North Star Leaders

Are the hardest problems the ones most worth solving? Is leadership about being the smartest person in the room, or about creating space where everyone can bring their best? In this episode of North Star Leaders, Lindsay talks with Deborah Kilpatrick - former CEO and board chair of Evidation Health, co-founder of MedTech Women, and now partner at Sonder Capital. Deborah opens up about what drives her love of early-stage innovation, the lessons she carried from her small-town Georgia roots, and how she’s learned to lead in ways that bring out the best in others. You’ll hear them discuss: Why Deborah lights up at the messy, uncertain “figuring it out” stage of innovation How her dad’s career as a high school football coach shaped her philosophy on teams and leadership The mindset shift that took her from academic researcher to the C-suite What it really takes to make a co-CEO model not only work, but thrive The importance of patience and knowing when *not* to jump in as a leader The routines that keep her grounded, from early mornings to long bike rides The perspective she gains by reminding herself that “everybody’s got their thing today” Resources: Deborah Kilpatrick on Sonder Capital | LinkedIn | Sonder Capital LinkedIn | Deborah's Favourite Candy - Peanut Ginger Chews Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

Can company culture be engineered as intentionally as a product roadmap - and should it be? In this episode, Lindsay sits down with Robert Wahbe, CEO of Highspot, to explore how purposeful leadership, clear guiding principles, and a bias toward action fuel both performance and purpose. Robert shares how Highspot created a culture that values speed, detail, and humanity - and why having more values, not fewer, might be the secret to making them stick. You’ll hear them discuss: How Highspot built its culture through 11 guiding principles - and why quantity matters Why vague company values are "great for a poster" but useless in daily decision-making What it means to lead with urgency while still inspiring trust and deep respect How to balance bold innovation with attention to detail - and why those ideas often clash The real reasons product launches fail, and how to close the gap between vision and execution Why constraints drive creativity, and how purpose can act as a powerful constraint How AI powers insight at Highspot by helping companies amplify what works and fix what doesn’t Resources: Robert Wahbe on the Highspot | LinkedIn Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

What does it really mean to build a business where purpose and profit don’t just coexist—but actively fuel each other? Can you scale without selling out, especially in a creative industry being disrupted by AI? In this episode, Lindsay speaks with Kakul Srivastava, CEO of Splice, a leading platform used by music creators worldwide. Drawing from her experience at values-driven companies like Flickr and GitHub, Kakul shares how she leads with clarity, protects artistic integrity in the age of AI, and makes space for creativity in both product and culture. This conversation explores what it really takes to build a purpose-centered business that scales without losing its soul. You’ll hear them discuss: How Splice’s subscription model creates mutual accountability with users and reinforces the company’s commitment to quality and trust Why Kakul and her team drew a clear ethical line when integrating AI - training only on content they have rights to, out of deep respect for creators What makes music a uniquely visceral art form, and how it shapes the raw, emotional nature of the music creators Splice serves How Kakul leads with care, high standards, and an obsession with data - not for metrics alone, but as signals of customer needs and behaviors The identity struggle many artists face balancing creativity with commercial demands, and how Splice supports both personal expression and livelihood Why scaling a purpose-driven company demands just as much internal growth from leaders as it does from teams, products, and systems The shift from simply providing creative tools to becoming a true partner in the music-making process - and why that’s where the magic happens Resources: Kakul Srivastava on Splice | LinkedIn Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

Is being the smartest person in the room holding you — and your business — back? What if the biggest leadership flex isn’t personal brilliance, but building a team that outshines you? In this episode of North Star Leaders, Lindsay Pedersen sits down with Joe Davy, CEO of Banzai — a high-growth SaaS company giving marketers AI-powered “superpowers” through tools like Demio, OpenReel, and Create Studio. Joe opens up about his evolution from an ambitious solo founder to a leader who believes the smartest move is surrounding yourself with people who are better than you. From organizational behavior to AI-driven marketing, Joe shares candid insights on how he learned to let go of ego, embrace complexity, and scale both his company and his mindset. You’ll hear them discuss: People-first leadership  - Why building a team you enjoy and trust is more powerful than being the hero with all the answers. Letting go of ego - How Joe stopped trying to outsmart people problems and started hiring people who outsmarted him. Soft skills supremacy - Why emotional intelligence, motivation, and communication aren’t “nice to have” — they’re mission-critical. The education gap - How traditional schooling trains us to win alone - and why that’s a dangerous setup for future leaders. Learning through fire - Joe’s belief that the best way to grow is to get thrown into the rapids — and sometimes fall in. Athletics and leadership - The surprising ways team sports prepare you better for leadership than most MBA programs. AI in marketing - How Banzai is creating seamless, scalable tools that give marketers an edge in an attention-fractured world. Resources: Joe Davy on the Banzai | LinkedIn | X (Twitter) Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

