RISE TO LEAD

What if the key to tomorrow’s leaders lies in yesterday’s playtime? When S.S. (Shannon Sue) Coulter told her stepkids to go outside and play, she didn’t expect them to come back five minutes later saying, “We don’t know what to do.” That moment kicked off a 16-year mission to help families reclaim play as a vital foundation for real-life skills. In this episode, she shares how unstructured, imaginative play naturally builds leadership traits—from collaboration and negotiation to critical thinking, creativity, and confidence—and why tech is quietly robbing kids of all of it.

S.S. explai...

Chelsea speaks candidly about the illusion of leadership and the dynamics behind power. Some rise through integrity — but many are propped up by ego, fear, or a hunger for recognition. She unpacks how people can become “yes men,” not necessarily out of malice, but from the lure of status and acceptance. We explore the deeper cost of aligning with systems that reward compliance over character. And we touch on the idea that even those dynamics can be seen through a neutral, spiritual lens.

Chelsea reminds us that fear isn’t just fed to us — it’s something we often agr...

Stefanie Carlstedt from Nebraska shares how moving away from cookie-cutter leadership transformed her approach to managing teams. She explains why understanding individual differences—through tools like Human Design—can shift team dynamics, reduce burnout, and improve results. You’ll hear how recognizing the different types – Manifestors, Generators, Manifesting Generators, Projectors, and Reflectors – can shape better roles, workflows, and communication. Stefanie also breaks down how decision-making styles vary by design and why honoring those differences matters for leaders and teams alike.

We explore how Human Design can support team growth and individual development. Stef shares how understanding your own design...

Karen Gray’s path to coaching began in a rodeo arena, where helping her daughter build confidence uncovered Karen’s own need for healing. That journey grew into a passion for guiding others — from rodeo queens to corporate leaders — to find their voice and own the stage. Karen also shares how the stories we tell ourselves can distort reality — and how choosing better interpretations can shift everything. Confidence, she reminds us, starts with how you see yourself.

That moment of self-awareness Karen describes—seeing intimidation as a signal, not a stop sign—is powerful. It turns comparison into curiosity...

Greg Weinger from Oregon opens up about hitting a wall in senior leadership despite a stellar resume—and why achievement alone wasn't enough, especially as an introvert. He shares how executive coaching and Susan Cain’s Quiet helped him rethink what it means to lead. Introversion became not a weakness to fix, but a trait to understand and leverage. Greg describes mentoring introverts and learning to create space for their strengths. He highlights how engineering teams often process feedback differently—and why that matters.

Stillness isn’t weakness—it’s where power lives. Introverts can command a room without...

Discipline doesn’t have to feel like a dirty word. In this energizing conversation, martial arts master Jason Flame from California joins me to explore what discipline really means –and how it can become a supportive structure rather than a source of pressure. We talk morning routines, personal "shoulds," belt systems, and Jason’s 75 Hard experience. We get into what it actually takes to follow through – especially when no one's pushing you. It's a real look at building discipline on your own terms, without the clichés.

Jason shares how an unexpected moment launched his lifelong teaching career—an...

I talk with T Scott about why traditional mindset advice often falls flat—and what actually works. He shares how he transitioned from a 26-year real estate career to launching Sisu Vida, a groundbreaking platform that applies the science of mind shifting to real-world challenges. T Scott opens up about his desire to have deeper impact, especially after witnessing rapid transformations through Mind Shifting. Mind Shifting was developed by Stevie Kent—go to https://www.mindshifting.net for more information.

We explore why T Scott built a “gym membership for the mind” and how it went from an idea...

Creating Harmony, Not Balance

Scott Ferguson returns for a powerful conversation about living and leading with harmony. He breaks down why “balance” can be misleading—and how tuning the different parts of our lives, like instruments in a jazz band, creates true harmony. From coaching athletes to executives, Scott shares how small adjustments can lead to big transformations. We talk about the trap of living in the past, the power of imagination, and how faith over fear fuels progress. He reminds us that goals follow standards—and when you raise yours, more options open up.

From Uns...

The Role of Behavior, Belief and the Energy of Money

What if your next breakthrough hinges on how you interpret your earliest experiences? In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with behavioral strategist Hugh Massie from Georgia (U.S.) to explore how our wiring—formed by age three—influences how we lead, decide, and handle money.

We talk about money as energy, not just math, and how stress reveals the thoughts that either limit us or push us forward. Hugh shares why exponential growth can feel easier than small steps—and how clarity comes when we str...

What does it take to lead from a place of deep awareness, presence, and purpose?

In this episode, I sit down with Ron Stotts from Washington to explore how emotional healing, inner child work, and conscious self-reflection shape our ability to lead meaningfully. We talk about how early patterns—often formed in childhood—shape adult behaviors, and how leaders can break those cycles by tending to what’s been buried.

From emotional backlog to whole-brain thinking, we unpack the path toward becoming a more evolved, intentional leader—one who creates impact by being fully present, curious...

The Communication Shift Leaders Need

Connecting with others starts with understanding yourself—how you communicate and how you prefer to receive information. Amos shares how tools like DISC profiling can help you adapt your style to better connect with different personalities. But beyond frameworks, true connection comes from being real, telling stories, and most importantly—listening. Not just hearing words, but actively engaging, responding, and showing that you care. Even in a virtual world, body language and energy matter. If communication is just about pushing a message without considering the other person, connection is lost.

Vuln...

Turning Vision into Collective Action

Leadership guides activities toward meaningful goals. In communities, leaders act as the "conscious mind," turning scattered efforts into clear projects. Nkumu Katalay applies this both in community work and in his artistic projects — a revolving group shaped by his vision and changing musicians. This flexible structure mirrors New York’s fast pace, teaching him to guide without rigid control. His Lifelong Project Band trains new leaders while sharing Congolese culture. By treating his band as a project, Nkumu fosters both musical and personal growth through shared vision and collaboration.

Leading with...

In this episode of RISE TO LEAD, I talk with Coach Clarence Ferguson about discipline, mindset, and personal growth. He shares why weighing yourself daily builds awareness, the power of consistency, and how small habits lead to big results. We discuss taking ownership, adapting to challenges, and learning from failure instead of fearing it.

Coach Clarence emphasizes that understanding the deeper "why" behind our actions is essential, whether it's related to habits or goals. He shares how uncovering the root causes, such as trauma or emotional protection, can shift behavior. Discipline is not effortless, and maintaining habits...

Unlocking the Power of Identity in Leadership

What makes certain leaders stand out effortlessly, drawing people in with their presence? In this episode, Kevin Britz explores the concept of contagious identity—how individuals shape their influence, step into their power, and shift their mindset to take ownership of their roles. He shares how deeply ingrained beliefs can hold people back and how breaking free from past narratives unlocks new possibilities. Leadership, he argues, is about self-awareness and the ability to create an environment where others feel empowered. Tune in to discover how embracing your identity can transform yo...

The Power of Small Company Experiences

James Deaker from California (originally from New Zealand) reflects on the valuable lessons he learned from his time in small companies, sharing insights on how these environments encourage innovation, flexibility, and problem-solving. James highlights how working without predefined roles allowed him to take on diverse responsibilities and tackle challenges that pushed him out of his comfort zone. He explains how this mindset later shaped his approach in larger corporations and helped him challenge the status quo, even when it wasn’t the easiest route.

Adaptability in Leadership

Ja...

What does it take to rise above challenges and create a life of impact?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Summer Watson from Washington, DC to discuss overcoming obstacles, finding purpose, and taking bold steps toward success. Summer introduces us to KORE, which stands for how we Kinetically connect, Organically learn from one another, Reshape lives through diverse interaction, and Empower one another to promote change. We explore cross-generational mentorship as well as the mindset shifts and key decisions that shape a fulfilling path.

Embracing Differences and Finding Connection

Summer and...

Setting SMART Goals for Career Success

In this episode, Tabatha Jones from California shares the power of setting SMART goals for career and personal growth. We explore why many professionals neglect to set specific goals for their careers and how establishing a clear vision is the essential foundation. Tabatha illustrates this with inspiring stories of clients who took small but bold actions, achieving promotions and entrepreneurial breakthroughs.

Overcoming Self-Doubt & Building Confidence to Excel in Your Career

Tabatha explains the power of overcoming self-doubt and embracing confidence as a key driver for career success...

Building Trust Through Vision, Collaboration, and Authentic Leadership

Jenny Alday Townsend from Florida shares how a clear vision and goal have driven her company’s success, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. By inspiring students and teachers to take ownership of education and enabling her team to teach with autonomy, Jenny creates a non-judgmental, empowering environment. She emphasizes the importance of mutual reliance, balancing leadership responsibilities while allowing employees to grow independently. Jenny reflects on learning to step back, giving her team space to own their journeys while maintaining strong, trusting relationships.

Applying the "St...

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Business

Vince Warnock from Victoria, Australia, opens up about his experience with imposter syndrome, from feeling out of place at a business breakfast to confronting his inner doubts while achieving success. He shares how a pivotal conversation revealed that even high achievers often feel like frauds.

AI's Role in Revolutionizing Writing and Publishing

Vince shares how AI has revolutionized writing and publishing, especially for neurodivergent authors. He highlights how AI has eradicated writer's block, making it easier for authors to articulate their ideas and structure their thoughts. AI also...

Embracing the Five Pillars of Leadership

In this episode, I speak with Bernie Borges from Florida about his approach to leadership and the vital role of self-awareness in shaping leadership styles. We explore how leaders can better support their teams by focusing on the five key pillars of life: health, fitness, career, relationships, and legacy. Bernie discusses how leaders, who understand and fulfill these pillars for themselves, can lead with empathy, creating an environment that nurtures both personal and team growth. He shares insights from his research on fulfillment versus happiness and emphasizes the importance of providing...

Shifting from Victim to Visionary

Kris Whitehead from New Hampshire shares how his love for storytelling and community shaped his purpose. Raised by a generous grandfather, Kris learned the importance of giving and creating harmony within abundance. Through his journey, he transitioned from a scarcity mindset to a place of inner peace, realizing that true success lies in personal integrity and uplifting others. Today, he encourages acts of kindness and seeks to share the gift of peace with everyone he encounters.

The Power of Humility and Intuition in Leadership

Kris reflects on the...

Michelle Hawk from Oregon discusses her childhood connection to animism, the belief that all things are alive and interconnected. She shares her journey from feeling isolated with her unique perspective to finding belonging in shamanic practices. Combining spirituality with science, Michelle explores the transformative process of alchemy as a means of personal growth and self-actualization.

Michelle highlights the stages of transformation as a cyclical process of personal growth, explaining the essential phases:

Purging: Letting go of physical and emotional objects that no longer align with your identity.

Dissolution: Confronting feelings, beliefs, and subconscious...

Shifting Leadership Mindsets for Lasting Impact

In this episode, Scott McCarthy from Ontario, Canada, shares how his military experience influences his leadership approach today. He discusses the unique leadership cycle in the military, where roles change every 2-3 years, and how this mindset applies to any leadership position. He emphasizes the importance of preparing for leadership transitions and establishing processes that outlast individual leaders. His leadership philosophy focuses on creating lasting change—not on a leader’s temporary presence, but on the continuity of the team’s success.

Delegation Done Right: Letting Go to Lead Better...

In this episode, Heather Hakes from Colorado expands on the critical role of self-leadership in creating lasting success, both personally and professionally. We explore how the ability to self-regulate—through practices like mindfulness and breathwork—can prevent leaders from staying stuck in reactive, stress-driven modes. We dive into the importance of alignment, where one's thoughts, emotions, and actions work in harmony to reach desired outcomes. Heather shares real-world examples, including a transformation of a successful client who found peace by setting boundaries and embracing clarity, rather than chasing external validation.

We also explore the difference between power and...

Enhancing Leadership and Team Dynamics Through Gamification

Rob Alvarez, alias Professor Game, based in Madrid, explores how game mechanics like leaderboards and teamwork can enhance leadership and team dynamics. He discusses how playing games fosters self-awareness, helping leaders understand their motivations. Rob emphasizes the role of social elements and safety in driving motivation, particularly through teamwork and healthy competition. Drawing from his own experiences, he illustrates how gamification strengthens connection and collaboration. The conversation highlights how integrating game-like strategies into leadership can improve performance and engagement. Rob offers practical insights for using play to drive growth and...

Find true freedom, peace, and power

In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Ridgway, the Spellbreaker from Hawaii, who shares his powerful journey from a self-help addict to living in what he calls "heaven on earth." Brian reflects on a turbulent upbringing, decades of searching for answers, and a near-death experience that transformed his perspective on life and self-responsibility. He experienced his awakening at 42, where he moved from understanding concepts like “everything is energy” and “all is one” to embodying them fully. He explains how embracing 100% responsibility unlocks true freedom and power.

Why presence & breathing...

Steve Ramona, Super Connector & Podcast Host and Coach from California, shares a transformative experience from his youth that shaped his approach to building relationships. At 18, he worked at a family-owned health club, where he began interacting with members ranging from 20 to 60 years old. What started as casual exchanges—asking about vacations or family—turned into deeper connections as he remembered names and personal details. This practice of fostering genuine relationships led to unexpected rewards, including financial advice that helped him save over $60,000 by his late twenties. Steve emphasizes the power of being present and serving others in any interaction, sett...

In this episode, Niiamah Ashong from California shares how moving away from traditional, logic-only-driven leadership toward a more authentic, intuitive style transformed his results. By leading with ease and alignment, he achieved impactful outcomes while maintaining his well-being and strengthening connections with his team.

The conversation also highlights how courage and better decision-making arise when leaders embrace their full selves. Niiamah and Regina explore how integrating care for people with a focus on results creates harmony, showing that compassion and effectiveness can work hand in hand.

Niiamah reflects on the importance of bold action and...

In this episode with Clifford Starks from Arizona, we dive deep into the essence of leadership with Clifford, exploring the pivotal role of dreaming big and crafting a compelling vision. He emphasizes the importance of audacity in setting dreams that shape our strategic approach to achieving goals. Discover how a clear vision acts as a guiding light, ensuring consistency and adaptability amid challenges. Clifford shares insights on measuring progress and keeping the dream alive, igniting purpose within teams.

This conversation not only highlights the foundational elements of visionary leadership but also inspires listeners to re-engage with their...

In this episode with Adrian Jackson from Texas, we dive into a meaningful conversation about identifying and nurturing leadership potential. Adrian emphasizes the importance of recognizing young talent and guiding them toward leadership roles, highlighting the value of mentorship, patience, and continuous learning. He shares his approach to helping young leaders develop key qualities like being coachable, emotionally available, and motivated for growth.

Through his experience, Adrian illustrates how fostering leadership is less about formal education and more about real-world skills, mentorship, and creating environments where young people can thrive. It requires a blend of patience and...

Elona from New York, originally from Albania, shares how she moved beyond traditional corporate success to discover that personal growth and genuine human connection are key drivers of impactful leadership. Through her experiences, she highlights the importance of aligning personal values with professional goals, showing that when leaders invest in the development of their people, they create more meaningful and lasting success. Now an entrepreneur, Elona helps businesses and entrepreneurs lead with purpose, integrating profit with meaning. We discuss her journey of spiritual growth and the importance of conscious leadership.

Elona emphasizes that leaders who raise their...

In this episode, Doug Thorpe from Texas shares his diverse experiences from military service to banking, entrepreneurship, and coaching. The discussion highlights the distinction between management and leadership, emphasizing the importance of clarity in leadership, such as a clear vision, as well as trust-building for high-performing teams. Doug elaborates on how clarity in communication involves not just the transmission of information but ensuring that the message is understood as intended. He explains that clarity helps to eliminate ambiguity, align team members with the organization's goals, and set precise expectations.

