering...
When Yourself Talk is Killing Your Performance, Flip the Script
Breakthrough Barriers with Confidence
September 28, 2023
"When Yourself Talk is Killing Your Performance, Flip the Script" is the title given to an interview by Paige Bae - we get after self-talk, leadership mindset and self-awareness.
Glad you Asked: "What do you do when trust is lost?"
LinkedIn
September 26, 2023
Oh, this is a good one! This Glad You Asked features a question from Marc Evans, one of my favorite coaches from the Emerald Isle! No, let me rephrase, Marc is one of my favorite coaches, period! Anyway, he asks:
"What do you do when trust is lost?"
I offer my 4-A's solution. Watch the short video to learn more...
Glad you Asked: "Does Visual Thinking Help You Become A Better Leader?"
LinkedIn
August 25, 2023
Todd Cherches, a visual leader beyond compare, sent in a wonderfully vivid question for this installment of Glad You Asked:...Watch this short video for more.
Glad you Asked: "Where does culture fit with indispensability?"
LinkedIn
August 24, 2023
Next up in my "Glad You Asked" Series where fellow thought leaders can shoot me a video question and respond right here on LinkedIn. This question comes from the incredible Mark Cumicek...Watch this short video for more.
Glad you Asked: "Where does leadership authenticity fit in with building indispensable businesses?"
LinkedIn
August 23, 2023
Here's another thought leader question in my continuing series "Glad You Asked." This one comes from one of the most formidable idea guys on the planet, Bryan Mattimore...Watch this short video for more.
Glad you Asked: "Does life coaching help leaders inspire others?"
LinkedIn
August 22, 2023
One of my favorite life coaches here on LinkedIn is none other than one Dino Carella. So, you can imagine my excitement when I received his video question...Watch this short video for more.
Glad you Asked: Which is more important, vision or a collaborative culture?
LinkedIn
August 21, 2023
In this episode of "Glad You Asked," John Chappelear, chief kingpin at Changing The Focus, LLC asks me a very interesting question...Watch this short clip to find out more.
Tags: Change Management, Future of Work, Leadership
100 Podcasts
Give The Gift of Coaching | Indispensable Consulting
Youtube
December 17, 2024
In just one hour, you can transform someone’s leadership potential. A coaching session with me provides a safe, focused space to explore challenges, identify opportunities, and uncover solutions tailored to their unique needs. It’s not just advice—it’s a personalized conversation designed to empower growth and create actionable insights that immediately impact how they lead.
Deeper Dive Into The Leadership and Community Connection
Youtube
November 07, 2024
Through in-depth discussions driven by insightful AI-driven analysis, we highlight how being part of a network dedicated to decency, integrity, and growth can accelerate personal development and career success.
Dr Staffan Hedén: Are today's leaders prepared to take on the self-awareness required to lead more decently?
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October 01, 2024
Are today's leaders prepared to take on the self-awareness required to lead more decently?
This is the question that I tackle with Dr Staffan Hedén on the next episode of The Indispensable Conversation podcast.
Staffan is a consultant, mentor, keynote speaker, action researcher, and the author
Meredith Norwich - Is writing a book the price of admission for today's top leaders?
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August 12, 2024
As many of you know, my 7th book: The Indispensable Leader’s Handbook – 100 Leadership Tips from a Top-Ranked Business Coach came out on August 1st. My next guest is my editor, the incomparable Meredith Norwich.
Meredith is a Senior Editor at Routledge and has collaborated with academic and pr
Dan Rockwell - Can working with an inexperienced leadership coach destroy your career?
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August 05, 2024
Dan Rockwell is a self-described "Leadership Freak!"
He joins me on the next episode of The Indispensable Conversation as we tackle a topic that is near and dear to many emerging leaders (and some experienced ones, too):
Can working with an inexperienced leadership coach destroy your care
Michael Pedersen - Does our self-image shape our leadership actions?
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July 09, 2024
For more than two decades, Michael Pedersen has been helping leaders stand out in a noisy and very competitive environment by creating a strong brand message and getting it in front of their ideal customers.
