Shows
Lead and LiftWendi Swanson: Leadership: It’s Not a Role, It’s a RelationshipAbout Wendi Swanson: Today’s guest is Wendi Swanson—a no-BS change catalyst who knows how to shake up stale leadership and unlock the potential hiding in plain sight. As the founder of The Etymon Group, Wendi brings her signature edge and heart-centered strategy to powerhouse brands around the globe. She doesn’t just lead transformation—she makes it stick, from the C-suite to the frontline. Wendi delivers keynotes, workshops, and executive leadership retreats around the world. In this episode, Chabidaye and Wendi discuss:Leadership is a choice, not a traitFollowership is the real measurePe...
2025-05-2726 min
UnleashedMark Ryski: Store Traffic Is A GiftMark Ryski is the Founder and CEO of HeadCount, a pioneering company in store traffic and conversion analytics since 1994. He is the author of two influential books on the subject: When Retail Customers Count, the first written on the topic, and CONVERSION: The Last Great Retail Metric, which has become the industry’s definitive guide. As the leading expert in the field, Mark’s insights have been featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, Retail Dive, Chain Store Age, Retail Insider, CBC, and The Globe & Mail. He is also a featured BrainTrust contributor on RetailWire – retailing’s premier online discussi...
2025-05-2041 min
UnleashedLisa Curtis: Superfood Impact, One Leaf at a TimeLisa Curtis is the Founder & CEO of Kuli Kuli Foods, the leading brand transforming global superfoods like moringa into lasting impact for your body and the planet. Kuli Kuli’s wellness powders and gummies are sustainably sourced from African women and other smallholder farmers around the world, and are now available in over 11,000 U.S. stores. Lisa began developing Kuli Kuli while serving in the Peace Corps and has grown it into a multi-million-dollar social enterprise. She has been recognized on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list and Inc. Magazine’s Top 100 Female Founders list.In this epis...
2025-05-1333 min
UnleashedRob Bier: Smooth Scaling and Friction-Free OrganizationsRob Bier doesn’t just talk about scaling—he’s been in the trenches, building, investing, and coaching companies that have skyrocketed to unicorn and even decacorn status. With 14 years of experience helping start-ups, scale-ups, and founder-led companies build high-performance teams and seamless operations, he knows exactly what it takes to grow without breaking. He’s the author of Smooth Scaling: 20 Rituals to Build a Friction-Free Organization and has seen firsthand what separates the best from the rest.In this episode, Wendi and Rob discuss:Why "us conversations" are critical for scaling high-performance teamsHow...
2025-05-0844 min
UnleashedKim Faircloth & Dawn Bedlivy: The Hidden Power of Healthy ConflictDr. Kim Faircloth and attorney Dawn Bedlivy have each spent over 30 years helping leaders turn tension into transformation. Kim brings deep expertise in mediation, leadership coaching, and HR strategy, while Dawn specializes in alternative dispute resolution and conflict systems design. Together, they’ve trained thousands of professionals to navigate high-stakes workplace conflicts with confidence. Get ready for a masterclass in resolving disputes, strengthening teams, and creating a culture where healthy conflict drives growth!In this episode, Wendi, Kim & Dawn discuss:What “healthy conflict” really means—and how it drives innovation and growthCommon leadership mistakes...
2025-05-0656 min
UnleashedDr. Robyn Lynette: Success Out of ChaosDr. Robyn Lynette, aka "Mental MacGyver." With a background that includes being a competitive beach volleyball player, escaping a cult, navigating cartel intervention, and earning a doctorate in business psychology, she thrives at the intersection of executive coaching, therapy, and trusted confidante. If you’re a high-achiever facing pressure, burnout, or life going sideways, she’s the one who can cut through the noise and help you move forward—fast.In this episode, Wendi and Dr. Robyn discuss:The powerful journey from a cult upbringing to becoming a top executive coachHow trauma often appear...
2025-05-0144 min
UnleashedTodd Holzman: Get to Candor, Lead for RealTodd Holzman has spent decades transforming leaders, organizations, and the way we communicate, working with top executives at IBM, Honeywell, and McKinsey’s Change Center. As the founder of Holzman Leadership, his groundbreaking Real Work Process has helped Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies “Get to Candor” and break through leadership barriers to drive real impact. Passionate about cutting through the noise, Todd is on a mission to equip leaders with the tools to have the hard conversations that truly matter—because better conversations mean better leadership, better performance, and better lives.In this episode, Wendi and Todd...
2025-04-2950 min
UnleashedJeffrey McNulty: Inside the Ultimate Retail RevolutionJeffrey McNulty, a Top Retail Expert for 2025, AS AWARDED BY RETHINK Retail and a Top 100 Global Thought Leader in the industry. With 30 years of frontline leadership experience at major retailers like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and PetSmart—plus two decades as a Retail Market Research Analyst—Jeffrey brings a rare hybrid perspective to retail strategy and leadership. He’s the bestselling author of The Ultimate Retail Manual, now in 28 countries, and the creator of The Ultimate Retail Courses, helping leaders and businesses thrive in a retail space that is evolving.In this episode, Wendi an...
2025-04-2458 min
UnleashedScott McGohan: One Morning, One Mission—Leading with StoryScott McGohan has spent over 35 years shaping leadership, culture, and mental health advocacy in the workplace as the recently retired Co-Chairman of McGohan Brabender, author of Culture Is an Inside Job, and founder of your newest adventure. One Morning, he’s on a mission to inspire self-awareness, authenticity, and real cultural change. A passionate believer in love, acceptance, and vulnerability, Scott is here to challenge how we think about leadership—from the inside out.In this episode, Wendi and Scott discuss:How vulnerability, not ego, became Scott's greatest leadership toolWhy storytelling is a powe...
2025-04-2259 min
UnleashedKaren Mangia: Elevate or Stifle—The Leadership ImpactKaren Mangia is a dynamic leader, strategist, and innovator who has helped executives, entrepreneurs, and enterprises around the world solve complex business challenges and drive future growth. As President & Chief Strategy Officer of The Engineered Innovation Group and a former executive at Salesforce, Cisco, and AT&T, she brings deep expertise in customer experience, sales leadership, and market insights. She’s also an international bestselling author and podcast host, dedicated to shaping the future of work.In this episode, Wendi and Karen discuss:Authentic leadership and the roles of catalyst, creator, and connector in...
2025-04-1550 min
UnleashedShawn D. Nelson: Evolve or DevolveShawn D. Nelson is the ultimate proof that hustle, innovation, and a little rebellion can build an empire. From hand-making oversized bean bags in ’98 to running over 300 Lovesac showrooms, generating almost $1B in revenue, and overall being a publicly traded furniture disruptor, Shawn D. Nelson has redefined what it means to scale a brand. He won Richard Branson’s Rebel Billionaire, patented over 50 game-changing designs, and revolutionized the furniture game with modular Sectionals. This man stays true to his Designed for Life philosophy—building furniture that evolves with you, not the other way around.In thi...
2025-04-1050 min
UnleashedKyle McDowell: Begin with We before MeKyle McDowell is a former Fortune 10 executive turned bestselling author, leadership coach, and inspirational speaker. He is on a mission to crush corporate dysfunction and reignite leaders' passion. With nearly three decades of experience leading tens of thousands, his game-changing philosophy—The 10 WEs—transforms toxic workplace cultures into thriving, high-performance environments. In his Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller, Begin With WE, Kyle lays out a bold framework for leadership that prioritizes collaboration, accountability, and excellence—because the future of business depends on leaders who put "WE" before "me." His insights have earned him invitations to speak at presti...
2025-04-0857 min
UnleashedRuth Rathblott: Unhiding for True ConnectionRuth Rathblott is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and expert on inclusion and belonging. She shares her powerful journey of embracing uniqueness and the transformative impact of “unhiding.” A former award-winning nonprofit leader, Ruth helps individuals and organizations unlock potential, foster deeper connections, and achieve peak performance. Her bestselling books, Singlehandedly and Unhide & Seek, explore the power of authenticity, while her TEDx talk, When I Stopped Hiding, I Found Freedom, has inspired thousands worldwide. Ruth’s message challenges us to embrace our differences and create more inclusive spaces.In this episode, Wendi and Ruth discus...
