Jessica Crow is an experienced business leader, consultant, trainer, and coach with deep xpertise in change management, organizational effectiveness, and program management. Jessica is passionate about helping companies bridge the gaps between strategy execution and value creation through targeted strategies that empower people to power and sustain organizational change.

In 2019, Jessica founded Apogy, a leading provider of change management training, coaching, and consulting services. Apogy blends proven strategy and processes with research-backed mindfulness practices to help clients transform their leadership levels and the organizations they work for.

In addition to Apogy, Jessica is an adjunct professor at the University of Denver who teaches people how to lead organizational change and transformations. As a yoga instructor, Jessica helps people experience positive personal change and healing on their mats through guided movement and meditation.

No matter the forum, Jessica engages, inspires and activates critical mindset shifts that enable people to unlock their full potential and lead with greater presence, effectiveness, and compassion.

Episode Insight: Sharing information alone isn’t enough for effective change management. True leadership addresses systemic issues like team cohesion, product performance, and capability gaps—it’s about action, not just communication.

Background: In this episode of Reflect Forward, I interview Jessica Crow, founder of Apogy and change management expert. Jessica discusses conscious change leadership, the essence of effective change management, and the importance of building connections, collaboration, communication, and compassion in the workplace. She also shares her personal burnout story and provides actionable advice for leaders to navigate change without overwhelming their teams. Learn how to implement the four Cs of change management and create positive, impactful organizational transformations.

Show Timing

00:00: Welcome and Introduction

00:58: Meet Jessica Crow: Change Leadership Expert

03:38: Understanding Change Management

05:53: Challenges in Change Management

15:20: The Four C's of Change Management

24:47 Burnout and Change Management

How to find Jessica:

Website: www.apogy.biz

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/51630294/admin/dashboard/

Please order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes

Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Leadership isn’t just about driving results—it’s about creating a legacy that endures long after your tenure ends. As we navigate the complex challenges of 2025, legacy has taken on new meaning. It’s no longer enough to achieve short-term wins or meet quarterly targets. True leadership is measured by the positive impact you create for people, communities, and the planet. Designing your legacy requires aligning your work with a purpose greater than profit.

To build a meaningful legacy, leaders must embrace regenerative leadership. This approach goes beyond sustainability; it seeks to replenish and restore the resources—human, environmental, and financial—that your organization touches. For example, rather than merely reducing waste, regenerative businesses aim to create systems where no waste is produced in the first place. Similarly, regenerative leadership prioritizes investing in people, ensuring they leave stronger and more empowered after working with you.

Legacy is also about empowerment. Your long-term impact isn’t just what you achieve—it’s what you inspire others to achieve. Leaders who cultivate values-driven cultures and mentor future leaders leave organizations that thrive well beyond their tenure. Sharing the deeper purpose behind your leadership allows your team to align with and carry forward your vision. This creates a ripple effect, amplifying your impact far into the future.

Writing a "Legacy Manifesto" is a powerful tool for clarifying and communicating your purpose. A manifesto is more than a statement of ideals; it’s a blueprint for action. It articulates your “why,” outlines the principles you stand by, and defines the long-term impact you aim to create. For instance, your manifesto might include commitments to diversity, environmental stewardship, or community investment. By sharing this document with your team, you invite them to become co-creators of your legacy.

Legacy isn’t about fame or recognition—it’s about contribution. It’s the realization that your leadership today can shape the world of tomorrow. As you reflect on the future, ask yourself: What will you leave behind? By prioritizing regeneration, empowerment, and purpose, you can create a legacy that transcends time and leaves the world better than you found it.

Please order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes

Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Reflect Forward

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

: In a world increasingly driven by algorithms and automation, the ability to connect deeply with others is not just an asset—it’s a superpower.

Part 1 of The Leader's Playbook for a Radically Evolved Future" was about expanding your mindset to embrace visionary possibilities. Today’s episode of Reflect Forward will focus on a profound but often overlooked truth: human connection is your most valuable resource.

As technology continues to reshape how we live and work, it’s tempting to think that success hinges on keeping up with the latest tools and systems. While technology is essential, it cannot replace what is fundamentally human: the need for connection, trust, and shared purpose. In fact, the more automated our world becomes, the more critical it is for leaders to double down on building authentic relationships. Leaders who understand this paradox—leveraging technology while centering human connection—will find themselves uniquely positioned to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Human connection is the foundation of business success. It’s what creates loyalty, drives collaboration, and sparks innovation. However, many organizations fail to prioritize it. Employees feel disengaged, customers feel undervalued, and stakeholders lose trust. The result? A hollow organization that struggles to retain talent and sustain growth. To counteract this, leaders must intentionally build ecosystems of trust. This starts with radical transparency—sharing not just the good news, but also the challenges and the reasoning behind tough decisions. People trust leaders who are honest, even when the truth is difficult to hear.

Empathy is another critical ingredient for fostering connection. Leaders who practice empathy actively seek to understand the perspectives, needs, and motivations of others, whether it’s an employee struggling with burnout or a customer searching for meaning in their purchase decisions. Empathy humanizes interactions, breaks down barriers, and creates a culture of care. For example, a leader who takes time to personally recognize the contributions of their team is not just boosting morale—they’re fostering a deeper sense of belonging.

Technology can enhance or hinder connection, depending on how it’s used. Conducting a “connection audit” helps leaders evaluate where relationships are thriving and where they need strengthening. Are employees receiving adequate face-to-face interactions in a hybrid or remote setup? Are customer service touchpoints overly automated, leaving customers feeling unseen? Are digital tools empowering collaboration or creating silos? Addressing these gaps can immediately and profoundly impact engagement and satisfaction.

Ultimately, the most successful leaders will blend innovation with humanity. They’ll use technology to amplify, not replace, the power of relationships. In a world increasingly driven by algorithms and automation, the ability to connect deeply with others is not just an asset—it’s a superpower.

Next in the series: Designing for Legacy: Crafting Impact That Outlasts You, Part 3 of 3

Please order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes

Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Reflect Forward

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Episode Insight: For those ready to thrive, the future belongs to the visionary leader with a visionary mindset—the one willing to break limits, question assumptions, and step boldly into the unknown.

In this three-part series, "The Leader’s Playbook for a Radically Evolved Future," I’ll take you on a journey to explore the key traits that will define successful leaders in the years ahead.

• In Part 1, we’ll uncover the mindset shifts required to lead beyond limits, fostering radical curiosity and bold thinking.

• In Part 2, we’ll explore how human connection, trust, and empathy can become your most powerful assets in a tech-driven world.

• In Part 3, we’ll focus on legacy—how to align your leadership with purpose and create a lasting impact that transcends profit.

This series isn’t about recycled leadership tropes or surface-level strategies. It’s about stepping into a new era of leadership with courage, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.

The Visionary Mindset: Leading Beyond Limits

As we step into 2025, the business world is going through unprecedented change. With technological advancements rewriting the rules and societal shifts reshaping priorities, it’s clear that the old leadership playbook no longer applies. For those ready to thrive, the future belongs to the visionary leader—the one willing to break limits, question assumptions, and step boldly into the unknown.

The days of incremental improvements are over. To lead in this new era, you must evolve beyond problem-solving and into possibility-shaping. Here’s how:

1. The Obsolete Playbook: Why the Rules No Longer Work

For decades, leadership success was measured by efficiency, predictability, and growth. But in an era marked by exponential technology, social upheaval, and climate crises, these metrics feel like relics. What worked yesterday won’t equip you to navigate the ambiguity of tomorrow. To move forward, you must leave behind the safety of what you know.

2. Radical Curiosity: The Foundation of Visionary Thinking

At the heart of every groundbreaking idea is a leader who asked the right question. Radical curiosity fuels innovation. Asking better questions can ignite your leadership potential.

3. The Courage to Unlearn: Letting Go of What No Longer Serves

Visionary leadership requires the humility to admit when your knowledge is outdated. This isn’t easy. However, unlearning is essential to adapting to rapid change. Unlearning frees you to see opportunities where others see obstacles.

4. Action Step: Your "Impossible Dream" Framework

To cultivate a visionary mindset, begin by articulating your impossible dream—a goal so bold it feels out of reach. This exercise will push you to think beyond constraints and ignite your creative potential. Envision the future by considering one transformative change you'd love to see in your industry, community, or organization by 2030.

5. Embrace the Unknown

Becoming a visionary leader isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about having the courage to explore the unknown. The leaders of tomorrow are those willing to venture beyond limits, experiment boldly, and inspire others to see new possibilities. As you move into 2025, ask yourself: Am I leading with boldness, curiosity, and vision—or am I clinging to the comfort of the past? The answer to that question may define your future.

Next in the series: The Power of Human Connection in a Tech-Driven World, Part 2 of 3.

Please order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes

Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Reflect Forward

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Nicole Kalil is all about building confidence and living your desired life. Nicole’s passion for eliminating gender expectations and redefining “Women’s Work” is both what keeps her up at night, and what gets her up in the morning. Well that, and an abundant amount of coffee.

An in-demand speaker, author of Validation is for Parking, leadership strategist, respected coach, and host of the “This is Woman’s Work” Podcast, her stalker-like obsession with confidence sets her apart from the constant stream of experts telling us to BE confident. She shares HOW you build it and gives actionable tools you can implement immediately.

A fugitive of the C-Suite at a Fortune 100 company, she has coached hundreds of women in business, giving her insight into what - structurally, systemically and socially – is and isn’t serving both women and leaders within an organization.

Episode Insight: Confidence isn’t about comparing yourself to others and feeling superior. True confidence means there’s no need to compare at all because it’s rooted in your unwavering trust in yourself.

Background: In this episode of Reflect Forward, I sit down with Nicole Kalil, founder and confidence Sherpa of Women's Work. Nicole shares her journey of building confidence, the concept behind Women's Work, and her intriguing role as the “Confidence Sherpa.” We discuss how to proactively cultivate confidence, overcome head trash, and confront common confidence derailers such as perfectionism and comparison. Nicole also touches on steps for actionable advice and insights from her book, 'Validation is for Parking.' Tune in for an inspiring conversation full of practical tips for anyone looking to boost their self-confidence

How to find Nicole:

FREE 40+ page Confidence Building Workbook for your listeners: http://eepurl.com/h_moXr

Website: https://nicolekalil.com/

This Is Woman's Work podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/this-is-womans-work-with-nicole-kalil/id1493225373

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

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicolekalil

Please order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes

Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

For years, I struggled with the idea of quitting drinking. I wrote about it in my journal, promising myself I wouldn’t open that nightly bottle of wine, only to cave by evening. I’d done Dry January and Sober October, but I always returned to my habits. At the end of May 2024, I made a deal with myself: no alcohol for 100 days, no exceptions. By the end of those 100 days, I decided to quit for good. Now, six months later, I’m healthier, happier, and more aligned with who I want to be. Here’s what I’ve learned.

First, sobriety has brought clarity, courage, and success. Without alcohol dulling my emotions, I’ve started to figure out who I truly am and what I want in life. I no longer avoid tough decisions or ignore dissatisfaction. Instead, I tackle life head-on, confident in my ability to make meaningful changes.

Second, quitting alcohol has improved my relationship with my son. I’m less irritable and more present, which has strengthened our bond. I’m also proud to role model what it looks like to kick a habit and enjoy life without alcohol.

Third, my health has dramatically improved. I’ve lost over 20 pounds, my skin glows, and I feel stronger than I have in years. While I still work on sleeping better, most mornings I wake up rested and energized.

Fourth, I’ve discovered that I don’t need alcohol to have fun. In fact, I enjoy myself more without it because I’m fully myself. Whether sipping a mocktail or NA sparkling rosé, I feel more authentic and engaged in social settings.

Finally, I’m far more productive. Evenings that once revolved around wine are now filled with reading, writing, yoga, or simply relaxing with a clear head. Mornings are free of regret and full of possibility, which has supercharged my creativity and focus.

I’m sharing this not to judge anyone but to inspire reflection. Many people drink without issue, but if you’ve wondered whether it’s holding you back, it’s worth exploring. Breaking a habit isn’t easy—it takes time and consistency. Research shows it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit, with some habits taking longer. Commit to a clear goal, identify triggers, and replace old rituals with healthier ones.

Quitting alcohol has been one of the most transformative decisions of my life. If you’re considering a change, know that it’s possible—and the life waiting on the other side might surprise you.

You can order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes

Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Hope Zvara is living proof that change starts with small movements. From yoga teacher to trucking fitness expert, Hope has helped change thousands of lives over the last 20 years using her simple step-by-step strategies and what she calls her "toolbox. As the CEO of Mother Trucker Yoga, Hope is seen as a leader in the trucking industry for health and fitness. Hope has been featured on PBS and Yahoo News and named one of the Top 11 Women to Watch Out for by LAWeekly. Drivers who work with Hope learn how to go from unhealthy and out of options to feeling good again with her unique, easy-to-follow approach to health, fitness, and life while living over the road as a trucker.

Episode Insight: Change starts with big dreams, small movements, and a vision of improving the lives of others.

Background: I love this episode of Reflect Forward with Hope Zvara, CEO and founder of Mother Trucker Yoga. Hope shares her journey of building a wellness program tailored for truckers, inspired by her own passion for yoga and a desire to help the trucking community improve health and well-being. Hope also discusses how small, simple fitness practices can make a big difference in truck drivers' health. The conversation dives into overcoming personal adversity, building a mission-driven business, and empowering an underserved community with actionable wellness strategies. Tune in to be inspired by Hope's journey and learn how small changes can create a huge impact.

How to find Hope:

Website: www.HopeZvara.com

Website: www.MotherTruckerYoga.com

YouTube HopeZvara: https://www.youtube.com/@HopeZvara

YouTube MotherTruckerYoga: https://www.youtube.com/@MotherTruckerYoga

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hope-zvara-77572935

Facebook The Daily Dose of Hope (Hope Zvara): https://www.facebook.com/TheDailyDoseOfHope

Facebook Mother Trucker Yoga: https://www.facebook.com/MotherTruckerYoga/

Instagram Hope Zvara: https://www.instagram.com/hopezvara/

Instagram Mother Trucker Yoga: https://www.instagram.com/mothertruckeryoga/

TicTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mothertruckeryoga

HZ Twitter: https://twitter.com/HopeZvara

You can order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes

Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

Episode Insight: As you explore your strengths, remember by embracing what you do best, you aren’t just advancing your career—you’re stepping into a role that truly feels like your own.

Discovering your strengths at work is essential to becoming a valuable contributor and finding fulfillment in your career. However, identifying what you’re truly good at isn’t always obvious. If you’re unsure of your strengths, start by paying attention to moments when you feel in “flow.” These are the times when you’re fully absorbed, energized, and productive, often working with ease and enjoyment. Flow moments reveal where your natural skills and interests meet the needs of your work, giving you clues about your core strengths.

Feedback from others can also be insightful. Colleagues, managers, or mentors can often recognize strengths you may overlook. By asking those around you for honest feedback on where you add the most value, you can gain a fresh perspective on your unique skills and contributions.

Notice, too, what work energizes you versus what drains you. Tasks that align with your strengths generally leave you feeling uplifted, while those outside your skill set can feel exhausting. Identifying the activities that bring you energy points you toward areas where you can excel and stay engaged. Additionally, reflect on your past accomplishments to uncover themes in your successes. Big or small, these achievements often highlight your core strengths.

To discover new potential strengths, consider stepping outside your comfort zone by taking on fresh responsibilities or projects. Experimenting with different types of work can uncover skills you never knew you had, revealing new areas of growth while building your confidence.

Emphasizing your strengths rather than focusing on your weaknesses allows you to bring unique value to your team and organization. Leveraging what you’re naturally good at not only makes you more productive and innovative but also enhances your sense of purpose at work. By aligning your strengths with your daily tasks, you create a fulfilling work experience that enables you to contribute meaningfully. Recognizing and developing your strengths brings a powerful mix of satisfaction, engagement, and sustainable career growth—a combination that benefits both you and your organization.

You can order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes

Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Garry Ridge spent 25 years as CEO building one of the world’s most beloved and recognized branded companies – WD-40 Company – starting with creating a culture of leaders and individual contributors who are genuinely joyful in their work. He refers to this time of his career as his apprenticeship. And now, he fulfills his life’s purpose by transforming his learnings into teachings, extending his guidance as a coach to companies and executives worldwide.

Garry co-authored Helping People Win at Work with Ken Blanchard and contributed a chapter to the Marshall Goldsmith/Frances Hesselbein book Work is Love Made Visible. His forthcoming book, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It, is scheduled for release in 2025.

As part of his lifelong commitment to helping others develop, Garry is an Adjunct Professor at The University of San Diego. He is also on the Gorilla Glue Company and Eastridge Workforce Solutions boards.

Episode Insight: How would you feel if every one of your employees loved their job at your company? It’s a worthy goal and one that’s attainable.

Background: I love this inspiring conversation with Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40 Company. During this week’s episode of Reflect Forward, Garry shares insights from his 25-year journey, discussing his evolution into a people-focused leader influenced by thought leaders like Ken Blanchard. Garry shares that if he can accomplish one thing, it would be to help companies create a workplace where people can go to work every day knowing that their efforts make a contribution to a cause bigger than themselves, where they feel safe, protected, and set free every day by a compelling set of values, learn something new, and try new things without fear. This makes happy people. And happy people create happy families and communities. Happy communities create a happy world. And we need a happy world.

We also explore building a positive company culture, empowering employees, and the critical role of feedback in growth. Garry discusses how transparency, courage, and humility can transform leadership and drive organizational success. Tune it to gain practical strategies for creating engaged work environments and invaluable leadership lessons from Garry's personal anecdotes and career experiences.

Episode Time Stamps

00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction

01:40 Garry Ridge's Leadership Journey

02:00 Transformational Leadership Insights

02:46 Building a Global Brand

03:53 Learning from Influential Figures

05:38 Embracing Humility in Leadership

07:50 Creating a Coaching Culture

11:11 Ingredients for a Great Culture

15:24 Handling Toxic High Performers

18:06 The Traits of Effective Leaders

18:42 The Ripple Effect of Happy Employees

20:09 The Importance of Courage in Leadership

22:33 Learning from Bold Decisions

24:30 The Value of Transparency

26:20 Embracing Feedback as a Leader

30:32 Reflecting on Leadership and Introducing the Book

32:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

How to find Garry:

Website: www.thelearningmoment.net

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

Order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes

Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Episode Insight: Success, while highly celebrated, can lead to complacency, stagnation, and, ultimately, failure if we’re not careful. Don’t fall into the temptation to stop pushing yourself once you’ve "made it.”

Success, while highly celebrated, can lead to complacency, stagnation, and ultimately failure if we’re not careful. Once you’ve "made it," the temptation is to stop pushing yourself and your business forward. This can create a dangerous comfort zone, where innovation slows down, learning becomes secondary, and you stop questioning the very strategies that got you there. It’s a trap that many successful leaders fall into, and it can prevent long-term growth.

When success leads to complacency, it often stops you from stepping out of your comfort zone. Growth requires discomfort, and when you’re no longer challenging yourself, you risk being left behind. Without continuous innovation, you can easily fall into the trap of doing what worked in the past, even as the market and your customers evolve. Taking success for granted is a critical mistake; what works today may not work tomorrow. Leaders who neglect their personal growth also see their businesses plateau. If you’re not learning, neither is your company.

To avoid these pitfalls, embrace what’s known as a "beginner’s mind"—always stay curious and open to learning, no matter how successful you are. Make innovation a priority. Push boundaries, take calculated risks, and encourage your team to think creatively. Set new goals regularly so that you’re always striving for more and never resting on past victories. Keep close to your customers and stay engaged with their needs—those who fail to adapt to changing customer demands will eventually fall behind. Finally, invest in your own personal development. Leaders who commit to lifelong learning are more likely to continue driving growth for their businesses.

In conclusion, success is not a final destination. It’s a momentary reward that requires constant attention and evolution. If you want to prevent your achievements from becoming your downfall, stay humble, creative, and in motion. Remember, success is a moving target, and as long as you keep evolving, you’ll continue hitting it.

You can order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes

Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!