Episode Preview In this episode of the Wake Up Eager Workforce podcast, host Suzie Price explores how emotional intelligence, values, and self-awareness shape effective leadership. Joined by Advanced Master Axiologist Ron Oltmanns, they dive into the practical applications of Robert Hartman’s Axiology—a science-based approach to decision-making and personal development.

Through thoughtful insights and real-world metaphors (including lessons from aviation), this conversation helps leaders understand how to stay fully engaged, prioritize what matters, and avoid becoming a “passenger in their own cockpit.”

Whether you're an executive, team leader, or aspiring coach, this episode offers powerful strategies to lead with greater clarity, courage, and intention.

Tune in for key takeaways, including how to align leadership with purpose, tap into emotional insight, and create lasting impact—starting from within.

Takeaways of Episode #128 ---

• Deepen Self-Awareness and Leadership Presence Understanding emotions, values, and priorities allows leaders to tune into what matters, stay grounded, and engage fully.
• Use Axiology to Make Better Decisions Formal Axiology provides a science-based framework for ethical decision-making, measuring how leaders think about people, tasks, and systems.
• Lead with Intention, Not AutopilotBeing present and open to feedback allows leaders to stay in control, adapt, and grow with purpose—both personally and professionally.

Episode Recap:

Suzie Price dives into the world of Axiology, guided by her guest Ron Oltmanns, co-founder of Leadskill and a longtime leadership coach and formal axiology practitioner. They discuss how Robert Hartman’s work helps leaders measure what truly matters and align with their deeper values.

Ron shares stories from his global coaching experience and draws parallels between flight safety and executive leadership, urging leaders to “not be a passenger in your own cockpit.” His insights emphasize the importance of showing up with full presence and being willing to be challenged.

Suzie and Ron explore topics like emotional intelligence, self-reflection, and the leadership value of prioritizing well-being. They also discuss how tools like the TriMetrix system and Workplace Motivators Assessment can bring clarity to how people think and behave in organizations.

Suzie introduces the mindfulness concepts of Segment Intending and Pre-Paving, which align beautifully with the theme of emotional awareness and intentional living.

The episode concludes with Douglas White’s Wellbeing 2.0 segment, where Douglas, CEO of Soul-Integrated Athletics, reminds us that our emotions are guiding signals, not distractions. His message reinforces the episode’s theme: How we feel matters—and it can elevate our performance when we pay attention. In this episode:

[00:15:38] Suzie Price: “The Structure of Value is a book about how Hartman created axiology. It gives us the framework to measure where we’re balanced—or imbalanced—in both our personal and work life.”

[00:23:16] Ron Oltmanns: “I told a client to visit a cemetery and think about how they wanted to be remembered. That moment stuck with them. We coach others through the same questions we often need to ask ourselves.”

[00:35:32] Ron Oltmanns: “My goal is to help the real leaders—those with influence, not just titles—rise up in organizations and shape the culture and direction for the better.”

[00:43:33] Ron Oltmanns: “Emotion is a hugely powerful energy force. It’s information. Leaders can’t afford to fly blind—emotion is part of judgment and decision-making.”

[01:14:17] Douglas White: “There’s wisdom in the body. When you feel something in your gut, it’s worth interrogating. That’s part of your intuition guiding you.”