Posts in leadership
E17 Solving Sexual Harassment & Bullying

Bullying and sexual harassment are real issues that plague organizations and impede performance. In the United States, 81% of women have reported being sexually harassed. When that harassment occurs at work, four out of five women who are harassed leave their jobs within two years. That’s an incredible detriment to the woman leaving and to the organization losing a talented employee.

One solution for greatly reducing sexual harassment is by building empathy. Morgan Mercer is CEO of Vantage Point. They have developed an innovative Virtual Reality training platform designed to build empathy and help companies prevent harassment and bullying. By creating immersive experiences, Morgan and her team are helping organizations resolve one of society’s greatest social issues.

In this interview, Morgan explains why we need better training for a safer workplace, the impact of #MeToo on training standards, and how to build empathy through immersive experiences. She also discusses her experience as a woman of color in the tech industry, her drive to empower others through VR, and her take on the future of VR.

Morgan and Vantage Point are based out of Los Angeles and serve clients around the world.

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E16 Creating a Culture of Innovation

In this interview, innovation expert Simone Bhan Ahuja defines the role and impact of an “intrapreneur" in large organizations, the importance of creating a permissionless and safe culture for innovation to occur, and how c-suite executives need to encourage innovation at all levels. Simone also shares tips for large organizations to attract innovative talent away from start-ups and ways to build structured innovation into your organization. 

For 15 years, Simone has studied emerging markets and how organizations can continue to innovate across all levels in resource-constrained environments. Simone is the author of Disrupt It Yourself and co-author of Jugaad Innovation: Think Frugal, Be Flexible, Generate Breakthrough Growth. Simone is also the Producer and Director of Indique | Big Ideas From Emerging India, a TV documentary on innovators in India. 

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E15 Innovations in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity expert Max Heinemeyer defines the threats to our cybersecurity and explores how the cyber field is changing as more devices are tied into the Internet of Things. He also discusses how hackers have evolved, solutions for protecting yourself from cyber-attacks, and how companies can safeguard against apathetic or malicious employees. Finally, Max provides tips for how you can better protect your personal data and identity.

Max is a cybersecurity expert specializing in network monitoring and offensive security. At Darktrace, Max works with strategic customers to help them investigate and respond to threats, as well as overseeing the cybersecurity analyst team in their Cambridge headquarters in the United Kingdom. Max has extensive experience as a white hat hacker in addition to his membership to the German Chaos Computer Club.

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E14 The Secrets of Perfect Timing

In this interview, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Daniel Pink discusses how to use our understanding of cognitive ability throughout the day to optimize our performance including when to conduct creative work, strategies for presenting ideas to leadership, how to schedule administrative tasks, and when to tackle complex problems. Finally, Daniel explains how to implement optimal timing in our personal lives.

Over the course of his career, Daniel Pink has written six bestselling books including Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, To Sell Is HumanA Whole New Mind, and most recently, When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect TimingDaniel lives in Washington, D.C. where he continues to write about business and human behavior.  

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E13 Back from the Dead

In this interview, John Kriesel shares his experience of serving in the military, his challenges in returning to civilian life after enduring 35 surgeries, what it was like to have the United States President award him the Purple Heart, and the power of optimism. John also discusses his decision to run for a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2010 and how he built the beautiful life he lives today.

John joined the military when he was just 17 years old. As a young man, he elected to serve a tour of duty in Iraq in 2006. Following his return to civilian life, John won a position as a representative in the Minnesota House of Representatives where he was one of few Republicans to oppose legislation that would have made same-sex marriage illegal. As an advocate for the veteran community, John now works as Veteran Services Director for Anoka County in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area. John also regularly shares his story as a motivational speaker and has authored a book called Still Standing which details his time in Iraq and his amazing recovery.

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E12 The Transgender Champion

In this interview, pioneering transgender athlete Chris Mosier shares the importance of athletics in his life, his journey to defining his gender identity, and how our world is changing to be more inclusive and understanding through policy and social change. Chris also provides outstanding insight and advice for those (and their families, friends, and co-workers) who are questioning, curious, or looking to better understand transgender identity. 

Chris has been heavily involved in athletics since he was four years old, becoming a trailblazing athlete in his 20s as an All-American Duathlete and six-time member of Team USA. In 2015 he made history as the first known transgender man to make a US Men’s National Team, challenging Olympic policy and opening doors for future transgender athletes. As an advocate for the transgender community, Chris established transathlete.com, the go-to source on transgender athletic policy. He also mentors young athletes and speaks to organizations about how to create more inclusive policies for their institutions.

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E11 Cashing in on Climate Change

In this interview, climate change guru Andrew Winston shares how his career path intersected with environmental issues, the state of the climate today, and how businesses are adopting sustainable practices and attracting climate-conscious consumers in the process. Andrew also discusses how small and mid-sized businesses can use sustainability to be more competitive while attracting top talent to work for them.

Andrew studied Economics at Princeton, later earning an MBA from Columbia and a MA of Environmental Management from Yale. He began his career advising companies in strategy and marketing before turning to his passion for the environment. An author of three books including Green Recovery, Green to Gold, and The Big Pivot, Andrew is an expert on how we all can do our part to save the environment and still prosper.

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E10 Changing Cultures & Curing Cancer

Nearly three decades ago, Sara Kenkare-Mitra made a life altering decision to follow her passion for medical sciences. She left India and moved to Austin, Texas to attend pharmacology school. Upon completion of her PhD, she was offered a job with Genentech where over the years she pursued roles in designing cancer treatments becoming a leader in her field. Now, Sara oversees dozens of drugs in development and helps determine the viability of new treatments.

In this interview, Sara describes the long journey required for drug approval, the importance of celebrating failure along the way, and how her leadership has developed over the course of her career.

Sara received her PhD in Biopharmaceutical Sciences from the University of California, San Francisco, where she also stayed on as a Post Doctoral Fellow in Clinical Pharmacology before joining Genentech. Sara has worked for Genentech for 21 years, creating drugs that save lives and make the world a better place.

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E9 Demystifying Cannabis

Five years ago, Giadha DeCarcer, an expert in emerging markets, noticed the potential boom in the global cannabis market. At the time there were no industry reports on cannabis, so she seized the opportunity and founded New Frontier Data. Now, she and her team are providing data on the cannabis industry to investors, growers, and regulators to enable them to make informed decisions about its potential.

In this interview, Giadha draws on data to discuss the vast potential of the cannabis market. She talks about the shift in opinion on cannabis products, user profiles, and future uses of CBD for medical treatments. Giadha also defines the demand for cannabis on the global market and investment opportunities in legal cannabis.

Over the course of her career, Giadha has worked in banking, the intelligence community, and founded and run multiple businesses. She was born in Rome, speaks five languages, and offices in Washington D.C.

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E8 A Story of Self-Disruption & Reinvention

Nearly a decade ago, Catherine Carr had the nagging feeling there was more to life than the way she was living. It’s a feeling many people have after a couple decades of adulthood and work experience. Most people don’t heed it though. Catherine is not most people. She wanted more meaning in her work and Doctors Without Borders was the answer. She applied, was hired, and sent to Kenya on a six-month assignment.

That one-time assignment turned into more than nine years with Catherine being stationed in 13 countries. In this interview, she shares her experience working for Doctors Without Borders and the lessons she learned in the field that can be applied in business. Catherine also talks about overcoming the fear she felt as she embarked on her personal reinvention.

Anyone interested in cultural adaptation, expanding their own comfort zone, and pursuing a greater sense of meaning at work will find this interview with Catherine Carr fascinating.

Catherine is currently on a four-month assignment in South Sudan.

