MagnoliaTree: Inspiring Brave Leaders

What does it take to drive real systems change?  In this episode, Christina speaks with social innovator Nora Wilhelm.Nora Wilhelm is a (co-)founder of several social change initiatives, including “collaboratio helvetica” in Switzerland, and has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree as well as a Swiss delegate at the UNESCO Economic and Social Development (ESD) Conference.Together, Nora and Christina explore what it means to lead with awareness, navigate personal and collective transformation, and stay grounded while working toward a more just and regenerative future.Nora shares her personal journey into social change, details about Parayma, her new project designed to support systems change leaders, practical tools like the Power Flower to reflect on privilege, and why creativity, and strong support networks are essential for sustainable impact.A grounded and honest exchange about leadership, barriers, purpose, and the role each of us can play in creating positive change. Our Guesthttps://www.norawilhelm.org/ Nora Wilhelmhttps://www.parayma.co/ Parayma ShownotesCollaboratio Helvetica https://collaboratiohelvetica.ch/The "I" and the "We" - Frédéric Laloux https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIcmpy10PaEOtto Scharmer Prescencing Institute https://www.presencing.org/ References from the WordrapMaya AngelouBecky ChambersBayo Akomolafe - https://www.bayoakomolafe.net/ 

In this episode of the Inspiring Brave Leaders Podcast, Christina interviews Jimmy Westerheim, a mental health advocate, Ashoka fellow, and founder of "The Human Aspect"."The Life Experience Librarian" shares his personal journey far beyond these job descriptions, including his own struggles with mental health, the impact of his upbringing, his time in Afghanistan with "Doctors Without Borders", and how these experiences shaped his mission to destigmatize mental health issues.It's about how we fuel the "generation performance", the importance of vulnerability, emotional intelligence, the right vocabulary and the need for open conversations about mental health. The episode highlights the significance of storytelling in healing and the role of community support in overcoming challenges, amidst global crises.Also, Christina and Jimmy explore the significance of understanding one's true self beyond societal roles and the unique mental health struggles faced by men, advocating for patience and emotional openness, and much more.Trigger warning: This episode contains talks of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, abuse, domestic violence and war scenes.Our guest:Jimmy Westerheim on LinkedInJimmy Westerheim on InstagramLinks to things mentioned in the episode:The Human AspectDoctors Without Borders

In dieser Episode von Inspiring Brave Leaders spricht Sabine Gromer mit Michael Spiekermann, Klimaaktivist, ehemaliger Sprecher von Fridays for Future Österreich und Student der Umweltpolitik an der LSE, über Mut, Widerstand und die Kraft sozialer Bewegungen. Erfahren Sie, wie Michael den Klimaschutz zu seiner Lebensaufgabe gemacht hat und welche Herausforderungen er dabei in der Politik und Gesellschaft sieht.Im Verlauf des Gesprächs reflektiert Michael über die Ursprünge seines Engagements und die Rolle seines Großvaters, der im Zweiten Weltkrieg desertierte, als prägende Inspiration. Er spricht darüber, wie man Menschen aus der Passivität ins Handeln bringt, warum soziale Bewegungen entscheidend für politischen Wandel sind und welche Mechanismen notwendig sind, um langfristig Widerstandskraft und Wirksamkeit im Aktivismus aufrechtzuerhalten. Dabei geht es nicht nur um die Klimakrise, sondern auch um gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt, die Bedeutung von antifragilem Denken und die Frage, wie Mut in Zeiten multipler Krisen neu definiert werden muss.Unser Gast:https://www.instagram.com/michael_spiekermann/Details & Hintergrundinformationen zur Episode:Die genaue Anzahl der weltweit in der fossilen Brennstoffindustrie Beschäftigten ist schwer festzustellen, da aktuelle und umfassende Daten fehlen. Laut der Internationalen Agentur für Erneuerbare Energien (IRENA) waren im Jahr 2019 von den insgesamt 58 Millionen Arbeitsplätzen im Energiesektor etwa 20 % im Bereich der erneuerbaren Energien angesiedelt, was ungefähr 11,5 Millionen Arbeitsplätzen entspricht. Daraus lässt sich schließen, dass der Großteil der verbleibenden 46,5 Millionen Arbeitsplätze in der fossilen Brennstoffindustrie zu finden ist.Links aus der Episode:CEOS FOR FUTUREInspiring Brave Leaders with Indy JoharTEDxDonauinselSalon: He Resisted The Nazi, So I Fight Climate Change | Michael Spiekermann

In this episode of Inspiring Brave Leaders, Sabine Gromer interviews Phil Andrew, former FBI special agent and expert in crisis negotiations and counterterrorism. Phil shares his extensive experience and insights from handling complex crisis situations, focusing on the critical link between leadership and negotiation skills.Throughout their discussion, Phil explains how his early family life and athletic experiences influenced his approach to leadership and crisis management, emphasizing the importance of empathy, patience, and thorough preparation for successful outcomes in high-pressure environments.Phil also talks about his current role at PAX Group, where he applies his negotiation expertise to help organizations effectively manage crises and conflicts. He highlights how fostering safe, supportive environments allows individuals and organizations to excel, showing the relevance of hostage negotiation techniques to business and personal challenges. This episode provides an in-depth look at the strategies of negotiation and the fundamental qualities that define true leadership during crises.

In dieser Episode von "Inspiring Brave Leaders" spricht Tim Noldin, Gründer von Coachfident, erfahrener Coach und Wirtschaftspsychologe, über seine Einsichten und Erfahrungen in der Coaching-Industrie. Erfahren Sie, wie Tim den Karriereberatungsmarkt mit seinem innovativen Ansatz transformieren möchte und welche Rolle die Qualitätssicherung in der Auswahl von Coaches spielt.Im Verlauf des Gesprächs vertieft Tim die Diskussion über das Ungleichgewicht zwischen Angebot und Nachfrage im Coaching-Sektor. Er beleuchtet, wie übersättigte Märkte die Notwendigkeit für strengere Auswahlprozesse und Qualitätssicherung verstärken, um die Integrität der Coaching-Dienstleistungen zu gewährleisten. Tim teilt seine Ansichten darüber, wie wichtig es ist, dass Coaches nicht nur methodisch versiert, sondern auch in der Lage sind, echte Veränderungen und Ergebnisse für ihre Klient:innen zu erzielen.

In the thought-provoking episode  Sabine Gromer explores the dynamic world of future technologies with Matt O'Neill. As a global AI keynote speaker and prolific author, O'Neill draws on his extensive experience in marketing and communications to offer unique insights. This dialogue ventures into the realms of the Future of Work, Leadership, and Technology, underpinned by O'Neill's commitment to empowering listeners towards actionable change. The episode not only highlights O'Neill's forward-thinking approach but also his conviction in using AI to sculpt a better tomorrow for industries worldwide.

This episode highlights the transformative power of ethical leadership education, showcasing how it equips young individuals with the skills to lead with integrity and initiate positive change. It serves as a testament to the significance of ethical leadership in today's world, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in personal development and making a meaningful impact.In the latest episode of "Inspiring Brave Leaders," Sabine Gromer explores ethical leadership with Zeynep Holmes, a teacher, and her students, Andreas Miaris and Paul Chatin, from Wetherby Senior School. They discuss the influence of the "Designing Your Ethical Life as a Leader" program on young leaders. Zeynep shares her journey from banking to teaching, underscoring the importance of nurturing leadership skills in youth. Andreas and Paul reflect on their personal growth, emphasizing the program's role in reshaping their perspectives on leadership and ethics.

Join us for an enthralling conversation with Indy Johar, the creative force behind Dark Matter Labs and Wiki House Foundation. As an architect and strategic designer, Indy has persistently challenged societal norms, urging us to reevaluate our approaches to language, finance, and ownership. His innovative work and perspectives have garnered him the prestigious London Design Medal for Innovation.In this episode, we explore the critical role of leadership in transitioning to a new world and the bravery required to confront established systems for impactful change.Sabine Gromer and Indy Johar (chronologically) cover these topics:~ 00:15 Brave Leadership and Innovative Projects~ 16:20 Navigating Leadership and Detachment During Transition~ 24:00 The Entangled Economy and Paradigm Shift~ 36:45 Addressing the Climate Crisis~ 51:45 The Need for a Paradigm Shift~ 01:02:50 Creating Conditions for Leadership Transformation

During this episode, our host Sabine Gromer talks to Jenny Hoffmann – an executive at W.L. Gore & Associates, or as you might know it, Gore-Tex. She offers an insider's perspective on Gore's unique culture: how the lattice structure works, what environmental stewardship means, and the sustainable practices that distinguish this $4.8 billion company.

In this episode, we will dive into the subject of top-leadership job sharing together with our special guests, Nicole Reitinger and Gerhard Müller, representing Ikea Austria.You can listen to how they not only made this modern concept work but also successfully implemented changes that elevated their store in the center of Vienna to one of the top 5 branches worldwide.Tune in to learn about the impact shared leadership can have on organizations and communities. It's a game-changer that fosters collaboration, enhances problem-solving, and propels growth.

In dieser Folge nehmen Host Sabine Gromer und Annemarie Schlack von Amnesty International Austria folgende Themen in den Fokus:-) Welchen Stellenwert das Verinnerlichen und Verteidigen unserer Menschenrechte einnimmt-) Pragmatischer Aktivismus -) Leadership in einer internationalen NGOEs ist ein einzigartiger Einblick hinter die Kulissen des Arbeitsalltags bei Amnesty. 

During this episode our Founder, Sabine Gromer, and Verena Gruber-Sytchev discuss the following subjects:⁃Military Leadership: Wars and the concept of borders  ⁃Identity crisis ⁃Different interpretations of legitimacy⁃Power and fear Verena Gruber-Sytchev is a business consultant today working at Fifty1. She has completed her Ph.D. at King's College London's Defence Studies Department, worked on the post-merger integration of Kurdish military forces, and observed war firsthand at the frontlines with ISIS in 2014. Verena chose to combine her two passions - the theory and knowledge of conflict resolution, change management, and post-merger integration, plus the practice of project-based work with partners on an eye-to-eye level.

Anders Larsen holds a candidatus magisterii in History and English. His specialization is in the formation of identity in contemporary culture and he is a lecturer at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad in Copenhagen. Besides that, he curates exhibitions and consults for various organizations. Alongside his academic career, Anders actively participates in the public debate in Denmark on topics such as contemporary culture, diversity, and inclusion. Recently he published a book on the history of gay men in Denmark between 1900 and 2020. For this episode, Anders joined us to talk about his drag alter ego: Chantal al Arab. Listen to Sabine Gromer's and Anders' conversation if you want to learn more about his personal experience with drag, mental and emotional well-being and the importance of social tolerance as part of an advanced society.

Was ist für die Karriere entscheidend? Wie treffe ich als ArbeitgeberIn beim Einstellen mutige Entscheidungen, und wie sieht‘s mit dem Gehalt aus? Stephanie Schorp ist eine der renommiertesten HeadhunterInnen Deutschlands - im Gespräch mit Sabine Gromer gibt sie Einblicke, was sich in den obersten Etagen der Wirtschaft abspielt.Ein paar wichtige Punkte:- ab 10:00 Das Alter 50 bis Mitte 50 und der Karriereknick- ab 16:00 Was wird von Führungskräften erwartet? Wie sieht's mit Diversity, Equity & Inclusion aus? - ab 25:00 Persönlichkeitsdiagnostik- ab 41:00 Karriereberatung vs. Headhunting: Wie gehe ich damit um, und was kann ich erwarten?- ab 46:00 Führungskräftemangel & Leistungsdruck-Kultur- ab 54:00 Viktor Frankl & die Logotherapie- ab 1:00:00 Gehaltsverhandlungen

Augustine Pasin and Qi Zhang talk about eastern philosophy and leadership. Qi is a leadership coach and culture change expert. During this episode, you will learn about the iChing wisdom and how to apply it in the leadership field.

With the occasion of IWD, our Host - Augustin Pasin - invites Sabine Gromer, Elke Pichler, and Daliana Ilies to talk about the revolutionary women of the 20th century that achieved an enormous deal for women's rights and, of course, how we came to celebrate International Women's Day.

Elke currently runs the Leadership Academy initiative. Augustine and Elke are co-workers and friends at MagnoliaTree. Together, they explore the theory of adaptive and apply it to the case study of Gandalf from Lord of The Rings.

Reflecting on previous podcast episodes, Sabine Gromer and Augustine Pasin discuss their key takeaways of the past year. To cite one: The journey of developing an advanced leadership style or model is very personal; By revising your individual strengths and weaknesses and refining what you're good at, everyone can develop their very own leadership capabilities. But what does it really mean to be a good leader? Earnings per share cannot be the benchmark for good quality c-suite leadership. Building Trust and treating people with dignity is now getting more relevant than ever. 

Elke Pichler is a consultant, trainer, and coach. She is the founder of Impactory - the largest Austrian donation platform and YTILI Fellow 2021/22. Elke studied real estate management, business administration, and business psychology, is a trained personality trainer and systemic coach. In these roles, she accompanies various organizations, lectures at universities, and mentors students and founders. Appreciation, curiosity, and openness are her guiding principles. 

Dr. Donna Hicks is an Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University. She facilitated dialogues in numerous unofficial diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Colombia, Cuba, Libya, and Syria. Hicks was a consultant to the BBC in Northern Ireland, where she co-facilitated a television series, Facing the Truth, with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. She has taught courses in conflict resolution at Harvard, Clark, and Columbia Universities and conducts training seminars in the US and abroad on dignity leadership training and the role dignity plays in resolving conflict. She consults with corporations, schools, churches, and non-governmental organizations. Her book, Dignity: It's Essential Role in Resolving Conflict, was published by Yale University Press in 2011. Her second book, Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings Out the Best in People, was published by Yale University Press in August 2018.

Paul Pasin was the COO of Radio Flyer, a family-owned children's ride-on toy company based out of Chicago. After retiring a few years ago, he took on an executive position at the Archdiocese of Chicago, helping to guide their catholic school system during the pandemic. He is passionate about value-driven leadership and inspiring ethical practices in the workplace. He is also my father. During this episode, Paul and I discuss his transition into a leadership position at a young age and how he developed his skills to transform a failing company. We also discuss off-shoots of this topic, including inspiring ethical practices in the workplace, distilling value from tradition, and how to set goals in one's life based on your purpose.

Sridhar Komandur, known as KK to his friends and colleagues, is an ICF-certified PCC Level Coach. He has been coaching Executives across the globe for more than 30 years and enjoys helping people realize their true potential. KK served in multiple roles of progressive leadership with SC Johnson (SCJ) and was a key executive on the International Markets Executive Committee with sales of $ 6 billion. He has lived and worked in 3 Continents: Asia (India & China), Europe, and the US. He has a deep and diversified General Management, Sales, and Marketing global leadership background. His career encompasses global management across the US, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa, Middle East for the world's top MNC's in the FMCG industry.During this episode, Augustine and KK discuss the importance of reflexivity, coaching, and self-development as empowerment and the NECESSITY of morality and purpose when building a company. Towards the end, KK explores his experience in Western and Asian firms and draws similarities and differences between the two leadership cultures. This is a definite must listen if you're interested in international leadership and cultural differences in leadership styles.

Colleen Lyons is a leadership coach with a Ph.D. in value-driven leadership and received bioethics training at medical school. She also went through seminary school. Colleen is interested in the study of personal leadership models and how to build psychological safety in trust. Professionally, she has worked in fortune 500s, as an ethics officer at the VA in Seattle and most recently was a senior ethics advisor at Boeing. Colleen has had a front-row seat of company culture gone horribly wrong, and wonderfully right. In this interview, Colleen and Augustine Pasin discuss the importance of restructuring goals around one's purpose, what it means to pursue purpose, what the acronym VUCA means, and how to build one's personal leadership model (among many other things).This episode is a look into company culture and how to make changes not only in your workplace but in your own life as well.

Zeynep Holmes is currently a secondary school teacher in the UK, but prior to that she was an investment banker for over 20 years. She spent her last 10 years in a senior leadership position at a multinational institution. But soon afterwards she came to realize her true calling was influencing a rising generation of change agents as a teacher. Augustine and Zeynep discuss the transition from leadership to teaching, the interrelationship between those two disciplines, and the differences. They also analyze the importance of critical reasoning, conflict management, the importance of genuineness as they pertain to leadership.This episode provides insight in how to apply leadership concepts in non-traditional leadership roles – as well as how to be a mentor and the importance of mentors at large.

Professor Eileen Botting is an American political theorist and professor of political science. She works on political thought from the 17th century to present. Botting was also the head of Notre Dame's Hesburgh-Yusko scholarship which is a comprehensive, merit-based scholarship and leadership-development  program that seeks to attract, encourage, and equip extraordinary students who will have a transformational effect on the world. During this episode, Augustine and Professor Botting discuss what it means to be an ethical leader. Also discussed is the importance of seeking out mentors, applying classroom dynamics to leadership models, facilitating feedback, and creating space for oneself in a larger organization.

In this episode, Augustine Pasin is joined by David Oldfield. David is the director of The Midway Center for Creative Imagination in Washington, DC. He holds a Masters in Religion from Yale as well as a Masters in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University. David's passion for creativity, imagination, and innovation leads him to the “thresholds” of life, times when profound transformation is called for, and we must realign our lives, our work, and our organizations, in order for our emergent potentialities to unfold.Throughout the episode, David and Augustine discuss imagination as an avenue through which to imbue the human spirit into any endeavor. Also discussed is patience, engaging with a company's mission statement, and finding a vocation.

Sabine Gromer and Augustine Pasin discuss why they choose to start a podcast on ethical/dignified leadership. Topics discussed include the methods by which modern leadership is learned, the importance of mentors in an increasingly saturated field of leadership information, and the intent placed in selecting potential interviewees. If you're interested in the podcast, or if you've listened to a few episodes but want to get a feel for the structure going forward, this episode is a good starting place.

In this episode, Augustine interviews Richard (Rocky) Kimball. He is the Co-Founder of FRED Leadership, a non-profit membership organization whose mission is to 'inspire the development of moral, transformative leaders who make the world a better place '. Rocky has a distinguished track record working with CEOs, senior executives, and teams-at-the-top to build strategic alignment. His work is often aimed at organizational transformation through the design and delivery of customized executive development initiatives. Kimball also teaches at major universities, including the Tuck Business School at Dartmouth. Augustine and Rocky found themselves honing in on the importance of nurturing leaderships and finding an environment that facilitates growth and curiosity. Also discussed is the imposter syndrome, the servant nature of leadership, how to institute organizational change when you aren't the CEO, and meditation. 

Ramaa Krishnan was born in India and raised in the city of Mumbai (Bombay), where she earned a graduate degree in accounting and economics before going ahead to become a Chartered Accountant (or a CPA, as it is called in the U.S.). It was in her twenty-first year while she was training to be an accountant, that a single meeting with the spiritual luminary, the Shankaracharya of Sringeri, India, changed the course of her journey.This episode explores the relationship between meditation and leadership while diving into how Ramaa's experiences with leadership in her meditation practice and the application of mindfulness to self-care and reflection.