Because he believes, as I do, that business success all starts with mindset, Michael's
Damon Pistulka: Will doing what you've always done, get you to where you want to go?
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July 05, 2024
Will doing what you've always done, get you to where you want to go?
This is the question that I tackled on this episode of The Indispensable Conversation podcast with my special guest Damon Pistulka.
For over 20 years, Damon has helped business leaders break free from what’s hold
Social Media As Enabler of Clique Cuilture
LinkedIn
March 18, 2024
In this short video, from a recent podcast appearance, I explain some of the damage it can do.
The fact is some people can become so entrenched in their beliefs that they become less inclined to extend their support or influence to others who aren't in the clique.
As a consequence, some important voices aren't breaking through because the clique's boundaries are so solid many deserving thought leaders find themselves outside looking in.
Sour grapes?
Don't put me in that box!
I'm not good inside echo chambers.
In fact, I was never one to sit at the "cool kids" table even when I was invited.
I always preferred to be among the regular folk -- all trying to be decent and accepting of the differences that make people so darn interesting.
If you want to join me, let me know...Maybe we can create our own thought leader community -- one that offers an open enrollment based on merit of your thinking, not who you know. Hmm? That just might work...
Monte Pedersen: Do you have to stay hungry to be outstanding?
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November 30, 2023
Monte Pedersen joins Jim Kerr on the 50th episode of The Indispensable Conversation podcast.
If you're unfamiliar with Monte, he heads up The CDA Group LLC an independent leadership training firm specializing in strategy execution. The focus of his thought leadership centers around how to get
Do you have to stay hungry to be outstanding?
YouTube
November 30, 2023
Monte Pedersen joins Jim Kerr on the 50th episode of The Indispensable Conversation podcast.
If you're unfamiliar with Monte, he heads up The CDA Group LLC an independent leadership training firm specializing in strategy execution. The focus of his thought leadership centers around how to get results. It's this focus that makes him the perfect guest to tackle this question with me:
Rishad Ahmed - Do you need to develop a keen intuition to be an exceptional leader?
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November 17, 2023
World famous keynote speaker and business coach Rishad Ahmed joins me for next episode of The Indispensable Conversation.
Rishad works to ignite transformation through holistic thinking and wisdom-driven leadership. He wants to help you to empower your organization for an inspired future.
Do you need to develop a keen intuition to be an exceptional leader?
YouTube
November 16, 2023
World famous keynote speaker and business coach Rishad Ahmed joins me for next episode of The Indispensable Conversation.
Rishad works to ignite transformation through holistic thinking and wisdom-driven leadership. He wants to help you to empower your organization for an inspired future.
This all makes him the "right guest, at the right time" to delve into this question with me:
Do you need to develop a keen intuition to be an exceptional leader?
Is it possible to navigate between staying true to oneself and adapting to societal expectations?
YouTube
November 02, 2023
Today my guest is the world famous thrill seeker and creative motivator Tyler Schmoker. Tyler is a retired army veteran, mountain climber, cross country skier, and all around good guy.
His posts on LinkedIn are distinctive because they typically feature him in some sort of “day in the life” motif. Indeed, death defying cycling vids are inter-meshed with views from the State Fair or his vegetable garden and all come with a message that inspires.
In our opinion, this makes Tyler the ideal guest to tackle this question with me:
"Is it possible to navigate between staying true to oneself and adapting to societal expectations?"
Tyler Schmoker: Is it possible to navigate between staying true to oneself and adapting to societal expectations
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November 02, 2023
Today my guest is the world famous thrill seeker and creative motivator Tyler Schmoker. Tyler is a retired army veteran, mountain climber, cross country skier, and all around good guy.
His posts on LinkedIn are distinctive because they typically feature him in some sort of “day in the life” mo
Eric Stone: Does Company Culture Matter When Work is Fully Remote?
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October 20, 2023
Join me as I welcome Eric Stone, newly minted author and consultant, to The Indispensable Conversation Podcast as we explore the question:"Does Company Culture Matter When Work is Fully Remote?"
We sure get after it on topics including motivation, community and commitment.
Does Company Culture Matter When Work is Fully Remote?
YouTube
October 19, 2023
Join me as I welcome Eric Stone, newly minted author and consultant, to The Indispensable Conversation Podcast as we explore the question:
"Does Company Culture Matter When Work is Fully Remote?"
We really get after it on topics related to remote work, hybrid workplace and back to the office and all of the motivation, community-building and commitment issues that come with which ever option you choose for your business.
Joe Polanin: Is it on leaders to make their people happy?
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October 12, 2023
This episode of The Indispensable Conversation features award winning CEO, combat veteran, and author Joseph Polanin.
Listen in as we tackle the question:
Is it on leaders to make their people happy?
Listen in! You just might be surprised where we go on this one!
Tim Hughes: Does social selling still have a place in an AI-based world?
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September 19, 2023
Tim Hughes’ LinkedIn profile states he “Should have played Quidditch for England.” But, that’s not the reason he’s joining me as a guest on the next episode of The Indispensable Conversation.
Rather, the fact that he wrote a terrific book last year entitled: Social Selling: Techniques to
Does social selling still have a place in an AI-based world?
YouTube
September 14, 2023
Tim Hughes' LinkedIn profile states he “Should have played Quidditch for England.”
But, that’s not the reason he’s joining me as a guest on the next episode of The Indispensable Conversation.
Rather, the fact that he wrote a terrific book last year entitled: Social Selling: Techniques to Influence Buyers and Change-makers makes him the “right” guest to wrestle through the following question with me on this episode of The Indispensable Conversation:
Does social selling still have a place in an AI-based world?
Tags: Change Management, Future of Work, Leadership
6 Quotes
Leadership Coaching Eats Leadership Training For Lunch
LinkedIn
March 21, 2024
Leadership coaching eats leadership training for lunch.
And, please quote me on that!
Blasphemy you say...Hmm?
Hear me out on why coaching is significantly more effective than traditional training methods in developing leadership skills:
Personalized Development: Leadership coaching is way more personalized and tailored to the specific needs and goals of individual leaders. I know I work closely with leaders to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, crafting strategies and action plans design just for them.
Generic leadership training programs aren't designed to provide bespoke development plans.
Real-Time Feedback and Support: Unlike traditional training programs that often provide information in a one-size-fits-all format, coaching offers real-time feedback and support.
I engage leaders in ongoing conversations, challenging their thinking, providing feedback on their actions, and offering guidance as they navigate complex leadership situations. One-on-one attention accelerates learning and growth.
Application to Real-World Contexts: My leadership coaching emphasizes the application of skills and concepts to my coaching client's real-world leadership challenges. Indeed, I help leaders translate theoretical knowledge into practical action, offering insights and strategies that are directly applicable to the leader's context and organizational environment.
The closest a training programs comes to this is case study work.
Accountability and Follow-Up: I hold leaders accountable for their development goals and progress. This accountability mechanism fosters greater discipline and commitment compared to standalone training programs where follow-up is limited, at best.
Long-Term Impact: Leadership coaching often results in long-term behavioral change and sustainable improvement in leadership effectiveness. By addressing underlying beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, I help leaders cultivate new habits and mindsets that endure beyond the duration of the coaching engagement.
This focus on long-term impact distinguishes coaching from short-term training interventions that may yield temporary improvements.
While leadership training programs serve a valuable purpose in providing foundational knowledge and skills, coaching offers far more impact for businesses seeking to maximize their leadership development investment.
Leadership Is Not A Game of Perfect!
LinkedIn
February 29, 2024
Leadership Is Not A Game of Perfect!
So, stop trying for perfection!
As I write in The Indispensable Leader's Handbook (Summer '24), my forthcoming book:
"To be most effective leaders need to know when to stop identifying every possible issue and take action."
Indeed, we can become our own worst enemy by deferring action for the sake of problem identification. Once possible scenarios are adequately determined, be the kind of leader that decidedly takes action and people will want to follow you.
How Can Companies Motivate Employees with Corporate Social Responsibility?
