Guest Tanya Friedlander High-Performance Coach | Former Champion Athlete | Founder of Strategic Coaching Group Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: What do world-class athletes and executive leaders have in common? Mental stamina—and lots of it. In this episode of Executive Connect, Tanya Friedlander shares her transition from professional sports to executive coaching and breaks down...
Feb 27, 2025•33 min•Ep. 60
What's the real secret to effective leadership development? It's understanding how to balance friendship and accountability at the top. In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug talks with executive coach Jeff Holmes about cracking the code on leadership clarity and making decisions that actually stick. Jeff unpacks the idea of "friendship leadership" why empathy doesn't mean weakness and shares how leaders can develop the psychological capital (think: hope, confidence, and res...
Jan 29, 2025•43 min•Ep. 59
Guest: Cynthia Bentzen Mercer Executive Coach | Bestselling Author | Former Corporate Leader Turned Entrepreneur Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: Feeling stuck doesn’t have to mean staying stuck. In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Cynthia Bentzen Mercer to talk about what it really takes to turn corporate burnout into a bold new chapter. Cynthia...
Jan 29, 2025•31 min•Ep. 58
Guest: Talila Millman Chief Technology Officer | Transformation Leader | Creator of the Triumph Framework Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: Digital transformation isn’t just about the tech—it’s about the people behind it. In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Talila Millman, a global CTO and creator of the Triumph Framework, to break down what actua...
Jan 29, 2025•37 min•Ep. 57
Guest: Erica Anderson Rooney Chief People Officer | Executive Coach | Host of From Now to Next Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: Glass ceilings get all the attention—but sticky floors might be what’s really holding women back. In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Erica Anderson Rooney to break down the hidden obstacles women face in the workplace a...
Jan 08, 2025•44 min•Ep. 56
Guest: Elizabeth Bieniek Innovation Consultant | Author of Cake on Tuesday | Former Fortune 100 Executive Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: Can innovation be a mindset? In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug chats with Elizabeth Bieniek, a Fortune 100 innovator turned author and consultant, about what it really takes to drive change from the inside out. They dive i...
Jan 08, 2025•23 min•Ep. 55
Guest: Sheryl Kline Mental Toughness Coach | Author | Women’s Leadership Expert Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: What does it take to lead fearlessly? In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug talks with Sheryl Kline, a mental toughness coach and powerhouse advocate for women in leadership. They dig into how clarity, confidence, and influence shape the fearless femal...
Jan 08, 2025•37 min•Ep. 54
Guest: Morgan Q. Anderson, EA CEO | Enrolled Agent | Tax Strategist at Golden Lion Tax Solutions Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: Think taxes are boring? Think again. In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Morgan Q. Anderson, CEO of Golden Lion Tax Solutions, to demystify the ever-changing tax landscape. Morgan shares what it really takes to navigat...
Dec 18, 2024•33 min•Ep. 53
Guest: Holly Medwig CEO | Social Media Strategist | Personal Branding Expert at Monarch Social Media Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug chats with Holly Medwig, CEO of Monarch Social Media, about what it really takes to build a standout personal brand in today’s fast-paced digital world. Holly shares practical strategies for sh...
Dec 18, 2024•29 min•Ep. 52
Guest Damon Wells Army Colonel | Leadership Strategist | Resilience Expert Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug talks with Damon Wells, a seasoned Army Colonel with 28 years of leadership experience, about what it takes to lead under pressure. From combat zones to corporate boardrooms, Damon shares how to face uncertainty head-on...
Dec 18, 2024•50 min•Ep. 51
Guest: Ariel Faulkner Nutrition Expert | Wellness Advocate | Functional Health Coach Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with functional nutritionist Ariel Faulkner to tackle the health crisis no one is talking about—burnout, hormonal shifts, and the wellness wake-up call facing women over 35. From Ozempic to mindfulne...
Nov 21, 2024•46 min•Ep. 50
Guest: Henry Woodman Entrepreneur | Business Coach | Team Builder Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Henry Woodman, a seasoned entrepreneur and business coach, to unpack what it really takes to build a thriving business. From rallying top-performing teams to navigating setbacks and staying inspired through passio...
Nov 20, 2024•38 min•Ep. 49
Guest: Marty Strong Retired Navy SEAL | CEO | Author | Strategic Leadership Expert Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: From elite military missions to high-stakes boardrooms, Marty Strong knows how to lead under pressure. In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug talks with the retired Navy SEAL turned CEO and author about the power of resilience, vision, and tactical l...
Nov 11, 2024•55 min•Ep. 48
Guest: Marty Strong Retired Navy SEAL | CEO | Author | Strategic Leadership Expert Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: From elite military missions to high-stakes boardrooms, Marty Strong knows how to lead under pressure. In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug talks with the retired Navy SEAL turned CEO and author about the power of resilience, vision, and tactical l...
Nov 05, 2024•46 min•Ep. 47
Guest: Kathleen Riley Founder of the Presence Method | Neuroplasticity Expert | Mind-Body Coach Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: What if you could rewire your brain to achieve your biggest goals? In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Kathleen Riley, founder of the Presence Method, to explore the science of neuroplasticity and how it can transform t...
