What happens when you cross continents, risk comfort, and build a business that bridges worlds?

This week, we talk with Valerie Bowden, founder of CRDLE, leadership consultant, and pioneer of remote talent sourcing in Africa. We talk about navigating risk, leadership lessons from global experiences, and creating thriving teams across borders.

Valerie shares:

• How solo backpacking across 13 African countries transformed her worldview and leadership
• Why remote teams are not only possible but a strategic advantage when built with trust and culture
• Insights into matching talent with businesses to create win-win opportunities
• Practical tips on balancing work, life, and scaling a global operation
• Unseen talents of Africa and why now is the moment to tap into this market

Whether you’re a startup founder or leader navigating change, this episode delivers fresh perspectives and actionable strategies to lead boldly and embrace global opportunity.

Resources Mentioned: 

CRDLE: https://crdle.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriebowden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriegbowden/?hl=en

What if your leadership success hinged on the art of giving before asking?

This week, we unpack powerful strategies for emerging leaders to build authentic connections and cultivate abundant leadership impact.

We explore:

• Why relationships always come BEFORE results... and how to nurture them intentionally
• The mindset shifts for giving your time, attention, and gifts before expecting anything back
• Researching and preparing to add value in every new connection
• The simple power of genuine compliments and generosity in everyday interactions
• Being the Chief Question Asker who builds deeper, trusting rapport
• Leveraging reciprocal giving to open unexpected doors and multiply influence

Coach, Dr., and Jon share actionable insights and challenge you to try just one or two of these giving practices... and watch how your leadership multiplies.

This week, we dive into a candid conversation with Derrick Girard, former financial advisor turned tech entrepreneur, author of Put to the Test, and speaker.

He shares his powerful journey navigating lawsuits, scaling a business, and embracing a “Figure It Out” mindset. 

Derrick discusses how:

• Personal responsibility and relentless problem-solving fuel entrepreneurial success
• Facing three lawsuits simultaneously became a catalyst for growth and resilience
• Building solutions by deeply understanding customer pain points differentiates you in the market
• Instant responsiveness and rapid iteration empower business agility and client trust
• Leaders must prioritize asking meaningful questions and truly listening to their teams
• The path to leadership involves continuous learning, humility, and embracing discomfort
• Effective entrepreneurs focus on solving problems, not just chasing the title of entrepreneur

Whether you’re launching your first startup or refining your leadership approach, this episode offers inspiring models and actionable strategies to figure it out and lead boldly.

Resources Mentioned:

• Put to the Test: When Life Demands More, Will You Make Excuses or Figure It Out? - https://www.amazon.com/Put-Test-demands-excuses-figure/dp/196619059X
• Website and contact: https://derrickgirard.com

What if the key to thriving as a leader is embracing adaptability, purpose, and education?

This week, we’re joined by Carrie Kisker, President of Kisker Education Consulting and Director of the Center for the Study of Community Colleges, for a rich conversation on leadership challenges, community college impact, and the future of learning.

Carrie dives into:

• How community colleges empower students to explore passions affordably and close to home
• The critical pillars under attack in higher education... academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and civic engagement
• Strategies for leaders to balance resistance and innovation amid shifting political and social climates
• The evolving relationship between entrepreneurship and education in career pathways
• Practical advice for emerging leaders on continuous learning, adaptability, and breaking down silos
• How exposure to diverse perspectives fuels inclusive, effective leadership

Whether you’re a leader inside education or beyond, this episode will help you reimagine leadership as a dynamic, impact-driven vocation.

Resources Mentioned:

• Kisker Education Consulting: kiskeredconsulting.com
• Center for the Study of Community Colleges: centerforcommunitycolleges.org
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriekisker
• Book: https://www.amazon.com/American-Community-College-Carrie-Kisker-ebook/dp/B0CGKBVWHL?ref_=ast_author_mpb

How can humor and heartfelt storytelling elevate leadership and connect across cultures?

This week, we sit down with Naveed Mahbub, award winning comedian, international speaker, and founder of Bangladesh’s first comedy club, who shares his unique journey from engineer and corporate leader to standup comic and global storyteller. 

Naveed reveals:

• The power of humor to captivate and engage diverse audiences
• Balancing entrepreneurial risk taking with cultural adaptation in leadership
• Why authenticity and vulnerability build trust and impact
• Lessons from the stage and real life that leaders can learn to inspire teams
• How mindset shifts and resilience carry you through burnout and uncertainty

Whether you lead a team, manage a business, or want to unlock your true voice, this conversation offers fresh insights on leading with joy, authenticity, and courage.

Resources Mentioned:

• Naveed Mahbub’s website: naveedmahbub.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naveedmahbub/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/NaveedMahbub
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ComedianNaveedMahbub/

Who are the voices that shape your leadership journey, even from afar?

This week, we dive into our favorite mentors, game-changing books, and must-listen podcasts to guide your growth.

We unpack:

• Timeless lessons from legends like John Wooden, Jim Rohn, and Marcus Aurelius
• The power of daily learning and lifelong improvement
• How diverse mentorships shape leadership in unexpected ways
• Podcast picks that stretch your perspective and inspire action
• Life-changing reads that reinforce purpose, resilience, and clarity

If you want to be a leader who grows smarter every day, this episode gives you the essential toolbox of mentors and content to transform your mindset.

How do you help people truly see your vision and unlock leadership potential?

This week, we explore game-changing visual leadership strategies with Todd Cherches. He's the CEO of Big Blue Gumball, leadership expert, adjunct professor at NYU and Columbia, and author of Visual Leadership.

Todd reveals how:

• Visual thinking shapes how leaders see the world and communicate vision
• Translating complex ideas into visual metaphors empowers better team alignment
• Tailoring communication across cultures and generations unlocks connection
• Mastering storytelling and metaphor expands influence beyond words alone
• Powerful questions combined with reflective listening build trust and engagement
• Leadership demands balancing detail orientation with big-picture vision
• Tools like mind mapping, storyboarding, and simple visual props boost clarity

Whether you lead a team, organization, or simply want to sharpen your impact, this episode shows how visual clarity can take your leadership, and storytelling, to the next level.

Connect with Todd: https://www.toddcherches.com/

Visual Leadership Book: https://www.amazon.com/VisuaLeadership-Leveraging-Visual-Thinking-Leadership/dp/1642933376

How do tough lessons become your greatest leadership assets and fuel lasting growth?

Jon Goehring, Coach Jim Johnson, and Dr. Rehnuma Karim welcome Gary Daly — global entrepreneur, author of Built by Lessons, and advocate of personal development through authentic experience — for a wide-ranging discussion on transforming challenges into triumphs.

Gary shares his unique journey from sales novice to seasoned leader, including his transformative experience training with Wim Hof and learning the power of breath and mindset.

Drawing from decades of cross-cultural living and leadership, he unpacks:

• How embracing discomfort and surrender leads to flow and growth
• The science and practice of breathwork to regulate emotion and boost resilience
• Storytelling’s power to connect, inspire, and pass down legacy
• Overcoming fears in public speaking and mastering authentic communication
• Navigating cultural diversity and adaptability in leadership around the globe
• Lessons learned from early career setbacks, risk-taking, and mentorship
• Recommended foundational leaders and books for personal and professional growth

Whether you’re an emerging leader facing uncertainty or a seasoned professional refining your craft, this episode provides a holistic roadmap for thriving in leadership and life with courage and clarity.

Check out Gary's Book, Built By Lessons: 

https://www.amazon.com/Built-Lessons-Turn-Challenges-Triumphs/dp/B0DW8V9CJY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2AOD30DG

How do you transform adversity into authentic leadership that inspires and sustains?

This week we dive into a heartfelt conversation with Amy Pechacek... international speaker, leadership expert, and author of Built by Lessons.... who shares her journey of overcoming profound personal loss and burnout to lead with courage and purpose.

Amy discusses practical strategies for:

• Choosing happiness daily through intentional decisions
• Managing time and priorities with reflection and planning
• Building emotional intelligence and positive feedback loops in leadership
• Delegating effectively by aligning tasks with team members’ goals
• Embracing vulnerability and faith as pillars of authentic leadership
• Creating safe, trusting environments that foster team growth and resilience

Whether you’re starting your leadership path or deepening your impact, this episode offers actionable wisdom to lead with heart, clarity, and resilience.

Learn more and connect with Amy: 

Website: https://www.amypechacek.com/

Lead With Impact: https://www.alpstra.com/

The Shift Podcast: https://www.alpstra.com/podcasts

What does it truly take to lead with integrity, build trust, and inspire a culture that lasts?

This week, we dive deep into leadership lessons with Lee Cokerell: Former Executive Vice President of Operations at Walt Disney World and author of Creating Magic.

Lee shares how values always trump victories, the importance of practicing what you preach, and why authentic empathy and discipline are foundational to leadership success.

Drawing on decades of experience, he explores:

•     The critical role of trust built through consistent words and actions
•     Creating psychological safety that fosters belonging and engagement
•     Leading diverse, global teams with a servant leader mindset
•     Handling hard conversations with courage and clarity
•     Building cultures that value every individual and honor shared purpose
•     Leadership lessons from his unconventional upbringing to overseeing Disney’s vast team

Whether you’re a new leader or an executive guiding thousands, this episode offers powerful insights to lead with heart, clarity, and impact.


Learn more about Lee and connect: https://www.leecockerell.com/

His book, Creating Magic: https://www.amazon.com/Creating-Magic-Common-Leadership-Strategies/dp/0385523866

Are you networking the right way to build meaningful, trust based business relationships?

This week, we explore essential keys to effective networking for emerging leaders together. 

We uncover how to:

• Choose intentional, value-aligned networking events that match your mission
• Shift from transactional selling to authentic relationship building
• Embrace your natural communication style while mastering follow-up etiquette
• Use birthday and milestone acknowledgments to deepen connections
• Ask better questions to unlock meaningful conversations
• Leverage alumni groups and specialty communities for long-term support
• Build referral networks through trust and giving first mindset
• Understand why the “six degrees of separation” theory means your dream contact is closer than you think

Whether you’re stepping into leadership, building a business, or deepening your influence, this episode offers actionable strategies to grow your network with integrity and impact.

How do you lead a struggling team to resilience and success with heart and discipline? 

This week, we welcome John U Bacon, bestselling author, speaker, and former coach of one of America’s worst high school hockey teams, for an inspiring conversation on leadership, optimism, and building winning cultures.

John shares powerful stories from his coaching journey, emphasizing:

• The critical importance of leading by example and practicing what you preach
• Why optimistic leadership grounded in values beats focusing only on results
• How building trust and giving ownership transforms teams and individual athletes
• The value of patience, resilience, and celebrating progress in long-term culture change
• Lessons from legendary coaches like Bo Schembechler and Herb Brooks
• The delicate balance of discipline and empathy in effective leadership
• Why letting your team surprise you creates breakthrough moments and success

Whether you’re leading for the first time or looking to deepen your impact, this episode offers timeless wisdom to lead with heart, courage, and clarity, building teams capable of facing any challenge.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Let Them Lead — johnubacon.com
• Upcoming book: The Gales of November — available October 7.
• Podcast and speaking engagements — johnubacon.com

Ever jumped from a 40-hour workweek job to a 60-hour startup grind wondering if the pain is worth it?

Jon Goehring, Coach Jim Johnson, and Dr. Rehnuma Karim welcome Robin Waite — business coach, bestselling author of Take Your Shot, and founder of Fearless Business — for a candid conversation on building successful businesses without burnout.

Robin shares his personal journey of starting and scaling businesses across continents, learning the hard lessons of persistence, financial discipline, and smart risk-taking.

He uncovers powerful truths about:

• Why relentless learning is the game changer in your 20s and 30s
• Balancing entrepreneurship’s demands by catching the “right swells” and embracing “guilt-free” time off
• The critical mindset shifts from underselling your value to setting premium prices with confidence
• Crafting raving fans through intentional feedback and testimonial gathering
• How to build sustainable business models with simple, clear numbers and metrics
• The value of mentorship and coaching for acceleration and accountability

Whether you’re just launching your first venture or preparing for your next level, this episode equips you with the mindset, tools, and courage to take your shot confidently. Resources Mentioned:

• Book Take Your Shot: fearless.biz/tys
• Robin’s YouTube channel for free business insights
• Fearless Business coaching programs

How do personal stories create connection, shape leadership, and build lasting legacies?

