July 22, 2025
Episode 147: How Candor and Commitment Build Better Teams with Dan Tocchini
In this episode of The Future of Teamwork, Dane Groeneveld talks with Dan Tocchini, co-founder of Take New Ground, a consulting firm focused on maximizing organizational performance and efficiency.
Dan breaks down how most workplace conflict stems from unspoken needs, unmet expectations, and the fear of rocking the boat. Dan explores the high cost of avoiding hard conversations and how leaders can unlock deeper trust and stronger alignment by choosing candor over comfort.
If you’ve ever struggled to get your team on the same page, or sensed misalignment but didn’t know how to surface it, this episode is a masterclass in courageous leadership and creative conflict resolution.
How Candor and Commitment Build Better Teams with Dan Tocchini
Guest Bios
Daniel Tocchini is a distinguished entrepreneur and executive with a career spanning over four decades in transformational leadership and organizational development. As the Founder and a Senior Partner at TNG, Daniel has pioneered innovative approaches to team dynamics and leadership training, emphasizing authentic engagement and candid feedback. Daniel was also a Co-Founder, executive, and Board Director for The Grid, a pioneering developer of AI technology to design, construct, and maintain dynamic websites. His expertise extends to his role as Co-Founder & Chairman of Culture ROI, where he specialized in sales and negotiation training, productivity enhancement, and fostering transformational change in corporate cultures.
With a legacy of over 20,000 hours dedicated to training leaders, facilitating workshops, and mentoring executives, Daniel’s impact is evident in his transformative work with companies like Virgin Hyperloop, where he also served as interim Chief of Staff. His methods are not just theoretical; they are grounded in practical application, having been honed through extensive experience with leading enterprises and NGOs alike.
Daniel’s commitment to leadership development is further showcased through his published works and his contributions to the field of transformational technologies and techniques. His vision and dedication to cultivating courageous leadership and resolving conflicts creatively have established him as a venerated figure in the industry.
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork Podcast
01:37 Meet Dan Tocchini: A Journey in Leadership
02:28 Personal Stories and Leadership Lessons
04:38 Aligning Personal and Corporate Agendas
09:54 The Importance of Difficult Conversations
11:52 Case Study: Navigating Team Challenges
14:51 Frameworks for Effective Leadership
23:15 Building Synergy and Alignment in Teams
26:07 Overcoming Fear and Self-Sabotage
27:32 The Importance of Clarity in Teams
28:25 Effective Leadership Trainings
31:47 Coaching and Accountability
33:37 Living as Your Word
36:23 Addressing Team Dynamics
43:30 Founding Take New Ground
44:40 Resources and Final Thoughts
Resources
Read Dane’s blog here: https://lead3r.com/enspira_podcast/the-future-of-teamwork-how-candor-and-commitment-build-better-teams-with-dan-tocchini/
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