The Step UP – Where Leaders, Talent Managers and Leadership Development pros find expert tips for Leadership excellence
The Step UP - Where Leaders, Talent Managers and Leadership Development pros find expert tips for Leadership excellence
Podcast Description
About the Podcast
The Step Up brings together experts who help leaders elevate their impact. Each 45-minute episode features conversations with thought leaders, practitioners, and innovators who are changing how we think about leadership development and helping leaders step up their game.
Why This Podcast Exists
Throughout my career—from my time at organizations like Korn Ferry, Cargill, General Mills, and Buffalo Wild Wings to my current work as an independent leadership consultant—I've witnessed firsthand how leaders struggle during moments of change and transition and when learning higher-level skills. Work never slows down, and leaders often find themselves trying to grow while in the thick of daily demands.
The Step Up is designed to provide practical wisdom and actionable strategies that busy leaders can implement immediately to enhance their effectiveness.
What to Expect
Each episode follows a two-part format:
Part One: Leadership Journeys
We explore our guest's background, expertise, and unique perspective on leadership development. You'll hear authentic stories about their experiences supporting leaders and the insights they've gained along the way.
Part Two: Actionable Strategies
Our guests share three specific, practical tools or approaches that you can apply to your leadership right away. We dig into each one, discussing how to implement it effectively in your unique context.
Your Host
Kent Kniebel brings over 20 years of experience in leadership development, talent management, and DEI consulting to each conversation. Drawing on his background in corporate HR roles and external consulting work, Kent guides discussions that bridge theory and practice, focusing on what really works in today's leadership landscape.
Connect with Kent
Have questions about the podcast or want to continue the conversation? Connect with Kent on LinkedIn or visit Kniebel Leadership Advisory to learn more about his work supporting leaders during critical transitions.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes of leadership development, change management, and coaching with episodes that explore various topics like how discomfort fosters growth, integrating leadership training into daily workflows, and the importance of coachability after promotions. Specific episode examples include insights on managing change with Nick Tasler and strategies for scaling leadership training with Bri Flynn.

About the Podcast
The Step Up brings together experts who help leaders elevate their impact. Each 45-minute episode features conversations with thought leaders, practitioners, and innovators who are changing how we think about leadership development and helping leaders step up their game.
Why This Podcast Exists
Throughout my career—from my time at organizations like Korn Ferry, Cargill, General Mills, and Buffalo Wild Wings to my current work as an independent leadership consultant—I’ve witnessed firsthand how leaders struggle during moments of change and transition and when learning higher-level skills. Work never slows down, and leaders often find themselves trying to grow while in the thick of daily demands.
The Step Up is designed to provide practical wisdom and actionable strategies that busy leaders can implement immediately to enhance their effectiveness.
What to Expect
Each episode follows a two-part format:
Part One: Leadership Journeys
We explore our guest’s background, expertise, and unique perspective on leadership development. You’ll hear authentic stories about their experiences supporting leaders and the insights they’ve gained along the way.
Part Two: Actionable Strategies
Our guests share three specific, practical tools or approaches that you can apply to your leadership right away. We dig into each one, discussing how to implement it effectively in your unique context.
Your Host
Kent Kniebel brings over 20 years of experience in leadership development, talent management, and DEI consulting to each conversation. Drawing on his background in corporate HR roles and external consulting work, Kent guides discussions that bridge theory and practice, focusing on what really works in today’s leadership landscape.
Connect with Kent
Have questions about the podcast or want to continue the conversation? Connect with Kent on LinkedIn or visit Kniebel Leadership Advisory to learn more about his work supporting leaders during critical transitions.
DR. GARLAND VANCE believes every person deserves to work with a great leader, and every leader can be great. He has spent over 25 years helping organizations develop the leaders they need to succeed. He authored Gettin’ (un)Busy, which Forbes named “one of the seven books everyone on your team should read” and 2020’s Best Business Book by the AuthorElite Awards.
DOROTHY WOOD VANCE has been helping leaders discover and maximize their unique talents and gifts for over 25 years, empowering good leaders to become great. With her husband, Garland, she cofounded AdVance Leadership, which is recognized as one of the Top 20 Leadership Development Companies in America. She and Garland live with their three children in Knoxville,Tennessee.
Unleashing your leadership for greater impact is the name of the game today, and we’ve got the dynamic duo, Dr. Garland Vance and Dorothy Wood Vance, in the house to lay down some serious wisdom from their book, “Unleashed Leadership.” They dive into the seven key issues that can keep you from making the impact you crave as a leader. Trust me, if you’ve ever wondered where to start when challenges hit, this episode has the answers you need. We’re talking about practical strategies that’ll help you figure out your game plan and tackle those pesky roadblocks head-on. So kick back, grab a drink, and let’s get into how we can all step up our leadership game together!
Unleashing your leadership potential is a journey, and today’s chat takes us on a wild ride through the minds of Dr. Garland and Dorothy Wood Vance, the dynamic duo behind the book “Unleashed Leadership.” They dive deep into the common challenges that new leaders face, especially those who’ve just been promoted. You know the drill: you get the title but not the toolkit, and suddenly you’re expected to lead like a pro. The Vances nail this experience by pinpointing seven core issues that leaders encounter, each starting with a ‘C’ — character, competence, capacity, clarity, community, culture, and consistency. They explain how recognizing these issues can help leaders tackle their challenges head-on rather than getting lost in the sea of self-help books or endless online articles that only lead to confusion. What’s refreshing is their approach to leadership character — it’s not just about being morally upright but having the guts to face tough conversations and decisions. They emphasize taking responsibility, and how doing so can transform a leader’s impact, both in the workplace and beyond. The conversation gets even more engaging as they touch on the importance of cultivating a strong sense of community and clarity within teams. If you’re a leader feeling overwhelmed, they share practical tips on how to carve out time for introspection and development — a crucial step in moving from a stressed-out manager to an empowered leader. They urge listeners to think about the relationships they build, not just the tasks they juggle. Delegating effectively and knowing when to step back are vital skills that lead to a thriving workplace culture. The episode is a treasure trove of insights that any leader, especially those stepping into new roles, should definitely tune into. In a nutshell, the episode really gets to the heart of what it means to lead effectively today. The Vances blend personal anecdotes with actionable advice, making this not just a conversation, but a masterclass in unleashing the leader within. So, if you’re ready to step up your game and lead with confidence and clarity, this is the episode you don’t want to miss. Grab a pen and take notes, because these insights are pure gold for anyone looking to make a real impact in their leadership journey.
Takeaways:
- Leaders often struggle with knowing where to start when facing challenges; our episode dives into defining seven core issues that can help them navigate these hurdles effectively.
- The importance of humility and responsibility in leadership is emphasized; true character is shown in how leaders handle tough conversations and decisions, not just in moral choices.
- To become more effective, leaders need to assess what skills they require at their new levels after promotion, often needing to let go of previous competencies that no longer serve them.
- Building strong relationships and understanding team dynamics is crucial; leaders should focus on what they can delegate to empower their teams while carving out time for their own development.
- We break down the ‘Unleashed Leadership’ framework into seven key issues, all starting with ‘C’ to help leaders identify and tackle their biggest obstacles to effectiveness.
- Leaders should shift their mindset from fear to excitement about their growth journey; embracing change is essential to becoming the leader their teams need.
Links for today’s show:
- Dr. Garland Vance’s Linked In Page
- AdVance Leadership’s Website
- Unleashed Leadership Free AudioBook
- Kent’s Linked In Page
- Promoted Leader Playbook
**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert’ Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**
*Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com

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