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 🦬!
Episodes

Sunday Feb 24, 2019
Episode 80: Hey Freshman – I’m Like You (Reflection)
Sunday Feb 24, 2019
Sunday Feb 24, 2019
While we are all quick to recall or judge kids who are freshman – we have a lot in common with them. Take a listen to this discussion on how we all approach change – just like a freshman.
What are you most excited about when there is change?
What are you most anxious about when there is change?
What stories are in your head when you have to change?

Sunday Feb 17, 2019
Episode 79: Your Mt. Rushmore (Leadership & Reflection)
Sunday Feb 17, 2019
Sunday Feb 17, 2019
Take a listen to this fun and engaging strategy to get people to reflect upon the people who influenced their leadership.
List the four people who made you who you are today.
Describe them each in one word – kleos
If you were on someone else’s MT. Rushmore – why would you be there?

Sunday Feb 10, 2019
Episode 78: I Teach – What Is Your Superpower? (Motivation)
Sunday Feb 10, 2019
Sunday Feb 10, 2019
It is truly heroic to go to school every year for your entire life with an attitude that you can save the day. That is what a teacher does and that is why they have superpowers.
Which tools do you use and how do you inspire those you serve?
List the ways in which you support your colleagues.
List your sidekicks.

Sunday Feb 03, 2019
Episode 77: Take a walk and change the view (Tool)
Sunday Feb 03, 2019
Sunday Feb 03, 2019
Too often we try to identify a solution without understanding the problem. Take a walk with me and explore a strategy to support greater empathy and reflection so that you can address the issue and support those you serve. Two strategies will be explored – one Six Sigma and one from David Bowie.
List walks you need to take.
Describe a process that you could follow in order to increase your perspective.
What is the greatest long term dilemma you face and how can you David Bowie your knowledge in order to get a new perspective?

Sunday Jan 27, 2019
Episode 76: The guy before the guy (Leadership
Sunday Jan 27, 2019
Sunday Jan 27, 2019
When you come upon two roads – do you take time to appreciate who paved them? Listen this week to hear about our role as road builders for others.
How do you demonstrate gratitude for the people who’ve come before you?
List the five people you are closest to and identify strategies you could employ to support their journey.
List three people that made the road for you.

Sunday Jan 20, 2019
Episode 75: Buffalo II (Motivation)
Sunday Jan 20, 2019
Sunday Jan 20, 2019
Celebrating the 75th episode by reminding us why it is so important to lead with zeal.
List the characteristics of buffalo leaders
Describe the ways in which you will approach your next storm.
Reflect upon your last storm and analyze your behaviors.

Sunday Jan 13, 2019
Episode 74: Emotional Labor (Life)
Sunday Jan 13, 2019
Sunday Jan 13, 2019
Everyone labors in his or her work - -however, did you ever notice how tired you are when you get to lead others? This episode explores the strategies and mindset you need to employ in order to strengthen your emotions.
Describe the ways in which you can kill’m with kindness this week?
Describe the conditions you need to create in order to take the time to reflect.
List ways in which you can provide a break for yourself and disconnect.

Sunday Jan 06, 2019
Episode 73: No you can’t have a bad day. (Leadership)
Sunday Jan 06, 2019
Sunday Jan 06, 2019
Leaders are not allowed to have bad days. When we have bad days -- so do others -- and that is not leadership. Take a listen to this episode as I discuss strategies and mindsets to help you better serve others.
Describe your triggers.
Explain how you can create time for yourself to reflect so that you can move to recovery.
Can you move from bad days to bad moments so that you can better support those you serve and love?

Sunday Dec 30, 2018
Episode 72: Defined (Life)
Sunday Dec 30, 2018
Sunday Dec 30, 2018
Focus on defining yourself this New Year. This episode explores the mindset of sticking to who you are and focusing on getting better by clearly defining who you are and what you stand for so that you can be a great leader each day.
List three words that describes you.
What is your definition?
In 2020 how will other describe you?

Sunday Dec 23, 2018
Episode 71: Fuel for Fellowship and Family
Sunday Dec 23, 2018
Sunday Dec 23, 2018
How are you investing in joy for others? This episode explores the ways in which you can use your leadership to support the future of all those around you.
Describe how you will lead this season and create an investment in joy.
List strategies to prolong the days and build lasting memories.