The Heart & Science of Leadership

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Ever wonder why some leaders instantly command respect while others struggle to get their message across? The secret lies not in what they say, but how they communicate it.
Communication represents the fundamental difference between leadership that merely directs and leadership that transforms. In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Paul Gavoni and AJ Rinaldi unpack the five critical dimensions of leadership communication that drive organizational success: reinforcing for production, resolving for partnership, reciting for inspiration, reflecting for authenticity, and receiving for understanding.
The conversation reveals surprising insights about the science of human behavior, including the optimal 4:1 ratio of positive to corrective feedback and why our natural tendency to focus on problems actually undermines our leadership effectiveness. Both hosts candidly share their personal struggles with public speaking—once their greatest fear—and how they transformed this weakness into a strength through deliberate practice and mindset shifts.
Perhaps most powerfully, they challenge the common assumption that communication flows primarily downward in organizations. "When was the last time you directed positive feedback up the chain?" Dr. Gavoni asks, highlighting how true communication creates a culture of mutual respect that flows in all directions. Through practical examples, compelling research, and memorable stories, this episode provides a comprehensive framework for communication that builds trust, resolves conflict, and inspires exceptional performance.
Whether you're leading a small team or an entire organization, these evidence-based communication strategies will help you move beyond good intentions to create lasting impact. After all, as the hosts remind us, leadership isn't about title or intent—it's about impact.

Link to Respect is a 2-Way Street Article

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

The Behavioral Toolbox equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others.

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Hey there, fellow behavior analysts and seekers of knowledge! Get ready to dive into an eye-opening episode with Dr. Antonio Harrison, a true maverick in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA). And guess what? We're not just sticking to the ordinary.
Sure, ABA is like a superhero when it comes to helping those on the autism spectrum, but in this chat, we're blowing the lid off its potential. But hold on, that's not all. Ever wondered how to blend your niche with your passions and craft your own ABA path? Dr. Harrison and I spill the beans on exactly that. Tune in to find out how to explore how to leverage your passion and unleash your potential through the magic of ABA.
Link to Antonio's letter discussed in the episode
Link to Antonio's website

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

The Behavioral Toolbox equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others.

Send us a text

Achieving results in any organization requires behavior. But too often, leaders do not know how to get critical behavior going and keep it moving to achieve desired outcomes. In this episode, Dr. John Austin lays out key approaches for reaching results using practical behavior science.
If you are interested in getting a copy of Dr. Austin's book RESULTS: The science-based approach to better productivity, profitability, and safety, it will be available starting May 25 at ABAi and on Amazon.
If you would like a free audiobook version, click here!

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

The Behavioral Toolbox equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others.

Send us a text

In this episode, my good friend and Vice President at Aubrey Daniels International, Francisco Gomez, breaks down the application of Organizational Behavior Management strategies in organizations. If you are interested in learning more about OBM and leadership, this is definitely an episode for you. Francisco, an OOG in this space, has supported organizations with improving performance and achieving valued outcomes across different industries across the globe!
About Francisco:
With a career that has encompassed performance management consulting for multiple industrial sectors across the globe, as well as executive positions in the tech industry, Francisco consolidates this experience to generate results and bring value to his customers.
Francisco is a board member for industrial as well as a nonprofit organizations and serves as public speaker and columnist on behavioral science and performance management. He and his family currently reside in Asheville, North Carolina. In his free time, he enjoys spending time in the North Carolina mountains and playing music.

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

The Behavioral Toolbox equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others.

Send us a text

What does it mean to create healthier, equitable workplaces? How does behavioral science play a key role in this transformation? Join us as we welcome the insightful Portia James to answer these questions. Portia, a prominent leader in the field of behavior analysis, shares her experiences and passion for constructing fair workforces where people feel valued. She sheds light on the rapidly evolving industry, underlining the escalating demands and complexities of leadership.
Embark with us on Portia's personal odyssey as she navigates the challenges of leading in a domain that often prioritizes corporate power, money, and titles over human-centric approaches. Journey with us through the intricate world of entrepreneurship and leadership, where Portia emphasizes on the necessity for decision-making prowess and perspective-taking. We delve into the science of behavior analysis as the very DNA of leadership, stressing on the alignment of values and behaviors. As leaders, we must ensure accountability and resist the temptation to get overly absorbed in daily business trivialities.
In our concluding act, Portia and I focus on the essential subject of feedback and perspective in leadership. We scrutinize the dangerous notion of 'selling your soul' and how it cannibalizes a person's essence over time. Portia highlights the essence of humility in leadership and the need for feedback, both from industry veterans and team members within our organization. We wrap up with Portia sharing her insights on using social media effectively for communication and fostering engaging conversations. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the significance of vision, integrity, and humility in leadership.

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

The Behavioral Toolbox equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others.