Manage Self, Lead Others: Human Leadership in the AI Age

Russell Pearson is known as the “consultant to consultants” and a master of helping organizations rethink how they engage external experts. In this candid conversation, Russell reveals what great consultants really do, why most RFPs are flawed, and how to avoid hiring someone who sounds smart but doesn’t deliver. If you've ever wondered what consultants actually do, this is the deep dive you’ve been waiting for. Practical, surprising, and full of stories that stick.

Experience our episodes in a whole new way and watch every video version on our YouTube channel HERE. Subscribe now to be the first to catch our next release.

Soundbites

[1:27] What kind of problems make an organization seek a consultant?

[3:40] The difference between hiring a specialist and a process-focused generalist.

[6:12] Why internal staff may struggle to see problems objectively.

[7:55] How a good consultant sees through multiple industry lenses.

[9:45] The danger of engaging consultants for too long - value drops off.

[11:02] What to look for in a consultant beyond credentials.

[12:30] The flaw in RFPs that ask for solutions before diagnosis.

[14:05] Why consultants must co-design with the people who implement.

[16:40] How collaboration, not hand-off, leads to long-term change.

[18:28] Consultants must be able to communicate the “why” behind change.

[20:05] The trap of the consultant becoming a cog instead of a catalyst.

[22:17] The future: mixed modality consultants who guide, mentor, and train.

[24:30] How to identify consultants using AI wisely vs. superficially.

[26:08] Do you feel understood? That’s how you’ll know it’s the right consultant.

[28:35] Nina’s personal story choosing the right consultant, and why rapport mattered.

[31:20] A consultant should facilitate dialogue across departments and silos.

[32:45] Don’t forget the human aspect of change and engage a change manager early.

[34:32] Why real-world experience often outweighs qualifications.

[35:55] What to ask when you're tasked with hiring a consultant for your team.

[37:15] The red flags of hiring by tender without conversation.

[38:45] Distinguishing between a consultant and a service provider.

[41:02] Don’t get quotes before checking internal permissions and strategy.

[42:28] Why breaking down an engagement into smaller parts helps.

[43:10] A dream scenario: saving millions by shrinking the approval timeline.

[45:05] Heartwarming small business story - one consultant, one brave step, big results.

[47:10] How to connect with Russell Pearson and his consulting network.

CONTACT RUSSELL PEARSON

https://russellpearson.com/

Connect with Russell Pearson on LinkedIn HERE:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-pearson/

ABOUT PODCAST HOST, NINA SUNDAY

To learn more about face-to-face training programs with Nina Sunday or one of her experienced Facilitators from Brainpower Training Pty Ltd in Australia Pacific, visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/signature-programs/⁠⁠⁠⁠

To visit Nina Sunday's speaker site for global in-person speaking bookings visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ninasunday.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Nina Sunday on LinkedIn ⁠HERE⁠

To subscribe to Nina Sunday's personal blog go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠and scroll to bottom of the page to register.

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Tommy Dee went from blue-collar trades to nursing to authoring Blue Collar Revolution, a bold new guide for contractors navigating the AI age. In this high-energy episode, Tommy shares how AI helped him turn $10K into $2.7M, which tools he swears by, and why giving your AI a name like “Charlie” might just change how you work. If you're in the trades, or manage anyone who is, this is the episode to send around.

Experience our episodes in a whole new way - watch every video version on our YouTube channel HERE. Subscribe now to be the first to catch our next release.

Soundbites

[1:07] Meet Tommy Dee: author, entrepreneur, tradesman, and AI trailblazer.

[2:32] Why AI chose the trades this book should serve - and how.

[3:27] Self-assessment categories from enthusiast to Luddite.

[4:51] Five reasons tradespeople should embrace AI now.

[5:12] What happens when you don’t adapt: a personal story.

[6:06] Meet “Charlie,” the AI assistant that types like a speed pianist.

[6:31] From one-man plumber to smart project manager - how AI helped.

[7:57] The prompt library: how Tommy engineers AI to engineer itself.

[9:22] Nina learns a new level of prompting - asking AI to write the prompts.

[11:33] Why his book lists AI tools without sponsorship, just value.

[12:16] A deep dive into Contractor Marketing Pro and Facebook group ads.

[13:51] AI never gets offended - why that matters in blue collar settings.

[15:10] Streamlining estimates with photos, voice, and AI-generated docs.

[16:26] HVAC tools like ServiceTitan: tracking, fairness, and transparency.

[18:36] Roofing tools like AccuLynx cut waste from 15% to 3%.

[20:17] Financial tools for P&L, loans, and attracting investors.

[20:50] How to access Tommy’s free worksheet and resources.

[21:14] The $10K to $2.7M story - and why he’s giving back.

CONTACT TOMMY DEE (DOBCZYK)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommydee1863/

1. For behind-the-scenes conversations about the episodes, go to ninasunday.substack.com

2. Amazon: Nina Sunday's book on Amazon (2025)

Manage Self, Lead Others: Constructive Conversations, True Self-Leadership and Culture You Can't Fake, by Nina Sunday

3. To learn more about face-to-face training programs with Nina Sunday or one of her experienced Facilitators from Brainpower Training Pty Ltd in Australia Pacific, visit: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/signature-programs/⁠⁠⁠

4. To visit Nina Sunday's speaker site for global in-person speaking bookings visit: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ninasunday.com/⁠⁠⁠

5. Connect with Nina Sunday on LinkedIn HERE

6. To subscribe to Nina Sunday's blog go to ⁠⁠⁠https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/ ⁠⁠⁠and scroll to bottom of the page to register.

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Dan Silberberg is a leadership visionary with a Fortune 500 track record, now focused on helping executives uncover the unconscious patterns that shape their leadership. In this powerful episode, Dan exposes the invisible operating system that drives our choices, beliefs, and leadership style, and why it’s time to rewrite the code. If you're curious about how childhood beliefs, culture, and fear of standing out could be holding you back, this episode is your wake-up call.

Experience our episodes in a whole new way and watch every video version on our YouTube channel HERE. Subscribe now to be the first to catch our next release.

Soundbites

CONTACT DAN

https://entelechy.ai/product/leader-council/⁠

⁠https://entelechy.ai/contact/⁠

⁠https://pages.c-suitenetwork.com/the-leader-council

ABOUT PODCAST HOST, NINA SUNDAY

To learn more about face-to-face training programs with Nina Sunday or one of her experienced Facilitators from Brainpower Training Pty Ltd in Australia Pacific, visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/signature-programs/⁠⁠⁠⁠

To visit Nina Sunday's speaker site for global in-person speaking bookings visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ninasunday.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Nina Sunday on LinkedIn HERE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninasunday/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠

To subscribe to Nina Sunday's personal blog go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠and scroll to bottom of the page to register.

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Is this the end of reading as we know it? Nina Sunday is a speed reading trailblazer and founder of Brainpower Training. In this episode, she raises the alarm on our vanishing "deep reading brain" and why reclaiming our capacity for focus and complex thinking is now a leadership imperative.

From book bans to slogan-thinking, Nina unpacks how short-form content is rewiring our minds and what leaders can do about it.

Experience our episodes in a whole new way and watch every video version on our YouTube channel HERE Subscribe now to be the first to catch our next release.

Soundbites

[00:13] Are we losing our deep reading brain? What does that mean for critical thinking in a digital age?

[01:50] Pre-literate vs literate thinking. How reading shapes the brain and enables objective analysis.

[03:06] Benefits of reading books. Developing empathy, tolerating ambiguity, and expanding mental flexibility.

[04:22] Proposals for workplaces: “Drop Everything and Read” day and the mindfulness of slow reading.

[05:26] Macro reading explained. Why speed of thought and speed of reading go hand in hand.

ABOUT PODCAST HOST, NINA SUNDAY

To learn more about face-to-face training programs with Nina Sunday or one of her experienced Facilitators from Brainpower Training Pty Ltd in Australia Pacific, visit: ⁠https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/signature-programs/⁠

To visit Nina Sunday's speaker site for global in-person speaking bookings visit: ⁠https://www.ninasunday.com/⁠

Connect with Nina Sunday on LinkedIn HERE: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninasunday/ ⁠

To subscribe to Nina Sunday's personal blog go to ⁠https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/ ⁠and scroll to bottom of the page to register.

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Mark Boundy returns to unpack his new book, The Infinity Effect, a bold reimagining of sales as something bigger than quotas and commissions. In this episode, Mark challenges the traditional “sales silo” mindset and reveals why sales needs to be woven into the very culture of the organization.

Access Mark Boundy's new book, The Infinity Effect on Amazon ⁠HERE⁠

Forget being “customer focused.” That’s a low bar. What companies need are trusted experts who understand the client’s business, the ripple effects of every problem, and how to co-create outcomes, not pitch cookie-cutter solutions.

Soundbites

[1:21] The customer journey as an infinite loop, from buying decision to ownership outcomes.

Take Action:

CONTACT MARK

https://boundyconsulting.com/

ABOUT PODCAST HOST, NINA SUNDAY

To learn more about face-to-face training programs with Nina Sunday or one of her experienced Facilitators from Brainpower Training Pty Ltd in Australia Pacific, visit: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/signature-programs/⁠⁠⁠

To visit Nina Sunday's speaker site for global in-person speaking bookings visit: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ninasunday.com/⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Nina Sunday on LinkedIn HERE: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninasunday/ ⁠⁠⁠

To subscribe to Nina Sunday's personal blog go to ⁠⁠⁠https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/ ⁠⁠⁠and scroll to bottom of the page to register.

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Trav Bell, known worldwide as The Bucket List Guy, believes we should be living curiously excited about the bigger version of ourselves - not just existing. In this episode, Trav shares why writing a bucket list is not just a fun activity, but a life-changing strategy for happiness, leadership, and engagement. Whether for yourself or your team, get ready to rethink goal-setting, adventure, and possibility.

Soundbites

[0:01] Getting curiously excited about the bigger version of yourself through a bucket list.

[2:58] The origin story of creating a "To Do Before I Die" list at age 18.

[6:09] Writing down goals daily and how many items should be on a bucket list.

[7:24] How to create a holistic, personally meaningful bucket list beyond travel.

[8:29] The magic of writing goals down and how it activates the mind to achieve them.

[9:26] How vision boards and bucket lists reinforce goal achievement.

[10:20] Overcoming fear of failure by focusing on what and why, not how.

[11:31] Why managers should encourage their teams to create personal bucket lists.

[13:04] How bucket lists boost engagement and align career plans with life goals.

[14:51] Personal story of manifesting goals by visualizing and writing them down.

[15:35] Tips for writing goals in present tense and keeping it simple.

[17:12] Leaders leading by example as bucket listers to inspire their teams.

[17:38] Seeing bucket lists as adventures you can have locally, not just globally.

[18:05] Choosing proactive living over reactive existing by designing your life.

[19:10] Using bucket lists to spot and challenge limiting beliefs.

[20:25] Practicing gratitude by creating a "reverse bucket list" of achievements.

[21:36] Encouraging sharing of personal goals to invite support without pressure.

CONTACT TRAV

thebucketlistguy.com

ABOUT PODCAST HOST, NINA SUNDAY

To learn more about face-to-face training programs with Nina Sunday or one of her experienced Facilitators from Brainpower Training Pty Ltd in Australia Pacific, visit: ⁠⁠https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/signature-programs/⁠⁠

To visit Nina Sunday's speaker site for global in-person speaking bookings visit: ⁠⁠https://www.ninasunday.com/⁠⁠

Connect with Nina Sunday on LinkedIn HERE: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninasunday/ ⁠⁠

To subscribe to Nina Sunday's personal blog go to ⁠⁠https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/ ⁠⁠and scroll to bottom of the page to register.

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Dull does not convert. Tune in to hear blockbuster TV show producer, Maz, tell her A-lister stories:  actor Tony Curtis's most important question, Arnold Schwarzenegger's encounter with Paula Yates for the TV show In Bed With Paula, and more.

Maz built global audiences for TV shows like ‘X Factor’, ‘Dancing with the Stars’, ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Q&A’ and now teaches leaders how to be unforgettable in every room.

In this episode, Maz shares how to master presence, reframe fear, and ditch the dull. Whether you lead a team or pitch for a living, her insights will make you rethink how you show up and stand out.

Soundbites

(2:17) What’s the most important thing happening in the world right now? A reflection on presence and perspective.

(5:16) Why the present moment is the only one that matters, and how it shapes your happiness and choices.

(8:42) Can charisma be learned? A look at how Arnold Schwarzenegger cultivated presence and charm.

(12:00) A tense moment turned around - how humour and kindness maintained rapport under pressure.

(15:33) Why personal magnetism matters and how to become the most compelling version of yourself.

(17:14) Producing for the audience, not yourself - lessons from creating high-stakes, high-profile shows.

(19:22) How to speak with impact by eliminating white noise and sparking curiosity in conversation.

(21:21) Fast-track coaching: preparing guests for camera presence with strategic cues and

direction.

(24:36) Reframing fear as anticipation - how to harness that feeling as energy, not resistance.

(27:42) Planning for the unexpected - why anticipating worst-case scenarios leads to confident leadership.

CONTACT MAZ SPEAKS

mazspeaksglobal.com

absolutelyfarrelly.com

[email protected]

ABOUT PODCAST HOST, NINA SUNDAY

To learn more about face-to-face training programs with Nina Sunday or one of her experienced Facilitators from Brainpower Training Pty Ltd in Australia Pacific, visit: https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/signature-programs/

To visit Nina Sunday's speaker site for global in-person speaking bookings visit: https://www.ninasunday.com/

Connect with Nina Sunday on LinkedIn HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninasunday/

To subscribe to Nina Sunday's personal blog go to https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/ and scroll to bottom of the page to register.

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Josh Levine, author of Great Mondays: How to design a company culture employees love, and podcast host of Great Mondays Radio for candid conversations with culture leaders. Josh is a Professor, author and speaker on the power of corporate culture and communication; and contributing writer to Fast Company and Forbes magazines.

Soundbites

[0:00] Why values such as “accountability” need be framed as choices between viable options, not absolutes.

[2:03] Why Josh started Great Mondays Radio podcast to spotlight culture as a business tool.

[3:40] Defining company culture as the cause-and-effect of everyday workplace decisions.

[6:08] How addressing small emotional “pinches” can build trust instead of resentment.

[7:38] Overview of the six components of culture outlined in Great Mondays book and the field guide format.

[9:09] Why values should be limited to 3 to 5 and how this forces leaders to prioritize behaviors.

[11:18] The importance of expressing values as choices between strategic trade-offs like innovation vs. efficiency.

[13:29] Introduction to the four types of recognition based on formality and source.

[16:00] The 2x2 recognition model: formal and informal, from leaders and peers, with practical examples.

[20:26] How informal leader recognition becomes a ritual and overlaps with other culture-building elements.

[22:04] Where to download free exercises and tools from the Great Mondays website.

CONTACT JOSH LEVINE

Visit Josh's websites at:

https://www.youtube.com/@GreatMondays

https://greatmondays.com/

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/great-mondays-radio/id1671863469

ABOUT PODCAST HOST, NINA SUNDAY

To learn more about face-to-face training programs with Nina Sunday or one of her experienced Facilitators from Brainpower Training Pty Ltd in Australia Pacific, visit: https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/signature-programs/

To visit Nina Sunday's speaker site for global in-person speaking bookings visit: https://www.ninasunday.com/

Connect with Nina Sunday on LinkedIn HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninasunday/

To subscribe to Nina Sunday's personal blog go to https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/ and scroll to bottom of the page to register.

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Stacey Hanke's influence strategies help leaders share clear, concise messages conveying confidence and credibility, earn trust, and make an impact no matter the culture.

This episode supports the Australian-based Action for Dolphins https://www.afd.org.au/ who advocates dolphin protection.

Experience our episodes in a whole new way. You can watch every video version on our YouTube channel HERE. Subscribe now to be the first to catch our next release.

Sounbites

[0:00] Why leaders should ask for feedback and how to set it up effectively.

[3:17] The biggest mistake leaders make:assuming they have influence without seeking real feedback.

[4:45] Leaders expect their teams to understand their good intentions, but perception matters more.

[5:11] How consistency in communication and presence builds a strong personal brand.

[6:38] Your personal brand follows you everywhere—how you show up in every interaction counts.

[7:04] The key to executive presence: being fully present in every interaction.

[7:40] Why turning on your camera in virtual meetings is a sign of respect and credibility.

[8:39] How to address passive-aggressive behavior and the power of calling out tone.

[10:11] The right way to ask for and give feedback to create a culture of openness.

[11:25] Balancing praise and constructive feedback to strengthen team relationships.

[13:40] Defining your leadership brand and using it to guide your influence.

[15:03] How to reframe the word “feedback” to make it more constructive and less intimidating.

[16:07] Observing body language and nonverbal cues for real-time feedback.

[17:12] Why tailoring feedback to an individual’s style makes it more effective.

[17:34] The impact of body language on leadership presence and credibility.

[19:33] How leaders can use storytelling to communicate with impact.

CONTACT STACEY HANKE CSP, CPAE

To access a free chapter from Stacey's book, Influence Redefined

Visit: https://staceyhankeinc.com/connect/

Stacey's free resources:

https://staceyhankeinc.com/research-downloads/

ABOUT PODCAST HOST, NINA SUNDAY CSP

To learn more about face-to-face training programs with Nina Sunday or one of her experienced Facilitators from Brainpower Training Pty Ltd in Australia Pacific, visit: https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/signature-programs/

To visit Nina Sunday's speaker website for global in-person speaking bookings visit: https://www.ninasunday.com/

Connect with Nina Sunday on LinkedIn HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninasunday/

To subscribe to Nina Sunday's personal blog go to https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/

and scroll to bottom of the page to register.

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This episode is with Thought Leader and Visionary, Dan Silberberg, former Managing Director of Oracle and CEO of other well-known brands and with a Master's degree in Leadership and Coaching. Visit https://entelechy.ai/ for details of Dan's upcoming events.

Soundbites

[2:51] AI accelerating change and the shift in leadership roles.

[3:14] Importance of creativity and innovation in leadership despite common misconceptions about creativity.

[4:40] Challenges of education systems shaping leaders to be compliant rather than creative.

[5:28] Addressing conflict and the importance of understanding the real issue behind problems.

[6:17] Moving from technical skills to emotional intelligence, adaptability, and authenticity in leadership.

[7:23] Shifting leadership approach from giving answers to asking questions.

[8:03] Leadership's role in managing the fear of change and leading through AI-driven transformations.

[9:10] Decision-making processes and the difference between one-door and two-door decisions.

[10:37] Managing people’s emotions in leadership, balancing workloads, and maintaining empathy.

[11:25] Addressing burnout, workload management, and fostering honest

conversations in leadership.

[12:18] Impact of a toxic work culture on employees’ ability to speak up and how leaders can support.

[13:42] Advice on prioritizing workload and empowering employees to manage their time.

[15:05] Core beliefs that shape leadership behavior and how they can be maladaptive in adulthood.

[15:42] Identifying personal gaps and emotional intelligence skills needed to grow as a leader.

[16:45] The influence of early childhood experiences on leadership operating systems.

[17:01] The difficulty in self-analyzing personal leadership identity and the

value of external feedback.

[19:05] Using vulnerability and self-awareness to rewire limiting beliefs and enhance leadership capabilities.

[19:10] Coaching C-suite leaders and the importance of commitment to personal growth and leadership evolution.

CONTACT DAN SILBERBERG

https://entelechy.ai/product/leader-council/

https://entelechy.ai/contact/

https://pages.c-suitenetwork.com/the-leader-council

ABOUT PODCAST HOST, NINA SUNDAY

To learn more about face-to-face training programs with Nina Sunday or one of her experienced Facilitators from Brainpower Training Pty Ltd in Australia Pacific, visit: https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/signature-programs/

To visit Nina Sunday's speaker site for global in-person speaking bookings visit: https://www.ninasunday.com/

Connect with Nina Sunday on LinkedIn HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninasunday/

To subscribe to Nina Sunday's personal blog go to https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/ and scroll to bottom of the page to register.

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