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by Rob Fonte
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- Feb 2, 202630 min
107: Inspiration vs Motivation, with Jeff Hartzler
In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Hartzler, a dynamic leader with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, to delve into the nuanced differences and practical applications of inspiration versus motivation in leadership. Drawing from roles that span sales, market access, leadership development, and commercial operations, Jeff brings forward a wealth of personal stories and actionable strategies to help leaders at every level connect more deeply with their teams.Together, we debunk common myths about motivation—including the belief that all team members are driven by the same incentives—and explore why a one-size-fits-all approach often falls short. Jeff shares eye-opening examples, such as the pitfalls of public recognition for certain personalities, and highlights the importance of understanding each individual's unique motivators and inspirations. We also discuss tools leaders can use to uncover what truly drives their people and why these motivators might change over time.Key takeaways:Motivators are often short-term and can be misjudged; working to understand the long-term inspirations rooted in personal values and purpose drives deeper engagement and trust.Building meaningful one-on-one relationships and regularly revisiting what drives each individual fosters a culture of trust, partnership, and sustained performance.Avoiding blanket approaches and assumptions about what drives team members—such as assuming financial incentives or public recognition work for everyone—can prevent costly missteps.Leaders should recognize that as their team members’ professional and personal lives evolve, so too will their sources of motivation and inspiration.Managing by fear or relying solely on incentives might produce temporary results, but only genuine partnerships and authentic understanding lead to long-term success.The way leaders are described at the dinner table by their team members’ families reflects the real impact of leadership—and offers a unique lens for self-reflection and improvement.Whether you’re a new manager worried about your ability to inspire your team or a seasoned leader looking to deepen engagement, this episode offers essential insights to move from motivation to true inspiration in your leadership journey.
- Jan 12, 202637 min
106: People First, with Ryan Pawless
In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Pawless, Vice President of Sales for a leading medical device company, to explore his people-first leadership philosophy and approach to developing talent at every stage of a career. Ryan draws on more than a decade of management experience—including leading global teams—to share his insights on balancing empathy and accountability, cultivating authentic relationships, and driving performance through intentional development.We dive into Ryan Pawless’s practical strategies for identifying and nurturing the hidden potential in individuals, managing large teams across multiple time zones, and designing effective development plans regardless of tenure or ambition. Listen in to hear real examples of career growth, promotional success, and the role of managers in actively supporting employees' ongoing learning—whether moving up the ladder or simply being the best in-role.Key takeaways:People-first leadership means prioritizing investment in team members, understanding what motivates them, and creating environments for success.Development is not just about career advancement, but also building new skills, behaviors within current roles.Authentic relationships—knowing employees beyond their work—are essential to effective coaching, retention, and performance.Intentional, regular development discussions (not just annual reviews) promote continuous growth and support business results.Balancing empathy with accountability is crucial: leaders must recognize when supportive conversations turn into unhealthy patterns and address them constructively.Leaders actively contribute to building each employee’s brand and influence, helping them embrace risk, learn new skills, and refine behaviors for career longevity and fulfillment.Whether you manage six or nineteen direct reports, this episode offers actionable advice and reflection points for leaders at every level seeking to inspire, grow, and empower their teams.
- Oct 6, 202535 min
105: Biohacking Leadership with Dr. Scott Hutcheson
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Scott Hutcheson, biosocial scientist and senior lecturer in engineering and technology leadership at Purdue University, to dive into his new book, Biohacking Leadership: Leveraging the Biology of Behavior to Maximize Your Impact. Dr. Hutcheson brings decades of leadership development expertise and shares a science-based perspective on how leaders can align their biology with their leadership behaviors to foster greater connection, influence, and performance in their teams.Scott explains the concept of “biohacking leadership,” drawing on both his professional research and personal experience with a diabetes diagnosis. He reveals how small, intentional tweaks to daily habits—such as sleep, exercise, and stress management—can have profound effects not only on personal health but also on leadership behaviors and team outcomes.Key takeaways:Leadership is a biological phenomenon: How you feel physically and mentally directly influences your communication, decision making, emotional regulation, and ability to connect with others.Small behavioral “biohacks”—such as consistent exercise, quality sleep, and stress management—can significantly improve a leader’s presence and impact.The three biodynamic channels—warmth, competence, and gravitas—define the core behaviors that signal leadership and inspire followership.Leaders have the power to shape their team’s ecosystem, much like a keystone species shapes its environment, regardless of their place in the hierarchy.Self-awareness and reflective experimentation are essential—leaders should assess their strengths, seek feedback, and make incremental changes to their behaviors.Genuine human connection, through simple daily check-ins and personal validation, is fundamental to building trust and high-performing teams.Even leaders who feel less “naturally warm” can make subtle shifts, like open body language or intentional silence, to dial up connection and influence.Every interaction is an opportunity to experiment with leadership behaviors and observe their impact, continually refining your approach for greater engagement.Listen for evidence-based insights and practical strategies to unlock your biology and amplify your leadership—one intentional behavior at a time.Pick up Dr. Hutcheson’s book.
- Sep 8, 202537 min
104: Critical Thinking Skills for Healthcare Executives
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Linda Henman, trusted advisor to senior leaders and nationally recognized expert in strategy, decision making, and organizational effectiveness. Linda joins the Leadership Jam Session to discuss her new book, Healthy Decisions: Critical Thinking Skills for Healthcare Executives, and shares timely insights drawn from real-world healthcare scenarios, including how leaders at systems like Mercy and the Cleveland Clinic navigated unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.Linda and I dive deep into the essential role of critical thinking for healthcare leaders, particularly when navigating unexpected and unwelcome change. She breaks down how organizational culture is shaped by leaders’ decisions, and why tolerating toxic behavior is a long-term threat to team performance and reputation. Linda also shares powerful stories from her consulting work—both in healthcare and other industries—highlighting the importance of making tough calls, even when short-term results tempt leaders to look the other way. We tackle common traps such as over-analysis, reckless decision-making, and the limitations of coaching narcissistic leaders. Linda offers actionable advice for new and emerging leaders on avoiding decision pitfalls and building strong cross-functional relationships, emphasizing the value of balancing instinct and data.Key takeaways:True leadership emerges in times of crisis, requiring rapid, accurate critical thinking rather than just tactical skills.Organizational culture is shaped at the top; leaders set the tone by the behaviors they model and what they tolerate within their teams.Tolerating toxic or unethical behavior—even from high performers—can erode team trust, morale, and ultimately threaten leaders’ own reputations.Effective leaders are able to discern when to make fast decisions and when to pause for deeper analysis, especially under pressure.Analysis paralysis can stifle momentum; Linda recommends that, in most arenas, leaders move forward when 80% ready to avoid missing opportunities.Coaching and development have their limits: Narcissistic or toxic leaders are unlikely to change, and organizations must address such issues head-on.Newly promoted leaders should resist the trap of “that’s how we’ve always done it,” actively seek out diverse perspectives, and build alliances across functions.Decision-making in healthcare—and beyond—benefits from balancing data with the instincts and experience of trusted experts, especially under uncertainty.Whether you’re in healthcare or any field navigating change, Linda’s stories and advice provide a candid roadmap for making better decisions, shaping healthy cultures, and leading with resilience when it matters most.Pick up Linda’s book.
- Aug 5, 202531 min
103: The Happy Leader, with Dr. Calvin Lawrence
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Calvin Lawrence—motivational speaker, leadership consultant, and author of the newly released book, The Happy Leader. Calvin brings over 40 years of experience in educational leadership and administration, offering a wealth of wisdom and heartfelt stories from his journey. We dive deep into the essential role that relationships, mindset, and authenticity play in effective leadership, as well as the power of choosing happiness—even during challenging times.Calvin shares the inspiration behind The Happy Leader, emphasizing that “relationships matter” and exploring how mentorship, learning from failure, and busting through stereotypes have shaped his leadership philosophy. He discusses the importance of being an authentic leader, recounts lessons learned from his own missteps, and highlights practical ways to build trust and connection with your team. Calvin and I also talk candidly about the realities of leadership, including managing personal setbacks, balancing pressure, and the crucial practice of celebrating wins—big and small.Key takeaways:Leadership starts with the quality of your relationships—getting to know your people, learning their names, and treating each individual uniquely.Authenticity is vital; people will see through “phony” leadership. Real influence comes from being yourself and building trust over time.Happiness is a choice, especially for leaders, and is often fueled by your intent to be a calming, inspiring presence for your team—even in times of chaos.Learning from failure is essential. Mistakes are opportunities for growth when leaders are willing to reflect and adjust.Breaking through stereotypes, both external and self-imposed, is critical for personal growth and for creating inclusive, empowered teams.Leaders should celebrate even the smallest wins, as recognition and genuine positivity help foster a culture of engagement, trust, and performance.Great leaders listen more than they speak and cultivate meaningful conversations—connection is at the heart of leadership.Trust is hard to build, easy to lose, and must be nurtured constantly in all relationships, both professionally and personally.Join us for an inspiring, story-filled conversation that will leave you with practical strategies to cultivate happiness, authenticity, and stronger connections as a leader.Pick up Calvin’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Leader-Relatable-stories-influence/dp/B0DWJXPLMP
- Jul 21, 202530 min
102: Work on Your Game and Step Up, with Dre Baldwin
In this episode, I sit down with Dre Baldwin, CEO and founder of Work on Your Game, former professional basketball player, and four-time TEDx speaker. Dre shares his unique journey from sitting on the bench in high school basketball to a nine-year international pro career, and how the lessons he learned on the court translated into his impactful work with leaders and entrepreneurs.Author of the book, “Work on Your Game”, Dre dives into his signature “four pillars” framework—discipline, confidence, mental toughness, and personal initiative—explaining how these core elements of mindset underpin professional performance and success in any industry. We explore practical strategies for building mental toughness without risking burnout, the crucial importance of understanding and connecting with individual team members, and the realities of leadership challenges at all levels, from new managers to experienced mid-level leaders.Dre offers candid stories about his own missteps—especially around hiring and team management—and provides actionable advice for navigating common leadership pitfalls. We also discuss the dynamics of leading diverse teams, including the nuanced differences between male and female leaders, and why the ability to truly listen and communicate effectively is the most valuable skill for leaders in the modern workplace.Key takeaways:Leadership is deeply rooted in mindset, with discipline, confidence, mental toughness, and initiative serving as critical pillars for success.Effective leaders invest time upfront to understand their people, recognizing that each team member requires a unique approach to motivation and feedback.Communication is more than what you say—it’s about listening, understanding non-verbal cues, and making others feel heard and valued.New leaders should seek real-world experience and mentorship, learning not just the “what” but the “why” behind effective leadership practices.Navigating middle management requires mastery of upward and downward communication, and a clear understanding of the “game” you’re playing within your organization.The best leaders proactively build trust and show genuine care for their teams, which unlocks higher engagement and performance.Replacing or motivating unengaged employees often comes down to connecting with them personally and aligning on shared goals, rather than relying solely on authority.Communication and people skills will continue to grow in importance as automation and technology accelerate, making human connection a powerful differentiator for leaders.Tune in for an episode packed with practical wisdom and real-world advice you can bring to your leadership journey today.Pick up Dre’s book
- Jul 7, 202537 min
101: Unlock your Zone of Genius – The P.I.D. System, with Rutherford Pascal
In this episode, I sit down with Rutherford Pascal, leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author of “The PID System: Preparation, Intentionality, and Differentiation.” Rutherford brings a wealth of leadership experience, having led teams of over 600 people and developed more than 70 leaders. He shares his proven framework for standing out and achieving transformative results—whether you’re looking to get promoted or become invaluable in your current role. Rutherford dives into the core elements of the PID system, emphasizing how leaders can leverage their unique strengths—their “zone of genius”—to add outsized value to their organization. He illustrates, through compelling real-life stories and practical examples, how mastering just one or two key skills can distinguish you in a sea of sameness, and how being intentional and prepared every day leads to consistent high performance. Rob and Rutherford also discuss the often-overlooked importance of valuing everyone in the organizational ecosystem, aggressive listening, and building a reputation for reliability and collaboration—both internally and with customers. Key takeaways: Lasting career success isn’t about reinventing the wheel, but intentionally doubling down on what you do best and aligning it with organizational needs. Standing out requires consistent preparation, purposeful action, and meaningful differentiation—mastering your “zone of genius.” Adding value isn’t just external; supporting internal team members and cross-functional partners helps elevate everyone’s performance. Building a reputation for reliability, follow-through, and being “easy to work with” can have a massive impact on how you’re perceived and rewarded. The most effective leaders genuinely listen, aggressively seek feedback, and deliberately value every contributor in the organization—not just their direct reports. When facing difficult managers or environments, focusing on consistent, excellent performance and broadening your internal influence ensures your contributions don’t go unnoticed. Leadership is about long-term, intentional investment in your growth and in those around you—separating those who simply do the job from those who build lasting, meaningful careers. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or an experienced manager, this episode offers actionable strategies to elevate your impact and get recognized for the value you bring to any organization. Check out Rutherford’s book here.
- Jun 16, 202538 min
100: A Mic Flip! Rob Fonte Gets Interviewed
In this milestone 100th episode, the Leadership Jam Session turns the mic around as Executive Producer James Christie interviews the show’s usual host, Rob Fonte, founder of Sarto Leadership Group. Rob shares his candid leadership journey, revealing formative experiences—from his first intimidating management role to the biggest mistake he ever made—and the lessons that have defined his philosophy and approach. Rob and James also discuss the origins and evolution of the podcast, the power of learning from both great and not-so-great leaders, and announce the upcoming public launch of the Sarto Leadership Academy, designed to help leaders continue their personal and professional growth.Key takeaways:Every leader has a unique story and something valuable to share; continuous learning is fundamental at every stage of leadership.Foundational leadership principles—such as building trust, listening, and reflecting on the basics—never go out of style, regardless of role or experience.Early mentors and personal influences, including family and courageous managers willing to take a chance, can have a profound impact on a leader’s career trajectory.Learning from mistakes (like accidentally emailing a team ranking to the entire team) can be transformative and lead to greater humility, caution, and personal growth.Supporting structures—both at work and at home—are crucial; leaders often rely on unseen partners in their journey.Bad leadership can teach as much as good leadership if you’re attentive and reflective.Leaders don’t have to have all the answers and should give themselves grace—seeking feedback, relying on others, and staying curious are strengths, not weaknesses.Continuous development is vital; initiatives like the Sarto Leadership Academy are designed to create community, provide real-world resources, and help leaders stay “off the rails” in the best way possible.Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this episode is filled with honesty, humor, and hard-won wisdom—perfect for listeners seeking practical advice and inspiration to grow their own leadership journey.nterested in learning more about the Sarto Leadership Academy? Click here to sign up for upcoming communications.
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About Leadership Jam Session
Rob Fonte is the host of the Leadership Jam Session Podcast, where every other week you'll get to hear leaders at all levels of management share their practical solutions to the management challenges you face every day. On this podcast, Rob shares leadership experiences with listeners by bringing in leaders from all different levels to “Jam” on a variety of leadership topics. Some of the best insights are captured from just listening and learning from each other as they share their experiences. More importantly, we learn to see things through the lens of a different perspective and how to move forward with a different approach. With that concept in mind, the Leadership Jam Session podcast was born. Be sure to stay up to date at leadershipjamsession.com.
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