Leadership Is Changing

Leadership evolves through courage, transitions, and the relentless pursuit of growth.

In this Leadership Is Changing Mashup, we hear from two inspiring leaders who turned moments of disruption into defining chapters of their journeys. Cody Hall, former CEO and now investor, opens up about leaving the security of corporate roles to create a life that truly aligned with his values. Megan Nivens-Tannett, founder and CEO of Flourish, shares her bold leap from corporate marketing into entrepreneurship while raising two kids on her own.

Their stories remind us that leadership isn’t just about managing teams or hitting goals; it’s about resilience, self-discovery, and finding the courage to take the next step no matter how uncertain it feels.

Take a few minutes to listen and share this episode with someone who’s ready to embrace change and lead with intention. Let’s continue to inspire leaders everywhere to adapt, grow, and thrive.

• From military leadership at 17 to CEO of a healthcare organization
• The transition from running companies to building an investment portfolio
• Why chasing the “carrot” is an illusion and how to step off the treadmill
• Lessons from leaders at Apple and Amazon on humility and high expectations

• From corporate layoffs to building a thriving PR and marketing firm
• The courage to start a business as a single parent with no safety net
• Checking ego at the door, asking the hard questions, and surrounding yourself with the right people
• Why focusing on strengths (and delegating weaknesses) accelerates growth

Key Quotes:

“I realized one day that I was running on a treadmill chasing a carrot. And the life that I was seeking to have was standing next to the treadmill watching me.” - Cody Hall

“I’ve never worked harder in my entire life, but it was such an amazing opportunity that shook me outside of my comfort zone, and that’s where I discovered a side of myself I didn’t know existed.” - Megan Nivens-Tannett

The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World - FREE Executive Guide Download https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead 

Connect with Denis: 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.LeadingChangePartners.com 

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

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

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos 

Leadership is never a straight path. It’s shaped by resilience, innovation, and the courage to confront challenges that test who we are.

In this Leadership Is Changing Mashup, we hear from two remarkable leaders whose stories remind us that adaptability and courage are non-negotiable in today’s world. Jon Darbyshire, founder of SmartSuite, shares how his vision transformed cybersecurity and goverAZON nance into scalable solutions that continue to shape industries. Jason Hopcus, CEO of NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties, opens up about how personal struggle became the foundation for his mission-driven leadership in mental health and connection. Together, their insights challenge us to rethink success, resilience, and what it truly means to lead with impact.

Take a few minutes to listen and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. Let’s inspire more leaders to adapt, grow, and thrive.

EP 351 – Jon Darbyshire: Building Systems that Scale

• From Ernst & Young to founding Archer Technologies and SmartSuite
• Turning gaps in cybersecurity into billion-dollar opportunities
• Why tools, systems, and processes make teams truly high-performing
• Lessons in scaling leadership from small teams to 1,500+ people globally

EP 354 – Jason Hopcus: Leading Through Struggle and Connection

• From personal breakdown to building a mission around mental health
• The role of vulnerability and transparency in leadership
• Why is connection the foundation of resilience
• Practical steps leaders can take to support themselves and their teams

“I looked at security as a process, just like accounts payable or HR, something every organization needed to manage consistently.” – Jon Darbyshire

“Nothing that we are ashamed of can live in the light.” – Jason Hopcus

The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World - FREE Executive Guide Download https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead 

Connect with Denis: 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.LeadingChangePartners.com 

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

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

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos 

Every resignation is more than an exit. It is feedback about your leadership. Are you listening?

It’s easy to blame the market, competitors, or even employees themselves. But high turnover often shines a bright spotlight on leadership. In this episode, I share seven powerful insights into what turnover is really saying about your leadership and how you can respond in ways that build trust, connection, and loyalty.

If you’re ready to reflect, adapt, and grow, this conversation will give you the clarity and tools to turn departures into lessons and leadership into impact.

Tune in to this episode, and if it sparks value for you, share it with other leaders who need to hear it.

What High Turnover Really Signals

• Turnover as feedback on leadership, not just market conditions
• Why every resignation is a lesson if you’re willing to listen
• Exit interviews as opportunities, not just paperwork

The 7 Insights Leaders Can’t Ignore

• Culture is the mirror of leadership
• Connection and communication
• Growth and development
• Recognition and value
• Leadership style
• Vision and purpose
• Walking the floors

Showing Up as a Leader

• Why presence, both physical and virtual, matters now more than ever
• Small actions that prove you care and build lasting loyalty
• Reflection questions to help you see what turnover is really telling you

“If you don’t set the culture, then the culture will manage you.” – Denis Gianoutsos

“Strong leadership creates loyalty, engagement, and growth. Weak leadership creates turnover, disengagement, and doubt.” – Denis Gianoutsos

Book a Strategy Call with Denis https://app.leadingchangepartners.com/widget/bookings/callwithdenisgianoutsos 

The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World 

Executive Guide Featuring 10 Key Themes and 42 Strategic Insights from Worldwide Leaders 

https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead 

Connect with Denis:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.LeadingChangePartners.com 

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

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

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos

What happens when leaders refuse to settle for outdated systems and instead choose bold reinvention?

Hosted by Denis Gianoutsos, this episode of Leadership Is Changing Mashup 2025 features two leaders whose stories highlight resilience, reinvention, and impact beyond titles: Mark Havenner and Patricia Bradley.

Mark Havenner, a communications strategist and former PR executive, shares how disillusionment with outdated corporate systems propelled him to launch his own practice. He explains why bottlenecks cripple organizations, how leaders can dismantle them, and why aligning around values is the only sustainable path forward.

Patricia Bradley, Global Chief Commercial Officer at MindMaze, reveals her eclectic journey from driving UPS trucks in New York City to pioneering in biotech, pharma, and digital health. Drawing on lessons from Wall Street, logistics, and healthcare, she explores what it takes to lead with adaptability, drive impact across industries, and harness the brain’s untapped potential in both medicine and human performance.

Press play and gain powerful lessons on leading with purpose, navigating career transitions with courage, and shaping a vision fit for the future.

• Transitioning from corporate PR executive to entrepreneur
• Discovering the inefficiency of “corporate bottlenecks”
• Why purpose and alignment matter more than endless meetings
• Helping leaders position themselves in the marketplace with clarity

• From UPS trucks to Wall Street, pharma, and biotech
• The courage to take bold career detours and start over
• Leading teams in pharma, startups, and digital health
• Unlocking the brain’s power through neurotechnology and therapeutics

“The corporate structure is just built with a framework of bottlenecks. Everybody’s getting in the way of everybody else, even when the goals are shared.” - Mark Havenner

“You have to decide at some point, even when you’re young, if they don’t let you follow the path you want, you must be bold enough to create your own.” - Patricia Bradley

The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World - FREE Executive Guide Download https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead 

Connect with Denis: 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.LeadingChangePartners.com 

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

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

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos 

Leadership is forged in risk, responsibility, and the vision to build what’s next.

Hosted by Denis Gianoutsos, this episode of Leadership Is Changing Mashup 2025 focuses on entrepreneurship, accountability, and data-driven leadership, with real lessons from leaders who are shaping the future with courage and clarity.

Glen Moore, founder of Bear Fox Marketing, reveals what it takes to step away from the comfort of corporate life into the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. He shares the emotional highs and lows, the myth of true freedom, and why leadership is as much about patience as it is about readiness.

Paul Kent Graeve, founder of The Data Group, explains why leaders can’t afford to outsource technology. With a career built on hard work, resilience, and data-driven vision, he shows how embracing data builds the foundation for future-ready leadership and AI-driven growth.

Take a moment to listen. You’ll walk away with practical wisdom, fresh perspective, and encouragement for your own leadership journey.

EP 555 - Glen Moore: From Corporate to Entrepreneur

• Leaving the comfort of corporate life to build Bear Fox Marketing
• Facing uncertainty and risk in the entrepreneurial journey
• The reality of accountability—clients, banks, and family
• Patience, readiness, and why not everyone is meant for leadership roles
• Lessons learned from promoting top performers into management

EP 659 - Paul Kent Graeve: Leading with Data

• Early lessons in hard work and character shaping leadership foundations
• Building nine data-focused companies and learning from mistakes
• Why leaders must stop outsourcing technology leadership
• The power of data in setting vision and driving organizational impact
• Preparing organizations for AI by building solid data foundations

“There's never like a true freedom where I have nobody I need to keep happy, and so that's true whether you're an entrepreneur or in corporate.”

 – Glen Moore

“If you're smart enough to lead a company, you are definitely smart enough to understand data, which is nothing but strings, dates, and numbers, and technology, and you just need to ask a few questions.” – Paul Kent Graeve

The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World - FREE Executive Guide Download https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead 

Connect with Denis: 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.LeadingChangePartners.com 

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

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

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos

The world is moving faster than ever. Technology is advancing at lightning speed, industries are being disrupted, and skills that worked yesterday are already becoming outdated.

In this episode, Denis Gianoutsos highlights a powerful truth: “If you’re not learning faster than the pace of change, then you’re falling behind.” Change is no longer a one-off event; it’s the environment leaders must now operate in.

Through real-world examples from Microsoft, PepsiCo, and New Zealand’s legendary All Blacks, Denis shows how leaders who embrace continuous learning create lasting impact.

You’ll discover why skills have an expiry date, how curiosity fuels adaptability, and the seven practical steps leaders can take to embed learning into their culture and thrive in disruption.

Step into this conversation and learn what it really takes to lead in a world where change never stops.

• Change is constant:  no more “business as usual”
• Skills now expire within years, sometimes months
• Leaders must adapt faster than disruption

• Satya Nadella (Microsoft): From know-it-all to learn-it-all culture
• Indra Nooyi (PepsiCo): Curiosity as a driver of global growth and sustainability
• The All Blacks: A “no excuses” debrief culture that sustains excellence

• Model the way 
• Build curiosity into your culture 
• Invest in future skills
• Create a reflection space 
• Encourage peer-to-peer learning 
• Stay close to your customers
• Coach and mentor 

“If you’re not learning faster than the pace of change, then you’re falling behind.” - Denis Gianoutsos

“Leadership today is not about having all the answers. It’s about you being curious, adaptable, and willing to keep growing.” - Denis Gianoutsos

Book a Strategy Call with Denis https://app.leadingchangepartners.com/widget/bookings/callwithdenisgianoutsos 

The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World 

Executive Guide Featuring 10 Key Themes and 42 Strategic Insights from Worldwide Leaders 

https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead 

Connect with Denis:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.LeadingChangePartners.com 

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

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

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos

What if leadership is about finding the strength to choose differently, and not about simply doing more?

Chris Caldwell, CEO of United Renewables, left law and investment banking to build a purpose-driven career in renewable energy. He reveals how exercise, balance, and perspective are non-negotiables for leaders who want to bring their best selves to work.

Valerie Trapunsky, founder of ChatterBoss, shares how her path from advertising to chief of staff to entrepreneur taught her the true power of delegation. She explains why building thought partners, not just task-doers, is the future of leadership.

Guided by host Denis Gianoutsos, their stories demonstrate how effective leadership begins with clarity about your own energy and trust in the people around you.

Take a moment to tune in and discover how these leaders are reshaping what it means to lead with purpose and trust.

EP 485 - Chris Caldwell: Choosing Purpose and Energy

• Transitioning from law and investment banking into renewable energy
• Discovering purpose during the financial crisis
• Exercise as therapy and resilience in entrepreneurship
• Why health and well-being make leaders more effective
• Building renewable projects that impact communities worldwide

EP 497 - Valerie Trapunsky: Redefining Delegation

• Shifting from advertising to personal assistant to entrepreneur
• Lessons from working with A-listers and high-net-worth individuals
• The art of becoming replaceable through delegation
• Servant leadership is the core of ChatterBoss
• Writing Delegation Nation to guide both entrepreneurs and assistants

“Tomorrow you’re going to be a little bit better. The day after, a little bit better. That’s how leaders bring their best self to work.” – Chris Caldwell

“My leadership style is really servant leadership, because I know I cannot accomplish my mission without my people.” – Valerie Trapunsky

The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World - FREE Executive Guide Download https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead 

Connect with Denis: 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.LeadingChangePartners.com 

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

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

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos 

Leadership is tested when life disrupts the path you thought you’d take.

In this mashup, Denis Gianoutsos brings you two leaders who prove that true leadership grows out of resilience and bold pivots. Bridgette McAdoo, now Chief Sustainability Officer at Genesys, shares how purposeful pivots carried her from aerospace engineering to retail to global sustainability, navigating the challenges of being “the one and only” in male-dominated spaces with faith, perseverance, and trusted mentors. 

Jason Radisson, serial entrepreneur and founder of Movo, opens up about how growing up with a single mom, early job experiences, and even stage fright fueled his leadership journey. From launching ventures in the gig economy to building global HR tech, Jason shows why mentorship, networking, and courage are essential for shaping the future of work.

Together, their stories remind us that leadership is about trust, adaptability, and the courage to step forward when life takes you in a new direction, not just a flawless resume.

Press play and step into the stories, because the lessons these leaders share might just spark your own next chapter.

EP434 - Bridgette McAdoo: Leading Through Purposeful Pivots

• From aerospace to retail to sustainability leadership
• Building trust as “the one and only” in the room
• Resilience rooted in faith, mentors, and perseverance

EP494 - Jason Radisson: Building the Future of Work

• From teenage entrepreneur to global HR tech founder
• How early jobs and sports shaped leadership skills
• The power of mentorship, networking, and bold outreach

“I had to figure out how to lead with an influential lens. Two, to build trust, three to listen before talking, and to learn from my team.” - Bridgette McAdoo

“I got into leadership, a little serendipitously, where I was responsible for a function or a piece of business and needed to step in to make sure that things went well.” - Jason Radisson

The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World - FREE Executive Guide Download https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead 

Connect with Denis: 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.LeadingChangePartners.com 

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

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

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos 

Just as nature shifts through its seasons, leadership evolves in rhythms and patterns.

In this Ask Denis episode, Denis Gianoutsos explores the powerful connection between the seasons of nature and the seasons of leadership. From planting new ideas to harvesting hard-earned wins, Denis reveals how leaders can embrace change, lean into timing, and guide their teams with awareness and adaptability.

You’ll discover why rushing through seasons can cost momentum, why winter is essential for renewal, and how the best leaders prepare not just for today but for the season ahead.

Join the conversation and explore how to recognize the season you’re in, adjust with wisdom, and guide your team through ongoing change.

• Planting is where vision and trust take root
• Growth is the season of energy and momentum
• Harvest is the time for reflection and reinvestment
• Winter is when resilience and renewal are built

• Provide clarity and patience during planting
• Nurture momentum without causing burnout in growth
• Celebrate wins and capture lessons during harvest
• Strengthen culture and foundations in winter

• Not every team or project is in the same season
• Great leaders recognize and lean into the current season
• Change is not disruption but the natural rhythm of leadership

Key Quotes:

“The best leaders don’t fight the season they’re in. They recognize it, lean into it, and prepare for what’s next.”  -  Denis Gianoutsos 

“Change isn’t an interruption to leadership. Change is the pattern itself.”  -  Denis Gianoutsos

Book a Strategy Call with Denis https://app.leadingchangepartners.com/widget/bookings/callwithdenisgianoutsos 

The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World 

Executive Guide Featuring 10 Key Themes and 42 Strategic Insights from Worldwide Leaders 

https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead 

Connect with Denis:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.LeadingChangePartners.com 

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

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

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos

True leadership shows up when life shifts unexpectedly and challenges push us to grow in ways we never imagined.

In this powerful mashup, Denis Gianoutsos sits down with two leaders who’ve lived through extraordinary experiences: Dawn Abbott, an entrepreneur who turned personal tragedy into a lesson on delegation, culture, and freedom, and Jon Becker, a law enforcement and tactical expert who has spent nearly four decades working with the world’s elite units.

From building businesses after loss to learning from Navy SEALs and Ironman races, this conversation explores resilience, empowerment, and what it really takes to lead when life pushes you to the edge.

Catch the conversation and explore what it takes to grow, adapt, and lead with purpose through life’s toughest changes.

• Becoming an entrepreneur at 21 and building multiple businesses with her husband
• Facing the unexpected loss of her husband and business partner while raising a newborn
• Learning the power of delegation through hardship
• Discovering her passion for building culture, systems, and healthy teams

• Starting his first business at 17, supplying climbing gear to the military and law enforcement
• Gaining leadership lessons from the founders of SWAT and other elite operators
• Using Ironman triathlons and racing as tools to push personal boundaries
• Why great leaders focus on fundamentals and people, not just management systems

“If I delegated and let my team do their job and empowered them to do that, I didn't have to be in the way so much.” – Dawn Abbott 

“Systems are managed, right? Quality is managed, air conditioning systems are managed, people are led.” – Jon Becker

The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World - FREE Executive Guide Download https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead 

Connect with Denis: 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.LeadingChangePartners.com 

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

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

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos