Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.1.1, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # n3ed.com Business coaching & consulting services ## Posts ### [The Perfect Route Leadership Lab launches August 1, 2026](https://n3ed.com/2026/07/lab-coming/) **Published:** July 12, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** On August 1, 2026, we’re launching **The Perfect Route Leadership Lab.** It’s an online coaching community where you can network with peers, access exclusive content, and participate in coaching opportunities. Watch [tprll.com](../lab "tprll.com") or click the **Lab** link in the menu for more information as we roll out this community. ![Close-up of Scrabble tiles on a wood surface forming the word'LEADER' with other scattered letters nearby.](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/cropped-cropped-markus-winkler-O15WwdkJ-mI-unsplash-scaled-1-1024x869.jpg "markus-winkler-O15WwdkJ-mI-unsplash - n3ed.com")markus winkler O15WwdkJ mI unsplash ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** Leadership Lab **Tags:** coaching, lab --- ### [Kellé Thorpe is on The Perfect Route](https://n3ed.com/2026/05/kelle-thorpe-is-on-the-perfect-route/) **Published:** May 21, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** **If Your Leaders Can’t Read the Numbers, They Can’t Lead the Business** *Why Financial Clarity Is the Missing Link in Executive Development* # **The Gap Nobody Talks About** You can invest in the best leadership training available, bring in top coaches, and build a robust L&D calendar. But if your executives cannot connect their decisions to financial outcomes, you are building on sand. The missing piece is not more content. It is financial clarity. This post draws on a conversation with Kellé Thorpe, founder of Commas with Kellé, whose work sits at the intersection of finance and leadership. Her insight cuts straight to the heart of one of the most persistent problems in executive development: leaders are trained, but they are not always equipped to see how their decisions show up in the numbers. That gap is costly, and it is fixable. **1. Recognize That Most Organizational Problems Are Decision-Making Problems** When things go wrong inside a business, the default instinct is to look for a training gap. But the root cause is often something more fundamental: leaders cannot clearly see how their choices affect the business. Until that visibility exists, even the best training programs will underdeliver. *“Most of the organizations didn’t have learning problems. They had financial visibility problems and didn’t know the right questions to ask to be equipped.”* The implication for L&D leaders is significant. Before designing another program, ask whether the issue is truly a knowledge gap or whether it is a decision-support gap. The intervention may look very different. **Quick Tip:** In your next leadership assessment, add one question: Can your leaders explain how a recent major decision affected cash flow or margin? If most cannot, you have found your starting point. ## **2. Teach Leaders to Read the Story Behind the Numbers** Financial reports are not just compliance documents. They are narratives about how a business is performing and where it is heading. Most leaders receive data but not interpretation. The result is decisions made on instinct rather than insight. *“Leaders can only act on what they understand. More data isn’t the problem. It’s teaching them how to interpret the data.”* This is where L&D has an enormous and often untapped opportunity. Embedding financial interpretation into leadership development transforms dashboards from noise into direction. **Quick Tip:** Pair your next leadership cohort with a financial walk-through of a real P&L or cash flow statement. Ask them to identify one decision their team made in the last quarter and trace its financial impact. **3. Build Diversification Into the Strategy Before You Need It** One of the most striking examples from this conversation involved a CEO whose business looked strong on paper. But more than 80 percent of her revenue was tied to a single client. When disruption came, she was already positioned because the work of diversification had started months earlier. *“We weren’t reactive out of fear because we already had a blueprint. When disruptions hit, she didn’t panic. She was already positioned for success.”* This is a direct lesson for executive coaching: preparing leaders to see risk before it becomes a crisis is one of the highest-value capabilities you can develop. Ask your CEO clients or emerging executives to map their revenue, talent, and key relationships by concentration. Where is more than 50 percent of anything dependent on a single source? That is the conversation to have now. **4. Close the Loop Between Learning and Financial Performance** One of the sharpest observations in this conversation is that if learning is not showing up in financial performance, executives will always question its value. The ROI conversation in L&D is not just a budget defense exercise. It is a credibility issue. *“Revenue tells you how big your business is. Cash flow tells you how stable it is. If your learning isn’t showing up in financial performance, executives will always question your value.”* L&D leaders who can connect their programs to outcomes like margin improvement, faster decision cycles, and reduced financial surprises earn a seat at the strategy table. Those who cannot will always be defending their budget. Identify one L&D initiative currently underway and define its success in financial terms before it launches. What margin, cash flow, or decision-speed outcome is this program designed to affect? High-achieving leaders often hold financial information closer than necessary, treating routine performance data as confidential. The result is a team that cannot connect its work to business outcomes. That disconnection limits both engagement and performance. *“I find that a lot of especially high-achieving leaders hold information close to them as confidential that really does not need to be confidential.”* Transparency, done thoughtfully, is a leadership tool. Sharing how the team’s contribution connects to business goals creates alignment that no training program can manufacture on its own. In your next team meeting, share one growth target and explain specifically how each team member’s work connects to it. Make the link visible and direct. Before moving to the next item on your list, sit with a few of these questions. They are worth your time. • Can your emerging executives explain, in plain language, how their decisions show up in the financial performance of the business? If not, what would it take to get them there? • When you design leadership development programs, are you measuring knowledge transfer or decision quality? Is there a difference in your current evaluation approach? • Where in your business or your clients’ businesses is more than half of something (revenue, talent, key relationships) concentrated in a single source? What is the plan if that source disappears? • If your L&D function disappeared tomorrow, would your executive team feel the loss in financial terms? Could you articulate what that loss would look like? Here are five actions you can take this week to start bridging the gap between leadership development and financial performance. 1\. Run a decision audit. Pick three major decisions your team made in the last 90 days and trace each one to a financial outcome. If you cannot, that is the gap. 2\. Add financial literacy to your next L&D needs assessment. Do not assume leaders understand the numbers. Ask them to show you. 3\. Map your concentration risk. Revenue, talent, relationships. Identify where you are overexposed and build that into your next strategic planning conversation. 4\. Redesign one program metric. Take a current L&D program and replace or supplement a knowledge-check metric with a decision-quality or financial-outcome metric. 5\. Start the conversation. If you are a coach or L&D leader, bring the financial clarity question to your next executive conversation. Ask how their leaders connect decisions to outcomes. The answer will tell you everything. Leadership development that stops at knowledge transfer leaves the most important work undone. The real measure of any executive program is whether it produces leaders who make better decisions, understand the financial consequences of those decisions, and can position their organizations to withstand disruption rather than react to it. Financial clarity is not a finance department concern. It is a leadership capability, and it belongs inside every serious executive development program. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** blog **Tags:** blog, coaching, hr, podcast --- ### [Dr. Bill Sodeman is on the Enterprise Podcast Network](https://n3ed.com/2026/03/dr-bill-sodeman-is-on-the-enterprise-podcast-network/) **Published:** March 28, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** [I was recently a guest on the EPN podcast. ](https://epodcastnetwork.com/how-business-coaching-can-unlock-revenue/) Here’s a question I ask every executive I work with: would you pay yourself your own hourly rate for the work you’re doing right now? Most pause. Because the honest answer is no. It’s easy to get pulled into firefighting mode. Solving yesterday’s problems feels productive. But executives who stay in technician mode are leaving real money and momentum on the table. The highest-value work lives in the present and the future, and it requires protected time. I recommend four hours every week blocked specifically for strategic thinking. Not optional. Scheduled. That’s what coaching builds: the clarity to know where your attention belongs, the habits to act on it consistently, and the accountability to stay there. About 95% of daily actions are habit-driven. Coaching changes the habits. Meaningful transformation typically takes six to twelve months. But most executives see early wins within the first 90 days. Ready to start? [Book a complimentary discovery conversation.](https://n3ed.com/call) Listen now on [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ecU4BHMRRjpccMMrKnDcC?si=Dkcl3ZeJRjyRtnFGa7RdPg) and [Podscan](https://podscan.fm/podcasts/enterprise-podcast-network-epn/episodes/how-business-coaching-can-unlock-revenue-2 "Podscan"). ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** bill, podcast --- ### [Webinar on misaligned leadership](https://n3ed.com/2025/09/webinar-on-misaligned-leadership/) **Published:** September 23, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** **On October 17, 2025, at noon ET/9 am PT, I’m hosting a free LinkedIn webinar on misaligned leadership.** ![](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/1759232522133-1024x575.png "1759232522133 - n3ed.com")1759232522133*Are you ready to uncover the hidden cost of misaligned leadership?* Leadership is one of the most powerful forces in any organization. But when it’s out of sync—when vision, values, and actions don’t align—the results can be costly. *Why is leadership misalignment so dangerous? How can leaders recognize the subtle signs before disengagement, culture cracks, and performance loss set in? And most importantly—how can organizations bring leadership back into alignment to build trust, culture, and sustainable growth?* Let’s explore the blind spots that weaken leadership impact, and the shifts that can realign leaders with purpose and vision. You’ve already mastered most of the leadership equation. Our goal? To unlock the remaining piece—leadership alignment—that ensures culture thrives and results follow. 🏆 This event is for: - CEOs, Presidents, and Business Owners – Leaders responsible for shaping vision, culture, and strategy. - Executives and Senior Leaders – Those seeking to identify blind spots and strengthen organizational trust. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** bill, webinar **Tags:** linkedin, webinar --- ### [Finding a qualified business coach](https://n3ed.com/2025/10/finding-a-qualified-business-coach/) **Published:** October 31, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** There are many business coaches out there – but how do you find a business coach who has the experience and qualifications needed to support your professional journey and challenges? It’s essential to check their **real-world qualifications,** not just their certifications. I’m a Focal Point certified business coach with 13 years of C-level experience and 20+ years as a business professor. You should also check their **coaching approach.