The Bold Lounge

Send us Fan Mail

Content Warning: Description of suicide attempt

About This Episode

In this episode, executive coach and author of You’re the Boss, Sabina Nawaz systematically dismantles leadership myths that harm both leaders and those they lead. Particularly insightful is Sabina's discussion of the "superhero syndrome" and how promotion can actually be the most dangerous time in your career. She offers practical strategies like micro-habits and the "time portfolio" approach to help leaders make sustainable changes without attempting unrealistic overnight transformations. Sabina’s advice on turning strengths into balanced leadership skills rather than weaknesses provides actionable guidance for anyone in a position of influence. Whether you're a seasoned executive or newly promoted manager, this episode provides both the wake-up call and the practical tools needed to lead with greater self-awareness, effectiveness, and humanity. Discover why some of your greatest strengths might actually undermine your leadership, and how small, deliberate changes can transform your impact on others.

About Sabina Nawaz

Sabina Nawaz is an elite executive coach who advises C-level executives and teams at Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, and academic institutions around the world. Sabina routinely gives speeches each year and teaches faculty at Northeastern and Drexel  Universities. During her fourteen-year tenure at Microsoft, she went from managing software development teams to leading the company’s executive development and succession planning efforts for over 11,000 managers and nearly a thousand executives, advising Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer directly. She has written for and been featured in Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, NBC, Nasdaq, and MarketWatch.

Additional Resources

Website: sabinanawaz.com

Instagram: @sabinacoaching

LinkedIn: @SabinaNawaz

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected 

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube 

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

Send us Fan Mail

This episode was taped live at the ViVE 2025 conference in Nashville, Tennessee. 

About This Episode

Dr. Stephanie Lahr's bold journey from practicing physician to healthcare technology executive provides fascinating insights into how innovation and AI are transforming organizations and how we lead. Stephanie shares the pivotal moments that shaped her career path – from switching residency programs to leading technology implementation as a practicing hospitalist, and ultimately joining Artisight, an AI-focused health tech platform. Her transitions weren't always easy, but they were guided by a powerful mission: bringing joy back to medicine. Stephanie emphasizes that the most successful organizations partnering with innovation are those that value bold leadership and create a culture that encourages trying new approaches at every level. Tune in to hear Stephanie’s journey and her recommendations for those considering their own bold career pivots.

About Stephanie Lahr

Dr. Stephanie Lahr is Chief Experience Officer of Artisight Inc., an innovative sensor network platform solution with the goal of bringing the joy back to medicine and reducing friction using automation and AI. Prior to Artisight, Dr. Lahr served for 6.5 years as the CIO and CMIO of Monument Health. She is an experienced informaticist and leader in the healthcare industry and has served on several boards and committees including CHIME, the Epic Community Connect Steering Board, in which she was the previous Chair, the South Dakota state HIE board, AMDIS, and the United Way of the Black Hills. Dr. Lahr was a HIMSS 2021 Changemaker in Healthcare Award recipient. Dr. Lahr was named a Becker’s Women in Health IT to Know in 2024 and was selected as one of the “50 under 50” by Slice of Healthcare. She holds a Medical Degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch, completed an internship in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Internal Medicine residency, is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Clinical Informatics, and has completed the CHIME CIO Bootcamp and is a certified CHCIO.

Additional Resources

LinkedIn: @StephanieLahr

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected 

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube 

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

Send us Fan Mail

About This Episode

Would you ever chase a stranger off the subway? That's exactly what Jenny Wood did, and it changed her life forever. This stranger became her husband and the experience became a powerful metaphor for embracing what she calls "wild courage," the ability to take bold action despite our deepest fears. During her 18 years at Google, Jenny Wood grew from entry-level to executive leadership, running operations teams that drove billions in annual revenue. The heart of Jenny's philosophy is her framework of nine counterintuitive traits: weird, selfish, shameless, nosy, obsessed, manipulative, brutal, reckless, and bossy. These deliberately provocative terms represent qualities we're taught to suppress, especially women. Jenny brilliantly reclaims these traits, showing how embracing the right version of each empowers us to achieve extraordinary results. Whether you're considering a career pivot, seeking promotion, or simply want to live more boldly, this episode will give you the tools to embrace your own wild courage.

About Jenny Wood

In her 18 years at Google, Jenny Wood grew from entry-level to executive, and she most recently led a large operations team that helped drive billions of revenue per year. In 2021, she started a passion project within Google called Own Your Career, which grew to one of the largest career development programs in Google’s history. Through the program she founded, she has trained tens of thousands of people on: acing a job search, building relationships, personal branding, effective email writing, landing the right mentor, maximizing workplace influence, and most importantly, increasing confidence. Jenny’s writing has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Entrepreneur, Inc., and Forbes. She is an FAA-licensed private pilot, a daily hiker, an improv student, a tap dancer, and a zucchini bread connoisseur. She lives in Boulder, Colorado with her two young children and her husband, Jon. She met Jon by chasing him off the NYC Subway, and the New York Times featured their story.

Additional Resources

Website: itsjennywood.com

Check Out Her Book, Wild Courage 

Instagram: @itsjennywood

LinkedIn: @JennyWood

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected 

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube 

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

Send us Fan Mail

About This Episode

Paula Davis, founder of the Stress and Resilience Institute, takes us on her bold journey from burnout to breakthrough in this compelling conversation. Paula's story begins with a choice between her health and her career– a decision point many professionals face but few discuss openly. After walking away from her law practice, she discovered her true calling: helping leaders and teams prevent burnout before it happens. Her personal experience of values misalignment became the catalyst for the research and framework that would ultimately help thousands. Paula also dives into the five leadership mindsets from her new book, Beating Burnout at Work: Why Teams Hold the Secret to Well-Being & Resilience. From creating "sticky recognition" that makes team members feel genuinely valued to building workload sustainability, Paula offers practical strategies for leaders at every level. Tune in to start improving how your team works. Paula recommends starting with recognition and mattering, the foundational mindset that opens the door to resilience, belonging, and exceptional performance.

About Paula Davis

Paula Davis JD, MAPP, is the Founder and CEO of the Stress & Resilience Institute. For 15 years, she has been a trusted advisor to leaders in organizations of all sizes helping them to make work better. Paula is a globally recognized expert on the effects of workplace stress, burnout prevention, workplace well-being, and building resilience for individuals and teams. Paula left her law practice after seven years and earned a master’s degree in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. As part of her post-graduate training, Paula was selected to be part of the University of Pennsylvania faculty teaching and training resilience skills to soldiers as part of the Army’s Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness program. Paula is the author of Beating Burnout at Work: Why Teams Hold the Secret to Well-Being & Resilience, which is about burnout prevention using a teams-based approach. Beating Burnout at Work was nominated for best new book by the Next Big Idea Club, which is curated by Adam Grant, Susan Cain, Malcom Gladwell, and Daniel Pink. Paula has shared her expertise at educational institutions such as Harvard Law School, Wharton School Executive Education, and Princeton. She is a two-time recipient of the distinguished teaching award from the Medical College of Wisconsin. She has been featured in and on The New York Times, O, The Oprah Magazine, The Washington Post and many other media outlets. Paula is also a contributor to Forbes, Fast Company and Psychology Today.

Additional Resources

Website: stressandresilience.com

Instagram: @stressandresilience

LinkedIn: @PaulaDavis

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected 

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube 

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

Send us Fan Mail

About This Episode

Shawn Nelson, founder and CEO of the Lovesac Company, defines boldness as a state of mind that is as constant as we push ourselves to make it. He maintains his bold edge by deliberately seeking situations that challenge him. When faced with seemingly impossible vertical climbs, in dirt biking and in real life, he applies his philosophy: "If it has been done, it can be done. And why not me?" This same mindset helped him transform a simple beanbag chair into a publicly-traded company now worth billions. What makes Shawn’s journey particularly valuable is his transparency about struggle. He openly shares Lovesac’s bankruptcy experience, which he calls his "MBA in a box," and shares so many of the other lessons he has learned in his latest book, Let Me Save You 25 Years. Shawn also challenges listeners to be bold enough to be honest about what truly motivates them, rather than pursuing status symbols or others' definitions of success. Tune in for an inspiring episode that will encourage you to make you own bold path forward. 

About Shawn Nelson

Shawn D. Nelson is the author of the best-selling book Let Me Save You 25 Years: Mistakes, Miracles, and Lessons from the Lovesac Story. He is the founder and CEO of the Lovesac Company, which designs, manufactures, and sells such furniture as modular couches and bean bag chairs. Nelson holds a BA in Mandarin Chinese from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in Strategic Design and Management from Parsons, The New School for Design in New York City, where he later became an instructor.

Additional Resources

Website: shawndnelson.com

Instagram: @shawnoflovesac

LinkedIn: @ShawnDNelson

Check Out His Book, Let Me Save You 25 Years

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected 

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube 

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

Send us Fan Mail

About This Episode

Catalina Bloch shares her transformative journey from corporate to entrepreneurial success as the CEO and founder of MDRN Creative Group, a seven-figure business specializing in high-end photo and video experiences. Her story demonstrates how taking bold action despite fear and uncertainty can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Catalina explores how listening to your gut, creating genuine value for clients, and taking action, even if it’s not always perfect, can lead to great success. Her story isn't about overnight achievement but persistent belief in possibility, a philosophy that has established her as a leader in the experiential marketing industry. Ready to take your own bold leap? Tune in to hear Catalina’s process and how you can get started on your own bold journey today.

About Catalina Bloch

Catalina Bloch is the CEO and founder of MDRN Creative Group, the powerhouse behind successful brands like MDRN Photobooth Co. and MDRN Activations. Having built a 7-figure business specializing in high-end photo and video experiences for luxury weddings and major brands, Catalina has become a leader in the experiential marketing industry. Through Photo Booth Mastery, she now teaches other photo booth business owners how to scale their businesses with proven strategies and technical expertise. From pricing and lead generation to advanced DSLR techniques, Catalina empowers entrepreneurs to build thriving, automated businesses while delivering exceptional service.

Additional Resources

Web: photoboothmastery.catalinabloch.com

Instagram: @photoboothmastery    @mdrnactivations    @mdrnphotoboothco

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected 

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube 

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

Send us Fan Mail

About This Episode

Are you ready to show up authentically for yourself? Join us in this eye-opening episode as we sit down with Melissa Hurrington, a transformational leader and advocate for authenticity in the corporate world. As CFO and VP of Operations at Premier Claims, Melissa exemplifies the essence of balancing personal values with professional ambition. In our conversation, Melissa shares her bold decision to transition from a stable corporate environment to a startup, highlighting the fears and exhilaration that accompanied such a leap. She redefines what it means to be authentic in a professional landscape often governed by expectations and constraints, encouraging listeners to recognize their unique strengths in a world that frequently asks them to conform. Packed with actionable insights, this episode invites you to reassess how you define boldness and authenticity in your life. Tune in and start your journey toward embracing your authentic self.

About Melissa Hurrington

As a devoted wife and mother, Melissa Hurrington embodies the essence of balance and leadership both at home and in the professional arena. With a multifaceted role as CFO & VP at Operations of Premier Claims, she navigates the complexities of financial strategy and operational excellence with finesse. Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Melissa serves as the Omaha Chapter President of the CFO Leadership Council,  is a founding member of The Bold Leaders Collective, and stands among The Next 100. A true servant leader at heart, she approaches every endeavor with authenticity and humility, recognizing that her greatest strength lies in uplifting others. At the core of her identity, she remains unapologetically and authentically herself. 

Additional Resources

Learn More About the Corporate Women Leaders Collective in Omaha

LinkedIn: @MelissaHurrington

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected 

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube 

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

Send us Fan Mail

Content Warning: suicide attempt

About This Episode

Shola Richards, the innovative CEO of Go Together Global, speaker and author, brings a fresh perspective on being bold. Shola reveals how seemingly small acts, like setting personal boundaries, can trigger profound personal growth and transformation. He candidly shares his own experiences with toxic workplace environments, illustrating the bold decisions and inner strength needed to reclaim one's mental well-being and authenticity. Shola also delves into the significance of fostering psychological safety and civility in the workplace, rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu and his Go Together movement. By creating spaces that honor both our commonalities and differences, we can pave the way for genuine collaboration and mutual respect. With practical strategies for engaging with opposing views, Shola inspires us to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth, urging us to take bold steps toward a more inclusive and respectful world. 

About Shola Richards

Shola Richards is an international keynote speaker, author, and suicide survivor, who has deep expertise about—and firsthand experience with—the dangers of toxic incivility. Lovingly nicknamed, “Brother Teresa”, Shola has shared his transformative message of civility on three different continents, on major media platforms such as CBS This Morning, with top organizations (such Microsoft, Google, and WebMD), on the TEDx stage, and even on Capitol Hill where he was invited to testify in front of the House of Representatives for two hours about how to bring more civility to Congress (and he’ll be the first to tell you that they need a refresher course). Shola’s ideas are known to be extremely practical, deeply researched, highly inspirational, and readily applicable to people from all walks of life.

Additional Resources

Web: sholarichards.com 

Instagram: @sholarichards

LinkedIn: @SholaRichards

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected 

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube 

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

Send us Fan Mail

About This Episode

Rachel Salzberg, a leadership development expert and CEO of Facets Coaching, joins us for a compelling conversation on boldness and personal reinvention. Rachel opens up about her transformative journey to highlight how true boldness can be a profound internal shift. Discover how challenging inherited belief systems and embracing a ReSoul Revolution can lead you towards authentic living and help you break free from societal expectations. Rachel also delves into the significance of recognizing signs of misalignment and burnout, and how these can manifest physically and emotionally. She emphasizes the importance of self-love, setting boundaries, and intentional reinvention for fostering personal growth. This episode invites you to challenge outdated beliefs, embrace your soul-driven potential, and take inspired actions that honor your true self. Whether you're on the search for personal growth or ready to ignite your own ReSoul Revolution, this conversation offers invaluable insights and motivation for your unique journey.

About Rachel Salzberg

Rachel Salzberg is a leadership development expert, keynote speaker, board member, podcast host, author, and CEO of Facets Coaching. She coaches individuals and consults leaders in top-tier organizations like Microsoft drawing on her deep expertise across various industries including technology, non-profit, academia and healthcare. Central to Rachel's mission is the ReSoul Revolution™. In her new book she talks about a transformative movement that harmonizes brain and soul to elevate individual consciousness and unlock the path for full personal mastery. This philosophy champions the idea that everyone has both the capacity and moral responsibility to foster conscious leadership within themselves and extend it to their communities and the globe. In her work, Rachel introduces easily adoptable yet powerful “ReSoul” Rituals for personal transformation. Her compelling narratives merge personal adversities with professional challenges, addressing societal pressures, fears, and failures. Her stories not only stir deep emotional connections but also inspire action, encouraging readers to ignite their personal ReSoul Revolutions. These experiences sowed feelings of defectiveness and alienation but also fueled her quest for personal growth and Rachel's journey is a testament to resilience. By shedding outdated beliefs and aligning with her soul’s desires, Rachel transformed her life and now empowers others to tap into their soul-driven potential helping people to transform their pain into powerful gifts of growth to achieve sustainable change, wisdom, and strength.

Additional Resources

Website: facetscoaching.com

Check Out Her Book, The ReSoul Revolution: https://lnkd.in/gUCFEP7C

Instagram: @resoulrachel

LinkedIn: @RachelSalzberg

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected 

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube 

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter

Send us Fan Mail

About This Episode

What if the biggest roadblocks to your success are the lies you tell yourself? Tune into this transformative discussion with Mo Bunnell, a visionary in business development, author of Give to Grow, and founder of Bunnell Idea Group. His insights urge us to recognize and challenge the false beliefs that constrain us, including the fears and uncertainties that can hold us back. He shares practical strategies for prioritizing long-term goals and embracing strategic generosity in business. Mo also offers guidance on how to offer value without underselling yourself, sharing advice to navigate the balance between giving and maintaining self-worth. He describes how a thoughtful approach to generosity can foster genuine connections and propel professional relationships forward. Listen in to uncover how cultivating a bold mindset, fueled by generosity and persistence, can lead to remarkable outcomes both personally and professionally.

About Mo Bunnell

Mo Bunnell helps complex organizations grow by scaling business development skills across their organizations and creating a growth-oriented culture. He’s the author of Give to Grow, The Snowball System, the host of the podcast Real Relationships Real Revenue and the founder of Bunnell Idea Group (BIG), who has trained tens of thousands of professionals. BIG’s clients have used Mo and his team’s GrowBIG® training to give their experts a system for growth that creates deep relationships, gives a comprehensive business development framework and dare we say, is fun to use. Mo started out his career as an expert himself, passing all the actuarial exams to earn their highest designation: Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. Today, Mo enjoys working with hundreds of clients including some the largest, most prestigous service-based organizations. Mo and his wife of over 30 years, Becky, enjoy spending time with their friends and two adult daughters. Outside of work he enjoys working out, backpacking, and playing ultimate frisbee at the national and world levels. Becky and Mo live in Atlanta, Georgia with their four horses, two cats, dog, bird and miniature donkey, Louie Hamilton.

Additional Resources

Website: bunnellideagroup.com

LinkedIn: @MoBunnell

Support the show

--------

Stay Connected 

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube 

Follow Leigh on Instagram: @theleighaburgess

Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

Sign up for Leigh’s bold newsletter