Forward-Looking Leadership

Roger Kastner (linkedin.com/in/roger-kastner/, whatdoyouknowtobetrue.com), a coach and org development practitioner who has led initiatives from Fortune 100 companies to small non-profits, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com). Roger shares insights on aligning culture and strategy with daily work experience (04:04), his evolution from expert to facilitator who co-creates solutions with clients (15:32), and his coaching philosophy informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), which focuses on understanding and appreciating the different parts of oneself to overcome personal and professional challenges (19:00). Roger also discusses his podcast "What Do You Know To Be True" (whatdoyouknowtobetrue.com), which explores superpowers and their connection to purpose and potential (29:01), and emphasizes meditation as a tool for enhancing presence and decision-making in leadership (50:31). Recommended reading: "Hidden Potential" by Adam Grant, "No Bad Parts" by Richard Schwartz. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

Paul Smith (linkedin.com/in/pdsmithmba/), Chief Information Officer at Amnesty International, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com) to discuss tech leadership with people and ethics front and center. Drawing from a career that spans industry (defense, automotive, and more) and humanitarian organizations, Paul shares hard-won insights on AI adoption (00:30), four essential digital skills for non-technical professionals (09:32), and emotional intelligence, strategic communication, and talent development for technical leaders (15:53). Paul relays his own journey from a working class background to the global C-suite (22:00) and emphasizes the power of mentorship, permission-giving, and inclusive hiring to help other non-traditional talent make a similar journey (37:54). Recommended reading: “Bulletproof Your Career” by Patricia Romboletti. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

Peter Gray (linkedin.com/in/graypeter/, petergraysearch.com), a social impact executive recruiter and founder of Peter Gray Executive Search, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com). Peter shares lessons from placing more than 40 CEOs and over 200 strategic hires, offering practical guidance on leadership succession, building diverse candidate slates, and avoiding the “unicorn” myth in executive hiring. He breaks down what effective recruitment actually looks like today, from standout job postings to the real way LinkedIn is used by recruiters. The conversation also explores hiring biases, including what Peter calls the “round peg bias,” and makes the case for more flexible, opportunistic hiring. Peter also weighs in on trends affecting the social impact job market, including uncertainty around federal funding, and offers candid advice for both jobseekers and employers. Recommended reading: “Liar’s Poker” and “The Big Short” by Michael Lewis and “When Genius Failed” by Roger Lowenstein. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

Rokhaya Mané (linkedin.com/in/rokhayamane/), a global talent acquisition advisor and leader with over 15 years of experience in talent acquisition and strategic HR, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com). Rokhaya shares what recruiters actually want to see in candidates today, from storytelling that clearly articulates value to evidence of agility, alignment, and future readiness. She explains how recruiters use LinkedIn and applicant tracking systems (ATS), and offers sharp advice on networking and outreach. For leaders, Rokhaya makes the case for lifelong learning as the top skill for navigating the future of work. She also unpacks the cost of values in leadership, as discussed on an episode of her podcast Rok On!. Recommended reading: “The Squiggly Career” by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis, “How to Find the Person Who Can Help You Get Ahead at Work” Ted Talk by Carla Harris, and “The Power of Vulnerability” Ted Talk by Brené Brown. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

Chaz Cirame (linkedin.com/in/chazcirame, recruitbigfish.com), founder of Big Fish Recruiting, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com) for a candid and practical conversation on job search strategy and networking. Chaz shares what he looks for in top candidates, especially humility and change-maker potential, and breaks down his top rules of networking, including authentic interest, co-elevation, long-term thinking, and follow-up. He explains how to approach executive search firms and trends in the DC social sector. Chaz discusses the return to office and spotlights trade associations and professional organizations as hidden career paths worth exploring. The episode covers actionable tips on resumes, cover letters, and how to handle applicant tracking systems without “beat the ATS” hype. Chaz also introduces his 5,000+ member community, Rules of Networking. Recommended Reading: “Designing Your Life” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

Jack Jarrett (linkedin.com/in/jack-jarrett-97a384a9), an international talent acquisition and HR leader, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com) to give listeners an inside view on talent acquisition at top organizations. Jack shares how AI is reshaping the talent acquisition lifecycle and human resources overall, including both its efficiencies and its ethical risks. Jack and Dan also explore LinkedIn optimization, networking strategies, trends in the social sector, how to highlight impact in your resume. Finally, Jack offers practical resources for organizations and professionals to stay adaptable and future-ready. Recommended reading: “Designing Your Life” by Bill Burnett and Dan Evans, “The Squiggly Career” by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis, and “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

Dan Perez (linkedin.com/in/perezdan), SRI Executive’s Director for North America, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com) to share insider advice on standing out in the job market, especially for leaders in the international development space. Drawing on 20+ years of experience in executive search and strategy consulting, Perez outlines the three capabilities executive search firms like SRI prioritize: strategic acumen, team leadership, and external partnership-building. He also unpacks how current funding disruptions, especially around USAID, are impacting hiring trends, and how resilient organizations are adapting. Beyond tactics, the conversation explores the emotional side of job searching that Dan is exploring in his forthcoming book, including imposter syndrome and the “paradox of choice.” Perez shares practical guidance on storytelling in interviews, writing a ‘greatest hits' résumé, and connecting with recruiters effectively. Recommended reading: “So Good They Can’t Ignore You” by Cal Newport and the writings of Mark Manson. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

Corey Spitzer (flyhighventures.com), a fractional CTO and startup advisor with over 20 years of experience in software engineering, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com). Corey and Dan explore the dynamic environment of startups, emphasizing the variety and high-impact nature of the work. Corey discusses the advantages of being based in Omaha, Nebraska, highlighting the supportive and tight-knit tech community. He shares insights on the challenges faced by non-technical founders and the importance of fostering empathy between business and technical teams. Corey also explains the concept of fractional executive roles, offering advice on building a consulting practice and the benefits of working with multiple businesses. The conversation touches on the significance of team culture, the value of improv classes for personal growth, and the importance of self-confidence in leadership. Recommended reading: "How to Help Underperformers" by Luca Rossi. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

Rob Grazioli (robertgrazioli.com), a Managing Partner at Bread, an agency of founders for hire and a pre-seed venture fund, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com). Rob and Dan discuss Rob’s path from college to founding Density, a company that reached a billion-dollar valuation, and how that led to Bread. Rob shares insights on maintaining co-founder relationships, the importance of staying small and nimble, and the challenges of achieving product-market fit. The conversation also touches on organizational culture, the role of curiosity, kindness, and a "say yes" mentality. Rob discusses the strategic advantages of Bread's approach to venture capital and shares advice for founders and leaders on building successful and sustainable businesses. Recommended reading: “Design Is a Job” by Mike Monteiro and “The River of Consciousness” by Oliver Sacks. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

Oriana Papin-Zoghbi, CEO and Co-Founder of AOA Dx (aoadx.com), a biotech startup focused on innovative early cancer diagnostics for women, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com) to discuss her journey to becoming a biotech leader, strategies in raising over $20 million in funding, the power of networking, and the critical need for more research in women's health. Oriana and Dan also cover hiring and firing and creating a culture of team empowerment and results.  This episode provides valuable insights for visionary leaders and entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector and beyond. Recommended reading: “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.