** How does the coach measure success? How do they customize their approach to you and your team? There are more tips in the full article at: ![Photo of Dr. Bill Sodeman](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/095-1fRj3vQznQs.jpeg "095-1fRj3vQznQs - n3ed.com") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** bill, coaching **Tags:** coaching --- ### [Webinar on AI and Learning Communities is available on YouTube](https://n3ed.com/2025/12/webinar-on-ai-and-learning-communities-is-available-on-youtube/) **Published:** December 12, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** In today’s webinar, I discussed the transition from knowledge-based learning communities to network-based AI-enabled learning communities. Thanks to everyone who attended for their great questions! The bonus PDF files are available at [n3ed.com/webinar](https://n3ed.com/webinar) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** bill, webinar --- ### [Dr. Bill Sodeman is on the Mindful Practice podcast](https://n3ed.com/2026/05/dr-bill-sodeman-is-on-the-mindful-practice-podcast/) **Published:** May 3, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** [I am a guest on The Mindful Practice Podcast Show with Brownen Bayman.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex0K_c68Vdo) Most first-time executives are promoted because they were exceptional operators. The problem is that the skills that earned the promotion are rarely the ones that make leadership stick. After decades in academia, a stint in the dot-com world, 5 years as a CIO, and 7 years as a Chief Learning Officer, I kept seeing the same pattern: talented leaders who were technically brilliant but struggled with the shift from doing to guiding. What they needed was not more information. They needed someone to help them listen better, lead with humility, and stop measuring success by the metrics of their last role. That is what [executive coaching at n3ed.com](https://n3ed.com/coaching/ "Business & executive coaching") is built around: Time, Team, Money, and Future, aligned around who you need to become, not just what you need to do. The power to change is in your hands. [Book a free call today.](https://n3ed.com/call) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** bill, coaching, podcast --- ### [Iraya Corley is on The Perfect Route](https://n3ed.com/2026/04/iraya-corley-is-on-the-perfect-route/) **Published:** April 30, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** Most organizations treat HR as a last resort. Something breaks, a resignation surprises everyone, and then HR gets the call. [Iraya Corley](https://www.linkedin.com/in/irayacorley/) has spent over twenty years inside companies like Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon watching that pattern play out. Her response has been to dismantle it wherever she lands. Iraya grew up navigating institutions without a guide. When she entered corporate America, something clicked: organizations are systems too, and the people function is the only one that touches all of them. The way you design onboarding shapes retention. The way you design feedback shapes confidence. The way you design compensation shapes equity and trust. None of that is soft. It is structural. One line from our conversation has stayed with me: desperate people get things done; thriving people move the organization forward. That distinction carries real strategic weight. HR, built right, creates the conditions for people to thrive. Built as a reactive compliance function, it cannot. Iraya’s core design question is one every leader should be asking: are we creating an environment where people can perform at a high level without sacrificing their wellbeing or their identity? Listen to the full conversation at [the-perfect-route.com](https://the-perfect-route.com/). Subscribe so you never miss an episode! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** podcast **Tags:** hr, podcast --- ### [Matt Jakstis is on The Perfect Route](https://n3ed.com/2026/04/matt-jakstis-is-on-the-perfect-route/) **Published:** April 16, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** In my years working in learning and development, I have had many conversations about what makes training work. We debate content, delivery methods, platforms, and ROI frameworks. But I do not often hear people talk about what happens before any of that—the personal foundation that determines whether a learner can even absorb and apply what they are being taught. [![Video cover showing two men in suits on a blue gradient background; title reads 'Bridging the Gap: From Knowledge to Action' with Matthew Jakstis, Sales Leader and Development Expert mentioned; The Perfect Route logo appears.](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-17-at-52234-PM.png "Screenshot 2026-04-17 at 52234 PM - n3ed.com")](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8zXN01vEJc)Screenshot 2026 04 17 at 52234 PMThat changed when I sat down with **Matt Jakstis** on The Perfect Route. Matt has built his career across real estate, clinical psychology, sales, sales leadership, and executive coaching. What ties it all together is a fascination with how people grow—and a growing conviction that organizations chronically underinvest in the fundamentals. His metaphor is simple and memorable: if you want to know how tall a building will be, look at how deep the foundation is. You cannot build a skyscraper without first digging a serious hole and pouring a lot of cement. The same is true for professional development. Sleep, nutrition, movement, emotional resilience, and a sense of purpose at work are not nice-to-haves. They are the substrate on which everything else depends. **Measuring What Actually Matters** Matt works inside a fast-growing sales organization, and he thinks carefully about measurement. On the hard side, his team tracks the metrics most sales leaders know well: revenue, close rates, average order value, churn, and individual performance trends. These numbers are useful not just for assessing results, but for targeting development. If someone’s average order value is consistently below the team average, that gap points directly to a skill area that needs attention. But Matt is equally interested in the softer metrics—culture fit, team cohesion, the degree of ownership individuals take over their own growth. And he is particularly enthusiastic about seeing more rigorous measurement of how wellness initiatives translate into outcomes like reduced turnover and improved performance. His hypothesis is that the data will eventually make a compelling case for investing in the whole person, not just the technical skill set. **AI-Powered Personalized Learning** One of the most concrete parts of our conversation was about what Matt is actively building in his organization right now. His focus is on AI-driven, adaptive learning pathways that can assess individual skill gaps, simulate real sales scenarios, deliver personalized feedback, and give leadership a dashboard view of where the whole team stands. The goal is not to replace the human trainer or manager—it is to give them back their time so that when they do engage directly with a team member, that interaction can be targeted and high-impact. I found this genuinely exciting. One of the most stubborn problems in organizational learning is the gap between what leadership knows needs to happen and how much time they actually have to make it happen. Adaptive AI does not close that gap entirely, but it does a remarkable job of handling the personalized practice and feedback loop that used to require a human to be in the room. That frees up the human to focus on what only a human can do: read the context, build the relationship, and make the nuanced judgment call. **Making Mandatory Training Worth Taking** No list of learning challenges would be complete without the elephant in the room: mandatory training. Matt approaches this with what he calls the knowing-doing gap. Most people in organizations know, at some level, what they should be doing. The challenge is that knowing does not automatically produce doing. Bridging that gap requires more than better content or stricter enforcement. Matt referenced a well-known social psychology study in which people were significantly more likely to comply with a request when given a reason—even a weak or obvious reason. The lesson for training is practical: when leaders take the time to explain why an initiative matters, not just announce that it is required, engagement climbs. Co-creation matters too. Inviting people to weigh in on what they need and what would actually help them builds a kind of ownership that top-down mandates simply cannot manufacture. **The Culture That Makes Learning Stick** What came through most clearly in my conversation with Matt is that all of this—AI, metrics, training design, wellness—only works inside a culture that supports it. He talks about what he calls the CEO mindset, the disposition to take ownership of everything within one’s sphere of influence rather than waiting to be told what to do. When this becomes the default behavior across a team, fewer problems escalate, more people actively seek out learning, and the organization gains real momentum. He also pointed to research by Teresa Amabile at Harvard Business School, which identified consistent progress as the single most important contributor to quality of work life. Not recognition. Not pay. Progress. Learning and development, at its best, is how organizations give people the conditions to make that progress every single day. Matt Jakstis is the kind of practitioner I find most valuable to talk with: someone who has done the work across multiple contexts, is genuinely curious about what drives performance, and is not afraid to challenge the conventional prioritization of skills over foundations. If you work in learning, leadership, or organizational effectiveness, I think you will find his perspective worth sitting with. Watch the podcast here: - Spotify: - Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-perfect-route/id1834640871 - Youtube: - Website: ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** podcast **Tags:** coaching, podcast --- ### [Alicia Henriquez is on The Perfect Route](https://n3ed.com/2026/04/alicia-henriquez-is-on-the-perfect-route/) **Published:** April 9, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** Our guest for episode 33 is Alicia Henriquez of LiveBlocks. ![](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1663179513246.jpeg "1663179513246 - n3ed.com")1663179513246 ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** podcast **Tags:** hr, podcast --- ### [Mikayla Trinkley is on The Perfect Route](https://n3ed.com/2026/04/mikayla-trinkley-is-on-the-perfect-route/) **Published:** April 2, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** Episode 32 of The Perfect Route features a 1:1 interview with [Mikayla Trinkley](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikayla-trinkley-shrm-cp-7b7737174/) of [The Summit Country Day School](https://www.summitcds.org/) in Cincinnati. What does it look like when HR stops being a compliance function and starts being a strategic one? I came away with a lot to think about: - A 3-year pay equity initiative that transformed faculty trust and engagement - Why the signals of learning ROI matter as much as the metrics - An endowed professional development fund that sends faculty to conferences, with substitute teaching coverage arranged - How to make mandatory training something people actually want to attend! - Why HR needs a seat at the senior leadership table—and what’s lost when it doesn’t JW Marriott said it best: take care of your people and they’ll take care of your guests. Mikayla has built her career on that truth—and the results speak for themselves. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** podcast **Tags:** hr, podcast --- ### [Reginald Nichols is on The Perfect Route](https://n3ed.com/2026/03/reginald-nichols-is-on-the-perfect-route/) **Published:** March 29, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** In episode 31 of The Perfect Route, I sit down with HR professional and consultant Reginald “Reggie” Nichols for an honest conversation about what modern HR should look like. Reggie shares his non-traditional career path, from academic advising to union leadership to HR, and makes a compelling case for HR as a strategic partner, not a policy police force. He also dives into the power of lifelong learning, AI adoption, and building workplace cultures where people genuinely thrive. Ready to hear more? [Watch or listen to the full episode now!](https://the-perfect-route.com) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** podcast **Tags:** hr, podcast --- ### [Gus Prestera is on The Perfect Route](https://n3ed.com/2026/03/gus-prestera-is-on-the-perfect-route/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** [Gus Prestera, PhD MBA](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#) is this week’s guest on episode 30(!) of my Perfect Route podcast. We had a great conversation about HR, L&D, and **\#strategy**. L&D must think like business people, not just educators. Gus emphasizes aligning learning programs with concrete business metrics, creating pull-through beyond content delivery, and deploying change ambassadors to embed cultural values. Without business relevance and measurable ROI, even well-designed programs risk being cut. You can learn more about Gus’ consulting services at Listen or watch the episode at http://the-perfect-route.com ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** podcast **Tags:** learning, podcast --- ### [Rachel Platt is on The Perfect Route](https://n3ed.com/2025/11/rachel-platt-is-on-the-perfect-route/) **Published:** November 18, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** In episode 13 of [The Perfect Route](https://n3ed.com/podcast), I talked with Rachel Platt of [PLATTinum Consulting](https://plattinumconsulting.com "Platinum Consulting") to explore the pivotal role of learning and development (L&D) in small and medium-sized businesses. Rachel, with her extensive HR experience, shared valuable insights on how organizations can cultivate a culture of growth without a formal L&D department. Rachel Platt’s journey began in corporate HR, where she realized the need for a more holistic approach to employee development. This led her to establish PLATTinum Consulting, focusing on helping small and mid-sized organizations move beyond compliance to sustainable program development. Her mission is to align people strategies with business goals, creating a “magic” that drives success. For businesses lacking a dedicated L&D team, Rachel emphasizes the importance of listening to leadership and identifying performance gaps. By implementing high-impact, cost-effective interventions like peer learning groups and mentorship, organizations can foster a learning environment. Rachel highlights the significance of informal learning, where coaching leaders to recognize everyday learning opportunities can make a substantial difference. Our discussion also delves into the balance between technical skills and “power skills”—often referred to as soft skills. Rachel argues that power skills, such as communication and emotional intelligence, are crucial differentiators in today’s workforce. These skills not only enhance individual growth but also contribute to team cohesion and innovation, ultimately leading to better organizational outcomes. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies on fostering growth in your organization. Subscribe to [The Perfect Route](https://n3ed.com/podcast) for the latest episodes and expert advice. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** podcast **Tags:** podcast --- ### [Chris Chaia is on my podcast](https://n3ed.com/2025/12/chris-chaia-is-on-my-podcast/) **Published:** December 17, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** I have been having great conversations with Chris Chaia about the business of coaching. Many coaches pay less attention to their business and miss important opportunities as a result. We recently recorded one of these for The Perfect Route podcast – it’s available on my podcast page on Apple, Amazon, and Spotify. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** coaching, podcast **Tags:** coaching, podcast --- ### [Alex Suchmann is on The Perfect Route](https://n3ed.com/2026/02/alex-suchmann-is-on-the-perfect-route/) **Published:** February 12, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** Episode 25 of The Perfect Route features an interview with [Alex Suchmann](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrasuchman/), CEO of [Barometer XP](https://barometerxp.com). **What if work training could actually be fun — and more effective?** Alex reveals how play-based experiential learning transforms team dynamics, busts workplace silos, and makes skills *stick*. Forget passive PowerPoints — games are the future of L&D. **[Listen or watch now](https://the-perfect-route.com) and level up your team!** 🎮 ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** podcast **Tags:** play, podcast --- ### [Riya Sood is on The Perfect Route](https://n3ed.com/2026/02/riya-sood-is-on-the-perfect-route/) **Published:** February 19, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** **What does it really take to make HR a true business partner?** Experienced CHRO Ria Sood shares hard-won insights on leadership capability, M&A integration, measuring real learning impact, and building a culture of trust. If you’re in HR or L&D, **you can’t afford to miss this one!** [Watch or listen to it now.](https://the-perfect-route.com) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** podcast **Tags:** learning, metrics, podcast --- ### [Keith Meyerson is on The Perfect Route](https://n3ed.com/2026/02/keith-meyerson-is-on-the-perfect-route/) **Published:** February 26, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** **Is your L&D strategy actually moving the needle — or just checking boxes?** [Keith Meyerson](https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithmeyerson/) is features in episode 27 of The Perfect Route, and he pulls no punches on vanity metrics, broken performance management, and why most “teams” are just org charts. If you’re serious about building real business impact through learning, **[this episode is a must-watch!](https://the-perfect-route.com)** ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** podcast **Tags:** metrics, podcast, teams --- ### [Melissa Cruz is on The Perfect Route](https://n3ed.com/2026/03/melissa-cruz-is-on-the-perfect-route/) **Published:** March 5, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** Today’s episode of The Perfect Route features an interview with Melissa Cruz, a coach and strategic advisor for women leaders, who discusses her perspective on and experience in business coaching. This clip addresses the power of learning from mistakes. Watch the full episode on [our podcast page](https://n3ed.com/podcast), or go to our podcast partners at [YouTube](https://youtu.be/OAqsdTAd2CU), [Amazon](https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/2d2431f9-1bd4-42b4-bef1-4b10fd8316dd/the-perfect-route), [Apple, and Spotify](https://share.transistor.fm/s/856c49fb). [Find out more about Melissa’s coaching services at Iris Bloom Coaching.](https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/2d2431f9-1bd4-42b4-bef1-4b10fd8316dd/the-perfect-route "Find out more about Melissa's coaching here. ") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** coaching, podcast **Tags:** coaching, podcast --- ### [Michelle Meurer is on The Perfect Route](https://n3ed.com/2026/03/michelle-meurer-is-on-the-perfect-route/) **Published:** March 12, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** Our guest for episode 29 is [Michelle Meurer](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-meurer-1506391/). Michelle is a former attorney turned Chief People Officer, and we discussed why L&D is your most strategic investment — not a cost center. From AI adoption to leading through ambiguity, this conversation is packed with real-world insights. It’s time to rethink how your organization develops people. Watch or listen to this episode at ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** podcast **Tags:** hr, mentoring, podcast --- ### [Rebecca Reese on AI and instructional design](https://n3ed.com/2025/09/rebecca-reese-on-ai-and-instructional-design/) **Published:** September 26, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** Rebecca Reese shares her thoughts about AI and instructional design. Episode 6 of The Perfect Route is available on [our podcast page.](https://n3ed.com/podcast) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** podcast **Tags:** ai, instructional design, podcast --- ### [Welcome to the n3ed.com blog!](https://n3ed.com/2025/08/welcome-to-the-n3ed-com-blog/) **Published:** August 28, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** ![Headshot of Dr. Bill Sodeman](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/086-plkZ_hxluUg.jpeg "086-plkZ_hxluUg - n3ed.com")We’re thrilled to launch the very first post on our n3ed.com blog! This space is dedicated to exploring the dynamic world of business coaching and corporate learning and development—two powerful tools that can transform organizations and unlock the full potential of their people. ## Why Business Coaching? In today’s fast-paced business environment, having a coach can be the difference between good and great leadership. Business coaching offers personalized guidance, helping leaders and teams to identify their strengths, overcome challenges, and achieve strategic goals. Whether you’re a startup founder, a mid-level manager, or a C-suite executive, coaching provides tailored support to enhance decision-making, communication, and overall performance. ## The Role of Corporate Learning & Development Corporate learning and development (L&D) is essential for fostering a culture of continuous improvement within organizations. Effective L&D programs equip employees with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to changing markets, innovate, and drive business success. From onboarding new hires to upskilling seasoned professionals, the right learning initiatives can boost engagement, retention, and productivity. ## What to Expect from This Blog Our aim is to create a hub where business leaders, HR professionals, and anyone interested in professional growth can find valuable insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories. We’ll cover a range of topics, including: - Best practices in business coaching - Designing impactful learning programs - Trends in corporate training and development - Case studies showcasing successful coaching and L&D initiatives - Tools and resources to support your growth journey We invite you to join the conversation by sharing your experiences, asking questions, and suggesting topics you’d like us to explore. Together, we can learn, grow, and drive meaningful change in the workplace. Thank you for being here at the start of this exciting journey. Stay tuned for our upcoming posts—there’s a lot to discover! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ab932b74477ae91fe4c5c4c0adfc590ade6ff641b75f8590c345917f094a692?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Bill Sodeman [See Full Bio](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) [ ](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) **Categories:** blog **Tags:** blog --- ## Pages ### [Home](https://n3ed.com/) **Published:** August 17, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** [ GET YOUR FREE BANKCARD ASSESSMENT](https://crackmycode.com/bill.sodeman) --- ### [The Perfect Route Leadership Lab](https://n3ed.com/lab/) **Published:** July 9, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** #### Get ahead The Perfect Route Leadership Lab will take you from where you are now to a brighter future as a better leader. [ Enter the Leadership Lab](https://www.skool.com/the-perfect-route-4264/about) #### EXECUTIVE COACHING DONE RIGHT The Lab offers benefits you won’t find anywhere else, including exclusive content, informative videos, online forums, coaching cohorts, and 1:1 coaching sessions. [ COMING SOON](https://n3ed.com/lab) --- ### [About us](https://n3ed.com/about/) **Published:** September 30, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** ### Dr. Bill can help you achieve more With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Bill Sodeman is ready to advise you and your organization with business and executive coaching, and corporate learning and development advisory services. --- ### [Executive and business coaching](https://n3ed.com/coaching/) **Published:** May 20, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** [ Get your free BANKCARD assessment](https://crackmycode.com/bill.sodeman) [ Schedule a free 10-minute meeting](https://calendly.com/billso-n3ed/10-minute-meeting-coach) Reflect on your original motivations for starting your business adventure. Your initial goals might have included: - Advancing your career - Attaining financial stability and independence - Having more control over your personal and professional life - Engaging in work that ignites your passion and creativity - Building a dependable and skilled team - Minimizing stress and maximizing productivity - Creating a career that complements your lifestyle If these objectives now seem distant, ***Remember, the power to change is in your hands.*** ### **Executive Coaching** Effective leadership is essential for the success of any organization. Through our executive coaching, you will refine your leadership skills, strengthen your decision-making, and elevate your communication. Whether you’re leading a small team or preparing for a broader leadership role, we will equip you with the strategies and tools to inspire your team and drive outstanding results. ### **Business Coaching** Our business coaching services are designed to align your vision with your goals seamlessly. We focus on strategic adjustments to enhance critical areas of your business. Together, we will refine your ***Time, Team, Money, and Future,*** ensuring your business not only meets your needs but thrives sustainably over the long term. ### **Strategic Planning** A clear, well-defined strategy is crucial for turning your vision into reality. Together, we will create a tailored plan that aligns your business objectives with practical, actionable steps. By staying proactive and flexible, we will equip your business to overcome challenges and capitalize on new opportunities, paving the way for sustainable growth and lasting success. --- ### [Our Commitment to Web Accessibility](https://n3ed.com/accessibility-statement/) **Published:** July 9, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** n3ed.com is committed to providing a fully accessible website experience for all users of all abilities, including those who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers, screen enlargement software, and alternative keyboard input devices to navigate the web. ## **Ongoing Efforts to Ensure Accessibility** We follow the [Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1](https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/) as our guiding principle for determining accessibility. These are internationally agreed-upon standards that cover a wide range of recommendations and best practices for making content useable. As we add new pages and functionality to our website, all designs, code, and content entry practices are checked against these standards. Website accessibility is an ongoing process. We continually test content and features for WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance and remediate any issues to ensure we meet or exceed the standards. Testing of our website is performed by our team members using industry-standard tools such as the [Accessibility Checker WordPress Plugin](https://a11ychecker.com/?utm_source=accessibility-checker&utm_medium=software&utm_campaign=wordpress-general), color contrast analyzers, keyboard-only navigation techniques, and Flesch-Kincaid readability tests. ## Accessibility Features On Our Website The following is a list of items we have included in our website to improve its accessibility: - Support for large fonts ## Where We’re Improving In our efforts to bring our website up to standard, we are targeting the following areas: - Screen reader compatibility This is part of our broader effort to make everyone’s experience at n3ed.com welcoming and enjoyable. Please note that while we make every effort to provide information accessible for all users, we cannot guarantee the accessibility of third-party websites to which we may link. ## Accessibility Support Contact We welcome comments, questions, and feedback on our website. If you are using assistive technologies and are having difficulty using our website, please email bill@n3ed.com or give us a call at +1.419.215.3769. We will do our best to assist you and resolve issues. --- ### [Privacy Policy](https://n3ed.com/privacy-policy/) **Published:** February 17, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** ## Who we are Our website address is: ## Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment. ## Media If you upload images to the website, you should avoid uploading images with embedded location data (EXIF GPS) included. Visitors to the website can download and extract any location data from images on the website. ## Cookies and persistent client-side data If you leave a comment on our site, you may opt in to saving your name, email address, and website as persistent client-side date, also known as cookies. These are for your convenience so that you do not have to fill in your details again when you leave another comment. These cookies will last for one year. If you visit our login page, we will set a temporary cookie to determine if your browser accepts cookies. This cookie contains no personal data and is discarded when you close your browser. When you log in, we will also set up several cookies to save your login information and your screen display choices. Login cookies last for two days, and screen options cookies last for a year. If you select “Remember Me”, your login will persist for two weeks. If you log out of your account, the login cookies will be removed. If you edit or publish an article, an additional cookie will be saved in your browser. This cookie includes no personal data and simply indicates the post ID of the article you just edited. It expires after 1 day. ## Embedded content from other websites Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g., videos, images, articles, etc.). Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if the visitor had visited the other website. These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with that embedded content, including tracking your interaction with the embedded content if you have an account and are logged in to that website. ## Who we share your data with If you request a password reset, your IP address will be included in the reset email. ## How long we retain your data If you leave a comment, the comment and its metadata are retained indefinitely. This is so we can recognize and approve any follow-up comments automatically instead of holding them in a moderation queue. For users that register on our website (if any), we also store the personal information they provide in their user profile. All users can see, edit, or delete their personal information at any time (except they cannot change their username). Website administrators can also see and edit that information. ## What rights you have over your data If you have an account on this site or have left comments, you can request to receive an exported file of the personal data we hold about you, including any data you have provided to us. You can also request that we erase any personal data we hold about you. This does not include any data we are obliged to keep for administrative, legal, or security purposes. ## Where your data is sent Visitor comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service. ## Essential Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website. NameDescriptionDurationwpconsent\_preferencesThis cookie is used to store the user's cookie consent preferences.30 days### Comments These cookies are needed for adding comments on this website. NameDescriptionDurationcomment\_author\_emailUsed to track the user across multiple sessions.Sessioncomment\_author\_urlUsed to track the user across multiple sessions.Sessioncomment\_authorUsed to track the user across multiple sessions.Session## Statistics Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us understand how visitors use our website. ### Google Analytics Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions. [Learn more](https://policies.google.com/privacy)NameDescriptionDuration\_ga\_ID used to identify users2 years\_gidID used to identify users for 24 hours after last activity24 hours\_gatUsed to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests when using Google Tag Manager1 minute\_gaID used to identify users2 years\_galiUsed by Google Analytics to determine which links on a page are being clicked30 seconds\_\_utmvContains custom information set by the web developer via the \_setCustomVar method in Google Analytics. This cookie is updated every time new data is sent to the Google Analytics server.2 years after last activity\_\_utmxUsed to determine whether a user is included in an A / B or Multivariate test.18 months\_\_utmzContains information about the traffic source or campaign that directed user to the website. The cookie is set when the GA.js javascript is loaded and updated when data is sent to the Google Anaytics server6 months after last activity\_\_utmtUsed to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests10 minutes\_\_utmbUsed to distinguish new sessions and visits. This cookie is set when the GA.js javascript library is loaded and there is no existing \_\_utmb cookie. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to the Google Analytics server.30 minutes after last activity\_\_utmcUsed only with old Urchin versions of Google Analytics and not with GA.js. Was used to distinguish between new sessions and visits at the end of a session.End of session (browser)\_gac\_Contains information related to marketing campaigns of the user. These are shared with Google AdWords / Google Ads when the Google Ads and Google Analytics accounts are linked together.90 days\_\_utmaID used to identify users and sessions2 years after last activity### WooCommerce Sourcebuster SourceBuster is used by WooCommerce for order attribution based on user source. NameDescriptionDurationsbjs\_migrationsTechnical data to help with migrations between different versions of the tracking featuresessionsbjs\_first\_addTimestamp, referring URL, and entry page for your visitor’s first visit to your store (only applicable if the visitor returns before the session expires)sessionsbjs\_current\_addTimestamp, referring URL, and entry page for your visitor’s current visit to your storesessionsbjs\_firstTraffic origin information for the visitor’s first visit to your store (only applicable if the visitor returns before the session expires)sessionsbjs\_currentTraffic origin information for the visitor’s current visit to your storesessionsbjs\_sessionThe number of page views in this session and the current page path30 minutessbjs\_udataInformation about the visitor’s user agent, such as IP, the browser, and the device typesession## Marketing Marketing cookies are used to follow visitors to websites. The intention is to show ads that are relevant and engaging to the individual user. ### Optinmonster OptinMonster is a powerful lead generation tool that helps businesses convert visitors into subscribers and customers. [Learn more](https://optinmonster.com/gdpr/cookies/)NameDescriptionDuration\_omappvsCookie is used to identify returning visitors1 day\_omappvpCookie is used to identify returning visitors1 dayom-interaction-cookie / omGlobalInteractionCookieUsed to determine if a visitor has interacted with any campaign on your site.Sessionom-global-cookie / omGlobalSuccessCookieUsed to prevent any future OptinMonster campaigns from showing on your site. SessionomSeen-{id}Used to determine if a visitor has been shown a campaign by the slug. No expiration date30 daysom-{id}used to determine if a visitor has interacted with a campaign ID of {id} on your site.30 daysom-success-cookie / omSuccessCookieused to determine if a visitor has successfully opted in to any campaign on your site to unlock content when using the Content Locking feature.365 daysom-success-{id} / omSuccess-{id}Used to determine if a visitor has successfully opted in to a campaign with the ID of {id} on your site365 daysomCountdown-{id}-{elementId}Used for countdown elements {elementId} in campaigns {id} to determine when it should completeSessionom-{id}-closed / omSlideClosed-{id}Used specifically with slide-in campaigns {id} to determine if it has been closed or not by a visitor. 30 days\_omraUsed to store interaction and conversion data for campaigns in conjunction with Revenue Attribution1 year --- ### [Public speaking](https://n3ed.com/public-speaking/) **Published:** March 25, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman --- ### [Newsletter](https://n3ed.com/newsletter/) **Published:** December 8, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter and get exclusive content about corproate learning and development, business coaching, leadership, and more! --- ### [Workshops](https://n3ed.com/workshop/) **Published:** May 26, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** sdflkasdv asdvf;aa afa Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, at mei dolore tritani repudiandae. In his nemore temporibus consequuntur, vim ad prima vivendum consetetur. Viderer feugiat at pro, mea aperiam --- ### [Leadership Lab](https://n3ed.com/lab-2/) **Published:** July 9, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman --- ### [The Perfect Route podcast](https://n3ed.com/podcast/) **Published:** August 17, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** *The Perfect Route* champions corporate education’s role in innovation, featuring insights from industry leaders and the strategic impact on organizational growth. The podcast focuses on executive coaching and corporate learning and development (L&D) strategies. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key topic, highlighting its growing importance and impact in these fields. [ S01E53 – The Inner Engine: What Actually Drives Leadership Performance | Zaher Ibrahim | The Perf… ![Your leadership problem isn't the problem you think it is. Most leaders come to the table asking for help with change management, team bonding, or meeting efficiency. My guest today says none of that is ever the real issue. The real issue is always something closer to the leader themselves. In this episode of The Perfect Route, I sit down with Zaher Ibrahim, founder of Eclarity, a leadership development firm working with corporate and government leadership teams on assessment, coaching, and development. Zaher's path ran through civil engineering and organizational development before landing in executive coaching, and it shows in how he talks about leadership: he skips the competency checklist and goes straight to the engine. In this conversation, we cover: * Why the leadership challenge a client brings you is almost never the real challenge * The three fears driving most leadership dysfunction, and why micromanagement is really fear of failure in disguise * Why trust isn't a switch, and how to actually gauge the strength of trust in your key relationships * Zaher's car analogy for why competency frameworks fail to change leadership behavior * Why judgment, not intelligence, is becoming the scarce and valuable skill in an AI-driven workplace * A different way to define leadership impact, one that follows a leader home Whether you're leading a team, coaching executives, or building your own leadership development practice, this conversation will change how you diagnose what's really going on with the leaders around you. Apple Podcasts ( https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-perfect-route/id1834640871 ) |Spotify ( https://open.spotify.com/show/1hA8r9Pa15WbjG6AX4Apgn ) |Amazon Music ( https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2d2431f9-1bd4-42b4-bef1-4b10fd8316dd/the-perfect-route ) |n3ed.com/podcast ( https://n3ed.com/podcast )](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZJ0gG7C-P3w/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ0gG7C-P3w) [ Subscribe](http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwmMxBG6QSsUcn0QZHBo8w?sub_confirmation=1&feature=subscribe-embed-click) ##### S01E53 – The Inner Engine: What Actually Drives Leadership Performance | Zaher Ibrahim | The Perf… Mon Sep 7th, 2026 Show Comments [ ![Your leadership problem isn't the problem you think it is. Most leaders come to the table asking for help with change management, team bonding, or meeting efficiency. My guest today says none of that is ever the real issue. The real issue is always something closer to the leader themselves. In this episode of The Perfect Route, I sit down with Zaher Ibrahim, founder of Eclarity, a leadership development firm working with corporate and government leadership teams on assessment, coaching, and development. Zaher's path ran through civil engineering and organizational development before landing in executive coaching, and it shows in how he talks about leadership: he skips the competency checklist and goes straight to the engine. In this conversation, we cover: * Why the leadership challenge a client brings you is almost never the real challenge * The three fears driving most leadership dysfunction, and why micromanagement is really fear of failure in disguise * Why trust isn't a switch, and how to actually gauge the strength of trust in your key relationships * Zaher's car analogy for why competency frameworks fail to change leadership behavior * Why judgment, not intelligence, is becoming the scarce and valuable skill in an AI-driven workplace * A different way to define leadership impact, one that follows a leader home Whether you're leading a team, coaching executives, or building your own leadership development practice, this conversation will change how you diagnose what's really going on with the leaders around you. Apple Podcasts ( https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-perfect-route/id1834640871 ) |Spotify ( https://open.spotify.com/show/1hA8r9Pa15WbjG6AX4Apgn ) |Amazon Music ( https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2d2431f9-1bd4-42b4-bef1-4b10fd8316dd/the-perfect-route ) |n3ed.com/podcast ( https://n3ed.com/podcast )](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/plugins/youtube-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)Your leadership problem isn't the problem you think it is. Most leaders come to the table asking for help with change management, team bonding, or meeting efficiency. My guest today says none of that is ever the real issue. The real issue is always something closer to the leader themselves. In this episode of The Perfect Route, I sit down with Zaher Ibrahim, founder of Eclarity, a leadership development firm working with corporate and government leadership teams on assessment, coaching, and development. Zaher's path ran through civil engineering and organizational development before landing in executive coaching, and it shows in how he talks about leadership: he skips the competency checklist and goes straight to the engine. In this conversation, we cover: \* Why the leadership challenge a client brings you is almost never the real challenge \* The three fears driving most leadership dysfunction, and why micromanagement is really fear of failure in disguise \* Why trust isn't a switch, and how to actually gauge the strength of trust in your key relationships \* Zaher's car analogy for why competency frameworks fail to change leadership behavior \* Why judgment, not intelligence, is becoming the scarce and valuable skill in an AI-driven workplace \* A different way to define leadership impact, one that follows a leader home Whether you're leading a team, coaching executives, or building your own leadership development practice, this conversation will change how you diagnose what's really going on with the leaders around you. Apple Podcasts ( https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-perfect-route/id1834640871 ) |Spotify ( https://open.spotify.com/show/1hA8r9Pa15WbjG6AX4Apgn ) |Amazon Music ( https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2d2431f9-1bd4-42b4-bef1-4b10fd8316dd/the-perfect-route ) |n3ed.com/podcast ( https://n3ed.com/podcast ) 0 0 S01E53 – The Inner Engine: What Actually Drives Leadership Performance | Zaher Ibrahim | The Perf… ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ0gG7C-P3w) S01E53 – The Inner Engine: What Actually Drives Leadership Performance | Zaher Ibrahim | The Perf… Mon Sep 7th, 2026 [ ![Would you judge a tree for the way it grew around a rock? Most leaders I talk to think a good coach is someone who gets in the trenches with them, another player on the field calling shots. That is not what coaching is, and getting that distinction wrong is exactly why so many coaching relationships fail to deliver. In this episode of The Perfect Route, I sit down with Robin Piccione, a business coach with EA Lewis and Associates in Toledo and a former twenty year veteran of national broadcast television. Robin built her coaching practice around storytelling, dialectical thinking, and a philosophy she borrows from Ram Dass: let them be trees. It reframes how leaders judge the people around them, and it changed how I think about the guide role coaches are supposed to play. In this conversation, we cover: * Why a business coach should be a guide, not a narrator, and what changes when you get that right * How to treat emotions as terrain to navigate instead of a destination to avoid * The dialectical thinking tool that helps you hold two conflicting truths at once * Why hiring for attitude and work ethic outperforms hiring for resumes and credentials * The "let them be trees" philosophy, and what it means to lead people without judgment * Where business coaching is headed as AI reshapes hiring, teams, and the workplace Whether you are a business owner, an executive, or a coach building your own practice, this one will give you a new lens for how you lead and how you see the people around you. #BusinessCoaching #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #Dialectics #ThePerfectRoute #BillSodeman #PodcastForLeaders](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/plugins/youtube-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)Would you judge a tree for the way it grew around a rock? Most leaders I talk to think a good coach is someone who gets in the trenches with them, another player on the field calling shots. That is not what coaching is, and getting that distinction wrong is exactly why so many coaching relationships fail to deliver. In this episode of The Perfect Route, I sit down with Robin Piccione, a business coach with EA Lewis and Associates in Toledo and a former twenty year veteran of national broadcast television. Robin built her coaching practice around storytelling, dialectical thinking, and a philosophy she borrows from Ram Dass: let them be trees. It reframes how leaders judge the people around them, and it changed how I think about the guide role coaches are supposed to play. In this conversation, we cover: \* Why a business coach should be a guide, not a narrator, and what changes when you get that right \* How to treat emotions as terrain to navigate instead of a destination to avoid \* The dialectical thinking tool that helps you hold two conflicting truths at once \* Why hiring for attitude and work ethic outperforms hiring for resumes and credentials \* The "let them be trees" philosophy, and what it means to lead people without judgment \* Where business coaching is headed as AI reshapes hiring, teams, and the workplace Whether you are a business owner, an executive, or a coach building your own practice, this one will give you a new lens for how you lead and how you see the people around you. \#BusinessCoaching #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #Dialectics #ThePerfectRoute #BillSodeman #PodcastForLeaders 0 0 S01E52 – From Narrator to Guide: Redefining What a Business Coach Really Does | Robin Piccione | … ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYvnZ6vaZkM) S01E52 – From Narrator to Guide: Redefining What a Business Coach Really Does | Robin Piccione | … Mon Aug 31st, 2026 [ ![Is your business built on partnerships that boost the numbers but quietly cost you trust? If your calendar is full and your revenue looks fine, but something still feels off, you're not alone, and you're not imagining it. Your organization might be missing one critical filter: mission alignment. In this episode, Julia Hage, CEO of The Hage Co, and I unpack: * Why financially attractive partnerships can still be the wrong move * What real alignment and authenticity look like in leadership and business * How to lead a multigenerational team by asking, not assuming * Why emotional intelligence is a leadership advantage, not a liability Less ego-driven decisions. More authentic alignment. Real leadership growth. #businesscoach #executivecoaching #n3ed #billsodeman The Perfect Route Episode 51 August 24, 2026 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/07d0b0d4 ★ Additional episodes: https://theperfectroute.transistor.fm](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/plugins/youtube-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)Is your business built on partnerships that boost the numbers but quietly cost you trust? If your calendar is full and your revenue looks fine, but something still feels off, you're not alone, and you're not imagining it. Your organization might be missing one critical filter: mission alignment. In this episode, Julia Hage, CEO of The Hage Co, and I unpack: \* Why financially attractive partnerships can still be the wrong move \* What real alignment and authenticity look like in leadership and business \* How to lead a multigenerational team by asking, not assuming \* Why emotional intelligence is a leadership advantage, not a liability Less ego-driven decisions. More authentic alignment. Real leadership growth. \#businesscoach #executivecoaching #n3ed #billsodeman The Perfect Route Episode 51 August 24, 2026 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/07d0b0d4 ★ Additional episodes: https://theperfectroute.transistor.fm 0 0 S01E51 – Alignment Over Ego: Why Your Business Partnerships Might Be Sabotaging Your Mission | Ju… ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb7z51TxYgI) S01E51 – Alignment Over Ego: Why Your Business Partnerships Might Be Sabotaging Your Mission | Ju… Mon Aug 24th, 2026 [ ![Ever feel like your career and your inner life are running on two completely separate tracks? Most executive coaches steer clear of the word spirituality. My guest this episode built an entire second career around it. Rich Strilowich spent more than forty years in IT leadership, most of it inside IBM, climbing from computer science into project and program management, HR, and eventually a director role owning a P&L. For the last thirty years, he's also walked a conscious spiritual path, and for a long time he kept the two worlds separate. Now, as a corporate sage coach, he's built his entire practice around the idea that they were never separate at all. In this conversation, we get into what spirituality actually means inside a demanding corporate career, and why it has nothing to do with incense or ceremony. Rich walks me through his four filters for navigating hard moments, surrender, faith, patience, and acceptance, and explains why none of them can be reduced to a project plan. We talk about grace as a working concept rather than a soft one, anchored in the hardest story he shares: his three and a half year old daughter's sudden regression into severe autism, and how the exact resources he needed to get through it showed up at the exact moment he needed them. I push him on the question every skeptical executive is quietly asking, does this make you a softer leader, and his answer, backed by his own experience laying off twenty eight people with compassion, is no. We close on a question that reframed my own coaching practice: should we think of the people we advise as clients, or as partners on a journey? If you've ever hit a goal you worked years for and felt strangely unsatisfied once you got there, this episode will give you a new way to think about why. The Perfect Route Episode 50 August 18, 2026 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/b5f70e30 ★ Additional episodes: https://theperfectroute.transistor.fm](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/plugins/youtube-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)Ever feel like your career and your inner life are running on two completely separate tracks? Most executive coaches steer clear of the word spirituality. My guest this episode built an entire second career around it. Rich Strilowich spent more than forty years in IT leadership, most of it inside IBM, climbing from computer science into project and program management, HR, and eventually a director role owning a P&L. For the last thirty years, he's also walked a conscious spiritual path, and for a long time he kept the two worlds separate. Now, as a corporate sage coach, he's built his entire practice around the idea that they were never separate at all. In this conversation, we get into what spirituality actually means inside a demanding corporate career, and why it has nothing to do with incense or ceremony. Rich walks me through his four filters for navigating hard moments, surrender, faith, patience, and acceptance, and explains why none of them can be reduced to a project plan. We talk about grace as a working concept rather than a soft one, anchored in the hardest story he shares: his three and a half year old daughter's sudden regression into severe autism, and how the exact resources he needed to get through it showed up at the exact moment he needed them. I push him on the question every skeptical executive is quietly asking, does this make you a softer leader, and his answer, backed by his own experience laying off twenty eight people with compassion, is no. We close on a question that reframed my own coaching practice: should we think of the people we advise as clients, or as partners on a journey? If you've ever hit a goal you worked years for and felt strangely unsatisfied once you got there, this episode will give you a new way to think about why. The Perfect Route Episode 50 August 18, 2026 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/b5f70e30 ★ Additional episodes: https://theperfectroute.transistor.fm 0 0 S01E50 – From IBM Director to Corporate Sage: Rich Strilowich on Integrating Faith and Leadership… ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrqqzusWdcM) S01E50 – From IBM Director to Corporate Sage: Rich Strilowich on Integrating Faith and Leadership… Mon Aug 17th, 2026 [ ![Is your HR team still measuring activity instead of impact? If your training calendar is full but your turnover isn't moving, you're not alone, and you're not doing it wrong. You might just be tracking the wrong signals. In this episode, I sit down with Heather Mallette, president of Nora and a 20-year HR veteran across healthcare, manufacturing, and private equity, to unpack: * Why "activity without impact is an expense," and how to tell the difference in your own HR function * The leading indicators that predict turnover before it hits your financials * How top organizations are using AI as a strategic thought partner, not just an admin tool * Why succession planning has to happen before the crisis, not after * What it really means for HR to be "disciplined and deeply human" at the same time Less firefighting. More foresight. Real strategic partnership. Ready to turn your HR function into a business accelerator instead of a support department? The Perfect Route Episode 49 August 10, 2026 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/94c58266 ★ Additional episodes: https://theperfectroute.transistor.fm](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/plugins/youtube-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)Is your HR team still measuring activity instead of impact? If your training calendar is full but your turnover isn't moving, you're not alone, and you're not doing it wrong. You might just be tracking the wrong signals. In this episode, I sit down with Heather Mallette, president of Nora and a 20-year HR veteran across healthcare, manufacturing, and private equity, to unpack: \* Why "activity without impact is an expense," and how to tell the difference in your own HR function \* The leading indicators that predict turnover before it hits your financials \* How top organizations are using AI as a strategic thought partner, not just an admin tool \* Why succession planning has to happen before the crisis, not after \* What it really means for HR to be "disciplined and deeply human" at the same time Less firefighting. More foresight. Real strategic partnership. Ready to turn your HR function into a business accelerator instead of a support department? The Perfect Route Episode 49 August 10, 2026 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/94c58266 ★ Additional episodes: https://theperfectroute.transistor.fm 3 1 S01E49 – From Support Function to Strategic Partner: How HR Earns a Seat at the Table | Heather M… ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGvU0Gvh3ZY) S01E49 – From Support Function to Strategic Partner: How HR Earns a Seat at the Table | Heather M… Mon Aug 10th, 2026 [ ![What does it really mean to use HR as a strategic partner instead of treating HR as paperwork, compliance, and overhead? In this episode of The Perfect Route, Dr. Michelle Griffin, founder of Griffin Resources and a PhD in industrial-organizational psychology, explains how leaders can connect HR strategy to measurable business performance—and why metrics like revenue per head can change the way executives think about their people strategy. Is your culture actually what you think it is, or just what you’ve written down? You may have a values statement and a mission on the wall, but if the behaviors happening inside meetings, teams, and leadership conversations don’t match those statements, your real company culture may be very different. In this conversation, we unpack: • Why HR is often treated as a “necessary evil” instead of a strategic growth partner • The 3 HR metrics executives should be paying attention to • Why revenue per head can be one of the most useful measures of organizational efficiency • How turnover by department can reveal deeper leadership and culture problems • How HR can become a more valuable strategic partner to executive leadership • The AI risks companies may be overlooking—and why HR policy needs to catch up • Why promoting a top performer into management without leadership training can become an expensive mistake • How company culture is shaped by actual behavior, not just stated values The goal is simple: less compliance theater and more strategic partnership. If you’re a business owner, executive, HR leader, or people manager looking to better understand HR as a strategic partner, this episode offers practical ways to connect people decisions, leadership, culture, and HR metrics to business outcomes. What HR metric does your leadership team pay the most attention to? Share your experience in the comments. The Perfect Route Episode 48 August 3, 2026 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/395f536e ★ Additional episodes: https://theperfectroute.transistor.fm Connect with Bill Sodeman 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billsodeman Explore more ideas and frameworks in The Perfect Route Leadership Lab at: https://tprll.com 💼 Connect with Michelle Griffin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-griffin-phd/ If you enjoyed this conversation, please Like, Subscribe, and Share with another leader who's committed to building a stronger organization and more effective HR leadership. #HRStrategy #StrategicHR #HRLeadership #HRMetrics #PeopleStrategy #WorkplaceCulture #ExecutiveLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Airisk #CorporateCulture #Leadership #HumanResources #HR #ThePerfectRoute](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/plugins/youtube-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)If you think of HR as paperwork, compliance, and a necessary cost, you're not alone, and you're not wrong to want more from it. But most companies are missing the bigger opportunity: HR as a strategic growth partner. In this episode, Dr. Michelle Griffin, founder of Griffin Resources and a PhD in industrial organizational psychology, joins me to unpack: \* Why HR gets treated as a "necessary evil" instead of a growth driver \* The metrics, like revenue per head and turnover by department, that turn HR into a strategic partner \* The AI risks most companies haven't priced in yet, and how to build policy before it costs you \* Why promoting your best performer into leadership without training them to lead is one of the most expensive mistakes a company can make Less compliance theater. More strategic partnership. Real HR leadership. \#BillSodeman #Coaching #theperfectroute The Perfect Route Episode 48 August 3, 2026 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/395f536e ★ Additional episodes: https://theperfectroute.transistor.fm 1 3 3 HR Metrics Every Executive Should Watch | HR as a Strategic Partner with Michelle Griffin | S01E48 ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju8B53DOevA) 3 HR Metrics Every Executive Should Watch | HR as a Strategic Partner with Michelle Griffin | S01E48 Mon Aug 3rd, 2026 [ ![From Transactional HR to Strategic Business Partner Is your HR team working harder than ever but still being left out of the room where strategy happens? You are not alone, and you are not doing it wrong. But there is often a gap between where HR leaders are operating and what the C-suite actually needs from them. In this episode, I sit down with talent strategy leader Kelly Turow to explore what it takes for HR to move from a transactional support function to a strategic business partner with real executive influence. We dig into: Why focusing only on people can weaken HR’s credibility with executives The business signals traditional HR metrics may be missing How HR leaders can connect talent decisions to measurable business outcomes How Kelly built an AI-powered career mapping tool in just two to three hours Why business fluency, technology, and measurable impact will define HR’s next chapter If you have ever felt that your work matters but struggled to prove its value in a way senior leadership responds to, this conversation is for you. Less reacting. More strategizing. Greater business