Short Lister Magazine
February 15, 2022
The recent events of hardship and disruption that reshaped our world caused many to reevaluate the interdependence of healthy societies, economies, and the environment. Hence, companies can no longer exclude themselves from significant societal issues like climate change and social injustice.
HOW TO FLIP YOUR SELF-TALK SCRIPT AND IMPROVE YOUR PERFORMANCE
YouTube
January 29, 2024
This is one of an exclusive series of single-day, live/interactive INSTEADTALKS —each convened live on Zoom are catalysts for personal development, deeper connections, fresh ideas, and a better understanding of ourselves and our world.
Leaders Need Coaches, Too!
Indispensable Consulting
February 10, 2023
World-class athletes have 'em, why not provide them to your leaders? Learn what, how and when...This module teaches you what to look for in a premier leadership coaching program and the results that you can achieve by offering it to your people.
What to look for in a Coaching Cohort Program?
Indispensable Consulting
February 10, 2023
Learn what to look for when choosing a coaching cohort program and the results that you should expect. This module is intended to provide you with a new option in developing your high potential leaders by bringing the "right" 1:1 coaching program in-house. Done right, it will establish a community of leaders as a result!
Tags: Change Management, Future of Work, Leadership
High Potential Coaching Program
Indispensable Consulting
August 30, 2022
The High Potential Coaching Program provides a practical way for an organization to both develop the next wave of top leaders, while giving them the personalized leadership coaching that they need to truly leave their mark on the firm in the future – this will certainly improve employee retention and enhance the development of the leadership skills required to set direction and manage change for years to come.
The ”Keep It Real” Virtual Retreat
Indispensable Consulting
August 30, 2022
Learn To Stop What’s Stopping You
You being you is the only way to become an indispensable leader, partner, parent and friend.
Sometimes our authenticity gets lost in the struggles of everyday life. This virtual retreat is aimed at helping you restore the energy, vitality, self-awareness and honesty needed to help you to keep it real – for yourself and those in your world.
“Aha moments” is all about REAL Leaders doing incredible things.
This episode of Aha Moments, features Mohsine Gdid (Mo).
Mo is a Vice President of Human Resources with years of incredible experience including work focused on Talent Strategy, Diversity and Inclusion, Change Management, Culture, HRIS, ERP Transformation, and Operational Excellence. As a business leader with functional responsibility, he is particularly passionate about coaching, mentoring and creating high-performing teams that drive business results.
In fact, Mo shares stories about these passions in his weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Strategic HR Insights . Each edition offers experience-driven insights from a leader who leads. You should check it out so you can see for yourself (plus his love of family, football (soccer), dreams, and his native Morocco all shines through and makes for inspiring reading).
Are You A Leader or A Manager
Indispensable Consulting
November 01, 2022
Inspired by those whom I coach, this webinar covers the topic and provides some training elements at the end to test your understanding of the difference between leaders and managers.
How to Ease Change Management for Successful Digital Transformation
iBASEt
November 16, 2021
Businesses undergo transitions on a regular basis. Often most of the focus is on technology. But digital transformation isn’t just the implementation of new tools. Digital Transformation is also about how people change the way they work. I tackled this topic from the change management, future of work and leadership standpoint.
Tags: Change Management, Future of Work, Leadership
The Indispensable Book Launch
Pine Mountain Digital, Inc.
February 18, 2021
This is a celebration of the release of my latest book: Indispensable - Build and Lead A Company Customers Can't Live Without. This is not the typical business slog. This video is fast-paced, fun and authentic.
Leaders: Learn to Attract Top Talent
ATD
March 01, 2019
Disruptors are companies that seize enormous market share and mindshare by reimagining an industry.
Consider Airbnb, which rewrote the book on travel accommodations; SpaceX, which is redefining the new space race; 23andMe, which is bringing genetic analysis to the masses; or Lyft, which keeps ridesharing rolling. These companies, and many disruptive market leaders like them, are attracting some of the best talent from around the world. Learn how...
