Leadership Beyond Borders

In this episode of Leadership Beyond Borders we explore the power of workplace culture and values with hosting Laura Hamil, author of the book "The Power of Culture: Bringing Values to Life at Work."

In her book, Laura delves into the critical role of organizational culture and values in driving employee engagement, performance, and overall business success. Through captivating insights and real-world examples, she offers valuable perspectives on how organizations can cultivate and sustain a positive culture aligned with their core values.

We discuss the essential elements of a strong workplace culture, the impact of authentic leadership, and practical strategies for integrating values into the fabric of an organization.

About the Guest

Laura Hamill is an organizational psychologist, former Microsoft director, and cofounder of Limeade, an employee experiences software company that helps organizations improve employee well-being and engagement.

With her consultancy, Paris Phoenix Group, she advises businesses on transforming their cultures to create thriving workplaces.

She is a passionate advocate for meaningful change in organizations, Laura also co-hosts the *Happy at Work* podcast, where she explores strategies for improving employee experiences and fostering happiness at work.

Her new book, *The Power of Culture: An Economist Edge Book* (The Economist Books, Nov. 12, 2024), offers insights on the pivotal role of workplace culture in driving organizational success.

Combining years of expertise with a commitment to helping companies unlock their potential, Laura empowers leaders to create environments where employees can flourish.

Guest social media

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laurahamill

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

Other than beekeepers, Al ot of people do not give bees much thought, unless they are trying to avoid them so they do not get stung or they are allergic, but we really should give bees more thought.

We can learn a lot from bees, and as managers and leaders, they can teach us valuable lessons. bees teach us the importance of teamwork, collaboration, communication, adaptability, and resilience as bees work together efficiently towards a common goal, our guest in this episode has given the dynamics of bees a lot of thought, and how their dynamics and habits can be transferred to our daily life both privately and in business.

About the Guest

The guest, Jones Loflin, has enjoyed speaking to audiences around the world for over 29 years, helping leaders of organizations whose people are struggling with too much to do, too many distractions, and too little time.

The combination of Jones' storytelling style, simple analogies, and audience interaction make his keynotes "unforgettable" and "illuminating."

His innovative solutions on leadership, overload, change, and time management have attracted the attention of organizations around the world including Federal Express, Wal-Mart, Choice Hotels, Toyota, Bridgestone, American Farm Bureau, Clayton Homes, Berkshire Hathaway, and the United States military.

As well as a successful speaker, Jones is also the author/co-author of five books including his latest, Focused as A Bee, which he co-authored with his daughter Sydney Loflin. Some of Jones' other great books include Always Growing, Juggling Elephants, and Getting to It.

Guest social media

• Website: www.jonesloflin.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/jonesloflin
• Instagram: Instagram.com/jonesloflin
• X: twitter.com/jonesloflin
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/jonesloflin
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonesloflin

Host social media

• Website: www.siinda.org
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

In this episode, we delve into the importance of preparation for success in all aspects of life. Whether it's preparing for a job interview, a sports competition, or a big presentation, having a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference.

This episode's guest has mastered the art of preparation and used preparation to obtain sustained success not only in the sports world but also in the business world. He talks to us about how adequate preparation not only boosts confidence but also sets the foundation for achieving goals and overcoming obstacles. He shares with us his valuable tips and strategies for effective preparation that can ultimately lead to success.

About the Guest

Matthew Mitchell is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author, speaker, three-time SEC Coach of the Year, and the winningest head coach in the history of the University of Kentucky women's basketball program.

The foundation for his teams' achievements is the Winning Tools principles: honesty, hard work, and discipline. Through Mitchell's focus on the fundamentals, he led the program to new heights―seven winning seasons and UK's first SEC Championship in 30 years.

In his new book, Ready to Win: How Great Leaders Succeed Through Preparation (Winning Tools, November 19, 2024) Mitchell shares proven principles that lead to resilience, preparation, and growth.

Guest social media:

- Website: www.coachmatthewmitchell.com and www.readytowinbook.com

- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/coach-matthew-mitchell

Host social media

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

In this episode, we will delve into the intricate art of conveying difficult news. From discussing strategies and techniques to showcasing real-life examples, we aim to equip you with the skills needed to deliver bad news with both empathy and clarity.

Listen as we discuss how to navigate challenging conversations, explore the nuances of communicating such news to diverse groups in various situations, and reflect on the experience of being on the receiving end. Learn how to handle difficult news gracefully both as a communicator and a receiver.

About the Guest

Mahesh Guruswamy is an experienced product development executive with over 20 years in software development and a decade of managing teams of various sizes. He currently serves as the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Kickstarter.

Prior to this, he led product development teams at Mosaic, Kajabi, and Smartsheet. Inspired by his favorite author, Stephen King, Mahesh developed a passion for writing, beginning with short stories and evolving into long-form writing.

This led to his book, How to Deliver Bad News and Get Away with It: A Manager's Guide (Greenleaf Book Group, January 14, 2025), aimed at helping managers navigate challenging situations. Mahesh is dedicated to mentoring others, particularly those interested in becoming people managers and those new to management.

Guest social media

- Website: www.maheshguruswamy.com

https://maheshguruswamy.substack.com/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maheshguruswamy/

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention leads to personal growth and transformation.

Through introspection, we uncover our beliefs and values to find clarity of purpose. Embracing change and stepping outside our comfort zones are crucial on this path.

By prioritizing self-care and new perspectives, we align with our true passions. This process of self-discovery and reinvention deepens our understanding of ourselves and the world.

Our guest today has done just that, and she shares her journey with us, and helps guide us on how we could start on a journey of self-discovery ourselves.

About the guest

Katia Vlachos is a reinvention coach and bestselling author of Uncaged: A Good Girl's Journey to Reinvention which explores the themes of breaking free from social conditioning and reclaiming one's authentic self. As a coach, Katia helps accomplished women navigate reinvention and chart their paths towards a fulfilling, uncaged life.

With a master's from Harvard and a PhD from RAND, Katia began her career as a policy analyst before pivoting into coaching. She has been an expat for 30 years and a global mobility expert, which led her to write her first book A Great Move: Surviving and Thriving in Your Expat Assignment.

Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Harvard Business Review, and other media outlets globally.

Guest social media

- Website: https://www.katiavlachos.com

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatiaVlachosCoach

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katia.vlachos/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiavlachos/

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

This episode is dedicated to exploring what makes great leadership and how all leaders can embrace these qualities. We are going engage in an insightful discussion on key leadership traits such as empathy, communication, authenticity, and resilience.

About the guest

In addition to exploring universal leadership characteristics, we also shine a spotlight on how we can support and empower leaders in the LBGTQ community. In addition Dr. Steve Yacovelli, known as "The Gay Leadership Dude®" shares with us his personal experiences, challenges, and successes, and while providing practical advice and strategies for LGBTQ leaders to thrive in their roles.

Guest social media

- Website: https://topdoglearning.biz/home

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveyacovelli/

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

In this engaging episode as we speak with Michael Walrath, the esteemed CEO of Yext, to delve into the transformative role of AI in shaping the search landscape. Together, we unravel the implications of AI-driven search experiences for businesses and how they can adapt their marketing strategies to thrive in a post-Google world. With Michael's expert insights, we unravel the nuances of enhancing brand visibility through structured data and explore practical ways for businesses to future-proof their search strategies in an era dominated by AI. We demystify the misconceptions surrounding AI and search, as we embark on a journey to uncover the immense possibilities that lie ahead in the realm of AI-powered search.

About the Guest

Michael Walrath is CEO and Chair of the Board at Yext, serving on its board since 2009 and as Chair since 2011.

He co-founded WGI Group, LLC, investing in early and expansion-stage startups in enterprise software, consumer internet, and digital media. Previously, he co-founded and chaired Moat Inc., acquired by Oracle in 2017. In 2003, he founded Right Media, the first open exchange for digital advertising, serving as Chairman and CEO until its acquisition by Yahoo! in 2007, where he led global advertising marketplaces.

Mr. Walrath holds a B.A. in English from the University of Richmond.

Yext is the leading digital presence platform for multi-location brands, ensuring accurate, trustworthy customer interactions across search, AI, reviews, and social media. By centralizing their digital presence, brands create consistent, engaging experiences, turning their online footprint into a competitive advantage.

Guest social media

- Website: www.yext.com

- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-walrath-b63166

Host social media

- www.siinda.org

- https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

- https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

- https://www.linkedin.com/company/search-and-information-industry-association/?viewAsMember=true

In the dynamic world of business, obstacles are inevitable, but they can serve as powerful catalysts for growth and innovation. Instead of viewing challenges as setbacks, successful entrepreneurs and organizations learn to embrace them, using adversity as a steppingstone for new opportunities. By fostering resilience, creativity, and adaptability, businesses can not only navigate difficulties but also emerge stronger and more competitive in their respective markets. Our guest in this episode has written a book on just how to do this, and shares with us his insights and stories.

About the Guest

Pat Alacqua is a seasoned business growth strategist who has built successful companies and helped others achieve rapid, sustainable growth. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience, he founded the Entrepreneur to Enterprise Program to guide business leaders through every stage of their journey.

His latest book, Obstacles to Opportunity: Transforming Business Challenges into Triumphs – Stories and Strategies from Leaders Who've Mastered It (Entrepreneur to Enterprise, May 6, 2025), shares powerful lessons from top-performing entrepreneurs who turned setbacks into success. His book is available on Amazon.

Guest social media

- Website: www.PatAlacqua.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patalacqua/.

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

Today's interview explores key themes affecting the modern workforce, including employee engagement, mental health awareness, and technology's dual role. It highlights how traditional work-life balance is shifting, especially for Millennials and Gen Z, and raises concerns about AI's impact on human connection.

We discuss the significant focus on mental health in the workplace and how it reflects the significant societal changes, accelerated by public figures discussing their struggles and events like the pandemic that demand more humane practices.

We discuss the need for employers to create environments that prioritize well-being and engagement, aligning workplace practices with evolving societal expectations

About the Guest

Nick Smallman is Founder and CEO of Working Voices, a consultancy and training provider. For the last 25 years he has been advising global blue-chip clients on engagement, productivity, and retention. He is based in London, UK.

He is the co-author of the new book Engaging Teams: How to Use Social Wellbeing to Boost Performance, Retention, and Culture (Kogan Page, March 25, 2025) along with along with Dan Parry, Head of Communications at Working Voices.

Guest social media

- Website: https://www.workingvoices.com/engaging-teams/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicksmallman/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akeynotespeaker/

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/

Today we are going to talk about the transformative impact of AI in search technology, a topic that has garnered significant attention it is at events like VivaTech. Just returning from VivaTech a couple weeks ago I can vouch for the fact that all eyes were on AI.

AI tools such as ChatGPT and Perplexity continue to reshape user behavior and trust in traditional search platforms; we explore these shifts and their implications for businesses.

In this episode will delve into the evolving landscape of SEO strategies, the challenges of factual accuracy, and the importance of personalized search experiences with an expert in this area.

About the Guest

Aaron is the Vice President of Business Development and Partners at Boostability. With 25+ years in online marketing, he has led successful global partnership growth across Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and South Africa. Passionate about local search, e-commerce, and digital strategy,

Aaron is driven to help small businesses thrive in today's digital landscape. His diverse career includes roles as a consultant, marketer, entrepreneur, and strategist.

Boostability is the global leader in white-label SEO for SMBs. Its proprietary platform, LaunchPad, powers scalable, affordable SEO solutions, tracking over 4.4 million keywords monthly. This data-driven approach helps 86% of customers reach Google's first page within 6–9 months.

Boostability pioneered affordable SEO at scale and now serves SMBs in 15 countries and 9 languages—more than any other provider globally.

Guest social media

- Website: https://www.boostability.com/

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boostability/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boostability/

- Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boostability

- Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronpresbury

- Twitter/X: https://x.com/Boostability

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Boostability

Host social media

- Website: www.siinda.org

www.globalbusinesstherapy.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberli-lewis-7a34053/?ppe=1

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321914342101473/

https://www.facebook.com/followsiinda/