What Changed? with Dwayne Smith

What if being nice is the reason you're still stuck?

In this episode of What Changed? I sit down with Amira Barger, author of The Price of Nice, to talk about what happens when the need to please and stay comfortable starts costing you courage.

Amira opens up about the moments that changed how she saw strength, truth and belonging. From childhood lessons about being nice to finding her nerve in leadership and life, she reminds us that courage often begins right where comfort ends.

This is your invitation to slow down, question the rules you were taught to follow and ask yourself what might shift if you stopped being agreeable and started being real.

Amira Barger: https://amirabarger.com/

Amira's new book, The Price of Nice (Amazon): https://a.co/d/bDnxtNN

Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@whatchangedpod

What if the key to stronger leadership, deeper relationships, and greater retention isn't about having the right answers, but about asking the right questions?

In this episode, I sit down with Thomas Knoll, a six-time founder, mentor to over 1,200 leaders, and the creator of Self Healing Leadership and the GetEleven app. Together, we explore how curiosity can transform the way we lead, communicate, and connect.

We talk about why leaders often fall back on comfort and control, and how curiosity helps us break through resistance and build trust that lasts. Thomas opens up about his own journey and shares practical insights that help leaders create meaningful conversations and lasting impact.

Whether you're leading a team, navigating change, or simply trying to show up more fully in your relationships, this conversation offers a powerful reminder. Curiosity is not just a soft skill. It's a leadership advantage.

To connect with Thomas Knoll: https://linkedin.com/in/thomasknoll

Are we Instagram friends yet? https://bit.ly/mindleadership

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You've done the work. You've led the teams. On paper, it looks like success, but something still feels off.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Yosi Amram, a former tech CEO who walked away from achievement alone to explore something deeper. Now a psychologist and expert in spiritual intelligence, Yosi helps leaders reconnect with purpose, clarity, and meaning.

We talk about the kind of leadership that doesn't just perform, it transforms. One that begins not with what you do, but with who you are.

If you've ever felt the quiet ache of disconnection, this conversation will meet you there and help you find your way back.

To connect with Yosi Amram: https://yosiamram.net

Are we Instagram friends yet? https://bit.ly/mindleadership

Connect with us! [email protected]

In this episode, we're joined by Cameron Dobbs, former NCAA Division I athlete, author, speaker, and founder of Play Where Your Feet Are. After a series of back-to-back brain injuries ended her volleyball career, Cameron was forced to rethink everything. What followed was a powerful transformation that led to a mindset and movement focused on doing your best and being your best, no matter what, no matter where.

We explore the story behind PWYFA, how faith and resilience shaped Cameron's journey, and what it means to live with purpose even when life doesn't go as planned. This episode is for anyone facing transition, seeking clarity, or ready to turn a setback into a setup for something greater.

To connect with Cameron Dobbs: https://playwhereyourfeetare.com/

Are we Instagram friends yet? https://bit.ly/mindleadership

Connect with us! [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Marshall, President and CEO of Semester at Sea, a global education program that's been transforming lives for over 60 years. Scott leads a floating university that sails across continents, bringing together students from all walks of life. I was curious to learn what it takes to lead in such a dynamic, multicultural environment and how those lessons apply to the world we're navigating today.

What we uncovered goes deeper than strategy. We talked about empathy, resilience, and the kind of leadership that helps people find common ground in the midst of division. If you're reflecting on how to lead with purpose in complex times, this conversation is for you.

To connect with Scott Marshall: https://www.semesteratsea.org/

Are we Instagram friends yet? https://bit.ly/mindleadership

Connect with us! [email protected]

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Philippe Johnson, a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, leadership expert, and author of What Hangs in the Balance. With a decorated 24-year military career and a deep understanding of ethical leadership, Philippe brings a grounded, no-nonsense perspective to one of the most controversial figures in modern history: Donald Trump.

Using Trump's presidency as a real-time case study in failed leadership, we explore the core competencies every leader must possess and what happens when those traits are absent. From trust and accountability to emotional intelligence and crisis management, Philippe breaks down exactly where leadership went wrong and what both public and private sector leaders can learn from it.

To connect with Philippe Johnson: https://philippejohnson.com/

Are we Instagram friends yet? https://bit.ly/mindleadership

Connect with us! [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Eikenberry - bestselling author, leadership expert, and Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. With over 30 years of experience helping leaders grow, Kevin brings a fresh take on why leaning too heavily on your leadership style can actually limit your impact.

We talk about how strengths can become blind spots, how to recognize when your approach is no longer working, and what it takes to adapt without losing who you are. Kevin shares real insight on the mindset shift every leader needs to stay effective in today's fast-changing world.

It's a conversation full of practical takeaways and powerful reflections you won't want to miss.

To connect with Kevin Eikenberry: https://kevineikenberry.com/

Are we Instagram friends yet? https://bit.ly/mindleadership

Connect with us! [email protected]

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Carl Sharperson Jr., a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, former Marine Corps pilot, corporate executive and now a sought after leadership strategist and author. With a career that bridges the military and Fortune 500 boardrooms, Carl brings a unique lens to the conversation on leadership, authenticity and high performance.

We explore Carl's incredible journey, from growing up in "Chocolate City" to leading at companies like Procter & Gamble and Colgate-Palmolive. He shares how his experiences shaped his view on diversity - not just as a moral imperative but as a strategic business advantage.

To connect with Carl Sharperson Jr.: www.carlsharpersonjr.com

Are we Instagram friends yet? https://bit.ly/mindleadership

Connect with us! [email protected]

Ken Rusk is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and blue-collar advocate. From snow-plowing teenager to founder of a landscaping and construction firm with over 200 employees, he penned Blue Collar Cash and launched the "Path to a Successful Life" course, guiding hundreds into debt-free, skills-based careers.

This episode explores the surge in demand for trades, the "perfect storm" behind shop-class cuts and labor shortages, and why hands-on training and industry partnerships matter. Discover how mapping your ideal life - home, finances, freedom - first can lead to autonomy, pride, and fulfilment in a blue-collar career.

To connect with Ken Rusk: www.kenrusk.com

Are we Instagram friends yet? https://bit.ly/mindleadership

Connect with us! [email protected]

What does it really mean to lead with purpose and how can transforming your identity as a leader spark lasting change in both yourself and your community?

In this powerful episode of The Mind Leadership, I sit down with Christian Muntean, Executive Coach, Author, and Founder of Vantage Consulting, to explore the deep, personal journey of becoming an impactful leader from the inside out. From aligning values with action to navigating ethical decisions and building authentic influence, Christian shares transformative insights that will challenge how you see yourself and your role as a leader.

Whether you're just stepping into leadership or looking to reignite your purpose, this conversation will inspire you to grow, lead and leave a meaningful impact where it matters most.

To connect with Christian Muntean: www.christianmuntean.com

Are we Instagram friends yet? https://bit.ly/mindleadership

Connect with us! [email protected]