In this powerful and deeply reflective conversation, I am joined by Alfredo Borodowski to explore what it truly means to flourish as a leader, as a team, and as a human being, especially in times of disruption.

Alfredo introduces the principles of positive psychology and explains why so many people remain unaware of their strengths, despite the evidence showing that knowing and using them dramatically increases wellbeing and performance.

Together, we explore the difference between a culture of fixing and a culture of nourishing, and why purpose, health, and psychological safety are foundational for sustainable success.

Alfredo shares his own journey through adversity, including mental health challenges and loss, and how those experiences shaped his empathy, authenticity, and approach to leadership.

This episode is an invitation to move beyond survival mode, reconnect with what’s strongest within you, and lead with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

• Most people don’t know their strengths and that limits flourishing
• Strengths awareness increases wellbeing and engagement
• We often try to fix instead of nourish people and cultures
• Flourishing comes from aligning strengths, purpose, and action
• Health is the foundation for everything else
• Psychological safety is essential for high-performing teams
• AI must support, not replace, the human element
• Fulfilment comes from giving your best in service to others

00:00 Positive Psychology & Strengths
02:59 Why Knowing Your Strengths Matters
08:49 Leadership Through a Strengths Lens
12:02 Flourishing vs. Fixing
15:24 AI, Leadership & Humanity
19:23 Psychological Capital at Work
22:28 Alfredo’s Personal Journey
31:09 Strengths in Action
35:05 Psychological Safety in Teams
41:35 Building Your Ark
51:20 Health as the Foundation

Alfredo Borodowski helps leaders and organizations achieve peak performance during disruption. He is the creator of the framework Positivity + Purpose = Peak Performance, designed to transform stress into resilience and uncertainty into growth.

With a Ph.D. in Philosophy, an MSW in Clinical Therapy, and certifications in Positive Psychology and Executive Coaching, Alfredo has worked with CEOs, law firms, multinational organizations, and nonprofits for over 30 years.

His work blends science, strategy, and lived experienc, including his own journey through mental health challenges and loss, to help leaders lead with clarity, empathy, and humanity in the AI era.

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If you’re ready to reconnect with what matters most and move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose, I’d love to support you.

👉 Book a free Clarity Call here:
https://tidycal.com/jamesdeancoaching/clarity-call

In this thoughtful and deeply human conversation, Jill Macauley explores why self-awareness is one of the most important and most overlooked skills in leadership and life.

Drawing on her work as COO of Behavioral Essentials and her background in leadership development, Jill explains how awareness begins with understanding who we are across identity, values, emotions, and behaviour.

Using the metaphor of “blind spots,” she highlights the gap between intent and impact, and why curiosity and empathy are essential for meaningful growth.

Jill reminds us that awareness isn’t about judgment or perfection, but about reflection, compassion, and choosing to grow.

• Self-awareness starts with understanding yourself
• Leadership impact matters more than leadership intent
• Blind spots exist for everyone, curiosity helps reveal them
• Awareness creates a ripple effect across teams and relationships
• Younger generations expect emotionally intelligent leadership
• Empathy for self is essential before empathy for others
• Awareness is a lifelong journey, not a destination

“Awareness is understanding who you are.”
“Greater understanding dissolves conflict.”
“The hard work is the joyful work.”

00:00 Why Awareness Matters
01:20 Defining Self-Awareness
03:40 Jill’s Leadership Journey
08:39 Identity, Values & Behavior
15:06 Ego, Vulnerability & Impact
28:26 Awareness in Organizations
38:23 Generational Shifts at Work
47:08 Understanding Blind Spots
59:06 Leadership Responsibility
01:02:41 The Ripple Effect of Awareness

Jill Macauley is the Chief Operating Officer at Behavioral Essentials, a workforce development firm dedicated to improving business results through deeper self-awareness and understanding.

With a background in business consulting and leadership development, Jill is passionate about reducing unnecessary workplace suffering and helping individuals and organizations thrive.

Jill’s work focuses on cultivating healthier leadership practices grounded in empathy, awareness, and accountability.

