MPWR Podcast | Become The Leader YOU Want To Follow

• #20: Giving Feedback with Confidence (Without Burning Bridges)

  When was the last time you avoided giving someone feedback because you didn’t want to hurt their feelings?   In this episode of MPWR, we delve into the quiet cost of avoiding feedback and how it shapes or fractures workplace relationships. You’ll hear thought-provoking moments like:   “It felt easier to stay silent than risk rocking the boat,” one guest admits—only to realize later that “that silence spoke louder than any words ever could.”   We explore how this hesitation erodes confidence, stalls growth, and breeds misunderstanding. But there’s another side to the story: feedback done well ignites engagement. According to Gallup, 80% of employees who receive meaningful feedback in the past week are fully engaged (Gallup, 2021). Similarly, 75% of employees agree that feedback is incredibly valuable to their work—but fewer than 30% report actually getting it regularly (Oak Engage, 2024). That gap between need and delivery is costly. When strengths-based feedback becomes the norm, turnover drops—by as much as 14.9% in one study of over 65,000 workers (Peaceful Leaders Academy, 2024). And in companies that cultivate feedback as part of their culture: 70% of employees say it improves workplace culture, and 68% feel more aligned with organizational goals when feedback is consistent (ThriveSparrow, 2024). And the ripple effect continues: feedback doesn’t just feel good—it sparks action. Research featured in the Harvard Business Review shows that when employees believe managers act on their input, speaking up increases by 24%(Detert, 2024). This episode doesn’t just share stats—it brings them to life with real stories. You’ll hear about the courage it took for one leader to trade comfort for honesty, and the transformation that followed when a team finally heard, “Let’s talk about what’s not working—so we can fix it.” Tune in as we unpack: How “nice” feedback can drag down trust more than a hard truth. Why timely and specific feedback beats annual reviews every time. What silence costs—and what speaking up can save.   Whether you're a seasoned leader or a team member craving clarity, this episode reaffirms that feedback isn’t just a tool—it’s a foundation for trust, connection, and real upside. Press play and discover how one honest conversation can change everything.   🎯 Ready to lead with greater calm, clarity, and influence? Join our August Group Leadership Cohort, enrolling now. This is where leaders at every level sharpen their emotional containment skills, amplify their presence, and learn to lead without letting stress sabotage results.   Are you ready to unlock your full potential and lead with purpose, clarity, and conviction? The MPWR Podcast, hosted by Eric Pfeiffer, CEO of MPWR Coaching, is your go-to space for transformational conversations, powerful insights, and practical strategies to help you step into the next level of your leadership journey. Whether you're scaling your business, seeking greater alignment in life, or stepping into your calling—this podcast will challenge, inspire, and empower you. Want more tools to accelerate your growth? Head over to mpwrcoaching.com where you'll find free resources, game-changing books, and programs designed to elevate your mindset, build resilience, and transform the way you lead—from the inside out. 🔥 Subscribe to the MPWR Podcast on your favorite platform. 📲 Follow Eric Pfeiffer across social media (links available on the website). 🌐 Access our free mini course here!  🔗 Check out our Leadership Framework System   Want more?   🎧 Enjoyed today’s episode? If this conversation challenged or inspired you, we’d love for you to help us spread the impact. Share it with a fellow leader, subscribe so you never miss an episode, and—if you got value—leave us a quick review on your favorite podcast platform. Your reviews help more leaders discover the MPWR Podcast and step into the influence they were made for.   And remember— Be the leader YOU want to follow. See you next time.

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• #19: When Your Stress Becomes Their Problem — How Leaders Can Stop the Spillover

  Is your stress quietly sabotaging your team’s performance?   Stress at the top doesn’t stay at the top. It moves — quietly and powerfully — through every layer of your organization. It trickles down into tense boardroom conversations, subtle shifts in team morale, and even the unspoken undercurrents that define your company culture. One raised eyebrow in a meeting can create hesitation. One clipped response can send ripples of uncertainty through an entire department. In this candid MPWR episode, we unpack what happens when leaders unconsciously let stress leak onto others — and how those micro-moments, repeated over time, can silently erode trust, sap productivity, and weaken performance. The truth is, leadership stress is contagious. Research shows emotions can spread through teams in less than two minutes, often without a single word being spoken. Your tone, posture, and facial expressions are read as signals, shaping the emotional climate of your workplace. But here’s the good news: emotional containment isn’t about pretending you’re not stressed — it’s a skill you can learn and master. And when you do, it can transform not only how you lead, but how your people think, feel, and show up under pressure.   In this episode, we explore: Why even subtle stress signals (tone of voice, micro-expressions, body language) impact team performance How to identify your personal leak points before they spread to others Strategies to model calm and focus under pressure, even in high-stakes moments   As we share: “If you’re not aware of it, your stress becomes everyone else’s stress.” And the reminder hits hard: “Your team doesn’t just listen to what you say — they feel who you are.” Finally, we dig into a mindset shift: “Containment isn’t suppression. It’s leadership maturity.”   Imagine leading meetings where your presence brings clarity instead of tension. Where your calm focus helps your team think creatively under pressure. Where the culture you create is one of resilience — not reactivity. Listen now to When Your Stress Becomes Their Problem and learn how to stop the spillover before it starts.   🎯 Ready to lead with greater calm, clarity, and influence? Join our August Group Leadership Cohort, enrolling now. This is where leaders at every level sharpen their emotional containment skills, amplify their presence, and learn to lead without letting stress sabotage results.   Are you ready to unlock your full potential and lead with purpose, clarity, and conviction? The MPWR Podcast, hosted by Eric Pfeiffer, CEO of MPWR Coaching, is your go-to space for transformational conversations, powerful insights, and practical strategies to help you step into the next level of your leadership journey. Whether you're scaling your business, seeking greater alignment in life, or stepping into your calling—this podcast will challenge, inspire, and empower you. Want more tools to accelerate your growth? Head over to mpwrcoaching.com where you'll find free resources, game-changing books, and programs designed to elevate your mindset, build resilience, and transform the way you lead—from the inside out. 🔥 Subscribe to the MPWR Podcast on your favorite platform. 📲 Follow Eric Pfeiffer across social media (links available on the website). 🌐 Access our free mini course here!  🔗 Check out our Leadership Framework System   Want more?   🎧 Enjoyed today’s episode? If this conversation challenged or inspired you, we’d love for you to help us spread the impact. Share it with a fellow leader, subscribe so you never miss an episode, and—if you got value—leave us a quick review on your favorite podcast platform. Your reviews help more leaders discover the MPWR Podcast and step into the influence they were made for.   And remember— Be the leader YOU want to follow. See you next time.

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• #18: The Psychology of Micromanagement: Fear, Control, and Leadership Failure

  You’ve heard the word micromanagement tossed around in leadership circles. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself: What’s underneath it?   In this episode of the MPWR Podcast, host Eric Pfeiffer peels back the layers of control, fear, and trust that define modern leadership. This isn't a surface-level chat about delegation; it’s a deep dive into the emotional and psychological drivers behind micromanagement. At the heart of micromanagement is something most leaders rarely admit: the fear of letting go. Fear of losing relevance. Fear of mistakes. Fear that if we loosen our grip, everything could unravel. Eric shares stories from his own leadership journey and the thousands of leaders he’s coached—highlighting how fear often disguises itself as productivity, excellence, or “high standards,” when in reality, it’s eroding trust and stunting growth.   “Micromanagement isn’t about your team’s capability, it’s about your own capacity to let go.”   In this episode, you’ll discover: The root cause of micromanagement and how it often stems from personal insecurity, not professional standards The emotional toll micromanagement takes on teams—and leaders themselves How unresolved trauma and past leadership wounds can manifest in control Why delegation isn’t just a skill—it’s a trust exercise The surprising link between ego, identity, and the inability to release responsibility Practical ways to shift from control to confidence, from fear to freedom   Eric doesn't just name the problem, he gives you the tools to change. Whether you’re a CEO, team leader, entrepreneur, or someone stuck in a cycle of over-responsibility, this conversation will move you from awareness to empowerment. Because true leadership isn’t about holding on, it’s about knowing when to let go.   💬 Powerful Quotes from This Episode: “Micromanagement is a leadership wound—it looks like control, but it feels like fear.” “You can’t scale your impact if you’re clinging to every decision.” “If you believe everything will fall apart without you, the thing that needs work isn’t your team—it’s your trust.” “Control is a trauma response. Leadership is a trust response.” “The leader who refuses to let go is the one who hasn’t yet learned how to heal.”   👉 Sign Up For Our August Leadership Cohort Today!   Are you ready to unlock your full potential and lead with purpose, clarity, and conviction? The MPWR Podcast, hosted by Eric Pfeiffer, CEO of MPWR Coaching, is your go-to space for transformational conversations, powerful insights, and practical strategies to help you step into the next level of your leadership journey. Whether you're scaling your business, seeking greater alignment in life, or stepping into your calling—this podcast will challenge, inspire, and empower you. Want more tools to accelerate your growth? Head over to mpwrcoaching.com where you'll find free resources, game-changing books, and programs designed to elevate your mindset, build resilience, and transform the way you lead—from the inside out. 🔥 Subscribe to the MPWR Podcast on your favorite platform. 📲 Follow Eric Pfeiffer across social media (links available on the website). 🌐 Access our free mini course here!  🔗 Check out our Leadership Framework System   Want more?   🎧 Enjoyed today’s episode? If this conversation challenged or inspired you, we’d love for you to help us spread the impact. Share it with a fellow leader, subscribe so you never miss an episode, and—if you got value—leave us a quick review on your favorite podcast platform. Your reviews help more leaders discover the MPWR Podcast and step into the influence they were made for.   And remember— Be the leader YOU want to follow. See you next time.

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• #17: Out of the Fog: Regaining Clarity, Confidence, and Direction in Leadership

  Why Do Great Leaders Still Feel Lost? And What to Do When You’re Stuck in the Fog   On this episode of the MPWR Podcast, host Eric Pfeiffer dives into one of the most overlooked but transformative leadership tools: personal clarity. You can have the team, the talent, and the strategy but if you’re unclear on who you are, where you’re going, and why it matters, everything starts to shake. Your confidence, communication, and connection all depend on your internal alignment.   “Leadership clarity isn’t just about what you’re trying to accomplish—it’s about who you are, where you’re going, and why it matters.” “When a leader lacks clarity, everyone feels it—even when no one says it.” “You can’t lead with conviction if you’re uncertain about your own compass.”   Sign Up For Our August Leadership Cohort Today!   This episode goes beyond theory, it re-introduces a powerful spiritual and leadership framework: The Kairos Circle.   🌀 What is the Kairos Circle? The Kairos Circle comes from Greek terms for time: Chronos (chronological time) and Kairos (divinely appointed time). The circle represents a leadership process that helps you pause, reflect, and respond during key moments of insight or disruption. The cycle walks you through: Observe what’s happening Reflect on what it means Discuss with wise counsel Plan your next step Account to someone Act with intention It’s not just a framework, it’s a life rhythm that brings awareness, accountability, and transformation.   Why Clarity Matters (with Data) Studies show that clarity isn't a “nice-to-have”—it’s a performance multiplier: Employees with role clarity are 53% more efficient and 27% more effective, leading to a 25% performance increase overall (Effectory). Teams with clarity from their leaders show higher engagement, resilience, and trust—especially in moments of change (HubSpot Careers Blog).    In This Episode: The difference between doing leadership and being a clear leader How internal fog shows up in team performance Why the Kairos Circle can recalibrate your leadership in real time Practical ways to lead with clarity, conviction, and consistency   👉 Available wherever you consume podcasts   Are you ready to unlock your full potential and lead with purpose, clarity, and conviction? The MPWR Podcast, hosted by Eric Pfeiffer, CEO of MPWR Coaching, is your go-to space for transformational conversations, powerful insights, and practical strategies to help you step into the next level of your leadership journey. Whether you're scaling your business, seeking greater alignment in life, or stepping into your calling—this podcast will challenge, inspire, and empower you. Want more tools to accelerate your growth? Head over to mpwrcoaching.com where you'll find free resources, game-changing books, and programs designed to elevate your mindset, build resilience, and transform the way you lead—from the inside out. 🔥 Subscribe to the MPWR Podcast on your favorite platform. 📲 Follow Eric Pfeiffer across social media (links available on the website). 🌐 Access our free mini course here!  🔗 Check out our Leadership Framework System   Want more?   🎧 Enjoyed today’s episode? If this conversation challenged or inspired you, we’d love for you to help us spread the impact. Share it with a fellow leader, subscribe so you never miss an episode, and—if you got value—leave us a quick review on your favorite podcast platform. Your reviews help more leaders discover the MPWR Podcast and step into the influence they were made for.   And remember— Be the leader YOU want to follow. See you next time.

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• #16: Reignite Alignment When Your Team Feels Disengaged (Without Starting Over)

  You’ve checked all the boxes as a leader but your team still feels disconnected. Why?   You’ve done everything “right.” You’ve cast a compelling vision, clarified your values, and set measurable goals. You’ve had the meetings. You’ve checked in. You’ve even communicated expectations with precision. But somehow—your team still feels… off. Disengaged. Maybe even resistant. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why your team isn’t keeping pace—or worse, why they seem checked out—this episode is for you. In this power-packed conversation, we dive deep into one of the most frustrating and misunderstood leadership dynamics: misalignment despite clarity. It's the silent tension so many leaders face but rarely talk about feeling like your efforts to lead well just aren't landing the way you hoped.   In this episode, we explore: Why strong leaders still experience disconnect with their teams The hidden emotional undercurrents that often sabotage alignment How ego, assumptions, and “doing more” can actually widen the gap The subtle difference between leading with clarity and leading with connection Practical tools to realign your team without starting from scratch   You’ll also learn why the temptation to internalize your team’s disengagement as failure—or to blame them for “not getting it”—is both common and dangerous. Instead, we offer a third way—a leadership reframe rooted in humility, emotional awareness, and deeper systems thinking. Whether you’re managing a fast-growing startup, leading a seasoned corporate team, or simply trying to be a better leader in your organization, this episode will give you fresh insight and tangible action steps to reignite alignment, boost morale, and create meaningful momentum again. Leadership isn’t just about casting vision—it’s about ensuring the people around you feel seen, safe, and significant in bringing that vision to life. So if you’re feeling like your team has lost the spark, tune in. What feels like disengagement might actually be an invitation—an opportunity to reconnect, reassess, and rise stronger together.   🔑 Key Takeaways: The real reason your team may feel disengaged—even if you’ve done everything “right” How to shift from blame to breakthrough with one leadership mindset pivot The underestimated power of presence, listening, and emotional safety in team culture A simple leadership audit you can use to spot misalignment early   💬 Quote from the Episode: “Very often, we interpret our team’s behavior—without realizing we’re the ones shaping their experience.”   🎧 Ready to reignite alignment and rebuild trust? Press play now and discover how to lead through disconnection with confidence and clarity.   👉 Available wherever you consume podcasts   Are you ready to unlock your full potential and lead with purpose, clarity, and conviction? The MPWR Podcast, hosted by Eric Pfeiffer, CEO of MPWR Coaching, is your go-to space for transformational conversations, powerful insights, and practical strategies to help you step into the next level of your leadership journey. Whether you're scaling your business, seeking greater alignment in life, or stepping into your calling—this podcast will challenge, inspire, and empower you. Want more tools to accelerate your growth? Head over to mpwrcoaching.com where you'll find free resources, game-changing books, and programs designed to elevate your mindset, build resilience, and transform the way you lead—from the inside out. 🔥 Subscribe to the MPWR Podcast on your favorite platform. 📲 Follow Eric Pfeiffer across social media (links available on the website). 🌐 Access our free mini course here!  🔗 Check out our Leadership Framework System   Want more?   🎧 Enjoyed today’s episode? If this conversation challenged or inspired you, we’d love for you to help us spread the impact. Share it with a fellow leader, subscribe so you never miss an episode, and—if you got value—leave us a quick review on your favorite podcast platform. Your reviews help more leaders discover the MPWR Podcast and step into the influence they were made for.   And remember— Be the leader YOU want to follow. See you next time.

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