December 12, 2023, Zen Benefiel worked with James Kerr but at different companies
I've had the privilege of conversing with Jim Kerr on the "One World in a New World" podcast, and I can't emphasize enough how Jim's expertise and passion have contributed to the show's depth of knowledge and wisdom shared through our guests.
Jim's mastery in driving major change initiatives and cultivating future leaders shines through in every episode. His ability to co-create innovative solutions with our guests and audience is truly remarkable. This collaborative approach not only fosters an environment of continuous learning but also ensures that our discussions result in actionable takeaways.
One aspect of Jim's work that stands out is his profound knowledge in leadership development, a recurring theme on our podcast. His 1-on-1 coaching programs have consistently produced transformative insights for our guests and listeners. It's evident that he has a gift for guiding individuals toward becoming exceptional leaders.
The "One World in a New World" podcast often delves into critical topics such as vision storytelling, strategic planning, culture redesign, and organizational development. Jim's contributions to these discussions have been invaluable. His expertise in planning, developing, and executing multi-faceted change initiatives resonates with our audience, and his ability to turn complex challenges into opportunities for success is awe-inspiring.
Jim is not just a guest on our podcast; he's a driving force behind the meaningful conversations we have. His insights on vision, culture, organizational effectiveness, and leadership development have enriched our content and empowered our listeners to navigate the ever-changing landscape of our world.
I wholeheartedly recommend Jim Kerr to any organization seeking a visionary leader who can guide them through transformational change and leadership development.
December 12, 2023, James Kerr worked with Zen Benefiel but at different companies
I highly recommend Zen Benefiel for any endeavor that requires a dedicated and visionary leader. Zen is a true visionary with a remarkable ability to see the bigger picture and connect the dots in complex situations. His strategic thinking and his ability to see past the obvious are unparalleled, making him an invaluable asset to anyone interested in change. Zen's passion for personal development is infectious, and he has a unique talent for inspiring and motivating those around him to reach their full potential.
One of Zen's standout qualities is his unwavering commitment to integrity and ethics in all his interactions. He is a thought leader who leads by example, and his ethical approach to working with others sets a high standard for those who work alongside him. Zen's extensive experience in various fields, including coaching and personal development, equips him with a diverse skill set that can benefit anyone who seeks balance and wisdom.
Blog
4 Article/Blogs
Let's KISS: How Exceptional Leaders Are Obsessed With Simplifying Everything!
Thinkers360
February 04, 2023
We've all heard the adage "Keep It Simple, Stupid." But, do we really know how to practice this advice? This article offers a view of what keeping it simple looks like.
Here are seven "Keep It Simple" ideas worth considering:
Exceptional leaders keep it simple by having a vision and communicating it. Leaders can engage and inspire their teams by telling a story that compels them to come together and give their personal best effort to the realization of that vision. The best leaders keep it simple by ensuring everyone in the organization is working to achieve the same set of goals.
Exceptional leaders keep it simple by keeping their door wide-open. By practicing an open door policy makes it simple for team members to seek guidance and surface issues that may impact success. This important characteristic of a winning culture sets a tone and enables simple communication among everyone on the team.
Exceptional leaders keep it simple by never spinning the facts. They prefer to keep it real by telling the truth. As a result, people within their teams don’t have to guess if their leader is being honest and authentic – they simplify the workplace by removing any doubt about direction and intent.
Exceptional leaders keep it simple by addressing conflict before it festers. Bad feelings among teammates kill performance and devastate team morale. As challenging as this can be, the most admired leaders get things out in the open and work to resolve ill-will by reminding everyone on their teams about what the shared goals are, and the responsibilities that each person has to doing their jobs for the good of the organization.
Exceptional leaders keep it simple by focusing on resultsand not on effort! It’s wonderful that people “try” their best and go above and beyond for the good of the team. However, winning in the marketplace does not come because people try hard. Rather, winning in the marketplace comes with results. The best leaders keep it simple by emphasizing results and ensure that their staffers understand and focus on achieving the organization’s end goals.
Exceptional leaders keep it simple by giving credit to the team and feature their people’s accomplishments, whenever they can. This is a simple way to reward performance and helps people to appreciate what comes from their best efforts – making things simple for everyone to understand!
