High Octane Leadership

In this insightful episode of High Octane Leadership, I sit down with recent UNC-Charlotte graduate and rising professional Diana Garland to unpack the realities of Gen Z in the workplace. With candor, insight, and a touch of humor, Diana challenges stereotypes and offers a fresh perspective on what Gen Z truly values: purpose, mentorship, psychological safety, and meaningful work. This episode offers a two-way masterclass in leadership across generations. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this conversation bridges the generational divide with empathy, truth, and actionable takeaways.

We talk about what Gen Z actually wants from work, redefining hustle and rejecting quiet quitting, how to deliver (and receive) tough feedback, the power of mentorship and mutual respect and why leadership is always about relationships.

What if nearly half of Alzheimer’s cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes, and you could deliver that impact at scale?

In this episode of High Octane Leadership, host Donald Thompson interviews Adam Schultz, founder of Mindr, a groundbreaking digital health startup focused on preventing Alzheimer's and dementia through lifestyle interventions. 

In this episode, you'll discover: 

• The medical study that changes everything we know about brain health 
• The hidden workforce crisis: 1 in 6 employees are secretly caring for loved ones with cognitive decline 
• How smart employers are about to gain a massive competitive advantage

This isn't just another health app story; it's about digitizing hope for millions of families. 

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📌 LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Follow Adam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/durmadam

What do people really say about you when you're not in the room?

In this crossover episode of High Octane Leadership and Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox, I sat down with Jackie Ferguson, yes, my better half, to talk about all things personal brand: how to build one, why it matters more than ever, and how it can open doors before you even knock.

Your brand is working with or against you every day. Time to take the wheel.

In the episode, we dive into:
* Why personal branding is no longer optional
* How your brand drives business, influence and opportunity
* The invisible message you're sending when you don’t own your narrative
* How to create impact before you even walk in the room

This episode is for leaders, entrepreneurs, and the brand-curious. If you want to win with clarity and purpose, this one’s for you.
Follow me on:  LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Website 

What’s the real secret to building a high-performing team? Donald Thompson is joined by Amri B. Johnson—author, business strategist, and founder of Inclusion Wins—for a conversation about why employee engagement, not empty initiatives, is the true driver of organizational excellence.

Together, they explore how today's leaders can create thriving workplaces where trust, psychological safety, and shared purpose aren't just ideals—they're measurable advantages. Amri reveals why companies that prioritize authentic engagement outperform competitors, and how relational skills, empathy, and culture-building are essential tools for future-proofing leadership in a turbulent world. Donald and Amri also take a global view, examining how the shifting perception of U.S. leadership impacts companies worldwide—and why empathy and civility are more critical than ever to attracting and retaining top talent.

Is it possible to drive high performance without sacrificing humanity? Donald sits down with Gui Costin—entrepreneur, author, and founder of Dakota—to prove that the answer is a resounding yes. From 14 jobs in 17 years to building a $25 million business, Gui shares how he went from chasing success to leading with purpose.

You’ll hear Gui’s refreshing take on developing Gen Z talent, why structure and kindness aren’t mutually exclusive, and how face-to-face networking powers his company’s rapid growth. Plus, Gui reveals his “Be Kind” leadership philosophy, why Division I athletes make great sales hires, and why every business should aim to keep its best employees.

If you’re ready to scale your business and your mindset, this conversation is full of cheat codes you can use right now.

Want a signed copy of Gui’s latest book? Email him at [email protected].

What does it take to turn a personal challenge into a groundbreaking startup? In this episode, Donald talks with Paula Jackler, founder and CEO of Ozzie, an AI-powered financial wellness platform. Paula shares her story of navigating the challenges of immigrating from Brazil to the U.S., student debt, and the startup world. Hear how she combined her background in psychology and tech to create a platform that transforms how people understand and manage their finances. With insights on resilience, entrepreneurship, and building a mission-driven business, this conversation is a must-listen for aspiring founders and leaders. 

Learn more about Paula’s story and Ozzie’s vision at ozzieapp.com.

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere, but should CEOs embrace it or approach with caution? Donald and Bob Batchelor sit down for a conversation about AI’s role in leadership, business strategy, and personal productivity. Together, they tackle the real questions: Is AI just another tech trend, or is it a game-changer for business leaders? How can CEOs effectively integrate AI without resistance from their teams? And what makes human leadership irreplaceable in an AI-driven world?

With insights from their upcoming co-authored book, Donald and Bob break down AI adoption, the impact on job markets, and the ethics of Big Tech’s control over AI. They also discuss how AI can serve as a powerful thought partner—boosting innovation, enhancing productivity, and even helping leaders test new ideas faster.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is facing unprecedented challenges—from federal policies to corporate lawsuits. In this conversation, Donald and Bob Batchelor dive into the evolving DEI landscape, the pressures facing business leaders, and how to navigate the shifting political and corporate tides. As DEI faces increased scrutiny, how can companies safeguard their progress, preserve workplace culture, and reshape their strategies for long-term success? Donald offers insights from the C-suite and boardrooms, providing a practical, results-oriented approach to maintaining inclusive workplaces in challenging times. Tune in for a bold, no-nonsense discussion on leadership, business resilience, and the future of DEI in America.

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.

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.