Summary

In this conversation, Rico Pena and I explore the intersection of AI, communication, and behavioral analytics. Rico shares his journey from the military to becoming a communication expert, as well as how he applies behavioral analytics in the workplace. We discuss the importance of understanding human behavior in hiring, the role of AI in enhancing human skills, and the need for a balance between technology and human interaction. Rico introduces Remi, a behavioral analysis engine designed to improve hiring processes and employee retention. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of AI and the importance of maintaining human connections in an increasingly digital world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI and Communication

04:36 Demystifying AI

09:31 Generational Shifts and AI Adoption

13:57 The Behavioral Analysis Engine

22:08 Harnessing Psychological Data for Predictive Insights

27:59 The Role of AI in Recruitment

34:40 Onboarding with Advanced Systems

39:21 The Future of AI and Human Connection

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Episode Summary

What kind of legacy will your leadership leave behind?

In this episode of The Manager’s Mic, we explore the foundations of servant leadership with retired Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch, a decorated military leader and author of Your Leadership Legacy. Oak shares timeless lessons from his leadership journey.

Together, we explore the core competencies of effective leadership and discover how personal experiences and defining moments influence leadership styles, as well as why the best leaders prioritize the next generation over maintaining control.

Whether you're leading a team or shaping a culture, this conversation is a masterclass in servant leadership.

Follow Oakland McCulloch, retired Lieutenant Colonel, leadership speaker, and author of the book Your Leadership Legacy:

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Legacy

02:55 Oak McCulloch’s Journey and Experiences

05:53 The Importance of Preparing Future Leaders

08:56 Core Competencies of Effective Leadership

11:58 Navigating Challenges in Leadership

15:01 Recognizing and Cultivating Potential

17:52 Defining Leadership Legacy

25:58 Legacy of Leadership

28:08 The Role of Spouses in Leadership

30:40 The Power of Active Listening

34:05 Navigating Technology and Leadership

40:38 Defining Leadership Through Moments

44:26 Transferable Leadership Skills

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Follow Paul Leon, host of The Manager’s Mic, and subscribe to level up your leadership!

Paul Leon’s Link

In this episode, I discuss the importance of empowering teams and redefining management roles, highlighting the detrimental effects of micromanagement and providing insights on how to foster a more effective workplace culture. Key strategies include

• Setting autonomy guidelines
• Batching work for efficiency
• Focusing on creating value through authority, intention, and consistency.

I encourage you to take actionable steps toward becoming better leaders, regardless of your current position.

Follow Paul Leon to level up your leadership:

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Empowerment and Management

02:50 The Cost of Micromanagement

05:42 Redefining Your Role as a Manager

09:01 Setting Autonomy Guidelines

11:50 BONUS Content

In this episode of The Manager’s Mic, I speak with Francie Jain, CEO of Terrawatt and a Princeton University graduate, about how coaching transforms the workplace. Francie shares her journey building a B2B marketplace for coaching and unpacks the direct links between professional development and employee retention. From navigating remote work to fostering psychological safety, this conversation delivers powerful insights for leaders looking to drive performance through people.

What You’ll Learn:

• ​Why professional development is essential to retaining top talent
• ​How coaching reduces turnover and improves company culture
• ​Psychological safety in team performance
• ​Truths about remote work
• ​What makes a great coach and why it matters

Favorite quotes:

• ​“You have to be changing to grow.”
• ​“What got you here won’t get you there.”

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Francie Jain and Terrawatt

02:30 Francie's Journey and the Birth of Terrawatt

04:58 The Value of Professional Development

06:51 Understanding Employee Turnover

09:18 Expanding Beyond Healthcare

11:40 Common Challenges in Coaching

13:55 Psychological Safety in the Workplace

16:07 The Debate on Remote Work

18:28 Creativity in Employee Engagement

20:43 Addressing Criticism of Remote Work

24:10 Exploring Virtual Best Practices

26:17 The Impact of Virtual Work on Productivity

29:14 Cost Savings Through Employee Retention

31:19 Defining a Good Coach

35:59 Personal Growth Through Coaching

38:35 Building a Values-Driven Business

39:42 Connecting with Francie Jain

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Manager's Mic, I converse with my wife, who shares her experience while we discuss insights from a Korn Ferry article emphasizing the "No-Nos for New Managers." Our conversation also touches on the balance between being too nice and mean as a leader, and the necessity of clear communication and understanding individual team members' needs.

Reference:

Korn Ferry. (2025 Apr. 25th). 7 No-Nos New Bosses Should Avoid. Article. ⁠Link.⁠

Chapters:

00:00 Who is Tricia Leon, Ph.D?

02:25 Tricia's Professional Journey

05:01 The Importance of Management Training

09:51 Avoiding the Know-It-All Mentality

20:17 Making Thoughtful Decisions

28:15 Navigating Change Management

31:26 Navigating Change in Higher Education

34:26 The Importance of Authentic Leadership

36:34 Learning from Past Experiences

39:43 Fresh Perspectives in the Workplace

41:06 Valuing Your Team

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Welcome to The Manager’s Mic, hosted by Paul Leon, a sales enablement trainer, MBA candidate, and selling strategist. I was a former college dropout who has now trained over 2,000 professionals.

This podcast will help you develop management skills that foster rapport in the workplace. You will also gain real-world leadership insights, communication skill strategies, and lessons from the trenches.

Follow Paul Leon:

⁠Newsletter | ⁠YouTube⁠ | Discord | LinkedIn⁠ | Website

Welcome to The Manager’s Mic, hosted by Paul Leon, a sales enablement trainer, MBA candidate, and selling strategist. I was a former college dropout who has now trained over 2,000 professionals.

This podcast will help you develop management skills that foster rapport in the workplace. You will also gain real-world leadership insights, communication skill strategies, and lessons from the trenches.

Chapters

00:00 Creating Engaging Participant Guides

03:11 Understanding Adult Learning Needs

06:04 Facilitating Effective Training Experiences

Follow Paul Leon:

⁠⁠Newsletter |⁠ YouTube⁠⁠ | ⁠Discord⁠ ⁠| LinkedIn⁠⁠ |⁠ Website

In this conversation, I discuss strategies for reviving dead leads in the sales process.

Welcome to The Manager’s Mic, hosted by Paul Leon, a sales enablement trainer, MBA candidate, and selling strategist. I was a former college dropout who has now trained over 2,000 professionals.

This podcast will help you develop management skills that foster rapport in the workplace. You will also gain real-world leadership insights, communication skill strategies, and lessons from the trenches.

Follow Paul Leon:

⁠Newsletter | YouTube⁠ | Discord | LinkedIn⁠ | Website