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© Tom Dardick
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The Eye of Power is a model that answers this question: "What's in the way of me making the positive change I wish to make?" The answer is always the same: it's always us. But it's never simple, especially when we struggle to sustain the new behaviors we desire. The Eye of Power model lights our way. It reveals the specific beliefs and habits that, while they may have served us in the past, now hold us in place. Once we clearly see the blockage, we are better positioned to get past them. And that's what we do - together. In the Eye of Power community, we apply the lessons and clarity of the model to the most pressing priorities we face at this moment of our life journey. It may be gaining a skill or habit that helps us in our role at work. It might be a career change. It could be gaining entrepreneurial skills, or a plan of action to launch some creative endeavor. The model works effectively to make positive changes in our relationships, be they our primary life partnership, or other familial, casual, or professional. And it isn't just about ideas. It's about actions. It's about support. It's about getting real, looking in the mirror, marshaling our spirit, and creating the life we're made to live. When we do this, we make the world around us a much better place. We gain mastery over ourselves so that we can better contribute to everyone around us. That's power. That's the kind of power we talk about in this podcast. And it's the kind of power we work to bring more of into the world. We examine issues through this lens. We talk to people who exemplify the principles embodied in the model. We suggest action items that will move you in a better direction - one where you feel more substantial, more seen, more impactful, and more fulfilled.
Who is the podcast for?
It's for CEO's, HR Directors, Agency Directors, Business Owners, and people who want to increase the quality of their organizational culture - the emotional connections between the people who work side by side on a shared mission. It's for leaders who want to build and nourish a culture of trust. The system provides tools - a map, a compass, and a flashlight - that helps people do the inner work, the introspection that builds self awareness, needed to make and sustain the positive changes they need to make in order to be their best and highest selves. This means they will better connect, more meaningfully, with a wider range of people to a greater effect. They become more valuable team members. Better leaders. Better able to provide support to others who share their mission. The other side of the coin is you get less in-fighting, less resentment, less playing the blame game. Instead of those negatives, your culture features more engagement, more enthusiasm, more support, better listening, better communication, and an ever-rising culture of trust. This is more and more a challenge in an environment of remote work or hybrid workforces. We must come up with new ways to connect our employees with each other and with the organization. The system of the Eye of Power, when installed at the organizational level, helps leaders with their leadership style - they'll be able to communicate and connect with their direct reports in a more human way - important as we move away from a transactional approach in the workplace to a whole human leadership approach. The pressure from increasing automation driven by accelerating AI capacities puts increasing pressure on leaders to think and act in the human dimension - to treat people with respect to their emotional needs. This means they need, more than ever, high EQ or emotional intelligence, great listening skills and a healthy habit of Active Listening, a way to get to that which holds people back from the actions they know will pay off. The topics we discuss, all circling around the elements of the Eye of Power model, feed these positive qualities. Leaders and anybody who wants to manifest their best selves and serve others as they do s
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I attended a conference last week in Austin, TX. I had hopes for it. It didn't turn out like that. How it did turn out I wouldn't choose. But as far as a lasting effect on me and my business, it was far beyond anything I could have anticipated. In this episode, I share that story and the lessons I took from my experience. Conferences? I say go. But only with an optimized attitude.
Episode 200 is a little different—in the best way.In this milestone episode of The Eye of Power Podcast, Tom introduces the core team behind Mentor Machine and the ReTeam platform: his brother and longtime technology leader Greg Dardick, architect and ReTeam founder Vivek Nigam, and global facilitator and creative force Giselle Soares. Together, they share the origin story of how a shared passion for mentorship, belonging, and human-centered leadership evolved into a system designed to help organizations build truly thriving, aligned cultures, especially in remote and hybrid workplaces.You’ll hear how personal experiences with being overlooked, under-mentored, or unseen at work inspired tools that:Surface quiet talent and give everyone a voice in meetings and projectsBuild psychological safety, trust, and real friendships at workTurn positive psychology into daily actions, not just a training eventHelp leaders scale a culture of belonging, accountability, and growth across large organizationsThe team also looks ahead to the age of AI and exponential change. They explore why small, values-aligned teams can now create billion-dollar impact, why relationships and fulfillment are the new strategic advantage, and how Mentor Machine’s value-sharing model aligns fees with real business outcomes like reduced turnover and stronger engagement.If you care about leadership, mentoring, employee engagement, culture change, and the future of work, this behind-the-scenes conversation shows how a small global team is building systems so more people can feel seen, valued, and fulfilled at work.
Most of my life, I walked alone in my work. Last week I finally said it out loud. In this follow-up episode, I explore why that longtime habit formed, why it’s been hard to break, and how having a team at Mentor Machine Incorporated has changed everything for me. We also look at what mentorship really is (perspective, not advice) and why so many leaders avoid it even when they need it most. I introduce the Mentorship Self-Reflection Guide with questions that help you see where you’re carrying too much alone and where connection could accelerate your growth. Click the link to use the guide for yourself!
What True Mentorship Really Is — and Why Most Organizations Get It WrongMost organizations say they want mentorship. But what they usually create is something very different: advice, evaluation, and performance management. None of that transforms a person.In this episode of The Eye of Power, we explore the deeper meaning of mentorship — the kind that changes identity, unlocks fulfillment, and allows people to grow into who they are capable of becoming.We explore the difference between:Advice vs MentorshipGuidance vs WitnessingPerformance support vs Human developmentAnd we examine why mentorship is so rare, even in organizations filled with good people and strong intentions.Tom also shares a personal reflection on what it was like to grow without mentorship, and how that shaped his understanding of leadership, resilience, and the long journey of becoming.This conversation is for:Leaders who feel like they are carrying too much aloneExecutives and founders who support others more than they are supportedHR and People Operations professionals trying to build cultures of growthMentors, coaches, and managers who want to help others develop authenticallyAnyone who has felt that their potential is larger than their reflectionYou’ll learn:Why mentorship is an act of belief, not instructionThe three defining abilities of a true mentorHow to recognize “unsupported growth” in yourself and your organizationHow to reconnect with your own becomingHow to offer support in a way that strengthens identity rather than dependenceToward the end of the episode, Tom guides listeners through a quiet reflective exercise taken from the Mentorship Self-Reflection Guide, a simple tool designed to help you see where you may be growing alone — and where companioned growth could make all the difference.Key Topics & Search KeywordsMentorship, Leadership Development, Authentic Leadership, Personal Growth, Executive Coaching, Organizational Culture, Fulfillment, Human Development, Emotional Intelligence, Self-Reflection, Resilient Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Coaching Skills, People Development, Leadership Mindset, Becoming, Workplace Culture, Relational Leadership, Leadership Presence, Identity and GrowthIf this episode resonates with you, and you recognize something of your own journey in it, you are invited to reach out for a human conversation, with no pressure or expectation.You don’t have to walk the long road alone. Connect with Tom on LinkedIn and request the Mentorship Self-Reflection Guide.
Dan Tracey is a talented and accomplished professional musician, songwriter, and producer. He is a long-time member of the legendary rock band, the Alan Parsons Live Project and has also written and/or recorded with Don McClean, Felix Cavalier, Honeymoon Suite, Little River Band, Tiffany, and many more. Dan's success is not simply a product of his musical talent, but of his mindset. On today's Eye of Power episode, he shares some of his insight with us, notably the commitment to "bring great." Find out more about Dan here:https://alanparsons.com/pages/dan-tracey-guitar-backing-vocalshttps://www.discogs.com/artist/5104376-Dan-Tracey
In our white paper, Frustration to Fulfillment, we noted a worldwide decline in engagement and suggested ways leaders could address this problem by identifying and strengthening the elements that build more fulfillment in their workforce. In this episode, we dive deeper into fulfillment in the workplace. At Mentor Machine Incorporated, we have a name for that kind of fulfillment: Alvea. It's produced when mastery combines with contribution in ways that benefit others in a shared mission. Today, we look at why it is imperative for organizations in all segments and at all scales must actively and strategically build Alvea in their people. As we enter the age of AI, it's needed in order to thrive - maybe even survive as an organization.
Our guest this episod Dr. Hagir Elsheikh, whose personal story is a shining example of how much personal power we all truly possess. Dr. Elsheikh shares the story of the trauma of her childhood in oppressive Sudan, and how she's been able to find peace through purpose through her experience as the activist mother of Kareem, her autistic son. Here is a partial bio:Dr. Hagir Elsheikh, Chairwoman and CEO of Hagir Network, Founder & CEO of Tomorrow’s Smile INC, Kareem’s Mission Org. HSE Staffing Agency LLC, KMission TV LLC. She is an Advocate, Activist, Motivational Speaker, political analyst, Talk show host, Producer, Author, poet, and philanthropist. Hagir Elsheikh is an advocate, leader, and survivor whose life’s work embodies resilience, justice, and dedication to peace-building and human rights. Her journey from a survivor of torture, gender-based violence, harassment, female genital mutilation (FGM), and domestic violence to a global human rights champion is a testament to her spirit and lifelong commitment to making the world a better place. Early Life and Political Activism Born in Sudan, Hagir's early years were marked by her vocal opposition to the oppressive Al-Bashir regime. From the age of 11, she used her voice to protest against tyranny and advocate for democratic reforms. As one of the few female spokespersons for the Sudanese Democratic Front, her courageous activism led to her arrest, torture, and eventual asylum in the United States. These experiences only strengthened her resolve to fight for justice and human dignity. Advocacy for Human Rights and Women's Rights Hagir Elsheikh’s advocacy is deeply personal and wide-reaching. As a survivor of torture, Gender-Based violence, domestic violence, harassment, and FGM, she channels her experiences into powerful campaigns against gender-based violence, human trafficking, and the exploitation of minors. Her efforts include raising awareness, advocating for legislative changes, and supporting victims through counseling and empowerment programs.Hagir’s commitment to combating FGM is particularly noteworthy. She has tirelessly worked to raise awareness and implement preventive measures to stop this crime, drawing from her own painful experiences to drive change. Her advocacy extends to supporting survivors and promoting gender equality, demonstrating her commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. Peace Building and Democratic Empowerment Hagir’s work in peacebuilding and democratic empowerment is globally recognized. She collaborates with organizations such as the United Nations, UNDP, TASSC, CWS, Amnesty International, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), the civic club, World Affair Council of Harrisburg, and several colleges and organizations such as Grand Canyon University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Pennsylvania to promote dialogue and initiatives that foster peace and democratic governance. Her efforts have been instrumental in promoting peace in conflict-affected regions, especially in Sudan.In the United States, Hagir is an active member of Sudan's working advocacy group for Congress and the State Department, providing crucial advice, briefings, and support for humanitarian causes. She serves on the boards of Trustees of several humanitarian organizations, including the organization that she founded Tomorrow’s Smile INC (TSI), TASSC, Church World Services (CWS), and the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg. Her work with CWS, in particular, involves using her experiences as a refugee and immigrant to raise awareness about the challenges refugees face and to assist in providing them with training and cultural orientation when they settle in Pennsylvania. She is also a member of the board of trustees at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), Kareem’s Mission organization.As a mother of a child with autism, Hagir has a personal and profound commitment to supporting individuals with autism and their famil
This week's episode is a departure. Tom shares a PowerPoint presentation from his talk entitled Mentoring as a Strategic Asset. The thesis of this talk is that organizations of the future, in order to thrive, perhaps even survive, must feature a mentoring culture. This means the people in the organization effectively act as both mentor and mentee to be, in ways that matter personally to them, better tomorrow than today. Given time and constituency demands, this is easier said than done. It is also exactly the mission of Mentor Machine Incorporated - to help leaders achieve this rare and invaluable status. Tom reviews his G.R.O.W.T.H. framework that typifies masterful mentoring, and offers ideas about how organizations of all types and sizes can evolve to a place where more of their people feel a sense of deep fulfillment.
In this last installment of the Frustration to Fulfillment series, the rubber meets the road. We look at some of the ways to take action that nourishes individuals and organizational culture through systematically increasing fulfillment in the workplace. It's not just a hot term or a fad - it is a recognition of the deeper aspects of human nature, and rising to the responsibility to take actions that lead to more flourishing. Though we look at some of these actions, the primary one - true in all intentional positive change - is a commitment to make it happen. That's the takeaway from today's episode. For more, check out thementormachine.com and/or contact tom at tom@thementormachine.com. The kinds of actions you can take, aside from seeing the latest research on engagement in the workplace, are finding ways to measure fulfillment, installing effective means to not simply teach, train, or coach - but to inspire, connect, and grow. These are the ingredients that give us more meaning and purpose, which in turn gives us the kind of fulfillment we call Alvea, which in turn creates a thriving organizational culture. Start building that right now!
In this installment of our continued review of our white paper Frustration to Fulfillment, we take a look at the workplace of the 21st century through a psychological lens. Specifically, we utilize the findings of Abraham Maslow, Victor Frankl, and Martin Seligman to apply positive psychological precepts to improve our individual level of fulfillment and our organizational culture. If you would like to read the white paper, please visit thementormachine.com, or reach out to Tom directly at tom@thementormachine.com.
Engagement is a hot word - many organizations do what they can to build engagement. Yet, frustration is widespread: It shows up as fatigue, disengagement, or quiet dissatisfaction, even among competent and engaged employees. The problem is Engagement ≠ Fulfillment: Engagement keeps people interested for a while, but only fulfillment sustains them long-term. Fulfillment = Alignment: It emerges when people’s strengths, values, and contributions connect to meaningful outcomes.The Data That MattersOnly 21% of employees worldwide are engaged in their work. Nearly 80% are disengaged or frustrated (Gallup, 2025).Disengagement costs the global economy $8.9 trillion annually — about 9% of global GDP (Gallup, 2025).70% of employees don’t believe their leaders create a culture where they can thrive (Deloitte, 2023).1 in 3 workers say their workplace harms their mental health (American Psychological Association, 2024).Employees who find their work meaningful are 70% less likely to experience burnout (Gallup, 2024).Employees who feel they can use their strengths at work are 57% less likely to quit (Deloitte, 2023).What can we do about all of this? Pay attention to Fulfillment and do what you can to build it. How? That's what we talk about in today's episode - Eye of Power style.
In this second installment of a series in which we explore the contents of our white paper entitled Frustration to Fulfillment: Contemporary Challenges and Effective Strategies in Building and Sustaining an Engaged Workforce and Thriving Organizations, we contrast the ideas of engagement in our work with fulfillment at work. The research is clear - engagement follows fulfillment, and leaders of 21st century organizations are well-advised to build systems that maximize fulfillment. We introduce a distinct concept, a particular kind of fulfillment, we call Alvea. In future installments, we will further examine the research behind these claims as well as offer action items for leaders who want to build thriving human-centered cultures.
Today's episode is the beginning of a series based upon a newly available white paper entitled Frustration to Fulfillment: Contemporary Challenges and Effective Strategies in Building and Sustaining an Engaged Workforce and Thriving Organizations, which presents the latest research regarding how organizations gain and lose productivity via the ways they foster, or degrade, engagement and fulfillment in their workplaces. In this first installment, Tom lays out current trends, the stakes involved, the causes for the decline, and the key area of focus leaders must address to guide their teams to long-term satisfaction.
Tom reviews his experience going solo on the On the Blue cruise, where he enjoyed many great conversations and made many new friends. He noticed some of the ways great conversations are born (and stifled.) In this week's show, Tom reviews seven things that you can use to improve the quality of your conversations, and by extension, the quality of your relationships, and thus, your life experience.
In this final installment of the review of the Eye of Power model, Tom walks us through the Purpose Quadrant. This is where we sharpen our efforts to find meaning in our work and in our lives. As in all the quadrants, there are four elements - two that keep us in place, two that move us forward - that we address to build our sense that what we do is important and matters in the world. This is a crucial process for us as individuals, of course. It is also important in any shared enterprise, because feelings of fulfillment open us up to building cultures of respect and trust - necessary if we want to sustain a thriving organization.
In this third installment of our overview of the Eye of Power model itself, Tom talks about the People Quadrant - defined by the attitudes we have toward others. We learn about the dynamics in each of the four layers - Corrosion, Quest, Traps, and Capacity - as it relates to the way we frame our thoughts in each and every relationship we have. We look at the two forces that limit our power - Condemnation and Comparison, as well as the two ways we expand it - Who with/for? and Consideration. By systematically paying attention to these dynamics, we build our ability to see the unique value in everyone we encounter. This puts us in a position to build strong relationships, sew the seeds of good will, and rally people to a shared mission or cause - superpowers each.
In the second installment of the review of the Eye of Power model, Tom focuses on the area of our agency that has to do with our self-perception, defined by our attitude we have about ourselves. He outlines two forces that restrict our personal power, and two that free us to become more fully expressed versions of ourselves. To grow in this way, we must reduce our confusion and systematically gain clarity, embark on a quest to determine what is real and true about ourselves, identify the role-based patterns in our brains that channel and may limit our behaviors, and become ever more congruent - internally aligned. This pays off in a greater ability to direct energy to priorities of our choosing and by extension, a greater ability to manifest desirable conditions.
This week begins a multi-part series that provides a detailed explanation of the Eye of Power model. It functions as a map, flashlight, and compass to help us identify the ways we gain and lose our personal power - our agency. In this installment, Tom walks us through the Pain Quadrant - the parts of ourselves having to do with the actions we take on our own behalf. The primary lesson in the Pain Quadrant is the importance of the relationship we have with our fears, our comfort, our habits, our willingness to sacrifice one thing for something more precious to us. Most of us could stand to mature in our relationship with Pain. Pain is not an enemy to be avoided. It is an ally that makes us pay attention. Our attention is where our power begins.
Tom welcomes his friend Nevin Beyer to the podcast. Nevin is an experienced Surety Bond expert. He shares his story when his previous company was acquired by a private investment firm who ingnobly treated the staff for a short-term payoff. Nevin shares lessons learned from this experience, enhanced by a that of a long and successful career in financial services. He stresses the importance of aligning ourselves with leaders of good character. The corollary of this observation is to strive to maximize our own character. All of this because of the importance of relationships.
Tom welcomes back Dr. Ryan Williamson to today's podcast. Tom and Ryan discuss the ways our brains function, the challenges poised to our brain's health in the modern world, and what we might do to optimize our neurological health. To find out more check out:transcendhealthgroup.comRyan's Bio:Dr. Ryan Williamson, M.D. is a board-certified neurologist, proud Navy veteran, and the owner and founder of Transcend Health. After commissioning as an officer in the U.S. Navy, he completed his medical training at the Florida State University College of Medicine, neurology residency at Georgetown University Hospital, and ultimately separated from service as a Lieutenant Commander. After this, Dr. Williamson ultimately dedicated his career to improving brain health and helping individuals expand their longevity.Driven by a passion to make a broader impact, Dr. Williamson founded Transcend Health, a platform that bridges neuroscience with entrepreneurship. He empowers leaders and individuals to optimize their cognitive performance through evidence-based strategies that address brain fog, improve memory, and help them overcome cognitive overload.Dr. Williamson's expertise has garnered significant attention, with his insights impacting communities across the globe. He is currently engaged in high-level conversations with influential figures to integrate his knowledge into their communities, curricula, and beyond.Through Transcend Health, Dr. Williamson offers a membership program featuring exclusive educational calls, wellness protocols, and a private community forum for members to connect and collaborate. He is also the author of an upcoming book (releasing this fall) that aims to further disseminate his knowledge and empower individuals to live longer, deeper, and more impactful lives.Dr. Williamson's vision is to help individuals and groups achieve their full potential by taking control of and optimizing their health so they can live more fulfilling lives and leave a lasting legacy.
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