What if one of the most powerful ways to reduce taxes, protect wealth, and generate cash flow has been hiding in plain sight for over 100 years?

In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with respected tax strategist Ed Lyon and Summit Ventures CEO Mark Elliott to break down why oil and gas remains one of the most effective tax strategies available to high-income earners, business owners, and investors. They explain how direct participation in energy projects allows investors to offset ordinary income, generate tax advantaged cash flow, and hedge against inflation, all while supporting domestic energy independence.

This conversation demystifies oil and gas investing, explains why these incentives exist in the tax code, and shows how to evaluate opportunities properly so tax benefits support long-term financial goals, not risky speculation.

*What You Will Learn*
* Why oil and gas can offset ordinary income when real estate and stocks cannot
* How intangible drilling costs create immediate tax deductions
* The difference between oil stocks and direct participation investments
* Why high-income W2 earners benefit more than most people realize
* How oil and gas fit into a holistic tax and wealth strategy
* What to look for when vetting operators and investment partners
* How oil provides diversification, inflation protection, and cash flow

*Episode highlights:*
(00:00) Why oil and gas can offset ordinary income
(01:05) Meet Ed Lyon and why tax alpha matters
(02:10) What tax alpha actually means
(03:28) Why oil and gas have unique tax treatment
(04:14) The real reason Congress supports energy incentives
(05:48) How oil powers everyday products and the economy
(07:09) Energy independence and global stability
(08:31) Why do few people know about these tax benefits
(10:11) Direct participation vs oil stocks
(11:05) Intangible drilling costs explained simply
(12:33) How upfront deductions really work
(12:48) Tangible drilling costs and bonus depreciation
(14:12) Depletion allowance and tax advantaged cash flow
(15:49) Reducing taxes on earned income legally
(17:11) How fast investors see tax savings
(18:56) Who benefits most from oil and gas strategies
(21:33) Oil as a financial tool, not a tax trick
(23:18) Why due diligence matters more than tax benefits
(26:32) Oil as diversification and an inflation hedge
(28:23) Why proactive tax planning beats year-end scrambling
(30:02) Real case study with a high-income surgeon
(32:50) Entrepreneurs, exits, and family office planning
(34:03) Oil vs real estate and equities after tax
(36:02) Common misconceptions and real risks
(38:00) How to vet operators and projects
(41:22) Oil and gas demystified and investor education
(43:11) Final guidance on smart tax strategy
(44:01) Where to learn more and get started

Ed Lyon is one of the most respected tax strategists in the United States, author of more than a dozen books on tax planning, and a frequent national media contributor.

Connect with Ed Lyon
https://taxmasternetwork.com/team/ed-lyon/

Connect with Executive Connect:
Website → https://www.executiveconnectexperience.com/
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect
Newsletter → https://www.executiveconnectexperience.com/join/
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/

In this episode of Executive Connect, small business hiring expert Jamie Van Cuyk joins host Melissa Aarskaug to reveal why finding the right person for your team isn’t about passion or personality, it’s about skill, fit, and clarity. Jamie shares her journey from corporate to consulting and breaks down exactly where business owners go wrong when they hire, even if the candidate looks “perfect” on paper. You’ll learn why defining your ideal candidate before you post the job is essential, how to interview like a pro, and why outsourcing hiring doesn’t mean giving up ownership of the outcome. If you’ve ever made a hire you regretted, this episode is full of practical, real-world advice you can use immediately.

What You Will Learn:

• Why passion is not enough when hiring for small businesses

• The biggest hiring mistakes most founders make

• How to build a detailed ideal candidate profile

• Ways to review resumes without wasting hours

• Interview questions that separate real talent from smooth talkers

• When to hire freelancers vs. employees

• How to make staffing agencies work with you, not for you

Chapters:
 00:00 The myth of “just get them on the bus”
 01:14 Jamie’s path from corporate to hiring consultant
 04:17 Why most small business owners struggle to hire
 05:12 How to define your ideal candidate
 08:00 Resume red flags and what to really look for
 10:46 Must-have vs. nice-to-have criteria
 13:40 How to shortlist the right candidates
 15:10 Interviewing: real skill vs. polished answers
 17:03 The power of asking about failure and conflict
 21:44 Skill vs. passion — what matters more
 24:31 The most common outsourcing mistake
 26:41 What you still need to do when using staffing agencies
 28:12 Where to find Jamie online


Guest Bio:
 Jamie Van Cuyk is the founder of Growing Your Team, a consulting agency that helps small business owners hire employees who are worth every penny. With over 15 years of leadership experience, Jamie teaches entrepreneurs how to create a repeatable hiring process that gets results without overwhelm.

Connect with Jamie Van Cuyk:
 Website → https://growingyourteam.com/
 Podcast → Growing Your Team on all major platforms
 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamievancuyk/

Watch more in our Mental Wellness and Leadership Performance playlist:
 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxrYeIuZ_iIdG85fZi23XegEIpzAypDF1

Connect With Us:
 Website → www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
 YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
 LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
 Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
 TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
 Facebook → Executive Connect

Think a will is enough to protect your legacy? What if it’s the fastest way to lose everything you’ve built?

In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug welcomes Andrew Hall, estate attorney, entrepreneur, and co-founder of York Howell and COREnology™. Together, they unpack why 70% of families lose their wealth within three generations, and how that trend can be reversed.

Andrew shares how wealth is quietly eroded through division, taxes, poor planning, and lack of purpose. He explains why a will alone isn’t enough, and how families can preserve both their money and meaning by aligning their estate plans with their core values. With real-life stories, hard truths, and a bit of humor, Andrew outlines how to build a “living legacy” that lasts, without the family drama.
If you’re serious about protecting what you’ve built, this episode is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn

• Why wills and trusts often fail to preserve wealth
• The four silent ways family wealth disappears
• How to pass on values, not just money
• Why most estate plans don’t reflect what families actually want
• How to get your kids involved without creating entitlement
• The one tool that helps families uncover their core values
• What successful families do differently after a loved one passes
• How to rebuild when wealth has already been misused or lost

Episode Highlights:
(0:40) The uncomfortable truth about how wealth erodes
(1:36) The four major reasons wealth doesn’t make it to the third generation
(5:46) Why just having a will is the fastest way to lose a legacy
(12:31) A look inside COREnology™ and how families can define their values in 20 minutes
(21:19) How to shift from just preserving wealth to creating purpose
(27:14) What to do if your family’s wealth is already in decline
(33:41) The power of setting expectations early with your heirs
(35:09) Final advice: Why values-aligned advisors matter most

Connect with Andrew Howell
Email → teamandrew@yorkhowell.com
Website → https://www.yorkhowell.com/
Book → Entrusted: Building a Legacy That Lasts
Values Tool → https://corenology.com/

Connect with Melissa Aarskaug
 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
 Podcast LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
 Website → https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com

Why do the wealthiest investors skip oil stocks and go straight to owning the wells?

In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Mark Elliott, CEO of Summit Ventures and general partner at Gauntlet Ventures, to unpack how direct ownership in oil and gas has been kept behind closed doors—until now.

With 25+ years of experience across high-growth startups and investments in names like SpaceX and Epic Games, Mark explains how real wealth is created when you own production, not paper. He shares the difference between owning stocks and owning assets that generate monthly income—plus why this opportunity has been overlooked by most accredited investors. You’ll learn how direct oil and gas investments can outperform traditional portfolios, reduce tax burdens, and build generational wealth.

If you're ready to think beyond Wall Street, this episode will shift how you view real investing.

What You’ll Learn

• Why insiders don’t buy oil stocks—they own the wells

• The difference between paper assets and physical production

• How direct investing builds real, monthly cashflow

• What due diligence actually looks like in oil and gas

• Why oil demand is still rising despite green energy hype

• How to think like an owner, not a passive investor

• The overlooked “blue ocean” opportunity between $5M–$50M

• Why oil investing could be your portfolio’s strongest hedge

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro: Mark’s 10-year journey into oil investing
(1:30) Why direct energy investing has been off-limits to most
(3:26) Stocks vs. ownership: how insiders actually invest
(5:43) Direct investing isn't as risky as you think
(6:28) How oil investing compares to multifamily real estate
(9:07) Why oil thrives—even during a market crash
(11:19) Oil at $20? Why small operators still win
(12:03) Mark’s tech background & investing discipline
(14:00) The 3 things that make an oil deal solid: rock, operator, infra
(17:25) Why the best oil deals are hiding in plain sight
(19:34) ESG, green energy myths & the oil reality check
(22:02) Demand is growing fast—but supply isn’t
(23:35) Why is this your “multifamily moment” in oil
(25:26) From investor to owner: the mindset shift
(27:33) Why generational wealth starts with education
(28:04) How to do real due diligence (without getting overwhelmed)
(30:44) What to look for: structure, geology, alignment
(32:13) Advice Mark wishes he had known before his first deal
(33:17) Where oil fits into your portfolio strategy
(34:54) Sneak peek: The tax advantages of oil & gas
(35:48) Get the free blueprint → https://summitven.com/executiveconnect

Connect with Mark Elliott
 Website → https://summitven.com
 Blueprint → summitven.com/executiveconnect
 Email → melliott@summitven.com

Connect with Melissa Aarskaug
 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
 Podcast LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
 Website → https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com/

Why do so many leaders burn out trying to do it all, and what if leadership didn’t have to be that way?

In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with leadership mentor and speaker Valarie Sandjivy, who believes great leaders aren’t born, they’re shaped by life. Valerie shares her powerful story of being unexpectedly thrown into high-stakes roles, moving countries, and becoming a business leader and coach, all while learning how to lead without losing herself.

She breaks down her Four Pillars of Leadership, self-leadership, leading others, emotional mastery, and soulful care, and explains why adaptability is the new leadership superpower. This conversation is a must-listen for any leader (or aspiring one) who’s tired of chasing perfection and ready to lead with more presence, purpose, and peace.

What You Will Learn:

• Why life experience builds better leaders than books
• The four essential pillars every leader needs
• How to lead others without burning out
• What emotional mastery really looks like in tough moments
• How to stop resisting change and start flowing with it
• Why you don’t need a 10-year plan to lead well
• The mindset that makes leadership feel lighter and more sustainable

Chapters:
00:00 Why the world will never stop changing
01:14 Valarie’s story: from engineering to unexpected leadership
05:09 The Four Pillars of Leadership explained
07:49 Pillar 1: Self-leadership and integrity
08:44 Pillar 2: Leading others with vision and support
11:21 Pillar 3: Emotional mastery (not just intelligence)
18:44 Pillar 4: Adaptability as your leadership edge
23:03 Rethinking what leadership is really for
27:01 The power of taking just one step at a time
32:14 Final thoughts: “Be the change you want to see”
33:18 Where to connect with Valerie

Guest Bio:
Valarie Sandjivy is a leadership mentor, keynote speaker, and the creator of the Four Pillars of Leadership framework. After years of climbing the corporate ladder across multiple countries and industries, she now helps executives, founders, and teams lead with clarity, care, and confidence. Her work focuses on emotional mastery, adaptability, and people-first leadership.

Connect with Valarie Sandjivy:
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriesandjivy/
Website → https://www.ellips.us.com/

Watch more in our Mental Wellness and Leadership Performance playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxrYeIuZ_iIdG85fZi23XegEIpzAypDF1

Connect With Us:
 Website → www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
 YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
 LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
 Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
 TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
 Facebook → Executive Connect

In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Jamie Metzl, futurist, author, and biotech expert, to talk about why the future isn’t just coming fast…it’s already here.

Jamie argues that we’re not headed toward human-like AI, but something more powerful: machine superintelligence. From rewriting DNA to reinventing work, Jamie shows how AI, genetics, and biotech are converging into a single, fast-moving force that’s changing jobs, economies, and even global power.

If you’ve been wondering what’s hype and what’s real in AI, or how to stay human in a tech-heavy world, this episode delivers clarity, perspective, and a call to action.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why “AGI is BS”, and what we should really be focusing on
• How AI, genetics, and biotech are all part of one big revolution
• What every leader and company must do now to keep up
• Why ethics and governance can’t wait until it’s too late
• How this tech wave will reshape jobs, agriculture, healthcare, and more
• What individuals can do today to stay future-ready
• Jamie’s journey from the White House to writing sci-fi, and what it taught him

Highlights:
[00:00] “AGI is BS”, Jamie’s bold view on artificial intelligence
[02:05] Jamie’s journey from government to biotech thought leader
[04:42] Making science feel personal through storytelling
[07:27] Why this tech revolution is bigger than just genetics
[12:42] Superconvergence explained, how AI, genetics & biotech fuse
[15:03] Three steps to prepare yourself and your company for the future
[21:28] Which industries are being disrupted the most, and why
[28:10] The real risk: moving too fast without ethical guardrails
[33:50] Global tech races, will they unite or divide nations?
[38:12] How to build a future-ready mindset and resilient culture
[42:08] Final takeaway: humans at the center of the story

Connect with Jamie Metzl:
🌐 Website – https://www.jamiemetzl.com
🐦 Twitter/X – https://twitter.com/jamiemetzl
📘 Book – Superconvergence (Blue cover = revised edition!)

Watch more in our Smart Leadership, Strategy & Reinvention playlist:
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxrYeIuZ_iIdG85fZi23XegEIpzAypDF1

Subscribe to Executive Connect:
 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/ro/podcast/
 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/1zggDnb
 Website → https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com

Follow Us:
 YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
 LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
 Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
 TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
 Facebook → Executive Connect

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Agentic AI Is Here…Are You Ready for It to Work Smarter Than You?

In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Mayuri Jain, marketing strategist and digital innovation leader, to explore how agentic AI is changing how work gets done.

Unlike traditional AI that waits for instructions, agentic AI sets goals, plans, and takes action, all on its own. Mayuri breaks down how companies can harness these smart systems to handle complex workflows, boost productivity, and still keep humans in the loop where it matters most.
You’ll hear real-life examples, ethical concerns, and how leaders can prepare their teams to build trust with AI, not fear it.

If you’re wondering how to use AI without losing control, this episode will give you the roadmap.

What You’ll Learn:

• How agentic AI works differently from traditional AI
• Why AI isn’t replacing you, but will replace how you work
• How to build systems with smart checks and balances
• Where agentic AI is already having big impact
• Choosing the right AI model for the right task
• How leaders can prepare teams for an AI-ready future
• Mayuri’s personal journey with AI and her latest project, Voices

Highlights:
01:30 A driverless car vs Google Maps analogy
03:01 Features that make AI act on its own
04:36 Multi-agent workflows explained
05:21 Ethics and putting guardrails in place
06:30 Setting up policies and traceability
07:37 Where AI is being used today
08:20 Building vs. buying AI tools
12:46 Who’s accountable when AI messes up?
15:01 How Mayuri uses different models to write a book
17:58 How teams can start building with AI
20:56 Final thoughts: Stay curious, not afraid
22:39 Mayuri’s journey from India to New York
29:00 Her new project, Voices
30:45 Where to connect with Mayuri

Connect with Mayuri Jain:
Finextra - https://www.finextra.com/bloggers/160867
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayurimehtajain/

Watch more in our Smart Leadership, Strategy & Reinvention playlist:
 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxrYeIuZ_iIdG85fZi23XegEIpzAypDF1

Subscribe to Executive Connect:
 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/ro/podcast/
 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/1zggDnb
 Website → https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com

Follow Us:
 YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
 LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
 Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
 TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
 Facebook → Executive Connect

*What happens to your business when you step away, or worse, can’t come back?


In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Lowell Mora, fractional CFO and founder of Impact CFO, to talk about the silent risks that cause nearly half of family-owned businesses to fail within two years of the founder’s exit.

Lowell shares what most owners get wrong about succession planning, the trap of customer concentration, and why keeping total control can actually destroy the value you’ve worked so hard to build. You’ll also hear real-world strategies for preparing your business for sale, transitioning to the next generation, and using capital wisely to protect your legacy.

This is a must-listen for any business owner who’s built something great, but hasn’t built a plan for what’s next.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why nearly 50% of family-owned businesses fail after the founder exits
• What buyers really want to see before buying your business
• How customer concentration quietly lowers your company’s value
• When to sell, pass down, or bring in a CEO, and how to know the difference
• How to use debt smartly to grow, not sink, your business
• Why most owners overestimate their company’s value
• How to make a succession plan that actually works
• The surprising risks of staying “in control” too long

Episode highlights:
(0:27) The harsh truth: 50% of family businesses fail post-founder
(2:08) Lowell’s journey from CPA to exit expert
(6:16) Why so few businesses prepare for the founder’s exit
(8:09) Top two value-killers: weak management & customer concentration
(12:09) What buyers expect, and why you’re probably not ready
(17:04) “Debt-free” sounds good, but may hurt you more
(23:07) Are you running a business, or just holding a job?
(27:51) Letting go: how to pass the torch the right way
(34:32) What happens if you get hit by a bus?
(36:01) The power of planning: personal and professional alignment
(38:54) Final thoughts: Don’t wait for a crisis to make a plan

Connect with Lowell Mora:
Website → https://impactcfo.net
Email → lowell@impactcfo.net
Phone → 847-212-4081
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/lowellmora/

Connect with Melissa Aarskaug:
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
Podcast LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
Website → https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com/

What if your best employee isn’t ready to be a manager — and you promoted them anyway?

In this episode of Executive Connect, Tara Landes, founder of Bell Rock and leadership expert, joins host Melissa Aarskaug to talk about why most management training doesn’t work, and what actually does. Tara shares how her company transformed over 1,000 managers by focusing on real-world application, influence science, and personalized support.

She explains how many new leaders are set up to fail, why repetition matters more than inspiration, and how to spot if someone shouldn’t be a manager. Tara also shares a powerful persuasion technique using reciprocity that will shift how you negotiate and lead. If you're a leader, business owner, or HR pro trying to grow real leadership inside your team, this episode is for you.

What You Will Learn:

• Why many managers are promoted before they’re prepared
• How influence can be taught (and isn’t just charisma)
• Why most training doesn’t stick — and how to fix it
• A simple technique that nearly doubles “yes” responses
• How to tell if someone’s better off not managing
• Tips to reduce training waste and maximize ROI
• What makes Bell Rock’s training model so effective

Chapters:
 00:18 Meet Tara Landes & Bell Rock’s Mission
 01:24 How Bell Rock Was Born from a Gap in the Market
 02:20 Why Influence Is a Science (Not a Talent)
 04:07 A Surprising Study on Reciprocity in Action
 06:41 Bell Rock’s 97% Completion Rate: How They Do It
 10:58 From Doer to Leader: The Skills Gap in Management
 14:42 Overcoming Fear Around Investing in Training
 19:15 The Overload of Training Options Today
 20:29 Why Repetition Is the Real Key to Learning
 23:02 How to Spot High-Quality Training vs. Noise
 24:09 Where to Learn More About Bell Rock
 25:14 Final Takeaways on Leadership and Lifelong Learning


Guest Bio:
Tara Landes is the founder of Bell Rock, a leadership and management consulting firm helping small businesses turn chaos into consistency. With over 25 years of experience, she’s led 1,000+ leaders through Bell Rock’s management training program. Tara is also a licensed influence trainer with expertise in behavioral science and organizational change.

Connect with Tara Landes:
 🔗 Website → www.bellrock.ca
 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/taralandes/

Watch more in our Leadership Development playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxrYeIuZ_iIdG85fZi23XegEIpzAypDF1

Connect With Us:
Website → www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
Facebook → Executive Connect

What does it really take to get your business recommended by AI instead of ignored by it?

In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Mike Montague, AI marketing leader, author, and founder of Avenue9,to break down the rise of Answer Engine Optimization and what it means for every business today. Mike explains why SEO is fading, why AI now decides who gets seen, and why real human conversations are the new competitive edge.

You’ll hear how AI actually thinks, how to “teach” the models about your brand, and how small businesses can finally compete with big companies by creating the right content in the right places. This is a simple, clear roadmap for staying visible, trusted, and recommended in an AI-driven world.

What You’ll Learn

• Why SEO is losing power and AEO is taking over
• How AI chooses which brands to recommend
• The type of content AI trusts most (and what it ignores)
• Why human conversations now beat traditional blog posts
• How to train the models to understand your brand
• The three quickest wins to boost visibility in AI
• Why small businesses have more opportunity than ever
• How brand reputation fuels both AI and real-world referrals

Chapters
(0:27) Why AI gives “one best answer” instead of 10 links
(3:49) Conversations replacing SEO content
(6:10) How AI decides what your brand is known for
(12:01) Why your story teaches AI faster than your website
(15:20) What content wins in AI right now
(17:02) Duplicate content becomes a strength
(20:04) Understanding your “share of model”
(24:25) Mike’s quick wins for improving AEO
(27:13) Where real ROI comes from AI recommendations
(31:57) Navigating work, burnout, and multi-hyphen careers
(35:28) Lessons from play, creativity, and human connection
(40:22) Final thoughts on the future of AI marketing
(41:26) Where to connect with Mike

Connect with Mike Montague
Website → https://avenue9.com
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedmontague/
Playful Humans Quiz → https://playfulhumans.com/quiz

Connect with Melissa Aarskaug
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
Podcast LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
Website → https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com

What does it really take for women to build wealth, gain financial confidence, and close the pay gap, for good?

In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Michelle Taylor, leukemia survivor, financial educator, and founder of the Women and Wealth Initiative. With over a decade of experience helping women, from CEOs to stay-at-home moms, Michelle shares real strategies to take control of your finances, rewrite limiting money beliefs, and create lasting financial freedom.

Whether you’re running a household or scaling a company, this episode will help you shift your mindset, use your money as a tool, and start having the money conversations that matter.


What You Will Learn:

• Why most women undervalue their financial worth
• How to redefine wealth in a way that actually fits your life
• The biggest money myths keeping women stuck
• Simple tools to start building wealth today—at any stage
• Why women need to talk about money more often
• How to raise financially smart kids
• What you can do to close the gender pay gap now

Chapters:

00:00 Rewriting the Rules of Wealth
00:25 Meet Michelle Taylor: Survivor, CEO, Educator
01:29 From Diagnosis to Financial Awakening
05:34 What Wealth Really Means for Women
10:35 Smart Financial Strategies That Work
15:15 Tackling the Gender Pay Gap
20:29 Finding Time for Money Goals Without Burnout
24:49 Getting Kids Involved in Money Talks
29:56 Start Where You Are—The Power of Taking Action
33:06 Where to Connect with Michelle

Connect with Michelle Taylor:

Website → https://www.womeninwealth.co
 Instagram → @women_in_wealth
 Podcast → https://www.talkwealthy.com/

Connect with Melissa Aarskaug:

LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
 Podcast → Executive Connect
 Website → https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com

What does it really take to lead thriving teams in a world of remote work, constant change, and burnout?

In this episode of Executive Connect, Kevin Eikenberry, leadership expert, best-selling author, and Co-Founder of the Remote Leadership Institute, joins Melissa Aarskaug to unpack what flexible leadership looks like in 2025 and why it’s the key to success in today’s work environment. With experience coaching leaders in 53 countries, Kevin shares the mindset shifts, communication strategies, and human-centered habits every leader needs to thrive, whether managing from a distance or in person.

If you’re building or leading a remote or hybrid team, this episode will help you lead with clarity, confidence, and care.

What You Will Learn:

• Why leading the same way you did five years ago won’t work today
• The biggest mindset shift new managers must make
• How to set clear expectations that reduce stress and boost results
• Why flexibility is the new leadership advantage
• How to lead with empathy and accountability
• The role of self-care in high-impact leadership
• How to communicate effectively across remote and hybrid environments

Chapters:
00:00 What Tractors Have to Do with Leadership
01:10 Kevin’s Farm-Grown Leadership Roots
02:46 Why Flexibility Is a Leadership Superpower
05:12 Building Remarkable Remote and Hybrid Teams
08:05 Skills Every Modern Leader Needs
12:33 Burnout, Boundaries, and the Human Side of Leadership
23:29 Supporting Teams Without Micromanaging
29:03 You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader
30:00 How to Succeed After Being Promoted Into Leadership
32:49 Final Thoughts: Rooted Values, Flexible Approach

Connect with Kevin Eikenberry
Website → https://kevineikenberry.com
Newsletter & Free Resources → https://kevineikenberry.com/gift
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevineikenberry/

Connect with Melissa Aarskaug
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
Podcast LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
Website → https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com/