Next Wave Leadership Podcast

Alina Addison is the Founder, Executive Coach, and Audacious Leadership Facilitator at ADAPTAA, a leadership development company. Alina is an accredited emotional intelligence coach and a chartered accountant with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, including her role as Managing Director at Rothschild & Co. Originally from Romania, she moved to London with just $100 and built a successful career in investment banking. Alina's coaching philosophy is shaped by her experience raising a son on the autism spectrum, providing her with a unique perspective on adaptability and communication. Her latest book, The Audacity Spectrum, focuses on leading with care, courage, and nonconformity. In this episode… Understanding how to tread the fine line between courage and recklessness can define a leader's success. Great leaders aren't simply distinguished by education or position but by their ability to harness boldness and wisdom. How can you thrive in high-pressure environments, pivot toward a higher purpose, and transform into an impactful leader?  Alina Addison delves into the nuances of what it means to lead with care and courage, highlighting how her son's autism diagnosis influenced her perspective on leadership and life. Her journey from her roots in communist Romania to the corporate suites of London also serves as the backdrop for her approach, emphasizing attunement, nonconformity, and adaptability. She explores the eight A's of "The Audacity Spectrum," providing strategies for embracing your quirks and transforming them into strengths. Alina's insights on emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the power of saying “no” challenge conventional wisdom and inspire a new breed of leadership — one that is deeply self-attuned yet boldly outward-facing. In this episode of the Next Wave Leadership podcast, Dov Pollack interviews Alina Addison, Founder and Executive Coach at ADAPTAA, about leveraging the eight A's of audacity in leadership. Alina shares insights on the impact of self-attunement in improving emotional intelligence, embracing your superpowers, cultivating courage for bold career decisions, and the value of adaptability.

Wagner Denuzzo is the Founder and CEO of Wagner Denuzzo Consulting, LLC, a company that promotes a multidisciplinary approach to leadership growth by combining psychological insight with practical business foresight. He is a multifaceted professional renowned for his expertise in leadership coaching, HR strategy, and captivating keynote speeches. With a rich career history, including notable roles as Vice President of GBS Talent and Leadership Transformation at IBM and Vice President of Organizational Effectiveness at Prudential, Wagner brings a wealth of experience to the table. His latest venture as an author of Leading to Succeed: Essential Skills for the New Workplace explores the evolving dynamics of modern workplaces.  In this episode… Understanding the dynamic nature of organizations as living entities is crucial in today's workplace landscape. As organisms adapt to their environments, they must evolve to thrive amid change, competition, and technological advancements. How can we harness the principles of organizational biology to navigate and lead effectively within professional spaces? Coach and consultant Wagner Denuzzo recognizes the importance of nurturing an organization's vitality, which is akin to sustaining life itself. Adaptation and growth depend on collective energy from an organization's workforce, just as organisms need energy to thrive. This perspective underscores the significance of fostering an open ecosystem within organizations, where knowledge flows freely and decision-making authority is distributed among dynamic, globally dispersed teams. By embracing this inclusive mindset, we can collectively propel our organizations forward into a future of dynamic growth and success. In this episode of the Next Wave Leadership podcast, host Dov Pollack sits down with Wagner Denuzzo, Founder and CEO of Wagner Denuzzo Consulting, LLC, to talk about the evolution of organizational dynamics and leadership in the modern workplace. Wagner discusses the transformation of work and organizations, the value of distributive power in the workplace, and the future of HR.

Lan Phan is the Founder and Chief Community Builder of community of SEVEN, an intersectional, purpose-driven executive leadership development program. She is also releasing her guide, Do This Daily, next month. Renowned for her expertise in purpose, mindset, and continuous improvement, she consults for Fortune 500 companies and advises top executives. As a keynote speaker, she captivates global audiences at prestigious venues such as the United Nations and Stanford University. Lan's been featured in esteemed publications, including Harvard Business Review and Forbes. As a Stanford and Harvard graduate, Lan has received the J.E. Wallace Sterling Award for her impactful leadership and community service. In this episode… Understanding, acknowledging, and accepting imperfections is essential for personal growth and emotional well-being. Embracing our shortcomings allows us to cultivate self-compassion and empathy, fostering deeper connections with ourselves and others. What might our lives look like if we treated imperfections as a beautiful aspect of our humanity rather than a flaw? As a leadership and mindset expert, Lan Phan stresses the importance of aligning personal values with corporate culture. She emphasizes why prioritizing values over short-term gains when tailoring your life or business to match your values is essential. In her up-and-coming book, Do This Daily: Secrets to Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose at Work and Life,Lan introduces the four secrets for living your best life. She explains you must commit to action-oriented behavior to live the life you envision. However, getting there requires adopting a growth mindset with consistent habits that lead you to a path of fulfillment and purpose to reach desired results.  In this episode of the Next Wave Leadership podcast, host Dov Pollack sits down with Lan Phan, Founder and Chief Community Builder of community of SEVEN, to talk about how to start living a life that reflects your values. Lan discusses why she started community of SEVEN, the value of the “wabi-sabi” ideology, and why leaders should be open about their mistakes and imperfections.

Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau is the Chief Simplicity Officer at ADAPTAA, a firm that helps leaders and organizations grow by questioning and challenging assumptions through executive coaching. At ADAPTAA, she is in charge of coaching, mentoring, organizational health, and leadership development.  Over the last 25-plus years, Sylvia has amassed experience as a leadership development expert and senior professional coach in international and financial institutions, backed by a PhD in international and global studies. She is the former Managerial Advisor of Leadership Development and Coaching at the European Investment Bank, where she advanced leaders for almost 18 years. In addition to authoring her new book Energy, Power and Legacy, she is self-employed as an Executive and Team Coach and helps people and organizations emerge and excel as impactful leaders. In this episode… Understanding power dynamics is crucial in navigating complex social and business landscapes and ensuring equitable relationships. Moreover, embracing co-creation fosters collaboration and innovation by leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise. How might integrating these principles enhance decision-making and problem-solving in your personal and professional endeavors? Author and executive coach Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau discusses the concept of power and its implications for effective leadership, particularly in the context of her book Energy, Power and Legacy. She emphasizes the need to challenge traditional notions of power as hierarchical and instead advocates for shared power and co-creation. Sylvia's "Smart Power" model delineates five levels of power: intentional, personal, relational, co-creative, and generative. To effectively navigate challenges and catalyze positive transformation, leaders must prioritize cultivating self-awareness, nurturing genuine connections, and embracing collaborative endeavors. In this episode of the Next Wave Leadership podcast, host Dov Pollack sits down with Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau, the Chief Simplicity Officer at ADAPTAA, to discuss her new book, Energy, Power and Legacy. Sylvia talks about defining power, the value of co-creation, and understanding and leveraging executive presence.

Amy Shoenthal is the Founder of Visionaries Collective, LLC, where she elevates and amplifies the stories of successful founders. She is a journalist, author, and marketing consultant with nearly two decades of experience in social media marketing. She's interviewed hundreds of leaders from politicians, peloton instructors, and fashion icons to founders just starting their journeys. Amy has worked with some of the world's largest brands, including Procter & Gamble and Google, providing strategic marketing and helping them to shape their brand narratives. Her new book, The Setback Cycle, is about how nobody reaches the heights of success without experiencing setbacks and how to overcome them. Additionally, she is a top contributor to Forbes and Harvard Business Review. In this episode… Setbacks are an inevitable part of life, testing our resilience and determination. Whether it's a career setback, personal challenge, or unexpected obstacle, overcoming adversity often leads to personal growth and development. How do we harness the power of setbacks to propel us forward instead of holding us back? Amy Shoenthal, author and marketing consultant, believes that setbacks contain lessons that can help us grow. She emphasizes that embracing failure not only fosters resilience but also cultivates a growth mindset essential for personal and professional development. So viewing setbacks as opportunities for learning helps people refine their strategies, adapt to challenges, and ultimately achieve greater success. To overcome setbacks, Amy advocates for a proactive approach, encouraging people to analyze the root causes of their failures, extract valuable insights, and use them as stepping stones toward future accomplishments. In this episode of the Next Wave Leadership podcast, host Dov Pollack sits down with Amy Shoenthal, Founder of Visionaries Collective, LLC, to talk about how to overcome setbacks. Amy discusses understanding your identity versus your behavior, acknowledging the setback cycle, and the implications of toxic positivity.

