What if the secret to becoming a more effective leader lies not in developing a subject matter expertise and amassing years of experience, but in embracing a simple question: “Why?” In a world where innovation and forward momentum often define success, stopping to question why can be the difference maker for effective and enlightened leaders. I recently sat down with Brandon Fong, host of the globally ranked Beyond Curious podcast, to explore how curiosity shapes leadership and professional growth. Brandon champions curiosity not just as an essential leadership skill but as a lifeline to deeper, more meaningful connections within ourselves and with others. He believes that when we embed curiosity in our approach to life and work, it unlocks new pathways to personal and professional revelation. Ready to learn how question and reflection transforms into a dynamic catalyst for change? Then you won’t want to miss this enlightening episode! 

High-performing teams don’t happen by accident. You can hire the best people, offer competitive salaries, and set ambitious goals—but if you don’t intentionally build a strong, aligned culture, your team will never reach its full potential. So, what separates good teams from world-class teams? That’s exactly what I explored in my conversation with Jay Rosenzweig, an executive leadership strategist, social impact entrepreneur, and founder of Rosenzweig & Company. Jay has spent his career helping leaders attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent. His insights reveal one core truth: great teams aren’t found—they’re built. Want to learn how to build a world-class team? At Meritage Leadership, we help executives build high-performing teams through strategic leadership, culture alignment, and talent development. Don’t miss this enlightening episode! 

Why does changing old habits always feel like an uphill battle, even when we genuinely want to change? Understanding the science behind our behaviors isn't just a nice-to-have; it's essential for growth. Natalie McVeigh, an executive coach specializing in neuroscience and conversational intelligence, and I dove deep into this enlightening topic. Natalie has dedicated her career to understanding the intricacies of human behavior and helping others break unproductive cycles. She believes that change often comes with the tendency to focus on what we shouldn’t do, a pattern that inadvertently reinforces the very behaviors we aim to avoid. Instead of battling ingrained patterns that don’t serve us, Natalie emphasizes the power of positive action and mindful communication. Natalie's expertise helps individuals transform their habits through intentional and measured actions, leading to personal and professional growth. Ready to transform your habits for personal and professional growth? Then don't miss this enlightening interview! 

How does one measure the true value of a leader?  Is it in strategy and profits or does it go deeper and look at empathy, followership and visionary thinking?  I had the opportunity to dive into the world of conscious leadership with Justin Breen, an extraordinary visionary and CEO/Co-Founder of Epic F.I.T. Network, which was recently named one of the Top 5 Masterminds in the world by Business Traveler USA Magazine. Envisioning leadership through Justin Breen’s lens challenges us to rethink our paths, emphasizing evolution through connection, empathy, and a touch of visionary daring. We explored Justin’s upcoming book, "Epic Journey", featuring an introduction by Deepak Chopra. This book proves that transformative pain can fuel empathetic, conscious leadership. When leaders face their inner struggles, they gain a sensitivity that resonates strongly with others. Ready to learn how leading with empathy redefines success? Then you don’t want to miss this enlightening episode! 

What if the key to unlocking exponential growth lies not in (only) maximizing profits, but in genuinely caring for all stakeholders? In a world where businesses prioritize the bottom line, many overlook the transformative power of a mission that serves customers, employees, and the community. Recently I spoke with Philip Wilson, the founder and CEO of Ecofiltro, whose journey from personal crisis to impactful leadership is nothing short of transformational. Philip is the mastermind behind Ecofiltro, a social enterprise providing clean water to countless rural families across Latin America. His story showcases how meaningful missions and heart-led leadership can create exponential financial success as well. Ready to learn how leaders can achieve a profound level of success? Then you don’t want to miss this enlightening episode! 

How important is having your employees form friendships at work? Is there a decrease in productivity if employees are also friends? The answers may surprise you. In fact, fostering meaningful connections among team members can be the secret ingredient to thriving workplace success. Shasta Nelson brings her deep expertise, grounded in over 15 years of research on human connections, to discuss with us the pivotal role that work friendships and a sense of belonging play in organizational success. During our conversation, Shasta provided invaluable strategies that leaders can implement to cultivate a supportive and high-performing team culture. Ready to learn how to create a culture of belonging in the workplace? Then you don’t want to miss this enlightening interview! 

Have you ever found yourself staring blankly at your computer screen, completely overwhelmed by a mountain of responsibilities, wondering if it’s time to reconsider your role as an executive? During my recent talk with Jay Abbasi, a former leader of people development at Tesla and current speaker and coach, we dug deep into the methods and mindsets necessary for preventing burnout and sustaining overall well-being. Jay's career and life transformed following the sudden passing of his father in 2014, propelling him into a journey of personal development and mindfulness. Jay shared meaningful insights on focusing on one area of improvement at a time and integrating daily stillness practices into our routines, along with actionable steps you can take to thrive both personally and professionally. Want to learn practical steps that can guide us towards more balanced, productive, and fulfilling work lives? Then don’t miss this enlightening interview!  

Enlightened leaders are wholly candid, with themselves and their teams, and deliver that truth with compassion. Have you realized that power within yourself? I recently had the pleasure of hosting Matt Hudson on "The Enlightened Executive," a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to making a positive impact through truth, love, and leadership. Over time, this pursuit led him to a profound realization—true fulfillment lies not in the accolades or financial gain but in service to others and making a meaningful impact on the world. This awakening transformed Matt's approach to both business and life, prompting him to prioritize purpose over profit and measure success by the positive difference he makes, rather than the balance in his bank account. Our conversation underscored that success doesn't just revolve around financial gains, but also hinges on impactful, purpose-driven leadership. Want to learn how our personal evolution directly impacts our leadership effectiveness? Then don’t miss this enlightening episode! 

How authentic are our connections, really? Genuine connection—both with ourselves and others—holds the power to transform not just our work lives but our well-being too. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer Hill, an entrepreneur who stepped away from her legal recruiting company in 2018 and now channels her energy into fostering connections through her SaaS company, Optimatch, and her podcast, "Regarding Consciousness." Inspired by her mission to connect 1 billion people deeply to themselves and others, Jennifer's insights are a must-hear for all leaders aiming for personal and organizational growth. Jennifer sheds light on what she calls the "golden triangle of connection"—connecting to oneself, to others, and to one's purpose. Want to learn how to achieve connection in a meaningful way? Then don’t miss this enlightening interview!

What's holding you back from speaking up and letting your authentic self show up at work? Where are you keeping yourself on "mute" and what is that costing you? I had the pleasure of speaking with the inspiring Rachel Druckenmiller, a dynamic keynote speaker, leadership trainer, and the creative mind behind the concept of Unmuted. Rachel’s story of unmuting her authentic self—evolving from an unfulfilling corporate career to a full-time speaker who integrates singing into her keynotes—was full of transformational insights. She has dedicated her career to helping others find their voices and thrive, free from the constraints of silence and self-doubt. Her powerful approach challenges leaders to embrace their full potential and encourage their teams to do the same. Want to learn how to let your authentic self show up at work? Then don't miss this enlightening episode!