Podcasts about legendary leaders

Picture this: a remote coral atoll in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Brutal heat. Cadaver dogs. Archaeologists on their knees sifting through debris, because on this island, coral looks almost identical to bone. And one journalist sitting quietly with her notebook, watching it all unfold — asking the question everyone there is trying to answer: what really happened to Amelia Earhart? That journalist is our guest today. In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan is joined by Rachel Hartigan, who spent 12 years at National Geographic as a writer, reporter and editor, covering everything from the genetics of persimmon trees to the long road to women's suffrage. Before that, she edited the Washington Post's Book World section. She is not the swashbuckling type who dives into underwater pyramids in Sudan. But she has done something arguably harder: she spent years going deep, really deep, into one of history's most enduring mysteries, returning to that Pacific Island not once, but twice. The result is her debut book, Lost: Amelia Earhart's Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life. Rachel and Cathleen explore all three main theories of what happened to Earhart: did she crash into the ocean, die as a castaway on a remote island, or end up in Japanese custody? But what grabbed Cathleen most when she started reading Rachel's book wasn't the mystery. It was the woman herself. Earhart was someone who refused to over explain herself, who did bold and unconventional things simply because they felt right - not to make a point, not to be a rebel, but because her inner compass said so. In an era when women were expected to fit a very particular mould, she didn't. And there is a lesson in that which feels incredibly alive right now. They also talk about what it actually means to be an introvert who built a career on asking strangers the hardest questions. Rachel still dreads picking up the phone before a difficult call and makes it anyway. She separates her anxiety from her ability, which is honestly one of the cleanest pieces of self-awareness you'll hear in a long time. They talk about leaving National Geographic after 12 years, a place that wasn't just a job but a full identity, in the middle of grief, exhaustion and a book deadline. And they talk about what the people still searching for Earhart, some of them obsessive, some willing to upend their entire lives to sail to a remote island, can teach us about the very human need to find answers. Rachel Hartigan is someone who can explain dolphin brains and deep ocean mysteries and make both feel completely alive. We think you're going to love this one.   Episode timeline: 00:01:09 Introducing Rachel Hartigan and the Earhart mystery 00:05:42 Rachel's early life, introversion and career challenges 00:14:49 Managing anxiety, building strategies and proving reliability 00:22:54 Leaving National Geographic: identity and decision 00:26:00 Balancing book writing with full time work 00:34:25 Media trust, bias and information verification 00:44:39 Three competing theories of Earhart's disappearance 00:51:09 Earhart's early adventures and determination 00:56:23 Family influences and personal independence 00:59:04 Authenticity vs rebel image and misconceptions 01:06:33 Rachel's adventures and expedition experiences 01:10:06 Challenges, empathy and family impact Key takeaways: Your anxiety and your ability are two different things: Rachel still dreads making a hard phone call before every single one and makes it anyway. Separating the nervous feeling from the actual skill is what lets her keep doing work that scares her. Not explaining yourself is a form of power: Earhart never justified her choices with a cause or a point to prove. She did things for the fun of it. Rachel calls this the lesson that has stuck with her the longest, and the one women still find hardest to claim. Reliability opens doors you didn't apply for: Rachel built a reputation as someone who could do anything thrown at her, long stories, short stories, dense science, tricky edits. That reputation, not a special qualification, is why she was asked to join the expedition that became her book. Sometimes you have to choose the thing that isn't the smart financial decision: Leaving a 12-year identity in the middle of grief, exhaustion and a deadline wasn't strategic. It was necessary. Rachel calls it one of the hardest and most important choices she's made. Empathy for the obsessive searcher is empathy for the human need to know: People still searching for Earhart nearly 90 years on aren't irrational. Rachel argues the urge to find an answer, however unlikely the odds, is one of the most human impulses there is.   Connect with Rachel Hartigan: Website: https://rachelhartiganauthor.com Book: Lost, available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org and at rachelhartiganauthor.com   Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan:  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LegendaryLeaderswithCathleenOS FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.

What if the smartest leaders win the battle before it ever begins?That's not a fantasy. It's a 2,500-year-old strategy, and it might just change how you lead, grind, and grow.Welcome to Episode 6 of the Legendary Leaders series. Host Marty Jalove sits down with his two favorite "goofballs," Nate and Luke, to crack open Sun Tzu's The Art of War and turn ancient wisdom into modern business gold. This one isn't about violence. It's about strategic thinking, self-awareness, and winning through wisdom instead of brute force.The energy is contagious. The banter is real. And the lessons? Surprisingly practical for anyone chasing growth, fulfillment, and success.Here's what you'll walk away with:Discover why brilliant preparation beats frantic effort every single time.Learn how to flow like water when markets shift and plans break.Understand the leadership mindset that turns a team into a movement.Reframe competition so you can win without burning anyone down.Build a network that fights for your vision, not just a paycheck.It all lives inside the BACON framework: Brilliant Preparation, Adaptability, Clarity of Purpose, Outmaneuver, Do Not Overpower, and Nurture Your Network. Because everything bacon touches gets a little bit better.Strategy. Leadership. Personal growth. Real talk with a whole lot of heart.Press play, then sit with one honest question: where are you trying to overpower something when you should be outmaneuvering it instead?If this episode sparks something, follow Bacon Bits with Master Happiness, share it with a leader who needs it, and leave a review. Your next win starts here.

What if the success you spent three decades building disappeared overnight — and the hardest part wasn't the money, but knowing who you were without it? In this honest, unhurried episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan is joined by Scott Proposki — photographer, entrepreneur, author, and business coach based in Boston, Massachusetts. For nearly three decades, Scott built one of the most recognisable event photography businesses in North America: 52 people, eight-figure revenue, and a client list that included National Geographic, the White House, Sports Illustrated, and the NFL. Then 2020 arrived, and almost overnight, it was gone. Scott and Cathleen explore what it really costs to stop being the craftsperson and become the CEO, why growing fast can quietly hollow out the thing you loved, how depression after business loss is a grief that doesn't get enough airtime, and what a single conversation with a coach unlocked in his next chapter. They also go deep on his ADHD diagnosis in his early fifties, how understanding it reshaped the way he works and leads, and why his current lifestyle business — intentionally small, deeply profitable, and accessible from the Swiss Alps — is more aligned with who he actually is than the empire ever was. This is a conversation that will ask you to pause before you hit grow again and sit with the question Cathleen raises at the very start: is the size of your business, your ambition, your pace — something you actually chose? Or did you just keep going because stopping felt like failure?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​   Episode Timeline:   00:00:00 The Cost of Becoming CEO 00:04:33 Introduction to Scott Proposki 00:07:02 The Blueberry Muffin Problem 00:12:42 Learning Leadership by Proximity 00:17:49 How You Show Up for the People You Lead 00:20:14 The Bigger Boat Trap 00:25:27 When COVID Took It All 00:29:24 Depression, Doubt, the Silence Underneath 00:34:02 The Conversation That Cracked Something Open 00:35:42 Life After the Empire 00:41:52 Helping Creators Build Profitable Businesses 00:44:50 Forty Levers, Not One Fix 00:48:19 The Compounding Power of Small Gains 00:55:11 ADHD, the Camera, the Superpower of Focus 01:04:25 The Five-Year Vision 01:09:22 One Step When You Feel Stuck​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​     Key Takeaway:   Becoming the CEO Means Leaving the Craft Behind: Scaling a business often means stepping away from the work that made you good in the first place. That shift needs to be a conscious choice, not something you drift into without noticing. Losing a Business Is a Grief Most People Don't Name: When the business disappeared, so did the identity, purpose, and daily rhythm built around it. Naming that loss for what it is makes rebuilding possible — pushing through without acknowledging it makes it harder. Profit Is a Strategy, Not a Side Effect: Most small business owners are busy without being profitable. Small improvements across multiple areas of a business compound quickly — and cost-cutting, unlike new revenue, goes straight to the bottom line. Own Your List Before the Platform Disappears: Social platforms can vanish or shut you out overnight. An organic email list built on consistent, genuine storytelling is one of the most durable assets a small business can hold. Choose Your Boat Size Before You Start Rowing: The most important question isn't how big you can grow — it's what size business supports the life you actually want. Answering that honestly before you scale can save years of chasing the wrong thing.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​     About Scott Proposki:   Scott Proposki is a business coach, photographer, and author based in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Over nearly three decades, he built one of North America's leading event photography businesses — working with clients including National Geographic, the White House, Sports Illustrated, HBO, and Microsoft — before scaling to a team of 52. When COVID-19 effectively ended the events industry overnight, Scott lost the business he had spent his career building and spent the years that followed rebuilding with far greater intentionality. He is the author of multiple books including Camera Focus (2019) and Focus on the Profits, and the founder of the Camera Focus Method — a structured coaching framework that helps photographers and creative entrepreneurs build businesses that are genuinely profitable, not just busy. Connect with Scott Proposki: Website: https://businessfocusmethod.com  Website: https://scottproposki.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottproposki  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottproposki/      Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan:  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LegendaryLeaderswithCathleenOS     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

Are you building a cathedral, or are you simply cutting stones to earn a living?Leadership is not just a shiny title to wear; it is a profound responsibility to bear. In this sizzling, energy-packed episode of Bacon Bits with Master Happiness, host Marty Jalove sits down with a very special guest, his son, Luke! Together, this dynamic father-son duo dives deep into the brilliant mind of Peter Drucker, the visionary who transformed the cold corporate machine into a thriving, human-centric community.What will you pull from this powerful conversation?Discover the true power of the "Knowledge Worker" and why your frontline employees are your absolute greatest asset.Learn how to become the ultimate "gardener" of your team, cultivating rich growth instead of just cutting down weeds.Master the bold art of "Planned Abandonment" to let go of yesterday's comfortable habits and fiercely embrace tomorrow's innovations.We bring it all together by slicing into our signature B.A.C.O.N. framework. You will learn to Build on Strengths, Accept Responsibility, Cultivate Clarity, Optimize for Results, and Nurture Innovation.Are you ready to stop managing tasks and start leading people? Hit that play button! Don't forget to follow Bacon Bits with Master Happiness, share this episode with a fellow leader who needs a spark of inspiration, and leave us a sizzling review to help us spread the happiness!www.MasterHappiness.comwww.WhatsYourBacon.comwww.BaconBitsRadio.com

What if the very drive that takes you to the top of your career is quietly dismantling everything underneath it? In this raw, deeply human episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan is joined by Nick Jonsson — global keynote speaker, bestselling author, and the world's number one thought leader on executive loneliness. Swedish-born, educated in Australia, and based across Southeast Asia for over two decades, Nick has spent 22 years living and working at the intersection of high performance and hidden struggle. Nick opens with the story most leaders never tell: how a working-class upbringing wired him to equate worth with relentless grind, how loneliness crept in silently behind every promotion, and how alcohol became his coping mechanism — not occasionally, but systematically. He and Cathleen explore what addiction really looks like in high-performing people and why it's so easy to miss, how "smiling depression" masks crisis even from those closest to us, why surrender is the first and most essential step toward something solid, and what leaders can do right now to build safer spaces — for their teams and for themselves. This is a conversation that will stop you mid-scroll and ask you the question Cathleen poses at the very start: if you stripped away the job title, the calendar, the KPIs — who are you? And are you okay?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​   Episode Timeline: 00:00:00 When Performance Meets Loneliness 00:05:54 Nick's Story: From Working-Class Roots to Rock Bottom 00:10:19 The Making of an Anxious Overachiever 00:14:14 Where Loneliness Really Lives 00:15:59 From Bad Habit to Addiction 00:28:07 Surrender as the First Step 00:31:03 Progress Over Perfection 00:34:59 The Relief Leaders Are Really Looking For 00:37:42 Psychological Safety — Theory vs. Reality 00:45:04 Signals Leaders Should Watch For 00:49:55 Depression, Hopelessness, and Smiling Through It 00:54:33 Seeing the Signs in Someone You Love 00:57:25 The Five Steps to Holistic Leadership 01:04:19 What We Can Do Every Day​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Key Takeaway: Loneliness at the Top Is Real — and Rarely Talked About: The higher you climb, the fewer safe spaces there are to admit struggle. Naming that is the first step toward changing it. Surrender Is Strength, Not Failure: Admitting something isn't working is not giving up — it's the starting point for everything that comes after. You cannot rebuild what you won't first put down. Progress Over Perfection in Recovery: Relapse doesn't mean starting over. What matters is honesty about what happened and what you'll do differently next time. Leaders Set the Culture by Going First: Psychological safety isn't a policy — it's a practice. When a leader owns their struggles openly, it gives everyone else permission to do the same. Build Your Safe Space Before You Need It: A coach, peer group, or trusted friend outside work isn't a luxury. It's what keeps pressure from becoming crisis.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ About Nick Jonsson: Nick Jonsson is a global keynote speaker, supervised psychotherapist, certified executive coach, and #1 international bestselling author recognised as the world's leading thought leader on executive loneliness. Swedish-born and educated in Australia, he has spent over 22 years living and working across Southeast Asia — in Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. As co-founder and Managing Director of Executives' Global Network (EGN), he built Southeast Asia's largest confidential peer network for senior executives and business owners. His bestselling book, Executive Loneliness, draws on his own recovery from burnout, alcoholism, and depression to help leaders break free from isolation and lead with wellbeing and sustainable performance. A LinkedIn Top Voice and award-winning entrepreneur, Nick works with leaders around the world on psychological safety, holistic leadership, and genuine connection. Connect with Nick Jonsson: Website: https://www.nickjonsson.com/  LinkedIn: https://sg.linkedin.com/in/nick-jonsson  Book: https://www.nickjonsson.com/executive-loneliness-book  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonssonnick/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NickJonsson  Podcast: https://www.nickjonsson.com/podcast    Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan:  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LegendaryLeaderswithCathleenOS   FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

