Deep Leadership - Archive

What if you didn’t wait for permission… and just claimed authority? In this episode of the Deep Leadership podcast, I sit down with Tom Kubiniec, President and CEO of Securit Tactical, who built multiple successful companies without a degree, corporate experience, or a traditional playbook. Tom shares how he carved out a leadership position in an industry that had no clear expert—and why sometimes the fastest way forward is to step up, take ownership, and back it up with action. We also dig into: Why simplicity beats complexity in business How

Crisis Is Coming. Are You Ready? Every leader will face a crisis. The question is whether you’ll be prepared—or caught off guard. In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Stephanie Craig, President of Kith, to talk about what most leaders get wrong about crisis management—and how to fix it before it’s too late. Stephanie shares why crisis preparedness is a mindset, not a checklist, and how trust, clarity, and communication determine whether your organization survives—or comes out stronger. We also dive into: Why most companies treat crisis prep

Stop Fixing Problems! Most leaders are trained to hunt problems, fix issues, and eliminate failure. But what if that mindset is actually limiting performance? In this episode, Jon sits down with George Pesansky, author of Super Performance, to challenge the way we think about leadership, operations, and improvement. Instead of obsessing over what’s broken, George explains how the best leaders identify what’s working—and then scale it. You’ll learn: Why focusing on failure holds teams back The concept of the “Golden Hour” and how to replicate peak performance How leaders unknowingly create

The Success Trap: Why High Achievers Feel Empty at the Top Success is supposed to make you happy… so why do so many high achievers feel trapped? In this episode of the Deep Leadership podcast, I talk with executive coach and author Keren Eldad about the hidden emotional cost of ambition. We explore why success and happiness often move in opposite directions, how leaders unknowingly build a “gilded cage,” and why perfectionism, hustle culture, and chasing the wrong goals can leave even the most accomplished people feeling empty. Keren shares practical

The Confidence Trap: Why Great Performers Choke Under Pressure Why do talented athletes, leaders, and entrepreneurs sometimes lose confidence in the moments that matter most? In this episode of the Deep Leadership Podcast, I sit down with mindset coach Scott Papek to explore why even high performers struggle with pressure, overthinking, and self-doubt. Scott works with athletes from middle school through college, helping them build the mental skills needed to compete with confidence. Together they discuss how confidence is actually trained, why negative self-talk and fear of judgment sabotage performance, and

If you’re a leader and you only hear good news, you may have a bigger problem than you think. In this episode of the Deep Leadership podcast, I sit down with Phillip Wilson, CEO of LRI Consulting Services and author of The Leader-Shift Playbook, to talk about one of the most overlooked leadership blind spots: power distance. Why don’t employees speak up?Why do teams hide mistakes?Why does bad news travel slowly… or not at all? We unpack the concept of approachability, the hidden cost of wide power distance, and what Phil

What do you do when the mission fails? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with aerospace executive Andy Crocker to talk about what happens when a career-defining project collapses. After competing against SpaceX and Blue Origin for NASA’s Human Landing System, Andy and his team lost the contract — not once, but twice. For many leaders, that kind of loss can shake your identity. Instead of walking away bitter, Andy stepped back and asked a harder question: Who am I without the mission? That reflection led him to

Are you winning at work but quietly struggling at home? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Gabriela Embon, author of Becoming a Power Couple, to talk about why high achievers often succeed in their careers but fail to invest in the most important partnership of their lives. We discuss: Why work-life balance is a myth for driven leaders The difference between balance and integration How to think of your marriage as a co-founded enterprise The 4 Pillars that build resilient, high-performance relationships Why your relationship is the

Most leadership training happens in classrooms.Real leadership doesn’t. In this episode, I’m joined by Chris Hossfeld, a 27-year U.S. Army veteran and founder of Barrel Strength Leadership, who develops leaders by taking them to historic battlefields like Gettysburg and Normandy. We explore why pressure, emotion, and shared experience shape leaders far more than PowerPoint slides ever can. Chris explains how high-stakes environments force clarity, build trust, and reveal what leaders are truly made of—and how those lessons translate directly to business, manufacturing, and executive teams. If you believe leadership is forged

How Pressure Turns Good Leaders Into Bad Bosses Most leaders don’t fail because they lack skill or good intentions. They fail because pressure changes how they show up. In this episode, executive coach Sabina Nawaz explains why pressure, not power, is the real force that corrupts leadership. Drawing from her work with senior leaders at Microsoft and Fortune 500 companies, Sabina breaks down how well-meaning managers slip into micromanaging, rescuing, and control—and how those habits quietly damage trust, performance, and culture. You’ll learn: Why pressure triggers the worst leadership behaviors The

Flexible Leadership: Why Rigid Leaders Fail in an Uncertain World The world has changed. Leadership has to change with it. In this episode, I’m joined by Kevin Eikenberry, one of the most influential leadership thinkers today and author of Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence. We unpack why the leadership approaches that worked in the past often break down in today’s complex, fast-moving environment. Kevin explains why great leaders must stay consistent in values but flexible in how they lead, and why treating every challenge as a crisis leads

Most change initiatives fail for one reason: leaders ignore the emotional impact of change. In this episode, I’m joined by John Fisher, creator of the Fisher Change Curve, to explain what employees actually experience during change—and what leaders must do to guide people through it. We cover: Why change feels like loss The emotional stages of change at work Why resistance happens and how to reduce it Practical ways leaders can lead change without breaking trust If you’re leading organizational change, managing resistance, or navigating constant disruption, this conversation will reshape

How Great Leaders Turn Empathy into Power Empathy is praised in leadership—and often quietly punished. In this episode, Jon Rennie is joined by Jess Baker, chartered business psychologist and author of The Super Helper Syndrome, to explore how great leaders turn empathy into real power without being overlooked or burned out. Jess explains why highly empathic professionals are often passed over for leadership roles, even though they’re holding teams together behind the scenes. She shows how empathy, when used intentionally, becomes a strategic leadership advantage rather than a career liability. In

Brave Leadership: How Courage, Not Comfort, Drives Results with Jill Schulman Fear shows up quietly in leadership. It delays decisions. Avoids hard conversations. Keeps talented people playing it safe. In this episode of Deep Leadership, I’m joined by Jill Schulman, Marine Corps veteran, leadership consultant, and author of The Bravery Effect, to break down why courage—not comfort—is what actually drives results. Jill shares how fear silently controls behavior at work, why avoiding discomfort makes leaders weaker (not happier), and how bravery can be trained like a muscle. Drawing from military leadership,

What does leadership look like at the absolute highest level? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I’m joined by Michael Giorgione, a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral who served as the Commander of Camp David, the secluded presidential retreat where some of the most important leadership decisions in history have taken place. Michael takes us inside Camp David and shares what it’s really like to serve presidents up close. We talk about leadership under pressure, trust, humility, and what happens behind closed doors when world leaders step away from the spotlight.

Presilience: A Leadership Framework for Thriving in Crisis and Uncertainty with Dr. Gavriel Schneider In today’s volatile and uncertain world, resilience is no longer enough. Leaders must learn how to thrive before a crisis hits. In this episode of Deep Leadership, I’m joined by Dr. Gavriel Schneider, an internationally recognized expert in security, risk intelligence, and leadership under pressure. Gav is the creator of the Presilience framework, a proactive approach to leadership that helps individuals and organizations turn disruption into opportunity. We explore why traditional risk management and compliance models fall

How to Build Real Influence as a Leader with Brad Englert How do leaders build real influence that lasts, not just connections that fade? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I’m joined by Brad Englert, author of Spheres of Influence and former CIO at the University of Texas at Austin. Brad shares decades of leadership experience on how authentic relationships, not transactional networking, are the true foundation of influence, trust, and long-term success. We talk about why most networking events fail, how leaders should think about their internal and external spheres

Unlocking Hidden Potential: The Leadership Shift That Transforms Teams In this episode, Jon Rennie sits down with executive leader, entrepreneur, and author Ernesto Gomez to uncover why so many organizations operate far below their true capacity — and what leaders can do to change that. Drawing from 30+ years of experience in the food service and consumer goods industries, Ernesto shares practical insights on culture, mindset, and talent development that help unlock the hidden potential inside teams. If you lead people, coach leaders, or want to build a high-performance culture, this

Project Management Mistakes Leaders Make and How to Fix Them with Clint Padgett In this episode, I’m joined by Clint Padgett, Navy veteran, accomplished CEO, best-selling author, and one of the most respected voices in project management today. Clint has spent more than 30 years helping global teams deliver high-stakes projects, from Coca-Cola’s Olympic activations to massive international initiatives across industries. We break down the common project management mistakes leaders make — and more importantly, how to fix them. Clint explains why people avoid real conversations, how miscommunication derails timelines, and

Self-Leadership: The Essential Strategy Most Leaders Forget In this episode, I sit down with wellness pioneer and author Bija Bennett to explore a simple truth: you can’t lead others well if you’re not leading yourself. We talk about why so many leaders burn out, how constant digital noise disconnects us from our own thinking, and why slowing down isn’t indulgent—it’s strategic. Bija shares powerful ideas on self-awareness, emotional clarity, and what she calls “analog wellness,” practical habits that help you stay grounded, focused, and effective for the long run. If you’re

Lead with Hospitality: The Secret to Inspiring People in Any Workplace with Taylor Scott In this episode of Deep Leadership, I’m joined by leadership expert and author Taylor Scott, who spent more than twenty years inside top hospitality brands. His message is simple and powerful: great leaders make people feel welcome, comfortable, and important. We break down the real meaning of leading with hospitality and why this mindset inspires teams in any workplace. Taylor shares stories from his career, the science behind emotional leadership, and the five core values that help

Never Quit: How an Underdog Navy SEAL Redefined Mental Toughness What does it take to push past pain, failure, and fear? In this episode, former Navy SEAL David Brown shares his incredible journey from a 5'3", 110-pound kid from coal country to one of America’s elite warriors. Against all odds, David earned his Trident, served around the world, and went on to lead major federal investigations. He opens up about the mindset that got him through SEAL training—twice—the lessons that shaped his resilience, and how to overcome life’s toughest battles. This

Leading in the Age of AI: The Human Advantage The AI revolution isn’t just changing technology—it’s changing what it means to lead. In this episode, Dr. Alfredo Borodowski joins me to explain why the future of leadership depends on our ability to stay human. We talk about AI-driven anxiety, how to build resilience in uncertain times, and why the most successful companies will be the ones that invest in people, not just technology. Dr. Borodowski also shares his powerful insight on moving from a culture of fixing to a culture of

It’s our 400th episode of Deep Leadership! Thank you for listening and being part of this incredible journey. In this milestone episode, Jon Rennie talks with Salvatore Manzi, a leadership communications coach and author of the #1 Amazon bestseller Clear and Compelling: Communication Strategies for Big Thinkers with Bold Ideas. Salvatore shares how leaders, especially those with technical or analytical backgrounds, can turn complex ideas into messages that connect. He explains why metaphors move minds, how to use his “You, then Me” framework to build trust, and why introverts often make

Servant Leadership in Action: Lessons from Ken Blanchard with Martha Lawrence What does it really mean to lead by serving others? In this episode, Martha Lawrence—executive editor at Blanchard and co-author of Trust Works—shares personal stories from her 20+ years working alongside Ken Blanchard, the legendary author of The One Minute Manager. We discuss: How Ken Blanchard helped make servant leadership mainstream Why catching people doing things right builds stronger cultures The story behind The One Minute Manager and Blanchard’s global impact What leading with love really looks like in practice

