Guest: Neil Sahota, United Nations AI Advisor

From internal sabotage and mistrust to ethical blind spots and cultural misalignment, this conversation dives deep into the real reasons AI transformations succeed or stall…and the solutions you need to make AI work in your company. You’ll also hear powerful examples of machine-human collaboration, the rise of AI bosses, and why trust is now a core leadership metric.

Here's what Neil and Maureen cover:

Neil’s other binge-worthy episodes about AI are:

- The 10 Leadership Skills You Need to Safely Adopt AI

- Unleashing the Power of Human-AI Collaboration

- How to Own the AI Revolution

- And, of course, the first part of this interview: Why AI at Work Fails

For daily wisdom from our guests, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

RESOURCES:  

Neil’s book, Own the AI Revolution, is available on Amazon at https://amzn.to/4kx4af3, and on Audible at https://amzn.to/4lgS0rK.

Learn more about Neil on his website at https://www.neilsahota.com/. He shares his latest observations on AI in the workplace on his Substack channel at [email protected].

Our host Maureen Metcalf posts a newsletter every week on LinkedIn. You can subscribe here. 

The book Maureen and Neil referenced which they wrote together is Innovative Leadership & Followership in the Age of AI. You’ll find details about it at https://bit.ly/LeaderInAI, or check out the Kindle version at https://amzn.to/44buVz8. The audiobook version is now available at  https://amzn.to/4dTCleZ.

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OUR PODCAST TEAM:  

Host & Executive Producer: Maureen Metcalf

Editor & Executive Producer: Dan Mushalko

Graphics Editor: Stacia Rogan

Booking Producer: Jenna Reik

Theme Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay.

CONNECT WITH US: 

YouTube: @InnovatingLeadership 

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ILI-LinkedIn2 

Website: InnovativeLeadershipInstitute.com 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating! 

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About Our Guest:  

Neil Sahota (萨冠军) is an IBM Master Inventor, United Nations (UN) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisor, author of the best-seller Own the AI Revolution and sought-after speaker. With 20+ years of business experience, he works to inspire clients and business partners to foster innovation and develop next generation products/solutions powered by AI.

Guest: Neil Sahota, United Nations AI Advisor

Most AI failures aren’t caused by bad code. They’re caused by bad leadership.

In this episode, host Maureen Metcalf talks with UN AI advisor and IBM Master Inventor Neil Sahota to uncover the 5 fatal mistakes most organizations make when adopting AI. From the myth that AI is "just software" to the risk of automating bad processes, Neil explains why 4 out of 5 failures are human and leadership-based, not technical. Learn how treating AI like a high-energy intern, not a black box, transforms your success rate. This episode is a must for leaders looking to build effective, ethical, and future-ready AI strategies.

Here's what Neil and Maureen cover:

Neil’s other binge-worthy episodes about AI are:

- The 10 Leadership Skills You Need to Safely Adopt AI

- Unleashing the Power of Human-AI Collaboration

- How to Own the AI Revolution

For daily wisdom from our guests, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

RESOURCES:  

Neil’s book, Own the AI Revolution, is available on Amazon at https://amzn.to/4kx4af3, and on Audible at https://amzn.to/4lgS0rK.

Learn more about Neil on his website at https://www.neilsahota.com/. He shares his latest observations on AI in the workplace on his Substack channel at [email protected].

Our host Maureen Metcalf posts a newsletter every week on LinkedIn. You can subscribe here. 

The book Maureen and Neil referenced which they wrote together is Innovative Leadership & Followership in the Age of AI. You’ll find details about it at https://bit.ly/LeaderInAI, or check out the Kindle version at https://amzn.to/44buVz8. The audiobook version is now available at  https://amzn.to/4dTCleZ.

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OUR PODCAST TEAM:  

Host & Executive Producer: Maureen Metcalf

Editor & Executive Producer: Dan Mushalko

Graphics Editor: Stacia Rogan

Booking Producer: Jenna Reik

Theme Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay.

CONNECT WITH US: 

YouTube: @InnovatingLeadership 

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ILI-LinkedIn2 

Website: InnovativeLeadershipInstitute.com 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating! 

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About Our Guest:  

Neil Sahota (萨冠军) is an IBM Master Inventor, United Nations (UN) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisor, author of the best-seller Own the AI Revolution and sought-after speaker. With 20+ years of business experience, he works to inspire clients and business partners to foster innovation and develop next generation products/solutions powered by AI.

Guest: Sebastian Salicru, Psychologist & Author

Are we training leaders for a world that no longer exists?

Leadership expert and psychologist Sebastian Salicru joins host Maureen Metcalf to tackle one of today’s most pressing challenges: the failure of traditional leadership in a world defined by complexity and change. More importantly, they explore what today’s leaders actually need to succeed in a high-velocity world.

Here's what Sebastian and Maureen cover:

Other episodes you'll enjoy:

- Tales from the Top: How Leaders Use Stories with Dr. Tanvi Gautam

- The Rise of Humanness with Chris Nolan & Michael Schindler

- Leading with Care & Purpose with Raj Sisodia & Sudhanshu Palsule

For daily wisdom from our guests, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

RESOURCES:  

Sebastian has a website filled with information on his leadership work at https://ptspsychology.com/.

His book, Leadership Results, is available on Amazon at https://amzn.to/4nulK66.

Our host Maureen Metcalf posts a newsletter ever y week on LinkedIn. You can subscribe here. 

Maureen’s latest book is Innovative Leadership & Followership in the Age of AI. You’ll find details about it at https://bit.ly/LeaderInAI, or check out the Kindle version at https://amzn.to/44buVz8 . The audiobook version is now available at  https://amzn.to/4dTCleZ.

Her other 10 books are available on Amazon here. 

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OUR PODCAST TEAM:  

Host & Executive Producer: Maureen Metcalf

Editor & Executive Producer: Dan Mushalko

Graphics Editor: Stacia Rogan

Booking Producer: Jenna Reik

CONNECT WITH US: 

YouTube: @InnovatingLeadership 

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ILI-LinkedIn2 

Instagram: @innovativeleader 

Website: InnovativeLeadershipInstitute.com 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating! 

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About Our Guest:  

Sebastian Salicru has been a registered psychologist for over 25 years, and has professional experience in both clinical and corporate settings. Sebastian empowers his clients to: make better (and often previously unimaginable) decisions and choices about their personal and/or professional lives; set ambitious goals; take positive and bold action; change the status quo; achieve real outcomes and long-lasting results; enjoy intimate relationships, and live meaningful lives.

In addition to English, Sebastian speaks French, Italian and Spanish.

In addition to being a registered psychologist, Sebastian is: a board-approved supervisor by the Psychology Board of Australia; a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) of the International Coach Federation (ICF); a graduate from the ‘Art & Practice of Leadership Development’, Harvard University Kennedy School; a Fellow of the Institute of Coaching, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School; and author of multiple publications.

Guest: Andrew Palmer, The Economist columnist & Boss Class host

What makes a great boss, and why do so many managers get it wrong? The Economist columnist and Boss Class host Andrew Palmer joins Maureen Metcalf to break down what actually works in leadership today. From radical autonomy at Supercell to intentional culture-building at Toyota, this episode explores real-world strategies for creating high-performance teams and organizations.

Learn how qualities like self-awareness, transparency, and systems-thinking separate mediocre managers from truly effective leaders. Whether you’re new to management or shaping culture as a CEO, these stories and insights will elevate your leadership practice.

Here's what Andrew and Maureen cover:

Other episodes you'll enjoy:

- From Ego to Impact with New Rhein’s Subhanu Saxena

- The White House Lessons for Every Leader with Presidential Advisor Betsy Myers

- Hilton’s Pillars for Thriving After Disaster with Hampton Inns & Spark SVP Shruti Gandhi Buckley

For daily wisdom from our guests, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

RESOURCES:  

You can find Andrew’s Boss Class (and other podcasts from The Economist) at  http://bit.ly/3HR1ATy.

Andrew’s Bartleby column is online at https://www.economist.com/topics/bartleby.

Our host Maureen Metcalf posts a newsletter every week on LinkedIn. You can subscribe here. 

Maureen’s latest book is Innovative Leadership & Followership in the Age of AI. You’ll find details about it at https://bit.ly/LeaderInAI, or check out the Kindle version at https://amzn.to/44buVz8. The audiobook version is now available at  https://amzn.to/4dTCleZ.

Her other 10 books are available on Amazon here. 

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OUR PODCAST TEAM:  

Host & Executive Producer: Maureen Metcalf

Editor & Executive Producer: Dan Mushalko

Graphics Editor: Stacia Rogan

Booking Producer: Jenna Reik

Theme Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay.

CONNECT WITH US: 

YouTube: @InnovatingLeadership 

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ILI-LinkedIn2 

Instagram: @innovativeleader 

Website: InnovativeLeadershipInstitute.com 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating! 

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About Our Guest:  

Andrew Palmer writes the Bartleby column on the workplace, and is the host of “Boss Class”, our limited-season podcast on management. He was formerly Britain editor, executive editor, business-affairs editor, head of the data team, Americas editor, finance editor and banking correspondent, having joined The Economist as management correspondent in February 2007.

Guest: Mike Hardy, ILA Board Chair

The real leadership crisis isn’t about performance. It’s about how we handle differences.

In this powerful episode, Professor Mike Hardy, Founding Director of the Centre for Peace & Security, joins host Maureen Metcalf to explore the defining leadership challenge of our time: Pluralism vs. Prejudice.

It’s critical: even if your organization only operates in one city, odds are your team will have people from different generations, family cultures, and hometowns…much less religions and ethnicities. Bonding them all into one cohesive team is essential.

Mike makes a compelling case that the future of leadership depends on moving beyond identity to behavior-based inclusion, and calls leaders to rethink how they respond to difference.

Here's what Mike and Maureen cover:

Produced in partnership with the International Leadership Association: https://ilaglobalnetwork.org/.

Enjoy a hearty Hardy binge with these other episodes featuring Mike:

- The Accidental Peacemaker with Mike’s friend Steve Killelea

- 11 Steps to Help You Heal Divides

- Peace through Better Leaders

For daily wisdom from our guests, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

RESOURCES:  

Mike’s Centre for Peace & Security is online at https://bit.ly/CentreForPeace.

Our host Maureen Metcalf posts a newsletter every week on LinkedIn. You can subscribe here. 

Maureen’s latest book is Innovative Leadership & Followership in the Age of AI. You’ll find details about it at https://bit.ly/LeaderInAI, or check out the Kindle version at https://amzn.to/44buVz8. The audiobook version is now available at  https://amzn.to/4dTCleZ.

Her other 10 books are available on Amazon here. 

-----------------------  

OUR PODCAST TEAM:  

Host & Executive Producer: Maureen Metcalf

Editor & Executive Producer: Dan Mushalko

Graphics Editor: Stacia Rogan

Booking Producer: Jenna Reik

CONNECT WITH US: 

YouTube: @InnovatingLeadership 

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ILI-LinkedIn2 

Website: InnovativeLeadershipInstitute.com 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating! 

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About Our Guest:  

Mike Hardy is the founding director of the Centre for Peace & Security at Coventry University. The Centre is a multi-disciplinary team of researchers and experts whose work draws together issues such as conflict resolution and reconciliation, social identity, inequality and mobility, wealth and poverty, integration and pluralism, prejudice and discrimination, intergroup conflict and cooperation, the problem of civil rights and the politics of equality. Mike has been twice honoured, awarded the OBE in 2001 for his peace-building work in the Middle East, and appointed a Companion of Honour of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, June 2010, for his work internationally in Intercultural Dialogue. Mike is a trustee of 3FF, the leading interfaith charity in the UK, and board chair of the US-based International Leadership Association.

Guest: Mike McLellan, COO, DHL Supply Chain (North America)

What does it take to keep your business humming through tariffs, tornadoes, and all the other disruptions in today’s world?

Mike McLellan of DHL shares insights on building resilience, both in your leadership and your supply chains, the importance of redundancy, and how DHL provides an example of supporting clients in navigating challenges. The discussion also touches on the evolving roles of senior leadership, driving cultural excellence within the organization, and the transformative power of strategic planning.

Here's what Mike and Maureen cover:

Other episodes you'll enjoy:

- Disruption No More: Future-Proofing Your Business with Mike McLellan

- Unraveling Uncertainty: The Real Job of Modern Leaders with Michael Marks

- Leading with Care & Purpose with Sudhanshu Palsule and Raj Sisodia

For daily wisdom from our guests, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

RESOURCES:  

You can learn more about DHL Supply Chain at https://bit.ly/DHLpreps. To contact Mike directly, email him at [email protected].

Our host Maureen Metcalf posts a newsletter every week on LinkedIn. You can subscribe here. 

Maureen’s latest book is Innovative Leadership & Followership in the Age of AI. You’ll find details about it at https://bit.ly/LeaderInAI, or check out the Kindle version at https://amzn.to/44buVz8. The audiobook version is now available at  https://amzn.to/4dTCleZ.

Her other 10 books are available on Amazon here. 

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OUR PODCAST TEAM:  

Host & Executive Producer: Maureen Metcalf

Editor & Executive Producer: Dan Mushalko

Graphics Editor: Stacia Rogan

Booking Producer: Jenna Reik

Theme Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay.

CONNECT WITH US: 

YouTube: @InnovatingLeadership 

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ILI-LinkedIn2 

Website: InnovativeLeadershipInstitute.com 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating! 

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About Our Guest:  

Mike McLellan is the Chief Operating Officer for DHL Supply Chain (NORAM).

Guest: Dr. Karen Longman, Professor Emerita, Azusa Pacific University

Why do so many capable, driven women still get overlooked for top leadership roles—and what can we do about it?

In this powerful episode, host Maureen Metcalf sits down with Dr. Karen Longman, a global scholar on leadership and gender equity, to unpack the deep-rooted biases that shape how we define (and reward) leadership. There are clear differences in how men and women lead: men tend to lead for power and hierarchy, while women tend to be purpose-driven.

With insights from cutting-edge research, real-world data, and a global lens, this conversation challenges assumptions and provides actionable steps for anyone on a leadership journey, especially those ready to build a more inclusive, performance-driven future.

Here's what Karen and Maureen cover:

Produced in conjunction with the International Leadership Association: https://ilaglobalnetwork.org/.

Other episodes you'll enjoy:

For daily wisdom from our guests, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn. We’re onTikTok, Threads, and Twitter, too!

RESOURCES:  

Karen’s books in the women in leadership series include:

The book on women’s opportunities worldwide is Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Sheryl WuDunn & Nicholas Kristoff. It’s on Amazon at https://amzn.to/45oreJd.

Our host Maureen Metcalf posts a newsletter every week on LinkedIn. You can subscribe here. 

Maureen’s latest book is Innovative Leadership & Followership in the Age of AI. You’ll find details about it at https://bit.ly/LeaderInAI, or check out the Kindle version at https://amzn.to/44buVz8. The audiobook version is now available at  https://amzn.to/4dTCleZ.

Her other 10 books are available on Amazon here. 

-----------------------  

OUR PODCAST TEAM:  

Host & Executive Producer: Maureen Metcalf

Editor & Executive Producer: Dan Mushalko

Graphics Editor: Stacia Rogan

Booking Producer: Jenna Reik

CONNECT WITH US: 

YouTube: @InnovatingLeadership 

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ILI-LinkedIn2 

Website: InnovativeLeadershipInstitute.com 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating! 

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About Our Guest:  

Karen A. Longman, PhD, joined the Azusa Pacific University faculty in 2006. Prior to coming to APU, Longman served for six years as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Greenville College (IL) and for 19 years as Vice President for Professional Development and Research at the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, based in Washington, D.C. She continues to serve as a Senior Fellow with the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities and has coordinated Leadership Development Institutes for emerging leaders within the CCCU since 1998. She served as an editorial board member and reviewer for Research on Christian Higher Education and has been a Staley Distinguished Lecturer at numerous colleges and universities.

Guest: Steve Daley, Koch President of Principle Based Management

What does it take to build a resilient, innovation-driven culture—without relying on rigid rules or micromanagement?

In this episode, Steve Daley shares how Koch reimagines work through Principle Based Management. Hosted by Maureen Metcalf, this conversation dives into how Koch empowers employees by trusting them with responsibility, rewarding contribution, and fostering leadership at every level.

Here's what Steve and Maureen cover:

Other episodes you'll enjoy:

- How Missing Ethics Makes a Mess of Organizations with Greg Moran

- Addressing Values Conflicts with John Heiser

- Non-Traditional Leadership Models for Our New Era with Nathan Eva & Nicole Ferry

For daily wisdom from our guests, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn. We’re onTikTok, Threads, and Twitter, too!

RESOURCES:  

The website about Koch’s principles-based system is https://principlebasedmanagement.com/en.

Chase Koch’s blog is on Medium at https://chasekoch.medium.com/.

Charles Koch’s book is Believe in People: Bottom-Up Solutions for a Top-Down World. It’s on Amazon at https://amzn.to/43PgKBa.

Our host Maureen Metcalf posts a newsletter every week on LinkedIn. You can subscribe here. 

Maureen’s latest book is Innovative Leadership & Followership in the Age of AI. You’ll find details about it at https://bit.ly/LeaderInAI, or check out the Kindle version at https://amzn.to/44buVz8. The audiobook version is now available at  https://amzn.to/4dTCleZ.

Her other 10 books are available on Amazon here. 

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OUR PODCAST TEAM:  

Host & Executive Producer: Maureen Metcalf

Editor & Executive Producer: Dan Mushalko

Graphics Editor: Stacia Rogan

Booking Producer: Jenna Reik

Theme Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay.

CONNECT WITH US: 

YouTube: @InnovatingLeadership 

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ILI-LinkedIn2 

Website: InnovativeLeadershipInstitute.com 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating! 

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About Our Guest:  

Steve Daley is president of Principle Based Management, which provides training and development services to Koch companies.

Guest: Dr. Susan Madsen, Professor of Leadership, Utah State University

How did ten female governors become powerful, authentic woman leaders? What can you learn from them for your own leadership path?

In this inspiring conversation, host Maureen Metcalf sits down with Dr. Susan Madsen, founder of the Women and Leadership Project, to explore how women grow into their leadership identities—not just in the boardroom, but over a lifetime. Leadership development begins in childhood, with fathers playing a critical role. Decades later, midlife becomes a perfect time to develop and grow your leadership to new heights.

Here's what Susan and Maureen cover:

Other episodes on women in leadership you'll enjoy:

- The Bonobo Sisterhood with Diane Rosenfeld

- Empowering Women for the Prosperity of Nations with Amanda Ellis & Augusto Lopez-Claros

- Winning in the Face of Adversity: The Next Gen of Women Leaders with Congresswoman Joyce Beatty

For daily wisdom from our guests, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

RESOURCES:  

Susan’s website is https://www.susanrmadsen.com/.

The books she mentioned include On Becoming a Woman Leader: Learning from the Experiences of University Presidents and Developing Leadership: Learning from the Experiences of Women Governors.

Our host Maureen Metcalf posts a newsletter every week on LinkedIn. You can subscribe here. 

Maureen’s latest book is Innovative Leadership & Followership in the Age of AI. You’ll find details about it at https://bit.ly/LeaderInAI, or check out the Kindle version at https://amzn.to/44buVz8. The audiobook version is now available at  https://amzn.to/4dTCleZ.

Her other 10 books are available on Amazon here. 

-----------------------  

OUR PODCAST TEAM:  

Host & Executive Producer: Maureen Metcalf

Editor & Executive Producer: Dan Mushalko

Graphics Editor: Stacia Rogan

Booking producer: Jenna Reik

CONNECT WITH US: 

YouTube: @InnovatingLeadership 

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ILI-LinkedIn2 

TikTok: @innovativeleadership

Website: InnovativeLeadershipInstitute.com 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating! 

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About Our Guest:  

Professor Susan R. Madsen is considered one of the top global thought leaders on the topic of women and leadership. Her research has been featured in the News and World Report, The Atlantic, The New York Times, Parenting Magazine, Chronicle of Higher Education, The Washington Post, and she is a regular contributor to Forbes. She has been an executive coach for over a decade and enjoys doing personal, professional, and leadership development work with her clients. She also consults with companies, educational institutions, municipalities, and other entities on how to design programs, systems, initiatives, and networks to better help women thrive and advance.

Professor Madsen is the Inaugural Karen Haight Huntsman Endowed Professor of Leadership in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. Prior to this, she spent 18 years as the Orin R. Woodbury Professor of Leadership and Ethics in the Woodbury School of Business at Utah Valley University. She is also a Visiting Fellow of the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Zagreb (Croatia), a former Fellow of The Leadership Trust Foundation in Ross-on-Wye, England, and a former Distinguished Fellow in the School of Management at Lancaster University in the UK.  She was also the lead series co-editor for the Women and Leadership Book Series and co-edited the first three volumes: Women and Leadership in Higher Education (2014), Women as Global Leaders (2015), and Women and Leadership around the World (2015). Her latest book, The Handbook of Research on Gender and Leadership (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2017) is known as a seminal work on women and leadership worldwide.

Guest: Greg Moran, Ford’s Former Chief Strategy Officer

The time to “wait and see” is over. Thanks to AI, no matter what your industry, you need to act now. On everything.

That’s the core message from guest Greg Moran as he surveys a behind-the-scenes revolution AI has already spawned: fast, cheap development of new ideas. New technologies drastically reduce the time and cost to develop and deploy apps, products, and services. It means leaders must now be more agile, adaptable, and willing to experiment to maintain competitiveness.

Here's what Greg and Maureen cover:

Binge listen to more wisdom from Greg:

- Three Steps for Successful Negotiation

- The 7 Leadership Mindsets You Need Right Now

- How Missing Ethics Makes a Mess of Organizations

For daily wisdom from our guests, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

RESOURCES:  

You can contact Greg for more information at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsmoran/ .

Our host Maureen Metcalf posts a newsletter every week on LinkedIn. You can subscribe here. 

Maureen’s latest book is Innovative Leadership & Followership in the Age of AI. You’ll find details about it at https://bit.ly/LeaderInAI, or check out the Kindle version at https://amzn.to/44buVz8. The audiobook version is now available at  https://amzn.to/4dTCleZ.

Her other 10 books are available on Amazon here. 

-----------------------  

OUR PODCAST TEAM:  

Host & Executive Producer: Maureen Metcalf

Editor & Executive Producer: Dan Mushalko

Graphics Editor: Stacia Rogan

Booking Producer: Jenna Reik

Theme Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay.

CONNECT WITH US: 

YouTube: @InnovatingLeadership 

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ILI-LinkedIn2 

Website: InnovativeLeadershipInstitute.com 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating! 

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About Our Guest:  

Greg Moran is a director, founder, advisor and operating executive with extensive global operations experience (U.S., Europe and Asia). He has a strong market focus with deep technology experience forged at business giants such as Ford and Chase which he now applies to organizations of all sizes - start-up, scaling, restructuring, sales, and finance/operations.