Katie Lacey is a board member for Designer Protein and a founding member of The Band of Sisters, a consulting firm helping leaders leverage diversity to build inclusive and productive cultures. With expertise in brand strategy and consumer insights, she is a professional with more than 28 years of experience driving the growth of various companies and managing large-scale company turnarounds.  As the former President and CEO of Crane Stationery, she led a management buyout, returned the business to profitability, accelerated e-commerce investment, and acquired Crane's largest competitor, which led to its acquisition by an industry competitor. Before Crane, Katie was the Senior VP at ESPN and held various executive marketing roles at PepsiCo for 13 years. In this episode… Effective business leadership comes in various forms and requires diverse skills and approaches. Leaders who have worked in different companies and industries bring unique insights, particularly those with experience with global brands. Their ability to manage multiple stakeholders, navigate cultural differences, and respond to changing market conditions is essential in today's business environment, where agility and responsiveness are critical to success. Katie Lacey has had an illustrious and diverse career and has amassed a wealth of experience she's refined over the years. Her multifarious background has given her a unique perspective on leadership. Throughout her career, Katie has held leadership roles across various industries, including beauty, fashion, and retail. Her extensive experience has allowed her to develop a versatile and effective leadership approach. Through her work with The Band of Sisters, Katie shares her insights and mentors other women, helping to empower them in their careers. At this career stage, she is dedicated to giving back and sharing her knowledge with others to help them adapt their leadership styles. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack talks with Katie Lacey, a board member for Designer Protein and a founding member of The Band of Sisters, to talk about leadership and lessons from her career. They discuss the importance of a first boss, assessing employee reviews, combatting lazy language, and bringing your whole self to work. They also touch on her experience at male-dominated companies and her current work with The Band of Sisters.

Anastasia Tarpeh-Ellis is the Co-founder of Bosa, a community-driven platform designed to help individuals achieve their goals and aspirations by providing a comprehensive and effective goal management system. Before Bosa, she was instrumental in establishing and managing accelerators for GRID110 and Backstage Capital, in addition to her service in local government. Anastasia possesses an unwavering passion for cultivating authentic relationships and empowering others to attain financial independence through entrepreneurship. Additionally, she is an amateur real estate investor and angel investor in start-ups. In this episode… Embarking upon a startup venture can be an intimidating undertaking. Even the most resolute leaders will likely face a fair share of challenges, such as extended waiting periods and unanticipated obstacles. While acquiring capital is the foremost obstacle, creating a robust and long-lasting enterprise is an even greater challenge that demands a superior level of diligence. Anastasia Tarpeh-Ellis is a successful entrepreneur who co-founded and developed her business, Bosa, with great dedication. She has been associated with Backstage Capital, a venture capital fund that invests in underrepresented founders' businesses. This affiliation not only provided her with a structured framework and access to funding but also imparted invaluable lessons that influenced her company's growth. As a result of her entrepreneurial journey, she established an organization to assist others in overcoming similar challenges in starting their own businesses. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack interviews Anastasia Tarpeh-Ellis, the Co-founder of Bosa, on her startup journey and business growth. They touch on her personal story, the steps she took to get Bosa off the ground, and the lessons she took from Google and Background Capital. The two also discuss culture and marginalized groups in the business world.

Dave McKeown is a speaker, consultant, and author. As a highly esteemed leadership expert, he helps teams navigate the challenges of rapid growth. He has worked with leaders at companies including Apple, Google, FedEx, Salesforce, and the NYSE. Dave is the author of The Self-Evolved Leader, hosts the popular Lead Like You Give a Damn Podcast, and writes a weekly column for Inc.  In this episode… Many companies experience a hyper-growth stage while you face the disarray of leading a rapidly growing team. Do you wonder if your leadership style is effective or if there's a better approach you can use to unlock your team's true potential? Leadership expert Dave McKeown is well-versed on the challenges of overcoming the chaos of fast growth. He explains the concept of adopting a heroic leadership style and how this approach can hinder progress. Leaders should be careful not to create a culture of dependency instead of fostering true leadership and growth. Instead, he suggests that leaders should focus on building strong teams and empowering them to take ownership of their work while providing guidance and support as needed. By doing so, leaders can create a more collaborative and productive workplace culture that benefits everyone involved. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack talks to Dave McKeown, speaker, consultant, author, and leadership expert, who explains heroic leadership and his insights on how to build stronger teams. Dave breaks down what leaders should focus on to foster growth, how to empower employees, and ways to create a culture of trust and collaboration. He also talks about his book and perspective on coaching.

Gabriel Orta is a renowned mixologist and the Co-founder of BarLab, a one-stop-shop consulting agency and internationally recognized hospitality management company developing unique and eclectic food and beverage programs for bars, restaurants, and hotels worldwide.  Gabe and his business partner, Elad Zvi, launched their first pop-up bar, Broken Shaker, in Miami in 2012, which scaled to major US cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Fueled by its success, they co-founded many other restaurant concepts. The duo is known for their exceptional concepts and have amassed numerous accolades along the way. In this episode… Few industries need immediate and firm leadership, like the restaurant business. Every location is an organization within itself with urgent deadlines, tight working spaces, high expectations, and countless other moving parts. On a macro level, these locations need direction and support to thrive. Gabe Orta understands the complications of managing the micro and macro levels of the business. Getting his start at 15, he is a veteran of the restaurant business. He's started, run, and developed numerous restaurants and restaurant concepts. With years of experience under his belt, Gabe understands the challenges that accompany developing a business, creating a positive company culture, and managing day-to-day issues while ensuring long-term success. Gabe's experiences have propelled his success in the restaurant space.  In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack interviews Gabe Orta, the Co-founder of BarLab, to talk about leadership and insights from his life in the restaurant industry. They walk through Gabe's background, how he works around egos, his time in Venice, and how he fosters company culture. They also touch on the books and advice that impacted and shaped him the most.

Marcus Bullock is the CEO of Flikshop, an innovative mobile app that allows easier communication between families and incarcerated loved ones. To help build reentry ecosystems through entrepreneurship, coding, and mobile app development, he created the Flikshop School of Business. Marcus' background extends to sales, contracting, teaching, and sitting on the Board of Directors for the Justice Policy Institute (JPI), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to developing policies and solutions within the criminal justice system. In 2019, he was honored as one of the Root 100 Most Influential African Americans. In this episode… The hard reality of both life and entrepreneurship can be circumstances. Much of what defines our success comes from factors outside of our control. However, bad decisions and poor judgment can exacerbate the situation. In the face of adversity, how can you create opportunities that impact the lives of others? Despite unfavorable odds and big mistakes, Marcus Bullock turned his life around. Now a successful tech entrepreneur and activist, he positively influences other people's lives. His story is the cornerstone of his brand and drives him to help others through difficult times by sharing his hard-won lessons and guiding others through their trials and tribulations. After living through the results of the bad decisions he made at an early age, Marcus was inspired to develop an app that helps families connect with their incarcerated loved ones. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack sits down with Marcus Bullock, the CEO of Flikshop, to discuss his story and his journey to entrepreneurship. They go through his circumstances, what helped him through, and the inspiration that led to his business. He also discusses his business school and how he helps other budding entrepreneurs.

Raj Sisodia is the Co-founder and former Chairman of Conscious Capitalism, Inc., an organization set on elevating humanity through ethical business practices. He is a Professor and Chairman of the Conscious Enterprise Center at Tecnológico de Monterrey. Raj has consulted for and taught executive programs at many companies, such as AT&T, Nokia, LG, Kraft Foods, Whole Foods Market, Sprint, Volvo, IBM, Walmart, and McDonalds. A prolific best-selling writer, he has written 16 books, including The Healing Organization, Conscious Capitalism, and Firms of Endearment, and has also written over 100 academic articles. In this episode… Everyone has experienced pain, no matter how severe or mild, and it often originates at an early age and plays a role in shaping us. The expression “hurt people hurt people” stems from the theory that we unwittingly pass on the difficulties and pain we've undergone. However, this doesn't absolve us from who we become or how we go through life. For leaders, these personal struggles have more relevance to their careers than many would acknowledge. Thriving, respected leaders should be able to work through their issues for the sake of their families, businesses, and themselves. It is a complex process, so it helps to look toward people who have already started the healing process. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack sits down with Raj Sisodia, the Co-founder and former Chairman of Conscious Capitalism, Inc., on growing through the struggles of life. They discuss Raj's family dynamic, his realization in life, and his purpose going forward into the future. They also discuss how to be a stronger leader and reevaluate the ethical concerns of the business world.

Angelique Bellmer Krembs is a marketing expert, the CMO in Residence at A.Team, and a founding member of The Band of Sisters. She spent 23 years at PepsiCo, leading turnaround and growth for many beloved brands, including Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and SoBe. She was also the CMO at News America Marketing, created a CMO Advisory practice, and was the Managing Director and Global Head of Brand at BlackRock. In this episode… In a previous episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack interviewed some of the co-founders of The Band of Sisters to discuss women in the current business world. Now, founding member Angelique Bellmer Krembs returns to discuss her own career trajectory. Having worked with PepsiCo for over 20 years, Angelique uncovered her leadership style as her responsibility grew. Her experience has carried over to her current positions — developing healthy work cultures and leading by example. So what knowledge and insights does she have to share? In this rereleased episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack once again talks with Angelique Bellmer Krembs, a Co-founder of The Band of Sisters, to discuss her leadership style. They go through her career and life lessons, how to lead high-output teams, and ways to create a great work culture. They also talk about her work with the Beyonce halftime show and other takeaways from her time with PepsiCo.

Mike Moshier is a Partner at Cresco Partners, Inc., with 22 years of business experience. He honed his expertise in sales, marketing, talent management, and leadership development through senior executive positions at Novartis Consumer Health. Mike began coaching senior executives in 2000 and has since earned his credentials as a professional executive coach. He operates globally, working and traveling around the world, and now calls Switzerland his home. In this episode… We often see our careers as linear construction, building upwards one block at a time. The truth is it more closely resembles a sport, each match requiring adaptation and flexibility. This approach places the emphasis not on perfectionism but on improvement, becoming a better leader throughout the ongoing process. Mike Moshier coaches business professionals through the ups and downs of a long career. His expertise and broad knowledge base enable him to help other leaders continuously grow and handle the changes thrown their way. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack invites Mike Moshier, a Partner at Cresco Partners, Inc., onto the show to discuss key leadership principles. They discuss Mike's time in Switzerland, his best advice for growing leaders, and seeing the humanity in the people you lead. They also touch on how to avoid burnout and learn how to switch gears properly.

Eric Wong is the Director of Global Leader Development at Adobe after serving as the Senior Leader Development Director for the company. As the Co-founder of Exember, he grew it into a thriving seven-figure firm before exiting. Eric had an immense passion for psychology, culture, teams, and mindsets, so he focused his roles around people and business strategy, leading him through positions of increasing seniority, entrepreneurship, and impact. Before Adobe, he worked as the Director of BTS and as the Chief Commercial Officer for Impro.AI. In this episode… Business coaching and leadership development are often necessary, but results are difficult to pinpoint. Finding quantitative impact can be challenging, leading to the misconception that these opportunities may lack value. Are these options a sound choice for you or your business? These tools are worth their weight in gold to help leaders and businesses gain much-needed clarity and guidance in an evolving business world. With a passion for entrepreneurship, consulting, and leadership development, Eric Wong has the experience and the tools of the trade when it comes to helping others in their professional and personal pursuits. He knows that, although profitability is the primary goal, connecting to the human element in your business is essential since that's what drives the brand's ultimate success. Eric suggests finding professional guidance to help you develop the skills and get the support you need to pursue your predominant professional and personal goals. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack speaks with Eric Wong, the Director of Global Leader Development at Adobe, about coaching and assisting leaders. They break down Eric's background and the lessons he had to learn along the way. They also go through the trap of focusing solely on ROI, why asking more rather than speaking is a valuable leadership practice, and how to apply modern technology applications.

With 15 years as a storyteller, Mita Mallick now puts her talents to use as the Head of Inclusion, Equity, and Impact at Carta. The company specializes in capitalization table management and valuation software that serves thousands of founders, investors, and employees. Mita has worked with the likes of Aveeno, Avon, Suave, and Dove to ensure POC representation in products and campaigns. Along with her positions, she continues to contribute as a writer to Adweek and Entrepreneur Media. In this episode… Diversity has become a complicated and burdened topic in the modern age. Even for leaders committed to greater diversity, it can be difficult to know where to start. However, the work is well worth it and can tangibly lead to stronger businesses and organizations. Mita Mallick has dedicated her career to helping businesses diversify and understand the value of the process. She has encountered a host of myths and misleading narratives, both professionally and personally. Her work now extends to clarifying these issues and leading other leaders to a better tomorrow. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack has a powerful discussion with Mita Mallick — the Head of Inclusion, Equity, and Impact of Carta — on the truths and myths of diversity. They go through her personal story, why she wrote her book, and she offers her greatest insights for modern businesses. They also talk about the collective positives of diversity for corporate and social improvement.

Scott Simmons is the CEO of Ariel Group, an organization offering leadership training, relationship-building skills, and business consultation. He has experience leading teams of subject matter experts, analysts, and consultants. Scott has worked extensively with Fortune 500 clients, including a 13-year term as a Partner at The Gallup Organization. He believes in experiential learning and specializes in helping executives solve complex problems. In this episode… There seems to be a limitless quantity of software and processes to help businesses improve. Data, science, and metrics are all powerful tools, but they tell an incomplete story. Many companies focus on this form of success and still suffer long-term issues or plateaus. Focusing on the human element as a leader can be both personally and professionally rewarding. Yet, how do you implement such a broad concept? Scott Simmons, a consultant who specializes in this area, focuses on soft skills and experiential learning to help leaders connect to others. While some lessons are generally applicable, concrete advice can still be applied to those looking to grow. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack sits down with Scott Simmons, the CEO of Ariel Group, to discuss human-centric consulting and improving as a leader. They touch on lessons from Scott's own life, including his time in healthcare and Montreal. They also break down AI, how consulting has changed over the years, and how to apply essential soft skills.

Lori Mazan is the Co-founder, President, and Chief Coaching Officer at Sounding Board, a tech-driven and human-centric leadership development firm. She spent two decades coaching CEOs and executives at both Fortune 100 companies and venture-backed companies. Some of those include Chevron Corporation, Sprint/Nextel, UC Berkeley, and Citibank. Lori's background also includes leadership training and financial operations.  In this episode… Executive coaching is a valuable tool for many leaders. Bringing on an experienced coach can give outside knowledge and a fresh perspective. However, many professionals fail to live up to their promises. This leads many to be skeptical of the entire profession rather than finding the right person for your team. Lori Mazan has coached many executives and worked closely with household brands. Her depth of knowledge comes from her own career, working alongside other successful executives, and finding what is best for developing leaders. Her story and expertise now serve to assist others in their journey. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack speaks with Lori Mazan, the Co-Founder, President, and Chief Coaching Officer at Sounding Board, to discuss coaching and businesses. They break down some inefficient leadership theories, what Lori has found to work, and how she helps her clients. They also touch on the differences between startups and large businesses and coaching women in a male-dominated industry.

Angelique Bellmer Krembs is a marketing expert, the CMO in Residence at A.Team, and a founding member of The Band of Sisters. She spent 23 years at PepsiCo, leading turnaround and growth for many beloved brands, including Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and SoBe. She was also the CMO at News America Marketing, created a CMO Advisory practice, and was the Managing Director and Global Head of Brand at BlackRock. In this episode… In a previous episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack interviewed some of the co-founders of The Band of Sisters to discuss women in the current business world. Now, founding member Angelique Bellmer Krembs returns to discuss her own career trajectory. Having worked with PepsiCo for over 20 years, Angelique uncovered her leadership style as her responsibility grew. Her experience has carried over to her current positions — developing healthy work cultures and leading by example. So what knowledge and insights does she have to share? In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack once again talks with Angelique Bellmer Krembs, a Co-founder of The Band of Sisters, to discuss her leadership style. They go through her career and life lessons, how to lead high-output teams, and ways to create a great work culture. They also talk about her work with the Beyonce halftime show and other takeaways from her time with PepsiCo.