Train to Lead: How to Build Leadership Strength Like an Athlete with Christian Muntean Leadership isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you train for. In this episode, I talk with Christian Muntean, founder of Vantage Consulting and author of Train to Lead: A Proven 90-Day Guide to Building Leadership Strength. Christian’s clients have collectively grown their revenues by more than $500 million, all while improving their margins and freeing up their time. We explore: Why leadership should be developed like athletic strength How repetition and structure build leadership “muscle memory” The

Being Valuable Matters More Than Chasing Titles with Kash Rocheleau In this episode of Deep Leadership, I’m joined by Kash Rocheleau, CEO of Icon Foods. Kash’s journey is remarkable—starting in accounting just six years ago and rising to the top leadership role of the company. She shares powerful lessons on: Why focusing on being valuable matters more than chasing titles How curiosity and lifelong learning fueled her rapid growth The importance of transparency and inclusion in leadership Balancing people and results in building a successful organization If you want practical, real-world

What if the key to engagement and loyalty comes down to just five promises? In this episode of Deep Leadership, Dr. Roger Gerard explains how leaders can: Prevent burnout by treating people as professionals, not commodities Build authentic trust that fuels performance Avoid the “cynics, apathetics, and naysayers” trap Keep teams motivated with five simple but powerful commitments Roger is an author, consultant, and keynote speaker who has spent decades guiding leaders toward authentic, people-focused leadership. If you want to strengthen your culture and earn the loyalty of your team, this

In this episode of Deep Leadership, I talk with Dr. Britt Yamamoto — educator, entrepreneur, and author of The Soil of Leadership and The Hyaksho Way. Britt introduces the idea of soil-based leadership, a powerful metaphor drawn from farming that shifts focus from short-term results to cultivating healthy conditions for long-term employee growth. We discuss: Why many leadership “fixes” fail when the cultural soil is depleted How to remediate and regenerate an organization’s culture The importance of story before strategy Why well-being must be central to leadership in today’s world If

What if your workplace was a place people actually wanted to be? In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Tenney, entrepreneur, speaker, and author of Inspire Greatness: How to Motivate Employees with a Simple, Repeatable, Scalable Process. Matt’s TED Talk has been viewed over a million times, and he has helped leaders at organizations such as Salesforce, Marriott, and United Airlines build engaged, high-performing teams. We talk about: Why traditional performance reviews fail employees and leaders alike How to shift from being a boss to being a coach The secret to

In this episode of Deep Leadership, we’re discussing Inspiring Leadership for Today’s Changing Workplace. I sit down with Dr. Matt Poepsel, Marine Corps veteran, author of Expand the Circle: Enlightened Leadership for Our New World of Work, and leadership expert. We talk about: The lessons the military teaches about balancing mission and people Why outdated leadership models no longer work in today’s workplace How younger generations are reshaping what leadership looks like The role of fear, ego, and selflessness in becoming a truly great leader Practical steps leaders can take to

Are you leading on autopilot? In this episode of Deep Leadership, Scott Burgmeyer joins me to explain why so many leaders fall into the trap of shallow thinking — and how to break free. We discuss: Why autopilot decision-making holds leaders back The hidden personas that drive shallow thinking A simple model to help you reflect, think deeper, and lead with clarity How leaders can challenge themselves and their teams to grow 🎧 Episode Title: Deep Thinking: The Secret to Better Leadership If you want to move beyond surface-level problem-solving and

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau, and we’re discussing the subject of Unlocking Authentic Leadership. Sylvia is a senior executive coach with 30 years of experience, who helps C-Suite leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers thrive in today’s complex and fast-moving world. She is the founder of the SMART Power method, a groundbreaking approach for succeeding in complexity, with greater impact and ease. Her clients have included UNHCR, European Central Bank, Allianz Global Investors, Red Cross, and Amazon. She is also the author of the bestselling book Who’s In Charge?: Lead with

Today, I’m joined by Bob Carrothers, and we're talking about Thriving as a Leader by not Walking Alone. Bob is a Master Chair at Vistage Worldwide and brings over 29 years of experience in leadership development and executive coaching. Bob facilitates peer-to-peer boards of CEOs and executives, creating environments conducive to skill enhancement, informed decision-making, and superior results. He offers individual coaching, arranges expert speakers, and provides access to a global network of over 45,000 board members spanning 35 countries. I’m excited to have him on the show to talk about

Today, I’m joined by Sean Glaze, and we’re talking about how to fix the real issues holding your team back. Sean is a sought-after leadership and workplace culture speaker who gained valuable insights on turning talent into teamwork as a successful basketball coach – and now he travels around the country to share those actionable lessons. Sean’s engaging conference leadership, keynotes, and custom team building programs have helped clients like Cisco, John Deere, the CDC, and Emory University to increase collaboration, boost productivity, and build Sticky Cultures that inspire more profitable

Today, I’m joined by Angela Lewis, and we’re discussing Unstoppable Leadership. Angela is a former professional basketball player, championship-winning coach, and the Head of Operations at SpeakerHUB—a global platform that helps speakers grow their visibility and influence. Drawing from over two decades of experience in sports, education, and entrepreneurship, Angela now empowers elite performers to lead with clarity, communicate with confidence, and bounce forward from life’s toughest setbacks. She’s also the author of multiple books and the creator of the 6V Framework for personal and professional growth. I’m excited to have

Today, I’m joined by Margaret Graziano, and we’re discussing Why Most Company Cultures Are Fake and How to Fix Yours. Margaret has spent her life reinventing herself. She has gone from being a single mother at 19, working at the first Cable TV company, to leading one of the fastest-growing consultancies and becoming a bestselling author. Margaret has continually taken on challenges and learned to move beyond her limits to live a life that inspires and contributes. Using a unique combination of experiential coaching, science-backed development tools, and actionable strategies, Margaret

Today, I’m joined by Chris Seifert, and we're talking about Escaping the Micromanagement Trap. Chris is the founder of Enabling Empowerment and author of Enabling Empowerment: A Leadership Playbook for Ending Micromanagement and Empowering Decision-Makers. He’s spent over 20 years leading teams—from the control room of a nuclear submarine to the plant floor and the boardroom. Chris helps leaders cut through complexity, stop micromanaging, and build environments where people are trusted to lead and expected to own the results. His mission is straightforward: to equip leaders with the tools to build

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Thomas Krause, and we're talking about the Hard Truth about Culture. Tom is a world-renowned thought leader focused on decision making, leadership, and behavior in the creation of a positive organizational culture. He has designed culture change interventions to prevent catastrophic events, fatalities, and disasters. He founded Behavioral Science Technology, Inc., and is presently Chairman of Krause Bell Group. He has authored five books on leadership, safety, and culture change, and his articles have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA TODAY, and more. He

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Nada Sanders, and we're discussing Why Human Skills Matter More Than Ever in the Age of AI. Nada is an internationally recognized AI thought leader, expert in forecasting, and global supply chain intelligence, and Distinguished Professor at D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University in Boston. Stanford ranks her as one of the world’s top 2% of scientists, and she is a sought-after speaker. She is the author of more than 100 top-tier scholarly publications and seven books. Her latest book is the second edition of

Today, we’re joined by Helen Young-McLaughlin, and we're discussing How to Turn Middle Managers Into Your Company’s Secret Weapon. Helen is CEO of Helen Young Coaching & Consulting and Founder of The Leverage Academy is a 6-month management development program designed specifically for middle and emerging managers. She coaches managers and leaders on how important empathy, listening, and effective communication is to the health of any organization. Helen is an ICF-certified coach who brings more than 25 years of experience and a unique blend of coaching, counseling, and consulting skills to

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Sharon Melnick and we're discussing Why Burnout Happens and How to Take Your Power Back. Sharon is an Executive Psychologist and Coach with 25 years of experience. She is a global authority on personal power and high-performance in leadership. Her methods are informed by 10 years of psychology research at Harvard Medical School, and field-tested by coaching and training participants at Fortune 500 and fast-growing portfolio companies. She is the best-selling author of the new book, In Your Power: React Less, Regain Control, Raise Others. Her

Today, I’m joined by Willie Pietersen, and we're discussing why Strategy Fails Without Leadership. Willie has practiced and studied leadership as a CEO of multibillion-dollar businesses, as a professor at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business, and as a consultant to some of the world’s biggest and best-known organizations, from Ericsson and Johnson & Johnson to ExxonMobil and the Girl Scouts of America. He is the author of Leadership—The Inside Story: Time-Tested Prescriptions for Those Who Seek to Lead. In this book, Willie offers penetrating, often surprising insights from a lifetime

Today, I’m joined by Robert MacPhee, and we're discussing Values-Based Leadership. Robert is the creator of the Excellent Decisions values-based leadership program and the author of Living a Values-Based Life. He is the former Director of Training for the Canfield Training Group and worked closely for many years with Jack Canfield, the co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Book series and the author of The Success Principles. Robert is a knowledgeable, fun, and engaging speaker and facilitator. He is an expert in experiential learning, peak performance, values clarification, and

Today, I’m joined by Laura and Dominic Ashley-Timms, and we're discussing their new book, The Answer Is a Question. Laura learned about the power of coaching from her early career in international table tennis and from coaching others at Oxford University, where she was one of the first women to enter Oriel College. She is now recognized as a global leader in coaching. Dominic studied for a degree in Ergonomics and later earned an EMBA from IMD in Lausanne as part of his management consulting career. He has built an expertise

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Hasan Merali, and we're exploring What Toddlers Can Teach Us About Leadership. Hasan is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University and a pediatric emergency medicine physician at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University. His research focuses on child injury prevention in low- and middle-income countries. He has published more than twenty-five peer-reviewed journal articles, and his work has been featured in The

Today, I’m joined by Charles Feltman, and we're discussing the leadership skill of mastering trust. Charles works with people who seek to become the best leaders they can be for themselves, their teams, and their companies. He has served as an executive and leadership coach for over 25 years. His primary focus is helping leaders and teams build and maintain a high level of trust. He is the author of The Thin Book of Trust: An Essential Primer for Building Trust at Work, which is now in its 3rd edition. I’m

Today, Joel Ellis joined me, and we discussed the idea of Talking for Change. After a long career in business leadership roles, Joel entered a new chapter in his life, where he helps other leaders through his coaching and speaking programs. He focuses on assisting middle managers to overcome the typical communication challenges that many leaders face, especially in dealing with change efforts. One of the most critical roles leaders play is helping employees navigate the challenges of change, and Joel is an expert in this arena. I’m excited to have

Today, I’m joined by Steve Cadigan, and we're discussing why everything you know about work and leadership is about to change. Steve was LinkedIn’s first Chief Human Resources Officer and author of the popular book, Workquake. He is a globally recognized talent strategist, board member, and thought leader in the future of work. As the founder of Cadigan Talent Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based consultancy, Steve provides invaluable counsel to a diverse array of innovative organizations, including tech giants, sports clubs, and financial institutions. I’m excited to talk to him about the

Today, I’m joined by Patrick Hardy, and we're discussing why Most Leaders Fail in a Crisis. Patrick is an expert in disaster preparedness and response. He is a graduate of FEMA’s Advanced Academy, with certifications as a Master of Exercise, Certified Emergency Manager, Certified Risk Manager, and Master Business Continuity Professional. Drawing from his wealth of experience, Patrick equips leaders with practical strategies to break the Crisis Creation Chain and teaches them to eliminate disasters by turning disruptions into opportunities. He is the author of Design Any Disaster: The Revolutionary Blueprint

Welcome to the Deep Leadership podcast. Today, I’m joined by Mike Robbins, and we're discussing Why Most Leaders Fail at Building Trust. Mike is the author of five books, including Bring Your Whole Self to Work and We’re All in This Together. He's a former pro baseball player whose playing career ended due to an injury. He is now a well-known motivational keynote speaker and an expert in emotional intelligence. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn Why Most Leaders Fail at Building Trust. Show resources: Mike Robbins'

Today, I’m joined by Patrick Thean, and we're discussing High-Growth Leadership. Patrick is an international speaker, CEO coach, and serial entrepreneur whose mission is to help leaders build great companies and achieve their dreams. Patrick grew his first company to #151 on the Inc. 500 list, and since then, he’s been on a mission to share his wisdom with CEOs worldwide, guiding them through the complexities of leadership and high-growth success. Patrick is a bestselling author, and his latest book is The Journey to CEO Success: 7 Practices for High Growth

Today, I’m joined by Randy Carr, and we're talking about Scaling a Small Business. Randy is the CEO of World Emblem, the largest Patch, Emblem, and Badge Producer in the world. World Emblem makes patches and emblems for industry leaders like New Era, Cintas, Vestis, Levi’s, RTIC, Perry Ellis, and many others. They have more than 1,200 dedicated employees worldwide and produce a million pieces a day in the US, Mexico, Canada, Europe, and Asia. I’m excited to have him on the show to talk about Scaling a Small Business. Show

Today, I’m joined by Eric Charran, and we're talking about Succeeding in a Dysfunctional Workplace. Eric is a visionary technology executive, author, and thought leader with over 25 years of experience in transforming global enterprises through digital innovations, data-driven strategies, and AI-driven solutions. Known for his ability to bridge the gap between business objectives and complex technology, Eric has spearheaded transformative initiatives at major organizations, including Microsoft and Capital One, where he served as Chief Architect. He is the author of a brand new book, Have You Ever Had a Boss

Today, I’m joined by Simon Bailey, and we're discussing Resilience at Work. Simon is a researcher, advisor, speaker, and author. He is the world’s leading expert on the subject of brilliance. His groundbreaking research into resilience and brilliance led to his 11th book, Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future. With Disney Institute as his launchpad, he’s left an indelible mark on 2,400 organizations in 54 countries, including American Express, Deloitte, Visa, Signet Jewelers, and Taco Bell. He has also significantly impacted 120,000 professionals who’ve experienced his pioneering courses

Today, I’m joined by John Dailey, and we're talking about Leading a Team of Tough Rugged Bastards. John spent over 20 years in the Marines, mostly in special operations. When the Twin Towers went down, Dailey was in Australia with his platoon. He knew immediately that things would never be the same. He was hand-picked to be a part of Detachment One (Det-1), the USMC’s newly formed special operations command in the early days of the War on Terror. He is the author of Tough Rugged Bastards, where he tells the

Today, Pam August joined me to talk about how to unlock the potential of your employees. Pam is a sought-after speaker, facilitator, coach, and cocreator with a strong foundation of lifelong learning. She guides organizations, teams, and leaders to unlock existing potential for transformational results. She was the director of culture activation at WestJet, one of Canada’s most admired corporate cultures. Today, she is a trusted partner for high-performance organizations around the world through her firm, Connecting Potential. With deep and diverse experience, she knows what it takes to uncover, align,

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Carla Fowler, and we're discussing High Performance Leadership. Carla is an MD, PhD, and elite executive coach. For the last decade, she has been a secret weapon for scores of CEOs, entrepreneurs, and other senior leaders. Carla’s unique approach combines the latest research from performance science with timeless best practices to help top performers level up and achieve their goals. To be a high-performing leader, you need to understand performance science. I’m excited to have Carla here today to learn more about High Performance Leadership. Show

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Renee Moorefield, and we're talking about Thriving Leadership. Renee is a visionary leader and innovator in the field of human-centered leadership. She is CEO and co-founder of Wisdom Works Group, a company that focuses on developing thriving leaders. Her company has worked with many Fortune 500 companies such as Coca-Cola, Barilla, Roche, Booz Allen, Google, Nike, Hyatt, and others. They use a science-based platform called Be Well Lead Well® to help certify and nurture change leaders in every region of the world. I’m excited to have

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Philip Ovadia, and we're talking about how to Make Leadership Healthy Again. More than 3,000 heart surgeries taught Dr. Ovadia that good health comes from lifestyle and nutrition, not from surgery. He is now on a mission to help people avoid the operating table by giving them the tools and mindset to never need a heart surgeon. Dr. Ovadia works as an independent cardio-surgeon and runs Ovadia Heart Health, a telehealth practice that focuses on the prevention of heart disease. His latest book, Stay Off My

Today, I’m joined by John Marvin, and we're discussing Leading with Influence. John is a visionary entrepreneur, acclaimed columnist, and influential leader dedicated to empowering others to unlock their full potential. He is President and CEO of Texas State Optical, where he has cultivated a thriving business network while spearheading initiatives in health and wellness consulting and eye care partnerships. John has spent years studying the transformative power of mindset and the “inner game” in achieving success. I’m excited to have him on the show to talk about leading with influence.

Today, I’m joined by Don Frericks, and we're talking about becoming the best boss ever. Don is a seasoned leadership development expert with over 25 years of experience transforming managers into extraordinary leaders. He is an inspirational executive coach, leadership team developer, facilitator, and executive advisor. Don is the author of Best Boss Ever: Rapidly Develop Yourself Into the Leader Everyone Wants to Follow. In this book, Don explores the critical role that leadership plays in shaping workplace culture, employee engagement, and organizational success. I’m excited to have him on the

Today, I’m joined by Steven Gaffney, and we're discussing Creating Consistently High Achieving Teams. Steven is CEO of the Steven Gaffney Company and is the leading expert on creating Consistently High Achieving Teams(CHAT)®. He has helped leaders and teams from Fortune 500 companies, U.S. government, military organizations, and industry giants such as Amazon, Marriott, Lockheed Martin, and American Express. He is the author of Unconditional Power: Thriving in Any Situation, No Matter How Frustrating, Complex, or Unpredictable. This book provides practical methods for helping leaders tap into their inner power at

Today, I’m joined by Nick Shaw, and we're discussing how to be Fit For Success. Nick is the Founder and CEO of RP Strength, a multi-million dollar company that helps people achieve their health and fitness goals through evidence-based methods. Nick is an IFBB pro bodybuilder who bootstrapped his company from the ground up, rapidly turning it into a health tech brand with a lifetime revenue of over $100M. He has coached Olympians, Navy SEALs, UFC and CrossFit champions, and world record holders. He is the author of Fit For Success:

Today, I’m joined by Aneace Haddad, and we're discussing the topic of Discovering Your Leadership Superpowers. Aneace is a seasoned C-Suite Executive Coach and McKinsey Senior Advisor. He has a wealth of experience and expertise in executive leadership. With over 2,000 hours of certified coaching, impacting over 300 individual senior leaders, and aiding 100 top teams across 15 diverse industries globally, Aneace has become a trusted guide in steering executive teams to new heights. He is also an expert in how midlife challenges can lead to leadership growth and renewal. He

Today, I’m joined by Lee Benson, and we're talking about Becoming a Value Creation Leader. Lee is a value creation expert with over 30 years of experience in the business world. He founded and led seven companies, including Able Aerospace, which he grew from two to 500 employees and 2,000 customers in 60 countries. He sold that business in 2016 for 9-figures. He is a two-time bestselling author of Your Most Important Number and Value Creation Kid. I’m excited to have him on the show to talk about Becoming a Value

Today, I’m joined by Wendi Swanson, and we're discussing Human-Centered Leadership. Wendi is an internationally recognized strategic leadership consultant, facilitator, and program developer. For the last two decades, Wendi has worked with executive leaders to develop high-potential teams and organizational growth strategies. Through authenticity and intentionality, she encourages a human-centered approach to growth and redefines what it means to be a leader. Wendi gets to the root of what’s holding a team back by working directly with management and the frontline to create a model for change and growth at all

Today, I’m joined by Lindsay Tsang, and we are discussing the subject of Energizing Employees. Lindsay is the founder of Happy Hires, a company focused on transforming toxic work environments into places where people are energized and inspired by exceptional leadership. With a background as a trained therapist, Lindsay partners with CEOs and owner-operators of small to medium-sized enterprises to excel in leadership. He offers strategic planning, executive coaching, job benchmarking, and dynamic team workshops. Lindsay has a PhD in organizational psychology, specializing in leadership and positive psychology. He is also

Today, I’m joined by Cary Prejean, and we're discussing Mastering Financial Leadership. Cary is the President, CEO, and founder of Strategic Business Advisors and brings over 35 years of expertise to growing businesses. He champions streamlined business practices, simplifying financial insights to just one hour a week for owners. With a degree in accounting and a CPA license, Cary provides real-time cash management dashboards and detailed monthly reports, fostering system-oriented operations. A strategic visionary in long-term planning, he’s guided countless businesses in personal growth, effectiveness, leadership, and team dynamics. I’m excited

Today, I’m joined by Alexa Chilcutt, and we're discussing Executive Presence. Alexa is the Faculty Lead for the Business Communication Certification Program and the Co-lead for the Academy for Women and Leadership at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School’s Executive Education Program. She is also an Executive Education faculty member for Texas Christian University, delivering leadership training and coaching to corporations and high-potential mid to senior-level leaders. Her professional background was in public relations and advertising. She is the author of several scientific journal articles on team leadership and impression management. She

Today, our guest is Bob Luddy, and we're discussing Educational Entrepreneurship. Bob is the founder of CaptiveAire, St. Thomas More Academy, Franklin Academy, Thales Academy, and Thales College, defines and discusses the "educational entrepreneur." He explains education's role in changing culture, the significance of finding the right people for leadership roles, and the value of persistence in building an organization. At the close of the episode, Bob explains why he wanted to found a college. Making entrepreneurs is, in one sense, impossible, but the conditions for entrepreneurship involve immersion in liberal

Today, I’m joined by Damon Lembi, and we are discussing Why Leadership Requires Lifelong Learning. Damon is a 2x bestselling author and host of The Learn-It-All Podcast. He is also CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. From his baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time. I’m excited to have him on the show to

Today, I’m joined by Shay Brickhouse, and we're talking about becoming a Leader Worth Following. Shay heads up Landscaping Unlimited, a complete landscaping and hardscaping company based in Eastern NC. He took over this business in 2016 and has been leading in the trenches ever since. A good friend of mine, a former Navy veteran, worked for Shay and called him the best leader he has ever worked for (including his time in the service). I don’t hear that often, so I immediately contacted Shay to get him on the show

Today, I’m joined by Jeremy Jenson, and we're talking about Scaling a $10 Million Business. Jeremy is the Founder & CEO of Encore Search Partners. He is an expert on The Entrepreneurial Operating System and prides himself on building Houston’s largest privately-held Executive Search firm. He is also a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a global co-op of over 17,000 entrepreneurs worldwide. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn about Scaling a $10 Million Business. Show resources: Jeremy Jenson on LinkedIn Sponsors: Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee

Today, I’m joined by Elena Grotto and Felicia Joy. We're discussing How to Build an Unstoppable Workplace Culture. Elena is an adjunct professor of strategy at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, where she co-teaches culture as a competitive business advantage. Additionally, she is the executive vice president and group head of Edelman’s business transformation team, working in lockstep with senior decision-makers to stabilize the workforce during periods of significant change. Felicia also co-teaches culture as a competitive business advantage at the Booth School of Business. Additionally, she is

Today, I’m joined by Markus van Alphen, and we're talking about Becoming an Excellent Leader. Markus is a renowned leadership psychologist and author of more than 15 books in Dutch and English. His most recent books include The Excellent Leader and The More Excellent Leader. His company, The Excellent Organization, helps leaders and individuals worldwide increase workplace and personal relationship effectiveness to transform their environments and succeed. As a restorative practitioner, he is also called in to resolve incidents, initiate conflict resolution, and train others to implement the restorative approach. Markus

Today, I’m joined by Tyler Mount, and we're discussing Personal Branding for Business Leaders. Tyler is the founder and CEO of Henry Street Collective, an industry-leading branding and digital strategy agency. He is a celebrated digital strategist who has left an indelible mark on various industries, from Broadway to real estate. His unique marketing approach – focusing on personal brand versus traditional product marketing – has reshaped how businesses think about their brands. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn from his expertise in Personal Branding for Business

Today, I’m joined by Aslak de Silva, and we're talking about Leadership Lessons from Combat Sports. Aslak has nearly 20 years of experience as a practitioner and instructor of Han Moo Do martial arts, competing in 100 full-contact fights and winning the World Championship gold medal in Michigan in 2000. Martial arts has taught him the importance of leaders being life-long learners and coaching others. Aslak is the CEO of Selfly Store, where they use the latest developments in loT, machine learning, and AI to offer intelligent vending machines that make

Today, I’m joined by Brent Kedzierski, and we're talking about Human-Centric Leadership. Brent is a leading voice in the evolution of work, focusing on improving the human condition. His role at Hexagon, a global leader in industrial digital solutions, puts him at the confluence of digital transformation, Industry 4.0, and connected worker ecosystems. With a career spanning over 35 years, including a pivotal role at Shell, as Head of Learning Strategy and Innovation, Brent brings a unique perspective on optimizing human performance and worker engagement in the digital age. I’m excited

Today, I’m joined by Julie Winkle Giulioni, and we're discussing employee career conversations. Julie is a champion for workplace growth and development and helps executives and leaders optimize talent and potential within their organizations. One of Inc. Magazine’s Top 100 speakers, she’s the author of Promotions Are So Yesterday and the co-author of the international bestseller, Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go which has been translated into seven languages. Julie is a regular columnist for Training Industry Magazine and SmartBrief and contributes articles on leadership, career development, and workplace trends

Today, Tom Burbage and Fred Stuvek, both returning guests to the show, will join me to discuss politics and the military. Tom is the President of the Calvert Task Group. He retired from Lockheed Martin Corporation in 2013, serving as the president of the Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems Company and the executive vice president/GM for the USAF F-22 Raptor and F-35 programs. Tom was a Naval Aviator, where he accumulated more than 3,000 hours in 38 different types of military aircraft and retired as a US Navy Captain in 1994. Fred

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Nia Thomas, and we're discussing how to be a Self-Aware Leader. Nia is an academically awarded thought leader in self-aware leadership and practices self-aware leadership daily as a Director of a Children’s Charity. Nia has spent 25 years working in the public sector across local government, the NHS, civil service, and the charitable sector in Wales and England. She is a frequent blog writer and a passionate podcast host of The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast, of which I had the opportunity to be a guest.

Today, I’m joined by Gary Harpst, and we're talking about Overcoming Chaos. Gary is the Founder of LeadFirst, which launched the first ERM (employee relationship management) system for faith-driven leaders. For over four decades as a CEO, his passion has been integrating his faith with business. He has co-founded four businesses, one of which was sold to Microsoft, and recently published his third book, Built to Beat Chaos: Biblical Wisdom for Leading Yourself and Others. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn more about Overcoming Chaos. Show resources:

Today, I’m joined by Tyler Plant, and we're talking about Accelerating Team Collaboration. Tyler has led teams for more than 20 years. He is currently the Chief Revenue Officer at Simpli5, a company dedicated to maximizing human potential. Simpli5’s platform and solutions blend neuroscience, psychology, and technology to analyze teams’ work styles and affinity for different project phases to improve collaboration and team satisfaction and drive more sustainable results. Simpli5 has helped transform teams and organizations in the health care, tech, bio-tech, pharma, and higher education fields for over two decades.

Today, I’m joined by Elliot Kallen, and we're talking about Entrepreneurial Leadership. Elliot has amassed a wealth of leadership experience over four decades, running several companies he founded. These companies include Prosperity Financial Group, an investment advisory firm with almost $1B in Assets Under Management, and A Brighter Day, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarship funds and mental health resources to teens experiencing stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts. He is also the #1 Amazon Best-Selling Author of DRIVEN: How to Elevate Your Success as an Entrepreneur, which is a book that

Today, I’m joined by Staci Wallace, and we're talking about Purpose-Driven Leadership. Staci is an 8-time author, speaker, recording artist, podcast host, and expert in business psychology and life mastery. She is the CEO of Fueled by Fire. This global consulting firm empowers faith-based CEOs and entrepreneurs to build purpose-driven, highly profitable lives and businesses they love while creating legacy wealth and generational impact. Staci has shared the stage with five U.S. Presidents and has been featured on TEDx, NBC, ABC, FOX, TBN, Money Magazine, and numerous other media outlets. I’m

Today, I’m joined by TD Smyers, and we're talking about Boldness in Leadership. TD is a career servant leader with over 30 years of top-level executive experience across three major economic sectors. He is an executive coach specializing in succession planning. His clients include top executives and prospective top executives from across the country. TD is a retired U.S. Navy Captain who had a successful 31-year military career. I’m excited to have him on the show to more about Boldness in Leadership. Show resources: A Bold Leader website Long Game Consulting

Today, I’m joined by a returning guest, Heather Eason, and we're talking about The Art of Revenge. If you are a long-time listener, you might remember Heather from Episode 39! Heather is the Founder, President & CEO of SELECT Power Systems, an engineering firm supporting gas and electric utilities. She is a serial entrepreneur and business leader with over 20 years of experience in industries ranging from electric utilities to renewable energy and now Gen2 renewable diesel. She is the author of a new book, The Art of Revenge, which is

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Mary Crossan, and we're talking about The Character of a Leader. Mary is a Distinguished University Professor of Strategic Leadership at the Ivey Business School at Western University. In 2021, she was recognized on a global list, representing the top two percent of the most cited scientists in her discipline, and in 2023, she received the Lifetime Career Achievement Academy of Management Distinguished Educator award. Her research on leader character, organizational learning, strategic renewal, and improvisation is published in over 100 articles and books. Mary is

Today, I’m joined by Moshik Temkin, and we're talking about Leadership Lessons from History. Moshik is a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Leadership and History at Schwarzman College and a fellow at Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. He has taught at Harvard University, Columbia University, and has been a visiting professor and lecturer in India, South Korea, Spain, Mexico, France, and the United States. His articles and essays have appeared in the New York Times, the Nation, Journal of Democracy, New Republic, and the Los Angeles Times. His

Today, I’m joined by Susan Ireland, and we're talking about how to Earn, Own, and Grow as a leader. Susan is a leadership powerhouse with over 30 years at Boeing and contributions to entrepreneurial ventures like HyTech Power. Alongside Debbie Collard, she co-founded Seasons Leadership to address gaps in leadership education. Their company offers 1:1 coaching, business consulting, and training, with the added bonus of free bi-weekly podcasts and blogs that make high-quality leadership education accessible to everyone. I’m excited to have her on the show to learn from her leadership

Today, I’m joined by Ryan Renteria, and we're talking about How to Avoid Leader Burnout. Ryan is a CEO coach at Stretch Five. He is a diverse board director and speaker who helps leaders optimize professional and personal growth. He is a former Goldman Sachs executive with experience in the business behind professional sports. Ryan has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and CEOWORLD. He’s the author of Lead without Burnout: Growth with Less Stress for You and Your Team, which is a #1 bestselling new release in work-life

Today, I’m joined by Jeffrey Klubeck, and we're talking about how to Lead with Integrity. Jeffrey is an Unretired Professor of Communication and author of The Integrity Game®, which is evolving into a comprehensive soft skills development company. As a world-class coach, Jeffrey has worked with entrepreneurs and high-performance teams in 14 countries on four continents. He is also the founder of Get A Klu, Inc., which provides productivity and accountability frameworks for small and micro businesses and solopreneurs. Jeffrey is also the author of the Get A Klu in 52

Today, I’m joined by Brian Biro, and we're talking about Breakthrough Leadership. Brian is America’s Breakthrough Speaker! He has delivered nearly 1,900 presentations around the world over the last 34 years. He is the author of 16 books, including his bestseller, BEYOND SUCCESS, and his brand-new book LESSONS FROM THE LEGENDS. Brian was rated #1 from over 40 Speakers at 4 consecutive INC. Magazine International Conferences. With degrees from Stanford University and UCLA, Brian has appeared on Good Morning America and CNN. Brian was recently honored as one of the top

Today, I’m joined by a returning guest to the show, Paul Thornton, and we're talking about Finding Leadership Balance. For the past 40 years, Paul has been a student and teacher of leadership concepts. He has been a college professor, coach, human resources executive, parent, and grandparent. He has written over 100 articles and 22 books on various aspects of management and leadership. His latest book is called Leadership--Are you providing the right amount? Which helps leaders determine the right balance for leading their teams. I’ve always said that leadership is

Today, I’m joined by John Rossman, and we're talking about Big Bet Leadership. John is the founder of Rossman Partners, a strategy & leadership solutions firm. He is the author of four books on leadership and business innovation, including the bestseller The Amazon Way and Big Bet Leadership. He was an early Amazon executive who played a key role in launching the Amazon marketplace business in 2002. Today, he is a leading keynote speaker on leadership for innovation and transformation. John is an operator and builder whose love is diving into

Today, I’m joined by Garik Tate, and we're talking about Deploying AI. Garik is an AI Futurist, Investor, and Strategy Consultant. His expertise lies at the intersection of AI, IQ, and EQ. He helps businesses increase their value using AI. With over a decade of experience as a successful entrepreneur, Garik has founded companies spanning Software Development, Outsourcing, and Publishing. Garik is a sought-after speaker on AI’s future and its practical application in business. I’m excited to have him on the show to talk about how companies and leaders need to

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Randy Ross, and we're talking about Building a Remarkable Culture. Randy is a compelling communicator, craftsman of culture, and bestselling author of multiple books, including “Remarkable!,” “Roadmap to Remarkable!,” “Relationomics,” “Fireproof Happiness,” and his latest book entitled, "Make Life Good.” He has worked with brands like Delta, Berkshire Hathaway, GE, McDonald’s, Panasonic, Chick-fil-A, and others to inspire and enable countless people to find new passion and purpose in their work, work better together in teams, and have greater influence and impact. He believes that when people

Today, I’m joined by Sean Lemson, and we're talking about How to Prevent Bad Bosses. Sean is a leadership expert and an executive and team performance coach. He is the founder of Motivated Outcomes, an organization devoted to improving performance, engagement, and leadership in today’s organizations. He founded this company with one single mission: To help make work a place people want to be again. He is the author of the brand new book called One Drop of Poison: How One Bad Leader Can Slowly Kill Your Company which was selected

Today, I’m joined by Patrick McGuire, and we're talking about Middle Management Leadership. Patrick is an IT Director, Life Coach, Martial Artist, and Yoga Instructor. In his leadership roles, he has successfully navigated the complexities of technology management and team leadership in a fast-moving company. He also has a passion for personal development and helping others which he does through his life coaching programs. He has more than 200 hours of yoga training and has earned a black belt in Kung Fu requiring thousands of hours of training and practice. In