Deep Leadership - Archive

Hope is not a strategy. In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Alan Porter, a retired U.S. Army Blackhawk instructor pilot, financial fiduciary, author, and founder of Strategic Wealth Strategies. Alan spent more than 21 years in the Army, where he learned that when the pressure is highest, you don’t rise to the occasion. You fall back on your preparation. Today, he applies that same philosophy to financial stewardship, risk management, and helping leaders prepare for the unexpected. We discuss: • What military aviation teaches us about leadership

What if some of the best answers to today’s leadership challenges were written thousands of years ago? In this episode of the Deep Leadership podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Josh Herring, Director of the Logres Institute for Classical Liberal Studies, Curriculum Program Manager for the Rafiki Foundation, and author of Sons of Adam, Daughters of Eve: C.S. Lewis’s Images of Gender. Josh makes the case that modern education has increasingly emphasized skills and credentials while losing touch with the deeper intellectual traditions that once shaped leaders and critical thinkers. We discuss

Too many ideas can be just as dangerous as too few. In this episode of the Deep Leadership podcast, I talk with David Fung, a former senior director at Salesforce who spent more than 20 years in tech before founding Coachful Coaching. David has led high-performing teams through constant change, and today he helps leaders navigate transitions, build resilience, and lead with greater clarity. We discuss why one of the most important jobs of a leader is not generating more ideas, but filtering them before they reach the team. David explains

What do your toughest decisions reveal about who you really are as a leader? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I talk with Dr. Fay Niewiadomski, international award-winning change management strategist, cultural transformation consultant, and author of Decisions That Matter. Fay has spent decades working with leaders, CEOs, board members, presidents, and government ministers around the world. We explore why leadership is ultimately revealed through the decisions we make, especially when our values are tested. Fay explains why leaders need to establish their boundaries before a crisis hits, what happens when

Conflict is unavoidable in leadership. The question is whether you deal with it or let it grow. In this episode of the Deep Leadership podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Irvine Nugent, leadership and conflict management expert, keynote speaker, and co-founder of Conflict EQ. Growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles gave Irvin an early and deeply personal understanding of conflict, trust, and the consequences of unresolved tension. We discuss why leaders often avoid difficult conversations, how conflict can actually become a productive force, and why staying calm under pressure isn’t

What if the biggest mistake a small business can make is trying to operate like a big company? In this episode of the Deep Leadership podcast, I’m joined by Sri Kaza, seasoned business leader, former McKinsey advisor, entrepreneur, and author of Unconvention. After studying thousands of small businesses and examining which ones survived major disruptions, Sri discovered something surprising: the companies that endured weren’t necessarily following conventional business wisdom. They were doing things differently. Sri explains why small businesses have advantages that large corporations struggle to replicate, including close relationships with

As AI continues to reshape the workplace, what will separate the people who thrive from those who get left behind? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I’m joined by Katie O’Malley, executive coach, leadership educator, and founder of Encourage Coaching. Katie has spent more than 20 years helping people build meaningful careers, become stronger leaders, and create more courageous workplace cultures. We discuss why the future of work may depend less on technical skills and more on the distinctly human skills that AI can’t replicate. Katie explains why critical thinking, learning

What if the biggest thing holding your team back is you? In this episode of the Deep Leadership podcast, I’m joined by Dave Garrison, leadership strategist, former CEO, and co-author of The Buy-In Advantage. Dave has spent more than 25 years helping leaders build organizations where employees don’t just show up, they bring their ideas, energy, and initiative with them. We discuss why great leaders stop trying to have all the answers and instead learn how to develop better thinkers. Dave explains how leaders can unintentionally train employees to depend on

What does your voice say about you before people even process your words? In this episode of the Deep Leadership podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Carl DuPont, co-author of The Presence Principle and an expert in executive presence, vocal intelligence, and leadership communication. Carl explains why our voices reveal far more than we realize and how leaders can use tone, inflection, rhythm, volume, and even silence to communicate confidence and build trust. We also explore the connection between vocal intelligence and emotional intelligence, why staying calm matters when the pressure is

What if the biggest mistake you’re making as a leader is spending too much time on your low performers? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Mike Goldman, leadership team coach, TEDx speaker, and USA Today bestselling author of The Strength of Talent: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Profit. Mike challenges the traditional approach to performance management and explains why leaders often spend far too much time trying to fix struggling employees while neglecting their very best people. We discuss why annual performance reviews are

How Great Leaders Stay Calm Under Pressure What does it take to stay calm when lives are on the line? In this episode of the Deep Leadership podcast, I sit down with Noel Cardenas, retired U.S. Army Colonel and CEO of Memorial Hermann Southeast & Pearland Hospitals, to explore what leadership looks like under the most demanding conditions imaginable. Noel shares lessons from building a 164-bed combat support hospital in Iraq in just 48 hours, leading hundreds of soldiers during two combat deployments, and guiding healthcare teams through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stop Managing People and Start Building Owners Most leaders spend their careers trying to manage people. What if the real goal isn't better management... but building owners? In this episode of the Deep Leadership podcast, I sit down with keynote speaker, leadership advisor, and bestselling author Greg Hawks to explore why ownership is the missing ingredient in so many organizations. Greg shares his powerful Owners, Renters, and Vandals framework and explains how leaders unintentionally create disengaged employees by limiting autonomy, discouraging contribution, and rewarding compliance over commitment. We also discuss how

Why Working Harder Is Making You Less Effective | Alex Davids Most leaders believe the path to better results is simple: work harder, stay busy, and push through. But what if that mindset is actually making you less effective? In this episode of the Deep Leadership podcast, I sit down with performance expert Alex Davids to explore the neuroscience behind sustainable high performance. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies and fast-growing startups, Alex explains why our brains weren't designed for constant busyness and how

Most people think great leaders have always dreamed of being in charge. But what if the opposite is true? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Jessie Hathcock, President of The Loading Dock and founder of Scale Simple, to explore how purpose, humility, and service shape exceptional leaders. Jessie shares her remarkable journey from middle school teacher and nonprofit leader to leading one of North Carolina's most successful coworking communities through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss why the best leaders often never planned to lead,

Your Body Knows You're Burned Out Before You Do What if the warning signs of burnout show up long before you recognize them? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Melissa Gonzalez, author of The Purpose Pivot, to explore why so many high achievers ignore the signals their bodies are sending them until it's too late. After a life-threatening health crisis forced her to stop, Melissa discovered that true leadership isn't about pushing harder. It's about learning to recognize the difference between healthy ambition and unsustainable hustle. We

Stop trying to control everything. Most leaders believe their job is to control outcomes, manage every detail, and have all the answers. But what if that mindset is actually making leadership harder? In this episode, Yining Wang joins me to discuss why the best leaders stop trying to control everything and instead focus on developing inner clarity, self-awareness, and purpose. Drawing on his experience advising leaders around the world, Yining explains how fear, uncertainty, and the need for control can cloud judgment and create unnecessary stress. We also explore resilience, entrepreneurship,

Why Your Excuses Are Holding You Back What if the biggest thing standing between you and success isn't your circumstances, your competition, or your limitations... but the excuses you've accepted as truth? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Patrick Engasser, bestselling author, business coach, motivational speaker, and former top-performing sales leader. Patrick has been blind since birth, yet he built a remarkable career leading sales teams, coaching entrepreneurs, and helping leaders achieve extraordinary results. Patrick shares how he transformed what many would see as a limitation into

What makes people trust a leader? And why do some teams thrive under pressure while others fall apart? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with trust experts Dr. Michelle Reina and Dr. Dennis Reina, co-founders of Reina Trust Building and authors of The Art of Trust Building, to explore the real impact trust has on leadership, culture, and performance. We dive deep into: Why high-trust teams consistently outperform low-trust teams The hidden damage caused by micromanagement The three dimensions of trust every leader must understand How leaders unintentionally

Most companies think innovation is about technology, strategy, or process. Dr. Bruce Vojak says they’re wrong. In this episode of Deep Leadership, Jon Rennie sits down with innovation expert Dr. Bruce Vojak to explore why innovation succeeds or fails based on the people inside the organization. Drawing from decades of experience at companies like Motorola and from his research on “serial innovators,” Bruce explains how breakthrough ideas actually happen and why mature companies must innovate if they want to survive. They discuss: Why innovation is more than creativity or new technology

Most leadership advice tells you to “just be authentic.” But what happens when the workplace pressures you to become someone else? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with leadership coach, consultant, and author Dr. Rashida Leverett to explore why authentic leadership is so difficult in today’s workplace. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in the military, government, higher education, and corporate leadership, Rashida explains how many leaders struggle with what she calls “identity fragmentation” — becoming one person at work and another everywhere else. We discuss: Why

What happens when AI enters the workplace at full speed? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with futurist, bestselling author, and workplace expert Jacob Morgan to discuss why the future of work will reward high performers more than ever before. We explore the return of accountability in the workplace, the growing divide between high performers and average contributors, and why AI won’t replace the best employees—it will amplify them. Jacob also shares insights from his new book, The 8 Laws of Employee Experience, including: Why “entitlement culture” at

The Networking Mistake That Could Cost You Your Career What happens when you lose your job… and realize you have nobody to call? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with networking expert and author Greg Roche to discuss why so many professionals wait too long to build meaningful relationships and how that mistake can quietly damage careers. Greg shares how losing his HR leadership role forced him to rethink networking completely. As an introvert, traditional networking events felt awkward, exhausting, and ineffective. So he developed a different approach

Why do smart people get things so wrong? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Professor Peter Lamont to explore a powerful idea: it’s not what you think that matters most—it’s how you think. We dive into his concept of Radical Thinking—a different approach to critical thinking that challenges you to examine the roots of your beliefs. Peter explains why every one of us is operating from a limited view of reality, shaped by what we notice—and what we miss. If you're a leader, this conversation will challenge

Why Self-Awareness Is the Leadership Skill Most Leaders Lack Most leaders don’t fail because they lack skill, experience, or good intentions—they fail because they don’t truly understand themselves. In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Margaret Andrews, author of Manage Yourself to Lead Others, to unpack why self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership—and why so many leaders struggle without it. We talk about the gap between intentions and behaviors, why leaders often feel misunderstood, and how a lack of self-awareness quietly erodes trust, communication, and performance. Margaret

Leadership Decisions You Can’t Afford to Get Wrong In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Dr. Linda Henman, advisor, author, and expert in high-stakes decision-making, to talk about the leadership decisions you simply can’t afford to get wrong. Most organizations are full of people who know how to execute. They run fast, deliver results, and get promoted. But when the stakes are high, execution isn’t enough. The real differentiator is knowing which decisions matter most—and getting them right under pressure. Drawing on her research into resilience—including studies of

Most leaders don’t fail because they don’t care. They fail because no one ever taught them how to lead. In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Robert Heath Sr., a former Marine Corps officer, attorney, and leadership coach, to unpack one of the biggest traps leaders fall into—the need to be the fixer. If you’re the person everyone relies on to solve problems, this conversation might hit close to home. Because the truth is this: The skills that made you successful as an individual contributor are the exact

What happens when your best performer becomes your worst leader? In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with Dr. Peter James, President and CEO of HCG Strategic Partners, to unpack one of the most common (and costly) mistakes organizations make: promoting great individual contributors into leadership roles without preparing them to lead. Peter brings a rare perspective shaped by leadership in the military, corporate America, and higher education. Together, we break down why being great at your job doesn’t automatically make you a great leader—and what actually does. We

Broken Trust: How Great Leaders Fix It Trust is at some of the lowest levels we’ve ever seen—and leaders are paying the price. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Darryl Stickel to unpack what trust really is, why it’s collapsing in today’s uncertain world, and how great leaders rebuild it inside their teams. We talk about the real definition of trust (it’s not what you think), why confidence without certainty destroys credibility, and how leaders can create “pockets of excellence” even in broken organizations. If you’re leading in a

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