In this insightful conversation, Dan Rest and expert guest Kimberly Davis, author of 'Brave Leadership,' dive deep into the current state of leadership development. They explore why many outdated management frameworks are no longer effective and how the industry is often stuck in a cycle of survival-based tactics. This discussion is essential for middle managers, emerging leaders, and HR practitioners who want to move past archaic corporate structures and cultivate meaningful, sustainable influe...
Apr 21, 2026•1 hr 9 min
Next-Gen AI Marketing Strategies for Thought LeadersIn this episode of Leadership Disrupted, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of digital marketing and content strategy with Jimi Gibson, VP of Brand Communication at Thrive Internet Marketing Agency. As AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude become ubiquitous, leaders are struggling to balance productivity with genuine human connection. Jimi shares his expert perspective on why being authentic is your greatest competitive advantage in an era of ...
Apr 15, 2026•1 hr 3 min
Is your leadership style "plastic" or personal?In this episode of Leadership Disrupted, host Dan Rust sits down with Justin Ricklefs, founder and CEO of Guild Collective and author of the provocative new book, Give A Damn. Together, they strip away the corporate jargon to discuss why the traditional "command and control" model is failing and why modern employees are hungering for leaders who actually see them.Justin challenges the common misconception that being a "nice" leader is the same as be...
Apr 07, 2026•1 hr
In this episode of the Leadership Disrupted podcast, host Dan Rust sits down with Monty Wyatt, a top-tier coach in organizational development and author of Adding Zeros, to discuss the critical evolution of modern leadership. As organizations grow, executive leadership must evolve to keep pace, or it inevitably becomes a ceiling to growth. Monte's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/montewyatt/ Adding Zeros Executive Development: https://www.linkedin.com/company/addingzeros/ Monty shar...
Mar 31, 2026•1 hr 1 min
Are you caught between embracing AI for efficiency and fearing its impact on your team's future? Discover the uncomfortable truth leaders must face about the rise of artificial intelligence. In this episode of the Leadership Disrupted podcast, host Dan Rust sits down with learning and development expert Nolan Hout to explore the dual-edged sword of artificial intelligence in the modern workplace. While AI promises massive gains in productivity and career empowerment, it also brings significant r...
Mar 24, 2026•1 hr 1 min
Is your leadership development feeling a little... flat? On this episode of Leadership Disrupted, things get "too weird" for the average corporate training manual—and that’s exactly why you need to watch. Host Dan joins veteran tech CEO and serial entrepreneur Chris Land (author of The Infinity Within) to go far beyond the standard "purpose-driven" talk. Chris has founded 12 high-tech companies and achieved 11 successful exits, but his most profound insights didn't come from a boardroom—they cam...
Mar 17, 2026•1 hr 13 min
In this compelling episode of Leadership Disrupted, we sit down with Paul Slater, host of the Humanity Working podcast, author, and workforce advisor, to explore the complex relationship between human judgment and artificial intelligence. As AI becomes an everyday tool, the way we perceive and evaluate its reliability is shifting. Paul shares critical insights into why our natural human instincts often lead us to misjudge technology, especially when faced with the unpredictable "hallucinations" ...
Mar 10, 2026•1 hr 13 min
In this wide-ranging episode of Leadership Disrupted, we welcome Tamara Laine—Emmy Award-winning journalist, fractional executive, cohost of the "What the Frac?" podcast, and founder of Empower—to tackle one of the most urgent questions facing leaders today: What happens when AI starts eroding the very skills that make us effective humans in the workplace?From critical thinking and resilience to creativity and storytelling, Tamara and Dan dig into how AI is quietly hollowing out the cognitive mu...
Mar 08, 2026•1 hr 9 min
In this compelling episode of Leadership Disrupted, we sit down with Ian Watts, an accomplished author, speaker, and expert on workforce transformation, to explore the critical intersection of empathy, accountability, and employee engagement. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianmwatts/ Modern leadership requires more than just technical expertise; it demands the ability to navigate complex human emotions while maintaining high performance. Ian shares his insights from transforming leaders a...
Mar 03, 2026•1 hr 4 min
In this compelling episode of Leadership Disrupted, we sit down with Ben Perreau, founder of Parafoil, to explore the evolving landscape of leadership development in an age of AI and shifting workplace dynamics. As organizations face increasing pressure to extract value while navigating a "crisis of leadership," Ben shares how a combination of cognitive science and purpose-built technology can help managers move beyond simple "check-ins" to foster deep, authentic connections with their teams. Li...