Doug underscores the value of servant leadership and...

In this episode, Enrique Acosta Gonzalez from Florida shares his powerful story of navigating leadership challenges during his early years in the Navy. He reflects on the complexities of leadership, especially when success is perceived differently by others. Enrique describes how a leader who appeared highly successful to some was causing personal turmoil for him. He introduces the concept of "sucK-cess," where external success can mask internal brokenness. This experience led him to explore the true meaning of success – one that aligns both internal fulfillment and external achievements. As Enrique shares personal moments, he highlights that real success is de...

In this episode with Annette Stewart from New York, we dive into the art of building strategic alliances and the power of effective networking. Annette, a seasoned leader and advocate for collaboration, shares her unique approach to leadership and mentorship. She emphasizes the importance of inspiring and engaging teams, and how great communication can turn a vision into a collective mission.

Annette also explores practical strategies for networking, from leveraging LinkedIn and joining professional organizations to the importance of being present at events and connecting with those who might otherwise be overlooked.

Annette views mentorship...

In this episode, Lisa Jendza, Leadership Coach and Founder of Freedom Kitchen Kids from Michigan, shares her transformative path from overcoming personal health challenges to inspiring the next generation through cooking. She developed a unique cooking program for kids that blends healthy eating with leadership training. Learn how her approach teaches creativity, critical thinking, and self-respect to children, setting a powerful example for them to follow.

Lisa shares her experiences from a demanding corporate career and how they led her to focus on helping families. She discusses her drive to educate through practical cooking classes, applying the...

In this episode, we dive into aviation with Gina Longo from North Carolina, exploring her unique transition from an Airline Captain to Aviation Leadership Trainer. We discuss how her early passion for horses and practical advice from her father guided her into aviation, the challenges and insights she gained from her time training pilots in the UK, and her unconventional three-year adventure across the UK in a caravan with her German shepherds. Gina also shares how these experiences shaped her approach to leadership and her current work in the field.

Gina shares compelling stories illustrating the critical...

In this episode, Anjel B Hartwell presents her transformative framework for driving conscious change, which comprises 7 Cs: Clarity, Courage, Consulting, Create, Check in, Choose, and Celebrate.

Anjel reveals how the 7 Cs framework integrates consciousness into each phase of creating meaningful change. Discover how being aware of your alignment, embracing success, and celebrating achievements fuels the process. Tune in to learn how conscious decision-making can enhance your impact and fulfillment, while driving meaningful and mindful transformation.

Anjel explores overcoming personal conditioning that can block financial requests and highlights the importance of cleanly completing projects. She explains...

In this episode with NFL Veteran Andrew Sendejo from Texas, we discuss his transition from the intense world of professional football to a new focus on brain health. After 12 years in the NFL and enduring two severe concussions in his final season, Andrew found it difficult to source effective, clean supplements for cognitive support. This challenge led him to create BrainTree Nutrition, a company that develops science-backed products to improve focus, memory, and overall brain health.

Andrew shares his experiences navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship after football, the critical link between brain health and mental wellness, and...

Living a Life of Options

In this episode, Scott Ferguson from Florida talks about the importance of living a life of options rather than being weighed down by obligations. A perspective shift helped him reframe how he approached his life and career after the 2008-2009 real estate market crash, which made him reevaluate his life. After losing everything, he realized he wanted to focus more on truly helping others. This led him to shift his mindset and start his Time to Shine Today Podcast, where he now emphasizes service, heart-centered leadership, and helping others through coaching and...

In this episode, Vince Warnock from Victoria, Australia, discusses his transformation from a challenging upbringing to a thriving entrepreneur and advocate for others. Embracing creativity and the power of belief, Vince shares how he deals with ADHD and dedicates his work to inspiring others to find their own voices.

Vince shares how his publishing company focuses on helping neurodivergent entrepreneurs, particularly those with ADHD and dyslexia, write and market their books. He also discusses how they created the International ADHD Publishing Standard, transforming a challenge into an innovative approach that even inspired other publishers to follow their...