Leadership Jam Session
Rob Fonte is the host of the Leadership Jam Session Podcast, where every other week you'll get to hear leaders at all levels of management share their practical solutions to the management challenges you face every day. On this podcast, Rob shares leadership experiences with listeners by bringing in leaders from all different levels to “Jam” on a variety of leadership topics. Some of the best insights are captured from just listening and learning from each other as they share their experiences. More importantly, we learn to see things through the lens of a different perspective and how to move forw...
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Inspiration vs Motivation, with Jeff Hartzler
<p>In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Hartzler, a dynamic leader with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, to delve into the nuanced differences and practical applications of inspiration versus motivation in leadership. Drawing from roles that span sales, market access, leadership development, and commercial operations, Jeff brings forward a wealth of personal stories and actionable strategies to help leaders at every level connect more deeply with their teams.</p><p>Together, we debunk common myths about motivation—including the belief that all team members are driven by the same incentives—and explore why a one-size-fits-all appr...
People First, with Ryan Pawless
<p>In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Pawless, Vice President of Sales for a leading medical device company, to explore his people-first leadership philosophy and approach to developing talent at every stage of a career. Ryan draws on more than a decade of management experience—including leading global teams—to share his insights on balancing empathy and accountability, cultivating authentic relationships, and driving performance through intentional development.</p><p>We dive into Ryan Pawless’s practical strategies for identifying and nurturing the hidden potential in individuals, managing large teams across multiple time zones, and designing effective development plans regard...
Biohacking Leadership with Dr. Scott Hutcheson
<p>In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Scott Hutcheson, biosocial scientist and senior lecturer in engineering and technology leadership at Purdue University, to dive into his new book, Biohacking Leadership: Leveraging the Biology of Behavior to Maximize Your Impact. Dr. Hutcheson brings decades of leadership development expertise and shares a science-based perspective on how leaders can align their biology with their leadership behaviors to foster greater connection, influence, and performance in their teams.</p><p>Scott explains the concept of “biohacking leadership,” drawing on both his professional research and personal experience with a diabetes diagnosis. He reveals how smal...
104: Critical Thinking Skills for Healthcare Executives
<p>In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Linda Henman, trusted advisor to senior leaders and nationally recognized expert in strategy, decision making, and organizational effectiveness. Linda joins the Leadership Jam Session to discuss her new book, Healthy Decisions: Critical Thinking Skills for Healthcare Executives, and shares timely insights drawn from real-world healthcare scenarios, including how leaders at systems like Mercy and the Cleveland Clinic navigated unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p>Linda and I dive deep into the essential role of critical thinking for healthcare leaders, particularly when navigating unexpected and unwelcome change. She breaks down...
103: The Happy Leader, with Dr. Calvin Lawrence
<p>In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Calvin Lawrence—motivational speaker, leadership consultant, and author of the newly released book, The Happy Leader. Calvin brings over 40 years of experience in educational leadership and administration, offering a wealth of wisdom and heartfelt stories from his journey. We dive deep into the essential role that relationships, mindset, and authenticity play in effective leadership, as well as the power of choosing happiness—even during challenging times.</p><p>Calvin shares the inspiration behind The Happy Leader, emphasizing that “relationships matter” and exploring how mentorship, learning from failure, and busting through stereotypes have sha...
Work on Your Game and Step Up, with Dre Baldwin
<p>In this episode, I sit down with Dre Baldwin, CEO and founder of Work on Your Game, former professional basketball player, and four-time TEDx speaker. Dre shares his unique journey from sitting on the bench in high school basketball to a nine-year international pro career, and how the lessons he learned on the court translated into his impactful work with leaders and entrepreneurs.</p><p>Author of the book, “Work on Your Game”, Dre dives into his signature “four pillars” framework—discipline, confidence, mental toughness, and personal initiative—explaining how these core elements of mindset underpin professional performance and success in a...
101: Unlock your Zone of Genius – The P.I.D. System, with Rutherford Pascal
<p>In this episode, I sit down with Rutherford Pascal, leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author of “The PID System: Preparation, Intentionality, and Differentiation.” Rutherford brings a wealth of leadership experience, having led teams of over 600 people and developed more than 70 leaders. He shares his proven framework for standing out and achieving transformative results—whether you’re looking to get promoted or become invaluable in your current role. </p><p>Rutherford dives into the core elements of the PID system, emphasizing how leaders can leverage their unique strengths—their “zone of genius”—to add outsized value to their organization. He illustrates, thro...
A Mic Flip! Rob Fonte Gets Interviewed
<p>In this milestone 100th episode, the Leadership Jam Session turns the mic around as Executive Producer James Christie interviews the show’s usual host, Rob Fonte, founder of Sarto Leadership Group. Rob shares his candid leadership journey, revealing formative experiences—from his first intimidating management role to the biggest mistake he ever made—and the lessons that have defined his philosophy and approach. Rob and James also discuss the origins and evolution of the podcast, the power of learning from both great and not-so-great leaders, and announce the upcoming public launch of the Sarto Leadership Academy, designed to help leader...
The 'Success Sequence' of Leadership
<p>In this episode, I sit down with Larry Freedman, an accomplished leader with over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including nearly three decades in sales leadership. Larry shares the guiding principles behind his highly effective “success sequence”—a stepwise approach he developed for leading teams—and describes how building authentic, trusting relationships serves as the foundation for long-term results.</p><p>Through engaging stories and practical examples, Larry illustrates the importance of making personal connections with team members, including traveling to meet them face-to-face and intentionally getting to know them beyond their professional roles. He underscores the delibera...
The Invaluable Impact of Mentors, with Cindy Fairless
<p>In this episode, I sit down with Cindy Fairless, a Sarto Master Facilitator, who passionately shares her extensive insights on the importance and value of mentors in career development. Cindy dives into how mentors can accelerate career growth by offering not just their expertise but also invaluable feedback, expanding your network, and pushing you to explore new opportunities outside your comfort zone. </p><p>We also unpack some practical strategies for successfully finding and approaching a mentor, highlighting the need to identify individuals whose career paths and values align with your own aspirations. Cindy emphasizes the critical role of t...
