Coffee & Change

Today’s story features Leyandra Pagan, a Human Capital Strategist and Candidate for Master of Science in Learning & Organizational Change at Northwestern University. Leyandra, like many students around the world, faced a new level of professional change in the summer of 2020. She never anticipated her internship experience in consulting to be fully remote, but as the pandemic raged on that became a new reality. Leyandra joined the podcast to share her story, insights and passion for leading change while completing two internships in a fully remote world. Together we discuss her valuable insights and lessons learned on what it is like to fully onboard with a new company and only ever get to meet your teammates through a screen. As leaders, we should all listen closely, as there is a lot we can learn from the next generation of leaders like Leyandra. Enjoy the discussion.

On Episode 53, we hear the story of Brett Putter, the CEO of CultureGene.ai and author of two books, Own Your Culture & Culture Decks Decoded. In this discussion, Brett and I talk about the tidal change that has come to how we work and collaborate in a hybrid and remote first world and the importance of values and human centered design when thinking about corporate culture. This is a fascinating discussion and a must listen for leaders navigating the tides of change in today's digital world. Enjoy the discussion. Opening and closing music composed by Jason Latham of Harmony Toanz Studios.

Today’s story features Kathleen Breault and Lorie Brew. Both parents and educators, Kathleen and Lorie share their moving stories and valuable insights they personally have gained while navigating and leading change in the education and healthcare systems for families across the State of Pennsylvania. When the world came to a sudden stop in March of 2020 due to COVID-19, both of these parents learned that their work and passion in advocacy and access became even more important in a remote world. Together, we talk about how parents and families are surviving in a pandemic and raising and educating their children at home, some who face intellectual and physical challenges. Let’s meet them both and learn together how we can support parents, educators, families and children in new ways. Opening and closing music composed by Jason Latham of Harmony Toanz Studios.

On Episode 51, I met with Jesse Gould, the Founder and President of the Heroic Hearts Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is pioneering psychedelic therapies for military veterans. After being deployed as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan three times, Jesse founded the Heroic Hearts Project in 2017 to spearhead the acceptance and use of ayahuasca therapy as a means of addressing the current mental health crisis among veterans. Together we talk about the journey of mental health for veterans and the recent decriminalization efforts and policy changes around psychedelics in the U.S. and Canada. Driven by a mission to help military veterans struggling with mental trauma, Jesse shares his heart and his own inspiring battle with PTSD and his recovery through ayahuasca therapy. For more information on the great work that Jesse and his team are doing to save lives and heal hearts, visit heroicheartsproject.org Enjoy the discussion.

2021 is proving to be a year that will continue to teach us about the power of change. Listen to a preview of what is planned this year for the podcast as we welcome new beginnings and new changes. Happy New Year!

Shawna Rasmussen, our first guest on this podcast back in January 2017, returns for Episode 50, to reflect on four plus years of change. She also flips the script on me to ask me a few questions about the podcast, nearly five years into this journey as a creator. Enjoy the discussion.

On Episode 49, I speak to Kirk Miller, VP of Global Clients at Ariel Group. Kirk shares his experience and wisdom and speaks about an article he posted on LinkedIn after experiencing a furlough. That article is full of great tips and recommendations for anyone impacted by the challenging economy and job market in times such as these. Enjoy the discussion!

On Episode 48, I interview Errol Doebler. With over 20 combined years as a Navy SEAL and FBI Special Agent Errol believes that if leadership is not done correctly one of three consequences will be realized, all of which are unacceptable: mission failure, injury, or death. Errol also believes that the leadership exhibited during times of chaos and struggle should not be vastly different than the leadership exhibited during times of relative calm and accord. As Errol points out in our discussion and in his book, there is no, “Break glass in case of emergency” leadership playbook. The same leadership that is applied during chaos on the battlefield is the same leadership that should be applied in business and at home. From his experience and wisdom, Errol developed a leadership process that can be applied to all aspects of our lives in times of both chaos and harmony. Errol is also a trained Wim Hof method leader, blending the power of breathing, cold exposure and mindset to achieve focus and sustained health.

The Presidential Election in 2020 may be one of the most headline making and historic campaigns of our time. Join me in this discussion with a former guest, Kevin Walling, as we break down the week leading up to Election Day in the United States, as well as what got us to where we are as a nation. Enjoy the listen!

On Episode 47, my guest is Tom Libelt. It is tough to summarize all the change that Tom has navigated in his life, and in our discussion we talk about the many dimensions of change that have made him who he is today. From his early years when he and his family escaped from Communist Poland to come to the U.S., to his hip hop career in New York City, to his documentary filmmaking and his success as a business man and entrepreneur. Our conversation naturally finds it way around the world and back again. We covered a lot of territory on change in this episode and I know already that I will have Tom back on for a part two in 2021. Till then, enjoy the discussion with Tom Libelt.

On Episode 46, I interview Andrew Ceperley, an Executive Coach, Consultant and Trainer who has circumnavigated the world of college and university campuses for over 30 years. In this discussion we talk about the myriad of changes that impact higher education as we have always known it, and the gifts we can gain from a world of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. Enjoy the listen!

On Episode 45, I speak with CAPT Gary Tabach. With nearly 30 years of service to his country, CAPT Tabach’s adventures took him all over the world, and back to Moscow from 1992-1994 where he served in the U.S. Embassy as a Member of the Prisoner of War Missing in Action Commission. Even in retirement CAPT Tabach continues his lifelong call to serve, supporting homeless Veterans and assisting with organizing transport and treatment for severely wounded Ukrainian Veterans. These days you can find CAPT Tabach providing political-military analysis on American, Ukrainian and Israeli TV and Radio stations. It was an honor to have him on the podcast as we talk about transformative personal change.

On Episode 44, I interview Adela Schoolderman, a Talent Acquisition expert, a Triathlete, a true connector and an all around amazing human being. Together we talk about traversing the talent market during a pandemic and how candidate experience and the gig economy are shaping the way talent is found, acquired, retained and grown in these changing times. Enjoy the listen.

On Episode 43, I speak with Julie Schaller, a career coach who is helping people navigate these times of uncertainty. In our discussion, we talk about how uncertainty is a choice and how you can take back your power with intention and attitude. Enjoy the discussion.

On Episode 42 I meet with Rockwell Felder, CFO and Co-Founder of Squadcast. SquadCast is about making it easier for you and your podcast guests to spend time having meaningful conversations without compromising quality in a remote conversation. And their mission is simple and elegant: "To amplify collaboration." In this interview, Rock and I discuss the ever changing ecosystem of podcasting and share in our appreciation for Human Design, stoicism and the importance of clarity and simplicity in today's busy and remote world.

On Episode 41, I speak with Kristen Kirst, Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement for Seattle University. In our discussion we talk about the importance of discernment and the ways of leading and balancing change for colleges and universities in the future and in the new next of a pandemic and a resounding call for social justice. Note, this episode includes a post interview production edit.

On this episode, in honor of PRIDE Month June 2020, I speak with Steve Munnelly, a consultant, change maker and activist. Together we talk about the changes brought about by celebrating Pride during a pandemic and the recent news from the Supreme Court of the United States. We also talk about the power of music and media in shaping our journeys of coming along. Enjoy the conversation.

On this episode, I interview Gary Buckland, CEO and Board Director of Lexitas. Lexitas provides strategic litigation support through partnerships that furnish clients with best-of-breed services to inspire confidence, convenience and value in technology-driving solutions. Together we talk about digital transformation in the legal industry and how mergers and acquisition methods have changed in the age of COVID-19.

On this episode I have a conversation with Shane Metcalf, Chief Culture Officer and Co-Founder of 15Five. Shane is a popular keynote speaker and a fellow creator, hosting the Best-Self Management Podcast. This was a conversation I didn't know I needed as much as I did, and came away feeling rejuvenated and reinvigorated by our ability to trust the change.

On this episode I interview Sophia Way, a fellow graduate of The Johns Hopkins University. Sophia graduated with a degree in Public Health in 2019 and shares her perspective on the importance of mind body health and mental well being during these trying times.