The Way of The Wolf

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 216 | 02.18.2025
Episode Title: Sean Barnes on Connecting on Their Level  
 
Episode summary introduction:
Sean Barnes delves into the challenge of connecting with others and building relationships in the business world. He shares an insightful story of successfully connecting with a brilliant engineer by leveraging shared interests. Through this experience, Sean illustrates the importance of building trust through personal connections and engaging in technical discussions. The episode emphasizes the value of finding common ground and establishing meaningful relationships to foster trust and collaboration in professional settings.
 
Key Moments
0:00 – The challenge of connecting with others and building relationships in business
1:16 – Successfully connecting with a brilliant engineer using shared interests
3:24 – Building trust through personal connections and technical discussions
 
Key Takeaways
Building genuine connections with colleagues can facilitate smoother project integrations and foster mutual respect.
Finding common ground, even in areas outside of work, can significantly strengthen professional relationships.
Taking the time to understand and appreciate your colleagues' passions can lead to a more collaborative and trusting work environment.
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
https://www.seanbarnes.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 215 | 02.11.2025
Episode Title: CISO Evanta Keynote Panel with Sean Barnes, Paula Stuart & Kara Pelecky   
 
Episode summary introduction:
Sean Barnes, joined by Kara Pelecky and Paula Stuart, explores the challenges of technology leadership. They discuss the overlapping roles of CIOs and CISOs, leading to conflicts and executive overcrowding, and examine tensions within siloed tech segments. The episode emphasizes the need for standardization, training, cross-functional exposure, and leadership development, focusing on communication and leadership skills. They highlight how crises can build relationships and clarify business priorities. The episode wraps up with insights on fostering collaboration and trust between technology leaders.
Key Moments
0:10 – Introduction and challenges among technology leaders
1:22 – Acknowledging the Evanta team and guest introductions
3:07 – Overlapping and reporting structure of CIOs and CISOs
7:02 – Conflicts and executive overcrowding in tech leadership
10:53 – Siloed segments and tensions within technology roles
19:05 – Standardization and training for CIOs and CISOs
24:08 – Cross-functional exposure and leadership development
28:31 – Communication and leadership skills for technology executives
30:53 – Addressing personal liability and business priorities for CISOs
36:20 – Using crises for building relationships and understanding the business
38:04 – Collaboration and trust between CIOs and CISOs
41:22 – Closing remarks and gratitude
 
Key Takeaways
Effective communication and understanding of business priorities are essential for bridging the gap between CIOs and CISOs and driving successful collaboration.
The roles of CIO and CISO are evolving, with increasing overlap in responsibilities and the need for a strong partnership to manage both security and business operations effectively.
Building trust and relationships on a personal level between technology leaders can significantly enhance cooperation and facilitate smoother implementation of security and infrastructure initiatives.
Guest: Paula Stuart & Kara Pelecky
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-smetana-stuart-70a2a663/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karapelecky/
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
https://www.seanbarnes.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 214 | 02.04.2025
Episode Title: Sean Barnes on Resolving Conflict
 
Episode summary introduction:
Sean Barnes explores the essential role of conflict resolution in leadership, focusing on the power of one-on-one conversations. He discusses strategies for gathering information and initiating team dialogue, emphasizing the importance of encouraging direct communication and effectively managing discussions. The episode covers mediation techniques and the significance of allowing team members to express themselves. Sean highlights the value of collaboration in resolving conflicts and concludes with closing thoughts on integrating these practices into leadership to foster a harmonious work environment.
Key Moments
0:00 – Introduction to conflict resolution and the importance of one-on-one conversations
1:10 – Gathering information and initiating team dialogue
2:18 – Encouraging direct communication and managing discussions
3:25 – Mediation strategies and allowing team member expression
4:06 – Emphasizing collaboration and providing closing thoughts
 
