In this powerful episode, Mark Fam, President and CEO of Oak Valley Health, shares his transformative journey from being perceived as a "machine" or "robot" in his early career to becoming a vulnerable, authentic leader who prioritizes human connection. Serving a community of over half a million residents with over 100,000 emergency visits annually, Mark reveals how vulnerability became his secret weapon for building high-performing teams and creating psychological safety in healthcare settings.

00:00 Introduction and Mark's Background

03:00 The Value of Vulnerability in Leadership

07:00 Mark's "Robot" Wake-Up Call

13:00 Building Team Connection Through Personal Stories

18:00 Creating Psychological Safety

25:00 Self-Care Practices for Leaders

32:00 Mindfulness and Daily Rituals

38:00 Building Culture at Oak Valley Health

42:00 Advice for Emerging Leaders

Subscribe, rate, and review to stay updated with more transformative leadership insights.

In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Kristine Collins, the Dean of UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education. They discuss the importance of mindfulness in leadership, the impact of team-centered leadership during times of transformation, and how to navigate change with empathy and strategic precision. Dean Collins shares her personal journey, lessons from her athletic background, and experiences from her professional life that shape her leadership approach. She emphasizes the significance of self-care, trust-building, and keeping learners at the center of educational initiatives.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Minds Revealed

00:50 Meet Dean Kristine Collins

02:57 The Importance of Team Leadership

05:06 Navigating Uncertainty and Change

11:14 Building Trust and Communication

16:30 Personal Leadership Journey

25:02 Self-Care and Leadership

30:01 Cultural Differences and Leadership Styles

30:55 Work-Life Balance in Different Cultures

32:19 Kindness in Leadership

35:08 Trust and Safety in High-Performing Teams

38:40 Human-Centered Design in Education

43:48 Balancing Leadership Roles

47:59 Influence of Upbringing on Leadership

55:39 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Visionary Leadership in Healthcare with Hazim Hassan

In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Hazim Hassan, a visionary leader at the Ontario Hospital Association, to explore the indispensable roles of curiosity, adaptability, and innovation in leadership. Hazim shares his insights on building psychological safety within teams, navigating the complexities of the healthcare sector, and the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. With over a decade of experience in healthcare system transformation, Hazim provides practical strategies for leaders to stay grounded and resilient in the face of uncertainty. This episode offers valuable wisdom for anyone passionate about innovation and looking to make a significant impact in their field.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Minds Revealed

00:50 Exploring Leadership Mindsets with Hazim Hassan

02:22 The Power of Curiosity in Leadership

07:31 Navigating Complexity and Adaptability

21:17 Balancing Present Awareness and Future Focus

28:23 Mindfulness and Personal Leadership

32:43 Fostering a Culture of Curiosity and Kindness

33:15 Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges

37:13 The Importance of Psychological Safety in Teams

43:57 Balancing Leadership Styles for Innovation

49:06 Lessons from a Father's Leadership

53:07 Advice for Aspiring Innovators

55:51 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect

In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Giovanni Farese, CEO of Webidoo, a global tech company specializing in AI-powered digital marketing. Giovanni, recognized by Forbes as one of the 100 most innovative managers, offers a deeply reflective look at the evolving demands of leadership in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.

Together, they unpack the shift from old-school operational leadership to a more emotionally intelligent, human-centered approach. Giovanni shares powerful insights into how mindfulness, curiosity, and emotional clarity shape his leadership style, and why taking back your time is one of the most important strategies for modern executives. From challenging hustle culture and embracing intentional rest, to leading remote-first teams with empathy and structure, this episode is a masterclass in what it means to be a mindful and modern leader.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Minds Revealed

00:50 Meet Giovanni Farese: Skydiver, Surfer, CEO

02:10 Why Leadership Must Evolve

04:45 Emotional Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence

07:20 The Manager’s Mind vs. the Leader’s Mind

10:05 The Cost of Constant Connectivity

13:18 Creating Space for Clarity

16:44 Using AI to Get Time Back, Not Just Boost Productivity

20:01 Micro-Habits for a Balanced Leader

23:16 Why Leaders Need to Experiment and Reflect

26:30 The Power of Disconnecting from Devices

29:45 Redesigning Remote Work: Culture, Clarity & Connection

33:50 Building Emotional Connection in Distributed Teams

38:22 From Mistakes to Mindfulness: Leading with Humility

41:00 Developing Emotional Skills Across Your Leadership Team

44:58 Supporting Growth Through Personalized Tools

48:10 Real Talk: Burnout, Sleep, and Breaking Old Habits

52:05 Why Curiosity Is a Leadership Superpower

54:12 Connect with Giovanni & Final Takeaways

Connect with Giovanni Farese:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovannifarese1/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/giovanni.farese/

X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/gfarese

Leading with Truth: Dr. Victoria Hoyt and Authentic Leadership

In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael interviews Dr. Victoria Hoyt, Vice President of Health, Safety, Environmental, and Corporate Social Responsibility at Colas USA. The conversation explores how values-driven leadership and inner alignment can impact corporate culture, especially in the construction industry.

Dr. Hoyt shares her journey from construction to executive, highlighting her focus on truth, passion, and authentic leadership. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, communication, and compassionate leadership in fostering a safer and more efficient work environment. Dr. Hoyt also delves into her methods for shifting safety cultures, the significant role of middle managers, and how personal values can drive leadership excellence.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Minds Revealed

00:22 Meet Dr. Victoria Hoyt: A Journey from Construction to VP

01:25 The Power of Values in Leadership

02:07 Aligning Personal and Corporate Values

03:28 Challenges and Rewards of Corporate Alignment

09:14 Transforming Safety Culture in Construction

16:55 The Importance of Authentic Leadership

19:18 Leadership Development for Middle Managers

26:21 Learning Effective Communication

28:04 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership

29:17 Addressing Mental Health in Construction

30:23 The Role of Values in Leadership

33:24 Sustaining Leadership Development

36:57 The Business Case for Leadership Training

42:02 Personal Journey and Inspirations

45:42 Balancing Work and Personal Life

48:12 Staying Connected and Future Plans

Join host Michael Apollo as he sits down with Jason Mullins, President and CEO of Forward Financing, to explore the critical role of adaptability in modern leadership and how self care becomes the foundation for navigating constant change.

 🔵 Tune In Insights:

🔸 Adaptability as a competitive advantage in leadership

🔸 Self-care strategies for high-performing executives

🔸Building resilient teams through sustainable practices

🔸Decision-making with incomplete information

🔸When to pivot vs. when to persevere in business

🔸The neuroscience of continuous learning

🔸 Creating psychological safety in rapidly changing environments

🔵 Key Takeaways:

🔸Adaptability is no longer a nice-to-have skill—it's table stakes for modern leaders

🔸Self-care isn't selfish; it's essential for making better decisions under pressure

🔸 Sustainable high performance requires building systems, not just grinding harder

🔸Trust your gut intuition, but develop it through experience and self-awareness

🔸Create open dialogue about well-being within leadership teams

🔸Use "this too shall pass" as a guiding principle for both highs and lows

🔸 Continuous learning through podcasts and storytelling enhances leadership credibility

🔵 Chapters: 

00:00 - Introduction to Leading Minds Revealed 

01:30 - Jason Mullins: From Call Center to CEO

02:15 - The Role of Adaptability in Modern Leadership 

04:00 - Self-Care as Leadership Foundation 

09:00 - Building Adaptable Teams and Communication 

12:00 - Navigating Constant Change Since 2020 

16:00 -The Evolution of Personal Development 

20:00 - Neuroplasticity and Mindful Information Consumption

24:00 - Case Study: Building New Customer Acquisition Channels 

30:00 - The Art of Knowing When to Pivot 

35:00 - Career Origins and Early Inspiration 

37:00 - Life Philosophy: "This Too Shall Pass" 

41:00 - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

🔵 Quote of the Show: 

"Adaptability is no longer something that you just can lean on as a strength and a nice to have. It's really table stakes now to be successful, to be confident, to perform at the highest level in whatever your chosen profession is."

Subscribe to Leading Minds Revealed for more transformative leadership insights 

Like this episode if Jason's wisdom resonated with you Share with fellow leaders who need to hearabout sustainable high performance Comment below: What's your biggest hallenge in adapting torapid change? Hit the notification bell so you never miss our latest episodes

#leadershipdevelopment #Adaptability #ExecutiveWellbeing #BusinessStrategy #CEO

 #Leadership #SelfCare #Resilience #ChangeManagement #BusinessGrowth #Mindfulness

 #PersonalDevelopment #ForwardFinancing #BusinessLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching

In Episode 2 of the Leading Minds Revealed Podcast, host Michael Apollo is joined by Jacqueline Perrault, Corporate Wellness Director at Coral Isle Group Insurance, to explore the power of purpose-driven leadership and workplace wellness. This conversation delves into how a clear "why" can anchor teams through complexity and change, foster genuine connection, and create environments that champion health and engagement. 

Jacqueline shares insights from her 15-year journey of spearheading transformative wellness initiatives, including integrating Blue Zones principles into corporate and community programs. From practical strategies for aligning daily tasks with a greater vision to the profound impact of purpose on mental health, this episode offers a roadmap for leaders looking to inspire their teams and cultivate a thriving, resilient workplace culture. 

Tune in to discover:

Purpose-Driven Leadership 

Anchoring Through Change & Complexity 

Workplace Wellness & Corporate Culture 

The Blue Zones Methodology 

Fostering Team Connection & Engagement 

Mindfulness for Leaders 

The Power of "Why" 

Key Takeaways:

Purpose serves as a critical anchor, providing stability and direction for teams navigating rapid change and uncertainty. 

Leaders can help teams find meaning even in small tasks by connecting their contributions to a larger, shared vision, as inspired by the TV show The Bear. 

A leader's personal involvement is key; "walking the talk" by participating in wellness programs and modeling healthy behaviors helps foster a thriving culture. 

Building an environment that makes healthy choices easy and accessible—through initiatives like community farms, safe walking paths, and healthy food options—is fundamental to community and corporate wellness. 

Lasting connection is built through consistent, day-to-day interactions, celebrating small contributions, and checking in (not just checking on) team members. 

Chapters:

0:00 - Welcome to Leading Minds Revealed

0:56 - Exploring the Role of Purpose in Leadership

2:35 - What "Leading with Purpose" Truly Means

5:50 - How Purpose Acts as an Anchor in Times of Uncertainty

10:12 - The 15-Year Evolution of a Corporate Wellness Initiative

13:19 - Jacqueline's Path to Wellness Leadership

16:22 - Foundational Building Blocks for Resilient Leaders

19:33 - A Full Circle Moment: The Blue Zones Initiative in Bermuda

25:03 - The Role of Leadership in Fostering a Thriving Culture

26:58 - Key Insights from the Blue Zones & How They Apply to Wellness

34:10 - Does Your Purpose Evolve Over Time?

38:10 - Learn More About CG's Wellness & Blue Zone Work

38:50 - Thank You for Tuning In!

Quote of the Show:

"People need to feel like they matter in their job and what they're doing." 

Hashtags:

#Leadership #PurposeDrivenLeadership #WorkplaceWellness #CorporateCulture #Mindfulness #BlueZones #TeamEngagement #LeadingMindsRevealed #EmployeeWellbeing #MichaelApollo

If today's episode resonated with you, subscribe, rate, and share it with someone you think would benefit from it. Join the conversation in the comments below!

In this special inaugural episode of "Leading Minds Revealed," the tables are turned as host Michael Apollo steps into the guest seat, interviewed by Nick Uresin. This introductory session offers a deep dive into the "why" and "what" of this exciting new podcast, a platform dedicated to pulling back the curtain on how today's foremost leaders leverage mindfulness and mental agility to thrive in the fast-paced business world.

Michael Apollo, founder of the Mindful Institute and a seasoned expert in leadership development and mindfulness with experience lecturing at the University of Toronto, shares his passion for uncovering the real, often untold, stories of C-suite executives, HR innovators, and influential figures across various sectors. He explains that "Leading Minds Revealed" aims to go beyond standard business literature, offering listeners authentic narratives of triumph over adversity, strategic decision-making under pressure, and the practical application of mental fitness practices.

Listeners will discover:

• The Genesis of the Podcast: Michael's motivation to create a space for leaders to share their "inner workings"—the mental processes and practices that fuel their success and resilience.
• Who Will Benefit: Executives, HR professionals, leadership development experts, and anyone keen on cultivating optimal leadership skills and personal growth.
• Key Learnings: Expect to gain actionable tools for effective leadership, strategies for navigating challenging conversations, enhanced decision-making capabilities, and profound insights into fostering resilience and well-being.
• Featured Guests: A preview of the diverse range of "leading minds" to be featured, from various industries including tech, finance, manufacturing, and even politics, all sharing their unique journeys and wisdom.
• Michael Apollo's Journey: Understand the personal and professional experiences that shaped Michael's expertise, from his unique multicultural upbringing and early entrepreneurial ventures to his deep study of contemplative practices and extensive work with global organizations and academic institutions.

This episode isn't just an introduction; it's an invitation to embark on a journey of discovery, learning how to cultivate the mindsets that drive extraordinary leadership and create meaningful change. Tune in to understand how "Leading Minds Revealed" will demystify the path to effective, mindful leadership, providing inspiration and practical wisdom that can revolutionize the way you live and lead.

Connect with us and learn more at mindfulinstitute.org.

Takeaways

• Focus of the Podcast: To hear stories and practices leaders engage in that aren't normally seen, which are inspiring and informative for other leaders.
• Power of Stories: Michael emphasizes that hearing others' stories of hardship and challenge is one of the most impactful ways to learn and grow.
• Benefits for Listeners: Change in understanding effective leadership, how to show up in challenging situations, clear thinking for decisions, and developing resilience and wellbeing.
• Importance of Pausing: Michael shares that the ability to pause, step back, and gain perspective is crucial for approaching situations effectively and helping teams flourish.
• Scope of Leading Minds Revealed of the Podcast: To create a platform for leaders to reveal how they show up, demonstrating that effective leadership isn't magic but attainable.
• Goal of the Podcast: To create a platform for leaders to reveal how they show up, demonstrating that effective leadership isn't magic but attainable.

Quote of the show

We want to be able to create a platform for these incredible leaders to literally reveal how they show up, so that we can see that it's not magic.

How to Connect

LinkedIn (Michael Apollo)

mindfulinstitute.org

podcast platforms (YouTube, Spotify)

email ([email protected])

Leading Minds Revealed Podcast: Unlocking the Secrets of Mindful Executive Leadership

Welcome to Leading Minds Revealed, a transformative podcast that dives deep into the intersection of mindfulness, mental fitness, and executive leadership. Hosted by industry experts, this thought-provoking series brings you exclusive conversations with C-suite executives, organizational leaders, and visionaries from industries navigating rapid change. Each episode explores how strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and mindful practices empower today’s top leaders to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape. Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader, Leading Minds Revealed offers actionable insights to elevate your leadership game.

Why Listen to Leading Minds Revealed?

In today’s high-stakes business environment, effective leadership requires more than technical expertise—it demands mental clarity, resilience, and the ability to inspire teams through uncertainty. Leading Minds Revealed showcases real stories from seasoned executives who have faced complex challenges, driven strategic transformations, and built high-performance cultures. From navigating technological disruptions to fostering emotional intelligence (EQ) in the C-suite, our guests share the mental tools, frameworks, and strategies that have fueled their success.

Our podcast is designed for forward-thinking leaders who want to:

• Master decision-making under pressure.
• Build resilient organizational cultures that preserve core values during change.
• Leverage emotional intelligence to influence and inspire teams.
• Adapt to market shifts, technological advancements, and evolving workforce expectations.
• Implement mindful leadership practices for sustainable high performance.

With a focus on real-world applications, Leading Minds Revealed bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering listeners practical takeaways to sharpen their leadership skills and drive measurable results.

What to Expect from Each Episode

Every episode of Leading Minds Revealed is a masterclass in modern leadership. Our guests come from diverse industries—technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and more—bringing unique perspectives on what it takes to lead with confidence and foresight. Topics are tailored to each guest’s expertise, ensuring fresh, relevant content that resonates with today’s executives. Expect in-depth discussions on:

• Mental Fitness for High-Stakes Leadership: Learn how top executives maintain clarity and make sound decisions in high-pressure environments. Discover mindfulness techniques and mental frameworks that enhance focus and resilience.
• Building Resilient Cultures: Explore strategies for preserving organizational values while navigating mergers, restructurings, or market shifts. Hear how leaders foster trust and alignment in dynamic settings.
• Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Uncover the role of EQ in driving influence, collaboration, and team performance. Learn how to cultivate self-awareness and empathy to lead with impact.
• Future-Ready Leadership: Stay ahead of the curve by adapting to technological disruptions, AI advancements, and changing market dynamics. Our guests share how they position their organizations for long-term success.
• Mindful Leadership Practices: From meditation to structured reflection, discover tools that promote sustainable high performance and prevent burnout at the executive level.
• Career Journeys and Lessons Learned: Hear inspiring stories of how leaders got started, overcame pitfalls, and honed their expertise. Learn from their successes, failures, and comebacks to accelerate your own growth.
• Decision-Making Processes: Gain insights into how top executives approach critical decisions, including the good, the bad, and the lessons learned along the way.
• Overcoming Leadership Challenges: From talent development to organizational culture, explore how leaders tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful change.