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12 O'Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports, movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, Tom Fox speaks with Nick Padlo, a mental health advocate and Founder and CEO of Sophros Recovery, about his diverse professional journey.  Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, Padlo attended West Point and served in the U.S. Army, during which he witnessed significant combat. Post-military, he attended business school at Stanford and founded a pet cremation business. He also shares his struggles with alcohol and substance abuse and his path to recovery, touching on the leadership lessons he learned from the military, the importance of asking for help, and how he integrates his experiences to aid others through ROS Recovery. The discussion includes building resilience, empathy, and trust within a team, family involvement in recovery, and advice for business leaders facing personal and professional challenges. Key highlights: ·      Nick Padlo's Military Background ·      Transition to Civilian Life and Business Ventures ·      Personal Struggles and Path to Recovery ·      Leadership Lessons from the Military ·      Hitting Rock Bottom and Seeking Help ·      Incorporating Experiences into ROS Recovery ·      Building Resilience, Trust, and Empathy ·      Family's Role in Recovery ·      Advice for Business Leaders   Resources:   Follow Nick Padlo on LinkedIn Check out Sophros Recovery Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports, movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, Tom Fox welcomes Robert Meyers, a veteran with over 30 years in cybersecurity, privacy, M&A security, and education. The discussion spans Meyers’s vast professional journey from the early days of IT to the modern challenges and practices of data protection. They also explore the differences in cybersecurity and privacy perspectives between the US and Europe, the importance of cross-functional collaboration in organizations, and how new technologies like autonomous AI systems are reshaping security models. Meyers also shares his passion for Comic-Con and offers advice for students and new professionals considering a career in cybersecurity and privacy. The episode wraps up with insights into Meyers’s books and practical advice for integrating privacy principles and cybersecurity tools in today’s business environment. Key highlights: Robert Meyers’ Professional Background Early Cybersecurity Challenges and Lessons Evolution of Cybersecurity and Privacy Privacy Perspectives: US vs Europe Role of Executives in Cybersecurity and Privacy Cross-Functional Collaboration in Privacy and Security Innovative Cybersecurity Tools Agentic AI and Its Implications Comic-Con and Professional Insights Career Advice for Aspiring Professionals Resources: Privacy Snippets for the Cybersecurity Professional on Amazon Robert Meyers’ Profile on Amazon Robert Meyers ‘on LinkedIn Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports, movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, Tom Fox interviews Jacqui Pruet, founder of A. C. E. Austin Compliance & Ethics Professional. Pruet shares her journey of creating ACE to address the lack of local networking opportunities for compliance professionals in Austin, Texas. She discusses her passion for ethics and compliance, stemming from her background as a state regulator and strategist, as well as her innovative approach to building high-trust leadership communities. Pruet emphasizes the importance of relationships and trust in compliance, sharing insights on how effective compliance can drive business efficiency and profitability. She also explores the evolving alignment between innovation, governance, and compliance, and discusses how her regulatory background gives her a unique perspective in the compliance field. Key highlights: Jacqui Pruet’s Journey to Founding ACE The Importance of Compliance and Ethics Executing the Vision of ACE High-Trust Leadership Communities Confidentiality and Trust in Leadership Building Relationships and Trust Revenue and Ethics: A Strategic Advantage Regulatory Background and Compliance Strategy Resources: Jacqui Pruet on LinkedIn Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports and movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. Tom takes a solo turn to visit Linda Fisk, the leader of LeadHERship Global, to talk about the challenges and opportunities female entrepreneurs face. Linda shares her extensive professional journey from being a CMO at notable media companies to founding LeadHERship Global. They discuss women entrepreneurs’ impressive yet under-recognized contributions to the U.S. economy, highlighting stats and trends around new business ventures led by women, especially women of color. Linda emphasizes women’s ongoing difficulties in accessing capital and offers practical steps for success, including addressing stereotypes, learning from each other, and creating supportive networks. The conversation closes with insights on how LeadHERship Global helps women thrive professionally and how men can support this movement. Linda also mentions her recent anthology,” LeadHERship Unveiled,” which features inspiring stories from women leaders. Key highlights: Current Landscape for Female Entrepreneurs Challenges in Funding for Women Entrepreneurs Practical Steps for Women Entrepreneurs The Vision Behind LeadHERship Global Resources: Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn LeadHERship Website  Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports and movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. Tom takes a solo turn to visit with Dr. Karthik Ramanan (Dr. K), a licensed naturopathic physician specializing in emotional health for entrepreneurs and executives. Dr. K shares his professional background and insights into emotional health, defining it as the absence of disease and the ability to identify, process, and act upon emotions. He introduces his book, ‘The Emotionally Healthy You,’ and discusses his unique writing process. The discussion is about the five pillars of emotional health: psychology, relationships, nutrition, sleep, and body movement. Dr. K emphasizes the importance of morning routines, maintaining a sense of purpose, and balancing high achievement with emotional resilience. Key highlights: Emotional Health and Mentorship Defining Emotional Health The Five Pillars of Emotional Health Balancing High Achievement and Emotional Well-being Finding Purpose and Mentorship Resources: Instagram: @dr.karthikramanan LinkedIn: Dr. Karthik Ramanan X (Twitter): @drkramanan YouTube: Dr. Karthik Ramanan Channel Facebook: Dr. Karthik Ramanan Website  Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports and movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. Tom and Richard Lummis return with their fan-favorite series on leadership lessons from Oscar-winning Best Picture movies. Today, we look at leadership lessons from ‘All Quiet on the Western Front.’ Their discussion centers on the graphic depictions of war and how they provide insights into extreme leadership, adaptability, and the disconnect between officers and soldiers. They explore the themes of teamwork and human resilience demonstrated by the characters, especially in challenging situations. A poignant exploration of emotional intelligence and empathy in high-stress environments is also examined, relating these themes to the business world and modern leadership challenges. Join Richard and Tom as they reflect on how these lessons from a nearly century-old text are still relevant today in navigating uncertainty and building resilient frameworks in corporate compliance. Key highlights: Overview of ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ Themes of War and Leadership Modern Reflections on Military Lessons Emotional Intelligence and Empathy in War Resilience and Decision Making The Role of Data in Leadership Resources: All Quiet on the Western Front and Everyday Leadership Employer Branding Lessons from All Quiet on the Western Front All Quiet on the Western Front  Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports and movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, Tom is joined by Alec Burlakoff, who shares his compelling journey from a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry to a cautionary tale of white-collar crime. Alec recounts his background in coaching and social work before transitioning to the pharmaceutical field, where his rapid climb to senior vice president halted due to off-label drug promotion and bribery charges. He discusses the ethical pitfalls he encountered, the consequences of his actions, and his subsequent indictment, pleading guilty, and serving a federal prison sentence. Alec emphasizes the importance of compliance departments in preventing ethical lapses and the necessity for sales and compliance to work in synergy. He also sheds light on the mindset of white-collar professionals, the dangers of working in the gray, and how organizations can cultivate a culture of accountability and integrity. Throughout the conversation, Alec’s transformation offers invaluable lessons for compliance professionals and corporate leaders on fostering ethical practices in heavily regulated industries. Key highlights: Alec’s Background and Career Transition The Downfall: Off-Label Promotion and Indictment Shifting Mindsets: Understanding White Collar Crime The Role of Compliance in Sales Accountability and Personal Journey Resources: Alec Burlakoff on LinkedIn Limitless! Consulting Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports and movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, Tom is joined by Jared Connors to navigate PFAS Regulations, Trade Sanctions, and Sustainability Reporting in 2025. Tom welcomes former colleague Jared Connors to discuss key compliance issues as 2024 approaches. Their conversation dives into PFAS regulations, trade sanctions, sustainability reporting, and how businesses must navigate these complex landscapes. Jared explains the critical impact of PFAS ‘forever chemicals,’ shedding light on state-level and federal restrictions and the international obligations of companies involved in manufacturing and distribution. The episode also tackles the implications of trade sanctions and how companies can manage their supply chains to avoid disruptions, especially in light of global tensions and shifting political