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👉 Website

Learn more about your own blindspots at www.blindspotting.com and take Behaviour Essentials Blindspotting Assessment™ for free with the following promo code: SPOTJAMESDEAN.

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If you’re ready to reconnect with what matters most and move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose, I’d love to support you.

👉 Book a free Clarity Call here:
https://tidycal.com/jamesdeancoaching/clarity-call

In this engaging conversation, Scott Kelly shares lessons from more than 30 years working on both sides of the startup world as an entrepreneur and as an investor.

As CEO of Black Dog Venture Partners and founder of VC Fast Pitch, Scott has helped raise billions for early-stage companies while supporting founders through the realities of growth, failure, and scale.

Scott speaks candidly about why most startups fail, the grind of entrepreneurship, and why resilience and execution matter more than ideas alone. He highlights sales as a “lost art” in today’s digital world and explains why strong relationships remain the foundation of sustainable business success.

The conversation also explores the evolving role of technology and AI in entrepreneurship. Scott shares how AI is transforming industries while emphasizing that human connection, humility, and solving real problems must remain central.

He reflects on legacy, balance, and redefining success beyond financial metrics, encouraging founders to build businesses and lives that feel meaningful as well as successful.

• Entrepreneurship is a long game that requires resilience
• Around 90% of startups fail in their early years
• Sales and relationship-building are still critical skills
• Execution matters more than ideas alone
• AI is a powerful tool, but human connection still wins
• Investors back people, not just products
• Strong teams are essential for scaling innovation
• Success takes many forms, beyond money

“Running a startup is just a grind.”
“Sales is a lost art.”
“Success takes many forms.”

00:00 Scott’s Journey from Founder to Investor
01:12 The Reality of Startup Failure
03:58 Why Sales Still Matters
09:44 Relationships as a Growth Strategy
11:38 Venture Capital Realities
15:05 Investment Returns & Risk
19:26 AI’s Impact on Entrepreneurship
24:50 Helping Startups Scale
30:18 Building, Exiting & Starting Again
35:10 Technology vs Human Roles
44:34 Defining Success Beyond Business
56:19 Legacy & Paying It Forward

👉 Website
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If you’re ready to reconnect with what matters most and move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose, I’d love to support you.

👉 Book a free Clarity Call:
https://tidycal.com/jamesdeancoaching/clarity-call

In this thoughtful conversation, Jill Macauley explores the transformative power of self-awareness in leadership, work, and life.

Drawing on her experience in workforce development and leadership consulting, Jill explains how awareness begins with understanding who we are, our identity, values, emotions, and behaviours and how that awareness ripples outward to influence teams and culture.

Jill introduces the idea of “blind spots” to show how leaders often miss the unintended impact of their actions, even with good intentions. She highlights how increased self-awareness can reduce conflict, strengthen relationships, and create healthier, more human workplaces.

The conversation also touches on generational shifts in expectations at work, empathy as a leadership skill, and why awareness is a lifelong journey rather than a destination.

• Self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership
• Awareness starts with self and ripples out to others
• Blind spots shape impact, not intent
• Greater understanding can dissolve conflict
• Empathy for self is essential before empathy for others
• Younger generations expect more emotionally intelligent leadership
• Awareness is an ongoing, evolving practice

• “Live your life and love your life.”
• “Keep going and figure things out.”
• “You only live once, so make it count.”

00:00 Why Awareness Matters
01:20 Defining Self-Awareness
03:40 Jill’s Journey into Leadership & Awareness
08:39 Identity, Values & Behaviour
15:06 Ego, Vulnerability & Impact
28:26 Awareness in Organisational Culture
38:23 Generational Shifts at Work
47:08 Blind Spots Explained
50:56 Empathy & Self-Reflection
59:06 Leadership Responsibility & Culture
01:09:23 Challenging Assumptions & Growth
01:16:41 Awareness as a Lifelong Journey

Nancy Griffin is a Legacy Advisor to Accomplished Women and the Founder of the trademarked program Women, Worth & Wellness. With over 25 years of experience in wealth management, philanthropy, and community leadership, Nancy champions women’s health, wealth, self-worth, and legacy planning.

Her mission is to empower women to steward wealth with intention, generosity, and confidence, creating impact that lasts for generations.

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👉 Website
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If you’re ready to reconnect with what matters most and move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose, I’d love to support you.

👉 Book a free Clarity Call here:
https://tidycal.com/jamesdeancoaching/clarity-call

n this thoughtful and deeply human conversation, Juan Lee explores the idea of love not as an emotion, but as a mindset ,one that can guide how we live, lead, and connect with others.

Drawing on his military experience and personal journey, Juan shares how love in action has shaped his understanding of resilience, interdependence, and purpose.

We discuss the seven attitudes of love, the importance of community, and why comparison can quietly erode our sense of self. Juan also reflects on the impact of technology and AI on humanity, reminding us that progress should never come at the cost of compassion.

This episode invites listeners to rethink love as a daily practice, one rooted in humility, service, gratitude, and a commitment to preserving what makes us human.

• Love as a mindset rather than an emotion
• The seven attitudes of love
• Military experience and love in action
• Interdependence and community
• Self-discovery and personal growth
• Overcoming comparison and embracing uniqueness
• Technology, AI, and human connection
• Purpose, service, and contribution
• Empowering future generations

• “Love is in action, not just words.”
• “Comparison devalues your uniqueness.”
• “Love never fails; align with it.”

Juan Lee is a speaker, mentor, and advocate for leading with love as a mindset. Drawing from his military background and personal experiences, he helps individuals and communities reconnect with purpose, compassion, and interdependence in an increasingly complex and digital world.

00:00 Love as a Way of Living
05:56 Military Lessons and Love in Action
08:51 The Seven Attitudes of Love
11:44 Interdependence and Community
17:28 Making Love Practical
20:36 Turning Pain into Purpose
33:20 Reclaiming Human Impact
36:46 Uniqueness, Comparison, and Self-Worth
39:08 Technology, AI, and Humanity
42:07 Empowering the Next Generation
49:01 Love as a Tool to Protect Humanity
58:51 Living with Love and Purpose

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If you’re ready to reconnect with what matters most and move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose, I’d love to support you.

Book a free Clarity Call here:
👉 https://tidycal.com/jamesdeancoaching/clarity-call

In this powerful and honest conversation, Serafima Briuchoveckienė shares her story of resilience through immigration, financial uncertainty, and personal challenge.

Her journey is a reminder that adversity, while difficult, can become a catalyst for growth, strength, and empowerment.

We explore the role of mindset and gratitude in navigating hard times, and why financial independence is such an important foundation for confidence and choice, particularly for women.

Serafima reflects on the influence of her mother, the importance of recognising your own skills, and how investing in yourself can open unexpected doors.

This episode is about pushing forward when life feels uncertain, trusting your abilities, and choosing to build a future rooted in resilience, awareness, and self-belief.

• Resilience as a life skill
• Immigration, adaptation, and starting again
• Overcoming adversity through mindset
• Financial independence and empowerment
• Gratitude as a perspective shift
• Recognising and valuing your skills
• Investing in yourself for long-term security
• Support systems and personal growth
• Empowering women through coaching and planning

• “You are our only hope out of this poverty.”
• “You can convert your skills into a business.”
• “We will be fine, I have no doubt.”

Serafima Briuchoveckienė is a coach and mentor who supports women in building resilience, financial independence, and confidence.

Drawing on her own lived experience of immigration and overcoming adversity, she helps others recognise their skills, shift their mindset, and create more secure and fulfilling lives.

00:00 Resilience and Life’s Challenges
07:16 Immigration and Starting Over
15:25 From Struggle to Stability
25:05 Transitioning into Coaching
31:24 Financial Independence for Women
35:30 Lessons from Adversity
40:32 Mindset, Planning, and Security
45:29 Gratitude and Self-Acceptance
51:30 Recognising Your Skills
57:21 Family Influence and Resilience
59:11 Looking Ahead with Confidence

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👉 Instagram

If you’re ready to reconnect with what matters most and move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose, I’d love to support you.

Book a free Clarity Call here:
👉 https://tidycal.com/jamesdeancoaching/clarity-call

In this insightful conversation, we explore fertility, women’s health, and the lifestyle factors that influence our ability to conceive and thrive.

Dr. Aumatma shares her journey into fertility work and her mission to help women and couples conceive without drugs or invasive medical interventions.

We discuss why infertility should be viewed as a symptom rather than a diagnosis, and how inflammation, stress, environmental toxins, and modern lifestyle habits can signal the body to shut down reproduction.

The conversation highlights the importance of sleep, nutrition, hydration, consistency, and exercise for both women and men.

Dr. Aumatma also explains the role of the microbiome, declining testosterone levels, and why sustainable lifestyle changes are key to hormonal balance, fertility, and long-term health.

This episode reframes fertility as a reflection of overall vitality and encourages listeners to listen more closely to their bodies and respond with informed, compassionate action.

• Fertility as a reflection of overall health
• Infertility as a symptom, not a diagnosis
• Inflammation, stress, and reproductive health
• Men’s health and declining testosterone
• Nutrition, hydration, and hormone balance
• Sleep, consistency, and safety signals
• Exercise and strength training for fertility
• The microbiome and reproductive health
• Lifestyle changes for sustainable wellbeing

• “Infertility is not a diagnosis, it’s a symptom.”
• “Consistency informs safety.”
• “No fasting for women.”

Dr. Aumatma Simmons is a double board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist and integrative fertility expert. She supports women and couples worldwide using holistic, lifestyle-based approaches that address root causes and empower long-term health and fertility.

00:00 Fertility, Motherhood & Purpose
05:42 Conventional vs Unconventional Approaches
11:51 Inflammation, Stress & Survival Mode
17:50 Men’s Health & Testosterone
23:47 Practical Lifestyle Changes
34:10 Sleep, Consistency & Hormones
47:43 Exercise & Hormonal Balance
51:44 The Microbiome & Fertility
01:11:21 The Journey to Parenthood

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👉 LinkedIn

👉 Website
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If you’re ready to reconnect with what matters most and move forward with clarity, confidence, & purpose, I’d love to support you.
👉 https://tidycal.com/jamesdeancoaching/clarity-call

In this reflective and empowering conversation, we explore what it means to truly remember your self-worth and live life with intention rather than on autopilot.

This episode dives into self-care, forgiveness, gratitude, and the role of the subconscious mind in shaping our daily decisions.

It’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with who you really are, beneath conditioning, expectations, and survival patterns. A powerful reminder that healing, growth, and empowerment begin from within.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, disconnected, or caught in “default mode,” this conversation offers space, perspective, and encouragement to take inspired action toward a more aligned and fulfilling life.

• Self-worth and remembering your wholeness
• Living intentionally vs living on autopilot
• The subconscious mind and default patterns
• Self-care as an essential practice
• Forgiveness and emotional healing
• Gratitude as a tool for empowerment
• Language, mindset, and self-perception
• Finding meaning and gifts in adversity

• “Living in default mode can lead to stagnation in life.”
• “You are whole, perfect, and complete just the way you are.”
• “The Ice Cream Philosophy: Enjoy life before it melts.”

Rhonda Farrah is a LIFEstyle Empowerment Alchemist, author, speaker, and spiritual teacher. She supports individuals in reconnecting with their self-worth, healing through reflection, and living with greater intention.

Her work blends mindset, forgiveness, gratitude, and inspired action to help people remember who they truly are and step into empowered living.

00:00 Self-Worth and Remembering Who You Are
02:57 Living Beyond Default Mode
06:05 The Power of Inner Reflection
09:01 Navigating Life’s Challenges
11:59 Finding Actionable Steps
14:58 Transformative Life Experiences
18:01 The Journey of Healing
21:01 The Role of Language in Self-Perception
24:33 Embracing Faith and Service
34:58 The Power of Conversations
37:53 Letting Go and Embracing Faith
39:37 Living in the Moment
43:06 The Role of Fear and Self-Reflection
47:19 The Importance of Forgiveness
52:30 Finding Joy in Life
01:03:11 Influences and Inspirations
01:06:14 Future Aspirations and Community Support

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👉 Website: https://jamesdeancoach.com/
👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdeancoaching/
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesdeancoaching/
👉 Podcast: https://whatsimportanttoyou.captivate.fm/

If you’re ready to reconnect with what matters most and move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose, I’d love to support you.
Book a free Clarity Call here: https://tidycal.com/jamesdeancoaching/clarity-call

What if the key to unlocking your potential wasn’t about having all the answers, but about staying curious enough to keep asking the right questions?

In this episode, we explore the journey of Julie Creffield, award-winning speaker, innovation director, and business strategist, whose career has spanned regeneration, entrepreneurship, and social impact. From growing up in East London to advising CEOs and scaling international ventures, Julie’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose-driven success.

We discuss how technology and AI can amplify human potential, the emotional barriers that often stop people from embracing change, and why identity and brand evolution are part of every growth journey. Julie also shares insights on social mobility, entrepreneurship, and empowering the next generation to create flexible, meaningful careers in a rapidly changing world.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Reaching your potential is a personal and evolving journey.
• Environment and upbringing shape opportunity and perspective.
• Technology can enable growth — emotional resistance often blocks it.
• AI amplifies creativity and human strengths when used with purpose.
• The future of work will favor adaptability and portfolio careers.
• Failure is a teacher that encourages faster learning and iteration.
• Empowering the next generation requires opportunity and access.
• Curiosity and resilience fuel success in uncertain times.
• Speaking and storytelling can inspire others to find their path.

✨ In Their Words (Julie):

• "AI is a tidal wave that's come in."
• "Curiosity is my driving factor."
• "What’s your version of that?"

🙌 Connect with Julie Creffield:

👉 Website

👉 LinkedIn

👉 Instagram

🔗 Stay connected with James Dean Coaching:

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👉 LinkedIn

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👉 Podcast

🎯 Interested in coaching?

If you’re ready to reconnect with what matters most and move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose — I’d love to support you.

📅 Book your free Clarity Call

What if your morning cup of coffee held the power to change the world?

In this episode, we explore the incredible work of Etelle Higonnet, human rights advocate, environmental campaigner, and founder of Coffee Watch, an NGO fighting deforestation, slavery, and exploitation in the global coffee industry. Etelle shares her lifelong journey in activism, from war zones and human rights research to leading campaigns for environmental and corporate reform.

We discuss the hidden costs of coffee production, the limitations of certifications, and the importance of consumer awareness and legislative action. Etelle also highlights the power of hope, innovation, and collective responsibility in driving change. Her story is a passionate call to action, reminding us that sustainability starts with awareness, but it takes courage to transform that awareness into impact.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Human rights and environmental protection must go hand in hand.
• Climate activism is urgent for future generations.
• Boycotting isn’t the answer — improving systems is.
• Most coffee farmers earn less than 1% of your coffee’s value.
• Certifications don’t always guarantee fair wages or sustainability.
• Consumer awareness can drive corporate accountability.
• Legislative action is vital to end deforestation and modern slavery.
• Media plays a critical role in shaping public perception of climate issues.
• Innovation and hope fuel the path toward sustainable change.
• Every small choice creates a ripple effect for the planet.

✨ In Their Words (Etelle):

• "Boycotting is not the answer."
• "We have to wake them up."
• "Hope is not a lottery ticket."

🙌 Connect with Etelle Higonnet:

👉 Website

👉 LinkedIn

👉 Instagram

🔗 Stay connected with James Dean Coaching:

👉 Website

👉 LinkedIn

👉 Instagram

👉 Podcast

🎯 Interested in coaching?

If you’re ready to reconnect with what matters most and move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose — I’d love to support you.

📅 Book your free Clarity Call