The Smart Thinking Podcast
Ted Neitzke brings you the ”The Smart Thinking Podcast.” Smart Thinking is for anyone and everyone -- because we are all leaders. Join us weekly for reflective activities and strategies to grow yourself and others. Ted shares his leadership expertise with simple to apply tools.
You will grow in your ability to step into the storm’s life presents with energy and optimism. Just like the buffalo!
Ted Neitzke brings you the ”The Smart Thinking Podcast.” Smart Thinking is for anyone and everyone -- because we are all leaders. Join us weekly for reflective activities and strategies to grow yourself and others. Ted shares his leadership expertise with simple to apply tools.
You will grow in your ability to step into the storm’s life presents with energy and optimism. Just like the buffalo!
Listen on:
Episodes

Mar 3, 2024
Mar 3, 2024
26 min
Join us for a discussion of how an emergency surgery supercharged Ted's belief that empathy is the greatest leadership quality. Hear as he discusses the great care he received and how the healthcare workers supporting him diminished his vulnerability by being empathetic. You'll be inspired to think about how you matter in the moments when others need you the most!
Describe the last time you felt vulnerable and how you overcame that emotion
List the people in your life that would benefit from your empathy
Describe how you can increase your empathy in your actions

Feb 25, 2024
Feb 25, 2024
1hr 9 min
What is your intentional process to ensure you get the best from an interaction with someone else? Seriously, people you like, people you work with, people you over and even people on the opposite side of politics?
Join us a for a great conversation where Craig and Ted trade a ton of strategies and tactics to support you in developing a stronger ability to have great conversations.

Feb 18, 2024
Feb 18, 2024
31 min
As we look to the start of spring and a break for many of us, I want to give you some texts to read to invest in yourself and others! This list of texts is best read in the order explained and below. However, each book, by itself, is fantastic!
Stay Sane In An Insane World, Greg Harden
A New Kind Of Diversity, Tim Elmore
Yes To The Mess, Frank Barrett
How To Know A Person, David Brooks
The Little Liar, Mitch Albom
Maybe, Kobi Yamada

Feb 4, 2024
Feb 4, 2024
1hr 9 min
Gallup has so many great resources and one of my favorites is the Clifton Strength Finder. Join me for a conversation with Dr. Tim Hodges who over sees the Clifton Strengths Institute and learn how to apply your strengths and utilize the tool in new and rewarding ways.

Jan 28, 2024
Jan 28, 2024
22 min
Maybe we all need to learn a new habit. Short-term memory when leading. In other words, how to move ourselves along quickly so that we don't get trapped in a narrative that causes us more stress and pressure. Well, as Ted Lasso says: be a goldfish.
Use the four f's to get you there: fast, forgive, forget and forward!

Jan 21, 2024
Jan 21, 2024
57 min
Join me for a conversation with author Tim Elmore as we discuss his newest book: A New Kind of Diversity. Our conversation focuses on how to bridge the gap between generations and become more empathetic for those you serve.
I highly recommend his book and exploring his website: growingleaders.com

Jan 14, 2024
Jan 14, 2024
31 min
Too often we miss the opportunity to SHOW our teams why we need to change. Take a listen as we explore the impact of taking organizational field trips.
Where do you need to go and visit?
Describe a process you could employ to increase collective empathy and understanding.
List who needs to go on a field trip.
Book: The Power of Moments- Chip and Dan Heath

Jan 7, 2024
Jan 7, 2024
30 min
Do you have an intentional strategy to bring energy to the staff and students as you enter the second half of the year? You do now.
Take a listen and hear a few ways in which you can provide the energy and motivation to take you through the rest of the year.
Describe your strategy to create mid-year energy
List the activities you’ll do or do to create lift mid-year
Describe how you can energize all staff
Song: Yellow by artist Andrew Hoyt

Jan 1, 2024
Jan 1, 2024
30 min
This year, we need to practice being better to ourselves. Take a listen as we explore a great communication process for self reflection and goal setting. Hear why we need to be more generous -- not necessarily to others -- - but to ourselves.
List ways you can increase generosity towards yourself
Describe a process you can use to set your goals
List other ways you can use this process to support others

Dec 17, 2023
Dec 17, 2023
40 min
I thought I’d turn on the mic and sit down with my kids and ask them to describe their experiences as college students and why they want to be teachers.


