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In episode 322 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Rey Ramsey, cross-sector leader, social impact investor and author of The Tyranny of False Choices: A Guide to Authentic Decision-Making. Rey is the founder and CEO of Centri Capital and has led organisations including Habitat for Humanity International, Enterprise Community Partners and TechNet. Leaders are often praised for making hard choices. Rey asks a different question first: is the choice even real? Drawing on three decades across government, philanthropy, nonprofits and business, he explains how binary thinking traps leaders, and how humility, values and better questions open up new options. In this episode, we discuss: What a false choice is, and why leaders accept them so easily How to tell a real trade-off from a false one Why humility expands your options How organisations lose trust, one choice at a time Leading with integrity when certainty is unavailable Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about decision-making, trust and values-based leadership. You can connect with Rey here: https://reyramsey.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/rey-ramsey Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1gU2Nu0DkQaAqzA8UcDGjg.

In episode 321 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Eleanor Whittle, founder and Managing Director of Alopias Earth. She has spoken at the World Ocean Summit Europe, and she was one of the leaders who joined our Speak to LEAD retreat in France, where she delivered a powerful keynote speech. We start with Eleanor’s experience of the retreat: what she took away from it and what it meant for her as a leader. Then we turn to the theme of her keynote and to a question every business leader should be asking: what can businesses do for the planet? Eleanor explains why leadership today needs a different way of thinking, and how companies can start supporting nature in practical ways. In this episode, we discuss: Eleanor’s experience of the Speak to LEAD retreat in France The message behind her keynote speech Why leaders need to think differently in today’s world How businesses can support nature, and where to start Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, responsibility and the future of our planet. You can connect with Eleanor here: http://alopiasearth.com Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1gU2Nu0DkQaAqzA8UcDGjg.

In episode 320 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Maria Nemeth, psychologist, pioneer in human development and coach training, and author of The Energy of Money and Mastering Life’s Energies. She works with leaders, entrepreneurs and business owners who have achieved success but feel stuck or unsure what comes next. Maria’s TED talk asks a simple question: would it be OK with you if life got easier? We talk about why so many of us make our lives more complicated than they need to be, and what it takes to live without regret. Maria also shares a little about her next book. In this episode, we discuss: Why we so often make life harder than it needs to be The question from Maria’s TED talk, and why it is harder to answer than it sounds What it means to live without regret Maria’s next book Tune in for a positive and heartwarming conversation about ease, regret and living a life that feels right. You can connect with Maria here: https://marianemeth.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianemeth/ Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1gU2Nu0DkQaAqzA8UcDGjg.

In episode 319 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Elizabeth White, licensed mental health counsellor and founder of the Well Counseling Group and Loving Life with Liz. For more than a decade she has worked with women in high-stress roles, from CEOs and attorneys to professional athletes. For the past twelve seasons she has also served as Team Clinician for the Indianapolis Colts and sits on the NFL’s mental health advisory council. Many high achievers know how to push, perform and carry everything. Far fewer know how to stop. Elizabeth shares what elite athletes can teach leaders about pressure and recovery, and why giving yourself rest matters just as much as the work itself. In this episode, we discuss: What it really means to be a high achiever, and what it can cost Lessons leaders can learn from elite NFL athletes Why rest is just as important as work How to keep performing at a high level without burning out Tune in for a practical conversation about high performance, rest and sustainable success. You can connect with Elizabeth here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-white-lmhc-lcac-board-certified-life-coach-34ba8734/ Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1gU2Nu0DkQaAqzA8UcDGjg.

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Ruth E. Andermatt, founder of A.C.E. Inc. in Vancouver and a leadership coach with nearly three decades of experience working with senior leaders and C-suite executives, primarily women. A former university ice hockey scholarship athlete, Ruth also worked in corporate leadership as the only woman at her level. Ruth shares what sport taught her about leadership: you practise so you are ready to show up, no matter what the day brings. We talk about why self-leadership and self-reflection are the foundation of leading others, why even the most successful leaders need a coach, and how women can rebuild their confidence when it has been shaken. In this episode, we discuss: Lessons from sport: practising so you’re ready to show up no matter what Why every leader needs a coach Self-leadership and the power of self-reflection How to rebuild your confidence, step by step Why strong women should support other strong women in the room Tune in for an honest and practical conversation about self-leadership, confidence and women supporting women. You can connect with Ruth here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachruth/ Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1gU2Nu0DkQaAqzA8UcDGjg.

In episode 317 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Jesus de la Garza, leadership consultant, executive coach and founder of Monarch Leaders. Jesus has more than 40 years of experience as an entrepreneur and has delivered over 1,000 leadership sessions for the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. Drawing on four decades in business, Jesus shares what really matters in leadership. We talk about one of the hardest balances for any leader: when to inspire people and when to apply pressure. Jesus also explains why the best leaders observe before they react, and why humility and transparency build more trust than authority alone. In this episode, we discuss: How to balance inspiring people with applying the right pressure Why adaptability is essential in leadership Having a clear sense of direction and knowing your values and talents Observing instead of reacting immediately Why humility and transparency make leaders stronger Tune in for a practical conversation about leadership lessons learned over 40 years in business. You can connect with Jesus here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-de-la-garza-monarchleaders/ Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify IDEAS+LEADERS | Listen to the Podcast on Spotify

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Subodh Verma, cardiac surgeon-scientist at the University of Toronto, Canada Research Chair in Cardiovascular Surgery and TEDx speaker. He has opened more than 6,000 human chests and is one of the world’s most highly cited medical researchers. The operating room is one of the most demanding leadership environments there is. The stakes are high, time is short, and no life is saved by one person. Dr Verma explains why the myth of the lone genius doesn’t hold up, in surgery or in business, and what leaders can learn from teams that perform under extreme pressure. In this episode, we discuss: Why the lone genius myth fails in surgery and in organisations How to make it safe for the most junior person in the room to speak up Staying calm and making decisions under extreme pressure Equity, interdependence and helping others rise What busy leaders should know about their own heart health Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about teamwork, pressure, leadership and health. Connect with Dr Subodh here: Dr. Subodh Verma | Cardiac Surgeon Scientist & TEDx Speaker  Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify IDEAS+LEADERS | Listen to the Podcast on Spotify

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Travis D. Hahler, Senior Director of Global Strategy and Transformation at Salesforce, founder of The Neurological Nomad, and author of Rethink Resistance: Embracing Neuroscience to Lead Transformational Change. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience leading organizational transformation, Travis explains why resistance to change is often misunderstood. Rather than seeing resistance as stubbornness or lack of commitment, he shows how it can be a predictable neurological response to uncertainty, disrupted habits, overload, and perceived loss. We explore how leaders can work with the brain rather than against it to create more sustainable change. In this episode, we discuss: Why resistance to change is often neurological, not personal How habits and routines make change harder than leaders expect Why urgency and cognitive overload can increase resistance How uncertainty, exclusion, and loss affect the brain during transformation What leaders can do to build trust, reduce anxiety, and improve adoption Tune in for a practical conversation about leadership, neuroscience, organizational change, communication, and how to help people move through transformation more effectively. You can connect with Travis here:The Neurological Nomad: https://www.theneurologicalnomad.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisdhahler/ Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Kristine Frost, former CHRO, founder, board director, and attorney by training, with 25 years of leadership experience across the automotive and industrial sectors. Having spent much of her career as one of the only women in the room, Kristine learned how communication, credibility, and influence really operate in demanding environments - from the plant floor to the C-suite. We explore what decades of navigating difficult conversations taught her about leadership, why high performance doesn't automatically translate into influence, and why one of her biggest communication challenges has been learning to talk about her own achievements. In this episode, we discuss: What 25 years of high-stakes leadership taught Kristine about difficult conversations How to communicate when what leaders say and what employees hear are very different How being one of the only women in the room shaped her communication style How to advocate for yourself without feeling that you are bragging Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about leadership, communication, influence, visibility, and finding the confidence to own the value you bring. You can connect with Kristine here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kfroesq Website: https://shatteredglassadvisory.com/ Email: [email protected] Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In episode 313 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Justin Goodbread, business strategist, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur who has grown and sold seven companies across multiple industries. We explore what it really takes to build a business that can scale beyond its founder. Justin shares why entrepreneurs should think beyond revenue and profit and focus on creating transferable business value, how owner-dependence can limit growth, and why many founders wait too long to prepare their companies for an eventual exit. In this episode, we discuss: The difference between building a profitable business and a valuable business How to recognize when the founder has become the biggest bottleneck How to reduce owner-dependence and build a company that can operate without you The leadership transition required as a company moves from seven to eight figures What makes a company genuinely valuable and attractive to potential buyers Tune in for a practical conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, scaling, business value, and creating a company that gives you greater freedom rather than depending on you for everything. You can connect with Justin here: Home - Justin Goodbread  Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Elizabeth Brett, former NBC television reporter, storytelling authority, and communication strategist who helps accomplished women develop a more authentic and powerful voice. Drawing on nearly a decade in broadcast journalism, Elizabeth shares what she learned about creating stories that capture attention and build trust, and why polished communication alone is no longer enough. We explore her Story Alchemy™ methodology, the shift from performance to presence, and why our lived experiences can become one of our most powerful sources of authority, especially in the age of AI. In this episode, we discuss: How to move from polished communication to authentic presence Why successful women can outgrow the version of themselves that helped them succeed How to turn lived experiences into stories that build trust and authority Why authentic storytelling is becoming even more important in the age of AI How leaders can develop a voice that is recognizable, memorable, and truly their own Tune in for an inspiring conversation about storytelling, communication, visibility, and finding the courage to express what you really want to say. You can connect with Elizabeth here: Elizabeth Brett | LinkedIn   Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Maximos Lih, executive coach and founder of Emboldened LLC. After starting his career at Google, Maximos spent nearly a decade at Google Ventures, where he helped hundreds of founders scale their companies and leadership. We explore what it really takes to build high-performing teams, why founders often become bottlenecks as their companies grow, and how leaders can move from being the “hero” who solves every problem to the “host” who creates the conditions for others to thrive.  In this episode, we discuss: How founders can recognize when they have become the bottleneck What it means to move from “hero” to “host” as a leader How your team’s behavior can become a mirror of your leadership Why trust and exceptional talent matter when building great teams How leaders can create clarity in fast-growing organizations Tune in for a practical conversation about leadership, high-performing teams, scaling organizations, and creating the conditions for people to do their best work. You can connect with Maximos here: linkedin.com/in/maximoslih  Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In episode 310 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Lorraine Armijos, executive coach, consultant, and founder of LAR INSIGHTS. Lorraine began her leadership journey in the U.S. Air Force and brings more than 20 years of experience, including roles with Fortune 500 companies. We explore how leaders can successfully navigate change, turn strategy into action, and build high-performing teams. Lorraine shares why great leadership is increasingly about asking the right questions rather than giving all the answers, and how leaders can move from overwhelm to greater clarity and impact. In this episode, we discuss: How to turn a strong vision into effective execution How leaders can move from overwhelm to transformational impact Why great leaders learn to coach rather than simply give orders How data can support better leadership decisions How process improvement can support sustainable business growth Tune in for a practical conversation about leadership, change management, strategy, and creating organizations where people and performance can thrive together. You can connect with Lorraine here: Lorraine Armijos | LinkedIn   Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In episode 309 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Angélica Pérez-Litwin, clinical psychologist, author, and founder and CEO of Lumin, who has spent more than twenty years working with high-achieving professionals. We explore why some of the most successful people struggle with exhaustion, anxiety, strained relationships, and the feeling that they can never slow down. Angélica introduces the concept of Career Distress Response and explains what happens when professional achievement becomes deeply connected to our identity and self-worth. Drawing from her new book, The Great Unraveling, she also shares how we can move toward Career Harmony — pursuing meaningful ambition without sacrificing ourselves along the way. In this episode, we discuss: The difference between burnout and Career Distress Response Why high achievers can struggle to slow down even when they are exhausted How achievement and professional identity can become deeply intertwined Why vacations, boundaries, and productivity tools don't always solve the underlying problem How leaders and organizations unintentionally reward unhealthy patterns of overwork How to redefine success and build a healthier relationship with ambition What Career Harmony looks like in practice Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about leadership, ambition, identity, and how to build sustainable success without losing yourself in the process. You can connect with Angélica here: Dr. Angelica Perez-Litwin, PhD, MBA | LinkedIn  Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Nina Burrowes, psychologist, author, and founder of The Consent Collective. For more than two decades, Nina has worked with judges, universities, and organizations to understand sexual harassment, consent, power, and workplace culture. We explore why traditional approaches to harassment prevention often fail and why understanding human behavior is essential for creating meaningful cultural change. Nina also shares insights from her book All Reasonable Steps and her unusual approach to making complex psychological ideas accessible through cartoons and visual storytelling. In this episode, we discuss: The psychology behind workplace behavior and harassment How power and organizational culture influence behavior Why policies and compliance alone don't create cultural change How leaders can approach difficult conversations with greater confidence How education, curiosity, and honest conversations can help prevent harm Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about psychology, leadership, communication, and building healthier workplace cultures. You can connect with Nina here Dr Nina Burrowes | LinkedIn Her book: All Reasonable Steps | Dr Nina Burrowes  Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.