Donald welcomes back trusted advisor and thought leadership guru Bob Batchelor for a deep dive into the art and science of executive branding. Together, they explore how thought leadership and authentic storytelling are game-changers for professionals and organizations alike. Learn about...

• Why defining your narrative is critical in today’s celebrity-driven economy.
• How thought leadership builds trust, credibility, and business value.
• The role of storytelling in connecting with employees, clients, and stakeholders.
• Case studies on leveraging thought leadership for personal growth, team engagement, and corporate success.

High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.

Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

What if leadership came with a cheat sheet? In this episode, Donald Thompson shares his personal playbook for success, packed with hard-earned lessons from scaling multimillion-dollar businesses, navigating tough conversations, and building inclusive, high-performing teams. Discover how curiosity, resilience, and strategic networking can transform your leadership style and accelerate your growth. With candid stories and practical advice, Donald empowers leaders at every level to dream bigger, learn faster, and lead with purpose.

High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.

Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

Can DEI fuel business growth and innovation? In this episode, Donald sits down with Amber Keister, a certified diversity executive and storytelling pro, to unpack how companies like Toyota and Ford are realigning DEI strategies to match their business objectives. They cut through the noise of media headlines to reveal how smart, pragmatic DEI creates engaged employees, loyal customers, and stronger bottom lines. From inclusive leadership tips to rethinking workplace culture, listen to learn how aligning DEI with business goals can transform your organization.

Read my latest column in WRAL Techwire.

High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.

Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

In this episode, Donald sits down with Bob Batchelor, award-winning author of Stan Lee: A Life and The Bourbon King, to discuss his new book, The Authentic Leader. Bob is VP of Global Marketing and Communications at Workplace Options. Unlike many leadership books, often written by CEOs, Bob blends his expertise in strategic communication with lessons learned on the front lines of corporate America. He and Don take a deep dive into why leaders should invest energy and effort in thought leadership using Don’s experiences as a case study. Tune in as we explore Bob’s journey from content creator to CEO whisperer, revealing what he has learned over three decades of being a spy in the business world.

High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.

Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

In today's rapidly changing business landscape, maintaining a strong company culture is essential for navigating periods of uncertainty, like labor volatility, CEO transitions, and economic fluctuations. Donald underscores the pivotal role that leaders play in preserving and nurturing culture and relationships during these tumultuous times. He believes that leadership should be adaptable, focusing on authentic connections and communication to maintain stability within the organization. His experience in leadership and commitment to inclusion inform his perspective that a robust company culture not only enhances business outcomes but also attracts and retains talent. By prioritizing DEI and empathetic communication, especially during mergers and acquisitions, Donald says that leaders can mitigate the emotional impact on employees, fostering a cohesive and resilient work environment.

(00:00:42) Leadership's Role in Nurturing Stability Amid Uncertainty
(00:07:47) Navigating Crisis Through Authentic Leader Connections
(00:16:59) Driving Business Success through DEI Integration
(00:21:02) Navigating Employee Emotions During Mergers
(00:25:23) Maintaining Authentic Connection with the Team

High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.

Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

In this episode of High Octane Leadership, Donald and co-author Kurt Meriwether join Roderick Lewis to explore the insights behind the Inclusive Leadership Handbook. Donald and Kurt discuss the challenges leaders face today, from navigating cultural intelligence to fostering collaboration in an increasingly complex and volatile world. They explain the impetus for writing the book, emphasizing the need for actionable leadership strategies and offering real-world examples of how inclusive leadership can drive success. Learn how to build stronger teams, break down silos, and lead with empathy—without sacrificing business results.

High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.

Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

In this episode, Donald delves into the hidden costs of a relentless schedule packed with back-to-back meetings and non-stop demands. Far from a badge of honor, overscheduling can erode your effectiveness as a leader, harm your mental health, and stifle your ability to innovate. Donald discusses the mental strain of constant context switching and how it can lead to burnout and decreased creativity. By prioritizing high-intensity work, embracing rest and recovery, and making time for continuous learning, you can not only survive but thrive as a leader. Tune in to learn how to protect your mental bandwidth, foster innovation, and lead with renewed energy and focus.

High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.

Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

Anson Dorrance retired Sunday as quite possibly the most successful coach of all time of any sport, having led the UNC Women's Soccer program to an astounding 22 national titles. In this episode, originally released in July of 2020, Anson talks about how he quantifies competitiveness, lessons learned from watching Dean Smith run practice, his perspective on the Black Lives Matter protests and why he's much more focused on human development than athletic development.

Anson's Book, Vision of a Champion, is available on audiobook here, and was adapted into a podcast series here. 

High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.

Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

In the world of organizational development, there's been a buzz about repackaging DEI to focus on workplace belonging and inclusive cultures for boosting employee engagement and driving growth. Donald is all for this shift, highlighting the importance of prioritizing employee well-being, trust and belonging to foster collaboration, innovation and productivity. With his background in leadership and DEI programming, Donald shares his perspective shaped by data that shows inclusive leadership and positive environments lead to higher engagement and performance. He emphasizes the need to embrace diversity in a supportive manner, cautioning against negative language and stressing the significance of a positive, inclusive culture for organizational success.

High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson, is a production of Earfluence and is part of the Living Corporate Network.

Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.

Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

The DEI movement has gained momentum, driven by a recognition of the need for more inclusive societies. Donald highlights the power of storytelling in fostering inclusivity and sees criticism as an opportunity for growth. In this episode, he emphasizes the importance of effective communication, pragmatic approaches, and the role of AI in refining DEI strategies, advocating for authentic storytelling to drive meaningful change.

High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson, is a production of Earfluence and is part of the Living Corporate Network.

Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.

Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.