Are you feeling the tension between staying authentic and using AI tools in your leadership? You're not alone. Many executives are grappling with this exact challenge, and the stakes have never been higher.

What happens when the biggest threat to authentic leadership isn't AI itself, but how we choose to use it? Communication expert Allison Shapira has spent years helping executives find their voice in moments that matter most. Now she's tackling the question keeping leaders up at night: How do you stay human when the tools you're using aren't?

Her new book, AI for the Authentic Leader, isn't about becoming an AI expert—it's about alignment, presence, and whether the future of leadership will amplify our humanity or quietly erase it.

In this conversation, Allison reveals where most leaders are already falling out of alignment without realizing it. She shares why vocal fry in AI assistants could literally program weakness into future voices, and explains the critical mistake executives make with AI that actually undermines their credibility.

Find out more about Allison on her website.

Here are 5 key insights you can expect from this episode on balancing human connection and AI efficiency:

If you've ever wondered whether you can use AI tools without losing your authentic voice, this episode will change how you think about both technology and leadership. The future belongs to leaders who can harness AI while staying deeply human—and this conversation shows you exactly how to do it.

00:01:30
AI and Authentic Leadership Introduction

00:03:02
Finding Your Voice Through Travel

00:05:54
Using AI to Amplify, Not Replace Your Voice

00:10:07
The Critical Importance of Alignment

00:15:20
Public Speaking as Leadership

00:18:03
Finding Your Authentic Voice with "Why You"

00:22:20
Overcoming AI Fear and Resistance

00:26:31
AI's Dangerous Vocal Programming

00:31:19
Maintaining Authenticity with AI Tools

00:35:13
Building Confidence in the AI Era

00:40:41
Connecting with Allison and Resources

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Lori Adams-Brown, a Strategic Transformation Executive, Board Director, Global Speaker and Podcast Host challenges audiences to get clear on your personal values, to speak up when there is a values misalignment, and to reject self-limiting beliefs that hold leaders back in an era of capitulation from Silicon Valley to Washington DC.

Who we are as leaders matters, and getting clear on your personal values, working on self-awareness and letting our values be our filter in decisions matters a great deal in leadership today. Lori speaks about why now is the time to speak up. Whether you serve on a board, in a C-suite, in a university, or an NGO, this is the time to share your perspective. The worlds needs your voice, your perspective, and better decisions are made around decision-making tables when you speak up.

Lori Adams-Brown is a strategic transformation executive, board director, and sought-after speaker who helps CEOs prevent the $10M blind spots that erode trust, lose top talent, and kill billion-dollar opportunities.

For over 20 years, she's advised Fortune 100 C-suites and global leaders on organizational effectiveness that mitigates business risk and accelerates growth. She's architected AI-enabled leadership programs across seven global cities that elevated manager effectiveness 48%, contributed to $1B+ revenue, and transformed cultures where humans flourish and businesses scale.

Lori has directed $16M budgets, built programs in 11 countries in five languages, and coordinated UN disaster relief serving 2,000+ stakeholders. She serves on the boards of the Center for Creative Leadership and How Women Lead, and hosts the top 3% podcast A World of Difference.

She holds an M.A. in Intercultural Studies, speaks six languages, and has lived on three continents.

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In this engaging conversation, Lori Adams-Brown interviews Mita Mallick about her book "The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses." Mita shares personal stories and insights on leadership, workplace culture, and the impact of bad bosses on mental health. The discussion covers the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and the role of personal relationships in professional settings.

My special guest is Mita Mallick

Mallick is a highly sought-after speaker who has advised Fortune 500

companies and start-ups alike. She is a LinkedIn Top Voice and was named to the Thinkers 50 Radar List. She’s a contributor to Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Adweek, and Entrepreneur. Mallick has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, Forbes, Axios, Essence, Cosmopolitan Magazine and Business Insider. Mallick holds a B.A. from Barnard College, Columbia University and an M.B.A. from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

Key topics: leadership, workplace culture, bad bosses, mental health, self-awareness

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So, what if the “messy middle” moments in your life—the stuff you’d rather sweep under the rug—are actually secret doorways to real creativity? Laura Munson, bestselling author and founder of Haven writing retreats, has wandered from Montana’s wild woods to ancient stones in Ireland, and she’s convinced that wonder isn’t something you stumble across—it’s something you can choose, even in the thick of heartbreak or change. Turns out, the story you’ve been telling yourself might just be the prologue. But here’s the twist: what if your biggest breakthroughs actually start when you stop trying so hard to “be creative” and start letting yourself just be? There’s a pretty wild story behind how Laura’s own life detours unlocked something unexpected for her (and for the writers who show up at her retreats). Want to know what happens when you give yourself permission to wonder again? Stick around…

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover how life’s toughest challenges can unlock unexpected personal transformation and deeper self-awareness.

