uncommon teams

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Uncommon Leadership Interview Series

Ever feel like you are just one more cog in a machine? Ever had a manager treat you as though you were completely interchangeable with someone else on your team? Ever been stuck doing something you absolutely hated while others complained about doing something you would have loved to do?

We’re not just cogs, nor are we plug-and-play replacements for anyone else. We each have unique talents. The teams I’ve most enjoyed working with, and the teams who best accomplished their goals, have always been teams who customized their approach to take full advantage of those unique gifts.

The Uncommon Leadership interview series will inspire you through the stories of those who have made the shift from struggling to thriving as leaders, individually and in a team environment. Join us as we explore aligning personal fulfillment with business success, creating authentic teams, and cultivating the resilience necessary to move beyond simply surviving today’s challenges into thriving.

Find the video and transcript for every episode just below. To receive an email every time I publish a new episode, sign up for my newsletter using the form at the top of this page. Or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or directly through the RSS feed.

Leading with Intention ft. Sonya Siderova

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Michael Hunter

In a world where teams are up against burnout and inefficiency, Sonya Siderova, CEO of Nave, takes a unique approach—one rooted in trust.

“I don’t manage people; I manage workflows,” she shares, emphasizing the power of leadership that empowers, rather than controlling teams.

In this episode of Uncommon Leadership, Michael Hunter and Sonya Siderova explore the true impact of work-life boundaries, the role of self-trust in leadership, and how personal systems can drive positive business outcomes.

They also reveal why bottlenecks—not people—are often the real challenge in workflow management.
Tune in now to learn the surprising truth about managing workflows.

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Mastering the Human Element ft. Garrett Delph

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Michael Hunter

In this episode of Uncommon Leadership: Garrett Delph, the founder & CEO of Clarity Ops and I, examine the critical role of company culture in building high-performing teams.
We discuss how addressing organizational challenges early on and balancing strategic objectives and operational realities is a must for success.

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The Art of the Ask: How To Negotiate & Feel Good About It

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Michael Hunter

Ever feel like you have to be someone else to succeed in negotiations?

Do negotiation conversations make you want to hide?

Then this podcast is for you as Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams and John Gates, founder of Salary Coach, reveal how negotiation doesn’t have to be a power struggle.

In this episode, you’ll see how negotiations can be an opportunity for mutual gain. If you dream it, you can ask for it — but here’s the trick: you have to know how and when. 

According to Gates, being authentic during the negotiation process can be powerful. It can help you build win-win agreements, develop a deep understanding of the other party’s needs, and achieve better outcomes—without sacrificing their personal values or professional relationships.

This conversation is nothing short of a masterclass and will forever change the way you approach every negotiation.

Tune in now, so you never leave money on the table again!

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Elevate workplace joy: Kevin Wilkins

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Michael Hunter

Michael Hunter interviews Kevin Wilkins, CEO of Trepwise, highlighting his mission to empower purpose-driven organizations by enhancing organizational behavior and culture. Wilkins emphasizes the importance of placing people at the center of work for achieving effective outcomes. He discusses aligning mission, vision, and values, and the need for actionable plans to foster fulfillment and joy in workplaces.

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Breathe into your life: Ron Stotts

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Michael Hunter

Michael Hunter interviews Dr. Ron Stotts, a psychologist and meditation teacher, about personal transformation and leadership. Stotts emphasizes self-acceptance and inner exploration as crucial for overcoming fears and limitations. He guides leaders to look within for answers and embrace change as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery in their professional and personal lives.

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Be a good person: Rob Beachy

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Michael Hunter

Michael Hunter interviews Rob Beachy, the Chief Information Officer at Sturgis Bank, about his leadership journey from the military to tech. Rob emphasizes the importance of seeing team members as individuals, open communication, learning from failures, and embracing change. His leadership style focuses on empathy and collaboration, fostering a positive work culture.

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Welcome opportunities through challenge: Kumar and Amit Ramlall

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Michael Hunter

Michael Hunter discusses transformative leadership with Dr. Kumar and Amit Ramlall on Uncommon Leadership. Dr. Kumar is a medical expert and advisor, while Amit, who has autism, utilizes his experiences to guide leaders in overcoming challenges. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the intrinsic purpose behind challenges and leveraging unique gifts for impactful solutions.

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Demonstrate positive personal impact: Mark Fulcher

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Michael Hunter

Michael Hunter interviews Mark Fulcher, managing director of Beacon Consult, about leadership in the context of organizational success. Mark shares experiences from his corporate journey, including his leadership during the wildfires in Australia. He emphasizes the evolving role of leaders, the importance of empathy, and creating safe spaces for effective coaching.

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Believe in wonder: Adrian Koehler

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Michael Hunter

Michael Hunter interviews leadership expert Adrian Koehler about the importance of seeing people as individuals and leveraging their unique gifts. Adrian emphasizes the need for openness, connection, and authenticity in leadership, encouraging listeners to engage genuinely to foster trust and collaboration. He highlights the significance of curiosity and vulnerability in developing meaningful relationships.

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People are heuristics: Michael Bolton

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Michael Hunter

Michael Hunter interviews Michael Bolton on Uncommon Leadership, discussing Bolton’s extensive experience in software testing and team dynamics. Bolton emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in problem-solving, using examples from his career, including his background in theater. They explore the relevance of heuristic approaches in testing and leadership, while cautioning against over-reliance on technology.

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Enjoy your journey: Brad Voorhees

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Michael Hunter

Michael Hunter interviews Brad Voorhees about leadership development and HR strategies. Voorhees emphasizes recognizing untapped potential in candidates and current employees, advocating for a focus on effective communication and personal growth journeys rather than linear career paths. He stresses the significance of aligning core values with behaviors to enhance organizational culture and talent strategy.

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Foster curiosity: Chandler Cutler

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Michael Hunter

Michael Hunter interviews Chandler Cutler, founder of CorEthos, about his journey in leadership and the importance of a people-first approach in business. Emphasizing communication and relationship-building, Chandler discusses how recognizing individual strengths fosters an inclusive work culture that enhances team success and accountability, addressing potential challenges in leadership dynamics.

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