S2 E7: Dave Nordel

In this episode of the Lead to Win podcast, Bo Bergen interviews Dave Nordel, a retired United States Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant. Dave shares his experiences and insights on leadership, veteran transition, and creating impact within organizations. He discusses the importance of self-leadership, seeking out mentors, and learning from mistakes. Dave also talks about his consulting company, Max Fab Consulting, which focuses on veteran transition and creating supportive environments for veterans in the workforce. In this conversation, Dave Nordel discusses the importance of being present as a leader and the impact it has on motivating and leading a team. He emphasizes the need for leaders to be transparent about their aspirations and goals, as well as the importance of consistent and ongoing feedback to sustain motivation. Nordel also highlights the significance of addressing the soft skills and intangible needs of employees. Episode Takeaways: Self-leadership is crucial for personal and professional development. Take initiative, seek out mentors, and continuously work on self-improvement. Informal leaders within an organization can provide valuable insights and guidance. Build relationships with them and defer to their expertise. Learning from mistakes is essential for growth. Embrace failures as learning opportunities and strive to make better decisions in the future. Creating a supportive environment for veterans in the workforce is crucial. Companies should focus on understanding and meeting the unique needs of veterans during their transition. Leadership is about leading people and processes. Prioritize building strong relationships with the people you lead and focus on their well-being. To increase impact within an organization, leaders should identify informal leaders, seek their input, and collaborate with them to implement strategies and initiatives. Being present as a leader is crucial for creating a positive work environment and motivating employees. Leaders should be transparent about their aspirations and goals, as it helps build trust and alignment within the team. Consistent and ongoing feedback is essential for sustaining motivation and keeping employees engaged. Addressing the soft skills and intangible needs of employees is just as important as providing the necessary tools and resources. Making a positive difference every day should be the ultimate goal for leaders. Dave's Links: Max Fab Consulting Website LinkedIn Purchase Dave's Books *Music by Alex Grohl on Pixabay