A Leadership Beyond

"Face reality and deal with it. The more we can create an environment where it's okay to give people the time, the space, and the opportunity to process what they're going through, the higher the chances are of successfully dealing with a loss of a loved one—or dealing with an organizational change." Ian Ziskin

Panel discussion on Lives Lost and Leadership Found

In this insightful and wisdom enhancing leadership conversation, A Leadership Beyond hosts a panel discussion on Lives Lost & Leadership Found.

The panel is moderated by Marie Genevieve Pawlak, and includes:

Ian Ziskin, co-author of Lives Lost and Leadership Found: Lessons from Special Somebodies, co-founder of Consortium for Change (C4C), and "retired" Human Resources executive

Adrienne Guerrero, co-founder of A Leadership Beyond, Founder and CEO at at Positive Delta

Michelle Halm, Licensed professional counselor and founder of Grief Connection Space

Marie Genevieve Pawlak guides a deeply human conversation with thought leaders who have turned personal loss into a wellspring of insight for thriving through change initiatives and leading others in transformational change.

The discussion journeys from raw stories of unexpected loss—whether of loved ones or familiar ways of working—toward the subtle ways grief shapes our identities as leaders and our organizations as communities.

Together, the panelists reveal how facing pain with honesty, extending grace to others, and integrating lessons from adversity can forge not only resilience but greater compassion, connectivity, and authentic leadership.

Their dialogue bridges the deeply personal to the organizational, weaving neuroscience, practical strategies, and heartfelt stories into a rich tapestry of wisdom for anyone navigating change.

Among the highlights of this dynamic conversation:

- Grief, whether personal or collective, can be channeled into powerful lessons and growth for individuals and entire organizations.

- Authentic leadership emerges by embracing reality, showing empathy, and inviting open conversations about change and loss.

- The discomfort of change and loss can lead to renewed purpose, connection, and stronger organizational cultures—when leaders intentionally create space for healing and support.

Closing Invitation:

If today's dialogue resonates with your own journey or the challenges within your organization, we encourage you to explore Ian Ziskin's "Lives Lost & Leadership Found" for deeper insights and inspiration. Connect with the panelists to share your story and continue building a compassionate leadership community.

Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Lives-Lost-Leadership-Found-Somebodies-ebook/dp/B0FF3KKFCV

Connect with Consortium for Change (C4C): https://consortium4change.com/

Connect with our panel:

Ian Ziskin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ziskin-bb1504/

Marie Pawlak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariegenpawlak/

Michelle Halm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellehalmft/

Adrienne Guerrero: https://embracethedelta.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienneguerrero/

A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization).

Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.

We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you!

To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com

Tom & Adrienne

In today's environment, clarity isn't a luxury—it's a multiplier that unlocks every dollar you've invested in your people. -Salima Hemani

Here's the truth most leaders don't realize: You're already shaping your organization's culture and performance every single day—whether you know it or not.

Every leader needs some understanding of organizational design's impact. Not to become an OD expert or efficiency consultant, but because aligning structure with culture and creating environments where people do their best work is fundamentally your responsibility. When budgets tighten, teams feel stuck, and your best people start leaving despite world-class training programs, the problem often isn't your strategy or your talent—it's the invisible architecture determining how work actually gets done.

In this conversation, Salima Hamani reveals why 75-80% of organizational redesigns fail (hint: it's not about the org chart), and more importantly, how leaders at every level can create the clarity that becomes their organization's greatest competitive advantage.

In this episode, Salima shares:

• Why great organizational design grows leaders, not just organizes them - How one company created "natural stretch zones" through project-based structure that elevated middle managers without another training program

• The warning signs your structure is holding back performance - When people have the right skills, clear values, and beautiful org charts but still can't get results, decisions made, or forward momentum

• Why the org chart is just 10% of organizational design - The critical elements most leaders miss: operating models, governance frameworks, decision rights, and how information actually flows

• How to measure the ROI of clarity - One government agency dropped project delays by 70% simply by clarifying decision pathways and governance (not just redrawing boxes)

• The questions leaders need to ask before any redesign - Why spending time on strategic clarity upfront saves months of frustrated implementation later

The bottom line: You don't need to become an organizational design expert, but you do need to understand that structure either amplifies or constrains everything else you're trying to achieve. The best training programs, the most talented people, and the clearest strategy all fall flat without the structural clarity that lets people actually use them. Organizational design isn't something to delegate and forget—it's the scaffolding that determines whether your leaders can truly lead, whether your investments in people pay off, and whether your organization can breathe and grow rather than suffocate under its own weight.

About Salima:

Salima Hemani, MBA, PCC, SHRM-SCP, is an accomplished organizational strategist, executive coach, and human capital advisor with over 25 years of experience leading large-scale transformation, organizational design, and leadership alignment initiatives. She is the Founder and President of SZH Consulting, an organizational and leadership development firm serving Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and mission-driven organizations.

Salima brings a rare blend of strategic insight and operational depth, having served as both an internal executive and external consultant guiding C-suite teams through growth, restructuring, and culture evolution. Her expertise spans strategy execution, organizational design, leadership development, and executive team coaching - anchored in systems thinking, data-driven insights, and a people-first approach.

A trusted thought partner to CHROs and senior leaders, Salima is known for her ability to turn complexity into clarity and create space for bold, actionable dialogue. She frequently speaks on topics including leading through change and building organizations that thrive.

Connect with Salima: https://www.linkedin.com/company/szh-consulting-llc/

A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization).

Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.

We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you!

To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com

Tom & Adrienne

Presence is more that just being there. -Malcolm S. Forbes

If you're a leader, coach, or communicator seeking to elevate your presence and influence, this episode is a masterclass in showing up with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. Sue Reynolds Frost—Managing Director of Sloan Group International and co-author of Deliberate Mindset—joins us on the Leadership Beyond podcast to unpack the art and science of executive presence. With warmth, candor, and strategic insight, she shares how leaders can align their message, mindset, and somatic cues to inspire trust and drive impact.

Highlights from our conversation with Sue:

• Defining Executive Presence: Sue reframes it as a learnable skill rooted in clarity, confidence, and positive intent—not just charisma or polish.
• Somatic Presence Explained: She breaks down how physicality, tone, and vocal delivery shape how others perceive us—especially in high-stakes moments.
• Common Pitfalls & Coaching Tips: From filler words to incongruent body language, Sue offers practical strategies to build unconscious competence over time.
• The Power of Pause: Learn how intentional silence and breath can enhance clarity, invite engagement, and calm your nervous system.
• Feedback as a Growth Tool: Sue shares two simple ways to get real-time feedback—peer observation and self-recording—to accelerate development.
• Mindset Matters: She emphasizes that skill-building must be paired with a deliberate mindset to avoid self-sabotage and unlock authentic confidence.

Whether you're presenting to a boardroom or mentoring a rising leader, Sue's insights offer a roadmap to show up with purpose and presence. Ready to level up your leadership voice?This episode is your invitation.

Connect with Sue: (7) Sue Reynolds-Frost | LinkedIn

Sloan Group International: https://www.sloangroupinternational.com

Authored by Sue:

Mastering Executive Presence with Sue Reynolds Frost

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2025/08/11/your-body-is-your-message-how-somatic-presence-builds-credibility/

Deliberate Mindset: How Thinking Differently Can Help You Succeed In High-Stakes Presentations And Conversations: Hornstein, Jeff, Reynolds-Frost, Sue, Reiner, Ruth: 9781973719632: Amazon.com: Books

A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization).

Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.

We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you!

To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com

Tom & Adrienne

• People, Process, and Technology—Intertwined: Laurent emphasizes that sustainable transformation demands balance and integration across all three, not treating the people side as an afterthought.
• From Data to Trust: He shares how Precisely ensures data integrity—helping clients build the trust and accuracy essential for AI and automation to work effectively.
• Bridging Silos: Real business problems, he explains, are rarely just "tech problems." They're solved by breaking down organizational silos and facilitating communication between global teams.
• Change Readiness and Human Impact: Laurent offers insights on assessing people's readiness for change—recognizing both the skill gaps and the emotional aspects of transformation.
• Leading Beyond Boundaries: Through examples like team members who transcend their formal roles, he shows how empowering people to solve problems wherever they exist fuels engagement and innovation.

A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization).

Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.

We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you!

To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com

Adrienne & Tom

We are grateful for having connected with Aïko Thurlow. Aiko is Ceo of InFounders:

Home - InFounders

In this compelling conversation, Aiko shares how she transformed her own lonely entrepreneurial journey into a mission to bring people together through carefully facilitated peer groups. After discovering the power of Masterminds, she founded her company to help organizations—from industry associations to corporations—create spaces where professionals can authentically connect, problem-solve together, and experience genuine belonging in an increasingly transactional business world.