Feb 24, 2026•1 hr 10 min
In this inspiring episode of Leadership Disrupted, host Dan Rust welcomes Leela Bassi, a leadership development speaker, trainer, and author of Beyond the Ice, to explore the profound shift from hierarchical authority to human-centered impact.Modern leadership is no longer just about titles—it requires vulnerability, presence, and the courage to see others' potential. Leela shares her personal journey from being an orphan in India to navigating cultural identity in France and the UK, explaining ...
Feb 10, 2026•1 hr 6 min
In this inspiring and high-impact episode of the Leadership Disrupted podcast, we are joined by Dr. Geneva Williams, a Master Leadership Strategist, Vibrant Life Architect, and trailblazing executive who has spent decades redefining what it means to lead and leave a lasting mark. LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgenevaspeaks/ Dr. Geneva shares her powerful journey from serving as the first Black woman executive leader at the United Way of Metropolitan Detroit to reinventing hersel...
Feb 03, 2026•1 hr 13 min
In this compelling episode of Leadership Disrupted, we sit down with Karen Zeigler, CEO of The Human Score, to discuss the critical shift from "human doing" to "human being" in the modern workplace. As AI continues to transform the business landscape, leadership is being tested like never before. Karen argues that the future of work isn't just about artificial intelligence—it's about human insight, purpose-driven leadership, and intentional connection. [02:00] She shares how the most successful ...
Jan 27, 2026•1 hr 15 min
Description: In this thought-provoking episode of the Leadership Disrupted podcast, we are joined by Bernie Youngblood, Director of Partnerships for Hot Logic and host of the Unboxing the Office podcast. Together, we tackle the growing disillusionment in the modern workplace and the radical shifts required to lead effectively in an era of "creative destruction."Modern leadership is at a crossroads. As AI, social media, and information overwhelm converge, the old "management by spreadsheet" model...
Jan 20, 2026•1 hr 16 min
Your Leadership Origin Story | David Hutchens is a leadership conversation presented by Dan Rust featuring author, speaker, and storytelling expert David Hutchens. In this video, Hutchens dives deep into one of the most powerful leadership concepts: the origin story— the narrative of how you became a leader and why your path matters. In this talk, you’ll explore questions such as:✨What is a leadership origin story? Hutchens explains that your origin story is not just a personal memory — it’s a s...
Jan 13, 2026•1 hr 1 min
Since founding Laugh Dot Inc., Kevin's has focused on using comedy as a tool to strengthen team bonds, enhance company morale, grow community and enhance leadership. He has honed his expertise in engaging audiences and tailoring sales processes to deliver Laughter as a Service (LaaS) that transcends traditional team-building exercises, making every corporate event a memorable and unifying experience. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-hubschmann/ https://www.laugh.events/...
Jan 06, 2026•1 hr 12 min
For more than 20 years Kimberly Davis has been helping thousands of emerging leaders transform into strategic difference-makers who drive results while leveraging their true, authentic selves. She is the author of BRAVE Leadership, which demystifies HOW to BE brave and DO brave, even when you don't feel brave. Brave Leadership is an the essential guide for leaders in today’s ever-shifting world. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlydavisonstage/ Brave Leadership: https://brave-leadershi...
Dec 16, 2025•1 hr 7 min
For any successful business, the BRAND is a critical asset. Leaders envision the brand. Nurture the brand. Protect the brand. And Cat Holt is a Maestro of brand. Cat Holt is the architect behind one of the most enduring and beloved campaigns in insurance history — Dr. Rick for Progressive Insurance. With a rare blend of strategic rigor and creative soul, Cat has helped legacy brands evolve, challenger brands emerge, and leadership teams navigate the unknown. Today, as President & CEO of Cool...
Dec 10, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Ryan Heinl is the CEO of SIY Global - a science-based learning company that delivers world-class emotional intelligence programs built on a unique blend of neuroscience and mindfulness to create high-performing workplaces where people and business can flourish.Ryan has a unique take on Emotional Intelligence with a foundation in industrial and organizational psychology plus over 20 years at the intersection of executive assessment, leadership development, and technology. He and his team translat...
Dec 02, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Barbara Wittmann is the founder of the digital wisdomcollective: an operating system for the age of AI and transformation that upgrades how organizations align, collaborate, and deliver. It builds two interconnected layers of infrastructure to make your tech stack shine: • Human Infrastructure — confidence, collaboration, connectors in the middle, shared mental models, and an innovation mindset that keeps ecosystems growing. • Navigation Infrastructure — shared orientation tools that guidedecisi...
Nov 25, 2025•1 hr 10 min
In this compelling episode of Leadership Disrupted, we sit down with Eric Rogers, PhD, a high-impact sleep consultant and board-certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist, to explore the critical link between sleep hygiene, cognitive performance, and effective leadership. Modern leadership in a complex, fast-paced world demands peak mental acuity, yet many leaders navigate their roles in a state of chronic sleep deprivation. Dr. Rogers shares his extensive experience coaching elite performer...
Nov 18, 2025•1 hr 23 min
Sonia McDonald is the CEO and founder of LeadershipHQ andMcDonald Inc. Sonia is a leading keynote speaker, leadership advisor and award winning author. Her books Leadership Attitude, Just Rock It! and First Comes Courage are taking the world by storm and she is an in demand coach,facilitator, keynote speaker and advisor. Leadership stress is a topic of particular interest to Soniaand in this episode she shares her insights on the topic. Leaders today carry the burden of increasing stress levels ...
Nov 15, 2025•1 hr 3 min
What if your 'problem employees' are actually your greatest asset? Discover the power of neurodiverse hiring to build innovative, high-performing teams. Adam Kleckner specializes in strength-based, cognitive and Neurodiverse hiring, helping organizations reduce mis-hires, boost retention, and align teams not just by skills, but by the way people naturally think, collaborate, and solve problems.Adam's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamkleckner/LinkTech Website: https://www.thelink...
Nov 11, 2025•1 hr 6 min
This ain't your grandfather's leadership training. Dan Carusi and the team at Red Paint Consulting specialize in experiential & simulation learning with equine & nature-based activities, enabling personal and professional growth for individuals and teams worldwide. Their unique approach drives performance improvement, change management, sales and business transformation, and talent & leadership development. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carusi/ Website: https://redpaintconsul...
Nov 04, 2025•1 hr 15 min
Koreen Pagano has decades of experience helping organizations transform. She has worked with executive teams on building business strategies, analyzing market opportunities, and pitching new ventures to Boards. And today her primary focus is helping leaders navigate the question of what skills means to them and how to start the journey to becoming a skills-based organization. Koreen’s LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/koreenpagano Building the Skills-Based Organization: https://a.co/d/i1rXsOj...
Oct 28, 2025•1 hr 15 min
Noah Charnow is a Creative Director based in San Diego, best known for being a good idea thinker, a dog dad, a human dad, a skateboarder, a tearable speller, an obsessive doodler. Also the founder of Rock Hard Reviews, a globally successful movie review company. And the founding member of a decent one-man band, Dr. Alien. Website: https://noahcharnow.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-charnow/ Rock Hard Reviews: https://www.instagram.com/rock_hard_reviews/Dr. Alien: https://doctoral...
Oct 20, 2025•1 hr 15 min
Ben Rosenfield is the Swiss Army Knife of communications. He's an influential marketing and communications leader, strategist, and hands-on creator with extensive, demonstrated experience in combining content and customer experience to drive brand visibility and growth. Sought after for thought leadership and proven expertise in audience research and engagement, transforming consumer and business insights into actionable strategies, enhancing brand perception, writing and editing, and making com...
Oct 13, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Anna Fain is an inspiring, strategic leader with extensive talent and culture building experience in global, large, mid-size, and start-up operations spanning multiple industries. In this episode she details her passion for developing leaders and building an organizational culture of of empathy, inclusion and belonging. She has a proven track record with global industry experiences spanning Biopharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Engineering, Precision Manufacturing, Precision Medicine,...
Oct 07, 2025•1 hr 12 min
Jim Caruso has trained, coached and mentored over 10,000 individuals in 15 countries on 5 continents from over 100 organizations including 50 Fortune 500 and Global Fortune 500 companies, across all industries, functions, and talent levels. In this episode Jim shares a lifetime of experience and practical wisdom focused on helping people become better leaders.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescaruso/
Sep 29, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Tony Barr is a strategist, operator, and leadership thinker. He is the creator of the Signal Leader Paradigm™ and founder of Vidergo Group, an alliance of thought and practice disciplines that help organizations achieve breakthroughs in clarity, trust, and performance. His work bridges strategy, culture, and human development, grounded in decades of executive leadership and transformation experience. Currently an executive with BEUMER Group in North America, he writes at the intersection of lead...
Sep 24, 2025•51 min