2025-04-011h 03
UnleashedCheryl Einhorn: Breaking Biases, Making Better DecisionsCheryl Einhorn is a leading expert in decision-making and the creator of the AREA Method, a system for tackling complex challenges with confidence. She is the founder of Decisive, an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School and Cornell Tech, and an award-winning author of three books. A former investigative journalist, her work has appeared in The New York Times, Foreign Policy Magazine, Barron’s, and Harvard Business Review. She also shares her expertise as a LinkedIn Learning instructor.In this episode, Wendi and Cheryl discuss:Evolution of decision-making education and its late formalizationAdapting de...
2025-03-2547 min
UnleashedMatthew Gould: Changing Your Steps, Changing the DanceMatthew Gould, Founder of More Co, brings nearly 30 years of business experience leading sales teams, managing partnerships, and driving growth in the telecommunications industry. A certified leadership coach since 2010, he founded More Co to help leaders and teams achieve extraordinary results while fostering exceptional relationships. As a trained mediator and negotiation advisor, he specializes in executive coaching, leadership development, and conflict resolution. More Co partners with organizations to enhance leadership effectiveness, improve negotiation skills, and provide mediation services at all levels. Passionate about empowering leaders, Matthew combines practical business expertise with proven coaching methodologies to drive meaningful, lasting impact.
2025-03-181h 03
UnleashedMatt Hampton: Be Intentional—Own It, Do It on PurposeMatt Hampton is the Director of Client Management at Envoy Design, with a dynamic background spanning figure drawing, digital strategy, and endurance sports like Ironman triathlons and marathons. With over 20 years of experience running a digital strategy and development company, he specializes in connecting cutting-edge technology with people and businesses. Passionate about strategy, execution, and measurable success, Matt helps brands clarify their vision and navigate modern marketing.In this episode, Wendi and Matt discuss:Connecting technology with people and executing business strategiesDeveloping a unique brand voice through critical creative thinkingImportance of metacognition for...
2025-03-111h 00
Human Capital LeadershipThe DNA of a Leader, with Wendi SwansonIn this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Wendi Swanson about the DNA of a leader.
Wendi Swanson is an internationally recognized strategic leadership consultant, facilitator, and program developer, with a focus on unleashing the heartbeat of every organization—its people. Through authenticity and intentionality (with a little edge!)Wendi encourages a human-centered approach to growth, dials down on change systems, and redefines what it means to be a leader. Wendi gets to the heart of change by working directly with management and frontline to create growth at all levels of the organization. She has de...
2025-03-1124 min
Learning about LeadershipThe DNA of a Leader, with Wendi SwansonIn this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Wendi Swanson about the DNA of a leader. What is leadership? Can leadership be measured? Wendi Swanson is an internationally recognized strategic leadership consultant, facilitator, and program developer, with a focus on unleashing the heartbeat of every organization—its people. Through authenticity and intentionality (with a little edge!)Wendi encourages a human-centered approach to growth, dials down on change systems, and redefines what it means to be a leader. Wendi gets to the heart of change by working directly with management and frontline to create grow...
2025-03-1129 min
The Daily Leadership Conversations PodcastThe DNA of a Leader, with Wendi SwansonIn this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Wendi Swanson about the DNA of a leader. What is leadership? Can leadership be measured? Wendi Swanson is an internationally recognized strategic leadership consultant, facilitator, and program developer, with a focus on unleashing the heartbeat of every organization—its people. Through authenticity and intentionality (with a little edge!)Wendi encourages a human-centered approach to growth, dials down on change systems, and redefines what it means to be a leader. Wendi gets to the heart of change by working directly with management and frontline to create grow...
2025-03-1129 min
Daily Leadership Conversations PodcastThe DNA of a Leader, with Wendi Swanson
In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Wendi Swanson about the DNA of a leader. What is leadership? Can leadership be measured? Wendi Swanson is an internationally recognized strategic leadership consultant, facilitator, and program developer, with a focus on unleashing the heartbeat of every organization—its people. Through authenticity and intentionality (with a little edge!)Wendi encourages a human-centered approach to growth, dials down on change systems, and redefines what it means to be a leader. Wendi gets to the heart of change by working directly with management and frontline to create grow...
2025-03-1129 min
The Daily HR Conversations PodcastThe DNA of a Leader, with Wendi SwansonIn this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Wendi Swanson about the DNA of a leader. What is leadership? Can leadership be measured? Wendi Swanson is an internationally recognized strategic leadership consultant, facilitator, and program developer, with a focus on unleashing the heartbeat of every organization—its people. Through authenticity and intentionality (with a little edge!)Wendi encourages a human-centered approach to growth, dials down on change systems, and redefines what it means to be a leader. Wendi gets to the heart of change by working directly with management and frontline to create grow...
2025-03-1129 min
The HR Alchemy PodcastThe DNA of a Leader, with Wendi SwansonIn this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Wendi Swanson about the DNA of a leader. What is leadership? Can leadership be measured? Wendi Swanson is an internationally recognized strategic leadership consultant, facilitator, and program developer, with a focus on unleashing the heartbeat of every organization—its people. Through authenticity and intentionality (with a little edge!)Wendi encourages a human-centered approach to growth, dials down on change systems, and redefines what it means to be a leader. Wendi gets to the heart of change by working directly with management and frontline to create grow...
2025-03-1129 min
The Daily Leadership AdvantageThe DNA of a Leader, with Wendi SwansonIn this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Wendi Swanson about the DNA of a leader. What is leadership? Can leadership be measured? Wendi Swanson is an internationally recognized strategic leadership consultant, facilitator, and program developer, with a focus on unleashing the heartbeat of every organization—its people. Through authenticity and intentionality (with a little edge!)Wendi encourages a human-centered approach to growth, dials down on change systems, and redefines what it means to be a leader. Wendi gets to the heart of change by working directly with management and frontline to create grow...
2025-03-1129 min
Leadership Elevation: Mastering the Human ElementThe DNA of a Leader, with Wendi Swanson
In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Wendi Swanson about the DNA of a leader. What is leadership? Can leadership be measured? Wendi Swanson is an internationally recognized strategic leadership consultant, facilitator, and program developer, with a focus on unleashing the heartbeat of every organization—its people. Through authenticity and intentionality (with a little edge!)Wendi encourages a human-centered approach to growth, dials down on change systems, and redefines what it means to be a leader. Wendi gets to the heart of change by working directly with management and frontline to create grow...
2025-03-1130 min
Leading Through ConnectionThe DNA of a Leader, with Wendi Swanson
In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Wendi Swanson about the DNA of a leader. What is leadership? Can leadership be measured? Wendi Swanson is an internationally recognized strategic leadership consultant, facilitator, and program developer, with a focus on unleashing the heartbeat of every organization—its people. Through authenticity and intentionality (with a little edge!)Wendi encourages a human-centered approach to growth, dials down on change systems, and redefines what it means to be a leader. Wendi gets to the heart of change by working directly with management and frontline to create grow...
2025-03-1130 min
UnleashedEileen Vélez-Vega: Breaking Barriers with Self-InitiativeEileen Vélez-Vega is a trailblazing civil engineer and leader who has broken barriers throughout her career. She made history as the first woman to lead the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works, bringing her expertise in transportation, resiliency, and emergency response to the forefront. A passionate STEM advocate and two-time cancer survivor, she continues to inspire the next generation—especially Latinas—by proving that perseverance and leadership can drive meaningful change.In this episode, Wendi and Eileen discuss:Overcoming obstacles to become Puerto Rico’s first female transportation secretaryGaining engineering experie...
2025-03-041h 09
UnleashedWendy Cocke: Engineering Leadership for the Modern WorkplaceWendy Cocke is a best-selling author, workplace strategist, and the founder of Engineering Leadership Solutions LLC. She helps high-achieving professionals and organizations rethink how work gets done. As the author of Making Flex Work and Reimagine Your Work, Wendy provides practical strategies for balancing career growth, workplace flexibility, and business success. With over 20 years of experience leading tech teams in Fortune 500 companies, she brings a results-driven, pragmatic approach to helping individuals and businesses thrive in the modern workplace.In this episode, Wendi and Wendy discuss:The future of work embracing flexibility and career...
2025-02-2553 min
UnleashedTherese Markow: Look Deeper, Stay Critical, Question MoreDr. Therese Markow is an award-winning geneticist who has held prestigious academic positions at major universities in the U.S. and abroad. As the host of the Critically Speaking podcast, she is passionate about translating complex scientific concepts into everyday language, empowering audiences to make informed decisions about their health, communities, and the planet. She also serves as the president of Sin Fronteras, a nonprofit supporting arts and science, and is a dedicated champion for women, bringing her expertise and commitment to equality to every conversation.In this episode, Wendi and Therese discuss:...
2025-02-1843 min
UnleashedRamin Jahedi: People-First Leadership and Legacy of ImpactRamin Jahedi is a visionary entrepreneur, consultant, and talk show host who rose from being an immigrant dishwasher to a successful CEO. As the founder of Black Ops Agency, he embodies people-first leadership, guiding businesses to strengthen connections and empower their teams. Through his podcast, Talk2Rami, he shares stories of resilience and success, inspiring listeners to embrace determination and the right mindset to create their own paths to success.In this episode, Wendi and Ramin discuss:Learning every aspect of a business and taking bold risks to achieve goalsPrioritizing people over work...
2025-02-111h 11
UnleashedLisa Chastain: Permission Granted—Your Path to Wealth, Freedom, and True SuccessLisa Chastain is a personal finance expert, best-selling author, and host of the “Real Money” podcast. After overcoming her own financial struggles, she has learned to live a life free from money stress. Drawing from her experiences, Lisa has dedicated her career to helping women overcome financial shame and take control of their finances. Through her unique Stop Budgeting system and focus on rewiring money mindsets, Lisa empowers individuals to build wealth, embrace financial freedom, and live life on their own terms. Featured in major outlets like CNBC, Fortune, and O, The Oprah Magazine, Lisa combines her expertise and pers...
2025-02-0441 min
UnleashedJason Henderson: Financial Abundance Through the Infinite Banking ConceptDr. Jason Henderson brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and financial mastery to his work. With a Ph.D. from Purdue and years of groundbreaking research, Jason transitioned from academia to focus on empowering others through financial literacy. Inspired by the transformative Infinite Banking Concept, he developed a systematic approach to wealth-building. As the host of the Master Your Millions podcast, Jason is a passionate educator and mentor, sharing actionable insights to help listeners uplevel their financial understanding. Above all, he balances his professional achievements with his most cherished roles as a husband and father of six.
2025-01-2845 min
UnleashedEric Dyson: Seven Keys to Transformative LeadershipEric Dyson brings a truly one-of-a-kind leadership perspective. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, a former nuclear-trained submarine officer, an ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) expert witness in numerous class action litigations, and now he offers unmatched insight into fiduciary processes and plan governance. With experience at Fidelity and as an ERISA Plan Advisor, his mission is to equip plan sponsors and advisors with actionable knowledge to strengthen their fiduciary responsibilities and navigate the complexities of the retirement plan landscape.In this episode, Wendi and Eric discuss:ERISA's...
2025-01-2148 min
UnleashedMaria Ross: Strength in EmpathyMaria Ross is a dynamic speaker, author, business strategist, and empathy advocate who’s on a mission to prove that compassion and business success go hand in hand. Maria’s latest book, The Empathy Dilemma, and her acclaimed podcast, The Empathy Edge, explore how leaders can balance performance, people, and personal boundaries to achieve radical success. With a career-spanning keynote at TEDx and The New York Times as well as workshops for companies like Salesforce, Maria is here to share how empathy can transform leadership and fuel growth.In this episode, Wendi and Maria disc...
2025-01-141h 04
UnleashedMahesh Guruswamy: Transforming Leadership, Crowdfunding, and Guided ChaosMahesh Guruswamy is a tech industry powerhouse and current CTO of Kickstarter, with over two decades of experience turning bold ideas into reality. Known for his no-nonsense leadership style and knack for mentoring rising managers, Mahesh doesn’t shy away from tackling the tough stuff—his book, “How to Deliver Bad News and Get Away with It”, says it all. When he’s not shaking up the tech world, he’s running Orange County trails or exploring the eerie depths of cosmic horror fiction.In this episode, Wendi and Mahesh discuss:How crowdfunding platforms li...
2025-01-0750 min
UnleashedWayne Turmel: Leading from Afar – Building Trust and ConnectionWayne Turmel is a pioneer in remote leadership and communication, shaping how we work for nearly 30 years. As the co-founder of The Remote Leadership Institute and the author of 15 books — including The Long-Distance Leader and The Long-Distance Teammate — Wayne helps teams excel in the virtual world. Get ready for an authentic, unfiltered discussion on RTO, hybrid, and work-from-home cultures. We’ll dive into fresh strategies for leading, connecting, and staying productive in today’s hybrid and remote workplaces.In this episode, Wendi and Wayne discuss:Challenges of building trust and connections in virtual teamsRis...
2024-12-311h 00
Deep LeadershipHuman-Centered Leadership with Wendi SwansonToday, I’m joined by Wendi Swanson, and we're discussing Human-Centered Leadership. Wendi is an internationally recognized strategic leadership consultant, facilitator, and program developer. For the last two decades, Wendi has worked with executive leaders to develop high-potential teams and organizational growth strategies. Through authenticity and intentionality, she encourages a human-centered approach to growth and redefines what it means to be a leader. Wendi gets to the root of what’s holding a team back by working directly with management and the frontline to create a model for change and growth at all levels of the organization. Wendi has delivered...
2024-12-2842 min
UnleashedMike Maynard: From Control to Growth Through Employee OwnershipMike Maynard is a seasoned B2B PR and marketing expert with a passion for technology and over two decades of leadership at Napier, one of the UK’s leading specialist agencies. Mike’s unique journey from engineering to strategic marketing has shaped his approach to measurable, impactful campaigns and fostering a strong organizational culture. Hear how he transitioned Napier to employee ownership, ensuring its legacy of innovation and commitment endures.In this episode, Wendi and Mike discuss:Career transitions from engineering to sales and marketing rolesCreativity and problem-solving in engineering beyond process work...
2024-12-2447 min
UnleashedTodd Miller: Forging Stronger Roofs, Relationships, and CommunitiesTodd Miller is the President of Isaiah Industries, a global leader in premium metal roofing systems based in Ohio. With over 35 years of experience, Todd has transformed the metal roofing industry through innovation and sustainability, dedicating his career to training thousands of contractors and sales teams. Beyond his industry impact, Todd’s faith and leadership extend into his community, where he serves as a rotational pastor and strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.In this episode Wendi and Todd discuss:Building sustainable impact through contractor training and community le...
2024-12-1740 min
UnleashedBryan Yager: Break Free from Confirmation Bias to Lead with IntentionalityBryan Yager has been an effective teacher, leader, meeting facilitator, executive coach, and energizing speaker for more than 40 years. Bryan’s professional passion is helping individuals, teams, and organizations expand their capacity for success. Bryan has focused most of his career on leadership and organizational development. He was formerly the Vice President of Management and Organizational Development for one of the largest retailers in the United States. He taught graduate-level courses at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and George Fox University. His courses consistently received top scores from graduating students.In thi...
2024-11-261h 07
UnleashedJeff Lawrence: DEI, Accessibility & Belonging: A Faith-Based Approach to Workplace CultureJeff Lawrence is a seasoned theologian and apologist with over 30 years of church ministry experience, having served as both a Worship Pastor and Executive Pastor. He has been part of leadership teams for national organizations and served on the board of the National Embryo Donation Center. Currently, Jeff is the Director of Spiritual Development at Foundation Academy, where he is dedicated to training and equipping the next generation to thrive in a postmodern culture. With a solid academic background, Jeff fosters new conversations in Christian schools, universities, and churches, challenging the present and paving a new pathway forward. He...
2024-11-191h 06
UnleashedJeff Lawrence: Servant Leadership – Leading with Purpose and HeartJeff Lawrence is a seasoned theologian and apologist with over 30 years of church ministry experience, having served as both a Worship Pastor and Executive Pastor. He has been part of leadership teams for national organizations and served on the board of the National Embryo Donation Center. Currently, Jeff is the Director of Spiritual Development at Foundation Academy, where he is dedicated to training and equipping the next generation to thrive in a postmodern culture. With a solid academic background, Jeff fosters new conversations in Christian schools, universities, and churches, challenging the present and paving a new pathway forward. He...
2024-11-121h 30
UnleashedPeter Smith - Part 2: The Keys to Hiring for SuccessPeter Smith has been in the jewelry business for four decades. He is the former president of Hearts on Fire, Memoire, and Vibhor. He is the author of several well-known books on selling and hiring, including “Hiring Squirrels: 12 Essential Questions to Uncover Great Retail Sales Talent”, “Sell Something: Principles and Perspectives for Engaged Retail Salespeople”, and “The Sales Minute: 101 Tips for Retail Salespeople”. Peter is a columnist for National Jeweler and The Jewelry Book, where he writes about retail branding, sales, and hiring.In this episode, Wendi and Peter discuss:The jewelry industry's struggle wit...
2024-11-0554 min
UnleashedRyan Vescio and Chuck Whittington - Evolving Leadership: Vulnerability, Empathy, and Self-AwarenessRyan Vescio, as a state attorney for 15 years, managed criminal matters ranging from high-profile murders to heart-wrenching child abuse and sex trafficking cases. This daily experience of handling a wide variety of complex cases required him to be a quick study and exposed him to a vast network of attorneys, judges, and experts providing technical and detailed testimony. Intensive on-the-job training equipped Ryan with the ability to effectively navigate the complexities of the court system, while boldly representing his litigation clients on the grounds of what is fair, just, right, and good.
2024-10-291h 02
UnleashedClinton Bui: Genuine Connections and Customer-Centric Team LeadershipClinton Bui is a sales and service professional with a passion for strategy to achieve individual and business goals. He is currently a store manager for Rogers Communications in Canada. Throughout his career, he has intentionally and strategically built high-performance teams, committed to customer experience and the achievement of KPIs. The key to Clinton's success has been his commitment to ongoing growth through learning and innovation.In this episode, Wendi and Clinton discuss:Transition from individual sales to team leadership and managementImportance of understanding customer needs and delivering exceptional serviceCreating a fun and...
2024-10-2238 min
UnleashedPeter Smith-Part 1: Psychology of SalesPeter Smith has been in the jewelry business for four decades. He is the former president of Hearts on Fire, Memoire, and Vibhor. He is the author of several well-known books on selling and hiring, including “Hiring Squirrels: 12 Essential Questions to Uncover Great Retail Sales Talent”, “Sell Something: Principles and Perspectives for Engaged Retail Salespeople”, and “The Sales Minute: 101 Tips for Retail Salespeople”. Peter is a columnist for National Jeweler and The Jewelry Book, where he writes about retail branding, sales, and hiring.In this episode, Wendi and Peter discuss:Peter's unexpected entry into sales a...
2024-10-1546 min
UnleashedMark Ryski: Data-Driven Retail Optimization from Traffic to ConversionMark Ryski is the Founder and CEO of HeadCount, a pioneering company in store traffic and conversion analytics since 1994. He is the author of two influential books on the subject: When Retail Customers Count, the first written on the topic, and CONVERSION: The Last Great Retail Metric, which has become the industry’s definitive guide. As the leading expert in the field, Mark’s insights have been featured in Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Retail Dive, Chain Store Age, Retail Insider, CBC, and The Globe & Mail. He is also a featured BrainTrust contributor on RetailWire – retailing’s premier online discussion forum. T...
2024-10-0843 min
UnleashedMatthew Gould: Authentic Leadership Through Humility and CuriosityMatthew Gould is an executive coach, leadership facilitator, and mediator who has helped grow a company from 250 to over 750 employees, with 85% of leaders promoted from within. With a deep belief that relationships drive results, Matthew guides teams through healthy conflict, leading to stronger bonds and improved outcomes. After 27 years in the telecommunications industry, where he first experienced leadership challenges, he now shares lessons from his journey, shaped by mentors, coaches, and his own successes. A certified co-active coach (CPCC), co-author of "Lead from Your Heart" (2020), and currently pursuing further certifications, Matthew empowers leaders at all levels to embrace their...
2024-10-0144 min
UnleashedDaniel Mendonca: The Power of Experiential Learning in Consumer-Brand RelationshipsDaniel Mendonca is a results-driven leader focused on enhancing the customer experience journey as Head of Growth at Halight. He specializes in customer education, helping businesses achieve measurable success through retail training programs that improve sell-in, sell-through, and peer-to-peer sales. His work strengthens the connection between consumers and brands, driving growth and long-term relationships.Guided by core values like collaboration, empowerment, and authenticity, Daniel leads with a practical, people-first mindset. He emphasizes clear communication, teamwork, and sustainable success in all his efforts. Alongside his corporate role, Daniel also coaches’ university soccer, where he applies his leadership principles to...
2024-09-2448 min
UnleashedKurt Reinhart Part 2: Cultivating an Intentional Organizational CultureKurt Reinhart is an author, consultant, teacher, and mentor, currently serving as the Vice President of Learning & Development for Russell Cellular, one of Verizon’s largest premier authorized dealers with over 700 stores across 43 states. In addition to this role, he leads Create Training & Consulting, LLC, a company he founded 17 years ago, dedicated to personal and leadership development.With over 30 years of experience in learning, development, and training across North America and Europe, he worked with organizations of all sizes. His expertise spans workshop facilitation, consultation, speeches, curriculum design, and offering insight as a trusted advisor.At...
2024-09-1755 min
UnleashedBruce Herscovici: The Art of Delivering Brand PromisesBruce Herscovici is an accomplished growth marketer, sales leader, and corporate strategist who excels at building, inspiring, and transforming teams to drive change across organizational, customer, and partner channels. He has a career-long record of success in identifying, evaluating, and executing cutting-edge strategies to sustainably grow sales, turn around businesses, win market share, and reduce costs and inefficiencies, ultimately enhancing margin and profitability. A creative and empathetic leader, Bruce is recognized for his approachable, pragmatic, and motivational approach, which engages teams and drives results.In this episode, Wendi and Bruce discuss:Importance of...
2024-09-1058 min
UnleashedOlivier Paiement and David Noiseux: Unleashing Management Potential and Innovating Company CultureOlivier Paiement has extensive experience in market analysis, business strategy, and building long-lasting relationships with clients. After 15 years leading leaders, sales experts, and a learning portfolio, he brings his passion for learning and sales to New Era Learning. With a strong background in sales, consultation, and customer engagement, Olivier has a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in today's competitive landscape.David Noiseux is a talented and visionary design creative with a desire to create innovative and impactful learning solutions. After 16 years in the Telecommunication and Public sector as a Facilitator and Creative Lead, he...
2024-09-0340 min
UnleashedKurt Reinhart: Unlocking Leadership Excellence and GrowthKurt Reinhart is an author, consultant, teacher, and mentor, currently serving as the Vice President of Learning & Development for Russell Cellular, one of Verizon’s largest premier authorized dealers with over 700 stores across 43 states. In addition to this role, he leads Create Training & Consulting, LLC, a company he founded 17 years ago, dedicated to personal and leadership development.With over 30 years of experience in learning, development, and training across North America and Europe, he has worked with organizations of all sizes. His expertise spans workshop facilitation, consultation, speeches, curriculum design, and offering insight as a trusted advisor....
2024-08-2740 min
UnleashedWelcome to the Unleashed podcast with Wendi Swanson!Discover the inimitable wave of leadership on Unleashed, where we dive deep into the heartbeat of organizations—its people. You'll learn how to champion a human-centered approach to growth, and redefine leadership by focusing on what truly matters: the people driving change. Change leadership is about guiding people through transformation in a way that inspires them to embrace change because they believe in it. Unleashed is for those who are open, honest, and ready to confront what's holding them back in life and business. If you're willing to take actionable steps and embrace genuine transformation, this podcast is your guide...
2024-08-2623 min
LeadovationWendi Swanson: The DNA of a LeaderAbout Wendi Swanson:Wendi Swanson, currently living in Orlando, is an internationally recognized strategic leadership consultant, facilitator, and program developer, with a focus on unleashing the heartbeat of every organization—its people. Through authenticity and intentionality (with a little edge!), Wendi encourages a human-centered approach to growth, dials down on change systems, and redefines what it means to be a leader. For the last two decades, she has worked with executive leaders to develop high-potential teams and organizational growth strategies. She has facilitated workshops using simultaneous (concurrent) translation in Russian, French and Spanish and has wor...
2024-06-1843 min
The Change MakerThere Is No Status Quo with Wendi SwansonThis week on the Change Maker: Wendi Swanson. Wendi is a Change Manager specializing in helping teams and managers adjust to change. She and Deke discuss how the world is changing and if you don't change with it you're doomed to fail.
You can connect with Wendi at her website: https://etymongroup.com/
To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker
You can watch the video version of this podcast on Youtube at: https://youtu.be/NkfynrSaHHY
2024-03-2044 min