A Leadership Beyond

Leadership Lessons from Show Business In this episode, Tom and Adrienne chat with Steven Puri and trace his unexpected path from a “code monkey” in Northern Virginia to an Academy Award–winning visual-effects producer and later a tech entrepreneur. Steven shares how he bridged left-brain engineering and right-brain creativity on films like Independence Day, Braveheart, and several David Fincher projects. He reflects on lessons learned in Hollywood—managing creatives, nurturing “lightbulb” moments, and building culture—that carry over into hybrid and remote leadership. Long before remote work became a buzzword, Steven was orchestrating VFX teams across studios in Los Angeles, London, and Sydney, balancing creative, financial, and logistical mindsets over distance—an early test of distributed leadership that today’s managers face. Throughout the conversation, candid anecdotes like the famed “Bart” trailer story illustrate why inviting every voice can spark game-changing ideas. As our work (and often our brains) has scattered in today’s culture, Steven is dedicated to bringing us the tools for intentional focus. Here are a few of the gems gleaned from this fun and flowing conversation: Embrace Diverse Talents: Success in both film and tech comes from uniting creatives, technical experts, and business minds around a shared goal, much like assembling a movie crew. Manage Creativity with Intention: Great leaders know how to create the right environment for creativity—sometimes by giving people more than one project, or by encouraging "rubber ducking" (talking through problems out loud). Best Idea Wins Culture: The most effective teams foster a safe space where anyone, regardless of role, can contribute ideas—echoing Steven Spielberg’s approach of valuing input from everyone, even the “coffee boy.” Hire for Passion and Culture Fit: Skills can be developed, but passion and alignment with the team’s mission are essential. Hiring the right people is more important than micromanaging. Purposeful Markers and Storytelling: Leaders should set clear markers and use storytelling to help teams understand where they are and where they’re going, just as a film uses acts and foreshadowing. Active Listening is Key: The best leaders practice active listening, seeking feedback from users, team members, and even critics, and using it to improve. Leadership is a Practice: Leadership isn’t just a set of concepts—it’s something you do and refine every day, much like honing a craft in show business. Steven is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company with the mission to help millions of people find their focus, achieve more and have a healthy work life. Steven's career started as a newscaster/interviewer for the #1 youth news show in the DC/Baltimore market (on WTTG-TV) and then as a junior software engineer & Thomas J. Watson Scholar at IBM.  After attending USC in Los Angeles, he began working in film production and produced computer-generated visual effects for 14 movies including Independence Day which won the Academy Award for Visual Effects.   Steven’s first tech company was Centropolis Effects that produced those CGI effects, and he eventually sold it to the German media conglomerate Das Werk when he was 28. Steven then produced some indie films and eventually went studio-side to develop and produce live-action features as a VP of Development & Production at 20th Century Fox (running the Die Hard and Wolverine franchises) and an EVP at DreamWorks Pictures for Kurtzman-Orci Productions where he worked on Star Trek, Transformers and more. After Fox, Steven returned to building tech companies and founded The Sukha Company - ‘sukha’ means ‘happiness from self-fulfillment’ in Sanskrit.  The Sukha is a focus app that bundles all the tools necessary to have a focused experience and a healthy, productive workday. Steven lives in Austin, TX now. Connect with Steven: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/. The Sukha Company:  https://www.thesukha.co A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.  We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you! To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com Adrienne & Tom

There’s a big difference between watching a leadership tool in action—and experiencing it with your own team, focused on your real business challenges. That’s the power of our People Strategy Power Hour.  At A Leadership Beyond, we believe people-first doesn’t mean soft—it means strategic. When leaders understand their own leadership DNA and how their team naturally works together, they can move faster, solve business problems more effectively, and stay aligned to what matters most. In this week’s podcast episode, we walk through a live demo of the Predictive Index platform—one of the ways we leverage people data to gain insight into concrete business strategy. You’ll see: How one leader’s PI profile reveals her strengths and stretch points What happens when her drives meet those of her team—and where friction or flow occurs How the PI Team Map and Strategy Alignment tools spotlight blind spots and untapped potential A real-time example of flexing styles to meet strategic goals These insights don’t just create understanding—they open up the kinds of conversations that lead to better execution, stronger collaboration, and lasting alignment. Want to see it through your own lens? Schedule your People Strategy Power Hour here: https://aleadershipbeyond.com/people-strategy-power-hour-2/ You will receive a complimentary 6-minute PI assessment and a 30-minute 1:1 debrief with us followed by a team assessment and debrief if you choose to continue. You’ll walk away with: A deeper understanding of your leadership style Insights into how to work better with your team The ability to identify and address gaps between your business objectives and your team’s strengths A practical view of where work style misalignments may be holding your team back—and how to flex toward alignment A real-time glimpse into how this tool supports your business goals  A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization. We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you! To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com Tom & Adrienne 

