Refine & Grow

Introduction

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 18:36:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse preview the topics that are to come this season, define and explain the importance of soft-skills, and break down the meaning behind the name of the podcast.

Navigating Ambiguity

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 18:36:11 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse coach you on proven strategies for successfully navigating ambiguity in the workplace – including surveying your resources, building your network, managing risks, and having the courage to weather the storm in order to make forward progress.

Managing Up

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 15:38:10 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse coach you on proven strategies for managing up to your supervisor, executive, and customer – including prioritizing their time, articulating your asks, adapting to their stylistic preferences, and giving them tangible solutions to issues plaguing the organization.

Agreeing to Disagree

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 18:12:33 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse coach you on proven strategies for managing disagreement in the workplace – including how to approach and re-approach the decision-maker, how to accept the difference in opinion, and commit to a direction you’re unsure of.

Successfully Onboarding

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 09:56:40 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse coach you on proven strategies for joining a new company or taking on a new role – including the importance of observation, the courage to navigate new relationships and expectations, and the power behind learning through silence.

Building Solid Relationships

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 13:27:26 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse coach you on proven strategies for enhancing your reputation through workplace relationships – including catering to stylistic and communication preferences, thinking through the type of brand you want to embody, and the type of mindset you need.

Dealing with Conflict

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 15:19:27 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse coach you on proven strategies for managing workplace conflict – including how to best approach types of conflicts, how to analyze your role in the issue, and when and how to let go.

Managing Low Performers

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 14:38:44 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse coach you on proven strategies for people managers dealing with direct reports who are not performing as anticipated – including breaking down role-fit, the process and approach to follow, and how to find the best solution for everyone involved.

Optimizing Your Calendar

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 15:51:39 -0800

In this episode, Justin and Lynse coach you on proven strategies for managing how much time you spend in meetings – including how to set-up a rhythm, identify and measure meeting criticality, and approaches for ad hoc meeting requests.

Time Management

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 15:05:53 -0800

In this episode, Justin and Lynse coach you on proven strategies for maintaining work-life balance – including how to prioritize, say no, and pause to sharpen your mindset.

Effective Communication

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 13:48:55 -0800

In this episode, Justin and Lynse coach you on proven strategies for becoming an effective communicator – including techniques to ensure email responses, rules for catering to your audience, and how to focus and frame discussions.

Summary and Closing

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 16:11:36 -0800

In this episode, Justin and Lynse reflect on the most important themes from this season, and preview topics that will be covered in the upcoming second season of Refine & Grow with Justin & Lynse.

Season 2 Introduction

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 13:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Justin and Lynse preview the topics that are to come this season, providing an overview of episode titles, and discussing why and how these topics surfaced.

Mentoring Well

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 16:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Justin and Lynse coach you on how to be a good mentor – including defining what a mentor is, tips for catering your approach to fit the needs of the mentee, and explaining when it's not a right fit.

Being Mentored Well

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 16:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Justin and Lynse coach you on how to be a good mentee – including how to pick the right mentor, typical attributes of good mentors, the mentee’s role, and the benefits of building out a board of advisors.

Building Self-Awareness

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 13:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Justin and Lynse coach you on how to become self-aware, including the ability to take in constructive criticism, proactively request feedback, and identify patterns in behavior.

Embracing vs. Planning Your Career Journey

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 13:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Justin and Lynse discuss individual preferences for planning a career journey versus embracing it, and the importance of being thoughtful, focused, and present, at every stage along the way.

Work-Life Health

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Justin and Lynse break down the meaning behind work-life balance, the importance of having an identity outside of work, and the value of becoming an expert at prioritization.

Should I Take the Call

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse provide tips on how to handle unsolicited emails and calls from recruiters when you are happily employed, and break down the idea of employee loyalty.

Physical Presentation

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse discuss the importance of physical presentation, when and why it matters, and how to cater your look to help gain the respect of a specific audience.

Assessment Tools

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse debrief you on the thinking behind workstyle assessments, when and why they do or don’t help, and what can impact the results over time.

Is Grad School Worth the Investment

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse break-down what you really get from a graduate degree, when it’s important to pursue, and why sometimes when you think you need it, you don’t.

When to Say Goodbye

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse discuss typical signs that indicate it’s time to move on, how to best approach a job search, and how to manage the impression you make if and when you do exit.

Season 2 Summary

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 04 May 2022 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse reflect on the topics reviewed, discuss overarching themes, and share ways to contribute and submit topics for Season 3.

Season 3 Introduction

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse preview the theme for season three, including episode titles and topics.

Dealing with Difficult Managers

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 11:01:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse coach you on how to deal with difficult supervisors – including their personal stories about navigating, learning, and growing through high-stress situations with managers.

Dealing with Difficult Employees

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse coach you on how to deal with difficult employees – including assessing role and skill fit, documenting expectations, and managing your direct reports out of the company when nothing else works.

Dealing with Difficult Peers

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse coach you on how to deal with difficult peers – including how to recognize and leverage strengths, cater to preferences, and set the right boundaries.

Dealing with Skip-Levels

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 14:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin & Lynse coach you on how to best approach cadences and discussions with Executives – so you can proactively avoid the common pitfalls that lead to difficult consequences.

Dealing with Difficult Customers

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 14:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin & Lynse coach business owners and account managers how to navigate difficult business-to-business (B2B) customer contracts – including how to set-up the relationship for success, manage long-term expectations, and develop a personal connection.

Dealing with Difficult Clients

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 14:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin & Lynse coach business professional, contract-based workers – such as consultants and program service providers – how to navigate the most common types of difficult client relationships encountered while delivering work.

Dealing with Difficult Vendor Partners

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 22:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin & Lynse coach business professional, contract-based workers – such as consultants and program service providers – how to deal with other vendors at the client site, whose tactics and approaches are difficult to navigate.

Dealing with Difficult Contractors

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin & Lynse coach the clients of business professional, contract-based workers how to manage and fix contractual relationships when experiencing performance and operational issues.

Dealing with Support Staff

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin & Lynse break-down the importance of proactively engaging and building relationships with roles that are less visible but comprise the backbone of the company’s operations – known as support staff.

Dealing with Difficult Executive Sponsors

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin & Lynse coach you on how to best approach and manage difficulties with Executive Sponsors (typically not the leader you report up through, but their peer) who have temporary oversight of a project you own.

Season 3 Summary

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin & Lynse reflect on the topics reviewed in season 3 including overarching themes, and offer a sneak peek into Season 4.

Season 4 Introduction

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 09:25:43 -0800

In this episode, Justin & Lynse preview the theme and interviewees for season 4.

Recognize Your Long-Term Impact

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 09:30:14 -0800

In this episode, Justin & Lynse interview Shanae Strayer – a Management Consultant with 20+ years of experience and expertise in Change Management. Shanae shares the story behind the advice that helped inform her decision-making, prioritization, and people strategy.

Keep Your Mind Flexible and Resilient

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin & Lynse interview Eric Appesland – a Financial Advisor with 20+ years of work and a diverse background that includes expertise in product and project management. Eric shares the advice that helped frame his approach and decision-making process for building his career.

Always Take Opportunities to Learn New Things

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin & Lynse interview Angela Pierce – a CPA and Financial Executive with 15+ years of experience in city and state governments. Angela shares the story behind the advice that shifted her perspective on her brand and career goals.

Your Best Mentor Is You, So Say Yes and Take Risks

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin & Lynse interview Devin Smith – an adjunct Professor with 25+ years of experience in supply chain management. Devin shares the advice he passes down to his students and helped guide his career decisions.

Your Career Has Seasons

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin & Lynse interview Brooke Spearmon – a corporate-based HR professional with 15+ years of experience, and expertise in team and program development and operational effectiveness. Brooke shares the story behind the advice that helped frame her definition of, and approach to, achieving work-life balance.

Define Your Brand by How You Want to be Remembered

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin & Lynse interview Chris Justl – a Management Consultant with 15+ years of experience in strategy development and business performance. Chris shares the story behind the advice that helped him focus in on the bigger picture behind his work.

Surround Yourself with Good People

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Lynse interviews Heidi Lahart – a Management Consultant and entrepreneur with 25+ years of work experience, and expertise in employee relationships and learning & development. Heidi shares the story behind the advice that guided her through a variety of roles she’s taken on.

Never Leave a Position Until You've Demonstrated that You Can Thrive in It

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 03 May 2023 12:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin & Lynse interview Caleb Brigman – a Senior HR Business Partner with 10+ years of experience. Caleb shares the advice that changed his perspective on how to build a career path.

Season 4 Summary

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 10 May 2023 12:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin & Lynse reflect on the topics reviewed in season 4 including overarching themes, and offer a sneak peek into Season 5.

You Don't Know What You Don't Know

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Lynse shares the story behind the advice she received when beginning a new job, and asks Justin & Shanae about their experiences with timing, building relationships, and learning how things work when onboarding to a new company, role, or project.

Season 5 Introduction

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin & Lynse discuss this season’s theme – based on the new book Refine & Grow: Lessons Learned on Navigating the Business World. They introduce this season’s guest host, Shanae Strayer, and talk about the importance and impact of being a mentor in the workplace.

Find the Learning in Everything You Do

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Lynse shares the story behind the advice she received that helped her overcome frustration in the workplace, and asks Justin & Shanae about their advice on finding learning in mundane tasks and difficult discussions.

Ask Questions That Get to the Solution

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Lynse shares the story behind the advice that taught her how to push toward workplace solutions, and asks Justin & Shanae about tips for making forward progress in meetings, team alignment, and complex business problems.

Be Buttoned Up

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Lynse shares the story behind the advice she used to lay the foundation for her brand, and asks Justin & Shanae for their thoughts on the pros and cons of building a personal brand, and the importance of accountability.

Be Okay with Awkward Silence

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Lynse shares the story behind her favorite advice from Shanae, and asks her and Justin about their tips for being observant, communication styles, and holding space for others.

Don't Avoid Failure, Minimize Its Impact

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 14:04:08 -0700

In this episode, Lynse shares the story behind her favorite advice from Justin, and asks him and Shanae about their tips on navigating ambiguity, risk tolerance, and mitigation approaches.

Don't Try to Understand Why If You Can't Influence It

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Lynse shares the story behind the advice that taught her how to best focus her time and effort, and asks Justin & Shanae about their tips on setting boundaries, aligning expectations, and avoiding burn-out in the workplace.

There Is an Art and Science to Everything

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Lynse shares the story behind the advice that helped her blend rules with creativity to become a more well-rounded consultant, and asks Justin & Shanae to share their experiences working with colleagues and managers who work differently than they do.

This Is What You Do, Not Who You Are

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Lynse shares the story behind the advice she received that helped her become proactive and confident in setting work-life expectations with employers, and asks Justin & Shanae how they define and approach the concept of “work-life balance”.

Take Inventory

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Lynse shares the story behind the analogy she applied to craft a methodology for self-reflection, and asks Justin & Shanae about how they build their toolkit, develop their “lessons learned”, and determine when it’s time to make a change.

Season 5 Summary

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin & Lynse summarize topics, highlight their favorite discussions from this season, and provide listeners with additional resources.

Season 6 Introduction

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:50:52 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse discuss this season’s theme of thought leadership and preview the list of interviewees.

Interview with Change Expert and Author, Dr. Elizabeth Moran

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse interview Dr. Elizabeth Moran about understanding the important role neuroscience plays in our reaction to change, and the need for business leaders overseeing change initiatives to proactively utilize the five brain concepts outlined in her book, Forward: Leading Your Team Through Change, to get better results.

Want to learn more? Go to https://www.elizabethmorantransformation.com/

Interview with Therapeutic Coach and Author, Estelle Read

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse interview Estelle Read on her journey to overcoming workaholism, her expertise in Imposter Syndrome, and her solution – called the Shine model, outlined in her best-selling book, Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress.

Want to learn more? Go to https://2beee.com/

Interview with Former Navy SEAL, Speaker, and Author Mary Strong

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justin and Lynse interview Marty Strong about his journey from the military to civilian world, how that transition helped him identify the traits and requirements to lead, and his approach to developing a leadership mindset, outlined in his books, Be Nimble and Be Visionary.

Want to learn more? Go to https://martystrongbenimble.com/

Interview with Entrepreneur and Author, Jonas Akerman

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Justin and Lynse interview Jonas Akerman about how to grow a small business, what indicators point toward success, and the capability assessment and entrepreneurial stories he and his co-authors outline in their book, From 50 to 500.

Want to learn more? Go to https://www.alaricpartners.com/

Interview with Executive Trainer and Author, David Achata

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Justin and Lynse interview David Achata about his work guiding Executives on the importance of knowing and understanding your values in order to have a productive work and personal life, and the approach he outlines in his latest book, Executive Retreats for Busy Business Leaders.

Want to learn more? Go to https://achatacoaching.com/

Interview with Radio Host and Life Strategist Danielle Sax

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Lynse interviews Danielle Sax, the host of UKHealth Radio’s “From Stress to Authentic Success” podcast about her personal experience and expertise on stress, it’s impacts, why it’s important to address head on, and what it means to live authentic success.

Want to learn more? Go to https://daniellesax.com/

Interview with Licensed Professional Counselor and DiSC Assessment Expert Tim Hast

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Lynse interviews Tim Hast about the DiSC (Dominance, influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness) personality assessment, how it works, and why learning to be an active listener is the key to being an effective communicator and having influence, as outlined in his book Powerful Listening, Powerful Influence.

Want to learn more? Go to https://encorelifeskills.com/

Interview with Career-Based Learning Expert and Entrepreneur, Mary Wenstrom

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Justin and Lynse interview Mary Wenstrom about her “Pathway to Purpose” program that enables students to find purpose and excitement about their career choices early-on; and how industry professionals, businesses, and local communities can support career-based learning.

Want to learn more? Go to https://www.pilinaeducation.org/

Season 6 Summary

Justin Uhler & Lynse Allen — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 11:29:32 -0800

In this episode, Justin and Lynse reflect on themes from this season, their learnings from the interviewees, and preview topics that will be covered in the next season of Refine & Grow with Justin & Lynse.