ROAR Mindset: Leading Through Chaos

In Part 2 of the conversation with Chris Kelly, he shares his experiences and insights from his time at Intel, with a particular focus on his leadership role in Malaysia. He discusses the importance of building trust, the challenges of managing projects, and the significance of honesty in leadership. Kelly emphasizes the need for authentic relationships, and you might be intrigued by his leadership lessons from soccer. Book: Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek ThompsonChapters00:00 Intro01:52 Building Trust for an Uncertain Organization10:04 Know Your Capability Set14:40 Headcount is NOT Success18:10 Answering Challenging Questions in an Open Forum19:58 Access to Leaders22:09 Greatness Remains25:16 The Power of Honesty in Leadership28:27 Leadership Lessons from Soccer (Real Football)

In Part 1 of this ROAR Mindset conversation, Peter speaks with Chris Kelly, a global technology leader with 28 years of experience at Intel. Chris shares how stepping into new spaces, both in life and in leadership, taught him to lead with clarity, honesty, and presence.They explore what Chris learned after leaving corporate life, how long-distance walking shaped his understanding of pace and agency, and two leadership stories from his time at Intel: building the PC reference board infrastructure and reframing senior technical leadership. Along the way, Chris offers practical insights on shelving ego, learning from mistakes without personalizing them, and avoiding the trap of vicious compliance.This episode is filled with guidance for leaders navigating uncertainty and leading teams through disruption.Book: Things Become Other Things by Craig Mod. The Japanese word Yoyū was the word from this book. 00:00 Introduction to the Roar Mindset00:19 What matters to Chris Kelly 01:41 Detoxing from Corporate Life02:52 Abundance Mindset06:37 Power of Agency 08:01 Exploring the World 16:26 Too Many Reference Boards18:52 Navigating Uncertainties26:20 Trust and Resiliency 32:43 Learning from Failures 36:11 Radical Honesty 40:35 Embracing Failure and the End43:32 Celebrating Transitions46:42 Midmortems: Learning and Improving Mid-Project48:22 Creating Space for Creativity and Abundance51:09 Radical Honesty and Authenticity in Leadership54:30 The Pitfalls of Inauthentic Relationships01:04:30 Improving Meeting Efficiency and Decision Making01:13:59 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this episode, Peter Brandenburger speaks with Josh Newman, Vice President at Intel, who led the creation of Project Athena and the subsequent launch of the Intel® EVO™ brand. Josh shares how the PC industry reached a moment where the old innovation approach no longer applied, and how he and his team stepped into that disruption with curiosity and a user-centered mindset.Josh describes how Project Athena began with uncertainty and no defined path forward. By listening directly to users, the team uncovered the insight of why people turn to their PCs. This reframed the direction and led to a new vision for what laptops should become. This is a story of leading a disruption, one you create, with curiosity instead of control, partnering across a global ecosystem, and letting clarity emerge through connection and insight. It is also a reminder that even the most successful innovations begin with ambiguity and require leaders to act before they know exactly where the work will lead.Learn more about Intel® EVO™ at https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/systems-devices/laptops/evo.html l Reference to Melissa Gregg's book Work’s IntimacyChapters00:00 Introduction to the Roar Mindset01:18 Meet Josh Newman: What matters most 02:47 PC Innovation Initiative05:15 Understanding PC User Behavior09:50 Project Athena: Vision and Execution18:52 The Rise of Freelancers and the Impact of COVID-1922:34 Reflecting on Remote Work and COVID-1923:16 The Power of Connected Minds in Innovation25:00 Industry-Wide Collaboration and the Intel® Evo™brand27:30 Challenges and Successes in the PC Ecosystem36:56 The Future of AI and PC Innovation42:58 Leadership Insights and Final Thoughts

When people development and business growth happen together, we all win. In this ROAR Mindset episode, host Peter Brandenburger talks with Delena Gutierrez, a certified coach with 17 years of corporate leadership experience, including senior and executive roles leading teams through growth and transition. She has seen up close what it takes to lead with courage and self-compassion, including her time inside a Deliberately Developmental Organization (DDO) where development was built into everyday work.Delena helps leaders rethink their approach so both people and organizations can thrive. She shares how DDOs make development part of the operating system itself by integrating feedback, reflection, and shared learning into the flow of work. We explore the courage it takes to share development openly, how teams move past hesitation and expanding work to include individual growth creates thriving teams. Related books and articles: Immunity to Change by Robert Kegan and Lisa LaheyAn Everyone Culture: Becoming a Deliberately Developmental Organization by Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey et alHBR Article on DDO - https://hbr.org/2014/04/making-business-personal ________________________________________Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction to the ROAR Mindset00:25 Meet Delena Gutiérrez: Leading Through Growth02:00 What Is a Deliberately Developmental Organization (DDO)?07:00 Why Development Belongs in Daily Work10:00 The Cost of Avoiding Difficult Conversations14:00 Retention, Trust, and Real Collaboration18:00 Feedback Without Fear: Naming What’s True22:00 The Fishbowl: Practicing Transparency and Challenge25:00 Silence as a Leadership Tool29:00 Integrating DDO Practices in Any Organization33:00 Courage, Compassion, and Self-Leadership38:00 Turning Chaos Into Growth45:00 Leadership Lessons Relearned48:00 One Word to Describe Her Leadership Mindset

In this episode, Peter Brandenburger speaks with Steve Porter about leading through disruption by strengthening customer relationships. Together, they explore how curiosity, empathy, and courage help leaders uncover what customers truly need, collaborate to innovate, and make confident decisions when the path ahead is uncertain.Steve reflects on lessons learned from turning discarded components into opportunity, accelerating product launches with small agile teams, and building trust through honest conversations. They also discuss how to stay steady in moments of tension, when “no” is the right answer, and how mentorship and reflection sustain long-term leadership growth.Resources Mentioned:MicroInequities: The Power of Small by Stephen Young – short introduction video The Power of the Five Whys: Drilling Down to Effectively Problem-SolveHow I Did It: William Wang, CEO, Vizio (requires subscription), or LA Times: He lost money as a young CEO. Then he founded TV giant Vizio - Los AngelesTimes (free)Connect with Steve: LinkedInChapters00:00 Introduction to the Roar Mindset00:36 Personal Stories of Health and Resilience02:27 Innovative Leadership in Technology04:03 Navigating Uncertainty and AI Revolution05:05 Lessons from Vizio Collaboration09:58 The Power of Face-to-Face Interaction13:15 Embracing Rotational Roles for Growth17:28 Building Strong Relationships and Leadership24:14 The Power of Asking 'Why'26:03 Building Strong Customer Relationships27:29 Mutual Value in Relationships30:26 The Art of Saying No39:25 Mentorship and Its Importance44:53 Leadership Lessons and Mindset47:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

True strength begins within. In this episode of ROAR Mindset, host Peter Brandenburger talks with Addy Roff, a Certified Integral Coach, consultant, and marketing leader with more than twenty years of experience in the tech industry. Addy combines Integral Coaching and Product Marketing to help leaders build awareness, courage, and connection.Together, they explore what it means to lead from within by finding energy and alignment in uncertain times. Addy shares how leaders can transform self-doubt into self-trust, listen to their inner wisdom, and take grounded, courageous action. Addy shares lessons from Playing Big by Tara Mohr, weaving together practical insights for quieting the inner critic, cultivating an inner mentor, and moving from perfectionism to purposeful action.They also dive into Addy’s perspective on core nutrients or the daily sources of energy that sustain creativity and well-being. They discuss how fear, failure, and feedback can become teachers rather than obstacles. The conversation closes with Addy’s reflections on the wisdom she draws from her Icelandic roots. Enjoy!Books Mentioned• Playing Big — Tara MohrOther recommended related books: • Soul Without Shame: A Guide to Liberating Yourself from the Judge Within — Byron Brown• Real Self-Care — Pooja Lakshmin• Positive Intelligence — Shirzad ChamineLearn More About Addy🔗 Website: www.addyroff.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Addy RoffEpisode Highlights00:00 Introduction to the ROAR Mindset00:26 Meet Addy Roff: Integral Coach and GTM Leader02:10 Discovering Core Nutrients that Sustain Leadership08:15 The Energy of Alignment and Integrity13:40 Lessons from Playing Big and the Inner Critic20:30 The Enneagram Lens on Team Connection27:15 Real Self-Care and Boundaries for Leaders35:00 Positive Intelligence and the Power of Inner Awareness43:40 Reconnection, Renewal, and Courage in Practice48:00 Leadership Lessons Relearned50:00 One Word to Describe Her Leadership Mindset

