Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet

Are your factual data-driven presentations falling flat? Getting endless clarifying questions instead of action? 

If you're an analytical leader struggling to build buy-in despite having solid data and compelling spreadsheets, this episode is for you. Leadership coach Kris Liebau interviews communication expert Barbara Boldt to reveal why technical professionals often fail to persuade—and how to fix it.

Key T...

Do you cringe at the word "networking"? 

In this episode of Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet, host Kris Liebau and guest Greg Peters (The Reluctant Networker) reveal why most analytical leaders hate networking—and how to completely redefine it.

Forget awkward small talk and business card exchanges. Discover a practical approach to building genuine professional relationships that actually deliver value. Learn why networking is...

In this episode of Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet, host Kris Liebau and executive coach Aaron Fields explore the hidden psychology of procrastination for high-achieving professionals. 

Discover:

• why procrastination isn't about laziness but about avoiding uncomfortable feelings, 
• how perfectionism masquerades as productivity, and 
• practical strategies to shift from analysis paralysis to meaningful action
• how to recognize when yo...

When you've invested heavily in processes but aren't seeing the expected returns, the problem might not be in your systems—it's in your and your team's thinking patterns. In this episode of Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet, coach Kris Liebau reveals how high-achieving leaders sabotage results through overplayed strengths like perfectionism, achievement addiction, and hypervigilance.

Discover:

• Why we struggle to ...

Discover how improv techniques can transform your leadership style from task-focused to truly present and engaging. In this Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet episode, improv experts and coaches Betsy Salkind and Amy Warshawsky reveal how structured improvisation techniques can help analytical leaders build stronger teams and clearer communication.

Gain insights on why:

• Structure and rules actually enhance creativity
• Simple communicat...

Engineering leader Jim Mason shares powerful insights on managing scope creep, making effective course corrections, and maintaining project momentum. Join Kris Liebau, host of Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet, and Jim as they explore how sailing's "Velocity Made Good" principle transforms project management and team leadership. 

In this episode, Kris and Jim unpack strategies for:

⛵ Optimizing team velocity while navigat...

Transform your leadership effectiveness with a data-driven approach to time management. Join Kris Liebau as she breaks down the four essential pillars of productivity: volume management, focused execution, mental energy optimization, and strategic perspective.

🎯 Perfect for engineering managers, technical directors, and data-driven leaders looking to maximize their impact while minimizing overwhelm.

In this episode, discover:

• Str...

Struggling with endless tasks and competing priorities? Join Kris Liebau on Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet as she reveals proven strategies for busy professionals to conquer work overload in Part 1 of this 2-part series on time management. Learn how to implement the Eisenhower Matrix, master task triage, and lead with emotional intelligence.

Discover practical techniques to:

• ✓ Transform your approach to task prioritization
• ✓ Make ...

Join Kris Liebau, our host, and Heidi Ettlinger, global snowsports leader, as they explore how expert bias impacts communication effectiveness by experts in their respective fields. Discover why your expertise might be hindering your ability to connect with your team and learn practical strategies for overcoming the 'curse of knowledge.' This episode reveals how humble curiosity and active listening can transform your lea...

Struggling to find satisfaction and purpose in your leadership role? In this episode of Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet, coach Kris Liebau reveals how to establish and reconnect with your purpose as a leader. Learn why getting things done isn't enough anymore, and discover how to measure success beyond spreadsheets and tasks. Perfect for technical managers, directors, and executives who miss the satisfaction of hands-on work.

 K...

Transform your leadership by mastering the art of celebration! In this powerful episode of Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet, Kris Liebau reveals why celebrating success - both visible and invisible - is crucial for sustainable growth and team motivation.

In this episode, discover:

• How to identify and celebrate "invisible" wins
• Practical strategies for building celebration into your daily routine
• Why acknowledging small vict...

Expressing gratitude may feel unnecessary when expectations are simply being met. Yet 81% of employees say they would work harder if their leaders showed appreciation, and 74% of workers say they rarely receive it. In this episode of Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet, Kris Liebau breaks down the tangible impact of strategic gratitude and provides a framework for analytical leaders to implement it effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• • How hi...

In this thought-provoking episode of Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet, host Kris Liebau explores the intricate relationship between abundant choices and our desires to map outcomes spur on overthinking. Discover how the sheer number of options in today's workplace can compound decision-making challenges, leading to analysis paralysis. 

Join us as we delve into the mental complexities of contemplating countless variables...

Are you engaged in a battle with your calendar and you mind on how to maximize each hour of the day to get it "ALL" done?  Feeling like those Tetris skills you honed in your youth are helping you squeeze every little time block into place?

Discover how to optimize your personal operational capacity with Kris Liebau on "Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet." In this eye-opening episode, Kris explores the delic...

In this debut episode of “Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet,” Kris Liebau, an engineer turned engineering leadership coach, reveals the pivotal role of emotional intelligence in driving successful projects and processes. Kris shares her personal journey from technical problem-solving to understanding the crucial importance of people management. Learn why emotional intelligence and difficult conversations are key to addressing root cau...

Discover the power of self-awareness in leadership coaching with Kris Liebau on Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet. In this eye-opening episode, Kris shares her journey founding Action and Ease Leadership Coaching and reveals how personal growth drives positive workplace change.

Key takeaways:
- Boost leadership effectiveness through self-awareness
- Identify and overcome limiting patterns and habits
- Integrate knowledge in...

Learn how data-driven professionals can enhance their leadership effectiveness by developing crucial interpersonal abilities.  Join Kris Liebau in this enlightening episode of Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet as she explores the essential skills analytical leaders need to complement their technical strengths. 

Key takeaways:

• Defining analytical leadership
• Harmonizing data-driven decisions with team motivation
• Overcoming perfectionism...

Reconnect and ignite the power of your one-on-one meetings to build stronger teams and boost productivity. In this episode of "Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet," host Kris Liebau reveals how to turn these often-overlooked sessions into valuable opportunities for relationship-building and empowerment.

Key takeaways:

• Balance your roles as manager, mentor, and coach
• Create energizing and productive one-on-ones
• Foster critical ...

Welcome to "Leading Beyond the Spreadsheet," the podcast dedicated to analytical leaders in engineering, finance, and technology industries who are ready to embrace their strengths and lead effectively at a higher level. 

If you're a professional that values accuracy, processes, and data, AND you want to enhance your people management skills to match your technical expertise, this podcast is for you.

Join us ...