Key Highlights

• Trust can be built quickly through intentional depth - Rather than waiting years for trust to develop naturally, Aiko's methodology invites participants to "go deep very quickly" by creating psychologically safe spaces with clear ground rules, confidentiality, and facilitated vulnerability from the start.

• The "hot seat" model delivers measurable ROI - Each session focuses on one person's most pressing challenge while 6-7 carefully curated peers (similar level, no competitors or direct reports) provide support through questions and shared experiences, leading to concrete next steps and ongoing accountability.

• Questions and stories beat advice - The secret to effective peer support isn't jumping to problem-solving mode, but instead asking curious questions to understand deeply, then sharing relevant personal experiences without expecting anything in return—letting others take what serves them.

• Belonging happens when we reveal what's behind the veil - Moving beyond water cooler small talk to structured conversations about real struggles creates profound connection and relief, as people discover they're "not as weird as they thought" and don't have to solve everything alone.

• Peer perspective prevents wasted time - When we're stuck in the weeds, peers with big-picture views can redirect our energy toward what truly matters, often saving "hundreds of hours" by catching misdirected efforts we're too close to see.

Just as Aiko's peer groups create intentional space for depth, accountability, and belonging within organizations, our People Strategy Power Hour provides leaders with the framework and tools to build cultures where trust and human connection aren't accidental—they're engineered into how we work together.

People Strategy Power Hour | Leadership Beyond Compass

Stay tuned for more conversations about leveraging people power for improved relationship and greater business impact.

Signature line

Connect with AÏKO:

(7) Aïko Thurlow | LinkedIn

InFounders

About Us - InFounders

A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization).

Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.

We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you!

To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com

Adrienne & Tom

Leadership Lessons from Show Business

In this episode, Tom and Adrienne chat with Steven Puri and trace his unexpected path from a "code monkey" in Northern Virginia to an Academy Award–winning visual-effects producer and later a tech entrepreneur.

Steven shares how he bridged left-brain engineering and right-brain creativity on films like Independence Day, Braveheart, and several David Fincher projects. He reflects on lessons learned in Hollywood—managing creatives, nurturing "lightbulb" moments, and building culture—that carry over into hybrid and remote leadership.

Long before remote work became a buzzword, Steven was orchestrating VFX teams across studios in Los Angeles, London, and Sydney, balancing creative, financial, and logistical mindsets over distance—an early test of distributed leadership that today's managers face.

Throughout the conversation, candid anecdotes like the famed "Bart" trailer story illustrate why inviting every voice can spark game-changing ideas. As our work (and often our brains) has scattered in today's culture, Steven is dedicated to bringing us the tools for intentional focus.

Here are a few of the gems gleaned from this fun and flowing conversation:

• Embrace Diverse Talents: Success in both film and tech comes from uniting creatives, technical experts, and business minds around a shared goal, much like assembling a movie crew.
• Manage Creativity with Intention: Great leaders know how to create the right environment for creativity—sometimes by giving people more than one project, or by encouraging "rubber ducking" (talking through problems out loud).
• Best Idea Wins Culture: The most effective teams foster a safe space where anyone, regardless of role, can contribute ideas—echoing Steven Spielberg's approach of valuing input from everyone, even the "coffee boy."
• Hire for Passion and Culture Fit: Skills can be developed, but passion and alignment with the team's mission are essential. Hiring the right people is more important than micromanaging.
• Purposeful Markers and Storytelling: Leaders should set clear markers and use storytelling to help teams understand where they are and where they're going, just as a film uses acts and foreshadowing.
• Active Listening is Key: The best leaders practice active listening, seeking feedback from users, team members, and even critics, and using it to improve.
• Leadership is a Practice: Leadership isn't just a set of concepts—it's something you do and refine every day, much like honing a craft in show business.

Steven is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company with the mission to help millions of people find their focus, achieve more and have a healthy work life.

Steven's career started as a newscaster/interviewer for the #1 youth news show in the DC/Baltimore market (on WTTG-TV) and then as a junior software engineer & Thomas J. Watson Scholar at IBM. After attending USC in Los Angeles, he began working in film production and produced computer-generated visual effects for 14 movies including Independence Day which won the Academy Award for Visual Effects.

Steven's first tech company was Centropolis Effects that produced those CGI effects, and he eventually sold it to the German media conglomerate Das Werk when he was 28.

Steven then produced some indie films and eventually went studio-side to develop and produce live-action features as a VP of Development & Production at 20th Century Fox (running the Die Hard and Wolverine franchises) and an EVP at DreamWorks Pictures for Kurtzman-Orci Productions where he worked on Star Trek, Transformers and more.

After Fox, Steven returned to building tech companies and founded The Sukha Company - 'sukha' means 'happiness from self-fulfillment' in Sanskrit. The Sukha is a focus app that bundles all the tools necessary to have a focused experience and a healthy, productive workday.

Steven lives in Austin, TX now.

Connect with Steven: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/.

The Sukha Company: https://www.thesukha.co

A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization).

Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.

We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you!

To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com

Adrienne & Tom

There's a big difference between watching a leadership tool in action—and experiencing it with your own team, focused on your real business challenges.

That's the power of our People Strategy Power Hour.

At A Leadership Beyond, we believe people-first doesn't mean soft—it means strategic. When leaders understand their own leadership DNA and how their team naturally works together, they can move faster, solve business problems more effectively, and stay aligned to what matters most.

In this week's podcast episode, we walk through a live demo of the Predictive Index platform—one of the ways we leverage people data to gain insight into concrete business strategy.

You'll see:

• How one leader's PI profile reveals her strengths and stretch points
• What happens when her drives meet those of her team—and where friction or flow occurs
• How the PI Team Map and Strategy Alignment tools spotlight blind spots and untapped potential
• A real-time example of flexing styles to meet strategic goals

These insights don't just create understanding—they open up the kinds of conversations that lead to better execution, stronger collaboration, and lasting alignment.

Want to see it through your own lens?

Schedule your People Strategy Power Hour here: https://aleadershipbeyond.com/people-strategy-power-hour-2/

You will receive a complimentary 6-minute PI assessment and a 30-minute 1:1 debrief with us followed by a team assessment and debrief if you choose to continue.

You'll walk away with:

• A deeper understanding of your leadership style
• Insights into how to work better with your team
• The ability to identify and address gaps between your business objectives and your team's strengths
• A practical view of where work style misalignments may be holding your team back—and how to flex toward alignment
• A real-time glimpse into how this tool supports your business goals

A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization).

Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.

We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you! To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com

Tom & Adrienne

Thriving Through Transition

In this engaging conversation, Ben Baker shares his journey of professional transition, moving from owning a communication consulting company for 17 years to rebranding himself and exploring new opportunities. The discussion delves into the nuances of personal and professional evolution, resilience, and the importance of adaptability.

Key Highlights: - Ben closed his company, Your Brand Marketing, at the end of 2024 to focus on coaching, mentoring, and solving problems. - Emphasized the importance of creating a transition that allows continued connection with existing network. There are great examples of the power of reciprocity. - Stressed the value of vulnerability, seeking feedback, and being open to continuous improvement. - Discussed the difference between "change" (with a defined endpoint) and "evolution" (a continuous process). - Highlighted the significance of understanding core personal values during transitions. - Advised taking transitions step-by-step, communicating openly, and the importance of building a supportive tribe.

The conversation provides insights into navigating professional transitions with grace, intentionality, and a growth mindset.

We are honored and grateful to learn and grow with Ben Baker and our community of conversation.

We invite you to stay connected and spread the word. We are in this crazy leadership whirlwind together.

Connect with Ben:

YouTube: YouTube.com/gettingyounoticed

LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/IamBenBaker

A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization).

Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.

We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you!

To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com

Adrienne & Tom

We're all experiencing the same thing, only differently

-Adrienne Guerrero

Since 2021, our A Leadership Beyond community has examined leadership through diverse lenses, bringing together insights from business leaders and human development experts.

Today's conversation with Dot Proux (a community member, podcast guest and dear friend) represents a natural evolution in our journey—moving from facilitating discussions about leadership challenges to offering collaborative, tailored solutions. While our community of conversation remains a vibrant space for exchanging ideas and perspectives, we recognize that some members seek more personalized support for their specific leadership challenges.

Tom and Adrienne bring complementary perspectives to this dialogue. While our individual practices serve different aspects of leadership development—Tom focusing on the persuasive arts and executive coaching through Diamond Mind, and Adrienne specializing in enterprise-level change leadership through Positive Delta—our shared commitment to people-first leadership unites our approach.

This conversation illuminates how leadership effectiveness stems not merely from strategic capabilities, but from self-awareness, understanding others, and aligning human potential with organizational priorities and business objectives.

We invite you to join this ongoing dialogue as we continue exploring leadership that transcends conventional boundaries. As always, participation in our community remains free of charge—the podcast, discussions, and shared insights are our gift to fellow leadership enthusiasts. That said, for those who'd like to explore deeper, more tailored leadership development, we're now offering several structured options that build on the foundations we've established together — helping you move from insightful ideas to meaningful execution. And the first step is discovery, requiring no fee or obligation.

Episode Highlights

• Leadership Philosophy: Tom Rosenak and Adrienne Guerrero, the co-founders of A Leadership Beyond, share their "people first" approach to leadership, emphasizing that authentic people-first leadership leads to better business results.
• Complementary Expertise: The co-founders bring complementary backgrounds—Tom with expertise in influence and coaching, and Adrienne with 20 years in corporate HR and change management.
• Leadership Framework: Their approach begins with self-awareness, then expands to understanding others, and finally integrates with work priorities. In short, align business strategy with people strategy to drive results.
• Generational Insights: Discussion of how younger generations seek meaning in work and set better boundaries, while older generations often struggle with work-life balance.
• Team Dynamics Tool: The co-founders use the Predictive Index assessment to help leaders understand their natural strengths and potential blind spots. Valid data provides shortcuts to working together more effectively and efficiently.

Community Support Offering

People Strategy Power Hour - A complimentary, no-obligation opportunity to:

• Complete a 6-minute Predictive Index behavioral assessment
• Receive a 30-minute personalized debrief with either Tom or Adrianne
• Option to include up to 9 team members for collective team insights
• Gain actionable insights to improve leadership effectiveness
• {Step back from the "runway" of daily tasks to consider strategic direction

Sign up here: https://generous-toast-73943.myflodesk.com/powerhour

Join our Community of Conversation through listening to the podcast, following us on LinkedIn, or by experiencing our assessment process. Whether we work together formally or simply deepen our relationship through the community, we're here to support your leadership journey.

A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.

We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you!

To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com

"Keep it simple and focus on what matters.

Don't let yourself be overwhelmed." -Confucius

The Power of the Pause

Congratulations to our co-host Adrienne Guerrero on rocking her TEDx talk on the Power of the Pause. She did it! We'll keep you posted when it's published. You won't want to miss it!

The P.A.U.S.E framework emerged from Adrienne's personal struggles with the symptoms of living and doing from a reactive state. She learns what she teaches, teaches as she learns!

A Leadership Beyond emerged as we saw our synergy and had big ideas, inspiring possibilities of working together. COVID struck and voila, "we can't do this!" We pulled over, asking, "what can we do?"

We've gone from lunch and learn, to blog, to podcast, to community of conversation.

We think you'll enjoy this insightful conversation between co-founders Adrienne Guerrero and Tom Rosenak, as we discuss Adrienne's recent TEDx experience, the framework, and how this concept can help leaders navigate today's fast-paced, distraction-filled environment.

Key Highlights:

• The PAUSE Framework: A practical approach for leaders to escape reactivity and make strategic decisions:
• Pull over: Find your technique to calm your mind (meditation, breathing, movement)
• Assess: Ask "what is true" and "what needs to be true" challenging your assumptions
• U turn: Uncover possible options after grounding in values
• Start: Take action, no matter how small
• Evaluate: Reflect and determine next steps
• The Strategic Value: In today's VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) environment:
• Leaders often sacrifice strategy for tactical "box-checking"
• The pause framework helps identify what truly matters versus mere motion
• Small, intentional steps can create meaningful progress toward important goals
• Our Community Support:
• Practical tools to make strategic pausing easier, including assessments, frameworks, and execution support
• Accountability and guidance through workshops, executive coaching, and change leadership support.
• Help with staying focused on what you're "counting on to win" rather than being pulled into constant reactivity

Join us for our next episode of A Leadership Beyond, where we'll continue to explore ways our guests have gone from survive to thrive in today's complex leadership landscape.

A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.

We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you!

To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com

Adrienne & Tom