Leadership Beyond Borders

Europe has always been ahead of the game when protecting privacy and a fair playing field for its citizens and businesses.  They were the first ones to intro GDPR in 2018, legislation that protected personal data, and many nations around the world followed suit.  Now many years later they have introduced the Digital Markets Act, a bold move to promote a fair playing field online.  In today’s episode we are going explore what this act is about and if it is working. About the guests David Mihm has spent his career helping location-oriented companies maximize their digital presence. In the 2010s, he led teams that built software optimizing Google Business Profiles and directory listings—first as co-founder/CEO of GetListed.org, then as the initial product architect of Moz Local, and later as VP of Product Strategy at ThriveHive. He also co-founded Local University and created the Local Search Ranking Factors survey (2008–2016). David began as a consultant in the mid-2000s and has returned to that role, now partnering with Mike Blumenthal and Greg Sterling at Near Media to help multi-location brands and agencies refine their search strategies. Stephanie Verilhac is the European Affairs Director for Siinda and founder/CEO of SVM Consult in France. With 20+ years in European affairs, legislation, and regulation, she has worked at the European Parliament and won the François Fontaine Prize. She advises companies on compliance with EU policies in data protection, privacy, digital, finance, and AI.

Leadership expert Chris Pearse used an analogy in his Forbes article in 2018 on “Leadership in Crisis” This analogy made us think about leadership. It brought to light the mistake we often make in leadership today. Although not in exact words, he said if you want to grow a pumpkin, you need four elements, earth, water, sun, and a seed. While growing that pumpkin, your focus is on those elements, not the pumpkin. With the right focus, result will be a great pumpkin. In leadership, most of the time, the focus is on the results like share prices and profit, not on the elements that create them. Unfortunately, this end focus distracts us from the aspects of good leadership, resulting in a challenge. How do we promote good leadership in this profit-oriented world? How do we encourage good leadership practices, and how do we recognize talent when we see it? Our guest in this show has taken a good look at leadership dynamics and how to recognize the attributes of exemplary leadership

In this episode we ask the question what is "Resilient Living: and how can each of us thrive Through Crisis. We explore strategies and insights on how to navigate and overcome personal and work-related challenges with strength and resilience.  We talk about what kind of traits can help you become more aware and more resilient to help you cultivate the inner strength needed to thrive in even the toughest of times.  Our guest shares with us her story of resilience, success and leadership.   About the guest Fabiana Lacerca-Allen has over 30 years of experience developing and implementing global compliance programs within Fortune 100 companies. She is a seasoned leader with extensive expertise in guiding global teams and navigating corporate integrity agreements, deferred prosecution agreements, and consent decrees. A sought-after speaker, she frequently presents on compliance, leadership, and risk management.  In her new book Crisis Capable: Building Your Capacity to Survive and Succeed in Every Environment (Advantage Books, Oct. 15, 2024), Fabiana Lacerca-Allen provides a strategic guide to thriving in high-stakes situations. Drawing from decades of experience, she offers actionable insights on resilience, decision-making, and leadership in times of uncertainty. This essential resource equips professionals with the tools needed to navigate crises effectively and emerge stronger. Learn more at fabianalacercaallen.com  

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention leads to personal growth and transformation. Through introspection, we uncover our beliefs and values to find clarity of purpose. Embracing change and stepping outside our comfort zones are crucial on this path. By prioritizing self-care and new perspectives, we align with our true passions. This process of self-discovery and reinvention deepens our understanding of ourselves and the world.  Our guest today has done just that, and she shares her journey with us, and helps guide us on how we could start on a journey of self-discovery ourselves. About a guest Katia Vlachos is a reinvention coach and bestselling author of Uncaged: A Good Girl's Journey to Reinvention which explores the themes of breaking free from social conditioning and reclaiming one’s authentic self. As a coach, Katia helps accomplished women navigate reinvention and chart their paths towards a fulfilling, uncaged life. With a master’s from Harvard and a PhD from RAND, Katia began her career as a policy analyst before pivoting into coaching. She has been an expat for 30 years and a global mobility expert, which led her to write her first book A Great Move: Surviving and Thriving in Your Expat Assignment. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Harvard Business Review, and other media outlets globally.

In this episode, we delve into the importance of preparation for success in all aspects of life. Whether it's preparing for a job interview, a sports competition, or a big presentation, having a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference. This episodes guest has mastered the art of preparation and used preparation to obtain sustained success not only in the sports world but also in the business world.  He  talks to us about how adequate preparation not only boosts confidence but also sets the foundation for achieving goals and overcoming obstacles. He shares with us his valuable tips and strategies for effective preparation that can ultimately lead to success. About a guest Matthew Mitchell, a Wall Street Journal best-selling author and speaker, is the winningest coach in University of Kentucky women’s basketball history and a three-time SEC Coach of the Year. His Winning Tools principles—honesty, hard work, and discipline—fueled seven winning seasons and UK’s first SEC Championship in 30 years.  In *Ready to Win: How Great Leaders Succeed Through Preparation* (Winning Tools, November 19, 2024), Mitchell shares proven strategies for resilience, preparation, and growth, helping leaders achieve success through fundamentals.

Personal energy is a key factor in achieving job success. By cultivating a positive mindset and managing our energy effectively, we can approach our work with clarity and motivation. When we prioritize activities that energize us, we create a foundation for sustainable success in our careers. By tapping into our personal energy, we unlock our potential and pave the way for meaningful professional achievements.  In this episode we explore and try to understand what personal energy really is, and how we can cultivate our own energy to foster success and how we can help our teams and organizations adapt constructive energy. About the Guest  Rebecca Ahmed, an award-winning speaker, business consultant, and an Energy Leadership IndexTM Master Practitioner (ELI-MP). She is also a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).  Her new book is, The Energy of Success: Power Up Your Productivity, Transform Your Habits, and Maximize Workplace Motivation. In the book she illustrates how you can shift your energy to increase your joy and enthusiasm at work or how you can transform your own experience no matter what’s going on with your colleagues. It is the jolt of motivation we all need to turbocharge our businesses and teams. Her work has been featured in Forbes, National Association of Colleges and Employers, Talent Management & HR, Recruiting Daily, and Talent Culture. Under her direct supervision, Allegiant Airlines won Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Interview” award. Caesars Entertainment, the largest casino-entertainment company in the U.S. retained Rebecca as their new “Chief Energy Officer” in 2021. Her role includes speaking twice monthly on how to shift their emerging leaders’ energies from surviving to thriving using energetic principles at their Emerging Leader Summits across their 55 U.S. based properties. Find out more at  https://www.energeticimpact.com/.  

In this episode, we talk about why Integrity Matters. We delve into the power of integrity in today's business landscape, exploring the importance of maintaining honesty, ethics, and transparency in all aspects of business. From building trust with customers to foster a culture of accountability within teams, we uncover the ten essential strategies behind integrity with real-world examples that highlight the impact of integrity on success. The interview with today’s guest, Jeffrey Klubeck, author of The Integrity Game, will inspire, inform, and empower you as we navigate the principles and practices that drive integrity and bring remarkable results. About the Guest Jeffrey Klubeck, Founder, Author, Coach and Professor. Jeffrey is a now un-retired Professor of Communication and author of The Integrity Game®, which is evolving into a comprehensive soft skills development company. As a world-class coach, Jeffrey has worked with entrepreneurs and high-performance teams in 13 countries across 4 continents. With humor-laced insights on ethical leadership and topics on appreciation, how to gain respect, conflict resolution, internal accountability, and drama prevention, entrepreneurs and leaders will learn about Jeff's secrets to inspire and motivate an entire company. He is also the founder of Get a Klu, Inc., which provides productivity and accountability frameworks for small/microbusinesses and solopreneurs. Get A Klu, Inc. is a boutique “soft skills” company dedicated to improving high-performance results for individuals, teams, and businesses. It is the parent company of The Integrity Game, LLC, a comprehensive Personal/Professional Growth Model.

In this episode of Leadership Beyond Borders we explore the power of workplace culture and values with hosting Laura Hamil, author of the book "The Power of Culture: Bringing Values to Life at Work." In her book, Laura delves into the critical role of organizational culture and values in driving employee engagement, performance, and overall business success. Through captivating insights and real-world examples, she offers valuable perspectives on how organizations can cultivate and sustain a positive culture aligned with their core values. We  discuss the essential elements of a strong workplace culture, the impact of authentic leadership, and practical strategies for integrating values into the fabric of an organization. About the Guest Laura Hamill is an organizational psychologist, former Microsoft director, and cofounder of Limeade, an employee experiences software company that helps organizations improve employee well-being and engagement.  With her consultancy, Paris Phoenix Group, she advises businesses on transforming their cultures to create thriving workplaces.  She is a passionate advocate for meaningful change in organizations, Laura also co-hosts the *Happy at Work* podcast, where she explores strategies for improving employee experiences and fostering happiness at work.  Her new book, *The Power of Culture: An Economist Edge Book* (The Economist Books, Nov. 12, 2024), offers insights on the pivotal role of workplace culture in driving organizational success.  Combining years of expertise with a commitment to helping companies unlock their potential, Laura empowers leaders to create environments where employees can flourish.

In this podcast episode, we explore the fascinating world of generative AI and its revolutionary impact across various industries. Generative AI, powered by advanced algorithms and neural networks, is impacting almost everything we do or experience. From generating realistic images and music compositions to assisting in medical research and architectural design, generative AI is transforming the way we innovate, create, and interact with technology. In this episode we are going to hear from an AI expert about what AI can do and the real-life implications it is having, as well as the ethical consideration of harnessing the power of generative AI in our rapidly evolving digital landscape. About the Guest  Simon Greenman is a partner at Best Practice AI, a leading AI management consultancy, where he leverages over 25 years of international leadership in AI and digital transformation. He co-founded MapQuest, one of the first AI-driven internet brands, and has a strong track record of driving innovation and growth. Simon has served on the World Economic Forum’s Global AI Council and led numerous digital transformations, particularly in private-equity-backed digital marketing firms. His leadership roles have included positions at globally recognized brands like HomeAdvisor, Bowers & Wilkins, and Accenture, where he delivered impactful strategies in technology and business transformation.    Beyond his consultancy work, Simon is deeply involved in early-stage investing and venture advising, serving as a trusted advisor to venture capital firms. He leads the Harvard Business School Alumni Angels AI Global Expert Group, fostering innovation in AI startups. With an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Computing & AI from the University of Sussex—where he built his first neural network in 1989—Simon combines academic rigor with practical expertise. A Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, he also contributes to advancing the understanding of AI's role in shaping the future.

In this VoiceAmerica episode, we explore AI's trust issues with Christian J. Ward, Chief Data Officer of Yext. We discuss how companies like OpenAI, Claude, and Google focus on building trust through a two-panel design that provides citations for AI-generated content. This trend harkens back to SEO practices, highlighting the renewed importance of citations. Ward notes that some businesses are even reporting new leads from AI interactions. OpenAI's SearchGPT and Google's Gemini are leading this field, but we anticipate an explosion of open-source models accessing real-time data. The episode emphasizes the distinction between subjective and objective questions, with AI showing promise in handling objective queries that help with daily tasks and decision-making. Ward explains how humans alternate between subjectivity and objectivity throughout their day, stating that "subjective is what you want, objective is what you need." This exploration aims to give listeners insight into AI's capabilities and potential impact on our everyday lives.   Christian J. Ward, the Executive Vice President, and Chief Data Officer at Yext, focused on the expanding applications of data and AI in marketing and entrepreneurship. Yext helps organizations build digital experiences across channels on their  open and composable platform. The Yext Digital Experience Platform collects and organizes content to deliver AI-led experiences for any organization’s customers, employees, or partners.    His focus is to help Yext clients identify, value, and structure their knowledge to maximize their data value in AI and search applications. Ward co-authored the Amazon bestseller Data Leverage: Unlocking the Surprising Growth Potential of Data Partnerships and has developed and executed hundreds of data partnerships worldwide.  Ward has served as Chief Data Officer of Arizent, Chief Data Officer of Data Axle, and Global Head of Content Innovation at Thomson Reuters, among other roles. He founded and sold two structured data companies, one in financial analytics and the other in media analytics. He has been quoted in publications like the Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Adweek, Fortune, and Forbes. He speaks frequently on data strategy, partnerships, and the impact of Artificial Intelligence.

In this episode, we dive into the essential topic of ethical leadership. Leading with integrity, honesty, and fairness has never been more critical in today's rapidly changing world. Ethical leaders understand the significance of prioritizing the well-being of their team members, customers, and communities while driving toward organizational success. In this episode, we explore the profound impact of ethical leadership and how leaders can foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and high ethical standards in the workplace. We uncover actionable strategies and insights to empower leaders to build a stronger, more ethical future.   Claas Florian Engelke, a Senior Principal at Korn Ferry. Engelke is dedicated to empowering individuals to become ethical leaders who make a positive impact. He is the co-author of the book: The Practice of Ethical Leadership—Insights from Psychology and Business in Building an Ethical Bottom Line. This insightful read offers actionable suggestions for developing ethical leaders and bridging the gap between psychology and business in the pursuit of a more ethical bottom line. Engelke's approach is all about fostering continuous learning and helping clients strive to be the best versions of themselves. By encouraging clients to question themselves and embrace personal growth, Engelke enables them to unlock their full potential and reach new heights. Beyond his professional endeavors, he has a range of private passions. From listening to and composing music to exploring the realms of literature and traveling, he finds inspiration in the world around him. His Engagement with the psychology of sleep, craftsmanship, and design enriches his holistic perspective. Find out more at https://ethicalbottomline.com/.

In this episode we dive into the world of location marketing with an industry expert as he helps us explore the evolving landscape of local marketing, addressing key challenges faced by multi-location businesses, strategies for proving value to SMB customers, emerging trends. This episode will provide you with an insightful discussion on the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the realm of local marketing. From high-level ROI and metrics to practical tips for SMB resellers and businesses, we have insights for all.

In this episode we discuss one of the most well know Army’s in the world, Swiss Army, where leadership is an art form. Renowned for its precision, adaptability, and unparalleled teamwork, the Swiss Army embodies a leadership model that thrives on innovation and collaboration. Just like a well-oiled machine, every member of the Swiss Army plays a crucial role in achieving collective success. Their model emphasizes resilience, versatility, and a deep sense of unity, fostering an environment where everyone’s strengths are recognized and utilized for the greater good.

Resilience is a cornerstone of success in today's dynamic and ever-changing world. It empowers individuals to adapt, overcome challenges, and thrive in the face of adversity. By cultivating resilience, we not only weather storms but also emerge stronger, more resourceful, and better equipped to seize opportunities. Building resilience fosters a growth mindset, encourages innovation, and enables us to stay focused on our goals amidst uncertainty. The guest this podcast has studied what makes people resilient and has written books to help us develop our resilience.

In today’s episode we are going to speak with a visionary CEO who is trailblazing the AI landscape, leading their innovative company into the future with a strategic focus on artificial intelligence. T his inspiring leader not only drives their own company's success in AI but also takes the time to empower and educate smaller businesses about the vast opportunities AI presents. He is going to talk to us about the opportunities around AI and how to Passion fostering a community of learning and growth around these exciting opportunities.

In this episode Siinda, Europe’s fastest growing non-profit digital association., unveils Europe's SMB Digital Insights. Thrilled to present the findings of the latest landscape survey, which delves into the digital presence of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Europe. Through this comprehensive study, our experts today aim to shed light on the evolving digital landscape, examining how SMBs are harnessing digital tools to thrive in today's competitive market. The results of this year’s study will provide business and executives in the online and digital marketing industry with important facts that can help steer your business to success. It also gives great insights into our SMBs across Europe are adapting and embracing AI in their businesses.

In this episode we discuss digital growth and online success with have two industry leaders, they discuss cutting-edge strategies for optimizing websites and enhancing online presence. We talk about the latest trends, share actionable insights, and unlock the full potential how business can get better online presence. We also explore into the impact AI is having on online presence and how small and medium businesses can jump on the AI train.

In this episode we engage in an empowering discussion centered around the transformative insights concerning toxic leadership. As industry leaders and innovators, we recognize the critical importance of fostering healthy leadership environments for sustainable success. In this interview, we'll explore the impacts of toxic leadership and uncover strategies to cultivate positive, growth-oriented cultures within our organizations. We engage in a dynamic conversation that aims to empower and equip us with actionable strategies for building thriving workplaces where every individual can flourish.

In this insightful episode we delve into the far-reaching implications of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) for companies worldwide. This groundbreaking legislation promises to reshape the digital marketplace, offering a wealth of opportunities and challenges for businesses of all sizes. In our edisoe we will discuss the potential impact of the DMA, exploring actionable strategies and innovative perspectives that can empower companies, how the DMA can catalyze growth, foster fair competition, and protect consumer rights.

In this VoiceAmerica episode, we explore AI's trust issues with Christian J. Ward, Chief Data Officer of Yext. We discuss how companies like OpenAI, Claude, and Google focus on building trust through a two-panel design that provides citations for AI-generated content. This trend harkens back to SEO practices, highlighting the renewed importance of citations. Ward notes that some businesses are even reporting new leads from AI interactions. OpenAI's SearchGPT and Google's Gemini are leading this field, but we anticipate an explosion of open-source models accessing real-time data. The episode emphasizes the distinction between subjective and objective questions, with AI showing promise in handling objective queries that help with daily tasks and decision-making. Ward explains how humans alternate between subjectivity and objectivity throughout their day, stating that subjective is what you want, objective is what you need. This exploration aims to give listeners insight into AI's capabilities and potential impact on our everyday lives.