Authentic Leadership for Everyday People

Today we talk to Mike Sweeney, Chief Strategy Officer at RallyBright, and executive coach and a seasoned leader with a distinguished career that includes serving in the military before transitioning to the corporate world. Mike has a passion for coaching leaders, accelerating organizational change, and building and leading high-performing teams.

Mike talks about some of the more subtle leadership lessons from the military, the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership, and the role of technology in enhancing team performance and experience.

Support Mike in his PanMass fundraising. Donate here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

[00:53] - Today Dino is talking with Mike Sweeney, Chief Strategy Officer at RallyBright, a platform for teams that includes behavioral-science-backed software to help business leaders build high performing teams by finding the factors that will supercharge their success and improve performance. 

[02:21] - Mike introduces himself as a girl dad, runner, and a learner, who focuses on building high-performing teams and living his values.

[03:15] - Mike discusses his journey to becoming the leader he aspired to be, including learning from his dad and the military's servant leadership principles.

[06:12] - Mike highlights the deeper leadership lessons he gained from the military, including building strong relationships within a team.

[11:36] - Challenging the stereotypes of autocratic leadership in the military.

[12:11] - Mike emphasizes the need for trust and belief in a leader to inspire others to execute tasks, especially in high-stakes situations.

[14:17] - Exploring alternative conflict resolution methods in interpersonal and international conflicts.

[14:44] - How Mike's transition from the military to corporate life taught him the impact of team skills on organizational performance.

[15:05] - Mike shares a transformative experience that led him to the realization that focusing on interpersonal skills alongside technology drives better performance.

[15:54] - Mike shares his passion for organizational development and learning and development (L&D), and the challenges and value he finds there. 

[21:11] - Mike offers his practical advice for someone taking on a new team without formal or team training.

[21:39] - Mike emphasizes the importance of understanding the system, knowing the team members, and setting a clear mission to improve team performance.

[23:16] - How to optimize a diverse team. 

[23:51] - Why knowing one's vulnerabilities and strengths is crucial in leadership.

[27:13] - Transitioning from conforming to being more authentic. 

[32:23] - Comfort isn’t the goal: the importance of balancing growth and comfort within a team.

[37:35] - The role of technology in team building.

[38:34] - Using technology as a means to enhance team experience, communication, growth, and fundamental human skills for high performance.

[41:51] - You can connect with Mike at RallyBright.com and his coaching practice at SaberCoaching.com.  

[42:47] - Mike shares how his hobby outside of work taught him that foundational habits are critical AND rest and recovery are crucial.

[43:55] - The word he would like to rebrand to “call it what it really is” based on his desire to “engage with technology on his own terms and in his own time. 

[44:43] - The food for the soul that’s not only contagious, but Mike thinks makes the biggest difference for teams for stress relief.  

[46:35] - If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and family, and subscribe on your favorite listening platform so you don't miss any episodes. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Contact dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

RallyBright 

Saber Coaching 

Other Mike Sweeney links:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sweeneymichaelr 

Facebook: facebook.com/thesabercoach

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

Field Of Stone | Susan Cattaneo

The Hammer & The Heart | Susan Cattaneo 

Today we talk to Jeff Robbins, musician and co-founder of Lullabot, a renowned, fully remote company specializing in web development. In 2021, Jeff developed an app called Visibox which allows musicians and other performers to control videos and other visual elements during their performances. Jeff's current band is 123 Astronaut.

Jeff shares his journey from the music industry to co-founding Lullabot, his leadership approach, the importance of core values, navigating remote work, and redefining success beyond the dollar.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

[00:56] - Dino introduces today’s guest, Jeff Robbins. 

[02:38] - Jeff introduces himself, highlighting his passion for music and early involvement in web development.

[4:26] - Jeff's transition from music to focusing on web development and finding Lullabot, a successful web development company.

[06:44] - The challenges and learning experiences of managing relationships while being part of a band. 

[07:38] - Jeff reflects on the vulnerability of committing and putting oneself out there in music, highlighting the importance of taking any pursuit seriously and putting in the necessary effort and dedication.

[08:54] - Jeff discusses the transferable skills from being in a band to building a company and how music's raw and emotional aspects inform his business practices.

[11:17] - Democracies or enlightened dictatorships? The leadership and group dynamics in bands and Jeff's experience in Orbit.

[11:31] - Jeff discusses his role as a reluctant leader in Orbit and the importance of making decisions that align with the vision.

[13:03] -Jeff’s vision in building and leading Lullabot.

[13:27] - “Okay, but it needs to look good on a t-shirt,” Jeff’s approach to building Lullabot, the concept of "celebrity-tising" the developers and promoting their talent, and how the music world influenced the company's culture.

[15:27] - The infection points of company growth and why Jeff sees leadership as a natural side effect of having a vision for your company and its creative direction.

[17:10] - Leadership as a side effect—driven by a vision for the company rather than vice versa. 

[18:06] - Defining core values is emotional and vulnerable but crucial. Jeff explains his thoughts on a company's core values and how he and his team worked to capture Lullabot's identity and the story they were telling. 

[20:50] - The core values of Lullabot and their meaning.

[24:09] - Jeff discusses the importance of making core values public, accessible, and transparent to foster fairness, honesty, and accountability within the company.

[25:33] - A REAL virtual company: Lullabot’s “remote-first” philosophy drawing inspiration from open-source projects like Drupal. 

[28:48] - The different dynamics and challenges of physical presence versus remote interactions. Resources: "Remote: Office Not Required"  and"It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work" by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson and Jeff’s podcast on the topic.

[31:13] - Jeff shares what went into the decision to sell back to the employees of Lullabot versus pursuing outside acquisition.

[31:39] - A behind-the-scenes look at the motivation behind Lullabot's decision not to sell and instead implement an employee stock ownership program (ESOP) inspired by the book "The Great Game of Business." 

[36:19] - No golden handcuffs. 

[37:18] - Jeff reflects on how his definition of success has evolved throughout his career and the importance of maintaining the passion and purpose behind the work.

[39:17] - The significance of celebrating success and recognizing milestones along the way. 

[40:10] - Jeff shares the importance of recognizing success at all levels, regardless of magnitude, and not solely focusing on the next goal or milestone.

[40:18] - You can learn more about Jeff at his work on his website at Jeff Robbins, and you can find out more about his current obsession, Visibox, at spaceage.tv

[41:42] - Jeff shares how his hobbies help him enjoy whatever is coming his way while waiting for "the better wave to come along."

[43:50] - "When people lie awake at night thinking about their lives, it's usually not about money." Jeff shares the book that resonated with him and aligned with his thinking.

[46:22] - If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and family, and subscribe on your favorite listening platform so you don't miss any episodes. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

jjeff.com

lullabot.com

Visibox: spaceage.tv

Other Jeff Robbins links:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jjeff/

Twitter: @jjeff 

Band: 123 Astronaut 

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

The Friction | 123 Astronaut 

Books

Remote: Office Not Required 

It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work

The Year Without Pants

The Great Game of Business

Drive  

Today we're thrilled to bring you part two of our third annual "Business Jargon that Drives Us Crazy" show. This features the shows from January to June of 2023.

Part one was published on Memorial Day and it featured episodes from July to December of 2022.

This are the guest featured in this show - refer to their individual pages for information on each one.

Mya Byrne - Episode 91

Silvia Negri - Episode 89

Gil Blander and Rony Sellam - Episode 72

Jean Batthany - Episode 79

Jonathan Rosoff - Episode 87

Harry Duran - Episode 77

Kameelah Benjamin-Fuller - Episode 71

Brian Beckom - Episode 75

Daniella Rabbani - Episode 74

Jeremy Goldman - Episode 76

Rishi Bhattia - Episode 84

Dez Rock - Episode 88

Nippy Ames - Episode 81

Kvon Tucker - Episode 85

Ash Beckham - Episode 80

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com

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

Today's episode is a special one as we honor the Juneteenth holiday. In this episode, we're resharing a small extract from my conversations with two incredible guests from last year, addressing the progress that still needs to be made.

First up, we have Jason Greer, a renowned labor and diversity expert, founder of Greer Consulting Inc, and author of the book “Bias, Racism & the Brain." Then, we'll hear from Zenica Chatman, a dedicated coach specializing in empowering women to overcome workplace bullying. 

Listen in as we delve into thought-provoking discussions on bias, racism, and creating a positive workplace culture on the path to a more inclusive society.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

[00:10] - Dino opens the show and shares that in honor of the Juneteenth holiday, he will revisit two conversations he had last year, Jason Greer in Episode 31 and Zenica Chatman in Episode 50. 

[00:51] - Jason, a labor and diversity expert, shares the dual missions that drive him forward and his family’s personal battle that fuels his passion for eradicating racism during his lifetime. [04:05] - Jason shares the background behind his book “Bias, Racism & the Brain: How we got here & what needs to happen,” that he co-authored with his best friend, Phil Dixon, that takes people into his stories to open peoples eyes to help them see their biases through a new lens. 

[08:37] - In a world where technology connects us more than ever, our brains still function as if we're primitive beings searching for survival. True self-awareness often requires a wake-up call to see our own prejudices through a new lens.

[09:42] - Helping people tap into their stories.

[10:03] - Jason shares how companies can get started with  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training, why it's vital to be honest about why you are doing it, and why your company's culture really matters. 

[12:46] - You can listen to the full interview with Jason here, in Episode 31 of the “Authentic Leadership For Everyday People” podcast. You can learn more about Jason and his company at Greer Consulting Inc. 

[13:41] - Zenica Chatman shares the statistics and background of the discrimination and bullying of women of color in the workplace. 

[16:02] - How the “angry black woman” stereotype feeds into the discrimination dynamic at work. 

[17:47] - How DEI initiatives are falling short for women of color in the workplace and the intentional steps companies can take to address bullying and harassment in their organizations. 

[20:24] - How mentoring has led to some of Zenica's clients going from being in the throes of a bullying situation to mentoring others AND advocating for themselves.

[21:30] - Zenica shares three steps leaders can take to make an impact for women of color within their company. 

[23:15] - If you would like to hear the whole conversation with Zanika, it’s Episode 50 of the podcast. You can also learn more about her by visiting her website at Zenica Chatman Coaching.  

[23:44] - If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and family, and subscribe on your favorite listening platform so you don't miss any episodes. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

Jason Greer: hiregci.com/

Zenica Chatman: zenicachatman.com

For more on the guests:

Jason Greer - Episode 31

Zenica Chatman - Episode 50

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

In today's episode, podcast guest and producer Dino Cattaneo talks about how high potentials can successfully transition into upper level management. Specifically, Dino focuses on three areas that are key to success:

Self-assess

Be a selfless leader

Accountability.

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Links:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram – @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter – @al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Today we talk to Mya Byrne, a talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her captivating storytelling and heartfelt lyrics. Deeply influenced by her love for classic country music, she is dedicated to creating authentic and powerful songs that resonate with listeners. Out and proud, she is a leader for the presence of queer, trans women in Country music and is one of the first two trans artists to play AmericanaFest.

Mya shares her journey as a transgender musician and activist, discussing the impact of embracing her authentic identity on her artistry, her support for other trans artists, and the connection between her songwriting and the legacy of classic country artists like Loretta Lynn.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

[00:22] - Dino introduces the show and welcomes guest Mya Byrne, a courageous musician, and activist, as we explore her journey of embracing her identity and the impact it has had on others.

[02:30] - How Mya's leadership manifests in supporting other trans artists and people, providing a universal approach to embracing authenticity.

