Leadership Beyond Borders

What if leadership isn’t about doing more—but about becoming more yourself? In this podcast, Dr. Natalie Pickering invites us beneath the surface of performance and position to explore the inner terrain of leadership. Through honest conversation, real stories, and practical insight, we’ll examine identity, awareness, connection, and what it truly takes to lead from the inside out. This is a conversation for leaders who are ready to stop surviving—and start flourishing. About the Guest Natalie Pi

Hiring the right people is one of the most important decisions any leader makes, yet many organizations still rely on instinct, unstructured interviews, and job descriptions that don't clearly define what success looks like. The result? Costly hiring mistakes that affect productivity, culture, and long-term business performance. In today's episode, we'll explore a different approach — one that focuses on clarity, structure, and evidence-based decision-making. We'll discuss why the biggest hirin

Today’s podcast explores how strong reasoning supports better decision-making, clearer communication, and the pursuit of truth in business. It examines how to navigate uncertainty, assess conflicting information, and apply sound judgment when outcomes are unclear. The discussion also highlights the importance of evidence, probability, and intellectual humility when advising others and making high-stakes decisions. About the Guest Haywood Spangler, Ph.D., M.Div., author of the new book Reasoning

In this Episode of Leadership Beyond Borders, Kimberli Lewis welcomes Wendi Sturgis, Senior Vice President International at Yext, for a powerful conversation about leadership, disruption, and what AI-driven discovery means for brands today . This episode explores a pivotal moment in digital transformation — one that feels strikingly familiar to those who have lived through previous platform shifts, from the early internet to search and social media. But this time, AI is fundamentally reshaping h

Personal branding has never been more important—or more misunderstood. In a world where visibility often gets confused with self-promotion, today's conversation explores a different path: building a reputation through value, credibility, and impact. We'll discuss why personal branding is no longer optional, how professionals can stand out without becoming influencers, and what it really takes to create lasting authority in the age of AI. Join us for an insightful discussion on becoming both valu

Welcome to today's episode, where we're exploring one of the biggest challenges in business: employee turnover. For years, organizations have accepted churn as a fact of life. But what if turnover isn't inevitable? What if the key to solving talent shortages isn't better recruiting, but creating a workplace where people choose to stay? In this conversation, we'll challenge conventional thinking on talent management and explore practical strategies for building a truly engaged, committed workforc

Project success is often viewed through the lens of schedules, budgets, methodologies, and tools. Yet many projects still fall short despite having all the right processes in place. So, what really determines whether a project succeeds or fails? In this episode, we explore the hidden behavioral drivers that shape outcomes inside teams and organizations. We'll discuss the difference between accountability and ownership, why fear can undermine performance, how leaders can foster greater engagement

What separates top performers from everyone else? In this episode, we speak with Andres Kuusk—author of Unlocking the Success Puzzle, seven-time World Pentamind Champion, Game Theory professor, and C-suite executive—about the power of strategic thinking and better decision-making. Discover how overcoming cognitive biases and adopting a champion’s mindset can help leaders and entrepreneurs achieve sustainable success. About the Guest Andres Kuusk, author of Unlocking the Success Puzzle and founde

What can one of the most demanding physical disciplines teach us about leadership, decision-making, and success in business? In this episode, we explore how principles like alignment, adaptability, discipline, and awareness—developed through intense training—can be applied far beyond the physical arena. From handling pressure and navigating failure to improving negotiations and leadership, these lessons offer a powerful framework for growth. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or simply l

Today’s podcast explores how strong reasoning supports better decision-making, clearer communication, and the pursuit of truth in business. It examines how to navigate uncertainty, assess conflicting information, and apply sound judgment when outcomes are unclear. The discussion also highlights the importance of evidence, probability, and intellectual humility when advising others and making high-stakes decisions. About the Guest Haywood Spangler, Ph.D., M.Div., author of the new book Reasoning

In this episode, we take a deeper look at what it truly means to communicate with influence, inspired by Dr. Laura Sicola’s  Speaking to Influence. Why do some people naturally command attention while others struggle to be heard? And what role do perception, authenticity, and executive presence play in shaping how our message is received? We explore the fine line between persuasion, manipulation, and genuine influence, uncover the common blind spots that hold people back, and break down practica

In this conversation, we explore the journey behind building a platform designed to help local businesses compete with larger brands in digital advertising. The discussion dives into the evolving challenges of the adtech landscape, the real impact of AI on campaign performance, and where hype still outweighs reality. It also unpacks common misconceptions about digital marketing, the metrics that truly matter for growth, and how technology is reshaping access to effective advertising. Looking ahe