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In this compelling episode, Dr. Paulie and co-host AJ Rinaldi engage with Kyle McDowell, a former Fortune 10 executive turned leadership coach and bestselling author of Begin With WE. Kyle shares his journey from leading tens of thousands in corporate America to pioneering a leadership philosophy centered on collective empowerment.

They delve into the pitfalls of "me-oriented" leadership and explore Kyle's "10 WEs" framework—principles designed to dismantle dysfunction and foster a culture of excellence. Through candid discussions, Kyle emphasizes the importance of authenticity, accountability, and leading by example to inspire teams and drive meaningful change.

Whether you're navigating the complexities of organizational leadership or seeking to cultivate a more inclusive and effective team environment, this episode offers actionable insights grounded in real-world experience.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Transitioning from individualistic to collective leadership mindsets
• Implementing the "10 WEs" to build cohesive and high-performing teams
• Embracing vulnerability and authenticity as leadership strengths
• Strategies for transforming toxic work cultures into thriving communities

For more on Kyle's leadership philosophy and resources, visit kylemcdowellinc.com.

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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Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a behavior. And while there’s no shortage of leadership theories floating around, this episode goes beneath the surface. Dr. Paul “Paulie” Gavoni and A.J. Rinaldi take a sharp, scientific look at what truly drives leadership that works.

Instead of parroting popular slogans, they dig into the behaviors, decisions, and contingencies that make—or break—leaders. It’s not about charisma or command. It’s about the observable, measurable behaviors that produce real results.

Whether you’re running a school, leading a team, or just trying to lead yourself more effectively, this episode lays the behavioral groundwork.

📘 Ready to level up? Grab your copy of Positional Authority Ain’t Leadership—a no-fluff blueprint for influencing performance through the science of human behavior.

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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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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John Maxwell once said, “If you think you're leading and no one is following, you're just taking a walk.” Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about the team you build, develop, and inspire. In this episode, we’re breaking down the 5 P’s of Team Building—Pursuing, Promoting, Purging, Pushing, and Pulling—to help you create a high-performing team that doesn’t just follow but thrives.

From attracting top talent to making tough calls on underperformance, from fueling motivation to inspiring action, we dive deep into the behavioral science behind effective leadership. Join us as we explore the strategies that separate real leaders from those just taking a walk.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to build a team that wins—together.

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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Unlock the secrets to impactful leadership with insights from Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni and AJ Rinaldi. Discover how real leadership transcends titles and transforms cultures by focusing on influence and authenticity. Dr. Paulie reveals his journey from social work to leadership, driven by a passion for improving leadership practices. Meanwhile, AJ shares his wealth of experience in youth work and education, inspired by the wisdom of John Maxwell. Together, they offer a fresh perspective on the nuanced dance between leadership and management, urging us to look beyond mere positions to the heart of influence.

This episode promises to equip you with practical tools and real-world examples to enhance your leadership skills, no matter your formal position. Embark on a journey with us to redefine leadership as a set of behaviors that can transform not only organizations but also lives.

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

BCBAs and RBTs enter the field to create meaningful change for learners, but more and more is being dumped on their backs, draining their energy and impacting the quality of care. This burden also sucks the life out of leaders, making it harder to retain talent and maintain high standards. But what if there was a way to ease the load while enhancing outcomes?

In this episode, Michael Gao, an innovative software developer, and my authentic friend Christina Morales, CEO of Piece of the Puzzle and founder of the IQR Group, explore how cutting-edge technology is reshaping behavior analysis.

We discuss Michael's game-changing platform, successfully piloted by Christina, that uses AI tools like Alpaca Assistant to automate administrative tasks, from session notes to intakes, allowing professionals to focus on what truly matters. Christina also shares her inspiring journey as an autism mom, driving her to create inclusive organizations like Piece of the Puzzle and Believe and Achieve. Together, we highlight the challenges of scaling ABA services and emphasize the critical role of leadership, systems, and innovation in sustaining growth while embedding values like inclusion and respect.

If you're ready to see how technology can reduce workload, improve efficiency, and help behavior analysis professionals rediscover their passion, tune in—and don't forget to check out Christina’s podcast, Know Yourself to Grow Yourself, for more leadership and personal growth insights!

About the guests:

Michael Gao is the Founder and CEO of Alpaca Health. They are developing Alpaca Assistant, the last admin hire for ABA agencies. To try Alpaca Assistant's session note-generation feature, head over to www.alpacahealth.io.

Christina Morales, an Autism mom, BCBA, and the CEO of Piece of the Puzzle Behavior Analysis, is a truly authentic leader and a dear friend. Her work is driven by her personal journey with her son, Vinny, and her unwavering dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities. Christina also founded the IQR Group, which includes impactful initiatives like Bumblebee Academy, an inclusive learning center; PACE, a life and social skills program for teens; Believe & Achieve, a nonprofit fostering acceptance and awareness; and Include & Connect, a resource hub for families. Her passion and authenticity shine through in everything she does.

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

How can behavior analysts build better relationships and avoid burning out? In this episode, Dr. Monica Gilbert and I dig into the game-changing power of Motivational Interviewing (MI) in behavior analysis. Monica’s journey—from working with people battling substance use to bringing MI into her ABA practice—shows just how powerful reflective listening and open-ended questions can be. Not only do they cut down on client dropouts, but they also help build genuine connections. We’ll share real-life stories and practical tips on using these tools to boost engagement and create real, lasting change—without the burnout.

We also dive deep into what makes MI tick and how it’s different from the usual solution-focused methods. One key takeaway? Getting parents and other stakeholders involved in problem-solving makes a world of difference when it comes to creating lasting, meaningful change. It’s not just about techniques; it’s about having patience, empathy, and adjusting our mindset when working with different people—whether it’s parents, teachers, or anyone else. We even tackle the ethical side of blending ABA with MI, focusing on aligning with clients’ goals and staying transparent. Trust me, this conversation is all about building stronger connections, staying true to your values, and avoiding the exhaustion that comes with the grind.

If you are interested in learning more about Motivational Interviewing, check out Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In. Anika Costa, Matt Cicoria, and I spent a year researching, designing, and producing this course to make it as engaging and meaningful as possible. If you want to begin your journey toward becoming fluent in MI techniques, enroll in our course today!

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, I’m tackling a topic that’s incredibly close to my heart: "Breaking the Cycle: A Behavior-Based Approach to Bullying Prevention." Growing up, I experienced just a small amount of bullying—so few incidents I could probably count them on one hand—but the impact was profound. It shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand until later. For some kids, though, this isn’t a rare occurrence; it’s a daily struggle. Their courage to show up every day is remarkable.

Addressing bullying requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach. This episode dives into strategies that cover all fronts: supporting those being bullied, challenging those who bully, empowering bystanders, and equipping educators with practical tools to create safer environments. And as I wrapped up this content, I realized these insights don’t just apply to kids—they’re incredibly relevant for adults facing challenges in the workplace, too.

I’ve made this content available across different platforms because it needs to be heard and shared. You can find this episode in The Behavioral Toolbox Newsletter and on my YouTube Channel as well. Whether you’re using it to support a student, a classroom, a school assembly, or even distributing it across an entire district, the message remains the same—together, we can break the cycle.

🎧 Listen, share, and be part of the change!

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

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.