UH-OH Conversations with Cohesive Leaders

In this episode of UH-OH Conversations with Cohesive Leaders, Dr. Troy Hall and Ben-Jamin Toy sit down with culture renovator and strategic coach Akeela Davis for a raw and powerful discussion on purpose, pivoting, and what happens when success no longer aligns with your values.

Akeela shares her “OH” moment: the hard decision to sell a thriving financial advisory business she spent over 15 years building. On the surface, it was a successful venture. But underneath, it was draining her drive. What started as a mission to help people had quietly morphed into a managerial grind that left her feeling disconnected from her purpose. In a move that shocked some and liberated her, she stepped away, not because the business was failing, but because she was failing herself by staying.

From a teenage entrepreneur selling candle holders to a culture consultant helping organizations align people with purpose, Akeela walks us through the power of motivational mapping, the weight of values like integrity, and the high cost of ignoring your internal compass. Her story is a masterclass in self-awareness and the kind of courage leaders need if they want to build something that lasts... and feels worth it.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a role that looks good on paper but drains your spirit, this conversation will hit home. And if you're a leader trying to build a culture that keeps people engaged and fulfilled, Akeela’s insights on two-way accountability and motivation will give you a roadmap worth following.Hear real-time stories from leaders confessing their most crucial or recent "UH-OH" experiences in business. Learn what their "UH-OH" cost them, steps they took to fix it, and how they planned not to "do that one" again. Hosted by Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy.Check this out: https://www.thecohesiveleader.com/Community

In this episode of UH-OH Conversations with Cohesive Leaders, Dr. Troy Hall and Ben-Jamin Toy sit down with Chris Bower, CEO of Endurance Federal Credit Union, for a candid, straight-shooting conversation about what it really takes to lead well.

Chris opens up about his leadership evolution, from a task-first, empathy-later mindset to recognizing that truly effective leadership means caring about the whole person. He shares lessons learned the hard way, the value of embracing responsibility early in your career, and why young professionals should stop waiting for permission to grow.

What’s inside:

• The difference between entitlement and engagement
• How empathy became a non-negotiable leadership skill
• Why difficult conversations are career-critical
• Advice for emerging leaders who want to stand out
• A sneak peek at C.A.R.L., the AI leadership assistant built to help you ask for promotions with strategy, not stress

This is the kind of episode that might make you rethink how you lead and how you show up.Hear real-time stories from leaders confessing their most crucial or recent "UH-OH" experiences in business. Learn what their "UH-OH" cost them, steps they took to fix it, and how they planned not to "do that one" again. Hosted by Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy.Check this out: https://www.thecohesiveleader.com/Community

What happens when your gut tells you something’s off but you don’t act on it? In this episode of UH-OH Conversations with Cohesive Leaders, Cynthia Campbell joins Dr. Troy Hall and Ben-Jamin Toy for a powerful and personal conversation on leadership, intuition, and the hard lessons that come from hesitating at the wrong time.

With two decades of experience in the credit union world and a new chapter as founder of Soul Path Leadership, Cynthia unpacks a real-world “UH-OH” moment: a delayed system upgrade that put her team under pressure and forced a fast-tracked transformation. She gets real about how confidence, collaboration, and even gender dynamics can impact decision-making, and why learning to trust your intuition is a non-negotiable leadership skill.

Along the way, we talk about discernment, building character through choices, and Cynthia’s two surprising alternative career paths: seminary student and roller derby queen (yes, really).

If you've ever struggled with trusting your instincts, presenting bold ideas, or wondering when to push and when to pause, this one’s for you.Hear real-time stories from leaders confessing their most crucial or recent "UH-OH" experiences in business. Learn what their "UH-OH" cost them, steps they took to fix it, and how they planned not to "do that one" again. Hosted by Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy.Check this out: https://www.thecohesiveleader.com/Community

What happens when you realize you’re just another number in a company? How do you turn career setbacks into leadership breakthroughs? In this episode, Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy sit down with Michael Lounsbury, a published author, HR consultant, and former military professional, to explore self-confidence, career growth, and the power of knowing your value in the workplace. Michael shares two major "Uh-Oh" moments, one as an employee who accepted being overlooked and underpaid, and another as a business owner trying to do it all. He reveals how these experiences shaped his leadership philosophy and led him to launch People Ops Advisors, a firm dedicated to reshaping workplace culture and advocating for employee value.Hear real-time stories from leaders confessing their most crucial or recent "UH-OH" experiences in business. Learn what their "UH-OH" cost them, steps they took to fix it, and how they planned not to "do that one" again. Hosted by Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy.Check this out: https://www.thecohesiveleader.com/Community

In this dynamic episode, Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy dive into a conversation with Anne Legg, founder of Thrive, to discuss her journey in leveraging data and AI to drive organizational success. Anne shares how her career in credit unions, consulting, and AI-driven projects has shaped her leadership style. She opens up about the challenges of corporate acquisitions, the importance of adaptability, and how she turned setbacks into opportunities for growth and innovation. With powerful insights on aligning work with strategy and the ethical use of AI, Anne’s story is a must-listen for leaders looking to embrace change and empower their teams.Hear real-time stories from leaders confessing their most crucial or recent "UH-OH" experiences in business. Learn what their "UH-OH" cost them, steps they took to fix it, and how they planned not to "do that one" again. Hosted by Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy.

Check this out: https://www.thecohesiveleader.com/Community

In this transformative episode, Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy sit down with Ben Marley to discuss his personal and professional journey through faith, failure, and leadership. Ben shares his experience with Prep Monsters, a venture that ultimately failed due to missteps, but provided critical lessons on discernment, partnership, and the cost of pursuing passion without proper planning. He highlights how aligning work with one’s purpose and strengths can unlock true impact, and reveals a powerful four-step framework for decision-making rooted in faith. Ben’s story is a blueprint for overcoming adversity, embracing growth, and leading with intention, no matter the setbacks.Hear real-time stories from leaders confessing their most crucial or recent "UH-OH" experiences in business. Learn what their "UH-OH" cost them, steps they took to fix it, and how they planned not to "do that one" again. Hosted by Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy.

Check this out: https://www.thecohesiveleader.com/Community

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy welcome Dr. Mike Gilbert, founder of Remnant Leaders, to discuss his journey through personal trauma, faith struggles, and leadership transformation. A former 911 dispatcher, pastor, and Army veteran, Dr. Mike shares how a life-altering crisis exposed his transactional approach to leadership and relationships. Through faith, accountability, and a shift toward selfless service, he rebuilt his mission on integrity and love. Join us as he unpacks powerful lessons on healing, humility, and leading with authenticity to create lasting impact. This is an episode you won’t want to miss! Hear real-time stories from leaders confessing their most crucial or recent "UH-OH" experiences in business. Learn what their "UH-OH" cost them, steps they took to fix it, and how they planned not to "do that one" again. Hosted by Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy.Check this out: https://www.thecohesiveleader.com/Community

In this empowering episode, Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy sit down with Charlynda Scales, a multi-faceted entrepreneur, veteran, and author, to discuss her journey of leadership, resilience, and meaningful connections. From founding Mutt's Sauce and OH Taste Marketing to co-founding the 6888 Kitchen Incubator, Charlynda shares how her Air Force training and military values shaped her leadership style. She opens up about overcoming personal and professional setbacks, transforming critics into allies, and surrounding herself with "like-hearted" individuals. Charlynda’s story of turning rock bottom into a trampoline will inspire anyone looking to rise from adversity and build impactful relationships.Hear real-time stories from leaders confessing their most crucial or recent "UH-OH" experiences in business. Learn what their "UH-OH" cost them, steps they took to fix it, and how they planned not to "do that one" again. Hosted by Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy.Check this out: https://www.thecohesiveleader.com/Community

In this powerful episode, Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy are joined by Brett Wooden, a software strategist passionate about digital transformation for small credit unions. Brett opens up about a critical mistake he made while launching a kids’ financial education app without approval, leading to legal and relational consequences. He shares how this experience reshaped his approach to leadership, collaboration, and innovation. Focusing on the importance of securing buy-in, setting clear boundaries, and solving real problems, Brett delivers a blueprint for thriving in the face of failure and navigating the complexities of leadership with resilience and purpose.Hear real-time stories from leaders confessing their most crucial or recent "UH-OH" experiences in business. Learn what their "UH-OH" cost them, steps they took to fix it, and how they planned not to "do that one" again. Hosted by Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy.Check this out: https://www.thecohesiveleader.com/Community

In this insightful episode, Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy dive into a conversation with John Spruill, former Tesla leader and seasoned entrepreneur, about leadership, innovation, and the lessons learned from his career. John shares a pivotal mistake, investing in a risky, unproven crash-testing asset, and how it shaped his approach to decision-making, risk, and trust. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasizes the power of servant leadership, emotional intelligence, and the importance of aligning personal goals with corporate success. Tune in for valuable takeaways on how to turn failures into opportunities and lead with authenticity and resilience.Hear real-time stories from leaders confessing their most crucial or recent "UH-OH" experiences in business. Learn what their "UH-OH" cost them, steps they took to fix it, and how they planned not to "do that one" again. Hosted by Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy.Check this out: https://www.thecohesiveleader.com/Community