Business is Human

"At that intersection of why and weird is a powerful energy source because that's where our genius is unlocked.”

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession chats with Frankie Russo, an inspiring author and thought leader, who brings forward the concept of “maximum usefulness to others.” With insights from his life and work, The Art of Why and Breaking Why, he shares practical ways to bring purpose into performance, guiding leaders on how to encourage authenticity and creativity within their teams. Introducing his “Infinity Growth Loop,” Frankie explains how a focus on self-honesty and intentional service can drive sustainable growth without compromising health or integrity.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What being “maximally useful to others” means and how it enhances business and personal growth
• How embracing your “why” and “weird” can lead you to achieve great things
• Why self-honesty is a foundation for building trust in any organization

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(13:21) The first step for maximum usefulness

(17:34) Why leaders must align people, product, and positioning

(20:22) Loving your weird

(24:13) The power of belief

(25:02) Embracing your own weirdness for business growth

(26:30) The importance of creativity in running a business

(27:56) What your childhood dreams say about you

(30:37) The “limitless” drug and creating real connections

(37:33) The value of failure and experimentation

Connect with Frankie:

Website: https://www.frankierusso.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankie-russo/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtGEiIx0sEIlm0gfUzjqLWA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frankie.russo.18

X: https://x.com/thefrankierusso

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@frankierusso3

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"It's okay to start asking questions. If it's not sitting well with you, now you can dig in. What's your why? And then that will help to carve out some of the noise.”

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with food scientist and health advocate Carrie Schroeder. Carrie shares her remarkable professional journey, transitioning from working with global food industry giants to embracing her passion for wellness and sustainable living. Together, Rebecca and Carrie explore the connection between food innovation, community health and nutrition, and humanity, shedding light on the unintended consequences of industrialized food production.  

Carrie opens up about the challenges of aligning personal values with professional success, reflecting on her experiences creating food ingredients for major brands while maintaining and advocating for a more health-conscious lifestyle. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:  

• Why aligning your career with your values is key to long-term career fulfillment  
• How food innovation impacts health, your immediate community, and society as a whole  
• Practical steps to make informed food choices for yourself and your family  

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(04:43) Carrie's childhood and early influences around health

(11:33) Carrie’s extensive experience in the food tech industry 

(15:34) Disconnected industrial work and its lack of human connection  

(20:09) A food scientist’s insights on health and nutrition  

(27:42) What you need to know about grocery store food  

(36:25) How disconnected we have become from our food  

(37:22) Finding purpose and deep connection in food science  

(43:34) Creating an impact in the health and nutrition space  

Connect with Carrie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-schroeder-4681b48/

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"Leadership is about being tough on results but tender on people. You need to find that balance between achieving goals and caring for your team."

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession welcomes Urs Koenig, Executive Coach, Military Peacekeeper, and Author of Radical Humility: Be a Badass Leader and a Good Human. Together, they unpack why humility is a crucial asset for today’s leaders, breaking down how trust and connection impact long-term success in leadership. Urs also explains his journey from military command to executive coaching, sharing how his unique experiences reveal that humble leadership is anything but weak—it’s a strategy for achieving both meaningful relationships and impactful results.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How humble leadership can improve performance and team alignment
• Ways to balance business goals with human connection for sustainable success
• Why showing vulnerability as a leader can lead to deeper trust and cooperation

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Intro
(01:46) The concept of radical humility
(02:11) Urs’s background and experiences in humble leadership
(04:13) The journey to writing ‘Radical Humility’
(06:50) How human connection and nurture play into leadership
(15:46) Tough on results, tender on people
(19:46) Building trust through vulnerability and connection
(27:19) Balance discomfort with self-care for growth
(29:51) Turning your inner critic into a first responder

Connect with Urs:
Website: https://www.urskoenig.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/urs-koenig-ab3828/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koenigurs/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urs.koenig.7
X: https://twitter.com/urskoenig

Connect with Rebecca:
https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"Success isn't solely a single person's feat; it's the collective effort and support of a whole community that truly makes the difference."

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession honors Veterans Day by featuring Trevor Beeman, a Green Beret and author of 'No One Else Can See Your Fire'. Trevor shares his powerful story of overcoming childhood abuse, addiction, and other life challenges. He emphasizes the significance of sharing personal stories to foster connection and support within communities, workplaces, and families. Rebecca and Trevor also discuss the role of mental health in contemporary society and highlight the evolving nature of male vulnerability and openness.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Discussing perspectives and feelings about workplace events helps prevent misunderstandings and builds empathy among team members
• Success in personal and professional life often relies on a collective effort and support from others, rather than individual endeavor 
• Sharing personal traumas and stories of resilience can create deeper connections and understanding in both workplace and personal contexts

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Transforming trauma into triumph with Trevor Beaman

(04:26) The importance of vulnerability and sharing stories

(06:38) Men opening up about their feelings

(11:54) The power of storytelling and community

(34:01) Navigating the loneliness of your 20s

(35:13) How to turn negativity into motivation

(36:35) Cultivating the warrior spirit

(37:23) How to recognize and overcome victimhood

(42:19) Connecting with your kids through their interests

(48:20) How to transform adversity into leadership

(55:12) Creating a culture of understanding in the workplace

Connect with Trevor:

Website: https://trevorbeaman.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-beaman-bb6b3322b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trevor_a_beaman/

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

“If you know all these unique, beautiful things about your best-lived life, why are you giving yourself over to societal norms? There has never been anyone more interested in your future than you are.”

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with bestselling author Ken Rusk to talk about redefining success and finding freedom outside the traditional college path. As a successful entrepreneur and advocate for the blue-collar industry, Ken shares insights from his book, Blue-Collar Cash: Love Your Work, Secure Your Future, and Find Happiness for Life, discussing how to build a fulfilling life through purpose-driven work, clear goal-setting, and career pathways that prioritize personal well-being. Ken explains how we can help young adults forge their own unique career paths without relying solely on degrees and how leaders can inspire teams by supporting individual career goals.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to build a career based on your vision, not societal expectations
• The benefits of blue-collar work as a fulfilling and lucrative path
• Practical ways to support career autonomy for the next generation

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Intro
(08:28) The importance of vision and self-belief
(17:50) Why blue-collar work can be a fulfilling career path
(27:20) A play-by-play guide for your career and business
(31:38) Insights on college degrees and student loans
(34:04) Finding opportunities outside traditional career paths
(40:49) Gaining clarity by defining your path

Connect with Ken:
Website: https://www.kenrusk.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-rusk-2656a7175/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenruskofficial/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KenRuskOfficial/

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"Your own experience of feeling defensive changes your ability to hear the incoming information. And so it further removes us from connection with that other person or that other situation."

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Psychotherapist and Best-Selling Author Eliza Kingsford to explore how love and fear influence our thoughts and decisions. With her expertise in neuroscience and trauma therapy, Eliza explains how the nervous system operates in states of either love (safety and connection) or fear (protection), and how these states impact everyday choices.

Eliza also highlights how love and fear show up in leadership and team dynamics. She addresses the challenges that come with fear-driven leadership—like micromanagement, burnout, and stress—particularly for women balancing demanding roles. The conversation focuses on shifting into a love-based, connected mindset to build healthier teams and improve leadership outcomes.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How love and fear influence your decisions and leadership style  
• How to recognize and shift your emotional state to foster confidence and connection  
• The importance of emotional awareness in preventing burnout and achieving balance in your career

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(05:38) All thoughts stem from love or fear energies

(11:05) How fear affects mood and physiological response

(14:29) How defensiveness affects your personal judgment

(21:00) The importance of seeking within

(22:18) Relying on external validation creates inner instability

(35:32) Over-control triggers discomfort in the nervous system

(41:58) Decisions stem from love or fear perspectives

(46:41) Confidence and connection enhances client interactions

(53:18) Love magnetizes us and attracts others powerfully

Connect with Eliza:

Website: https://www.elizakingsford.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizakingsford/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizakingsford/

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"Control is not the answer. Connection is."

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Psychotherapist and Keynote Speaker Patricia Bathory to explore how staying connected and grounded drives personal and professional growth for leaders. They discuss how cultivating meaningful relationships helps leaders face challenges, embrace vulnerability, and let go of the need for control. Patricia highlights the importance of building a strong inner circle, or “village council,” that can offer guidance and support throughout a leader's journey.

Patricia also addresses common misconceptions about success, pointing out that while money and titles aren’t the ultimate goal, they are powerful tools for creating influence and making a positive impact. Drawing on examples from leaders like Melinda Gates and Oprah Winfrey, the conversation emphasizes staying open to growth and change, urging leaders to remain curious and courageous as they evolve.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How “connectedness” help leaders grow and succeed
• Why money and titles should be used as tools for greater impact
• The importance of embracing change and staying curious for personal and professional growth

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(05:58) The journey to writing 'Connected'

(09:39) Never limit yourself

(13:38) “Don’t deny yourself the possibility of a full and purposeful life”

(15:57) Managing expectations in relationships

(19:16) Not all relationships can be repaired

(21:52) How identity and purpose plays into relationships

(24:07) Finding purpose beyond your title

(26:03) Success is more than just the money or title

(30:41) The power of having a “village council”

Connect with Patricia:

Website: https://pbathory.com/home/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciabathory/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patibathory/?hl=en

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"I went from climbing the corporate ladder relentlessly to owning an art gallery and embracing a completely different life."

In this part two episode of the Business is Human with Sarah Gormley, Sarah recounts her transition from corporate life to pursuing authentic joy, the impact of therapy on her life choices, and the importance of realigning success metrics with personal well-being. Rebecca and Sarah emphasize the power of resilience, the liberation from external success measures, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery. They also discuss Sarah's memoir, "The Order of Things," which explores her life changes, detachment from traditional success, and therapeutic journey.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Address emotional distress early to navigate life transitions more effectively
• Focus on personal fulfillment and the impact of your achievements, not just numbers or titles
• Periodically reassess your goals and be open to changing paths to align with your true aspirations

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro
(02:59) Transition from marketing to memoir
(11:36) The role of therapy in self-discovery
(16:47) Life after leaving corporate america
(20:21) Navigating the struggles of achievement
(23:31) Embracing new definitions of success
(26:33) Sarah's journey to publish her memoir

Connect with Sarah:

Website: http://www.sarahgormley.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gormleysarah/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scgormley/

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"When we courageously stand tall in our stories and share them with the world or each other in some way, we give others permission, courage, whatever they need for them to then stand tall in their own stories."

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Sarah Gormley, author of 'The Order of Things,' a memoir about chasing joy. Rebecca shares her personal excitement and emotional connection to Sarah's book, emphasizing the theme of detaching self-worth from career achievements. Rebecca and Sarah discussed the juxtaposition of business metrics and human needs, highlighting the importance of storytelling, vulnerability, and empathy in achieving better business outcomes and personal fulfillment. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to overcome struggles with self-worth and identity
• Redefining success beyond job titles and finding more joy in life
• Finding a meaningful career that aligns with your personal values

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(09:53) Breaking free from the corporate life

(11:19) Looking forward to the future

(12:14) Struggles of over-achieving women

(13:42) Why overachieving women tend to get stuck in a certain career path

(15:48) The toxicity of anchoring your identity to your job

(21:40) Empowering others by sharing your story

Connect with Sarah:

Website: http://www.sarahgormley.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gormleysarah/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scgormley/

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

“It’s about owning and loving your story, no matter how challenging it might be."

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Emmy-winning sports broadcaster, author, and keynote speaker Lauren Sisler. They discussed the importance of blending human needs with business strategies to achieve meaningful success. Lauren shares her poignant life story, highlighting her parents' tragic struggle with addiction and how it shaped her journey towards owning her story and helping others. Rebecca and Lauren emphasize the need to balance ambition with vulnerability, making intentional efforts to connect with others meaningfully. The conversation underscores the value of authenticity, overcoming shame, and finding purpose in personal and professional lives.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Embracing both the positive and negative aspects of your life experiences is essential
• Living with intention, celebrating small wins, and consistently seeking purpose are key to fulfillment
• Staying present and purposeful with your time is crucial to preventing burnout

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Understanding the Business is Human Framework

(06:08) How to set email boundaries and avoid burnout

(14:01) Lauren Sisler’s story of overcoming tragedy

(31:09) The unexpected journey of loss

(31:47) Inheriting shame and finding healing

(32:33) The seven-year transformation

(37:39) How to embrace faith and purpose

(38:43) The huge impact of sharing our stories

(51:47) The power of intentionality

(54:16) How to embrace redirection

Connect with Lauren:

Website: https://www.laurensisler.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensisler/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurensisler/?hl=en

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/