Leaders Of Transformation

How can we fight human trafficking at scale—and ensure our businesses aren't unknowingly helping traffickers exploit others?

Human trafficking is a complex problem that requires more than awareness and victim rescue. It demands a strategic approach that identifies traffickers, exposes the systems that enable exploitation, and holds businesses accountable for how their products and services are used.

In this episode of Leaders of Transformation, host Nicole Jansen speaks with Nic McKinley, founder of DeliverFund, a nonprofit that equips law enforcement with data and technology to identify and prosecute human traffickers. Drawing on his experience in...

Could chasing success be taking you further away from feeling fulfilled?

In this episode of Leaders of Transformation, host Nicole Jansen sits down with serial entrepreneur, leadership coach, and author Mandy Balak to explore why the same patterns that drive high achievers to success can also lead to burnout, self-sabotage, and unhealthy leadership.

Drawing from her own experiences building businesses, navigating significant personal and professional setbacks, and coaching leaders, Mandy shares how resilience requires more than simply getting back up and pushing forward. True transformation begins when we pause, recognize the patterns holding us back...

What does it look like to be fruitful and multiply from a Kingdom perspective?

In Part 3 of The Father's Heart series, Nicole Jansen welcomes back Demetrius Archontakis to explore how our beliefs, daily decisions, and relationship with God shape the fruit of our lives. Together, they discuss the far-reaching consequences of seemingly small choices, the importance of breaking destructive generational patterns, and why lasting transformation begins in the heart rather than through behavior modification.

Demetri shares why understanding the sufficiency of Christ is central to experiencing genuine change. Rather than striving to earn righteousness or...

What if the Kingdom of God isn't just somewhere we're going - but a reality we're invited to live in right now?

In this powerful continuation of Nicole's conversation with Demetrius Archontakis, they go deeper into what it means to follow Jesus - not simply as someone who has been "saved," but as a disciple who is learning to live from the victory Christ has already given us.

Demetri challenges the common mindset of waiting for heaven while simply trying to survive life on earth. Instead, he invites us to recognize that salvation is the...

What if Jesus is more than you think He is?

In Part 1 of The Father's Heart series with Demetrius Archontakis, we explore what it really means to follow Jesus - and what changes when we move beyond religious titles, accomplishments, and simply having knowledge about Him to truly understanding who He is, what He represents, and what He has done for us.

Demetri shares why he believes modern Christianity has lost something essential: discipleship. We explore the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Him personally, why our past does not have to define our...

What if every college graduate left campus with the mindset, confidence, and skills to solve complex problems and create opportunities wherever they go?

In this episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Jeff Meade, Founding Director of Entrepreneurship at Paul Quinn College, where every student learns to think and act like an entrepreneur. Rather than preparing students for jobs that may not exist in a few years, Jeff and his team are equipping them to solve real-world problems, create value, embrace failure as part of the learning process, and confidently adapt to an ever-changing world.

Together...

Is your organization's biggest growth challenge really strategy - or is it a hidden trust problem that's quietly slowing everything down?

As organizations grow, complexity increases. Decisions slow down, communication breaks down, and leaders often find themselves becoming the bottleneck without realizing why.

In this episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Debbie Simmons – community activist, business leader, wife, mother of nine adopted children, devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and author of The Architecture of Trust - to explore why trust isn't just a leadership value; it's the operating system that allows organizations to scale.

What separates communities that merely recover after disaster from those that come back stronger?

In this episode of the Leaders of Transformation, Nicole Jansen welcomes back former Augusta mayor, leadership coach, and community builder Deke Copenhaver to discuss how communities can become stronger after disaster through trust-based leadership and servant-hearted collaboration.

Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Deke stepped into an unpaid leadership role to help launch the Greater Augusta Long-Term Recovery Group. What began as a local disaster response has become a powerful model for rebuilding homes, restoring hope, and uniting people across generations...

What if your greatest leadership achievement isn't what you accomplish yourself - but the leaders you develop who continue multiplying long after you're gone?

