High Octane Leadership

Is it possible to drive high performance without sacrificing humanity? Donald sits down with Gui Costin—entrepreneur, author, and founder of Dakota—to prove that the answer is a resounding yes. From 14 jobs in 17 years to building a $25 million business, Gui shares how he went from chasing success to leading with purpose.You’ll hear Gui’s refreshing take on developing Gen Z talent, why structure and kindness aren’t mutually exclusive, and how face-to-face networking powers his company’s rapid growth. Plus, Gui reveals his “Be Kind” leadership philosophy, why Division I athletes make great sales hires, and why every business should aim to keep its best employees.If you’re ready to scale your business and your mindset, this conversation is full of cheat codes you can use right now.Want a signed copy of Gui’s latest book? Email him at gui@dakota.com. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

What does it take to turn a personal challenge into a groundbreaking startup? In this episode, Donald talks with Paula Jackler, founder and CEO of Ozzie, an AI-powered financial wellness platform. Paula shares her story of navigating the challenges of immigrating from Brazil to the U.S., student debt, and the startup world. Hear how she combined her background in psychology and tech to create a platform that transforms how people understand and manage their finances. With insights on resilience, entrepreneurship, and building a mission-driven business, this conversation is a must-listen for aspiring founders and leaders. Learn more about Paula’s story and Ozzie’s vision at ozzieapp.com. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere, but should CEOs embrace it or approach with caution? Donald and Bob Batchelor sit down for a conversation about AI’s role in leadership, business strategy, and personal productivity. Together, they tackle the real questions: Is AI just another tech trend, or is it a game-changer for business leaders? How can CEOs effectively integrate AI without resistance from their teams? And what makes human leadership irreplaceable in an AI-driven world?With insights from their upcoming co-authored book, Donald and Bob break down AI adoption, the impact on job markets, and the ethics of Big Tech’s control over AI. They also discuss how AI can serve as a powerful thought partner—boosting innovation, enhancing productivity, and even helping leaders test new ideas faster. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is facing unprecedented challenges—from federal policies to corporate lawsuits. In this conversation, Donald and Bob Batchelor dive into the evolving DEI landscape, the pressures facing business leaders, and how to navigate the shifting political and corporate tides. As DEI faces increased scrutiny, how can companies safeguard their progress, preserve workplace culture, and reshape their strategies for long-term success? Donald offers insights from the C-suite and boardrooms, providing a practical, results-oriented approach to maintaining inclusive workplaces in challenging times. Tune in for a bold, no-nonsense discussion on leadership, business resilience, and the future of DEI in America. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

Donald welcomes back trusted advisor and thought leadership guru Bob Batchelor for a deep dive into the art and science of executive branding. Together, they explore how thought leadership and authentic storytelling are game-changers for professionals and organizations alike. Learn about...Why defining your narrative is critical in today’s celebrity-driven economy.How thought leadership builds trust, credibility, and business value.The role of storytelling in connecting with employees, clients, and stakeholders.Case studies on leveraging thought leadership for personal growth, team engagement, and corporate success. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

What if leadership came with a cheat sheet? In this episode, Donald Thompson shares his personal playbook for success, packed with hard-earned lessons from scaling multimillion-dollar businesses, navigating tough conversations, and building inclusive, high-performing teams. Discover how curiosity, resilience, and strategic networking can transform your leadership style and accelerate your growth. With candid stories and practical advice, Donald empowers leaders at every level to dream bigger, learn faster, and lead with purpose. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

Can DEI fuel business growth and innovation? In this episode, Donald sits down with Amber Keister, a certified diversity executive and storytelling pro, to unpack how companies like Toyota and Ford are realigning DEI strategies to match their business objectives. They cut through the noise of media headlines to reveal how smart, pragmatic DEI creates engaged employees, loyal customers, and stronger bottom lines. From inclusive leadership tips to rethinking workplace culture, listen to learn how aligning DEI with business goals can transform your organization.Read my latest column in WRAL Techwire. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

In this episode, Donald sits down with Bob Batchelor, award-winning author of Stan Lee: A Life and The Bourbon King, to discuss his new book, The Authentic Leader. Bob is VP of Global Marketing and Communications at Workplace Options. Unlike many leadership books, often written by CEOs, Bob blends his expertise in strategic communication with lessons learned on the front lines of corporate America. He and Don take a deep dive into why leaders should invest energy and effort in thought leadership using Don’s experiences as a case study. Tune in as we explore Bob’s journey from content creator to CEO whisperer, revealing what he has learned over three decades of being a spy in the business world. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

In today's rapidly changing business landscape, maintaining a strong company culture is essential for navigating periods of uncertainty, like labor volatility, CEO transitions, and economic fluctuations. Donald underscores the pivotal role that leaders play in preserving and nurturing culture and relationships during these tumultuous times. He believes that leadership should be adaptable, focusing on authentic connections and communication to maintain stability within the organization. His experience in leadership and commitment to inclusion inform his perspective that a robust company culture not only enhances business outcomes but also attracts and retains talent. By prioritizing DEI and empathetic communication, especially during mergers and acquisitions, Donald says that leaders can mitigate the emotional impact on employees, fostering a cohesive and resilient work environment.(00:00:42) Leadership's Role in Nurturing Stability Amid Uncertainty(00:07:47) Navigating Crisis Through Authentic Leader Connections(00:16:59) Driving Business Success through DEI Integration(00:21:02) Navigating Employee Emotions During Mergers(00:25:23) Maintaining Authentic Connection with the Team High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