Thriving Through Transition In this engaging conversation, Ben Baker shares his journey of professional transition, moving from owning a communication consulting company for 17 years to rebranding himself and exploring new opportunities. The discussion delves into the nuances of personal and professional evolution, resilience, and the importance of adaptability. Key Highlights: - Ben closed his company, Your Brand Marketing, at the end of 2024 to focus on coaching, mentoring, and solving problems. - Emphasized the importance of creating a transition that allows continued connection with existing network. There are great examples of the power of reciprocity. - Stressed the value of vulnerability, seeking feedback, and being open to continuous improvement. - Discussed the difference between "change" (with a defined endpoint) and "evolution" (a continuous process). - Highlighted the significance of understanding core personal values during transitions. - Advised taking transitions step-by-step, communicating openly, and the importance of building a supportive tribe. The conversation provides insights into navigating professional transitions with grace, intentionality, and a growth mindset. We are honored and grateful to learn and grow with Ben Baker and our community of conversation. We invite you to stay connected and spread the word. We are in this crazy leadership whirlwind together. Connect with Ben: YouTube: YouTube.com/gettingyounoticed LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/IamBenBaker A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization. We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you! To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com Adrienne & Tom    

We’re all experiencing the same thing, only differently -Adrienne Guerrero Since 2021, our A Leadership Beyond community has examined leadership through diverse lenses, bringing together insights from business leaders and human development experts. Today's conversation with Dot Proux (a community member, podcast guest and dear friend) represents a natural evolution in our journey—moving from facilitating discussions about leadership challenges to offering collaborative, tailored solutions. While our community of conversation remains a vibrant space for exchanging ideas and perspectives, we recognize that some members seek more personalized support for their specific leadership challenges. Tom and Adrienne bring complementary perspectives to this dialogue. While our individual practices serve different aspects of leadership development—Tom focusing on the persuasive arts and executive coaching through Diamond Mind, and Adrienne specializing in enterprise-level change leadership through Positive Delta—our shared commitment to people-first leadership unites our approach. This conversation illuminates how leadership effectiveness stems not merely from strategic capabilities, but from self-awareness, understanding others, and aligning human potential with organizational priorities and business objectives. We invite you to join this ongoing dialogue as we continue exploring leadership that transcends conventional boundaries. As always, participation in our community remains free of charge—the podcast, discussions, and shared insights are our gift to fellow leadership enthusiasts. That said, for those who'd like to explore deeper, more tailored leadership development, we're now offering several structured options that build on the foundations we've established together — helping you move from insightful ideas to meaningful execution. And the first step is discovery, requiring no fee or obligation. Episode Highlights Leadership Philosophy: Tom Rosenak and Adrienne Guerrero, the co-founders of A Leadership Beyond, share their "people first" approach to leadership, emphasizing that authentic people-first leadership leads to better business results. Complementary Expertise: The co-founders bring complementary backgrounds—Tom with expertise in influence and coaching, and Adrienne with 20 years in corporate HR and change management. Leadership Framework: Their approach begins with self-awareness, then expands to understanding others, and finally integrates with work priorities. In short, align business strategy with people strategy to drive results. Generational Insights: Discussion of how younger generations seek meaning in work and set better boundaries, while older generations often struggle with work-life balance. Team Dynamics Tool: The co-founders use the Predictive Index assessment to help leaders understand their natural strengths and potential blind spots. Valid data provides shortcuts to working together more effectively and efficiently. Community Support Offering People Strategy Power Hour - A complimentary, no-obligation opportunity to: Complete a 6-minute Predictive Index behavioral assessment Receive a 30-minute personalized debrief with either Tom or Adrianne Option to include up to 9 team members for collective team insights Gain actionable insights to improve leadership effectiveness {Step back from the "runway" of daily tasks to consider strategic direction Sign up here: https://generous-toast-73943.myflodesk.com/powerhour Join our Community of Conversation through listening to the podcast, following us on LinkedIn, or by experiencing our assessment process. Whether we work together formally or simply deepen our relationship through the community, we're here to support your leadership journey. A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.  We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you! To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com        

“Keep it simple and focus on what matters. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed.” -Confucius The Power of the Pause Congratulations to our co-host Adrienne Guerrero on rocking her TEDx talk on the Power of the Pause. She did it! We'll keep you posted when it's published. You won't want to miss it! The P.A.U.S.E framework emerged from Adrienne's personal struggles with the symptoms of living and doing from a reactive state. She learns what she teaches, teaches as she learns! A Leadership Beyond emerged as we saw our synergy and had big ideas, inspiring possibilities of working together. COVID struck and voila, "we can't do this!" We pulled over, asking, "what can we do?" We've gone from lunch and learn, to blog, to podcast, to community of conversation. We think you'll enjoy this insightful conversation between co-founders Adrienne Guerrero and Tom Rosenak, as we discuss Adrienne's recent TEDx experience, the framework, and how this concept can help leaders navigate today's fast-paced, distraction-filled environment. Key Highlights: The PAUSE Framework: A practical approach for leaders to escape reactivity and make strategic decisions: Pull over: Find your technique to calm your mind (meditation, breathing, movement) Assess: Ask "what is true" and "what needs to be true" challenging your assumptions U turn: Uncover possible options after grounding in values Start: Take action, no matter how small Evaluate: Reflect and determine next steps The Strategic Value: In today's VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) environment: Leaders often sacrifice strategy for tactical "box-checking" The pause framework helps identify what truly matters versus mere motion Small, intentional steps can create meaningful progress toward important goals Our Community Support: Practical tools to make strategic pausing easier, including assessments, frameworks, and execution support Accountability and guidance through workshops, executive coaching, and change leadership support. Help with staying focused on what you're "counting on to win" rather than being pulled into constant reactivity Join us for our next episode of A Leadership Beyond, where we'll continue to explore ways our guests have gone from survive to thrive in today's complex leadership landscape. A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.  We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you! To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com Adrienne & Tom

How important it is to walk along, not in haste but slowly, looking at everything and calling out Yes! No! The swan, for all his pomp, his robes of grass and petals, wants only to be allowed to live on the nameless pond. The catbrier is without fault. The water thrushes, down among the sloppy rocks, are going crazy with happiness. Imagination is better than a sharp instrument. To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work. — Mary Oliver, "Yes! No!" Owls and Other Fantasies: Poems and Essays, Beacon Press, Boston, 2003, p. 27   In this week’s release of A Leadership Beyond, hosts Adrienne Guerrero and Tom Rosenak welcomed Michele Stowe, founder of Skyrocket Coaching, to discuss her continuous journey of aligning work with her core life values. Michele's story offers valuable insights for leaders seeking to create healthier work environments, achieve success with personal balance. During the interview, Michele shared valuable insights about leadership and energy management along with other insights: The impact of energy: Nonprofit C-suite leaders are experiencing unprecedented challenges in today's environment. One client told her, "I just don't want to keep leading in unprecedented times," having navigated through the pandemic and continued uncertainty. There are always trade offs and we must learn to make choices with greater intentionality. Intentional role modeling: Leaders must be thoughtful about how they spend their time and demonstrate this to their teams. By showing employees that there are various ways to restore energy—whether through hiking, playing music, or spending time with family—leaders create space for everyone to find what works for them. Understanding cultural dynamics: Michele emphasized the importance of recognizing the cultural dynamics at play in an organization—including geographic, sector-specific, company, and generational differences in work expectations—and determining whether one's values align with that culture. After interviewing 100 nonprofit C-suite leaders with more than five years in their roles, Michele developed a framework for effective leadership: The Listen, Lead, and Love Your Work framework which she shares during our conversation. Michelle's story reminds us that leaders have the power to shape both their own work experiences and their organizational cultures. By listening deeply, modeling self-care, finding joy in work, and establishing meaningful measures of success, leaders can create environments where both they and their teams thrive. To follow and connect with Michele: Website: Skyrocket Coaching Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-stowe-pcc-9458314/ A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.  We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you! To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com

How to Lead in the New World of Work In this episode of A Leadership Beyond, we welcome Dina Denham Smith, co-author of the book "Emotionally Charged: How to Lead in the New World of Work" (releasing February 18). As an expert at the intersection of psychology and business, Dina shares valuable insights on leadership in today's emotionally demanding workplace. Key highlights from our conversation include: The critical importance of recovery for high performance, comparing leaders to race cars that need strategic pit stops The mounting business costs and human drain on productivity as modern leaders face unprecedented emotional demands without adequate training or resources The distinction between different types of empathy and the concept of "compassionate detachment" ·     Practical strategies for setting boundaries in an always-connected world Our conversation with Dina aligns perfectly with our ongoing conversations about the human side of leadership and the evolving demands on today’s leaders. Join us as we continue to explore how to create more sustainable and effective leadership practices in the modern workplace. At A Leadership Beyond, we're brewing the secret sauce for organizational success: combining rich conversations with experts in the trenches, viewing business challenges through a people-first lens, and aligning business goals with human needs - all backed by proven data and gold standard leadership communication practices. Stay tuned for an insightful discussion that challenges conventional wisdom about "soft skills" and offers practical solutions for today's leadership challenges. Head to these links to follow and connect with Dina: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dina-denham-smith Website: https://www.dinadsmith.com/ To purchase her book on Amazon: Emotionally Charged: How to Lead in the New World of Work A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.  We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you! To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com  

Welcome to A Leadership Beyond, where we explore business challenges through a people-centered lens. In today's episode, we sit down with Ryan Englin, author of "Hire Better People Faster" and founder of Core Matters, who brings a fresh perspective to recruiting and retention in the trades and service industries. Drawing from his personal experience growing up in a blue-collar household, Ryan watched his father - a successful business owner - spend countless hours on hiring and managing his team. This inspired Ryan's passion to find a better way. After founding his own marketing company, he discovered that effective recruiting was fundamentally a marketing challenge, leading him to develop streamlined processes and automation tools that help businesses hire and retain the right people. Today, he shares transformative insights about building successful teams. Key takeaways from our conversation: • Recruiting is fundamentally a marketing activity, not an HR function - organizations need to become attractive to potential employees just as they work to attract customers • The trades don't have a labor shortage, they have a retention crisis - the challenge isn't finding people, it's creating an environment where they want to stay • Successful hiring requires a holistic approach - from clear definition of what "good" looks like, to proper assessment tools, and comprehensive onboarding that shows you have your act together Thank you for joining us for this enlightening conversation with Ryan Englin. His practical insights about treating employees as whole human beings and building systems that support both hiring and retention remind us that great leadership starts with how we view and value our people. Join us next time as we continue exploring leadership perspectives that challenge conventional wisdom and offer fresh solutions to today's business challenges. We’d love to hear from you and encourage you to take advantage of our People Strategy Hour. This is a no obligation way to look at your business challenges through the lens of People strategy using data on YOUR people. Raise your hand to learn more about this complementary conversation and reach out to us at https://aleadershipbeyond.com. See you next time! A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization. We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you! To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com To connect with Ryan Englin: Facebook: https://facebook.com/thecorematters LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corematters LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanenglin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@corefithiring https://x.com/corematters

As the year winds down, the holiday season's chaos often drowns out critical reflection.  To grow as leaders, we must intentionally create space for thoughtful review—pausing the reactive frenzy to revisit values, acknowledge missteps, reconnect with relationships, and reignite aspirations before diving into next year's goals and plans.  This deliberate pause provides an opportunity to transform end-of-year busyness from a distraction to a time of meaningful personal and professional renewal. As co-founders of A Leadership Beyond, Adrienne and Tom are practicing what we teach: taking a purposeful pause to reflect before rushing into action. While we're excited about an upcoming year filled with panel discussions, new services, and leadership strategies, we're first taking time to thoughtfully review, learn, and realign.  This approach embodies the essence of our podcast—demonstrating that true leadership begins with intentional reflection. This episode is an invitation to all leaders to step back, breathe, and create space for meaningful reflection before diving into the river of reactivity. We explore the power of pausing, examining our accomplishments, learning from challenges, and realigning with our core values as we prepare for the coming year. Highlights of the conversation: Importance of carving space for personal reflection, even amidst the busy holiday season. Practical strategies for taking 10-15 minutes to reconnect to core values and assess what you accomplished  and what may need refinement. How personal touches can increase engagement through deeper connection.  Understanding the power of M2  in your S.M.A.R.T goal setting. Effective goals must be meaningful, motivating and measurable.  Importance of finding trusted partners to provide objective feedback. Sometimes a partner with no skin in that game can shed valuable light on your dilemma. The overall message is that taking a purposeful pause for reflection and renewal can transform the end-of-year chaos into a meaningful time of personal and professional growth for leaders. We’d love to hear about your success (and challenges) with leadership beyond the lines. A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization. We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you! To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com.      

For this week’s episode, we're revisiting a clip from a fascinating panel discussion from our vault that explores how HR professionals can become true strategic partners in their organizations. But before we jump in, let's frame the conversation through the lens of Talent Optimization, a critical framework that many organizations are missing.  Adrienne and I work together to help organizations leverage people data to drive success in their business strategy. Think of Talent Optimization as the strategic alignment of your people strategy with your business objectives. It's like a well choreographed dance where your workforce capability, team dynamics and organizational culture move in perfect sync with your business goals. When this alignment is off, the consequences can be severe. And that's exactly what we'll hear about in this clip from our conversation with Matt Poepsel, often referred to as the “Godfather of Talent Optimization”. Matt talks about the real business costs of misalignment. And it turns out that most business problems are people problems in disguise. Tune in to learn about the damage that's done when we don't align our people strategy and our business strategy -and what you can do to bring your people and business goals back into sync. Listen now and start transforming your people strategy into a powerful lever for success. A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization. As always, we’d love to hear from you about your insights, challenges, and successes around leading (self and others) through transitions. To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com.

  In this week's episode of A Leadership Beyond, we're taking a journey back to a powerful conversation from our vault, originally recorded in 2022. Our featured guest, Olivier Aries—a certified Predictive Index practitioner with a deep focus on workplace engagement—shares invaluable insights into what it truly means to cultivate engagement within organizations. Olivier breaks down: What engagement is Why it’s important to pay attention to it What we should be doing about it How we should be focused on it We’re excited to reintroduce this episode as part of our commitment to an upcoming panel series dedicated solely to the topic of engagement. This episode serves as the perfect foundation for exploring what engagement is, why it matters, and how leaders can harness it for the benefit of their teams. Join us as Olivier Aries delves into the essentials of workplace engagement, setting the stage for deeper conversations in our forthcoming engagement series. A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization. As always, we’d love to hear from you about your insights, challenges, and successes around leading (self and others) through transitions. To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com.

Energy Creating Engagement for Sustainable Performance For this week’s episode we are revisiting the podcast vault as we prepare for a new leadership series focused on Employee Engagement.  Our hosts Adrienne and Tom continue to glean gems from a previously released engaging conversation with Bryan Sykes.   Bryan Sykes is a healthcare professional, neurobiologist, and martial artist working at the 4-way intersection of people, science, technology, and business to support human thriving. Bryan shares his journey of exploring performance enhancement and how the realm of athletics emerges as an illuminating beacon. Bryan touches on themes of well-being, energy management, and creating an environment that fosters engagement - all of which are relevant to our upcoming engagement series. Our hosts are excited to "round the house again" and bring Sykes' insights back into the conversation.  Key Highlights from this dynamic conversation:  - Bryan has a background in medicine and sports psychology, and he draws insights from how athletes prepare, perform, and recover that are applicable to professionals in any field.  - Bryan is passionate about helping people and organizations understand the neurobiology and science behind managing mental, physical, emotional, and social energy. He believes this is key to avoiding burnout and elevating engagement.  - Bryan emphasizes the importance of creating space, pausing, and reflecting in order to learn and grow, rather than just constantly pushing for productivity and checking tasks off a list.  - He challenges the notion that people are inherently resistant to change, arguing that people are primed for change but often struggle with the process of changing. Providing the right support and environment is crucial.  - He advocates for a "humanity-centered" rather than just "human-centered" approach, considering the broader, long-term impacts on society and the planet, not just short-term business goals.  A Leadership Beyond aligns powerfully with Bryan’s focus on holistic, scientific, and human-centric approach to elevating engagement and well-being, providing a sound foundation for the themes we plan to explore in our upcoming engagement series.  A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization. As always, we’d love to hear from you about your insights, challenges, and successes around leading (self and others) through transitions.    

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." – Winston Churchill The path to extraordinary leadership is rarely a straight line. It's a winding journey, paved with adversity, setbacks, and the courage to chart a course beyond the status quo. It takes a unique blend of determination, resilience, and humility to stay the course and bring others along to the land of A Leadership Beyond. In this episode, we sit down with Anatoliy Labinskiy, whose story embodies the spirit of leadership that goes beyond the confines of a traditional career. From humble beginnings as an immigrant in Dubai to building multiple seven-figure businesses, Anatoliy has navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with a relentless drive to create a better future - for himself, his family, and the teams he's assembled along the Way. Anatoliy has a unique blend of grit, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to his team. In this insightful discussion, Anatoliy shares the key qualities that have propelled his success, the strategies he's employed to cultivate a high-performing, remote workforce, and his perspective on leveraging emerging technologies like AI to stay ahead of the curve. His experiences and lessons offer a roadmap for leaders who are ready to lead. Key highlights include: • The three critical qualities for entrepreneurial success:  All-in determination Willingness to take big risks  Defining a strong "why" beyond just money • Cultivating an "extreme ownership" mindset in his remote team, where each person is an entrepreneur of their own role. This drives accountability and Results. • Leveraging AI strategically to boost productivity and efficiency, without letting it dehumanize the workforce. Anatoliy emphasizes adapting skills to complement AI rather than being replaced by it. • Three leadership encouragements for the new world:  Never stop learning Genuinely care for your team Diligently track performance metrics to identify and address issues Anatoliy's journey is a powerful example of how grit, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to one's vision can pave the way to success, even when the odds may seem stacked against us. This is a valuable lesson for anyone looking to lead beyond the constraints of the ordinary and make a lasting impact. We welcome and encourage the continued participation of all our listeners, whether you're an established leader, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking to cultivate a mindset and approach that can create positive change. Your voices, your stories, and your unique insights are invaluable in shaping the ongoing dialogue around what it means to lead beyond the ordinary. A Leadership Beyond is led by Change Management Consultant Adrienne Guerrero and Leadership Communication Strategist Tom Rosenak, and exists to support the alignment between  business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization).  Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of  Talent Optimization.  As always, we’d love to hear from you about your insights, challenges, and successes around leading (self and others) through transitions. To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com.

"You will have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you weren'tpaying attention to." - Robin Williams Welcome back, community! After a brief summer hiatus,  our hosts Adrienne and Tom are excited to return with a special episode focusing on mindfulness and leadership. This episode builds on our recent sprint of panel discussions covering a wide array of leadership topics, including two panels on wellbeing at the individual, team, enterprise, and global levels.   In the introduction to this episode Adrienne Guerrero and Tom Rosenak set the stage for our guest interview: They discuss the constant pressure on leaders to "keep going" without adequate time for strategic thinking and reflection. They emphasize the interconnectedness of individual well-being, team performance, and business outcomes like retention and engagement. The co-founders liken self-care to maintenance in a mechanical system - neglectingthe "human machines" inevitably leads to decreased productivity. They stress the importance of open conversations about stress and well-being, even when additional resources aren't available. Adrienne and Tom highlight the need for personalized approaches to stress management, acknowledging that everyone experiences stress and VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) differently. We're thrilled to welcome back Dot Proux our featured guest, who previously joined us on a panel about self-leadership. Dot is an executive coach and leadership development advisor who teaches an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course. Highlights from our conversation with Dot: Dot's background: Before becoming a coach, she was a partner at a Big 4 accounting firm, experiencing high stress and burnout firsthand. Personal experience: Dot shares her journey with "cliffing" - pushing herself too hard until her body forced her to stop and recover. Empathy in coaching: She now uses her personal experiences to connect with and support her high-performing, high-stress leadership clients. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) benefits: Research shows that MBSR can improve focus, present moment awareness, and overall well-being. Course structure: Dot's 8-week MBSR program includes: Formal and informal mindfulness exercises Accountability and support from a cohortGradual building of the "mindfulness muscle"   Opportunity to join Dot's Fall MBSR Cohort To enroll in the upcoming fall program or learn more about mindfulness, visit:  https://aleadershipbeyond.com/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction/ Join us as we continue to explore leadership practices that keep the human front and center in the face of the sometimes dehumanizing modern leadership challenges. A Leadership Beyond is led by Change Management Consultant Adrienne Guerrero and Leadership Communication Strategist Tom Rosenak, and exists to support the alignment between business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization).  Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.  As always, we’d love to hear from you about your insights, challenges, and successes around leading (self and others) through transitions. To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com. Tom & Adrienne

Leadership in today's dynamic world demands more than just managing others -- it requires mastering oneself. Our engaging panel discussions on diverse leadership topics consistently lead us back to a fundamental concept: our internal locus of control and how we respond to the challenges of change.  Dr. Ana Kazan eloquently defines self-leadership as "the practice of intentionally influencing your thinking, feeling and actions towards your objectives." This powerful idea forms the foundation of our exploration into personal and professional growth.  In a lively and interactive conversation, Dotty Posto and Dot Proux, draw from their rich career experiences and their passion for guiding others. Pause, breathe, smile. 😊 We couldn’t plan a two-Dorothy panel if our life depended on it. Serendipity!  They offer invaluable insights and practical strategies for enhancing our self-leadership capabilities, empowering us to navigate the complexities of modern leadership with greater wellbeing, confidence, and effectiveness.  Summary of key points in the discussion:  The critical importance of self-leadership and self-awareness in managerial roles  Recognizing and preventing burnout through proactive self-care measures  Managing energy levels and aligning work with strengths for optimal performance  The role of emotional intelligence in leadership and personal well being  The impact of self-care on productivity, creativity, and problem-solving  Dot made a point that deserves an underscore apart from the bulleted list. This reminder creates a sound foundation for the rest of the self-leadership tips.  Prioritize meaningful relationships with loved ones. Give your work your best but not your ALL. This a reminder of ancient script, “What profit a woman if she gains the whole world and loses her soul?”  The insights shared by Dotty and Dot merely scratch the surface of the profound wisdom contained in our full conversation. Their experiences and strategies offer a roadmap for cultivating leadership that goes beyond traditional paradigms, embracing personal growth and well-being as fundamental to professional success.  We urge you to make space to listen to the entire discussion to fully absorb the nuances of their personal reflections in addition to their strategies and tips. We also encourage you to comment and reach out to us to have your perspectives in the mix.  Stay tuned for more thought-provoking panel discussions on cultivating a leadership beyond.   Wherever this exciting journey brings us, let’s not lose sight of the truth: Leadership always begins with leading self!  A Leadership Beyond is led by Change Management Consultant Adrienne Guerrero and Leadership Communication Strategist Tom Rosenak, and exists to support the alignment between business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization).  Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.  As always, we’d love to hear from you about your insights, challenges, and successes around leading (self and others) through transitions. To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com.  

We had to make a slight adjustment in our planned panel discussion on empowering women for executive roles. Originally, we intended to feature a joint conversation with Beth Hilbing, co-founder of C-Sweet, and Heather H. Bennett, partner at Newport LLC. However, due to unexpected travel delays in Chicago, we've had to adjust our format.  Instead of a single panel discussion, we'll be presenting two separate conversations.   Today, we're excited to share our insightful discussion with Heather H. Bennett.   Stay tuned for Beth’s valuable contributions which will be featured in the upcoming weeks.  Heather brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the discussion of women in leadership roles. And with four children, she certainly knows the landscape of navigating career and personal aspirations and challenges.  Among other things, we talked about the current trends and challenges for today’s aspiring female business leaders. A few of the highlights and suggestions from this engaging conversation.  Trends in the overall job market and specifically for women  The importance of supporting employees throughout their career lifecycle  Imposter syndrome as women often feel they must be 110%   The importance of giving yourself grace when things don’t go perfectly  Setting boundaries when communicating needs with your team  Prioritizing networking for your current role and future roles   Finding multiple mentors within and outside your organization  A dominant thread that runs throughout this conversation and all of Heather’s work:  Self-awareness and human connection are crucial, regardless of your specific career aspirations.  Enjoy the conversation with Heather, and please stay connected! Community matters!  A Leadership Beyond is led by Change Management Consultant Adrienne Guerrero and Leadership Communication Strategist Tom Rosenak, and exists to support the alignment between business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization).  Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.  As always, we’d love to hear from you about your insights, challenges, and successes around leading (self and others) through transitions. To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com.    

You’ve heard it said, “Your people are your greatest asset”. (ad infinitum). Well, quiet quitting, the great resignation and other trends make clear, they aren’t an asset, you don’t own them.   They are your greatest investment and the leaders that learn to better align talent strategies with business objectives will be better poised for long-term sustainability and growth.  We recently had an insightful conversation with three HR experts on our podcast, Dr. Eric D. Hieger, Jackie Kaweck, and Ian Ziskin. We discussed strategies for HR professionals to establish their value and secure a seat at the executive table.   Regardless of your function within an organization it is essential to understand both business strategy and people strategy.  Here are a few key highlights from our conversation:  Develop a deep understanding of business acumen and the organization's value chain to effectively contribute to strategic decisions. Seek opportunities to collaborate with other functions, learn from their challenges, and gain multidisciplinary perspectives.   Advocate for HR initiatives by building a compelling business case and effectively communicating the value proposition to stakeholders.   Elevate expectations for HR capabilities and delivery, positioning HR as strategic partners rather than reactive problem-solvers. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning, joining competitive industries to accelerate growth and push boundaries.  The experts emphasized the importance of HR professionals shedding self-limiting beliefs and embracing a strategic mindset. By demonstrating their ability to drive business success, HR can solidify its role as a critical partner in shaping organizational strategy.  Stay tuned for ongoing conversations with business leaders, during which we'll continue to gain multiple perspectives on relevant issues - personal, interpersonal, and strategic - bringing ideas on how you can cultivate a Leadership Beyond.  We thank our panel for this dynamic conversation sharing their passion, insight, and practical strategies. We are hopeful you will enjoy and benefit from this conversation as much as we have. Together, let's forge a path toward better people, better work, and a brighter tomorrow. A Leadership Beyond is led by Change Management Consultant Adrienne Guerrero and Leadership Communication Strategist Tom Rosenak, and exists to support the alignment between business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization).  Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.  As always, we’d love to hear from you about your insights, challenges, and successes around leading (self and others) through transitions. To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com.

"Technology is nothing. What's important is that you have faith in people, that they're basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they'll do wonderful things with them." -Steve Jobs  In today's dynamic business world, technology stands out as a transformative force, dramatically reshaping our workplaces. From AI-driven recruitment to remote work enablers, these innovations do more than change work methods—they fundamentally alter how companies view their most significant investment: their people.  We've moved past the outdated notion of referring to employees as "assets." The Great Resignation and quiet quitting phenomena starkly remind us that people aren't possessions; they're individuals with agency who choose where to invest their talents. Instead, we recognize our workforce as our largest and most precious investment.  To maximize the return on this people investment, companies must carefully align three critical elements:  1. Human-centered values and timeless principles (our true north)  2. Business strategy   3. People strategy  This alignment not only enhances productivity, but also fosters a culture where employees feel valued, engaged, and committed—a win-win that benefits both the individual and the organization. In this enlightening podcast episode, our expert panel delves into the multifaceted impact of technology on people strategies, offering insights that are both profound and timely.  In this era of rapid technological change, every organization must react. However, as leaders, we have a choice—to merely respond or to lead. We choose the latter. True leadership in this digital age means more than just adopting the latest tools; it requires us to harness these innovations thoughtfully, always ensuring that our highest, human-centric values remain our guiding light.  As we navigate this tech-driven transformation, our panel explores how to strike the right balance. How can we leverage AI, automation, and digital platforms to enhance efficiency and productivity without losing sight of empathy, creativity, and personal growth? In this discussion, we'll uncover strategies for not just adapting to change, but spearheading it—all while keeping our people, their well-being, and their aspirations at the heart of every decision.  Our panelists share real-world examples, best practices, and even cautionary tales. They discuss success stories where technology has enhanced employee satisfaction and productivity. But they also don't shy away from challenges, like the risk of over-relying on algorithms or the potential for technology to depersonalize human interactions.  We thank our panel, Manal Keen, George Logothetis, and Jason Barth for THIS dynamic conversation sharing their passion, insight, and practical strategies. We are hopeful you will enjoy and benefit from this conversation as much as we have. Stay tuned for future conversations as we continue our exploration of topics essential to leadership excellence and organizational success.  Together, let's forge a path toward better people, better work, and a brighter tomorrow. A Leadership Beyond is led by Change Management Consultant Adrienne Guerrero and Leadership Communication Strategist Tom Rosenak, and exists to support the alignment between business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization).  Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.  As always, we’d love to hear from you about your insights, challenges, and successes around leading (self and others) through transitions. To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com.

"We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now" – Martin Luther King, Jr. We kicked off our new panel discussion format with the most requested of the seven leadership topics: employee well-being. As we transition from Wellbeing to Self-Leadership, it's clear that our leadership topics are not isolated silos but rather a tapestry of interconnected themes. Employee wellbeing, which has been our primary focus, naturally leads us to the topic of self-leadership. When we talk about self-leadership, we are keeping the essence of wellbeing at the forefront of our minds. Self-leadership involves taking responsibility for our own development, health, and mindset, which directly impacts our influence and the overall wellbeing of the company. It’s a personal commitment to cultivating resilience, mindfulness, and a sense of purpose. This episode explores how self-leadership can further our journey towards holistic, sustainable leadership at the individual, team, enterprise, and societal levels. To set the tone and context for our panel discussion, let's begin with a couple of definitions we've consistently used. We define "lead" as going before - envisioning the future, embodying values, modeling behaviors, and engaging others to join us in the adventure. In contrast, "management" comes from the same root as "manus," meaning to handle. Leaders often handle many tasks but, without purpose and direction, can end frenetically busy, yet going nowhere. In our experience, a recurring theme, especially since the pandemic, has been the lack of time to think strategically. Leaders are often caught up in day-to-day reactions, leaving no space for proactive thinking. This highlights the tension between surviving immediate demands and thriving by creating a compelling future. This tension ties directly into our previous focus on wellness. Survival and thriving are in a constant tug of war. Without deliberate space for strategic thinking, we react rather than respond. In this dynamic conversation, our panelists explore various perspectives on this tension and seek strategies for higher self-leadership. The goal is to navigate the demands of the present while steering towards a brighter future. We thank our panel, Marlowe J. Weingart; Kristin Lamar; and Amanda Norris for THIS dynamic conversation sharing their passion, insight, and practical strategies on self-leadership. Visit www.aleadershipbeyond.com for contact information. The overarching question framing this conversation: How can we as leaders prioritize self-care while meeting personal and organizational demands? We are hopeful you will enjoy and benefit from this conversation as much as we have. Stay tuned for future conversations as we continue our exploration of topics essential to leadership excellence and organizational success.  Together, let's forge a path toward better people, better work, and a brighter tomorrow. A Leadership Beyond is led by Change Management Consultant Adrienne Guerrero and Leadership Communication Strategist Tom Rosenak, and exists to support the alignment between business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization).  Subscribe to our channel to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.  As always, we’d love to hear from you about your insights, challenges, and successes around leading (self and others) through transitions. To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com.

Welcome to another enriching discussion on employee wellbeing, a topic that resonates deeply with leaders striving to cultivate resilience and foster environments where employees not only survive but truly thrive. Our community, A Leadership Beyond, recognizes the pressing need to address this crucial aspect of leadership in today's fast-paced and ever-evolving workplace.   Our guests this week were: Amanda Ryznar, Paul LaLonde and Dr. Natacha Nelson (see links in the show notes)  Our aim, shared wholeheartedly by our guests, is to transcend mere acknowledgment of the current challenges and embark on a collaborative journey toward meaningful change. Together, we aspire to not only identify obstacles but also to implement strategies that promote better outcomes for both individuals and organizations, ultimately contributing to a brighter, more resilient world.  Throughout our conversation, we delved into various key themes, including the importance of recognizing both individual and collective responsibility for wellbeing, the necessity of integrating wellness initiatives into organizational culture, and the crucial role of mental fitness in fostering employee resilience.  Moreover, we explored practical strategies, such as implementing employee-centered wellness programs and establishing accessible mental health support systems to address the diverse needs of modern workplaces.  We are hopeful you will enjoy and benefit from this conversation as much as we have.   Stay tuned for future conversations as we continue our exploration of topics essential to leadership excellence and organizational success. Together, let's forge a path toward better people, better work, and a brighter tomorrow.  A Leadership Beyond is led by Change Management Consultant Adrienne Guerrero and Leadership Communication Strategist Tom Rosenak, and exists to support the alignment between business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization. As always, we’d love to hear from you about your insights, challenges, and successes around leading (self and others) through transitions. To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com.