Harmony in leadership is not about agreement. It is about understanding.In this episode of the ROAR Mindset, host Peter Brandenburger speaks with Ahmed Omer, a global technology leader who brings calm and connection to complex environments. Ahmed shares how he creates alignment among diverse teams by listening deeply, clarifying intent, and focusing on shared purpose.He reminds us that most conflicts arise not from disagreement but from misunderstanding, and that alignment is one of a leader’s most powerful tools. By focusing on harmony rather than control, leaders can build trust, strengthen collaboration, and lead through disruption with confidence.Connect with Ahmed on LinkedIn to learn more about his work guiding global teams through technical and cultural complexity.Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction to the ROAR Mindset00:24 Meet Ahmed Omer: A Leader Who Builds Harmony02:10 Finding Rhythm, Happiness, and Flow07:00 Navigating Noise and Building Trust10:00 Aligning Teams Around Shared Purpose14:45 Creating Strength-Based Organizations21:30 Becoming a Partner of Choice27:00 The Extra Mile: Adding Value Through Collaboration30:00 Leading Through Disruption and Change38:00 The Power of Listening Without Judgment50:00 Turning Misunderstanding into Alignment57:00 Techniques for Clarity and Connection1:01:00 Leadership Lessons Relearned1:03:00 One Word to Describe His Leadership Mindset

ROAR Mindset: Leading Through ChaosPlaying A Powerful Leadership Game with Archana Sundareshan. In this episode of Roar Mindset: Leading Through Chaos, host Peter Brandenburger talks with Archana Sundareshan, a versatile technologist, creative, philanthropist, and trekker. Archana shares her journey from an influential role at Intel to exploring the deeper facets of leadership through the lens of power, game theory, and the transformative experience of trekking. Together, they discuss redefining power as internal energy, the finisher's mindset, work-life integration, and the minimalism learned from trekking. Archana shares a few tips she learned from trekking that apply to leadership.  Peter and Archana reflect on the importance of living in the present, the significance of mutual support, and the profound impact of community on leadership.Check out Archana’s travel stories and DIY guides at www.somedaynomadic.comExplore her photography in her published book The Moments I Took a Pause, with her second book currently in the worksShe is now ideating on Aurum Walls by Archana Sundareshan, a luxury concept that transforms photography into timeless, curated walls. 00:00 Introduction to the Roar Mindset00:26 Meet Ana Sunder: A Multifaceted Leader01:24 Exploring Leadership and Power03:29 The Concept of Power and Self-Doubt06:08 The Trekking Metaphor for Leadership09:21 Ambitions and Game Theory17:52 Applying Game Theory to Leadership23:56 Personal Challenges and Career Reflections25:07 Rediscovering Purpose and Work-Life Integration26:27 A Life-Changing Call and New Beginnings26:47 Balancing Career and Personal Life27:30 The Power of Technology and Purpose28:22 Identity Beyond Work29:43 Game Theory and Life Milestones30:40 Non-Linear Life Paths and Career Setbacks35:45 Leadership Lessons from Trekking and Travel42:25 The Importance of Community and Relationships48:18 Final Reflections and Future Discussions

Leadership is a human endeavor, yet leaders often forget they are human too. In this episode of the ROAR Mindset, host Peter Brandenburger converses with Emily Hannenberg, a leadership coach with a rich background as an army officer and a consultant for senior leaders. Emily shares insights on viewing leadership as a profound human endeavor, combining confidence with humility, and the importance of distinguishing facts from stories. She discusses the concept of tactical patience in decision-making, the loneliness often felt by leaders, the necessity of mindfulness and self-care, and draws intriguing parallels between surfing and leadership. See more from Emily on her newsletter at A Human Endeavor Follow her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyhannenberg/overlay/about-this-profile/00:00 Introduction to the Roar Mindset00:21 Meet Emily Hanenburg: A Leader with Depth01:13 Exploring Leadership as a Human Endeavor05:29 The Power of Confidence and Humility08:37 Navigating Uncertainty and Change15:45 Tactical Patience in Leadership24:23 The Loneliness of Leadership24:58 Building a Support Network25:40 Delegation and Empowerment25:49 Creating Personal Boards and Mentorship27:39 The Importance of Community28:50 Diversifying Sources of Connection30:01 Shifting Perspectives: Work and Life Balance32:23 Surfing Lessons for Leadership38:34 The Power of Self-Care40:42 Mindfulness and Energy Management43:14 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Hamid Azimi, long-time Intel executive and now SVP at Marvell, reflects on three decades of leading technical innovation and high-performing teams. From early lessons in micromanagement to bold decisions that transformed failing programs into successes, Hamid shares stories about how trust, humility, and empowerment create a lasting impact. We discuss the importance of listening, inviting feedback, and building effective teams.  His stories reveal how conviction, trust, and support can carry teams through immense challenges.00:00 Introduction to the Roar Mindset00:26 Guest Introduction: Hamid's Journey02:02 Hamid's Return from Retirement05:17 Leadership Lessons: Micromanagement and Empowerment12:26 Taking Bold Actions in Leadership24:23 Authentic Leadership and Promises25:09 Empowerment and Common Purpose25:55 Building Trust with a New Team27:24 The Power of Listening27:54 Leading by Removing Roadblocks29:25 Impact Beyond Technical Achievements34:08 Feedback and Continuous Improvement38:27 Trust and Empowerment in Leadership43:31 Customer Orientation and Ownership46:37 Final Thoughts on Leadership

Writer, coach, and recovery guide Dani Cirignano reframes chaos as a friend rather than a foe. Drawing from recovery work and chaos theory, she shows how disruption often precedes transformation. Dani highlights three principles for leaders facing uncertainty: trust, flexibility, and support. Together, we explore how embracing chaos creates conditions for innovation, resilience, and growth—both personally and organizationally. This dialogue offers leaders a new orientation: partner with life’s surprises instead of controlling and resisting them.Follow Dani at Newsletter: https://selfmade.substack.com/Website: https://www.joinselfmade.co/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danicirignanoBooks: Leadership and the New Science - Margaret WheatleyEmergent Strategy - adrienne maree brown (her name is intentionally not capitalized)

Coach, facilitator, and former startup co-founder Liz Smith introduces the practice of aligned decision making. Through deceptively simple yet powerful questions starting with “is it mine to do?”  Liz helps leaders reduce burnout, sharpen focus, and lead from a place of integrity. In the episode, she guides me through a live decision, demonstrating how alignment not only transforms outcomes but also energy. Leaders will leave with a practical tool for saying yes to what matters most.Liz offers a 6-month leadership coaching package designed for purpose-driven professionals who want to lead with greater clarity, alignment, and impact. It’s a powerful container for personal and professional transformation. She also partners with organizations to design and facilitate high-impact team engagements that support trust, communication, and performance. You can learn more at www.lizsmith.coach or reach out to connect directly.00:00 Introduction to the Roar Mindset00:26 Guest Introduction: Liz Smith00:43 The Concept of Aligned Decision Making01:00 Starting the Conversation with Liz03:31 Exploring Aligned Decision Making10:30 Practical Application: Peter's Dilemma22:06 Corporate Adaptations and Team Applications23:18 Challenges and Generational Differences29:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

ROAR Mindset: Leading through Chaos is a podcast for leaders navigating today’s uncertainty. Hosted by Peter Brandenburger, it challenges the old playbooks and invites leaders to embrace chaos instead of resisting it. Each episode explores how to turn disruption into an advantage through clarity, humility, and mindset shifts. Drawing on three decades of experience leading teams through the “messy middle,” Peter shares stories and strategies with leaders who’ve faced disruption head-on. The podcast helps you sharpen your clarity, challenge your thinking, and transform insights into action.