Podcasts about Fast Company

In today's episode, we have the pleasure to interview Caroline Stokes, author of AfterShock to 2030: A CEO's Guide to Reinvention in the Age of AI, Climate, and Societal Collapse.Caroline is a global leadership strategist, PCC-level executive coach, and a Sony alum who helped launch PlayStation. A leading voice on 5th Industrial Revolution leadership, she blends trauma-aware systems, emotionally intelligent AI, and adaptive intelligence to help CEOs reinvent for a polycrisis era. Her work has appeared in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Forbes, and she's spoken at the World Bank, IEEE, and even the UN Peace Day celebration in Los Angeles.In this episode, you'll learn how to shift from old-paradigm playbooks to a 100-day transformation that rebuilds your organization from the inside out, why leaders must decarbonize habits (yes, even how we read) to build truly sustainable systems, and how to turn AI, climate shocks, and societal unrest into a strategic advantage with emotionally intelligent, ecosystem-first leadership.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Caroline Stokes.To Learn More about Caroline and buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/03g9gbjWebsite/Socials:https://www.theforward.co/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ocarolinestokeshttps://x.com/oCarolineStokeshttps://www.instagram.com/ocarolinestokes/https://www.facebook.com/theforwardcohttps://www.threads.com/@ocarolinestokesChapters: 0:001:46 Building a future for the next generations5:26 Shocks on leadership levels from today's world changes10:19 Caroline's shocking experience in England & Singapore 14:24 We forget we've experienced profound change17:08 Evolving & embracing disruptions (human capital, technology, ecosystems)21:15 Book's environmental impact (and why her book is only digital)33:13 Read less & apply more (& reduce the environmental negative impact)37:26 How to adapt to the upcoming change (hint: curiosity & deep work)42:31 “Neuroplasticity is the meaning of life”________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

Keith Ferrazzi, is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of Never Eat Alone, Leading Without Authority, Competing in the New World of Work, and his newest book, Teamship: 10 Shifts to Becoming a Dream Team. Keith is recognized as the world's top executive team coach, having coached the transformation of Fortune 50 corporations, the World Bank, fast growth Unicorns and even governments of entire countries. You've perhaps seen him on the Today's Show, or CNN, or read his columns in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, WSJ, Fortune, Fast Company, and Inc. Magazine. Keith founded Ferrazzi Greenlight—a team coaching firm—and leads the greenlight research institute focused on team transformation. In addition to his mission of elevating human capital in the workplace, Keith is a passionate philanthropist and an advocate for transforming the foster care system.Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

If you've ever changed a diaper, you might've wondered what happens to it after it goes in the trash. The answer, unfortunately, is that it'll sit in a landfill for hundreds of years—certainly longer than the baby who briefly wore it will live. In fact, every diaper you wore when you were a baby is still sitting around, at best in a landfill, or perhaps even in the ocean. And did you know the average American baby goes through 6,000 diapers before learning to use a toilet?  But what if fungi could change that? In this episode, I sit down with serial entrepreneur Miki Agrawal, the founder of Thinx (yes, the period underwear company), Tushy (yes, the bidet company), and now HIRO Technologies—a company using plastic-eating fungi to help disposable diapers return to the earth. Miki, who some have dubbed the “Queen of pee, poop, and periods,” (I think they should shorten it to the “Queen of Secretions”) shares how an opportune moment with her toddler and a children's book about fungi inspired her to launch HIRO. Her company's first product—HIRO Diapers—uses a packet of dormant, culinary-grade fungi that awaken when exposed to moisture and begin breaking down the diaper's plastic components, dramatically reducing its landfill lifespan from centuries to under a year, after which it simply becomes dirt. We talk about everything from the science of fungal degradation to the challenges of biotech entrepreneurship, from raising millions for an unconventional idea to why she believes reconnecting with nature is the ultimate form of innovation. Whether you're a parent, a sustainability enthusiast, or just fascinated by the intersection of biology and business, this conversation will make you rethink what “waste” really means.  Discussed in this episode It was the children's book Pacha's Pajamas that implanted the idea in Miki's mind about plastic-eating fungi.  You can buy HIRO Diapers here. You can see HIRO's original kickstarter, including video pitch, here. Miki recommends checking out the UN Millenium Goals for ideas of companies to create. Reuters discusses HIRO's launch and technology. Miki also started Thinkx (period underwear) and Tushy (bidets). More about Miki Agrawal Miki Agrawal is the creative force behind acclaimed social enterprises TUSHY (the modern bidet brand), THINX (period-proof underwear), and WILD (NYC's first gluten-free pizza concept), collectively valued at over $250 million. Miki is the author of best-selling books "DO COOL SH*T" and "DISRUPT-HER”. Her latest company HIRO is a revolutionary nature-based start-up harnessing ancient technology - fungi - to help solve the global plastic crisis. Their first product is a baby diaper that returns to the earth with the help of friendly fungi. (They chose diapers to launch with because they're the #1 household plastic waste item that takes 400+ years to decompose in a landfill - and each baby uses ~6,000 diapers in their lifetime. Wild, right?) HIRO Diapers starts returning to the earth with the help of fungi - and they're soft, safe, high-performing and ready to change the game.  Recognized as one of Fast Company's "Most Creative People," a "Young Global Leader" by the World Economic Forum, and named one of INC's "Most Impressive Women Entrepreneurs," Miki brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the stage as a keynote speaker. Her authentic talks have been validated by audiences at MindValley, EO, and Capitalism.com, who have voted for her as the #1 best speaker among hundreds of speakers.

I am thrilled to welcome Lisa Gralnek, a go-to resource on values driven leadership to discuss the importance of being present of our current state, while always planning for and thinking about tomorrow. Lisa's expertise also brings a unique perspective to our conversation about future-forward initiatives around brand and design.  Lisa is a driving force in strategy and brand building, Lisa is an influential business leader with a career spanning senior roles at adidas, Chobani, moo.com, The Boston Consulting Group, and Walmart. Currently the US Managing Director and Global Head of Sustainability & Impact at iF Design — the prestigious international design institution and host of the annual cross-disciplinary  iF DESIGN AWARD since 1953. Her independent consultancy LVG & Co. has pioneered future-forward growth initiatives since 2017, and is a corporate member of 1% for the Planet. Prior to pivoting into business innovation and transformation, she spent nearly a decade as a Photo Editor and Talent Agent in the global world of high fashion. A sought-after speaker, author, and thought leader on values-driven leadership, Lisa's work has graced publications like The New York Times, Fast Company and Fortune, while her insightful contributions have been featured at global conferences, corporate workshops, and media summits on five continents. Her award-winning interview series FUTURE OF XYZ, now in its 7th season, is presented by iF Design and is a proud member of Sandow's SURROUND Podcast Network. Lisa holds a BA in Political Science and French from Bates College and an MBA in International Business from INSEAD.(2:13) We start off learning about who Lisa Gralnek is in the world.(3:05) Lisa shares how she sees nature and how it has impacted her life and career.(4:56) How does Lisa reflect on her past experiences and how do they influence decisions today?(8:51) Lisa delves into how she feels that “values drive a brand”.(10:48) We learn more about one of Lisa's strength  “Today + Tomorrow”(13:10) How does “design” fit into everything?(16:02) What are the patterns and thinking that Lisa is seeing in her work?(20:20) How do we start having conversations to become more “human centered”?(22:30) Who does Lisa follow, and where does she find her inspiration?(25:30) What message does Lisa want to share with the Warrior Community?(28:10) Over the next 5 years, what does Lisa see about the impact she has had?Connect with Lisa Gralnekhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagralnek/https://ifdesign.com/en/ Subscribe: Warriors At Work Podcasts Website: https://jeaniecoomber.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/986666321719033/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanie_coomber/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeanie_coomber LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanie-coomber-90973b4/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbMZ2HyNNyPoeCSqKClBC_w

Shea Couleé has become an undeniable force in drag, rising from Chicago's local scene to snatching crowns on RuPaul's Drag Race to breaking new ground in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Shea has been an integral part of drag becoming mainstream—and she has a few ideas on where it should be headed next. In this episode, Shea charts her creative journey through drag, lessons she's learned in building a brand, how her Black and queer identities have turbocharged her creativity, her iconic debut in the MCU starring in Ironheart, and why more risk-taking in drag is what's needed now more than ever.  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To listen to the latest episodes of Creative Control on Fast Company:https://www.fastcompany.com/podcasts/creative-control

In this episode, we're joined by Nadine Hanafi, creator of Digital Brand Kit (DBK), to talk about how design can make or break your business and the importance of finding your true visual identity.Nadine opens up about her journey from creating presentations as a hobby to discovering her purpose in design. She shares insights on leadership, the power of listening, and the common branding mistakes entrepreneurs make.Building your team is the first step to growth—then ask what people need and find the best way to deliver it. Your business isn't just a creative playground. It's time to strike a balance between standing out and getting your offer to market fast.Come and join us in this episode of The Coaching Equation: Why Your Beautiful Brand is Costing You (And How to Fix It) with Nadine HanafiEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!In an industry obsessed with aesthetics, Nadine Hanafi cuts through the noise with a business-driven approach to branding: It's not just about looking good, it's about getting seen and getting paid.As the creator of Digital Brand Kit (DBK), the world's first full-stack marketing execution system, she's redefining how coaches, consultants, and speakers build powerhouse brands that attract premium clients and drive real revenue.A seasoned branding expert, Nadine has worked with TED speakers, bestselling authors, and Fortune 500 companies like Disney, Verizon, and Hilton. After seeing too many entrepreneurs stuck in branding limbo, she launched Digital Brand Kit in 2019 to dismantle the outdated, overcomplicated branding process and help business owners execute their brand with confidence, fast.Her work has been featured in Fast Company, HuffPost, Entrepreneur, TIME, Inc., TED, and Harvard Business Review. She has been recognized as a Top 100 U.S. Entrepreneur Under 35 by the United Nations and one of the 100 Most Powerful Arabs Under 40 by Arabian Business Magazine.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadinehanafi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadine.hanafi/ Visit her website!https://www.digitalbrandkit.comhttps://brandedinaday.com/Use the code “RYAN 100” to get your $100 off on the Google Doc Sales Page: https://ryanlang--digitalbrandkit.thrivecart.com/branded-doc-sales-page/ Ryan Lang is the CEO of EMPIRE Partners and a highly sought-after performance coach and consultant. He helps establish business owners, coaches, and thought leaders transform from elite practitioners to transformational leaders by building businesses on five critical pillars instead of one wobbly leg. Over 20 years, he has guided 1000+ professionals to predictable, profitable growth using his Whole Performance Coaching methodology—combining sales mastery, strategic marketing, and human optimization principles that create lasting stability.Connect with Ryan Lang!Website: https://www.ryanrlang.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realryanlang/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-lang-b46a545b/ Facebook:

