In episode 259 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Ruth Milligan - executive speech coach, TEDx pioneer, and founder of Articulation Inc., a top executive communication firm.

Ruth is the force behind TEDxColumbus, the longest-running TEDx event in the world, and has coached over 1,000 speakers across science, business, and the arts. Her insights have helped leaders from Fortune 10 companies and major research institutions turn complex ideas into compelling, actionable stories.

In this powerful conversation, we explore:

• Common speaker mistakes that undermine credibility

• How to communicate complex ideas with clarity and emotion

• What shaded habits are — and how they sabotage your communication

• Ruth’s top tools for becoming a more confident speaker

  
  

🎤 Ruth also gives us a sneak peek into her book The Motivated Speaker, where she unpacks the real behaviors that hold leaders back in high-stakes moments.

If you're ready to uplevel your communication and truly lead with your voice, this episode is a must-listen.

Follow Ruth on LinkedIn (1) Ruth Milligan | LinkedIn

Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

🎙️ In episode 258 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Lisa L. Levy, Founder and CEO of Lcubed Consulting and author of the #1 bestselling book Future Proofing Cubed.

Lisa is the go-to expert for visionary founders who want to escape the chaos of daily operations without their businesses collapsing. Using her Adaptive Transformation™ Framework, she helps $1M–$15M companies build self-reliant leadership teams, increase profits, and create businesses that run (and thrive) without them.

In this episode, we uncover:

• The steps to building a truly self-reliant team

• How to align people, processes, and technology for rapid growth

• What it takes to scale a business without losing your sanity

• Why freedom should be the ultimate goal of leadership - and how to achieve it

🔥 If you’re ready to stop working in your business and start leading it with clarity and calm, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn: Lisa L. Levy

Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

 In episode 257 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Dave Behar, branding visionary, serial entrepreneur, and Chief Executive Athlete at ION Network and Behar Brands.

Dave has shaped thousands of media, tech, sports, and lifestyle brands and is a two-time Amazon bestselling author. With a passion for legacy-building, he's also a trusted advisor at San Diego State University and a strategic voice in branding, intellectual property, and leadership.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The power of language in building iconic brands

• How to craft a personal brand that is both authentic and strategic

• What it means to be a “Chief Executive Athlete” in business

💡 If you’re a thought leader, entrepreneur, or changemaker ready to elevate your brand and impact, this episode is for you.

Connect with Dave on LinkedIn Dave Behar | LinkedIn

Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In episode 256 of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Johaina El Boujaji,  HR and Employer Branding expert, international recruiter, and passionate advocate for DE&I.Originally from France and Morocco, Johaina built her career in the UK and now leads recruitment and inclusion initiatives across Europe at American Express Global Business Travel. She’s also a university lecturer and a voice for young professionals navigating international careers.

Tune in as we explore:

• The journey of building a career as an expat woman leader

• How to thrive authentically in multicultural, high-performance environments

• Keys to inclusive leadership and building diverse teams

• Advice for young professionals starting international careers

• What leaders should focus on today to create meaningful impact

  
  

Follow Johaina on LinkedIn Johaïna Elb (Assoc CIPD) | LinkedIn

Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In episode 255 of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast I am speaking with Martine Cohen, transformative coach, speaker, and author of No More Layers: Discover Your Inner Power and Reclaim True Freedom from the Inside Out.

After a life-changing car accident, Martine found a new path blending intellect and intuition to help high achievers overcome fear, limiting beliefs, and old patterns, and live with authenticity and joy.

Tune in as we explore:

• What it means to peel back our “layers” and why it’s key to personal freedom

• How to recognize and shift mindset patterns shaped by fear

• The difference between decision and choice  and why it matters

• Tools to break the “Fear Loop” and redefine success on your terms

Learn more at martinecohen.com 

Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In episode 254 of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, we sit down with Whitney Elkins-Hutten, personal finance expert, wealth strategist, and author helping people build and protect their wealth with confidence.Whitney shares practical advice drawn from years of experience in real estate, syndications, and financial education, guiding listeners at every stage of their wealth journey.

Tune in as we explore:

• Why “budgeting is dead” and what to do instead

• The main pillars of wealth creation

• Simple steps to move from saving to smart investing

• How the wealthiest structure their finances

• Actionable tips to overcome overwhelm and start investing today

  
  

Learn more at passiveinvesting.com

Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In episode 253 of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast I am speaking with Gaëlle Deschamps, leadership expert, executive coach, TEDx speaker, and founder of G Force. Gaëlle brings over 20 years of corporate leadership at L’Oréal, SABMiller, and Coca-Cola, where she trained thousands of leaders globally. Now, she’s on a mission to empower the next generation of female leaders through her signature programs and youth initiatives.

Tune in as we explore:

• The essential skills young leaders need for the future

• The difference between coaching executives and Gen Z leaders

• How to engage young minds who learn faster and think differently

• What parents and educators should stop and start doing to raise confident leaders

  
  

Gaëlle’s work is reshaping leadership at every level - from boardrooms to classrooms. You can connect with her here: gforceco.co.uk

Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

In episode 252 of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, we sit down with Piers Fallowfield-Cooper - executive coach, former CEO and Chairman, and author of Are You Still The Future?

Piers has led businesses across continents and industries, mentoring over 130 senior leaders, and challenging the conventional wisdom of what it means to lead in today’s world.

Tune in as we explore:

• How to turn challenges like dyslexia into leadership strengths

• What the future of leadership looks like in an AI-driven world

• How to build authentic executive presence

• Why success doesn’t always bring fulfillment and how to find meaning

  
  

Whether you’re a rising leader or an experienced exec, this episode is full of powerful insights on staying relevant and leading with impact.

Learn more at Piers Fallowfield-Cooper | CEO Mentor - Welcome

Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

What does it take to lead, scale, and sustain a thriving business - and grow as a person while doing it? In the episode 251 of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, we’re joined by Mark Musselman, a seasoned CEO turned executive coach who now guides top leaders through transformative breakthroughs at MX5 Consulting.

With over 30 years of leadership experience and a proven assess-align-accelerate methodology, Mark shares:

• His biggest leadership lessons from the CEO seat

• How self-awareness fuels real transformation

• Strategies for overcoming blind spots and getting unstuck

• What it takes to align people, systems, and purpose—especially during uncertainty

  
  

Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or aspiring leader, this episode offers actionable insights for leading with clarity, resilience, and impact.

🔗 Connect with Mark at mx5consulting.com

Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq. 

In episode 250 of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Surace - a Silicon Valley trailblazer, AI visionary, and dynamic speaker who holds 93 patents and has reshaped industries from construction to tech. From pioneering the first AI virtual assistant to leading energy retrofits on the Empire State Building, Kevin brings a rare blend of technical genius and creative flair.

Tune in as we explore:

• Where AI is already transforming our lives and work

• What industries are ripe for disruption

• How leaders can build an “innovation DNA” in any company

  
  

Whether you're a founder, leader, or curious mind, this episode is packed with insights on embracing change and leading into the future with vision and creativity.

Learn more at kevinsurace.com

Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.