Authentic Leadership for Everyday People

Today, we are talking with Don Martelli, As President and Partner of the Belfort Group, Don is deeply immersed in the realms of integrated digital marketing, creative services, web development, public relations and communications. Throghout his career, Don has developed an approach to leadership based on authenticity and storytelling.

Don shares his accidental entry into the marketing landscape, blending insights from his career in journalism with the evolving world of digital marketing. From the art of multitasking to effective communication and quick problem-solving, Don walks us through his intentional approach to leadership, why failure is an important way to learn, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. He also shares his foray in local politics, since he recently ran for City Council in the city of Revere, and he highlights the similarities between the different areas he worked in in his life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

[1:35] - Don shares his unexpected path from a co-op at The Boston Globe to leading a marketing agency and how pivotal moments with tough critiques made him a better communicator.

[3:12] - Don emphasizes the Belfort Group's commitment to integrated digital marketing and the universal applicability of this service platform that can benefit organizations across diverse landscapes.

[15:29] - Inspired by mentors like Peter Morrissey and business partner Phil Penelope Torre, Don shares the importance of collaborative, unassuming leadership, emphasizing leading by example, being authentic, and showing authority while maintaining a collaborative and friendly approach.

[21:52] - Don shares a story on the value of having uncomfortable conversations to create a great culture that values transparency, learning, and effective communication.

[26:28] - Don reflects on what motivated him to run for office in Revere, Massachusetts, and his daughter's pivotal role in urging him to plunge into politics.

[35:07] - Don reveals how a pandemic-purchased 50 lb bag of flour sparked a new hobby and shares the lessons he's learned from assisting a local brewery in expanding their footprint. Plus, the one business term he sees as a barrier to the growth of some great ideas.

If you enjoyed this episode, this is an invitation to subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. 

Contact Dino at: [email protected] 

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

Don Martelli 

Belfort Group

Other links: 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/donmartelli/  

Facebook: facebook.com/donmartelli  

X: @BigGuyD

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram: @al4edp 

Podcast X: @al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

John Brown | Susan Cattaneo 

Haunted Heart | Susan Cattaneo 

Today's guest is Mosongo Moukwa, the President of Hathaway Advanced Materials and the bestselling author of the book "Be a Leader of Significance."

In his long career, Mosongo has been on two parallel journeys. First, a global journey from Congo to Belgium to Canada to the US and more. Second, a professional journey, from pure science and research to the leadership suite in the chemical industry

Together we delve into the art of effective leadership, emphasizing self-awareness, empathy, and the universal importance of human connections and transcending cultural differences. We also explore his book, the concept of ‘home’, and the profound impact of leadership that inspires.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

[00:38] - Mosongo shares his journey from the Congo to his leadership roles and the importance of creating human connections as the foundation for effective leadership.

[02:38]  - The importance of embracing discomfort for personal and professional growth.

[13:03] - Effective leadership requires building trust within the team. Mosongo shares a story illustrating the importance of being true to oneself and making decisions based on personal values.

[17:40] - Creating a Safe and Engaging Leadership Environment. Drawing on international experiences in diverse settings. Mosongo shares some practical steps for leaders to foster psychological safety.

[26:49] - Mosongo shares why he wrote his book, "Be a Leader of Significance," and the concepts he hopes to inspire in leaders.

[30:39] - How a commitment to continuous learning played a crucial role for Mosongo in a challenging situation and his decision process that helped him persevere. 

[38:35] - Mosongo takes listeners on a delightful exploration of Belgian beers, including aromas, and alcohol levels, and offers some recommendations for listeners to try.

If you enjoyed this episode, this is an invitation to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes.

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

Mosongo Moukwa

Other links: 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mosongomoukwa  

Twitter: @moukwa 

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram: @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter: @al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Smoke (feat. Jennifer Kimball) | Susan Cattaneo

The Hammer & The Heart | Susan Cattaneo  

Books

Be a Leader of Significance: Build Your Legacy, Leave an Impact

In this special Thanksgiving episode, I'm thrilled to introduce my guest Scarlet Keys, a celebrated songwriter, esteemed educator at Berklee College of Music, TED talk speaker, and author. 

Over the past three years, Scarlet courageously faced a challenging health journey, discovering the transformative power of gratitude along the way. Join us as Scarlet shares the various gratitude practices that fueled her resilience during her battle with cancer and offers a sneak peek into her upcoming book, "What If It All Goes Right? Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times." Listen in to be inspired by Scarlet's transformative journey, providing a beacon of hope for those navigating life's challenging seasons.

If you enjoyed this episode, this is an invitation to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

[02:03] - Scarlet Keys discusses the life lessons her health battle taught her. 

[04:00] - Scarlet shares her personal experience with a breast cancer diagnosis.

[09:00] - The significance of choosing a positive mindset to learn to live well amid a health crisis.

[11:00] - The importance of rejecting silent suffering and embracing support systems.

[13:00] - Scarlet shares her interest in neuroscience and how practices like gratitude and laughter can positively impact the brain's chemistry and act as powerful healing agents. 

[16:00] - Scarlet describes the moment she realized that her message could extend beyond her songwriting, leading to her upcoming book, “What If It All Goes Right? - Practicing Hope In The Hardest Times.” 

[23:00] - Scarlet shares the various gratitude practices, including blasts, humor-infused gratitude, and retrospective gratitude that she used during her cancer battle and shares with readers in her book.

[24:27] - To preorder an autographed copy of “What If It All Goes Right? - Practicing Hope In The Hardest Times” click here.

If you enjoyed this episode, this is an invitation to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes.

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

Scarlet Keys

What If It All Goes Right? - Practicing Hope In The Hardest Times

Other links Scarlet Keys: 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scarlet-keys  

Instagram: @ScarletKeysOfficial 

Facebook: facebook.com/scarletkeysmusic

Podcast: What's in a Song

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram: @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter: @al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Wild Irish Moon | Susan Cattaneo

We Don’t Know We’re Living (w/ Brandi Carlile & Joy Oladokun) 

Books

The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning, & Emotion 

Today, I sat down with Jeff Bender, the CEO, and Founder of Lion and Owll, a company that designs gender-neutral, chic, and comfy kids' clothing, a business he launched in an effort to create a safe, inclusive, and self-confident environment for all children after learning that his daughter is transgender.

During our conversation, we explored Jeff's transition from a career in hospitality, drawing parallels between parenting a transgender child and launching an apparel company. We discussed the significance of supporting children's choices in the face of financial constraints and differing opinions. Jeff also shared his leadership style and provided valuable advice for entrepreneurs on key questions to ask when pursuing an idea, and how Kickstarter is helping businesses find impactful solutions that resonate with a broader audience.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

[1:43] - An introduction to Jeff Bender and his company, Lion and Owl.

[8:56] - Jeff discusses the challenges he faced in transitioning from a career in hospitality to starting an apparel company, the parallels between raising a transgender child and starting a business, and the need for support and community in both endeavors. 

[13:39] - Jeff explains his leadership style, drawing from his background in the kitchen, where the executive chef provided the vision, and the staff executed it. 

[22:27] - Jeff emphasizes the role of love in promoting inclusivity and shares his insights on how to have positive conversations with individuals who may not share the same viewpoints.

[25:21] - Jeff shares valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on the essential considerations to address when pursuing an idea. Plus, his tips for using Kickstarter to zero in on solutions that not only improve people's lives but also effectively address pressing issues.

[27:27] - A devoted listener, Jeff shares his response to his all-time favorite question on AL4EP. He also opens up about his go-to meal when he’s at home in the kitchen. Plus, the pivotal role of music in his family's life and the special musical connection he shares with his transgender daughter.

If you enjoyed this episode, this is an invitation to subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes.

Contact Dino at: [email protected] 

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

Lion and Owl

Other links for Jeff Bender:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thelionandtheowl 

L+O Instagram: @thelionandtheowl

L+O Facebook: facebook.com/thelionandtheowl 

L+O TikTok: @lionandowlapparel

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram: @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter:@al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Sun or Shadow| Honest Mechanik  

Honest Mechanik 

Books

Apparel Has No Gender, Thoughtful Commentary of a Dad Raising a Transgender Daughter

Oh, I Just Didn't Know, 11 Thoughtful Conversations for Grandparents and Grandchildren

Today's episode is special, coinciding with Veterans Day week.  In Episode 27 in January 2022, I interviewed Navy chaplain Brandon Harding who introduced me to 23rd Veteran—a unique mental health program for veterans dedicated to providing a unique mental health program for veterans coping with trauma. After volunteering as a coach for their programs, for the past two years, I've witnessed their remarkable impact.

In honor of Veterans Day, I've invited Brandon and Mike Waldron the Founder and Executive Director of 23rd Veteran, to join me on the show to discuss the distinctive aspects of their program, its vital importance, and the broader challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life. We also explore the valuable leadership lessons veterans carry with them from their military service.

I hope their insights inspire you to take action this week, whether by supporting a veteran or contributing to organizations like 23rd Veteran.

[00:00] - Veterans often grapple with isolation, negatively impacting their mental health. Listen in to hear what factors contribute to this issue. 

[02:08] - Mike Waldron shares his personal journey and how he founded 23rd Veteran after overcoming combat stress and PTSD through socialization and fitness. He introduces listeners to 23rd Veteran which offers a unique mental health program, featuring outdoor wellness adventures and group therapy.

[07:15] - How 23rd Veteran fosters camaraderie and trust through outdoor trips, creating positive memories and stronger bonds among veterans.

[14:11] - The biggest challenges veterans face reintegrating into civilian life. 

[16:28] - The guests share the deeper leadership lessons from the military.

[24:39] - How you can help foster camaraderie and build trust with the veterans in your life.

[29:18] - Visit the 23rd Veteran's website at 23rdveteran.org to help veterans in need and to support their vital work.

If you enjoyed this episode, this is an invitation to subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes.

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

23rd Veteran 

Other links for Mike Weldon and 23rd Veteran

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikewaldron23

Instagram: @23rdveteran 

Facebook: facebook.com/23rdveteran

Other links for Brandon Harding:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandonharding

Leadership and Humanity in The Military with Brandon Harding on AL4EP 

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo 

Podcast Instagram: @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter:@al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Better Day | Susan Cattaneo

Little Big Sky | Susan Cattaneo 

Our guest today is Melissa Kwon, co-founder and CEO of eWebinar. Melissa is a 3x bootstrapper navigating the entrepreneurial world while embracing the digital nomad lifestyle.

In our discussion, she talked about finding her authenticity and how that shaped her approach to leadership and entrepreneurship. She explained why the bootstrapping path was a better approach for her than looking for VC funding. We also delved into the unique experiences and challenges of being a digital nomad. Melissa also dispelled some myths and offered valuable insights into building and effectively managing fully remote teams.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

[02:00] - Melissa Kwon, introduces herself and eWebinar her webinar automation system.

[04:00] Melissa shares her experience with her previous startups, the challenges of raising venture capital, the sacrifices required for massive startup growth, and why she decided not to pursue that path.

[10:00] - Melissa discusses the fresh approach she took when starting eWebinar with a clear vision compared to her previous startups and why it’s vital to her to learn the necessary skills and prioritize ventures that align with her values and happiness.

[14:00] - The challenge of going against the traditional model of pursuing skills and career first, and how she learned to detach from ego-driven communities in order to focus on doing what she loves.

[17:00] - Melissa talks about transitioning to a digital nomad lifestyle, her experiences in various communities, including in Amsterdam, and offers advice for those considering a digital nomad lifestyle to live more freely

[22:00] - Melissa highlights the key traits she looks for in a successful remote team and shares her strategy of empowering team members while swiftly addressing any issues.

[30:00] - Melissa describes how eWebinar works and how to get a live demo.

[32:00] - Melissa shares the behind-the-scenes of how her travel impacts her professional life, the business expressions that drive her crazy, and the special dish she loves.

If you enjoyed this episode, this is an invitation to subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes.

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

eWebinar

Other links for Melissa Kwan:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melissakwan

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram: @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter:@al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Fall to Fly | Susan Cattaneo

Heaven to Heartache | Susan Cattaneo

Our guest today Tangia Al-awaji Estrada a storyteller, business builder, and PR consultant. She co-founded BIPOC Podcast Creators, the premier resource for black, indigenous people of color-identified creators across the podcasting space.

In our conversation, we discussed what it took her to find the right calling, the pivotal event that made her step away from a successful career as a campaign director in politics, and how, after starting a podcast, she found her authentic leadership calling when she start BIPOC Podcast Creators.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

[03:23] - Tangia Al-awaji Estrada introduces herself and her early experiences with community engagement.

[10:10] - Tangia shares her career path and her accidental entry into the PR space through politics.

[17:30] - The emotional and personal toll of political campaigns and the pivotal moment where Tangia defied external expectations to follow her passion with the creation of the "That's What She Did" podcast.

[25:07] - Tangia reflects on her journey from podcasting to co-founding BIPOC Podcast Creators, a thriving movement for podcast creators, and her hopes for the future of the organization.

[28:58] - Tangia shares what she believes are the essential ingredients for effective leadership and personal growth.

[29:42] - Advice for those aspiring to create a group: Tangia shares what you need to do first to cultivate an engaged community. She also reveals the predominant challenges of the BIPOC Podcast Creators community and the valuable support and networking opportunities for creators to connect and learn.

[35:07] - Tangia explains how the pervasive usage of "hustle culture" has diluted its original meaning. Plus, she shares the recent book she read that "offers profound messages about choices, accountability, and redemption, which she found beautiful and thought-provoking."

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

BIPOC Podcast Creators: BIPOCpodcastCreators.com

Subscribe to the BIPOC Podcast Creators Newsletter

Other links for Tangia Al-awaji Estrada:

Website: tangiarenee.com

Tangia's Substack: audaciouslybytangiarenee.substack.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tangiarenee

Facebook: @BIPOCpodcastcreators 

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram: @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter:@al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Diamond Days | Susan Cattaneo

All Is Quiet | Susan Cattaneo

Books

The Devil Takes You Home

Our guest today is Debi Kleiman, a veteran of Boston's startup/marketing/high-technology scene. Debi is currently working at Harvard University supporting faculty who are starting AI and Machine Learning ventures. As the author of "First Pitch," and a seasoned startup leader, Debi offers invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial world.

In our conversation, we explored founder traits, the importance of failing fast, strategic approaches to partnering with investors, and the art of community building in the startup ecosystem.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

[02:21] - Debi Kleiman introduces herself and discusses her current role at Harvard and its focus on AI and ML startups.

[12:43] - Debi shares her insight into community building to unite like-minded individuals around a common idea or movement.

[23:08] - The meaning of "failing fast"  and how it fosters learning and improvement for startups. 

[24:46] -The significance of focused resource allocation and focus on serving an ideal customer effectively before considering expansion and diversification.

[25:30] - Debi shares her insight into effective startup pitching that will help your audience remember and engage with your ideas.

[26:19] - Learn about compelling communication and relationship building in startup pitching, as emphasized in Debi’s book, First Pitch.

[30:00] -  Selecting the right type of funding for your startup. Debi explains why not all startups are suitable for venture capital (VC) funding and why aligning funding with your startup's specific needs and growth potential is crucial.

[44:50] - Debi shares an easy and flavorful recipe for chimichurri to elevate various dishes like fish, meat, vegetables, and pasta, turning ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Contact Dino at: [email protected] 

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

thefirstpitchbook.com

Other links for Debi Kleinman:

theupsideangels.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/debikleiman/ 

Twitter: @drkleiman 

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram: @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter:@al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Lonely Be My Lover (feat. The Bottle Rockets) | Susan Cattaneo 

The Hammer & The Heart | Susan Cattaneo 

Books

First Pitch by Debi Kleinman 

In today's episode I celebrate my birthday by reflecting on the leadership lessons I learned from my father.

I also talk about my birthday tradition of organizing a Daniel Pearl Music Day show in October. This year's event is the 11th annual event and will be held at The Burren in Somerville, MA.

Because Daniel Pearl events are also a reminder of the importance of the freedom of the press, and the need to protect journalists, this year's event is dedicated to Evan Gersshkovich - the Wall Street Journal reporter unjustly detained with Evan.

#IstandwithEvan

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com

Tickets for 11th Annual Daniel Pearl Music Day Show

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram – @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter – @al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Susan Cattaneo: susancattaneo.bandcamp.com

We had many entrepreneurs come through the podcast, so the theme today is entrepreneurship. We’ll cover topics like how and when to take the jump, what is important at the beginning, and how to think about finding the right partners.

We will hear from 4 people: Alisa Cohn from episode 12, Jackie Hermes from episode 24, Dan Huerter a very recent guest from episode 102 and Sean Fahey from episode 54.

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com

Guest Links:

Check out the individual episodes for more info on the guests.

Alisa Cohn

Jackie Hermes

Daniel Huerter

Sean Fahey

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram – @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter – @al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Susan Cattaneo: susancattaneo.bandcamp.com