Live. Learn. Lead.

What are the responsibilities of a great leader, and what do you need to do to embody purpose-driven leadership?

Today we’re talking with John Spence, a global business expert and coach, about the greatest lessons he’s learned in his decades of leadership. He is one of the Top 100 Business Thought Leaders in America and has a wealth of experience in advising Fortune 500 companies. During the discussion, he shares his thoughts on most leaders’ greatest struggle, along with how to solve it from the root of the problem. He also gives tips for creating a better culture in the workplace andexplains why employee happiness is key to customer happiness.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• What John thought he would pursue as a career and why that changed.
• How he became a CEO at 26 and how it aligned him with a life-changing connection.
• What servant leadership is and why it’s important to understand.
• How being clear is kind and why this is a crucial part of leadership.
• The biggest fear most leaders have and how it presents in their business.
• The importance of building a people-centered culture, and why culture=cash.
• How shaping your employee experience impacts your customer experience.
• What people think drives a company forward versus what actually does.
• How to remove the friction from your business to support execution.
• The different ways AI can be used and why you need to know when not to use it.
• Why John believes that he’s here on this earth and what he’s doing about it.

John Spence: https://johnspence.com 

John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbspence 

The Art of Strategy: https://www.theartofstrategy.ca 

Alison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisongeskin 

What are the secrets to maintaining a fulfilling work-life balance while leading a thriving business in the emotionally charged world of weddings?

Today we dive into the inspiring journey of Lynn Fletcher, a former school teacher turned wedding industry pro. Lynn shares how she transitioned from organizing school events to creating a successful wedding business, driven by her passion for bringing people together and her love for pink and rhinestones. She reveals the courage it took to leave a stable career and embrace entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of honesty, integrity, and accountability in her leadership style. We explore the highs and lows of her career, the personal growth she experienced, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• How Lynn transitioned from teaching to the wedding industry, embracing entrepreneurship.
• Why her love for pink and rhinestones reflects her business identity and personal passion.
• How mentorship shaped her career and led to founding Lynn Fletcher Weddings.
• Why honesty, integrity, and accountability are crucial in her leadership style.
• How she balances emotions and execution in high-pressure wedding planning.
• Why setting boundaries and maintaining work-life balance is important to her.
• How personal challenges fueled her growth and resilience in business.
• Why emotional intelligence is vital in building client relationships.
• How structured time management helps prioritize both family and business.
• Why continuous self-improvement and learning are key to her success.
• How she aims to uplift her community and maintain high standards.
• Why she believes the universe provides what is needed, not necessarily wanted.

Lynn Fletcher Weddings: https://lynnfletcherweddings.com 

The Art of Strategy: https://www.theartofstrategy.ca 

Alison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisongeskin 

In this inspiring episode of Live. Learn. Lead. with Alison Geskin, Alison is joined by Shane Wenzel, President of Shane Homes and one of Calgary’s most recognizable business and civic leaders. From walking job sites as a child to leading a homebuilding legacy that has served over 16,000 families across 100+ communities, Shane brings a bold and refreshing perspective on what it truly means to lead with purpose.

Together, Alison and Shane dive into:

• Lessons learned growing up in a family-run business
• How Shane earned—not inherited—his leadership role
• The evolution of Shane Homes under his vision
• Civic pride, visibility, and belonging in Calgary

Shane shares a masterclass in legacy-driven leadership—rooted in trust, shaped by courage, and expressed through consistent action. With honesty and heart, he opens up about his personal growth journey, navigating expectations, and using his platform to elevate others.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to lead a business, a brand, and a community—all while staying true to yourself—this is the episode for you.

Listen now and share with a leader who needs this conversation.

In this thought-provoking episode of Live. Learn. Lead. with Alison Geskin, Alison sits down with Russell Stratton, CEO of Bluegem Learning, to discuss how leaders can master difficult workplace conversations while fostering inclusive, high-trust teams.

Russell challenges today’s conventional thinking on “wokeness” and explores how performative inclusivity can sometimes stifle real dialogue. From dealing with tough feedback to addressing conflict with courage and respect, this episode is a must-listen for any leader looking to enhance communication, build trust, and create a truly inclusive culture.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Strategies for tackling difficult workplace conversations with confidence
✅ How avoiding tough topics weakens team dynamics
✅ Why performative wokeness can unintentionally stifle true inclusivity
✅ Real leadership transformation stories and actionable takeaways

🎧 Listen Now: [Spotify] | [Apple Podcasts] | [Amazon Music]
💬 What’s the toughest workplace conversation you’ve ever had to lead? Drop your thoughts below!

🕒 Episode Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
05:20 - Why difficult conversations define great leadership
12:45 - The risks of avoiding hard topics in the workplace
22:10 - How to create psychological safety while still being direct
35:30 - The problem with performative wokeness in leadership
42:15 - Actionable steps for leading inclusive and honest conversations
55:00 - Russell’s best advice for leaders navigating tough discussions

📌 Guest & Host Information:

🎙 Guest: Russell Stratton
🔗 Website: Bluegem Learning
📷 Instagram: @russellstratton
💼 LinkedIn: Russell Stratton

🎙 Host: Alison Geskin
🔗 Website: The Art of Strategy
📷 Instagram: @TheArtOfStrategy
💼 LinkedIn: Alison Geskin

🔥 Quote of the Episode:

"Real leadership means having the hard conversations with honesty and respect." – Russell Stratton

In this episode, Alison Geskin sits down with Shaun Ford, CEO of Shaun Ford & Co., to explore how design, leadership, and business success intersect. From the challenges of leading a creative company to the impact of spaces on human behavior, Shaun shares his journey and lessons in balancing artistry with strategy.

Tune in to learn: 

✅ How Shaun built a brand that blends timeless design with modern innovation
✅ The biggest leadership challenges in the creative industry—and how to navigate them
✅ The role of design in shaping culture, productivity, and collaboration
✅ Shaun’s top advice for creative leaders balancing vision with business growth

Timestamps:

🕒 00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
🕒 05:00 - Shaun’s Origin Story: How He Built His Business
🕒 15:30 - Leading a Creative Company: Managing Teams & Clients
🕒 30:45 - The Intersection of Design, Leadership & Culture
🕒 45:20 - Challenges & Controversies in Creative Business
🕒 55:00 - Shaun’s Leadership Philosophy & Advice

Guest & Host Info:

🎙 Guest: Shaun Ford
🔗 Website: Shaun Ford & Co.
📷 Instagram: @shaunfordco
💼 LinkedIn: Shaun Ford

🎙 Host: Alison Geskin
🔗 Website: The Art of Strategy
📷 Instagram: @TheArtOfStrategy
💼 LinkedIn: Alison Geskin

What do all great leaders have in common? Today we welcome a unique lens into the world of leadership.  Brent Barootes, President of the Partnership Group has worked with some of the biggest names in sports, banking, telecommunication, education, arts & culture, and government.  He and his extraordinarily talented team specialize in sponsorship marketing between properties, rights holders and sponsors.

This my friends is leadership in action.

Spend an hour with Brent and Alison as they deep dive into intentional leadership and how to build culture wisely.

Connect with Brent on LinkedIn @ www.linkedIn.com/in/brentbarootes

Follow his company Partnership Group at www.partnershipgroup.ca

Helping people and organizations perform at their best, Alison coaches, consults, teaches, podcasts and speaks all over the world.  To learn more about Alison, please visit www.theartofstrategy.ca
Instagram @the_art_of_strategy
LinkedIn  - www.linkedin.com/in/alisongeskin

Live. Learn. Lead. is produced by Kyle Marshall of Media Lab YYC. Media Lab is a production studio located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada that helps you create the podcast of your dreams.
Find out more on their website: https://medialabyyc.com
Instagram @medialabyyc

If you have questions, would like to be a guest or know of a Leader who the world needs to know, connect with Alison at [email protected]

Have you ever met a people whisperer?  Well, you are about to today.

Susan is probably one of the most genuine, client-focused, innovative professional and transformational change leaders I have ever met. She’s got a ton of demonstrated success in the design, development and implementation of value-add human capital processes and programs, exceeding expectations and maximizing resources one client at a time.

This my friends is leadership in action.

Spend an hour with Susan and Alison as they deep dive into intentional leadership and how to build culture wisely.

Connect with Susan on LinkedIn @ www.linkedIn.com/in/susan-mcguire

Follow her company Susan McGuire at www.susanmcguire.ca

Helping people and organizations perform at their best, Alison coaches, consults, teaches, podcasts and speaks all over the world.  To learn more about Alison, please visit www.theartofstrategy.ca
Instagram @the_art_of_strategy
LinkedIn  - www.linkedin.com/in/alisongeskin

Live. Learn. Lead. is produced by Kyle Marshall of Media Lab YYC. Media Lab is a production studio located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada that helps you create the podcast of your dreams.
Find out more on their website: https://medialabyyc.com
Instagram @medialabyyc

If you have questions, would like to be a guest or know of a Leader who the world needs to know, connect with Alison at [email protected]

Leadership – that mythical, magical beast that humbles even the best of us.  Today we get a unique lens into leadership from one of the leading minds in space.

Dr. Shapiro has educated 1,000's of leaders and is passionate about making employees part of the solution, building authentic community at work, and aligning culture with strategy. 

He is always looking for the perfect blend of humanity and business performance.

This my friends is leadership in action.

Spend an hour with Joel and Alison as they deep dive into intentional leadership and how to build culture wisely.

Connect with Joel on LinkedIn @ www.linkedIn.com/in/joelbshapiro

Follow his company Advanture Consulting at https://www.advantureconsulting.com

 
Helping people and organizations perform at their best, Alison coaches, consults, teaches, podcasts and speaks all over the world.  To learn more about Alison, please visit www.theartofstrategy.ca
Instagram @the_art_of_strategy
LinkedIn  - www.linkedin.com/in/alisongeskin

Live. Learn. Lead. is produced by Kyle Marshall of Media Lab YYC. Media Lab is a production studio located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada that helps you create the podcast of your dreams.
Find out more on their website: https://medialabyyc.com
Instagram @medialabyyc

If you have questions, would like to be a guest or know of a Leader who the world needs to know, connect with Alison at [email protected]

How do we lead?  We know that much of leadership is an inside job. We know that when we focus on being our best selves, we can achieve great outcomes.  And yet, most of us are not where we want to be.  

So much of what we do focuses on the what and the how, that often the who gets lost in the mix.  Success is not an accident, and today my friends, we are going to spend an hour with Jos Willard, whose mission is to help good people build profitable lives and achieve extraordinary goals.  Jos helps his clients get rewarded for making a positive impact in the world, living from their values, and serving exactly the people they’re meant to serve. 

This my friends is leadership in action.

Spend an hour with Jos and Alison as they deep dive into intentional leadership and how to build culture wisely.

Connect with Jos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joswillard/

Follow his company Jos Willard Coaching at: www.joswillard.com

Helping people and organizations perform at their best, Alison coaches, consults, teaches, podcasts and speaks all over the world.  To learn more about Alison, please visit www.theartofstrategy.ca
Instagram @the_art_of_strategy
LinkedIn  - www.linkedin.com/in/alisongeskin

Live. Learn. Lead. is produced by Kyle Marshall of Media Lab YYC. Media Lab is a production studio located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada that helps you create the podcast of your dreams.
Find out more on their website: https://medialabyyc.com
Instagram @medialabyyc

If you have questions, would like to be a guest or know of a Leader who the world needs to know, connect with Alison at [email protected]

If you’re in a leadership position, you’ve got to know that it’s going to be one of the hardest things that you do in your life because it’s something that will always be constantly evolving and changing. You’ll be in constant state of learning and growing. Who you were yesterday is not the leader you need to be tomorrow.

This my friends is leadership in action.

Spend an hour with Christine and Alison as they deep dive into intentional leadership and how to build culture wisely.

Connect with Christine on LinkedIn @ www.linkedIn.com/in/christinedagenais

Follow her company Bright Wire Leadership at www.brightwireleadership.com

Helping people and organizations perform at their best, Alison coaches, consults, teaches, podcasts and speaks all over the world.  To learn more about Alison, please visit www.theartofstrategy.ca
Instagram @the_art_of_strategy
LinkedIn  - www.linkedin.com/in/alisongeskin

Live. Learn. Lead. is produced by Kyle Marshall of Media Lab YYC. Media Lab is a production studio located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada that helps you create the podcast of your dreams.
Find out more on their website: https://medialabyyc.com
Instagram @medialabyyc

If you have questions, would like to be a guest or know of a Leader who the world needs to know, connect with Alison at [email protected]