Nov 05, 2024•40 min•Ep. 46
Guest: Chad Foster First Blind Harvard Business School Graduate | Author of Blind Ambition | Resilience & Leadership Expert Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: What if your greatest challenge became your greatest strength? In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Chad Foster—the first blind executive to graduate from Harvard Business School—who prove...
Oct 22, 2024•30 min•Ep. 45
Guest: Gay Gaddis Founder of T3 | Author of Cowgirl Power | Creator of Women Who Mean Business Program Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: Big dreams and bold moves—that’s the spirit of Gay Gaddis. In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with the powerhouse entrepreneur behind T3, once the largest women-owned independent digital agency in the U.S. Gay unpack...
Oct 15, 2024•45 min•Ep. 44
What if the key to using AI in business is not just about productivity, but about protecting your team's mental health? In this episode, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Nishtha Jain, Head of Innovation and Digital Technologies at Takeda, to unpack the real strategies for achieving a sustainable work-life balance in the age of automation. Nishtha shares her framework for implementing new technology thoughtfully, ensuring that innovation supports, rather than depletes your team's energy and creati...
Oct 15, 2024•37 min•Ep. 43
Guest: Chris Hood Digital Strategist | Customer Transformation Expert Host Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: What does it really mean to be customer-centric in a digital world? In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Chris Hood, a seasoned strategist in digital transformation and customer experience. Chris shares why businesses must place the customer at th...
Sep 26, 2024•38 min•Ep. 42
Guest: Fanny Dunagan CEO | Content Strategist | Co-Founder of PathLynks, LLC Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: How do you build a personal brand that actually sticks—and makes a difference? In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug talks with Fanny Dunagan, CEO and content strategist at PathLynks, about her powerful transformation from a shy immigrant to a confident e...
Sep 26, 2024•45 min•Ep. 41
Guest: Chip Massey & Adele Gambardella Co-Founders of The Convincing Company | Ex-FBI Negotiator & Crisis PR Expert Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: What happens when an FBI hostage negotiator and a PR strategist team up? You get a masterclass in persuasive communication. In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Chip Massey and Adele Gambardel...
Sep 16, 2024•54 min•Ep. 40
Guest: Morgan Adams Holistic Sleep Coach | Insomnia Expert | Founder of The Sleep Makeover Program Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: Struggling with sleep? You're not alone. In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug chats with Morgan Adams, a holistic sleep coach who turned her battle with insomnia into a mission to help others rest easy. Morgan busts myths about...
Sep 04, 2024•42 min•Ep. 39
Guest: Lauren Wambold Patel Founder of Keenan Reed Strategies | Creator of Consult CEO | Former BCG Leader Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Lauren Wambold Patel, a consulting powerhouse and founder of Keenan Reed Strategies. From her early days at BCG to launching her own firm, Lauren unpacks what it really tak...
Aug 28, 2024•35 min•Ep. 38
Guest: Dr. Mary Donohue Digital Psychologist | CEO of The Digital Wellness Center Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect E pisode Overview: In this episode of *Executive Connect*, Dr. Mary Donohue unpacks the science behind resilience leadership and digital psychology in the modern workplace. You’ll learn how emotional resilience, leadership coaching, and cognitive burnout strategies are shaping healthi...
Aug 21, 2024•50 min•Ep. 37
Guest: Dr. Denise Patrick Educator | Consultant | Leadership Strategist Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Dr. Denise Patrick to explore how faith and leadership intersect in today’s professional world. From investment banking to academia and consulting, Dr. Patrick shares her journey of integrating spirituality ...
Aug 15, 2024•51 min•Ep. 36
Guest: Gary Forni Chairman, Central Texas Angel Network (CTAN) Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug chats with Gary Forni, veteran angel investor and chairman of CTAN. Gary walks us through the world of angel investing—from spotting promising startups to what really goes on during the due diligence process. He shares the real-lif...
Aug 05, 2024•35 min•Ep. 35
Guest: Brooke M. Dukes Coach, Speaker, and CEO of Empowered Success Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Brooke M. Dukes for a raw and thoughtful conversation about burnout, entrepreneurship, and what it really means to succeed. Brooke opens up about leaving corporate life after burnout and finding a more aligned p...
Jul 23, 2024•38 min•Ep. 34
Guest: Dave Fox Founder & CEO, Focus Global Talent Solutions Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug is joined by Dave Fox, a forward-thinking expert in AI-driven recruitment and talent strategy. Dave unpacks how artificial intelligence is reshaping HR—from speeding up resume reviews to building smarter, customized recruitment t...
Jul 17, 2024•33 min•Ep. 33
Guest: Hall Martin Founder & CEO, TEN Capital Network Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Hall Martin, a veteran in the world of angel investing and founder of TEN Capital Network. Hall breaks down how startup funding has transformed over the past two decades and how tech has reshaped the entire venture capita...
Jul 17, 2024•20 min•Ep. 32
Guest: Jason Anthoine Managing Founder, Audacity Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Jason Anthoine, communication strategist and Managing Founder of Audacity, to talk about the real heartbeat of leadership: human connection. Jason unpacks why so many organizations struggle with communication—and how to fix it. He...
Jul 17, 2024•40 min•Ep. 31
