In this episode, Kerry and Peggy are joined by Dr. Charles Dhanaraj, who shares his personal leadership journey across 60+ countries and explores the universal challenges leaders face in uncertain times. The conversation highlights why adaptability, humility, and moral courage are essential for executives today. We discuss overcoming cultural assumptions, embracing risk, and building ‘humble confidence’ to lead organizations through complexity while fostering trust and collective sensing.

Charles Dhanaraj is J. Mack Robinson Professor of International Business and Academic Director of DBA Program at Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA. Dhanaraj is an elected Fellow of the Academy of International Business. His research has contributed several insights on strategic partnerships, innovation and leadership. He has published in top academic journals, including Strategic Management Journal, Journal of International Business Studies, Academy of Management Review, and Harvard Business Review. He has written several award-winning cases. In his current research, Dhanaraj is studying three challenges at the intersection of digitalization and globalization, with special focus on entrepreneurship and geopolitics. As a strategy and international business expert, he has taught in executive education programs at the University of Denver, Temple University, IMD Switzerland, Indian School of Business (ISB), Fundação Dom Cabral (FDC, Brazil), Copenhagen Business School (CBS, Denmark), and others. Dhanaraj earned his PhD in business from Ivey Business School (Canada), with M.Eng. in robotics from Memorial University and B.Tech in mechanical engineering from IIT Madras (India).

Contact Dr. Dhanara at:

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-dhanaraj-949566

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

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In this special episode, we deliver a comprehensive wrap-up of the most impactful business leadership trends from 2025 while offering an exclusive sneak peek into what’s in store for 2026. Join us as we synthesize the key takeaways from the past year and prepare you for the emerging strategies and challenges that will define executive success in the year to come.

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

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Welcome to Part 2 of this insightful conversation on the Leadership Luminaries Lounge™ Podcast. Hosts Kerry L. Bass and Peggy O’Neal continue their discussion with Carson Funderburk, Vice President and Staff Leader at Clorox and former board member of Milo’s Tea Company. In this episode, Carson shares lessons on transformation versus sustaining leadership, the power of purpose-driven enterprises, and how personal values shape leadership. Get ready for practical strategies and inspiring stories that will help you lead with clarity and conviction.

Carson Funderburk is a transformative supply chain executive with a passion for operational excellence, innovation, and talent development. Throughout his career, Carson has advocated for talent development and inclusive leadership. He is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders and developing high-performing, value-creating teams that are essential for organizational growth. His proficiency in enabling innovation and supply chain capabilities is a notable strength. Additionally, he is recognized as a leader who achieves results through a sustainable culture founded on technological and process advancements. He is considered a first mover in technology development and application. Serving on the board for Milo's Tea Company has enhanced his governance skills through leadership on their People-First committee, allowing him to continue developing talent-related capabilities in a high-growth environment.

Contact Carson at:

linkedin.com/in/carson-funderburk10

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

Welcome to Part 1 of an inspiring conversation on the Leadership Luminaries Lounge™ Podcast.Hosts Kerry L. Bass and Peggy O’Neal sit down with Carson Funderburk, Chief of Staff and VP of Technology and Strategy for Supply Chain at Clorox. Carson shares his passion for innovation, leadership, and mentoring, offering practical insights for navigating uncertainty and driving growth. This episode explores how innovation is more than technology—it’s a mindset that empowers individuals and organizations. Get ready for actionable ideas that will transform how you think about leadership and progress.

Carson Funderburk is a transformative supply chain executive with a passion for operational excellence, innovation, and talent development. Throughout his career, Carson has advocated for talent development and inclusive leadership. He is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders and developing high-performing, value-creating teams that are essential for organizational growth. His proficiency in enabling innovation and supply chain capabilities is a notable strength. Additionally, he is recognized as a leader who achieves results through a sustainable culture founded on technological and process advancements. He is considered a first mover in technology development and application. Serving on the board for Milo's Tea Company has enhanced his governance skills through leadership on their People-First committee, allowing him to continue developing talent-related capabilities in a high-growth environment.

Contact Carson at:

linkedin.com/in/carson-funderburk10

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

In part 2 of this Episode of Leadership Luminaries Lounge™, Louise le Gat shares her insights on transformative leadership and navigating challenges with clarity and purpose. From building strong team dynamics to cultivating resilience and actionable strategies for leaders, Louise reveals how intentional leadership can create meaningful impact and drive success in today’s ever-changing business landscape.

Louise Le Gat is a strategic partner to purpose-driven leaders navigating the pivotal collective transition shaping our future. As Founder of The Purpose-Led Institute, senior advisor on purpose-led work and leadership, and international speaker, she works with senior executives, social innovators, and visionary boards to evolve their leadership beyond outdated models - driving meaningful impact, navigating complex turning points and building new pathways where established playbooks no longer apply. 

A former lawyer and mediator with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of purpose-led leadership, systemic transformation and human development - advising global institutions including Nestlé, Allen & Overy LLP, Adobe, UNICEF, and The Global Fund - Louise is known for her rare blend of strategic insight, human depth and her ability to guide leaders through deep realignment and profound transitions - so they can authentically contribute and meaningfully shape what comes next.

Contact Louise at:

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

https://www.louiselegat.com/

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

Don’t forget to Subscribe.

In this thought-provoking episode of Leadership Luminaries Lounge™, we explore what it truly means to lead with purpose in an era of rapid transformation. From near-death awakenings to system-wide change, this conversation dives into how intuition, universal wisdom, and self-awareness can reshape leadership. Together, the hosts and their guest unpack the evolution from managing the status quo to building new horizons. They reveal how organizations can thrive amid chaos by balancing stability and innovation. Listeners are invited to reimagine success, align with purpose, and awaken to the intelligence of life itself. This episode illuminates the path toward a future of conscious, purpose-driven leadership.

Louise Le Gat is a strategic partner to purpose-driven leaders navigating the pivotal collective transition shaping our future. As Founder of The Purpose-Led Institute, senior advisor on purpose-led work and leadership, and international speaker, she works with senior executives, social innovators, and visionary boards to evolve their leadership beyond outdated models - driving meaningful impact, navigating complex turning points and building new pathways where established playbooks no longer apply. 

A former lawyer and mediator with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of purpose-led leadership, systemic transformation and human development - advising global institutions including Nestlé, Allen & Overy LLP, Adobe, UNICEF, and The Global Fund - Louise is known for her rare blend of strategic insight, human depth and her ability to guide leaders through deep realignment and profound transitions - so they can authentically contribute and meaningfully shape what comes next.

Contact Louise at:

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

https://www.louiselegat.com/

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

Don’t forget to Subscribe.

In this episode of Leadership Luminaries Lounge, we unlock the secrets to project success with insights from Lenny Omoh, a project management expert and strategic partner at Potential to Reality Consulting. The discussion highlights the importance of purpose-driven project management, emphasizing how aligning projects with organizational values can create a positive impact on the community and stakeholders. We also explore the critical role of Project Management Offices (PMOs), the integration of AI tools, and the ethical responsibilities of organizations.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of project management, it's crucial to stay aligned with our core values and embrace innovative tools like AI to drive success. We encourage you to reflect on your own project management practices and consider how you can integrate purpose-driven strategies to make a positive impact. Join us in our next episode as we continue to explore transformative insights and strategies for effective leadership. Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with your network!

Lene Omoh, CEO of Peridot Consulting Group, is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in business transformation, PMO excellence, and program delivery across industries like finance, technology, and manufacturing. ​ She specializes in operational efficiency, digital transformation, and change management, leveraging advanced technologies such as AI and automation. ​ Lene holds an MBA in Finance, a Bachelor’s in Accounting, and certifications in PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, ITIL, and PSM. ​ Known for building high-performing teams and data-driven strategies, she helps clients scale operations, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable growth while navigating organizational change and digital evolution. ​

Contact Lene at:

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

Email: [email protected]

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

https://linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

https://linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

In Episode 25 Part 1 of the Leadership Luminaries Lounge Podcast, hosts Kerry Bass and Peggy O'Neal engage in an insightful conversation with Project Management Expert Lene Omoh. Lene shares her journey from finance to project management, highlighting her extensive experience in leading business transformations across various sectors. Lene's passion for transformation and growth is evident as she discusses her role at Agatera Consulting Group and her approach to managing complex projects.

This episode provides valuable insights into the world of project management, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, the integration of AI, and effective change management. As we look forward to Part 2, the conversation will delve deeper into the tools and methodologies that drive successful project outcomes. Stay tuned for more expert advice and practical tips from Lene Omoh on navigating the complexities of project management.

Lene Omoh, CEO of Peridot Consulting Group, is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in business transformation, PMO excellence, and program delivery across industries like finance, technology, and manufacturing. ​ She specializes in operational efficiency, digital transformation, and change management, leveraging advanced technologies such as AI and automation. ​ Lene holds an MBA in Finance, a Bachelor’s in Accounting, and certifications in PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, ITIL, and PSM. ​ Known for building high-performing teams and data-driven strategies, she helps clients scale operations, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable growth while navigating organizational change and digital evolution. ​

Contact Lene at:

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

Email: [email protected]

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

https://linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

https://linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

In this continuation of our conversation with Kat (Katrijn) van Oudheusden, we delve into the principles of selfless leadership and its impact on both personal and professional life. Kat shares how releasing ego and control opens the path to freedom, compassion, and authenticity. Listeners will gain practical insights into how presence—not performance—shapes true leadership.

Kat (Katrijn) van Oudheusden

The joyful freedom of nonduality and no-self is available to us all, right HERE, right NOW. Kat writing (including three published books on Amazon) explores how we can recognize our true nature by seeing through the illusion of the separate self. She also share free weekday reflections on Substack in the Daily Nonduality newsletter.

Contact Kat at:

[email protected]

https://katoudheusden.com/

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!

Kat Van Oudheusden joins Kerry Bass and Peggy O’Neal to explore how authentic leadershipemerges when ego-driven striving dissolves. Through personal insight and non-dual philosophy, Kat reveals how presence, compassion, and self-awareness unlock true service.

Kat (Katrijn) van Oudheusden

The joyful freedom of nonduality and no-self is available to us all, right HERE, right NOW. Kat writing (including three published books on Amazon) explores how we can recognize our true nature by seeing through the illusion of the separate self. She also share free weekday reflections on Substack in the Daily Nonduality newsletter.

Contact Kat at:

[email protected]

https://katoudheusden.com/

Contact Kerry and Peggy at:

Kerry:

linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass

https://makingitreality.com/

Peggy:

linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal

https://www.peggy-oneal.com/

Leave us a comment and share this episode with your network!