impact. Ready to make the shift from transactional HR to strategic HR leadership? The Perfect Route Episode 47 July 27, 2026 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/b218f226 ★ Additional episodes: https://theperfectroute.transistor.fm Connect with Bill Sodeman 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billsodeman #HRLeadership #StrategicHR #C-Suite #FutureOfWork #HumanResources #Csuite #AI #AIinHR #aiinbusiness](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/plugins/youtube-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)Is your HR team working harder than ever, but still being left out of the room where strategy happens? You are not alone, and you are not doing it wrong. But there is a gap between where most HR leaders are operating and where the C-suite actually needs them to be. In this episode, I sit down with talent strategy leader Kelly Turow to unpack exactly what that gap looks like, and more importantly, how to close it. We dig into: \* Why being too focused on people can actually hurt your credibility with executives \* The hidden signals your HR metrics are missing before they become a crisis \* How Kelly built an AI-powered career mapping tool in 2 to 3 hours that would have taken months the old way \* The three things that will define HR's next chapter: business fluency, technology, and measurable impact If you have ever felt like the work you are doing matters but you cannot prove it in a way leadership responds to, this conversation is for you. Less reacting. More strategizing. Real executive influence. Ready to make the shift from transactional to strategic? The Perfect Route Episode 47 July 27, 2026 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/b218f226 ★ Additional episodes: https://theperfectroute.transistor.fm 1 1 From Transactional HR to Strategic Business Partner – Kelly Turow – S01E47 ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sChf5ghVT1w) From Transactional HR to Strategic Business Partner – Kelly Turow – S01E47 Mon Jul 27th, 2026 [ ![Stop Waiting for Perfect Data: Fast and Good Decision Making for Leaders | Jen Paxton | The Perfect Route Ep. 46 How do great leaders make fast and good decision making a competitive advantage—even when they don't have perfect information? In this episode of The Perfect Route, leadership expert Jen Paxton explains why waiting for certainty often creates bigger problems than making thoughtful decisions with the information you have today. One of the biggest reasons new managers struggle isn't technical ability—it's that they've never been taught the leadership competencies required to make confident decisions, communicate clearly, and lead others through uncertainty. If you've ever promoted your top performer only to watch them become overwhelmed, this episode explains why—and what leaders can do differently. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why top individual contributors often struggle after being promoted into leadership ✅ How fast and good decision making separates high-performing leaders from hesitant managers ✅ Why waiting for perfect data often slows growth and hurts team performance ✅ How to build confidence when making difficult leadership decisions ✅ Practical leadership habits that improve judgment under pressure ✅ The leadership competencies every new manager needs to succeed Whether you're a business owner, executive, HR professional, or emerging leader, you'll leave with practical strategies to make better decisions faster while building trust and accountability across your team. Better decisions. Less hesitation. Stronger leaders. 🎙 The Perfect Route – Episode 46 Title: Stop Waiting for Perfect Data: How to Build Leaders Who Move Fast and Decide Well Guest: Jen Paxton 🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://share.transistor.fm/e/be9593b7 📺 Explore more episodes of The Perfect Route: https://theperfectroute.transistor.fm Connect with Bill Sodeman 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billsodeman 🌐 Join The Perfect Route Leadership Lab community: https://tprll.com If this episode helped you rethink leadership and decision-making, Like, Subscribe, and Share it with another leader who's ready to stop waiting for perfect information and start making better decisions with confidence. #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #DecisionMaking #FastAndGoodDecisionMaking #LeadershipSkills #DecisionMakingSkills #LeadershipCoach #ExecutiveLeadership #Management #PeopleLeadership #BusinessLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipTraining #NewManagers #ManagerDevelopment #CriticalThinking #StrategicLeadership #LeadershipMindset #ProfessionalDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #ThePerfectRoute #JenPaxton #LeadershipPodcast](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/plugins/youtube-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)Is your best employee struggling now that they are a manager? If your newly promoted managers are overwhelmed, your teams are disengaging, and you cannot figure out why, you are not alone. And the answer is probably not who you promoted. It is how you prepared them. In this episode, we are unpacking: \* Why promoting without preparing is one of the costliest mistakes a growing company makes \* What manager effectiveness actually looks like and how to measure it \* How trust between a manager and their team builds slowly and breaks fast \* Why your middle managers need a coach, not just a title Less guesswork. More intentional leadership development. Real results for your team and your organization. Ready to close the manager effectiveness gap in your company? The Perfect Route Episode 46 July 20, 2026 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/be9593b7 ★ Additional episodes: https://theperfectroute.transistor.fm 1 0 Stop Waiting for Perfect Data: Fast and Good Decision Making for Leaders | Jen Paxton S01E46 ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKNDNapvHMs) Stop Waiting for Perfect Data: Fast and Good Decision Making for Leaders | Jen Paxton S01E46 Mon Jul 20th, 2026 [ ![2 Key Leadership Competencies That Predict Leadership Success | Sheila Eason | The Perfect Route Ep. 45 What are the key leadership competencies that separate exceptional leaders from everyone else? In this episode of The Perfect Route, executive coach and HR veteran Sheila Eason reveals why communication and emotional intelligence (EQ) are the two leadership competencies that influence nearly every other leadership skill. Most organizations invest heavily in mission statements, values, and strategic plans—but culture isn't defined by what you write. It's defined by the behaviors leaders consistently demonstrate and tolerate. If you're leading a team, preparing for a promotion, or developing future leaders, this conversation will help you build stronger leadership habits that create healthier, higher-performing organizations. In this episode you'll discover: ✅ The two key leadership competencies that predict long-term leadership success ✅ Why top individual performers often struggle after being promoted into leadership ✅ How poor communication quietly derails change initiatives ✅ Why emotional intelligence is a competitive advantage for today's leaders ✅ What it really means when culture is defined by "the worst behaviors you tolerate" ✅ Practical ways to build trust, accountability, and stronger workplace culture Whether you're a CEO, executive, business owner, HR leader, manager, or aspiring leader, these leadership insights will help you communicate more effectively, strengthen your culture, and lead with greater confidence. Less guessing. More self-awareness. Real leadership growth. 🎙 The Perfect Route – Episode 45 Title: 2 Leadership Competencies That Predict Everything Else: Communication & EQ Guest: Sheila Eason Published: July 13, 2026 🔗 Listen to this episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/a9448663 🎧 Browse all episodes: https://theperfectroute.transistor.fm Connect with Bill Sodeman 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billsodeman 🌐 Join The Perfect Route Leadership Lab community: https://tprll.com If you enjoyed this conversation, please Like, Subscribe, and Share with another leader who's committed to building stronger teams and a healthier workplace culture. #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #KeyLeadershipCompetencies #LeadershipSkills #CommunicationSkills #EmotionalIntelligence #ExecutiveLeadership #LeadershipCommunication #OrganizationalCulture #CompanyCulture #WorkplaceCulture #Management #PeopleLeadership #BusinessLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipCoach #BusinessCoach #HRLeadership #ChangeManagement #EmployeeEngagement #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeamLeadership #SelfAwareness #LeadershipGrowth #ThePerfectRoute](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/plugins/youtube-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)Is your culture actually what you think it is, or just what you've written down? You've got the values statement. The mission on the wall. But if the behaviors in your meetings don't match it, your real culture is somewhere else entirely. In this episode, HR veteran and executive coach Sheila Eason joins The Perfect Route to unpack: \* Why your best performer might struggle the moment you promote them into leadership \* The real reason silence during a change initiative backfires on you \* What it actually means when culture is defined by "the worst behaviors you tolerate" \* Why communication and emotional intelligence are the two competencies leaders can't afford to skip Less guessing. More self-awareness. Real leadership growth. Ready to see what your culture is actually communicating? The Perfect Route Episode 45 July 13, 2026 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/a9448663 ★ Additional episodes: https://theperfectroute.transistor.fm 3 0 2 Key Leadership Competencies That Predict Leadership Success | Communication & EQ | Sheila Eason ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVqldRfbQDA) 2 Key Leadership Competencies That Predict Leadership Success | Communication & EQ | Sheila Eason Mon Jul 13th, 2026 Load More… [ Subscribe ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwmMxBG6QSsUcn0QZHBo8w/) [![YouTube](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/plugins/podcast-subscribe-buttons/assets/img/icons/YouTube.svg)YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@BillSodemann3ed)[![Spotify](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/plugins/podcast-subscribe-buttons/assets/img/icons/Spotify.svg)Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/1hA8r9Pa15WbjG6AX4Apgn?si=f3aee83578194241)[![Apple Podcasts](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/plugins/podcast-subscribe-buttons/assets/img/icons/Apple-Podcasts.svg)Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-perfect-route/id1834640871)[![Amazon Music](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/plugins/podcast-subscribe-buttons/assets/img/icons/Amazon-Music.svg)Amazon Music](https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2d2431f9-1bd4-42b4-bef1-4b10fd8316dd/the-perfect-route) We use [Riverside](https://n3ed.com/riverside) to record and edit The Perfect Route. --- ### [Executive Essentials](https://n3ed.com/executive-essentials/) **Published:** April 6, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** Coming in May 2026: our 5-week program for new executives **Stop Leading Like a High Performer. Start Thinking Like an Executive.** Build the clarity, focus, and decision-making discipline required to succeed at the executive level. ![](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/cropped-d68f18c025d94d43f03a6aa7b08eec82a83c0509.jpg "cropped-d68f18c025d94d43f03a6aa7b08eec82a83c0509jpg - n3ed.com") --- ### [Public speaking](https://n3ed.com/speaking/) **Published:** October 13, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** #### What you get We offer public speaking services for meetings, conferences, and events. Your audience gets over 30 years of experience in education and public speaking, with interesting and engaging takes on business and AI. I’m allergic to text-heavy slides. I rely on a potent mix of actionable information and examples from current events to inspire attendees to reach new heights. READ MORE #### Topics Employee learning and engagement Artificial Intelligence in corporate learning and development Time management and productivity Teamwork & collaboration READ MORE --- ### [Blog](https://n3ed.com/blog/) **Published:** August 17, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** [ ![Close-up of Scrabble tiles on a wood surface forming the word 'LEADER' with other scattered letters nearby.](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/cropped-cropped-markus-winkler-O15WwdkJ-mI-unsplash-scaled-1.jpg "markus-winkler-O15WwdkJ-mI-unsplash - n3ed.com") ](https://n3ed.com/2026/07/lab-coming/ "The Perfect Route Leadership Lab launches August 1, 2026") [Leadership Lab](https://n3ed.com/category/lab/) [#### The Perfect Route Leadership Lab launches August 1, 2026](https://n3ed.com/2026/07/lab-coming/) by [Bill Sodeman](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) on [Jul 12](https://n3ed.com/2026/07/12/) On August 1, 2026, we’re launching The Perfect Route Leadership Lab. It’s […] […] [ Read more ](https://n3ed.com/2026/07/lab-coming/) [blog](https://n3ed.com/category/blog/) [#### Kellé Thorpe is on The Perfect Route](https://n3ed.com/2026/05/kelle-thorpe-is-on-the-perfect-route/) by [Bill Sodeman](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) on [May 21](https://n3ed.com/2026/05/21/) If Your Leaders Can’t Read the Numbers, They Can’t Lead the Business […] […] [ Read more ](https://n3ed.com/2026/05/kelle-thorpe-is-on-the-perfect-route/) [ ![Photo of Dr. Bill Sodeman](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/cropped-cropped-095-1fRj3vQznQs.jpeg "cropped-095-1fRj3vQznQsjpeg - n3ed.com") ](https://n3ed.com/2026/05/dr-bill-sodeman-is-on-the-mindful-practice-podcast/ "Dr. Bill Sodeman is on the Mindful Practice podcast") [bill](https://n3ed.com/category/bill/)[coaching](https://n3ed.com/category/coaching/)[podcast](https://n3ed.com/category/podcast/) [#### Dr. Bill Sodeman is on the Mindful Practice podcast](https://n3ed.com/2026/05/dr-bill-sodeman-is-on-the-mindful-practice-podcast/) by [Bill Sodeman](https://n3ed.com/author/bill/) on [May 3](https://n3ed.com/2026/05/03/) I am a guest on The Mindful Practice Podcast Show with Brownen […] […] [ Read more ](https://n3ed.com/2026/05/dr-bill-sodeman-is-on-the-mindful-practice-podcast/) --- ### [Virtual coworking](https://n3ed.com/coworking/) **Published:** March 15, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** Dr. Bill Sodeman is organizing virtual coworking sessions! Meet new people and say hello to familiar connections while you get work done in a positive and supportive online space. Find out more by filling out the form at [this link](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/N8TG1aInWU0ZzcBKGznF). ![](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/cropped-patrick-tomasso-ymuAM4S2fxI-unsplash-scaled-1.jpg "patrick-tomasso-ymuAM4S2fxI-unsplash - n3ed.com") Photo by [Patrick Tomasso](https://unsplash.com/@impatrickt?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/shallow-focus-photography-of-computer-monitor-ymuAM4S2fxI?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) --- ### [Zoom meetups](https://n3ed.com/zoom-meetups/) **Published:** March 15, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** Dr. Bill Sodeman is organizing Zoom meetups! These 1-hour sessions are great opportunities to make new connections and grow your LinkedIn presence. Interested? Sign up for more details at [this link](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/dVvcj8UkeD1V6ZouSR0N). ![](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/cropped-chris-montgomery-smgTvepind4-unsplash-scaled-1.jpg "chris-montgomery-smgTvepind4-unsplash - n3ed.com") Photo by [Chris Montgomery](https://unsplash.com/@cwmonty?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/macbook-pro-displaying-group-of-people-smgTvepind4?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) --- ### [Manhattan meetups May 6 and May 7 2026](https://n3ed.com/manhattan-may-2026/) **Published:** March 15, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** Dr. Bill Sodeman will be in midtown Manhattan on May 6 (afternoon) and May 7, 2026. He’s organizing meetups for LinkedIn connections, entrepreneurs, and people interested in business coaching. Find out more by using [this link](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/su0XXNWnAyiot9QEEspN) and filling in the form. ![Photo by Veronika Bykovich on Unsplash](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/cropped-veronika-bykovich-tOmHyJ3_NZY-unsplash-scaled-1.jpg "veronika-bykovich-tOmHyJ3_NZY-unsplash - n3ed.com") Photo by [Veronika Bykovich](https://unsplash.com/@veronika_bykovich?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/city-skyline-under-blue-sky-during-daytime-tOmHyJ3_NZY?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) --- ### [Corporate learning and development advisory services](https://n3ed.com/learning/) **Published:** August 17, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** ### **Explore our expert advisory services in corporate learning, from strategic audits to tailored development solutions.** ### Fractional Executive Roles We offer interim leadership solutions designed to expertly guide and support your learning initiatives, bringing a wealth of proven experience and specialized expertise to ensure your projects achieve their desired outcomes efficiently and effectively. ### Strategic Audits Our experience in business strategy and L&D helps us create comprehensive and detailed evaluations designed to align your employee and leadership training programs with your specific business objectives thoroughly. ### Webinar Creation and Delivery Engaging and highly impactful webinars thoughtfully designed to significantly enhance your team’s skills, knowledge, and overall professional development. These sessions provide valuable insights and practical strategies to empower your team members and boost their performance. ![](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/f49f0ae969fa33090d261986c1d9ae62658d13e0.jpg "f49f0ae969fa33090d261986c1d9ae62658d13e0 - n3ed.com") ![Photo of Dr. Bill Sodeman](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/095-1fRj3vQznQs.jpeg "095-1fRj3vQznQs - n3ed.com")Discover how n3ed.com provides expert corporate learning advisory, driving growth with tailored strategies and flexible solutions. #### Dr. Bill Sodeman Corporate Learning and Development Strategy Lead ## Our Approach Learn about our tailored corporate learning advisory process designed to drive your organization’s growth and development. 1 ### Initial Consultation & Assessment Begin with a comprehensive audit and stakeholder analysis to identify your learning needs and opportunities for growth. 2 ### Strategic Planning & Design Collaborate on crafting customized learning strategies, including fractional executive support and content licensing solutions. 3 ### Implementation & Delivery Execute webinars, training sessions, and monitor progress to ensure successful knowledge transfer and business impact. ![](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/007b8f7f7bc7309c83cc991f7483fb7ff3fe0640.jpg "007b8f7f7bc7309c83cc991f7483fb7ff3fe0640 - n3ed.com") ## Experience Expert Guidance and Measurable Growth Discover how our corporate learning advisory delivers tailored strategies, fractional leadership, and dynamic content to drive impactful business development and workforce excellence. - Fractional executive roles to enhance leadership agility - Comprehensive strategic audits and stakeholder analysis - Customized webinar creation and engaging delivery - Flexible content licensing for scalable learning solutions ## Client Testimonials and Success Stories Discover firsthand accounts from businesses who have benefited from our tailored corporate learning solutions and expertise. Working with n3ed.com transformed our learning strategy, delivering measurable growth and exceptional service throughout. #### Jessica Parker Chief Learning Officer ![](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/e8f1aa24e6c7c74ff406f56e62047c6128853718.jpg "e8f1aa24e6c7c74ff406f56e62047c6128853718 - n3ed.com") The n3ed team’s strategic insights and flexible approach made all the difference for our development programs. ![](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/53ae4fa5fb3dff0a42931a299d4ef29d1634d968.jpg "53ae4fa5fb3dff0a42931a299d4ef29d1634d968 - n3ed.com") #### Marcus Lee Director of Talent Development Their professionalism and dedication ensured our training initiatives exceeded expectations every step of the way. ![](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/cbea7e72c057fcd884fcb2541878e889b1236ed0.jpg "cbea7e72c057fcd884fcb2541878e889b1236ed0 - n3ed.com") #### Samantha Nguyen VP of Organizational Growth We experienced outstanding support and customized solutions that truly enhanced our corporate learning outcomes. ![](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/0a49eda1a672a16a081a8c48174d1c1d0b0a03cd.jpg "0a49eda1a672a16a081a8c48174d1c1d0b0a03cd - n3ed.com") #### David Ramirez Learning Strategy Consultant --- ### [Seminars](https://n3ed.com/seminar/) **Published:** February 2, 2026 **Author:** Bill Sodeman --- ### [Webinars](https://n3ed.com/webinar/) **Published:** October 10, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** ## Know more. ##### ***Our next free webinar***: *The three eyes of the business owner* will be available on-demand on this page on Friday, February 13, 2026 These informative sessions keep you up-to-date on trends and best practices in management, corporate learning and development (L&D), and business coaching. ##### Watch the recorded webinars on YouTube: - January 16, 2026: [Executive Leadership: Why CEOs and senior leadership help determine learning success](https://youtu.be/HVsTxgRt3P4) - December 12, 2025: [From Knowledge to Network: How AI is Redefining Learning Communities](https://youtu.be/e3-9C8x5zCA) - Bonus worksheet files: [The 3 Eyes of AI](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AI-3-Eyes-Worksheet.pdf) and [AI Learning Community Design](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AI-Learning-Community-Executive-Design-Snapshot.pdf) - November 14, 2025: [Learning and Development: The Missing Link in Leadership Alignment](https://youtu.be/50Q4esVrMDQ) - October 17, 2025: [Misaligned Leadership](https://youtu.be/29aJ2dVPBPQ) --- ### [Sign Up](https://n3ed.com/signup/) **Published:** December 11, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman --- ### [Riverside](https://n3ed.com/riverside/) **Published:** November 24, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman **Content:** ### **We use Riverside to record and edit [The Perfect Route](../podcast "The Perfect Route") podcast. It’s our not-so-secret weapon for getting the podcast scheduled, recorded, and done.** We get the best audio and video recording available, and our guests don’t have to download an app to participate. Riverside works in a MacOS or Windows web browser to capture the audio and video on the guest’s computer. If you’re even thinking about hosting your own podcast, give Riverside a try. Riverside also runs promotions with special discounts from time to time. ### [Get a 35% discount on all plans, but hurry – this offer expires November 30, 2025.](http://riverside.sjv.io/raZZqB "Get a 35% discount on all plans, but hurry - this offer expires November 30, 2025.") [Here’s a link to get you started.](http://riverside.sjv.io/raZZqB "Here's a link to get you started.") ![](https://n3ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/685be7dcd32275d383065dc9_career-about-header-img-desktop.jpg "685be7dcd32275d383065dc9_career-about-header-img-desktop - n3ed.com")685be7dcd32275d383065dc9 career about header img desktop --- ### [Cookies Policy](https://n3ed.com/cookies-policy/) **Published:** August 21, 2025 **Author:** Bill Sodeman --- ## Categories ### [blog](https://n3ed.com/category/blog/) --- ### [podcast](https://n3ed.com/category/podcast/) --- ### [coaching](https://n3ed.com/category/coaching/) --- ### [webinar](https://n3ed.com/category/webinar/) --- ### [bill](https://n3ed.com/category/bill/) **Description:** Posts about Dr. Bill Sodeman --- ### [Leadership Lab](https://n3ed.com/category/lab/) --- ## Tags ### [webinar](https://n3ed.com/tag/webinar/) --- ### [linkedin](https://n3ed.com/tag/linkedin/) --- ### [blog](https://n3ed.com/tag/blog/) --- ### [podcast](https://n3ed.com/tag/podcast/) --- ### [ai](https://n3ed.com/tag/ai/) --- ### [instructional design](https://n3ed.com/tag/instructional-design/) --- ### [coaching](https://n3ed.com/tag/coaching/) --- ### [hr](https://n3ed.com/tag/hr/) --- ### [mentoring](https://n3ed.com/tag/mentoring/) --- ### [learning](https://n3ed.com/tag/learning/) --- ### [play](https://n3ed.com/tag/play/) --- ### [metrics](https://n3ed.com/tag/metrics/) --- ### [teams](https://n3ed.com/tag/teams/) --- ### [lab](https://n3ed.com/tag/lab/) ---