Key Takeaways
Building trust and understanding individual perspectives are crucial first steps in resolving team conflict.
Facilitating direct communication between conflicting parties helps to address the core issues and encourages mutual understanding.
As a leader, guiding the conversation and maintaining a calm environment are essential to ensure productive conflict resolution.
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
https://www.seanbarnes.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 213 | 01.28.2024
Episode Title: Women in Leadership: Kelly Adels Hess on Mentorship and Sustainability
 
Episode summary introduction:
Sean Barnes welcomes Kelly Adels Hess to discuss her role at CompuCycle and the company's impressive journey, including a Guinness World Record. Kelly shares insights on building a strong management team and fostering a collaborative environment. The conversation delves into CompuCycle’s E-Steward Certification, secure data destruction, and the benefits of ESG documentation. A tour of CompuCycle’s facility highlights their asset management and recycling processes. Kelly addresses rapid expansion challenges and offers entrepreneurial growth advice. The episode emphasizes the importance of leadership mindset, valuing employees, and human connection, providing guidance for women leaders and the value of mentorship.
Key Moments
0:00 – Introduction of Kelly Adels Hess and CompuCycle
0:25 – Guinness World Record and guidance for women in careers
1:31 – Kelly's journey and growth of CompuCycle
5:00 – Building a strong management team and collaborative work environment
12:14 – Sean Barnes on leadership and CompuCycle’s operations
17:29 – E Steward Certification, differentiating factors, and innovations
24:05 – Secure data destruction and ESG documentation benefits
28:01 – CompuCycle facility tour and security measures
32:18 – Asset management and recycling processes
41:23 – Hard drive destruction and battery disposal
47:10 – Data center decommissioning and enterprise-level asset processing
53:22 – Rapid expansion challenges and entrepreneurial growth advice
56:40 – Leadership mindset, valuing employees, and strong culture
58:02 – Networking, relationships, and AI in entrepreneurship
1:02:17 – Human connection in leadership and advice for women leaders
1:04:06 – Value of mentorship and overcoming fear
1:06:25 – Contacting Kelly and CompuCycle's customer approach
1:07:32 – Episode wrap-up and call to action
 
 
 
Key Takeaways
Building strong relationships and networking are essential for entrepreneurial success and career advancement.
Having a robust management team and letting go of control can propel a business to the next level.
Mentorship and the support of experienced individuals are invaluable for navigating career challenges and achieving growth.
 
Guest: Kelly Adels Hess
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-adels-hess-568a0056/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/compucycle-inc./posts/?feedView=all
Website: https://www.compucycle.com/
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website:
https://www.wsssolutions.com/
https://seanbarnes.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_seanbarnes
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 212 | 01.21.2024
Episode Title: Finding Your Leadership Style
 
Episode summary introduction:
Sean Barnes discusses the journey of finding one's leadership style and overcoming early challenges. He shares insights on reaching breaking points, the importance of apologies, and learning from mistakes. The episode highlights the value of observing others and how military experiences can shape leadership approaches. Sean emphasizes intentional leadership, self-awareness, and effective employee assessment as key components for growth. The conversation concludes with reflections on these themes, encouraging listeners to integrate these lessons into their leadership practices.
 
Key Moments
0:00 – Introduction and welcome
0:23 – Finding your leadership style and overcoming early challenges
2:36 – Breaking point, apologies, and learning from mistakes
3:52 – Observing others and military influence on leadership
5:41 – Intentional leadership, self-awareness, and employee assessment
7:23 – Conclusion and closing remarks
Key Takeaways
- Leadership is often learned through trial and error, and finding your style involves identifying what resonates with you and what doesn't. Understanding your employees' behaviors and motivations can significantly enhance your ability to lead effectively. Personal growth in leadership is accelerated by intentional self-reflection and continuous learning.
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_seanbarnes
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 211 | 01.14.2025
Episode Title: Njsane & Sean  
 
Episode summary introduction:
Sean Barnes and Njsane Courtney delve into the importance of perseverance and the art of combining storytelling with emotional impact in public speaking. They explore the challenges and power of entrepreneurship and networking, highlighting vulnerability in leadership and audience connection. The discussion covers adapting leadership styles, managing time during speeches, and balancing focus between numbers and people. Trust, culture, and AI's role in performance management are examined, alongside AI's impact on resume screening and decision-making. Personal branding, historical technological perspectives, and the future of human-AI interaction are discussed. The episode concludes with insights on continuous learning and future podcast topics.
 
Key Moments
0:00 – The importance of perseverance
1:38 – Combining storytelling and emotional impact in public speaking
4:23 – The challenges and power of entrepreneurship and networking
8:49 – Vulnerability in leadership and connecting with your audience
20:49 – Adapting leadership styles and managing time during speeches
23:24 – Empathy and the Peter Principle in leadership
27:38 – Balancing focus between numbers and people in management
34:41 – Trust and culture in organizational performance
41:03 – Evolving performance management and the role of AI
50:08 – AI in resume screening and the human element in AI processes
1:00:21 – Context and accountability in AI decision making
1:04:07 – Personal branding and the future of human-AI interaction
1:07:16 – Historical perspectives on technological advancements
1:10:42 – Building connections and the value of spontaneous conversations
1:15:18 – Balancing personality tendencies and continuous learning
1:20:57 – Leveraging resources for self-improvement and knowledge prioritization
1:23:01 – Future podcast topics and episode conclusion
 
Key Takeaways
Consistency and perseverance are key to achieving long-term success, even when immediate results aren't visible.
Engaging storytelling can create a powerful connection with an audience, making complex or emotional topics more relatable and impactful.
Balancing empathy and accountability is crucial in leadership, helping to support and motivate employees while still driving performance and results.
Guest: Njsane Courtney
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/njsanecourtney/
Website: https://myfriendinhr.buzzsprout.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfriendin_hr/
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_seanbarnes
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 210 | 01.07.2025
Episode Title: Passed Over for Promotion   
 
Episode summary introduction:
Sean Barnes shares personal experiences of being passed over for a promotion, delving into the challenges of dealing with a new, incompetent manager. He emphasizes the importance of patience and self-improvement when faced with career setbacks. Sean explores strategies for navigating difficult workplace dynamics and encourages listeners to focus on personal growth and development. The episode underscores the value of choosing one's path with intention, highlighting how resilience and self-awareness can lead to long-term success in both personal and professional spheres.
 
Key Moments
0:00 – Introduction to the episode
0:30 – Being passed over for a promotion and personal experiences
1:34 – Dealing with a new, incompetent manager
3:04 – Patience, self-improvement, and choosing your path
 
Key Takeaways
Patience and self-improvement are crucial when dealing with workplace frustrations.
Supporting your peers and maintaining high-quality work can set you apart for future opportunities.
Choosing optimism and focusing on personal growth can lead to better outcomes in challenging situations.
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website: https://www.wsssolutions.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_seanbarnes
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 209 | 12.31.2024
Episode Title: Inspired Leaders, Sean Barnes   
 
Episode summary introduction:
Sean Barnes shares his personal journey, beginning with opening remarks and his backstory. He discusses overcoming introversion and the importance of setting career goals, which paved the way for his transition into HR leadership. Sean reflects on the challenges faced in this role and the strategies used to integrate people, processes, and technology for organizational growth. The episode also delves into his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the obstacles encountered and the lessons learned in overcoming business challenges. Through these narratives, Sean provides valuable insights for listeners on personal and professional development.
 
Key Moments
0:00 – Opening remarks and backstory
2:28 – Overcoming introversion and setting career goals
5:16 – Transition to HR leadership and facing challenges
10:08 – Integrating people, processes, and technology for growth
18:24 – Entrepreneurial journey and overcoming business challenges
 
Key Takeaways
True growth often comes from stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on new challenges, even when it means starting over.
Success and fulfillment are not solely defined by personal achievements but by the impact you have on others and the relationships you build.
Facing and overcoming life's adversities forges you into a stronger, more resilient version of yourself, ready to tackle even greater challenges ahead.
 
Host: Sean Barnes
Website:
https://seanbarnes.com/ 
https://www.wsssolutions.com/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsssolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_seanbarnes
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com