dynamics. Moving forward, Jared provides insight into upcoming sustainability reporting obligations, such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and California’s new stringent laws, emphasizing the importance of data collection and transparent reporting in mitigating risks. This episode provides a comprehensive overview for compliance professionals looking to stay ahead of regulatory changes and market expectations. Key highlights: PFAS: The Forever Chemicals Sanctions and Trade Restrictions Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) Impact of Tariffs on Companies  Resources: Jared Connors on LinkedIn Assent Compliance Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports and movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, Tom is joined by Sabine Kvenberg to discuss the skill of listening in leadership. Sabine Kvenberg, a celebrated speaker and expert in corporate communication, brings a unique perspective shaped by her diverse background in performing arts and her career transition from a claim adjuster. Her expertise underscores the significance of effective communication, particularly for women in tech who may struggle with confidence in voicing their ideas. Kvenberg advocates for strategies such as setting clear objectives, rehearsing key points, and integrating storytelling to engage and connect with audiences, enhancing leadership and team dynamics. By focusing on body language, vocal variety, and the intricacies of word choice, she helps individuals improve their self-communication and overall interaction skills, fostering a more positive and collaborative corporate environment. Key highlights: Enhancing Corporate Communication Through Storytelling and Rehearsing Enhancing Communication Skills through Training and Coaching Fostering Collaboration Through Active Listening Resources: Sabine Kvenberg on LinkedIn Sabine Kvenberg Website Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 O’Clock High, a podcast on business leadership brings together stories from history, the arts and movies, research and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, we consider the movie Man for All Seasons.  ·      Movie Storyline ·      What is conscience? •       “Let Your Conscience Be your Guide” •       More never condemned the King. “The king’s good servant, but God’s first.” •       Wrongdoing Makes You Lose Your Conscience-Cromwell and Richard Rich ·      Leadership Lessons •       Practicing integrity for the modern business leader is not a simple and straightforward endeavor. Social media only exacerbates this.  •       A modern leader is “poured into the world’s mold of compromise and deceit”. You need an ethical grounding. •       Practicing integrity demands that we, as leaders, constantly assess our relationships. Business and Personal ·      Standard of Trust Leadership •       Competence, Pro-active and Accountable.  •       Creating an environment that allows strong moral roots to grow and be sustained. ·      Wrap Up and Close ·      Final Thoughts ·      Watch the Movie; see the play, read the book Resources Ten Timely Lessons from A Man For All Seasons Leadership Lessons from St. Thomas More A Leader for All Seasons Virtuous Leadership-Thomas More     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging episode, Tom Fox welcomes back James Gellert, Executive Chairman of RapidRatings and Chair of Advisory Board at LogicSource. They are to discuss the evolution of supply chain risk management post-COVID. They delve into how the pandemic accelerated existing initiatives, highlighting the increased focus on using data and new technologies to enhance supply chain resiliency. Gellert emphasizes the shift from ‘just in time’ to ‘just in case’ strategies, the heightened importance of managing indirect suppliers, and the impact of current inflationary pressures on middle-market and private companies. They also explore the critical role of communication between supply chain executives, board members, and shareholders in navigating these complexities. The discussion underscores the need for more proactive engagement from all stakeholders to manage supply chain risk effectively. Key Highlights: Current Role and Responsibilities Impact of COVID on Supply Chain Risk Management and Post-COVID Supply Chain Strategies Inflation and Its Effects on Supply Chains Labor Costs and Supply Chain Disruptions Consumer Spending and Supply Chain Pressure Procurement as a Service and LogicSource Engagement of Boards and Shareholders in Supply Chain Risk   Resources: James Gellert on LinkedIn Rapid Ratings LogicSource Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging episode, Tom Fox interviews Caroline Biesalski, an accountant turned podcast host and coach, who shares her inspiring journey from the accounting world to podcasting. Biesalski discusses her chapter in ‘Circle of the One Volume One’ and her successful ‘Inspired Choice Podcast,’ where she has conducted over 400 interviews in nine months. She delves into the critical role of intuition and influential works such as Napoleon Hill’s ‘Think and Grow Rich’ in shaping her path. Biesalski highlights strategies for unlocking success and authentic voices in corporate settings, emphasizing structured dedication, goal-focused thinking, and the importance of speaking from the heart. Additionally, she touches on the significance of making inspired choices and being proactive in changing one’s professional and personal circumstances. Caroline invites listeners to participate in her free daily book study on Be Connected and shares her aspirations for future in-person events and charitable projects focused on education and community. Key Highlights: Journey from Accounting to Podcasting The Turning Point: From Burnout to Breakthrough The Influence of Napoleon Hill’s ‘Think and Grow Rich’ Building Trust and Rapport Discovering Passion in the Corporate World Resources: Caroline Biesalski on LinkedIn Inspired Choice podcast Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tom Fox welcomes Gary De Rodriguez, an expert in humanistic neuro-linguistic psychology. We take a deep dive into his unique journey from volunteer work in the AIDS community to becoming an expert in neuro-linguistic programming and humanistic psychology. De Rodriguez shares insights into how he developed accelerated change techniques to help people resolve issues quickly, leading to his current role in training and consulting. They discuss the importance of self-leadership, the impact of executive alignment on organizational culture, and the significant role of emotional intelligence in fostering successful work environments. De Rodriguez also highlights the transformative power of kindness and humanity in bridging generational gaps within the workforce. Key Highlights: Professional Background and Early Career Transition to Neuro-Linguistic Programming Corporate Training and Self-Leadership Humanistic Business and Conscious Capitalism Implementing Cultural Change in Organizations The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership Challenges of Multi-Generational Workforces   Resources: Gary De Rodriguez on LinkedIn Gary De Rodriguez Peopleistic Humanistic Business: Profit Through People with Passion and Purpose on Amazon.com Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I visit with Tom, who welcomes Ron Karr, a long-time thought leader in the art of leadership, persuasion, and influence. They take a deep dive into the science of influence and persuasion and help the compliance professional understand how they can use this science to move the compliance ball forward in an organization. This script explores the belief that data is precious but accounts for only 80% of the decision-making process. The remaining 20% comes from an assessment of the individual’s current situation, mindset, energy, and skill sets. The importance of not solely relying on data is emphasized through a reference to the movie ‘A Beautiful Mind,’ where a Nobel Prize-winning professor suggests that math (or data) can solve 80% of problems, indicating the necessity of beyond-data factors in solving the remaining 20%. Key Highlights: ·      The 80/20 Rule for Leadership ·      Purposeful Reflection for Effective Decision-Making ·      Neurochemical Impact on Influencing Others Successfully ·      Propelling Success through Adaptive Strategies ·      Empowering Personal Growth Through Story Rewriting ·      Enhancing Professional Success Through Peer Engagement ·      The Velocity Mindset: Achieving Success Through Networking  Resources Ron Karr on LinkedIn Company Blog The Velocity Mindset  Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I visit with Onno Koelman, whose consultancy, Dynamic Leader Development, operates on a three C's framework - clarity, climate, and competence - aimed at enhancing teams' leadership skills and performance. We visit on the challenges of managing multigenerational teams with diverse responses to leadership styles, highlighting the need for different skills at various leadership levels. Onno Koelman, has a diverse professional background that includes design engineering, sales, and leadership roles in environmental startups. Koelman's perspective on professional development and leadership transition is shaped by his unique experiences and emphasizes dynamic growth and adaptation over simply acquiring a set of skills. He advocates for vertical development, which involves enhancing capabilities, refining worldviews, and reducing reactivity. His approach to leadership training focuses on understanding and interrupting existing behavioral patterns within individuals and organizations, rather than merely imposing new behaviors. Koelman also underscores the importance of clarity, a supportive climate, and the right competence within teams, and acknowledges the complexity of leading multigenerational teams, suggesting that leaders should understand and cater to the diverse motivations and responses of team members from different generations. Key Highlights ·      Enhancing Leadership Skills through Human Behavior Understanding ·      Dynamic Leadership Development Through Skill Progression ·      Fostering Success: Essential Ingredients for Teamwork ·      Vertical Development for Effective Leadership Transformation ·      Influential Tone in Leadership for Organizational Success  Resources Onno Koelman on LinkedIn  Dynamic Leader Development   Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices