In this inspiring episode of the Build A Vibrant Culture Podcast, host Nicole Greer sits down with Martha Lawrence, veteran editor, author, and long-time collaborator of leadership icon Ken Blanchard.
Martha shares behind-the-scenes stories from more than two decades working alongside Blanchard, revealing how The One Minute Manager and the philosophy of “catching people doing things right” transformed leadership from command-and-control to connection, trust, and service.
This episode is a masterclass in leadership with heart—perfect for executives, managers, HR professionals, and anyone passionate about building a culture where people thrive.
Vibrant Highlights:
- 00:02:28 – Martha Lawrence shares the life-altering experiences that led her from mystery writing to purpose-driven leadership work and a deep commitment to kindness, resilience, and meaning.
- 00:06:18 – A powerful reflection on why The One Minute Manager became a timeless classic and how it fundamentally changed leadership from command-and-control to people-centered development.
- 00:13:14 – A formative childhood story from Ken Blanchard’s life reveals why trust, not titles, is the foundation of true leadership.
- 00:28:48 – The origin of the philosophy “Catch People Doing Things Right” and how adapting leadership to individual needs unlocks performance and potential.
- 00:44:21 – A defining example of ethical leadership in action, showing how transparency, values, and collective problem-solving carried an organization through crisis.
Buy Martha’s book: Catch People Doing Things Right
Connect with Martha:
Website: https://marthalawrence.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marthaclawrence/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/marthaclawrence/
X: https://x.com/mysmartha
For more on Ken Blanchard or any of the topics discussed in this episode, visit https://www.blanchard.com/
Also mentioned in this episode:
The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard & Spencer Johnson
Trust Works! by K Blanchard, C Olmstead, M Lawrence
Nicole’s TEDX Talk
Peter F. Drucker books
King: A Life by Jonathan Eig
The Situational Leader by Paul Hersey
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
The Power of Ethical Management by K Blanchard & N V Peale
Listen at vibrantculture.com/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts!
Book Nicole to help your organization ignite clarity, accountability, and energy through her SHINE™ Coaching Methodology.
Visit vibrantculture.com
Email: [email protected]
Nicole’s TEDX Talk
