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 no...
Aug 12, 2025•38 min•Ep. 541
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 ...
Jul 29, 2025•36 min•Ep. 540
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 ...
Jul 15, 2025•38 min•Ep. 539
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...
Jul 01, 2025•47 min•Ep. 538
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 managem...
Jun 17, 2025•44 min•Ep. 537
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 strat...
Jun 03, 2025•29 min•Ep. 536
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 ref...
May 20, 2025•50 min•Ep. 535
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...
May 06, 2025•36 min•Ep. 534
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 th...
Apr 22, 2025•35 min•Ep. 533
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 ...
Apr 08, 2025•36 min•Ep. 532
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 ex...
Mar 25, 2025•37 min•Ep. 531
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 r...
Mar 11, 2025•40 min•Ep. 530
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 inves...
Feb 25, 2025•31 min•Ep. 529
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. Pe...
Feb 11, 2025•38 min•Ep. 528
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-li...
Jan 28, 2025•43 min•Ep. 527
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 ...
Jan 14, 2025•36 min•Ep. 526
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 mindse...
Jan 01, 2025•14 min•Ep. 525
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, R...
Dec 23, 2024•41 min•Ep. 524
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 h...
Dec 10, 2024•35 min•Ep. 523
How do we unleash our leadership potential and transform the world around us? In this heart-centered episode, we explore the principles of love, leadership, and influence with Dr. Sam Adeyemi, a distinguished leader, author, and speaker. Dr. Adeyemi has inspired millions through his transformational leadership approach and deep understanding of human behavior, bible truths, and how to balance rational thinking with emotional intelligence. Throughout the conversation with host Nicole Jansen, Dr. ...
Dec 03, 2024•40 min•Ep. 522
How do you break away from superficial success and experience greater fulfillment and purpose in your life and business? In this mind-expanding episode, we dive deep with Christine Jewell, a high-achieving speaker, author, podcast host, and faith-based executive coach, who has transitioned from training athletes to coaching top executives on how to achieve holistic success. Christine shares her unique perspective on how shifting the focus from mere physical fitness to a holistic approach that in...
Nov 26, 2024•43 min•Ep. 521
How do you earn a seat at the decision-making table? In this episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Jenny Mitchell, an inspiring leader from Ottawa, Canada. Jenny is the Chief Visionary Officer at Chavender.com , author of Embracing Ambition, and host of the Underdog Leadership Podcast. Committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders, Jenny works closely with not-for-profit leaders to change the world one mission at a time. She is a fundraising professional, as well as an executive coach pa...
Nov 19, 2024•41 min•Ep. 520
How do married entrepreneurs build a successful business and a successful marriage? In this revealing episode, host Nicole Jansen dives deep with Robert and Kay Lee Fukui, founders of i61 inc. Their unique business approach aids married entrepreneurs in achieving a harmonious work-life balance by efficiently structuring their businesses while working on important relationship dynamics. The episode unpacks their journey, strategies, and the critical role of communication in both business and marr...
Nov 12, 2024•42 min•Ep. 519
How can we help solve the children’s mental health crisis in America? In this heartwarming episode, host Nicole Jansen engages in an inspiring conversation with Kim Tschirret, the founder of Hope Reins . This remarkable organization is dedicated to providing healing for children who have experienced trauma through interaction with rescued horses. Kim shares the inspiring story behind Hope Reins' inception, grounded in her own childhood experiences and a calling to help others during challenging ...
Nov 05, 2024•36 min•Ep. 518
What is it like to serve in the heart of Africa? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Echo VanderWal, co-leader of The Luke Commission , a faith-based NGO dedicated to providing comprehensive, free healthcare to underserved communities in Eswatini. Echo's story is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the unyielding commitment to serve others. Echo takes us on a profound journey, detailing the early days of The Luke Commission, the challenges of transitioning from mobile heal...
Oct 29, 2024•38 min•Ep. 517
How do you tame your busy brain as a high achieving changemaker? In this transformative episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with distinguished neurologist and author of The Busy Brain Cure, Dr. Romie Mushtaq. A leading authority in stress management and leadership wellness, Dr. Romie sheds light on the pandemic of chronic stress and its destructive impact on our physical and mental well-being. From her innovative BrainSHIFT protocol to her poignant personal experiences, Dr. Romie equips us wit...
Oct 22, 2024•40 min•Ep. 516
How do you scale your business while maintaining a personal touch? In this week’s episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with David Sauers, the co-founder and CEO of Royal Restrooms, to explore the story behind transforming a messy industry into a luxurious business opportunity. David shares how a challenging experience at a local event sparked the idea for creating elegant, high-end portable restrooms, and how this concept grew into a successful national franchise. From being a banker and avid g...
Oct 15, 2024•39 min•Ep. 515
How can businesses use eco-friendly practices to comply with regulations and grow successfully? This week, Nicole Jansen talks with Heather Johnson, CEO of INGENIUM and an expert in hazardous waste management with over 25 years of industry experience. Heather’s innovative vision has positioned INGENIUM as a leader in waste-to-energy programs and zero waste initiatives, offering businesses sustainable solutions for hazardous waste management. Heather shares her journey from her first job answerin...
Oct 08, 2024•22 min•Ep. 514
How Can Play Revolutionize Your Workplace? In this engaging episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Kristi Herold, founder and CEO of JAM Group and author of It Pays to Play: How Play Improves Business Culture , to explore how integrating fun and play into the workplace can drastically improve culture, productivity and profitability. Kristi shares her inspiring journey, starting with organizing social events in high school to creating a vibrant company specializing in adult recreational sports lea...
Oct 01, 2024•37 min•Ep. 513
What if sharing your personal story could transform people’s lives and your business? In this week’s episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Bill Blankschaen, founder and Chief Story Architect of StoryBuilders . StoryBuilders helps make the world a better place by creating compelling books and learning experiences that turn ideas into greater impact, influence, and income. As a New York Times bestselling writer, Bill and his team collaborate with influential figures such as John C. Maxwell, L...
Sep 24, 2024•34 min•Ep. 512