The Enlightened Executive

The only true power you have isn't changing others; it's shifting how you show up as a leader.   That shift starts with music… and updating your soon-to-be old playlist.   Jason Jaggard, founder and CEO of Novus Global, joins me today for the last episode of our special seven-episode series on The Leader's Playlist. Tune in as we uncover hidden playlists and learn how your trauma can become your triumph.   Music can do more than soothe you; Music has the power to HEAL you.   This isn't just a metaphor. Music has the proven ability to help make change stick, by priming the neurological landscape to form new neural pathways in a faster, more efficient way.   Eager to learn how? Don't miss this extra special final episode! It's the best one yet!

Your energy and the emotional frequency you bring to your role as a leader impacts your work and your team every day. Music also has a frequency, and it has the power to shift our energetic state.   And so, music has the power to make you a better leader, and it starts by creating a new playlist.   Joining me for episode six of our special seven-episode series on The Leader's Playlist book, is the Remote Selling Rockstar himself, Todd Hartley! As the CEO of WireBuzz and one of Tony Robbins' Business Mastery faculty speakers, Todd brings a new approach to our discussion on music and how your past is actually running your ability to lead today.   Are you curious about the playlist you currently have running in the background of your mind? Wondering how to change that playlist to drive different results in your life? Then don't miss this new episode.

There is no denying that music has the power to transform us. We often listen to music that matches our emotional state, but can we also leverage music to alter our state to the level of happiness we seek?   For episode five of our seven-episode series on The Leader's Playlist, I am thrilled to welcome John Ruhlin, founder of the Ruhlin Group and author of Giftology, to talk about how and why music can heal us, and even make us a more generous leader as well.   Music directly connects with your brain and your memories. It helps us recall and relive particular emotions, connects both sides of our brains, and inspires us to move our bodies. This is why the new playlist we create allows us to shift our actions and our reactions.   Music really does have the power to make you a better leader. Tune into this episode to learn more.

Regardless of how major or minor your wounds and experiences from childhood were, we all went through something that helped shape us into who we are today.   Those experiences shaped neural pathways in your brain that are the reason you act and react the way you do today. Music can help redefine those pathways and train your brain to react in healthier, more thoughtful ways.   Today in our seven-episode series on The Leader's Playlist, I am excited to have Shep Hyken, NYT best selling author, speaker, and CAO (Chief Amazement Officer) of Shepard Presentations, join me as we navigate how our childhood wounds appear in our leadership and steps we can take to heal ourselves and improve our leadership.   Curious about how music can shift those pathways? Then don't miss this episode.

What if I told you that the impact you have as a leader is limited by an internal story that replays itself over and over in the background of your life.   That story is a repeating record imprinted with a playlist of songs that you can't hear, but it influences everything you do.   In our seven-episode series on The Leader's Playlist, I am excited to have Justin Donald, Host and Author of The Lifestyle Investor, as we explore how this playlist could impact someone's ability to create true "wealth" — a life well lived.   How you view wealth, and what you define as wealth, will be influenced by your early life experiences. We discuss some of the neuroscience behind how music can shift your state of mind, your perception of abundance or scarcity, and how anyone could amplify their impact as a leader simply by redefining their playlists in life, including you.   Curious about how music has the ability to do all that? Then don't miss this next episode.

Is your team overwhelmed by the pace of change?   Are you feeling a sense of burn out?   Or maybe you feel that you can't delegate or trust your team to deliver. Or perhaps you are having trouble retaining or engaging your people…   The impact of your current playlist shows up in insidious ways. But there is a way to change that.   In the second episode of our Leader's Playlist book series, I invited John Rampton, Entrepreneur and Connector who was named #2 on Top 50 Online Influencers in the World by Entrepreneur Magazine, to talk about improving leadership from the top down, how the pandemic has impacted everything and why I wrote this book.   Tune in to uncover the playlist that's running YOU!

How do you accelerate change?   We all have this playlist running in the background of our lives that—whether we know it or not—acts as a ceiling on our leadership effectiveness. And the good news, as I write about in my new book The Leader's Playlist (River Grove Books, October 18, 2022), is you can change it.   The process uses the power of music in two ways. First, it allows you to clearly see when an old neural pathway, one that we have determined no longer works for you, is activated. Second, it helps you strengthen a new neural pathway, one we want to switch out with your old playlist.   This week kicks off our seven-episode series of interviews where we get to explore these concepts! I've invited Amber Vilhauer, CEO & Founder of NGNG Enterprises and online digital marketing expert, to join me to talk about why I wrote the book, and why music is one of the most powerful tools you can use to help rewire neural pathways.

What if your biggest life challenges became the catalyst for your boldest leadership chapter yet?  Petra Kolber is no stranger to adversity. She's survived cancer twice, pivoted from global fitness icon to mindset coach, and now serves as VP of Mindset for the Daisie Foundation. In this powerful conversation, Petra joins host Susan Drumm to share how midlife became her launchpad, not her slowdown. Together, they explore: Why resilience isn't about bouncing back, but bouncing forward  The mindset shifts that helped Petra rewrite her story How to let go of perfectionism and lead with authenticity What executives can learn from their own moments of disruption Whether you're navigating a personal pivot or feeling the pull to reinvent your leadership path, this episode will challenge you to trade burnout for boldness and live a story you're excited to lead. 🎧 Subscribe to The Enlightened Executive for weekly strategies that spark your personal and leadership evolution. 

What does it really mean to lead with authenticity—and how do you know when it's courageous vs. careless?  In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, host Susan Drumm sits down with Cindy Adams, executive coach and co-founder of The Enneagram in Business Network, to explore one of the most misunderstood leadership traits: authenticity.  Together, we unpack:      Why "saying it like it is" can sometimes sabotage your impact      How your Enneagram type shapes your version of authenticity      The difference between emotional expression and emotional intelligence      How to evolve your communication style as your leadership matures  Whether you're leading a Fortune 500 team or scaling a growing business, this episode will help you lead with more discernment, presence, and power, not just bold expression.  🎧 Listen now to discover how to align your truth with timing, and why how you speak may matter more than what you say. 

What do you do when everything goes sideways? In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, I sit down with Juliette Kayyem, Harvard professor, former Assistant Secretary at Homeland Security under President Obama, and CNN Senior National Security Analyst. Juliette shares how today's leaders can build resilience before the crisis hits, and what it takes to make clear, confident decisions under pressure. We cover: The neuroscience behind decision-making in high-stress situations Why "urgent calm" is the most underutilized leadership skill How to train your team to act—not panic—in moments of crisis The power of pre-mortems to prevent disaster before it starts Whether you're leading a team, scaling a company, or navigating organizational change, this conversation will equip you to lead with clarity, even in chaos. Follow the show for more conversations that spark your personal evolution—and your leadership revolution.

What if your greatest strength as a CEO is also your biggest limitation? In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, Susan Drumm sits down with Allison Maslan, aserial entrepreneur, author, and CEO of Pinnacle Global Network, to explore a critical challenge most high-performing leaders face:  👉 Becoming the bottleneck in their own business.  Allison has built 10 companies and now mentors thousands of CEOs through her Scale-It Method®—a framework for growing businesses that thrive without constant founder involvement.  Together, we dive into:      Why top CEOs unconsciously block their own scale      The hidden cost of over functioning as a leader      How to shift your identity from doer to scaler      The neuroscience behind delegation, trust, and sustainable growth      Actionable strategies to empower your leadership team and reclaim your time  If you're carrying too much, solving too many problems, or secretly afraid to let go—this conversation is your wake-up call.  Because your personal evolution is your leadership revolution.  —————————————— Connect with Allison Maslan Website: www.PinnacleGlobalNetwork.com/Susan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonmaslan/ Take your first step to learning how to scale your business to 8-figures and beyond!

What would you do if you came face to face with the person who murdered your father? Candice Mama chose forgiveness and in doing so transformed her life and her leadership. In this episode of The Enlightened Executive Candice shares her journey from deep resentment to peace and the lessons leaders can use to navigate betrayal conflict and personal hardship.  You will hear how to: Recognize the hidden costs of staying in a victim mindset Shift to a responsible mindset and reclaim your influence Use Candice's War Book exercise to rewrite the stories that hold you back Master emotional self-regulation to lead with clarity and strength Her story is a reminder that forgiveness is not weakness but a choice that frees you to lead with courage and purpose. 

What if your biggest leadership mistakes aren't due to poor judgment—but hidden assumptions?  In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, Susan Drumm speaks with Dr. Alan Barnard, one of the world's top decision scientists and a leading expert in the Theory of Constraints. Together, they unpack why even high-performing leaders make bad decisions—and how to avoid the most common traps that derail clarity and performance.  You'll discover:  The 5 biggest decision-making mistakes (and how to avoid them)  How to use emotions as strategic data—not distractions  The role of AI and experimentation in leveling up your leadership  One simple question to surface team resistance and unlock action  If you're ready to make faster, smarter, and more aligned decisions, this episode delivers the mindset shifts and tools to get there.  🎧 Listen now—and lead with sharper insight. 

