Ron Harvey sits down with Kenneth Givens II, Senior Project Manager at Miller Valentine Construction and published author, for a candid conversation about the leadership habits that separate good managers from truly great ones. Kenneth shares the moment he realized he was building robots instead of leaders — and the mindset shift that changed everything.

Key topics and takeaways from this episode:

• Why stepping in to save the day is actually holding your team back — and what to do instead
• The "fourth quarter coach" principle: understanding why a coach never takes the field during a game-winning drive
• How Kenneth intentionally removed himself from a high-stakes proposal to force his team to rise to the occasion — and what happened
• The power of asking for permission before giving feedback and why it changes how people receive it
• Why debriefs should be led by the person receiving feedback, not the leader delivering it
• Focusing on input over outcome: how Kenneth evaluates decisions based on the thinking behind them, not just the result
• Bringing younger generations into leadership without waiting for a title to justify it
• Why the fastest path to the top is bringing people with you — not climbing alone
• The importance of sincere apology and how one poor emotional reaction can require seven positive interactions to overcome
• How to manage conflict in the workplace while leaving people's dignity intact
• Navigating social media as a leader: being the same person online that you are in person
• Kenneth's 90-day leadership commitment: daring to be curious rather than judgmental

Kenneth Givens II is a Senior Project Manager at Miller Valentine Construction based in Columbia, South Carolina. He is also a contributing author to the fantasy anthology Fires of Retribution, available on Amazon.

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before implementing any suggestions or recommendations made in this podcast. The speakers and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on the information presented in this podcast. The podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. The speakers and guests make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this podc...

In this episode of Unpacked with Ron Harvey, Ron sits down with George Pesansky, author of Super Performance and president of My Blended Learning, a consulting firm he's led for 17 years. George brings a rare blend of military service, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship to a conversation that challenges everything most organizations believe about performance, feedback, and growth.

Here's what Ron and George unpack in this episode:

• The "golden hour" framework — how to identify and replicate the root causes of your success, not just your failures, and why most leaders only ever do half the equation
• What "utility" really means — and why your ability to create value is a more reliable foundation for business security than any individual client win or loss
• The prison of expectations — why high-performing teams often hold back their best work, and how leaders can build cultures where full effort is safe, even when it doesn't end in a touchdown
• Strengths over gaps — why pouring resources into a 4-out-of-5 skill to make it a 5 is often the wrong investment, and how to organize teams around contribution instead of correction
• The entrepreneurship mindset shift — how George discovered that running your own business creates more security than corporate dependence, and what losing clients taught him about resilience
• Feedback that sustains, not just improves — George's principle that "you cannot sustain what you can't explain," and why asking for three things to keep matters just as much as three things to fix

Whether you're leading a factory floor, a consulting firm, or your own entrepreneurial journey, this episode delivers a practical framework for unlocking the performance that's already inside your team and yourself.

Super Performance by George Pesansky is available now on Amazon and at bookstores everywhere. Connect with George at georgetheauthor.com, myblendedlearning.com, or on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before implementing any suggestions or recommendations made in this podcast. The speakers and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on the information presented in this podcast. The podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. The speakers and guests make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this podc...

We sit down with Kimberely D. Brown to talk about the kind of leadership that’s forged through high standards, hard pivots, and showing up with character. She shares how self-awareness, trust, and relationships shape her path from banking and affordable housing to CDFI lending and community impact.

• tough leaders with high expectations shaping long-term excellence
• learning yourself through 20s, 30s, and repeated setbacks
• getting back up through upbringing, discipline, and perspective
• building trust by leading with ethics and consistent character
• having the hardest conversations with yourself before anyone else
• being qualified but unprepared, and what real readiness requires
• swallowing pride after a public pivot and planning the comeback
• relationships, mentorship, and legacy through how you make people feel
• avoiding burned bridges, especially on social media
• continuous learning to stay ahead of industry shifts and economic threats
• filling gaps as a way to find purpose beyond a paycheck
• choosing a go-to person who tells you the truth with love
Please like us, please give us some reviews, and please share it with some people that you know that can enjoy learning from us as we have fun.

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Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before implementing any suggestions or recommendations made in this podcast. The speakers and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on the information presented in this podcast. The podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. The speakers and guests make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this podc...

Natasha Kehimkar, CEO and founder of Melita Advisors, joins Ron Harvey to challenge common leadership assumptions and share what actually moves organizations forward. In this episode:

• The 5-year plan myth: The real strategic horizon has always been 18–24 months — organizations just never fully committed to five years. Vision and mission provide stability; strategy must stay nimble.
• Leaders are freezing under complexity: Overwhelm from AI, geopolitical shifts, and constant change is causing leaders to disengage when they need to be building the muscles to look around corners.
• Vision, mission & values as a trust reset: When trust breaks down between leaders and teams, revisiting VMV with real employee input can reignite engagement, ownership, and even viral advocacy for the organization.
• Conflict is productive — avoidance isn't: When conflict goes underground, things eventually explode. Psychological safety doesn't mean always being nice — it means being honest with care and focusing on shared interests.
• The Kolbe Assessment: Unlike skills or style tools, Kolbe taps into the instinctive, unspoken way people approach challenges — the dimension that truly explains diversity of thought on a team.
• Stop painting generations with the same brush: Use assessments to open real conversations instead of making assumptions based on generational labels.
• Transition coaching is non-negotiable: For any leader stepping into a bigger role, a transition coach helps you ramp up faster, navigate the unspoken dynamics, and lead through the team — not as a solo act. Build it into your offer letter.
• Curiosity is the magic key: In a world of constant change, staying genuinely curious about people, challenges, and the environment is what separates leaders who grow from those who stagnate.