Jon Goehring, Coach Jim Johnson, and Dr. Rehnuma Karim welcome Steve Mann — author, global entrepreneur, philanthropist, and legacy storyteller — for a heartfelt conversation on the profound power of storytelling in leadership and life.

Steve shares his journey from a diverse global career to authoring Stories That Shape Us, a guide to passing down wisdom, joy, and love to the next generation.

Drawing on decades of experience, he reveals:

• How everyone has stories worth telling and why they matter more than data
• The transformative power of embracing your authentic self and clarifying personal purpose
• Storytelling as a tool to bridge divides, build empathy, and inspire action
• How leaders can foster team identity by aligning personal and organizational goals
• Key strategies to identify, craft, and pass on stories that create meaning and impact

Whether you're a new leader or a seasoned professional, this episode offers timeless principles to harness storytelling for influence, legacy building, and authentic connection.

Resources Mentioned:

• Stories That Shape Us — steve-mann.com
• Bonus chapter & storytelling tools — download today at steve-mann.com.

What keeps leaders energized and thriving over the long haul?

This week, we explore the powerful concept of “red threads”... those igniting moments and passions that instill purpose and continuity in our leadership journey.

Drawing from recent Global Leadership Summit lessons and decades of experience, we reveal how:

• Identifying and leaning into your “red threads” prevents burnout and sparks flow
• Aligning your energy cycles with your daily tasks maximizes impact
• Authentic storytelling connects deeply and builds lasting leadership influence
• Purpose-grounded leadership creates fulfillment amid inevitable challenges
• Small moments of joy make a monumental difference for resilience and grit

Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, this episode shows how to find what truly energizes you to lead with passion, clarity, and sustainability.

What does it really take to build and keep trust?

Jon Goehring, Coach Jim Johnson, and Dr. Rehnuma Karim welcome Dr. Yoram Solomon — author of The Book of Trust and Can I Trust You? mini books, entrepreneurship expert, and host of The Trust Show podcast — for a no-nonsense conversation dissecting the complex nature of trust in leadership, sales, and life. Yoram reveals eight fundamental laws of trust — from its continuous, personal, and asymmetrical nature to the power of transferability and reciprocity.

He demolishes common myths about leadership, showing why promoting your best individual contributor rarely produces the best leader. Instead, he stresses empathy, transparency, and tailored accountability for building cultures of trust and performance.

Key takeaways include:

• The critical mindset shift from blame to growth through vulnerability and honest self-assessment
• Why trust is relative and personal — no one can please everyone
• How transferable trust works to open doors and deepen relationships
• Building alignment through shared values as the #1 predictor of trustworthiness
• Practical strategies for leaders and team members to earn and nurture trust daily
• Evaluating ideas with honest detachment and not falling in love with your solution
• The vital role of face-to-face interaction over LinkedIn or email in building authentic trust

Whether you’re a young leader, entrepreneur, or team member looking to catalyze real impact, this episode gives you the frameworks and mindset to become intentionally trustworthy.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Book of Trust & Mini Books Series — yoramsolomon.com | trusthabits.com
• Can I Trust You? Podcast — The Trust Show
• Upcoming book: Is It Really a Great Idea?

What truly moves buyers today?

Jon Goehring, Coach Jim Johnson, and Dr. Rehnuma Karim welcome Jim Pancero — sales structuralist, author, and world-class sales coach — for a deep dive into the science and art of selling in today’s landscape.

Jim shares why traditional sales approaches are changing rapidly and how focusing on customer needs and concise messaging (one to one and a half minutes!) leads to breakthrough success.

He unpacks:

• The four foundational selling skill layers: attitude, operational skills, tactics, and strategy
• Why most salespeople fail to follow a deliberate, multi-step sales process
• How to engage buyers earlier in their buying journey despite information overload
• The power of assumptive, validated questions that build trust and reveal real needs
• Real-world examples of differentiating value and overcoming price-driven purchasing
• Transitioning from top salesperson to effective sales leader with proactive coaching
• Tools for weekly micro sales training that leaders can deploy instantly

Whether you’re an emerging leader, sales professional, or entrepreneur, this episode will equip you to sell with confidence, clarity, and integrity, standing apart in a noisy marketplace.

Resources Mentioned:

• Jim Pancero’s free sales training videos & newsletter: pancero.com
• Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jim-Pancero/author/B001HD21Z6?ref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=523a8796-ae37-4acf-91b3-0acce29db53a
• Contact: (952) 913-8998 | jim@pancero.com

What if three simple questions could transform how you handle stress, mistakes, and personal growth?

Jon Goehring, Coach Jim Johnson, and Dr. Rehnuma Karim welcome Michael Lopez — leadership coach, author of Change: Six Science-Backed Strategies to Transform Your Brain, Body, and Behavior — for a deep dive into the science of change and actionable leadership insights.

Michael shares how embracing discomfort and cultivating a better relationship with stress unlocks neuroplasticity and resilience. Drawing on his rich background in business, military, and sports, he unpacks:

• Why change often fails, and how to reframe mistakes as growth opportunities
• The power of adaptability as the world evolves rapidly
• Leading with authenticity through action-oriented leadership by example
• The critical role of clear goals and process-focused efforts over just outcomes
• Evidence-based strategies for rewiring your brain and behavior for success
• How to build championship team culture starting with identity and ownership
• Tools and mindset shifts for emerging leaders gearing up for growth

Whether you’re a young leader climbing the ladder or an entrepreneur driving impact, this episode offers a neuroscience-based roadmap for embracing change and elevating leadership.

Resources Mentioned:

• Michael Lopez’s book Change: amazon.com/Change-science-backed-strategies-transform-behavior-ebook/dp/B0DS47PQWM
• Website: michaeljlopez.coach
• YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@MichaelJLopez9

How do top leaders maximize their time and energy to perform at their best every day?

This week, we share powerful, practical strategies for designing your day, setting boundaries, and staying productive while keeping your well being front and center. 

From blocking your peak creative hours, prioritizing sleep, to building daily routines around your unique rhythms, this tri-generational leadership conversation will help emerging leaders reclaim their time and focus in an increasingly busy world.

Key takeaways include:

• Time blocking to match your energy peaks and optimal productivity
• The importance of sleep as a foundation for consistent performance
• Creating non-negotiables and reflecting daily with goal scoring and gratitude
• Setting realistic boundaries to avoid overwhelm and exhaustion
• Practical hacks like ending meetings early to maintain momentum and respect
• Recognizing when “busy” disguises lack of focus and prioritization
• Embracing breaks and mindful transitions for sustained mental clarity
• How to say “no” without guilt, cultivating a scarcity-busting mindset

Whether you’re balancing work, family, or multiple projects, this episode delivers actionable tools to help you own your time and lead with sustained impact.

This week, we welcome Dr. James Chitwood, Army veteran, former university president, sales operations expert, and author of Leadership is Not Enough, for an eye-opening conversation about leadership that goes beyond authority and titles.

Drawing from his diverse leadership journey and hard-earned wisdom, Dr. Chitwood emphasizes:

• The power of embracing individual human motivations over expecting people to “be like you”
• Why trust breaks when leaders don’t align words and actions, and how humility fixes that
• Making one-on-ones the most powerful tool for developing people through training, recognition, accountability, and communication
• Building holistic, inclusive recognition systems that nurture team cohesion and motivation
• Using transparent, 360-degree accountability to create positive, high-performing culture
• Rethinking KPIs to focus on productivity and impact—not just time spent
• Harnessing empathy to engage genuinely and lead effectively
• Integrating faith and purpose in leadership through initiatives like C Suite for Christ

Whether you’re an emerging leader or seasoned professional, this episode will challenge you to lead with heart, hold people accountable with compassion, and build organizations thriving on human connection.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Leadership is Not Enough — leadershipisnotenough.com
• Consulting Firm: performanceculture.expert
• C Suite for Christ — csuiteforchrist.com