In this episode, Diana Daniels explores how reflection and gratitude can strengthen leadership, connection, and culture with visionary guest Sandy Sigal.

As Founder, Chairman, and CEO of NewMark Merrill Companies, Sandy has built one of the fastest-growing private real estate firms in the U.S.—spanning over 100 communities and 2,000 tenants—while championing purpose-driven leadership rooted in humanity and authenticity.

From navigating crises like COVID-19 without layoffs to redefining success around empathy and loyalty, Sandy shares how gratitude transforms not only teams but entire communities. Together, he and Diana uncover the leadership edge found in self-awareness, humility, and the courage to keep showing up.

Here are some of the things we talked about:

• Why gratitude is more than a sentiment—it’s a strategic leadership skill.

• Turning uncertainty and crisis into culture-building opportunities.

• The importance of authenticity and listening in leadership.

• How to foster loyalty through empathy and recognition.

• Mentorship, legacy, and the ripple effect of human-centered leadership.

• Lessons from role models like Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama, and Kobe Bryant.

• The power of reflection in shaping fulfillment over mere success.

Learn more Sandy Sigal:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-sigal-58939915/Website: https://newmarkmerrill.com/person/sanford-sandy-sigal/

Learn more about Diana Daniels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianadaniels/Website: https://cronosgroup.net/

In this episode of the YPO Leader of Leaders podcast, Diana Daniels sits down with Alan Hepburn—CEO advisor, hospitality veteran, and YPO Singapore Integrated member who has spent over three decades shaping leadership across Asia—to explore what it truly means to lead without borders. They discuss why cultural intelligence is becoming the new leadership currency, how global CEOs can intentionally build trust, communication, and teamwork across cultures, and why diversity of thought is the key to innovation and agility in an age of AI. Alan shares grounded insights on adapting across continents, leading with authenticity, and building organizations that thrive beyond limits and beyond borders.

Here are the things that we talked about:

• Cultural intelligence is the new leadership currency in a borderless world.

• Trust, communication, and teamwork are the foundation of any high-performing global culture.

• CEOs—not just IT leaders—must take ownership of their organization’s AI strategy.

• Diversity of thought, not just demographics, drives innovation and agility.

• Effective boards welcome challenge and disagreement to spark better decisions.

• Vulnerability and authenticity are strengths that build trust and connection.

• Leaders must create intentional spaces for dialogue across levels and regions.

• In a fast-changing world, agility and curiosity—not fixed five-year plans—define success.

  
  

Learn more about Alan Hepburn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-hepburn-8a552a3 

Learn more about Diana Daniels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianadaniels/Website: https://cronosgroup.net/

In this episode of the YPO Leader of Leaders podcast, Diana Daniels sits down with Rami Elghandour—engineer, investor, and YPO Global member who grew Nevro into a $3B company and now leads Arcellx—to talk about what it really takes to build a company that lasts. They dive into why alignment between vision and execution is so often missing, how leaders can build cultures that encourage innovation and risk-taking, and why diversity in leadership isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a real competitive edge. Rami shares honest insights on hiring for potential, connecting people to purpose, and building companies that don’t just succeed, but make a lasting impact.

Here are the things that we talked about:

• Leaders need to align purpose, people, and performance to build lasting impact.

• Creating space for risk and failure is key to driving meaningful innovation.

• Hiring for potential—not just experience—can unlock exceptional talent.

• Recognition and visibility help employees connect their work to the bigger mission.

• Diverse leadership isn’t a checkbox—it’s a competitive advantage.

• A strong sense of purpose fuels engagement, resilience, and growth.

• CEOs and boards play a critical role in shaping inclusive, high-performing cultures.

• Tools like town halls, diverse candidate slates, and clear communication help build alignment.

Learn more about Rami Elghandour:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramielghandour 

Website: https://ramielghandour.com 

Website: https://www.arcellx.com 

Learn more about Diana Daniels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianadaniels/Website: https://cronosgroup.net/

Transforming Employees Who Stop Caring: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Give It Their All | Creating Cultural Commitment That Lasts: Leadership Lessons on the Secret to Sustained Growth and Team Ownership | The Power of Building a Resilient Enterprise: Attracting Top Talent and Maintaining High Performance

In this episode of the YPO Leader of Leaders podcast, Diana Daniels sits down with Dave Garrison—seasoned executive, YPO Pacific One member, and author of The Buy-In Advantage—to unpack the silent crisis of employee disengagement. Together, they explore why disconnection at work isn’t a people problem but a systems issue, and how leaders can shift from command-and-control to cultivating cultures of deep commitment. Dave shares practical, human-first strategies to transform workplace culture, foster resilience through uncertainty, and empower teams through purposeful leadership.

Here are the things that we talked about:

• Disengagement is a systems problem, not a people issue.

• Leaders often unintentionally stifle ownership by giving answers instead of asking questions.

• Factors that have reshaped workplace expectations.

• Culture must be prioritized even in high-growth or transition periods to prevent erosion.

• Effective leadership means defining desired outcomes and co-creating solutions.

• Drama-free problem solving fosters trust and efficiency.

• Recognizing and honoring employees as people builds authentic connection.

• Reassurance through clarity of purpose helps teams navigate uncertainty.

• Resilient cultures thrive on shared values, proactive engagement, and psychological safety.

Learn more about Dave Garrison:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-garrison-growth 

Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Dave-Garrison/234929794 
Learn more about Diana Daniels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianadaniels/Website: https://cronosgroup.net/

The Future of Humanizing Technology: Bridging the Gap Between Human Emotions and Machine Learning | Implementing Leadership Synergy: Aligning Strategy with Tech Innovation | The Power of Empathetic Connection: Digging Deeper into Self-Connection, Human-to-Human Connection, and Human-Machine Partnership

In this episode of the YPO Leader of Leaders podcast, Diana Daniels delves into the human side of artificial intelligence with the pioneering Dr. Rana el Kaliouby, co-founder of Affectiva and General Partner at Blue Tulip Ventures. Rana shares her personal journey, from homesick student to global AI leader, and how that experience sparked a mission to humanize machines. They unpack how emotion AI is reshaping leadership, consumer insights, and mental health, while challenging long-held notions about emotion in the boardroom.

Here are the things that we talked about:

• The importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in both leadership and technology.

• The concept and development of emotional AI, or “emotion recognition” technology.

• Real-world applications of emotional AI in business, including consumer insight, team engagement, and mental health.

• The role of empathy and vulnerability in effective leadership.

• Ethical development and deployment of AI, with a focus on mitigating bias and respecting privacy.

• The need for human-centric AI that enhances connection rather than diminishes it.

  
  

Learn more about Dr. Rana el Kaliouby:

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

Website: https://ranaelkaliouby.com/ 

Website (Affectiva): https://www.affectiva.com/ 
Learn more about Diana Daniels:

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

Website: https://cronosgroup.net/

Unleashing Leadership Abilities: Transitioning from Employee Mindset to Ownership Mindset | Building a Winning Culture: The Power of Employee Ownership and Driving Growth, Innovation, and Success | Gaining Actionable Insights and Strategies: Implementing the Ownership Mindset in Your Life & Organization

In this episode of the YPO Leader of Leaders podcast, Diana Daniels explores the power of employee ownership with visionary guest Kerry Siggins, CEO of StoneAge. Kerry shares her journey of leading an employee-owned company to success, from implementing an ESOP to cultivating a culture of accountability and innovation. They unpack the strategies behind creating a true ownership mindset, discuss the ripple effects on growth and employee engagement, and highlight lessons on leadership, trust, and resilience.

Here are the things that we talked about:

• Key benefits of broad-based employee ownership and its impact on company culture.

• Recognizing the right time for businesses to implement ownership structures.

• The importance of framing ownership as empowerment, not just compensation.

• Challenges of ownership programs and navigating tax implications for employees.

• Building a culture: aligning values, training, and performance systems.

• How self-awareness and personal responsibility are critical for leaders.

• Advice on overcoming self-criticism and embracing a positive inner dialogue.

• Practical steps to cultivate an ownership mindset, starting with trust.

  
  

Learn more about Kerry Siggins:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-siggins/

Website: https://www.stoneagetools.com/ 

Learn more about Diana Daniels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianadaniels/Website: https://cronosgroup.net/

Unleashing Leadership Abilities: Transitioning from Employee Mindset to Ownership Mindset | Building a Winning Culture: The Power of Employee Ownership and Driving Growth, Innovation, and Success | Gaining Actionable Insights and Strategies: Implementing the Ownership Mindset in Your Life & Organization

In this episode, Diana Daniels dives into the power of strategic alliances and bold innovation with powerhouse guest, Belen Romero. As the leader of Uber's mobility operations across 12 countries in Latin America, Belen shares her journey of revolutionizing transportation through groundbreaking partnerships and risk-taking strategies. From collaborating with traditional taxi companies to fostering a culture of innovation, Belen offers insights on leadership, sustainability, and the future of urban mobility. 

Here are the things that we talked about:

Benefits of "competition" (cooperative competition) for companies, users, and governments.

Creating a culture that embraces failure and iterative learning.

Risk assessment and mitigation strategies using data and experimentation.

Moving from a zero-sum game mindset to value-sharing partnerships.

Electrification and earnings opportunities as pillars of sustainable transport.

Perspective on sustainability encompassing environmental, economic, and social dimensions.

Advice for balancing innovation, risk-taking, and long-term vision.

Learn more about Belen Romero:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbromero/
Learn more about Diana Daniels:

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

Website: https://cronosgroup.net/

In this episode,  Diana Daniels speaks with Dr. Rebecca Homkes, advisor to CEOs and faculty member at London Business School and Duke Corporate Executive Education. They discuss how leaders can thrive in uncertainty, with Dr. Homkes sharing insights from her book, "Embracing Change to Thrive Through Uncertainty." She highlights the value of reframing uncertainty as opportunity, learning quickly, and staying agile while pursuing a clear growth strategy.

Here are the things that we talked about:

Learn more about Dr. Rebecca Homkes:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-homkes/Website: https://www.rebeccahomkes.com/

Learn more about Diana Daniels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianadaniels/Website: https://cronosgroup.net/

In this insightful episode, Diana Daniels speaks with Shweta Sharma about how leaders can integrate emotional intelligence and mindfulness into their corporate strategies for sustainable leadership. Drawing from decades of experience in global organizations like Procter & Gamble, Shweta provides valuable insights into preventing executive burnout, fostering healthier workplace dynamics, and using mindfulness to enhance business results.

Here are the things that we talked about:

Learn more about Shweta Sharma:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shweta--sharma/
Learn more about Diana Daniels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianadaniels/Website: https://cronosgroup.net/

Digital Transformation for Accessibility: Discussing the role of digital technologies in enhancing accessibility for the blind and partially sighted, and how RNIB Enterprises is leveraging these advancements. Innovation in Social Enterprise: Exploring innovative product and marketing strategies that meet commercial objectives while maximizing social impact, particularly those that enhance the participation of blind and partially sighted people in society. Fostering a Culture of Inclusion: Offering strategies and personal leadership philosophies on creating an inclusive environment that empowers employees and stakeholders, reflecting on the unique challenges and opportunities in the context of disability.