In this special episode of Money Mondays, Dan Fleyshman sits down with David Steinberg, Zeta's CEO and co-founder, and Steven Galanis, co-founder and CEO of Cameo, to discuss building world-changing companies through innovation, vision, and resilience. Together, they dive into entrepreneurship, leadership, acquisitions, and the power of giving back through philanthropy.---David A. Steinberg is the co-founder and CEO of Zeta Global, a marketing technology company serving 44% of the Fortune 100. A serial entrepreneur, he has founded seven companies and taken two public. Known for his leadership in AI and data marketing, David also leads the David and Kristen Steinberg Foundation, supporting disadvantaged children through education and nutrition.---Steven Galanis is the co-founder and CEO of Cameo, the platform that connects fans directly with their favorite celebrities through personalized video messages. Recognized by Time and Fast Company as one of the most innovative entrepreneurs of his generation, Steven has revolutionized the creator economy and continues to shape the future of fan engagement and digital experiences.Like this episode? Watch more like it

Visit our Substack for bonus content and more:https://designbetterpodcast.com/p/bonus-episode-30-years-of-design Today we celebrate 30 years of Wert&Co.—the quiet champions of design who have shaped our field by placing the brightest designers in roles of influence at brands that impact culture, commerce, and community. Design Better is brought to you by Wix Studio, the most powerful web design platform for entrepreneurs, agencies, and creative thinkers. Learn more → To mark the occasion, Design Better is live in New York City with an inspiring panel. We'll look back at how design has shaped the world over the past three decades and look ahead to the essential role design must play as technology reshapes the human experience. Our conversation begins with Paola Antonelli, Senior Curator of Architecture and Design and Director of Research & Development at The Museum of Modern Art. Paola is one of the most influential voices in contemporary design, exploring how design shapes culture, technology, and society. We're also joined by Mark Wilson, Global Design Editor at Fast Company. Mark covers the intersection of design, technology, and culture, bringing a journalist's rigor and a designer's eye to stories that reach millions. In the second half of our conversation, we shift our focus to the present and future of design—the teams, the individual contributors, and the leaders who are navigating this evolution in real time. Kate Aronowitz, and Meaghan Choi, and Mike Davidson are three leaders who have different perspectives on where design is headed, and what it means to build meaningful careers in this rapidly changing landscape. Kate Aronowitz is a Design Partner at GV, where she helps companies of all sizes build design-driven cultures. Meaghan Choi is a Product Designer at Anthropic, focused on developer experiences for emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing, including her work on Claude Code. Mike Davidson is VP of Design and User Research at Microsoft AI, with more than two decades leading design at companies including Twitter, Disney, and ESPN.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Loren Greiff about how to deal with being told you're overqualified and how to flip the conversation. Loren Greiff is the founder of PortfolioRocket, a career consultancy dedicated to helping executives over 40 break free from outdated job search systems and land roles that match their worth. After being PIP'd (to be placed on a Performance Improvement Plan) at 54 for being “too enthusiastic” at one of the world's top executive search firms, she saw firsthand how the traditional system marginalizes experienced talent. Instead of shrinking, she launched a mission to flip the script—and a business that's now helped over 430 leaders land faster and earn more by doing it differently, not traditionally. Her work unapologetically challenges age bias, toxic hiring practices, and the myth of "playing it safe." At PortfolioRocket, she helps VP-level and above executives reignite their value, stand out in crowded markets, and reclaim control of their careers. In addition to having an active LinkedIn community of followers, and a seat on Fast Company's Executive Board, Loren is the host of the Top 100 Ranking podcast, Career Blast in a Half, where listeners get simple, powerful and actionable career fuel to keep their success track, no matter where they are in their. Loren has been featured in online publications such as Forbes and Business Insider as well as named Top Job Search Strategy Voice and listed as a Top Career Coach by JobScan, three years running. Check out all of the podcasts in the HCI Podcast Network!

In today's episode, we have the pleasure to interview Mike Goldman, author of The Strength of Talent: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Profit.Mike is a leadership team coach, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and host of The Better Leadership Team Show. Over his 30+ year career, he's worked with companies like Disney, Verizon, CHANEL, and Polo Ralph Lauren, and his insights have been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and Chief Executive Magazine. Widely regarded by CEOs as the expert on building great leadership teams, Mike helps leaders grow their business by first growing their people.In this episode, you'll learn why traditional performance management is broken and what to do instead, how to retain and develop your highest performers while avoiding “polished mediocrity,” and how to make people growth your #1 priority in measurable, practical ways.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Mike Goldman.To Learn More about Mike and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/51WmuVzWebsite/Socials:https://www.mike-goldman.com/http://instagram.com/mikegoldmancoachhttps://www.facebook.com/mikegoldmancoachhttps://twitter.com/mgoldman10http://www.linkedin.com/in/mgoldman10Chapters: 0:00 Intro1:30 No.1 driver of profit growth is people growth4:44 The problem of unclear expectations8:08 Clear KPIs vs Micro-Management9:02 Examples from big companies13:55 How to retain high performers18:12 Doubling down on high performance21:35 Raising the minimum standards24:00 Everyone can be a superstar somewhere26:59 Benchmarks for people growth30:09 How to get started 32:47 The talent density launchpad34:23 Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)36:00 9-Box grid talent management37:45 A movement for people growth41:02 AI, tech & people growth43:58 Where to connect with Mike, his work & his book45:10 A message for leaders________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

In this powerful episode of Pushing the Limits, Lisa Tamati sits down with visionary entrepreneur, Bitcoin OG, and author of The Price of Tomorrow — Jeff Booth. Jeff shares his profound insights on why our current financial system is breaking under the weight of exponential technological deflation and debt-driven inflation, and why Bitcoin offers not just an alternative — but a path toward hope, truth, and sovereignty. Together, they explore how exponential technology is rewriting the rules of economics, why central banks can't stop printing without collapse, and what a deflationary future built on sound money could mean for humanity's evolution. Booth's clarity on macroeconomics, human nature, and the moral imperative of Bitcoin offers a deeply philosophical — yet practical — roadmap for navigating the coming decade. If you've ever wondered how innovation, integrity, and decentralised systems intersect to redefine the future of money and freedom, this episode is essential listening. Jeff Booth Bio: Jeff Booth is a visionary leader, technology entrepreneur and best-selling author of The Price of Tomorrow – Why Deflation is Key to an Abundant Future.  With his expertise in technology, system thinking and design, he is at the forefront of a transition from an economic system built for the past, and one built for the future. Jeff has been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, Inc.com, The Globe and Mail, BNN, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, Bloomberg, TIME, and The Wall Street Journal. In 2015, he was named BC Technology Industry Association's (BCTIA) Person of the Year, and in 2016 Goldman Sachs named him among its 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs. He is a Founding Partner of Ego Death Capital, Co-Founder of addy and NocNoc.  He has been a Young Presidents Organization member since 2004 and contributes time as a Founding Fellow at the Creative Destruction Lab. Jeff currently sits on the boards of Core Scientific, Scoop Solar, Fedi and Breez.  Connect with Jeff: Website: Jeff Booth Ego Death Capital Company: Ego Death Capital Get The Price of Tomorrow: The Price of Tomorrow - Jeff Booth

What does it take to scale not just a business, but yourself as a leader? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, bestselling author and founder of Acceleration Partners, Robert Glazer, shares hard-won lessons from building a high-performance culture and living with integrity. From balancing ambition with personal fulfillment to redefining success beyond external metrics, Rob dives deep into leadership, values, and the importance of building a life you don't need a vacation from. He also gives us a glimpse into his upcoming book, “The Compass Within: A Little Story About the Values That Guide Us,” launching on October 14, 2025 — a powerful reflection on how values shape not just our businesses, but our lives. In this episode, Darius and Robert will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Background of Robert Glazer (02:51) The Importance of Core Values (05:46) The Process of Discovering Core Values (08:30) The Role of Core Values in Decision Making (11:22) Community and Core Values (14:17) Personal Experiences with Core Values (19:48) The Value of Consistency vs. Volatility (20:51) Aligning Personal Values with Relationships (22:26) Understanding Value Conflicts in Relationships (24:05) Navigating Value Conflicts in Work and Life (26:12) The Importance of Independence as a Core Value (28:54) Promoting the Book and Its Impact (30:16) The Vision of Helping a Million People (31:59) Catalysts for Discovering Core Values (33:28) Future Endeavors and Leadership Insights Robert Glazer is the founder and Chairman of Acceleration Partners, a global partner marketing agency recognized with over 30 culture awards. He is the #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Elevate, Friday Forward, and How to Thrive in the Virtual Workplace, as well as the creator of the Friday Forward newsletter, read by more than 200,000 people each week. A sought-after keynote speaker and host of the Elevate Podcast, Robert's insights have been featured on the Today Show and in leading outlets such as Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company. He is passionate about helping people and organizations reach their highest potential. Connect with Robert: Website: https://robertglazer.com/ Book: https://robertglazer.com/compass/  The Six Core Values Questions page: https://robertglazer.com/six/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glazer  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine   Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708  Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alan Gregerman is an internationally renowned authority on business strategy, innovation, and the hidden potential of grownups who has been called “one of the most original thinkers in business today” and “the Robin Williams of business consulting.”As the president and chief innovation officer of Washington, D.C.-based consultancy VENTURE WORKS, a best-selling author, sought-after keynote speaker, and community volunteer he focuses on helping companies and organizations unlock the genius in all of their people in order to deliver the most compelling value to their customers. He is also the founder of Passion forLearning, an award-winning nonprofit that teaches girls technology skills as a key to life and career success.His work has been featured in over 250 leading publications and media outlets in the U.S. and in other countries including the Wall Street Journal, NPR, CNN, The Economic Times, Business Week, Dagens Industri, and Fast Company and his writing, speaking, and teaching has informed and hopefully inspired over 700,000 people.His three previous books—The Necessity of Strangers, Surrounded by Geniuses, and Lessons from the Sandbox—challenge conventional thinking about people, the world around us, what it means to be remarkable, and where brilliant ideas come from. His new book, “The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation in an Uncertain World,” provides a powerful formula for making a difference in a world moving super-fast.Fun? fact…In March 2021 I had a rare and remarkable stroke and lost the ability to see and speak. It happened during dinner with my family and was a very clear reminder that we all live in an uncertain world. Fast forward and after eighteen months of speech, vision, and occupational therapy I am doing great, traveling, climbing mountains, kayaking, walking our dogs, and speaking with audiences around the world. Definitely grateful!The Wisdom of Ignorance is out October 14th! Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!

This month's episode of Brand New World was largely created during Fast Company's Innovation Festival, which was held in New York City in mid-September.    So, we're bringing you my interview with Bozoma Saint-John, former chief marketing or brand officer at companies including Netflix, Uber, and Beats by Dre—who also just happens to star on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She's also the cohost of NBC's newest reality show On Brand with Jimmy Fallon, where 10 everyday people compete to have their advertising ideas actually used by major brands like Samsung, Dunkin', Southwest, Captain Morgan, and Therabody.    But first, I had the chance to tap into my inner pizza nerd and talk to founder Tom Gozney about content and design as pillars of his brand's success, how he's working to maintain the brand's culture amid international expansion, and more. (WHICH BRAND?)   Pizza and reality TV? Let's gooooo.

Guest: Dia Bondi Guest Bio: Dia Bondi is a Communications Catalyst for high-impact people. In her private coaching and programs, she works with C-level leaders, VC-backed founders, and ambitious professionals, helping them find their voice and lead with it. Her workshops and talks are hosted by corporations including Quartz, Salesforce, Google's X-team, and Dropbox. In global sport, she helped Rio de Janeiro secure the 2016 Summer Olympics. After attending auctioneering school for fun, she translated the techniques she learned into a program that prepares ambitious professionals, and especially women, to ask for more and leave nothing on the table, called Ask Like an Auctioneer. She's been featured on CNBC Make It, Forbes, and Fast Company. Her book, Ask Like an Auctioneer: How to Ask for More and Get It, is available now.​   Key Points: Dia's Backstory & Career Path Started her career in fitness, where she loved helping people feel powerful and embodied. Then, transitioned into training and development (professional development) after college. She discovered her passion for storytelling and communication while observing a workshop for finance leaders. Dia founded Dia Bondy Communications in 2009 to help leaders and VC-backed founders communicate effectively in high-stakes moments.   "Ask Like an Auctioneer" Concept Inspired by her side work as a fundraising auctioneer. The key principle: ask big enough to get a “no”, because a “no” signals you've reached the upper limit of what's possible. In business, people often limit their asks based on what they think they can get, leaving money and opportunity on the table. Instead of selling to the first yes, push further to uncover maximum value.   Overcoming Fear of Asking Fear of rejection keeps people from asking boldly. Many assume rejection damages relationships, but often it doesn't. Leaders should teach teams that discomfort (the Zofo—Zone of Freaking Out) is a signal of courage and potential growth. Reframe rejection: it's information about value, not a judgment of personal worth.   Lessons from Auctioneering for Business & Sales · Price = a reflection of value, not worth. The same item can sell for vastly different amounts depending on the audience. · Know your “reserve.” Like an auctioneer's minimum acceptable price, know your bottom line before asking. · People are irrational. Decisions are often emotional, even in data-driven environments—so storytelling is critical.   Four Types of Asks That Drive Growth 1.     Money – dollars, budgets, contracts. 2.     Influence – visibility, access to networks, platforming yourself. 3.     Authority – positioning yourself to make important decisions. 4.     Balance – aligning deals and clients with the kind of work you actually want.   Why People Struggle with Asking Fear of rejection. Lack of clarity on what to ask for and when to ask. Sometimes people make asks that are too small, too vague, or to the wrong audience.   Framework for a Strategic Ask (first 4 of 6 steps) Define your main concrete goal. Identify the next big move toward that goal. Determine the ask that advances that move. Ensure the ask is big enough to risk rejection. Storytelling Framework: “Blocker Buster” What your audience wants. What's blocking them from achieving it? How do you remove the blockers? Your ask (to move them forward).   Big Takeaways Asking boldly is a skill that can be learned. The most powerful ask live in the Zofo—the zone of freaking out. Rejection is not failure; it's valuable feedback about what the other side values. Asking strategically, with courage and clarity, maximizes opportunities for growth, influence, and alignment.   Guest Links: Connect on LinkedInCon Connect on Instagram https://www.diabondi.com/salesology Download The Powerful Ask Plan, a free tool to help you design a strategic ask.     About Salesology®: Conversations with Sales Leaders Download your free gift, The Salesology® Vault. The vault is packed full of free gifts from sales leaders, sales experts, marketing gurus, and revenue generation experts. Download your free gift, 81 Tools to Grow Your Sales & Your Business Faster, More Easily & More Profitably. Save hours of work tracking down the right prospecting and sales resources and/or digital tools that every business owner and salesperson needs. If you are a business owner or sales manager with an underperforming sales team, let's talk. Click here to schedule a time. Please subscribe to Salesology®: Conversations with Sales Leaders so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to https://podcast.gosalesology.com/ and connect on LinkedIn and follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check out our website at https://gosalesology.com/. 

Ever wondered what an auctioneering school could teach you about leadership communication? In this conversation with Dia Bondi, communications catalyst and author of "Ask Like an Auctioneer," Cam and Otis explore the fascinating connection between the rapid-fire world of auctions and the strategic art of asking for what you want."You're basically learning to sell something in a minute and a half," Dia explains about her auctioneering training, revealing how this condensed transaction moment contains powerful lessons for business leaders. From the illusion of fast-talking (it's actually about breath manipulation) to the courage required to "show up big in big moments," Dia breaks down what makes truly clutch communicators effective.What makes this episode especially compelling is Dia's formula for making strategic asks. She outlines a four-part approach that moves beyond simply stating what you want to creating a compelling case that removes blockers and drives results. As she puts it, the best communicators "know who to ask, when to ask it, and what to ask for. And they're not low-balling themselves ever."Whether you're looking to improve your leadership communication, make more effective requests, or simply understand the psychology behind powerful asking, this conversation offers practical wisdom that might just have you stepping into your own "zone of freaking out" (ZOFO) – where the real growth happens.Dia's exclusive link for 10x Your Team listeners:  https://www.diabondi.com/coMore About Dia:Dia Bondi is an expert in Leadership Communications, with two decades of experience coaching top CEOs, VC-backed founders, and innovators to speak powerfully and amplify their impact. Trained as an auctioneer, Dia transformed the techniques of fundraising auctioneering into a groundbreaking program designed to help women—and all ambitious professionals—ask for more and get it in their careers, businesses, and lives. Her book, Ask Like an Auctioneer: How To Ask For More and Get It, serves as a practical guide to navigating the discomfort of asking boldly, encouraging readers to step into their “zone of freaking out” (ZOFO). As a Communications Catalyst, Dia collaborates with high-impact individuals, guiding them to develop their voice and lead with it. Her engaging workshops and talks have been hosted by major corporations such as Quartz, Salesforce, Google's X.team, and Dropbox. Notably, Dia played a pivotal role in helping Rio de Janeiro secure the 2016 Summer Olympics. Featured in CNBC Make It, Forbes, and Fast Company, Dia's insights are transforming the way professionals approach strategic asking and leadership.#10xyourteam #LeadershipCommunication #AskLikeAnAuctioneer #StrategicAsking #LeadershipGrowth #ExecutivePresence #ZoneOfFreakingOut #BusinessCommunication #ProfessionalDevelopment #TribeAndPurpose #10xYourTeamChapter Times and Titles:The Auctioneer's Secret [00:00 - 05:00]Introduction to Dia BondiThe illusion of fast talkingHow auctioneers manipulate breath and use fillersFrom Auction Block to Boardroom [05:01 - 15:00]Translating auctioneering skills to business"Learning to sell something in a minute and a half"The condensed relationship of an auctionShowing Up Big in Big Moments [15:01 - 30:00]What makes clutch communicators effectiveThe courage to make the less obvious statementWhy big moments require a bigger presenceThe Strategic Ask Formula [30:01 - 45:00]Knowing who to ask, when, and what forUnderstanding your authentic voiceDesigning asks that get resultsCommunication as Leadership [45:01 - End]The four components of effective askingBalancing empathy with accountabilityFinal thoughts and how to connect with DiaDia Bondihttps://www.instagram.com/diabondia/#https://www.linkedin.c

AI adoption requires a human-centered approach: success depends not on technology alone, but on how organizations help their people embrace and leverage AI tools effectively.In this episode of High Octane Leadership, Donald Thompson shares a recent presentation offering practical insights on implementing AI strategies across organizations. Drawing from his journey of growing multiple companies and leading digital transformations, Donald provides actionable frameworks for effective AI adoption.What You'll Learn:How to create a successful AI adoption strategy by focusing on education before implementationWhy sandboxed environments are crucial for experimenting with AI without risking core business operationsThe "Personal Benefit Principle" for driving AI adoption by connecting tools to individual career growthThe "Simulation First" framework for accelerating experience in emerging leaders using AI toolsAbout Donald: Donald Thompson is an award-winning CEO, multi-exit entrepreneur, and nationally recognized leader who has transformed industries and inspired executives across the globe. Donald has built and scaled multiple companies to acquisition, led post-merger integration, and now builds repeatable performance systems as Managing Director of the Workplace Options Center for Organizational Effectiveness.In this episode, Donald shares invaluable insights on AI adoption and strategic leadership, drawing from his extensive experience in growing multimillion-dollar firms and building high-performance teams with a global perspective. His approach to AI implementation emphasizes both technological advancement and human-centered transformation, making this conversation particularly relevant for business leaders navigating the integration of AI into their organizations. Donald's recognition by EY, Forbes and Fast Company, combined with his practical experience in business exits and team building, offers listeners actionable strategies for leveraging AI while managing organizational change.Resources:LinkedIn: @donaldthompsonjr Instagram: @donaldthompson_jr Facebook: @donaldthompsonjrofficial  High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO'S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was this: you don't get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate. It's true, but for many of us — especially women — negotiating can feel loaded, intimidating, even risky. The fear of backlash is real.My guest today knows this better than anyone. In fact, a failed negotiation early in her career — one that ended with her being escorted out of the building — changed the course of her life and career. Since then, she's made it her mission to equip women with the strategies to negotiate successfully without the penalties.Joining me is Kathryn Valentine, CEO of Worthmore Strategies, whose work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, and Fast Company. Today, she shares the research-backed tools and scripts that can help all of us — whether we're asking for a raise, a promotion, or even more flexibility at work — get to “yes” while sidestepping the backlash.More resources:Kathryn's 76 things you can negotiate - www.76things.comHer negotiation bootcamp - https://worthmorestrategies.com/courses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Visit our Substack for bonus content and more: https://designbetterpodcast.com/p/rewind-paola-antonelli Design Better has been on the road recently, recording a live episode in Manhattan for design search firm Wert & Co's 30th anniversary. Guests for the episode included Paola Antonelli (senior curator in the Department of Architecture and Design at MoMA) Mike Davidson (VP of Design and User Research at Microsoft AI), Kate Aronowitz (Design Partner at Google Ventures), Meaghan Choi (Product Designer at Anthropic), & Mark Wilson (Global Design Editor at Fast Company). While Aarron and I are catching up from travel, and as a lead-in to the live episode airing next week, we're rewinding to our interview with Paola Antonelli. We hope you enjoy the episode. And if you haven't checked it out yet, did you know you can save over $1600 on popular productivity tools and design and AI courses with the Design Better Toolkit? Just head over to dbtr.co/toolkit to learn more. *** The Museum of Modern Art brings to mind images of Van Gough's Starry Night, Salvador Dali's Persistence of Memory, and Andy Warhol's Campbell Soup Cans. But thanks to Paola Antonelli, senior curator in the Department of Architecture and Design, MoMA exhibitions also encompass the role design has played in shaping culture and the human experience. We talk with Paola about how we can look at digital design through a historic lens, some of the most important design movements in the past 100 years, and how the creative process has evolved through these different movements. We also talk about the history of the @ symbol, why craftsmanship is necessary to experimentation, and some of the current challenges in design education. We hope you enjoy this episode which is a part of our series on design history, with upcoming episodes on typography with Jonathan Hoefler, and the history and philosophy of design with Professor Barry Katz. Paola Antonelli joined The Museum of Modern Art in 1994 and is the Museum's Senior Curator in the Department of Architecture and Design, as well as MoMA's founding Director of Research and Development. Her work investigates design in all its forms, from architecture to video games, often expanding its reach to include overlooked objects and practices. An architect trained at the Polytechnic of Milan and a pasionaria of design, Antonelli has been named one of the 25 most incisive design visionaries in the world by TIME magazine, has earned the Design Mind Smithsonian Institution's National Design Award, has been inducted in the US Art Directors Club Hall of Fame, and has received the AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Artists,) the London Design Medal, and the German Design Award, among other accolades.

At the heart of every organization lies a web of relationships: individual performance is shaped by not only a person's inherent characteristics, but also by their interactions with others within teams, and their teams' interactions with other teams across the system.Within such a complex structure, how can we know how much of ‘deviant behavior' can be explained by poor leadership? What kinds of inter-team conflict—between whom—improve performance, and which kinds undermine it? How do the relational dynamics of team performance create unavoidable challenges during rapid organisational scaling? How can we know if or when the potential benefits of teams will outweigh the ‘team tax'? My guest for this episode is Professor Brad Harris. Brad has dedicated his career to examining these types of questions by examining how social architecture of work shapes behaviour and outcomes.Brad is the Associate Dean of MBA Programs, a Vice Dean for the TRIUM EMBA, and a Professor of Management and Human Resources at HEC Paris. Brad has received multiple teaching awards and was named a top “40 under 40 Business School Professor” by Poets and Quants. He has co-authored two books, Scaling for Success: People Priorities for High-Growth Organizations, and 3D Team Leadership: A New Approach for Complex Teams, and published research papers in leading journals including the Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology, Personnel Psychology, and Journal of Management. Brad's work has been cited in leading popular press outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Harvard Business Review, NBC's The Today Show, Inc.com, and Fast Company.Brad has an amazing ability to translate academic findings into useful information for the leading teams and organisations. Brad brings humour, clarity, and passion to the topic of leadership and team performance—qualities that shine throughout our discussion. Enjoy the conversation!CitationsGrann, D. (2023). The Wager: A tale of shipwreck, mutiny and murder. Doubleday.Greiner, L. E. (1998). Evolution and revolution as organizations grow (Revisited). Harvard Business Review.Harris, T. B., & Bartlow, A. C. (2021). Scaling for success: People priorities for high-growth organizations. Columbia Business School Publishing.Kirkman, B. L., & Harris, T. B. (2017). 3D team leadership: A new approach for complex teams. Stanford University Press.Schmidt, E., Rosenberg, J., & Eagle, A. (2019). Trillion Dollar Coach: The Leadership Playbook of Silicon Valley's Bill Campbell. Harper Business.Waller, M. J., Okhuysen, G. A., & Saghafian, M. (2016). Conceptualizing emergent states: A strategy to advance the study of group dynamics. Academy of Management Annals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest on Resume Assassin Unfiltered, Brianna Doe, is a master at seeing beyond the surface-level marketing tactics and helping brands tell the stories that actually matter. She's the founder and CEO of Verbatim, a hybrid agency and content studio that's built a reputation for helping startups and SMBs create scroll-stopping content and scalable marketing programs. You may have seen her insights featured in places like Fast Company or CNBC, or maybe you're already following her incredible work on LinkedIn.In this episode, we're diving into a topic that's close to both our hearts: What is a story really telling us? We'll unpack how strategy and storytelling come together to create marketing that not only looks good but actually works. If you're a content lover, a writer, or just someone who wants to make your marketing have a deeper impact, you are absolutely in the right place.---------------Update your Resume & LinkedIn Profile:Schedule a 15-minute call with Mary: https://calendly.com/resumeassassin/meet1:1 with Mary: www.resumeassassin.comAI-Enhanced: www.resumesidekick.io---------------Connect with Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern/Connect with Brianna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-doe/

Some founders win support because of their product, others because of their story. In healthcare, where trust is everything, the ability to tell a compelling and authentic narrative can make or break a company.On this episode, Halle talks with longtime friend and colleague Christina Farr—reporter turned investor and now author of The Storyteller's Advantage. Chrissy has spent thousands of hours hearing startup pitches, advising founders, and studying what makes certain stories resonate while others fall flat. She shares insights from her years as a journalist and investor, and lessons from her new book on how narrative power shapes companies and industries.We cover:

Leila Janah didn't have the money to start her company, but she didn't let that hold her back. She paid her way through Harvard by cleaning toilets, serving cocktails, and tutoring wealthy students while pitching her sustainable business model to anyone who would listen. Since the inception of her company, Samasource--named as one of Fast Company's most innovative companies in 2016--Leila has employed nearly 10,000 people and helped nearly 35,000 people permanently move above the poverty line. Her customers are some of the world's biggest companies such as Google, Microsoft, Walmart, eBay and she's been profiled in The New York Times, WIRED, Forbes, and Inc. Leila also founded LXMI (pronounced luxe-me) which is the first social impact beauty brand to be sold at Sephora. Meet the founder, author, and social entrepreneur who believes in reversing poverty one job at a time in this episode of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. Original air date: 11-7-17 SHOW NOTES Leila walks through how grit was baked into her upbringing. [3:27] Leila talks about post-traumatic growth and how you can build resilience. [6:30] Tom and Leila dive into her personal narrative and how she found refuge in social impact.[8:38] Leila opens up about her struggle with depression and finding nourishment for her soul. [12:55] Leila takes you through the 4-step process that you can use to keep yourself grounded. [17:00] Leila explains the benefits of “the pause.” [19:11] Tom and Leila discuss how she helps people in the gig economy. [22:46] Leila debunks the myth that people who work in service of humanity are flawless. [25:28] Leila shines the light on profit versus non-profit and why she chose to launch a benefit corporation.[27:02] Leila shares valuable about what she looks for in team members. [30:03] Tom and Leila go deep on the first steps that she took to start her business. [34:42] Leila recalls living in Ghana and the reverse culture shock she experienced coming home. [40:36] Leila talks about the reality of scarcity and the power of unleashing untapped potential.[48:00] Leila defines the impact that she wants to have on the world. [50:23] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textAbout This Episode Lorraine K. Lee, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and LinkedIn Top Voice, reveals how cultivating an unforgettable presence can transform a career. Through her professional experience at LinkedIn, Lorraine K. Lee discovered that advancement depends not only on hard work but on how and where you are seen. Drawing from her book Unforgettable Presence, she shares the EPIC framework (Experiences, Personality, Identity, Community) to help professionals authentically showcase their strengths, plus strategies for virtual visibility through her “TEA METHOD” for video presence. Lorraine K. Lee reframes LinkedIn as a vital virtual office where first impressions are made, and encourages starting small and staying consistent to build influence that feels genuine and sustainable. About Lorraine K.  LeeLorraine K. Lee is a keynote speaker and the best-selling author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career. She also teaches popular courses at Stanford Continuing Studies and LinkedIn Learning. She is passionate about empowering leaders to elevate their presence, influence, and impact. Her frameworks have been adopted by globally recognized organizations like Zoom, Amazon, Cisco, and McKinsey & Company. Lorraine is recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice with hundreds of thousands of followers, and previously spent over a decade as a founding editor at companies including LinkedIn and Prezi. Her insights are featured in top media outlets including CNBC, Bloomberg, and Fast Company. Additional ResourcesWebsite: lorraineklee.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lorraineklee Learn more about her book: unforgettablepresencebook.comGet bite-sized career tips: lorraineklee.com/subscribeLorraine's LinkedIn Learning: lorraineklee.com/linkedinlearningSupport the show-------- Stay Connected www.leighburgess.com Watch the episodes on YouTube Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess Sign up for Leigh's bold newsletter