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E7 The End of Retirement as We Know It

Today, retirement is being redefined. Nearly 60% of employees over 60 plan to continue working, but on their terms. As economist, journalist, and retirement expert Chris Farrell explains in this episode, taking on a job after retirement can have great health benefits and improve quality of life.

Many people who reach traditional retirement age are reinventing themselves because they know they still have a great deal to contribute to society. Others continue to work because the extra income is helping them live the kind of life they want. This has significant implications for organizations that are interested in engaging and retaining their most experienced people. Shifting careers later in life may seem daunting, but with the right tools and advice, changing careers is possible.

Another topic Chris addresses in this interview is FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). Many young people, particularly in well-paid technology jobs, are choosing to amass large sums of money and opt out of the workforce in their 40s, or even 30s. Chris shares his thoughts on what that means to organizations that lose these people and the prospects for someone who ends their career prematurely.

Chris Farrell has studied retirement and the shifts in our aging workforce extensively. An author of five books including Unretirement and Purpose and a Paycheck, Chris is an expert on how we can find happiness, health, and security in our later years.

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E6 The Future of Energy in America

The world today is better than ever and one of the foundational reasons for this is because of access to energy. We have gas to power our cars and planes, electricity to run our appliances, natural gas, and other sources to control the heat in our homes. Dubai and Las Vegas don’t exist without cheap energy to power them.

Conversations surrounding energy sources, energy consumption, and ways to use energy efficiently have been on the rise. Alternative sources to coal have emerged with solar, wind, and hydroelectric as front runners. As America strives to optimize energy use, innovations such as battery storage, the Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence will be disruptive.

In this interview, Lauren Azar draws on her 25 years of experience working in the energy sector. She talks about why coal is not a viable, long-term source of energy, how new technologies will make energy consumption cheaper, and where America’s energy is most vulnerable from security threats. Lauren also candidly discusses how to get more girls and young women involved in energy and other STEM careers.

Over the course of her career, Lauren Azar has worked at the federal government level as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Department of Energy, at the state government level as Commissioner at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, and in the private sector as an attorney representing utilities and utility customers.

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E5 How a Futurist Sees the World

For nearly two decades America has been in “Winter” – a time of stagnation, conflict, and disruption. During this time, we’ve asked ourselves “who are we and what do we stand for?” We’ve grown contentious politically, racially, across generations, and about the best way to proceed into the future. Many now wonder how American society will find stability and cohesiveness in the years to come.

In this interview, Rebecca Ryan explains the changes our nation is going through and how these changes can be harnessed for a positive future. Rebecca explains the concepts of “Winter” and “Spring” as well as the “browning” and “graying” of America. She also shares her insights about how America will respond to these changes and how you too can practice futuring.

Rebecca has spent her career consulting with large and small organizations to prepare them for the changes to come. Rebecca has authored a book, ReGENERATION: A Manifesto for America’s Next Leaders, detailing these changes and how we can ready ourselves to remain relevant and competitive in the world to come.

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E4 From Active Addiction to CEO

In this episode of 12 Geniuses, host Don MacPherson interviews Jim Geckler, CEO of the Harmony Foundation in Estes Park, Colorado. Jim bravely and candidly shares his transformative journey from battling active addiction to leading a renowned treatment center, offering invaluable insights into leadership, change, and emotional intelligence.

Key Lessons for Global Business Leaders:

  1. Embracing Personal Transformation: Jim's narrative underscores the power of personal change, illustrating how overcoming significant personal challenges can lead to profound professional growth.

  2. Leading with Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Jim’s experiences highlight the importance of understanding and compassion in leadership, emphasizing that emotional intelligence is crucial in guiding teams through disruption and change.

  3. How addiction is a powerful barrier for reaching one’s potential: Jim journey from rock bottom to becoming an executive illustrates how devastatingly powerful addiction is in preventing people from performing at their highest levels.

  4. Guidance for spotting people at risk: By fostering an environment that prioritizes support and trust, Jim demonstrates how leaders can cultivate resilience and adaptability within their organizations.

  5. Advice for dealing with employees or family members struggling with addiction : Lies, slipping grades, late assignments, and abnormal behavior are a few of the warning signs that Jim says are important signals that someone might be struggling or on the precipice of addiction. It’s important these signs are addressed and not ignored.

About 20 million people in the United States have substance abuse problems and 72,000 Americans lost their lives from drug overdoses in 2017. The chances are you have a family member, a friend, a work colleague, or neighbor who struggles with addiction.

This episode offers a profound exploration of how personal adversity can inform and enhance leadership capabilities, providing global business leaders with actionable insights into managing change, fostering emotional intelligence, and leading with courage in the face of disruption.

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E3 Developing Financial & Emotional Competence

In this episode, host Don MacPherson welcomes Doug Lennick, a distinguished authority in leadership and emotional intelligence. Their conversation delves into the intricate relationship between financial acumen and emotional competence, providing invaluable insights for leaders steering their organizations through today's dynamic and often disruptive business environment.

The episode begins by addressing a pressing concern: America's financial well-being. With over $13 trillion in household debt reported at the end of 2017, including more than $800 billion in credit card debt, financial instability is a significant issue. Alarmingly, one in five Americans lacks any emergency savings, and 30% don't have even $500 set aside for unforeseen expenses. This financial anxiety permeates the workplace, with half of all U.S. employees feeling anxious or fearful about their financial situation. Such stress can lead to detrimental outcomes, including increased likelihood of theft and disengagement within organizations.

Doug Lennick, with a career dedicated to developing leaders across various industries, offers strategies to navigate these challenges. He emphasizes the importance of aligning financial decisions with core values, a theme explored in his book, "Leveraging Your Financial Intelligence: At the Intersection of Money, Health, and Happiness." Throughout the discussion, Doug provides practical advice on avoiding dangerous debt, creating a responsible financial framework, and leading effectively in a rapidly changing business world.

Key Lessons:

  1. Embracing Change and Disruption: Doug underscores the necessity for leaders to adapt to change and view disruption as an opportunity rather than a threat. He discusses how technological advancements and economic shifts require leaders to be agile and forward-thinking, turning potential challenges into avenues for innovation and growth.

  2. Cultivating Emotional Intelligence: The conversation highlights the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership. Doug explains that self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation are essential skills for leaders to connect with their teams, foster a positive work environment, and make informed decisions. He shares techniques for developing these competencies to enhance leadership effectiveness.

  3. Demonstrating Courage in Decision-Making: Doug emphasizes the importance of courage in leadership, particularly when making difficult decisions amidst uncertainty. He encourages leaders to stand by their convictions, take calculated risks, and lead with integrity, even when faced with adversity. This courage not only drives organizations forward but also inspires teams to embrace challenges confidently.

  4. Aligning Actions with Core Values: Integrity emerges as a central theme, with Doug advising leaders to ensure their actions consistently reflect both personal and organizational values. He discusses how this alignment builds trust, enhances credibility, and serves as a guiding principle during times of change and disruption. By staying true to core values, leaders can navigate challenges more effectively and maintain organizational cohesion.

  5. Balancing Financial and Emotional Competence: Doug delves into the interplay between financial intelligence and emotional competence, illustrating how leaders can achieve sustainable success by balancing these aspects. He provides insights into making financial decisions that not only benefit the organization but also promote the well-being of employees, thereby fostering a more committed and productive workforce.

This episode is valuable resource for global business leaders aiming to enhance their leadership capabilities amidst the complexities of today's business landscape. Doug Lennick's expertise offers a roadmap for developing financial and emotional competence, empowering leaders to navigate change, embrace disruption, and lead with courage and integrity. By integrating these lessons, leaders can foster resilient organizations poised for long-term success.

Doug Lennick has spent his career developing leaders in a wide variety of industries and exploring how people can make better financial decisions that align with their core values. Doug has authored numerous books including “Leveraging Your Financial Intelligence: At the Intersection of Money, Health and Happiness.”

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E2 Fighting the Fear of Failure

Fear of failure holds many leaders back from embracing change and driving transformation. In this episode of 12 Geniuses, host Don MacPherson speaks with Ryan Estis, a leadership expert and keynote speaker, about how to overcome fear, take bold action, and thrive in disruptive times. In a rapidly evolving business landscape, courage is essential for navigating uncertainty, seizing opportunities, and fostering innovation. Ryan shares personal stories and research-backed strategies to help leaders reframe failure, build resilience, and lead with confidence.

Ryan breaks down the psychology of fear and failure, offering practical strategies for leaders to navigate change and disruption with confidence. He discusses why embracing failure is key to growth, how to lead with courage in uncertain times, and what it takes to build a resilient, high-performing organization. This conversation equips global business leaders with the mindset and tools needed to turn challenges into opportunities and drive meaningful transformation.

Key Lessons for Leaders:

  1. Reframing Failure as Growth – Learn how to shift your mindset to see failure as a stepping stone to success.

  2. Leading with Courage in Times of Change – Discover how bold leadership can drive transformation and innovation.

  3. Embracing Disruption – Understand how top leaders turn uncertainty into opportunity.

  4. Developing a Resilient Mindset – Gain strategies for overcoming setbacks and staying focused on long-term success.

  5. Building a Culture of Risk-Taking – Learn how to create an environment where employees feel empowered to innovate.

Ryan Estis has spent over a decade helping business leaders and other clients actualize their potential. He is passionate about challenging leaders to become the most effective versions of themselves. In addition to delivering powerful keynotes during in-person and virtual events, Ryan has developed a workshop series and maintains an active blog and newsletter to offer advice on how to take on the difficulties of the week ahead. In 2024, Ryan’s first book - co-authored with his brother Chad Estis - “Prepare for Impact” was released.

“My back was against the wall and it was sink or swim. Yeah, it was a lot of uncertainty, a lot of anxiety, but I think for periods of time, some of those things can actually propel you forward. I had made my decision.” Ryan Estis in “Fighting the Fear of Failure”

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E1 Leadership, the Brain, & Managing Lasting Change

How can leaders leverage neuroscience to drive lasting change and transformation? In this episode of 12 Geniuses, host Don MacPherson speaks with Dr. Robert Eichinger, a leading expert in leadership development, to explore the connection between leadership, change management, and cognitive function. In a world of constant disruption, leaders must understand how the brain processes uncertainty, adapts to new trends, and embraces transformation.

In this interview, Dr. Robert Eichinger breaks down the science behind leadership and transformation, offering practical advice on how business leaders can use brain-based insights to guide their teams through uncertainty. He explains why change is often met with resistance, how leaders can help employees reframe disruption as an opportunity, and what steps organizations can take to build resilience. The conversation also covers the increasing importance of emotional intelligence, strategies for fostering continuous learning, and key trends shaping the future of leadership development. Packed with actionable takeaways, this episode equips global business leaders with the tools they need to navigate an era of rapid change with confidence and clarity.

Key Lessons for Leaders:

  1. How the Brain Responds to Change – Understand the neurological processes that drive resistance or acceptance of transformation.

  2. The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership – Learn why self-awareness, empathy, and social intelligence are critical for managing disruption.

  3. Building a Culture of Adaptability – Discover strategies for creating an organization that embraces change and innovation.

  4. Leadership Strategies for Lasting Change – Gain insights into effective change management techniques based on cognitive science.

  5. The Future of Leadership Development – Explore emerging trends in leadership training and how neuroscience is shaping the next generation of leaders.

Dr. Robert Eichinger has authored more than 100 articles and books on leadership, while coaching thousands of leaders from first-time managers to Fortune 500 CEOs. He was co-founder and CEO of Lominger International, which was sold to Korn Ferry, and started TalenTelligent in 2018.

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