In this episode, I sit down with the inspiring Bret Wills—a passionate advocate for men with disabilities and the founder of Olive Branch Mentorship Services. Bret shares his deeply personal journey of living with spina bifida, navigating systemic challenges, and launching a mission-driven mentorship program to uplift a marginalized community.

From his early struggles to his breakthrough moments, Bret talks about the realities of living on social assistance, the power of lived experience, and how he's turning personal hardship into a platform for change. We dive into how he’s building connections, offering hope, and creating opportunities for others to share their stories and thrive.

Connect with Bret and his incredible work through:

🔹 Facebook:
Bret Wills
The Olive Branch Facebook Page

🔹 Instagram:
@bretzky1984
@theolivebranchmentorship

🔹 Substack:
Ramblings of a Rambling Rambler

🔹 Bluesky:
bretzky1984.bsky.social

If you're ready for a heartfelt conversation on resilience, advocacy, and the small actions that make a big difference, this episode is for you.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

03:26 Navigating Life with a Disability

05:36 Launching a Mentorship Business

08:14 Challenges Faced by Men with Disabilities

10:49 The Importance of Support Systems

13:07 Writing as a Tool for Expression

15:43 Understanding the Needs of Disabled Individuals

17:44 Overcoming Personal Challenges

19:47 Advice for Those Struggling

22:15 Legacy and Impact

24:27 Lighthearted Hockey Discussion

25:58 Closing Thoughts and Resources

In this conversation, we dive deep with Hilda Juma, Executive Director of the Black Talent Initiative. We explore her powerful journey from Kenya to championing social change, the mission behind the Black Talent Initiative, and the challenges of navigating DEI efforts within corporate spaces. Hilda also shares how self-care, storytelling, and opening doors for emerging leaders fuel the movement toward equity and inclusion.

What you’ll learn in this episode

Chapters

00:00 New Beginnings and Personal Growth

02:16 The Role of the Black Talent Initiative

06:21 Navigating DEI Challenges

09:58 Funding Landscape for Community Initiatives

13:32 Impactful Partnerships and Success Stories

17:06 The Power of Personal Stories

17:59 Awakening to Advocacy

20:10 Navigating Cultural Expectations

21:19 Facing Challenges in Advocacy

22:57 The Role of Stewardship in Leadership

23:55 Inspiring Future Advocates

25:42 Rapid Fire Questions

28:00 Self-Care in Activism

28:42 The Importance of Conversations

31:29 Re-educating the Public

32:55 Reflections on Community Trust

Ready to unlock unshakeable confidence and become a leader who inspires? We dive deep with Tara LaFon Gooch, CEO of Best Branding Solutions, on her inspiring journey to self-assurance and the key role gratitude plays in building self-esteem.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Plus, Tara offers valuable insights for those struggling with confidence and shares exciting news about her upcoming book on leadership and personal development.

Resources:

This episode is for you if:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tara LaFon Gooch

05:33 The Power of Gratitude

12:17 Leadership and Self-Responsibility

23:50 Leaving Situations Better

28:27 Rapid Fire Questions and Insights

This is my guest appearance on the "What?" Podcast with Nathalie Blais in December 2024.

In this engaging conversation, David Fung shares his journey through coaching and leadership, highlighting the transformative power of coaching in both personal and professional realms. He discusses the importance of presence, the challenges of embracing uncertainty, and the role of failure in achieving success. The dialogue emphasizes the shift in perspective that comes with coaching, moving from a desire to control outcomes to fostering self-discovery in others.

Subscribe to the @coachfulcoaching YouTube Channel

👉 https://www.youtube.com/@coachfulcoaching/

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST 🎙🏆🎙 👉 https://bio.site/leaderpodcast

If you enjoy my podcast please leave me a rating and review!

👉 https://ratethispodcast.com/coachfulcoaching

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Leadership

02:00 Shifts in Coaching Perspective

05:57 The Importance of Presence in Coaching

08:50 Embracing Uncertainty in Coaching

11:58 The Value of Change and Growth

14:49 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Personal Growth

20:04 The Role of Failure in Success

27:14 Building Mental Toughness Through Coaching

32:51 The Power of Metaphors in Coaching

36:45 AI and the Future of Coaching

43:27 The Role of Community in Coaching Development

In this episode, we chat with Roula Eid to explore the transformative journey of coaching, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and the balance between personal and professional life. We discuss how coaching can lead to self-discovery and mindfulness, the challenges of communication within families, and the significance of understanding one's purpose and calling. Roula shares her experiences as a coach and leader, emphasizing the need for emotional intelligence and the impact of personal growth on professional relationships.

Roula has been recognized among the Top 15 coaches in Ottawa and among the Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs in the MENA region.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges

06:26 Cultural Background and Culinary Influences

12:21 Passion for Coaching and Leadership

18:08 The Importance of Boundaries in Leadership

23:57 Balancing Heart and Mind in Relationships

30:12 Connecting with Your Why

In this episode, we chat with Teresa Ryce, a women's health coach specializing in sustainable weight loss for women over 50.

We discuss the importance of lifestyle changes, understanding personal reactions to food, incorporating movement into daily life, and the significance of functional fitness.

Teresa shares her personal journey, daily routine, and the role of mindset in achieving long-term health and happiness. The conversation emphasizes the need for gradual changes, self-awareness, and the importance of leading by example in health and wellness.

Instagram: @teresa.ryce

FB: @teresarycecoaching

LI: teresaryce

Web: teresaryce.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:51 Understanding Sustainable Weight Loss

05:02 The Importance of Long-Term Habits

08:32 Building Awareness and Listening to Your Body

10:28 Incorporating Movement into Daily Life

12:11 Finding Enjoyable Forms of Exercise

16:26 Mindset Shifts for Effective Workouts

19:12 Personal Journey and Career Transition

20:53 The Journey to Personal Training

25:37 Understanding Weight Management Over 50

30:08 Functional Fitness: The Key to Daily Life

34:03 Reflecting on Past Habits and Future Health

38:10 The Interconnection of Mindset, Stress, and Health

In this episode, we chat with Nithya Ramachandran, President and Chief Strategy Officer of T1, a sponsorship marketing agency. We discuss the concept of 'underestimated audiences' and how this term reflects the need for businesses to recognize the potential of diverse groups.

Nithya challenges the notion of imposter syndrome, arguing that it is a reaction to an oppressive environment rather than a personal failing. The conversation also explores the importance of community, equity, and the need for leaders to embrace vulnerability and courage in their roles.

Nithya shares her personal experiences and insights on navigating toxic environments, cultivating confidence, and the significance of mentorship for women of color. The episode concludes with reflections on personal growth and the importance of being authentic in leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

03:39 Understanding 'Underestimated' Audiences

06:31 Challenging Imposter Syndrome

09:22 Taking Ownership in the Workplace

12:34 Navigating Toxic Environments

15:26 Empowering Underestimated Populations

18:27 Breaking Free from Labels and Constraints

19:24 Overcoming Underestimation and Embracing Identity

22:26 Courage and Community in Leadership

25:08 Cultivating Courage and Progress Over Perfection

28:11 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership

32:30 The Source of Confidence and Community Support

This is a clip from guest interview on Nadine Zeinoun's podcast. Here is the full episode: Trusting Yourself in Leadership.

In this interview David Fung discusses the importance of trusting oneself in leadership and personal growth. We explored the evolving nature of leadership, the significance of overcoming fear, and the impact of legacy on others.

David shares personal anecdotes and metaphors to illustrate his journey and insights, emphasizing that leadership is about people and relationships rather than titles or achievements.

In this episode of the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast, we speak with Erin Patchell, founder of Positivist Group, about the importance of coaching, building trust in diverse teams, and the role of neurodiversity in the workplace.

We discuss how to create a culture of collaboration, the significance of diversity for innovation, and the essential skills managers need to lead effectively. Erin shares her journey of self-discovery through coaching, the challenges of navigating identity and feedback, and her vision for purpose-driven business growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Positivist Group and Coaching Philosophy

03:29 Building Trust and Collaboration in Diverse Teams

06:11 Understanding Neurodiversity in the Workplace

09:15 The Importance of Diversity for Innovation

12:13 Coaching as a Core Management Skill

15:06 Self-Discovery and Identity in Coaching

18:11 Vision for Positive Change in the World

21:20 Purpose and Profit: A New Business Paradigm

25:10 Podcasting: Building Community and Authenticity

28:38 Navigating Disappointment: The Entrepreneurial Mindset

34:25 Advice to My Younger Self: Embracing the Journey

36:56 The Meaning of Life: A Quest for Understanding

In this episode, we are joined by Marielle Métrailler, an executive and leadership coach from Clarivia, to explore the transformative power of Conscious Leadership. Marielle highlights the vital role of self-awareness and introduces the three C's that can elevate your leadership journey: curiosity, compassion, and courage.

Unlock the potential of these elements to revolutionize your approach to leadership. Marielle emphasizes the importance of embodying these traits as leaders, breaking through barriers to self-awareness, and making intentional choices about how you spend your time and conduct meetings. The discussion also covers the significance of somatic coaching, which connects body awareness to effective leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Conscious Leadership

03:45 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership

06:47 Navigating Complexity in Leadership

09:46 The Three C's of Conscious Leadership

12:31 Curiosity, Compassion, and Courage in Action

15:07 Overcoming Barriers to the Three C's

17:54 Practical Steps for Leaders to Foster the Three C's

21:03 The Cost of Meetings and Desired Outcomes

22:07 Strategic Thinking vs. Meeting Overload

24:05 The Importance of Ruthless Time Management

25:42 Conscious Leadership and Its Challenges

27:35 Advice for Leaders: Taking a Step Back

29:08 The Wisdom of Somatic Coaching

31:26 Understanding Body Language and Its Impact

34:14 Bringing Playfulness into Leadership