Leadership Luminaries Lounge (TM)

In this enlightening conversation, Leadership Luminaries Lounge™ hosts Kerry Bass and Peggy O’Neal sit down with Thom Van Dycke, a former pastor turned purpose-driven business strategist, to explore the heart of leadership and legacy. With 19 years of pastoral experience and a deep commitment to fostering over 30 children, Thom brings a rare blend of empathy, authority, and wisdom to the business world. In Part 1, he unpacks how aligning your business with your life’s deeper purpose isn’t just fulfilling—it’s transformational. Through candid storytelling and practical insight, Thom challenges leaders to pursue transcendent causes, guide their teams like heroes in a story, and define success beyond the bottom line.

Thom Van Dycke is a Growth Consultant and founder of a strategic advisory practice that helps small B2B service businesses scale with confidence. He works as a fractional Chief Growth Officer and leads mastermind groups that support solopreneurs and leadership teams in building out the sales, marketing, and business development systems they need to grow sustainably.

Before launching his consulting practice, Thom spent 19 years as a pastor—a background that shapes his people-first approach to business. He’s also a certified StoryBrand Coach and a trusted advisor to founders across North America. Thom lives in Manitoba, Canada with his wife Tara. Together, they have seven children—through birth, foster care, and adoption—and are becoming grandparents for the first time this year.

Contact Thom at:

linkedin.com/in/thom-van-dycke/

https://www.thomvandycke.com/

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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#PurposeDrivenLeadership #LeadWithLegacy #StoryDrivenSuccess #EmpathyInBusiness #ConsciousLeadership #BusinessWithPurpose #LeadershipMatters #TranscendentImpact

On Part 2 of Leadership Luminaries Lounge with Roderick Bremby, we dive into the courage behind tough decisions, the power of principled leadership, and how early life experiences shaped his commitment to justice and service. Listen as Bremby shares insights on navigating opposition and leading with integrity in complex times with the incorporation of the AI.

Rod's journey in public service includes an impressive 16 years as a Cabinet member for four Governors (2003-2019), where he steered two major health and human service agencies. His tenure as the head of Connecticut's largest such agency ($8.2B budget, 1,986 positions) is marked by a groundbreaking Medicaid transformation. This innovative approach not only achieved national recognition for best-in-class per-member per-month cost reductions, saving an estimated $2.25B, but also expanded access to care for an additional 220,000 residents. Furthermore, under his leadership, the timeliness of SNAP application processing saw a remarkable 57% improvement, elevating Connecticut to 3rd best nationally.

Earlier in his distinguished career, as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Rod made national headlines for his courageous leadership by becoming the first U.S. public official to deny a permit for a coal-fired energy plant based on the compelling evidence of climate change. His agency also led the state's successful H1N1 pandemic response.

With a strong academic foundation from the University of Kansas (BA, MPA - a top-ranked program), Rod brings a wealth of award-winning expertise recognized by organizations such as the American Public Human Service Association State Member of the Year Award, the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Achievement Award and the Kansas Public Administrator of the Year Award.

Now residing in the Phoenix East Valley with his wife, Janet, Rod cherishes time spent traveling to visit their seven children and thirteen grandchildren, who live across Arizona, Kansas, New York, and Texas.

Contact Roderick at:

linkedin.com/in/roderickbremby

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 this episode, we dive into the transformative journey of leadership in social services—exploring how empathy, frontline engagement, and community accountability can revitalize a demoralized workforce and elevate service to world-class standards. Join us as we uncover practical insights on leading meaningful change from within.

Leveraging over 40 years of public sector leadership, Rod Bremby has established The Bremby Group, LLC to offer strategic guidance and solutions. His deep understanding of the public sector landscape is rooted in his recent role as the leader of enterprise positioning and solution strategy for Salesforce's Global Public Sector Business Unit, where he focused on the health andhuman services, social services, and public health markets.

Rod's journey in public service includes an impressive 16 years as a Cabinet member for four Governors (2003-2019), where he steered two major health and human service agencies. His tenure as the head of Connecticut's largest such agency ($8.2B budget, 1,986 positions) is marked by a groundbreaking Medicaid transformation. This innovative approach not only achieved national recognition for best-in-class per-member per-month cost reductions, saving an estimated $2.25B, but also expanded access to care for an additional 220,000 residents. Furthermore, under his leadership, the timeliness of SNAP application processing saw a remarkable 57% improvement, elevating Connecticut to 3rd best nationally.

Earlier in his distinguished career, as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Rod made national headlines for his courageous leadership by becoming the first U.S. public official to deny a permit for a coal-fired energy plant based on the compelling evidence of climate change. His agency also led the state's successful H1N1 pandemic response.

With a strong academic foundation from the University of Kansas (BA, MPA - a top-ranked program), Rod brings a wealth of award-winning expertise recognized by organizations such as the American Public Human Service Association State Member of the Year Award, the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Achievement Award and the Kansas Public Administrator of the Year Award.

Now residing in the Phoenix East Valley with his wife, Janet, Rod cherishes time spent traveling to visit their seven children and thirteen grandchildren, who live across Arizona, Kansas, New York, and Texas.

Contact Roderick at:

linkedin.com/in/roderickbremby

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 insightful conversation, Kerry L. Bass and Peggy O"Neal continue their dialogue with Deborah Ivanoff, diving deeper into what it takes for leaders to overcome resistance and guide their organizations through change. Deborah emphasizes the importance of personal transformation, authenticity, and fostering a sense of safety and creativity within teams. She also highlights the critical roles of flexibility, lifelong learning, and spirituality in navigating change effectively. Whether it’s simple neural flexibility exercises or aligning with a deeper purpose, Deborah shares actionable insights for leaders to bring their whole selves to work and inspire long-term success in purpose-driven organizations.

For over two decades, Deborah has worked with over 5000 professionals across the globe; guiding them to get what they want by overcoming the Resistance Cycle™, a seldom talked about mechanism, that can sabotage your goals, plans, and dreams. Her approach gets right to the heart of what’s troubling; to quickly resolve any mental or emotional tug-of-war so that you can again move forward without delay! With her “inner to outer” approach, her clients have dubbed her “The Being Coach.”

Contact Deborah at:

https://linktr.ee/deborahivanoff

TheBeingCoach.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!

In this episode of Leadership Luminaries Lounge™, Kerry L. Bass and Peggy O"Neal sit down with Deborah Ivanoff, affectionately known as "The Being Coach" to uncover the hidden dynamics of resistance to change in individuals and organizations. With over two decades of experience guiding 5,000+ professionals globally, Deborah shares her transformative "resistance cycle" concept, born from personal life challenges, including navigating a divorce. Together, they explore why leaders must first transform themselves to inspire meaningful organizational change, how flexibility can unlock progress, and why purpose-driven organizations thrive when they prioritize relationships and communication. Tune in for profound insights and actionable strategies to navigate the inevitable tensions of growth and

change.

For over two decades, Deborah has worked with over 5000 professionals across the globe; guiding them to get what they want by overcoming the Resistance Cycle™, a seldom talked about mechanism, that can sabotage your goals, plans, and dreams. Her approach gets right to the heart of what’s troubling; to quickly resolve any mental or emotional tug-of-war so that you can again move forward without delay! With her “inner to outer” approach, her clients have dubbed her “The Being Coach.”

Contact Deborah at:

https://linktr.ee/deborahivanoff

TheBeingCoach.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!

On part 2 of the interview with Dr. Judi Neal, Kerry and Peggy explore the transformative impact of purpose-driven leadership and the vital role of Edgewalkers—leaders who bridge spirituality and business to drive meaningful change. Dr. Neal highlights how organizations like Tom’s of Maine and Eileen Fisher succeed by integrating ethics, sustainability, and employee growth, proving that purpose outperforms profit-focused models. She also discusses how transformative spiritual experiences reshape leadership and the unique approaches leaders take to navigate change and foster innovation. This episode is a must-listen for those ready to lead with purpose and impact.

Judi Neal, Ph.D., is an author, scholar, and consultant specializing in workplace spirituality, transformation, and global consciousness for over 35 years. With a doctorate from Yale University, her research focuses on leaders who integrate spirituality and business. She authored Edgewalkers (2006) and founded Edgewalkers International, supporting purpose-driven leaders. Judi was the founding director of the Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace and has co-authored ten books, including Inspiring Workplace Spirituality (2023). She also serves on several boards and directs the Global Consciousness Institute. In her free time, Judi enjoys songwriting and playing guitar.

Contact Dr. Neal at:

https://edgewalkers.org/

linkedin.com/in/judithneal

http://www.judineal.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!

In this episode of the Leadership Luminaries Lounge™ Podcast, Kerry and Peggy sit with Dr. Judi Neal, who unveils the power of purpose-driven leadership and the transformative concept of "Edgewalkers". These visionary leaders bridge spirituality and business, take bold risks, and drive meaningful change. Drawing from her groundbreaking research, Dr. Neal reveals the skills that enable leaders to thrive in uncertainty and inspire innovation. Discover how purpose can elevate workplaces, foster connection, and achieve extraordinary success.

Judi Neal, Ph.D., is an author, scholar, and consultant specializing in workplace spirituality, transformation, and global consciousness for over 35 years. With a doctorate from Yale University, her research focuses on leaders who integrate spirituality and business. She authored Edgewalkers (2006) and founded Edgewalkers International, supporting purpose-driven leaders. Judi was the founding director of the Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace and has co-authored ten books, including Inspiring Workplace Spirituality (2023). She also serves on several boards and directs the Global Consciousness Institute. In her free time, Judi enjoys songwriting and playing guitar.

Contact Dr. Neal at:

https://edgewalkers.org/

linkedin.com/in/judithneal

http://www.judineal.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!

Welcome to Leadership Luminaries Lounge™ Podcast with Kerry L. Bass, Peggy Neal and Our Luminary Guest: Paige Arnof-Fenn.

In today’s episode Kerry Bass and Peggy ONeal continue the talking with Paige Arnof-Fenn, Paige shares a story about a difficult client who lacked integrity, and how she ultimately decided to fire the client to maintain the firms values and culture. She discusses the importance of a leaders personal brand and integrity aligning with the companys brand.

Paige Arnof-Fenn is the founder & CEO of global branding and digital marketing firm Mavens & Moguls based in Cambridge, MA.  Her clients include Microsoft, Virgin, The New York Times Company, Colgate, venture-backed startups as well as non-profit organizations.  She graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Business School.  Paige serves on several Boards, is a popular speaker and columnist who has written for Entrepreneur and Forbes. 

Contact Paige at:

[email protected]

www.mavensandmoguls.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!

In today’s episode Kerry Bass and Peggy ONeal introduce Paige Arnof-Fenn as the featured guest, highlighting her background as the founder and CEO of a global branding and marketing firm, her education, and her experience working with major brands and startups.

Paige discusses how marketing has changed over the years, particularly the shift away from heavy reliance on market research and the rise of new digital and social media tools. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and connecting with customers emotionally through storytelling.

She also advises on how to stay on top of the constantly evolving marketing landscape, recommending focusing on a few key influencers and thought leaders rather than trying to be everywhere. She emphasizes the importance of being authentic and consistent in one’s marketing approach.

Contact Paige at:

[email protected]

www.mavensandmoguls.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!

Welcome to Leadership Luminaries Lounge™ Podcastwith Kerry L. Bass & Peggy O'NealDuring Part 2 of the conversation between Kerry, Peggy, and guests Dr. Arun Rai and Ed Chavis the four emphasized the Opportunities for AI’s impacts on Humanity and business. They talk about AI’s potential impact on creativity and future opportunities, as well as opportunities in healthcare, education, and climate. How to leverage AI to augment human capabilities in various domains, with a focus on ethics and responsibility.Our Luminary Guests Today:Dr. Arun RaiArun Rai is Regents’ Professor of the University System of Georgia, holds the Howard S. Starks Distinguished Chair, and is the director of the Center for Digital Innovation at the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. His research focuses on the design and deployment of AI andcomplementary digital technologies to create value and mitigate risks in business, education, and society. He is a Fellow of the Association for Information Systems (AIS) and a Distinguished Fellow of the INFORMS Information Systems Society (ISS). He was conferred Impact Awards from the AIS and INFORMS ISS, the LEO Award from the conferred AIS for Lifetime Exceptional Achievement, and the AACSB Influential Leader Award.Contact with Dr. Arun at:https://arunrai.net;[email protected] Edward ChavisEdward Chavis has over 20 years leading analytics and digital transformation projects across multiple domains including: Financial Services, Transportation and Federal Agencies. He’s has been a hands-onconsulting technologist, strategist and data scientist for major corporations including AT&T, Target, American Express, Custom’s and Border Protection (CBP), Fannie Mae and The Federal Reserve.Additionally, he’s led multiple AI/ML and data analytic practices in his career where he introduced new technologies and expanded the customer base. Dibdobai currently works and advises CIO, CTO’ s and CAO’s on cloud strategies, change management, AI/ML and mission driven reporting to add bottom line value for their organizations. He has a B.S. in Mathematics from Morehouse College, a M.S. in Computer Information Systems from Georgia State University, a M.S. in Quantitative and Computational Finance from Georgia Institute of Technology and a Certificate in Strategic Planning from Georgetown University.Contact Ed at:[email protected] at:Kerry:linkedin.com/in/kerrylbassmakingitreality.comPeggy:linkedin.com/in/peggyonealhttps://www.peggy-oneal.com/#ai #leadership #artificialintelligence #leadershipconversations