“Leaders who don't listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say.” — Andy Stanley
Stephen Shedletzky (known as “Shed”) is one of the world’s foremost authorities on leadership, organizational culture, and psychological safety in the workplace. Shed has led hundreds of keynote presentations, workshops, and leadership development programs, and is author of the new book Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up.

After years on a corporate track, Shed was introduced to and inspired by the work of Simon Sinek and, soon after meeting him, became the fourth person to join his team. For more than a decade, Shed has contributed at Simon Sinek, Inc., where, as Chief of Staff and Head of Brand Experience, Training & Development, he headed a global team of speakers and facilitators.
Shed supports humble leaders — those who know they are both a part of the problems they experience and the solutions they can create — as they put their people and purpose first.
He graduated from the Richard Ivey School of Business with a focus on leadership, communication, and strategy. Shed lives in Toronto with his wife and two young children.
In this episode:
• How to upgrade your career.
• What it means to be a good leader.
• The biggest mistakes companies make with their culture.
• How to find your “why” – and live it.
Before we begin, the right bit of inspiration can completely change the trajectory of someone’s life, so if there’s a friend or loved one who needs to hear this episode or could use some help to Win the Day, share it with them right now.
Let’s WIN THE DAY with Stephen Shedletzky!
00:00 Who is Stephen Shedletzky
1:40 Growing up with a grandfather who was a holocaust survivor (and being connected to sacrifice)
6:00 Teach people how to speak up
7:15 How a university professor became his #1 mentor
9:01 Being hired while people are being fired
10:21 The problem with most “leaders”
12:46 Who you should promote into leadership roles
15:38 How to teach good values to your children
18:29 The problem with charisma
19:10 Stop looking for your “dream job”
20:10 The #1 attribute of all good leaders (and parents)
24:46 Download your FREE Win the Day Action Plan
25:37 Right people vs right culture (Jim Collins)
27:40 Three things for any culture to thrive
31:33 Is Elon Musk a good leader?
34:27 How to give feedback that motivates people
38:49 What behavior are you rewarding
40:43 Use these questions to make change
42:25 The purpose of values – and how to live by them
45:10 How to develop empathy
47:21 Should you stay in a job you hate
50:15 How to find your purpose
51:55 Lessons from Rich Diviney (Navy SEAL Commander)
53:32 Leadership lessons for the home
58:22 Affirmation
59:38 Rocket Round
Resources / links mentioned:
🎯 Download your FREE Win the Day action plan
⚡ Stephen Shedletzky website
📝 Stephen Shedletzky LinkedIn
📷 Stephen Shedletzky Instagram
📚 ‘Speak-Up Culture’ by Stephen Shedletzky
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