In this episode of Leaders of Transformation, Nicole Jansen welcomes back leadership development expert and bestselling author Mac Lake to discuss his latest book, Super Multiplier.

What does it take to build a leadership legacy that extends far beyond your own influence? Mac reveals how great leaders intentionally develop leaders who go on to develop other leaders – creating a multiplication effect that can impact organizations for generations.

Drawing from de...

What if you're not burned out or unproductive—what if you're simply working against your natural instincts?

In this episode of the Leaders of Transformation, Nicole Jansen sits down with Amy Bruske, President and Integrator of Kolbe Corp, to explore the powerful principles behind her new bestselling book, Do More, More Naturally, co-authored with David Kolbe.

Amy explains why success isn't about forcing yourself to improve your weaknesses or manage your time more efficiently. Instead, it's about understanding how you're naturally wired to take action, solve problems, and make decisions. Together, Nicole and Amy discuss th...

What if reigniting your imagination could unlock possibilities for your life and leadership you never thought were possible?

In this episode of Leaders of Transformation, Nicole Jansen welcomes back leadership expert, executive coach, and author Greg Cagle to discuss his powerful new book, Reality Benders.

Greg shares how our beliefs shape our behaviors, how emotions fuel outcomes, and why most people unknowingly live in reactive cycles instead of intentionally creating the future they truly want. Together, Nicole and Greg explore how to reignite imagination, challenge limiting beliefs, and unlock new possibilities in leadership, business, and...

How do you stay grounded when everything around you in shifting?

After an intentional break, Nicole Jansen returns with a bold new vision for the Leaders of Transformation podcast. In this episode, Nicole shares why she stepped away, what she discovered in the stillness, and what's ahead in this powerful new chapter of the podcast.

Nicole opens with a raw and honest reflection on the tension high achievers feel between striving and resting — and why the most productive thing you can do in certain pivotal moments is to pause. From there, she paints a vivid pi...

What if your next vacation could transform lives—including your own?

In this inspiring episode of the Leaders of Transformation podcast, host Nicole Jansen welcomes Kimberly Haley-Coleman, founder and executive director of GlobeAware - an award-winning nonprofit that has mobilized volunteers across more than 25 countries through service adventures that create lasting social impact.

Kimberly shares how voluntourism, when done responsibly, goes far beyond traditional travel. These immersive experiences cultivate cross-cultural leadership, deepen human connection, and shift how people see the world - and themselves. From her own journey leaving the corporate world to building GlobeAware, Ki...

How do you coach at scale - and still achieve measurable results? In this practical and results-driven episode, join us as Nicole Jansen sits down with Will Linssen, globally recognized leadership coach, CEO of Global Coach Group, and author of Triple Win Leadership Coaching.

With his approach impacting over a million leaders across more than 30 countries, Will Linssen shares how leadership coaching can be scaled to deliver measurable results - not just for individual leaders, but for teams and organizations as a whole.

Discover the revolutionary "triple win" methodology - an approach that ensures the...

Have you ever chased success, only to realize it didn't give you the freedom or fulfillment you hoped for?

In this transformative episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Mark Rampolla - founder of ZICO Coconut Water, co-founder of Groundforce Capital, and author of The Entrepreneur's Guide to Freedom: 7 Steps to Living Beyond Limits.

Mark shares a refreshingly honest look at building ZICO from his garage into a global brand which he sold to Coca-Cola for $200 million (before buying it back a few years later) - and the unexpected discovery that financial success alone doesn't...

If someone were to make a documentary about your life, what moments would you want them to highlight?

In this heartfelt episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with master storyteller, creative entrepreneur, and Heritage Films founder Chance McClain. With a background as diverse as his documentaries—army veteran, sports radio pioneer, musician, and filmmaker -Chance McClain has crafted more than 800 cinematic documentaries dedicated to preserving family legacies. Together, Nicole Jansen and Chance McClain dive deep into the art of legacy storytelling, the healing power of forgiveness, and why capturing the nuances of real life transforms memory into meaningful he...

What if the secret to thriving as a new manager is not found in your title, but in how you show up—day after day—for your peers and team?

In this hands-on episode of Leaders of Transformation, we sit down with Noel Massie, former VP of US Delivery Operations at UPS and author of the essential guide Congrats! You've Been Promoted. Drawing on over forty years of frontline leadership, Noel Massie reveals what it really takes to succeed when you step into a supervisory role—no matter your age or experience.

Sharing stories from UPS an...

How do you turn a personal frustration into a $75 million brand—with no experience in the industry?

In this episode of Leaders of Transformation, host Nicole Jansen interviews Justin Baer, founder of Collars & Co., who transformed a simple idea—a dress-collar polo shirt—into one of the fastest-growing luxury menswear brands in America.

With no background in fashion and a long history of entrepreneurial experiments (and failures), Justin shares how he built a multimillion-dollar brand through relentless action, rapid testing, and the courage to launch imperfect ideas. His story of Shark Tank success and partnership with M...

How can reframing your approach to talent, technology, and learning future-proof your entire organization?

In this episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Steve Cadigan—renowned talent strategist, former LinkedIn VP of Talent, and author of Workquake—to unlock what it means to truly lead in an era where work is being reinvented at lightning speed. Drawing on experience guiding LinkedIn through explosive growth, building world-class cultures, and advising the likes of Google and Harvard, Steve shares a bold blueprint for navigating AI, fostering "career security," and turning today's workplace challenges into tomorrow's breakthrough opportunities.

Steve and...

What does it take to build lasting resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity?

In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Lee Ellis—leadership coach, award-winning author, Air Force veteran, and former POW in North Vietnam for over five years. Drawing on his extraordinary experiences of captivity, Lee shares practical wisdom on resilience, leadership, honor, and the true power of mission-driven living.

Lee opens up about overcoming adversity as a prisoner of war, the critical role of commitment, faith, and community, and why self-acceptance and vulnerability are essential for real leadership. Together, Ni...

How do you build a business that reflects your faith, fuels your purpose, and still drives results?

In this power-packed episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Tamara Jackson—former Fortune 500 VP, CEO of Lead Reviver, founder of Beaconship, and creator of the GRASP faith framework. Tamara shares her journey of leaving corporate comfort to follow God's calling, navigating unexpected pivots (including pandemic shutdowns), and proving that bold faith fuels both purpose and business success.

You'll discover how to make Spirit-led decisions with confidence, integrate faith authentically into your business and leadership, break free from comfort zo...

How do you grow predictable revenue for your non-profit initiative?

In this value-packed episode of Leaders of Transformation, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Jonathan Beck, founder of WeGive—a powerful SaaS platform transforming how nonprofits and faith-based organizations engage donors and fuel their missions.

After co-founding PayStand, a global leader in digital payments, and building a successful career in Silicon Valley, Jonathan felt a strong pull to return to his roots and serve the nonprofit world. With WeGive, he's merging innovative technology with purpose, helping mission-driven leaders build stronger supporter relationships and generate sustainable, pr...

How do you lead a $30M company, raise a family, and break barriers in a male-dominated industry—all before 40?

In this inspiring episode of Leaders of Transformation, Nicole Jansen sits down with Kash Rocheleau, the trailblazing CEO of Icon Foods. Kash's unconventional journey—from stay-at-home mom to the youngest CEO in her industry—turns traditional leadership and success narratives on their heads. She opens up about redefining fulfillment, the realities of working motherhood, and her passion for unearthing and empowering unconventional talent.

Discover how Kash shatters stereotypes, leverages curiosity and grit over perfect résumés, and c...

How do you create world-changing impact and lasting profits at the same time?

In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Kurt Avery, the founder of Sawyer—the company renowned for its cutting-edge products protecting people against sun, bugs, waterborne disease, and injuries worldwide. But Sawyer's story isn't just one of innovation and growth: it's a powerful example of what happens when service, strategic thinking, and generosity fuel a business model. Since 2008, Sawyer has donated over 90% of its profits annually, working alongside 40 charities in 80 countries and transforming the lives of more than 28 million people.

How do you lead under pressure—when the stakes are higher than ever?

Join host Nicole Jansen as she welcomes Jeffrey Sanow—a highly decorated former senior CIA intelligence officer and social skills instructor—for a rare, behind-the-scenes exploration of negotiating, leading, and communicating in the world's most demanding environments. Drawing on decades of experience from covert missions to boardrooms, Jeffrey shares hard-earned lessons in the art of human intelligence (HUMINT), the nuances of managing high achievers, and the subtle balance between respecting authority and staying true to your ethics.

In this deeply insightful conversation, Jeffre...

What if sales could be transformed from a high-pressure, toxic grind into an uplifting, collaborative, and deeply rewarding experience?

In this insightful episode of Leaders of Transformation, host Nicole Jansen welcomes Max Cates—award-winning author, nationally recognized sales leader, and founder of Servant Leaders in Sales—for a powerful conversation on revolutionizing the world of sales through the principles and practices of servant leadership. Drawing from 37 years of proven sales management success, Max reveals how empathy, sacrifice, teamwork, and accountability can supercharge your sales teams and turn conventional wisdom on its head.

Dive deep into prac...

What if the key to thriving in leadership isn't doing more—but leading with greater intention and authenticity?

In this compelling episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with executive coach and former USA Women's Rugby head coach Pete Steinberg, author of Leadership Shock: Using Authenticity to Navigate the Hidden Dangers of Career Success. Drawing on decades of elite coaching and executive leadership, Pete introduces the concept of "leadership shock"—those jarring moments when once-successful strategies suddenly fail you.

Pete unpacks the turning points he's witnessed and lived through—revealing why even high achievers get blindsided in new ro...

What could you achieve if you let go of all excuses and limiting beliefs?

In this deeply motivational episode, Nicole Jansen welcomes Lawrence "Stoney" Stone—a remarkable martial arts grandmaster, published author, stunt coordinator, rock band singer, and cancer survivor whose life story is anything but ordinary.

Born with congenital hip problem, later with CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy) a degenerative nerve disease, Stoney has faced significant physical challenges since birth, yet has refused to let them define or limit him. From building future champions in his dojo to serving as an executive protection consultant, Stoney's impact ri...

What if lasting success isn't about what you achieve—but who you become?

In this powerful episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Rusty Rueff—renowned tech executive, startup advisor, philanthropist, and co-author of Faith Code—to explore how inner purpose and spiritual identity provide the only truly unshakable foundation for life and leadership.

Drawing from two decades of reflection, Rusty shares a compelling metaphor: Are you building your life on a solid platform (faith, values, purpose), or just stacking up flashy but fragile apps (titles, possessions, roles)? In this conversation, Nicole and Rusty unpack why tr...

What if unlocking a child's full potential began with something as simple as a clean, well-fitting set of clothes?

In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Lynn Margherio, the visionary founder of Cradles to Crayons. Each year, Lynn's organization provides over a million packages of essentials—clothing, shoes, diapers, school supplies—to children living in poverty or crisis, completely free of charge. But this isn't just about meeting material needs; it's about addressing the often-ignored crisis of clothing insecurity, which impacts over 20 million children across the U.S.

Join us as Lynn shar...

What does it take to break the cycle of social discrimination in India?

In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen is joined by the visionary philanthropist and social entrepreneur, Dr. Abraham George. As the founder of the Shanti Bhavan School in India, Dr. George has dedicated his life to empowering children of the most marginalized communities by providing opportunities through education. Over the past 27 years, the school has changed the lives of over 15,000 children. 98% of its students are college graduates, with many making it to Ivy League institutes like Stanford, Dartmouth, and Princeton.

Discover how...

How Can Leaders Prepare for the Next Era of Business Transformation?

In this high-powered episode, host Nicole Jansen dives into the dynamic forces shaping American business with distinguished guest John Rossman. As a former Amazon executive and author of the acclaimed "Amazon Way" series, John Rossman brings a wealth of knowledge on innovation, leadership, and digital transformation. With a focus on his latest book, Big Bet Leadership, John shares valuable insights, drawing on his extensive experience at Amazon to discuss the top three mega forces impacting businesses today.

Key takeaways include the critical nature of...

What if losing your job is the key to unlocking your next perfect role?

In this encouraging episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Stephanie Brown, the dynamic founder of Creative Career Level Up. As a former senior marketing executive at Nike and Apple, Stephanie's journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and finding purpose. She provides invaluable insights on how getting fired became the catalyst for discovering her true calling and empowering others to secure their next perfect role with increased confidence, promotion, and salary.

Join us as Stephanie unfolds her personal story of going...

What can we do to help end the cycle of poverty in the world?

In this compelling episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Shilpa Alva, founder and executive director of Surge For Water. Committed to breaking the cycle of poverty, Shilpa shares how her organization delivers safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health solutions to communities worldwide. Through her inspiring journey from management consulting to non-profit leadership, Shilpa demonstrates the significant impact of investing in fundamental human needs and championing women's voices.

Discover how prioritizing clean water and effective sanitation solutions can lift entire...

How is AI revolutionizing financial crime detection? In this informative episode, host Nicole Jansen engages in a deep conversation with Peter Reynolds, the visionary CEO of ThetaRay. As an industry leader in AI-powered anti-money laundering, Peter and his team are on a mission to reshape financial crime detection. Dive into this episode to understand how AI is transforming the banking sector by accurately detecting illicit activities while ensuring financial inclusion in developing nations.

Peter provides a captivating exploration of Theta Ray's cutting-edge solutions as he demystifies the complexities of AI technology for listeners who may not be...

What key question will be the catalyst for your success in 2025?

In this mind-expanding episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Chad Brown, the anti-hustle coach and founder of the Founder's League. Chad is committed to helping creative entrepreneurs grow sustainable and scalable businesses while leading fulfilling personal lives.

In their conversation, Chad shares his own transformative journey from a burnt-out media company owner to a celebrated business coach. He demystifies the myth of work-life balance and introduces the concept of work-life integration, along with the power of the Single Actionable Question (SAQ).

Discover...

How do we become more culturally fluent leaders?

In this episode, Nicole Jansen invites global leadership strategist Jane Hyun to explore empathy and cultural fluency in leadership effectiveness. As a coach to Fortune 500 companies and author of pivotal works such as "Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling," Jane Hyun brings a wealth of knowledge on inclusive leadership and self-care practices essential for today's fast-paced business environment.

Reflecting on her personal journey from South Korea to New York City, Jane shares how her experiences of cultural dissonance have shaped her leadership strategies. Together, Jane and Nicole unpack the...

What if 2025 is the year you truly thrive?

In this uplifting solo episode, Nicole Jansen, host of the Leaders of Transformation podcast, presents a special New Year's message focused on transforming past disappointments into future victories. Nicole passionately articulates how 2025 can be your year to thrive, filled with hope, transformation, and limitless possibilities.

Holding nothing back, Nicole shares her own experiences with failures and setbacks and encourages listeners to adopt a mindset of abundance and positivity. She emphasizes the power of speaking life over oneself and the incredible potential within every individual. This episode is...

How do the most successful entrepreneurs buy good businesses at a great price?

In this episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Richard Parker, a seasoned expert in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) who has acquired 14 companies and advised on transactions worth over $2 billion. Richard shares the secrets behind his successful program, How to Buy a Good Business at a Great Price, and underscores the essential knowledge needed for buying a business successfully.

Throughout the conversation, Richard offers profound insights into business acquisitions, the importance of an advisory team, and the virtues of methodical decision-making...

Where Does Your Self-Worth and Resilience Come From?

This week, we had the privilege of speaking with Jane Boulware - a global business leader, former Microsoft VP, and now an inspiring author of the new book WORTHY.

From her humble beginnings in the cornfields of Iowa, Jane defied expectations to lead billion-dollar businesses and rise to the top ranks of Microsoft leadership. By the age of 52, she had launched three major ventures, navigated the largest corporate merger in U.S. history, and helped shape the careers of countless leaders along the way.

Driven...