Lastly, and perhaps, most importantly exceptional leaders keep it simple by constantly seeking to reduce everything that their teams do every day. By reducing action to the simplest level of effort required to achieve extraordinary results is the way that the best leaders create the simplest work environment for their people.
To close, talking about simplicity and reiterating tired, old axioms about it is not enough. Rather, it is a leader’s responsibility to make the workplace as simple as possible to allow their people to perform at an exceptionally high level. Indeed, it is on us to provide the "right" type of leadership in the "right" way in order to ensure our people can keep it simple.
Tags: Leadership, Future of Work, Change Management
When Trust is High, Challenges Become Easier To Handle
Thinkers360
January 27, 2023
The leaders from the two companies were no longer listening with each other; I knew we had a problem.
While the merger offered some big opportunities for these top leaders (and their stakeholders), they truly needed to learn to get along. If not, it certainly appeared as if the investment made in my work and that of the rest of the merger team would be squandered.
We needed to bring these leaders to the planning table and help them to work as one, in order to position the merged company for enduring suggest.
I started inviting a small group of these leaders, nor more than two or three at a time, out to lunch with me every day. We didn't talk about the work at hand. Rather, I steered the conversation towards discussions about family, hobbies and favorite movies, music and books. The idea was to help these folks to begin to see each other as just normal people -- with more in common, than not.
Interestingly, the leadership team started to listen to, and trust, each other in our merger meetings. They began to routinely share their feelings about effective organizational design and winning business strategies -- adding to one another's ideas and offering viable solutions for what we had to do to effective bring these very different businesses together. After only a few weeks, we saw that the merger effort would be a success. Our lunch meetings proved to be one of the most important investments of time these leaders could make in each other.
When trust is high, challenges become easier to handle.
Do you Want To Create A Community of Leaders?
Thinkers360
December 06, 2022
The blog offers five ideas that should be incorporated into any cohort coaching program in order to deliver the expected results and field a "community of leaders" within the enterprise.
How To Become A Business Your Customers Can't Live Without
Thinkers360
August 29, 2022
Written in an interview format for easy and quick consumption, this blog post offers some ideas for leading your company in ways that make it indispensable to your customers, presented by the person that wrote the book on business Indispensability.
The High Potential Coaching Program provides a practical way for an organization to both develop the next wave of top leaders, while giving them the personalized leadership coaching that they need to truly leave their mark on the firm in the future – this will certainly improve employee retention and enhance the development of the leadership skills required to set direction and manage change for years to come.
If you want an authentic, third-party perspective from the #1 leadership coach in the nation and a person who has been working with senior executives and their leadership teams for over 30 years, please reach-out.
Do You Need An Indispensable Speaker For Your Next Event?
Location: Live or Virtual Fees: Contact for more information of fee
Service Type: Service Offered
Here are a few of my more popular speeches heading into 2023:
RESET YOUR CULTURE FOR THE NEXT-NORMAL WORLD
The next-normal workplace is characterized by open, diverse, agile, and networked organizations–one’s where staff from all over the planet work together in remote and hybrid settings. This new paradigm will come with a whole host of leadership challenges learn how to overcome them.
DON’T BE FOOLED: LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT ARE NOT THE SAME
Many believe that good managers can be exceptional leaders – and, that’s not always the case. This keynote presents 10 Important Distinctions between the two — understand them and improve how you lead and manage.
FUTURE OF WORK: NAVIGATING THE NEW WORKPLACE PARADIGMS
As we all continue to settle into living and working in a world reshaped by a global pandemic, leaders are focusing on how to manage work within the paradigm. This keynote highlights various approaches and offers some common sense rules to apply regardless of the one that is chosen.
VISION STORIES: HOW TO ENGAGE AND INSPIRE
Vision stories serve to engage and inspire staff. They describe how work gets done within the organization. Learn how to craft a vision story that inspires greatness!
Join Thinkers360 for free! Are you a Reader/Writer, Thought Leader/Influencer (looking to increase your earnings), or an Enterprise User (looking to work with experts)?