What if the biggest barrier to high performance at work isn't talent, strategy, or even time — but the way your brain and energy actually function? In this grounded, practical episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan is joined by Alex Davids, director and founding partner of Next Evolution Performance — a global coaching business that helps leaders and teams achieve more while using less effort. With over 20 years of experience across the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, Alex blends neuroscience and psychology to help people understand how their brain, behaviour, and energy systems really work. Alex opens with a concept that instantly resonates: continuous partial attention — the quiet, cumulative drain of open tabs, constant notifications, and always-on expectations that depletes the cognitive energy leaders need most. She and Cathleen explore why pushing harder is so often the worst strategy for better performance, how to identify your optimal focus period, what sustainable high performers do differently with their devices, and why busyness is frequently a cover for poor systems rather than genuine productivity. Alex also shares candidly the moment she had to admit she wasn't walking her own talk — and the small, deliberate habits she rebuilt around. This is a conversation that will slow you down in the best way — and leave you thinking differently about where your energy is going, and what becomes possible when you stop spending it on the wrong things.   Episode Timeline:   00:00:00 When Performance Meets the Brain 00:04:24 The Hidden Cost of Continuous Partial Attention 00:06:06 Finding Your Optimal Focus Period 00:13:31 Why We're Competing With Our Own Technology 00:19:23 Energy Management Over Time Management 00:22:28 What Depleted Leadership Teams Look Like 00:26:57 Walking the Talk — Alex's Pivotal Moment 00:32:04 Boundaries, Guilt, and the Auto-Responder 00:37:22 What Sustainable High Performers Do Differently 00:41:18 The Experiment of Stillness 00:47:38 Life After Social Media 00:52:55 Dopamine and the Economy of Attention 00:59:55 Observing Your Own Mind 01:04:38 Useful Thoughts Over Positive Ones 01:09:15 Presence as the Ultimate Performance Tool     Key Takeaway:   Reduce Distraction Before Anything Else: Continuous partial attention is quietly draining your cognitive energy without you noticing. Before adding another productivity tool, try removing what's pulling your focus away. Less input is often the highest-leverage move. Match Your Hardest Work to Your Best Energy: Not all hours are equal. Identify when your energy peaks and protect that time for your heaviest thinking — doing it the other way around costs you far more than you realise. Busy and Productive Are Not the Same Thing: If overwhelm feels constant, it's a signal something in the system isn't working. Keep asking: is this actually the best use of our energy right now? Give Your Device a Job Description: Sustainable high performers have a defined relationship with their phone — not just a phone. Deciding what it's for, and what it isn't, is one of the simplest boundaries you can set for your focus and energy. Stillness Is a Performance Strategy: The brain needs space to think creatively, shift perspective, and connect ideas. Building small moments of stillness into your day isn't a luxury — it's how you stay capable of the thinking that actually matters.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​     About Alexandra Davids:   Alexandra Davids is a high-performance coach and cognitive energy strategist who helps business leaders and teams optimize their mental performance and achieve peak productivity without the risk of burnout. As Co-founder of Next Evolution Performance, she specializes in translating neuroscience and behavioral psychology into practical workplace strategies that go beyond traditional time management to include cognitive energy and "effortless high performance." Alexandra was a founding partner of Inside80 and previously a coach within Shirlaws, and she brings over 20 years of experience across US local government and global corporate values development. Today, she works with senior CEOs and executives around the world to redefine workplace efficiency and bring sustainable high-performance narratives to life, drawing on decades of experience and a deep passion for human psychology. Connect with Alexandra Davids: Website: https://www.nextevolutionperformance.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/high-performance-coach-alexandra-davids-neperform  20/20 Webinar: https://nextevolutionperformance.com/events-20-20-clearer-views-on-the-neuroscience-of-high-performance/      Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan:  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LegendaryLeaderswithCathleenOS     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

What if the key to reinventing your career isn't a dramatic leap—but a quiet, stubborn plan built one small step at a time?  In this warm, deeply honest episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan is joined by Lorraine Whale, qualified genealogist, house historian, and founder of Time Flies Ancestry—who spent over 25 years in HR and leadership roles before following a passion she'd been nurturing for decades. Their conversation spans career reinvention, the emotional cost of falling out of love with a profession, the underrated power of a good plan, and what it really means to lead yourself forward when nobody else is handing you a roadmap.  Lorraine opens with something that will resonate with many—she doesn't see herself as a leader at all. But as the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that her definition of leadership, building trust, giving others confidence, showing up with tenacity—is exactly what she has been doing all along, in boardrooms, in genealogy archives, and at home as a single mum raising a son she is quietly and fiercely proud of. She shares how she mapped her escape from HR with an Excel spreadsheet worthy of Andy Dufresne, why redundancy felt like liberation, and how a squiggly career can be the most intentional one of all.  They also get into the human side of HR—why it too often becomes a ticketing system rather than a true business partner, what real people functions should look like, and the question that changed everything for Lorraine: Do you want to retire working in this? And for anyone wondering whether it's too late to start over, Lorraine's answer is simple: find the thing that lights you up, make a plan, and don't just do nothing.  This is a conversation that will meet you with grace wherever you are in your career—and quietly nudge you to take that first step.   Episode Timeline: 00:03:54 "I've never seen myself as a leader"  00:06:38 From admin to HR to genealogy — finding her place  00:16:39 Solitude, community, and the AGRA network  00:18:38 Falling out of love with a profession  00:21:19 What great HR actually looks like  00:29:02 The Andy Dufresne escape plan  00:34:02 Squiggly careers and waiting for what's next  00:40:13 The first small step  00:43:32 Loving the problem-solving of genealogy 00:49:43 The village it takes to raise a child  00:56:13 Self-care when there's no time for it  00:58:26 Find the thing that lights you up 00:59:13 How to find Lorraine and Time Flies Ancestry   Key Takeaway: Reinvention Isn't a Leap — It's a Long Game: Changing direction doesn't mean scrapping everything overnight. Lorraine spent years qualifying, downsizing, and planning while still in her HR role. The most meaningful career shifts are built slowly, deliberately, and with a very clear goal in sight.  Your Whole Career Is the Foundation, Not the Obstacle: A squiggly path isn't a weakness — it's a toolkit. Every function, every stakeholder, every challenge you've navigated gives you a perspective that a linear career never could. Don't discount it. Build on it.  Ask Yourself the Uncomfortable Question: Lorraine's turning point came from one honest question — would I want to retire doing this? Sitting with that discomfort is where real clarity begins. If the answer is no, that's not a crisis. That's a starting point.  If You Have a Goal, Make It Visible: Good intentions don't create change — a plan does. Whether it's an Excel spreadsheet, a timeline, or a milestone tracker, seeing your progress move is what keeps you going when the goal still feels far away.   About Lorraine Whale: Lorraine Whale is a professional genealogist and family history researcher who helps people uncover their ancestral stories and preserve family and house histories. As Founder of Time Flies Ancestry, she specialises in detailed genealogical research that goes beyond online records to include archives, museums, and local history resources across southern England. Lorraine holds a Diploma in Genealogy and is a member of the Association of Genealogists & Researchers in Archives (AGRA) and the Register of Qualified Genealogists, and she also serves on the tutorial team of the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies. Today, she works with clients around the world to trace their roots and bring forgotten family narratives to life, drawing on decades of experience and a deep passion for the past.   Connect with Lorraine Whale: Website: https://www.timefliesancestry.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-whale-75634a1b/  Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA): https://www.agra.org.uk/    Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan:  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LegendaryLeaderswithCathleenOS   FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.

What if the culture your organisation is trying to build isn't hiding in a values poster or a strategy deck—but in the smallest things you do every single day?  In this warm, deeply practical episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan is joined by Augusta Vivian, CEO of Higson, a people development consultancy helping senior teams lead through change, build inclusive workplaces, and embed culture that actually lasts. Their conversation spans parenting and leadership, kindness as a performance tool, the hard work of real inclusion, and why stubborn values might be the most underrated leadership quality of all.  Augusta opens with something personal—how raising her 17-month-old daughter has sharpened her understanding of presence, trust, and the power of micro moments. From there, the conversation moves into the heart of her work: how the tiny, consistent behaviours we model become the architecture of how we treat each other at scale. She shares how Higson builds change-ready cultures, why clarity is an act of kindness, and how vulnerability from a leader doesn't weaken authority—it creates the conditions for real trust.  They also tackle inclusion head-on—unpacking the critical difference between diversity and inclusion, the unconscious bias we all carry, and how even the language we use with toddlers is quietly shaping future leaders. And Augusta makes a compelling case that fun, charity, and giving back aren't soft add-ons—they're non-negotiables, built into processes and calendars precisely because life is busy and good intentions alone don't get it done.  This is a conversation that will nudge you to look differently at how habits, tone, and attention shape the people around you—at home, in your community, and at work.   Episode Timeline: 00:04:18  Parenting as a leadership practice  00:06:41  Why micro moments are the real culture builders  00:09:31  Building a change culture, not just surviving change  00:12:59  The importance of kindness and vulnerability 00:18:02  Financial transparency, strategy days 00:21:24  Culture add, not culture fit 00:23:56  Core values of of Higson 00:29:06  Making the values a non-negotiable 00:34:38  The people behind the passion and authenticity 00:36:35  Stubbornness as a values-led superpower  00:41:14  The impact of her Oxford days 00:43:10  Diversity vs inclusion – what leaders get wrong  00:52:26  Why culture change stalls at the poster  00:58:44  Intelligent failure and the Rose, Thorn, Bud tool  01:04:57  What a parenting book teaches us about leadership  01:08:16  Boundaries over balance   Key Takeaway: Culture Lives in Behaviour, Not Slogans: Values on a wall mean nothing without the layer below them. Define what your values look like in practice, build them into how you hire, appraise and recognise people—then they become culture. Most organisations skip that step.  Kindness is a Performance Tool, Not a Nice-to-Have: Honest communication, genuine recognition and psychological safety aren't soft—they're the foundation of high performance. Teams that trust their leader navigate change faster, stay longer and go further above and beyond.  Diversity Gets People in the Room. Inclusion Keeps Them There: A diverse team without an inclusive culture doesn't outperform—it underperforms. Around 70% of how included someone feels comes directly from their leader. Check your language, challenge your biases, and make sure people feel heard—not just present.  If It Matters, Build It In—Don't Just Intend It: Charity work, fun, wellbeing check-ins, strategy days—none of it happens on good intentions alone. If something is a value, make it a non-negotiable: schedule it, process it, protect it. Otherwise, busy wins.   About Augusta Vivian: Augusta Vivian is a people development and organisational culture expert who works with leaders and teams to build inclusive, high-performing workplaces and lead through change. As Founder and CEO of the people consultancy Higson, she specialises in designing leadership frameworks, behavioural change programmes, and talent practices rooted in psychological insight that help organisations communicate better, innovate, and thrive. With a degree in Psychology from the University of Oxford, Augusta combines deep expertise in human behaviour with a mission to create positive social and environmental impact — including donating a significant portion of Higson's profits to charity and achieving B Corp certification. Today, she partners with professionals who want to transform culture, strengthen leadership, and drive lasting results in their organisations.   Resources Mentioned: The Right Kind of Wrong: https://a.co/054z87s9  The Whole-Brain Child: https://drdansiegel.com/book/the-whole-brain-child/    Connect with Augusta Vivian: Website: https://consulthigson.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augustavivian/    Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan:  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LegendaryLeaderswithCathleenOS   FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

What if the person making your work life miserable isn't just difficult—but following a predictable pattern you were never taught to recognize? In this eye-opening episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Lena Sisco—former military interrogator at Guantanamo Bay and expert in dark psychology—whose unflinching take on toxic workplaces will make you see that impossible boss in a completely different light.  Lena shares how she went from aspiring archaeologist to interrogating terror suspects, why her narcissistic boss threw a laptop across a C-suite meeting then got her fired while the company protected him, and why her neighbor's daughter stayed trapped in an abusive marriage for 10 years over an incident involving crackers. With striking honesty, she explains why she lived with anger for a year over that firing, why taking up physical space literally drops your stress hormones, and why kindness became her secret weapon in the interrogation room.  Together, Cathleen and Lena explore what manipulation actually looks like in daily interactions, why you cannot change someone with a personality disorder no matter how reasonable you are, and the hard truth about when systems protect bad behavior. This conversation is for anyone dealing with a boss who never gets held accountable, stuck doubting yourself in a toxic relationship, or ready to stop giving manipulative people free rent in your head—because sometimes the most powerful move isn't proving you can handle it, it's recognizing the pattern and walking away.   Episode Timeline: 00:08:10 Why she wrote The 13 Power Moves of Dark Psychology  00:14:04 What dark psychology actually is  00:22:14 The abuse cycle: fear, love bombing, and guilt trips  00:28:01 Her narcissistic boss threw a laptop in a C-suite meeting  00:32:38 Why she got fired for holding him accountable  00:40:55 Teaching empathy to a Marine Corps colonel  00:57:24 The physical shift that drops cortisol instantly  01:05:53 The SBIR feedback tool for accountability  01:12:42 Her first day at Guantanamo Bay  01:23:15 Why kindness became her interrogation superpower  01:33:50 Three accurate tells that someone is lying to you    Key Takeaway: You Can't Change a Narcissist—You Can Only Change How You Show Up: Personality disorders are in someone's DNA and neural pathways. No amount of reasoning, fairness, or empathy will change them. The only thing you control is whether you stay in that dynamic or protect yourself by setting boundaries and walking away.  Kindness Isn't Weakness—It's the Most Powerful Tool You Have: Lena's interrogation breakthrough came from taking off a detainee's handcuffs and offering tea, not from yelling or intimidation. Being kind to someone who's lying or manipulating you takes the strongest willpower—and it actually works because it disarms them while keeping you in control of the conversation.  Taking Up Physical Space Literally Drops Your Stress Hormones: When you uncross your arms, plant your feet, lift your chin, and open your palms, your cortisol drops and your confidence rises. Before any difficult conversation, reset your body first—because when you feel small physically, your whole demeanor gets smaller. Move your body, move your mind.  If Someone Can't Answer a Simple Yes or No Question, They're Probably Lying: Truthful people have no problem with direct answers. Liars dodge, embellish, and avoid committing because they can't take accountability. Watch for shoulder shrugs on definitive statements, head shakes that don't match their words, and rambling non-answers—these are the most accurate tells that someone isn't being honest with you.   About Lena Sisco: Lena Sisco is a communication and human behavior expert working with leaders and organizations navigating high-stakes conversations and complex decision-making. A former Department of Defense–certified military interrogator and Naval Human Intelligence Officer, Lena served during the Global War on Terror, conducting hundreds of interrogations that shaped her expertise in rapport-building, elicitation, and truth-seeking under pressure. She later founded The Congruency Group and Sector Intelligence, translating elite HUMINT tradecraft into practical tools for leadership, negotiation, and influence. Lena brings hard-won experience in reading behavior, managing uncertainty, and leading with clarity when the stakes are high. Today, she works with professionals who want to communicate with confidence and authority in moments that matter most.   Connect with Lena Sisco: Website: https://www.lenasisco.com/  Website: https://www.thecongruencygroup.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-sisco-8a31b451  Book: https://www.lenasisco.com/books  TruthScan AI: https://www.thecongruencygroup.com/truthscanai    Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan:  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LegendaryLeaderswithCathleenOS     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.

