Hey, team! Bill Storm here with another insightful episode of the Lessons in Leadership podcast. This time, I had the privilege of sitting down with David Langiulli—executive coach, leadership trainer, and fellow practitioner of the art of Jiu-Jitsu. Our conversation was long overdue, and I’m thrilled to share some of the powerful takeaways from our discussion about how the principles of Jiu-Jitsu translate directly into leadership and business.

David primarily works with leaders in mid- to large-sized nonprofits, helping them navigate the emotional landscape of leadership. As we explored our shared experiences on the mat and in leadership, we uncovered several universal truths that apply to both.

David Langiulli

For over 10+ years as a Certified Executive Coach, David has helped 100s of clients at organizations across North America reduce stress, improve relationships & increase performance. He’s also worked with leadership teams, volunteer groups, and boards to build trust, engage in healthy conflict, and create accountability, candor, and integrity.

David is a Master's World and Pan-American champion Black belt in Jiu-jitsu. Clients describe him as "gently-fierce" and he uses his JiuJitsu mindset to help them when their lives are turned upside down. Unlike other executive coaches and leadership trainers, his background includes being an entrepreneur, fundraiser, manager, and leader spanning the nonprofit and private sectors.

As an author, David has published seven books and guides on leadership and personal development. He holds master's degrees in management and engineering and a bachelor's degree in physics and mathematics. He achieved his Professional Coach Certification through the International Coach Federation. He’s a Certified DISC Practitioner as well as a Certified Compassionate Leader and Positive Intelligence Coach.

https://davidlangiulli.com/

[email protected]

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

Hey, team! Bill Storm here, and welcome to the Lessons in Leadership podcast. In a recent episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michael Kadel, Managing Principal of One Accord. Our discussion centered on a critical leadership challenge: blind spots. As Michael put it, "You don't know what you don't know." And that, my friends, can be a dangerous place for a leader.

Michael Kadel, a dedicated C-level executive and board director, exemplifies servant leadership, prioritizing people and fostering strong relationships. His commitment to driving change, passion for nurturing talent, and unwavering dedication to leader engagement have consistently delivered high-growth, performance-driven cultures under his guidance.

Expertise: Michael boasts extensive expertise in the financial services industry, spanning Retail, Business, and Digital Banking to Private, Commercial, and Wealth Management, as well as Corporate Marketing and Communications. His entrepreneurial spirit, willingness to make informed decisions and empowerment of others have consistently delivered exceptional client experiences.

Michael has also played a pivotal role in seven successful mergers and acquisitions, offering invaluable insights to small and medium-sized businesses in areas such as Human Resources, Finance/Accounting, Culture Transformation, and Organizational Development. Strategy & Execution: Michael has led large retail experience teams in credit unions and community banks and has orchestrated successful loan and deposit growth strategies, resulting in multiple "President's Club" awards for his teams. His leadership has driven impactful re-branding initiatives, including developing a culture-focused M&A playbook, ensuring a seamless integration of cultures in mergers and acquisitions, and achieving a remarkable 95% employee retention rate. Team & Talent Development:

Michael has fostered achievement-oriented cultures rooted in accountability, recognition, engagement, and innovation throughout his career. He has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies, which have resulted in a 5% improvement in workforce diversity across organizations.

Michael actively contributes to various boards, including Working Solutions, the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, Marin Economic Forum, and Marin Literacy. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of By The Bay Health, the largest provider of end-of-life care in the San Francisco Bay Area. His board roles have encompassed various committee leadership positions in Governance, Finance, and Compensation, focused on mission-critical subjects such as strategic planning, M&A, and C-Suite and board succession.

Michael has spearheaded numerous projects to enhance customer experiences, including a significant core conversion project for a San Francisco-based credit union. This project led to substantial membership growth and streamlined product launches, reducing the time required to open online memberships from days to minutes. The technology overhaul eliminated over 500 legacy programs, aligning processes with cutting-edge solutions. Michael has also served as a key executive for a Fintech company focused on training and developing technology leaders to provide state-of-the-art technology for financial institutions.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University and is a Pacific Coast Banking School graduate. He now serves as an executive teaching assistant for a DEI-focused course, sharing insights from his diverse and unique experiences. In his personal life, he resides in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he enjoys hiking, traveling, and being an avid reader.

Feel free to email me today for a complimentary leadership assessment and consultation at [email protected]. This is your opportunity to transform potential gaps into strategic strengths.

You can also connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-kadel/

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Denise Acosta Musselwhite, the founder of Tech and Thrive, about her Thrive Operating System—a leadership framework developed through extensive research and global conversations with leaders. Denise’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and empowerment, and her insights on leadership are invaluable for anyone looking to grow in their career and personal life.

Denise Musselwhite is an unshakable optimist who believes in a future where leaders thrive authentically and courageously. She is dedicated to empowering diverse professionals to reclaim their power, harness their strengths, and break through the barriers—both systemic and self-imposed—that hold them back.

As a visionary executive coach, speaker, and strategist, Denise founded Tech & Thrive to bridge the gap between ambition and achievement, particularly for women and people of color in tech leadership. Her T.H.R.I.V.E. Operating System™ is more than a framework—it’s a movement designed to help leaders rise with clarity, confidence, and impact.

Denise’s mission is clear: to help high-achieving professionals show up fully as themselves, lead with purpose, and build careers and workplaces that honor their unique strengths, whether that’s through her leadership coaching or her partnerships with AIIR Consulting, Mission and Data, and Shore Coaching to deliver exceptional, data-informed leadership and team development rooted in authenticity. Because when we lead from a place of authenticity, we don’t just succeed—we thrive.

Relevant Links:

Take the T.H.R.I.V.E. Quiz: https://www.denisemusselwhite.com/thrive-quiz

T.H.R.I.V.E. in Leadership with Denise Musselwhite is enrolling now. Registration closes in two weeks: https://techthrive.me/thrivecohort

Follow me on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/musselwhited/

Hey everyone, Bill Storm here! Welcome to another episode of the Lessons in Leadership Podcast. Today, I had the privilege of speaking with Aashi Arora, founder of iRISE Executive Coaching, about a challenge that plagues leaders at all levels—the Imposter Monster. If you've ever doubted yourself or feared being exposed as a fraud despite your accomplishments, this episode was made for you.

Aashi Arora, MHA, PCC, is a strengths-certified executive coach and speaker who specializes in helping leaders overcome imposter syndrome and step into their authentic power. With over 20 years of healthcare and academia leadership experience, she combines practical strategies with deep insights to help professionals transform self-doubt into confidence. Aashi regularly speaks on imposter syndrome and coaches leaders to embrace their unique talents and capabilities.

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

Website: https://www.iriseexecutivecoaching.com/

Follow her on Instagram: @iriseexecutivecoaching

Book a free strategy call here: https://calendly.com/aashiarora/coaching-strategy-session

Bill Storm

PS. If you like today's message, here are five ways I can help you grow faster…

1. Message me if you’d like to attend our next Peak Performers study group session, which will be held on March 4th at 1 p.m. ET.

2. Join the team: https://www.billstorm.com/join-the-team.html

3. Work with me 1:1

4. Speak at your next event.

5. Conduct a mindset, sales, or leadership training workshop for your team.

https://www.billstorm.com/

As the host of the Lessons in Leadership podcast, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with incredible thought leaders who bring deep wisdom and real-world experience to the table. Recently, I sat down with Jane Williams to discuss one of the most critical yet overlooked aspects of leadership: finding your voice and finding your fire.

Jane has spent over 25 years in the IT industry, working primarily with female leaders transitioning into executive roles. Her insights are particularly relevant in male-dominated fields where finding one's voice can be a challenge. Our conversation revolved around the struggles leaders face when stepping into new roles, the importance of knowing your “why,” and how to cultivate the confidence to speak up and stand out.

If you like today's message, here are five ways I can help you grow faster…

1. Join me for our next Peak Performers study group session on February 18th. Click here to learn more and register:https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/zamGGHEqTLuyxERtsIXPRg

2. Join the team: https://www.billstorm.com/join-the-team.html

3. 1:1 executive coaching to help you overcome the limiting beliefs, patterns, and habits keeping you from achieving the outcomes you seek in your personal and professional life.

4. Speak at your next event.

5. Conduct a mindset, sales, or leadership training workshop for your team.

https://www.billstorm.com/

About Jane Williams

“Sometimes, the best way through a brick wall isn’t straight through it; it’s around or over it.” These words, spoken by Jane Williams’ father, perfectly represent her transformation from timid to triumphant. At a young age, Jane was known to be intellectual and creative. She even skipped ahead to the first grade, and while this helped her academically, she was personally overwhelmed by the transition, causing her to become shy and reserved. This condition seemed to plague her path for years, until the day came to do a speaking presentation for her IT graduate class. She realized that she didn’t want to be remembered for falling apart and failing...but for giving an amazing performance. The time had come to find her fire and rise to the challenge, which is exactly what she did. This launched a transformation that not only gave her the courage and confidence to speak up and stand up for herself, it fueled an enormously successful career at IBM, where she flourished in a male-dominated industry over the next two decades. During her time there, she gained extensive experience managing global teams in Fortune 500 companies and a multitude of industries. And, after making her way around many brick walls and traveling across the world, she knew it was time to ignite her solo career and pay it forward.

Today, Jane coaches ambitious women in IT to get clarity on their career, claim their voice, and find their fire. After successfully climbing the leadership ladder and charting her own path to success, she now helps other women rise to their idea of success in their careers. Jane is an exceptional problem solver who is certified in Design Thinking, with a Masters in Information Technology and a Doctorate in Leadership of Remote Teams. She actively listens and creates order out of the chaos to help her clients clarify and capture their desired career path. Her mission is to offer a bespoke experience that combines coaching and mentorship while encouraging and inspiring women across the globe.

Email:[email protected]

Phone: 314.707.7763

Website:https://www.findyourfirecoach.com/

Social Media Links:

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGwDTg_oQsqSd62OlvU54YA

Twitter:https://x.com/fyfcoach

Facebook Bus Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560540465692

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/itexec911/

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

In my years of coaching and leadership, I’ve met countless people who, despite being successful, find themselves asking, How the hell did I end up here? It’s a powerful question—one that often marks the beginning of transformation. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lynsey Mulder, founder of Spark Life, for an insightful conversation about discovering purpose, embracing change, and designing a life that truly aligns with your values.

If you like today's message, here are five ways I can help you grow faster…

1. Join me for our next Peak Performers study group session. Click here to learn more and register:

2. Join the team: https://www.billstorm.com/join-the-team.html

3. 1:1 executive coaching to help you overcome the limiting beliefs, patterns, and habits keeping you from achieving the outcomes you seek in your personal and professional life.

4. Speak at your next event.

5. Conduct a mindset, sales, or leadership training workshop for your team.

https://www.billstorm.com/

Lynsey Mulder is a dynamic speaker, elite coach, and SparkLife Connoisseur renowned for her ability to empower individuals, teams, and organizations to unlock their full potential, ignite passion, and take decisive action. With a diverse background as a C-suite executive, entrepreneur, and non-profit founder, Lynsey's favorite role is being a mom to four amazing boys. Drawing from her extensive experience, she brings expertise and a passion for empowering others to achieve lasting change. Lynsey captivates audiences with engaging stories, practical tools, and energizing exercises. Her relatable and high-impact approach leaves listeners motivated to pursue intentional growth and achieve extraordinary results.

Website: https://lynseymulder.com/

Book a chat: https://lynseymulder.com/hello/

Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Being a founder requires more than just a great idea; it demands fearlessness, resilience, and a fire that refuses to be extinguished. In a recent episode of the Lessons in Leadership podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Richard Lopez, co-founder of FounderFuego. Our conversation was packed with insight, inspiration, and practical strategies for navigating the entrepreneurial journey with confidence and clarity.

If you like today's message, here are five ways I can help you grow faster…

1. Join me for our next Peak Performers study group session. Clickhere to learn more and register:

2. Join the team:https://www.billstorm.com/join-the-team.html

3. 1:1 executive coaching to help you overcome the limiting beliefs, patterns, and habits keeping you from achieving the outcomes you seek in your personal and professional life.

4. Speak at your next event.

5. Conduct a mindset, sales, or leadership training workshop for your team.

https://www.billstorm.com/

About Richard Lopez

As Chief Learning Officer at FounderFuego, Richard is focused on helping entrepreneurs light their entrepreneurial fire and build businesses that last. With pillars of community, funding, and learning, FounderFuego provides the tools, connections, and strategies entrepreneurs need to start, grow, and exit successfully. With 16+ years of experience building training systems and learning for brands like Food Network, Pepsi, and Norwegian Cruise Line Richard’s mission is to support 10,000 entrepreneurs in 2025.

Website:FounderFuego.com

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

I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Cathy Mott for a second conversation on Lessons in Leadership, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. Initially, we planned to dive into emotional intelligence, but Cathy introduced me to something remarkable—her new app, My Journey Within. This tool is revolutionizing the way leaders and individuals alike engage with their emotions.

If you like today's message, here are five ways I can help you grow faster…

1. Join me for our next Peak Performers study group session. Click here to learn more and register:

2. Join the team: https://www.billstorm.com/join-the-team.html

3. 1:1 executive coaching to help you overcome the limiting beliefs, patterns, and habits keeping you from achieving the outcomes you seek in your personal and professional life.

4. Speak at your next event.

5. Conduct a mindset, sales, or leadership training workshop for your team.

https://www.billstorm.com/

Cathy Mott is an Author, Executive Coach, Keynote Speaker, facilitator, and trainer who has had the pleasure of working closely with senior leaders for more than 25 years. She is also a certified Social & Emotional Intelligence Coach who has helped hundreds of C-Suite Leaders walk and lead with authenticity.

She has worked in various industries, Mercedes Benz Financial, Michigan State University, Trinity Health, Ascension Health, Michigan League of Public Policy, Kresge Foundation, and Carhartt just to name a few.

Cathy has hosted a TV show, been featured on CUTV News, CBS and WDIV for her unique approach to Emotional Intelligence. Cathy has written two books, “Shh…Just Listen! Great Things Happen in The Silence.” It is a 30-day Emotional Intelligence Workbook. Cathy is excited to have just written her first children’s book entitled, “Welcome to Diver…City! A City of Love and Belonging!” Cathy is currently featured in the February 2020 edition of CEO Magazine as the author of an article entitled, “Authentic Leadership…What Makes it Real?” She also is currently featured in the Minority Business Review Magazine, December 2023 and recognized as a Black Women in Technology due to her cutting-edge app on Emotional Intelligence, “My Journey Within.”

Cathy’s Contact Info:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cathy-mottmi

Website: cwcleadershipdevelopment.com

Cathy's App: https://www.cwcleadershipdevelopment.com/app

Workbook: cwcleadershipdevelopment.com/emotional-intelligence-workbook/

Work with Cathy: https://www.cwcleadershipdevelopment.com/contact

In this episode, I had an insightful conversation with Maartje Bakker, a career coach dedicated to helping women navigate big career transitions. Our discussion revolved around the challenges of career confusion, the myths surrounding career changes, and the power of strategic coaching. If you've ever felt stuck in a job that no longer fulfills you, this one's for you.

If you like today's message, here are five ways I can help you grow faster…

1. Join me for our next Peak Performers study group session. Click here to learn more and register:

2. Join the team: https://www.billstorm.com/join-the-team.html

3. 1:1 executive coaching to help you overcome the limiting beliefs, patterns, and habits keeping you from achieving the outcomes you seek in your personal and professional life.

4. Speak at your next event.

5. Conduct a mindset, sales, or leadership training workshop for your team.

https://www.billstorm.com/

Maartje Bakker helps overworked, successful women pivot their careers so they can love Monday like it's Friday.

By supporting clients from all over the world to get out of career confusion and into happy, healthy, and wealthy jobs, she strives to increase women's well-being.

As an ex-Tech Leader from Amsterdam turned Career Coach, she combines corporate skills, startup grit, American optimism, and Dutch pragmatism.

Maartje's clients change industries, land their dream jobs, get promoted, or start their first businesses.

How to Connect with Maartje

If this conversation resonated with you and you’re ready to take the next step, Maartje offers several ways to engage:

LinkedIn: Follow her for insights and career advice. https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartjebakker-spacetothink/

Podcast: Listen to The Unconventional Career Coach Podcast for real-world stories and strategies.

Coaching Call: Schedule a zero-pressure call to explore your career goals and see if coaching is the right fit for you.

Website: https://www.yourspacetothink.com/

In this episode of the Lessons in Leadership podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Jim Hardwick, a man whose journey from corporate America to servant leadership is nothing short of inspiring. Our conversation revolved around a simple yet profound idea—how serving others can elevate not just our businesses, but our lives as a whole. And at the heart of it all? A safari trip to Kenya that turned into a life-changing mission.

2. Join the team: https://www.billstorm.com/join-the-team.html