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Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before implementing any suggestions or recommendations made in this podcast. The speakers and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on the information presented in this podcast. The podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. The speakers and guests make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this podc...

Ron Harvey explores people-first leadership with advisor and entrepreneur Diana Barbiani, tracing her journey from Croatia to San Diego and the lessons that shaped her approach to business, trust, and community. She shares why relationships—not tools—fuel team performance and customer loyalty, and offers practical guidance for founders: leveraging SBDCs, anticipating business phases, hiring for values, coaching to standards, and building a culture that attracts the right customers and talent. The episode emphasizes giving first, leading with love, and using generosity to build lasting growth and brand trust.

• people-first leadership and love as a business advantage
• immigrant journey shaping values and resilience
• free help for small businesses through SBDC
• anticipating phases of growth and planned reinvention
• authentic branding that attracts the right customers
• culture as customer experience and talent magnet
• moving from code switching to real presence
• trust-building beyond résumés and titles
• relationships and reciprocity over transactions
• giving circles, philanthropy, and local impact
• lead with a give before the ask

Review it, vote on it, share it

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Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before implementing any suggestions or recommendations made in this podcast. The speakers and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on the information presented in this podcast. The podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. The speakers and guests make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this podc...

In this episode of Unpacked with Ron Harvey, Ron sits down with Bency Beals, founder of Ignite Leadership Solutions, for an honest and energizing conversation about what it truly means to lead — starting with yourself. Bency breaks down why self-awareness is the foundation of every leadership role, whether you're in corporate America, running your own business, or serving your community.

They dive deep into the entrepreneurship journey — the grit it demands, the discipline it requires, and why finding your niche is non-negotiable. Bency also shares a candid story about navigating a leadership conflict she didn't create but had to resolve, and what that taught her about culture, trust, and staying grounded in your values.

Ron and Bency also tackle one of today's most pressing workforce challenges: leading across five and six generations simultaneously. From silencing insecurity to cultivating emerging leaders, they offer practical strategies for creating environments where every generation can contribute, grow, and thrive.

Whether you're a seasoned executive, a new entrepreneur, or an emerging leader still finding your footing — this episode will challenge you to get curious, stay intentional, and enjoy the runway while you're on it.

Connect with Ron
Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

Learn more about Global Core Strategies

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before implementing any suggestions or recommendations made in this podcast. The speakers and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on the information presented in this podcast. The podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. The speakers and guests make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this ...

We talk with Brad about shifting from command and control to caring, values‑driven leadership that scales through relationships, mentors, and clear expectations. From cloud migrations and crisis drills to vendor turnarounds and weekly check‑ins, the tools are simple and the results are durable.

• career path from Accenture partner to higher‑ed CIO
• relationships and mentoring as the engine of change
• moving from fire drills to proactive, customer‑focused IT
• designing values that attract and retain talent
• slow down to frame problems and set expectations
• collaborative leadership and accountability for results
• crisis preparedness across power, cyber, and safety
• strategic vendor management and replacing poor partners
• advice for new leaders on delegation, apology, and mentoring
• where to find the book and how to connect

I’m gonna send you a link for the show notes that will send your listeners to a sample the book, free sample the book, how to buy the book, and how to schedule time on my calendar

Connect with Ron
Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

Learn more about Global Core Strategies

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before implementing any suggestions or recommendations made in this podcast. The speakers and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on the information presented in this podcast. The podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. The speakers and guests make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this podc...

We explore how integrity, empathy, and accountability turn promotions into real leadership. Jim shares his six pillars, the nightly question that keeps him honest, and tactics that earn trust at work and at home.

• moving from contributor to leader without a roadmap
• why integrity is non negotiable and how to live it
• direct truth paired with compassion in feedback
• authoritarian past versus collaborative present
• spotting human signals and acting with care
• three rules for rising leaders to start now
• avoiding popularity traps and favoritism
• leading at home by modeling the work
• book giveaway details and how to reach Jim

For the first three or four people who make a comment on this episode, in the reviews, do not put your address in the review. One of us will reach back out to you after the review is posted, and we'll get your home address, and I will mail you a signed copy of the book, free of charge. No shipping charge, no nothing.

Connect with Ron
Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

Learn more about Global Core Strategies

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before implementing any suggestions or recommendations made in this podcast. The speakers and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on the information presented in this podcast. The podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. The speakers and guests make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this podc...