212. Brian Formato - Find Your Groove

"...if we could put people in the water and teach them to surf, we'd actually have to force them to suck at something again...In business, you don't teach people to fail because failure is not an option. But our best learnings come from failure..."

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Brian Formato and Groove Management
• 06:31 Innovative Learning Approaches in Leadership Development
• 15:01 Feedback and Impact of Leader Surf Program
• 20:54 Patience and Intensity in Leadership
• 27:04 Finding Your Groove
• 35:27 Rapid Fire Insights

Episode Summary:

In this conversation, Shannon Cassidy interviews Brian Formato, founder of Groove Management and creator of Leader Surf. Brian shares his journey from a challenging corporate career to establishing a unique leadership development program that combines surfing with personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of selfless leadership, the need for innovative learning approaches, and the impact of generosity in creating a ripple effect in leadership. The discussion also explores the parallels between surfing and leadership, highlighting the significance of patience, intensity, and celebrating success. In this conversation, Brian Formato discusses the significance of creating a culture of generosity within leadership and organizations. He emphasizes the importance of feedback, self-awareness, and the impact of small gestures in leadership. The discussion also touches on the value of time as a resource and how it can be used to foster relationships and personal growth. Brian shares personal anecdotes and insights on thriving in both personal and professional life, culminating in a rapid-fire segment that reveals his thoughts on various topics.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

• Groove Management focuses on what's right rather than what's wrong.
• Generosity in leadership creates a ripple effect that benefits others.
• Patience and intensity are crucial traits for effective leaders.
• Celebrating successes is vital for team morale and motivation.
• Learning to fail gracefully is an important part of growth.
• Finding one's groove is a personal and professional journey.  
• Creating a culture of generosity starts with intentionality.
• Time is a valuable resource that should be invested in others.
• Vulnerability in leadership is a strength, not a weakness.
• Investing in relationships is key to living a fulfilling life.

Guest Bio:

Brian Formato is the founder of Groove Management, an executive coaching, strategic planning and human capital consulting firm, and the creator of LeaderSurf, an adventurous development program for business leaders of all backgrounds, industries and corners of the world who want to break old habits and create lasting change.

Brian has 25+ years of experience developing leaders and organizational capabilities inside of companies in a variety of industries including financial services, software, digital marketing, telecommunications, industrials, construction equipment and publishing as well as non-profit organizations. He has served in diverse roles including HR management, leadership and organizational development, corporate communications, and digital marketing.

He launched Groove Management in 2014 to help first time CEOs step into new and uncharted waters inherent with their unique roles. He is known for his work with executive teams, taking them outside of their four walls to address tough business challenges, and create new experiences that build trust and prompt change. His practice offers executive coaching, leadership effectiveness and development, organizational development, behavior-based leader branding, and alignment during change (early change company growth, post-merger integration and venture capital) services.

Brian pairs appreciative inquiry with a balance