Leading Through Chaos: Brenda Neckvatal on Fixing Toxic Teams, Crisis Leadership & Human Results

In this milestone 100th episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with powerhouse leader and three-time bestselling author Brenda Neckvatal—a woman known for helping the strongest leaders deal with the messiest people. With 30 years of experience in HR, leadership development, and crisis management, Brenda has trained over 1,000 leaders and worked with 700+ companies to transform toxic dynamics and build resilient, high-performance teams.

From her beginnings in Fortune 500 companies to founding Human Results, Brenda’s no-fluff approach has made her a go-to mentor when the stakes are high, egos are flaring, and clarity is critical. Whether you’re leading a team, managing conflict, or trying to figure out how to grow from failure, this episode is packed with practical strategies, personal growth gems, and transformative leadership insights. Brenda also shares how her work with The Honor Foundation helps Navy SEALs and Special Forces veterans navigate civilian life with purpose and clarity.

If you’re ready to learn how to lead with conviction, communicate with authenticity, and manage crisis like a pro—this episode is your blueprint.

Top 5 Highlights:

1. 🎯 Respect Over Likeability: True leadership means being respected, not liked. Brenda shares why making hard decisions and holding to core values builds stronger, more sustainable teams.

2. 🛠️ HR That Works: How the evolution from traditional HR to “Human Results” has shifted the focus from compliance to transformation—and why leaders must master both.

3. 🧠 Crisis Management & Narcissism: Brenda breaks down how to spot behavioral red flags, manage narcissistic personalities, and why clarity and directness are your best tools in a crisis.

4. 🎤 Speaking to Transform, Not Inform: Improv, pattern recognition, and value-dumping—Brenda explains how her keynotes change lives and challenge listeners to self-reflect.

5. 💡 Leading Elite Operators: From boardrooms to battlefield veterans, Brenda shares the SEAL-inspired collaboration mindset: “One is none. Two is one. No man is an island.”

⏱ Timestamped Summary:

• 00:00 Brenda shares her leadership journey and the real meaning behind helping elite leaders manage emotional chaos and toxic team dynamics.

• 21:09 From Fortune 500 HR to transformational speaker—why Human Results matter more than policy manuals.

• 52:56 A 4 AM phone call, The Honor Foundation, and finding your calling in serving others through real communication and truth-telling.

• 01:05:21 Clear communication, strong principles, and team alignment—Brenda’s formula for sustainable leadership.

• 01:28:20 Government contracting and accountability: how principles beat preferences and prevent costly mistakes.

• 01:41:58 Escalating behaviors and tough leadership calls—navigating workplace threats with courage and strategy.

• 01:58:42 Trust, trauma, and transformation—Brenda shares the emotional story of Navy SEAL Mike Day and what it means to lead with heart.

• 02:25:09 Big announcements ahead: What’s next for Common Cents and why this episode marks the beginning of a new era.

  
  

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