Cie Nicholson is a speaker, investor and advisor to several start-up companies, and a founding member of The Band of Sisters. She serves as the Public Board Director for Selective Insurance, as an Advisor for Yext, as the Senior Advisor for PLANT-AG and Tangelo, and she's on the Board of Advisors for Lavit. Her career also includes 11 years at PepsiCo, serving as the EVP and CMO of Equinox and Softcard. In this episode… Many leaders are conditioned to have a narrow view of success. The image of a visionary entrepreneur or a radical new CEO is alluring but doesn't provide a complete picture. Many successful leaders find flexible, nuanced versions of their lives and give back to their communities. So how do you find that delicate balance? Cie Nicholson has a storied career that includes a blend of corporate and entrepreneurial experiences and a proven track record of building brands and businesses. She has recently taken a new direction in her career, finding time for both professional ventures and her personal life. Now she offers her experience to others looking to do the same. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack joins Cie Nicholson, Co-founder of The Band of Sisters, again to talk about redefining a successful career and her work with other professionals. They start with Cie's upbringing, the lessons she took from her leadership positions, and her “soft” retirement. They dive deep into the role of minority groups in the corporate space and how to provide a better platform for women in business.

Christine Tao is the Co-founder and CEO of Sounding Board, a Silicon Valley startup that uses tech-enabled leadership coaching to transform how organizations develop their leaders. Christine has worked in leadership roles for multiple esteemed companies, including Senior Vice President of Global Developer Relations at Tapjoy and as a member of the Governing Board of Directors for HR West and Next Concept HR Association (NCHRA). Currently, Christine is an angel investor and advises startups. She's also a Tory Burch Foundation Fellow, a foundation dedicated to investing in the success of female entrepreneurs. In this episode… Success can be a nebulous concept. Many societal standards exist for living a successful life or running an accomplished business, but none are definitive. Leaders are told to pursue excellence, but what does that look like in practice? How do you define success for yourself and your company? Christine Tao has faced both disappointment and success throughout her career, including starting her own business. These questions were present realities, and she was able to find an answer that suited her. Here is what she has to say to others pondering what prosperity means in their own lives. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack once again speaks with Christine Tao, the Co-founder and CEO of Sounding Board, about her life and how she defined her own success. They walk through her background, her experiences with disappointment, and how she ultimately founded her business. They also touch on her thoughts on entrepreneurship and working in the corporate world.

Julie Fletcher is the Chief Human Resources Officer at TheKey, a home care company for seniors with dedicated support for clients and their families. Julie's specialties include executive leadership, talent acquisition, organizational effectiveness, and healthcare HR. She has a rich human resources and talent management career, including over 10 years as the Chief Talent Officer for AMN Healthcare. Her first position was at the Disneyland Resort, leading its HR and working on client business strategy. In this episode… Human resources is one of the most neglected aspects of running a great company. The human element can turn a functional business into a thriving operation. HR has the ability not only to regulate and help employees but also to work with potential talent from the beginning. So what does this department look like at its best? An experienced HR executive, Julie Fletcher has worked for multiple leading businesses, specializing in both talent management and HR. Companies must have great leaders at the top who are transparent and offer opportunities to employees to leverage and develop their strengths. Your talent will thrive and support company growth when they're allowed to progress in their roles and are vested in the values and culture of the company. Julie stresses the importance of HR and why it should be at the center of everything in a business. Her depth of experience has led to a wealth of knowledge, and now she offers her insights to you. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack sits down with Julie Fletcher, the Chief Human Resources Officer at TheKey, to talk about HR and how leadership can shine through it. They discuss her career trajectory, working for Susan Salka at AMN Healthcare, and what she learned from her positions. The two also go into detail on how to establish culture, outgrowing the need for constant affirmation, and advice for new CHROs.

Lori Tauber Marcus is a corporate board director, executive coach, founding member of The Band of Sisters, and an Executive Coach and Advisor for Crenshaw Associates, which provides world-class talent services for senior executives and leading corporations.  After 24 years in multiple roles at PepsiCo, including Senior Vice President, Marketing Activation, she served as SVP of The Children's Place Retail Stores and Chief Global Brand and Product Officer at Keurig Green Mountain. Lori also has significant board experience and presently sits on the board of directors for Fresh Del Monte Produce and 24 Hour Fitness. Lori is also one of the authors of You Should Smile More, a book that tackles gender bias in the corporate space. In this episode… Much can be learned from hearing a leader's whole story — every influence, moment, and mentor work to shape each person's career. For successful and inspiring leaders, their hardwon lessons are invaluable for the next generation. Lori Marcus spent her career serving major brands before turning her focus to executive coaching. She works directly with leaders, co-founded The Band of Sisters to help women in the corporate space, and sits on several leading companies' boards. Lori's upbringing, background, and early career taught her many lessons and shaped her future. So what can you learn from her story? In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack invites Lori Tauber Marcus, Executive Coach and Advisor with Crenshaw Associates, back onto the podcast to speak about her own leadership lessons and personal journey. They go through her education, upbringing, and living in the time before social media. They also talk about how leaders perceive you and Lori's coaching style.

Erin Hatzikostas is the Founder and CEO of b Authentic inc, where she teaches people and companies how to use authenticity as a strategic advantage. Previously, she was CEO and President of PayFlex, leading a massive financial and cultural turnaround. She worked with Aetna for nearly two decades, honing her leadership and helping others find their own leading voices. In addition to b Authentic inc, Erin is a board member for Orbit and is the co-host of b Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck, a podcast especially designed for Gen X women who are fed up with corporate life. In this episode… Each successful leader in the business space has a story to tell and hard-won wisdom to share. The common theme among many of the greatest stories is authenticity. These noteworthy figures have found their personal version of passion, authority, and helpfulness that got them to where they are today.  Erin Hatzikostas had two distinct stages in her career that formed her authentic leadership style. She not only turned around and led a company back on track to success, but now she coaches and leads others to do the same. This is her story about the power of authenticity. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack sits down with Erin Hatzikostas, the Founder and CEO of b Authentic inc, to discuss her life and career and the lessons earned throughout. They talk about her time at Aetna, how she led the company toward a cultural and financial rebound, and how she found her authentic self. They also touch on what she is doing now through b Authentic inc.

Ann Latham is a writer, consultant, and the President of Uncommon Clarity, Inc. Known as the Queen of Clarity, her consultancy works with companies and organizations to streamline and accelerate their processes. Some notable clients she's worked with include Boeing, PBS, and United Way.  Ann synthesized many of her ideas into her books, The Power of Clarity, The Clarity Papers, and her new book, The Disconnect Principle. She is a frequent guest speaker and has been featured in publications such as Bloomberg, The New York Times, and Forbes. In this episode… Leaders have the responsibility of problem-solving and communicating feedback. The dynamic is tricky, finding a balance between results and empathy, and even experienced leaders can struggle with the proper way to have difficult discussions. However, there is an approach that avoids needless conflict, and few people know this better than Ann Latham. With a career focused on solving common communication problems in organizational leadership, Ann has helped many with this exact issue. Her book, The Power of Clarity, answered the question of direct and honest conversation. Now she comes on to further those ideas and gives her feedback on feedback. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack welcomes back Ann Latham, the author of The Disconnect Principle, to talk about how to have fruitful communication and fix problems in a better way. They talk about avoiding unnecessary conflict, treating employees as partners, and removing blame from the equation. The two also break down how these concepts relate to her last book and some of the common pitfalls of feedback from leaders.

Rebekah Bastian is an entrepreneur, author, tech executive, and mentor. She is the Founder and CEO of OwnTrail, a tech platform that uses experience graphs of people's lives with the tools and community they need to reach their goals. Rebekah spent 15 years at Zillow, with roles including VP of Product and VP of Community & Culture. She wrote Blaze Your Own Trail and frequently speaks on the same topics of finding your own path, both personally and professionally. In this episode… Life is virtually never a straight line but comes with twists, turns, and setbacks. Despite many leaders' intentions, they will undoubtedly face problems and missteps along the way, but is preventing mistakes the key to success? Making a mistake or confronting a problem isn't always the worst thing that can happen. The important thing is to recognize that those issues can be a catalyst for change, growth, and opportunity. Rebekah Bastian had her ups and downs and navigated her way through them. Once she learned the power of understanding and embraced a complicated path, she realized she could help others, and she took her knowledge and turned it into a business.  In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack interviews Rebekah Bastian, the Founder and CEO of OwnTrail, about her winding career and how she helps guide others. They discuss culture management, making the most of opportunities, learning from mistakes, and capitalizing on epiphanies. They also give advice on better living on a personal level.

Laura Fravel is a keynote speaker, communications coach, and storytelling expert. She spent over 16 years as a story producer at National Geographic, having developed and produced over 100 stories. Across her career, she worked with executives from Adidas, helped train the Warner Bros. Discovery global leadership team, and regularly spoke for Forbes Business Council. Laura works with leaders to hone their stories, learn how to articulate them and make them more impactful, whether speaking to those inside or outside your company. In this episode… What does it mean to tell your story? What does that look like within the world of business? Leaders are often called to either tell their story or their company's story. This abstract idea has real effects, shaping how others view you and leaving them with valuable insight. It is a learned skill to communicate effectively and, through that practice, become a better leader. Now you can learn directly from a gifted storyteller and thought leader. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack is joined by Laura Fravel to discuss how to be a better leader and how to tell your story. They start with Laura's career in television and how she found her new line of work. The two also discuss vulnerability, finding your voice, living a good life, and much more.

Rory Sutherland is the Vice Chairman of Ogilvy and co-founded a behavioral science practice within the agency. Ogilvy is a British advertising and consulting agency that has worked with industry titans, including Dove, Samsung, BP, and IBM.  Before founding Ogilvy Change, Rory was a copywriter and creative director at Ogilvy for over 20 years, having joined as a graduate trainee in 1988. He is the author of two books: The Wiki Man and the best-selling Alchemy, The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense. In this episode… Every leader is burdened with decision-making and problem-solving; they are the foundation of all organizational progress. However, it's the process of arriving at those decisions that matter. Much of modern culture is centered on immediate solutions, singular fixes, and tangible numbers. These are incomplete approaches that leave a great deal of potential on the table. Rory Sutherland has built his storied career around the powerful and creative solutions that are overlooked. He works in behavioral sciences and helps clients with their unseen opportunities. This is an incredible opportunity, but one that's difficult to grasp at first. Rory shares insights into his process. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack sits down with Rory Sutherland, the Vice Chairman at Ogilvy, to discuss creative solutions and finding the actual issues. They talk about how companies miss the bigger picture, creative reversals, and coming up with better fixes. The two also touch on AI and how times have changed.

Benji Baer is the Chief Marketing Officer at CBRE, a global leader in commercial real estate services. She is a senior executive with extensive experience in brand strategy, strategic marketing, and business planning. Benji's previous positions have spanned  J.P. Morgan, Legg Mason, and AllianceBernstein. Over her long career, she has become a globally-recognized marketing innovator focused on driving transformation in complex business environments. In this episode… Some people appear to be natural-born leaders, and others struggle in leadership positions. What characteristics, values, and attitudes make for an influential leader? Benji Baer's upbringing and the core values she was taught led her to where she is today. With over three decades of experience in senior-level and executive positions, she's established herself as a transformative, innovative leader in the business world. Her focus as the Chief Marketing Officer has allowed Benji to use her unique leadership abilities to stimulate a growth strategy for CBRE in three central areas: company profile, profit, and pride. Using her experiences in large, complex business environments, she brings teams together and breaks down traditional silos to cultivate new business growth opportunities. As a marketing pioneer, there are many takeaways and lessons we can learn through Benji's career trajectory. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack talks with Benji Baer, the Chief Marketing Officer at CBRE, to discuss leadership and how she views life. They break down her upbringing and some of the essential lessons she learned. They also talk about empathy, building the right team, how to foster a culture of trust, and what the future holds for Benji's career.

Kristin Engvig is the Founder and CEO of WIN (Women's International Networking), a global leadership initiative for women and men who want to lead authentically by embracing feminine values. She is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker, and worldwide authority on feminine leadership. Kristin is also a Board Member at Global Citizen Forum Network, a Board Member at UNISMO, and an Advisory Board Member at B-Corp Europe.  Kristin was awarded the CEO of Life award in March 2021, was named in DiversityGlobal Magazine's Top 10 Influential Women in Global Diversity, and won the International Alliance of Women Award. In this episode… Do you want to become a more holistic entrepreneur, employee, or executive? Are you looking for ways to embrace both masculine and feminine energy in your career?  While traveling the globe for her job, Kristin Engvig noticed something: women are undervalued and underutilized in business. As a result of growing up and living in a society that embraced female empowerment, Kristin felt frustrated with the degradation of women she saw both inside and outside the office. This prompted Kristin to create WIN, a feminine-forward initiative that is taking the world by storm by helping men and women everywhere embrace feminine values and discover their purpose in life and business. So, how can you learn more about WIN today? In this revisited episode of Next Wave Leadership, Kristin Engvig, the Founder and CEO of WIN (Women's International Networking), sits down with Dov Pollack to talk about the power of feminine leadership. Listen in as Kristin discusses what motivated her to start WIN, how the seven pillars of WIN's values propel more holistic leadership, and the value of prioritizing creative output as a thriving professional. Stay tuned!

Graham Barkus is the Founder and the Managing Director of The Human Factor, a management consulting firm designed to help people and businesses through major changes. The Human Factor helps clients address transformation, improve relationships, and enhance performance.  In addition to his business, Graham is a Non-Executive Director of Peak Pacific Group and a Partner at Transformation Worldwide. Before founding The Human Factor in 2002, he worked with Cathay Pacific Airways as its Head of Organization Development and Change for almost nine years. In this episode… What does well-being in the workplace look like? The response can vary wildly from generation to generation, job to job. The latest trend is holistic thinking. Being healthy isn't just about physical performance — it's also about your mind, emotions, and social relationships. Many companies fall short of this standard and wonder why their employees' performance is not up to par. You must ensure your team's success and well-being to have them at their best. In his own line of work, Graham Barkus noticed what works — and he's made it his mission to help companies reach the next level through the human touch. In this episode of the Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack talks to Graham Barkus, Founder and Managing Director of The Human Factor, about how improving your employees' well-being will increase company performance. They detail the relationship between stress and innovation, reconsidering the definition of “healthy” and why we need proximity. They also discuss Graham's interesting career and what led him to become a leadership expert.

Marco Aurelio is the Executive Advisor for SandboxAQ, an enterprise SaaS company that seeks to solve some of society's most challenging problems. With more than 30 years of information management experience, Marco is a recognized figure among businesses and a trusted consultant. He worked in executive roles at Amazon Web Services, Delphix, Oracle, and SAP, to name a few. He specializes in system development, managing global programs, and team building. In this episode… Creating great workplace cultures and connections with employees may seem exclusive to small businesses. Startups and minor companies have an easier time developing a positive culture because of their size. At larger, more expansive organizations, that same intimacy and unity can feel unattainable. Yet some leaders can accomplish the seemingly impossible. Marco Aurelio is a proven executive and consultant who has worked with Amazon, Oracle, SAP, and many other leading businesses. Despite the size of these brands, he cultivated quality cultures within them. His approach has been refined over a long and storied career, and now you can learn directly from him. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack has an insightful conversation with Marco Aurelio, Executive Advisor at SandboxAQ, to talk about the finer details of leadership and building great cultures. They discuss the difficulties and opportunities of working within larger businesses, nurturing relationships with employees, and bringing your authentic self to work. The two also touch on the power of inquiry over command and how to lead against the grain.

As a successful serial entrepreneur, Edward Woodford has become an expert in leadership and fintech. He is the CEO and Co-founder of Zero Hash, a company that integrates crypto products and services into ecommerce platforms. He previously co-founded Seed CX and How App and worked with several other businesses as a research analyst. Edward's education includes a master's degree in finance from MIT and a bachelor's in politics, philosophy, and economics from the University of Warwick. In this episode… Power is one of the key attributes of leadership, for better or for worse. The best leaders are skeptical of their own power and look for better ways to use their influence. This looks different for everyone, but Edward Woodford found his approach in distributing ownership throughout his company. He slowly fleshed out his style of leadership through starting several companies and embracing the uncomfortable. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack interviews Edward Woodford, the CEO and Co-founder of Zero Hash, to discuss leadership and using influence over power. The two go through Edward's background at MIT, thriving in controversial spaces, and giving ownership to your employees. They also touch on the keys to successfully leading in a remote setting. Stay tuned for more!

Michael Landers is the Founder and President of Culture Crossing Inc., a company that offers strategic consulting for the global marketplace. His workshops and speaking events have drawn over 100,000 people worldwide. As a specialist in multicultural environments, he has consulted for organizations such as The Oxford Group and ALC Education Inc. Michael authored the bestselling book Culture Crossing, where he details how to work and thrive in today's multicultural workplace. Michael holds a bachelor's in international business and a master's in cross-cultural studies. Additionally, he is fluent in Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese and proficient in Italian and Japanese. He brings extensive experience from living and learning in various global cultural environments to his consultancy to help establish connections with his clients. In this episode… Refining and reconnecting with your inner purpose is a lofty goal. However, it's an attainable objective that leads to a more satisfying life and better leadership skills. Many modern-day leaders can “miss the forest for the trees,” making supporting those they are supposed to lead harder. Fortunately, there are key ways all of that can change. Michael Landers is a consultant who helps manage and improve cross-cultural interactions. Along with this experience, he has developed organizational leadership styles and uncovered the underlying factors many overlook. Michael's story of recapturing his inner purpose has led him to where he is today. So what actionable steps can you take to embark on the same journey? In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack invites Michael Landers, the Founder and President of Culture Crossing Inc., to talk about purpose and advice for today's leaders. They talk about Michael's retreat, the lessons he learned from it, and how he helps others find their inward and outward purposes. They also touch on the human condition in the workplace, different books for different times, and why the United States doesn't create gurus.

Dr. Heidi K. Gardner is a Distinguished Fellow at Harvard Law School and the Faculty Chair of the school's Accelerated Leadership Program. She is also the Co-founder of Gardner & Co., a respected research and advisory firm. Additionally, she is a recognized thought leader and a highly acclaimed keynote speaker. Previously, Dr. Gardner was a professor at Harvard Business School and continues to teach executive education at other Harvard graduate schools. She is the author of more than 80 books, chapters, case studies, and articles. In this episode… Businesses are built on the backs of collaboration. Teamwork and mutual participation are at the core of every thriving organization but are often neglected. Meetings become tensely political, and corporate ecosystems revolve around everything but the work itself. Fortunately, there are simple yet powerful ways to improve collaboration. As an executive coach, Dr. Heidi K. Gardner has centered her career around improving collaboration in the business world. Through research and education, she has developed a robust approach to enhancing cooperation among leaders and teams. Executives in every environment can drive change by harnessing the inherent strength of every team member and creating the collaborative culture necessary to drive success. These concepts have significant practical applications, and now you can learn to use them too. Dov Pollack speaks with Dr. Heidi K. Gardner, Distinguished Fellow at Harvard Law School and Co-founder of Gardner & Co., on how to improve collaboration throughout your organization. They touch on the common weaknesses of most businesses, how diversity plays a valuable role in collaboration, and how to foster a productive company ecosystem. Hear all this and more on this informative episode of Next Wave Leadership.

Robyn Bolton is the Founder and Chief Navigator of MileZero, a consultancy that helps companies fuel innovation in their culture and products. As an expert in product strategy and innovation, she has worked with Nike, Nestlé, The Cable Center, Medtronic, Ariadne Labs, and Alexion, among many other leading names. Robyn's prior experience includes nearly a decade at Innosight, as Brand Manager at Proctor & Gamble, and as a consultant at Boston Consulting Group. Additionally, she has written for Forbes and Harvard Business Review and has been featured in The New York Times and NPR Marketplace. In this episode… Companies want their operations to be efficient, but they also want to be innovative industry leaders. Combining both these ideals can be challenging. Frequently innovation takes a back seat to the status quo of smooth operations. So how can leaders foster creative ideas within their organizations to stay ahead of the industry curve? This process is far easier said than done, with many converging reasons that keep innovation at bay. Great ideas are rarely given the proper consideration or the support they need to become something extraordinary. Robyn Bolton is an experienced consultant who has worked with countless leading brands, pointing them along the path toward innovation. According to Robyn, a lack of innovative ideas in your organization is due to a problem within the company's leadership. Leaders don't always realize that a culture that accepts new ideas doesn't exist within the company. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Robyn Bolton, the Founder and Chief Navigator at MileZero, returns to talk with Dov Pollack to break down innovation within the company structure and how it's a team sport. They touch on key leadership concepts and how they affect innovation, creating a culture that's conducive to fresh ideas, and why it's important to give accurate feedback early on in the process. Robyn also discusses essential questions that can create a positive impact throughout your company.

Amanda Setili is the President of Setili & Associates, LLC, a company working with leading brands such as Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, UPS, and Walmart. Before starting her own business, she consulted for McKinsey & Company and was the Chief Operating Officer for Asia Connect. Amanda is the author of The Agility Advantage and Fearless Growth and has become a renowned speaker for countless organizations. She is a Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches member and is certified in the Stakeholder Centered Coaching process. In this episode… No matter how amazing a leader you are, having outside perspectives can be essential for growth. People have blind spots, and the same can be said for large organizations. Coaches and consultants are powerful tools, and when you find the right ones, they can transform the way your company operates. Few consultants have the pristine pedigree that Amanda Setili possesses. She has worked with Walmart, The Home Depot, Coca-Cola, and many other powerhouse brands to develop better practices. Her 25 years of experience gave her an incisive viewpoint on leadership. So what are her most significant insights? In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack hosts an informative interview with Amanda Setili, the President of Setili & Associates, LLC, to talk about consulting, leadership, and overcoming resistance. They break down her views on caring and how it applies to leadership, signs of good and bad leaders, and maintaining clarity on all levels of an organization. The two also discuss how work can lead to learning and why grand plans aren't always practical.

Mark Levy is a keynote speaker, advisor, author, and the Owner of Levy Innovation, a positioning and branding firm that helps organizations and thought leaders differentiate themselves from the crowd. Over the last 20-plus years, his notable clients include Simon Sinek, a head of a division of two White House administrations, a head of the strategy unit for Harvard Business School, and a speaker to the United Nations. Mark is the author of five books, including Accidental Genius: Using Writing to Generate Your Best Ideas, Insight, and Content. In addition to his primary career, he is also a magician, with popular shows performed in Manhattan and Carnegie Hall. In this episode… The sad truth is that amazing companies and organizations are not always successful. Marketing, presentation, reputation, and networking are all crucial for growth. This is all easier said than done but can be boiled down to one essential point: differentiation. Mark Levy has centered his brand and his consultancy around differentiation. He has worked with world-renowned businesses and public figures to create narratives that separate them from the crowds. His format has been proven effective, and now he offers that same valuable framework to you. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack has an informative interview with Mark Levy on the topic of differentiation. They discuss his approach to coaching, how to stand out from the competition, and how to capture what Mark calls Your Big Sexy Idea. They also go through the importance of honesty and how Mark's background in magic influences his work with his clients.

Kate Terry is the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Surround Insurance, which reinvents age-old insurance products to serve new customers. With 18 years in the insurance industry, she is a respected figure in the insurance space and works as a member of the board of directors for Skyward Specialty Insurance. Kate has also held leadership positions at Liberty Mutual and Progressive. She has an MBA in general management from Harvard Business School. In this episode… With established industries, it can be difficult to see customers' pressing needs beneath the tradition. It can be especially daunting to create a successful business that breaks those molds. Kate Terry saw the limited selection of insurance options during her time in the industry. She and her Co-founder started Surround Insurance to fill frequently overlooked needs. Drawing from her experience and pattern recognition abilities, she stepped into a new leadership role. So what can be learned from her story? In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack interviews Kate Terry, the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Surround Insurance, to discuss her career and her insights as a leader. They break down the insurance industry and what needs were failing to be met for consumers. They also go through the partnership with her Co-founder, working within conservative companies, and why blame is so damaging within organizations.

Rachel Cossar is the CEO and Co-founder of Virtual Sapiens, a machine learning SaaS platform that helps client-facing professionals develop and amplify their communication skills and presence in a virtual world. As a former professional ballet dancer and gymnast with unparalleled expertise in nonverbal communication and live performance, Rachel has a knack for translating unique skills into relatable business skills and competencies. In response to a need for holistic communication and presence training in the workplace, Rachel founded Choreography For Business, LLC. Her thought leadership has been featured on the TEDx Northeastern stage, Harvard Business Review, and The Boston Globe, to name a few, and she has worked with leaders, including GE, Pfizer, and Accenture. In this episode… One of the key characteristics of a strong leader is the ability to adapt and overcome. This process looks different for everyone, but in the case of Rachel Cossar, it turned into an entirely new career path. Rachel was a professional ballet dancer for the Boston Ballet until an injury kept her from performing. Once realizing there was a world of possibility outside of ballet waiting for her, she discovered that she had a talent for communication, understanding her audience, and engaging in conversation. Especially with the onset of the pandemic, Rachel found there was a real need for people to be able to communicate effectively. The virtual world requires a combination of verbal and nonverbal skills, so using her skills in communication and leadership, she found a new field and went on to start a thriving company. Her experience has led to incredible insights — now, she shares those with others. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack invites Rachel Cossar, the CEO and Co-founder of Virtual Sapiens, to talk about her journey and how she successfully started her business. They talk about her background in gymnastics and ballet, how she developed her talent for communication, and how she found a new business niche. Additionally, they touch on the work Virtual Sapiens is doing and how they operate as a sidekick for other companies.

Wei-Li Chong is the Founder and Managing Partner of Culture Playbook Partners (CCP), a company that helps organizations make their culture a tangible lever that drives business performance. He spent almost 30 years successfully leading human capital and culture transformations, driving business performance in billion-dollar-plus organizations.  Before CPP, Wei-Li was the SVP of Human Resources at ANN Inc. and served in multiple leadership positions at KinderCare Education. As the previous US President of MindGym, he helped the company weather the pandemic and rebuilt its operational infrastructure for scalable growth. In this episode… In business, it can be all too easy to get wrapped up in the numbers and miss out on what matters most. Rules and procedures are important, but they can often eclipse the more vital aspects of running a company. This is especially true for businesses built on compassion and the people who provide it. Wei-Li Chong was brought into KinderCare during a season of steady decline. During his time there, he helped the company regain its footing and enter a new period of success. Much of this was based on his approach to people, transforming culture to transform the business. Dov Pollack has a powerful interview with Wei-Li Chong, the Founder and Managing Partner at Culture Playbook Partners, to discuss how to lead a company and its culture authentically. They talk about what can be learned from poor leaders, listening to employees, and connecting with others to encourage change. They also walk through the personal approach Wei-Li used to help bring KinderCare out of its descent. Hear the rest on this episode of Next Wave Leadership!

Coco Brown is an entrepreneur, board member, and the Founder and CEO of The Athena Alliance. The Athena Alliance is a digital ecosystem and platform designed around community, education, and opportunity for the top women in business. Coco has been actively leading Silicon Valley-based professional services and tech companies since 1997.  Before founding Athena in 2016, Coco was the President, COO, and Board Director of Taos, a global leader in IT professional and managed services that has served hundreds of Fortune 1000 companies. She led the company to $54 million in revenue while navigating massive economic cycles and transformative business model evolution. In this episode… On a previous episode of the Next Wave Leadership podcast, Dov Pollack talked with Lucy Basta about helping women find roles in the business industry. Now, the conversation continues with an important question: How do we support women once they're in executive positions? It's too easy to add a few women to the boardroom and feel satisfied with the so-called diversity. However, women in leadership roles need the backing of the community, education for a smooth transition, and access to further advancement opportunities. It's a difficult task — but women like Coco Brown are dedicated to seeing this process through. She has been helping women flourish in their leadership roles for almost two decades. Now, she's here to help you.  In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack invites Coco Brown, the Founder and CEO of The Athena Alliance, onto the podcast to discuss how to establish women in leadership and help them grow. They talk about her personal journey, the dinners hosted for leading women, and how she applies what she learns to her current role. They touch on the library of content that Coco and her team have curated for women to use and discuss the three elements needed for women to thrive in their positions.

Dov Pollack is an executive coach and development consultant who has helped brands such as Charles Schwab, Slack, and Amazon. Through his executive coaching consultancy, Next Wave Leadership, he works one-on-one with leaders to find their presence and better tell their stories. He is a Founding Partner of Riverene and has previously worked with Future State Inc. and Hill Physicians Medical Group. Dov is the host of the Next Wave Leadership podcast, where he interviews leaders about how they're building great places to work by creating inspiring cultures in which to grow. In this episode… Dov Pollack has had the incredible opportunity to interview some of the greatest business leaders working today. The guests on Next Wave Leadership have not only shared their insights with the listeners but also shifted Dov's viewpoint on leadership. This year has featured some incredible guests with some unique lessons on leadership. Now Dov shares some of his favorites with you. In this special episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack is once again interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 to talk about the best episodes of the year. They discuss topics such as being a citizen of the world, learning financial responsibility from a young age, the pink ghetto, how the Enneagram is being used in the military, and much more. They also touch on what Dov will be working on in the future.

Shiva Dustdar is the Director, Head, and Dean of the European Investment Bank, the European Union's investment bank and one of the largest international lenders in the world. Shiva has worked there for almost 20 years and has held positions in the risk management, lending directorate, and advisory services departments.  Before her work at European Investment Bank, Shiva served as the Director of High Yield at Fitch Ratings, one of the “big three” credit rating agencies in the United States. In this episode… Are you looking for strategies to help you evolve as a leader? Do you want to create teams that are forward-focused and initiate lasting change? It is easy to feel stuck in your strategy, ambitions, or values as a leader. However, Newton's notorious first law of motion holds an important reminder for determined leaders and teams everywhere: an object at rest will stay at rest, but an object in motion will stay in motion. In other words, continuous growth leads to more growth down the road — while consistent stagnation can lead to full-blown crises and roadblocks. So, how can you champion a culture of innovation and growth in both your personal and professional life while avoiding harmful setbacks in your workplace?  In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Shiva Dustdar, the Director, Head, and Dean of the European Investment Bank, sits down with Dov Pollack to discuss the importance of innovation in the finance industry and beyond. Listen in as Shiva talks about rethinking your value system, evolving the financial and investment industries, and using failure to your advantage as a leader. Stay tuned!

Eric Severson is the Executive Vice President and Chief People & Belonging Officer at Neiman Marcus Group (NMG), a chain of luxury department stores based in the United States. NMG has been a pioneer of luxury fashion items, superior service, and elegant retail experiences for more than 100 years.  Eric is the Director of the Board of Directors for HR People + Strategy, as well as the Director of the Board of Directors for the La Napoule Art Foundation. He is also a member of the Board of Advisors for the University of Colorado and an advisory board member for IM Human. In this episode… Do you want to create a more diverse workplace — but don't quite know where to start? Are you looking for strategies that will help your organization create positive change instead of perpetuating bias? Fostering a positive workplace experience where every executive, employee, and customer feels welcome is vital to creating a healthy, inclusive company. Crafting this experience isn't easy, however; it takes lots of attention, time, and hard work. According to Eric Severson, “Behavior change comes from creating the path of least resistance to doing the right thing.” And, at the end of the day, this path can only be formed by examining and reforming your company's core values and processes. By analyzing your business' day-to-day operations, you will quickly see where biases rear their ugly head — and how to get rid of them. So, how can you take concrete steps to form a more diverse and welcoming workplace today? In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack sits down with Eric Severson, Executive Vice President and Chief People & Belonging Officer at Neiman Marcus Group (NMG), to discuss the importance of belonging and equality in the workplace. Listen in as Eric talks about creating positive employee experiences, overcoming prejudice and championing inclusion, and developing a growth-oriented mindset throughout your company. Stay tuned! 

Amy Kraft is the Senior Director of Development and Children's Programming at Pinna and a seasoned content strategist. In her position, she leads the production of more than 60 podcasts and dozens of audiobooks.  Amy co-founded Monkey Bar Collective, which designed and produced over 75 games for clients such as Scholastic, Barnes & Noble, Sesame Workshop, and Sylvan Learning. She has over two decades of experience in content creation and curation. In this episode… Every business leader strives to capture their audiences in unique and powerful ways. This audience usually consists of adults, but how do you accomplish these same goals with children? Creating educational and engaging content for children is a unique challenge. Many tried-and-true tactics fall flat when applied to a rapidly changing constituency. This opens up new opportunities and ways to inspire future generations. It requires a great deal of leadership to successfully lead these programs. Here is how one of the greatest minds in the field does it. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack has an informative discussion with Amy Kraft, the Senior Director of Development and Children's Programming at Pinna. Together, the two break down the process behind children's content and how Amy leads her team to create valuable programming. They also touch on Amy's introduction to the field, the lessons learned from other executives, and why children are the most honest audience.

Suzi Sosa is a serial social entrepreneur with experience in leadership, corporate programming, and financial services. She is the Co-founder and CEO of Verb Inc., a leadership development platform for businesses to leverage the potential of their employees. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of the Dell Social Innovation Competition and was a contributing editor for Inc. magazine.  Before Verb, Suzi helped co-create the social entrepreneurship program at UT Austin and was a social entrepreneur within the financial inclusion sector. In this episode… Most leaders are intimately familiar with the value of experience. After all, knowledge and wisdom are rooted in lived experiences and lessons learned the hard way. While it is far from a one-to-one correlation, greater struggles can often lead to greater successes. Suzi Sosa understands this principle firsthand. With several rises and downfalls in her life, she learned how to adapt to whatever was thrown her way. These trials and tribulations apply directly to her leadership in the corporate world, where Suzi specializes in social entrepreneurship. She now pays her experience forward to those who follow. Dov Pollack has a powerful conversation with Suzi Sosa, Co-founder and CEO of Verb Inc., about leadership and company culture. They discuss her story of being an immigrant and the moment she lost almost everything. They then delve into leadership development, venture capital for women, and why Suzi sees herself as an action hero. Hear all this and much more on this episode of Next Wave Leadership!

Andy Bass is the Founder and Managing Director of BassClusker Consulting, where he works with senior executives to increase their growth and productivity. He's advised leaders in more than 30 industries across 12 countries. As a strategist, Andy has counseled executives at large organizations such as Deutsche Bank, L'Oreal, and Aon and many mid-sized businesses and trade associations. Andy has also taught executives at leading business schools, including Oxford Saïd, Warwick, Aston, and Strathclyde. He is the Forum Chair for MacKay CEO Forums and is a member of the associate faculty at Aston Business School Centre for Executive Development. Along with his positions, Andy has written several books, including Start With What Works and Committed Action. In this episode… In the pursuit of improving their businesses, many executives look to external factors to gain a competitive advantage. Millions upon millions of dollars are spent on outside resources and, ultimately, very little changes. While these solutions can be helpful, they should never be a leader's first option. In fact, many businesses already have the tools they need to succeed. Andy Bass is a leadership advisor who pushes clients to reassess the resources they already have at their disposal. Rather than spend exorbitant sums of money to get ahead, Andy shows leaders how they can better utilize their current assets. The process is easily adaptable, and the results can be surprising. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack interviews Andy Bass, the Founder and Managing Director of BassClusker Consulting, to talk about liberating your company's potential through overlooked resources. They talk about reassessing your business and finding creative ways to improve systems. They also touch on innovation, eliminating waste, and looking for answers internally. Stay tuned for more.

Sarah Gaeta is a recognized leader in the technology space and an accomplished executive. She is the CEO of Conversion Logix, a digital marketing and technology partner that has been ranked on the Inc. 5000 list. She has held leadership positions at companies, including Adobe, Motorola, Nuance Communications, and TiVo. Additionally, Sarah serves as a consultant for other business executives to strengthen their organizational and leadership skills. In this episode… Is it possible for someone outside of the business world to be a successful leader? How can women flourish in historically male-dominated industries, and what challenges do they face?  Sarah Gaeta's career was a long and winding road before becoming a CEO and technology consultant. She started in teaching, photography, and liberal arts. However, through determination and a desire to keep growing, she found her niche in business and technology. She has faced many obstacles and learned countless lessons along the way. Now, she shares her stories and insights with you. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack interviews Sarah Gaeta, the CEO of Conversion Logix, to talk about her story and her thoughts on leadership. They start with the importance of validating employees, why she worked with a coach, and how her early life influenced her leadership style. They also discuss her struggles in the technology industry and what she learned from those who came before her.

Judah Pollack is an accomplished author, executive coach, trainer, speaker, and the Head of People at KindEarth.Tech, a science- and sustainability-focused ecosystem. He has written The Net and the Butterfly and is working on his upcoming book The Genius Myth: How Anyone Can Learn To Access Their Inner Einstein. He also works as an Instructor of Psychological Awareness for the US Army Training and Doctrine Command. As an executive coach, Judah has worked with a broad variety of people and organizations, including tech founders, Fortune 100 executives, US Army Generals, Lucasfilm F/X teams, and several nonprofits. He is particularly known for his work on the impact of the impostor syndrome and the inner critic on innovation potential. In this episode… The Enneagram model has exploded in popularity over the past decade. Organizations and everyday people alike have made use of applying its nine personality types to their lives. It can also be a helpful tool for businesses, but many fail to use the model correctly.  As an expert in psychology, Judah Pollack is interested in the overlap between how people act and how it applies to a business setting. He uses the Enneagram model to show people the roads to growth and expansion in their lives without the fear that accompanies it. Using the Enneagram model as a tool can also show you how to be a better leader, parent, friend, and human being by making you more aware of yourself as a person and recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. It can change your behavior and help to create more effective business leaders. So, how can you apply it to your life and interactions? In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack sits down with his brother Judah Pollack, Head of People at KindEarth.Tech, to talk about using the Enneagram model as a tool in the workplace and your everyday life. Judah starts with his work in the military and the importance of knowing yourself in that environment. They also discuss finding your strengths and weaknesses, knowing how to work well with others, and what it means to look at your own shadow.

Keli Frazier-Cox is an experienced executive and is the Chief Commercial Officer of the Americas for MindGym, a company that uses scientific principles to create a unique set of experiences, products, and tools to promote company-wide behavior changes. She is also the Founder of Promote Leaders, Inc., an organization that equips emerging leaders through coaching, speaking, and consulting. Keli specializes in building and scaling high-performing teams and helping entrepreneurs navigate the corporate world. For 15 years, she climbed through the ranks of Euromonitor International, developing her expertise during her time there. In this episode… Growing in leadership requires action and purpose. Time alone doesn't sharpen leaders, but it's the effort, intentionality, and learning they put in that ultimately make the difference. It doesn't have to be a perfect path, but pushing forward is the only way to improve yourself and your company. Few people know this better than Keli Frazier-Cox. Keli is the CCO of the Americas for MindGym and a well-known leadership coach. She has pushed for true diversity and acceptance within the workplace. During the George Floyd tragedy, she was further motivated to make a change within her company. Keli knows the importance of striving for a more inclusive environment, and now she explains what that looks like in practice. In this episode of Next Wave Leadership, Dov Pollack talks with Keli Frazier-Cox, the COO of the Americas for MindGym, to discuss leadership in action and how to promote diversity. They talk about Keli's career and how she lives out her personal motto. They also touch on the difference between diversity and belonging, taking responsibility, and even how to lead as an introvert. Stay tuned to hear all of this and more!

Achim Daub is the Principal and CEO of his consultancy, Achim Daub Global Strategy Advisory, LLC, which he founded in 2021. He is a board member for OnScent and works closely with other notable businesses, including Sweegen, Pamplona Capital Management, and Ranger Ready Repellents. He has 19 years of experience in management and leadership in both B2C and B2B contexts.  In addition to these roles, Achim developed the industry's first and only fully functioning AI system for fragrance creation through a partnership with IBM Research. In this episode… Ambition is a necessary element of any successful business or leader. The desire to go further is what leads to innovation, improvement, and excellence. However, unbridled ambition can be dangerous, so leaders need compassion and structure to utilize it properly. Few people in the corporate world embody this combination better than Achim Daub. Starting in a kitchen and rising to the status of a global business leader, Achim knows the importance of ambition and hard work. His career has led him to work with premiere companies and taught him the value of an innovative culture. He knows the key elements for successful leadership and now shares them with you. Dov Pollack talks with Achim Daub, the Founder, Principal, and CEO of Achim Daub Global Strategy Advisory, LLC, about innovation and ambition in leadership. They talk about Achim's extensive career and the crucial lessons he learned early on. They discuss how to create an effective rewards system in your business, how to inspire innovation, and why you should embrace failure. Hear the rest on this episode of the Next Wave Leadership podcast.