Ready to improve your **personal finance**? Discover how Lisa Peterson, a money coach, helps entrepreneurs improve their relationship with money. Learn how to use better **financial planning** to reach your **financial goals** and build **wealth building** strategies!Leisa Peterson is a money coach and sudden wealth specialist who helps entrepreneurs revolutionize their relationship with money. After years as a traditional financial advisor, she founded WealthClinic to address what the industry was missing—the behavioral and mindset aspects of wealth-building. She is the author of The Money Catalyst and The Mindful Millionaire, and was recognized by Forbes as one of the pioneering “10 Women Driving Growth in Wealth Management and Investing.”Leisa uses practical tools like the GAP Analysis to guide clients from their current financial situation to building millions—focusing on productive assets, debt elimination, and automated savings systems. Leisa Peterson is a Financial Strategist, Money Mindset Coach, and Sudden Wealth Specialist who works with fast-growing entrepreneurs and individuals navigating sudden wealth from inheritances or business exits.With over 30 years of experience in financial services, Leisa left her career as a traditional advisor to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of wealth that are often overlooked in the industry. Leisa founded WealthClinic to help clients create consistent cash flow and build long-term wealth. Through her GAP Analysis and structured approach, she teaches the core pillars of financial success: purchasing productive assets, eliminating consumer debt, and building automated savings systems. Leisa also hosts The Mindful Millionaire Podcast and runs a popular YouTube channel, where she shares strategies for mindful wealth-building. Leisa's expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, FastCompany, The Week, HuffPost, and Gaia Media Network. In 2023, she received the SRQ Magazine "Women Who Roar" Illuminator Award. Specializing in hands-on guidance for entrepreneurs who prefer done-with-you support over expensive, complicated DIY programs, Leisa helps clients enjoy their lives while building lasting wealth.CONTACT DETAILSCompany Wealth ClinicWebsite: https://www.wealthclinic.com/ Social Media:LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapeterson1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leisa.peterson Youtube: Mindful Millionaire Podcasts: Art of Abundance on iTunes and Mindful MillionaireBooks: The Mindful Millionaire and The Money Catalyst (NEW!)Remember to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss "Information That You Can Use." Share Just Minding My Business with your family, friends, and colleagues. Engage with us by leaving a review or comment. https://g.page/r/CVKSq-IsFaY9EBM/review Your support keeps this podcast going and growing.Visit Just Minding My Business Media™ LLC at https://jmmbmediallc.com/ to learn how we can support you in getting more visibility on your products and services.Google Review Link https://g.page/r/CVKSq-IsFaY9EBM/review 

Thank you for all of your support. Please let us know what you think about our podcast and what topic you may want to hear from us. Leaders, Lead Well!Let's take a hard look at one of the most celebrated buzzwords in modern organizations: “speak-up culture.” On paper, it sounds empowering. It promises openness, authenticity, and progress. But the truth is—this concept is overrated, misunderstood, and in many cases dangerously misleading.This conversation is inspired by Gina Battye's powerful article, “Why ‘speak up culture' is a lie” published in Fast Company on September 15, 2025.  Battye argues that “speak-up culture” has become more of a corporate comfort blanket than a genuine solution—creating the illusion of safety while ignoring the real work of cultural transformation. We couldn't agree more!The irony is clear: when organizations genuinely foster psychological safety, people naturally feel empowered to speak up—no need for posters or hollow slogans, no pressure—just genuine trust and collaboration.  Join Rich and Maikel as we speak up on Battye's deeper point: psychological safety isn't a corporate slogan or a shared belief—it's a deeply personal, moment-to-moment state that shifts depending on context, relationships, and environment. All this on this episode of Mainline Executive Coaching ACT. Leaders, Lead Well!Thank you to all of our listeners in over 100 countries and now, 1,000 cities worldwide, we greatly appreciate your support! We truly hope that what we bring to our listeners will improve your ability as leaders.Mainline Executive Coaching ACT has been recognized by FeedSpot as one of the top Executive Coaching Podcast in the world based on thousands of podcasts on the web and ranked by traffic, social media, followers & freshness.https://blog.feedspot.com/executive_coaching_podcasts/ John Mattone Global: https://johnmattone.com/ Rich Baron:rbaron@richbaronexecutivecoaching.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-baron/https://www.richbaronexecutivecoaching.com/Maikel Bailey:mbailey@intelligentleadershipec.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/maikelbailey/https://maikelbailey.com/

Guest:Neil Blumenthal Co-founder and Co-CEO of Warby ParkerWebsite:https://www.warbyparker.com/Ticker: $WRBYBio:Neil Blumenthal is a co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker, a direct-to-consumer lifestyle brand focused on vision for all. Since day one, over twenty million pairs of glasses have been distributed through the company's Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program. Neil has been named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, and one of the 100 Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company. He serves on the board of directors of Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG), as well as the nonprofit organizations Robin Hood, Tech: NYC, the Partnership Fund for New York City, and the Warby Parker Impact Foundation. Neil also sits on the leadership council of Responsible Innovation Labs, and he serves as a General Partner of Good Friends LLC, an early stage venture capital firm. A native of New York City, Neil received his BA from Tufts University and his MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Brenda Neckvatal helps the strongest leaders deal with the messiest people—because leadership gets real when emotions get loud, trust gets shaky, and egos start swinging. She's a three-time bestselling author, an award-winning Human Results expert, and a serial entrepreneur featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Inc., and US News & World Report.After 18 years inside six Fortune 500 companies, Brenda transitioned out of traditional HR and into Human Results, where the goal isn't checking boxes. It's getting results. Her no-fluff strategies have helped over 1,000 leaders and 700 companies avoid costly mistakes, fix toxic dynamics, and build teams that actually work.Brenda has spoken on nearly 400 stages, delivering high-impact transformational keynotes that break through the audience's mental background noise and land with such precision, audiences lean in, lose track of time, and get fully immersed in the message. With 30 years of experience, she's a trusted mentor in crisis management, group dynamics, and leadership transformation—especially when the stakes are high and the people are difficult.She also donates 32 weeks a year to The Honor Foundation, helping Navy SEALs and Special Forces veterans navigate the transition to civilian life with purpose and clarity.When chaos shows up at your door, Brenda is the call you make. Support the show.If you'd like to support the show, you can now buy me a coffee, beer, or whatever you'd like. Click here: ⁠ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sundaylunchpm⁠You should soon be able to grab a copy of my booksand my guests' books here soon ⁠https://www.nigelcreaser.com/shopAffilliatesOnline PM Courses: https://www.nigelcreaser.com/onlinepmcourses

Today, I am hosting Brent Yates, a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, and founder of Aion, the sleek weighted vest transforming wellness worldwide. His story isn't just about business. It's about resilience, faith, and reinventing yourself at any age.   Brent went from leading in the natural gas industry and gracing the pages of Business Week and Fast Company to facing personal and physical setbacks that forced him to rebuild from the ground up. He chronicled this transformation in his acclaimed book The Gravity of UP. Brent's story proves that your mess can become your message and that reinvention is always possible, even in your later years. If you've ever doubted your timing or your ability to bounce back, his story is the reminder you need to reset your mind for success. "You waste more time trying to figure out things you know nothing about… Somebody's experienced what you're going through today.  Find people who have done it because otherwise you are gonna get stuck and it's gonna cost you." ~Brent Yates In This Episode: -  How and why Brent invented the Aion weighted vest -  Transforming a personal solution into a business idea -  What inspired Brent's book, The Gravity of UP -  Daily practices for success and transformation -  Resetting and maintaining energy in your 60s - The technology and design that make Aion vests unique -  Building a global brand & overcoming impostor syndrome -  Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs -  Brent's parting shot and how to connect with him Resources Mentioned In The Episode: Brent's Book, The Gravity of UP: https://www.aiongear.com/products/gravity-of-up   Shop Aion's weighted vests: https://www.aiongear.com/  Eckhart Tolle's book, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose: https://a.co/d/cIYRG10  About Brent Yates: Brent Yates is a serial entrepreneur and Wall Street Journal best-selling author with over 30 years of business experience. His personal journey from brokenness to holistic health led him to chronicle his story in his book The Gravity of UP. Brent's healing journey also sparked the innovation of Aion, a premium weighted vest created to elevate movement, strengthen posture, and promote wellness. Alongside his entrepreneurial ventures, Brent is involved in non-profits and committed to fostering meaningful impact without bureaucracy. Website: https://www.aiongear.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brentyatesofficial/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-yates  Where to find me: IG: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb/    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jen_gottlieb     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenleahgottlieb    Website: https://jengottlieb.com/    My business: https://www.superconnectormedia.com/     YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jen_gottlieb

We've all had bad bosses.We might have even been one. At the very least, we've probably let people down who counted on us.We all carry burdens from our past that show up in how we lead. And we're all confronting systems that foster toxic workplace cultures where overwork and blurred boundaries are the norm, spaces that don't feel safe or generative, and where there is little to no accountability.The question we face is simple, but urgent: How do we want to lead?Our leadership can reinforce toxic systems and norms. Or we can learn to recognize our own burdens and do the work to become more aware, adaptable, and flexible. We can create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued, even when systems feel unstable or unfair.Because leading is about deciding, in every moment, whether we respond from our burdens or from our values. And my guest today helps us reflect on those choices and decide how we want to lead through her own lived experiences with bad bosses. Mita Mallick is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author who is on a mission to fix what's broken in our workplaces. She's a corporate change maker with a track record of transforming businesses and has had an extensive career as a marketing and human resources executive. Mallick is a highly sought-after speaker who has advised Fortune 500 companies and start-ups alike. She is a LinkedIn Top Voice and was named to the Thinkers 50 Radar List. She's a contributor to Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Adweek, and Entrepreneur. Mallick has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, Forbes, Axios, Essence, Cosmopolitan Magazine and Business Insider.Listen to the full episode to hear:Three scenarios where leaders commonly shift into being bad bossesKey reasons why we tolerate bad bosses and what we can do to shift the cultureWhy Mita's 13 archetypal bad bosses persist in our workplacesWhy leaders have to invest time and connection in their team members if they want to retain themWhy another executive coaching program will not fix a truly bad bossThe number one skill leaders can focus on to become a better bossWhy corporate America needs more humility and vulnerabilityLearn more about Mita Mallick:WebsiteConnect on LinkedInReimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your WorkplaceThe Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad BossesLearn more about Rebecca:rebeccaching.comWork With RebeccaThe Unburdened Leader on SubstackSign up for the weekly Unburdened Leader EmailResources:EP 102: Toxic Leadership: The True Cost of Workplace Trauma with Mita MallickGive and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success, Adam GrantThe Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth, Amy C EdmondsonThe Normalization Of Corruption In Organizations, Blake E. Ashforth and Vikas AnandManaging to be ethical: Debunking five business ethics myths, Linda Klebe Treviño and Michael E. BrownExamining the Link Between Ethical Leadership and Employee Misconduct: The Mediating Role of Ethical Climate, David M. Mayer, Maribeth Kuenzi, Rebecca L. GreenbaumThe Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, Bessel van der Kolk M.D.The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe, Stephen W. PorgesPrimal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence, Prof Daniel Goleman PH D, Richard E Boyatzis, and Annie McKeePsychological Conditions of Personal Engagement and Disengagement at Work, William A. KahnEmotional Intelligence: Theory, Findings, and Implications, John D. Mayer, Peter Salovey, David R. CarusoWorking with Emotional Intelligence, Daniel GolemanThe 5Ds of Bystander Intervention - Right To BeEP 52: Charlie Gilkey: Leading With What Matters MostEP 85: Team Habits: Redefining Workplace Dynamics with Charlie GilkeyBig Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, Elizabeth GilbertThe Anxious Achiever: Turn Your Biggest Fears Into Your Leadership Superpower, Morra Aarons-MeleSia - UnstoppableThe SopranosBreaking BadFresh Off the BoatThe Fresh Prince of Bel Air

In this episode, we're joined by Mike Goldman, a leadership team coach, to talk about finding the business model that will work for you, building warm leads, and hiring the right team to scale your business.Mike opens up about his career leap into the coaching business, the vital role of his wife's support in his journey, and the power of credibility and warm referrals in connecting with the right leads.This is your reminder that deciding not to quit is how you win. Start being proactive today, create a bedrock foundation of relationships and referrals, and develop your team's talents as a leader. Come and join me in this episode of The Coaching Equation: From Management Consultant to Million-Dollar Coach: Mike Goldman's 20-Year Journey from Financial Hell to 7-Figure SuccessEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!Mike Goldman is a leadership team coach, bestselling author of two books, Breakthrough Leadership Team and Performance Breakthrough, and host of The Better Leadership Team Show. He's a TEDx speaker and speaks internationally to groups of business leaders, such as the Young Presidents Organization, Vistage, and the Entrepreneur's Organization. During his 30+ year coaching and consulting career, he has worked with clients including Disney, Verizon, CHANEL, and Polo Ralph Lauren. His insights have been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and Chief Executive Magazine, and he is widely regarded by CEO's as the expert on building great leadership teams. As both coach and speaker, Mike is on a mission to help CEO's grow their business and have more impact while creating a more engaging, fulfilling environment for their team using his Breakthrough Leadership Team approach. Connect with Mike Goldman!Website: https://www.mike-goldman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikegoldmancoach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgoldman10/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikegoldmancoach X (Twitter): https://x.com/mgoldman10 Ryan Lang is the CEO of EMPIRE Partners and Quantum Empire, and a highly sought-after performance coach and consultant. He helps establish business owners, coaches, and thought leaders transform from elite practitioners to transformational leaders by building businesses on five critical pillars instead of one wobbly leg. Over 20 years, he has guided 1000+ professionals to predictable, profitable growth using his Whole Performance Coaching methodology—combining sales mastery, strategic marketing, and human optimization principles that create lasting stability.Connect with Ryan Lang!Website: https://www.ryanrlang.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realryanlang/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-lang-b46a545b/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.lang.984 Learn more about Empire Partners: Website: https://empirepartners.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.co

Have you ever found yourself halfway through a concert, dinner party, or even a family gathering and thought, “OK, I'm ready to go now,” even though you're having a good time? You're not alone, and it doesn't mean you're antisocial or ungrateful. In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with Jodi Wellman, a positive psychology expert and TEDx speaker, to unpack the surprising psychology behind wanting to leave events early.Together, they explore why both introverts and extroverts can feel this way, introducing concepts like “experience efficiency” and “memory optimization.” Learn how our brains process peak moments, why leaving on a high note can actually enhance our memories, and why you don't have to “get your money's worth” by staying until the very end. Key takeaways: Find out why some people feel “full” on fun faster and don't need to stay until the end to enjoy an event. Reframe early exits as a smart way to manage energy, time, and joy—without guilt. Learn practical language for confidently setting boundaries when you're ready to go, without shame. Discover how even the most outgoing people can feel “peopled out.” If you've ever snuck out of a party, left a holiday dinner before dessert, or wondered why you plan your exit before you even arrive — this episode is for you. “And yes, there is a purpose to the dinner and the tasting menu that goes all the way to the end. And yes, of course, we rationally know that. And yet, those of us who are experience minimalists are still OK to say, I got my fill. I got the appetizer and I had part of the entree. And admittedly, not many of us are kicking back our chairs and leaving halfway through dinner. But metaphorically, this works. When we know we've had our fill and we feel truly good that, wow, I got the songs I needed and wanted or look, I did most of the hike and I don't have to get to the top. I'm cool to go back. I feel good about myself. That's the thing. Are you having a good time and do you want to end on a high? That is, to me, sound judgment about living a life worth living.” ~Jodi Wellman, MAPP Our guest, Jodi Wellman, is the founder of Four Thousand Mondays, a speaker, author, and assistant instructor in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania. Her book, "You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets," made Adam Grant's Summer Reading List and was a “Top 3 Psychology Book of 2024” by the Next Big Idea Club (curated by Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, Adam Grant, and Dan Pink). Jodi has been featured in The New York Times, Oprah Daily, Fast Company, CNBC, Forbes, Psychology Today, The Los Angeles Times, and more. Jodi's TEDx talk is called How Death Can Bring You Back to Life; with over 1.3 million views, it is the 14th most-watched TEDx talk released in 2022, out of 15,900! Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can't imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen are at Fast Company's 2025 Innovation Festival to discuss the latest business news and the event's festivities. Topics include the TikTok deal “framework” with new investors, California lawmakers passing an AI safety bill, Apollo Global Management considering the sale of AOL, and the top takeaways from the Emmys.   Next, senior editor Max Ufberg talks with Glean's founder and CEO, Arvind Jain, about the future of agentic AI. They discuss his thoughts on improving workplace knowledge for enterprise clients and staying ahead of major competitors as this market continues to evolve competitively. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/newsTo follow the latest on Innovation Festival:https://events.fastcompany.com/innovationfestival25

Blair LaCorte is the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging—the world's first biomedical research institution dedicated solely to understanding aging and age-related diseases, and the largest independent scientific institute in the Bay Area. A seasoned leader and strategist, Blair has a track record of transforming companies across five industries, leveraging his expertise in change management to drive operational alignment, scale, and market leadership. Most recently, he led AEye's $1.5B IPO, advancing the company's mission to enable safe, reliable vehicle autonomy. Prior to that, Blair served as Global President of PRG, the world's largest live event technology and services company; CEO of XOJET, one of the fastest-growing aviation companies in history; and Senior Advisor and Operating Partner at TPG, a leading private equity firm managing over $97 billion in global investments. His earlier career includes executive roles at technology innovators such as VerticalNet, Savi Technologies, Autodesk, and Sun Microsystems. Blair is an active board member and advisor to organizations spanning science, business, and education, including the Positive Coaching Alliance, the Kairos Society, the Graduate Business Foundation, and alma maters Dartmouth College and the University of Maine. His leadership has been recognized by Fast Company, Ad Age, NASA, and the ITAS “100 Most Influential Leaders in Transportation” list. His insights have been featured in Forbes, Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, and on major networks including ABC, Bloomberg, CNN, and CNBC. Holding multiple patents across hardware, software, communications, security, and defense, Blair is also an astronaut-in-training and is scheduled to fly with Virgin Galactic. Outside of his professional pursuits, he is a dedicated father to three sons and the owner of a slightly anxious Weimaraner named Bella. Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health Optimization Links: Blair LaCorte on LinkedIn Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram  

What if the setbacks in your life were actually the secret fuel for your success? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Shadé Zahrai, award-winning leadership strategist, TEDx speaker, and co-founder of Influenceo Global. Shadé shares her journey from law and corporate consulting to entrepreneurship, revealing how resilience, storytelling, and authenticity helped her build a global brand. She explains the power of reframing challenges, why self-belief is the foundation of success, and how leaders can inspire teams through emotional intelligence. From navigating uncertainty to building confidence through action, Shadé offers practical strategies for leading with influence and connecting on a deeper human level. This is a powerful conversation about courage, growth, and leading with heart. In this episode, Darius and Shade will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Background (02:49) Shadé's Origin Story (05:54) The Journey Through Corporate Life (08:41) The Importance of Self-Trust (11:28) Transitioning to Entrepreneurship (14:38) Building a Personal Brand on Social Media (17:28) The Power of Visibility and Opportunity (20:14) The Role of Creative Outlets (23:20) Overcoming Adversity and Failure (26:18) The Science of Self-Doubt and Trust (28:50) The Launch of Influenceo and LinkedIn Success (31:45) The Big Trust Community and Book Launch (34:48) Final Thoughts and The Greatness Question Shadé Zahrai is a behavioral strategist, peak performance educator, and co-lead of Influenceo Global. A former lawyer with an MBA and PhD in organizational behavior, she advises Fortune 500 companies on leadership, performance, and career fulfillment. Her viral content has reached over 300 million views, she teaches more than 7 million students on LinkedIn Learning, and her TEDx talks have inspired audiences worldwide. Featured in outlets like The New York Times and Fast Company, Shadé is dedicated to making high-performance strategies accessible to all. Sponsored by: Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Business Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius. Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness. Connect with Shadé: Website: https://www.shadezahrai.com/  LinkedIn: https://th.linkedin.com/in/shadezahrai  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadezahrai/  Book: https://www.shadezahrai.com/bigtrust  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we chat with Ali Kriegsman! Ali is a writer, entrepreneur, and business strategist whose work lives at the intersection of brand building, storytelling, and sales. At just 24, she co-founded Bulletin, a retail technology company that reimagined how premium brands and retailers connect. Bulletin went on to be acquired by Emerald [NYSE:EEX], the largest B2B events company in the United States, in a $10 million deal.Since then, Ali has helped founders and companies raise more than $20 million in venture funding, secure profitable exits, and close major sponsorship and partnership deals. She's also the author of How to Build a Goddamn Empire, and her most recent fiction project, The Raise, which pushes the boundaries of traditional publishing by blending storytelling with cinematic, social, and direct-to-consumer elements to create an immersive brand experience.Ali has been recognized as a Forbes ‘30 Under 30' honoree and one of Fast Company's ‘Most Creative People in Business,' and her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, Refinery29, The Today Show, and more✨ This episode is presented by Brex.Brex: brex.com/trailblazerspodThis episode is supported by Gusto, OpenPhone & Athena.Gusto: gusto.com/trailblazersOpenPhone: openphone.com/trailblazersAthena: athenago.me/Erica-WengerFollow Us!Ali Kriegsman: @alikriegs@thetrailblazerspod: Instagram, YouTube, TikTokErica Wenger: @erica_wenger

Las Vegas Aces star Jewell Loyd has amassed a stack of staggering accolades: garnering two WNBA championships, two Olympic gold medals, and six WNBA All-Star nods, not to mention being anointed as the "Gold Mamba” from the late great Kobe Bryant himself. But Loyd's impact goes beyond the court.   In 2015, she and her brother launched Loyd & Co., a financial services firm they built to give underserved communities real access to capital, wealth-building tools, and long-term financial security. And in recent months, they've been ramping up their ambitions with several acquisitions that are expanding the firm's reach. In this episode, Loyd opens up about the inspiration behind her company, the impact they're already making, and her audacious next step: creating what she calls a “bank with a soul.” For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To listen to the latest episodes of Creative Control on Fast Company:https://www.fastcompany.com/podcasts/creative-control

Las Vegas Aces star Jewell Loyd has amassed a stack of staggering accolades: garnering two WNBA championships, two Olympic gold medals, and six WNBA All-Star nods, not to mention being anointed as the "Gold Mamba” from the late great Kobe Bryant himself. But Loyd's impact goes beyond the court.   In 2015, she and her brother launched Loyd & Co., a financial services firm they built to give underserved communities real access to capital, wealth-building tools, and long-term financial security. And in recent months, they've been ramping up their ambitions with several acquisitions that are expanding the firm's reach. In this episode, Loyd opens up about the inspiration behind her company, the impact they're already making, and her audacious next step: creating what she calls a “bank with a soul.” For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To listen to the latest episodes of Creative Control on Fast Company:https://www.fastcompany.com/podcasts/creative-control

Join us for a PRessing On in Public Relations conversation with the Founder and CEO of Featured, a platform that connects subject-matter experts with top publishers to create ready-to-publish Q&A content. Featured hosts more than 50,000 experts whose insights are published across 1,000+ media outlets, including Fast Company and Entrepreneur.com. In 2025, Brett led Featured's acquisition and revival of Help a Reporter Out (HARO), modernizing one of the most iconic brands in media sourcing. Previously, Brett founded Markitors, a digital marketing agency for small businesses that he successfully scaled and sold after 10 years. His earlier venture, Pursue the Passion, was a national interview tour designed to inspire career education through storytelling. Beyond entrepreneurship, Brett has collaborated with Hugh Jackman on a charitable coffee initiative, delivered more than 100 keynote speeches, and written for publications such as Forbes, SHRM, and TIME. He is passionate about democratizing access to media opportunities and building the “expert economy.” Tune in for real stories, practical advice, and a dose of PR inspiration. Like, share, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! ------------------------------------------------------------------ To track down Brett, visit: https://linkedin.com/company/featureddotcom  https://x.com/featureddotcom  linkedin.com/showcase/help-a-reporter-haro/ https://x.com/helpareporter  https://linkedin.com/in/brettfarmiloe  https://helpareporter.com  https://featured.com   For more information on the PRessing On podcast visit ⁠⁠⁠PressingOnPodcast.com⁠ RMGComm.com DeGravePR.com  

In this special episode of Deacons Pod, the Paulist Deacon Affiliates discuss "the friendship recession" – the possible change in the way adults today experience and maintain friendships, notably due to workplace changes sparked by the COVID pandemic. During their conversation, the deacons consider how "the friendship recession" differs between men and women, as well as the role of friendships in the spiritual life and in parish life. Two recent articles in the secular media inspired this episode. The first was an August 11 column at Fast Company by Mark Crowley called "No one has office friends anymore. Why that's bad news for employers: How to combat the ‘friendship recession.'"The second article was a May 25 piece in the New York Times by Sam Graham-Felsen called "Where Have All My Deep Male Friendships Gone?"

In this episode of On Boards, Dr. Keith Dorsey an executive coach, author, active board member, and expert in leadership development and corporate governance. joins hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh  His book, The Boardroom Journey: Practical Guidance for Women to Secure a Seat at the Table, provides insights and strategies for women aspiring to become board members.  Keith holds a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California and serves on multiple boards including Vimly Benefit Solutions, Pacific Crest Trail Association and Pepperdine University's Graziadio Business School. He discusses his research-based concept of “optimal diversity,” which couples demographic diversity and diversity of thought.  His work has been widely published including the Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management, Forbes and Fast Company.    Key takeaways 1.Keith's life in 3 chapters Keith started his career in the U.S. military and the Air Force, followed by nearly 30 years working in corporate America. In 2019, he went back to school to get a doctorate in organizational change in leadership from the University of Southern California. Now, he serves as an executive advisor to lead corporate leaders to optimize boardroom practices.  2. What is optimal diversity? While getting his doctorate, Keith started to research the lack of gender and ethnic diversity on corporate boards. He discovered the concept of “optimal diversity” - the combination of observable diversity and/or demographic diversity along with diversity of thought. This idea encourages people to reflect beyond their observable traits and dive deeper into how their lived experiences and perspectives can contribute to diversity.    3. Pre-vetting: It's about who knows you, not who you know  Keith found through his studies that executives who serve on boards, were very often seated through their network. When it comes time to recruit another board member the question that is often asked is: “who do we know.” When it comes to joining a corporate board, it's about who knows you and understands your experience and skills. In addition to giving your “autopilot intro” while networking, he encourages aspiring board members to take a few extra seconds to go beyond the details of your day-to-day job and tell them what you're looking to do.     4. Five different “capitals” Keith's book dedicates a chapter to each type of capital: human, social, cultural, director, and commitment. During his research, Keith found that women often take the approach of presenting themselves as exceptional executives but not as exemplary board members. He encourages people to optimize their human capital. During board interviews, exhibit the type of behavior that they would want to see in the boardroom.   Quotes  ” Optimal” diversity forces people to really reflect and to think about the things that make who they beyond just their observable demographic traits, including their lived experiences.   “It's best to look out the front windshield and be able to say what's beyond that S-curve and that sharp right curve ahead by asking thought provoking questions based on your human capital…instead of looking through the rear-view mirror and shouting your praises.”   “ Figure out who you are and what your superpowers and secret sauce actually are and then incorporate that in a way of getting your name out there so more people know you than you know”   Links https://www.boardroomjourney.com/ The Boardroom Journey: Practical Guidance for Women to Secure a Seat at the Table How Board Sourcing Approaches Contribute To The Corporate Diversity Problem—And What To Do About It   Guest Bio Dr. Keith D. Dorsey is a researcher, author, advisor, and active board member focused on issues of diversity, governance, and strategic growth for private and public corporate boards. His recent research examined women executives' pathways to securing corporate board seats, yielding powerful insights about the barriers and facilitators unique to women candidates seeking these positions. His book, The Boardroom Journey: Practical Guidance for Women to Secure a Seat at the Table, combines his research insights with his extensive executive, board, and industry experience. He speaks on topics related to governance and navigating the path to the C suite and boardroom. As an executive advisor, he is focused on increasing Optimal DiversityTM within corporate senior management, executive, and board-level roles.  

Ash Rao, a Certified Career Coach and Professional Speaker, who helps ambitious tech professionals unlock their executive presence and attract next-level leadership roles.Through her comprehensive coaching services spanning resume development to leadership training, Ash guides clients to gain workplace visibility and stand out in competitive markets, drawing from over 18 years of experience in Global Talent Acquisition at Fortune 500 companies.Now, Ash's personal journey from growing up in a conservative middle-class family in Bangalore to immigrating to the United States demonstrates how strategic career decisions can transform professional trajectories.And while sharing her expertise through publications like Fast Company and Thrive Global, she's helping others overcome the same challenges she once faced—from hesitating to speak in meetings to building the confidence needed for authentic leadership.Here's where to find more: Linkedin profiles (and any other useful links)https://ashrao.com________________________________________________Welcome to The Unforget Yourself Show where we use the power of woo and the proof of science to help you identify your blind spots, and get over your own bullshit so that you can do the fucking thing you ACTUALLY want to do!We're Mark and Katie, the founders of Unforget Yourself and the creators of the Unforget Yourself System and on this podcast, we're here to share REAL conversations about what goes on inside the heart and minds of those brave and crazy enough to start their own business. From the accidental entrepreneur to the laser-focused CEO, we find out how they got to where they are today, not by hearing the go-to story of their success, but talking about how we all have our own BS to deal with and it's through facing ourselves that we find a way to do the fucking thing.Along the way, we hope to show you that YOU are the most important asset in your business (and your life - duh!). Being a business owner is tough! With vulnerability and humor, we get to the real story behind their success and show you that you're not alone._____________________Find all our links to all the things like the socials, how to work with us and how to apply to be on the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/unforgetyourself

On the quiet work of befriending ourselves, and the remembered language of healing. (0:00) – Introduction and Guest Overview (2:47) – Daria's Childhood and Early Life (9:01) – Impact of Grandmother's Death and Early Loss (12:14) – Discovering the Truth About Her Grandmother's Death (20:14) – Intergenerational Trauma and Addiction (26:12) – Emergence and Mentoring (34:19) – Success and Ambition (41:48) – Meditation and Emotional Independence (46:13) – Letter to Her Mother Daria Burke is an American writer, speaker, and wellbeing advocate. A marketer by trade and a seeker at heart, Daria is a storyteller and sense-maker, weaving together personal experience and the science of healing and transformation to explore new ways of understanding how we choose who we become. Her debut memoir, OF MY OWN MAKING (Spring 2025), is a soulful and scientific exploration of overcoming adversity, healing from childhood trauma, and rewriting one's own story. As a Chief Marketing Officer, Daria was named a 2020 AdAge Woman to Watch whose work has been recognized by Women's Wear Daily, Forbes, Vogue, Town & Country and the Cut. She has written for Fast Company, The Huffington Post, and Black Enterprise, and has appeared on The Melissa Harris-Perry Show on MSNBC. A distinguished alumna of NYU Stern School of Business (MBA) and the University of Michigan (BA), Daria was born in Detroit and now calls Los Angeles and East Hampton home. Daria's memoir OF MY OWN MAKING. Part memoir, part methodology, OF MY OWN MAKING is a soulful and scientific exploration of the power to shape one's destiny and a fearless rallying cry to excavate and examine the stories that define our lives.

Britt Frank, a licensed neuro-psychotherapist, trauma specialist, expert in human behavior, keynote speaker, and author, joins me on the latest Business Minds Coffee Chat. Britt's work has been featured in major media outlets, including Psychology Today, The New York Times, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Fast Company, and Forbes.

On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation. Topics include the latest jobs report, a busy week for IPOs, and Apple's new slate of products.   Next, Yaz and Josh speak with Fast Company contributing editor Alex Pasternack about Google's ongoing antitrust case. They cover a federal judge's recent ruling, the company's stock jumping 8% after the court's decision, and what this means for Google, the tech industry, and consumers overall.   Finally, Josh talks with Laura Bates about her new book, The New Age of Sexism: How AI and Emerging Technologies Are Reinventing Misogyny. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news

Chris Schembra, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, keynote speaker, and one of the leading voices on the power of gratitude and human connection in the workplace. In a world where over half the workforce feels lonely and nearly 8 out of 10 people are disengaged at work, Chris offers a radical but refreshingly simple idea: the key to thriving isn't pushing people harder, it's helping them feel seen, appreciated, and connected. He's the creator of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™, a framework used by hundreds of companies like Google, Microsoft, IBM, Dell, Citi, and even the U.S. Navy to build trust, deepen relationships, and create cultures of belonging. Over the past decade, Chris has facilitated more than 750 transformative experiences, helping thousands of professionals slow down, reconnect, and rediscover what truly matters. Known as “The Gratitude Guru” by USA Today, Chris is also the author of Gratitude and Pasta and Gratitude Through Hard Times. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Good Morning America, Forbes, Fast Company, and more, and he serves on the Executive Board at Fast Company and as a Founding Member of the Rolling Stone Culture Council. Whether through a question, a story, or a plate of pasta, Chris's mission is clear: to help people unlock human potential, one meaningful moment at a time. To know more about Chris visit his website: www.chrisschembra.com

Today, you're getting a step-by-step process for designing the life you want. Right now, you might think that “designing your life” sounds impossible, or that it's something reserved for people with more time, money, or resources. But what if it wasn't just a nice idea? What if it was a simple, concrete, and clear process you could start right now? Here's the truth: You have the power to design the exact life you've always wanted and today you're getting the blueprint to make it happen – with this episode and the free companion workbook. In this episode, Mel sits down with Debbie Millman. Debbie is “one of the most creative people in business” according to Fast Company, and is a professor who has been teaching a course on designing your life for over a decade at the School of Visual Arts. Graphic Design USA calls her “one of the most influential designers working today,” Harvard Business School teaches a case study on her career to all first-year students, and today Debbie is here to teach you the lessons from her renowned course on life design. Debbie will show you that no matter where you are right now, no matter how stuck, lost, or uncertain you feel, you can start creating a more intentional, meaningful future. To get the free companion workbook that goes with this episode, click here. In this episode, you'll learn: -The exact questions to ask yourself to create your dream life -The most important choices that can change your life -How to stop focusing on what's probable and start thinking about what's possible -The exact steps that allow you to create your dream reality -The one mistake that will sabotage your vision, and how to avoid it Plus, Mel and Debbie have created a free workbook to walk you through the step-by-step process of designing your own remarkable life, and you can download it here. If you're ready to stop letting life just happen to you and want to start creating the life you've always wanted, this episode is for you. For more resources, including a free companion workbook, click here for the podcast episode page. If you liked the episode, check out this one next: 5 Powerful Questions to Ask Yourself Right NowConnect with Mel:  Get Mel's #1 bestselling book, The Let Them TheoryWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Mel on Instagram The Mel Robbins Podcast InstagramMel's TikTok Sign up for Mel's personal newsletter Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes ad-freeDisclaimer

Mark C. Crowley is a bestselling author and leadership expert. With twenty-five years in the competitive financial services industry, he rose to national roles, earning Leader of the Year for his heart-centered approach. His book Lead from the Heart, challenges conventional management practices that undermine employee success. In Mark's latest book, The Power of Employee Well-Being, he emphasizes that thriving teams drive organizational success. Mark's Lead From the Heart Podcast is ranked in the top 2 percent globally, reaching 175+ countries. Mark is also a sought-after speaker, Fast Company contributor, and organizational culture consultant shaping modern workplaces. In this episode we discuss the following: I love Mark's message, that the best leaders lead from the heart. They care about people, they support people, they trust people, and they have their best interest at heart. I thought Mark made a really interesting point that we admire coaches who show that they love their players. But the conventional business leaders shy away from this type of heart-led leadership. When we think about the best leaders we know, the ones who we'll run through a brick wall for, they're the ones who truly love us. The best leaders lead from the heart.

Let us know what you thought about the show!In this episode, Jason sits down with Eliana Goldstein, a certified career and executive coach, the resident Career Coach for CBS New York Morning News, and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. Eliana's coaching strategies have been featured on MSNBC, Business Insider, and Fast Company, and she has spoken at leading companies including Peloton and LinkedIn.Together, Jason and Eliana explore the growing workplace trend of “quiet cracking”—when professionals, overwhelmed by today's tough job market, settle for roles that don't align with their values or strengths, ignoring obvious red flags along the way.This powerful conversation uncovers the mindset shifts, strategies, and frameworks that can help you navigate career transitions with confidence, advocate for yourself in the workplace, and embrace change without fear.

Bio: Josh Dorfman is a climate entrepreneur, author, and media personality. He is the CEO and host of Supercool, a media company covering real-world climate solutions that cut carbon, increase profits, and enhance modern life. Josh was previously the co-founder and CEO of Plantd, a carbon-negative building materials manufacturer, which was named to Fast Company's list of the World's Most Innovative Companies in 2024. He has founded two modern design sustainable furniture companies, directed Vine.com, an Amazon e-commerce business specializing in natural and organic products, and served as the CEO of The Collider, the nation's first innovation center for climate resilience and adaptation. Additionally, Josh was previously known as The Lazy Environmentalist, a media brand he developed into an award-winning television series on Sundance Channel, a daily radio show on SiriusXM, and two popular books.  His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes, TechCrunch, Fast Company, and Reuters. Josh has also made regular appearances on national television and radio programs, including Morning Joe, Fox & Friends, and NPR's All Things Considered, and is the only guest to ever ride a bike onto The Martha Stewart Show. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Plantd site Supercool podcast Bender Innovation site Yaupon Brothers Tea site Josh Dorfman on LinkedIn Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode