In this powerful episode of The Disruptive Leader, host Ranya sits down with Katie O'Malley, Founder and Principal Coach of (en)Courage Coaching, for an incredibly raw and insightful conversation about career transformation, workplace toxicity, and the courage to bet on yourself. 

Katie opens up about her unconventional journey from a political science major to commercial real estate to experiencing a mental health crisis that ultimately led her to become a leadership coach. 

She shares the pivotal moment when she realized the misalignment between her values and work environment was creating a mental health emergency, leading to a medical leave of absence in 2012 - a time when mental health wasn't widely discussed in professional settings.

Katie's story is one of resilience and authenticity. She transformed her personal struggle into a mission to help others navigate the intersection of mental health and career satisfaction. 

Now serving over 200 clients since 2018, Katie brings a unique "triple threat methodology," combining counseling, organizational psychology, and leadership education to help individuals and organizations create more humane workplaces. 

Her insights on the five dimensions of employee well-being and toxic workplace identification provide listeners with practical frameworks for evaluating their work situations.

• Katie's Core Values and Authenticity Framework [2:30] Katie introduces her three core values - courage, learning, and justice - explaining how operating from these principles makes decision-making easier and allows authentic energy. She emphasizes authenticity means knowing why you show up the way you do.
• The Unconventional Career Journey: From Politics to Mental Health Crisis [5:15] Katie traces her path from John Kerry's presidential campaign to nonprofit work to commercial real estate, where a values mismatch triggered a mental health crisis. She openly discusses taking medical leave for depression and panic disorder in 2012.
• The Triple Threat Methodology: Counseling Meets Coaching [12:45] Katie explains pursuing a counseling master's but becoming credentialed as a coach instead, allowing her to work at the intersection of mental health and career development when insurance wouldn't cover work-related therapy sessions.
• The Five Dimensions of Employee Wellbeing [23:00] Katie breaks down Gallup's framework identifying five critical areas: career (advancement paths), financial (fair compensation), community (belonging), physical (boundaries and self-care), and emotional (psychological safety).
• Identifying and Escaping Toxic Workplaces [28:30] Rather than universal toxicity, Katie explains how workplaces become toxic through values mismatches. Work should have neutral impact at worst, and she discusses evaluating needs across the five wellbeing dimensions.
• The Great Resignation and Workplace Ghosting Phenomenon [35:20] Katie addresses mutual ghosting between employers and candidates, with AI-generated applications creating bloated pools while companies fail interview commitments. She emphasizes compassion on both sides.
• Risk Tolerance and Making the Leap [15:30] Responding to Ranya's story about quitting on the spot, Katie discusses helping clients assess risk tolerance and financial needs before career changes, using Hogan Assessments and setting concrete readiness markers.
• Leadership Development Gap and Systems Issues [42:15] Katie reveals people are promoted to leadership at 30 but receive training at 42 - a 12-year gap causing failure. Individual performance issues often reflect broader systems problems, not personal failings.
• Building Trust-Based Workplace Culture [48:00] Katie emphasizes assessing trust levels before working on culture.

CALL TO ACTION, EPISODE LINK & CONTACT INFO

Ready to transform your career or workplace culture? Visit Katie's website at encouragecoaching.org to book a consultation https://encouragecoaching.org/

In this episode, Ranya Barakat speaks with Emma Löfgren, editor of The Local Sweden and deputy managing editor of The Local Europe.

Emma shares how journalism can help people find their place in new countries, discussing immigration challenges in Europe, media representation, and the future of news.

With insights from her decade at The Local and personal experiences living abroad, Emma offers a fresh perspective on cross-cultural communication and inclusive journalism.

BULLET POINTS OF KEY TOPICS & CHAPTER MARKERS

• Introduction to Emma Löfgren [01:30] Emma introduces herself as a digital news editor who believes journalism helps people find their place in the world. As editor of The Local Sweden and deputy managing editor of The Local Europe, she oversees English-language news for foreign professionals across nine European countries.
• The changing immigrant experience [04:12] Europe has become increasingly unwelcoming over the past decade, with tightening immigration rules and hostile rhetoric. Emma notes many immigrants feel bitter toward Sweden after investing years only to feel unwelcome as policies shift from "come to Sweden" to "please leave."
• Media representation challenges [07:35] Domestic media often lumps all immigrants together as either threats or objects of pity. Emma highlights how mainstream outlets overlook certain immigrant groups (like Indian tech workers) and treat immigrants as subjects to write about rather than audiences to write for. When surveyed by The Local, immigrants consistently say "thank you for asking" about their perspectives.
• The Örebro shooting response [17:20] Emma explains writing an opinion piece challenging Swedish lawmakers after the Örebro shooting, where most victims were immigrants. She discusses the Prime Minister's speech acknowledging immigrant vulnerability while pointing out his previous rhetoric blamed social problems on immigrants.
• Moving beyond stereotypes [24:05] "I'm Swedish, but I'm also a woman, a mother, a journalist," Emma notes, explaining how we all belong to multiple groups beyond nationality. The conversation explores how focusing on commonalities rather than differences could reduce polarization and create greater unity.
• Curiosity as a bridge-builder [27:50] The most powerful tool for harmony is genuine curiosity about each other. Emma emphasizes asking questions and approaching differences with openness rather than assumptions.
• Living abroad in Scotland [31:40] Emma shares her experience moving to Scotland for university and working at a community newspaper in the Western Isles. She reflects that living abroad made her "highs higher and lows lower" compared to life in Sweden.
• Navigating cultural differences [36:30] From butter knife etiquette to eye contact norms, cultural misunderstandings are inevitable but resolvable through open communication. Emma shares examples of how simple conversations can bridge seemingly significant cultural divides.
• Reimagining journalism [44:20] Today's journalism needs less negative news without context and more listening to audiences. Emma advocates for a transparent approach that brings readers along on a journey of discovery rather than pretending journalists have all the answers.
• Identity beyond borders [53:40] The conversation concludes with reflections on belonging. Ranya shares that "home is inside of me and not a place," while Emma describes how people can put down new roots anywhere, like the Iraqi immigrant who became an expert on his Swedish village's history.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• The Local Sweden: https://www.thelocal.se
• Contact Emma: [email protected]
• Emma's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-löfgren

CALL TO ACTION

• Subscribe to The Disruptive Leader Podcast for more conversations on leadership and cross-cultural perspectives
• Share this episode with colleagues navigating multicultural environments
• Connect with Ranya Barakat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranyabarakat/
  

In this episode, Ranya interviews Monica Kamel-Rust, Team Lead and Services Consultant at HubSpot, about her tech industry journey. 

Monica shares how her multicultural background and marketing automation expertise drove transformational change across global markets - from American Express's Member-Get-Member program to revolutionizing marketing at Jochen Schweizer mydays Group by reducing cost per lead from €250 to €20. 

The conversation covers CRM implementation, change management, and marketing technology's future.

Bullet Points of Key Topics & Chapter Markers

• Marketing Transformation [17:22] At Jochen Schweizer mydays Group, Monica built a marketing team and implemented systems that dramatically reduced cost per lead while contributing to 30% of business opportunities through marketing-qualified leads.
• Enterprise CRM Implementation [26:05] Monica shares tactics for driving HubSpot adoption in enterprise environments, achieving $9.7M in influenced ARR through cross-functional collaboration and MVP demonstrations before full implementation.
• Change Management in Tech Adoption [35:19] Learn Monica's approach to the human side of digital transformation - identifying champions, designing effective training programs, and creating user-friendly processes.
• High-Performance Team Leadership [44:38] Monica discusses building teams that balance technical expertise with people skills across different cultures and skill sets.
• ROI Justification [52:14] Discover Monica's framework for calculating and communicating ROI to executives, particularly skeptical CFOs, including baseline metrics establishment and compelling data presentation.
• Marketing Technology Future [59:33] Monica predicts where marketing automation and CRM are headed, discussing AI impact and the balance between automation and human touch.
• Advice for Global Leaders [1:07:42] Monica reflects on her continuous learning journey and shares advice for professionals navigating international business environments and digital transformation initiatives.

Resources & Links

• Kamel-Rust on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicakamelrust/
• HubSpot Enterprise Solutions: https://www.hubspot.com/enterprise
• Quantic School of Business and Technology: https://quantic.edu/
• Member-Get-Member Program Strategy Guide: https://www.americanexpress.com/partners
• Marketing Automation Implementation Framework: https://academy.hubspot.com/certification

In this captivating episode of The Disruptive Leader, we sit down with Deyana P, Director of Digital, Growth, and Product at August and founder of A Mindful Escape. 

With over 15 years of experience driving digital Transformation across luxury brands, Deyana shares her remarkable journey from pioneering Bitcoin payments in luxury hotels to creating mindful retreats in the Bulgarian mountains. 

Through personal challenges and professional triumphs, she offers profound insights into the intersection of technology, humanity, and leadership in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.

KEY TOPICS & CHAPTER MARKERS

• The Human Behind the Leader [01:45] Deyana opens up about her philosophy of being "human first" before any professional title, setting the tone for an authentic conversation about leadership and personal growth.
• Early Digital Innovation in Luxury [04:30] Breaking down the pioneering implementation of Bitcoin payments at Dorchester Collection in 2015, including the challenges of convincing boardrooms and winning an innovation award.
• Award-Winning Campaigns [15:20] Deep dive into "The World on a Plate" campaign, conceived during COVID-19, and how it perfectly balanced creativity and commercial success.
• Leading Global Teams [21:30] Discussion of managing distributed teams across three continents, addressing cultural differences, and maintaining team cohesion through inclusive leadership practices.
• Personal Transformation [31:45] A touching segment about how personal loss and her grandmother's Alzheimer's diagnosis led to creating A Mindful Escape and a renewed focus on giving back.
• The Bulgarian Mountain Retreat [39:15] explores A Mindful Escape's luxury mountain retreat concept, which combines natural serenity with comfortable amenities.
• Technology and Human Connection [43:20] Insightful Discussion about the balance between technological advancement and maintaining human connection in the workplace.
• Performance and People [52:40] Analysis of achieving significant business metrics while maintaining a human-centric leadership approach.
• The Future of Business [1:01:30] Predictions about AI's role in business disruption and maintaining human elements in Digital Transformation.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• LinkedIn:Deyana P

• A Mindful Escape website

CALL TO ACTION: Connect with Deyana on LinkedIn or website to learn more about A Mindful Escape's retreats and corporate wellbeing workshops.

Want to be a guest on The Disruptive Leader? Contact us atwww.thedisruptiveleader.com

In this compelling episode of The Disruptive Leader, we explore the remarkable journey of Tara Rule, a former Adobe Senior Director who is now a leadership coach and founder of Tara Rule Ltd. 

Tara shares her transition from accountant to tech executive, revealing how saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities transformed her career trajectory. 

Her story illuminates the power of human-centered leadership, challenging traditional management paradigms focusing on empowerment, engagement, and energy. 

Through candid discussions about leading diverse teams across EMEA and building cultures of trust, Tara provides invaluable insights into modern leadership practices that drive personal growth and business success.

KEY TOPICS & CHAPTER MARKERS

The Power of Saying Yes [02:15] Tara shares the pivotal moment when she transitioned from finance to marketing after maternity leave, highlighting how embracing unexpected opportunities can lead to transformative career changes. She discusses overcoming self-imposed limitations and taking calculated risks in professional growth.

Leading Diverse Teams in Tech [11:30] Exploration of Tara's experience managing a 30-person commercial team across EMEA at Adobe. She details her approach to leveraging team strengths, building inclusive cultures, and navigating multiple markets at different maturity levels—key insights into creating an environment where diversity becomes a competitive advantage.

The Star Theory of Leadership [18:45] Tara introduces her powerful "star analogy" from positive psychology, explaining how focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses leads to better outcomes. She discusses the importance of helping team members identify and leverage their unique capabilities while maintaining awareness of development areas.

Coaching in a Fast-Paced World [27:20] Discuss how modern coaching methods and positive psychology can be effectively implemented in today's rapid-paced business environment. Tara shares practical examples of "micro-coaching moments" and explains why traditional "stick and carrot" approaches are outdated.

Building Confidence in Corporate Teams [35:40] Insight into how leaders can foster genuine team confidence beyond financial incentives. Tara shares remarkable results from her confidence workshops and explains why self-belief is crucial for team performance.

Creating Engaged Teams [42:15] The episode concludes with Tara's three key elements for maximizing team impact: engagement, empowerment, and energy. She provides practical advice for leaders looking to create positive, high-performing cultures regardless of organization size.

RESOURCES & LINKS

In this compelling episode of The Disruptive Leader, we dive deep into the world of customer success with Guillermo Arenas, a veteran with 14+ years of experience in SaaS, startups, and B2B. 

From navigating between Colombia and the United States early to becoming a key player in HubSpot's Latin American expansion, Guillermo shares insights on building customer loyalty, managing global teams, and balancing professional growth with personal life. 

His journey from HubSpot's Senior Customer Success Manager to fractional leadership offers valuable lessons on adaptability, cultural intelligence, and the evolving landscape of customer success.

KEY TOPICS & CHAPTER MARKERS

NOTABLE QUOTES

RESOURCES & LINKS

GET IN TOUCH

Want to be a guest on The Disruptive Leader? Drop us a message at https://www.thedisruptiveleader.com/

In this compelling episode of The Disruptive Leader, we sit down with Tim Cabrelli, co-founder of Affixxius Films, one of the UK's leading production companies. 

Tim shares his remarkable journey from starting a film company at age 15 to building a creative powerhouse that's produced award-winning content for major brands and impactful social campaigns. 

We explore how a life-threatening diagnosis at 29 transformed his perspective on business and life. We dive deep into his philosophy on creative risk-taking, managing creative teams, and the future of commercial filmmaking in the age of AI and social media.

KEY TOPICS & CHAPTER MARKERS

RESOURCES & LINKS

NOTABLE QUOTES

In this heartwarming and insightful episode, we explore Denise Thijzen's remarkable journey as a Product Manager at HubSpot and former top-performing Customer Success leader. 

Born and raised in Aruba, Denise's story is a testament to the power of cultural adaptability and maintaining childlike wonder in professional growth. 

From her early days coding Sailor Moon websites to leading global tech teams, Denise shares how her multilingual background and diverse cultural experiences have shaped her approach to product management and team leadership. 

This episode explores themes of identity, belonging, and the unique perspective that comes from being a global citizen in the tech industry.

KEY TOPICS & CHAPTER MARKERS

RESOURCES & LINKS

MEMORABLE QUOTES 

GET IN TOUCH

In this captivating episode of The Disruptive Leader, we sit down with Lucila Abal, a HubSpot Hall of Fame member and Community Champion who has masterfully bridged the worlds of finance, technology, and education.

From her early days as a ballerina and CPA to becoming a leading voice in HubSpot's Spanish-speaking community, Lucila shares her remarkable journey of constant evolution and embracing curiosity. 

As a digital nomad who speaks four languages fluently, she brings a unique perspective on adapting technology solutions across different cultures while maintaining authenticity in leadership.

KEY TOPICS & CHAPTER MARKERS

RESOURCES & LINKS

KEY QUOTES

ABOUT THE GUEST Lucila Abal is a HubSpot Hall of Fame member, Community Champion, and certified trainer with over a decade of experience in CRM implementation and strategy. 

She has pioneered Spanish-language HubSpot education and currently leads as a consultant while embracing the digital nomad lifestyle across Europe.

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

In this raw and inspiring conversation, we sit down with Cheryl Razzell, Head of Compute Solution Architecture at AWS UK/Ireland, who shares her remarkable journey in tech. 

From leaving school with no GCSEs to becoming one of the UK's most influential women in technology, Cheryl's story challenges conventional paths to success.

Cheryl opens up about entering the tech world in the 1990s when female technologists were rare, facing everything from assumptions she was "the IT manager's EA" to navigating workplace discrimination. 

She discusses how the lack of formal education fueled her imposter syndrome but also drove her to repeatedly work harder and prove herself.

Now a recognized leader at AWS, Cheryl is transforming the narrative around women in tech through extensive mentoring and advocacy work. 

Her commitment to centralizing the human element in technology solutions reflects AWS's customer-obsessed approach, demonstrating how technical expertise and people-first leadership can coexist.

Key Discussion Points:

Memorable Quote: 

"When I left school, I had no GCSEs. I had no idea what to do with my life... The most surprising part is where I am today. I still pinch myself that I'm in the role I'm in, in the organization I'm in, and doing what I love."

This episode powerfully reminds us that success in tech isn't about where you start but where your passion and resilience can take you.

Timestamps: