Some leaders guide with numbers, others with innovation, but both reveal that leadership is about purpose, adaptability, and influence.

In this mashup, Denis Gianoutsos brings together Chad Hufford, a financial planner and performance coach from Alaska, and Sondra Sutton Phung, Marketing General Manager for Electric Vehicles at Ford. Though from very different industries, both share a mission of leading change with intention:  Chad through purpose-driven financial stewardship that transforms lives, and Sondra through driving the global shift to EVs while sharing leadership lessons from her 25-year international career.

This is about the leadership we need for the world we’re stepping into.

Catch the full episode to explore why leadership starts with purpose, how to balance knowledge with execution, and why influence beats authority in shaping the future.

EP 596 -  Chad Hufford: Stewardship, Purpose, and the Human Side of Finance

• From biochemistry to financial planning: a journey shaped by intention
• The 2008 financial crisis as a leadership crucible
• “Job-optional lifestyle”: reframing retirement as freedom and purpose
• Why leadership in finance is about guidance, hope, and vision, not just numbers

EP 395 - Sondra Sutton Phung: Driving the Future of Leadership and EVs

• A 25-year global career at Ford across Japan, China, Thailand, and the U.S.
• From skeptic to believer: why EVs represent both innovation and sustainability
• Mentorship and advocacy as accelerators of non-traditional career paths
• Building systems and insights across Asia-Pacific to shape customer engagement

Key Quotes:

“You do not get to choose whether you’re a leader or not, you only get to choose if you’re an effective one.” - Chad Hufford

“Mentors and advocates are the bridge that helps you cross into the next level of leadership.” - Sondra Sutton Phung

“Whatever is going on for you, you’ll have a lot more confidence because you do have that knowledge, that intent and purpose, and what you’re focusing on.” - Denis Gianoutsos

The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World - FREE Executive Guide Download https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead 

Connect with Denis: 

Email: denis@leadingchangepartners.com

Website: www.LeadingChangePartners.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgianoutsos/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipischanging/ 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos