Move Fast. Break Shit. Burn Out.

In this episode, we sit down with Paul L'Estrange, former CTO of Mars and PVH Corp, to explore the critical role IT plays in large-scale transformation—and what it takes for Catalyst leaders to drive change while keeping the core business performing. Paul shares powerful insights on the importance of having great #2s and team members who can bring the organization along on the journey, ensuring that transformation isn't just visionary but executable.We dive deep into listening as a strategic advantage, particularly paying attention to those who can help manage risk across the change spectrum. Paul also highlights a key leadership challenge: engaging and inspiring those who "keep the lights on" rather than chase the next big innovation. His solution? Spotlighting their work and showing their impact to the broader organization.When it comes to thriving as a Catalyst executive, Paul shares four essential lessons:1️) Put yourself in luck's path—seek opportunities where your Catalyst skills can drive meaningful change rather than waiting for the perfect role.2️) Know when to move on—if the organization isn't ready for the transformation you envision, don't stay too long.3️) Don't get caught up in process—even in IT, focus on who you're benefiting, and the "how" will follow.4️) Find mentors who guide, not dictate—seek those who will help you identify what needs to be done but give you space to find your own best approach.This conversation is packed with wisdom for any Catalyst leading transformation in complex organizations. Tune in to hear Paul's firsthand experience and practical strategies for making bold change happen—without breaking what already works.Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we sit down with John Bryson, Senior Vice President of Startup Services and Venture Banking at Banc of California, to explore his unconventional Catalyst journey—one that has been anything but linear. Inspired by Wayne Gretzky's famous advice to “skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been,” John shares how his career has been shaped by a series of strategic pivots, each driven by an intentional process of testing hypotheses about emerging market shifts.From the early days of his career in media and entertainment—where he boldly pitched a move into digital media before his company even recognized its potential—to his current leadership in venture banking, John reveals the mindset and strategies that have helped him drive change from the bleeding edge. He highlights three critical lessons for Catalysts looking to influence and lead transformation:- Do the hard work first – Build deep credibility by excelling in your current role.- Make the business case – Connect your vision to the metrics and priorities that matter to decision-makers.Test hypotheses intentionally – Design experiments that create value and generate learning for everyone.John's insights remind us that the Catalyst path often requires moving across industries, creating new roles, and facing plenty of rejection before breaking through. And when you do get that “yes”? John suggests one of the most powerful things you can ask is: “Why did you say yes?”—so you can double down on what works.Join us for this inspiring conversation as we explore how Catalysts can navigate uncertainty, challenge the status quo, and create meaningful impact by skating toward the future.

In this episode, we sit down with Megan Noel, Global President of Corporate Affairs at Golin, to learn more about the critical role of communications in leading change. She shares a powerful lesson from her mentor:“Create a B-level strategy with an A-level execution plan.”Megan emphasizes that many companies struggle to clearly articulate their strategy, making it difficult for employees—especially change leaders—to succeed. We explore how effective change-makers bring others along by crafting messages that resonate with a wide range of stakeholders helping everyone align with the top organizational goals. Megan shares how AI can help reduce the heavy lift of hyper-personalizing communications, discussing how it can help leaders better understand different audiences, build empathy, and refine messaging for maximum impact.Megan reveals a Catalyst's secret weapon: internal communications teams. In organizations successfully driving transformation, these teams do more than amplify messages—they stay attuned to current priorities and timing, offering strategic insights that help Catalysts focus, prioritize, and execute with precision.Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Manning, Change Management Leader, to explore her unconventional path from professional dancer to corporate change leader. With a natural talent for dot-connecting and systems thinking, Elizabeth found herself in the rigid, highly regulated world of big pharma—where generalist capabilities were often overlooked. Yet, as she helped leaders navigate complex challenges, her strategic value became undeniable.Elizabeth's journey highlights the power of creating your own Catalyst role. Early on, she recognized that having an HR Business Partner who understood her skills and potential was essential to breaking through. She continuously solved problems beyond her formal remit, refining her language to align with the C-suite's priorities. Eventually, she found an executive sponsor in the Chief Medical Officer, who saw her unique ability to drive strategic transformation and created the perfect Catalyst role for her: Strategic Initiatives Lead—a position designed to tackle the company's biggest, most complex challenges.Elizabeth's story is a masterclass in how Catalysts can carve out meaningful roles within organizations by:Defining their role in alignment with executive priorities – Clarity in how your work creates business value is key.Finding a mentor or sponsor – Someone who understands your strengths and advocates for you when you're not in the room.Developing self-awareness of your superpowers – Knowing what sets you apart helps you lean into your strengths.Translating your value in a way the organization understands – Speaking the language of leadership makes all the difference.Join us as Elizabeth shares how she navigated resistance, built strategic alliances, and ultimately shaped a role that allowed her to create a lasting impact. If you're a Catalyst looking to find your place in a complex organization, this conversation is for you!Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we sit down with Thomas Knoll, Head of Innov8rs CoLab, who has spent years bringing together innovation and intrapreneurship communities. Tommy dives into the crucial importance of understanding an organization's "tolerance for change"—especially how much support truly exists at the C-suite level. We explore his thought-provoking article, "Does Your Organization Have a Failure Policy?", unpacking the significance of setting clear failure guardrails within organizations. Through contrasting examples like SpaceX and Boeing, we discuss how intentionality around failure policies can drive innovation, learning, and long-term success. Whether you're leading change or looking to foster a culture of smart risk-taking, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this insightful conversation, we sit down with Jessica Crow, a seasoned change management expert, to explore how the field of change management is evolving to meet the demands of today's fast-paced world. Jessica shares her perspective on emerging trends, emphasizing the shift towards a more iterative, human-centered approach—one that not only drives business outcomes but also prioritizes the well-being of employees who lead and embrace change.Jessica offers two crucial insights for navigating today's change landscape. First, the concept of “self-leadership,” which encourages individuals to stay fully resourced, set boundaries, and build resilience to navigate the relentless pace of transformation. Second, she highlights the critical role of organizational culture, stressing that leadership must champion cultural shifts to enable true adaptability and long-term success.Throughout our discussion, Jessica outlines the four essential power skills that every change leader must cultivate to thrive in this evolving space:Connection – Building authentic relationships and trust across teams.Commitment – Staying focused on long-term goals despite inevitable roadblocks.Collaboration – Encouraging diverse perspectives and co-creating solutions.Compassion – Leading with empathy to support those navigating change.Tune in to gain actionable insights and fresh perspectives on how to embrace change with agility, empathy, and purpose in today's dynamic business environment.Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Jan Sedlacek, a self-described "black sheep" of Catalysts, to explore the hard truths about driving transformation within large organizations. In his early career, he experienced "Move Fast. Break Shit. Burn Out." Jan shares really authentically and vulnerably about a really tough moment in his life where he felt like he really failed and experience trauma (see article below). This informed the work he does now, which starts with really deep listening about the appetite for change in organizations.He provocatively compares many large-scale change initiatives to "cleaning the letter T on the Titanic as it's going down," urging Catalysts to get clear on where they can truly succeed—whether in their current role or somewhere new. Jan lays out a practical framework for assessing whether an organization is positioned for meaningful change, highlighting three critical factors:A clear strategy and visionGenuine top-level commitment and mandatesA realistic runway to execute changeOne of his biggest insights? How you organize your organization is just as crucial as how you execute transformation. If you're a Catalyst struggling to navigate corporate inertia—or wondering if it's time to move on—this episode is packed with actionable wisdom you won't want to miss.Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In a world where traditional recruiting processes often fall short, how can leaders rethink talent acquisition to unlock exceptional potential?Matt Alder, strategic consultant, author, and host of Recruiting Future, one of the most popular talent acquisition podcasts globally, shares how his catalytic drive to “fix recruiting” propelled him to create his blog, launch his podcast, and reshape the industry conversation.Matt encourages Catalysts to embrace self-awareness, recognizing that traditional hiring processes may not highlight their unique strengths. By reflecting on how they drive change and presenting tangible impacts, Catalysts can better navigate the system. He also questions entrenched norms, such as outdated recruitment practices and the five-day workweek, urging leaders to rethink how work is structured for the future.Whether you're challenging outdated systems or seeking to amplify innovation in your organization, Matt's story highlights the power of curiosity, boldness, and questioning the status quo.Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In an industry rocked by constant disruption, how can leaders harness the forces of change rather than be swept away by them? In this episode, Christy Soukhamneut, Chief Lending Officer at University Federal Credit Union, shares her perspective on navigating the accelerating pace and scale of change with the wisdom of water as a guiding metaphor. Change is inevitable—it moves with or without us. But by being intentional, we can direct its flow, shaping how and where it leads.Christy emphasizes the importance of bringing others along on the journey, ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice—not only to achieve the best possible outcomes but also to drive real engagement and buy-in. Recognizing that Catalysts often operate at a relentless speed, she also shares small but powerful intentional life hacks, like her yoga practice and workouts, that help her stay recharged and resourced enough to lead change.Whether you're leading change in your organization or simply looking for ways to sustain your energy, this conversation offers invaluable insights on balancing momentum with mindfulness.Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “getting real” episode, we're joined by Amer Iqbal, Founder & CEO of 5 Ways to Innovate, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Catalysts face when driving transformation in large organizations. Amer dives deep into the realities of confronting the "corporate immune system," the entrenched resistance to change that can feel insurmountable.Drawing on his extensive experience, Amer shares powerful strategies for breaking through: getting airtime to share your ideas widely, building disciples who champion your vision, and using compelling storytelling and data to bring people on board. But Amer also candidly addresses the emotional toll this journey can take, revealing how he manages the frustration and harnesses anger as a surprising superpower.Far from being a detriment, Amer argues that anger is a signal that we care deeply—and a wellspring of energy to drive change. His advice for channeling this energy into meaningful progress includes:Finding your tribe—the people who understand and support your visionIdentifying your release valve—the practices that help you process and refocusSeeking inspiration—from individuals and experiences that reignite your passionFor Catalysts navigating resistance and looking for tools to turn frustration into fuel, this conversation is a must-listen.Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this engaging episode, Josh Klein, renowned hacker and technology strategist, shares his journey of transforming complex insights into actionable innovation. A master of systems thinking, Josh has made a career out of challenging the status quo—seeing inefficiencies, hacking solutions, and creating exponential improvements.Josh delves into his approach to change, emphasizing the power of stepping back to gain a broader perspective and uncover leverage points that others overlook. He highlights the importance of directionality in success, focusing less on rigid outcomes and more on adaptability in an ever-evolving landscape.With experience advising companies from nimble startups to global multinationals, Josh discusses the tension between large organizations' need to mitigate risk and the fast-moving, disruptive market they operate in. He shares strategies for fostering innovation within rigid corporate structures, from measuring behavioral change to cultivating trust and alignment in a rapidly shifting world.Tune in to hear Josh's insights on hacking systems, navigating uncertainty, and leveraging AI and behavioral data to drive impactful transformation. Whether you're a catalyst for change or looking to thrive in an unpredictable environment, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom.Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we sit down withLoubna Imenchal, VP at Logitech, for an insightful discussion on how leaders can successfully balance delivering on executive priorities while introducing innovative approaches. Loubna shares concrete examples about her fearless journey of stepping into roles beyond her prior industry experience, landing them by demonstrating impact and fresh strategies. She offers practical advice on securing alignment with leadership before accepting a new role, ensuring clarity and alignment on vision and strategy to achieve organizational goals.Her dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces shines through her work with Connect & Elevate, a platform empowering women in tech. Loubna's personal stories and actionable insights will inspire Catalysts across industries to seek out new possibilities and lead with authenticity.Tune in for a compelling conversation about fearless leadership, aligning bold visions, and building a culture of diversity and innovation.Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this compelling episode, Bryon Kroger, founder and CEO of Rise8 and the former COO of the U.S. Air Force's groundbreaking Kessel Run program, reflects on his journey from intelligence officer to software innovator and leader of transformative change. Bryon shares candid lessons learned from catalyzing digital transformation within one of the largest bureaucracies in the world and offers a nuanced perspective on the interplay between rebellion and revolution in creating lasting impact.A central theme of the conversation is the distinction Bryon draws between rebels and revolutionaries. While rebels may succeed in challenging the status quo, revolutionaries think long-term, building alliances and maintaining patience to achieve sustainable change. Bryon shares his own experiences navigating this balance, reflecting on moments where his rebellious instincts needed to give way to the humility and strategy of a true revolutionary. His insights provide a framework for leaders aiming to drive progress without alienating stakeholders.Drawing on Simon Wardley's Pioneer, Settler, Planner model, Bryon illustrates how Catalysts serve as vital bridges between visionary pioneers and methodical planners to drive organizational change. He unpacks the delicate balance of maintaining strategic patience while acting with tactical urgency, emphasizing the importance of vision, humility, and active listening to inspire others to embrace change.As an executive, Bryon underscores the critical need to "create other Catalysts," explaining how scaling leadership through cultural transformation and skill development fosters sustainable growth. Reflecting on his transition from government to private sector leadership, Bryon shares his evolving approach to navigating resistance and offers powerful advice for knowing when to persevere or walk away from a battle to win the broader war.Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this engaging episode, Andy Lopata, a renowned relationship strategist, hall-of-fame speaker, and author of six influential books, shares his transformative approach to networking, mentorship, and leadership. With over 25 years of experience, Andy has become a trusted advisor to global organizations like Google and the BBC and continues to shape conversations on professional relationships.Andy reflects on key themes in his work, from the evolution of networking strategy to his groundbreaking "Curiosity Cycle," a framework that ties active listening to authenticity, vulnerability, and trust. A firm believer in the idea that to be a thought leader, you first need to be a thought listener and learner, Andy challenges the traditional image of leadership as command and control, advocating instead for humility, collaboration, and creating space for diverse voices.The conversation emphasizes the value of engaging with curiosity—asking questions and seeking understanding—rather than simply broadcasting ideas, a crucial skill for Catalysts aiming to build meaningful relationships with those who may think differently. Andy offers practical advice for leaders: to shut up and listen, create inclusive environments, and seek constant feedback from mentors or mastermind groups. Whether you're a fixer, a strategist, or a leader navigating organizational change, Andy's wisdom will inspire you to lead from among, not above.Tune in to hear how Andy's insights can help you cultivate meaningful relationships and foster trust that drives impactful change.If you want to learn more, check out Andy's The Connected Leadership Podcast Specially, this episode: 'Move Fast, Break (the Right) Things' with Shannon Lucas & Tracey Lovejoy And follow up with Andy's book: The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring: A Complete Guide to Effective Mentoring (The FT Guides) by Dr. Ruth Gotian and Andy LopataOriginal music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Abby Kearns, CTO of Alembic Technologies, shares how embracing her identity as a Catalyst—and its superpowers—empowered her to shed the "pain in the ass" label she'd been given along the way. Abby discusses the keys to success for Catalyst executives, from embracing the possibility of being wrong and leaning into risk, to identifying environments where there is strong executive and board buy-in. She calls out that as Catalyst leaders, we have to be open to having candid conversations with the CEO or senior leaders about how our success at driving change will be supported by the organization – hitting head on the classic Innovator's Dilemma. Abby also opens up about one of her toughest challenges: bringing people along on the journey by clarifying vision, roles, and outcomes.Her advice for sustaining energy amidst the demands of transformative leadership? "Find your tribe!"Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this engaging episode, Sandeep Mehta, former Chief Technology Officer at The Hartford, shares transformative lessons from his journey as a Catalyst executive. He highlights the importance of clarity in Purpose—aligning your vision with organizational goals and solving the right first problem to gain stakeholder buy-in. Sandeep underscores the necessity of strong Sponsorship, where leaders show their commitment to your vision of change through tangible investment. Finally, he emphasizes the power of Humanity—the ability to accelerate adoption and success of your vision by engaging people early and often, while recognizing their personal relationship with change. Sandeep also candidly discusses the challenges of being a Catalyst, offering strategies to stay centered amidst the demands of leading change. Tune in for a compelling conversation filled with actionable insights for driving innovation and creating meaningful impact.Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Patti Fletcher, author of Disrupters: Success Strategies From Women Who Break the Mold, to explore the concepts of Disruptors and Catalysts—and why business needs these innate change-makers now more than ever to drive sustainable outcomes.Patti challenges the traditional mindset (and us!) around the language of “empowering” Catalysts, urging leaders instead to acknowledge the inherent power within individuals and focus on equipping them to lead transformational change. She emphasizes the critical shift from transactional leadership to transformational leadership—where executives, including Catalysts, don't just direct but actively remove obstacles and create environments where change can thrive.We also dive into the concept of decision interruption, a powerful method to disrupt unconscious bias without shame or blame. Patti reminds us that real change happens when we understand how and why people think the way they do—and then bring them along on the journey.You won't want to miss this compelling conversation that will leave you rethinking leadership, agency, and potentially even your path to meaningful impact. As Patti writes:“My catalyst came when I realized I wasn't put on this earth to fulfill someone else's dream. I made the conscious choice to leave that trajectory so I could find my own path to happiness”Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this insightful episode, we delve into the unique journey of Dan Ward, a Senior Principal Systems Engineer at MITRE, former Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, and author of four books, including The Simplicity Cycle and Fire. Dan reflects on his innovative career, spanning military service, systems engineering, and prolific writing, sharing lessons on catalyzing change and simplifying complexity.Dan's anecdotes illuminate key ideas: the transformative power of collaboration—“a catalyst by themselves is just powder in a jar”—and the importance of fostering a culture that celebrates learning from failure. He introduces the concept of “failure cake,” a practice his team developed to destigmatize failure by celebrating attempts and extracting lessons with humor and camaraderie.A firm believer in the power of writing, Dan calls on professionals to contribute to their fields, using his own journey as a guidepost. With practical insights and humor, he explains how writing a book is not just achievable but transformative, offering “book math” as a framework for aspiring authors.Whether it's through his viral article Build Droids, Not Death Stars, his “Green Pen Squad” initiative, or MITRE's free innovation toolkit, Dan exemplifies how leaders can simplify, inspire, and innovate. Tune in for actionable wisdom on leadership, storytelling, and building teams that thrive on collaboration and resilience.Check out "Build Droids Not Death Stars", an articule that Dan wrote that went viral and led to his first book, was inspired by his daughters.Check out The MITRE Innovation Toolkit to support innovation created by a group of Catalysts that Dan brought together.Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Cynthia Hansen, Managing Director of the Innovation Foundation at Adecco Group, delves into the non-linear career journeys of Catalysts. She reflects on her own leap from a civil society domain expert to leading a financial services practice at the World Economic Forum. She shares how the hiring manager was drawn to, what she articulates as, her Catalyst superpowers: identifying opportunities, setting a clear north star, establishing guardrails for exploration, and creating a sandbox for innovation.Cynthia highlights the ambidextrous skillset required of Catalyst executives—balancing quick wins using existing organizational building blocks while driving long-term vision execution. She also shares her secret to reducing friction in transitions: honoring the legacy work and its impact.Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this dynamic episode,Shellery Ebron, Senior Director of Corporate Innovation at RTI International, shares her journey of fostering innovation and leading transformative change. Known for her tagline, “dreamers that do,” Shellery emphasizes the importance of moving forward even in the absence of perfect information, inspiring teams to turn vision into action.Shellery shares her methodology for driving innovation: building a structured yet flexible roadmap with clear milestones to guide progress while allowing room for pivots. She highlights the power of co-creation, taking a vision to 70% and then inviting diverse perspectives to refine and strengthen it. By understanding and leveraging different change styles—conserver, pragmatist, and originator—she crafts approaches tailored to align with team dynamics and organizational needs.A true originator herself, Shellery sheds light on balancing bold, transformative ideas with practical steps to gain buy-in and traction. She also underscores the importance of building trust and relationships, dedicating time to collaborative dialogues that bring people along on the innovation journey.Tune in to learn actionable strategies for navigating ambiguity, fostering collaboration, and turning visionary dreams into reality—all while celebrating the art of adaptation and resilience.Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of changemaking withHeather Jerrehian, VP of Product Management at ServiceNow and author of Sail to Scale. Heather, who describes herself as a “hexagon” rather than a square peg in a round hole, embraces her multifaceted nature as a Catalyst. She shares insights on why Catalysts are vital for organizations to navigate today's accelerated pace of change and how, as a leader, she prefers paving new roads over following old paths.Heather's wisdom on articulating the value of Catalysts is both practical and powerful: don't just say what you bring—show it. Building trust, leveraging empathy, and delivering quick wins are key. As a futurist, she identifies “360 mentoring” as a crucial trend Catalysts should watch—bridging generations to foster mutual learning and innovation.Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this inspiring episode, Shannon Schuyler, Chief Purpose and Inclusion Officer at PwC, talks about the art of crafting a fulfilling and impactful career. Shannon, a trailblazer who has shaped her own roles multiple times, shares her insights on aligning your work with your purpose while simultaneously understanding and supporting the goals of key stakeholders to drive meaningful change. Shannon highlights the power of intellectual curiosity as a cornerstone of her success. This mindset has enabled her to identify untapped opportunities, deepen her listening skills to better understand colleagues, adapt her communication style to resonate with diverse audiences, and activate the right business levers at pivotal moments. Whether you're navigating career transitions, driving innovation, or seeking alignment between purpose and professional impact, Shannon's wisdom offers actionable guidance for every Catalyst. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, we sit down with Amit Sidhpura to explore the transformative power of self-discovery. Amit recounts his own journey, from climbing the corporate ladder and relocating to Singapore to confronting feelings of isolation and disconnection. This pivotal moment launched him into a quest to uncover his true self and personal purpose. Amit shares invaluable insights on aligning work with your vision of happiness and fulfillment. He emphasizes that true success isn't defined by external achievements but by doing what genuinely brings you joy and focusing on the elements of life within your control. Listen in, as Amit's story reminds us of the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and the courage to pursue a life true to who we are. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with David O'Malley, Principal at Stay Lean, Go Fast and former SVP of Product Strategy & Innovation at VNS Health, to unpack the essentials of leading change in large organizations. Drawing a brilliant parallel to Newton's First Law of Motion, David reveals how overcoming inertia in organizational transformation begins with one crucial role: the Catalyst. He emphasizes that to get the rock rolling, leaders must build trust, identify a burning platform, rally a coalition of the willing, and avoid wasting energy on resisters. David also delves into the importance of culture as the bedrock of sustainable change and highlights the skills needed to excel as a Catalyst at the executive level, including networking and storytelling. Whether you're navigating the complexities of corporate strategy or looking to lead transformative initiatives, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom for driving impactful and enduring change. Show notes: https://youtu.be/BiN_OoAyt_w?si=l0Pe5Ay-LBfxFI97 Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this inspiring episode, we speak with Ruth Gotian, Chief Learning Officer at Weill Cornell Medicine, who has spent years studying the world's most successful individuals, including Nobel laureates, astronauts, and Olympic champions in order to understand what they do when the world isn't watching. Ruth shares her key insight: the value of choosing the more interesting path in life and balancing it with her mentor's advice to “Do something important, not just interesting.” Ruth also tackles imposter syndrome with a provacative perspective from her article, "Why You Earned the Right to Have Imposter Syndrome." She reframes it as a signal of growth, explaining, “If you're feeling imposter syndrome, it's not because you're a fraud—it's because your efforts are finally being noticed.” Join us as Ruth inspires Catalysts to embrace discomfort as a marker of impactful change and offers actionable wisdom for navigating the interesting and important road to success. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Dr. Ebrahim Patel, Future Markets and Sustainability executive at RMB Bank, South Africa, introduces Innovative Empathy—a transformative approach for Catalysts driving change. He emphasizes the power of understanding stakeholder realities, including their constraints and resources, to foster trust and dismantle resistance. Drawing from his karate practice, Dr. Patel shares the importance of meeting resistance with humility and self-awareness, rather than force, offering a fresh perspective on navigating change. To sustain energy and prevent burnout, he suggests maintaining a portfolio of projects, ensuring at least one initiative provides momentum and inspiration during challenging times. Tune in for actionable insights on empathy, systems thinking, and personal sustainability to drive impactful change in a complex world. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Katie Blum, Associate Vice President for Strategic Innovation at the University of Illinois Foundation, shares valuable insights into the challenges she's faced as a Catalyst executive. She explores three key hurdles: the need to balance visibility and influence, managing objection burnout, and cultivating a supportive community of “yes and” peers.. She emphasizes the power of amplifying other innovators' work to gain visibility and understanding when it's culturally appropriate to spotlight your own contributions. On overcoming objections, Kathryn reframes “no” as often being a “not yet” and highlights the insights objections can provide when we listen deeply. Finally, she underscores the importance of peer communities, like the Catalyst Leadership Trust, in providing energy and momentum to drive change. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Catalysts walk a fine line between being outsiders and belonging—a tension that fuels their ability to think differently and connect dots that others may not see. In this episode, George White, Director at Slalom, explores how Catalysts can navigate this knife edge of having a vision for change while needing to bring others along on transformative journeys. George shares how essential frameworks, like the Houde Prototyping Model, combined with the power of storytelling, can clarify a vision for change to our colleagues. George also shared that having a “translator” co-conspirator can play a vital role in helping us to successfully drive bold ideas into organizational action. George explained that by embracing collaboration, clarity, and connection, Catalysts can turn the delicate balancing act of the knife edge into a launchpad for transformative impact." Check out more: What do Prototypes Prototype? What Professional Service Firms Must Do to Thrive Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this podcast episode with Matteo Cattaneo, Group Chief Transformation & Services Development Officer at Reale Group, we dive deep into the key skills required to lead successful transformation efforts. Matteo emphasizes the importance of understanding the business and speaking the language of key stakeholders combined with the need to be able to stay aligned with the speed business and not move too fast. He shares insights on how to help organizations navigate the hype while creating safe spaces for exploration, all while keeping explorations tied to the company's vision and strategy. As a fun side conversation, we also geeked out on how regulated industries can explore and adopt new technologies like GenAI. Don't miss this episode filled with practical wisdom from a true maestro of transformation. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this podcast episode, we're thrilled to welcome Nezha Alaoui, CEO of Women Choice. From her time working at the United Nations, Nezha saw firsthand the urgent need to uplift women on a global scale. Her experiences led her to establish Women Choice, an organization that operates at the powerful nexus of business, government, and institutional influence, focused on driving measurable impact. Nezha shares her insights on the importance of having a clear vision to mobilize others toward change. For her, clarity isn't just about lofty ideals but the ability to execute by starting small—maybe just with the “1%”—and demonstrating impact early on, even if that's through a single pilot or first customer. Her advice? Define your north star but stay agile, ready to adapt, measure, and iterate. Nezha also highlights key skills that have helped her foster successful public-private partnerships: humility, deep listening, and a strong commitment to understanding the unique needs of stakeholders. These traits have allowed her to navigate complex systems, generate revenue, and clearly communicate the impact she's after. Check out this empowering discussion with Nezha as we explore the mechanics of creating lasting change and the skills that bring ambitious visions to life. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Christopher Wellise, Global VP of Sustainability at Equinix, dives into his unique journey at the crossroads of environmentalism and business. Christopher shares his experiences in taking calculated risks, from moving from a government research role into tech marketing to persuading C-suite executives who once resisted sustainability to become its champions. Reflecting on his most impactful moments, Christopher reveals that his career breakthroughs came when he challenged the status quo. Tune in for his advice on navigating calculated risks with resilience and persistence, and hear why a little patience, solid communication, and a readiness for “big moments” are essential for change-makers. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Tony Martignetti, Founder of Inspired Purpose Partners, explores the role of extreme curiosity as a powerful driver for meaningful impact. Tony shares his insights on what it takes to be a Catalyst—a courageous force willing to take bold action while inspiring others to join in. He discusses the art of bringing stakeholders along on a change journey without compromising the heart of a vision, cautioning against letting an idea morph into a “Frankenstein” just to please everyone. Tony's motto, “The work is us,” challenges us to turn our extreme curiosity inward, focusing on personal growth, relationships, and ideas. Listen in as Tony reveals how leading with emotional courage creates a foundation for authentic, impactful leadership. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President of Market Development for Mastercard EEMEA, joins Shannon Lucas and Tracey Lovejoy to discuss her transformative journey as a Catalyst. Starting from her early days in Pakistan, Amnah's determination to challenge cultural norms led her to a career marked by resilience, independence, and a focus on empowering others. She shares real-world strategies for leading big, transformative change, which has been a hallmark of her career. Amnah believes that perseverance and bold decision-making are essential when pushing through resistance to drive impactful change in large organizations. Ajmal also highlights adaptability and empathy—encouraging leaders to immerse themselves in different cultures to better understand and connect with global teams. She knows that change leadership can feel isolating, so she stresses the need for a strong support network of like-minded allies. Optimism, she adds, is crucial; creating a positive environment can turn hesitant team members into committed contributors. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we chatted with Yvette Standberry, former Head of Innovation at Mathematica, about her journey as a Catalyst leader. Yvette shares how her commitment to "learning by doing" shaped her success. She shared the importance of recognizing patterns across systems to create efficiencies and how learning to tell compelling stories helps bring stakeholders on board at the right time. She emphasizes the importance of empowering others in the change process, cautioning that Catalysts can burn out if they try to carry all the weight themselves. Her wisdom reminds us that it's never "all about me"—true change happens when we treat stakeholders like customers, listening deeply to their needs and co-creating the future with them. For one of her favorite inspirational Catalysts, Yvette chose Maria Montessori, because she loves that inter-age group focused, learning by doing and through peers – all of which she is building into her next endeavor. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Ralph Loura, Co-founder of Sustainable IT.org and former CIO – Catalytic Transformation is 99% Mindset In this episode, we sat down with Ralph Loura, seasoned tech executive, former CIO at HPE and Clorox, and Co-founder of Sustainable IT.org , to discuss the unique dynamics of being a Catalyst executive. Having recently shared his wisdom at Davos and UN Climate Week, we were thrilled to learn from Ralph about insights from his personal catalytic journey. Ralph unpacks how the ability to see the world through a different lens and always find alternative ways of doing things is his Catalyst way of operating and has guided his entire career. However, to be a successful Catalyst, Ralph emphasizes the importance of tying that creativity clearly to the corporate strategy and value creation within the organization. Along his journey, as he encountered the inevitable resistance Catalysts face from stakeholders who often prefer the "old way" of doing things, his mentor reminded him “It makes sense to them.” Ralph explained that when that resistance emerges, you either have to figure out why the change is making people uncomfortable or realize that perhaps it will never make sense in that organization, in which case it's time to go. Lastly, Ralph shares insights on why, even for those of us who thrive on change, it's vital to get comfortable with discomfort—a key to navigating the uncertainties of transformational leadership. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Manoj Govindan, a Venture Leader with a 30-year career, takes us through his transformative path from engineering to becoming a strategic force in business and innovation. Manoj reflects on his early influences, particularly his upbringing in India, where he was steered into engineering despite his passion for politics and policy. His journey led him to the U.S., where he embraced his true identity and transitioned from technical roles to business analysis and consultancy. Early in his career, while working in sales, he learned the power of networking—understanding that building genuine connections and relationships was key to creating opportunities and driving change. At each stage, Manoj deepened his self-awareness, continuously building upon his experiences to refine his approach to leadership and innovation. He defines a Catalyst as someone who identifies and creates mutual value, emphasizing the importance of connection over simple networking. Through his involvement with the Catalyst Leadership Trust, Manoj's understanding of being a Catalyst evolved, recognizing the role of scaling personal development to help others maximize their potential. Manoj also discusses the challenges of navigating hubris and risk aversion within large organizations. He explains how these challenges can impede innovation, particularly when risk aversion is linked to political agendas. To overcome these obstacles, he leverages strategic partnerships and ensures the right mix of talent to drive successful innovation. The conversation concludes with Manoj expressing admiration for his father, whom he considers his favorite Catalyst. He hints at the three biggest lessons learned from his father, leaving listeners intrigued. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode we had the great fun of having two amazing guests, Stephen Kelner, President & Tiffany West, Head of Programming at Ascent Leadership Networks. Collectively they bring decades of experience working with some of the world's largest organizations to drive change. As we discussed the challenges Catalyst leaders face, they shared two great insights into how aligning motivations can unlock transformation. To help reduce resistance to change, we need to align to the motivations and wins of the key stakeholders we need to bring along on the journey. To help maintain our own energy throughout the ups and downs of leading change, we need to continually check-in to make sure our personal motivations are aligned with the change capacity and capabilities of the organization. They shared the concept of zooming in on the daily activities that can give us energy as we get stuff done and have that sense of accomplishment with zooming out to evaluate if we are still aligned to the type, breadth and vision of change we're being invited to create. Tiffany also shared two of her favorite Catalysts that have inspired her in different ways during her years at the World Economic Forum: Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever for the work he did mainstreaming sustainability into the Fortune 100 world and Beth Comstock, former CMO at GE, for her work leading change by flexing outside-in and inside-out innovation. We couldn't agree more! Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Meghann Brock, Director of Innovation for The Permanente Medical Group Northern California region, shares her insights on how to match catalytic speed to what she calls “the organizational speed limits.” Our desire as Catalysts to move quickly and get things done at speed can feel good at first, but she points out, as we leave people behind in our desire to move quickly, it will actually take us longer to get to the finish line. This can be particularly true in heavily regulated industries. But if you arrive at the finish line alone, you've lost. Meghann describes several key steps we need to take to make sure we're moving at a velocity the organization can handle including: paying attention to the different stakeholder groups you need to engage, sensing when the timing is right for your vision, the power of storytelling that must include stories of customers that illustrate the power and impact of your vision, and being able to manage this emotional load by creating intentional breaks in your day, even if it's just a few minutes between meetings. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dominick Bizzarro, a Catalyst executive and former Chief Strategy Officer at MVP Healthcare, now an executive coach specializing in guiding women and humanistic leaders into top leadership roles. Dominick shared valuable insights on driving change within large organizations, emphasizing the importance of kindness, involving others in realizing a shared vision, and fostering self-awareness. He highlighted how supporting Catalysts in his organization through these core skills helped accelerate positive change and increase organizational agility. He also shared his super fun idea about how he has used generative AI to create a virtual personal Advisory Board to support him as he moves into a new phase of his Catalyst executive journey. Book recommended: My Life In Full by Indra Nooyi Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Andre Christian, founder of Evoke IQ and former VP of Innovation and Product Design at SES Satellites, shares his journey of discovering his unique value as a Catalyst and how it has shaped his leadership approach. Andre begins by discussing the realization of his unique skills. Throughout his career, he often felt like a "jack of all trades, master of none," until he connected with the Catalyst community. This experience helped him understand that his ability to anticipate change, think ahead, and drive transformation was not only rare but highly valuable. Finding his tribe of like-minded Catalysts made him feel "forever employable," as he finally recognized and embraced his true worth. Andre then delves into how a Catalyst must lead with empathy, have support, and identify the right environment. He emphasizes the importance of understanding where an organization is in its readiness for change and leading with questions rather than a hard sell. Strong support from senior leadership is crucial for a Catalyst's success, as it provides the confidence needed to push forward with innovative ideas. Andre also highlights the necessity of finding an organization that is genuinely open to transformation, ensuring that the Catalyst's efforts will be supported and valued. He also addresses the challenges of running ahead, burnout, and performing while transforming. As a forward-thinking leader, Andre has experienced the difficulties of moving too far ahead of his organization, as well as the personal toll of burnout. He shares his strategies for managing these challenges, including the importance of mindfulness and self-care. Andre also introduces the concept of "perform while transforming," emphasizing the need for leaders to balance ongoing performance with the demands of organizational change. Finally, Andre reflects on the success of the Catalyst Program at SES, where he played a pivotal role in identifying and empowering change agents within the company. This program not only drove significant transformation but also created a network of Catalysts who were instrumental in moving the organization forward. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we connect with Tricia Carey, Former Chief Commercial Officer at Renewcell, a leader with decades of experience in the industry. Tricia shares her insights on overcoming resistance to change by emphasizing the importance of knowing your audience and building strong relationships. She highlights how understanding the motivations and needs of different stakeholders is key to driving transformation. Tricia underscores this with her belief that "it's not companies who do business together. It's people who do business together." Tricia also delves into the power of building a personal and professional persona. She explains how reflecting on your approach and adapting your persona to fit different roles and audiences can be crucial in leading change. This self-awareness allows leaders to connect more effectively with their teams and stakeholders, ensuring that their message resonates and drives action. Throughout the conversation, Tricia emphasizes how these relationships and a well-crafted persona can create a supportive network that amplifies efforts and overcomes resistance, particularly in advancing circularity initiatives. Her approach to community-building, such as through the "Carved to Blue" blog, showcases how aligning people around a shared mission can drive significant innovation in the textile industry. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we connect with Chuck Patrick, Head of Strategic Program Management at AXIS Capital. Chuck shares his journey and how he has carved out a unique role helping executives turn transformative ideas into reality. He emphasizes the "Mobilization of Great Ideas," guiding leaders through the process of moving from vision to execution and iteration. Chuck discusses how great Catalysts excel at getting others to embrace change by viewing the organization as an ecosystem, building trust, and surrounding themselves with individuals who think differently. He underscores the importance of relationships in driving change, noting that successful Catalysts leverage their networks and build strong, trust-based connections to facilitate transformation. Chuck also delves into the challenges of implementing change, emphasizing the difficulty in maintaining momentum and energy throughout the process. Initial enthusiasm often wanes, making it crucial to monitor organizational dynamics and pay attention to personal resilience. He highlights the importance of separating work from personal life and engaging in activities that recharge him, like reading and exercising. By maintaining a balanced perspective and not overly identifying with his job, Chuck effectively navigates the ups and downs of organizational change. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In our conversation with Patrick Vanbrabandt, CEO of the Carya Group, he shares his journey from a self-described "extreme nerd" to a leader deeply focused on understanding and empowering people. Patrick reflects on his early passion for technology and how it evolved into a fascination with how people work together and achieve success. This shift in focus led him to realize that technology should serve people, not the other way around. Over time, this perspective became central to his leadership style. He discusses the importance of responsibility and autonomy in driving innovation. Patrick explains how the Catalyst Program within his company has empowered employees by giving them the freedom to pursue their ideas with minimal oversight. This autonomy, coupled with a strong sense of responsibility, has significantly contributed to the company's growth and success. Patrick also touches on the delicate balance of steering transformation while minimizing disruption. He emphasizes the power of vision and consistency, noting that while it's crucial to stay the course, it's equally important not to pivot too quickly. Instead, he advocates breadcrumbing—bringing people along with change over time. This approach ensures that people are on board and reduces resistance to change. Patrick's insights offer valuable lessons on how leaders can successfully navigate the complexities of organizational transformation by focusing on people, maintaining a clear vision, and empowering their teams. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This episode features Deborah Reuben, CEO of TomorrowZone, as she shares her experiences leading transformative change in the commercial equipment finance and leasing industry, an area often resistant to innovation. Deborah emphasizes the importance of a human-centered approach to innovation. She explains that while technology plays a crucial role, the success of any transformation depends on bringing people along in the process. Deborah believes that considering the human side of change is essential to achieving lasting and impactful results. She also discusses the challenges of loneliness as a Catalyst, particularly in industries where the voice of the status quo is strong. Deborah highlights the importance of finding support from other Catalysts outside her organization, which has been crucial in maintaining her momentum and drive. She shares how connecting with like-minded innovators globally has provided her with the inspiration and community needed to continue pushing forward. Deborah's insights are a powerful reminder that transformative change requires not only a strategic vision but also a deep understanding of the human elements involved and the support of a strong, external network of Catalysts. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this insightful episode, Alexis Haass, former Chief Sustainability Officer at Arcadis and a seasoned leader in sustainability, shares her journey and lessons learned about driving transformative change in large organizations. Reflecting on her time at Adidas, Alexis highlights the importance of having strong allies. Building relationships with leaders who share your vision can drive significant change, such as adopting 100% recycled polyester. Allies not only provide support but also help push the agenda forward when progress stalls. A critical aspect of Alexis's approach is translating vision into business language. She underscores the need to align sustainability initiatives with business objectives, crafting compelling stories that connect the larger mission with concrete outcomes. For example, Adidas's success with a shoe made from recycled ocean plastics showcased how sustainability can resonate with both the business and consumers. Alexis also stresses the importance of recalibrating your message depending on the audience and making others win. By spotlighting the contributions of others, Catalysts can build a supportive network and make change more sustainable as others take ownership of the process. Her insights serve as a powerful reminder that while the journey of a Catalyst can be challenging, strategic vision, strong allies, effective storytelling, and a focus on collective success are key to driving lasting change. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Susie Coelho, a best-selling author, television personality, lifestyle expert, and entrepreneur, who is currently the founder and CEO of Susie Coelho Enterprises. Susie's journey, marked by her incredible drive and resilience, showcases her ability to reinvent herself and succeed in diverse fields. Susie emphasizes that hard work and necessity are critical drivers of success. She never borrowed money from anyone, relying solely on her ability to generate income and create opportunities. This mindset, instilled by her immigrant background, underscores the importance of working diligently to make one's mark and achieve financial independence. Susie's journey is a testament to her adaptability. She transitioned from being a model to an actress, and then to opening a store on Melrose Avenue after a divorce created the need for money to pay the mortgage. Susie shared the details of reinventing herself after taking time to raise her son. She conducted a “listening tour” with friends to identify her strengths and passions, which led her to establish a personal brand, combining elements of Oprah's inspiration and Martha Stewart's style. Susie successfully built a lifestyle brand and company that gained widespread recognition. Susie demonstrates the power of courage and persistence, and her ability to sense the right timing has often led to her success. As she moves forward with her next venture, she firmly believes that "the best is yet to come," – both for herself, and as a central message she will be sharing with others - inspiring others to strive towards their future goals. Her new phase is deeply aligned to what we found in research we did for our Catalyst Leadership Trust, that Catalysts never really retire, they move into their ‘third 3rd' of their career focusing on projects that fill their souls. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Kirsner, CEO of Innolead. Scott shares his journey from his early days being a Catalyst at the Boston Globe, where he helped build the newspaper's first website, to founding Innolead in 2013. Since launching InnoLead, Scott has had his finger on the pulse of the latest trends and insights about corporate innovation. In this conversation, Scott shares some key takeaways from their latest research,"The Future of the Innovation Team" including innovators' top challenges: driving revenue growth, increasing agility, and adopting new technologies like AI. He highlights the importance of acting on gathered insights within large organizations, which is something we know you do Catalysts! “The problem in large companies is not the gathering signal and understanding what's happening. It's the doing something about it.” Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In our latest episode, we feature Ashley Alebiosu, Manager of CxO Experiences at Salesforce and recipient of the 2024 Salesforce SWN Women of Impact Award. Ashley is renowned for her relentless drive to achieve and her exceptional ability to get things done, even when it feels like she's doing "too much." Her journey highlights the importance of balancing high-impact action with moments of reflection to see the bigger picture. Ashley shares her experiences and strategies for maintaining this balance, revealing how she pulls back to evaluate her broader goals and ensures her efforts are aligned with her vision. Her story is an inspiring testament to the power of combining relentless action with strategic introspection to drive meaningful change. Tune in to learn from Ashley's journey and discover how you, too, can balance doing "too much" with the wisdom to reflect and recalibrate. Listen and get ready to be inspired by a true Catalyst in action Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In our latest episode, we talk with Marianthe Evangelidis, Director of Sustainable Finance & Investment at LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group), where we discuss how knowing yourself and your values can help you evaluate opportunities, make decisions and lead you to your most fulfilled life. Marianthe shares the courageous decision to embark on a two-year sabbatical with her husband, sailing from the UK to New Zealand, which was driven by their shared values of adventure, learning and sustainability. This sabbatical was not just a break from work but a deeply aligned step with her personal values and purpose, allowing her to engage in sustainability projects and community building on remote islands. Rather than feeling this time away from the office set her career back, Marianthe translated her experiences into roles more aligned to her values upon her return. In addition, Marianthe discusses empathy as a crucial tool to drive change, helping her bring others along on her journey and highlights the importance of senior sponsorship in driving successful projects, stating that having senior support is crucial for implementing change effectively. "You had a lot of enthusiasm. You had a lot of people wanting to work towards making a success. But you do need that senior sponsorship to actually move things quickly as well." Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In our latest episode, we chat with Renee Henze, the Chief Sustainability Officer at IFF (International Flavors and Fragrances). Renee highlights the powerful intersection of work and personal passion. She describes her journey into sustainability as an unexpected opportunity to combine her professional expertise with her deep commitment to the environment. For example, she recounted her role at DuPont, where she was involved in creating sustainable practices for salmon farming. This role allowed her to pursue her passion for environmental sustainability while driving innovation in the industry​. Renee also discusses two of her biggest challenges as a Catalyst executive: pushing through organizational resistance and keeping up with market shifts. She emphasizes the importance of relying on data and customer-driven needs to advocate for change effectively. By understanding market dynamics and being adaptable, she has led her teams through significant transformations​​. Renee underscores the importance of empathy in leadership. She explains that focusing on the needs at every level of the business and bringing empathy into leadership makes one more effective. By understanding and addressing the human aspects of change, she has built trust and aligned team efforts toward common goals. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In our latest episode, we chat with Jackye Clayton, VP of Talent Acquisition and DEIB at Textio, and Katee Van Horn, Chief People Officer at Web Pros – who are the acclaimed hosts of the Inclusive AF podcast. Jackye and Katee discuss their journeys as Catalysts for change in DEIB, highlighting the importance of transparency, resilience, and meeting people where they are to overcome resistance and drive meaningful transformation in organizations. They emphasized creating inclusive environments and leveraging discomfort to achieve impactful results. Katee Van Horn, Chief People Officer at WebPros, shared her experiences of stepping into challenging roles and pushing organizational boundaries to improve employee experiences. She emphasized the significance of operating in the gray areas and bringing the team along as Catalysts, encouraging them to make mistakes, learn, and grow. Jackye Clayton, VP of Talent Acquisition and DEIB at Textio, recounted her unconventional path to leadership. Despite not having a college degree, she leveraged relationships and took on roles she wasn't initially qualified for, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Her journey underscored the importance of leaning into discomfort, breaking norms, and continuously iterating to achieve impactful results. Both guests discussed the critical role of transparency and clear communication in navigating resistance. They stressed the need for organizations to create inclusive environments where everyone feels they belong. The conversation also touched on the backlash against DEIB initiatives, with Jackye and Katee advocating for meeting people where they are and bringing them along on the journey towards equity and inclusion. Their insights remind us that pushing past resistance often involves a combination of self-advocacy, allyship, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. By doing so, leaders can foster a diverse workforce that collaborates effectively and drives more powerful, innovative outcomes for the organization. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.