[03:14] - Mya shares her story of success, overcoming challenges, and making a difference in the face of attacks on LGBTQI+ rights.

[04:59] - Mya shares her remarkable journey as one of the first fully out trans women in country music and her unapologetic approach to life and art.

[06:38] - Explore the transformative power of embracing authenticity and the profound impact of Mya's music video, breaking barriers in the industry.

[07:19] - The challenges faced by queer and trans artists and the importance of building countercultural support networks.

[08:07] - Discover how embracing authenticity transformed Mya's artistic expression, bringing her a newfound sense of freedom on the stage and in the studio. 

[09:15] - Overcoming the challenges of being an out artist: Mya discusses the plexiglass ceiling faced by women.

[11:12] - How Mya’s authenticity as a trans woman influenced her work to help her shed light on embedded biases in society.

[12:00] - Mya shares her approach to art and work and the inspiration she finds in the Beatles' studio sessions.

[13:50] - Mya's personal growth and advocacy journey, from embracing her persona to becoming a leader and advocate in her community.

[14:33] - The importance of visibility in the face of ongoing attacks on the trans community, Mya her experiences in direct action activism.

[16:14] - Mya's evolving activism, from being on the front lines of protests to focusing on nurturing and supporting other trans artists while challenging discrimination in the music industry.

[17:12] - Inspiring others through her visibility to impact the lives of younger trans musicians.

[17:58] - The revolutionary act of simply walking down the street as a trans person.

[18:34] - The power of coming out and the fear it instills in those who seek to exploit individuals. 

[19:12] - Everyone is part of the working class regardless of occupation or social status. 

[19:46] - How a song by David Crosby inspires Mya to hold the people accountable. Speaker 

[20:26] - "Leadership is making a bowl of soup for somebody who's hungry." 

[21:03] - Mya shares how she aspires to create a better world for the younger generations in hopes they can avoid enduring the same hardships as she has. 

[21:43] - The importance of acknowledging and celebrating the joy in trans lives, alongside the daily struggles and obstacles and the power of these experiences in combating feelings of isolation.

[24:03] - A special collaboration with writing partner Paisley Field, and the inspiration behind the song, Burn This Statehouse Down, rooted in the discriminatory legislation passed by the Tennessee legislature, and showcasing the beauty and safety of trans love and countering the demonization of trans people.

[29:30] - Burn This Statehouse Down makes a splash, resonating with people all over, including across the pond. 

[31:50] - The Loretta Lynn influence on Mya’s work with Paisley Field and the parallels between certain songs and Loretta Lynn's work, especially Burn This Statehouse Down and its connection to "The Pill."

[35:06] - “What does the song want?’—focusing on understanding the song's intention and serving the character within it.

[35:41] - Stereotypical songwriting: the importance of writing songs in every genre that speak to all people, including queer and trans individuals.

[36:43] - The power of storytelling.

37:59] -A song is more than chords and arrangements; it's about the message it carries. 

[38:59] - Authenticity and stories told without self-censorship hold great power: drawing inspiration from artists like Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton, who challenged societal norms.

[39:15] - If you want to connect with Mya, you can find her here and on Instagram.

[40:25] - Mya shares her passions outside of music and her Italian-style eating habits.

[41:21] - The one phrase that Mya calls a “load of crap.”

[41:57] - Pursuing multiple interests to nourish different aspects of oneself—Mya shares two examples of this and why she still has a foot in publishing. 

[43:03] - It’s important to remember you're not just one thing: inspired by Jackie Kennedy's multifaceted pursuits, Mya balanced a successful editing career while pursuing her music until recently.

[45:19] - Making bread is a fulfilling way to nourish yourself and others. Mya recommends checking out Glenn and Friends for a simple, delightful no-knead bread recipe that transformed her bread-making experience.

[45:56]- Mya shares how listening to "The Wind" by Cat Stevens offered her a soul-nourishing experience that evoked tears and contemplation.

[47:00] - If you enjoyed this episode, this is an invitation to share it, and be sure to subscribe so you can experience all future episodes. 

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

Mya Byrne Information:

Site: myabirne.com

Stream Rhinestone Tomboy

Facebook: facebook.com/myabyrnemusic

Twitter: @MsMyaByrne 

Instagram: @myabyrne 

Mya on YouTube

Spotify: Mya Byrne | Spotify 

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

Burn This Statehouse Down by Mya Byrne & Paisley Fields  

Mya Byrne on Bandcamp 

What Are Their Names by David Crosby 

The Pill by Loretta Lynn 

The Wind by Cat Stevens 

Books

Books By Peter Drucker

Books by Salman Rushdie

Books by Gore Vidal   

Today's episode is a special one. We're thrilled to bring you our third annual "Business Jargon that Drives Us Crazy" show but with a delightful twist. In the past, we dedicated a single episode to showcase the answers to my favorite question of the podcast: "What is the business cliche or jargon that drives you crazy?" However, with our weekly show, we now have more insightful responses to share.

In honor of the Memorial Day holiday, we present you with part one, featuring the thought-provoking answers from July to December 2022. Make sure to mark your calendars because, on July 4, we'll release part two, highlighting the first six months of 2023. And remember, you can always find these insightful answers at the end of every one of our episodes. Enjoy!

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

[00:20] - Kim Driscoll made history as the first woman elected as governor in Massachusetts. She was on Episode 49 before the primaries and shared the business cliché you heard in the clip that annoys her. 

[01:08] Today, we're doing a special episode featuring my favorite question of the podcast, the business jargon that annoys people. 

[02:06] - In Episode 57, Jackie Indrisano shared the phrases she considers "a cop-out used by individuals resistant to progress and not interested in listening." 

[02:24] - Jackie discusses her aversion to cancel culture, advocates for alternative approaches to resolving conflicts and disagreements, and emphasizes the importance of freeing yourself from societal expectations.

[03:55] - The other phrase that Jackie mentioned that was a common thread for many guests, including Episode 46 with Matt Sawyer 

[04:44] - Switching gears, in Episode 59, Arielle Nissenblatt challenges the common stereotype about podcasts. 

[05:12] - Challenging the idea of "fake it till you make it" in the business world. In Episode 64, Wil Reynolds shares that his authenticity and transparency are his whole shtick because he's super honest about his wins and losses.

[6:20] - In Episode 66, Judi Fox talked about something that may be considered the exact opposite of the “fake it till you make it” syndrome.

[6:28] - We're going to close this little loop about public perception, going back to Episode 56 with Ronnell Richards, who talks about his pet peeve, about the public's perception of a specific group of professionals.

[08:44] - In Episode 51, Tonya Montella talks about an expression we all hear so regularly that we’ve stopped paying attention to it. 

[09:26] -In Episode 50, Zenica Chatman shared some corporate life commonalities that shouldn't be so common.  

[10:37] - In Episode 52, Jim Young tackled one that is, a relatively common corporate buzzword that's turned it from something positive until it's now actually harmful.

[11:37] - Sometimes, when you think about the true implications of certain buzzwords, you begin to wonder if we really need less of that, like this one in Episode 44 with Cody Hall.  

[12:25] - Setting people up for the impossible, listen in to Episode 55, Christina Wallace, as she shares the corporate buzzword leading to a lot of burnout. 

[14:08] - The truth about the Metaverse, from Cindy Gallop in Episode 58.  

[15:31] - Sometimes it starts with the buzzword, but then it goes much deeper, as with the 

insights provided by Wayne Markman in Episode 53.

[17:07] - Do we really need ALL the references to "hustle culture"? Let's hear what Erin Sharoni shares in Episode 48.  

[19:09] - We’re obsessed with startups! Listen in for more on that with Laura Cesaro in Episode 60. 

[21:00] - So, what should founders focus on? And what are most focused on instead? Here are  Jon Darbyshire in Episode 47 and Francesca Gargaglia in Episode 65 with more. 

[23:02] - In Episode 61, Chris Lynch, the punk rock venture capitalist, criticizes corporate buzzwords, champions authenticity, and calls for a platform that fosters independent ideas and genuine connections to counteract prevailing influences.

[29:14] - Dino shares that his choice to end part one with Chris's Answers was deliberate and what we can learn when showcasing the profound insights that emerge when guests reflect on a seemingly light-hearted question about business jargon that annoys them. 

[30:34] - If you enjoyed this episode, this is an invitation to listen to the older episodes you may have missed, share them with friends, and don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. 

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Information:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram – @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter – @al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Wrecking Ball | Susan Cattaneo 

Brave and Wild | Susan Cattaneo 

Today we talk to Silvia Negri, the Founder and Creative Director of Negri Firman PR & Communication. Her journey in the fashion industry began in the late 80s and early 90s, when she worked for various PR firms and directly with renowned designers such as Giorgio Armani and Calvin Klein, among others. Silvia has carved an extraordinary career path, with her agency rapidly gaining global recognition in just over a decade.

Silvia shares her extraordinary journey in the fashion industry, working with prestigious designers and establishing her own firm to expand communication experiences and champion socially-minded causes, while candidly discussing the challenges she faced in the 90s and how those experiences shaped her leadership style and the collaborative culture she strives to foster in her company.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

[00:45] - Dino recaps last week's show with Dez Roc, and introduces listeners to Silvia Negri, Founder and Creative Director of Negri Firman PR & Communication.  

[01:30] - Dino shares some of Silvia’s background and their special longtime connection. 

[03:39] - Silvia shares her burning passion for fashion and how she seized the opportunity to enter the industry during its prime in Milan—where she met her PR mentor. 

[04:15] - Silvia's leap of faith that led to an extraordinary journey filled with fashion designers, globe-trotting, and the realization of the PR's crucial role.

[04:39] - The thrilling responsibilities of PR: learning the ropes and proving her worth at a remarkably young age.

[06:47] - Giving it all up and starting something new—from her kitchen table. 

[07:26] - The diverse landscape of lifestyle PR Negril Firman PR operates in. 

[09:07] - How Silvia’s tenure at Calvin Klein ignited a fervor for experimentation and propelled her to embark on her solo journey to become a trailblazer, shaping the future of brand promotion.

[09:59] -  Expanding to New York, LA, and London to support her clients. 

[10:41] - Using the challenge of growth as an opportunity and streamlining digital marketing techniques to effectively support her client's business objectives.

[12:42] - Silvia shares some of the BIG names and influential people and causes Negril Firman PR has supported throughout the years. 

[13:35] - Silvia shares how starting her career in the golden age of fashion influenced her leadership style and taught her to protect her big-name clients.

[16:51] - How the fashion industry has changed, and the one thing most of her clients seek in today's climate. 

[18:17] - How the trials she went through in the early fashion industry helped Silvia develop her strength as a leader. 

[20:17] - Developing the culture at Negri Ferman through teaching, learning by example, and an appreciation for ideas no matter what rung of the ladder they are coming from.

[21:20] - What ‘confrontation’ means in Italian. 

[21:28] - What it means to work in service of the image of a creative person. 

[22:17] - Silvia shares the most interesting part of her job, why her family and friends don't really understand what she does, and what she finds most remarkable about her work.  

[25:25] - The importance of authenticity in effectively conveying the real story and underlying values of products, people, and concepts. 

[26:58] - Silvia unveils the critical factor fueling her remarkable global success and the most fascinating aspect of the fashion industry. 

[28:10] - Silvia shares the key elements of her personality that helped her thrive working internationally throughout her career, whether as a freelancer or at Big Mazon.

[29:00] - Why technology will never replace the natural chemistry and genuine exchanges that occur when meeting face-to-face. Plus, the importance of understanding cultural nuances in communication. 

[30:26] - Why Silvia believes her global team is as vital as she is, and how she selects the right team members to ensure her clients are best served. 

[31:31] - How authenticity lends itself to communicating oneself or a product in today's digital age.

[32:18] - How to create a deeper connection with the audience.

[32:35] - The fundamental essentials to ensure a product resonates with the target audience. 

[33:22] - The folly of blindly chasing trends. 

[34:16] - Silvia shares why she believes true success is not solely confined to career accomplishments and her insight into what leads to a whole and prosperous life.  

[35:28] - To learn more about Silvia and her work, you can find her on LinkedIn and Instagram or check out Negri Firman PR & Communication.  

[36:07] - Silvia shares how riding her motorcycle helps her relax and the vintage bike she rides that she calls the ‘perfect archetype of a motorcycle.’

[38:08] - Silvia shares her disdain for the overused business expressions and cliches that have become so pervasive that they have lost their impact and meaning. 

[39:46] - Silvia shares what nourishes her soul and what offers her a respite from her high-octane work life. 

[40:36] - How simplicity offers Silvia a refuge amidst the complexity of her professional life, providing a sense of tranquility and balance.

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

negrifirman.com

Other links:

LinkedIn Silvia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silvia-negri 

LinkedIn Negri Firman PR & Communication: linkedin.com/company/negri-firman-pr-&-communication/

Instagram Silvia: @silvianegrifirman 

Instagram Negri Firman PR & Communication: @negrifirmanpr

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 

Today we talk to Dez Rock, lifelong entrepreneur and CEO and Founder of the cybersecurity company SIEMonster.  Dez's entrepreneurial spirit and cybersecurity expertise have led her to become a respected leader in the industry. Her ability to see the big picture and never lose sight of the overall goal has enabled her to take SIEMonster from a start-up to a successful cybersecurity company. 

Dez shares her nonlinear career path of self-discovery towards authentic leadership, her experiences as a first-generation immigrant and a woman in Tech, what it means to hold more than one country in your heart as your home, and her commitment to creating a safe space for those she leads in the cybersecurity industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

[00:55] - Dino introduces the podcast and guest, Dez Rock, CEO and founder of cybersecurity company SIEMonster.  

[02:27] - Dez introduces herself and discusses her entrepreneurial background and nonlinear career path.

[04:27] - Dez discusses how her early leadership skills developed through group projects and dog training.

[06:28] - Dez reflects on her journey working through her baggage to become an effective leader.

[09:19] - Dez shares how she found her true inner self and now leads from the heart.

[09:22] - Dez's decision to share her behind-the-scenes life and her choice to be authentic and work through her struggles publicly.

[10:56] - Dez shares that to her being authentic means not hiding from anyone, including work, and how she weighed the decision to be public about her struggles.

[13:18] - Standing by her journey and authenticity.

[14:50] - Being authentic can filter out superficial leads and attract more connected people.

[15:57] - Dez emphasizes the importance of looking after and creating a safe space for those she leads, undoing toxic corporate culture.

17:31] - Doing the hard work to find the oneness within yourself to be a good leader. 

[18:01] -Unpacking what stands in the way of great leadership. 

[18:34] - How Dez's view of leadership crystallized early on.

[19:13] - Good leadership feeds into every aspect of one's life. Why practicing leadership within your own family is crucial.

[20:28] - Dez acknowledges the challenges of being a woman in Tech. 

[22:05] - Dez emphasizes the importance of asking the people who work with you for honest feedback on your leadership skills.

[22:34] - Dez shares her story of being a first-generation immigrant from a small town on the coast of the Black Sea in Turkey and how she ended up in the US.

[24:12] - Dino and Dez discuss their experiences of feeling like they belong in multiple places and the struggles that come with it.

[25:38] -Dez recounts her journey of coming to terms with her multiple identities and the emotional toll of being labeled with a derogatory term during her upbringing in Australia.

[29:05] -Dez explains the role of SIEMonster and how they alert organizations about potential cybersecurity threats.

[30:19] - Dez discusses the need for more regulation in the cybersecurity industry to counteract human behavior.

[31:45] - If you want to learn more about Dez, you can find her on LinkedIn or check out SIEMonster's website to learn more about the services they offer. 

[32:58] - Dez shares the motivation behind everything she does and the hobby she calls 'yoga for the mind.'

[33:35] - The one hobby Dez would never give up. 

[33:50] - The business jargon Dez doesn’t want to hear—it tries her patience. 

[35:23] - Dez shares the magic of "breaking bread" that allows for that connectivity and bonding even though you think you have nothing in common. 

[36:11] - The one thing Dez craves from her hometown of Rizza, which represents her ancestral background and provides a sense of comfort and home.

[36:28] - Dez reveals her secret weapon soundtrack for hyping herself up in competitive situations: a powerful song called "Playing to Win" by Australian singer-songwriter John Farnham.

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

SIEMonster.com

Other links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dez-rock 

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

Broken Things | Susan Cattaneo 

All Is Quiet | Susan Cattaneo  

Playing to Win by John Farnham

Today we talk to Jonathan Rosoff, an entrepreneur, business leader, marketer, social impact strategist, and now the CEO and founder of Formative, a venture capital firm focused on investing in technology startups that are making a positive impact on society. 

Jonathan shares his insights on technology and social impact, the evolution of his definition of success, and his advice for finding meaningful work that feeds your soul.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

[01:34] - Dino introduces Jonathan Roseoff, his old friend and colleague who founded Formative, an agency that blends marketing, technology, and policy expertise to design and launch social good campaigns for purpose-driven brands. They also help tackle significant global health issues for clients such as Microsoft.

[02:13] - Formative's role in flattening the Curve at the beginning of the COVID Pandemic. 

[03:00] - Jonathan talks about his journey to where he is now and the things that form who he is and inform what he wants to do. 

[05:12] - From telling dad jokes to wearing his heart on his sleeve Jonathan shares his natural evolution, what authentic leadership means to him, and learning from his successes and failures.

[06:44] - Jonathan discusses what he thought a leader would be (compared to now) and shares his secrets for building trust.

[08:45] - What genuine authenticity looks like in a  corporate environment and the ingredients it needs to be effective.

[10:23] - Dino emphasizes the importance of marrying authenticity with additional values. 

[11:37] - True authenticity reveals who people are; Jonathan shares the need to motivate positive change.

[12:33] - Jonathan shares the motivation behind starting his own agency and the challenges and rewards of competing against larger firms and solving complex global problems.

[15:43] - How Formative's work with the Seattle Flu Study informed decision-making during the pandemic.

[18:00] - Jonathan reveals Formative’s secret to success and the core values that drive everything they do.

[19:45] - Jonathan shares what type of people Formative hires and how the company helps people grow in their careers. 

[21:45] - How Formative uses employee surveys to reinforce its core values and how market conditions have affected them. 

[22:54] - What makes up Formative's core values, and why Jonathan believes productive debate drives great work.

[26:06] - The pros and cons of bringing business skills to social impact work and the challenge of creating partnerships that incorporate the countries that will be recipients or collaborators in developing solutions.

[28:21] - Jonathan talks about how his definition of success has changed over the years.

[29:34] - Why impact matters, and Jonathan’s advice for finding opportunities that align with your passions and your way into places where your heart is.

[32:30] - If you want to learn more about Jonathan and Formative, visit their website or drop him a line. 

[33:05] - Jonathan shares his passion for music outside of work, including singing with the Seattle Symphony and a dad band in dive bars. 

[35:13] - Jonathan shares the "humble brag" expression that he feels is inauthentic.

[36:53] - How the Ukrainian group DakhaBrakha is making incredible original music and using it to raise awareness for what's needed and necessary in Ukraine.

Contact dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

formativeco.com

Other links:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonathan-rosoff 

Formative Instagram: @formativeco 

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 

DakhaBrakha

Books

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking