Advertise on podcast: Making the Ideal Real

In this episode, Ryan Goulart welcomes H. Adam Holt and Derek Notman alongside Doug Lennick to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, fatherhood, leadership, and intentional living. Together, they unpack the challenges modern dads face balancing ambition, family, and personal growth while building businesses, careers, and meaningful relationships. From loneliness and burnout to building intentional family experiences, Adam and Derek share the story behind Rebel Dads and the lessons they've learned from interviewing and connecting with high-performing fathers around the world. Through candid conversation and practical wisdom, the group explores how dads can pursue success without sacrificing the relationships that matter most.

In this episode, Ryan Goulart welcomes Saša Mirković entrepreneur, coach, and founder of Inspire Network to explore how surviving the siege of Sarajevo, embracing values-driven leadership, and creating tools like Tug Cards have shaped his life's mission: facilitating change and unlocking human potential. From wartime lessons on resilience and purpose to modern insights on team dynamics, Saša shares how values, self-awareness, and intentional leadership can transform both individuals and organizations. Through powerful stories and practical tools, he reveals what it means to fight evil by doing good and how to build teams that thrive on trust, alignment, and shared genius.

In this episode, Ryan Goulart sits down with Spenser Segal, CEO of Actifi, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming wealth management and what it means for the future of human-AI collaboration. Drawing from decades of experience at the forefront of technology revolutions from the internet to SaaS to cloud computing Spenser shares why he believes the rise of agentic AI represents the biggest shift yet. He outlines a framework for "human-AI synergy" that helps professionals understand their evolving role as AI takes on more non-high-human-value-added tasks, freeing people to focus on deeper client relationships, values alignment, and purposeful decision-making.

In this episode, Ryan Goulart welcomes Think2Perform CEO, author, and self-described "philosophizer" Doug Lennick to explore the timeless concepts from Doug's first book, Simple Genius (You)—and how the wisdom behind it still shapes leadership, happiness, and human connection today. Doug shares foundational philosophies that he developed as early as age four and has applied for nearly seven decades. Through personal stories and practical metaphors, Doug reveals how self-awareness, values alignment, and relationship-building can guide us to live and lead with greater purpose.

In this episode of Making the Ideal Real, host Ryan Goulart is joined by Kyle Sale, one of think2perform's newest fractional leaders, for a candid conversation about leadership, self-discovery, and the journey to becoming your ideal self—at work, at home, and in the world. From running a 60-person business in Austin at age 28 to coaching leaders through transformation, Kyle shares lessons on emotional intelligence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and leading with authenticity. They discuss why soft skills are actually the hardest to master, how culture is shaped by everyday actions, and the surprising role a pocket journal played in Kyle's personal growth. Whether you're a founder juggling vision and execution or a rising leader navigating doubt, this episode offers insights to help you slow down, reflect, and lead from a more grounded place.

In this episode, Ryan Goulart welcomes executive coach, leadership expert, and Think2Perform Vice President Elena Beckius to explore one of the most crucial aspects of effective communication: giving and receiving feedback. With honesty, clarity, and compassion, Elena shares tools and experiences that illuminate how feedback when done well can create stronger relationships, unlock performance, and shape thriving organizational cultures.

In this conversation, Ryan Goulart and Ray Kelly delve into the nuances of effective communication, emphasizing the importance of delivery over rightness. They explore the dynamics between the sender and receiver, the significance of storytelling, and frameworks for navigating difficult conversations. The discussion highlights the role of judgment in communication and decision-making, providing listeners with practical insights and strategies for enhancing their communication skills.

In this conversation, Keith discusses the concept of intentionality in creativity, emphasizing the importance of being responsive to the world around us. He explores personal transformation through creative processes, particularly in art and design education, where students learn to see and think differently. The dialogue also touches on the role of teaching, the significance of confidence and courage in creativity, the necessity of embracing failure as a learning tool, and the impact of technology on creative perception.

In this thought-provoking episode, Ryan Goulart welcomes psychologist, coach, and well-being researcher Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, Senior Research Scientist at Yale School of Medicine to explore the connection between emotional intelligence and creativity. Zorana also discusses how self-awareness, and values-based decision making shape personal and professional transformation. Drawing from her extensive experience, Zorana discusses how leaders and individuals alike can harness emotional awareness to foster creativity, growth, and meaningful change. Zorana also talks about the importance of curiosity, reflection, and alignment in cultivating well-being both in and outside of work. The conversation highlights how embracing discomfort, connecting to purpose, and practicing emotional regulation can lead to more authentic leadership and deeper human connection in today's complex world. Zorana can be found on her website, Substack newsletter, LinkedIn, BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

In this return episode after, Ryan Goulart welcomes back Think2Perform Founder and CEO Doug Lennick to dive deep into a timely and resonant conversation about the current State of Values around the world and how our behavior is shaped by them. Drawing on data from Think2Perform's global Values Exercise and the State of Values Report, Doug unpacks why we do what we do, how we form habits, and what it takes to make lasting change in today's emotionally charged environment. Doug also talks the importance of self-awareness and reflection in making rational choices, particularly in the context of financial decisions. The discussion highlights how understanding our emotions and values can lead to better behaviors and relationships, ultimately guiding us through life's challenges.

In this episode of Making the Ideal Real, host Ryan Goulart welcomes Carmen Orr, Senior Vice President at Think2Perform and fractional COO, to discuss the connection between emotion, values, and operational success. Carmen shares her unique insights on creating meaningful KPIs, fostering accountability, and aligning employee values with organizational goals. Learn how to diagnose operational challenges, build a culture of recognition, and achieve growth by emotionally connecting your team to their work. As Carmen puts it: "If you're expecting as a business owner that your employees are going to only be supporting your value system, you're wrong. They have to feel connected to what they're doing—why it matters to them personally. That's when you get great results." Whether you're an operations nerd or just seeking clarity in your business processes, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways to help you turn your vision into reality.

On this episode of Making the Ideal Real, Bob Nedbal, executive coach at think2perform, shares tips that help new leaders transition from individual contributors to effective, values-driven leaders. Listen in as Bob discusses shifting from a "fixing" mentality to one of empowering others, and the importance of adaptability and authenticity in leadership. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:  https://www.think2perform.com/shift-from-contributor-to-leader-with-bob-nedbal

On this episode of Making the Ideal Real, Kim Lear, founder and generational research consultant at Inlay Insights, explores shifting dynamics between generations at work and in society. From the ripple effects of the pandemic to evolving financial priorities, Kim offers insights into how different generations view work, relationships and money. Tune in to learn how leaders can adapt to these changes and help people of all ages live their values with integrity. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:  https://www.think2perform.com/how-generations-work-live-and-connect-with-kim-lear

On this episode of Making the Ideal Real, Elena Beckius, Senior Vice President at think2perform, shares her personal journey in the financial services industry, discussing the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. Listen in to learn about the importance of mentorship, leadership and values in guiding career and life decisions. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:  https://www.think2perform.com/empowering-growth-and-impact-with-elena-beckius

On this episode of Making the Ideal Real, we're speaking with Dr. Efrat LaMandre on the importance of recognizing and addressing medical gaslighting, and ways you can help clients navigate their healthcare challenges. Listen in to learn how to integrate wellness into your financial planning strategies. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:  https://www.think2perform.com/medical-gaslighting-efrat-lamandre