Discomfort Isn't the Enemy: How to Lead Through Challenge with Sterling Hawkins  What if the key to becoming a breakthrough leader isn't more confidence or clarity—but more discomfort?   In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, Susan Drumm talks with Sterling Hawkins—author, keynote speaker, and founder of the "No Matter What" movement—about why the most effective leaders don't avoid discomfort. They leverage it.  Sterling shares his 5-step method for using discomfort to drive growth, from reframing challenges to building real accountability. Learn how to stop resisting discomfort and start using it as a compass toward transformation—for yourself and your team.  You'll learn:  Why discomfort is a critical ingredient in breakthrough leadership  How to spot subtle ways you're avoiding growth The neuroscience behind emotional resistance—and how to rewire it  A powerful mindset shift from Richard Branson that changed the game  How to build a culture where discomfort leads to innovation, not burnout  If you're ready to evolve as a leader, this episode is your invitation to step into the stretch zone. 

The Power of Boundaries: Unlocking Innovation Through Constraints with Rachel Druckenmiller  Episode Description:  What do photographing polar bears in the Arctic and leading high-performing teams have in common? More than you might think.  In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, Susan Drumm sits down with Rachel Druckenmiller—leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and founder of Avenue M Group—to explore how boundaries and constraints can fuel creativity, drive innovation, and empower your team.  Tune in to learn:  Why clear constraints spark smarter problem-solving  How to unlock insights from the front lines of your organization  Why failure shouldn't just be tolerated—but celebrated  How to foster a culture of experimentation without losing control  Rachel's lessons from the wild translate into bold leadership moves you can implement today—especially when the pressure is on.  🎧 Listen now to transform the way you think about limits, leadership, and unleashing your team's potential. 

What if the greatest leadership transformation doesn't start with a new strategy—but with a shift in you?  In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, Daniel McCollum joins Susan Drumm to explore how self-awareness, vulnerability, and intentional growth become the foundation for high-performing teams and thriving organizational culture. Together, they unpack why inner development is no longer optional for executives—and how simple, daily practices can help leaders move from reactivity to conscious, values-based influence.  Whether you're leading a team, scaling a company, or driving culture change, this episode will help you:  Move beyond auto-pilot and lead with intention  Create psychological safety through authentic leadership  Use reflection and feedback to evolve your leadership style  Build trust, innovation, and adaptability across your organization  Tune in to learn how your personal growth can unlock your team's full potential—and transform your business from the inside out.  🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more leadership insights every week. 

What if the secret to getting more done—and feeling better doing it—wasn't about pushing harder, but pausing smarter? In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, I sit down with internationally recognized Qigong master and author Lee Holden to explore how strategic slowing down can unlock your highest leadership energy. Lee shares insights from his new book, Ready, Set, Slow, and breaks down why ancient wisdom and modern science agree: high performance starts with presence, not pressure. If you're ready to lead with more energy, focus, and resilience—without burning out—this episode is your reset button. Tune in now, and start leading from calm, not chaos. 

Does this resonate? For years, I believed leadership was about pushing harder, working longer, and showing up no matter how depleted I felt. It seemed like success demanded constant resilience—never slowing down. But that old narrative, as my guest Jayne Warrilow shared, doesn't create great leaders. It creates burnout. Isolation. Disconnection. Jayne is an entrepreneur and thought leader, and founder of Sacred Changemakers. a global community that hosts a school of human consciousness. In our conversation on The Enlightened Executive, she opened up about her journey from overachieving workhorse to authentic, human-centered leader—and the leadership transformations that followed. Jayne's insights struck a deep chord. Here's what we uncovered—and how you can apply it to your own leadership. Ready to learn the power of authentic leadership? Then you won't want to miss this enlightening episode! 

What if the secret to becoming a more effective leader lies not in developing a subject matter expertise and amassing years of experience, but in embracing a simple question: "Why?" In a world where innovation and forward momentum often define success, stopping to question why can be the difference maker for effective and enlightened leaders. I recently sat down with Brandon Fong, host of the globally ranked Beyond Curious podcast, to explore how curiosity shapes leadership and professional growth. Brandon champions curiosity not just as an essential leadership skill but as a lifeline to deeper, more meaningful connections within ourselves and with others. He believes that when we embed curiosity in our approach to life and work, it unlocks new pathways to personal and professional revelation. Ready to learn how question and reflection transforms into a dynamic catalyst for change? Then you won't want to miss this enlightening episode! 

High-performing teams don't happen by accident. You can hire the best people, offer competitive salaries, and set ambitious goals—but if you don't intentionally build a strong, aligned culture, your team will never reach its full potential. So, what separates good teams from world-class teams? That's exactly what I explored in my conversation with Jay Rosenzweig, an executive leadership strategist, social impact entrepreneur, and founder of Rosenzweig & Company. Jay has spent his career helping leaders attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent. His insights reveal one core truth: great teams aren't found—they're built. Want to learn how to build a world-class team? At Meritage Leadership, we help executives build high-performing teams through strategic leadership, culture alignment, and talent development. Don't miss this enlightening episode!