What if your career success was never meant to be about the next promotion—but how free you feel every single day when you show up?  In this powerful episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Clare Laycock—former SVP at Warner Brothers Discovery who spent 30+ years leading major UK television brands—whose honest account of walking away will make you question what you're actually chasing.  Clare shares how she fell into TV by grabbing someone else's unwanted placement, why her boss told her "you make it look too easy" when she asked for promotion, and why in television if you're not failing you're not trying hard enough. With disarming candor, she explains why she ran an Epic Fails Day with her team every year, why losing status hit harder than expected when people stopped returning her emails, and why she spent months dreaming about work even though her shoulders felt physically lighter the moment she left.  Together, Cathleen and Clare explore what it means to protect your team while the pressure crushes you, why "soft skills" being dismissed made her want to scream, and the shock of having to rehearse what to say at events when "I used to be..." doesn't work anymore. This conversation is for anyone navigating change, stuck at a crossroads, or binge-watching The Sopranos while processing what just happened to their identity—because sometimes the bravest thing isn't climbing higher, it's finally admitting you're done pretending easy work means it doesn't matter.    Episode Timeline:   00:06:24 Falling into TV by grabbing an unwanted placement  00:10:04 If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough  00:14:21 Selling creativity to the bottom line  00:18:48 Protecting your team through brutal restructures  00:25:15 Vulnerability without losing strength  00:29:35 What difficult leaders taught her  00:31:45 Make a decision and make it the right one  00:35:09 Epic Fails Day and undervalued soft skills  00:43:06 You make it look too easy  00:50:28 When a culture just isn't right for you  00:59:53 Her shoulders felt instantly lighter  01:05:02 Redefining success beyond title and salary  01:10:59 Losing status and binge-watching The Sopranos  01:14:29 Introducing yourself without a big title   Key Takeaway: Walking Away Isn't Failure—Staying Stuck Is: Just because you've spent 30 years building success doesn't mean you can't choose differently. Clare's shoulders felt physically lighter the moment she left, even through the shock. The real trap isn't leaving—it's staying somewhere that crushes you when you know you're ready for something else.  "You Make It Look Too Easy" Is a Leadership Compliment—Not a Reason to Deny Promotion: When your boss tells you this, it means you've mastered the hardest skill: making complex work feel simple. But organizations undervalue leadership as a "soft skill," so you have to learn to dial up your profile by just 5%—not to brag, but to be seen for what you're actually delivering.  Failure Isn't Something to Hide—It's How You Innovate: Clare ran Epic Fails Day every year with her team. In TV, most programs fail—so if you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough. Getting failure out in the open takes the fear away and feeds into your strategy for next year. It's liberating when you stop pretending everything's perfect.  Losing Status Hits Harder Than You Think—And That's Okay to Admit: When you leave, people stop returning your emails. You have to rehearse new words at industry events because "I used to be..." doesn't work anymore. Clare dreamed about work for months even after leaving. Processing the identity shift takes time—and pretending it doesn't is what keeps people trapped.     About Clare Laycock:   Clare Laycock is a leadership coach working with media professionals navigating transition, growth, and change. A former SVP and Head of Content Networks & Streaming UK at Warner Brothers Discovery, Clare spent over 30 years leading major UK television brands. She launched channels during the digital revolution, managed multi-million dollar content strategies, and built fiercely loyal teams through brutal restructures and industry upheaval. Clare brings hard-won experience in protecting creative teams while managing business pressures and leading through ambiguity. Since retraining as a coach, she works with leaders who are stuck, burned out, or ready for something different—helping them redefine success beyond titles and build careers that feel aligned instead of crushing.   Connect with Clare Laycock: Website: https://www.clarelaycock.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-laycock-2200b821/  Email: clarelaycock5@gmail.com    Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan:  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LegendaryLeaderswithCathleenOS   FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.

Could a teenage peasant girl from the 15th century hold the keys to your next big breakthrough? What if your age, title, or experience had nothing to do with your ability to lead?Welcome back to Bacon Bits with Master Happiness for Part 2 of our 12-part series, Legendary Leaders. In this episode, host Marty Jalove and his sons, Luke and Nate, travel back in time to unpack the incredible leadership of Joan of Arc.This isn't your average history lesson. It's a fun, family-fueled discussion that decodes Joan's genius into a powerful and practical framework you can use today: the B.A.C.O.N. method.Join us to learn how to lead with:Belief: Build unshakable conviction in your mission.Action: Overcome analysis paralysis and create momentum.Courage: Lead from the front, even when you're afraid.Ownership: Earn trust through total accountability.Narrative: Create a story that unites and inspires your team.If you've ever felt like the odds were stacked against you, this episode will show you that true leadership comes from within. Tune in to learn, laugh, and discover how to apply these timeless lessons to your own life. Let's bring home the B.A.C.O.N.!www.MasterHappiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martyjalove/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Master.Happiness.Coach#Leadership #JoanOfArc #BaconBits #MasterHappiness #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessPodcast #Motivation #CareerAdvice #LegendaryLeaders

What if the key to success wasn't fitting in—but finally giving yourself permission to stop trying? In this refreshingly raw episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Fiona Fraser—founder of Power PR and former BBC publicist—whose unfiltered honesty about ADHD, identity, and the exhausting performance of "professionalism" will make you question everything you've been told about showing up. Fiona shares what it was like spending years learning to sit on her personality in corporate environments, the casual dinner party moment when two friends diagnosed her ADHD like it was obvious to everyone but her, and why she left TV during COVID to build her own agency. With trademark directness, she explains why she can't do small talk with senior executives when she's already defended their show all weekend, why anger was her go-to ADHD response, and why the spa isn't a luxury—it's nervous system regulation. Together, Cathleen and Fiona explore why "you're not sociable enough" often means "you didn't perform emotional labor we never asked for," the stop-and-drop cycle that leaves you sick on every holiday, and why Married at First Sight at 9pm might be the most important boundary you set. This conversation is for anyone who's ever felt like an alien in open-plan offices, been told to "try harder" with people who treat you terribly, or wondered if leaving corporate means failure—when really, staying stuck might be the only shame worth naming.     Episode Timeline:   00:11:02 From BBC to 19 years in television publicity 00:12:52 COVID, motherhood, and leaving TV to build Power PR 00:18:07 The biggest shame isn't failure—it's staying stuck 00:21:21 Breaking free from "work hard" culture 00:27:19 Ambitious vs. too ambitious: fear vs. self-protection 00:32:13 Hiring an assistant and letting go of instant email responses 00:36:32 The casual dinner party ADHD diagnosis 00:38:12 Energy waves with ADHD: ride it or drown 00:41:09 Sensory overload: coughing, sneezing, and rage responses 00:47:24 Feeling like an alien and never quite fitting in 00:50:09 "I can't do small talk"—relationship building for the sake of it 00:53:17 "You didn't try hard enough" after defending their show all weekend 01:01:45 The unashamed ADHD leader who gets results 01:09:09 PR without selling your soul: controlling your message 01:18:38 Final insight: Get yourself unstuck as quickly as possible​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​   Key Takeaway: Staying Stuck Is the Real Shame—Not Changing Your Mind: Just because you've had success doesn't mean you can never change again. You can leave corporate, struggle, even go back—none of it is failure. The only shame is staying somewhere that drains you when your days are finite. If you're good, you'll get another job. If you feel stuck, get unstuck as quickly as possible. Boundaries Protect Your Energy—And Your Energy Determines Your Results: For Fiona with ADHD, energy comes in waves: 8-11am peak, 12-3pm crash, 4-6pm comeback. Working effectively means protecting those windows fiercely and accepting that if work doesn't happen during your peak, it won't happen. Boundaries aren't about being difficult—they're about understanding how you actually work and setting up your day so you can deliver. Whether it's hiring an assistant for email or taking Fridays (mostly) off, it's about giving clients better results by protecting what's finite. Recognizing Strengths Matters More Than Performative Relationships: Real leadership isn't about making people go to lunch with executives who treat them badly. It's understanding how your people work, what drives them, and what they're actually good at. Build teams around what clients need and who they'll work well with. When you respect people's strengths and working styles, you get loyalty and results—not resentment and burnout. Your Achievements Aren't Bragging—They're Taking a Moment to Actually See Yourself: When leaders can't recognize their own achievements, they create cultures where no one does. Sharing your story—the hard parts, the barriers you've overcome—isn't "too much information." It's what makes you human. Recognizing what you've created isn't arrogance. It's seeing yourself clearly instead of racing past your own life.   About Fiona Fraser: Fiona Fraser is the Founder and Director of POW PR, the UK's leading podcast-focused public relations agency, where creators, production companies, and niche experts turn standout shows into chart-topping media brands. A former television publicist with over a decade in the industry, Fiona has led PR campaigns for the BBC, Channel 4, and global production companies including Warner Bros., Fremantle, and Endemol. Since launching POW PR in 2020, she has helped clients secure multiple No. 1 podcast chart positions and drive audience growth through strategy-led PR alone. Fiona believes podcasts aren't just content—they're powerful platforms for influence, and when positioned correctly, they become impossible to ignore.   Connect with Fiona Fraser: Website: https://www.powpr.co.uk  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-fraser-powpr  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepodcastexpert    Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan:  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LegendaryLeaderswithCathleenOS   FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.

What if the most powerful shift you could make as a leader wasn't another productivity hack—but simply learning to breathe? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Anthony Abbagnano—founder of the Alchemy of Breath and one of the world's leading voices in modern breathwork—whose calm presence and practical wisdom will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about resilience.  Anthony shares why most of us have unlearned how to breathe properly, and why that disconnection costs us more than we realize. He opens up about his midlife crisis in Ibiza, the moment he realized he'd abandoned his inner child for sixty years, and how inner child work isn't just playfulness—it's reconciling with the wounded parts we left behind. With disarming warmth, he explains why trauma can be our teacher, how the difference between "reactive" and "creative" is just moving one letter, and why ten breaths before a meeting might be the most productive thing you do all day.  Together, Cathleen and Anthony explore why we lose choice under stress, the neuroscience behind overwhelm, and how the Coherence breath—a simple five-second inhale, five-second exhale—can regulate your nervous system in five minutes. This conversation is for anyone racing through life, leading from chaos instead of calm, or wondering where they've been holding their breath—and what might happen if they finally let go.     Episode Timeline:   00:00:46 Why most people have unlearned to breathe properly 00:06:08 Inner child work: beyond playfulness to reconciliation 00:07:35 Anthony's midlife crisis in Ibiza and creating "the bridge" process 00:13:17 How trauma takes our breath away and embeds in the body 00:17:06 Restoring choice to a choiceless moment 00:22:15 Outer Chaos, Inner Calm: navigating today's messy world 00:28:11 Reactive vs. creative: moving one letter to transform leadership 00:31:19 Building community: the five-year Italy experiment 00:42:28 Why Western society lives in shallow breathing 00:47:02 The gradient of choice: how stress shrinks our options 00:48:07 Ten breaths that transformed a hostile boardroom meeting 00:53:06 Meet, prevail, acknowledge, celebrate: the four stages of growth 00:57:41 How breath creates space for creativity in business  01:08:26 The Coherence breath: a live demonstration  01:19:53 Take a breath before you react (and do a random act of kindness)     Key Takeaway:   Trauma Takes Your Breath Away—Healing Means Taking It Back: When we're wounded, we literally lose our breath in that moment of impact. The body absorbs the shock and stores it as chronic tension or disease. But trauma isn't something to erase—it's something to learn from. Mo Gowdat surveyed 12,000 trauma survivors and 99% said they'd keep their trauma for the growth it brought. The work isn't forgetting the wounded parts; it's restoring choice to the moments where breath—and power—were taken away. One Breath Creates Space—And Space Creates Choice: Write out "reactive." Move the "C" to the front and you get "creative." That's what one breath does. Under stress, we self-lobotomize—exporting processing power to our amygdala, leaving us with only fight, flight, or freeze. But one conscious breath creates space between stimulus and response. Ten breaths before a meeting can transform hostility into harmony. It's not about fixing the problem—it's about polishing your lens so you can see solutions that were there all along. The Coherence Breath: Five In, Five Out, Five Minutes, Three Times a Day: Breathe in through your nose for five seconds, out for five seconds. This practice—used by military and SWAT teams worldwide—regulates your nervous system and becomes your automatic response to tension. After two weeks, it stops being something you "do" and becomes how you breathe. When panic hits? Extend your exhale to counter rising stress. Practice it when you're calm so you can reach for it when you're not. Inspire Literally Means to Bring In Spirit—That's What Leadership Looks Like: Four-fifths of neural messages go from body to brain, not the other way around. Your body knows things your mind hasn't figured out yet. Conscious breathing slows your frontal lobe and creates space for insight beyond thinking. You're not just calming down—you're accessing what Anthony calls "spiritual resources." That's when quantum shifts happen: when you stop trying to think your way through and start breathing your way into clarity.     About Anthony Abbagnano:   Anthony Abbagnano is a visionary healer, breathwork pioneer, and the founder of Alchemy of Breath, where a global community of over 100,000 seekers turns a biological reflex into a tool for radical transformation. A former international entrepreneur—only to walk away from the corporate world to study under masters in India and the Amazon. He's trained facilitators in 40+ countries and shared stages with everyone from Deepak Chopra to Gabor Maté. His latest book, Outer Chaos, Inner Calm, explores trauma, addiction, and the art of "self-remembering," weaving in the philosophical influence of his uncle. Anthony teaches that "the breath is the bridge" to our forgotten parts, and that in a world designed to keep us in a state of "fight or flight," the most revolutionary act you can take is a conscious inhale.     Connect with Anthony Abbagnano: Website (Alchemy of Breath): https://alchemyofbreath.com/  Website (ASHA): https://www.asha.global  Book: https://alchemyofbreath.com/outer-chaos-inner-calm/      Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan:  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LegendaryLeaderswithCathleenOS   FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

What can a Roman Emperor teach us about modern leadership? More than you might think.In this kickoff episode of our 2026 "Legendary Leaders" series, Marty "Master Happiness" Jalove and his son, Nate, dive deep into the mind of the Philosopher King himself: Marcus Aurelius. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a young leader just starting your climb, the ancient wisdom of Stoicism holds the key to mastering your mindset in the boardroom.Join this dynamic father-son duo as they bring home the BACON, applying our signature framework of Balance, Accountability, Compassion, Optimism, and Nurturing to the challenges of today's workplace.Are you reacting to the storm, or finding stillness within it? Are you building a legacy, or just chasing a title?In this episode, we discuss:Why "The Inner Citadel" is crucial for managing stress.How to "get curious before you get furious" with your team.The art of Amor Fati (loving your fate) and turning obstacles into opportunities.Why true leaders plant trees under whose shade they never expect to sit.Tune in for the laughs, stay for the lessons, and discover how to lead with logic and love.Listen now to transform your leadership journey! Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss a bite of wisdom.#MasterHappiness #WhatsYourBacon #MarcusAurelius #Stoicism #PhilosopherKing

What makes someone quit a six-figure advertising career to write books that help people think differently? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Karen Salmansohn—bestselling author, behavioral change expert, and the creative force behind NotSalmon.com—whose sharp wit and mortality-driven wisdom will make you rethink everything on your to-do list. Karen shares why fun isn't frivolous—it's fuel. She breaks down the science of why laughter literally shakes ideas loose, explains why her "e-pee-phanies" in the bathroom cracked more creative codes than caffeine ever did, and reveals the mortality marble jar that transformed how she spends every single month. With disarming honesty, she opens up about hiding her intelligence to be liked and finally "coming out" as a smart person in her sixties. Together, Cathleen and Karen explore the fatal flaw of to-do lists, why your identity is the puppet master of your habits, and how writing your own eulogy can wake you up from a "near-life experience." This conversation is for anyone who's tired of sleepwalking through their days and ready to design a life their future self will actually thank them for.   Episode Timeline: 00:05:36 How funny are you? Karen's son vs. Jon Stewart's verdict  00:06:34 Fun as a high-performance fuel (and meditation on steroids)  00:09:23 Manifestation, energy, and why confidence attracts results  00:14:48 From advertising to authorship: quitting the senior VP job her parents hated  00:19:38 The Häagen-Dazs theory on productivity: only pick what excites you  00:22:35 Procrastination strategies: turn your pain into purpose 00:27:03 Writing your eulogy: the wake-up call that changes everything  00:29:41 The fatal flaw of to-do lists (and why you need a to-die list)  00:33:31 The seven core values that minimize regret: A to G  00:38:31 Identity-based statements: "I am loving, so I find a way to Connecticut"  00:44:34 Feisty then, feisty now: how Karen sold the book her agent didn't want  00:46:33 Hiding her intelligence to be liked, then embracing it fully in her sixties 00:57:14 Hedonia vs. eudaimonia: why happiness isn't the goal  01:00:16 Life as a den of pleasure AND a laboratory for growth  01:12:51 Near-life experiences: when you're scrolling instead of living  01:16:07 The mortality marble jar: 437 marbles and a monthly reckoning   Key Takeaway: Your Identity Is the Puppet Master of Your Habits: Who you think you are determines what you actually do. If you walk around thinking "I'm sloppy," you'll do sloppy things. If you think "I'm a loving person," you'll find a way to get to Connecticut for your friend's birthday—even without a car. Studies show people who identified as "voters" were three times more likely to show up at the polls than those who just heard clever slogans. Change your identity statement, change your behavior.  To-Do Lists Prioritize Productivity, Not Meaning—That's Their Fatal Flaw: You can check off every box on your to-do list and still waste your life. Karen created a "to-die list" alongside her to-do list—a place for meaningful habits tied to core values, not just tasks. The top regrets of the dying? Working too hard, not spending time with friends, not allowing themselves to be happier, not living true to themselves. Your to-die list is the bridge between current you and the person your eulogy will describe.  Life Is a Den of Pleasure AND a Laboratory for Growth—You Need Both: We're addicted to instant gratification—scrolling, avoiding discomfort, waiting for "someday." But here's the truth: you can't seize every day. Aristotle said the goal isn't living pain-free; it's learning lessons that grow you into your best self. Emotional diversity is what makes you flourish. Instead of "seize the day," try "seize every other day." The moments in the laboratory of growth—where you get curious about your patterns and repair what keeps repeating—are what make the pleasure meaningful. The Mortality Marble Jar: Math That Shakes You Awake: Karen calculated how many months she has left if she lives to 100 (she promised her son). She bought that many marbles, put them in a jar, and every month she moves one marble to her "past" jar. The first time she did it, she couldn't remember what she'd done that month. Depressing. Now she intentionally plans meaningful experiences—dancing with friends, theater nights, time with her son—so when she holds that marble, she has something to report. The question that changes everything: "Is this really worth a marble of my life?"   About Karen Salmansohn: Karen Salmansohn is a bestselling author, behavioral change expert, and the founder of NotSalmon.com, where 1.5 million followers get their daily dose of psychology wrapped in wit. A former senior VP creative director who walked away from advertising in her twenties—despite her parents' protests—she's sold over 2 million books including How to Be Happy, Dammit and Think Happy, and her work has appeared everywhere from Oprah's platform to Psychology Today.Her latest book, Your To-Die-For Life, tackles mortality, regret, and the art of living intentionally—complete with a marble jar in her kitchen that tracks every month she has left if she lives to 100. Karen teaches that fun isn't a bonus, it's fuel, and that your identity is the puppet master of your habits.   Connect with Karen Salmansohn: Website (NotSalmon): https://www.notsalmon.com/  Book (Your To Die For Life): https://yourtodieforlife.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notsalmon/  Twitter/X: https://x.com/Notsalmon  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Notsalmon/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/NotsalmonTV  Substack: https://notsalmon.substack.com/    Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan:  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LegendaryLeaderswithCathleenOS   FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.

What makes a complete stranger walk up to you on a bus and say, "I'm really having a hard time today"? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Darryl Stickel—trust researcher, founder of Trust Unlimited, and author of Building Trust—whose life's work reveals that connection isn't magic. It's a skill you can learn, practice, and pull off even when everything feels like it's falling apart.    Darryl shares why trust isn't just about certainty—it's about being willing to get hurt. He breaks down the formula, explains why leaders who admit they're not perfect inspire fierce loyalty, and walks through the exact steps he used to help warring union reps and board executives shake hands after five years in court. With disarming honesty, he opens up about surviving multiple concussions, navigating life as a legally blind leader, and discovering that accepting help isn't weakness—it's a gift you give other people.    Together, Cathleen and Darryl explore what it means to lead without pretending, why "share, don't scare" transforms relationships, and how pulling three specific levers can rebuild trust faster than you think. This conversation is for anyone who's tired of surface-level connections and ready to do the uncomfortable work that actually brings people closer.     Episode Timeline:   00:02:38 Why vulnerability is the part of trust everyone ignores  00:05:02 The trust equation: uncertainty × vulnerability = perceived risk  00:09:51 When not to be vulnerable: protecting yourself while staying open 00:15:54 Three levers every leader needs: benevolence, integrity, ability  00:26:35 Men, mental health, and the Aspirational Men's Program  00:30:53 Internal vs. external locus of control: what you actually control  00:39:43 The benevolence conversation: "What does success look like for you?"  00:50:41 Five years in court: how he got unions and executives talking again  00:57:48 "I feel uncertainty" vs. "I don't trust you": the language that neutralizes conflict  01:08:56 The one small step: start with a dose of vulnerability  01:14:09 The father who went from "they're scared of me" to "they fight over who sits next to me"  01:18:12 Hockey, concussions, and finding purpose in the wreckage     Key Takeaway:   Trust = Uncertainty × Vulnerability, and Both Are at All-Time Highs: Trust isn't just about predicting someone's behavior—it's about being willing to be hurt when you can't know for sure what they'll do. In deep relationships, uncertainty shrinks and vulnerability expands. But right now, with uncertainty spiking everywhere, even small asks for vulnerability feel like jumping off a cliff.  Refusing Help Is Selfish—You're Robbing People of Joy: Darryl told a room of executives: "You just shared how powerful it is to help someone. Now explain why you're so effing selfish—you never let anyone have that experience with you." When you never admit you need help or show vulnerability, you steal the gift of contribution from others. Even the struggling woman panhandling on the street felt meaning when she could help the blind guy cross.  Change the Story, Change Everything: Darryl's son wanted a baseball scholarship, so Darryl "nagged" him about eating well, practicing, studying, being a good teammate. But because they'd defined success together first, his son heard every nudge as "Dad has my back" instead of criticism. We interpret the world through stories—if you don't actively shape the narrative, 20 different versions will spread, and most won't work in your favor.  Start With One Small Dose of Vulnerability: Don't open the kimono. Don't pretend you're clueless. Just admit you made a mistake in the past, probably will in the future, or need someone's expertise on something. Leaders reach positions because of technical skill—that skill atrophies the moment you sit behind a desk. Tell people: "You're the expert now. I'm going to need your help." That small crack opens everything.     About Darryl Stickel:   Darryl Stickel is founder of Trust Unlimited and author of Building Trust: Exceptional Leadership in an Uncertain World. He holds a PhD from Duke University, where his doctoral thesis on building trust in hostile environments was so groundbreaking his advisors admitted he'd solved what they thought was impossible. After consulting at McKinsey & Company, Darryl founded Trust Unlimited in 2001 and has since worked with unions, military units, Fortune 500 companies, and nonprofits worldwide—from helping the Canadian military build trust with locals in Afghanistan to reuniting fathers with sons who'd given up hope. Legally blind and navigating the world with his guide dog Drake, Darryl teaches that vulnerability isn't weakness—it's the foundation of everything that matters.      Connect with Darryl Stickel: LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/darryl-stickel-phd  Website: https://www.trustunlimited.com/  Book: https://www.trustunlimited.com/book/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Trust-Unlimited-Inc/61563450129818/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/darrylstickel  YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@DarrylStickel_BuildingTrust Podcast: https://imperfectcafe.buzzsprout.com/      Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan:  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/      FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS  

What does it take to lead with both purpose and perseverance? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Kate Grant—CEO of the Fistula Foundation and author of No Woman Left Behind—whose remarkable journey from Madison Avenue to global health leadership reveals what can happen when compassion meets conviction.    Kate shares how walking away from a thriving advertising career became the first step toward transforming the lives of more than 100,000 women suffering from obstetric fistula—a preventable childbirth injury that still affects over a million women in the world's most underserved regions. With honesty and humility, she opens up about redefining success, the courage it takes to stay focused on one mission, and how saying "no" to good ideas is often the price of real impact. Cathleen O'Sullivan (Merkel)   Together, Cathleen and Kate explore the intersection of leadership, purpose, and humanity—what it means to build something that lasts, lead with heart, and never look away from the people and problems that need us most. This conversation is for anyone who believes leadership is less about power and more about the lives we choose to touch.     Episode Timeline:   00:03:34 What is obstetric fistula and why it still exists  00:07:39 The devastating social cost: ostracism, shame, and isolation  00:16:21 A survivor's story: 30 years of suffering and the gift of a chicken  00:28:30 Building a global network: from one hospital to 35 countries  00:33:12 The fundraising approach: efficiency, focus, and saying no  00:38:25 Ensuring quality: working with expert surgeons and measuring outcomes  00:47:15 Leaving Madison Avenue: when success isn't enough  00:53:05 The earthquake and breakup that cracked everything open  01:03:11 Redefining success: career, motherhood, and the myth of having it all  01:10:00 What's next: stepping down and training as a therapist  01:19:16 Final wisdom: listen to your inner voice and own your choices     Key Takeaway:   A Hidden Crisis with a Solution: Obstetric fistula—a childbirth injury from obstructed labor—affects at least one million women in Africa and Asia, leaving them incontinent and ostracized. Yet 90% of cases are fixable with surgery, making this needless suffering Kate refuses to accept. Relentless Focus Drives Impact: The Fistula Foundation does one thing exceptionally well—funding surgeries—and has helped over 100,000 women by resisting mission creep, measuring outcomes rigorously, and treating the nonprofit like a results-driven business. Listen to Your Inner Voice: Kate left a successful advertising career after travel exposed her to global poverty and an earthquake cracked her life open—proving that transformation requires quieting external voices and giving your own inner compass a microphone. Empowerment Through Accountability: When problems arise, assume you created them—not to blame yourself, but to empower yourself to learn and fix what's broken rather than playing victim to circumstances or other people. You Can't Have It All at Once: Success means making intentional choices about where to invest finite energy—Kate chose her son and the foundation over remarriage, showing that owning your trade-offs without apology is more honest than pretending you can do everything equally well.     About Kate Grant:   Kate Grant is a global health and social-impact leader with over 25 years of experience advancing maternal health and women's rights worldwide. As President & CEO of Fistula Foundation, she has expanded access to life-changing surgeries for thousands of women across Africa and Asia while building high-performing teams and partnerships with governments and NGOs. She is also the author of No Woman Left Behind – A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth, a memoir highlighting her journey from a corporate career to leading a global health movement. Known for her equity-focused, collaborative leadership, Kate's mission is to ensure every woman has the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified life.     Connect with Kate Grant: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-grant-92110561/  Website: https://fistulafoundation.org/  No Woman Left Behind (Book): https://fistulafoundation.org/no-woman-left-behind/      Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan:  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/      FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS  

Get ready for an inspiring conversation with our host Cathleen O'Sullivan  and Laura Venezia, an educational leader whose passion for nurturing others has taken her across the U.S., China, Hong Kong, and now Germany. In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Laura reflects on her early love of teaching, the challenges and lessons of working internationally, and how her commitment to kindness and inclusion continues to guide her as a leader. She shares practical advice on balancing technology with real connection, building collaborative relationships, and embracing those everyday moments that can have a lasting impact. Laura also talks about her shift from teacher to leader, learning to let go of needing approval, and the importance of staying true to your values when leading yourself and others.   Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction 08:11 Discovering passion in early education 15:48 Building a unique identity within a multicultural school setting 17:38 Spontaneous move to China, culture shock in education, and risks of individual learning over collaboration 26:02 Using tech wisely while embracing curiosity and unscripted teachable moments 32:15 Making space for curiosity and role modeling openness 37:33 Transition through COVID, values-driven community in Germany, and leadership journey 42:11 Leadership as guiding others, building trust, and creating safe spaces 45:43 Finding alignment through support, self-reflection, and feedback 52:34 Growth through uncertainty, shifting from classroom teacher to school-wide leader 55:41 Embracing authenticity and letting go of control 59:47 Asking better questions, listening deeply, and creating presence in family life   Key Takeaway: Purpose Over Performance: Laura highlights that leadership in education and beyond is about nurturing kind and authentic people, not just chasing results. Role Modelling and Connection: Laura explains why our behaviour as leaders matters most, from how we manage emotions to how we build relationships. Knowing Yourself: Laura and Cathleen talk about the importance of understanding your own values and letting go of the need for approval in order to grow as a leader.   About Laura Vinezia: Laura is an experienced educational leader with over 20 years experience in early childhood education. Her career has taken her across the globe, with impactful roles in schools in the United States, China, Hong Kong, and now Germany, where she continues to inspire and lead. Passionate about the foundational years of learning, Laura is deeply committed to nurturing young minds and hearts. Her work is guided by a clear and meaningful purpose: to help “make good people.” Through her leadership, she strives to create inclusive, thoughtful, and compassionate learning environments that support the growth of both children and educators.   Connect with Laura: Business: lis.school LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-venezia X/Twitter: @LauraVCole   Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/ Youtube:   FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS Connect: 
 Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan Business: www.cathleenmerkel.com     Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com   LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel-2b0991151   Instagram: www.instagram.com/cathleenmerkel Twitter: twitter.com/CathleenMerkel7   SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS.  

Do you ever feel like you're chasing status, promotions, or recognition only to arrive and still feel unfulfilled? What if leadership wasn't about control, but about creative direction and truly designing a life and career that excites you?   In this inspiring episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen sits down with Vincent Wanga, dynamic design thought leader, brand strategist, creative executive, and author of The Art of Direction. Vincent's story bridges cultures and continents: from a Kenyan childhood, to hustling through setbacks in America, to helping build a billion-dollar tech unicorn. Along the way, he's developed a philosophy of relentless adaptability, creative courage, and leadership that unlocks the best in others.   If you're craving more meaning, momentum, or creativity in your leadership journey, this episode will energise you to rethink what's possible.   Episode Timeline:   00:00 Introduction: Reframing creativity   02:45 Why chasing titles leaves us empty   07:02 From adversity to agency  13:04 Immigrant perspective: adaptability, onlyness and resilience   19:43 Building skills across industries & the power of pivoting   22:23 Embracing (and loving) imposter syndrome   33:47 Really listening and redefining expertise 41:28 The humility of leadership: paying yourself last   49:56 Nurturing leadership in teams and creating safe cultures   1:07:07 Vincent's leap into tech, loss, and building billion-dollar unicorns   1:13:43 Making adversity your rocket fuel (and what's next for Vincent)     Key Takeaways: Leadership is not about titles or control, but about creative direction and meaningful impact. Your darkest failures and detours are the rocket fuel for reinvention. If you want clients, teams, or work that truly excites you. Be both your boldest advocate and your most humble student.   About Vincent Wanga: Vincent Wanga is a dynamic international design thought leader, creative keynote speaker, award-winning creative and executive, author of The Art of Direction, serial entrepreneur, and experienced brand consultant with an exceptional range of expertise over a distinguished two-decade career.   Connect with Vincent: Website: https://www.vincentwanga.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-wanga Book:https://www.amazon.com/Art-Direction-Personal-Perspectives-Leadership/dp/B0DWR3911D Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS

Have you ever wondered why, no matter how big your ideas or how talented your team, you keep running into the same old obstacles at work? Today, in Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan, is talking to Doug Hall,  renowned innovation expert, founder of Eureka Ranch and Brain Brew Distillery, and author of  Proactive Problem Solving. Doug is on a mission to help leaders everywhere "stop the stupid" and restore real joy and creativity to the workplace.   If you're tired of endless meetings, redundant tasks, and systems that just don't make sense, get ready. This episode is packed with real-world examples, practical strategies you can apply today, and leadership insights you won't find anywhere else. Episode Timeline: 00:00  The “Stop the Stupid” mission with Doug Hall 02:19  Leadership's silent killer, and the surprising truth about wasted time 08:49 Doug's journey; real-life stories of broken systems and how tiny changes spark massive engagement 11:08 Enable employees to proactively solve problems 18:13 Focus on fundamental processes and effective communication 25:29  Getting leaders onboard  36:09 Saving 3.5 hours a day stopping the stupid 47:33 Collaborative problem-solving breakthrough 01:03:56 Unclear strategic direction issues 01:19:33 Embrace authentic innovation Key Takeaways: “Stop the stupid” is a powerful lens: Most wasted time and disengagement in companies come from outdated or broken systems Managers waste 3.5 hours a day on avoidable problems caused by dysfunctional processes and unclear communication. Proactive problem-solving is a skill not an accident: Doug outlines a three-step system that can increase your team's effectiveness by up to 500%.   About Doug Hall Doug Hall is an innovation expert, founder of Eureka Ranch and Brain Brew Distillery, and the author of the book Proactive Problem Solving. With nearly 50 years of experience in leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship, Doug's passion centers on helping organizations “stop the stupid”—his signature phrase for eliminating outdated systems that destroy productivity and creativity at work. Renowned for his energetic and practical approach, Doug translates complex innovation strategies into simple, actionable steps. He has worked with some of the world's largest companies, like Nike and Disney, and brings to the table real-world stories from both consulting and running his own rapidly-scaling bourbon business. Doug's mission is to empower leaders at all levels to create smarter, more engaging workplaces by tackling broken systems head-on and igniting the problem-solving power within their teams.   Connect with Doug:  Website: www.doughall.com Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS  

Why are there so many books on “leadership” but almost none on “followership?” To answer that question, we first return to the cockpit recording from the midair helicopter collision over Reagan International this past spring. This scenario illustrates what can go wrong when people are unprepared for a reversal of the leader/follower roles they are used to. Tony uses this example to dive into the complex dynamics of these relationships and the critical skills that engaged followers should be learning from their leaders as they grow their team contribution and experience level. From big picture thinking to habit/routine creation to growing your relationship network, being an active follower builds all the foundational elements required to someday become a legendary leader.

Have you ever found yourself stuck in the cycle of trying to be the “perfect” leader (always switched on, always in control) only to end up burned out and disconnected? In this solo episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan shares what happened when she finally let go of performing leadership and started showing up as herself.   From moments of self-doubt to the awkward reality of what she calls being a “cow at work,” Cathleen opens up about the pressures we put on ourselves to look like we've got it all together. She talks honestly about the impact it had on her well-being, her team, and her work and what changed when she chose presence over perfection. If you're feeling the weight of doing it all, or just wondering if there's a more human way to lead, this episode is for you. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction 04:59 Leadership thrives in authenticity; burnout taught me to lead from presence, not performance. 09:15 I wanted to lead as me with flaws, feelings, tired days and all.  13:06 You can't lead well in survival mode 14:45 The power of saying “I'm not quite on today” 16:55 Rethink feedback and self-leadership Key Takeaways: Authenticity over perfection: Cathleen talks honestly about moving from trying to lead perfectly to simply showing up as herself. Letting go of the pressure to always have it together helped her build real trust with others even on the messy days Burnout changed everything: Working non-stop to meet impossible standards left Cathleen burnt out and disconnected. That low point pushed her to slow down, get honest with herself, and start leading with more care and clarity The SPACE method makes it practical: Cathleen shares a simple five-part tool to lead with more presence, not performance. Connect:   Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS

Episode 258 of The Business Development Podcast features the incomparable Chester Elton, globally known as The Apostle of Appreciation. In this electrifying and heartfelt conversation, Chester dives deep into the transformative power of gratitude in leadership, sharing wisdom from his 15 bestselling books, including The Carrot Principle and Leading with Gratitude. He opens up about his personal journey, the core values that shaped his leadership philosophy, and how simple acts of appreciation can shift entire workplace cultures. Chester's storytelling mastery, genuine energy, and practical advice make this a can't-miss episode for anyone serious about leading with impact.Listeners are treated to real-world strategies for building trust, retaining top talent, and creating psychologically safe teams—all grounded in decades of experience. From the origins of his gratitude journal project to unforgettable lessons from his global work with CEOs and teams, this episode is as inspiring as it is actionable. Whether you're a founder, executive, or aspiring leader, Chester Elton offers a blueprint to lead with heart, elevate your people, and create lasting change through appreciation.Key Takeaways: 1. Gratitude isn't a soft skill—it's a leadership strategy that drives loyalty, performance, and culture.2. Recognition doesn't have to be expensive; it has to be specific, timely, and meaningful.3. The best leaders create safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.4. Culture is built in the little moments—how you show up every day, not just what you say.5. Leaders who lead with empathy and appreciation outperform those who lead with fear.6. Consistency in gratitude creates consistency in performance.7. Storytelling is a superpower in leadership—people remember feelings more than facts.8. You can't lead effectively if you don't understand the emotional drivers of your team.9. A simple thank-you note can change the trajectory of someone's career.10. Legendary leaders don't just manage—they care, listen, and elevate everyone around them.

What does it really mean to lead with authenticity and move from “I” to “We” in today's ever-evolving workplace? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan is joined for a second time by Kyle McDowell, bestselling author of Begin With We, speaker, leadership coach, and former Fortune 10 executive. They talk about what's changed since his book came out, how toxic cultures take hold, and why leading with principle matters more than ever. Episode Timeline:  1:38 Kyle's mission: moving from “I” to “We” in leadership  03:13 Cathleen invites listeners to reflect on their own leadership style and authenticity. 08:38 Kyle opens up about his long-standing experience with imposter syndrome. 12:16 The fine line between confidence and cockiness 15:31 Kyle shares his anti “fake it till you make it” stance  18:26 The continued growth of Kyle's book, Begin With We, and teases a second book. 23:03 The value of clear, jargon-free communication in leadership  26:24 How empathy and practical advice guide Kyle's evolution as a leader. 39:09 The challenges and impact of growing polarisation and toxicity in workplaces. 01:06:46 Kyle names his struggle with obsessing over details and how he balances strengths and weaknesses.   Key Takeaways: Real Leadership Starts with Principles: Kyle and Cathleen talk about what it really means to lead with values. For Kyle, it's about shifting from “I” to “we” and living out a set of clear, practical principles. Toxic Cultures Can't Always Be Fixed: They unpack what toxicity can look like, from one bad boss to a whole system. Kyle shares why it's important to know when you can create change and when it's time to walk away.  Doubt Happens, lead anyway: Both Cathleen and Kyle open up about imposter syndrome and how it shows up, even years into their careers. Kyle explains how he uses self-doubt as a check-in rather than a barrier.    About Kyle McDowell: Former Fortune 10 Executive turned inspirational speaker, bestselling author and leadership coach Kyle McDowell is on a quest to create cultures of excellence and reignite leaders' passion and purpose. With nearly three decades of experience leading tens of thousands of employees at some of America's biggest firms, McDowell's philosophy is rooted in his trademarked principles, The 10 WEs. While today's workforce is plagued with uncertainty and apathy, his strategy is simple - Begin With WE. McDowell's mission is clear: crush the deep-rooted dysfunctions so many organizations passively accept. During his incredibly successful run in corporate America, McDowell's leadership legacy was born from delivering superior results, empowering leaders, and driving massive cultural transformations. His Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller, Begin With WE, delves into the root causes of business dysfunction, offering a remedy through The 10 WEs framework. Rather than outsourcing solutions or ignoring cultural challenges, McDowell elevates leaders and sparks massive change within organizations by adopting a mindset that prioritizes “WE” over “I,” “you,” or “me.” McDowell's insights have earned him invitations to speak at prestigious business, educational, and nonprofit institutions, and his expertise has been featured in major national publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Inc. Magazine. Connect with Kyle: Instagram: www.instagram.com/kylemcdowellinc/ TikTok :www.tiktok.com/@kylemcdowellinc YoutTube: www.youtube.com/@kylemcdowellinc Facebook: www.facebook.com/KyleMcDowellInc X: x.com/KyleMcDowellInc LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kylemcdowellinc Website: www.kylemcdowellinc.com Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.

Are you constantly busy? In this solo episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan explores a powerful but often overlooked leadership principle: the importance of creating space. Drawing from her experience coaching leaders worldwide, Cathleen unpacks how stepping away from constant busyness and perfectionism can unlock greater clarity, impact, and presence. She introduces her signature SPACE method, offering practical ways to build in reflection, set boundaries, and lead with intention. A must-listen for anyone looking to lead with more focus, energy, and purpose, at work or at home.   Episode Timeline:    00:00 Introduction   04:13 The Book that changed my view on leadership   07:31 Introducing the SPACE Method: Leading with clarity and confidence   10:46 Responding vs. Reacting: The impact of inner space   15:14 The cost of carrying It all: Leadership and life load   18:43 What your arrival says about your leadership style   22:31 Rediscovering your light: What are your values and vision?   25:50 Where do you need more space?   Key Takeaways:   Cathleen explains that leadership isn't about doing more, but about creating space to pause and think clearly. She points out how being constantly busy, especially for women leaders, leads to burnout and stresses the need to set boundaries. The SPACE Method: Cathleen's method helps leaders stop, reflect, address limiting beliefs, and take clear steps to lead with confidence and ease. Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

What if your biggest career breakthrough came from breaking your own rules about what “success” is supposed to look like? On this episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with serial entrepreneur Joe Zentmyer for an honest, wide-ranging exploration of pivots, reinvention, and leading with genuine passion.   With over two decades of experience spanning Fortune 500 sales, food manufacturing, rock climbing gyms, and now a thriving aquarium supply business, Joe's unconventional story is living proof that authentic curiosity and adaptability trump following “the script.” If you've ever held yourself back from a new opportunity because it didn't fit the usual definition of success, this episode is for you.   Cathleen and Joe unpack the mindset shifts, resilience, and hard-won lessons that come with building (and sometimes rebuilding) teams and businesses from scratch. From learning the art of self-awareness and dealing with rapid change, to rebuilding after a crisis and keeping the entrepreneurial spark alive, this conversation will inspire you to take bold steps even (or especially) when the path is unconventional.   Episode Timeline Highlights: 06:36 From corporate life to becoming a climbing entrepreneur 13:21 Entrepreneurial life - you need to embrace the unknown 16:55 Performance problems are often leadership issues, not just HR 25:18 Climbing gym staff protests 31:01 Leaders can lack perspective in the midst of a crisis 33:22 Overcoming work overload: Need to find balance 40:46 Rediscovering leadership passion, post-Covid lockdowns 46:26 Passion-driven marketing and staffing 54:26 Hiring challenges for small businesses 01:01:40 Entrepreneurs need to embrace long-term optimism   Key Takeaways: True success in leadership and business is not one-size-fits-all; embracing your own curiosity and passion is the best guide. Building great teams starts with self-awareness, clear expectations, and prioritising attitude over technical skills. Crisis reveals character: resilience, honest communication, and willingness to learn from setbacks will define your leadership. Entrepreneurship isn't for everyone the risks and rewards are real. Understand your motivations, know your limits, and be willing to reflect and reset. Protect your passion by delegating, innovating, and making time for self-reflection—don't let the business become all-consuming. ABOUT Joe Zentmyer: As a serial entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience, Joe builds businesses by developing business managers along with systems that support those managers. He's very proud of the many young professionals he has mentored during his career. Joe's diverse business experience from food manufacturing to rock climbing gyms, gives him a unique perspective and ability to creatively assess every opportunity. He loves the process of creating a business and turning a concept into a profitable reality. Before launching Snaggletooth Goby, Joe c-ofounded First Ascent, a Chicago-based climbing and fitness chain. From 2013 to 2022, his partners, investors, and himself grew the business to seven locations in multiple markets. Each location was 20,000 to 50,000 square feet in size. They achieved this rapid growth by partnering with lenders, landlords and key vendors to identify and develop only the best locations.   Connect with Joe: Website: snaggletoothgoby.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-zentmyer/  Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

What if the working world wasn't designed for you, and following the rules held you back from the leadership and life you actually want? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen welcomes Nyree Ambarchian, co-founder of purpose-led communications agency Jack & Grace, for a bold and honest conversation about ditching outdated workplace norms and rewriting the “rules” of work.   Nyree shares her journey from diligently following the rules to challenging and rewriting them, both in her own career and in building her business.    This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to question inherited workplace “rules,” embrace authentic leadership, and create environments where people and planet can thrive.   Episode Timeline: 01:35 What might happen if we stopped following outdated workplace rules and started making work fit us instead? 07:56 Launching her purpose-led communications agency during the lockdowns leveled the playing field  10:44 Motherhood led Nyree to reevaluate workplace norms  13:29 Personal challenges with miscarriage and infertility 18:09 Support for miscarriage should never be a one-size-fits-all policy 25:02 Jack & Grace founded as an experiment to challenge industry norms 27:33 Why unlimited holidays didn't work at Jack & Grace 29:24 Salary transparency is a powerful tool for reducing inequality 37:20 All jobs at Jack & Grace are offered part-time as standard   49:50 Measuring success not just by profit, but also people and planet Key Takeaways:   Most workplace “rules” weren't designed for the modern workforce and often exclude, rather than empower people. Open conversation about real-life challenges like miscarriage and menopause can transform organisational culture and support. Experiments in flexibility, salary transparency, and inclusive hiring aren't just “nice” they drive retention, talent attraction, and genuine well-being. Measuring success by profit alone ignores the vital health of people and the planet - embrace the triple bottom line. ABOUT Nyree Ambarchian: Nyree Ambarchian is a Co-Founder of Jack & Grace, a purpose-driven communications agency. On a mission to use comms as a force for good, Jack & Grace is a B Corp and only works with organisations that value people, planet, and profit equally. Nyree has twenty years experience in communications, specialising in behaviour change campaigns, delivering work for the likes of Riverford, the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards, and Defra. Having obediently followed the ‘rules' of work all her career, in 2018, Nyree became a mum. Finding herself no longer able to stick to ‘the rules', the burn of failure hit hard. Until she realised the problem wasn't her, it was the rules. That marked the start of her journey to rewrite the rules of work, so they work for more people. Connect with Nyree : LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jackandgrace/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackgracecomms/ Website: https://www.jackandgrace.co.uk/   Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.

What if burnout wasn't a personal failure, but a sign that something bigger at the system level needs to change? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Kelly Swingler, the renowned “burnoutologist” and founder of the Burnout Academy, to uncover the truth behind today's burnout epidemic. With candour and compassion, Kelly challenges the norms that glorify stress and exhaustion, exploring why real burnout is so much more than long hours. It's about broken systems, shame, and outdated definitions of success.   Together, Cathleen and Kelly dive into the emotional realities of burnout, breaking down stigma and sharing personal stories of their own experiences. You'll discover why leaders are often the first to “burn the brightest and break first,” and how shifting our focus from individual fixes to systemic change is the real path to sustainable well-being at work. Filled with vulnerability, laughter, and bold truths, this episode offers both insight and a call-to-action: it's time to stop treating burnout as a weakness and start building workplaces and lives where well-being isn't just an afterthought. Episode Timeline: 03:27 Introducing Kelly Swinger, the "burnoutologist". 07:29 Burnout is the debilitating result of chronic stress 14:10 Leaders often misinterpret feeling overwhelmed or struggling as incompetence 19:47 Burnout is a global issue often caused by toxic workplaces 25:48 Living an unhealthy lifestyle can't be offset by minimal healthy activities 32:48 Many avoid discussing mental health as workplace stress rises 33:45 Burnout is often masked by other conditions due to stigma 56:27 Workplace freedom and creativity could reduce toxicity 01:07:35 Stressed leaders repeat outdated patterns 01:13:08 Leaders should focus on self-awareness and personal values over profits 01:20:20 Self-care routines can't cure burnout without genuine presence 01:24:49 Self-awareness and inner work are ongoing, challenging but rewarding. Key Takeaways:   Burnout is not just chronic stress or exhaustion, it's falling off the edge of your stress scale into a place that affects your whole life. Leaders and organisations must move beyond surface-level “well-being” fixes and tackle the root causes of systemic burnout. You can't “self-care” your way out of burnout, lasting transformation requires stopping, reflecting, and doing the deep inner work.   ABOUT Kelly Swingler Kelly is the Burnoutologist, empowering Leaders to Banish Burnout in the changing world of work for themselves and their people. She leads the world's number one Burnout Academy, training in Burnout Awareness. Known for being a rebel and a rule-breaker, Kelly has been ripping up the rulebook since 2002 after realising that the way we are working isn't working, and how we are taught to define success is outdated. Today, Kelly educates leaders, Coaches HR and managers from companies around the world on how to recognise, prevent and recover from Burnout. Connect with Kelly: The Burnout Academy: https://www.kellyswingler.com/burnoutacademy Book: https://www.kellyswingler.com/fckburnout   Social Media Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyswingler/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkellyswingler/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Z6iJPB4gYz1MZoUPOgdlQ Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.

What if your greatest legacy isn't what you build, but who you build with along the way? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, your host, Cathleen O'Sullivan, invites you into a candid conversation with Nick Peel, a leader whose career spans some of the world's most ambitious projects, from Arsenal Football Club to the cutting-edge NEOM "Line" project in Saudi Arabia. You'll hear how Nick's human-first approach to leadership has empowered teams to thrive under pressure, transcending titles and status in favour of authenticity, humility, and genuine impact. Together, they explore why self-awareness, openness to failure, and the courage to lead with empathy are at the heart of truly legendary leadership. Tune in to discover how embracing your humanity and building others up may just be the most powerful legacy you leave behind.   Episode Timeline:  00:00 Introduction 11:51 Embracing innovation and tackling ambitious projects 15:48 The importance of authenticity and being human in leadership 20:16 Learning from failure and the power of reflection 32:06 Building a strong, supportive family while leading global projects  38:09 Leading high-performing teams through empowerment and simplicity 44:22 The origins of NEOM's The Line: bold ideas and collaboration 52:03 Leading diverse teams and unlocking innovation through trust 57:31 Supporting women's leadership for future generations   Key Takeaways:  Nick shares stories of nurturing talent and pride in seeing former colleagues grow, highlighting the importance of building others up on your leadership journey. Nick discusses the value of showing up authentically, empowering diverse teams, and leading with humility, whether in the high-pressure corporate world or ambitious projects like NEOM's "The Line".  Nick's career, shaped more by "default than design," showcases how adaptability, curiosity, and learning steer personal and professional growth. He talks of the importance of reflection, being open to new ideas and leveraging lessons from both success and failure.   ABOUT Nick Peel Nick has over 30 years of senior commercial and operational leadership expertise under his belt with esteemed organisations like Arsenal FC, LandSec,  Battersea Power Station, McArthur Glen Designer Outlets, and Morrison Supermarkets. He has also held Non-Exec roles with a number of entities, including UCI World Cycling Championships, Streetwork charity, and Icons.com. His career spans retail, hospitality, property / real estate and sports, which he confesses is more by default than by design.    Nick is currently Director of Operational Readiness for THE LINE, the futuristic city under development at NEOM in Saudi Arabia. He specializes in building high performance teams, creating go to market strategies, building the new, and fixing the broken. He prides himself on a ‘ human first ‘ leadership style, and is motivated by change, learning, travel, and in particular his family and children.   Connect with Nicholas: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-peel-a5943a9?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app    Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

Is leadership about going it alone, or could sharing the load lead to even greater success? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan welcomes the dynamic duo Clare Freshwater-Turner and Annabelle Richards to explore how job sharing could be the key to enhanced leadership and personal fulfilment. Clare and Annabelle, senior managers in sustainable business at Lloyds Banking Group, have mastered the art of job sharing, proving that two heads can indeed be better than one. Join us to learn about the unique partnership they've built over nine years, sharing insights into how combining different strengths and perspectives leads to superior outcomes. Tune in for a conversation that challenges conventional leadership norms and offers a refreshing perspective on ambition and success.   Episode Timeline:  00:00 Introduction ​​08:41 Supporting each other and managing priorities 17:49 The benefits of two coaches for a team  24:10 How to play to each other's strengths 32:07 Why creating a work-life balance is so important  47:42 Communication practises for effective teamwork 56:39 Flexible working enhances productivity and satisfaction   Key Takeaways:  Clare and Annabelle highlight how their contrasting personalities and skills enhance decision-making and problem-solving. They emphasise that two heads can indeed be better than one, providing richer ideas and solutions, which in turn benefits the entire team and organisation. The conversation addresses common misconceptions about job sharing, such as it being more work for managers or only suitable for certain roles. Clare and Annabelle debunk these myths by sharing their experience of managing each other's development and workload, easing the burden on their line manager.  On a personal level, job sharing has allowed Clare and Annabelle to maintain a healthy work-life balance. They can pursue personal interests and family commitments while still having fulfilling careers.     ABOUT Clare Freshwater-Turner & Annabelle Richards Annabelle and Clare are a jobshare and senior managers in Sustainable Business at Lloyds Banking Group, working in the Nature team. They have been with Lloyds Banking Group for many years, working in a wide variety of roles in the Finance and Sustainability functions. These included leading teams, culture change and developing manager training programs. They joined the Group Sustainable Business Team in 2022 supporting Dr. Rebecca Heaton in setting up the team. After they both completed the CISL course with a distinction, they transferred to the nature senior manager role. Within the Nature team, their primary focus is to integrate nature into decision-making and developing training to meet business unit requirements.     Connect with Annabelle & Clare: Website: https://thejobsharecoach.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thejobsharecoach/   Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

What makes someone a leader people actually want to follow?In today's conversation, I sit down with Tash Pieterse - founder, leadership coach and host of the Lead with Less podcast, to unpack the uncomfortable truths about modern leadership. After over a decade inside the HR world, Tash saw the cracks in how we define leadership and decided to build something better. Her mission? To develop Legendary Leaders. This conversation challenged my own assumptions and made me reflect on the kind of leader I want to be, not just at work, but in life.What we discuss:The six key traits of a “Legendary Leader”Why vulnerability isn't a weakness, but a superpower in leadershipWhat it really means to be people-first without sacrificing resultsCommon traps even the best leaders fall into and how to avoid themA surprising take on who's getting leadership right (and wrong) todayA practical, no-BS first step for anyone new to leadership and career developmentEpisode Tash mentioned on transparency and authenticity in leadership is here.Keen to learn more about personal growth, career and money?   Find me on Instagram or Tik Tok  Thank you for listening, it means so much to me. Please leave a comment, rating or review if you're enjoying and we will chat in the next episode. Need help creating a CV? Here's one of the best FREE CV creators.  Want to get in touch directly?   sarah@theoneupproject.nz  Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, please seek professional financial advice.

Are you merely enduring tough times, or are you truly thriving through them? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, army veteran and leadership expert Rachel McGill joins Cathleen to explore the nuanced art of resilience. Rachel unveils the clear difference between merely bouncing back and proactively moving forward. She shares her journey, from breaking a world record to creating Resilient Leaders Elements, a framework designed to help leaders like you build genuine resilience. Discover why true resilience is not about muscling through challenges but about adapting, making better decisions under pressure, and balancing control with adaptability. Tune in for a conversation that will inspire you to transform challenges into opportunities and rethink the way you lead during challenging times.   Episode Timeline:  00:00 Introduction 05:40 How to best structure your day and maximise energy 12:17 Building and developing resilient leadership skill 20:26 Why inclusion is a fundamental need  34:04 Turning crisis into opportunity 41:10 Visualising desired outcomes helps build resilience 51:12 Foreseeing crises, staying informed and being prepared 01:08:51 Authentic leadership and emotional intelligence 01:15:32 True diversity requires different perspectives and experiences   Key Takeaways:  Rachel explains that resilience isn't about simply toughing it out through difficult times. She explains how having a bias for achievement and a positive intention can provide clarity and direction even during uncertainty. Cathleen and Rachel discuss the importance of creating a culture where everyone feels included and empowered to lead. This involves sharing control, encouraging openness, and fostering an environment of trust and accountability.  Rachel shares stories of experience in the army and in business, emphasising the need for leaders to be adaptable and aware of their environments. During times of crisis or change, the ability to reassess and invite diverse perspectives becomes crucial.    ABOUT Rachel McGill Having served as an army officer, Rachel McGill has 30 years'' leadership development experience and specialises in the development of resilience in leaders and the tools they need to succeed. As co-founder of Resilient Leaders Elements with her colleague Dr Jeremy Mead, her ambition is to make world-class resilient leadership development available to all. Rachel has designed and facilitated hundreds of courses for thousands of people and leads on ensuring pragmatic approaches to leadership development.   Connect with Rachel McGill: Website: www.resilientleaderselements.com  X: www.twitter.com/leaderselements Facebook: www.facebook.com/resilientleaderselements Instagram: www.instagram.com/resilientleaderselements LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/resilient-leaders-elements   Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

What if you stopped waiting for the right time and started living fully right now? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan welcomes the inspiring Keisha Hickson, a transformative thought leader and resilience advocate. Diagnosed with a rare incurable cancer multiple myeloma at a young age. Keisha's story isn't just about survival; it's about thriving and leaving a legacy on her own terms. She explores her experiences of overcoming fears and embracing authenticity daily, all while battling a rare incurable disease. Keisha also shares her insights on ‘daring to change' and how to make bold changes and decisions. Tune in for a conversation that will challenge you to start living now and inspire you to create your own legendary legacy, one step at a time.   Episode Timeline:  00:00 Introduction 08:22 Keisha's life-changing cancer diagnosis 18:00 Normalising diverse paths to impact by addressing struggles 26:19 How to support employees with invisible disabilities 38:08 Discovering your "Why" is crucial in defining your legacy 50:57 Celebrate milestones, embrace resilience, and pursue true passions 57:57 Being a proactive advocate for healthcare   Key Takeaways:  Keisha emphasises the importance of determination, action, resiliency, and execution through her concept of "Dare to Change." She explains how she moved from a place of complacency to making bold changes and decisions. Keisha shares the challenges of living with an invisible disability, such as her ongoing battle with multiple myeloma. She explains how she manages her condition while maintaining her daily activities and endeavours. Cathleen and Keish talk about leaving a legacy that is not defined solely by financial success but rather by the impact on our community, loved ones, and personal fulfilment.     ABOUT Keisha Hickson   Keisha Hickson is a professional speaker, transformative thought leader, and passionate advocate for resilience, transformation, and women's empowerment. Her personal journey, marked by a diagnosis of multiple myeloma and a challenging prognosis, has fueled her pursuit of a limitless legacy. This concept, which she passionately advocates, is about living life on your own terms, creating a narrative that leaves a lasting and meaningful impact beyond conventional boundaries.   Keisha brings 25 years of experience in the financial industry to the table, including roles up to Vice President & Senior Branch Manager in Wealth Management. She has successfully owned and operated multiple businesses, demonstrating her diverse interests and business savvy. Her ventures include a children's salon, a wellness brand, and a luxury gifting business, each flourishing under her leadership with collective revenues in the seven-figure range.    Connect with Keisha Hickson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_keishahickson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keisha-hickson/ Email: hello@keishahickson.com   Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

Are you still chasing the wrong kind of success? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Nancy Ho joins host Cathleen O'Sullivan to discuss the hidden struggles of high-performing professionals and the paradox of success. Nancy shares how defining success externally can lead to a void of stress and unfulfillment. She talks about turning pain into gain, redefining what you truly want, and the importance of being authentic rather than conforming to societal pressures. Discover how your thoughts shape your reality and the power of self-reflection in transforming your life. Tune in for a conversation that invites you to redefine success on your own terms and move towards a life filled with genuine satisfaction and freedom.   Episode Timeline:  00:00 Introduction 08:40 Choosing what you want over what you need 17:22 The difference between authentic self-care and social pressure 27:37 Addressing your needs genuinely and fostering long-term relationships 36:32 Gradually changing bad habits to good ones with ongoing support and strategy adjustments 44:28 Success comes from the inside so focus on inner fulfilment  50:05 Living in the past and having a fear of judgment  01:01:01 Wake up calls from life   Key Takeaways:  Nancy emphasises the importance of self-reflection to understand your own habits and tendencies. Being aware of the pain points and reflecting on them helps to make necessary changes.  Nancy explains that recognising the authentic pain (what one truly wishes to avoid) and the real gain (the genuine pleasure and outcome desired) can lead to more motivated and effective action. Cathleen and Nancy discuss how true motivation and contentment come from internal desires rather than external validation. Nancy highlights the importance of doing things for yourself rather than seeking approval from others.    ABOUT Nancy Ho   Introducing Nancy Ho, a distinguished Life Strategist, Clarity Messenger, and state-of-mind specialist with over 26 years of experience guiding individuals toward holistic success. Throughout her illustrious career, Nancy has empowered over 10,000 clients, including C-Suite executives, mid-level managers, and business owners, to navigate the intricate balance between professional achievement and personal fulfillment. As an internationally-recognized thought leader on "The Professional Paradox," Nancy brings a unique perspective to the podcasting world. With a focus on helping high-performing professionals transcend the silent weight of success, Nancy's insights offer valuable guidance for listeners seeking harmony in their professional and personal lives. Nancy's expertise lies in addressing the disconnect between external success and inner fulfillment. Her comprehensive approach includes personalized executive coaching, strategic planning, and confidential support tailored to the unique needs of each client.   Connect with Nancy Ho: Website: https://www.nancyho.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-ho-exec-coach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifecoachnancyho/   Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

Are you living to work, or working to live? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Dr. Rana Al-Falaki joins host Cathleen O'Sullivan to share her incredible journey from being a successful but stressed professional to finding true joy and authenticity. She opens up about overcoming trauma, breaking through unhealthy patterns, and discovering genuine self-love - all while building a thriving career helping others find balance and fulfilment. Dr. Al-Falaki explains the critical difference between "being" versus "doing". She reveals how understanding your unique stress response can transform your resilience, and offers you strategies for creating sustainable success without burnout. Tune for a conversation that will help you shift from external validation to internal peace while still performing at your highest level.   Episode Timeline:  00:00 Introduction 11:19 Accessing your intuition when you're truly busy 16:21 Overcoming fears with holographic thinking 25:14 The benefits of living with authenticity 35:23 Defining human energy: what does it mean? 46:19 Living with a false mask and learning how to trust 51:32 Dr. Al-Falaki's life-altering diagnosis transformational journey 01:13:10 Empowerment through self-reflection 01:20:07 Navigating menopause and personal growth   Key Takeaways:  Dr. Al-Falaki emphasises the importance of creating silence in your life to access intuition. During busy and hectic times, prioritising silence helps in making more conscious and effective decisions.  Both Cathleen and Dr. Al-Falaki discuss how the definition of success evolves over time. In their experiences, it shifted from external validations and material achievements to internal peace, joy, and self-love.  The conversation touches on how trust and empathy are foundational for effective leadership and creating a high-performing team. Vulnerability is about expressing true needs and emotions, which fosters a healthy, open, and supportive work environment.   ABOUT Dr. Rana Al-Falaki Dr Rana Al-Falaki openly talks about her past life struggles and traumas and is passionate about making an impact on every person she meets.  She claims this as her purpose and gives meaning to all events in her life. She describes her first 40 years of life as OUTWARDLY SUCCESSFUL BUT INWARDLY STRESSFUL. Having perfected how to reach a state of flow where everything happens - laser focus, high productivity, financial wealth, powerful leadership, loving relationships, high energy, motivation, feeling at ease, in peace, joyful and present - she  works with professionals and teams to do the same, be that through coaching, speaking or training. Connect with Dr. Al-Falaki: Website: https://nail-it.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rana/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rana.alfalaki Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailit_drrana   Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

Are you ready to transform your approach to customer success and discover how aligning your leadership with customer needs can drive sustainable growth? In this captivating conversation on Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Thomas Voigt, founder of TV Consulting and the Customer Success Academy. Thomas shares his remarkable journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship. Tune in for an episode filled with inspirational insights and practical strategies for driving success and growth.   Episode Timeline:  07:50 Struggled with solopreneurship, returned to employment at GWI for five years. 13:50 Learning from discomfort enhances leadership and personal growth. 16:15 I questioned what truly sparked joy beyond societal expectations of success. 27:37 Career ambitions thwarted by poor job market; led to self-reflection and acceptance. 33:55 Embraced entrepreneurship for freedom, launched TV consulting and Customer Success Academy. 48:58 Practicing daily routines like breathing exercises helps manage stress and maintain wellness. 53:28 Leverage fear and joy to drive ambition on LinkedIn by consistently engaging and adding value, fueled by a love for routine and exploration. 56:03 Embrace life's challenges, prioritise values over achievements. 01:10:23 Outsourcing customer success can work if teams are properly onboarded.  01:11:34 AI enhances customer success by streamlining admin tasks and enabling efficient outsourcing, with AI Copilots improving work processes. Key Takeaways:    The power of understanding and accepting your inner critic (whom Thomas named "TED") rather than trying to silence it completely How implementing a human-first approach to customer success can transform business relationships and drive sustainable growth Practical insights on integrating AI and technology in customer success while maintaining the human element   ABOUT Thomas Voigt. Hey there, I am Thomas! I'm passionate about helping scale up businesses and unravel the mysteries of creating the perfect product/market fit. My adventure kicked off in advertising in Germany, where I honed my skills and guided media companies and advertisers in decoding consumer insights. I helped build new TV channels targeting high-value viewers, generating 8-digit revenue in their first years. In 2011, I moved to London to help Discovery Inc. understand its global audiences, set up intelligence tools, and build its digital businesses. After this, I took a sharp turn and dove into growing revenue for scale-up companies, scoring 140% net retention and building Customer Success teams that generated 8 digits in annual recurring revenue. Fast-forward to today, I'm a revenue leader and consultant, steering companies into their customers' loving arms and fine-tuning their revenue engines for sustainable growth.   Connect with Thomas: Website: www.tvconsulting.net   Social Media Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-voigt/   Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

Meet Dr. Chris Fuzie, a law enforcement professional turned consultant and educator. Today on Legendary Leaders, Cathleen sits down with Chris to learn about his transformative journey and his commitment to self-education and personal growth. With experience ranging from homicide investigations to hostage negotiation, Chris delivers us a vivid look into leadership dynamics within law enforcement. As you listen, you'll discover Chris's approach to overcoming career setbacks, the importance of stepping out of comfort zones in learning, and the invaluable role of followership. Whether you're keen on leadership theories, fascinated by law enforcement, or want to explore new ways to elevate your career, this episode packs a wealth of wisdom and actionable advice. Episode Timeline:  08:21 Chris on becoming a police leadership instructor. 15:38 Law enforcement emphasises empathy in action. 20:36 Open-minded police see that people are fundamentally similar. 24:08 Unexpected prison advice on body language effectiveness. 31:20 Leading and following simultaneously in transitional space. 34:23 Leadership is about actions, not titles. 48:12 Teaching young proper policing behaviour and discipline. 59:57 Concerns about workplace contention and authority imbalance. 01:04:20 Organisational culture and cohesion are essential.   Key Takeaways:  Chris introduces the concept of "liminal leadership," which emphasises the fluid interplay between leading and following. He argues that effective leadership isn't solely about hierarchy or position, but understanding when to lead and when to follow.  The discussion highlights the importance of focusing on specific desirable behaviours rather than formal titles in creating effective leaders and followers. Chris's approach suggests that nurturing these traits is more impactful than traditional mission statements. Chris's personal journey highlights the importance of persistence and resilience in professional development. Despite facing multiple setbacks and rejections, he has maintained a focus on growth and personal improvement which actually advanced his career.   ABOUT Dr. Chris Fuzie  Dr. Chris Fuzie, Ed.D., is an expert in leadership and followership with a distinct focus on behavior-based approaches to personal and professional development. He is an author, educator, and consultant known for his work in reshaping traditional leadership paradigms through his innovative concepts and models. Dr. Fuziee's professional contributions are particularly influential in areas where leading and following are seen as interconnected and dynamic processes.​ Professionally, Dr. Fuziee is dedicated to reshaping traditional leadership paradigms, blending academic insights with practical, behavior-based approaches. His books, like "Liminal Space: Reshaping Leadership and Followership," reflect his commitment to helping individuals and organizations navigate complex interpersonal landscapes. ​As a trainer and mentor, Dr. Fuziee is known for his engaging and approachable style. He is direct yet empathetic, combining deep theoretical knowledge with practical applications. His background in education and real-world experience equips him to connect with diverse audiences, making complex concepts accessible and actionable. Connect with Chris : Website: https://www.cmfleadership.com/  Social Media Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chris-Fuziee-ed-d-m-a-ol-37587934/  X (Twitter): https://x.com/CMFLeadership  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090255232861  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisFuziee/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cmfleadership/  Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.

Imagine reclaiming 20% of your time every week—time you never knew you could have but desperately need. In this episode of Legendary Leaders, your host Cathleen and her guest, the insightful Andy Brown, explore the transformative power of effective delegation and the hidden costs of emotional overdraft. Andy, a seasoned business advisor and author of the bestseller Emotional Overdraft, shares his journey from corporate stress to meaningful change and the impactful lessons he learned along the way. Join us for a compelling conversation on recognising and addressing the invisible costs of leadership, and empowering yourself to delegate for a healthier, more fulfilling life. Episode Timeline:  09:35 Emotional costs impact business profitability significantly. 12:38 Recognise and address your emotional overdraft. 19:34 Create a personal board of supportive advisors. 26:48 Prioritise important tasks over easy ones. 40:29 Market dictates a business's true value.  44:19 Delegation frees time for strategic business growth. 01:01:26 Don't sacrifice happiness for business success.  01:08:10 Limiting clients to maintain quality and health. 01:11:52 Fully recharge to effectively manage and delegate.   Key Takeaways:  Andy highlights the importance of delegating tasks that others can handle, allowing leaders to focus on high-value activities that only they can perform.  The concept of "emotional overdraft" is crucial for leaders to understand and manage. Recognising behaviors that contribute to emotional exhaustion and addressing them can prevent burnout and improve overall well-being. Andy and Cathleen emphasise the significance of structuring a business to allow for personal time and family involvement.    ABOUT Andy Brown Andy has over 30 years' experience as an award-winning adviser and coach for people-based businesses. He's also a podcast host and the author ofAmazon #1 best seller, ‘The Emotional Overdraft: 10 simple changes for balancing business success and wellbeing' a book for entrepreneurs, leaders and founders that articulates the often overlooked mental and physical costs of leadership. Connect with Andy : Website: https://emotionaloverdraft.com/ Buy the book in the US: https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Overdraft-balancing-business-wellbeing/dp/1788605136/ Buy the book in the UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Emotional-Overdraft-balancing-business-wellbeing/dp/1788605136/ Social Media Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andybrownprofile/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andybrownauthor/ Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.

Dive into a riveting exploration of diversity, innovation, and authentic leadership in this episode of Legendary Leaders. Join host Cathleen as she sits down with Angeley Mullins, the dynamic Chief Commercial Officer at Resourcify, to unravel the impact of digitalisation on critical thinking, and the transformative power of authenticity in leadership.    From balancing technology with human interaction to the importance of diverse perspectives in board meetings, Angeley shares invaluable insights into fostering inclusive environments and driving meaningful change. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to lead with impact, influence, and unwavering authenticity. Episode Timeline:  06:55 70% of the waste in Europe is actually done by companies.  09:18 Recycling approaches differ between Germany and the UK. 10:56 Companies seek digitisation for compliance with regulations. 18:47 New laws attract tech talent to Germany. 24:58 American risk-taking fosters innovation; Europe values stability. 29:49 Fast fashion's waste concerns drive the consumerist movement. 38:03 Critical thinking is getting lost. 51:31 Authenticity, not success, leads to true happiness. 57:03 Culture of fear stifles collaboration, hampers progress. 59:49 Big companies withstand hits; Twitter rebranding was terrible. 01:05:30 Inclusivity ensures dynamic, representative, and cohesive environments. 01:16:43 Mentors and mentees grow through mutual learning. Key Takeaways:  Angeley Mullins shares the importance of integrating diverse perspectives and maintaining critical thinking, particularly in the context of debates like veganism, sustainability, and digitalisation.  Cathy and Angeley discuss the necessity for authentic leadership, sharing that genuine happiness and effective leadership come from being true to oneself, coupled with the humility to admit shortcomings and seek help. The episode explores differences in cultural approaches to innovation and risk-taking between Europe and the U.S., highlighting how these impact company practices, employee retention, and regulatory environments.   ABOUT Angeley Mullins Angeley Mullins is a seasoned Commercial Executive (CCO/CRO) & Operations Executive (COO) with leadership roles across the US, EMEA, UK, & APAC including: Amazon, Intuit, GoDaddy, and her most recent role as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Resourcify, a digital platform that helps companies reduce their waste, increase their recycling, and promote a circular economy. Her experience focuses on commercial & operations growth: revenue, marketing, brand, sales, product, and international ex- pansion in both technology scale-ups and larger corporations. In2023, Crunchbase recognised her, along with other prominent technology leaders, as one of the most influential women in sales. Furthermore, she also holds advisory roles with various technology and media companies. She has a special interest for advancing the conversation around women in leadership and diversity at the executive level. Connect with Angeley: Website: https://www.resourcify.com/en/    Social Media Links: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeleymullins X/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AngeleyMullins  Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.

Join me and my Special Guest, Phil Nicaud, a seasoned entrepreneur and the CEO of Legendary Leadership Consultants. Phil has coached hundreds of top-level leaders across America and has become their highly confidential and strategic sounding board and tactical coach in his role at Legendary. On today's episode, we explore several topics around leadership and personal development. Listen in as Phil shares insights from his multifaceted life, ranging from his time in the U.S. Marine Corps to running multiple successful businesses. Phil's story is filled with lessons, from the importance of relationships and mentoring to the difference between a Christian leader and a Kingdom leader.  As we talk about his book "The Character Code," Phil and I unpack the three different lives people often live. Be inspired by Phil's take on how generosity and giving are prominent attributes in the secret lives of his clients.  Today's conversation will provide you with fresh perspectives on leadership, accountability, and relationships. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned veteran, you're going to find several nuggets of wisdom from Phil's experiences.   In this episode, you will hear: Phil's most embarrassing moments and how he turned them into learning experiences. What drove Phil to write a book titled, “The Character Code” (formerly Our Secret Life) What the “E.P.A.” Advantage is and how you can incorporate it into your life and leadership What top leaders do intentionally to protect their leadership position The importance of relationships and mentoring in leadership, including the concepts of input, output, and neutral relationships The concept of 'secret lives' in business and the impact of these hidden aspects on leadership and personal development. Key questions to ask yourself when it comes to personal and professional growth The distinction between a Christian leader and a Kingdom leader   Key Quotes “People who fall hard fall alone.” - Phil Nicaud “When you realize how short life is, you wisen up.” - Phil Nicaud “You have to learn how to let the right people in. You cannot live isolated.” - Phil Nicaud “The learning process isn't complete until you give it away.” - Phil Nicaud “Who's close enough to you that they can see every part of your life, and you're OK with it?” - Phil Nicaud “Relationships are messy, but they're worth it.” - Phil Nicaud   Connect with Phil Instagram: @phil.nicaud (https://www.instagram.com/phil.nicaud/) Linkedin: /in/phil-nicaud (https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-nicaud-6a58a536/) Website: https://legendaryleadershipconsultants.com/ Book: The Character Code (https://amzn.to/4g02D00) Kingdom Leadership Summit: kingdomleadershipsummit.net   Connect with J.R.  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid Website: jamesreid.com Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)   Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.   Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Evan and Steiny discuss the many legendary coaches and leaders that we have had here in the Bay Area

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Legendary Leaders. In today's episode, Cathy interviews Tony Martignetti, a transformative leader who left a high-flying career in the biotech industry to rediscover his true passion as an artist and be a champion for authentic leadership. Host Cathleen O'Sullivan shares her insights on the power of genuine connection and growth in leadership. Together, they explore Tony's pivotal moment of self-realisation amid corporate burnout, his adventurous spirit—from scaling Kilimanjaro to planning his next challenge on the Camino de Santiago—and how these experiences fuel his mission to foster more meaningful interactions in and out of the workplace. Prepare to be moved by Tony's story of finding balance through emotional awareness and his innovative approach to leadership that prioritises deep, reflective conversations and creating environments where every individual feels valued. Join us as we uncover the profound impact of embracing one's true self and the courage it takes to lead by example.    Episode Timeline:    00:00 Leadership expert with 30 years of experience. 09:07 Understanding emotions, their logic, and reflection. 16:12 TED talk: Embrace your true self at work. 17:08 Encouraging leaders to embrace vulnerability and authenticity. 27:09 Struggling to find purpose, found inner strength. 31:15 Embracing change and new challenges shapes identity. 37:53 Presence and authenticity impact others profoundly. 40:05 If someone is an extrovert or introvert, you should adjust your communication style. 46:01 Consider speaking up before walking out. 52:23 Connecting with your story helps connect with others. 55:36 Deep impact of campfire storytelling on human connection. 01:02:29 Leadership requires open, engaging, and entertaining communication. 01:13:28 Expand vision, narrow focus to overcome stagnation. Key Takeaways:  Embrace Your True Self: Tony's journey underlines the importance of embracing your authentic self to find fulfilment in both personal and professional life. His transition from the boardroom to the art studio exemplifies the courage it takes to pursue what truly aligns with one's passion and purpose. The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership. Vulnerability is not just a personal trait but a leadership strategy. Admitting vulnerabilities and engaging in genuine conversations can dramatically strengthen team resilience and cohesion. Innovation Through Introspection. A leader's ability to innovate correlates strongly with their capacity for introspection. Tony's experiences, from mountaineering to glassblowing, illustrate how varied external challenges can foster profound internal reflection and lead to breakthroughs in personal and professional growth.   ABOUT  Tony Martignetti Tony Martignetti Tony Martignetti is a leadership advisor, best-selling author, podcast host, and speaker. He brings together over 30 years of business and leadership experience and extreme curiosity to elevate leaders and equip them with the tools to navigate through change and unlock their true potential.Before becoming the founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Inspired Purpose Partners, Tony was a finance and strategy executive with experience working with some of the world's leading life sciences companies. Along his journey, he also managed small businesses and ran a financial consulting company. Tony hosts The Virtual Campfire podcast and is the author of Climbing the Right Mountain:Navigating the Journey to An Inspired Life and Campfire Lessons for Leaders: How Uncovering Our Past Can Propel Us Forward. He has been featured in many publications, including Fast Company, Forbes, Life Science Leader, CEOWORLD, and CEO Today.   Connect with Tony: Website: https://www.ipurposepartners.com/    Social Media Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymartignett1/  Instagram URL: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredpurposecoach/    Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel-2b0991151  Instagram: www.instagram.com/cathleenmerkel  Twitter: twitter.com/CathleenMerkel7      FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.

March 21st, 2024 This episode addresses the second core component of overall Wellbeing, called Emotional Wellbeing. Sherri Dailing, guest accomplished leader of a non profit organization and other organizations in the medical and business arenas shares with us how crucial the emotional component of overall well being is through her experiences with what she learned from traveling, her Father's impact and her professional leadership positions she has held in the past. All of these past and current experiences have taught her the value of expressing emotions to elevate your leadership. Her key values are empathy, integrity and the importance of being there for your team.

Success without soulfulness is an empty victory. Sadly, I see many good people spending their finest hours chasing the wrong things. FFA (fame, fortune and applause) will never bring you JPF (joy, peace and freedom).May I humbly suggest that you pursue the deeper, richer and wiser things in life—to generate lasting inner joy. And real personal fulfillment.This is what my new book The Wealth Money Can't Buy (releases in 50+ countries on April 9) is all about. Real wealth versus fake success. True winning versus spending your life climbing a mountain, only to find out at the end that it was the wrong one. It's taken me a long year of extremely hard work to finish this book. I know it'll be super special for you. Pre-order  "The Wealth Money Can't Buy" and receive 5 truly extraordinary FREE bonuses [including a 3 hour live online summit with me, a complete virtual training program and 10 powerful morning meditations used by my top clients: all valued at $8,767 USD.] Here's the link so you can pre-order the book.FOLLOW ROBIN SHARMA:InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Get ready for an insightful and inspiring conversation with our host Cathleen O'Sullivan that will leave you with a fresh perspective on burnout and leadership, leading with resilience, and the true meaning of success.   In episode 135 of Legendary Leaders, our guest is Julie Bee, a renowned burnout strategist and author passionate about helping entrepreneurs navigate business ownership challenges while prioritising their overall well-being.    Julie shares invaluable advice on recognising and addressing burnout in the world of entrepreneurship, emphasising the importance of building support systems, avoiding misleading advertising, and redefining what being successful means.   Ready to learn more?    Episode Timeline:    [07:00] Hospital stay led to reflection, and burnout discussion. [15:27] Recognise burnout [18:51] Indications of struggling with mental wellness. [23:49] Summer 2021: Burnout led to helpful book. [28:23] Prioritised self-care and clear busy schedule. [32:55] Not showing up annoys me, I communicate. [37:44] Establish regular sleep routine, avoid alcohol. [43:09] Business owner's success relies on support network. [55:09] Define success beyond goals and business achievements. [01:17] Address burnout before tackling business initiatives. [01:29] Plan to prevent burnout during holiday season     Key Takeaways:  Understanding Individual Paths: Julie emphasises the importance of allowing people to figure things out for themselves and not expecting a quick fix. Effective Outsourcing: We highlight the significance of treating freelancers from platforms like Upwork as part of the team. Mutual Commitment and Loyalty: Julie and I discuss the crucial need for structured onboarding processes and testing potential hires. About Julie Bee:  Julie Bee isn't just an award-winning entrepreneur – she's been dubbed the “small business fixer" by her clients and peers. With over 15 years in the entrepreneurial field, Julie has solidified her reputation as a dynamic consultant, a riveting speaker, and a leader who sheds light on the darker side of business ownership. Whether it's reshaping workplace cultures or empowering leaders, her influence proves game-changing for those who collaborate with her.   Connect with Julie: Social Media Links: https://twitter.com/thejuliebee  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejuliebee/  https://www.instagram.com/thejuliebee_/    Julie has two freebies to offer - 30 Ways to Say No for Business Owners or 5 Cost-Effective Roles to Outsource on Upwork:  https://pages.thejuliebee.com/30waysno  https://pages.thejuliebee.com/5rolestooutsource    Book recommendation: https://a.co/d/6aRIgla   Connect:   Find | Cathleen O'Sullivan  Business: www.cathleenmerkel.com     Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/  Instagram: @legendary_leaders_cathleenos        SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS.

In leadership positions, it's important to embrace change and progress. Here, to talk about change through communication, is Ulrike Seminati.    In Episode 134 of The Legendary Leaders Podcast, Ulrike talks about how to become your authentic self, overcome insecurities, and balance our perfectionism. She also shares about combining change and communication, becoming more inclusive, and how to avoid making communication mistakes.    Ready to learn more?    Episode Timeline:  [07:54] What is Ulrike in service of?  [10:38] Becoming her authentic self.  [21:42] Dealing with insecurities.  [32:39] Balancing the two sides of perfectionism.  [45:33] Change combined with communication.  [55:50] Know your people.  [65:43] How to practically become more inclusive.  [78:37] Top tips to avoid communication mistakes.  [81:55] Focusing in a digital world.     Key Takeaways:  How to become your authentic self.  How to overcome our insecurities.  How to balance the two sides of perfectionism.  Combining change and communication.  How to become more inclusive.  How to avoid communication mistakes.    Notable Quotes:  “There's no job without change anymore.” - Ulrike Seminati [08:20]  “Help yourself first, and then you help others.” - Ulrike Seminati [57:32]  “Listen for understanding, instead of listening to reply.” - Ulrike Seminati [79:42]    Connect:  Find | Ulrike Seminati   Business: ulrikeseminati.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/ulrikeseminati  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ulrikeseminati  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ulrikeseminati/  Free Guide: https://ulrikeseminati.com/the-art-of-persuasion/      Bio:  As a well-established coach and consultant, and former C-level executive, Ulrike is the go-to expert for authentic leadership and impactful communication.  By combining cutting-edge self-development techniques with her vast hands-on experience as a Corporate Communications Executive, she helps leaders to build credibility, trust, and lead change, through effective communication.  Ulrike's clients benefit from her pragmatic and user-friendly tools that enable them to make lasting improvements.   In all her years as a professional, the one thing that has struck her time and again is: The sustainable benefit of leader training which all too often comes to nothing because the individual is unable to implement what they have learned. That is why she has shaped training programs that follow an integrative approach: she empowers the successful application of proven communication techniques by releasing the authentic personal style of every individual.  Prior to founding her company in 2019, Ulrike worked as a Corporate Communications leader for over 20 years in a variety of industries, steadily climbing the corporate ladder until she became a member of the executive committee of an international pharmaceutical company based in Zurich in 2015.   Ulrike holds an MA in Marketing Management from Robert Schuman University in Strasbourg, France. She is a CCA-certified coach, a member of the International Association of Coaching Institutes (ICI), and founder and host of the podcast, Empowering Female Leaders.            Recommendations:      SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS. 

When thinking about remote work nowadays, most people's experiences are with working remotely during the pandemic. Here, to talk about building a successful remote, global company, is Nataly Kelly.   In this Episode 130 of The Legendary Leaders Podcast, Nataly talks about leading remote teams over the years, managing remote work expectations, and dealing with language barriers. She also shares about having no headquarters, the key ingredients for a successful global organisation, and being intentional about taking career steps.   Ready to learn more?   Episode Timeline: [06:43] A bit about Nataly. [08:11] How does Nataly do all of it? [16:15] How to go remote-first. [22:20] Productivity. [27:27] Micro-messages on camera. [35:45] Supporting language barriers. [40:56] Recruiting for a global team. [47:26] No headquarters. [51:37] Considering the customer. [58:00] Why Nataly wrote the book. [68:45] The key ingredients for successful global organisations. [77:25] Taking the next career step.   Key Takeaways: How to run effective remote teams. How to manage remote work productivity. How to deal with support members across language barriers. Recruiting team members without familiarity bias. Building a globally equitable organisation. The importance of considering customers. The key ingredients for global success.   Notable Quotes: “Pandemic remote work isn't the same as normal remote work.” – Nataly Kelly [17:50] “Outcomes and outputs are what matter the most.” - Nataly Kelly [26:42] “Talking to customers is the number one thing that everyone should do.” - Nataly Kelly [52:01] “None of this works if you don't build trust with people.” - Nataly Kelly [75:33] “It doesn't have to be as hard as we think, sometimes.” - Nataly Kelly [83:52]   Connect: Find | Nataly Kelly Business: https://borntobeglobal.com https://www.rebrandly.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalykelly   Bio: Nataly is the Chief Growth Officer at Rebrandly, a regular contributor for Harvard Business Review, author of Take Your Company Global and Found in Translation, business advisor for Lottie Dolls, and board member of MultiLingual.   Recommendations:     SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS.    

When we get stuck in a business without passion, it's time to make a change. Here, to talk about finding joy in entrepreneurship, is Juliette Perkins.   In this Episode 129 of The Legendary Leaders Podcast, Juliette talks about separating ourselves from our businesses, the importance of being intentional, and how she's helping female founders overcome obstacles. She also shares about where Juliette finds her passion and purpose, how collaboration can become a driving force for the greater good, and how we can learn to love the journey.   Ready to learn more?   Episode Timeline: [06:12] What does Juliette do on a day-to-day basis? [12:46] Separating ourselves from our businesses. [24:12] Entrepreneurship is an island. [25:46] Being intentional. [32:44] Some obstacles. [42:35] Getting to know customers. [54:30] Working with female founders. [61:11] Juliette's childhood story. [74:02] What Juliette loved about her career.   Key Takeaways: The importance of community and connection. How to separate ourselves from our businesses. How to become more intentional. The power of having a voice. Why we need to collaborate for the greater good. How to accept and love the journey.   Notable Quotes: “If you're in it, you can't lead it.” – Juliette Perkins [14:49] “Ideas come from great opportunities.” – Juliette Perkins [42:58] “You have to learn to love the journey.” – Juliette Perkins [75:59]   Connect:Find | Juliette Perkins Business: https://wyseminds.com LinkedIn: https://nl.linkedin.com/in/julie-perkins-wm   Bio: Juliette is the founder of Wyseminds, starting the business following 20 years growing a brand that still holds importance to her today. Drawing on many experiences of navigating the booming world of business, Juliette brings a wider perspective that she's poured into Wyseminds. With a passion for decluttering the minds of female entrepreneurs, she is able to translate experience and researched theories into a language that helps you see the path to growth, whilst ensuring it's an exciting adventure.   Recommendations: https://www.iiga.org   SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS.    

  In order to achieve progress, it is the small steps that make the biggest difference. Here, to talk about changing the world 1% at a time, is Tim Lupinacci.    In Episode 128 of The Legendary Leaders Podcast, Tim talks about how he has been supporting and advocating for women in leadership, approaching organic DEI, and applying his parenting skills to his leadership roles. He also shares his experience overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of the human element in leadership, and how small steps make a big difference.   Ready to learn more?    Episode Timeline:   [05:50] How Tim stays relaxed.  [12:24] Supporting women in leadership.  [14:31] Diversity, inclusion, and equity.  [26:42] Parenting and leadership.  [33:43] Dealing with complexity.  [43:46] Imposter syndrome.  [49:56] Emphasising the human side of leadership.  [52:07] How the human element drives financial results.  [55:05] Non-hierarchical leadership.  [61:31] Building habits for success.  [73:50] Servant leadership.  [80:57] Tim's words of wisdom.      Key Takeaways:   How to encourage and celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion.  How to apply parenting skills to leadership roles.  Why effective communication is important.  How to overcome imposter syndrome.  How to create successful habits.  The power of servant leadership.     Notable Quotes:   “When we have additional insights, additional diverse views of things, in solving our clients' problems, we're giving them better advice.” – Tim Lupinacci [17:52]  “A lot of complexity is self-created.” – Cathleen O'Sullivan [33:09]  “Communication is critical.” – Tim Lupinacci [37:22]  “The habit piece is critical.” – Tim Lupinacci [64:15]  “Believe in yourself. Believe in what you are doing, and invest in yourself to get better, and just think of yourself as a leader.” – Tim Lupinacci [81:04]       Connect:    Find | Tim Lupinacci   Business: www.bakerdonelson.com  everybodyleads.org  Recommended  Reading:   Atomic habits  All It Takes Is A Goal  How to be a purpose-driven leader without burning out        Bio:   Timothy M. Lupinacci is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Baker Donelson.   Mr. Lupinacci previously served as chair of the Financial Services Department, a member of the Firm's Board of Directors, and office managing shareholder for Birmingham. He serves on the Firm's Diversity Committee and previously served as co-chair of Baker Donelson's Women's Initiative Pathways to Leadership Committee.   Mr. Lupinacci's practice of more than 32 years, has focused on helping financial institutions solve complex issues, arising in restructuring throughout the country, with extensive experience in workouts and bankruptcies involving defaulted health care loans.     SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS.       

Join me and my Special Guest, Phil Nicaud, a seasoned entrepreneur and the CEO of Legendary Leadership Consultants. Phil has coached hundreds of top-level leaders across America and has become their highly confidential and strategic sounding board and tactical coach in his role at Legendary. On today's episode, we explore several topics around leadership and personal development. Listen in as Phil shares insights from his multifaceted life, ranging from his time in the U.S. Marine Corps to running multiple successful businesses. Phil's story is filled with lessons, from the importance of relationships and mentoring to the difference between a Christian leader and a Kingdom leader.  As we talk about his book "Our Secret Life," Phil and I unpack the three different lives people often live. Be inspired by Phil's take on how generosity and giving are prominent attributes in the secret lives of his clients.  Today's conversation will provide you with fresh perspectives on leadership, accountability, and relationships. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned veteran, you're going to find several nuggets of wisdom from Phil's experiences.   In this episode, you will hear: Phil's most embarrassing moments and how he turned them into learning experiences. What drove Phil to write a book titled, “Our Secret Life” What the “E.P.A.” Advantage is and how you can incorporate it into your life and leadership What top leaders do intentionally to protect their leadership position The importance of relationships and mentoring in leadership, including the concepts of input, output, and neutral relationships The concept of 'secret lives' in business and the impact of these hidden aspects on leadership and personal development. Key questions to ask yourself when it comes to personal and professional growth The distinction between a Christian leader and a Kingdom leader   KEY QUOTES “People who fall hard fall alone.” - Phil Nicaud “When you realize how short life is, you wisen up.” - Phil Nicaud “You have to learn how to let the right people in. You cannot live isolated.” - Phil Nicaud “The learning process isn't complete until you give it away.” - Phil Nicaud “Who's close enough to you that they can see every part of your life, and you're OK with it?” - Phil Nicaud “Relationships are messy, but they're worth it.” - Phil Nicaud “Grit is good, but God's grace is better.” - Phil Nicaud “God cares way less about what you're doing and cares way more about who you're becoming.” - Phil Nicaud   CONNECT WITH PHIL Instagram: @phil.nicaud (https://www.instagram.com/phil.nicaud/) Linkedin: /in/phil-nicaud (https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-nicaud-6a58a536/) Website: https://legendaryleadershipconsultants.com/ Book: Our Secret Life (https://amzn.to/3qcWc4s)   CONNECT WITH J.R.  Facebook: @jamesJRreid Instagram: @jamesjrreid LinkedIn: in/jamesjrreid/ Twitter: @jamesJRreid Website: jamesreid.com Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)   Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.   Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.