What if Olympic-level care wasn’t just for athletes—but for every woman navigating midlife health? In this energizing episode, Lindsay speaks with Olympic gold medalist turned tech entrepreneur Jennifer Heil, founder and CEO of Rya Health. From standing at the top of a ski slope under global pressure to building a health platform set to revolutionize women's care, Jenn shares the mindset shifts and lived experiences that fuel her mission. They talk resilience, redefining success, and how AI can unlock a more empowered healthcare future for women everywhere. You’ll hear them discuss: • Courageous decision-making as Jenn took a full year off from elite skiing at 19, despite national criticism • Burnout and heartbreak as powerful signals for transformation—not failure • Systemic gaps in women’s healthcare and how Raya Health is designing a new paradigm • Self-advocacy as a skill honed in Olympic sport—and critical for women managing their health • AI and accessibility in scaling elite care to every woman, not just the privileged few • Redefining success by shifting from outcomes like medals to being fully prepared and regret-free • Leadership balance between bold vision and daily execution, and the power of complementary co-founders • Midlife health challenges from fatigue to hormonal shifts—and the medical system’s current blind spots • Working in your superpowers and the goal of spending 70% of your time where you're at your natural best Resources: Jenn Heil on the Rya Health | LinkedIn Amazon: The Red-Haired Woman by Orhan Pamuk Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

What if sticking to your guns—not chasing the buzz—was the boldest, and most successful, strategy of all? In this episode of North Star Leaders, Lindsay talks with Doug Winter, CEO and co-founder of Seismic, the category-defining sales enablement platform. Doug shares what it takes to build something enduring in a world obsessed with fast wins—revealing why commitment, clarity, and consistency are more than just leadership traits; they’re competitive advantages. Whether you're creating a category, scaling a team, or building a brand that customers swear by, this conversation will recalibrate your view on what sustainable success really looks like. You’ll hear them discuss: The uphill battle of category creation — how Doug and the Seismic team turned “enablement” from a fuzzy buzzword into a widely respected discipline Why staying consistent builds trust — and how resisting the urge to rebrand or chase trends can actually create lasting market leadership How leaders serve as emotional counterweights — showing calm through chaos and perspective through celebration to keep teams grounded and resilient Why Seismic chose San Diego over Silicon Valley — and how that decision helped attract the right talent, shape company culture, and signal long-term thinking How customer obsession built Seismic’s brand — from million-dollar multi-year deals to customers who bring Seismic with them to every new job What makes culture stick when you scale — and how Seismic evolved from “unwritten values” to rituals that reinforce what matters most The growth edge Doug’s navigating now — shifting from a startup mindset to running a mature, efficient business without losing the spark Resources: Doug Winter on the Seismic | LinkedIn Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

Could a unicorn pillow or a spinning toy change the face of the tech industry? In this episode, Lindsay Pedersen talks with Debbie Sterling, founder and CEO of GoldieBlox, about how a simple idea to get more girls into engineering turned into a multimedia movement. Debbie shares the story behind building a brand that challenges gender stereotypes in toys, the decision to grow as a for-profit business, and what it takes to stay playful and purposeful as a leader. This is a conversation full of insight, honesty, and practical inspiration for anyone building something with heart. You'll hear them discuss: Representation - the moment Debbie realized how few women were in her engineering classes and how that sparked a mission to change the narrative. Stereotypes - why toys still fall into “pink” and “blue” aisles, and how GoldieBlox is working to redefine what’s seen as “for girls.” Evolution - how GoldieBlox has grown from building toys to creating videos, apps, and games that make STEM fun and accessible. Business model - what influenced the choice to go for-profit and how that decision has shaped the company’s impact and reach. Partnerships - how working with organizations like Black Girls Code is helping to expand access to high-quality, free STEM content. Culture - how the company has matured over time and what it looks like to stay focused without losing its creative spirit. Wellbeing - the simple but powerful habits Debbie relies on to stay energized, present, and effective as a leader. Resources: Debbie Sterling on the GoldieBlox | GoldieBlox Instagram | GoldieBlox YouTube | LinkedIn Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

How can the way you treat your customers radically change your company's success? And, more importantly… What happens when customers become your partners, not just transactions? In this episode of North Star Leaders, Lindsay sits down with Colin Zima, CEO of Omni, to dive into what it takes to build a company where transparency, trust, and real partnerships drive everything. Colin shares his thoughts on leadership, the power of treating customers like true collaborators, and why a culture of openness and authenticity can set you apart in a crowded market. You’ll hear them discuss: High trust culture: Why giving your employees the freedom to work independently without micromanagement can lead to a stronger, more empowered team. Customer relationships: How treating your customers as partners — not just clients — led to a major breakthrough during a critical moment for Omni. Leadership style: Colin’s “lead by doing” approach and why authenticity is at the heart of being an effective leader. Scaling culture: The hurdles and opportunities that come with scaling a high-trust, transparent culture as your company grows. Work-life balance: How Omni fosters an environment where people can work hard and still enjoy their personal lives, finding a healthy balance between getting stuff done and relaxing. Giving and receiving feedback: Why being more intentional with shout-outs and feedback is helping to reinforce Omni's culture and make it even stronger. Building strong foundations: How Colin’s previous experiences shaped his leadership at Omni, and the lessons he’s carried forward into building a successful company culture. Resources: Colin Zima on the Omni Web | LinkedIn Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

What if your company’s culture is actually holding you back? Would you have the courage to change it — even if you were the one who built it? In this episode of North Star Leadership Podcast, Lindsay talks with Craig McLuckie - co-founder and CEO of Stacklok. They explore what it really means to lead — especially when it means rethinking your own assumptions. Craig brings a rare blend of technical depth, operational wisdom, and honest self-awareness as he unpacks how to build resilient, reality-based organizations in a fast-changing world. This is a candid, unvarnished take on leadership, culture, and how to survive the hype cycles — with your integrity intact. You'll hear them discuss: Culture replication vs. diversity – Why the only thing you should aim to replicate across your company is culture, and how to let everything else be diverse. Craig explains how culture acts as a “standard interface,” enabling variation while preserving coherence. Hypocrisy as a culture killer – The moment your implicit behavior contradicts your stated values, you lose trust. Craig shares how leaders must be honest about when culture needs to evolve — or risk becoming the bottleneck. Implicit vs. explicit culture – Every company has both, and they don’t always align. Craig discusses how a company naturally becomes a caricature of its founders, and what happens when that unspoken culture isn’t addressed. The camel vs. unicorn mindset – Why Craig believes it’s better to be durable than dazzling. He explains how being hype-resistant and focused on creating real value is a more sustainable path through volatile markets. Leadership at different scales – From zero to thousands of people, Craig shares the traps leaders fall into when they fail to adjust their style. He talks candidly about learning to “reset his operating model” depending on the moment. The evolution of developer work – With GenAI reshaping the landscape, Craig reflects on how it’s changing everything from workflows to security. He shares how he’s actively rebuilding his internal models to keep up. Personal capacity and rituals – How Craig structures his days for clarity, why he aims to work himself out of a job, and what assembling office chairs has to do with humility in leadership. Resources: Craig McLuckie on the Stacklok | LinkedIn Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

Is complexity in your messaging keeping your business from scaling? Does it feel like your messages are getting lost? In this episode of North Star Leaders Podcast, Lindsay sits down with Heidi Bullock, CMO of Tealium, to explore the human psychology behind great marketing—and why simplification might just be the most underrated power move in business. From her beginnings in molecular biology to leading marketing at a top customer data platform, Heidi shares what it takes to translate complexity into clarity, both externally with customers and internally with cross-functional teams. You’ll hear us discuss: Why great marketing starts with human behavior – Heidi explains why the best marketers, regardless of industry, understand psychology and behavioral patterns. It’s not about B2B or B2C—it’s P2P: person to person. How to simplify complexity without dumbing it down – Especially in tech and data-driven industries, complexity is unavoidable. But Heidi shares how the most successful teams learn to distill and translate that complexity into clear, compelling language that connects. Why B2B marketing often falls flat – Heidi points out that B2B often forgets the human on the other side of the message. She shares how to bring emotion, storytelling, and relevance into spaces that are traditionally more rational and feature-heavy. The importance of internal marketing as a CMO – Heidi talks about the often-overlooked responsibility of “marketing marketing” within the organization—building trust with sales, product, and the executive team so marketing is seen as a driver of business, not just a support function. Using GenAI to move faster and smarter – From sparking fresh campaign ideas to pressure-testing positioning, Heidi shares how her team uses generative AI tools to stay sharp, experiment more, and create value faster. Turning customer voice into an internal north star – Heidi describes how regularly sharing real customer stories helps align cross-functional teams, build empathy, and keep everyone focused on what really matters. The golden question for every marketer and leader – Heidi leaves us with a powerful lens for evaluating any initiative: “Would you engage with this? If not, don’t ship it.” Resources: Heidi Bullock on the Tealium Website | LinkedIn Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

How much do you really listen to those around you, and how much could you be missing? In this episode of North Star Leadership Podcast, Joe Levy joins Lindsay Pedersen and shares deep insights on leadership, the challenges of leading in a tech-driven world, and the underestimated power of simply listening. With years of experience navigating complex organizations and projects, Joe offers practical advice on how we can improve our leadership approach by embracing empathy and curiosity. You’ll hear them discuss: The value of listening more than speaking: Joe highlights the importance of using the ratio of "two ears, one mouth" in leadership, explaining that great leaders often learn more from listening than from speaking. The complexities of the software development world: Joe talks about how software projects often go unnoticed, despite the amount of emotional and intellectual investment behind them. The misunderstood discipline of software development: Many projects in tech never see the light of day, leading to frustration and a lack of appreciation for the work that goes into it. Leadership is about empathy: Joe shares how genuinely caring about the people you work with can help you uncover their real needs and challenges. The power of curiosity in leadership: Effective leaders aren't just there to give answers but to ask the right questions that allow their team members to express themselves and feel heard. The importance of rest: Joe discusses the science behind rest and why it is essential for better performance, referring to a book called "Rest" that challenges the culture of overwork. The challenge of breaking habits: As a former caffeine addict, Joe shares his journey of quitting caffeine and how making that shift led to more balance and well-being. Resources: Joe Levy on the Uplevel | LinkedIn Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

Are you wasting the power of your own laptop? For years, we've been conditioned to think that serious computing happens in the cloud while our local machines sit idle. But what if that’s outdated thinking? In this episode of the North Star Leadership Podcast, Jordan Tigani, CEO and co-founder of MotherDuck, joins Lindsay Pedersen and challenges conventional wisdom on cloud computing, marketing, and leadership. He shares hard-won lessons from his time at Google, the reality check he got in the startup world, and why scaling a company is as much about people as it is about technology. You’ll hear them discuss: The Cloud vs. Your Laptop: Why modern hardware is more powerful than we give it credit for—and how MotherDuck is changing the game. The assumption that computation must happen in the cloud is outdated, and Jordan explains how leveraging local machines can lead to more efficient and cost-effective workflows. Marketing as War: The hard truth Jordan learned after leaving Google—great tech alone doesn’t win, visibility does. At Google, marketing seemed almost irrelevant, but in the startup world, he realized that fighting for attention is just as important as building great products. From Executive to Founder: The biggest mindset shifts when moving from a massive company to running your own. Jordan shares how the safety nets of big corporations make you blind to the realities of fundraising, brand-building, and assembling a team from scratch. The Art of Scaling: How leadership evolves as a company grows from a small, tight-knit team to a structured organization. As MotherDuck has expanded to 55 people, Jordan talks about the need for clear communication, hiring the right leaders, and maintaining company values while growing. Raising the Stakes: The thrilling (and terrifying) reality of building a company where people truly care about the outcome. Unlike in a large corporation where the stakes feel more abstract, leading a startup means every decision directly impacts the team, the vision, and the future of the business. Resources: Jordan Tigani on the MotherDuck Web | LinkedIn Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

How do you maintain focus, resilience, and energy as a leader through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship? Tushar Garg, co-founder of Fly Homes, shares his leadership journey and insights on navigating challenges, trusting your instincts, and building daily habits for success. From handling "wartime" and "peacetime" mindsets to surrounding yourself with a strong team, Tushar provides actionable advice for building mental fortitude and staying grounded in your mission. His experiences will leave you with practical tools to become a more resilient and purposeful leader. Key Takeaways: Navigating the "wartime" and "peacetime" mindset - Tushar explains the shift in leadership approach during times of crisis vs. stability, and how leaders need to adapt to these different phases for success. Resilience through belief in your mission - Resilience stems from having a deep belief in your mission and knowing the value of what you're creating, even during uncertain times. The importance of a strong team - No leader succeeds alone—surrounding yourself with a supportive, aligned team is crucial for navigating tough situations and staying focused. Building daily habits for better leadership - Tushar emphasizes the importance of habits like sleep, exercise, and meditation to stay physically and mentally sharp. Listening to advice while trusting your intuition - While it's essential to be open to feedback, ultimately, trust your gut when making decisions, especially in leadership. Making big decisions in uncertain moments - Tushar shares his experience of making life-changing decisions in uncertain moments, highlighting the need to trust your instincts. The value of continual learning and personal growth - Tushar believes in the power of ongoing personal development, which helps leaders adapt and grow in their journey. Resources: Tushar Garg on LinkedIn | Flyhomes Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

What if the biggest obstacle to innovation isn’t competition—but slow decision-making? Is slow decision making holding you back? In this episode of North Star Leadership, Lindsay Pedersen sits down with Jennifer Nuckles, Chairperson & CEO of R-Zero, to explore what it takes to lead across industries—from CPG to gaming, fintech, and health tech. Jennifer shares hard-won lessons on risk-taking, moving fast, and why leading with influence beats leading with authority. Whether you're a brand strategist, executive, or aspiring CEO, this conversation is packed with insights on navigating leadership at every level. Key Takeaways: Leadership Beyond Titles: The best leaders don’t rely on authority—they influence, inspire, and align people toward a common goal. Making the Leap to CEO: The shift from CMO to CEO means owning every decision, from office space to product launches. The stakes are higher, but so is the impact. Lessons from CPG to Tech: Traditional industries can be slow-moving, while tech embraces speed and risk. Jennifer explains why she left CPG to scale businesses at hyper-growth speeds. Risk & Reward: Why moving fast—even if it means breaking things—is essential for companies aiming for exponential, rather than incremental, growth. The Power of Cross-Industry Experience: Jennifer’s career spans CPG, fintech, gaming, and health tech. She shares why great leadership transcends industries. The Hidden Challenge of Decision-Making: The biggest bottleneck in large organizations? Layers of approval. Jennifer contrasts CPG’s cautious approach with tech’s real-time agility. Why Every CEO Needs Experts: Great leaders know their strengths—and surround themselves with the best minds to fill the gaps. Resources: Jennifer Nuckles on LinkedIn I R-Zero Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

What if the key to long-term business success isn’t just about strategy or product—what if it's about the people you choose to surround yourself with? In this episode of the North Star Leaders Podcast, Lindsay Pedersen speaks with Lynn Baranowski, CEO of Avalyn Pharma, about leading a purpose-driven company in the biotech and pharma industry. Lynn shares her journey of navigating a complex industry while prioritizing mission-driven work that impacts patients’ lives. She reflects on how making intentional choices about team dynamics and leadership has a profound impact on both the company’s trajectory and her own personal leadership journey. They dive into leadership principles, team-building, and balancing economic success with the greater good. You'll hear them discuss: Lynn’s career journey in the biotech space and how choosing the right people has been a cornerstone of her success and personal growth. How investing in a team that aligns with your mission isn’t just about short-term results, but long-term sustainability for both the business and individual well-being. The challenges of maintaining alignment between team culture, business goals, and values, and why it’s worth the effort. Lynn’s approach to decision-making, especially when it comes to keeping the right people on board for the long haul. How she navigates the pressures of leadership while maintaining a focus on her own wellness and creating space for others to thrive. Practical advice for leaders on how to build a supportive and high-performing team that will sustain business growth and personal well-being over time. Resources Lyn Baranowski LinkedIn | Avalyn Pharma Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

What happens when marketing stops being just about transactions and becomes a true driver of brand loyalty and business growth? In this episode, Lindsay Pedersen dives into the world of marketing with Jessica Shapiro, CMO at LiveRamp, to uncover how businesses can create meaningful connections with customers while delivering measurable value. You’ll hear them discuss: The human side of marketing where understanding people—both customers and team members—and drives Jessica’s success as a marketing leader. The similarities and differences between marketing to businesses and consumers, from sales cycles to customer relationships. Learn how LiveRamp enables companies to securely share data to drive better ad targeting, improve ROI, and create relevant customer experiences without compromising privacy. Finding the right leadership fit and why a CEO’s belief in the power of brand is essential for successful marketing leadership. Balancing the fine line between delighting customers with relevant ads and avoiding a "creepy" overreach in personalization. Collaboration is the ****critical role of marketing in supporting sales teams and building a unified approach to customer engagement. Resources: Jessica Shapiro on LiveRamp | LinkedIn  Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

How do you craft a story that resonates with both investors and customers? In this episode of North Star Leadership podcast, Erika Shaffer - a Director for Strategic Communication for Madrona Venture Group, shares her insights on the art of storytelling in business. She highlights the importance of tailoring the narrative for different audiences—investors versus customers—and the key role of authenticity and empathy in making a lasting impact. Storytelling for investors often focuses on trends, technology, and potential returns, with AI being a recurring theme. When communicating to customers, the focus shifts to the value they will receive, with less emphasis on technology like AI unless it directly benefits them. Authenticity in communication builds trust, while using buzzwords like AI without clear explanation can lead to distrust. Founders must be clear about what the market needs and how their product serves that need, aligning their communication with the audience's values. Erika shares her experience with writing content for Madrona, emphasizing the importance of balancing expert insights with actionable advice for founders. Resources Erika Shaffer on Madrona Website I LinkedIn I Email: erika@madrona.com Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! I Connect with me on LinkedIn

What’s the one thing you do better than anyone else? And how can understanding this unique strength transform the way you work and lead? In this episode of North Star Leadership Podcast, Lindsay Pedersen sits down with Court Lorenzini, past CEO of Docusign, to explore the concept of “superpowers” and their critical role in personal and professional success. Court shares his journey of creating a framework for identifying these innate strengths, offering practical advice for leaders and teams striving to unlock their full potential. Defining your superpower: Discover the unique skill or talent that sets you apart and learn how to leverage it effectively. Team dynamics: Why building teams with complementary strengths is essential for success—and how mismatched roles can lead to failure. Strengths over weaknesses: Focus on amplifying what people are naturally great at rather than fixing weaknesses. The "dark side" of superpowers: How every strength can have a downside—and how awareness can mitigate its impact. Practical application: Aligning individual superpowers with organizational goals for better performance and fulfillment. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or team member, this episode will inspire you to uncover your superpower and harness the power of others to achieve remarkable results. Resources: Court Lorenzini on LinkedIn Founder Nexus on the Web | LinkedIn Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest!

How do you create a brand that stands the test of time? In this episode of North Star Leaders, Lindsay Pedersen sits down with Cammie Dunaway, CMO of Duolingo and Yahoo, among other Hall of Fame companies, to discuss what it really takes to build a lasting brand. They dive into the key moments of Cammie’s career and the lessons she’s learned, from navigating career phases to understanding the critical role CEOs play in shaping their company’s brand. Plus, they talk about why long-term brand value is crucial for businesses looking to thrive beyond short-term performance metrics. Career Phases: Cammie breaks down the three stages of a career—learning, earning, and returning—and how each phase impacts professional decisions. The CEO’s Role in Branding: Cammie discusses why CEOs need to own the brand, ensuring that every decision reflects the company’s core values. Building Long-Term Brand Value: The conversation highlights why brands need consistency, not just performance marketing, to build lasting customer loyalty. Changing Investor Priorities: Investors are shifting focus, recognizing that building a strong brand is key to long-term business success, beyond just short-term growth. Balancing Work and Joy: Cammie reflects on how her husband’s perspective on her happiness at work influenced her career choices and the importance of finding joy in what you do. Resources: Cammie Dunaway on LinkedIn Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest!

What’s the secret to pitching a compelling business idea? In this episode of North Star Leaders, Lindsay Pedersen talks with Greg Gottesman, co-founder of Pioneer Square Labs (PSL), about the art of storytelling in startups, using AI to scale businesses, and the journey of transforming ideas into thriving companies. They also explore Greg's transition from venture capital to the startup world, sharing insights on building companies and the transformative role of AI in business. Storytelling as Strategy: Greg emphasizes the importance of a clear, engaging narrative to captivate investors, customers, and team members from the start. Crafting a Winning Pitch: He provides tips on how a well-told story can make complex business ideas relatable, laying the foundation for funding and growth. Connecting with Investors: A strong narrative evokes emotion, helping investors envision the future impact of a business. AI's Role in Startups: PSL utilizes AI tools to accelerate development, producing code and reducing costs for early-stage companies. Building Faster with AI: Greg describes AI’s potential to handle operational tasks, enabling founders to launch quicker and more efficiently. Future of Human-AI Teams: He sees AI complementing human skills in startup teams, boosting productivity. Resources: Greg Gottesman LinkedIn | X (Twitter) | Pioneer Square Labs | Email Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest!