In this episode, Kevin and Nick Prefontaine discuss:

• How a life-changing accident shaped Nick’s mindset
• The importance of persistence in overcoming adversity
• Why taking the next step, no matter how small, is crucial for growth
• Shifting from fear to confidence in real estate and life
• The impact of mentorship and community in personal transformation

• Resilience is built one step at a time. After his accident, Nick learned that moving forward, no matter how small the step, creates momentum and growth.
• Mindset is the key to overcoming obstacles. Challenges are inevitable, but having the right perspective can turn setbacks into opportunities.
• Fear shouldn’t dictate your decisions. Facing fear head-on and taking action lead to confidence and success.
• Success is a continuous journey. There’s no overnight transformation—progress comes from consistently showing up and embracing each step.
• Surrounding yourself with the right people makes all the difference. Having a supportive community or mentor can help you push through challenges and reach new heights.

"By continuing to move forward every day, you are building an unstoppable momentum." – Nick Prefontaine

About Nick Prefontaine:

https://nickprefontaine.com/step

Connect with Nick Prefontaine:

https://www.facebook.com/nick.prefontaine.7

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickprefontaine

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63 

In this episode, Kevin and Dean Newlund discuss:

• The importance of ethical leadership in today’s world
• Why leaders should embrace an ethic of "enough" and mutuality
• The shift from maximizing profits to optimizing value
• The role of mentorship in personal and professional growth
• How capitalism can be reimagined to serve more people effectively

• True leadership starts with a clear purpose. Leaders who understand their "why" create a meaningful impact and inspire others to follow with intention.
• Intuition is a powerful leadership tool. Beyond logic and data, trusting your instincts can lead to deeper connections and better decision-making.
• Technology should support, not replace, human connection. While digital tools are useful, over-reliance on them can diminish trust, empathy, and engagement in the workplace.
• Storytelling bridges the gap between logic and emotion. Leaders who use stories to communicate can make complex ideas more relatable and memorable.
• Self-awareness is key to transformation. The more leaders understand themselves—their triggers, strengths, and growth areas—the better they can guide their teams and organizations.

"When you start smelling a rat, take action on it. I'm a big person who believes in intuition, especially with leaders, and if you start to feel something is off, it probably is." – Dean Newlund

About Dean Newlund:

Recognized by some of the world’s most influential organizations, Dean Newlund is a consultant, facilitator, coach, speaker, author, and leadership expert who is awakening organizations to fulfill their purpose. With a career spanning over 30 years, Dean has worked across five continents to build the capacity for transformative leadership, mindful organizations, strategic collaboration, and thriving cultures.

As the Chief Executive Officer at Mission Facilitators International (MFI), a boutique consulting firm headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Dean has dedicated his career to helping leaders, teams, and their organizations grow their people, clarify their visions, and implement their plans. His work has touched the lives of tens of thousands of employees, leaders, and board and community members, helping them resolve complex challenges and discover new opportunities.

Connect with Dean Newlund:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw 

Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/ 

The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannewlund/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/ 

Podcast: https://mfileadership.com/resources/podcast/ 

See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I 

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63 

In this episode, Kevin and Paul Knowlton discuss:

• The importance of ethical leadership in today’s world
• Why leaders should embrace an ethic of "enough" and mutuality
• The shift from maximizing profits to optimizing value
• The role of mentorship in personal and professional growth
• How capitalism can be reimagined to serve more people effectively

Key Takeaways:

• Ethical leadership starts with defining "enough." Leaders must shift their focus from endless accumulation to optimizing impact, ensuring that success benefits more than just themselves.
• Maximizing is not always the best strategy. Moving from a mindset of maximizing to optimizing allows for more sustainable and inclusive decision-making.
• Transactional relationships contribute to disconnection. Society has become overly transactional, leading to loneliness and a lack of true collaboration—leaders must change this dynamic.
• Mentorship plays a crucial role in leadership development. Seeking guidance from mentors and later becoming a mentor helps shape stronger leaders and communities.
• Healing capitalism is necessary for a more equitable future. The current system can evolve to balance profit and mutual benefit, ensuring long-term success for businesses and society alike.

"If we're going to bring the kingdom of God to Earth, it's up to us to help do that right part of the work." – Paul Knowlton

About Paul Knowlton:

Paul Knowlton is a partner at the Stanton Law Firm, a multidisciplinary consultant with the lived experience of an adventurous and prosperous business career. As an engineer he designs and executes ideas; as a patent attorney he creates value around intellectual property; as a corporate lawyer, business and nonprofit leader, and turn-around CEO he creates effective solutions to business challenges; and as a mediator and master’s- level pastoral counselor he brings discernment and clarity to individuals and teams. He is the co-author of Better Capitalism: Jesus, Adam Smith, Ayn Rand, and MLK Jr. on Moving from Plantation to Partnership Economics.

Connect with Paul Knowlton:

Email: [email protected] 

Website: www.BetterCapitalism.org | https://stantonlawllc.com/ 

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://kdnealbuildsbridges.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63 

In this episode, Kevin and Michael Garrett discuss:

• The power of corporate efficiency in nonprofit operations
• How Trust World maximizes resources and expands nonprofit capacity
• The importance of dignity in charitable giving
• Overcoming funding challenges and changing perceptions of nonprofits
• Building technology-driven solutions to streamline community support

Key Takeaways:

• Nonprofits thrive when they focus on their core mission. Many organizations dilute their impact by stretching themselves too thin. By outsourcing logistics and resource management, they can focus on what they do best.
• Collaboration is key to amplifying impact. Connecting nonprofits, schools, and law enforcement creates a seamless support system that strengthens communities and increases efficiency.
• Dignity should be at the heart of charitable giving. Providing aid in a discreet and respectful way ensures that those in need receive help without stigma, encouraging trust and long-term impact.
• Innovation in nonprofit work requires breaking traditional molds. Trust World challenges the standard nonprofit model by integrating corporate strategies like Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing to improve efficiency.
• Embracing mistakes as learning opportunities leads to growth. Success comes from iterating, improving, and adapting—each failure is a lesson that refines future decision-making.

"Every one of our roadblocks ended up becoming amazing opportunities that just took us to the next level." – Michael Garrett

About Michael Garrett:

Michael Garrett, a seasoned corporate efficiency expert with over 30 years of experience, is transforming how nonprofits serve those in need. With expertise in Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and a range of other efficiency methodologies, he is redefining operational excellence in the nonprofit sector—ensuring resources are maximized, waste is minimized, and impact is amplified. Founder, CEO - Trusted World, a non-profit that specializes in the collection, warehousing, and distribution of goods such as food, clothing, and personal care items. 

They provide free resources to nonprofit organizations, caseworkers, police departments, schools, and other local agencies in need of these resources.

Connect with Michael Garrett:

Website: https://trustedworld.org/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-garrett-097431b/ 

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://kdnealbuildsbridges.com/ 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63

In this episode, Kevin and Phillip Bogolub discuss:

• The role of creativity in leadership and personal transformation
• How mindfulness and meditation enhance leadership skills
• The importance of leading from behind and embracing collaboration
• Unlocking the power of imagination in professional and personal success
• The philosophy of Ajanoi and its impact on leadership and daily life

• Leading from behind is just as powerful as leading from the front. True leadership isn’t about visibility; it’s about impact. Many of the most influential figures work behind the scenes, ensuring success through collaboration.
• Creativity is the driving force behind true innovation. Instead of chasing productivity, leaders should make space for imagination and creativity, as these spark new ideas and solutions.
• Mindfulness and meditation are essential for effective leadership. Taking time for stillness allows leaders to clear their minds, make better decisions, and maintain emotional balance.
• Success isn’t just about wealth or recognition—it’s about transformation. Making a difference in people's lives and finding fulfillment in what you do matters more than titles or financial gain.
• Surrounding yourself with the right people is key to personal and professional growth. The people you work with and collaborate with shape your journey, making teamwork and positive relationships invaluable.

About Phillip Bogolub:

Phillip Bogolub is the owner of Bogolub Records located in Downers Grove, Illinois.

In Phillip’s former life, he was an Engineer with an MBA and worked in the medical device field for over 25 years. His many life experiences and extensive travel around the world have led him to a transformative philosophy of the mind called, "AJANOI" (Ahjha-noy). It is centered on the awareness that everything he has experienced was intentionally designed for him to be where he is now. This opened up opportunities for a childhood dream of becoming a music composer, movie creator, producer, and philosopher of the mind. You are never too old and it is never too late to dream the dream of dreamers until it becomes real in the physical universe.

Connect with Phillip Bogolub:

Website: https://bogolubrecords.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bogolubrecords/ 

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://kdnealbuildsbridges.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63 

In this episode, Kevin and Baba Lu Olutosin discuss:

• The impact of family and upbringing on leadership development
• Understanding the true landscape of leadership and society
• The search for identity and the power of reconnecting with one's roots
• Lessons from military service, music, and storytelling in leadership
• The importance of learning from mistakes and embracing life’s lessons

• Leadership begins with understanding. The first step for any leader is awareness of the true circumstances they are facing. Without understanding the environment, decisions may be misguided.
• Your past shapes your purpose. Every chapter of life contributes to where you are today. Recognizing the lessons from past experiences helps in defining a clear path forward.
• Mistakes are only failures if you don’t learn from them. When lessons aren’t learned the first time, life has a way of bringing them back, often with greater intensity. Growth comes from recognizing and applying these lessons.
• Identity is key to personal growth and leadership. Knowing and embracing your full story prevents you from becoming just an extra in someone else’s narrative. Owning your past and present allows you to shape your future.
• Success is about freedom for all. True success is achieved when every person can live without oppression, experiencing personal and collective growth in an equitable society.

About Baba Lu Olutosin:

After 35 years in the Military as a Police Officer and achieving the rank of Colonel, Lutalo Olutosin aka ' Sweet Lu’ Olutosin found that his calling to be a Jazz Vocalist was still as strong as it was the day he entered Military Service. “Award-winning, internationally acclaimed Jazz vocalist and lyricist Sweet Lu Olutosin’s music has seen many “bright moments” including reaching number #1 on the Billboard Traditional Jazz album.

Affectionately known as Baba Lu, Lutalo is a storyteller from a line of storytellers. Having recently received his citizenship from Ghana West Africa, he now holds dual citizenship and has embraced his identity as a Griot (storyteller).

Connect with Baba Lu Olutosin:

Website: https://storifi.life/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19wmoquNT5/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetlumusic 

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sweetlumusic 

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://kdnealbuildsbridges.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63 

Effective leadership starts with strong communication and connection. Each episode of Imagining Bridges to Better Leadership offers actionable tips, expert advice, and inspiring stories to help you create thriving teams and sharpen your leadership skills. Whether you’re managing a small business, leading a team in higher education, or driving growth in a midsized organization, this show is for you.