Episodes

Almost every business pursues growth, but growth alone does not guarantee a stronger, more valuable, or more sustainable company. The real challenge is knowing what you are building toward, understanding where your organization stands today, and making deliberate choices about leadership, strategy, people, capital, and execution along the way. In this conversation, we explore a framework for moving beyond reactive growth toward building a company with greater purpose, resilience, value, and opti...

Today’s conversation is with Karolina Pelc — entrepreneur, former casino dealer, and author of Her Play. Her story is not a story about shortcuts or formulas, but about risk, resilience, and the invisible moments that shape who we become. From the casino floors of post-communist Europe to building and exiting a global tech company, Karolina’s journey challenges how we think about luck, ambition, and belonging. This is a conversation about how life is really played. About the Guest Again, Karolin...

Today, we explore why Situational Leadership still matters—and how leaders can adapt their approach to people, performance, change, and an increasingly AI-driven workplace. About the Guests SAM SHRIVER, EdD, is co-author of Situational Leadership: The Model for Leading Others, Navigating Change and Unlocking Performance with Suzie Bishop, author of From Coach to Coach and The Four Moments of Truth, and co-author of Lessons from Leaders with Marshall Goldsmith and Kathy McDermott. He is Executive...

Today we are going to explore something different. When we think of an advanced society, we usually think of technology. But technological sophistication is not always the same as civilizational sophistication. Rome’s genius was not simply invention. It was how it used roads, engineering, architecture, and art to connect people and communicate ideas. Later, Christian Rome used those same instincts through painting, sculpture, and urban design to communicate faith. Today’s conversation with histo...

As AI becomes embedded in everyday work, businesses are being forced to rethink long-standing assumptions about IT, cloud and cybersecurity. Traditional controls are increasingly colliding with how employees work, while AI is introducing new questions around identity, data access, governance and user experience. This interview explores how these trends are reshaping the workplace in 2026—and what business and technology leaders should be preparing for as they look toward 2027. About the Guest De...

Today we’re exploring how leadership is being reshaped by the age of AI. As technology changes the way we work, make decisions and solve problems, leaders are being asked to do more than simply keep up with new tools. They also need to rethink how they lead, how they respond to uncertainty, and which human capabilities will become even more important as AI becomes part of everyday work. So, what does it take to lead with clarity, adaptability and confidence in this new era? That’s what we’ll exp...

Today's guest is Ron Robinson, author of The Practices of Resilient Companies. In the book, Ron explores what allows organizations to withstand disruption, adapt to change, and emerge stronger - from leadership and culture to employees, customers, technology, operations, and financial resilience. We'll talk about what companies often get wrong about resilience, how leaders can prepare for uncertainty, and the practical habits that help organizations not only survive disruption but thrive through...

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...

Today, we’re exploring a challenge many entrepreneurs face: building a successful business that still feels overwhelming behind the scenes. Even when things look great on paper, founders often feel stuck making every decision and constantly putting out fires. In this conversation, we’ll explore the High-Altitude Framework™, a leadership approach that helps entrepreneurs move beyond reactive problem-solving, navigate key tensions, and build businesses where teams take real ownership. If you’ve ev...

Today's workplace demands more from leaders than simply managing performance. Organizations need leaders who can develop people, build trust, inspire growth, and create environments where individuals and teams can thrive. Coaching has emerged as one of the most powerful leadership skills for achieving those goals, helping companies strengthen engagement, improve performance, and prepare the next generation of leaders. In today's episode, we'll explore what it really takes to build a coaching cul...

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...

What if success in business wasn’t just measured by profit—but by purpose, impact, and inner alignment? In today’s episode, we explore a bold new vision for leadership that challenges traditional capitalism and invites us to rethink how we build, invest, and lead. From redefining legacy to integrating spirituality into decision-making, this conversation dives into what it truly means to create value—not just for shareholders, but for society and us. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible ...

In this episode, we dive into fear-based leadership — a management style built on intimidation, pressure, and the constant threat of consequences. Over the past few years, this approach has been on the rise. Economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, and a culture of constant performance metrics have left many leaders leaning into fear as a way to maintain control. While it can create short-term compliance, the long-term cost is steep: it stifles innovation, erodes trust, and takes a seri...