George Watts is Chairman of Top Line Talent and a nationally recognized author, behavioral scientist, and senior executive. He coaches CEOs on how to build and lead formidable C-Suite teams and is the author of several books, including Becoming Your Own Business Coach and Becoming a Strategic Leader. His passion is inspiring people to mature their natural personality strengths.

Laurie Blazek is President and CEO of Top Line Talent and is coauthor of Becoming a Strategic leader and cocreator of the online Top Line Talent leadership development program. Her passion is to help people specifically define who they are when they’re at their best.

Mentioned on the Show

• The book, Becoming a Strategic Leader: Capitalize on the Power of Your Personality: https://a.co/d/09u6VTy
• Connect with George Watts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-watts-1b8923181
• Connect with Laurie Blazek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-blazek-4b7a592
• Learn more about TLT Coaching: https://www.tltcoaching.com/

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• Connect with O’Brien McMahon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obrienmcmahon/
• Learn more about O’Brien: https://obrienmcmahon.com/

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Timestamps

(0:00) Meet George Watts and Laurie Blazek.

(02:37) What are some of the limitations of leadership coaching?

(11:51) How do we avoid unhealthy comparisons?

(13:52) How can we understand our weaknesses and our "shadow"?

(17:26) The Big Five Personality Traits.

(28:21) How do we apply insights about our personality in our everyday lives?

(37:38) How do I bring these personality insights to my workplace?

(42:54) What are the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations?

(44:59) How does the "shadow self" derail personal growth?

(46:49) How can the "shadow" help during performance reviews?

(48:56) How can we use these personality insights in other personal areas of our lives?

(58:22) Where to learn more and get the book, Becoming a Strategic Leader

Julie Jones is a business protocol and etiquette expert, sought-after public speaker, corporate trainer, and educator. She is certified by the Protocol School of Washington.

Mentioned on the Show

• Learn more about Julie’s work on her website, Today’s Professionals: https://www.todaysprofessionals.com/
• Julie’s profile on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealjulieajones
• Follow Julie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjulieajones/

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• Connect with O’Brien McMahon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obrienmcmahon/
• Learn more about O’Brien: https://obrienmcmahon.com/

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Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction to Julie Jones.

(01:55) What is protocol and business etiquette?

(04:50) What's the difference between extroversion and connecting with others?

(06:34) What is involved in modern etiquette?

(11:00) Why do first impressions matter?

(19:53) What is your reaction to the idea of bringing your whole self to work?

(25:22) "Act as pretty as you look."

(28:28) Image vs. brand: what's the difference?

(35:34) How do you align your personal brand with the company brand?

(43:39) Values: show up for others; align with the company; seek what's best.

(44:41) How do we help others get what they want out of life?

(46:52) Where can people contact Julie Jones?

Dave Moore is a partner at Laner Muchin and the firm’s Employment Litigation Department Co-Chair. While Dave spends much of his time defending employers in employment litigation of all shapes and sizes, he has focused much of his 20+ years as an employer lawyer on keeping employers out of the courtroom. Dave has been recognized among Illinois Super Lawyers and Leading Lawyers in 2024 and 2025. Dave was also recognized by the National Law Journal as an Elite Trailblazer in 2022 for work with employers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mentioned on the Show

• Connect with Dave Moore on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-moore-5b2b58a
• Dave’s profile at the Laner Muchin firm: https://www.lanermuchin.com/attorneys-david-moore
• Listen to the People Business episode with Cash Nickerson: https://peoplebusinesspodcast.com/cashnickerson/

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• Connect with O’Brien McMahon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obrienmcmahon/
• Learn more about O’Brien: https://obrienmcmahon.com/

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Timestamps

(00:00) – Welcome to People Business

(00:17) – Introducing Dave Moore, employment attorney

(04:37) – What are the most common employment legal issues?

(08:59) – What are documentation best practices?

(15:22) – How do employers navigate Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations?

(21:11) – How do mental health ADA accommodations work?

(25:41) – What risks are associated with terminating an employee and what are best practices for termination?

(30:01) – When should a workplace contact their attorney?

(32:43) – Role-playing difficult conversations with clients?

(34:19) – Navigating remote and hybrid work policies

(38:12) – Addressing employee relocation and “secondary” jobs

(43:53) – Unionization: hearing whispers or is a campaign underway?

(52:14) – Are governmental changes impacting employment law? What trends are ahead?

(01:00:29) – Practical advice and closing thoughts