Uncommon Leadership

If you see your team stalling, projects dragging, and an invisible friction you can't quite name—this podcast is for you. When tech leaders feel a gap between expectations and outcomes, their first natural response is often to withdraw or try to fix the situation with more rules and processes. And without even realizing it, that distance creates a cycle of silence. Your team begins to play it safe, hiding the very "human data" you need to actually move forward.   In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I, Michael Hunter, am joined by Henry Suryawirawan—an engineering leader whose journey through companies like Google Cloud and ThoughtWorks has given him a front-row seat to the invisible dynamics of high-performing teams.   Together, we explore ways to move past the corporate "performance" to look at how a few intentional leadership shifts can dissolve that friction and get things moving again.   We'll walk through three practical paths to reclaim your team's energy:   How to build quiet, genuine confidence through small, low-pressure experiments that allow you to lead as your true self. Learn how to treat rejection and uncertainty simply as "useful data." By shifting your perspective, you can navigate the messiness of leadership with less personal stress and more clarity. We break down the simple, everyday actions that help your team feel seen and supported, turning a "stalled" environment into one where people feel safe enough to be brilliant again. We explore why leader‑led, embodied culture outperforms values‑on‑posters in hiring, retention, and delivery. If you're ready to stop faking culture and start uncovering the invisible dynamics that are holding your team back, tune in now.   For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com    Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw   Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj   Presented By: Uncommon Change     About the Speakers   Henry Suryawirawan Henry Suryawirawan is Head of Engineering at LXA, an engineering leader, cloud advocate, and LinkedIn Top Voice, as well as the host of Tech Lead Journal, a podcast on technical leadership and excellence. He has nearly two decades of experience across fintech, cloud, government, banking, and consulting, with a deep focus on high‑performing engineering teams.   Connect with Henry Suryawirawan : Website: https://links.henrysuryawirawan.com LinkedIn: Henry Suryawirawan Tech Lead Journal podcast: https://techleadjournal.dev   Michael Hunter Drawing from his experience working with tech leaders across six continents—from tiny startups to mega-corps, Michael Hunter partners with tech leaders to uncover the invisible dynamics that block quality, stall change, and quietly drain energy from their teams. He helps leaders unlock the heroic leadership within them and their teams—and often recover parts of themselves that may have gotten a little lost along the way.   Connect with Michael Hunter: Website: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/

Tech leaders are struggling because they're carrying too much— too much pressure to have answers, too much responsibility for outcomes, too little space to be human.   And it's exhausting.   In the latest episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I, Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, sit down with leadership and mindset coach Gary Montalvo for a deeply honest conversation about what actually blocks leaders from creating healthy teams, resilient cultures, and sustainable results.   From his early days as a 22-year-old art director at Sony Music to building his own coaching practice, Gary reveals how success without authenticity led him to burnout and self-doubt—and how learning to "take yourself wherever you go" became his greatest breakthrough.   ———   Inside this episode, we'll explore: Why most leadership struggles are identity challenges—not skill gaps How "being liked" can silently undermine accountability and growth The difference between authenticity and emotional oversharing Why reframing experience changes how you lead under pressure How leaders unintentionally recreate old survival strategies at work How small internal shifts compound into cultural transformation   ———   Who This Episode Is For Founders who feel like the bottleneck in their own business Tech leaders navigating growth, complexity, or burnout Managers who are tired of "doing everything right" but still feel stuck Anyone leading people through change without a clear map Tune in now and follow the Uncommon Leadership Podcast for more conversations like this.   ———   Core Takeaway Leadership doesn't improve when you try harder. It transforms when you become more honest—first with yourself, then with others.   ——— Speaker Bios   Gary Montalvo Gary Montalvo is a leadership and mindset coach with nearly 20+ years of experience helping solopreneurs, startups, and executives get unstuck and lead with confidence. Also a former CGO and host of The Ownership Game podcast, he combines real talk, practical strategy, and contagious energy to guide leaders through growth and transformation. Known for blending humility, humor, and accountability, Gary meets leaders where they are and challenges them to expand what's possible.   Connect with Gary Montalvo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garymontalvo/   Michael Hunter Michael Hunter partners with tech leaders and founding teams to uncover the invisible cultural and emotional dynamics that quietly stall change, drain energy, and block quality. As the host of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, Michael explores what it really takes to lead with resilience, clarity, and integrity—especially in complex, high-pressure environments.   His work helps leaders recover parts of themselves and their teams that may have gotten lost along the way, so they can lead with intention, ease, and impact.   Because the most powerful upgrade isn't in your tech stack. It's in you.   Connect with Michael Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Read more about his work: https://uncommonteams.com/   ——— [ Uncommon Leadership, Authentic Leadership, Tech Leadership, Founder Burnout, Culture Change, Psychological Safety, Accountability vs Approval, Human-Centered Leadership, Executive Coaching, Resilient Leadership, Leading Through Change, Uncommon Teams, Michael Hunter, Gary Montalvo]  ——— Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series.   Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw   Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165   Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj     Presented By: UncommonChange

As leaders, we're taught to push through.   Work harder. Focus longer. Stay disciplined.   But what if resilience isn't built by endurance at all? What if it's shaped in the small, almost invisible moments—how teams reset, reconnect, and rehumanize their work before exhaustion sets in?   In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Roundtable Podcast, Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams brings together a group of deeply respected practitioners to explore resilience not as a personal trait—but as a systemic capability.   What unfolds is an honest, experience-driven conversation about how leaders, teams, and organizations either preserve or quietly drain energy through everyday choices.   This isn't about wellness perks or productivity tricks. It's about how work actually feels—and what helps people stay clear, creative, and engaged in complex environments.     In this conversation, you'll learn: Why resilience is built through micro-resets, not heroic recovery How short, intentional breaks unlock focus, creativity, and momentum Why movement and breath restore emotional and cognitive clarity faster than pushing through How joy, laughter, and human connection increase performance instead of distracting from it What leaders unintentionally do that shuts down energy and initiative Why vertical collaboration transforms trust, speed, and decision quality How curiosity and play fuel sustainable excellence in complex systems Why resilience must be designed into the system, not demanded from people Resilience isn't about pushing harder—it's about creating conditions where people can recover, think, and adapt while doing the work.     Meet the Panel of Speakers   Paige Watson Technical coach and community mentor focused on building cohesive, high-performing engineering teams through quality-first practices. Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-is-xp/   Fortune Buchholtz Business agility practitioner and agile logician who blends systems thinking, emotional awareness, and facilitation to help teams build resilience and cognitive agility. Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fortune-buchholtz-40266229/   Johanna Rothman Author and pragmatic management consultant helping leaders and teams navigate change, collaboration, and adaptive product development. Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannarothman/   Tim Ottinger Agile coach and Extreme Programming expert known for bringing curiosity, creativity, and human-centered thinking into software delivery. Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agileotter/   Meet the Host Michael Hunter Michael Hunter went from debugging code to debugging people—and now helps people debug themselves. Through the Uncommon Leadership Podcast and his work with tech leaders, he explores the invisible cultural and emotional dynamics that stall change and drain teams.   His work focuses on resilience, clarity, and leading with the whole self.   Read more: https://uncommonteams.com/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/   Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, give us a thumbs up and subscribe so you don't miss future episodes.   For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com   Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw   Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj     Presented By: Uncommon Change

Most leaders believe their teams go quiet because people fear conflict, don't know what to say, or lack confidence.   But that's almost never the real reason.   In this episode of Uncommon Leadership, Keith Klain joins me to reveal a harder, more human truth: Teams go quiet when they stop trusting how honest their leaders will be with them.   Keith shares the shift that transformed every organization he led—from global banks to fast-paced tech teams.   When he stopped treating information as currency and started telling people the real "why" behind decisions, something remarkable happened: People became more candid Critical information finally flowed upward Change stopped feeling like a threat Attrition fell because people felt represented—not managed Psychological safety grew because honesty wasn't rare anymore   This episode is a guide for leaders ready to move beyond performance optics and into real stewardship—the kind that earns loyalty, sharper thinking, and genuine collaboration. -- Your Key Learnings Through This Podcast Why teams lose trust long before leaders notice How withholding information quietly collapses decision quality The difference between "managing" people and sponsoring them Why transparency strengthens performance, not fragility How to communicate honestly without overwhelming your team Why people don't need all the details—they need clear intent   If you lead through change, complexity, or uncertainty, this episode will challenge how you show up—and elevate what your team believes is possible with you.   -- About the Guest: Keith Klain Keith is a globally recognized QA and testing executive, director at KPMG UK, and past head of Barclays Global Test Center. He's known for building world-class teams, challenging outdated testing standards, and driving business-focused quality across industries. Keith's "Quality Remarks" podcast and writings have helped shape the next generation of tech leaders.   Connect with Keith: LinkedIn: Keith Klain Knowledge stack: Quality Remarks   About the Host: Michael Hunter Michael partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership.   Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Further Exploration:https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/   -- For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com    Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw    Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj    Presented By: Uncommon Change

What if the real competitive advantage in your organization isn't your strategy or your technology— but the way you show up for your people when everything feels uncertain?   In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I'm joined by Jim Carlough—a veteran healthcare executive, strategist, and author.   Jim's journey spans from captaining sports teams in his youth to helping organizations find their footing again. Through every experience, Jim kept returning to the same anchors: persistence, focus, and a genuine responsibility to his team.   And this became the heart of his leadership philosophy. At the heart of Jim's approach are his six pillars of leadership, with integrity as the foundation upon which everything else rests.   Join in as Jim speaks about how he uses data, curiosity, humor, and empathy to recognize: When people are struggling Build trust during times of transition And to help each person find the role—and the path—that genuinely fits who they are.   Grab a seat. Tune in now.   About the Guest: Jim Carlough Jim is an accomplished business strategist, speaker, and author with over three decades of leadership experience in healthcare, from startups to industry leaders. He is known for building high‑performing teams and guiding organizations through transformational change while keeping people at the center.   Connect with Jim: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jimcarlough   About the Host: Michael Hunter Michael partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership.    The best way to connect with Michael Hunter is on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ More from Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/    For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com    Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw    Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj    Presented By: Uncommon Change

Are your teams holding back?   Are they experimenting, speaking up, or taking risks when the stakes are high?   If not, you're dealing with a problem that hasn't surfaced yet. And it's not a skill problem. Or a process problem.   It's most likely a culture problem.    When your people don't feel safe, they don't take risks. They hide their vulnerabilities. And in an environment like this, even your best talent stays silent — or quietly leaves.   Hi there! Welcome back!   I'm Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, and in this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I'm joined by Fortune Buchholtz—business agility specialist, fractional transformation leader, and AI-assisted agile logician.   Together, we dive deep into the real impact of leadership on culture and business outcomes, exploring:   Why traditional command-and-control leadership slows innovation & velocity How rewarded vulnerability can transform psychological safety into a strategic advantage The invisible costs of a poor work culture [ high attrition rates / high talent acquisition costs] How curiosity, transparency, and authenticity can lead to continuous improvement   If you're a CXO, founder, or senior leader looking to stop losing talent and trying to scale up with precision—this conversation is for you.   Grab a seat. Hit play. Let's transform the way you show up for your people.   —   Meet the Speakers   Fortune Buchholtz Buchholtz is a business agility specialist with more than 20 years of experience as a fractional transformation leader, AI-assisted agile logician, and certified Scrum Master. Her work lives at the intersection of human systems and technical precision, helping leaders cultivate clarity and trust in an increasingly complex world. She integrates TPS/Lean, agile, and systems thinking into organizations, unlocking continuous improvement at every level.   Find Fortune Buchholtz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fortune-buchholtz-40266229/   Michael Hunter Michael Hunter, The Uncommon Hero, helps tech leaders unlock resilience, adaptability, and ease—without burnout. For over 35 years across six continents, he has partnered with engineering and people leaders at top companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau to retain and elevate talent, build human-centered leadership, and create cultures that support velocity and joy.   Connect with Michael Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Read more about his work: https://uncommonteams.com/ Book a complimentary, no-obligation call: https://calendly.com/uncommonchange/first-contact   —   Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series.   Subscribe and get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw   Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165   Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj    Presented By: UncommonTeams

Why aren't your teams bringing you their best ideas?  Why are they silent in meetings? Most likely, they don't feel psychologically safe to speak up. Or they haven't connected with the real you yet.  If this sounds true for your team, your leadership approach is heading into isolation, and you are facing a quiet crisis. The good news is that it's not too late, and together—we can fix it! Hi there! I'm Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, and welcome to another exciting episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. Joining me today is Rita Malvone, a renowned business performance expert and an executive coach.  Today, we're diving straight to the core issues of leadership: cultivating the right workplace culture, establishing true psychological safety, and building authentic relationships. We'll also explore the philosophy of Chiropractic Leadership—the art of finding the small, authentic adjustments that create massive organizational transformation. Through this approach, leaders can slowly realign human connections to unlock team potential. Because at the end of the day, culture isn't something you do or say. It's about whether your people are willing to express their opinions in a meeting. Before you go: What's that one small, precise, authentic adjustment you'd like to make as a leader for lasting impact and growth? Not sure? Grab a seat and hit play.  Our work begins now.  -- What We Discuss: 01:04 Intros 04:43 The Work-Life Myth: Choosing Integration over Balance 14:41 The Tigers, Dolphins, and Owls Communication Framework 24:31 Humanizing the Distant CEO 31:32 Communication is about what the receiver receives 34:14 Reacting vs. Responding in Leadership 38:22 The Business Case for Safety 42:20 The "47th in Line" Promotion Story 49:59 The Culture Audit 01:07:39 The Leadership Shadow: Why Authenticity Must Be 24/7 -- In Conversation With:   Rita Malvone A Certified DEI Professional and an ICF ACC coach, Rita is a New Yorker based in Shanghai, committed to driving impactful change through authentic communications. Drawing on her extensive corporate background, she guides industry leaders through corporate transformations, cultural alignment, and team effectiveness. Her notable work includes leading cultural integration for the Volkswagen Anhui NEV Hub and designing new leader programs for Airbus Greater China.   Rita Malvone on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritamalvone/ Connect via email: rita@ritamalvone.com Michael Hunter Michael Hunter went from debugging code to debugging people. Now he helps people debug themselves. As the host of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, Michael Hunter explores the why, how, and what of authentic leadership. He works primarily with tech leaders and founding teams, helping them navigate organizational chaos and change with resilience and grace.   Connect with Michael Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Read more about his work: https://uncommonteams.com/ -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series.   Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw   Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165   Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj    Presented By: UncommonChange  

When 85% of medical practices in the USA shut their doors, Dr. Ravi Iyer, a Harvard-trained physician and human potential expert, became the last line of defense as he and his team kept theirs open.   Dr. Iyer's mantra, all for one and one for all, led him to serve over 100,000 patients through the chaos and disruption caused by the pandemic.   Hello and welcome to another fascinating episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast—I'm your host, Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams. Today, we are conversing with Dr. Iyer—one of the rare TED speakers whose talks were removed and reinstated twice—shares how his philosophy of attention, connection, and community helped his team thrive while others froze.   His work reframes centuries-old wisdom through modern language, teaching leaders to move from reaction to observation, from narrative to presence, and from chaos to clarity.   He reminds us that leadership isn't about control—it's about creating space. Space for others to expand, to feel safe, and to see possibilities they couldn't see before.   If you're ready for the masterclass on gaining effortless mastery over chaos through empathy, this podcast is for you! Tune in today!   -- Sneak-Peek into the Podcast Insights: Integrate, don't separate. Real leadership is how you bring all of yourself into every moment. Fear is the real virus. Managing emotions is the first step to managing a crisis. Innovation isn't complex. It's immediate action born from attention and observation. You are not your role or title. You are the awareness within which all stories unfold. Five minutes of mindful perception daily can expand your calm, increase clarity, and heighten influence. As your inner quiet grows, others feel safer, heard, and empowered to lead themselves.   -- Speaker Bios   Dr. Ravi Iyer Dr. Ravi Iyer is a globally recognized iconoclast, a 3x TEDx Speaker, and a Harvard-trained physician/scientist, celebrated for his work in human potential and organizational transformation. His talks, including the viral "The Power of Intentional Focus," have racked up millions of views, positioning him as one of the most-viewed TEDx speakers of 2024. As a neurodiversity pioneer and AuDHD thought leader, Dr. Iyer has spent more than four decades driving transformation across organizations. He's also been recognized by Who's Who in America for reshaping corporate culture and influencing neuro-inclusive policies.   Dr. Ravi Iyer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/driyermd/     Michael Hunter Michael Hunter went from debugging code to debugging people. Now he helps people debug themselves. As the host of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, Michael Hunter explores the why, how, and what of authentic leadership. He works primarily with tech leaders and founding teams, helping them navigate organizational chaos and change with resilience and grace.   Connect with Michael Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Read more about his work: https://uncommonteams.com/     -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series.   Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw     Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165   Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj    Presented By: UncommonChange

A lot of leaders believe that they need to sacrifice themselves to stand out.   But what if prioritizing yourself—your clarity, your energy, and your pace—is the most strategic thing you can do for your team as well as your organization?   What if you had to be a little selfish? Putting on your oxygen mask before you rushed to help everyone else around you?   Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. I'm your host, Michael Hunter, and today I'm honored to explore what it means to pause, reset, and focus on self with Lynn Juang, the founder of Frameworks Consulting. For two decades, Lynn has helped organizations translate their big vision into actionable frameworks and systems.   Take a seat and join us as we dive deep into the paradox of modern leadership in this episode. From why selfishness is your strategy to why the act of pausing deliberately is the fastest way to sustainable growth—we truly break down what it means for a leader to find their pace.   If you're someone who experiences overwhelm, chaos, or burnout, please don't miss out on this episode!   -- Your Leadership Takeaways From This Episode:   1/ True clarity comes from knowing exactly when to push and when to pause, not just rushing forward.   2/ You cannot lead from an empty well. Practicing healthy selfishness is a great way to prevent burnout and build inner resilience.   3/ Learn to walk away from obsolete processes. Define the "why" for every process so that your team understands where they need to go and can find faster, better ways to get there.   4/ Learn simple, low-lift practices to build your "gut feeling" muscle—a game-changer for when you need to take accurate, high-stakes decisions.   5/ Always start with the Why. Gain context through conversations before making an assumption. Having open conversations about work [ and beyond] creates a psychologically safe environment—something your team needs to trust you and each other.   -- Meet the Speakers   Lynn Juang Juang is an award-winning creative leader, strategic consultant, and the founder of Frameworks Consulting. For over two decades, she has partnered with creative leaders, moving their biggest ideas from ambition to reality through strategic clarity and operational structure. As a systems thinker, Juang advises creative agencies on workflows, brand strategy, and operations. Through her work, she aims to unlock creative flow, remove operational hurdles, and build springboards for continuous growth.   Connect with Lynn Juang via email: hello@frameworkconsulting.com Lynn Juang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnjuang/     Michael Hunter Michael Hunter went from debugging code to debugging people. Now he helps people debug themselves. As the host of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, Michael Hunter explores the why, how, and what of authentic leadership. He works primarily with tech leaders and founding teams, helping them navigate organizational chaos and change with resilience and grace.   Connect with Michael Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Read more about his work: https://uncommonteams.com/   -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series.   Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw     Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165   Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj   Presented By: UncommonChange

For the first 15 years of her career, Dr. Amanda Lynne Smith was always the first to arrive and last to leave. And she expected the same relentless pace from everyone around.   Then COVID arrived, and with it, an unexpected gift: the permission to breathe.   But this isn't just a story about work-life balance. It's the story that led to a groundbreaking realization—you cannot keep pouring if your cup is empty. It's about the time when Smith realized that personal resilience is an important business strategy, something a lot of organizations overlook.   Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Uncommon Leadership. I'm Michael Hunter, and today I'm honored to explore what it means to be resilient and courageous with Dr. Smith, who has worked relentlessly for over 25 years to bridge the gap between education and workforce needs.   From "courageous conversations" that build unbreakable teams to a restaurant motto that redefined her leadership, we discuss how leaders can navigate the most challenging business issues by focusing on heart and integrity.   Grab a seat and pay attention if you want to see how resilient your team could be when they finally learn to speak their truth and experience discomfort with grace.   -- Podcast Highlights: Prioritize filling your own cup (self-care) before you pour into others. When you give permission for self-care, it cascades through teams, families, and communities. Investing in culture and employee happiness is a direct financial strategy that saves massive costs on recruitment, onboarding, and boosts customer retention. Genuine, heart-led leadership means extending an open door and treating employees like family. Uncommon Leadership stems from simple, non-negotiable personal principles: integrity, kindness, speaking your truth, accepting the uncontrollable, and faith.   --   About the Speakers   Dr. Amanda Lynne Smith   Dr. Amanda Lynne Smith is a dynamic, heart-led C-Suite executive who has spent the last 25 years shaping the future of education and the workforce. She specializes in scaling online education, product development, and building high-performing teams that truly believe in their mission. Smith is focused on using tech-driven solutions to make sure learning directly translates into student success and impactful career outcomes.   Connect with Dr. Amanda Lynne Smith : https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-amanda-lynne-smith     Michael Hunter   Michael specializes in moving leaders "from debugging code to debugging people to helping people debug themselves." He hosts the popular Uncommon Leadership Podcast, where he explores how vulnerability, self-awareness, and authentic connection transform teams and drive sustainable growth. His work focuses on navigating organizational chaos and turning complex challenges into stepping stones for innovation and resilient leadership impact.   Connect with Micahel Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/     -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series.   Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw     Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165   Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj     Presented By: UncommonChange

Have you ever hit a personal rock bottom that threatened your entire career?   Our guest today, Dr. Alfredo Borodowski, knows that feeling intimately. Alfredo's story is one of total collapse and remarkable redemption. He didn't find his way back with better systems; he found it by discovering his own forgotten character strengths.   Hello! This is Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, and I'd love to welcome you to another episode of Uncommon Leadership, where we explore what it truly takes to thrive, not just survive, in today's chaotic world.   Today, I sit down with Dr. Alfredo Borodowski, who helps global firms turn organizational resistance into growth, to uncover the following:   The crucial difference between talent and character strengths. How knowing your 'Top Five' can boost your performance by up to 18 times. Why the old management myths (pressure brings results!) are destroying your culture. And how you can navigate personal chaos and find your internal compass through self-knowledge.   Get ready to discover why knowing who you are is the ultimate secret to peak performance. Grab a seat, welcome Alfredo Borodowski, and begin a truly transformational conversation!   --   About the Speakers   Alfredo Borodowski   Alfredo Borodowski is a bestselling author and Peak Performance expert who helps leaders harness their strengths. With over three decades of experience advising CEOs and senior leaders at firms like Motorola, his expertise lies in turning workplace resistance into tangible growth. Alfredo's powerful personal story—moving from an esteemed rabbi to overcoming severe mental illness—gives him a unique, empathetic lens for guiding organizations through complex change, always focusing on clarity, empathy, and results.   Connect with  Borodowski :https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredo-borodowski/   Michael Hunter   Michael specializes in moving leaders "from debugging code to debugging people to helping people debug themselves." He hosts the popular Uncommon Leadership Podcast, where he explores how vulnerability, self-awareness, and authentic connection transform teams and drive sustainable growth. His work focuses on navigating organizational chaos and turning complex challenges into stepping stones for innovation and resilient leadership impact.   Connect with Micahel Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/   -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series.   Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw   Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj     Presented By: UncommonChange

Hello there!   I'm Michael Hunter, founder of Uncommon Teams, and I'm so glad you found this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast.   I started this series because I constantly meet leaders battling burnout and searching for deeper impact. While I may not have all the answers you're looking for, I truly believe that professional and personal success hinges on aligning personal fulfillment with business objectives.   And today, my extraordinary guest, Romie Montpeirous from Leadership from the Heart, talks about the role of adaptability and empathy in leadership.   Uncommon leaders embrace adaptability—shifting their approach to meet their team's needs. They're present, self-aware, and help their team find resilience in the face of chaos.   Our conversation then deepens into the surprising link between a leader's vulnerability and a team's loyalty. We explore how to find your own version of work-life balance and why "ready" is always a decision, not a feeling.   Join us, and you just might find the key to a better way of leading, in work and life.   -- Key takeaways from this podcast: The most effective leaders move between different styles, adjusting their approach based on the team's needs. Trust is earned, not demanded. Authentic team loyalty is a result of a leader's care and empathy, not authority. A leader who is present and transparent builds a culture of psychological safety, allowing the team to show up as their full selves. Help your team overcome fear and uncertainty by walking them through their "worst-case scenario" to show they are resilient. Equilibrium is personal. The goal isn't a rigid work-life balance, but helping each team member find their own unique sense of harmony.   -- About the Speakers   Romie Montpeirous Leadership Mentor| Founder & Lead Coach @Leadership From the Heart | Change Management Leader | Expert at Transforming Cultures |   As the founder of Leadership from the Heart, Romie Montpeirous is dedicated to cultivating authentic and empathetic leaders. Romie's philosophy centers on the idea that true excellence emerges when leaders bring their whole selves to their teams.   Specializing in empowering operations leaders, Romie helps clients overcome internal conflicts, boost collaboration, and build resilient, high-performing cultures. Holding an MBA and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Romie is an expert at merging emotional intelligence with data-driven strategies to achieve tangible business results.     Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner   I'm Michael Hunter, the founder of Uncommon Teams. All my work is driven by a single mission: to help leaders, CXOs, and founders build uncommon teams.   These are the teams where every person feels valued, psychologically safe, and confident to bring their authentic selves to work. Drawing from my experience with leaders across six continents, I've developed a battle-tested framework that is always precisely customized for you, helping you greet change like an old friend. My deepest satisfaction comes from helping leaders not just envision their legacy, but truly inhabit it. By integrating your whole self into everything you do, you can discover ease, freedom, and a resilient leadership journey that creates a safe organizational culture for everyone.   -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series.   Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw   Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165  Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj    Presented By: UncommonChange

What if the things you've been hiding are the very things that make you an extraordinary leader?   In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership podcast, Michael Hunter sits down with Nick Goodin, a former chief product officer, to unpack a truth most leaders never discover: your personal story is your greatest asset.   Nick shares his own incredible journey—from a traumatic childhood to the sudden, unexpected loss of his job—revealing how he learned to deconstruct life's challenges and rebuild with purpose.   Through his unique philosophy of first principles thinking, Nick provides a roadmap for : cultivating self-awareness, empathy, and trust as your core leadership pillars.   This is a profound exploration of how you can align your deepest beliefs with your professional impact, creating cultures where innovation isn't just a goal, but a natural outcome of the process you follow.   -- TL; DW? Here's a rapid summary:   The Problem: Some leaders often feel they have to hide their personal struggles and conform to an idea of strength, leading to burnout and mediocrity.   The Solution: This episode offers an authentic, actionable playbook for leaders to navigate uncertainty and find their power by embracing their full, human story. Even if it's not as heroic as you'd like it to be.   A Personal Journey: Nick Goodin shares his history of growing up with a hidden identity, which taught him the vital skill of deconstructing narratives—a practice he later applied to his professional life.   The Core Idea: True leadership is not about managing teams but understanding (and acknowledging) the human side. By prioritizing self-awareness and leading with empathy, you build trust that leads to innovation.   Key Takeaway: Your personal story, your curiosity, and your values are not just parts of your identity—they are your greatest leadership assets. It's time to stop hiding them and start leveraging them.   -- About the Speakers:   Nick Goodin Board Member @Five Points Washington | Ex-CPO @ Ice Barrel | Author | Executive Coach | Championing Human-Centered Design & Narrative Intelligence   With a career spanning from product innovation to brand strategy, Nick Goodin is known for building spaces where both products and people can thrive. As the former Chief Product Officer at Ice Barrel, Nick has led cross-functional teams to scale new products, promoting empathy and psychological safety as guiding principles. He believes that every great innovation starts with a determination to transform uncertainty into possibility.   Now on a mission to share the insights that redefine how we create, lead, and live, Nick challenges leaders to see the world differently. He helps them navigate uncertainty and dig deeper through the power of perspective, storytelling, and intentional choices.   More on Nick Goodin:   https://www.instagram.com/nickgoodinofficial/?hl=en   https://www.nickgoodin.info/     Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner   Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership.   The best way to connect with Michael Hunter is on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/   More from Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/   -- Was this podcast worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and tune into the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series.   Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw   For more, explore Uncommon Teams: https://uncommonteams.com/   Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj

This story is going to resonate with so many leaders out there:   Once upon a time, you built your career/business on a foundation of expertise and experience. You followed the rules and made sure every plan was perfectly laid out.   But lately, you've started to feel stuck. You're slowly realizing the old playbook no longer works in a world of constant change.   In this episode, I, Michael Hunter, the host of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, sit down with innovation expert Keith Hopper to expose a rather uncomfortable truth behind this feeling.   The problem isn't a lack of experience or a bad plan.   It's a fundamental confusion between risk—something you can prepare for—and uncertainty—the great unknown that you can't possibly predict.   Relying on an old-school project plan to handle the unpredictable is a trap. This trap leaves leaders paralyzed on a leadership teeter-totter.   On one side, they make a massive, blind leap of faith that often leads to spectacular failure. On the other hand, they are so afraid of making the wrong move that they do nothing, allowing great ideas to die and their teams to stagnate.   But what if there was another way?   In this breakthrough conversation, Keith reveals the key to escaping this cycle. It's a low-cost and high-reward way to learn exactly what you need to know—allowing you to move forward one small, intentional step at a time.   Your next breakthrough might just be a small experiment away. So, it's time to stop waiting and start discovering.   -- Grab a chair. Join the Conversation. Here's why:   So that you finally stop confusing risk with uncertainty. Because the former can be managed with a plan, but the latter requires a renewed mindset. Learn how to avoid the Teeter-Totter of Leadership. Don't go all-in blindly, and don't let the fear of uncertainty stop you from moving at all. Understand the true impact of a series of tiny experiments and how it can help you learn and adapt through change. The concept of true innovation and how it begins the moment you admit you don't know the outcome. -- About the Speakers:   Keith Hopper Founder @Danger Fort Labs | Guest Lecturer @Harvard Business School | Author & Instructor @LinkedIn Learning | LinkedIn Top Voice in Innovation and Discovery   As the founder of Danger Fort Labs, Keith Hopper advises executives and teams on how to drive organizational change and growth. He is also a guest lecturer at Harvard Business School and an author and instructor for LinkedIn Learning, where his course "Business Innovation Foundations" has reached over 80,000 students. Keith believes the best way to achieve breakthrough solutions is through experimentation and discovery. He helps leaders create work environments that move more quickly and build smarter, happier teams through continuous learning and discovery.   More from Keith Hopper: https://www.dangerfort.com/   Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner   Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership.    The best way to connect with Michael Hunter is on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ More from Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/   -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and tune into the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series.   Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw   For more, explore Uncommon Teams: https://uncommonteams.com/   Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj

Do you ever feel like your team is stuck? Like you're hitting a wall and just can't seem to move forward?   In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I, Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, am talking to Melissa Appel, an executive product management coach, advisor, and author.   We get into an uncomfortable but essential truth about leadership: a leader's behavior might be the very thing holding their team back.   Melissa shares a story about a leader whose fear-based culture brought an entire company to a halt, and we dive into the psychology of why punishing mistakes is the fastest way to kill innovation.   But it's not just about the problem. We give you a powerful two-part solution for navigating change and overwhelm, from a simple framework for regaining control to a game-changing mindset for solving any problem.   If you're ready to stop blaming people and start fixing systems, join us as we uncover the uncommon leadership insights you need to get your team unstuck for good.   -- Why This Podcast Is a Must-Watch: Solve Your Biggest Leadership Challenge: Learn the real reason behind a stagnant team and how a simple culture fix can help. Find Clarity in Chaos: Get a simple two-step framework to handle overwhelm and uncertainty by focusing on what's in your control. Fix Broken Communication: Discover the key to getting through to everyone on your team by adapting your communication style to theirs. Make Better Decisions: End pointless debates by learning the secret to making objective decisions: aligning on an obvious goal first. -- About the Speakers   Melissa Appel Executive Product Management Coach & Advisor @Product Culture | Co-Author @Aligned: Stakeholder Management for Product Leaders | Helping CPOs and teams move from Reactive to Proactive roadmaps    Melissa Appel is an expert at untangling complex, "gnarly" problems across various industries. As a product coach, author, and speaker, she helps CPOs and executive teams deliver real value by getting the right people in the room and asking the right questions. Melissa focuses on the underlying people and process issues that are often the root cause of product problems. Her coaching and advisory work greatly help product leaders improve their organizations and build high-quality, effective teams.     Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner   I'm Michael Hunter, the founder of Uncommon Teams. All my work is driven by a single mission: to help leaders, CXOs, and founders build uncommon teams.   These are the teams where every person feels valued, psychologically safe, and confident to bring their authentic selves to work. Drawing from my experience with leaders across six continents, I've developed a battle-tested framework that is always precisely customized for you, helping you greet change like an old friend. My deepest satisfaction comes from helping leaders not just envision their legacy, but truly inhabit it. By integrating your whole self into everything you do, you can discover ease, freedom, and a resilient leadership journey that creates a safe organizational culture for everyone.   -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series.   Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw   Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj   Presented By: UncommonChange

What does it truly take to embrace your most authentic self?    Join us for another episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast where I, Michael Hunter, sit down with Ken Miller, a resilience coach and national speaker—who has an extraordinary story to share.   Ken shares his journey from being an Ivy League graduate to a life of addiction that led to homelessness and multiple prison sentences. He takes us through his pivotal moment of surrender that became the turning point for his entire life.   This conversation goes beyond personal triumph. It's a battle-tested lesson for all leaders who are striving for growth—whether that's intellectual, emotional, personal, or professional.   This episode gives you the courage you need to become truly resilient in a world that's constantly changing. It underscores the value of treating people with empathy and respect. And sketches a path you could follow to find freedom in surrender.   Grab a seat, let's talk.   5 Reasons to love this podcast: You'll understand that resilience is so much more than simply bouncing back from adversity. It's a strategic act. Find an actionable (and practical) plan for personal and professional transformation. You'll learn how to free yourself from what's holding you back. Get inspired to lead from a place of radical honesty, empathy, and a genuine investment in people as individuals, not just transactions. To find the courage to get a different result in your life or business, by ditching all the inauthentic parts of yourself and embracing an aligned, more evolved version of yourself.   -- Meet the Speakers   Ken Miller National Speaker | Author of Becoming Ken | CEO @AIVAlution   As a Certified Fundraising Executive and successful multi-entrepreneur, Ken conflates his expertise in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and AI-driven solutions.Through his company, AIVAlution LLC, he is at the forefront of leveraging AI and virtual assistant technology to streamline operations and drive efficiency for nonprofits and businesses. In a nutshell, Ken Miller is a speaker, author and a resilience expert who turns adversity into action. He delivers compelling insights on topics ranging from overcoming adversity and building resilience to the future of AI in philanthropy. His mission is to empower leaders to navigate challenges with authenticity and fulfill their potential.   The best way to connect with Ken Miller is on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenmiller84/ More on Ken Miller: https://kenmillerspeaks.com/     Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner   Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership.   The best way to connect with Michael Hunter is on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ More on Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/ -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and tune into the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series.   Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw For more, explore Uncommon Teams: https://uncommonteams.com/ Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj

What if the key to being a great leader isn't about working harder, but about being more you?   Hi, I am Michael Hunter, founder of Uncommon Teams, and I'm so glad you found this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. Because today, I sit down with Jason Dea, who is a CPO, a startup advisor, and a leadership coach, and explore a new way to lead.   Discover why trying to be a different person in different contexts is exhausting and how being your authentic self can be your greatest strength.   Join us as we also talk about the art of turning big, overwhelming problems into manageable baby steps, and why focusing on the process—not just the outcome—is the most reliable path to success.   Grab a set and let's together explore a new way to lead with ease, purpose, and confidence.   -- 3 Reasons Why This Podcast Is Your Next Must-Listen:   If you're willing to re-examine your role as a leader/ founder/ CEO— Discover how an obsession with process and a mastery of team dynamics can be the true drivers of sustainable business growth.   If you want to tackle your biggest business challenges head-on— Learn how to turn overwhelming challenges into a series of tiny, manageable experiments that build momentum and confidence.   If you want to truly build an incredible workplace culture— Get ready to build a resilient, adaptable organizational culture where authenticity and psychological safety are not just buzzwords, but the foundations for a powerful and lasting legacy.   --   While others are bogged down by miscommunication and a constant sense of overwhelm, the most resilient leaders are operating with an uncommon advantage.   The question is: Are you ready to stop guessing and start leading with purpose?    If yes, let's talk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/   -- Meet the Speakers   Jason Dea CPO @Koru | VP of Product | Startup Advisor & Coach| Helping Seed to C SaaS startups find PMF and scale to predictable growth   Hi, this is Jason Dea. Here's something you should know about me: For over 20 years, I've navigated the startup world—from an idea on a napkin to successful exits. I've lived the grind: balancing vision with execution and scaling without breaking. My passion is helping founders cut through the noise and turn their ambitious product visions into scalable realities. I specialize in AI-driven product strategy, helping teams align their roadmap and drive growth. I've been in your shoes, scaling SaaS products to millions in ARR and through multiple successful exits.     Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner   I'm Michael Hunter, the founder of Uncommon Teams. All my work is driven by a single mission: to help leaders, CXOs, and founders build uncommon teams. These are the teams where every person feels valued, psychologically safe, and confident to bring their authentic selves to work. Drawing from my experience with leaders across six continents, I've developed a battle-tested framework that is always precisely customized for you, helping you greet change like an old friend. My deepest satisfaction comes from helping leaders not just envision their legacy, but truly inhabit it. By integrating your whole self into everything you do, you can discover ease, freedom, and a resilient leadership journey that creates a safe organizational culture for everyone.   -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series.   Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw   Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj   Presented By: UncommonChange

What makes a leader finally decide it's time to change?    Hey there! This is Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, and welcome to another episode of The Uncommon Leadership Podcast, where I have real, unfiltered conversations with successful leaders about their journeys—the highs, the lows, and the moments that forced a change.   Here, we go beyond the business talks and dive into the human side of leadership, exploring the crossroads and points that redefine success.   In this episode, I'm in conversation with Chad Brown, a business owner and leadership coach, who opens up about a time in his life when he was forced to confront the opportunity cost of his career.   Brown also reveals the one mindset shift that saved his life and his family—making every decision based on the future he wanted to create, not on the instant gratification of the moment.   Later, we also uncover why leadership is a lifelong practice, and how you can find joy in the constant challenges and uncertainty of business.   I truly feel like this conversation is a wake-up call for every leader on the brink of burnout.   Watch the full episode to uncover the lessons you need to hear.   A sneak peek of our conversation... How Professional success can be a lie if it's driven by a need for external validation rather than a genuine purpose. A leader must make decisions based on the future they want to create, not on what is most urgent or loudest in the present. Leadership is a practice, a lifelong process of attempting, discovering, and refining—it's not something you can master or achieve. Self-leadership trumps everything. You cannot effectively lead a team until you have done the work to lead yourself well. The key to navigating a world of constant change is to change your relationship with uncertainty and find joy in the next challenge, rather than trying to escape it. -- About the Speakers   Chad Brown Coach | Cornerman to Business Owners and Founders | Head of Talent Development @LeadSimple | CEO & Owner @ Shade Tree Films | Associate Partner @Take New Ground   As a coach and cornerman for business owners and founders, Chad Brown thrives in conversations with the restless and relentless. Drawing on his experience as a founder and entrepreneur, he is intimately connected to the unique challenges of those pursuing something bigger than themselves in business and relationships. Chad's philosophy is rooted in the belief that there is reward in discomfort, and he sees himself as a living invitation into the work that produces change, growth, and vitality.   Ways to get in touch with Chad Brown LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-brown-founder-freedom/ Website: https://www.founder-freedom.com/ Email: chad@chadlbrown.com     Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner   Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership.   -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and follow the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series for more.   Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw   Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple-https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165   Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj   Presented By: UncommonChange

Many leaders find themselves at a crossroads today.   Because they understand that the traditional "command and control" style of leadership is no longer working across the nuanced human dynamics of today's workplace.   So if you're here looking to explore this concern or need help navigating change, you've come to the right place.   Hello, this is Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams. With me, I have Jillian Reilly, founder, author of The Ten Permissions, and a visionary who's spent decades at the forefront of social and organizational change.   Together, we explore how to build a new adult operating system—so you can stand resilient on the volatile ground of the modern workspace.   --   Things you'll learn from this conversation:   How to transform workplace confusion into clarity by understanding the "new rules" of engagement. The surprising power of boundaries and why being direct about expectations creates profound psychological safety. How to move beyond "fake permission" to truly empower yourself and your team. Strategies for leading in constant change Practical steps to lead with humanity: Learn how small shifts can create significant impact and a culture of true fit.   Tune in now to gain the insights and practical tools to lead your team with greater connection, psychological safety, and authentic impact.    --   Meet the Speakers   Jillian Reilly Author | Founder | Keynote Speaker | Leadership Facilitator | Re-invention Mentor for anyone ready to ditch outdated rules and design a life that fits now    From the front-lines of the HIV/AIDS crisis to executive coaching in London, Jillian has guided people and organizations through uncertainty and change. She is also the author of book like Shame: Confessions of an Aid Worker in Africa and The Ten Permissions, a bold framework for personal and social reinvention. Her work empowers individuals and institutions to unlearn outdated scripts, give themselves permission to thrive with clarity, courage, and creativity.     Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner   Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership.   -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and tune into the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series.   Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw   Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj   Presented By: UncommonChange

Hey there! I'm Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, and I'm genuinely glad you're here.   If you've found your way to this podcast, it tells me you're ready to embrace change like an old friend, and I'm here to make that process easy for you—especially if you're currently feeling like you're running on empty or sacrificing your well-being just to keep up.   Because in this powerful episode, I sit down with the incredible Evie Brockwell to dive deep into something that I'd like to call the Energy Paradox. Here, we uncover why chasing "more" might actually be holding you back from the outcomes and impact you truly desire.   If you're ready to break free from the hustle culture, understand your own energy patterns, and cultivate a life where you genuinely thrive, this conversation offers the path forward.   --   Key Takeaways:   That "always on" feeling? It might be working against you. Don't mistake busyness for real progress. Rest isn't a reward. It's a strategic move. Learn why slowing down can actually make you a more impactful leader. Understand & learn to use your unique energy rhythms to unlock a whole new level of performance. Don't wait until burnout to change your pace. Start experimenting with what feels sustainable now, not later.   --   Show Notes:   00:00 - 14:30 The Energy Trap: Why Constant Motion Leads to Burnout   14:30 - 25:00 Find Your Pace: Debunking the "Always On" Myth   25:00 - 38:00 Guest Stories: Personal Wake-up Calls and Self-awareness   38:00- End Beyond Metrics: The True ROI of Solid Company Cultures Well-being   --   Meet the Speakers   Evie Brockwell Product Tank Organiser @Mind The Product | Product Expert (Consultant + Coach) @Be Optimized | Podcast Host @Product Confidential: The reality of PM life!   Evie is a leading product consultant and coach, trusted by global brands like TUI, Channel 4, Megabus, and Booking.com to drive product maturity, amplify impact, and optimize ways of working. Struck by the alarming statistic that 92% of product managers face burnout, she found her mission: proactively empowering over 300 product professionals through keynotes, workshops, and direct company engagements to reverse this trend.     Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner   Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership.     -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, there's so much more to explore→   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/   Website: https://uncommonteams.com/   Newsletter: https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/   Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UncommonLeadershipPodcast   Presented By: Uncommon Change