What happens when you cross continents, risk comfort, and build a business that bridges worlds?

This week, we talk with Valerie Bowden, founder of CRDLE, leadership consultant, and pioneer of remote talent sourcing in Africa. We talk about navigating risk, leadership lessons from global experiences, and creating thriving teams across borders.

Valerie shares:

• How solo backpacking across 13 African countries transformed her worldview and leadership
• Why remote teams are not only possible but a strategic advantage when built with trust and culture
• Insights into matching talent with businesses to create win-win opportunities
• Practical tips on balancing work, life, and scaling a global operation
• Unseen talents of Africa and why now is the moment to tap into this market

Whether you’re a startup founder or leader navigating change, this episode delivers fresh perspectives and actionable strategies to lead boldly and embrace global opportunity.

Resources Mentioned: 

CRDLE: https://crdle.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriebowden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriegbowden/?hl=en

What if your leadership success hinged on the art of giving before asking?

This week, we unpack powerful strategies for emerging leaders to build authentic connections and cultivate abundant leadership impact.

We explore:

• Why relationships always come BEFORE results... and how to nurture them intentionally
• The mindset shifts for giving your time, attention, and gifts before expecting anything back
• Researching and preparing to add value in every new connection
• The simple power of genuine compliments and generosity in everyday interactions
• Being the Chief Question Asker who builds deeper, trusting rapport
• Leveraging reciprocal giving to open unexpected doors and multiply influence

Coach, Dr., and Jon share actionable insights and challenge you to try just one or two of these giving practices... and watch how your leadership multiplies.

This week, we dive into a candid conversation with Derrick Girard, former financial advisor turned tech entrepreneur, author of Put to the Test, and speaker.

He shares his powerful journey navigating lawsuits, scaling a business, and embracing a “Figure It Out” mindset. 

Derrick discusses how:

• Personal responsibility and relentless problem-solving fuel entrepreneurial success
• Facing three lawsuits simultaneously became a catalyst for growth and resilience
• Building solutions by deeply understanding customer pain points differentiates you in the market
• Instant responsiveness and rapid iteration empower business agility and client trust
• Leaders must prioritize asking meaningful questions and truly listening to their teams
• The path to leadership involves continuous learning, humility, and embracing discomfort
• Effective entrepreneurs focus on solving problems, not just chasing the title of entrepreneur

Whether you’re launching your first startup or refining your leadership approach, this episode offers inspiring models and actionable strategies to figure it out and lead boldly.

Resources Mentioned:

• Put to the Test: When Life Demands More, Will You Make Excuses or Figure It Out? - https://www.amazon.com/Put-Test-demands-excuses-figure/dp/196619059X
• Website and contact: https://derrickgirard.com

What if the key to thriving as a leader is embracing adaptability, purpose, and education?

This week, we’re joined by Carrie Kisker, President of Kisker Education Consulting and Director of the Center for the Study of Community Colleges, for a rich conversation on leadership challenges, community college impact, and the future of learning.

Carrie dives into:

• How community colleges empower students to explore passions affordably and close to home
• The critical pillars under attack in higher education... academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and civic engagement
• Strategies for leaders to balance resistance and innovation amid shifting political and social climates
• The evolving relationship between entrepreneurship and education in career pathways
• Practical advice for emerging leaders on continuous learning, adaptability, and breaking down silos
• How exposure to diverse perspectives fuels inclusive, effective leadership

Whether you’re a leader inside education or beyond, this episode will help you reimagine leadership as a dynamic, impact-driven vocation.

Resources Mentioned:

• Kisker Education Consulting: kiskeredconsulting.com
• Center for the Study of Community Colleges: centerforcommunitycolleges.org
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriekisker
• Book: https://www.amazon.com/American-Community-College-Carrie-Kisker-ebook/dp/B0CGKBVWHL?ref_=ast_author_mpb

How can humor and heartfelt storytelling elevate leadership and connect across cultures?

This week, we sit down with Naveed Mahbub, award winning comedian, international speaker, and founder of Bangladesh’s first comedy club, who shares his unique journey from engineer and corporate leader to standup comic and global storyteller. 

Naveed reveals:

• The power of humor to captivate and engage diverse audiences
• Balancing entrepreneurial risk taking with cultural adaptation in leadership
• Why authenticity and vulnerability build trust and impact
• Lessons from the stage and real life that leaders can learn to inspire teams
• How mindset shifts and resilience carry you through burnout and uncertainty

Whether you lead a team, manage a business, or want to unlock your true voice, this conversation offers fresh insights on leading with joy, authenticity, and courage.

Resources Mentioned:

• Naveed Mahbub’s website: naveedmahbub.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naveedmahbub/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/NaveedMahbub
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ComedianNaveedMahbub/

Who are the voices that shape your leadership journey, even from afar?

This week, we dive into our favorite mentors, game-changing books, and must-listen podcasts to guide your growth.

We unpack:

• Timeless lessons from legends like John Wooden, Jim Rohn, and Marcus Aurelius
• The power of daily learning and lifelong improvement
• How diverse mentorships shape leadership in unexpected ways
• Podcast picks that stretch your perspective and inspire action
• Life-changing reads that reinforce purpose, resilience, and clarity

If you want to be a leader who grows smarter every day, this episode gives you the essential toolbox of mentors and content to transform your mindset.

How do you help people truly see your vision and unlock leadership potential?

This week, we explore game-changing visual leadership strategies with Todd Cherches. He's the CEO of Big Blue Gumball, leadership expert, adjunct professor at NYU and Columbia, and author of Visual Leadership.

Todd reveals how:

• Visual thinking shapes how leaders see the world and communicate vision
• Translating complex ideas into visual metaphors empowers better team alignment
• Tailoring communication across cultures and generations unlocks connection
• Mastering storytelling and metaphor expands influence beyond words alone
• Powerful questions combined with reflective listening build trust and engagement
• Leadership demands balancing detail orientation with big-picture vision
• Tools like mind mapping, storyboarding, and simple visual props boost clarity

Whether you lead a team, organization, or simply want to sharpen your impact, this episode shows how visual clarity can take your leadership, and storytelling, to the next level.

Connect with Todd: https://www.toddcherches.com/

Visual Leadership Book: https://www.amazon.com/VisuaLeadership-Leveraging-Visual-Thinking-Leadership/dp/1642933376

How do tough lessons become your greatest leadership assets and fuel lasting growth?

Jon Goehring, Coach Jim Johnson, and Dr. Rehnuma Karim welcome Gary Daly — global entrepreneur, author of Built by Lessons, and advocate of personal development through authentic experience — for a wide-ranging discussion on transforming challenges into triumphs.

Gary shares his unique journey from sales novice to seasoned leader, including his transformative experience training with Wim Hof and learning the power of breath and mindset.

Drawing from decades of cross-cultural living and leadership, he unpacks:

• How embracing discomfort and surrender leads to flow and growth
• The science and practice of breathwork to regulate emotion and boost resilience
• Storytelling’s power to connect, inspire, and pass down legacy
• Overcoming fears in public speaking and mastering authentic communication
• Navigating cultural diversity and adaptability in leadership around the globe
• Lessons learned from early career setbacks, risk-taking, and mentorship
• Recommended foundational leaders and books for personal and professional growth

Whether you’re an emerging leader facing uncertainty or a seasoned professional refining your craft, this episode provides a holistic roadmap for thriving in leadership and life with courage and clarity.

Check out Gary's Book, Built By Lessons: 

https://www.amazon.com/Built-Lessons-Turn-Challenges-Triumphs/dp/B0DW8V9CJY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2AOD30DG

How do you transform adversity into authentic leadership that inspires and sustains?

This week we dive into a heartfelt conversation with Amy Pechacek... international speaker, leadership expert, and author of Built by Lessons.... who shares her journey of overcoming profound personal loss and burnout to lead with courage and purpose.

Amy discusses practical strategies for:

• Choosing happiness daily through intentional decisions
• Managing time and priorities with reflection and planning
• Building emotional intelligence and positive feedback loops in leadership
• Delegating effectively by aligning tasks with team members’ goals
• Embracing vulnerability and faith as pillars of authentic leadership
• Creating safe, trusting environments that foster team growth and resilience

Whether you’re starting your leadership path or deepening your impact, this episode offers actionable wisdom to lead with heart, clarity, and resilience.

Learn more and connect with Amy: 

Website: https://www.amypechacek.com/

Lead With Impact: https://www.alpstra.com/

The Shift Podcast: https://www.alpstra.com/podcasts

What does it truly take to lead with integrity, build trust, and inspire a culture that lasts?

This week, we dive deep into leadership lessons with Lee Cokerell: Former Executive Vice President of Operations at Walt Disney World and author of Creating Magic.

Lee shares how values always trump victories, the importance of practicing what you preach, and why authentic empathy and discipline are foundational to leadership success.

Drawing on decades of experience, he explores:

•     The critical role of trust built through consistent words and actions
•     Creating psychological safety that fosters belonging and engagement
•     Leading diverse, global teams with a servant leader mindset
•     Handling hard conversations with courage and clarity
•     Building cultures that value every individual and honor shared purpose
•     Leadership lessons from his unconventional upbringing to overseeing Disney’s vast team

Whether you’re a new leader or an executive guiding thousands, this episode offers powerful insights to lead with heart, clarity, and impact.


Learn more about Lee and connect: https://www.leecockerell.com/

His book, Creating Magic: https://www.amazon.com/Creating-Magic-Common-Leadership-Strategies/dp/0385523866