Unfazed Under Fire Podcast

I recently sat down with Ryan McShane, founder and president at HR Evolution, and what unfolded was a profound exploration of leadership in an era of relentless change. Ryan's story—from an eager graduate to a visionary leader—reflects a universal journey of self-discovery and mastery. Together, we shed light on the human capacity to adapt and flourish, even when faced with the most daunting of workplace transformations. Our dialogue ventures into the realms of servant leadership, the heart of company culture, and the seismic shift towards a workforce that yearns for connection and purpose.

The landscape of work is undergoing a monumental shift, with the rise of the millennial workforce, the aftermath of a global pandemic, and the evolution towards hybrid work models reshaping the corporate world. Our conversation navigates these changes and underscores the importance of striking a balance between the intimacy of in-person collaboration and the flexibility of virtual workspaces. Ryan imparts his wisdom on embracing conscious capitalism, a concept that transcends traditional profit motives to prioritize holistic well-being and stakeholder engagement. It's a compelling look at the future of work and how leaders can cultivate an environment that is both high-performing and human-centric.

As we closed our time together, we looked ahead to the vision of a balanced workplace where innovation is measured not by its relentless pace, but by its alignment with the organization's vision, purpose and deepest values. The final takeaway is an invitation to leaders everywhere to champion a culture where each individual's contribution is acknowledged and fostered—a workplace where the health of the corporate body and the wellness of its members are inextricably linked. Join us on this journey to reimagine leadership and the delicate art of work-life harmony, through an episode brimming with insight, strategy, and the spirit of transformation.

Ryan McShane's Contact Information:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mcshane-743382a/

Website: http://www.hrevolutionllc.com/ 

Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist 

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music

To access additional platforms, follow this link:
https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

Imagine the impact that a dedicated mentor can have on an executive's journey to leadership excellence. This is the very ethos that Missy Chicre and her company, Menttium, bring to life through their mission.  Our engaging conversation focuses on the transformative nature of mentoring in the professional realm. With a career spanning from change management to Latin American studies to spearheading diversity and inclusion, Missy imparts her profound insights into how mentoring can be the cornerstone of individual resilience and gender equity in the workplace.

Together, we navigate the depths of how mentoring intertwines with leadership development, unraveling the rich layers of mentor-mentee relationships. Menttium's pioneering approach challenges the conventional, advocating for a mentee-driven experience that's carefully guided by mentors. Through our discussion, you'll learn how the organization's programs harmonize with a company's talent management strategies, and how they're not just about climbing the corporate ladder but also about enhancing the ladder itself. The anticipation builds as Missy shares an upcoming offering set to redefine mentoring in 2024, a testament to Menttium's commitment to continuous innovation in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.

As our conversation comes to a close, the spotlight shifts to the empowerment of women in leadership roles and the indispensable role of allyship in creating an inclusive workspace. Reflecting on the post-lockdown world, we explore how mentoring serves as a bridge, reconnecting individuals and healing the social fabric frayed by isolation. Missy shares her vision for a mentor-rich culture that upholds the power of authentic relationships and keeps pace with the ever-evolving societal landscape. Tune in for a heartfelt sign-off where the power of possibility resonates, leaving us with a lasting impression of the undeniable impact that mentoring can have on our personal and professional lives.

Missy’s contact information:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/missy-chicre/

 Menttium’s website: www.menttium.com

Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist 

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music

To access additional platforms, follow this link:
https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

Unlock the transformative power of leadership with Bob Anderson, one of the most important thought leaders  in leadership development over the past 25 years..  During this conversation Bob and I journey into the heart of what it means to lead with resilience and self-mastery. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for executives seeking to navigate the often-turbulent waters of modern business with conscious leadership strategies. We delve into Bob's Jesuit education foundation, the innovative Leadership Circle Profile, and the pivotal role personal growth plays in aligning leadership with organizational culture and values.

Prepare to shift your perspective on leadership as we dissect the evolution from reactive to creative styles, drawing upon developmental psychology and the wisdom of thinkers like Bob Keegan, Peter Block and Peter Senge, and others. We'll explore the challenges leaders face as they transition toward authenticity, vision, and relational competence, and how universal principles of leadership transcend cultural boundaries. The conversation illuminates the pathway to self-authorship, and how embracing one's full potential can lead to a dramatic transformation in leadership effectiveness.

This episode is not just about leaders but the broader impact they have on the world. We'll examine how the business sector can instigate positive global change, the readiness of today's leaders to handle crises, and the challenges of steering organizations towards sustainability. Bob Anderson and I dive into the intersection of spirituality and leadership, showing how these realms can coalesce to foster innovation and reshape organizational culture. Join us as we unravel the capabilities necessary to lead in an era of complexity and change, and how you can apply these insights to achieve a profound transformation within your organization and beyond.

For more on Bob, follow the links below:

Bob's website: leadershipcircle.com 

Link to Bob's books:
- Mastering Leadership: https://amzn.to/47L8Asq

- Scaling Leadership: https://amzn.to/48IxF8x 

Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist 

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music

To access additional platforms, follow this link:
https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

As the flames of executive challenges rage in today's disruptive business environment, Anatoly Yakorev and I stand ready to arm you with the Resilient Leader Method—a transformative approach that promises to reignite your innate potential. Discover how to break free from the chains of past conditioning and reactivity, and how my tailored coaching in tandem with Anatoly's Resilient Leadership Reset process can help you rise above the obstacles that have long hindered leadership effectiveness. This is not just a lesson in resilience; it's a masterclass in cultivating a life of creativity, optimism, and success.

Venture with us into the hidden depths of the human being, where the real treasures lie, waiting to be unlocked. We'll guide you beyond the seductive quick fixes of binaural beats, micro-dosing, and biohacking to a place where your inner resources are the true power players. As we dissect the unique pressures business leaders face, we underscore the significance of personal development in achieving professional mastery. Prepare to be inspired as we share stories of personal transformation, demonstrating how gratitude, self-reflection, and self-leadership can sculpt the resilient, focused, and confident leader within you.

Finally, Anatoly and I traverse the inner world of the mind, where the soothing frequencies of brain waves, from delta to gamma, play their symphony. We take you on a journey of resetting and integrating new positive experiences, emphasizing the critical role of theta waves in intuition and healing. Our discussion unveils how powerful transformations can transcend age and preconceptions, and how the practice of journaling and meditation paves the way for lasting change. So, join us for an exploration into the art of resilience and leadership evolution—it's an expedition that promises to reshape not just your executive leadership impact, but your entire life.

Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist 

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music

To access additional platforms, follow this link:
https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

Ever wondered how leadership is evolving in our rapidly changing world? On this episode of Unfazed Under Fire, we get some potent answers to this question from Walt Rakowich.  Walt is the former CEO of ProLogis,  a seasoned board member to the Fortune 500, speaker and author.  He  helps us understand the power of Transformative leadership and how such an approach helps us to navigate today's volatile, uncertain business environment. We discuss servant leadership, transparency, authenticity, and how leadership is not just about power - it's about human connection and influence.

Walt shares the story of his "crucible moment" when he was hired as CEO of ProLogis. When Walt rejoined the company, its share price had dropped from a high of $72.00 to $2.00 a share.  Walt successfully turned the company around and oversaw its successful merger with AMB in 2012.   During the podcast, we discuss the principles and approaches that led to this great success, that are outlined in Walt's book, Transfluence.

Our conversation also takes us into the territory of crisis management and leadership accountability. Rakowich shares his personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of feedback, coaching, and overcoming personal pride and fear. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the nuances of transformative leadership, particularly in these challenging times. Listen in, and let's learn together about the evolution of leadership and its role in our world today.

Connecting with Walt and his work:
Website:     waltrakowich.com   
Amazon link to order Walt's book - Transfluence: https://amzn.to/4af38jY

Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist 

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music

To access additional platforms, follow this link:
https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

What if the key to a thriving organization was as simple as creating a workplace where Monday mornings don't suck? Our guest, Eric Harkins, founder and president of GKG Search and Outplacement, takes us on a deep exploration of this concept. Bringing his book "Great Leaders Make Sure a Monday Morning Doesn't Suck" to life, he champions the importance of leadership in company culture and the dire implications of ignoring underperforming employees.

Together, we pull back the curtain on the idea of "LEAD," a tool that focuses on the qualities and behaviors of leaders over their results. But it doesn't stop there; Eric spills the beans on what really makes a company great and how you, as a leader, can maintain that greatness. We put under the microscope the controversial issue of employees turning off their cameras during virtual meetings and expose the need for trust and open communication in remote teams.

Lastly, we delve into the heart of employee motivation and the three things that make them tick: a cool place, cool projects, and cool people. Listen closely as Eric shares his wisdom on fostering a positive work environment, the role of leaders in achieving this, and how to apply these principles to become a resilient leader. So, buckle up for an episode that promises to be as impactful as it is insightful – because great leadership is about making sure a Monday morning doesn't suck.

More on Eric Harkins:

Eric's Website: www.ericharkins.com

Eric's book: https://bit.ly/GreatLeadersMakeSureMondayMorningDoesntSuck

Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist 

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music

To access additional platforms, follow this link:
https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

Ready to conquer the clock, strike a work-life balance, and tap into your inner wisdom? Well, saddle up, because we're about to embark on a journey into the heart of time management. Joined by the proficient ethics and compliance practitioner, Anatoly Yakarev, we're going to tackle the challenges that executives face in our complex, ambiguous, and pandemic-ridden business world.