Experience the unique ways writing retreats can ignite growth and unlock creative potential in your journey.

Explore how embracing life’s surprises can open new paths to creativity and self-expression.

Cultivate a sense of wonder in everyday moments to enhance emotional resilience and bring fresh meaning to your life.

Build resilience by learning how storytelling connects your experiences and strengthens your authentic voice.

My special guest is

LAURA MUNSON is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the novel Willa’s Grove and the memoir This Is Not The Story You Think It Is. Founder of the acclaimed Haven Writing Retreats, she has been featured or published in Vanity Fair, Elle, Redbook, Time, Newsweek, The New York Times “Modern Love” column, The New York Times Magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine, and many others. She has appeared on Good Morning America, The Early Show, WGN, NPR, London’s This Morning, Australia’s Sunrise, and other global media outlets. She lives in Whitefish, Montana.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:07:03 - The Power of Storytelling and Finding Safe Listeners
00:09:18 - Travel as a Catalyst for Wonder and Personal Transformation
00:13:05 - Embracing Awe and Travel to Ignite Curiosity and Wonder
00:15:50 - The Value of Being Present and Slowing Down Through Travel and Life
00:19:31 - Finding Your Unique Voice and Creativity by Reconnecting with Inner Truth
00:21:47 - Cultivating Wonder and Empathy as Foundations for Connection and Civilization
00:23:29 - Writing True and Listening Deeply: Pathways to Self-Discovery and Connection
00:25:02 - The Power of Vulnerability and Storytelling in Personal Growth
00:27:05 - Cultivating Mindfulness and Wonder Through Journaling
00:29:57 - Mindfulness and Creativity in a Fast-Paced, Tech-Driven World
00:31:02 - Origins and Purpose of Haven Writing Retreats
00:34:26 - Writing as a Therapeutic Tool for Emotional Clarity
00:37:07 - Discovering Your Natural Strengths with the Working Genius Assessment
00:37:41 - Embracing Wonder as a Vital Life Force
00:38:17 - Supporting Independent Bookstores and Creative Communities
00:39:11 - Choosing Wonder and Creativity in Life’s Challenges

Visit lauramunson.com to learn more about Laura Munson’s writing, in-person retreats, and online community Haven Nest.

Go to Haven Writing Retreats to find information and sign up for Laura Munson’s transformative writing retreats in Montana and around the world.

Purchase The Wild Why: Stories and Teachings to Uncover Your Wonder by Laura Munson, preferably through independent bookstores or online at bookshop.org to support local booksellers.

Access exclusive extended conversations and bonus content by becoming a Patreon supporter at patreon.com/aworldofdifference.

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Ever wondered if being “nice” at work could actually be making everything worse? Picture this: a leader so shielded by everyone’s politeness that a single, cringeworthy comment in the halls of Congress nearly tanks a $9 million deal—while everyone else sits silent, protecting comfort over honesty. Turns out, our obsession with not rocking the boat isn’t just awkward... it can be downright destructive. But here’s the twist: the real danger isn’t ego or greed. It’s this sneaky, everyday culture of niceness that’s quietly costing us big—more than we realize. So what’s the true price we pay for keeping the peace, and how can we start to flip the script?

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover how the impact of niceness in workplace culture can quietly shape team dynamics and influence overall success.

Unlock the keys to building psychological safety that encourages genuine conversations and boosts team confidence.

Understand the hidden consequences of avoiding conflict at work and how it can stall growth and damage trust.

My special guest is Amira Barger

Amira K.S. Barger, MBA, CVA, CFRE is an award-winning communications and change management executive, author, and professor. She counsels Fortune 500 companies at the intersection of health equity, diversity, and trust. A scholar-practitioner with over 20 years of experience, Amira is also a marketing and change management Professor at California State University East Bay, shaping the next generation of leaders.

Her forthcoming book, The Price of Nice: Why Comfort Keeps Us Stuck—And 4 Actions for Real Change (Berrett-Koehler, Oct 2025), critiques the cultural costs of “niceness” in the workplace and offers a roadmap toward equity-driven leadership. Amira’s thought leadership appears regularly in outlets such as MSNBC, Fast Company, and Nonprofit Quarterly.

Raised on the island of Guam, Amira brings a global perspective, a deep commitment to public health, and a belief in building humanity-centered workplaces.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:01:00 - Navigating Niceness and Conflict Avoidance in the Workplace
00:04:00 - Bringing a Global Mindset to American Workplace Culture
00:08:00 - Understanding and Challenging Sacred Cows in Organizations
00:12:00 - The Cost of Comfort Over Candor in Leadership
00:13:32 - The Troubling Relationship Between Silicon Valley and Washington D.C.
00:15:12 - The Ladies Who Lunch: Power, Influence, and Performative Philanthropy
00:20:21 - Niceness, Leadership, and the Risks of Capitulation in Modern Organizations
00:22:58 - Challenging Stories and Leadership Narratives to Foster Change
00:25:25 - Vacation Hair and the Cost of Being Nice: A Personal Leadership Lesson
00:26:38 - Childhood Lessons on Speaking Truth and Its Consequences
00:28:17 - The Matching Principle and Effective Communication Types
00:31:37 - Navigating Voice and Nerve in Challenging Workplace Contexts
00:33:52 - Building Psychological Safety as a System in Organizations
00:37:53 - The High Price of Silence and Retaliation in the Workplace

Find and follow Amira Barger on all social media platforms using the handle @amirabarger and visit amirabarger.com for information about her speaking engagements, book tour, and communications/propaganda analysis class on TikTok.

Pre-order Amira Barger's book, The Price of Nice, to learn more about her insights and strategies for challenging workplace culture

Connect on ⁠Substack⁠ at loriadamsbrown.substack.com to access behind-the-scenes content, exclusive in-depth articles, and become a paid subscriber for additional benefits.

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What if the real reason your best people are leaving isn’t about paychecks or perks, but something way bigger, something you might not even be measuring yet? There’s a quiet shift happening in the workforce that’s turning traditional retention strategies upside down. And here’s the kicker: companies that embrace it aren’t just keeping their talent. They’re watching productivity and promotions soar, with results that might surprise you. So, what’s the one move that could help your people see a future with you, and keep them from walking away? Let’s dig into it.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover how internal learning ecosystems can unlock career growth and keep employees engaged longer.

Uncover the surprising ways talent development directly boosts employee retention and loyalty.

Explore smart strategies for internal mobility that ramp up productivity and fuel workforce motivation.

Learn how AI is reshaping workforce skills and what that means for your talent development plans.

Build clear internal career pathways that inspire employees to stay and grow within your organization.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - The Importance of Professional Support and Mental Health Resources
00:01:00 - Addressing Employee Retention Through Career Growth
00:02:25 - The Shift from Manager to Career Development as a Retention Strategy
00:05:29 - Internal Mobility Drives Retention and Business Success
00:08:37 - Future-Proofing Organizations with Learning Agility and Cross-Functional Leadership

"When people see a path forward inside your company, they stay; and when they feel invested in, they perform." - Lori Adams-Brown

"Companies that invest in the growth of their people build the future of their businesses—because when you invest in people, you don’t just retain them, you expand what’s possible for the organization." - Lori Adams-Brown

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Ever heard these myths floating around about leadership and work-life balance? Myth #1: True leaders have to hustle nonstop to be successful. Myth #2: Burnout just means you’re not cut out for the job. Myth #3: Neuroplasticity is only for scientists—not something leaders can actually use. I’m about to spill the truth on how to flip these old stories on their head—so you can actually lead with clarity, energy, and a life that feels good. Ready for a totally different take? Stick around!

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover how soul-aligned leadership strategies can transform your decision-making and inspire your team from within.

Learn to overcome burnout by tapping into mindfulness techniques that reset your energy and focus.

Explore the hidden ways work culture shapes mental health and what that means for your leadership approach.

Unlock the benefits of adopting a one week per month lifestyle to boost creativity and work-life balance.

Harness the power of neuroplasticity to reshape your leadership skills and adapt to new challenges with ease.

My special guest is Dr. Nona Djavid

Dr. Nona Djavid is a neuroscientist-trained chiropractor, entrepreneur, author, and founder of eLIVate Club and the One Week/Month Lifestyle™. She helps leaders and entrepreneurs rewire their subconscious, regulate their nervous system, and step into their fullest potential—leading with alignment, vision, and purpose.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:01:00 - Redefining Success: Dr. Nona Javid’s Journey to Soul-Aligned Leadership
00:07:40 - Navigating Workforce Changes and AI Impact in Leadership
00:11:40 - Neuroscience and the Nervous System’s Role in Leadership Resilience
00:13:30 - Breaking Free from Past Patterns to Lead Differently
00:14:00 - Harnessing Visualization to Transform Leadership and Relationships
00:17:00 - The Ripple Effect of Emotional Self-Management in Work and Home Life
00:19:30 - Teaching Emotional Responsibility and Regulation from Childhood to Leadership
00:24:40 - Addressing Workplace Incivility and the Need for Self-Awareness in Leadership
00:27:00 - Navigating Organizational Change with Human-Centered Leadership
00:27:51 - Pandemic Impact on Social Connection and Emotional Health
00:31:38 - Core Elements of Authentic and Soul-Aligned Leadership
00:35:12 - Leadership During Increased Workloads and Embracing Team Collaboration
00:36:16 - The One Week a Month Leadership Lifestyle for Empowered Teams
00:40:54 - Global Work Cultures and the Importance of Rest for Leadership Sustainability
00:42:09 - Comparing Work-Life Balance: Silicon Valley vs. Italy
00:43:35 - Productivity and Time Management Lessons from Italy
00:44:40 - Addressing Workplace Stress and the Always-On Culture
00:45:43 - Cultural and Geographic Differences Impacting Work Styles
00:46:22 - Connecting with Dr. Nona Djavid and Continuing the Conversation

Connect with Dr. Nona Djavid on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and services.

Visit Dr. Nona Djavid’s website for additional information and resources.

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Share the podcast episode with friends, family, colleagues, or your team, and leave a five-star rating and review to help others discover the show.

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Does this sound familiar? You’ve been told that “just learning every new AI tool” is the secret to staying relevant and leading your team into the future. But after hours tinkering with the latest apps and features, you’re still feeling overwhelmed and wondering if you’re actually making any real progress—or just adding more noise to your workflow. If you’re tired of chasing shiny objects and still feeling uncertain about how to lead responsibly with AI, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about what actually works for ethical, human-centered leadership in this AI-driven world.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Explore how navigating AI and ethical considerations can build trust and long-term success in your business or industry.

Discover AI tools that can boost your productivity and sharpen your leadership skills in today’s fast-paced world.

Embrace human-centered leadership with AI to create more meaningful connections and drive better team results.

Understand AI’s reshaping of the future of work and position yourself ahead of the curve.

Leverage AI’s role in ESG and sustainability to lead your organization toward a greener, more responsible future.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:01:00 - Navigating AI’s Role in Leadership and the Future of Work
00:03:25 - How MBA Graduates Can Amplify Their Value with AI
00:07:54 - Future-Proofing Mid-Career Leadership in an AI-Driven World
00:10:06 - Practical AI Tools and Human-Centered Leadership for Enhanced Productivity
00:13:37 - Embracing Human-Centered Leadership in the AI Revolution
00:14:12 - Integrating ESG Perspectives with AI Innovation
00:16:32 - Scaling Global Knowledge with AI and Ensuring Equitable Access
00:18:05 - Leading Ethically in a Future of Human-AI Collaboration
00:20:23 - The Responsibility of Leadership in AI’s Impact and Future

Share this episode with an MBA student, someone in their mid-career, or someone considering what to study in college.

Give a five-star rating and write a review for the podcast to help increase its reach.

Sign up for BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month at www.betterhelp.com/difference.

Check out Stanford HAI (Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence) on LinkedIn to learn more about their work.

Visit Botipedia to explore its multilingual knowledge and education resources.

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Ever wondered what really happens behind closed boardroom doors when leaders are faced with uncomfortable truths, especially when speaking up could cost them their job? This conversation isn’t just about corporate buzzwords or performative change. It’s an unfiltered look at how fear quietly shapes decisions, and how a handful of micro-courage moments can actually flip the script for whole organizations. If you think courage at work is all about bold speeches, think again. There’s a twist here that might just change the way you see your own leadership, and what’s possible for your team. Ready to find out what most leaders are missing (and why it matters now more than ever)?

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover how cultivating courage in the workplace can unlock bold decisions that drive real growth and innovation.

Learn strategies to overcome fear in leadership that empower you to lead with confidence and authenticity.

Build people-first cultures that inspire loyalty, boost morale, and create teams ready to tackle any challenge.

Master emotional intelligence and respectful communication to transform workplace relationships and fuel collaboration.

My special guests are Kristen Kavanaugh, Mike Randolph

Kristen Kavanaugh brings a wealth of real-world leadership experience shaped by roles that truly matter, from her time as Senior Director of Inclusion, Talent, and Learning at Tesla to her service as a Naval Academy graduate and veteran. As Founder and CEO of The Agency Initiative, Kristen focuses on helping leaders and organizations step up with courage, not just when it’s easy, but when the pressure is on and the stakes are high. She’s also served as Vice Chair for the Department of Defense’s first-ever Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, showing her commitment to building workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Mike Randolph is the Co-Founder and COO of The Agency Initiative and a strategic leader with expertise in operational effectiveness and holistic people development. Most recently, Mike held a senior position at YETI, leading and designing Talent Experience programs. Prior to that, he led the Talent Management and Leadership Development organizations at Tesla where he integrated courageous leadership practices into the people systems and programs that accelerated growth.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:05:17 - Understanding Fear in Leadership and Organizational Culture
00:07:04 - Fear-Based vs Courageous Leadership: Lessons from Tesla
00:10:05 - The Impact of Fear-Based Leadership on Organizations and Society
00:13:11 - The Normalization of Fear and Surveillance in the Workplace
00:15:53 - Leadership Examples Challenging Toxic Normalization
00:17:17 - The Business Case for Protecting Rights and Embracing Diversity
00:19:11 - Leading with Empathy during Crisis and Uncertainty
00:23:02 - The Agency Loop: Courage as the Fuel for Authentic Leadership
00:25:55 - Cultivating Agency, Authenticity, and Growth in Leadership
00:28:00 - Building Courage and Resilience in High-Speed Environments
00:31:00 - Listening to Understand: A Foundation for Authentic DEI Efforts
00:33:00 - Addressing Burnout and Learning Agility in Today’s Workforce
00:35:00 - Embracing Curiosity and Courage to Drive Inclusive Leadership
00:38:42 - The Importance of Diverse Leadership Reflecting Customer Needs
00:40:29 - Navigating Cultural Differences and Building Peace at Tesla
00:42:18 - Anchoring Leadership in a Shared Mission to Overcome Conflict
00:44:08 - Courageous Leadership Amid Fear and Toxicity in the Workplace

Connect with Kristen Kavanaugh and Mike Randolph

Follow on Instagram at @courageoverfearbook, @mikerandolph.official, and @kristenkavanaugh.official for updates and community engagement.

Purchase the book at courageoverfearbook.com

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What if I told you that the biggest risk in your leadership pipeline isn’t a lack of talent—it’s the way you’re thinking about it? Turns out, the next generation of global leaders aren’t just waiting to be tapped on the shoulder. They’re quietly crossing borders, blending cultures, and navigating AI-fueled change while most organizations are still playing catch-up with last year’s playbook. But here’s the kicker: the strategies that actually retain top talent and future-proof your teams might look nothing like what’s worked before. So, what’s the one shift that could turn your leadership succession into your biggest competitive edge? Let’s dig into it…

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover how future-proofing leadership skills can keep your team ready for whatever comes next in a fast-changing world.

Master succession planning techniques that ensure smooth leadership transitions across your global organization.

Unlock strategies to retain top talent by creating engaging and inclusive environments where diverse teams thrive.

Enhance cultural fluency to build leaders who connect deeply and lead effectively in diverse, international settings.

Explore the impact of AI on leadership roles and learn how to adapt your leadership approach for the digital age.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Connecting and Engaging on Substack for Deeper Leadership Insights
00:01:10 - Future-Proofing Leadership: Global Succession Planning and Cultural Fluency
00:03:23 - Prioritizing Wellbeing and Human Limits in Leadership
00:06:00 - Diversity and Inclusion as Strategic Levers in Leadership and Succession
00:07:30 - Embracing Agility, Emotional Intelligence, and AI in Leadership’s Future

"If your pipeline looks like yesterday’s leadership, your organization likely won’t survive tomorrow." - Lori Adams-Brown

"The future belongs to leaders who are adaptable, inclusive, and digitally fluent—not just those with the right title on paper." - Lori Adams-Brown

"Succession planning isn’t just an HR task; it’s a strategic growth lever that unlocks innovation and builds leaders who can thrive across borders and technologies." - Lori Adams-Brown

Check out Get On Board Week with How Women Lead and consider participating next year.

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