In this episode of High Octane Leadership, Donald and co-author Kurt Meriwether join Roderick Lewis to explore the insights behind the Inclusive Leadership Handbook. Donald and Kurt discuss the challenges leaders face today, from navigating cultural intelligence to fostering collaboration in an increasingly complex and volatile world. They explain the impetus for writing the book, emphasizing the need for actionable leadership strategies and offering real-world examples of how inclusive leadership can drive success. Learn how to build stronger teams, break down silos, and lead with empathy—without sacrificing business results. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

In this episode, Donald delves into the hidden costs of a relentless schedule packed with back-to-back meetings and non-stop demands. Far from a badge of honor, overscheduling can erode your effectiveness as a leader, harm your mental health, and stifle your ability to innovate. Donald discusses the mental strain of constant context switching and how it can lead to burnout and decreased creativity. By prioritizing high-intensity work, embracing rest and recovery, and making time for continuous learning, you can not only survive but thrive as a leader. Tune in to learn how to protect your mental bandwidth, foster innovation, and lead with renewed energy and focus. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

Anson Dorrance retired Sunday as quite possibly the most successful coach of all time of any sport, having led the UNC Women's Soccer program to an astounding 22 national titles. In this episode, originally released in July of 2020, Anson talks about how he quantifies competitiveness, lessons learned from watching Dean Smith run practice, his perspective on the Black Lives Matter protests and why he's much more focused on human development than athletic development.Anson's Book, Vision of a Champion, is available on audiobook here, and was adapted into a podcast series here.  High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

In the world of organizational development, there's been a buzz about repackaging DEI to focus on workplace belonging and inclusive cultures for boosting employee engagement and driving growth. Donald is all for this shift, highlighting the importance of prioritizing employee well-being, trust and belonging to foster collaboration, innovation and productivity. With his background in leadership and DEI programming, Donald shares his perspective shaped by data that shows inclusive leadership and positive environments lead to higher engagement and performance. He emphasizes the need to embrace diversity in a supportive manner, cautioning against negative language and stressing the significance of a positive, inclusive culture for organizational success.High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson, is a production of Earfluence and is part of the Living Corporate Network.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

The DEI movement has gained momentum, driven by a recognition of the need for more inclusive societies. Donald highlights the power of storytelling in fostering inclusivity and sees criticism as an opportunity for growth. In this episode, he emphasizes the importance of effective communication, pragmatic approaches, and the role of AI in refining DEI strategies, advocating for authentic storytelling to drive meaningful change.High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson, is a production of Earfluence and is part of the Living Corporate Network.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

In this episode, Dionne Griffin-McGee, a dynamic entrepreneur, speaker and CEO of D.G. McGee Enterprises, is sharing her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship with Donald. Highlighting her relentless drive to overcome challenges as a Black woman in leadership, they explore her book, "Finding Your Roar," and delve into what she learned about management and DEI over the course of her career. Ready to roar?High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson, is a production of Earfluence and is part of the Living Corporate Network.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

Inclusive leadership drives organizational growth, enhances team performance, and fosters a sense of belonging, all contributing to your business's success. In this episode, Donald shares strategies from his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the importance of creating environments where every team member feels valued and empowered. Listen to explore the principles that make inclusive leadership a cornerstone for long-term success and a competitive advantage in today's dynamic business landscape.High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson, is a production of Earfluence and is part of the Living Corporate Network.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

How do leaders support their top talent without encouraging burnout? In this episode, Donald and Jackie Ferguson explore the unique challenges both leaders and talent face, debunk common myths about productivity, and discuss strategies that foster a healthy environment for exceptional performance and recovery. Tune in to learn how to navigate the pressures of high achievement while maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being.High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson, is a production of Earfluence and is part of the Living Corporate Network.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

From the power of transparent communication to innovative methods of recognition, Donald and Jackie Ferguson uncover the key ingredients for leading a highly engaged workforce. Learn how transparent communication builds trust and loyalty while fostering an environment of openness and collaboration, and take note of innovative ways to ignite motivation and fuel productivity by appreciating and listening to your team members. With real-world examples and expert advice, they decode the secrets to activating engagement strategies that drive innovation, reduce turnover, and enhance customer satisfaction.High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson, is a production of Earfluence and is part of the Living Corporate Network.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

In this solo episode, Donald explores the personal and professional challenges faced as a successful business leader. He talks about the importance of empathy, mental health, and the impact of life's ups and downs on one's career. Donald shares insights on maintaining a balance between work and personal life, as well as the value of seeking support and embracing vulnerability as a leader.High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson, is a production of Earfluence and is part of the Living Corporate Network.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

Donald and Zach Nunn delve into the nuanced relationship between failure, feedback, and growth. They emphasize the importance of contextualizing critiques, reframing setbacks as learning opportunities, and aligning team efforts with the organization's overarching goals. Plus, they call out the need for leaders to provide constructive feedback that empowers their teams to reach new heights.High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson, is a production of Earfluence and is part of the Living Corporate Network.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO’S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.