Hey friends, it’s Wisdom here! In this episode, I sat down with Derrick Van Mell, a true advocate for better management and ethical leadership. We dove deep into why everyone deserves a boss who helps them feel safe, appreciated, and proud—and how powerful that is for any team or workplace. Derrick shared stories from his own career (yep, including what it’s like to have a bad boss!) and broke down why ethics and competence should always go hand-in-hand. We also talked about the difference between managers and leaders, how management can be a genuine calling, and simple, practical ways to run better meetings that actually matter. My hope is that you finish this episode inspired to raise your leadership game, treat your power with care, and build a culture where everyone thrives. Let’s keep growing together!
Connect with Derrick Van MellLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrickvanmell/
I’m building an online business in public — sharing every win, setback, and “I can’t believe that happened” moment along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to start from scratch, come along for the ride. Join the journey at https://wisdom.beehiiv.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:18 The Belief: Everyone Deserves a Good Boss
02:13 Contrasting Good and Bad Bosses
02:56 Defining Bad Bosses and Their Impact
03:34 The Core Difference: Putting Others First
03:56 Founding the Center for Management Terms and Practices
04:48 The Need for Universal Management Standards
05:24 The Journey to Creating Standards
06:27 The Benefits and Adoption of Standards
07:16 Real Stories That Validated the Mission
08:02 Ethics and Competence: The Twin Pillars of Leadership
09:21 How Ethics and Competence Connect in Practice
09:43 Clarifying Manager, Management, Leader, and Leadership
10:31 Defining Manager vs. Leader
11:35 The Confusion of Management Titles Globally
12:37 Management as a Calling, Not Just a Job
13:59 Stories Illustrating Leadership as a Calling
16:13 The Pledge of Managerial Power
17:37 Ethics of Power and Influence in Management
18:41 Ethical Use of Power and Information in the Digital Age
20:25 The Four Questions for Using Power Ethically
20:47 Ethics of Information, Honesty, and Trust
21:55 Sharing Information Transparently in Business
23:31 The Value of Honest Communication for Trust
24:46 Influence vs. Manipulation as a Leader
25:51 Listening and Feedback in Leadership Communication
28:08 Clarifying Communication Through Active Listening
29:28 How to Run Focused, Productive Meetings
30:15 Types and Goals of Business Meetings
31:42 Practical Steps for Great Meetings and Participation
33:24 The Quarter Page Meeting Planner Tool
34:02 Preparing Participants for Effective Meetings
35:32 Advice for Young Managers in the Digital Age
37:04 Making Purpose and Human Connection a Priority
39:21 Closing Thoughts and Resource Links
41:25 Final Thanks and Episode Wrap-Up