During the discussion, we touch upon well known systems of time management, like David Allen's 'Getting Things Done' and Tim Ferriss' 'Four-Hour Work Week.', revealing that they are inadequate, given our times.  Anatoly and I will then introduce you to the resilience leadership method - a powerful, groundbreaking technique that enables better decision-making,  boosts performance and the use of time. We share real-life success stories and reveal how this method can liberate your time and enhance your overall well-being.

But the conversation doesn't end there, oh no, we are just getting started. We turn the spotlight on personal growth, exploring how bottlenecks can hold us back from reaching our full potential, and how reconnecting with our inner selves can trigger profound transformation. We  also be touching on how this 'reset' bolsters relationships and the significance of post-reset self-care. So, join us for this powerful ride and discover how reflection can become a game-changer in your personal and professional life.

Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist 

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music

To access additional platforms, follow this link:
https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

Ever wonder where a lifetime of leadership experience can take you? Randall Doisaki, seasoned law enforcement coach with a robust history in the US Marines and law enforcement leadership, joins me, David Craig Utz, for an insightful conversation you won't want to miss. We journey together through Randall's rich career, from his time in the Marines to his current role in law enforcement, uncovering compelling tales and sharing invaluable wisdom along the way. 

Navigating through the impactful influences of my own multicultural upbringing, we uncover how my unique blend of Japanese Buddhism and Italian Catholicism has shaped Randall's leadership values. We tackle intriguing subjects such as the constructive use of power and influence by supervisors and law enforcement officers, and the profound influence of the U.S. Constitution on leadership. As Randall and I delve deeper, we discuss the importance of understanding your customer and how to avoid complicating processes with too many rules and layers.

In the final part of our engaging conversation, we focus on personal growth. Randall and I reveal how team building, emotional intelligence, and self-reflection can shape leadership, sharing real-life experiences that lend credibility to our discussion. As Randall shares his unique approach to team building and the significant role emotional intelligence plays in his daily life, we also explore the exciting plans for his upcoming book on leadership. The conversation culminates as we reflect on personal branding in leadership, leaving you with a wealth of leadership insights to ponder. So, are you ready to explore the depths of leadership with us?

Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist 

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music

To access additional platforms, follow this link:
https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

From chemical engineer to COO, our remarkable guest for today, Kelly Tsea, shares her intriguing journey and lessons learned. What does it really take to transition from a technical role into leadership within a mission-driven company like Curriculum Associates? With her rich experiences spanning from the manufacturing plant floor to coaching a basketball team, Kelly brings unique insights and practical advice on building a strong, positive work culture.

Navigating the challenges of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelly discusses the importance of trust and vulnerability in fostering deep relationships within a team. More than ever, understanding people on a deeper level has become a cornerstone in her leadership approach. She imparts how her mentorship at Proctor Gamble, along with her interest in elevating the customer experience, has shaped her into the leader she is today.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential, and Kelly shares how she strategically sets boundaries to create harmony. From staying connected to your purpose to adopting service leadership during transitions, Kelly provides valuable insights and strategies. So join us in this episode as we explore the nuances of leadership, culture-building, and resilience in the professional world. A must-listen for those seeking to enhance their leadership skills and create a more impactful work culture.

Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist 

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music

To access additional platforms, follow this link:
https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online

This is the first in a new series - Navigating the Top: Where trailblazing executive leaders share about their career journeys and lessons learned.

Ever wondered how to steer a team through the tumultuous seas of 2020-2021? Join us on a fascinating journey with Dave DiGiolamo, Director of Audiovisual at Building Infrastructure Group (BIG), as he expertly maps out leadership strategies that won't just survive but thrive in challenging times. With over two decades of experience in the AV business and a formative stint in the US Air Force, Dave shares the evolution of his leadership style and the vital role of strategy, culture, and execution in building high-performing teams.

Imagine a company culture so strong, it permeates every facet of the business, from customer care to the overall success of the company. Dave paints that vision for us as he underscores the importance of a solid company culture in effective leadership. Listen closely as he recalls a learning experience that illustrates the significance of values and accountability to his team, completely eschewing the drama or finger-pointing that can often plague organizations. 

Finally, we delve into the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring how BIG fostered a culture of connection and loyalty that buoyed both employees and clients alike. From providing extra PTO days to maintaining annual review schedules, Dave shares how they showed their commitment to their employees. But there's more - we steer the conversation towards self-motivation, resilience, and the art of showing up and doing your best despite imperfections. This enthralling conversation on leadership, resilience, and motivation promises to be a game-changer. Tune in and be ready for an enlightening journey.

Unfazed Under Fire Podcast - Host: David Craig Utts, Leadership Alchemist 

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music

To access additional platforms, follow this link:
https://www.unfazedunderfirepodcast.online