Introduction/Episode Overview:

In this episode, we are thrilled to be joined by Dr. Rob Lion, a thought leader and practitioner in Human Flourishing in the workplace. Rob lives in the US and is a Professor of Human Resource Development at Idaho State University. He is also the co-founder of Black River Performance Management, where he works with leaders to shape environments that foster growth, well-being, and high performance.

Together, we explore the evolving challenges of leadership and discuss strategies to inspire accountability, belonging, and meaningful work.
work in an "always-on" culture.

Topics Discussed:

• What is Human Flourishing?: A nuanced view of well-being that focuses on balance, growth, and creating sustainable energy for life and work.

• The CAR Model: A simple yet powerful framework rooted in Self-Determination Theory, highlighting the importance of competence, autonomy, and relatedness.

• Hybrid Leadership Challenges: How to maintain culture, foster belonging, and lead with compassion in a remote or hybrid setup.

• Balancing Efficiency and Effectiveness: Slowing down to focus on relationships, deep work, and meaningful interactions.

• Fostering Humanity in Leadership: Why vulnerability, trust, and psychological safety are crucial in today’s workplaces.

• Generational Shifts and Workplace Dynamics: Navigating different life stages and expectations while maintaining accountability and connection.

Quotes From This Episode:

• “Flourishing isn’t about always being on top; it’s about maintaining a healthy balance across all aspects of life.”

• “We want people to go home at the end of the day with fuel still left in their tank so they can be present with their families, volunteer, or do the things that matter to them.”

• “Leaders need to slow down to speed up—focusing on connection and humanity ensures we don’t lose quality in the pursuit of efficiency.”

• “We’re at risk of becoming more transactional in our work, losing the richness of deep connections and meaningful relationships.”

• “Cognitive miserly—that’s what happens when we rely too much on technology. Leaders must help others develop wisdom and avoid shortcuts that stunt growth.”

• “The best leaders create environments where people can advocate for themselves. That starts with trust, respect, and genuine care.”

• “Vulnerability is key to building trust and psychological safety, but it’s historically been avoided in workplaces.”

A huge thank you to Dr. Rob Lion for sharing his invaluable insights and expertise with us on this episode. We are already looking forward to Part 2!